car tour venice

How to Visit Venice by Car (+Tips for Best Parking in Venice)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: May 8, 2024

Road-tripping in Italy and wondering if it’s possible to drive to Venice ? Or maybe you are looking for information about how to visit Venice by car and where to park ?

We visited Venice by car several times and it’s actually quite simple to drive to Venice. However, parking in Venice can be a bit tricky. In this article, I share our experience-based tips for your trip.

Below, you can find all the information on how to drive as close to the city center as possible, where to park your car, how to find cheap parking in Venice, where to stay if visiting Venice by car and also suggestions for renting a car in Venice or in Italy, in general.

READ ALSO: How to See the Best of Venice in 1 Day & Venice 3-day Itinerary

Can You Visit Venice by Car?

Venice is a car-free city, but yes, it is possible to drive to Venice by car . You’ll have to leave your car in one of the parking areas outside the historic city center and explore the city on foot or by boat.

Driving to Venice

Venice can easily be reached by car from any major city in northern Italy. It’s about 3 hours drive from Milan or 1.5 hrs from Verona (highway A4/ E70). Driving from Florence to Venice takes about 3 hours, Bologna to Venice – 1 hour 45 minutes (highway A13/ E53). If you are coming from the North, you’ll be arriving in Venice via highways A27 or A57.

The historic city center of Venice is located in the Venetian Lagoon and there is just one road connecting it to the mainland . So no matter where you are driving from, you’ll always arrive in Venice via the 3.5km long Ponte della Libertà (Liberty Bridge) over the lagoon.

Driving in Venice isn’t really stressful because you’re driving on big wide roads all the way until you reach the city. Even after you cross the bridge over the lagoon, getting to the car parking is quite straightforward. It might get a bit busy for the last 200-300 meters, but that’s it. There are big signs indicating parking garages, so really nothing to worry about.

Below, you can find all the information about where to park if driving to Venice via this bridge.

Alternative: If you are coming from the north/northeast, you can also easily reach Venice by car via the coastal route via Cavallino-Treporti (Punta Sabbioni) . This is a somewhat less-traveled route for tourists and parking is somewhat easier – and cheaper – here. From Punta Sabbioni, you can easily get straight to Venice city center by boat in about 30 minutes.

Our experience: We drove to Venice by car from Lake Garda , from Verona , and also once from Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Italian Dolomites . There are tolls on the highways, but it’s not very expensive and you can pay by credit card. The roads are very good and (at least in summer) not overly busy.

Car Parking in Venice

Once you cross the Liberty Bridge, you have several options for where to park your car. If you take the very first exit after the bridge, you’ll find yourself at Tronchetto Island . If you don’t turn to the right, you’ll drive straight to Piazzale Roma .

Tronchetto Island

The first exit to the right after the bridge takes you to Tronchetto Island. There are many car parking garages here (see map ). The biggest ones are Venice Tronchetto Parking and car parking at Venice Passenger Terminal . Don’t worry if the parking is full; just drive a bit further to the next one.

The biggest advantage of parking at Tronchetto Parking is that they have hourly rates for short stays. So if you are only planning to stay in Venice for 2-3 hours, this is a much cheaper option. However, if you are staying for 3 hours or more, you’ll pay the same 24-hr rate.

Good to know: This area is somewhat further away from the city center. But since it’s a place where cruise ships dock, it has very good public transport connections. So if you park here, it’s best to take a water bus ( vaporetto ) straight to St. Mark’s Square and start your sightseeing there.

Piazzale Roma

Based on our experience, we suggest driving just a little bit further to Piazzale Roma . This is the main bus station in Venice and the only town square in Venice that can be reached by bus or car. Just before the square, you’ll see a big white parking building on your right.

This is Parcheggio Comunale Venezia (see map ) – an indoor car parking spanning over 10 floors. In our opinion, this is the best car parking in Venice. You can reserve a spot at this car parking online in advance and drive to Venice without having to worry about where to park.

This is not the cheapest parking in Venice (you can find more info for budget parking in Venice below), but it’s the most convenient!

When we drive to Venice, we always park at Piazzale Roma because this parking is closest to the city center of Venice. Also, we drive a big 7-seater van and parking spaces on the upper floors of this parking garage are wide enough even for a very big car.

Next to Piazzale Roma, you’ll also find the Venice Railway Station (Santa Lucia). Just next to it is Ferrovia , the public water bus stop in this area. You can simply walk to all the major attractions in the city center from here. If you prefer, you can also take a water bus or a water taxi to either Rialto Bridge or St. Mark’s Square and Doge’s Palace , or anywhere else you have to be in the city.

TIP: If you are driving to Venice in the high season (and especially on the weekend), it might be wise to arrive early in the morning or reserve your car parking in advance. We never had a problem finding a parking spot, but if you want to be absolutely sure that you can use one or the other garage, you may want to book upfront. More information about this below.

How Expensive is Car Parking in Venice

As you can imagine, car parking in Venice isn’t cheap. However, it’s very reasonable compared to places like Paris or Amsterdam. We were also surprised to see that car parking rates in Venice haven’t changed in years.

Car parking in Venice costs about 25-35 EUR for 24 hours. In most cases, you pay the 24-hour fee, no matter whether you stay for an hour or for a day. Some parking garages have discounted rates in the evening and at night. The exact price depends on the parking garage and sometimes also on the size of your car.

Our experience: At Parcheggio Comunale Venezia (also known as Garage Comunale AVM or ASM Venezia car park) where we parked, car parking now costs +- 35 EUR for 24 hours. Bigger cars (over 185cm wide) pay a bit more. However, I have no idea how they measure that because our car is 220cm wide (measured with mirrors) and we had to pay a regular rate. This parking garage also has very clean bathrooms that can be accessed with your parking ticket. More info on their website .

TIP: You can reserve your car parking spot at this garage online . This will guarantee that you have a spot and it’s also cheaper (30 EUR for a regular car).

Good to know: Parking at Venice Tronchetto Parking is a little bit cheaper – 25 EUR for 24 hours. You can find their up-to-date rates and practical info here .

Cheap Car Parking in Venice

If you find car parking in Venice too expensive, you can also opt to leave your car in Mestre , just before the bridge to the lagoon. There are several big car parking areas just before the Liberty Bridge and there is also a car parking at Mestre railway station.

