Is it necessary, or desirable, to book reservations for San Marco in Venice? I'm confused by what I'm reading on their web page. Also, they talk about a 10-minute visit... hardly enough, given the overwhelming amount of art. Is there any way to spend more time in the basilica? What experiences have you had? Any tips? Thanks!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, United States
64 posts
Yes, according to the website you are able to book a reservation that will allow you to get in via a "priority entrance". It is not required to book a reservation. Whether it is a good idea to make a reservation, depends on the time of year/day you visit. As a rule, I never wait to get into major attractions because I never go at peak times. 10 minutes!!! What?!!!! Give yourself an hour. This is one unique, cool cathedral. The construction predates almost any other significant cathedral in Europe by several hundred years. It contains loot brought back by the Crusaders.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Use the RS tip about checking a bag at the nearby deconsecrated church of Ateneo San Basso. Check a bag (for free!) and get a claim tag that allows two people (per tag) to go right to the front of the line to get into the basilica without any reservation. Seriously. We were amazed that it worked. You're supposed to pick up your bag within an hour, but they're usually so busy that if you're a little late it probably won't be a problem. If you want to go back in, check your bag again. Don't bother trying to tell anyone else in line about it. They'll think you're scamming them. That tip alone is worth the price of the RS Venice book.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11363 posts
Hi Sherry! We were just there a week ago. No problem getting in at 3:30 pm. (At 9:45 am the line was HUGE even though there was Acqua Alta. We just laughed, took pictures, walked away from P. San Marco and returned in late afternoon.) The cruise ship crowds had diminished by 3:30, so we checked our bag as mentioned above, but there was no line to skip: only about 25 people in front of us. Of course it is October. It may be a different story other months. The Doges' Palace was practically empty at 4:30 or so. And St. Mark's is well-supported by Rick Steves' audio tour. We took our Ipods and really enjoyed the narration along with the map from the book. So helpful! Do visit the museum up some VERY steep stairs. The view was terrific and the original horses are there. I loved the old mosaics up there too. Ciao!
Posted by
Orlando
166 posts
We visited Easter week in 2008. During the morning each day with cruise ship and day trip visitors, the line was long. However, late afternoon you could generally just walk in or lines were very short. Sunday morning for mass, no one is there!! We had the entire basilica almost to ourselves which was wonderful!!