Last updated on November 15th, 2024.
I could write about the best things to do in Vicenza in 1 day with my eyes closed.
My home city in northern Italy, I’ll be sharing Vicenza’s best attractions plus the places us locals like to frequent.
You can use this Vicenza travel guide to create your own 1- or 2-day Vicenza itinerary. The center is small enough that you can comfortably see everything in one day. However, feel free to customize this as you wish.
A unique Italian city to add to your Italy bucket list, use this post to help plan your Italy trip.
Where is Vicenza?
Vicenza is a province and city situated in the region of Veneto in northeastern Italy.
It sits between Verona and Venice, both cities which are easily accessible by car and by train. Because of its prime location, Vicenza makes an ideal day trip from Venice and Verona.
The city’s main train station is Vicenza, and the city center is approximately 10 minutes on foot.
Lake Garda is about 1hr by car (depending on which part), while the Dolomites is around 3 hours away.
One of the lesser-visited cities in Veneto, visiting Vicenza takes you away from the crowds and to a hidden gem.
What is Vicenza most known for?
Vicenza is most famous for being home to several Palladian-style buildings designed by Andrea Palladio, a 16th century architect.
Padova-born Palladio was an influential architect of the Renaissance. He was renowned for his contributions to the field of architecture and for shaping the classical architectural style.
His work has inspired many styles across Italy and abroad, one such building being the White House in Washington DC.
Palladio’s legacy and strong connection to Vicenza is something that is still apparent to this day. I detail this more in the top Palladian sights to see in Vicenza.
Because of Palladio’s influence, his name is one that’ll appear often in the best things to do in Vicenza in 1 day.
How to get to Vicenza Italy?
The closest international airports in Italy to reach Vicenza are Verona Airport or Venezia Marco Polo. Verona Airport is closer at approximately 40mins while Venice Airport is about 55mins (not including traffic).
12 best things to do in Vicenza in 1 day
Explore Vicenza’s historic center (centro storico)
There’s a distinct change in architectural style as you walk from the main road into Vicenza’s historic center.
The road leading from Vicenza train station is called Via Roma.
With Campo Marzio (a park) lining both sides, it’s noticeably more modern in feel. This changes once you reach the first roundabout and make a right into Corso Andrea Palladio.
A historic terrace with two arches and a tower marks the architectural shift. Today, these buildings house private companies and homes so admiring from afar is the only option.
Walk the cobbledstone streets — best things to do in Vicenza in 1 day
Like many historic centers across Italy, Vicenza’s center is paved with cobbled stones. It’s a characteristic you find across the center and one that only adds to Vicenza’s historic charm.
Should you have time on your Vicenza itinerary, pencil in a spot of shopping. Corso Andrea Palladio is lined with dozens of shops ranging from department stores to independent boutiques.
Discover Piazza dei Signori
The usual starting point of the best things to do in Vicenza in 1 day is Piazza dei Signori.
Vicenza’s largest public square, it’s home to several of the city’s most recognized landmarks.
The square’s name is popular across many cities across Veneto. Both Padova and Treviso’s largest square also share the same name.
Walk the entire length and breadth of Piazza dei Signori, admire the architecture and stop by one of the cafes.
Depending on the time you visit, you may also get to experience one of the many weekly events.
From Corso Andrea Palladio, there are 3 streets that lead to Piazza dei Signori. They are:
- Contrà Camillo Benso Cavour
- Contrà del Monte and
- Contra’ Manin Daniele
Visit the Basilica
Basilica Palladiana (Palladian Basilica) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Palladio’s most renowned works.
Once a former seat of government, today the building is used for exhibitions and cultural events.
Palladio was commissioned in 1546 to redesign the original gothic-style building. He added a loggia (a covered gallery or arcade) with a series of classical columns along the exterior. This addition gave the basilica its distinctive renaissance appearance.
Tickets to enter Basilica Palladiana cost a very reasonable €5 ($5.48/£4.32)* for adults. Children up to the age of 17 enter for free. Check the website for the most recent information.
See Torre Bissara
Standing next to Basilica Palladiana is the prominent clock tower, Torre Bissara.
The tower, which dates to the medieval period, was retained and integrated into Palladio’s design. Architecturally, it adds vertical emphasis to the building’s silhouette.
Enjoy drinks and views from the terrace
One of the best things to do in Vicenza in 1 day is to enjoy the views from the basilica’s terrace. A small rooftop bar provides the refreshments while the city provides the views.
Opening times of the terrace are usually more consistent during the summer months. In winter, the terrace bar is open but typically only during the weekends. Check the website for the most up-to-date information.
See other sights in Piazza dei Signori
While in the piazza, don’t miss out on seeing these other Vicenza attractions. They’re not usually open to the public but their impressive façades more than make up for it.