Car parking in Mestre costs 4-14 EUR for a day. Rates vary a lot depending on the parking. One of the best budget car parking options is Venice City Park SRL which costs just 5.50 EUR per day and is right next to a bus stop.

From Mestre, you can take a bus, a tram, or a train to Venice. You’ll also arrive at Piazzale Roma or at the Railway Station. The bus/tram/train ride from Mestre to Venice takes just 10-15 minutes. The bus ticket costs just 1 EUR per person. Tram or train tickets cost around 1.5 EUR.

Free Parking in Venice

Another option, as already mentioned earlier, is to drive to Venice via the coastal road from the north and park at Punta Sabbioni . From Punta Sabbioni, you can simply take a boat to the center.

Parking here is significantly cheaper here than at Piazzale Roma. Plus, many tours/boat transfers even offer free parking here.

For example, if you want to visit the landmarks in Venice city center, you can book this round-trip boat transfer to the city center . If you also want to visit the islands of Murano and Burano, as well as Venice, get this ticket . At the moment of the last update, they both include free parking at Punta Sabbioni.

Of course, this is not completely free since you are paying for the boat. But the boat drops you off right in the center, plus you get to see Venice from the water on your way there. And if you park at Piazzale Roma or at Tronchetto Island, you’ll probably also take a boat to the center, plus pay 25-35 euros for parking.

Where to Stay if Visiting Venice by Car

There are there best options on where to stay if visiting Venice by car – staying in Mestre or staying in Venice if you are coming from the south or from the west. The third option is to stay close to Punta Sabbioni (Cavallino-Treporti) if you are driving from the north. There are not many hotels in this area, mostly apartments, and agriturismos.

The cheapest option is to find a hotel with car parking in Mestre and take public transport to Venice city center from there. This will not only save you money on car parking in Venice, but hotels in Mestre are much cheaper too.

Some of the best options are Hotel Cris or Hotel Plaza which are located just near the train station and next to a bus stop. Hotel Venezia in the center of Mestre is also a good option.

If you don’t mind paying 25-30 EUR for car parking per day, you can also leave your car at one of the parking garages at Piazzale Roma or at Tranchetto Island and book a hotel in Venice .

If you don’t feel like carrying your luggage on a water bus, you can also opt for one of the hotels close to Piazzale Roma. That way, you can simply walk there from your car.

Here are some of the best hotels in Venice close to Piazzale Roma :

• Hotel Santa Chiara (100m from the car parking at Piazzale Roma and by the water).
• AC Hotel Venezia by Marriott (120m from the car parking at Piazzale Roma, but not at the water).
• Hotel Gardena (300m from Piazzale Roma or from the Railway Station – a beautiful hotel in a very good location).
• Hotel Carlton On The Grand Canal (700m from Piazzale Roma and just across the canal from the Railway Station).

Renting a Car

If you are flying to Venice, I recommend to only rent a car after you visit the city. The same when you’re flying out of Venice – return the car when you get to Venice. That will save you money on car hire but also on car parking.

When you are renting a car in Venice , you can either pick it up at the airport or in the city (Piazzale Roma area). From the airport, you can get to Venice by bus or by water taxi (recommended).

If you are looking to rent a car in Italy , I recommend this car booking search engine . It makes it very easy to compare the prices of different car rental companies and find the best deal for your trip. Furthermore, they also have very good insurance options (much cheaper than buying from the car hire company directly) and an excellent cancelation policy. When we rent a car abroad, we always book via this website.

So, this is our guide to driving and parking in Venice. If you have any additional questions, feel free to leave a reply below and I’ll try to help.

READ ALSO: Things to Know Before Going on Gondola Ride in Venice

FAQs for Visiting Venice by Car & Parking in Venice

Yes, you can easily visit Venice by car. While the city center is car-free, you can drive to one of the big parking areas outside the historic city, leave your car there, and explore the city on foot or by boat.

You can drive to Venice by car, but you cannot drive in Venice itself. The city center is a car-free area. When you see the little islands connected by tiny bridges, you will understand that Venice can only be visited by boat or on foot and not by car.

The most convenient car parking in Venice is at Piazzale Roma. There are several parking garages in this area and you can easily walk or take a boat to the city center from here. Alternatively, you can park at one of the large parking areas at Tronchetto Island, from where you can take a boat to the center.

Car parking in Venice costs about 20-35 EUR per day. In most cases, you pay the fixed 24-hour fee, even if you only stay for a few hours.

The best budget car parking options can be found in Mestre, 10-15 minutes drive by bus, tram, or by train from Venice. Car parking rates here start from 4-5 EUR per day, and up to 15 EUR, depending on the place. I haven’t heard of any options for free parking in Venice.

More travel guides & tips for visiting Italy:

CITY GUIDES:

• Best Things to Do in Venice
• Best Things to Do in Verona
• Best Things to Do in Florence
• Best Things to Do in Milano
• Best Things to Do in Bologna
• Best Things to Do in Naples
• Best Things to Do in Ravenna
• Best Things to Do in Siena
• Best Things to Do in Rimini
• Rome Travel Tips
• 1 Day in Rome
• 2 Days in Rome
• 4 Days in Rome
• 1 Day in Milan
• 1 Day in Florence
• More: Best Cities to Visit in Italy

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Friday 26th of April 2024

Do you know if I buy parking at the place you recommend online in advance for 24 hours does that have in/out privileges for the 24 hours or is it just a one-time entrance for UP TO 24 hours? Thanks!

@C, Answered my own question - no it is one time entrance. Not divisible, it says.

