12 Amazing Day Trips from Venice

Venice is truly one of the world’s most remarkable cities – a floating masterpiece, an open-air museum, and a destination everyone dreams of visiting at least once.

However, its popularity also leads to significant crowds...and then some. This delicate city exemplifies overtourism, and experiencing it in such a rush only adds to the issue. Our suggestion? Stay a while longer. Spending a week can give you a taste of the authentic Venice, away from the throngs, along with a chance to embark on a few day trips beyond the canals.

Italy boasts an excellent railway system, and in this region, you can catch frequent high-speed trains that will transport you to another realm in under thirty minutes. Whether you're seeking nearby attractions or an adventure in another region or the mountains, here are some top destinations to explore.

1. Discover transformative art in Padova

Travel Duration: 26 minutes by train

If it weren’t so close to Venice, Padova (or Padua) would be among the most celebrated cities in northern Italy. Unfortunately, few tourists venture to this city that transformed art history – yet it’s one of the most accessible day trips from Venice by train. In the Cappella degli Scrovegni – the chapel built by the Scrovegni banking family, located just a 10-minute walk from the train station in a quaint park – Giotto dedicated two years from 1303 to 1305 to fresco its interior. His groundbreaking work broke away from medieval artistic norms, introducing perspective and giving his figures a more lifelike quality, moving away from rigid and sculptural forms. If you recognize his Nativity and Flight to Egypt scenes, it’s likely because they often feature on Christmas cards worldwide.

Other notable attractions include the magnificent Basilica di Santa'Antonio – where the remains of St. Anthony of Padua are housed – and Prato della Valle, an expansive square (reportedly the largest in Europe) where grand statues of local figures stand watch over a moated island. Join the locals at nearby Pizzeria Orsucci, which has been thriving since 1922, and enjoy a pizza in the square. Don’t forget to visit Piazza delle Erbe, where a bustling food market continues to thrive, both indoors and outdoors. If you're hunting for souvenirs, La Bottega del Pane offers a treasure trove of outstanding local delicacies.

Getting to Padova from Venice: The simplest way is by train. High-speed trains can reach Padova in as little as 26 minutes, while slower (and more affordable) regional trains may take about double that time.

2. Experience the Romance of Romeo and Juliet in Verona

Travel Duration: 72 minutes by train

In charming Verona, where our story unfolds, little has changed since the 16th century, the era when Shakespeare set Romeo and Juliet. The Piazza delle Erbe still bustles with a vibrant market beneath its beautifully frescoed buildings; the Adige River continues to gracefully curve around the elegant center; and the meticulously manicured Giardino Giusti has seen nothing more drastic than a trim in the last 500 years. While Juliet may not have been a historical figure, her essence endures in Verona, where 'Juliet’s House' – complete with its iconic balcony – attracts visitors, and a bronze statue is rumored to bring love to those who touch its breast (nobody can say Italy lacks charm).

Though Verona is famous as a romantic destination, its true highlight is the ancient Roman amphitheater, the Verona Arena, built from rosy-pink stone sourced from a local quarry. Once the site of gladiatorial contests, it now hosts a prestigious annual opera festival, one of Italy’s must-see summer events.

Getting to Verona from Venice: The train is the quickest and most convenient option. You can take fast trains (the Milan-Venice route stops at Verona) or slower, more economical regional trains. The travel time varies between 72 minutes and nearly two and a half hours.

3. Marvel at the Grand Renaissance Architecture in Vicenza

Travel Duration: 44 minutes by train

While Padova may be overshadowed by Venice, Vicenza often plays second fiddle to its nearby neighbor, Verona. This was not the case 500 years ago, when local elites constructed impressive palazzos, each more magnificent than the last, along the ancient Roman decumanus (the main thoroughfare), now known as Corso Palladio, named after the renowned Renaissance architect and adopted vicentino, Andrea Palladio.

Today, you can stroll down this historic street just as they did centuries ago – the only difference is that it’s now a pedestrian-only area, regarded as the “most elegant street in Europe” by 19th-century historian Cesare Cantù. The highlight of Vicenza is undoubtedly the Teatro Olimpico – an awe-inspiring theater designed by Palladio, with its interior made entirely of wood, stucco, and plaster to enhance acoustics. Its trompe l’oeil stage set holds the title of the oldest in the world. If you have a vehicle, consider driving through the surrounding countryside, dotted with magnificent villas designed by Palladio, with La Rotonda being one of the finest examples.

