11 best Venice day trips

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Last updated on November 14th, 2024.

When I think about taking a day trip from Venice, my first thoughts wouldn’t immediately be Florence or Rome.

But, do a quick search online and some posts will suggest otherwise. 

As a local living in Vicenza, northern Italy (Veneto), I’ve a good understanding of journey times between these places. While the thought of hopping between Venice and Florence sounds appealing, a day trip will be a tight squeeze.

To give you an idea of timings, a day trip to Venice from Rome takes around 5.5 hours by car. This doesn’t factor in traffic, roadworks or making stops on the highway. Traveling from Venice to Rome by train, the time’s slightly reduced at 3hr and 49min.

Choosing a realistic itinerary is one of the fundamental pieces of advice I outline in planning a trip to Italy. Which is why, in this post, I’ll be listing 11 best Venice day trips that are easily doable.

Ideal material for your Italy bucket list, you may need to return to Venice to see them all.

Definition of a day trip

For clarification, I define a day trip as a journey that takes you from your (home) base to the destination, and then home again.

It’s for this reason why I don’t consider Rome or Florence as doable day trips from Venice. You’ll spend more time traveling there than the time you could be spending visiting the city’s sights.

What’s more, each of these Italian metropolis’ deserve more attention than half a day.

Instead, the following list are places that are in, or near to, Venice and won’t leave you feeling completely drained. Perfect for slow travel and for those that prefer visiting lesser known places, grab a pen and start planning.

Venice: the basics

For first-time visitors to Venice, two full days is a good starting point to see the main sights.

Book any tickets for attractions in advance so you can skip any long lines and save time — and money. It’s one of several important things to know before visiting Venice.

If you can afford more time, I suggest taking it so you can enjoy Venice at a slower pace.

Walking around Venice in 1 day is probably doable, but I wouldn’t recommend it. The city has so much to see and do that it’s smarter to split your itinerary into 2 days.

11 best Venice day trips

Murano, Burano and Torcello

Once you’ve sufficiently explored the best sights in Venice, it’s time to see what else the island has to offer.

An easy water bus (vaporetto), or water taxi ride away are the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. Three islands may sound like a lot to see in 1 day, but as our itinerary shows, it’s doable.

Of the 3 islands, Murano is the largest, measuring 1,134 acres (459 hectares). The island’s most known for its glass industry, a tradition that dates over 1,000 years. A budget-friendly fact about Murano is that many of the shops and factories offer free glass-making demonstrations.

A direct vaporetto from Piazzale Roma to Murano takes around 40 minutes. It’s a faster choice than taking a vaporetto that stops at every stop along the Grand Canal.

One of the best Venice day trips, Murano offers a taste of Venetian life without the masses of tourists.

On to Burano

A huge smile instantly appears on my face when I write about Burano. The island of color is one of my favorite day trips in Venice and it never disappoints.

Burano’s small size means you can complete a leisurely visit within 1.5 hours. This doesn’t factor in time to eat at a restaurant.

Aside from the colorful houses (case colorate), you can list Burano’s other attractions on one hand. They include the leaning tower of Burano (a slightly distorted bell tower) and the Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Martino Vescovo.

The best thing about all of these attractions is that they’re 100% free. A cheap place to visit from Venice, Burano is a win-win for all types of travelers.

If visiting in summer, come as early as possible to avoid the crowds and the heat.

Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Martino Vescovo (St Martin’s Parish Church), Piazza Baldassarre Galuppi, 20

Last stop: Torcello

Torcello is the quietest, and smallest, island of the 3, making any time of the day good to visit.

Unlike Murano and Burano, Torcello isn’t overtly residential. You’ll find a few hotels and B&Bs on the island but it’s relatively quiet.

It’s impossible to get lost in Torcello. The path from the vaporetto stop runs alongside the canal leading to the island’s attractions and back again.

After passing by the iconic Ponte di Diavolo (Devil’s Bridge), you’ll reach an area of historic importance.