John cressy

Saturday 30th of September 2023

Hello Jurga, great information. We're driving to Venice from Florence and of course are looking where to park. We too thought of leaving our large luggage in the car and only bringing a small carry on into Venice for our 2 night stay. Two questions, do you know of any parking that has security (guards,cameras,etc) because we want to leave luggage. And our Italians friends said never to take the water bus that we should spend more and take a water taxi. (The buses are too crowded and not traveler with luggage friendly.) Your thoughts? Thanks,John

John Cressy

Monday 16th of October 2023

Jurga, We are back home in the United States and I want to give you an update on our trip to Venice. We ended up parking in the Troncetta Parking lot. We were concerned about leaving our suit cases in the car. We took all of our valuables with us in a smaller bag but did leave two large suit cases in the car. First of all, the parking garage is well lit with security cameras. We backed the car into the spot up against the outer wall. I thought I might have even seen a security guard walking around. Everything was just as we left it when we returned. If anybody is using an America credit card to pay, I suggest they go to the main office. We were having a heck of a time until the attendant told us to go to the office. Now as far as the water buses go, they really were a breeze. We only had a medium size bag and a backback but I did see people bringing on large suit cases. The fee for the water bus is 9.5 euros for each person and it's only good for 45 minutes unless you buy the 24 hour or multi-day plan. On the other hand, the fee for the water taxi is 60 euro but you can put multiple people in the boat for that price. It all depends upon where you are going, how people are with you and how many bags you have. For just the two of us, our water bus fees were 57 euro whereas if we used a water taxi each time it would have been 180 euro. We loved our Venice portion of our Italy trip. The city is surreal in that all local gettings around, all commerce, all construction, everything is done without cars, or trucks or even bicycles but it is all done via boat. Just watching the boat traffic is hypnotizing. Venice is a MUST SEE.

Monday 2nd of October 2023

Hi John, I'm not sure about the security at the parkings, but we personally never had any issues. I wouldn't leave any valuables and would make sure that your bags are not visible from the outside. You can always check on their websites or read reviews on Google Maps. As for the luggage, the less you have, the easier. Just simply getting to the boat (whether a vaporetto or a taxi boat) is not simple, and then, you still have to reach your hotel, etc. There are cobbled stones and bridges with stairs everywhere. Vaporetto (water buses) are indeed very crowded, so it's not easy with big bags, but you should be fine with small luggage. Of course, a water taxi is much more luxurious, but it's also very - very - expensive. The last time we took one was many years ago and it was like 50 euro for a 10-minute ride. I'm sure it's much more expensive nowadays. The advantage is that it can probably get you closer to your hotel (depending on its location, of course). If you decide to take a water taxi, be sure to ask/agree on what it will cost before you get on it. Hope this helps. Enjoy Venice!

Thursday 10th of August 2023

Try to use your tips but gondoliers were not at work on lunch time at Ponte San polo

Friday 11th of August 2023

:) There are gondolas literally everywhere in Venice, so why wouldn't you simply look for another one... I'm sure they are not all having lunch at the same time.

Monday 15th of May 2023

Greetings! Your article is wonderful! I am driving from Lake Como to Venice for a day trip in 2 weeks and wondered where to park. Thank you for your recommendation. When I go to the link to book my parking pass reservation online, it asks for the NAME on the card. For parking, did you just put the driver's name on the card? The site is confusing because it says one card, per person, which I understand for a city museum pass, for example, but not for parking. I just don't want to mess up. If you're unable to answer my question, no worries! Thanks, again!

Hi Andrea, if you mean the official site for the parking at Piazzale di Roma, then I honestly don't know. They like to make things unnecessarily complicated. We used GetYourGuide website the last time we traveled, and it was much more straightforward, but they don't offer that parking anymore. That said, I don't think it matters much which name you put on there. As long as that person is with you, it should be fine. Good luck!

Sunday 2nd of October 2022

Excellent guide, thanks for the comprehensive details. Helped guide us to a hotel with parking for visiting Venice

Monday 3rd of October 2022

Glad to help, Drew. Happy travels!

Venezia net il miglior sito di Venezia

• SURROUNDING AREA
• City of Abano Terme
• Conegliano Veneto
• Cortina d’Ampezzo
• Mestre and Marghera
• Valpolicella

Venice by car

Hotel a venezia

You can easily get to Venice by car through motorway (A4 from Trieste and Turin, A27 from Belluno, and A13 from Bologna) and road links (highways SS.309 Romea from the Adriatic coast, SS.14 from Trieste, SS.13 from Treviso, and SS.11 from Padua). Once you’ve reached the lagoon take the Ponte della Libertà , the bridge that literally links Venice to the mainland. If you follow the signs to Venice you’ll find yourself in Piazzale Roma, which is as far as you can go by car. Here you have to park your car.

If you are staying in Mestre it will be better to leave your car near your hotel and get to Venice by bus. There is a bus about every 10 minutes. At night connections are less frequent but you can still count on them. The bus fare is 1 Euro. If you prefer to park in Venice, the best solution is to park on the Tronchetto island : at the end of the long bridge (Ponte della Libertà) that links Mestre to Venice, turn right at the first traffic light, then follow the directions. The garage will charge you 22€ a day (even if you park there for fewer hours). If you prefer to park closer to the centre, go to Piazzale Roma (the only square of Venice that can be reached by bus or by car). To get there, go straight (don’t turn right at the traffic light): you will find three garages. From here you can take a vaporetto (check the price on the relevant page).

Arriving in Venice by car

How to get to venice by car and where to park—since you certainly can't drive in venice.

No, you cannot drive in Venice —but you can drive to Venice, leave your car in a garage or lot, and proceed to enjoy the city of canals car-free.

Since parking costs €24–€29 per day, it's a good idea to return your rental car upon arrival in Venice.

Driving to Venice

Venice lies on the major A4 autostrada that runs east-west across Northern Italy though the Po Valley, from Turin past Milan, Brescia, Lake Garda, Verona, Vicenza, and Padova to Venice (and on to Trieste).

Exit the A4 at Venezia-Mestre, and follow signs for Venezia - Centro Storico (or simply ones that say "Venezia" with that little black-on-white bulls eye symbol, which is international for "city center").

You'll end up on Via della Libertà in Mestre . (Sometimes referred to as Venezia-Mestre, this sprawling, industrial, landlubbing suburb is technically a part of Venice but is as far from being what the tourist thinks of as "Venice" as Detroit is from being "Key West.") If you keep following signs for "Venezia" and centro storico, Via della Libertà becomes a causeway over the lagoon called Ponte della Libertà.

On the other side of the causeway, you'll arrive at a large square called Piazzale Roma , which serves as a bus terminus and turn-around spot, because this is the only bit of Venice accessible by car —crazy local artists like Sr. De Marchi, up on the left there in one of his floating wooden cars, notwithstanding.

Once you arrive in Venice, you'll have to park your car. At the risk of stating the obvious, there are no cars allowed in Venice at all. It's a bit hard to drive on all that water, see.