Getting to Vicenza from Venice: Fast trains from Venice make the journey quick (from 44 minutes) and convenient, or you can drive in about 50 minutes.

4. Enjoy the Beauty of Lake Garda

Travel Duration: 93 minutes by train

Absolutely, you can take a day trip from Venice to Lake Garda – in fact, Italy’s largest lake is an ideal destination accessible via public transport. Take the train to Desenzano, and from there, the (water) world is yours to explore. Ferries traverse the lake, with must-visit stops including Lazise, a charming village by the crystal-clear waters; Gargnano, home to Limonaia La Malora, one of the last remaining lemon groves that once made Garda famous; and Limone sul Garda, where a scenic footpath hangs over the water at the town's edge.

At Sirmione, a peninsula extending into the lake from the southern shore, you'll find the ruins of a Roman villa, the Grotte di Catullo. Meanwhile, perched on a hill above Gardone Riviera is the Vittoriale, the former residence of the beloved Italian writer Gabriele D’Annunzio. The views from the sprawling grounds (which even feature a warship embedded in the hillside) are breathtaking. It's a fantastic family outing, but you might want to consider extending your stay for an overnight or two – it pairs perfectly with a visit to Venice.

Getting to Lake Garda from Venice: To travel entirely via public transport, take the train to Desenzano, where ferries set off to various towns and villages around the lake. Alternatively, you can drive from Venice, rent a car in Desenzano, or if you prefer to stay on the eastern side of the lake, head to Verona.

5. Experience a Tourist-Free Venice in Chioggia

Travel Duration: 75 minutes by ferry and bus

Located at the southern tip of the Venice lagoon, Chioggia appears close to Venice on a map, but reaching it by road can be a winding journey. This is why summer is the ideal time to visit, as one of Europe’s most scenic public transport routes operates: Bus 11 runs along Lido island, transfers to a ferry to Pellestrina, continues down this slender island that separates the lagoon from the Adriatic, and finally takes you across the water to Chioggia.

Often referred to as a mini Venice, Chioggia certainly shares similarities with La Serenissima – it’s a cluster of islands linked by bridges. However, while Venice carries an air of elegant decay, Chioggia thrives as a vibrant, working town. Instead of tourist gondolas, you'll find fishing boats lining the canals, and cars navigating the streets. Be sure to visit the church of San Domenico, where a painting of St. Paul by Renaissance artist Carpaccio is displayed alongside votive paintings by fishermen. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric and budget-friendly day trip from Venice.

Getting to Chioggia from Venice: Take a vaporetto to Lido, where the number 11 bus route takes you east, transfers to a ferry to Pellestrina, continues to the end of the island, and finally drops you off at the ferry for Chioggia. Note that this route is only available during summer. Otherwise, it’s about an hour’s drive south of Venice, albeit on frustratingly slow roads.

6. Immerse Yourself in the Cross-Cultural History of Trieste

Travel Duration: One hour and 50 minutes by car

Reaching Trieste takes some time—just over two hours by train or a quicker (yet more stressful) drive—but it's definitely worth the effort. Treat yourself after an early start with a capo in b—a mini cappuccino served in an espresso glass. Once part of the Austro-Hungarian empire, the coffee culture here leans more towards Vienna than Venice. Instead of quickly drinking an espresso at the bar, locals prefer to relax with a newspaper. The ideal spot for this is Caffe degli Specchi, located on Piazza Unità d’Italia, one of Italy's most stunning squares, surrounded by elegant Habsburg-era architecture and overlooking the sparkling Gulf of Trieste.

Stroll through the historic center, where you'll find Roman ruins and the 15^th-century Castello di San Giusto, offering breathtaking views of the water. From there, head northwest to Miramare, a fairytale-like castle made of pristine white stone, perched over the sea. On your way back, don’t miss the chance to take a dip; the promenade doubles as a sun terrace where locals lay out towels, sunbathe, and cool off in the tranquil waters of the Gulf.

