6 best things to do in Treviso, Italy

The first thing you should know about visiting Treviso’s historic center, is that it’s impossible to go hungry — or thirsty.

Places to eat and drink are everywhere: along main streets, side streets and on nearly every corner. 

In fact, sampling the food and drink is just one of several things to do in Treviso in 1 day.

The overflow of people enjoying every sip and morsel outside the establishments only confirm this.

So superb is Treviso's food scene, it's just one of many reasons why you should visit the city they call ‘mini Venice’.

While Treviso is usually associated for its smaller airport when visiting Venice, it has plenty to offer curious travelers.  

If you’re wondering whether a detour to Treviso is worth the effort, keep on reading. This post lists 6 unmissable things to do in Treviso, including the best attractions and where to eat and drink. 

Perfect material for your Italy bucket list use this post to help plan your Italy trip.

Treviso airport to Venice

As mentioned above, Treviso Airport (Aeroporto di Treviso - Antonio Canova) is the alternative airport for getting to Venice. 

The main reason why visitors fly to Treviso rather than to Venice Marco Polo is simple: it’s cheaper. Many low-cost airlines charge less for flying to Treviso, given its distance from Venice.

Bus transfer tickets

Saying that, it’s very straightforward to get a transfer from Treviso airport to Venice. The most affordable option is to take the bus. Your options include:

• A joint service provided by Mobilita di Marca (MOM) and AVM/ACTV. The 8E line from Treviso to Venice runs daily every 30 minutes. You can buy a MOM bus ticket at authorized dealers and ticket offices.
• ATVO bus or the Barzi bus service. Typical journey times can range from 40 to 70 minutes depending on the number of stops as well as traffic. 
• Tickets for the Barzi bus service cost €12 ($14.47/£10.43)* for a one-way ticket and €22 ($27/£19)* for a return. Check the website for the most up-to-date prices and timetables. 

Other transfer options

Alternatively, there’s also the option to take the train from Treviso station or a taxi directly from Treviso airport to Venice. 

For the train, you first need to take a bus from the airport. Look for the MOM bus line 6, or the Treviso Airlink shuttle service to Treviso station.

You won’t be surprised to read that taking a taxi is the more expensive option. However, if you prefer your airport transfer without other people, and can afford it, go for it.

6 best things to do in Treviso

1. Start at Piazza dei Signori

As with every historic city in Italy, my first suggestion is to always start at its largest piazza. 

The grand square not only helps get your bearings of a new city, but it’s also typically the center of activity. Like in neighboring cities Padova and Vicenza, the largest piazza in Treviso is also called Piazza dei Signori.

Unlike the aforementioned two however, Treviso’s version is much smaller. Surrounding the piazza are an array of different shops, as well as cafes with ample outdoor seating. 

Palazzo dei Trecento

The square’s most imposing building is the Palazzo dei Trecento. Dating to the 12th century, the palace has served many purposes, mainly as the seat of the court of consuls. Its reference to the number 300 (trecento) comes from the number of members that comprised the supreme civic assembly. 

Despite having undergone several restorations, the last being in 1944 after the bombings, the Palazzo dei Trecento still stands. Its presence is a dominant figure in the piazza and a prominent part of the city’s history. 

Tours are open to the public, with tickets costing a reasonable €5 ($6/£4) for adults. Kids under the age of 18 enter for free. Visit the website for the most up-to-date opening times.

2. Visit the prettiest canal spot in Treviso

With its series of canals running throughout the city, it’s easy to see why they call Treviso a mini Venice. 

While it may not have the same grand waterways, Treviso also doesn’t have the same mass of tourists. This means being able to freely explore the streets, side streets and canals in relative peace.

It was during our relaxing stroll that we came across one particular canal spot in Treviso. Upon turning into Vicolo Buranelli, we came across a wide opening in the canal, but with 2 notable characteristics. 