There are three main parking options in Venice:

• The public garage on Piazzale Roma (edge of historic center; on the vaporetto ): €23.40–€29 per day
• The private garage on Tronchetto (just beyond historic center; on the vaporetto ): €21 per day
• The public lot at S. Giuliano (in Mestre; short bus ride to Piazzale Roma, then vaporetto ): €12 per day

Parking in Venice on Piazzale Roma

Parking discounts You can save 5% low season, 10% high season —and guarantee yourself a spot—by booking 15 days ahead of time through the website. Pull into the first garage on your right (the cheapest of the bunch) and park your car for the duration of your stay. This is the official ASM Venezia car park ( tel . +39-041-272-7211, Avmspa.it ), with room for nearly 2,300 vehicles, open 24/7, and charging €23.40 to €29 per day, depending on size of car and whether you book ahead (see the box on the right).

If the ASM garage is full, there are a few other private lots and garages on Piazzale Roma, though they'll cost a bit more.

How to get to "downtown Venice" from Piazzale Roma

On Piazzale Roma there is a vaporetto (water bus) stop for the Grand Canal Lines 1 (commuter), 2 (express; the old Line 82) and N (night).

Cheaper options for when the Piazzale Roma lots are full

There are two cheaper options —or simply additional options, if the garages on Piazzale Roma are full (common in summertime):

• An artificial island just behind Piazzale Roma called Tronchetto.
• Back on the Mestre mainland in the S. Giuliano lots.

(Actually, there are a half-dozen other options—garages and lots—in and around Mestre and elsewhere rimming the lagoon, but those are by far the two best alternatives.)

Parking on Tronchetto

The first option is to backtrack around behind Piazzale Roma to an artificial island called Tronchetto.

The Tronchetto garage ( tel . +39-041-520-7555, Veniceparking.it ) has more than 4,800 parking spaces (plus an open lot for oversized campers) and charges €3–€5 per hour or €21 per day —though, if you'll be staying for more than three days and pay for the entire stay upon arrival, you will receive a 20% discount.

( If you're taking a cruise , there's a "Partenze Porto di Venezia" special that gives you 50% off for stays of 7 days or longer.)

There's a vaporetto stop on Tronchetto for the no. 2 line (and, in summer, a lot of touts trying lure you to their water taxis—unless you are made of money, just ignore them).

There's also now the Venice People Mover —a fancy name for a small shuttle train (picture one of those terminal-to-terminal connectors at a large airport). Buy the €1.30 ticket at a machine, stay on at the first stop (Marittima—the cruise terminal) and four minutes later get off at the end, Piazzale Roma. It runs every 10 minutes, Mon-Sat 7am–11pm, Sun 8am–10pm (Nov-Mar 8:30am–9pm).

You could also grab the no. 6/ bus to Piazzale Roma (just one stop).

Parking in Mestre at S. Giuliano

The second option for true penny-pinchers (€12 per day) are the lots of S. Giuliano back on the mainland in Mestre, by the shore to the left (north) of the causeway over to Venice proper. Though sadly, in late 2014, the cost skyrocketed from €5 to €12, this is still a bargain.

(There's a turn-off for these parking lots just before the flyover leading to the causeway; don't miss it, and do not pay any attention to the touts in hats who will try to wave you down to lead you to a lot. They'll stick you in what should be a free, open-air, unattended lot and charge you for the privilege.)

Just follow the "P" signs to the official S. Giuliano lots, which are operated by ASM Venezia ( tel . +39-041-532-2632, Avmspa.it ).

There are actually three lots at S. Giuliano. The one you want is Parcheggio Porta Gialla (yellow), which is open 24 hours a day (and can handle campers), which is free for up to three hours, then charging a mere €2 for four hours, €4.50 for five hours, €8 for six hours, then €12 per day, or €60 for a monthly pass (which is already cheaper than three days at the Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto lots).

The other two lots— Parcheggio Porta Rossa (red) and Parcheggio Porta Blu (blue)—are day-use lots only—no overnight parking—open from 6am to 2am and charging €2 for the first four hours, €4.50 for five hours, €8 for six hours, and €12 for a full day.

All three lots operate on a keen new system that doesn't involve tickets; a camera reads your license plate when you arrive, and then again as you go to leave, and charges you accordingly. Note: The automated payment machines take cash or credit cards, but do not give change, so when in doubt, use a credit card.

Astoundingly cheap, yes, but do note that you'll have to take a city bus (no. 5, 12, 12/, 19, or 24) from Parco S. Giuliano one stop to Piazzale Roma (7 minutes, €1.30).

Also, if the lots at Piazzale Roma and Tronchetto are both filled, then the city is probably bursting at the canals with tourists as well, so fair warning.

Tips & links

ASM Parcheggio Comunale garage Piazzale Roma Vaporetto : Piazzale Roma tel . +39-041-272-7211, Avmspa.it Tronchetto parking Piazzale Tronchetto Vaporetto : Tronchetto tel . +39-041-520-7555 Veniceparking.it S. Giuliano parking lot Cavalcavia S. Giuliano Mestre, Venezia Bus: to Piazzale Rome tel . +39-041-532-2632 Avmspa.it

