Venice · BRIDGE OF SIGHS & PRISONS
16 reviewed
The view from the Bridge of Sighs was the last one condemned prisoners got, and the cells behind it tell the darker half of the Republic’s story. Ranked below are the tours that cross it properly: which include the Secret Itineraries through the interrogation rooms, what each costs, how long they run, and which pair the prisons with the Doge’s state apartments.
Fast-track access to Doge’s Palace, prisons, and the Bridge of Sighs, plus 3D/VR extras in about 1.5 hours.
“Valentina was excellent. Easy to follow, detailed information without being too much. Very cheerful and pleasant.”
Skip the line into Doge’s Palace, prisons, and the Bridge of Sighs. See Venetian masterpieces and add St Mark’s museum entry.
“Denise was a wonderful guide. A local Venetian with family that goes back generations, she provided interesting information not only about the Doge’s Palace but also about Venice and Venetian history. And she did so in a humorous manner that did not come across as memorized or canned - a refreshing change from other guides we’ve had in the past. If you’ve never toured the palace or it’s your first time in Venice, I highly recommend this tour. So much interesting history and amazing art located within the walls. Not to mention the experience of walking the same path as so many poor souls who crossed the Bridge of Sighs…”
Skip-the-line entry to St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs, plus Correr and Marciana Library. Guided or app options.
“Wonderful tour/guide, and the experience was very informative. Our tour guide, Denise, was very knowledgeable on the historical/architectural subjects concerning St. Marks’ Square and the Doge’s palace.”
Priority access to St Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and the prisons. Skip the line with audio and optional guide in Venice.
“This was a well organised experience. Our tour guide was excellent, both enthusiastic and knowledgeable. She took us throughout our tour and was full of information. There's a lot to see during the tour and our guide brought history to life and explained what we were seeing in great detail. Personally, I felt this was the best way to get the most from my visit.”
Walk Venice’s Prison’s Palace cells near San Marco, hear Casanova’s jailbreak story, and see a hidden 1500s passage.
“Really interesting and insightful tour. Our young guide did three languages in the same tour and was so impressive! Great to have real historical artefacts to see and the ability to walk through the actual cells was brilliant. Only 60 minutes long, just long enough to keep your attention. Thoroughly recommend!”
Venice gondola under the Bridge of Sighs, St Mark Basin canals, VR at Gondola Gallery, and skip-the-line service. 45 minutes.
“Great organised tour to skip gondola lines. We enjoyed our ride.”
Priority access to Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs, prisons and St. Mark’s museums with a downloadable phone audio guide.
“The architecture was fantastic and we really liked the prison areas I would suggest a live guide ss we only had the audio”
Skip the line at Doge’s Palace with an English guide. Secret rooms, Piombi prison attic, Bridge of Sighs, plus New Prison time.
“The Doge's Palace with Hidden Secret Itineraries and Prison Skip the Line Tour was great. Our tour guide was excellent and well-informed. We were able to be inside the prisons and the palace before the crowds of people. After the tour ended, we were able to stay in the palace and explore at our own pace and leisure.”
Shared gondola ride in Venice with app commentary, including a shot at the Bridge of Sighs. Practical tips, timing, value, and what can change.
“A well-organised/well-handled trip. Made this a very stress-free way of accessing a tranquil, magical side of Venice (albeit only once you have passed beneath the Bridge of Sighs) that we wouldn’t have otherwise seen. All felt over very quickly after 30 mins but that’s true of all gondola trips, I’m sure!”
Skip-the-line access to Doge’s Palace and Prisons on a guided 2-hour visit with headsets, Renaissance art, and the Bridge of Sighs.
“The tour was kinda boring the way the tour presented the place. I could see all the participants did not seem interested as they were all scattered around in the place instead of listening to the tour.”
Skip the lines at Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica with a live guide, Bridge of Sighs stories, and optional terrace views from $105.
“Sabrina was awesome as our guide! Very knowledgeable & pleasant. I would highly recommend. Thank you!”
See Venice’s Doge’s Palace backstage: secret prison cells, Casanova’s chambers, secret routes, then finish with self-guided Ca’Rezzonico.
“A little too pricy but everything else was perfect. We loved the tour.”
A one-hour opera concert in Venice’s Prison of Piazza San Marco with intimate singers and piano, Mozart to 20th-century works, $46.
“The enthusiasm and passion of the two singers and the intermediate historic location. Note you enter the building and give your name at the small kiosk best to arrive at least 20 minutes before performance begins.”
Skip lines at Doge’s Palace, cross the Bridge of Sighs, tour New Prisons, and get 3-day access to St. Mark’s museums.
“Loved the guide. He was funny, knowledgeable and clear.”
Venice’s Doge’s Prison cells and punishment tools near St. Mark’s Square, guided in English for an intimate, short visit.
“Tour was good. Went into a bit more detail in terms of the history etc. I would say you could do this with or without the tour but not bad if you like to hear more of the story behind things.”
