Best Day Trips from Venice
The widely famous Italian jewel Venice attracts almost 28 million tourists annually. It is often declared as one of the most beautiful cities of the world, undeniably because of its splendid architecture, numerous churches, well-known canals and gondolas, and abundance of museums and galleries. After you explore the Adriatic Queen, continue your trip outside the Venetian borders. We bring you a list of the top 9 best day trips from Venice!
Staying in Venice only for a day? Dive into our video guide on how to make most out of your day trip to Venice:
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Verona
Verona is widely recognizable due to Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, but there is much more to it than famous poems and love tragedies. It is one of the most famous World Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO. Modern and traditional elements blend perfectly within the city. Roman history, architectural richness, Italian cuisine, wine, and a medieval dash of tragic love are just some of the reasons why Verona is one of our top picks for a day trip from Venice.
What to see and do
When it comes to planning activities in Verona, you shouldn’t worry. There is something for everyone. History fanatics should see the roman bridge Ponte Pietra (once Pons Marmoreus), the Arche scaligere (Scaliger Tombs), Venetian symbol The Lion of Saint Mark in Piazza delle Erbe, and of course Arena di Verona. As well, you can take a walk in the historical center, check out the third-largest piazza in Italy, Piazza Bra, see the romanesque Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, the Verona Cathedral, and many more beautiful sites.
But, probably the most famous tourist attraction in the city is the balcony of Juliet’s house. In the courtyard, you will find a statue of Juliet, and it is believed that you will have luck in love if you rub her right breast. In additiomn, you’ll find a museum and a gift shop in the house as well. Even Shakespeare said “For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo”, and therefore it is not surprising at all that almost 500 000 tourists visit it annually.
Where to eat
For all of you food lovers out there, the good news is that Verona offers a lot of authentic dishes. Veronese cuisine is based on fresh and local ingredients, and its recipes are transmitted from generation to generation. It is famous for rice Vialone Nano, pasta Bigoli and Gnocchi, Polenta, boiled meat with pearà (sauce made from broth, breadcrumbs, oil, pepper, and salt), and many more. Also, don’t get surprised if you find horse meat on the menu. It is quite traditional and it dates back to 5 AD. If you’re a sweet tooth, you will enjoy trying out these traditional desserts: Nadalin, sfogliatine di Villafranca, cakes Puina and Russa.
Places to eat: Trattoria Tre Marchetti, Ristorante Arche, Antica Trattoria Pero d’Oro, Hosteria La Vecchia Fontanina
How to get from Venice to Verona
Approximately, the travel time between these two cities is 1:30h. You can travel by bus or train. Price, of course, depends on the travel date and departure time.
Lake Garda & Peschiera del Garda
Should you want to escape the city fuss, we recommend a favored Italian getaway destination, Lake Garda, which lies in northeast Italy. Admired not only for its gorgeous landscapes, it is also known as the location where many historical battles took place. Arco, Sirmione, Riva del Garda, and Peschiera del Garda are just a few out of many beautiful small towns situated on the banks of this largest Italian lake. Peschiera del Garda is one of four unified towns of Quadrilatero (the traditional defense system of the Austrian Empire). Therefore, if you like roman architecture and good wine, this historical town is a must-stop on your journey.
What to see and do
Lake Garda offers a variety of activities. You can visit famous towns situated there, such as Sirmione, Garda, San Felice del Benaco, Nago–Torbole and more. If you are feeling adventurous, try sailing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding. Also, Gardaland is located close to the city of Garda, and if you are planning a family vacation, you mustn’t skip it.
Likewise, Peschiera del Garda doesn’t lack entertaining content and interesting sites. The fortified Town of Peschiera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And that’s not the only thing that is under the protection of UNESCO. History admirers will be amazed at the fact that pile-dwelling settlements (built from cca. 5000 to 500 B.C.) are placed around the Alps. But besides historical sights, visit also the Sanctuary of Madonna del Frassino, the Church of San Martino, Porta Verona, City Hall, Porta Brescia and if you are a gearhead don’t forget to check out Mille Miglia Museum.
Where to eat
Basically, there are two options here. You can bring your food and have a picnic while enjoying the views of the surreal nature. If not, you can always eat at some nearby restaurant and enjoy local specialties.
How to get from Venice to Lake Garda
Travelling by train would be the most convenient way for sure. You can choose between the fast, direct line from Venice to Peschiera del Garda or the cheaper version which includes a change in Verona.