• Driving/parking
• Asmvenezia.it (Piazzale Rome garage: most central, €23–29; S. Giuliano lot: farthest, €12)
• Veniceparking.it (Tronchetto garage: fairly central, €21)
• Autoeurope.com
• Momondo.com
• Priceline.com
• RentalCars.com
• CarRentals.com
• AutoSlash.com
• Europebycar.com
• Renaultusa.com
• Short-term leases
• Car resources
• Emergency service/tow: tel . 803-116
• Highway agency: Autostrade.it (traffic info, serivce areas, toll calculator, weather)
• Italian automotive club (~AAA): Aci.it
• ZTLs: Ztl-italia.blogspot.com (lightly outdated, but handy, links to cities' traffic-free zones)
• Sights & experiences
• Tourist info
• Turismovenezia.it
• Activities & tours
• ContextTravel.com
• SelectItaly.com
• City-Discovery.com
• Other useful sites
• Agendavenezia.org [events]
• Veneziaeventi.com [events]
• Veneziadavivere.com [events]
• Veniceforvisitors.com [guidesite]
• Venezia.net [guidesite/events]
• Veneziatoday.it [news/events]
• Booking.com
• Hostelz.com
• HotelsCombined.com
• Bedandbreakfast.com
• Bed-and-breakfast.it
• Hostelworld.com
• Bbitalia.it
• Karenbrown.com
• Apartments & villas
• Rentalo.com
• Homeaway.com
• Belvilla.com
• Interhomeusa.com
• Villasintl.com
• Craigslist.org
• Hostels & campgrounds
• Hostelbookers.com
• HostelsClub.com
• Residence hotels
• Biz-stay.com
• Agriturismo (farm stays)
• Terranostra.it
• Turismoverde.it
• Agriturist.it
• Public transit
• Actv.it ( vaporetto [public "water buses"]; traghetti; land buses)
• Motoscafivenezia.it (water taxis)
• Alilaguna.it (airport ferry)
• Amazon.com (print maps)
• Maps.venicexplorer.net (address locator)
• Smu.insula.it (route finder)
• Venice airports
• Veniceairport.it (Venice Marco Polo airport)
• Trevisoairport.it (Treviso airport ~30 min. away; used by some low-cost airlines)
• Airport transfers: By sea (to downtown Venice)
• Alilaguna.it (public ferry: €15)
• Viator.com (shared boat: €30; private boat: from €34)
• Motoscafivenezia.it (water taxi: €100)
• Airport transfers: By land (to Piazzale Roma)
• Atvo.it (shuttle bus: €6)
• Actv.it (city bus: €6)
• AutoEurope.com
• CheapOair.com
• Cheapflights.com
• CheapTickets.com
• ItaliaRail.com
• Raileurope.com
• Trenitalia.com
• Venice rail station
• Venezia Santa Lucia: Grandistazioni.it , Fondamenta S. Lucia (in the NW corner of the city)
• Vaproetto to San Marco: 1, 2, N

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Longer tours.

• Intrepidtravel.com
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• Transport Venice hotels—cruise terminal
• Actv.it (public vaporetto: €7)
• Alilaguna.it (public water shuttle: €8)
• Viator.com (private motorboat: €18–€35)
• Motoscafivenezia.it (water taxi: from €85)

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How to get to Venice by car

Highways and where to park in venice, the main highways.

Getting to Venice by car is convenient because the city is well connected with the rest of Italy thanks to a good highway network.

The A4 Turin-Trieste highway cuts the northern Italy region from East to West and touches all the main cities, up until reaching near Venice; take the Venice exit, enter the Mestre ring road (A57) and take Ponte della Libertà which takes you directly to Piazzale Roma.

Depending on where you are coming from, the other highways are:

• from north the A22 Brennero - Modena (Verona exit from which you take the A4);
• from south the A13 Bologna - Padova (Padova exit);
• from Belluno the A27 Belluno - Venice.

Where to park in Venice

Piazzale roma.

For those planning to arrive in Venice by car, Piazzale Roma is the closest point to Venice center where you can park. From here you can walk anywhere, or you can choose to take a vaporetto. The municipal garage in Piazzale Roma contains about 2,000 parking spaces and 180 motorcycle spaces and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, its convenience comes at a price, so we would recommend booking in advance to make sure you get a spot. Piazzale Roma also has the San Marco Garage , open all year round, which offers 900 parking spaces monitored 24/7. Here too you can book in advance and avoid queues.

An alternative to Piazzale Roma is the Tronchetto car park , which can accommodate up to about 4500 vehicles including motorcycles, cars, campers, minibuses, vans and buses. The car park is connected to Venice by vaporetto and there is also the Ferry Boat public transport service to the Lido of Venice.

Porto Marghera industrial area (before Ponte della Libertà)

There are many cheap car parks also in the industrial area of Porto Marghera, before Ponte della Libertà. The most convenient ones are in:

• Via dell'Elettrotecnica,
• Via dei Petroli,

Once you leave the car, take the bus and you’ll be in Venice in about 10 minutes .

Mestre is connected to Venice by bus, train and tram, so leaving your car in one of the many car parks in the city is definitely a good idea to save money but still reach Venice quickly. The most comfortable and cheapest are those in front of the station along Via Trento .

Terminal Fusina

You can also leave your car at the Fusina terminal , where there is a popular car park connected to Venice by the vaporetto , which leads directly to the Dorsoduro Zattere area. This is one of the cheapest options among all the car parks outside Venice.

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How to travel to Veneto

Thanks to the numerous connections with the rest of Italy and other countries, reaching Veneto and Venice is very simple: plane, train or your own car allow you to get here with no hassle!

How to get to Venice by train

Venice is connected via the national railway network to all major cities in Italy, from the North to the South: Trieste, Milan, Turin, Bologna, Florence, Rome and Naples. You can travel to Venice by train even from abroad : some lines connect it directly to important European cities, such as Paris, Vienna and Munich. The regional network is widespread and connects Venice both with the main cities of the Veneto region (Verona, Padua, Vicenza, Treviso…) and with the smaller towns. There are two types of regional trains at the same price: the 'Regionale' , which makes every stop and is quite slow, and the 'Regionale veloce’ , which makes fewer intermediate stops and connects Venice to the other capitals in good time. Pay attention to the type of regional train you get and try to get the ones marked Rv (Regionale Veloce) . All types of tickets can be purchased online or directly at the station, each station having a mix of automatic and staffed offices. You cannot purchase your ticket onboard .

How to get to Venice by plane

There are two main airports that connect Venice to the rest of the world:

• The main airport of Venice is Marco Polo Airport , the largest international airport in the region, which is only 12 km from Venice;
• The other airport, smaller in size but the airport most low-cost airlines fly to, is the A. Canova Airport of Treviso , often referred to as Venice Treviso Airport. It is about 40 km from Venice.

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3 Days in Venice (Perfect Itinerary + Map)

• December 26, 2023

A complete itinerary for 3 days in Venice (+ map, how to skip the lines at Doge’s Palace and Saint Mark’ Basilica, and how to get to Murano and Burano islands).

Venice (Venezia) is among the most picturesque cities in Europe. It’s one of the places you must include to your itinerary when visiting Italy.