Loggia del Capitaniato
An ancient 16th century palace with ornate balconies and stucco decorations with war scenes.
Palazzo del Monte di Pietà
A building that houses shops, cafes and the 15th century St. Vincent’s Church (Chiesa di San Vincenzo)
See Vicenza’s oldest patisserie shop
A place my husband and I regularly frequent, Antica Pasticceria Sorarù is the oldest patisserie shop in Vicenza.
Dating to the late 19th century, Sorarù (as we call it) serves freshly made brioche, cakes, pastries and sandwiches. Their coffee is excellent, the atmosphere is inviting, and the staff always greet you with a smile.
My personal recommendation is the chocolate (Nutella) or almond brioche. For a mid-morning snack, the bite-size panini with prosciutto silences any hunger pangs.
Stand inside by the bar or sit (with a view of Palladio’s statue) outside, Sorarù is a must in Vicenza.
Antica Pasticceria Sorarù, Piazzetta andrea palladio, 17
More patisserie to try
Along with Sorarù, here are some of my personal favorite patisserie places to gorge on brioche and coffee in Vicenza.
Pasticceria Venezia – a Vicenza dal 1964, Contra Pescaria, 4
Capo di Latte, Corso Antonio Fogazzaro, 56
Enter Teatro Olimpico
Teatro Olimpico was designed by Palladio and holds the title of being the world’s first enclosed theater.
Construction of Teatro Olimpico was commissioned in 1580, the same year that Palladio passed away. After his passing, it was his son Silla, and architect Vincenzo Scamozzi, that completed the project. Teatro Olimpico was finally completed in 1585.
Along with operating as a museum, Teatro Olimpico also hosts a variety of shows and musical performances.
Walk around the grounds
The grounds before entering Teatro Olimpico are just as fascinating as the interior.
Situated at the end of Corso Andrea Palladio is the impressive stone arch entrance with ‘Teatro Olimpico’ sign. Ivy covers part of the historic brickwork buildings, while stone statues line the way to the theater’s entrance.
Depicting classical and mythological figures, the statues convey the renaissance fascination with ancient Greek and Roman art and culture.
An unmissable Vicenza attraction, Teatro Olimpico is one of the best things to do in Vicenza in 1 day.
Teatro Olimpico is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm in winter and from 10am to 6pm in summer.* Tickets cost €11 ($12/£9.50) and are available from the theater box office.
Teatro Olimpico, Piazza Matteotti, 11
Map: best things to do in Vicenza in 1 day
Visit Palazzo Chiericati
Around the corner from Teatro Olimpico is another of Palladio’s buildings, the impressive Chiericati Palace (Palazzo Chiericati).
Palazzo Chiericati was commissioned by textile merchant Girolamo Chiericati and construction began in 1550.
Several Palladian-style features stand out. They include arches on the ground floor, Ionic columns on the main floor and Corinthian columns on the upper level.
Frescoes by Venetian painter Giovanni Battista Zelotti adorn the interior palace walls.
Today, Palazzo Chiericati is part of the Civic Museums of Vicenza. Inside is a collection of paintings, sculptures and decorative arts, spanning from the Middle Ages to the 18th century.
Tickets for Palazzo Chiericati cost €7 ($7.64/£6).*
Museo civico di Palazzo Chiericati, Piazza Matteotti, 37/39
Pass by the Duomo
Vicenza’s cathedral, (Duomo) is about 5 minutes on foot from the basilica.
Its official name is the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Annunciation (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Annunciata).
Construction of the cathedral began in the 11th century but has since undergone several renovations and expansions over time.
As a result, Vicenza’s cathedral blends elements of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles.
A beautiful church and free to enter, it’s worth passing by when traveling to Vicenza.
Cathedral of St. Mary of the Annunciation (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Annunciata), Piazzetta Duomo
Stop for tartine and prosecco
One of the best things to do in Vicenza in 1 day, at least for us locals, is to eat tartine and drink prosecco.
And the best place in Vicenza’s center to indulge in this pastime is Fiaschetteria da Renzo.
Known simply as ‘Da Renzo’, inside is a classic bar serving a mouthwatering array of tartine. Three to four tartine (each) is a respectable number followed by a glass or two of prosecco.
Fiaschetteria da Renzo, Contrà Frasche del Gambero, 36
Stroll around Giardino Salvi
Manicured lawns and historic stone statues characterize the small city park of Salvi Gardens (Giardino Salvi) in Vicenza.
Ducks and swans swim from one end of the river to the other, sometimes congregating in front of Loggia Valmarana.
Another of Palladio’s works, the loggia is part of the 16th century Palazzo Valmarana.
