Bridge of Sighs Tours and Activities
38 Reviews

As poignant as it is beautiful, Venice’s 17th-century, white-limestone Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) spans the narrow Rio di Palazzo canal between the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) and the New Prisons just opposite. It’s one of the most famous bridges in the Floating City.
The Basics
The Bridge of Sighs is one of the most photographed sights in Venice. Its ornate stonework design was created in 1603 by Antonio Contino, nephew of the architect who designed the Rialto Bridge. The structure got its name from the tale that asserts convicts who passed through the covered bridge from their interrogation to their prison cell would let out mournful sighs when catching their final glimpse of Venice through the barred windows. You can sigh over this same view while walking over the bridge during a tour of the Doge's Palace, the only way to make the crossing.
Both the palace and St. Mark's Basilica host millions of visitors each year, so it is important to book a guided tour for skip-the-line access, saving hours of time in long lines. Joining a small-group walking tour is an excellent way to see the highlights in and around St. Mark's Square, accompanied by a tour guide who can explain this fascinating city's history and architecture.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Bridge of Sighs is most striking as seen from the outside. From St. Mark's Square, walk around the corner of Doge’s Palace along the Grand Canal; as you cross the first bridge, look to your left. Otherwise, for a more romantic (and less crowded) view, take a gondola ride under the iconic bridge.
- For an even deeper dive into the political history of the Republic of Venice, consider an official Doge’s Palace Secret Itineraries tour, which includes visits to some of the historic governmental halls deep inside the palace.
- Large backpacks, bags, and umbrellas are not allowed inside; there is a free cloakroom near the palace entrance.
- Parts of Doge’s Palace, including the Secret Itineraries route and Bridge of Sighs, are not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
S. Zaccaria is the closest vaporetto stop to Piazza San Marco. Venice is one of the most popular destinations in Italy and well-connected by train to Rome, Florence, and Milan.
When to Get There
Doge's Palace is among the most visited sights in Venice and can get unpleasantly full of tourists during the peak midday hours. Booking a skip-the-line tour is imperative during the months of April through October and also recommended even during winter , the least crowded time to visit.
Lord Byron and the Bridges of Sighs
Much of the Bridge of Sighs’ fame is due to poet Lord Byron (1788–1824), who mentioned it in his long narrative poem Childe Harold's Pilgrimage.
Address: Doges Palace, Venice, Veneto 30124, Italy
Hours: Open Summer 9am - 7pm (until 6pm in Winter)
Admission: Varies
58 Tours and Activities to Experience Bridge of Sighs
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Legendary Venice St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace Group or Private Tour
1210
Delve into Venetian history on this tour that showcases two of the city's most iconic structures and sheds light on the stories behind them both. Enjoy skip-the-line access to both popular attractions. Your first stop is legendary St. Mark's Basilica. Wander around the mosaic-covered interior and Byzantine treasures while a local guide fills you in on how this collection came to be. Then continue to the Doge’s Palace to explore the former political heart of Venice.
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From
$95.68
From
$95.68
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Venice Skip the Line Doge’s Palace and St Mark's Private Tour
26
Experience the grandeur and history of Venice on this private tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Admire the shimmering mosaics and golden altars of the city’s most famous cathedral, and see masterpieces by Titian and Tintoretto as you wander through the lavish chambers of the Venetian Republic’s one-time rulers. Skip the long lines at both attractions with priority access (from April to October), so you don't waste a minute of precious vacation time.
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From
$199.83
Price varies by group size
From
$199.83
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Venice Private Tour
5
Explore top landmarks in Venice with a private guide during this half-day tour. Customize the itinerary according to your interests and visit city highlights including St. Mark’s Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs, and Doge’s Palace. See a glass-blowing demonstration in Murano and climb aboard a gondola for a private ride.
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From
$466.26
Price varies by group size
From
$466.26
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Doge's Palace and Saint Mark's After Hours Small Group Tour
Avoid the crowds that fill Venice by joining this small-group tour. In the company of your guide and no more than six guests, explore the city after dark when it is at its least crowded. Visit the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs before enjoying exclusive access to the Saint Mark's Basilica: you'll enjoy a VIP experience after it has closed to all other visitors.
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From
$241.00
From
$241.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
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Doge's Palace & Prisons Ticket and Tour
300
Experience the magnificence and mystery of the Doge’s Palace in Venice with this skip-the-line ticket. Head to the front of the queue with your guide, and then wander through the palace’s ornate public rooms as you learn the history of Venice’s powerful rulers. Admire magnificent interior artwork, including Renaissance masterpieces by painters Tintoretto and Veronese. Explore the palace’s darker side with a visit to the prison quarters and a walk across the notorious Bridge of Sighs.
