Venice is a beautiful romantic destination situated in Italy. Considering the crowd that visits Venice due to its romantic significance, Venice tourist attractions do get overcrowded especially during the peak season. People at times have considered getting away from Venice just to change the pace and landscape for a day or two.
There are several day trips from Venice options available be it via a train or a tour to check out the scenic beauty of the Southern Alps, popularly known as the Dolomite. Apart from the above, one can also travel to the nearby smaller towns which would give them a sneak peek into the great culture and heritage and know more about Italy. Ask your local tour operator for Venice tours which include sightseeing tours Venice. We have handpicked some of the hidden gems which you can probably discover and explore and make your Venice holidays a truly memorable one.
Is It Worth To Visit Places Near Venice?
Venice is a good base for many day trips. You can either wander about the islands in the lagoon or travel by train from one of two Venice stations(Santa Lucia and Mestre). The stations are served by various connecting major towns and cities in Veneto and other regions. I would advise doing that, hop on a direct train, and in under an hour (or even less than 90 minutes) you will end up somewhere new.
From the city of Water, there are many places that you can visit. Whatever kind of travel attracts you: medieval towns, art and architecture, spa wellness, or rather natural sights and food and wine, from Venice, you have direct access to all sorts of destinations; however, this post continues with what each place has.
In your journey, you should also visit other islands and towns near Venice to know more about the culture of Veneto and Italian history in general as well there are several things which can be done. In all the provinces and towns there are unique land products that might be nice to taste or artisanal items, which can become good souvenirs.
Best Day Trips From Venice:
1.Lagoon Islands
Dotted with several islands like Murano, Burano, and Torcello, the Lagoon Islands is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. The Murano Island is the closest to Venice – 10 minutes away through the Vaporettos link. It is popular for its glassmaking as you can check out the artisans at work live along with other historic churches. The Burano Island is popular for its colorful houses and its lace making. Located 35 minutes away from Murano, it is also known as the island of fisher folk. Torcello is the most popular island among the three situated 5 minutes away from Burano via Vaporettos link. A green island which is an inhabited natural reserve is known for its calm atmosphere and historic Byzantine churches like the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.
Things to do: Museo del Vetro (Glass Museum) is famous for the different types of glass and the technique used in making them It is a must-visit. This island has a past related to glass making since 4000 years ago.
A place to eat: Impronta serves the best seafood dishes like salmon with pureed cod and sea bass. Locanda Cipriani is a very famous eatery in Murano and many famous personalities like Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, etc have all been here. Carpaccio, homemade pasta, and some delicious seafood are all available here.
Insider tip: Be careful when a seller gives very low pricing for the glass items. His claims of being made by Murano artisans may not be true. Also, do not bargain.
Distance from Venice to Murano: three and a half kilometers
Duration: 20 minutes by ferry
Distance from Venice to Burano: 9.3 km
Duration: between 40 and 45 minutes
2.Padua
One of the popular destinations for a day trip from Venice even though it is one of the oldest cities in Northern Italy. Located 25 minutes from Venice by train, Padua has a giant 12th-century city hall building and a beautiful church where St. Anthony was buried. One of the star attractions of this place is the Scrovegni Chapel which features an important series of frescoes painted by the popular artist, Giotto during this later years. These frescoes that were created in the 14th century are referred to the masterpieces category in Europe. Some of the other impressive works placed in Basilica de Sant’ Antonio, the place where the apostle St. Mark was buried include an equestrian sculpture painted.
Things to do: Palazzo della Ragione is the talk of the town. It was built in 1218. Later in 1306, it was renovated. The top floor of the hall named Salone is the world’s largest hall of the medieval era. You will see mural paintings related to the stars on its walls.
A place to eat: Dalla Zita is an eatery present in Via Gorizia where you get to taste delicious panini bread. There are other tasty items on the menu that you can enjoy at Piazza del Frutti.
Insider tip: Pre-book the tickets for Scrovgeni Chapel.