Both are renowned for their architectural and artistic value but also because of their representation of the renaissance period.
Head out to Villa Rotonda
Accessible by car or on bike is another of Palladio’s Vicenza masterpieces.
Sitting solo atop a hill is the 16th century Villa Rotonda. Construction of Villa Rotonda began around 1567 and was completed after Palladio’s death in the 1590s.
The villa’s official name is Villa Almerico Capra Valmarana. However, it’s also known as ‘La Rotonda’ and ‘Villa Rotonda’.
Its elevated location provides panoramic views of the surrounding Venetian landscape, a spectacular sight come springtime. The villa’s design allows for optimal exposure to natural light and ventilation.
Inside, Villa Rotonda’s central circular hall and four identical facades are a key feature and contribute to its distinctive appearance.
One of the best things to do in Vicenza in 1 day, Villa Rotonda — and its gardens — are truly unmissable.
Villa Rotonda, Via della Rotonda, 45
Things to do in Vicenza at night
When nighttime falls over Vicenza, the center has several places where you can enjoy a memorable evening. From light aperitivo to a 3-course dinner, here are some of the best things to do in Vicenza at night.
Good aperitivo places in Vicenza
- Bar Panineria del Centro, Contrà Daniele Manin, 22
- Signorvino, Piazza Matteotti, 33
- Ostaria Il Grottino, Piazza delle Erbe, 2
- Ovosodo Cocktail Bar, Contrada, Contrà Pescherie Vecchie, 18
- Cucù, Piazza delle Erbe, 7
- REFE – Refettorio Birraio, Piazza delle Erbe, 9/B
- Osteria Pitanta, Contrada Porta Santa Lucia, 8
- St. Peter’s Pub, Contrada Porta Santa Lucia, 29
- Busa dei Briganti Pub Vicenza, Contrà Giacomo Zanella, 8
Restaurants (trattoria/osteria/pizzeria) to try in Vicenza
- Julien, Contrà Jacopo Cabianca, 13
- La Meneghina Vicenza, Contrà Camillo Benso Cavour, 18
- Osteria Vicolo Santa Barbara, Stradella Santa Barbara, 10
- Bottega Faustino, Contrà S. Faustino, 9
- Fattore F, Viale Antonio Giuriolo, 2
- Al Pestello – Bottega Storica 1910, Contra` San Stefano, 3
- Il Molo, Contrà Pedemuro S. Biagio, 48
- Oca Bianca da Ugo – Trattoria, Contrà Porti, 20A
Best places to visit near Vicenza
Ideal for an extended visit to Vicenza, add some of these best places to visit near Vicenza to your itinerary.
Colli Berici
The hills surrounding Vicenza are home to a beautiful basilica, panoramic views, trattorias and several agriturismo.
Montecchio Maggiore
Visit the real castles behind the story of Romeo and Juliet and a hidden Venetian villa in Montecchio Maggiore.
Parco Querini
Visit Querini Park (Parco Querini) to see the free roaming rabbits and the ducks and swans in the pond.
Querini Park (Parco Querini), Viale Dieci Giugno, 87
Where to stay in Vicenza
There are several hotels in the center worth considering if you’re planning on staying in Vicenza. They include:
- The Glam Hotel, Viale Antonio Giuriolo, 10
- Hotel Palladio, Contrà Oratorio dei Servi, 25
- Palazzo Scamozzi, Corso Andrea Palladio, 40
- Albergo Due Mori, Contra’ Do Rode, 24
- Mi&Ti Bed&Breakfast, Contrà Porti, 4
- Relais Santa Corona, Contrà Santa Corona, 19
What are your thoughts on visiting Vicenza one day? Does this list of the best things to do in Vicenza in 1 day inspire you to visit? Let me know in the comments below.
*information correct at the time of publishing
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ABOUT me
Welcome to my site. I'm Lisa, an Italy-based travel and lifestyle blogger behind Following the Rivera. Find out more about me and my story.
I have just discovered your blog and got pulled in!
Lot’s of great information about Vicenza, which looks amazing in your pictures.
Are there any other places like it (off the beaten track and not too touristy) that we could explore? We will be spending a week in Dolomites and then will have a few days for cityscapes and cultural sightseeing. Thank you!
Hi Margaret, thank you so much for your comment and for stopping by I really appreciate it! I have many other resources on places in Veneto that are not too touristy. They attract more Italians and are very pretty.
https://www.followingtherivera.com/best-dolomites-road-trip-itinerary/
https://www.followingtherivera.com/most-beautiful-villages-in-veneto/
Vicenza sounds like a wonderful place to visit. We recently started travelling more, so I will add it to our bucket list of places to head to 🙂
That’s great, I hope you consider visiting us one day