Traveling to Trieste from Venice: The fastest route is by car, taking about 1 hour and 50 minutes, though the busy autostrada has tolls. Alternatively, opt for the slower but more scenic train ride that winds around the lagoons at the northern tip of the Adriatic Sea.

7. Step into the enchanting past of Ferrara

Travel time: Approximately one hour by train

Shrouded in mist and brimming with intrigue, Ferrara serves as a portal to the Renaissance. The imposing Castello Estense, a formidable brick fortress of the Este family, stands at the city's heart. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride in the moat that once separated the ruling family from the populace, and explore the castle that was a cultural hub of Italy over 500 years ago. Want to savor their culinary legacy? Ferrara's traditional dishes are inspired by the Este family's Renaissance cookbook—sample pasticcio, a delightful sweet-pastry pie filled with macaroni, meat ragù, and béchamel, or salama da sugo, a spicy sausage served with mash, reputedly Lucrezia Borgia’s favorite. Both dishes offer a fascinating glimpse into the region's historical gastronomy.

Ferrara’s Palazzo dei Diamanti, a stunning exhibition venue housed in a 15^th-century palace adorned with diamond-shaped stones, reopened in 2023 after two years of restoration following damage from the 2012 earthquake. Check its website for current exhibitions—these are typically top-notch and well worth your visit.

Before the Second World War, Ferrara was home to a vibrant Jewish community, serving as the backdrop for Giorgio Bassani's The Garden of the Finzi-Continis. You can still explore the narrow streets of the former Jewish quarter and learn about this community's rich history, both locally and across Italy, at the outstanding MEIS, the National Museum of Italian Judaism and the Shoah.

Getting to Ferrara from Venice: The simplest way is by train. High-speed services take just over an hour, while regional trains take about 90 minutes. Alternatively, a drive along the autostrada takes around 75 minutes, though it incurs tolls and city center parking can be pricey.

8. Savor some of Italy’s finest cuisine in Bologna

Travel time: 93 minutes by train

Where can you travel from Venice by train? Much farther than you might think. With high-speed rail, a trip to Italy’s culinary capital is quite feasible. Step off the Frecciarossa (“red arrow” train) into La Rossa (“the red”—one of Bologna’s nicknames, along with “the learned” and “the fat”) for a day of delightful indulgence.

Stroll through the streets of the Quadrilatero, known for its food stalls since medieval times, take a pasta-making class (we recommend Salumeria Bruno e Franco), and wrap up with an aperitivo at Piazza Maggiore, Bologna’s central square, where a striking statue-fountain of Neptune graces one side and the impressive Basilica di San Petronio dominates the other. Any local restaurant will serve you well—don’t miss tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini in brodo, and cotoletta alla petroniana or alla bolognese, a succulent veal cutlet layered with prosciutto and cheese, then baked to perfection.

Getting to Bologna from Venice: The most convenient route is by train—high-speed Frecciarossa trains can get you there in just over an hour and a half. Driving takes about the same time, but remember to account for autostrada tolls, and the journey can be rather dull.

9. Ascend into the Dolomites at Cortina d’Ampezzo

Travel time: Two hours by car

In under two hours of driving from Venice, you can find yourself in the stunning Dolomites. Head north, and in about an hour, you'll be navigating mountain passes toward Pieve di Cadore, the birthplace of Renaissance artist Titian. His childhood home is now a museum, and you can admire artworks by his family in the local church. From there, take a western route along the mountainsides to reach Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Cortina is one of Italy’s most exclusive ski destinations, but it offers a wealth of activities year-round, from hiking to fine dining (don’t miss the Michelin-starred SanBrite, which emphasizes locally sourced ingredients). This area is home to the Ladin community, an ancient mountain population with its own language and customs. Explore the Ethnographic Museum, located in a historic sawmill, to learn more about the Ladins and the Regole, a collective of long-established families who “govern” the town.

Traveling from Venice to Cortina d’Ampezzo: Driving is the best option for this journey. The two-hour drive (or just 80 minutes from Venice Marco Polo Airport) becomes a lengthy trip of at least five and a half hours by public transport, requiring a minimum of two changes.