First is the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta. Dating to the 7th century, the church houses the earliest mosaics in Venice. Opposite the basilica are several stone structures, one of which is il Trono di Attila. Sources say it belonged to Attila the Hun while others dispute this claim.

A truly relaxing island in Venice, Torcello makes a good addition to your Venice day trips list.

Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta (St. Mary’s Basilica), Via isola di, Campiello Lazzari
Trono di Attila (Attila’s Throne), Via Fondamenta

Hotel recommendations for Murano, Burano and Torcello

Escape the noise of the main island of Venice and consider basing your stay at one of the following places.

• Murano — Murano Palace
• Burano — Casa Burano
• Torcello — Locanda Cipriani

Lido di Venezia

One of the last vaporetto stops is the Lido of Venice (Lido di Venezia). The island’s most famous for hosting the Venice Film Festival every September, but this isn’t its only draw.

What separates Lido di Venezia from other islands in Venice are its beaches. Its most popular, and largest, is the Spiaggia Blue Moon (Blue Moon Beach). A coastline that overlooks the Adriatic Sea, it’s where locals, and tourists, come to enjoy sandy shores and warm waters.

At the other end of the lido is the slightly quieter Spiaggia degli Alberoni. Like Blue Moon, it’s popular with visitors and ideal if you’re looking for a relaxing break in Venice.

A vaporetto from Piazzale Roma to Lido di Venezia (Lido Santa Maria Elisabetta) takes around 1 hour.

It may sound long, but the ride is so scenic and relaxing that the time will whizz by.

Treviso

The city they call the ‘mini Venice’ embodies all the elements for one of the best Venice day trips. A destination reachable from Venice by car or train in around 36 minutes, Treviso often gets overlooked.

The city usually gets recognized as being one of the other airports to reach Venice and not much more. But, with a historic center filled with palazzos, piazzas and cute canal spots, you’ll be sad you missed out.

We ticked off all the main attractions during our 1 day in Treviso, including its grand Duomo and Seafood Island.

A charming city within easy reach of Venice, by car or train, Treviso will not disappoint.

Hotel recommendations for Treviso

Choose to spend the night, or two, in Treviso at one of my top picks in the city.

• Palazzina300 — located in the central Piazza dei Signori
• Locanda Ponte Dante — central location, spacious rooms and elegant furnishings

Distance from Venice: 24mi/38km 36min*

Padua

After Treviso, the next closest city to Venice is Padua (Padova) with a journey time of around 38 minutes.

A city steeped in history, Padua is also home to one of Italy’s oldest universities. But, unlike traditional university towns, it’s not immediately obvious.

Some of the university’s campus’ are historic buildings, like Palazzo Bo, which is located in the center. Unless you see groups of students heading to class or congregating outside, you’d be none the wiser.

The city’s most recognizable landmark is the eye-catching Palazzo della Ragione. The medieval building was once the seat of government in Padua, but today runs as a museum and exhibition space.

My absolute favorite area of the palazzo is located beneath the building’s grand portico. It’s here where you’ll find a variety of food shops, market stalls, bars and cafes. It’s a good spot to take a refreshment break on your day trip in Padua.

Outside Padua city center

While Padua’s historic center has plenty to occupy a day trip, it’s also worth noting the attractions located just outside.

The first that comes to mind is the striking Prato della Valle. An elliptical square island surrounded by water, the landmark is overlooked by over 70 statues of famous historical figures. The largest square in Italy at 90,000sqm, it’s one you can’t miss on your day trip from Venice.

A short distance from the Prato della Valle is the Orto botanico dell’Università degli Studi di Padova. Founded by Benedictine monks, it’s the oldest academic botanical garden in the world, containing more than 3,500 species.

Orto botanico dell’Università degli Studi di Padova (Botanical Garden of the University of Padova, Via Orto Botanico, 15

Distance from Venice: 24mi/38km 38min*

Map of Italy

Vicenza

My home city in the north, I’m probably a little biased as to why you should visit Vicenza. The province is home to towns like Montecchio Maggiore plus there’s plenty of things to do in Vicenza’s city center.

