Guided Tours

St. Mark's Basilica Night Tour with Optional Doge's Palace

St. Mark's Basilica interior with empty pews, Venice, Italy, optional Doge's Palace tour.

Join this peaceful night tour of St. Mark's Basilica as the guard unlocks the doors after the crowds disperse, for an intimate exploration with a guide.

Highlights

Enjoy the intimacy of after-hours exploration as you gain exclusive access to one of the world’s most extraordinary churches after closing.
With your guide, learn the history of the Crypt, offering a peek into the Church's ancient foundations, while witnessing the charm of St. Mark's Square.
Don't miss the Pala d’Oro Altarpiece, gleaming under the night sky, before exploring the majestic Bell Tower and the 16th-century Marciana Library.
Upgrade for entry to the famous Doge's Palace, a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture that served as a seat of power for the Republic of Venice.
Fun fact: St. Mark's Basilica houses over 85,000 square feet of mosaic, equivalent to covering 1.5 American football fields.

Inclusions

Exclusive access ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (after closing)
Local English-speaking guide
Expertly guided walking tour
Headset
Entry to Doge's Palace (optional)

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Reviews

4.5

2.2K ratings

5/5

1.6K

4/5

303

3/5

2/5

1/5

130

Graeme

4/5

Jun, 2024

The guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about the basilica and Venice generally. We were able to visit the main part of the basilica and it was beautifully lit up at night which was wonderful, and to do so without the huge crowds was amazing. We were able to sit for some time and soak in the incredible architecture, and the guide added detailed descriptions of the art and it's meaning. It was also fascinating to go down into the crypt.

Garyce

5/5

Jun, 2024

We really enjoyed our night tour of St. Mark's Basilica. It was so nice because it was quiet. Only one other group was there with us as we toured inside with our guide, Martina. She was a wonderful guide who shared very interesting stories and information about the Basilica. I only wish the Doge's Palace option was available with this tour.

Lisa

4/5

May, 2024

I liked the tour of the St Mark's Basilica. It was worth it to go at night. But I was looking for headout company and would have missed the tour if I did not ask the Walk's person if I was part of that tour. Also, the tour said we were supposed to go up the tower as well and that did not happen. I think the headout webpage needs some updating.

Patrice

5/5

May, 2024

Small group visit to Saint Mark's Basilica. A privileged moment that dazzled our 2 teenagers, who were not very keen on church visits. This rare moment will live long in our memories!

View original review in French

Lydia

5/5

May, 2024

Well worth the price to have the wonderful opportunity to see the grnadeur of St Marks Basilica away from the crowds. The tour guide (Nico) was fantastic - likeable, clear, concise, witty and most importantly he clearly knew his stuff. The head phones worked perfectly, the location was phenomenal and I would highly recommend. 10/10 to Nico for providing such an outstanding tour.

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Your Experience

This exclusive tour will take you through one of the most unique and awe-inspiring churches in the world: St. Mark's Basilica. Here you’ll get to see the unique mix of Western and Byzantine art. Your expert guide will even take you through the epic story of its construction.

Most importantly, during this after-hours tour, you will not only get to visit St. Mark's Square but also the church and its 43,000 square feet of golden mosaics. You will then descend into the crypt to see where some of Venice's most famous inhabitants are buried (when it isn't flooded). Then you will get to see the beautiful altar and the famous Pala d'Oro altarpiece with nearly 2,000 precious gems. All of this, without noisy crowds - what more can one ask for?

If you've chosen it as an option, you'll also get to see Doge's Palace, a historic landmark that served as the seat of Venetian political power for centuries.

Know before you go

Accessibility

The tour is not wheelchair-accessible.

Additional information

You can only carry small bags as there is no luggage or coat check.
On certain days there may be a short break between the visit to the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica (never more than one hour). This may extend the overall length of the tour.
Dress code: Wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.

Sites Visited

St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)
St. Mark's Basilica
St. Mark's Crypt
Pala d’Oro Altarpiece
Bell Tower in St. Mark's Square (exterior)
Marciana Library (exterior)
Doge's Palace (optional)

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
Please display your mobile voucher along with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
If you have purchased reduced-price tickets, please carry your valid photo ID proof for verification. Students must show their valid student IDs.
Kindly ensure that you arrive 15 minutes before the start time of your tour to avoid any delays.