The first is the old black and white photograph to the side of the canal. It depicts a group of women sitting in front of the exact scene with baskets. Unfortunately, there was no description to give any more information, but if I’d to guess, they were probably doing laundry.

Second, is the black print of a man and 2 boats on the side of the house. On first glance, I thought it was a Venetian gondolier. On closer inspection, it could also be a fisherman with 2 boats and a dog. What do you think? 

Map: 6 best things to do in Treviso

3. Fill up on cicchetti and prosecco 

Being the foodie traveler that I am, I couldn’t wait to sample some of the food scene in Treviso. 

Like Venice, the city’s food culture has a lot of places serving Cicchetti. These are a selection of small bites, such as crostini with different toppings, or small plates of fried foods. 

Cicchetti is usually served with a glass of prosecco, or ‘un'ombra de vin’ (glass of wine in Venetian slang). 

Where the locals go

Top of our list — and apparently everyone else’s — was Vecia Hostaria dei Naneti. On a weekday, its location down a narrow side street probably would have been difficult to find. On a busy Saturday lunchtime however, the long line outside was a dead giveaway.

During our visit, all of the outdoor seating had already been filled. There's seating indoors but it fills up pretty quickly, especially on a Saturday.

So, we took our chances in the line, our stomachs growling as we watched the staff prepare people’s orders. Our mouths watered as we saw stuffed tender pork sandwiches being served, and generous cuts of mortadella being sliced.

Aside from the quality, another reason why Vecia Hostaria dei Naneti is so popular is because of the low prices. Glasses of wine range from €1.50 ($1.80/£1.30) to €3 ($3.61/£2.60), and the dishes are also equally reasonable.

Easily one of the best things to do in Treviso, arrive early at Vecia Hostaria dei Naneti and come hungry.

Vecia Hostaria dei Naneti, Via Broli 2

Osteria Arman 

Another place that serves cicchetti as well as home-style Venetian cooking, Osteria Arman is a superb choice in Treviso. Over 150 years old, it’s a frequented and favorite haunt for locals.

Rustic interiors match the style of cooking, and it’s one of those places where you could easily pass a few hours.

Our cicchetti and prosecco was gone in less than 5 minutes. Though I could have easily eaten more, I wanted to save room for one more thing.

Osteria Arman, Via Alessandro Manzoni

Osteria dalla Gigia

Down another side street, we stretched our stomachs for one last food (and wine) stop. 

My first impressions of Osteria dalla Gigia were underwhelming. The shop front reminded me of one of those tourist places that sell overpriced and reheated pizza. 

Thankfully, I was about to be proven wrong, very wrong. 

We ordered one of the specialties, mozzarella in carrozza con prosciutto, otherwise known as deep-fried cheese and ham sandwiches. 

Made fresh to order, I wasted no time in tucking in. The pillowy mozzarella cheese was the perfect contrast with the crunchy sandwich dough. Washed down with another glass of prosecco, we had finally appeased our ravenous appetite.

One of my top-rated things to do in Treviso, I'd even recommend ordering two.

Osteria dalla Gigia, Via Barberia 20

4. Visit the city’s churches

Approximately 3 minutes’ walk from Piazza dei Signori are 2 of the most historic, and noteworthy, churches in Treviso. 

Diagonally opposite the fontana piazza di San Vito, I highly suggest you stop by.

Chiesa di San Vito and Chiesa di Santa Lucia not only sit side by side, but they’re also connected by an internal door. Unfortunately, the former was closed upon our visit, but we hit the architectural jackpot with the latter.

Small is beautiful

Stepping inside Chiesa di Santa Lucia, you immediately notice the amount of detail for such a small church.

We were instantly drawn to the altar at the front, depicting the crowning of its namesake saint. Another striking feature is the Chapel of the Crucifix. It’s on your immediate right as you enter the church.

Here, you’ll see the fresco of the Madonna del Paveio surrounded by angels, and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Other works of art to note include Venetian-Byzantine frescoes from the 12th and 13th centuries and a 14th century tabernacle. 

