If you are limited on time, then definitely make sure this gem is on your list of sites to visit. It is open 8.30 to 19.00 daily (go early to avoid big queues) and costs €25 for a combined museum ticket which includes the other three st marks square tickets. Not sure if it can be purchased separately. Admission to this site is included in the Venice visitor pass and includes a skip the line speedy entry. Avoid taking large bags ( if you do have large items there is a locker/ cloak room area), you will be screened. There is ramped access but not sure how much of the palace interior is accessible. A stunning building/palace with beautiful decorated walls and ceilings, explaining the history behind the judicial system of 15th century Venice. The self guided tour takes you to all corners, from the parliamentary chambers, courts, and across the bridge of sighs to the prisons. There are different exhibitions housed in this building, at the moment it is Rubens and Titian. There is also a well stocked cafe, and clean free toilets. Allow yourself at least two hours to fully appreciate this beautiful building.

We visited the palace in September in between European lock-downs so it was quite easy to access and relatively empty. A wonderful experience for us as it was not crowded and we could stay as long as we liked or as little as we liked in the various rooms and courtyards. There is a free check for bags and backpacks that you have to use if you go upstairs. Now that I am a 'senior (over 65) I was able to take advantage of the reduced price of 13 euros as well. We didn't bother to reserve or pay any kind of premium price, just waited in a short queue for about 15 minutes. You really need to take your time here and let the history and atmosphere sink in.

The Doge's Palace is on everyone's "must see" list when in Venice. The walk up entrance fee of 25 euros might seem a lot, but it does give you access to the excellent Correr museum, which can be saved for another day. If you elect for the standard visit you are self-guided, beginning in the courtyard then moving through the grand rooms of the Ducal legislature. Initially there is a sense of awe, but after more and more of these rooms, decorated with gloomy old masters and miles of gilt, you long for some soft furnishings and light. The quality of information is quite good, with information displayed in four languages and some descriptions of the huge quantity of paintings. There is very little contextual information, covering the history of either the Doges or their impact on their citizens. In fact you learn almost nothing about them and see little of the treasures they acquired. The second half of the tour crosses the Bridge of Sighs and wends its way around the prison cells. Again, there is no information about the prisoners, conditions, or why they were there. The tour also takes in some of the vast collection of arms and armour, which may test the patience of some. In Covid times it is reassuring that guests are temperature checked, limited to ensure that there is not too much overcrowding and there is plenty of sanitiser. Expect to spend 1-2 hours inside, more if you are a fan of Titian, Tintoretto and Veronese.