One of Vicenza’s most famous residents was Andrea Palladio. Padova born, but Vicenza lived, the architect designed some of the city’s most famous attractions.

At its heart is the magnificent Basilica Palladiana in Piazza dei Signori. The building was a former seat of government, but today is an exhibition and gallery space. Cast your eyes over the striking loggia — the covered upper level corridor — and the Venetian windows.

Palladio’s other notable works in Vicenza include:

• Teatro Olimpico (Olympic Theater) — Piazza Matteotti, 11
• Palazzo Chiericati (Chiericati Palace) — Piazza Matteotti, 37/39
• Villa Rotonda del Palladio (Palladio’s Round Villa) — Via della Rotonda, 45

Just 45 minutes by car, Vicenza is really one of the most doable, and best, Venice day trips. If you’re looking for day trips from Venice by train, Vicenza is just 32 minutes from Venezia Santa Lucia station.

Distance from Venice: 43mi/70km 45min*

Arquà Petrarca

It takes less than an hour from Venice to visit the small borgo of Arquà Petrarca. Surrounded by the picturesque Colli Euganei (Euganean Hills), it’s a little gem of a town that’s worth visiting.

Arquà Petrarca’s small size means that you’ll most likely be done within a few hours. Personally, I enjoy these kind of day trips as fewer attractions means more time to explore at a slower pace.

Arquà Petrarca’s most notable attraction is Casa del Petrarca. Named after the Tuscan-born poet and scholar, Francesco Petrarca, he lived in the village until his death.

The building dates to the 13th century and runs as a museum that’s open to the public. A sight for all the senses, and no long lines to get in, Casa del Petrarca is a must see.

Casa del Petrarca (Petrarca House), Via Valleselle 4

A private palazzo

As you continue to explore the streets of Arquà Petrarca, you’ll eventually come across the imposing Palazzo Contarini. The 15th century building comes as an unexpected surprise — but a welcome one.

Unfortunately, being privately owned it’s not open to the public. However, this doesn’t stop you from getting closer for a better look.

Distance from Venice: 42mi/67.9km 55min*

Verona

A visit to the Italian city of romance is always a good idea. And, with a journey time of 1hr 4mins (by car), Verona, for me, is one of the best Venice day trips.

The city’s also one of the places close to Venice by train, with just 4 stops between the two.

What makes Verona a great choice is that you can see all of the sights within a day, or less. The city’s historic center is quite small, and its main attractions are within close walking distance. Some of the most notable include:

• Arena di Verona (Verona Arena)
• Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House) — Via Cappello, 23
• Museo di Castelvecchio (Castelvecchio Museum) — Corso Castelvecchio, 2
• Teatro Filharmonico (Philharmonic Theater) — Via Roma, 3
• Porta Borsari (Borsari Door) — Corso Porta Borsari, 57A
• Giardino Giusti (Giusti Garden) — Via Giardino Giusti, 2

Day trip from Verona

However, while Casa di Giulietta is one of Verona’s most famous spots, the real inspiration behind Shakespeare’s story lies elsewhere.

As mentioned above, the province of neighboring Vicenza is home to the small town of Montecchio Maggiore. Perched high on a hilltop, it’s where you’ll find the real castles of the Capulet and Montague families.  

Romeo’s surname in Italian, Montecchi, reflects the town’s credibility behind the claim.

What remains today of both castles are its stone structures. Juliet’s castle sits in the higher position, providing panoramic views of the Venetian countryside. An ideal day trip from Venice or Verona, Montecchio Maggiore is also 100% free to enter.  

Distance from Venice: 68mi/110km 1hr 4min*

Soave

The last few Venice day trips consist of smaller towns in Veneto.

Most of them are classified as ‘borghi’, which is an expansion of a city outside of its circuit of walls. You can find hundreds of them across Italy (like Montemerano in Tuscany) each one with their own unique charm.

