The Bridge of Sighs at a glance
The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) is an enclosed bridge that spans a narrow canal beside the Doge's Palace. It joins the palace to the building on the other side of the water, which is commonly described as the old prison. It is one of the most photographed spots in Venice, although it is small and you see it in a few seconds.
This page keeps to what we could check. We give no construction dates or measurements, because our research found none from a reliable source. What we can say reliably is how to get close to it, what a visit costs and where it sits on the palace route.
How the bridge connects to the Doge's Palace
The bridge is part of the palace story, not a separate attraction.
A link between two buildings
The bridge is a covered passage between the palace and the prison buildings. That is why you see it from the water and from the streets around the palace, and why it belongs to the same visit.
The name
The traditional explanation is that prisoners sighed as they crossed and glimpsed the lagoon for a last time. The story is much repeated, but it is a popular tradition, and we found no source that backs it with documents.
Part of the route, with a caveat
A secondary source says the bridge is part of the standard palace route. The official visitor page does not state this, so we call it likely, not guaranteed. Ask when you book.
Doge's Palace →Our picks: crossing the Bridge of Sighs
Both include the Bridge of Sighs and the New Prisons.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Doge's Palace, New Prisons and St. Mark's Basilica guided tour
A guided visit of both buildings with skip-the-line entry, the Bridge of Sighs and the Great Council Hall. The basilica terrace is only an upgrade.
Check availability →St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs
Includes the Bridge of Sighs, the New Prisons and the museums on St. Mark's Square. A guide, priority access and an audio guide only come with the matching option.
Check availability →Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs tours
Guided visits of the Doge's Palace with skip-the-line entry, with live prices and availability.
Two ways to see it
You can look at the bridge for free or go through the palace.
| Option | Cost (2026) | What you get | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| From outside | Free | The view of the bridge from the waterfront beside the palace | Can be busy |
| On the palace route | €35 (€30 online 30+ days ahead, €15 reduced) | The palace, three more museums and, per a secondary source, the bridge | No palace-only ticket exists |
| Secret Itineraries | €40 (€20 reduced) | A guided tour plus unguided access to the standard museums | Reservation required |
We do not name a single best viewpoint. Our research did not verify one, and a view from any spot on the waterfront by the palace will show the bridge. If you want a quieter photo, try the early part of the day.
Opening hours and getting there
The Doge's Palace is open from 9:00 to 19:00 from 1 April to 31 October, with last entry at 18:00. From 1 November to 31 March it is open from 9:00 to 18:00, with last entry at 17:00. The entrance is the Porta del Frumento on the Piazzetta San Marco.
A ticket with no fixed entry time is valid for the palace only from 12:00. If you want to go in the morning, book a ticket with a time. Reduced tickets (€15) apply to children aged 6 to 14, students aged 15 to 25 and visitors over 65. Children under 6 enter free.
By water bus, line 1 stops at Vallaresso and San Zaccaria, and line 2 stops at Giardinetti. All are close to the palace.
Combine it with the rest of the square
The bridge is a short stop. Plan the visit around the larger sights.
Is it worth a detour?
The bridge itself is small, and you pass it quickly. The reason to plan a visit is the palace it belongs to. If you only have an hour on St. Mark's Square, the free view from outside is enough to say you saw it. If you have half a day, the palace ticket gives you the bridge route (if your visit includes it), the palace itself and three more museums.
Day trippers should also check the access fee calendar before they travel, since day trippers pay the fee on set days. Our guide lists the dates.
Bridge of Sighs: frequently asked questions
What is the Bridge of Sighs?
It is a covered bridge next to the Doge's Palace that joins the palace to the prison buildings across a narrow canal.
Can I walk across the Bridge of Sighs?
According to a secondary source, it is part of the standard route through the Doge's Palace. The official visitor page does not confirm this, so check when you book your ticket.
Can I see the Bridge of Sighs for free?
Yes. You can see it from outside without a ticket. Crossing it, if the route allows, needs the Doge's Palace ticket.
How much is the ticket?
In 2026 the St. Mark's Square Museums ticket costs €35, or €30 online more than 30 days ahead. It includes the Doge's Palace. The reduced price is €15.
Why is it called the Bridge of Sighs?
A popular tradition says prisoners sighed on their way across. We found no documents confirming it, so treat it as a story.