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Doge's PalacevsBasilica di San Marco
Both are endorsed by writers. On balance, St Mark's Basilica is the choice of most professionals compared to Doge's Palace. St Mark's Basilica is ranked #6 in Venice with endorsements from 7 publications including Frommer's, Michelin Guide and Lonely Planet.
Doge's Palace
Travel + Leisure
Time Out
Michelin Guide
Afar Magazine
Let's Go
The Telegraph
Condé Nast Traveler
U.S. News & World Report
Lonely Planet
Piazza San Marco, 31024 Venice
From $0/night
Travel + Leisure "The extraordinary Gothic structure houses Tintoretto's Paradiso—one of the largest paintings in the world—which hangs in the Sala del Maggiore Consiglio." Full review
Time Out "An unobtrusive side door halfway down the right wall of the nave in San Marco leads straight into the courtyard of the Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace)." Full review
Michelin Guide 3 Stars
"Unmissable, this amazing palace reveals Venice's entire history." Full review
Afar Magazine "Visit the interior for the best introduction to the city’s history... the rooms are decorated with frescoes and marble carvings." Full review
Let's Go "This massive 14th-century palace served as the seat of government and residence of Venice’s doge." Full review
The Telegraph "Venice was all about shimmering exteriors concealing hard-nosed commercial or administrative activity, and the mainly 15th-century Doge’s Palace mirrors this perfectly. " Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "It's been rebuilt and expanded over the years, so it's really a conglomeration of multiple buildings and styles." Full review
U.S. News & World Report8.0
"Views from the Venetian Lagoon give the Doge's Palace an ethereal look – almost like it's floating on top of water. But it's fitting, as the Doge's Palace has witnessed an intriguing history " Full review
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"Don’t be fooled by its genteel Gothic elegance: behind that lacy, pink-chequered facade, the doge’s palace shows serious muscle and a steely will to survive." Full review
Basilica di San Marco
Concierge
Frommer's Lonely Planet Time Out
Fodor's Condé Nast Traveler Michelin Guide Afar Magazine
Atlas Obscura Afar Magazine Show All Reviews
San Marco 328, 30124 Venice
From $0/night
Concierge "Entering St. Mark's Square from its western end and suddenly confronting this glittering, magnificent Byzantine cathedral has been the oh-wow moment for countless Venice visitors."
Frommer's "The architectural style for the sumptuously Byzantine Basilica di San Marco, replete with five mosquelike bulbed domes, was borrowed from Constantinople." Full review
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"The brick basilica is clad in patchworks of marbles and reliefs from Syria, Egypt and Palestine – priceless trophies from Crusades conquests and battles with Genoa." Full review
Time Out "Often seen as the living testimony of Venice's links with Byzantium, St Mark's basilica is also an expression of the city's independence." Full review
Fodor's "An expression of the political, intellectual, and economic aspiration and accomplishments of a city that for centuries was at the forefront of European culture." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "On the top of every first-time Venice visitor's must-see list, this Byzantine cathedral never fails to impress." Full review
i
To avoid the lines during high season, book a timed ticket online—or, better yet, stop by for an early morning mass.
Michelin Guide 3 Stars
"The facade of Saint Mark's Basilica is superb, the interior will leave you in awe." Full review
Afar Magazine "The beauty on the outside can't even begin to compete with the treasure that is the inside - unfortunately no photos are allowed. Photos wouldn't do it justice anyway." Full review
Atlas Obscura "An extensive collection of reliquaries containing the bones of saints housed in the largest Catholic church in Venice. " Full review
Afar Magazine "The Basilica San Marco is Venice's crown jewel." Full review