Venice is the capital of the Veneto region in northeastern Italy. Built on more than 100 islands, linked by small pretty bridges, the city is surrounded by water. There are no cars, no bicycles. The only transport is water busses and of course your own feet.

With its tiny picturesque alleyways, meandering canals and charming piazzas, Venice looks like a place taken from your dreams. It’s almost inevitable not to fall in love. I visited the city, having very low expectations because of its touristic fame. And I’m not gonna lie, but Venice took my heart away.

3 Days in Venice itinerary

Looking for 3 perfect days in Venice? Well, this walking itinerary is all you need to plan your time and spend a lovely extended weekend.

Being so popular, you can imagine that Venice is super touristy (even off-season). But have no worries! I created this 3-day Venice walking itinerary in such a way to minimize the waiting time in lines.

Find a map of this 3-day itinerary for Venice (with all attractions and restaurants’ websites) at the end of the blog post.

Already have a hotel booked? Then check your hotel’s location and make sure it’s in a good area (see my guide to the best area to stay in Venice ).

3 days in Venice, Italy (the perfect itinerary)

• Day 1: Rialto Bridge, Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs, Acqua Alta bookshop, Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo
• Day 2:  Basilica of Saint Mark, St. Mark’s Campanile and Clocktower, Scuola Grande di San Rocco, Accademia Bridge, Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute
• Day 3:  Day trips from Venice – Murano and Burano

3 Days in Venice – Day 1

Have breakfast at farini.

08:00 AM – 08:30 AM Start the first day with delicious croissants and coffee at Farini . Try the croissants with pistachio filling and the ones with ham.

Enjoy the view from Rialto Bridge

08:30 AM – 08:50 AM Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) is one of the most popular spots in Venice. It gets super busy with tourists during the day, so try to get there as early as you can.

It is the oldest bridge that crosses the Grand Canal and connects San Marco and San Polo districts. Stop at the middle of the Rialto bridge to enjoy the marvellous view of the Grand Canal. It’s like being in a painting by Canaletto.

You’ll find numerous shops on the bridge where you can browse for souvenirs like Murano glass products or jewellery. They will be closed so early in the morning, but don’t worry, you’ll get here back later in the day.

Plus, you’ll probably cross the bridge at least several times during your stay in Venice even if you don’t want to. It’s one of the main bridges over the Grand Canal.

Discover the Doge’s Palace

09:00 AM – 11:30 AM Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) was the seat of the Venitian Government for centuries. It also served as a residence of the Doge, the person with the highest political position in the Venetian Republic. The last doge was Ludovico Manin, who abdicated in 1797 when Napoleon Bonaparte conquered Venice.

The ticket to the Doge’s Palace is also valid for Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale and Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana. Once you enter the palace you can take an audio guide for €5.

As you walk through this impressive palace, you’ll find yourself surrounded by Renaissance masterpieces and beautiful golden ceilings. You can tour most of the building on your own.

Some parts of the palace are accessible only with a guide (you have to book in advance the so-called Secret Itineraries Tour ).

See the famous Bridge of Sighs

11:40 AM – 12:00 PM Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) is a 17th century covered bridge. It connects the courtrooms in the Doge’s Palace with the adjacent prison. The bridge got its name from the prisoners who sighed at the last glimpse of daylight they saw before being moved to the prison.

Bridge of Sighs is, in fact, a part of Doge’s Palace. You’ll walk across it during the tour of the palace. However, it’s not possible to marvel at the beautiful bridge from inside the building. The Bridge of Sighs is best seen from Ponte della Paglia.

Taste the delicious pasta at Baci & Pasta

12:00 PM – 02:00 PM Start the lunch with some tasty tiramisu at I Tre Mercanti . They offer different variations of the famous Italian dessert, as well as the classic one. Don’t miss the pistachio tiramisu, it’s heavenly!

For the main meal, go to Baci & Pasta . They serve delicious homemade pasta and ravioli, that you can combine with different sauces. A great spot for a quick bite!

Visit the unique Acqua Alta bookshop

02:00 PM – 02:30 PM Acqua Alta bookshop (Libreria Acqua Alta) is one of the most unique book stores in Europe. It’s a must for every book and cat lover.

Tens of books and magazines are stacked in a gondola in the middle of the store. This is not only for attraction, but also to keep the books safe during the regular flooding. And it’s almost impossible to miss the cute cats lying lazily around.

At the back of the store, you’ll find a small charming staircase made of old books.

See the doges’ tombs at Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo

02:30 PM – 03:00 PM Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo is the largest church in Venice. From the 15th century onward the funeral services of the Venitian doges are held here. The church houses the tombs of 27 doges. The vaults that stand out the most are the ones of Alvise Mocenigo and Pietro Mocenigo.

As most of the churches in Venice, there is an entrance fee (€4 per person).

On the charming square, where the basilica is located, you’ll also find the impressive Scuola Grande di San Marco. Once being among the greatest schools in Venice, today the building houses a small medical museum.

You can skip the museum unless you don’t have a deep interest in medicine. Yet, don’t miss to take a look at its beautiful white marble facade.

Take a gondola ride along the Grand Canal

03:20 PM – 04:30 PM Taking a gondola ride along the Grand Canal is a must-do while in Venice. Nothing can be compared with cruising on the canals and enjoying gorgeous Venice from a different perspective.

You can find gondola piers almost everywhere. However, I’d recommend taking your gondola around the Rialto Bridge (it’s the most popular spot). The gondola ride is usually about 30min and you can share the boat with up to 6 people.

Check the route with your gondolier in advance, because not all gondolas cruise along the Grand Canal. And you don’t want to miss the beautiful Venetian palaces along the canal.

Another option is taking a boat tour with a local guide . You’ll explore the winding canals of the city in a private motorboat passing along St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge and many more. The tour ends at the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, where you can climb the Bell Tower for stunning views.

Another alternative is to take the water bus (called Vaporetto). It’s a much cheaper alternative to the gondola (not so romantic though). Yet, you’ll be able to see the fabulous Venetian palaces along the canal. Take water bus line 1 or 2, both run frequently between St. Mark’s Square and the train station.

Have dinner at Cantina Arnaldi

For dinner, I’d recommend you heading to San Polo district. It’s less touristy than San Marco, but still close to the main sites. In the area, you’ll find many nice restaurants and aperitivo bars.

