Day Trip from Venice - Beautiful Cities and Places to Visit
Near Venice, in the Veneto region, you will find some of the most beautiful Italian cities, as well as other places worth a visit. Our recommendation, however, since you are staying in Venice (where accommodation is usually more expensive), is to first see the tourist attractions and the islands of the Venetian lagoon. But if you want a change of scenery and wish to take a few day trips to the surroundings, you will find several ideas below. You can travel to some destinations by train, but for others, you will need to rent a car or book an organized trip.
Padua
The city of Padua is located very close to Venice. By train, it will take about 30 minutes, and the price of a ticket starts from €5.
It is worth taking a trip to Padua to see Giotto's frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel (among other sights), or simply to stroll through its historic squares. Don't forget to stop at Caffè Pedrocchi to taste the coffee with mint cream. We also recommend the delicious millefoglie cake from Pasticceria Graziati. Additionally, the Aperol Spritz was born in Padua. For something more unique, try a Cynar Spritz (which is more bitter); it uses Cynar amaro, an artichoke-based liqueur, also invented here. You can find more information in the article What to Eat and Drink in Padua.
Tip: For your visit to the Scrovegni Chapel, make sure to book well in advance. Spots are limited and they sell out fast. It actually happened to us during a city break in Padua that we weren't able to see it; that's how we ended up making a trip specifically for this on another occasion, even doing it as a day trip from Venice.
From spring to autumn, there is also the option of taking a cruise from Venice to Padua along the Brenta River, with stops to visit several villas. Just keep in mind that you will need to take the train back from Padua
Vicenza
A little further out is Vicenza, which you can reach by train in about 45 minutes to an hour. Ticket prices start at €7.3.
The city is famous for its 16th-century buildings designed by the Paduan architect Palladio. Vicenza's main sights are concentrated around Piazza dei Signori and along Corso Palladio. Don't miss a visit to the Teatro Olimpico, which was designed by the same architect.
Bassano del Grappa
Bassano del Grappa is located 1 hour and 15 minutes from Venice by train. Ticket prices start at €7.3.
It is a small town with a beautiful historic center, situated on the Brenta River. The covered bridge, known as Ponte Vecchio or Ponte degli Alpini, dates back to the 16th century and was built of wood based on Palladio's design. At one end of the bridge lies Grapperia Nardini, the first distillery in Italy (grappa is a grape-based spirit that Italians typically drink after a meal).
Don't miss a visit to the Poli Museo della Grappa either. Poli is another historic distillery that has recently opened a shop in Venice, where you can enjoy tastings.
Verona
Verona is likely the most famous destination near Venice. The train journey takes about 1.5 hours, and ticket prices start at €10.5.
It is the romantic city of Romeo and Juliet, but also home to one of the most famous Roman amphitheaters in the world. Situated on the banks of the Adige River, Verona is beautiful and elegant, and it certainly deserves a full city break rather than just a day trip.
Treviso
Located very close to Venice, Treviso is often compared to it because of the network of canals that runs through the city. We think that comparison is a bit of a stretch, but Treviso does have a lovely historic center that you can explore in just a few hours (see also the article about what to do in Treviso). Don't forget to stop at Le Beccherie restaurant, where the famous tiramisù is said to have been invented.
The train ride from Venice to Treviso takes only 30 minutes, and ticket prices start at €4.
The Dolomites
The Dolomite Mountains span across three Italian regions: Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Closest to Venice - about 1.5 to 2 hours away - are the Belluno Dolomites (Parco Nazionale Dolomiti Bellunesi), though you will need a car to reach them.
Some of the most famous spots in this area include the resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo, the villages of Cadore (Pieve di Cadore is the birthplace of the painter Titian), Tre Cime di Lavaredo (the symbol of the Dolomites), Valbelluna, and lakes Misurina and Sorapis.
There are also several agencies that organize day trips from Venice to the Dolomites.
The Prosecco Hills
Another day trip idea from Venice is a tour along the Prosecco wine route. The Prosecco Hills (Colline del Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene) are a UNESCO World Heritage site. They are located about 1 hour from Venice by car or 2 hours by train (you will have to change in Padua).
The area is filled with vineyards and wineries offering tastings. The most well-known towns in the area are Conegliano, Valdobbiadene, Asolo, Vittorio Veneto, and Montebelluna.
Gardaland Park
If you are in Venice with kids, you can also take a trip to Gardaland Park. It is easier if you have a car at your disposal, but there is also the option of going by train (see also the article How to Get from Venice to Gardaland).