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From
$83.56
Price varies by group size
From
$83.56
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Venice Skip the line Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica guided Tour
43
The Doge’s Palace and Saint Mark’s Basilica are two of Venice’s most beloved destinations, but the two landmarks can have ticket lines to match. See both landmarks with a private guide on a 2-hour tour that includes skip-the-line access, so you can make the most of your time in Venice.
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From
$83.56
From
$83.56
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Venice Super Saver: Skip-the-Line Doge's Palace and St Mark’s Basilica Tours plus Venice Walking Tour
195
See two of Venice’s most iconic attractions and save 10% when you book them together with this Super Saver. Head to the front of the long queues with skip-the-line access to the famed Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica. Learn the history behind these architectural wonders from your local guide, and explore some of Venice’s lesser-known sights on a walking tour. Complete both tours in the same day with a break in between to spend at your leisure, depending on the operational schedule.
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From
$107.79
Price varies by group size
From
$107.79
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Private tour of Venice highlights with skip-the-line to St. Mark's Bell Tower
On this tour led by a private expert guide, you will discover the most beautiful and famous monuments of Venice around the area of St. Mark's square.
You'll see the majestic outside of St. Mark's Basilica, one of the most incredible cathedrals of the world, and of the Doge's Palace, formerly the Doge's residence and the seat of Venetian government. Follow your guide until you reach the famous Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) and learn everything about its interesting history and the romantic legends behind it. In St. Mark's square, you'll also see the Clock Tower (Torre dell'Orologio), with its extraordinarily beautiful and elaborate timepiece.
But the best has yet to come... In fact, towards the end of the tour, you'll get the chance to take the lift up to St. Mark's Bell Tower (Campanile di San Marco): with its 99 metres of height, it offers the best view over the city and its lagoon. Get you camera ready.... you won't regret it!
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From
$169.55
Price varies by group size
From
$169.55
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Venice Full Day tour with Murano or Burano
3
Discover the hidden gems of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Venice on this action-packed walking tour.
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From
$181.66
Price varies by group size
From
$181.66
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Venice Walking Tour and Gondola Ride
6
The ideal introduction for first-time visitors, this classic walking tour combines the blockbuster sights of history-packed Venice with a relaxing gondola ride. Listen to legends and stories from the city’s Renaissance heyday as you travel down cobblestoned streets and over picturesque footbridges. Tours cover Saint Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, and the legendary Calle Varisco.
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From
$145.33
Price varies by group size
From
$145.33
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Venice Small Group Walking Tour with Saint Mark's | with Private Option
6
Explore the narrow streets and top sights of Venice with this 2-hour small-group walking tour including St Mark's Basilica. Marvel at the spectacular mosaics inside St Mark's. Learn about the history of the Rialto Bridge. Wander through the meandering alleys of the canal city with your knowledgeable guide leading the way.
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From
$141.04
Price varies by group size
From
$141.04
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
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Doge's Palace Privileged Entrance and Guided Tour
21
Skip the line and leave the modern world behind on a 2-hour guided tour of the Doge’s Palace in Venice. Discover layers of rich history, from 14th-century foundations to a gilded staircase and the picturesque Bridge of Sighs. Step into the world of powerful doges, merchants and explorers, and learn about Venetian culture and traditions through one of the city’s most dramatic landmarks.
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From
$60.99
From
$60.99
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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3hours Venice walking tour
1
Discover the hidden gems of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Venice on this action-packed walking tour. With its narrow streets and 400 bridges, it can be easy to get lost in Venice, but you won’t have to worry about navigating, as a guide will lead the way. Learn local secrets, and visit multiple top sites in one day such as St. Mark’s Square, the Grand Canal, and Doge’s Palace.
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From
$90.83
Price varies by group size
From
$90.83
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Skip the line Doge's Palace Guided Walking Tour in Venice
7
If it’s your first time in Venice, the Doges Palace is probably top of your must-see list, and this tour ensures you make the most of your time. Avoid the queues with skip-the-line entrance, walk across the iconic Bridge of Sighs, marvel at the Golden Staircase, and admire art masterpieces by Tintoretto and Titian.