Bologna
How would you describe Bologna in three words? Probably as la dotta, la grassa e la rossa (the educated, the fat, and the red). Besides the fact that the capital of the Emilia Romagna region is the home of the oldest European university, it is one of the wealthiest Italian cities and a significant economic hub. Although it is usually neglected by tourists, Bologna has many beautiful attractions, and it is unfairly recognized only as a university town. Incredible nightlife is another plus of course, but many beautiful sights, delicious food, and great wine will also draw your attention.
What to see and do
When it comes to exploring this charming, medieval town it would be advisable to start from the largest square Piazza Maggiore. Besides strolling leisurely and enjoying your coffee, you can see quite a few beautiful and significant sights among which is Palazzo d’Accursio (or Palazzo Comunale). A few of the many symbols of the city are the Neptune Fountain and leaning towers Asinelli and Garisenda (“Due Torri”).
Bologna is also well-known for its many porticos which contribute to the historical enrichment of the city. Promenading from the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca under 666 portici covered by a succession of terracotta arches will lead you to ancient, medieval gates Porta Saragozza.
If you are into Roman history and want to learn more about Etruscan relics, pay a visit to the Archaeological Museum, Museum of History, and even the National Gallery. If it suits your pockets to go luxury shopping, head right to Galleria Cavour. I’m sure you’ll love the sophisticated boutiques displaying high-end fashion brands such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Versace, and many more.
Where to eat
It’s not just about a variety of deli products and numerous types of pasta dishes, Bologna has a much larger menu offer. Among Parmigiano Reggiano, Balsamico di Modena, mortadella, lasagne, tagliatelle and more, try the famous sandwich of Bologna, piadina (filled with cheese and prosciutto). Locals will persuade you to go via Augusto Righi in the student quarter, where you can eat the best version of piadina there is.
How to get from Venice to Bologna
Bologna is located approximately 158 km from Venice and the travel time between these two cities is about 2:30 h. You have several travelling options at your disposal: train, bus, private transfer, and the night train. The price of the bus tickets depends on the carrier and the desired travel time.
Burano & Murano
Do not forget to explore the beautiful Venetian lagoon, a unity of 118 little islands connected with over 400 bridges. Although most of the tourists usually visit only the city of Venice, we highly recommend organizing a day trip to some nearby islands. Most of them are easily reachable by Vaporetto (Italian water bus) and our top picks are Murano and Burano.
Extraordinary Burano is a picturesque city embellished with colorful fisherman’s houses. Celebrated not only for its atypical beauty, it cherishes the long tradition of lace-making. Good food and beautiful sights are a common connection of most Italian places. What sets Murano apart you may ask? Well, apart from the possibility of learning more about Roman history and sightseeing important monuments, Murano is the home of Venetian glass production. Whether you want to learn more about glass blowing or you just want to purchase an authentic Venetian souvenir, Murano is your perfect destination.
What to see and do
As previously mentioned, the Glass Making Museum is a must-see attraction on Murano island (ticket costs around €10). If you want to purchase an authentic piece of Murano glass check the declaration and certificate of legitimacy (“Vetro Murano Artistico” trademark decal). While you are there, visit also the Church of Santa Maria e San Donato and peek at the Byzantine mosaic pavement to learn more about the legend of Saint Donatus slaying the dragon. Don’t forget to visit the church of San Pietro Martire and Campo Santo Stefano where the sculpture Comet Glass Star is located.
When it comes to Burano, apart from wandering around the beautiful island and taking pictures with the most colorful background, we advise you to visit the Museum and School of Lacemaking. As previously said, lace is quite a significant part of the island’s history and tradition, and should you want an authentic souvenir, this is a perfect choice. When it comes to sightseeing, do not forget to visit the 16th-century catholic church San Martino and its leaning tower and the Oratorio di Santa Barbara.
Where to eat
Undoubtedly, there are many places on these islands where you can enjoy Italian cuisine. When it comes to Burano, visit places like Trattoria al Gatto Nero, Osteria Al Museo Burano, Riva Rosa and Venissa Restaurant (Michelin starred place). Do not forget to try their traditional butter cookies bussolai buranei. If you are visiting Murano then award your taste buds at Da Tanduo, Acqua Stanca, La Perla Ai Bisatei and Trattoria Busa da Lele alla Torre.
How to get from Venice to Murano & Burano
If you are in a hurry, you can organize a day trip and visit both islands. But, if you have enough time and you want to explore the beauty of the Venetian lagoon, we recommend splitting these two trips.
However, you have to take the Vaporetto from Venice to reach your desired island. Boats depart quite often and it takes around 40 – 45 minutes to reach Burano and 18 – 30 minutes to get to the Murano. Have in mind that the duration of your trip depends on the route you decide to take. If you are travelling in a group or want to buy a single ticket for several days, check their special prices and group discounts.