3.Treviso
The ancient city of Treviso is 30 minutes away from Venice via train. It is home to a 14th century Venetian Republic wall and several ancient churches and palaces which were built during the Venetian rule in between the 14th & 17th century. Deprived of a canal system like the one in Venice, Treviso is at the meeting point of two rivers and most of the city is on water. This was the birthplace of the Tiramisu and also one of the centers where prosecco was produced. Many famous celebrities visit this place often, so you can be at times lucky to catch your favorite stars.
Things to do in Treviso: Visit Palazzo dei Trecento, Villa di Maser to learn about the architecture and other things of the 15th century
A place to eat: Giardio Bistrot Treviso serves the best Italian dishes.
Insider tip: Recently listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites is Prosecco land north of Treviso
Distance from Venice to Treviso: about 29 kilometers
Duration: 30 minutes
Suggested Read: Italy Holidays – Things to Know Before You Travel
4.Verona
If you are a die-hard Shakespeare fan, then a visit to the city of Verona is a must. You can reach Verona easily by train or car in 1.5 hours. The Taming of the Shrew and the Two Gentlemen of Verona are set here. The Verona Opera Festival is hosted in this city every summer. One of the star attractions of this place includes the ornate Romanesque San Zeno Maggiore Church. Another popular attraction includes the Ponte Scaligero Bridge, which was built in the first century and renovated after the World War II where it was destroyed. The most popular structure is the Arena, a gigantic Roman amphitheater which has a crumbling exterior, but it is still functional today. This is the 3rd largest amphitheater in the world which has survived antiquity. You can also indulge in a wine tour in the Valpolicella region situated towards the north.
Things to do: Giardini Giusti, which is a very pretty garden of the Renaissance era. Major garden attractions are mazes, gargoyles, fountains, and grottoes. Not to forget a very different perspective of Verona. It was established in the year 1580.
Restaurants to eat: The famous Ristorante La Fontainina has a lot to offer whether you want a brunch on a summer day or a cozy beautifully-lighted dinner. The interior consists of dreamy decor of paintings, mirrors, and fine fabric. Also, there is a good stock of wine available here.
Insider tip: To get the most out of your experience, you can go to Piazza del Erbe. There you will find stalls selling exquisite items and buildings with architectural designs from the Renaissance era.
Distance from Venice to Verona: 105 kilometers
Duration: 1 hour 12 minutes
5.Vicenza
Located close to 37 miles from Venice, Vicenza oozes the fusion of a historic and a cosmopolitan city. Built in the 16th century, the Teatro Olimpico is one of the most popular architectural marvels built by Andrea Palladio is a popular attraction in Vicenza. Apart from this, visitors and guests can stroll through the art galleries, public squares, and museums such as the one in Piazza dei Signore which was also designed by Palladio. On the outskirts is the Villa Rotonda, which is considered to the star attraction of Vicenza. The Villa Rotonda was also designed by Palladio in the year 1591 and features all the revolutionary and innovative ideas of the genius under one building. The exterior is as stunning as the interiors. The interiors are frescoed with tromp l’oeil scenes which were part of Villa’s daily routine life.
Things to do: Go for a nice walk in the Parco Querini or go shopping at Corso Palladio.
A place to eat: ‘Baccalà alla Vicentina’, made of stockfish, onions, anchovies, milk, and a mature cheese such as Parmesan is a must-eat dish. It is available at Al Pestello.
Insider tip: Outside the city center, there is a place called Santuario di Monte Berico which you can reach by taking a bus. Here, it is said that Madonna appeared.
6.Ravenna
A two-hour train trip from Venice brings you to Ravenna. Popular for its old churches that were built some 1500 years back. These churches are home to probably the best Byzantine mosaics in Europe. The Basilica di San Vitale is witnessed by many people due to its fabulous mosaics like the scene with the Apostles. One of the UNESCO World Heritage sites that are located in Ravenna. Another place popular for its marvelous mosaics is the Mausoleum de Gallia Placidia. Apart from this, you can check out the colorful indoor market, Marcato Coperto to purchase snacks and other items.