Marvel at the Duomo

For a small city center, the Duomo in Treviso is an impressive size. Built in a neoclassical style, an imposing row of columns indicates the main entrance. 

Inside, we silently explored the church, taking in every architectural detail. Towards the front of the church is a small exhibition area of sorts.

The artwork is exquisite and keeps you focused on the minute details. If visiting the Duomo on a Saturday, it closes around 12pm but reopens around 3.30pm. It's worth noting down so you can better plan your one day in Treviso.

One of the top things to do in Treviso, be sure to visit its Duomo when you visit.

5. Visit Treviso’s seafood island

When we heard that Treviso had its very own island selling seafood, we had to see it for ourselves.

What it turned out to be was the local fish market. Still, Isola della Pescheria (fish island) is a standalone island that you access via a footbridge. 

I won’t try to oversell it, but if you enjoy visiting food markets like we do, it’s worth seeing.

6. Other things to see in Treviso

Every Saturday, there’s a street market that runs along Viale B. Burchiellati. It sells everything — apart from food — from clothes and shoes to household items. 

As you come towards the end of the market, you’ll come across Porta San Tomaso. The landmark, built in 1518, is essentially the door to the city. A dome made from wood and lead sits above the door, with a statue of St Paul situated atop.

Visit the museums

To learn more about the history of the city, the Civic Museums of Treviso are a good place to start. The Museum of Santa Caterina houses ancient art from the Bronze Age to the Renaissance, along with historic Italian masterpieces.

An alternative option is the Gallerie delle Prigioni. As the name suggests, the gallery’s housed in a former prison. Today, it houses different art exhibitions and is worth visiting, mainly because it’s free to enter.

Again, these options weren’t available to us because of the pandemic restrictions that were in place at the time.

Fontana delle Tette

It's very easy to visit Treviso and not see the Fontana delle Tette. Hidden away in a cove to the left of Piazza dei Signori, it took us a while to find.

Translated, it means 'Fountain of the Breasts' and going by the photo, it's not hard to see why.

The original fountain dated to the 16th century and was built following a drought in the city. Upon completion, red wine would come out of the statue's one teat while white wine would sprout from the other. This continued for 3 days every year until the end of the Venetian Republic.

After much needed restoration, the current fountain was built in 1989. One of the most unique things to do in Treviso, don't miss out on seeing this interesting structure.

The land of Prosecco 

From Treviso, it’s a short distance to visit Valdobbiadene, otherwise known as the land of prosecco. Ideal for fellow wine lovers, booking a tour gives you the opportunity to see where, and how, prosecco is made. 

Once the tour’s over, prepare yourself for the best part of the day: the tasting. 

Where to stay in Treviso

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation choices in Treviso. From hotels and hosted apartments, to boutique hotels and chic B&Bs, you’re in good hands.

Palazzina300

Situated in Piazza dei Signori, the best of Treviso is right outside your doorstep at Palazzina300. Some rooms come with a private terrace, offering glorious city views of Palazzo dei Trecento and the Treviso streets below.

Complimentary WiFi, an espresso machine and kettle are just some of the guest amenities. Palazzina300 is 5km from Treviso Airport.

Locanda Ponte Dante

With a historic exterior and rustic modern interiors, Locanda Ponte Dante is another superb choice.

Located 500m from Piazza dei Signori, the B&B serves up a sweet Italian breakfast every morning. Expect spacious rooms, elegant furnishings and a very comfortable stay in Treviso.

BBTreviso – B&B Castelmenardo39

Upon first glance of Castelmenardo39 you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re staying in a boutique hotel.

Colorful rooms, modern furnishings and unique interior touches make it seem more exclusive — and expensive — than it actually is. The train and bus station are less than 10 minutes’ walk from the property.

If visiting Treviso by train, Venice (Venezia Santa Lucia station) is an easy 30 minutes away.

What do you think about visiting Treviso? Have I convinced you to pass by when you visit Venice? Let me know in the comments below.

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