Trieste
Although Trieste is often associated with shopping trips, it certainly has much more to offer. This charming border-town is perfectly positioned between Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia and it connects Central Europe with the Adriatic Sea. Such an amazing location has enabled this beautiful city to blend different cultures and enjoy economic prosperity. Apart from being one of the most important European intersections, this city is a special cultural hub. If you want to take a trip to the City of coffee, we bring you a list of sights you should visit!
What to see and do
This city just has it all. Thanks to an abundance of different architectural styles, it is no wonder that it’s listed among our top picks. The bustling, main city square Piazza Unità d’Italia is usually overflowing with tourists, but it’s a great starting point for your tour. Miramare Castle, Castle of San Giusto, Trieste Cathedral, and The Roman theatre are just some of many notable attractions you have to explore. Likewise, you have to check the picturesque Trieste’s grand canal placed in the heart of the city as well as the old town.
If you are a history buff, your must-visit attractions are the Roman gate Arch of Riccardo, temples on the San Giusto hill, and Basilica Forense. Later on, relax with a nice cup of coffee in one of the two most popular historical cafe bars Caffè San Marco and Caffè Stella Polare. If you are looking for a peaceful oasis away from the buzzing city, then the national park Val Rosandra is your ideal destination.
Where to eat
There are a lot of amazing restaurants in Trieste and you can choose whether you want to eat local food or perhaps the dishes you are more used to. If you are the type that always asks for a local specialty, you have to try a stew Jota, La Calandraca and Strucolo de pomi. Here are a few restaurants that will not disappoint you: Bracerie Venete, Ristorante Al Bagatto, La Rosa dei Venti, Al Barattolo, and Ristorante Menarosti.
How to get from Venice to Trieste
As for most of these listed cities, you can reach Trieste by bus, train, or perhaps a private transfer. When it comes to prices, everything depends on your desired travel time. However, keep in mind that train ticket usually cost a bit more than bus tickets.
Padua
One of the most popular and easiest day trips from Venice is the one to Padua, an Italian city that needs no introduction. Its awe-inspiring arcaded streets lead to vibrant and lively squares. The whole landscape could be described as a perfect blend of a modern university city and a medieval, traditional Italian town. It is one of the oldest cities in Italy and was founded in the 12th century BC. Favored not only for its architectural diversity, but Padua was also a well-known setting of several important plays and exudes an artistic spirit.
What to see and do
It is almost impossible to reduce Padua’s main sights into just one list since there is a lot to see and explore. That is why we advise you to book a tour to get the most out of the city. The first thing that catches the eye is of course a full-blown attraction Scrovegni Chapel with its remarkable frescoes. Other important sights are Basilica di Sant’Antonio da Padova, The City Hall known as Palazzo Moroni, the Roman bridge Ponte San Lorenzo, Astronomical Observatory, etc. The city is full of interesting museums and you should visit at least one according to your preferences.
Where to eat
Padua’s menu is full of great food whether you want to dine in a nice restaurant or you want to try local, street food. Some of the traditional dishes are: Risotto con i Rovinassi, Bigoli, Gran bollito alla Padovana, Radicchio trevisano and many more.
How to get from Venice to Padua
The easiest way to reach most Italian cities is by bus. The prices vary depending on the carrier and desired travel time.
Treviso
The capital of the province of the same name is overflowed by astounding architectural gems. It is positioned in the lofty Italian north, nestled between the mountains and rivers. The city is quite similar to Venice due to its canals, but there are no gondolas and it is surely less crowded. Thanks to its great position and surrounding environment, you can easily explore the city and nearby attractions on a bicycle. If that’s just not your pair of shoes, you will enjoy a leisurely stroll through the old center. And of course, let’s not forget that this is the city of origin of Tiramisu and Prosecco wine. Clearly, we don’t have to give you additional reasons to plan a day trip to Treviso!
What to see and do
Visit the most remarkable sights of Treviso like late-Romanesque church of San Francesco, the Teatro Mario Del Monaco and famous city square Piazza dei Signori where you will find Palazzo di Podestà and Palazzo dei Trecento. Explore the historic center and enjoy walking along Passeggiata lungo la restera. Since this charming city has three canals that cross the city center, there are plenty of spots where you can take amazing pictures. Also, do not forget to visit the historically important Ponte di Pria and at least one of the three immaculate, botanical gardens. Treviso is also the home of several well-known fashion brands such as Benetton, Sisley, Diadora, Geox, etc and it would be a pity not to go on a little shopping spree if you are into fashion.