Just over an hour by car from Venice is the small town of Soave. Wine drinkers may recognize its name for its famous Soave Classico wine, the vineyards which surround the historic town.

Signs of Soave’s wine history are evident the second you walk through the castle walls doorway of Porta Aquila. Empty wine bottles hang from the ceiling forming a cool piece of art fit for any contemporary museum.

The castle at the top

While some come to Soave to enjoy the wine, others come to visit its castle. Like many Italian castles I’ve written about, Castello Scaligero di Soave sits at an elevated position.  

The way up, and back down, is paved with uneven stones, some of which can be slippery. As you near the top, the view opens up to glorious views of the vineyards and wider scenery.

The entrance to the castle sits at the side as opposed to the top of the stony steps. Like in the town of Cittadella, you can walk the length of the castle walls and enjoy the uninterrupted views.  

Castello Scaligero di Soave (Scaligeri Castle), Via Castello Scaligero, 12/14
Via Giulio Camuzzoni, 33

Distance from Venice: 60mi/97km 1hr 4min*

Montagnana

Within the province of Padova are two small cities that make an ideal 2-in-1-day trip from Venice. Montagnana is approximately 1hr 10min by car but you can also arrive by train.

A city center enclosed within the castle walls, visiting Montagnana is literally stepping into the past.

At its heart is the town’s Duomo, Santa Maria Assunta, a church that dates to the 15th century. Influenced by Renaissance and Gothic architectural styles, it’s an impressive structure for a small town.

Along with the remarkable walls, Montagnana also has a castle to its name. While many of the original features of Castello San Zeno are gone, signs of an internal moat and arches remain.

Este

A short 20-minute drive from Montagnana is the equally small town of Este. Where the aforementioned city center sits with the castle walls, Este’s is located outside.

To say that the castle walls in Este are impressive would be an understatement. Castello Carrarese dates to the 14th century and 12 of the 14 towers are still standing. The main palace building today houses the Atestino Museum.

Within the grounds is a Renaissance-style garden complete with stone statues surrounded by pretty foliage.

Castello Carrarese, Via G. Negri 9

Distance from Venice: 64mi/102km 1hr 10min* (Montagnana) 44mi/70.3km 57min* (Este)

Asolo

My final choice for one of the best Venice day trips is the photogenic borgo of Asolo. It’s the furthest distance from Venice at 40mi (64km), or around 1hr 20mins by car but highly doable.  

One thing to note, is that for Asolo and Arquà Petrarca, arriving by car is the only viable option. Trying to arrive here by public transport would add to a longer, and more complicated, journey time.

The historic borgo has a few famous literary links to its name. English poet, Robert Browning, and English writer and traveler Freya Stark, were inspired by Asolo. The latter loved the town so much, that she lived there in Villa Freya until her death.

Like Soave, the town’s main attraction, the Rocca di Asolo, is at the top. Unlike Soave, however, the way up is longer and more challenging.

There’s a small entrance fee to pay €3 ($3.40/£2.50) at the time of our visit) but it’s completely worth it. On a clear and sunny day, it’s possible to see the Dolomites peaks and a tiny outline of Venice.

Asolo isn’t just one of the best Venice day trips, it’s also one of the prettiest borghi in Italy.

Distance from Venice:  39.8mi/64km 1hr 20min*

Best day trips from Venice, Italy — extra ideas

The following are also doable day trips from Venice, but will take a little longer than the aforementioned places.

• Chioggia
• Lake Garda (Sirmione) —154km/96m 1hr 54min*
• Ravenna — 145km/90m 2hr 23min*

If you’re considering a Dolomites day trip from Venice, personally, I’d advise spending the night there. To give you an idea, the city of Bolzano in South Tyrol from Venice is around 3 hours by car. It is doable but only if you leave Venice early and avoid any traffic.

*approximate distance and journey time

What do you think of these day trips from Venice Italy? Which one would you most like to see? Let me know in the comments below.

Want to know what the best Venice day trips are? This post lists 10+ ideas of day trips from Venice Italy that are doable and realistic

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.

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