Doge's Palace: Fast Track

No visit to Venice is complete without a visit to the Doge's Palace. The exterior hints at its beauty, and inside – with a golden staircase, triumphal arches, and frescoed walls – you'll get a complete sense of its splendor with these last-minute fast-track tickets.

The first Doge's Palace was built on this spot in the 9th century, but was destroyed in a fire. The present Gothic palace dates back to the 14th century (with many renovations and refurbishments done along the way). However, it stands tall as a beautiful reminder of the power of the Venetian Republic.

To enter the Doge's Palace is to travel back in time and uncover the history and culture of the City of Masks. Inside, you'll find fantastically ornate rooms, decorated by artists such as Titian, Veronese, Tiepolo, and Tintoretto.

Another highlight is walking the notorious Bridge of Sighs – so named for the laments of the convicted criminals as they made their way to the New Prisons.