Where to eat
Treviso is full of great places to eat, whether you are in the mood for fine dining or simple street food. As previously mentioned, this is the home of Tiramisu and Prosecco and you mustn’t skip these two. When it comes to the restaurants we recommend, here is a shortlist of good places which you have to check out: authentic Osteria Arman with a 150-year-old tradition, Hostaria Antica Contrada delle Due Torri Treviso, Hosteria dai Naneti, Trattoria la Bassa, etc. There are also many international restaurants and you can enjoy different types of food like sushi, Turkish food, etc.
How to get from Venice to Treviso
Once again, you can travel by bus or train since Treviso is only 31 km away from Venice. Prices for bus tickets vary according to several criteria (travel time and the bus company).
Asolo
“The Pearl of the province of Treviso” or more familiar the city of Asolo, is undeservedly overlooked. Environed by a luscious mountain landscape this city is proudly nicknamed “The City of a Hundred Horizons”. Its charming cobbled streets, narrow passages, vibrant squares, and roman remnants exude Italian spirit. Many famous artists, actors, poets and composers have also recognized the charm of this city. Therefore, if you are looking for a peaceful oasis, memorable city setting, and magnificent nature to sit back and relax, this is a perfect day trip for you!
What to see and do
Although this is a small city, there are a lot of sights to visit such as Piazza Garibaldi, the fortress and the city walls, the Cathedral, Palazzo Beltramini, the Castle of Caterina Cornaro, the small church of Saint Caterina, and the remains of the amphitheater. If you have enough time, we definitely recommend visiting the beautiful Villa Barbaro with equally captivating exteriors and interiors. It is one of many World Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO and is located just a few kilometers from Asolo.
Where to eat
Unquestionably, traditional dishes prevail here and there are not many foregin restaurants. Some of our recommendations are: Trattoria Moderna Due Mori, Ristorante La Terrazza, Epoca pub, Al Bersagliere taverna, Al Castello, etc.
How to get from Venice to Asolo
As for most of these destinations, you can reach the town of Asolo by bus or train. Bus line number 112 goes from Venice to Treviso and continues the trip to Asolo. The faster way is of course by train or a private transfer.
Mantua
This picturesque, medieval city situated in Lombardy is a well-known cultural hub of Northwest Italy. Nestled between three artificial lakes, Mantua is proudly presenting its immensely rich anthropological and architectural heritage. Its old town and nearby Sabbioneta are some of the most famous World Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO in the country. Thanks to the patronage of the prosperous Gonzaga family, the city’s landscape has bloomed. Not only was it a setting in numerous plays, it also brought out many talented artists since the family supported famous painters, sculptors, actors, poets, and many more.
What to see and do
If you are not sure where you should start exploring Mantua, the answer is of course the oldest square in the city, Piazza Sordello. This square is a prime example of Gonzaga’s influence which led the city to its pinnacle. From here, you can continue sightseeing at Palazzo Ducale, Mantua Cathedral (Cathedral of St Peter the Apostle or the city’s Duomo), and the notorious Cage tower known as Torre della Gabbia. Furthermore, you shoul definitely check out the famous Rotonda di San Lorenzo, built in honor of Goddess Venus. This is a must-visit spot along with Bibiena Theater, Palazzo Te, Basilica of Sant’Andrea, and one of the first mechanical clocks in Europe Torre dell’Orologio.
Great news for all of you bookworms out there! Mantua is the host of the five-day international literature festival called Festivaletteratura held in September. This full-blown event offers a variety of workshops, concerts, meet-ups, and other events with famous authors, poets, and artists.
Where to eat
Besides the architectural richness, Mantua has an abundant menu offer. Do not skip traditional dishes such as Tortelli di Zucca, Fernando’s Pike Specialty, Risotto alla Pilota, donkey stew called Stracotto, and many more. Afterwards, sweeten your taste buds with Torta Sbrisolona or Torta Mantovana. If you are brave enough and like to experiment with food, then Torta di Tagliatelle is a perfect choice for you. An almond cake with a top layer made of sweet egg noodles is Mantua’s most unusual dessert. Here are several restaurants which you can visit during your stay: Osteria Da Giannino, Alla Buca della Gabbia, Carlo Govi Ristorante, Trattoria La Stella, etc.
How to get from Venice to Mantua
Certainly, the most convenient way to reach Mantua is by bus. But, you can also travel by train or if you want a hassle-free ride there is always an option to book a private transfer.
