The Best Day Trips From Venice

Padua is one of the best destinations near Venice and is only a short train ride away. The city is famous for its cultural heritage and rich history. One of the top attractions in Padua is the Scrovegni Chapel—featuring incredible frescoes from the 14th century and considered a masterpiece of Italian art. 

In addition, another excellent attraction in Padua is the Basilica of Saint Anthony; it holds the remains of Saint Anthony, making it a popular pilgrimage for many people. Ensure you check out the charming historic center filled with gorgeous buildings and narrow streets. It’s a delightful place to walk around, eat good food, and take in the sights. 

Travel time from Venice: 28 minutes via train and 43 minutes via car. 

Verona—often referred to as the city of Romeo and Juliet—is one of the top cities in Italy and only a short drive away from Venice. One of the most popular sights in Verona is the Roman amphitheater, the impressive, well-preserved structure in the heart of the city used for concerts and other events.

Verona is also famous for its stunning churches, such as the San Zeno Maggiore, which dates back to the 12th century. Likewise, Verona has many idyllic squares, such as Piazza delle Erbe, surrounded by Medieval buildings that are perfect for photography. 

Travel time from Venice: Around 90 minutes by train or car. 

The Island of Murano—notorious for its glass-blowing tradition that dates back to the 13th century—is one of the best day trips for Venice. You can watch various skilled artisans create art and walk around the many incredible shops selling glass pieces. 

If you’re looking for a unique gift for friends and family or want to admire the ancient craft in the city, Murano is a must-visit. The Glass Museum is also a fantastic attraction on the island; it provides a sensational insight into the island’s glassmaking history with countless tools, antique pieces of glass, and historical documentation.

Travel time from Venice: 18 minutes via ferry. 

Vicenza is a fantastic destination from Venice because of its Palladian architecture. The top attraction is the famous Teatro Olimpico—one of the world’s oldest theaters. You can take a tour of the city’s main buildings, such as the Palazzo Thiene, Palazzo Chiericati, and the Palazzo Barbaran da Porto. These are all masterpieces of the Palladian style of architecture. 

In addition, Vicenza is home to many art galleries and museums—such as the Museo Civico, home to a vast collection of Renaissance artifacts. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a massive architecture fan or merely appreciate beautiful buildings—the city offers something for you.

Travel time from Venice: around 1 hour by car and 45 minutes by train. 

Treviso is a medieval gem in Northern Italy. The city has a mixture of beautiful buildings and medieval walls, making it a stunning place to walk around. Popular attractions in Treviso include the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore and Palazzo dei Trecento. 

Likewise, the city is excellent for cuisine, and it’s the perfect place to try some of the region’s finest dishes at its trattorias. Other popular things to do include walking along the canals, having a cappuccino at Camelia Bakery, and wandering around the city’s civic museums. 

Travel time from Venice: around 45 minutes via car and 30 minutes via train. 

If you fancy visiting a different nation, why not take a short drive to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia? The city is quaint, historic, and beautiful; it’s also an important European commercial hub, and the transport, science, and education center of Slovenia. People love the city for its stunning greenery, which spans around the city and provides many incredible places to relax. 

The Ljubljana Castle—dating back to the 11th century—stands on Castle Hill, offering incredible 360-degree views. Another popular attraction in the city is Dragon Bridge, a stunning bridge through the middle of Ljubljana. 

Travel time from Venice: around 2 hours and 45 minutes via car or bus. 

Trieste is a maritime gateway for northern Italy, Germany, Austria, and Central Europe. Historically, the city was famed for being on the Maritime Silk Road due to its connections with Turkey and the Suez Canal. Trieste is also famous for delicious food—including Prosciutto di San Daniele, Montasio cheese, and Sauris smoked ham. 

In addition, some of the best attractions in Trieste include Piazza Unità d'Italia, Palazzo del Governo, and Trieste Town Hall. The city is also superb if you enjoy coffee; locals consume an estimated 10 kg of coffee yearly, so many places serve world-class coffee. 

Travel time from Venice: around 2 hours by car, train, and bus. 

The Dolomites are a hiker's paradise and only a short drive from Venice. The mountain range offers stunning views (arguably some of the best in Europe). It also provides many challenging treks for all fitness levels. 

The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage site; they include 18 peaks that rise 3,000 meters above sea level and cover 141,903 ha. The most popular hike in The Dolomites is the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop, comprising the three soaring spires of Tre Cime. 

Travel time from Venice: around 2 hours and 45 minutes via car.

Although there are many incredible things to do in Venice, the city also offers excellent domestic and international day trips. Whether you like art, food, hiking, or history—Venice is only a short journey away from some fascinating places, full of things you’ll love. 

Give yourself plenty of time in Venice to add a brilliant day trip to your already fabulous travel plans.