Venice is one of Italy’s top cities and there’s lots to see and do. But the Veneto region offers several interesting cities that can easily be visited by train from Venice’s Santa Lucia station, giving you a chance to see more of northern Italy.
Padua Day Trip from Venice
Padua, or Padova, is a beautiful city known for the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua, Europe’s oldest botanical garden, Giotto’s fresco cycle inside the Scrovegni Chapel, its 13th century university and medical school, and Prato della Valle, said to be the biggest piazza in Italy. Between Piazza dei Frutti and Piazza delle Erbe is a big covered market bordering both squares below the elegant Palazzo della Ragione, as well as cafes and restaurants. Shopping streets run near the two squares also. Padua is less than half an hour by train.
Vicenza
Vicenza is known as the city of Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio who designed 23 of the city’s buildings including the Basilica Palladiana, considered to be his masterpiece. Go up to the terrace for great views of the city and countryside beyond. Visit the Palladio Museum for a good introduction to his work. Vicenza has a small historic center, partially enclosed by medieval walls, that’s easy to walk through. Vicenza is about 45 minutes by train from Venice.
Verona
Verona, known as the city of Romeo and Juliet, has a great medieval center that’s full of medieval monuments and squares to explore. Climb to the top of Torre di Lamberti for great views of the city. Verona has a castle with a museum inside, several shopping streets, and good Roman ruins, including its Roman Arena where opera and other concerts are held. Piazza delle Erbe, once the city’s Roman forum, is a beautiful square and a great place to enjoy a coffee or drink at an outside table. Verona is 1 – 1.5 hours by train, then take a bus or taxi from the station to the city center.
Bassano del Grappa
Bassano del Grappa, north of Padova on the Brenta River near Monte Grappa, is known for its Grappa distilleries and its covered wooden bridge, Ponte degli Alpini, designed by Palladio in 1569. Wander through the medieval center, visit the Sturm Palace Ceramics Museum, taste Grappa at one of the distilleries, and stroll along Viale dei Martiri, a tree-lined street on the edge of town with good views of Monte Grappa. Then relax in a bar by the river or in one of the large squares in the center, Piazza Libertà , Montevecchio, or Garibaldi, where you’ll also find many shops. It’s about 1 hour, 15 minutes by train.
Treviso
Treviso is a pretty city with canals, about half an hour north of Venice. Its medieval center, a short walk from the train station, is enclosed within walls and some of the original gates and a moat can still be seen. Treviso is in the Prosecco producing region so be sure to try a glass of the sparkling wine while you’re there. It’s also one of the towns claiming to be the birthplace of the dessert tiramisu.
Venice Things to Do
- Take a Venice Guided Walking Tour with Walks of Italy
- Visit the Islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello
- Try on of these Unique Activities in Venice
- See our Venice Neighborhoods Map and Guide
More Italy Day Trips
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