Cantina Arnaldi is a great place for a meat and cheese platter accompanied by quality wine. They also offer delicious pasta and lasagna (if you are hungrier).

A day in Venice is not complete without some gelato. For the best gelato in the city, head to Gelato di Natura . It’s a fine artisan Italian gelato prepared with quality ingredients.

More ideas for your 3 days in Venice – Day 1

Create your own carnival mask.

Join this Carnival mask-making workshop and create your own mask under the guidance of an experienced craftsman. You’ll also learn about ancient techniques of creating masks from papier-mâché.

Church of Santa Maria Assunta – I Gesuiti

This little Baroque church from the 17th century is a hidden gem. With its interior covered in green, gold and white marble, the church is utterly breathtaking. The entry fee is only €1 per person.

Enjoy the view from T Fondaco Rooftop Terrace

T Fondaco Rooftop Terrace (T Fondaco Dei Tedeschi) offers an amazing view of the Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge. And it’s completely free to visit the terrace.

The only disadvantage is that you have to book in advance a certain time slot for your visit. Only 70 people are allowed at one time and visits are limited to 15min.

3 Days in Venice – Day 2

Have a coffee at marchini time.

08:30 AM – 09:00 AM Start your day in the Italian way – with a cup of coffee and a delicious pastry at Marchini Time .

Marvel at the Basilica of Saint Mark

09:15 AM – 10:30 AM Basilica of Saint Mark (Basilica di San Marco) is one of the city’s most popular attractions. And there is a reason why!

This 9th-century basilica is one of the most stunning churches in all of Italy. Covered with impressive mosaics, white marble, gold and precious stones, it will leave you speechless. Once a private chapel of the Doge, the basilica is the city’s cathedral since 1807.

Among its treasures are Horses of Saint Mark and Pala d’Oro (a golden altar encrusted with 2000 precious stones). And while it’s free to visit the church, you have to pay to see the mentioned treasures.

The lines are always long, so go early (before the opening times here) or reserve a time slot for your visit to skip the lines. Note that in this case, you have to pay €6 for the reservation (the entry to the basilica is free). You can’t bring a backpack or luggage and of course, your knees and shoulders must be covered.

To see the interior of the basilica illuminated, visit it from 11:30 AM to 12:45 PM on weekdays or during liturgical celebrations on Sundays.

Climb St. Mark’s Campanile

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM St. Mark’s Campanile (Campanile di San Marco) is the bell tower of the Basilica of Saint Mark. Built somewhere in the 12th century, it functioned both as a lighthouse and a bell tower at the same time. Today’s building dates from 1912 after the collapse of the old one in 1902.

It’s possible to climb the tower for spectacular views of Venice (there is a lift to take you up to the top). 

Admire St. Mark’s Clocktower

11:30 AM – 11:50 AM Located on St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Clocktower (Torre dell’Orologio) is another site that you don’t want to miss. Built in 1496, the clock shows the time, the phase of the moon, and the dominant sign of the Zodiac.

Taste the panini at La Bottiglia

12:00 PM – 02:00 PM For lunch stop at La Bottiglia . You can choose between delicious panini or ham and cheese platter. Whatever you choose, don’t miss to combine it with some Italian wine.

Marvel at Scuola Grande di San Rocco

02:00 PM – 03:00 PM Scuola Grande di San Rocco is one of Venice’s hidden gems. This 15th-century historic building houses over 60 paintings of Tintoretto. It’s a must for every art lover.

The entrance fee is €10, but do pay a little more for the audio guide to fully appreciate the artworks.

Enjoy the view from Accademia Bridge

03:20 PM – 03:40 PM Accademia Bridge (Ponte dell’Accademia) is one of the four bridges over the Grand Canal. And it’s also one of the few wooden bridges in the city. From here you can enjoy an excellent view of the Grand Canal and Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute.

The biggest plus is that Accademia Bridge is less crowded than Rialto Bridge. So, if you look for a good photo opportunity, this is the place.

Visit the plague Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute

03:50 PM – 04:20 PM Located on the mouth of the Grand Canal, this is one of the city’s most beautiful churches. Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute is built as a votive offering after a bad outbreak of the plague in 1630.

There is no entrance fee, so take your time and visit the beautiful basilica. Most of the art and objects inside are devoted to the Black Death.

Also, don’t miss the views from this island towards St. Mark’s Square and Doge’s Palace. Especially if you’re in the area at sunset.

Taste the cicchetti at Cantine del Vino già Schiavi

Finish the day in typical Venetian style – with cicchetti and wine. Cicchetti is the local finger food (a must-eat while in Venice). Try the ones at Cantine del Vino già Schiavi – a small local wine bar (called bacari).

To discover the best bacari wine bars, take this Cicchetti and wine guided tour . You’ll experience the city through its most famous food and wine (and dine like a local).

More ideas for your 3 days in Venice – Day 2

Visit the venetian palace of ca’ rezzonico.

Ca’ Rezzonico is a fabulous palace, one of the few that still can be visited today. This 18-the century palace once belonged to one of the city’s old noble families. Today, it’s a public museum that houses the Museum of eighteenth-century Venice.

If you want to experience the Doge’s Palace on a smaller scale, Ca’ Rezzonico is the place.

Modern art at Peggy Guggenheim Collection

If you’re interested in modern art, don’t miss the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. The museum is housed in the former home of the American heiress Peggy Guggenheim. On display is her personal collection that includes masterpieces from Cubism and Surrealism to Abstract Expressionism.

You can book your skip the line ticket here .

Enjoy a concert at Teatro La Fenice

Teatro La Fenice is one of the most beautiful opera houses in all of Europe. La Fenice in Italian means phoenix. The theatre is named in this way because as the mystical creature it has also risen from its ashes twice.

To see La Fenice you can either attend a concert or visit it with a guide (or audio guide). To explore the beautiful opera house at your own pace with an audioguide, book your skip-the-line ticket here . To learn more about its fascinating history, take this guided tour of La Fenice .

Climb the tower of San Giorgio Maggiore Church

Church of San Giorgio Maggiore is located on the waterfront of Piazza San Marco. This is the place where you can enjoy the most beautiful views of the famous square. All you need to do is to climb the church’s bell tower.

There is a small fee (about €5) to get to the top of the tower. In order to get to the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, you have to take a water bus to the S. Giorgio terminal.

