Hi everyone,
I will be in Venice in just a few days! I'm trying to plan the specifics of my 8 day stay. One question I have is the best way to skip the line at Basilica San Marco. I read in Italy about the bag check option and the online reservation. I plan to visit the basilica on a day with little cruise ship traffic (using this website as a guide) and arrive before the opening. What is your experience with either of these options for skipping lines at the basilica?
Thank you,
Sharon
We were there a week ago on Sunday afternoon and had no problem getting in. It took 10-15 minutes in line to get inside.
The lines move so fast that it's hardly worth an effort to skip the lines. I wouldn't bother.
David and Nancy - Thanks for the information!
Sharon
To see the Basilica shine, try to be there between 11:30-12:30.
They turn the lights on and the mosaics are beautiful.
Have had a wait 1 time out of 3.
Be sure to climb the stairs to see the museum. Great views over the Grand Canal and St. Marks Square.
I always check a bag (to the left of the Basilica, doubles as a concert hall). Bring something bigger than a handbag, doesn't have to be full either. They will hold the bag (they say for an hour but . . .). Just walk in the exit (also the souvenir shop) and enjoy. Works every time for me.
Gerri - Thanks for the tip. I read that information in Italy and will for sure take advantage of that time frame.
Robert - - That time limit is one concern I had about checking a bag if the line was long, and I wanted to skip it. How serious are they? I love to linger in churches and want to see all it offers!
Thanks,
Sharon
You may notice that the attendants have nothing that resembles a time-keeper. San Marco is surely a place to linger and notice the changes as the sun/clouds move. In the past 10 years or so of storing an almost empty bag I have never been looked at side-ways when retrieving it a few hours later. Do bring something fairly large though - a tote bag will just get you ignored. I've used a backpack and can't remember a nasty look. I put my Rick Steves books and a bottle of water in it for weight.
Please, do not miss the museum upstairs! Keep going, even when it looks like there isn't anything left to see. All of a sudden you are face-to-face with a mosaic. So many questions: how did they do that? could I ever be that patient? why can't we have quality work that is also beautiful work? Sigh.
Robert,
I really appreciate the advice! I will be prepared to use the bag check in case the line is longer than I want to wait. I'm glad to know I can linger in the basilica! Thanks for the encouragement to really take the time to see everything!
Sharon
I was there on May 20 and with three cruise ships in port, the line was reportedly an hour. We did not get in line having been in Venice in March when there was no queue at all. I think that your plan is sound to arrive early as you are more likely to have no queue.