Things to do: There are a total of 8 UNESCO sites. But, some must-visit places are Basilica di San Vitale, Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare in Classe, and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. There are beautiful mosaic designs that give these buildings a beautiful touch.
A place to eat: The Antica Trattoria al Gallo is about 100 years old. It was established in 1909. The famous chef Della Clapiz is the head there. He cooks delicious meat, wild asparagus, and truffles.
Insider tip: The best place to witness the mosaic tile work is Basilica di San Vitale.
7. Lido
Venice is not only full of piazzas and churches soaked in history. The Lido is all about the sea, bikes, and Art Deco villas. By the nineteenth and early twentieth century, this eleven-kilometre-long sandbar in the lagoon was a cosmopolitan summer attraction. This is where moneyed and cultured Europeans came in droves, some of whom left whimsical holiday dwellings behind. The Lido had been a bit overlooked in the second half of 20 20th century, but it now made its serious comeback; offering much more sustainable tourism than Cento Storico on the other side. If you are tired of all the selfie sticks and souvenirs, come here for slow food walks along the promenade with big replenishing views over the lagoon.
Things to do: Alberoni is a hidden gem forest with pines. You must visit it to get close to nature and enjoy the southern tip of the island.
A place to eat: It is a place where you can interact with local people from Venice.Da Cri Cri e Tendina at 159 Via Gallo Sandro is the name. Here you will get to eat simple but wholesome fish dishes and play cards with the locals.
Insider tip: Coming to Lido and not visiting the beach is a mistake.
Distance from Lido: 3 kilometers
Duration: 16 minutes
8. Florence
However, Florence’s numerous attractions – it is one of Italy’s most lively cities – suggest that a day trip might not be enough, especially for art lovers. But those persons who want to have a beautiful Venice day trip are still able to plan an almost perfect day trip to Fano city called Cradle of the Renaissance on the coast Adriatic Sea in the south part of Italy. It is quite an enchanting venture to explore the historic town center where some of the finest architectural wonders reside among beautiful squares and churches, mouthwatering restaurants, etc. In April you must go to the Bardini Gardens and see wisteria in flower.
Things to do: Uffizi Gallery, Academia Gallery, Florence Duomo complex
A place to eat: Trattoria Cantinetta Allegri serves the best Italian dishes.
Insider tip: Get to see the most beautiful sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
Distance from Venice to Florence: 204 kilometers
Duration: 2 hours 14 minutes
9. Ferrara
In addition to being in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, Ferrara is undoubtedly one of the top day trips from Venice, since it boasts great architecture Beauty within an impressive history, and a robust cultural culture. From the castle’s roof, tourists can climb to the towers that allow them to enjoy an unrestricted view of all of the colorful rooftops which house a variety of shades stored. Ferrara’s old city center representing a UNESCO World Heritage Site should not be missed. Some of the most interesting and attractive places to visit within Castello Estense is one of the best things that a tourist can do in Modena city, it centers on an astonishing castle whose interior walls are painted with special frescoes.
Things to do: Visit Castello Estense whose interior walls are painted with special frescoes.
A place to eat: Hostaria Savonarala serves the best Italian dishes.
Insider tip: It is best to explore the city on a cycle to get the most out of the experience.
Distance from Venice to Ferrara: 113 kilometers
Duration: about an hour
10. Bologna
Fascinating medieval history is the right description of Bologna’s historiography, alongside mentioning that it was one of the earliest world universities. Although it is not as renowned as Rome it can be one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Italy which has unforgettable trip trips. As a perfect kind of day trip from Venice, it also attracts travelers who are willing to recharge their batteries after the magical canals and explore the different atmosphere in a not-very well-known nook. It has a lot of beautiful art galleries, bustling markets, and museums.
Things to do: bearing witness to Piazza Maggiore, Basilica di Santo Stefano, and Two Towers – Asinelli and Garisenda towers.
A place to eat: Ristorante Da Cesari, where the best lasagna and tortellini are available.
Insider tip: Be extra careful in busy tourist areas as there are slight chances of pickpocketing.
Distance from Venice to Bologna: 154 kilometers
Duration: 1 hour 42 minutes
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