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From
$66.61
From
$66.61
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Venice Private Tour for Families with Gondola Ride
3
Visiting Venice with kids in tow? This private sightseeing tour is specially designed for families, with a focus on child-friendly activities and commentary that’s as entertaining as it is educational. Avoid the queues with skip-the-line entrance to St Mark’s Basilica and Doge's Palace; enjoy a walking tour of St Mark's Square and the Bridge of Sighs; and discover the Byzantine treasures of St Mark's Museum. Stop along the way to tuck into a complimentary ice cream, then hop aboard a traditional gondola for a 30-minute ride along the Venetian canals.
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From
$513.50
Price varies by group size
From
$513.50
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Venice: walking tour, Doge's Palace and the Golden Basilica – Guided tour
5
Tick off two of Venice’s most popular attractions without having to wait in line on this half-day tour. Marvel at the monuments of St. Mark’s Square, enjoy skip-the-line entrance to the magnificent Doge’s Palace, then visit St. Mark’s Basilica, the Golden Basilica. Also included is an optional cruise to visit a glass factory on Murano Island.
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From
$119.90
From
$119.90
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Venice Highlights : City tour 2 hours and Murano boat tour
2
Feel like a VIP as a private guide shows you Venice’s must-see attractions, starting with a personalized tour of the monuments of St. Mark’s Square. Learn the long, illustrious history of the Venetian Republic inside the Doge’s Palace and glittering St. Mark’s Basilica, and then cruise across the lagoon for a look at the glass-making heritage of Murano island. All water taxi service is arranged for a seamless half-day adventure.
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From
$423.88
per group
From
$423.88
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Doge's Palace Guided Visit and Secret Venice Walking Tour
11
See the best of Venice in this 3-hour tour, combining a guided visit to the Doge's Palace with a walking tour of the Rialto neighborhood to find some of Venice's hidden treasures. See the extravagant and historic rooms of the Doge's Palace, including a walk across the Bridge of Sighs. Wander through one of Venice's most atmospheric neighborhoods, home to a busy market and one of the city's top sights.
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From
$97.49
From
$97.49

Venice Private Tour of the Historical Monuments
Capped at eight people for a personalized experience, this private walking tour covers the highlights of Venice in a single stroll—the perfect introduction for first-time visitors. Beat the crowds with skip-the-line admission tickets to Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, and save the hours-long wait for more sightseeing. You’ll also head to the history-packed Bridge of Sighs during this scenic Venice crash course.
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From
$248.27
Price varies by group size
From
$248.27
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Benvenuti! The Essence of Venice Private Tour
21
Discover the best of Venice in just two hours with a private guide who shares the highlights of the popular Italian city. Visit destinations such as Campo San Polo, the Grand Canal, and Rialto Bridge, and learn about the architecture and culture of Venice from your guide. End your tour at St.Mark’s Square where your guide provides you with a skip-the-line admission ticket for St. Mark's Basilica.
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From
$141.70
Price varies by group size
From
$141.70
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Skip the Line St Marks Basilica and Doge s Palace Tour
1
St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doges Palace are two of Venice’s most compelling attractions, and they have the crowds and lines to match. With this tour, breeze past the admission lines and have more time to explore the Basilica’s golden mosaics and statues, and the Palace’s art masterpieces and Bridge of Sighs.
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From
$84.78
From
$84.78
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Accessible Venice Tour With Wheelchair Including Doge Palace & St Mark Basilica
1
With such architectural obstacles as many bridges, small streets, and steps that plummet into water, Venice appears to be near-inaccessible to people with disabilities. This private tour shows you that this is not the case by taking you around the city by steamboat and through accessible passages.
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From
$440.32
Price varies by group size
From
$440.32
Price varies by group size
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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Doge's Palace guided tour and Gondola ride
This tour merges two of the most important "attractions" of Venice in a single package to discover the traditional atmosphere of this ancient city.
You will admire Doge's palace first, then you will enjoy a unique shared gondola ride.
Please note, the tour includes a break of 1 hour and 30 mins more or less.
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From
$110.21
From
$110.21

Private Venice Shore Excursion with Gondola Ride
Spend an unforgettable day at port with this completely private shore excursion in Venice including a city tour and romantic gondola ride along the city famous canals. Skip the line at the magnificent St. Mark's Cathedral, where you'll admire the glittering Palo d’Oro, and take a tour through centuries of Venetian history and intrigue at the Doge’s Palace. Round-trip transfers from the cruise terminal make for a seamless, stress-free experience.
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From
$835.64
Price varies by group size
From
$835.64
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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