10. Indulge in volcanic mud therapy in the Euganean Hills

Travel time: 45 minutes by car or train

The region surrounding Venice, known as Veneto, is largely flat, with the exception of the rising peaks of the Dolomites. Among these exceptions are the cone-shaped volcanic hills, precisely 81 of them, that elevate from the plains just south of Padova.

Naturally, the volcanic nature of these hills suggests the presence of Italy’s renowned thermal spas nearby. The quaint towns of Montegrotto and Abano are home to a variety of springs and spas that have been in operation since Roman times. Together with nearby towns like Galzignano, Battaglia, and Teolo, they constitute the oldest and largest thermal spa complex in Europe, boasting 240 thermal pools. One standout is the Abano Ritz Hotel Terme, a family- and women-owned establishment for three generations. The thermal mud used in their balneotherapy treatments is sourced directly from the hotel's vicinity, and the pools in their expansive 6,000-square-meter waterpark maintain a constant temperature of 33 degrees Celsius (91.4°F), thanks to thermal waters that have traveled 25 years and 100 kilometers (62 miles) underground before surfacing here.

But don’t spend all your time indulging in the mud—this area is designated as the Euganean Hills Regional Park, offering trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, along with stunning vistas if you prefer to explore by car. Be sure to visit one of the magnificent Renaissance country villas, such as Villa Barbarigo, often referred to as the hills’ version of Versailles, located near Galzignano. And you can’t visit Italy without checking out some Roman ruins; remnants of 2000-year-old spas can be found in Montegrotto and Abano.

How to reach the Euganean Hills from Venice: Trains take between 37 minutes and one hour to arrive at the Terme Euganee-Abano-Montegrotto station, which serves the spa towns. However, if you wish to explore the park, a car is necessary – it’s about a 45-minute drive from Venice.

11. Step back in time at Aquileia

Travel time: 80 minutes by car

Just across the border in Friuli Venezia Giulia, on the way to Trieste, lies this intriguing historical site, a true time capsule where the history of the northern Adriatic unfolds like layers of lasagna. Now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this city was once one of the wealthiest in the early Roman Empire before being ravaged by the Huns in the fifth century CE. Although much of that era remains buried beneath fields, the remnants of the Roman river port offer a captivating glimpse into its past.

Your primary reason for visiting is to see the later historical significance – the basilica, which dates back to the fourth century and was rebuilt during the medieval period after an earthquake. Remarkably, the original mosaic floor was preserved and now serves as a stunning, colorful tapestry of early Christian art, featuring vividly illustrated Bible stories like the Good Shepherd and Jonah and the whale, alongside depictions of affluent Romans and local wildlife.

How to reach Aquileia from Venice: The simplest way is by car; it takes about an hour and 20 minutes from Venice, roughly two-thirds of the way to Trieste. If you prefer public transport, you'll need to take a train to Cervignano-Aquileia-Grado and then transfer to a bus, with the entire journey lasting just over two hours.

12. Explore Venice’s inland realm at Treviso

Travel time: 31 minutes by train

Nowadays, Treviso is primarily recognized for its airport, bustling with budget airlines, yet the town itself exudes charm and elegance. This petite and picturesque locale remains a refuge for locals rather than tourists, and a stroll through its serene centro storico feels like a refreshing breath after the hustle of Venice. Once part of the Stato da Tera, Venice’s historical inland empire, it bears a striking resemblance to La Serenissima—boasting porticoes, art-laden churches, and refined palazzos—albeit without the prominent canals (though the beautiful Canale dei Buranelli runs gracefully through the heart of the town).

Make sure to see the Fontana delle Tette, a distinctive fountain shaped like a naked woman that traditionally spouted wine from her breasts—white from one side and red from the other—whenever a new mayor took office. The original fountain is now located in the Palazzo dei Trecento, a striking 13th-century building that dominates Piazza dei Signori, but a replica can be found just off Calmaggiore, the town’s main street that dates back to Roman times. Don’t miss the church of San Nicolò, a stunning example of Gothic architecture that’s quite rare in Venice.

Traveling to Treviso from Venice: Trains depart approximately every half hour and take around 30-40 minutes to reach Treviso Centrale. Alternatively, you can opt for a straightforward, albeit less scenic, 40-minute drive from Piazzale Roma.