3 Days in Venice – Day 3

The third day in Venice is all about island hopping. The two most popular islands are Murano and Burano, known for their crafts.

To get there you have to take a water bus. I’d recommend you buying an Actv day ticket that is valid for all water buses in Venezia, Lido, Murano and Burano. You’ll save a lot (the price is almost equal to 2 regular tickets and you’ll need at least 3 for the day).

Taste the pastries at Panificio Crosera

08:00 AM – 08:30 AM Before heading to your island adventure, stop for a quick bite at Panificio Crosera . It’s a great local bakery offering delicious pastries.

See the glass factories at Murano

09:00 AM – 12:00 PM The small island of Murano is about 10min away from Venice by water bus. Murano is best known for its traditional glass blowing. There are tens of glass factories and shops on the island.

Murano is the place to buy glass souvenirs if this is your thing. Plus, most of the shops offer international shipping, so you won’t worry about transportation.

It’s possible to attend a glass-blowing demonstration and see the craftsmen in action. You can book tickets to the glass factory here .

Beside the glass factories, dedicate some time to explore the island, too. Among its highlights are Torre dell’Orologio and Church of Santa Maria e San Donato.

Church of Santa Maria e San Donato is one of the oldest in the Venetian lagoon (dating from the 7th century). One of its treasures is a 12th-century Byzantine mosaic pavement.

Next to Torre dell’Orologio you can find a large glass sculpture. Sadly, it’s not possible to access the top of the clock tower.

How to get to Murano The quickest way to get to Murano is by taking a water bus (Vaporetto) from the ACTV docks at Fondamente Nove. It’s about a 10min journey.

Have lunch at Versus Meridianem

12:00 PM – 02:00 PM Before departing for the next island, stop for lunch at Versus Meridianem . This lovely restaurant, located right on the waterside, features great views of the lagoon.

Explore the colourful houses at Burano

02:40 PM – 04:30 PM Burano is one of the most colourful towns in Europe. Take a stroll along the colourful fishermen’s houses and enjoy the beauty of the island.

Burano is also famous for its lace-making. There is a Lace Museum, which you can visit if you’re interested in lace craftsmanship. Or just explore the numerous lace shops on the island. It’s a great place to buy some authentic souvenirs (not only lace), produced by local craftsmen.

How to get to Burano Vaporetto line 12 will take you from Murano to Burano (a 40min journey). It’s a little long journey from Murano (or Venice), but it’s totally worth the trip.

Taste the cicchetti at Birreria Zanon

Finish the last of your 3 full days in Venice with a dinner at Birreria Zanon . It’s a small local bar, located away from the crowds in Cannaregio district. Birreria Zanon serves the best cicchetti in the city.

More ideas for your 3 days in Venice – Day 3

Visit the beach resort of venice.

You may be surprised, but there is a beach in Venice. You just need to take the water bus to Lido Island (about 20min journey from Piazza San Marco).

If sunbathing is your thing, don’t miss the beach resort at Lido. You can also rent a bicycle and explore the island. Unlike Venice, where there are no cars or bicycles, Lido is friendlier to public transport.

Doge’s Palace – it’s the most popular attraction, so book tickets for the palace even if you’re visiting off-season. The ticket includes the Doge’s Palace, Correr Museum, National Archeological Museum and Biblioteca Marciana.

Saint Mark’s Basilica – the entry to the basilica is free. Nevertheless, I recommend you to book a time slot entrance that will allow you to skip the lines (which are hours longs). This costs €6, but it will save you a lot of time. You can book your reserved access to St. Mark’s Basilica here .

St. Mark’s Bell Tower – another popular attraction with long queues at St Mark’s Square. To see Venice from above, reserve your entrance to the Bell Tower in advance.

Getting around in Venice

To help you navigate, I created a map of this itinerary .

Getting around in Venice can be tricky. It’s not a big city, but it lies on 118 small islands connected to each other with bridges. This causes the main difficulty when getting around. You have to always look for a bridge to get from one place to another.

Another problem is the tiny streets, the whole city is like a big maze. It’s hard to find a particular restaurant or site. And don’t worry if you get lost, it’s inevitable. If you have the opportunity to use GPS walking navigation on your phone, don’t hesitate. This helped me a lot.

There are no cars and no bicycles in Venice. Luckily, there is a public transport that consists of water buses (called Vaporetto). Depending on where your hotel is, you’ll probably need to use the Vaporetto to get to your accommodation.

If you plan to use the water buses more than twice a day, buy an Actv day ticket . It is valid for all water buses in Venezia, Lido, Murano and Burano.

Note that your ticket must be validated each time before boarding the water bus. See the water buses timetables here .

Also, the Vaporetto is the only way to get to Burano and Murano islands. Yet, you’ll be able to get to most of the attractions on foot. Thus, prepare yourself for a lot of walking.

How to get to Venice

The central train station is Venezia Santa Lucia. Located at the northern edge of the city, it’s about a 30min walk to Piazza San Marco.

If you’re planning to travel by train through Italy, book tickets in advance (they are cheaper if you buy earlier). Check timetables and book train tickets online at Trenitalia official website .

If your hotel is somewhere near Piazza San Marco, I’d recommend taking the water bus. It will be very difficult to navigate through the tiny streets with luggage. Moreover, during the high season, it’s even impossible to walk through the people.

No cars are allowed in Venice. If you’re arriving by car, you can leave it at the parking lots at Piazzale Roma ( see more info here ). This is the closest point you can get to with a car.

There are two airports – Marco Polo Airport and Treviso Airport .

From Marco Polo Airport You have 3 options:

• The easiest option is to get a water taxi, that will take you directly to your hotel. You can book your water taxi here and arrive without hassle to the city. I’d recommend this option, especially if you have big luggage.
• You can also take the Alilaguna water bus to Venice. Alilaguna stops at San Marco, Rialto, Fondamenta Nuove, and Guglie. It’s less convenient than the first option as then you have to walk to your hotel.
• The 3rd option is to take the ATVO express bus or bus ACTV line 5 to Piazzale Roma. From there you have to walk (if your hotel is in the area) or take a water bus to the closest location to your hotel.

From Treviso Airport You have to take the ATVO express bus to Piazzale Roma and from there – the water bus.

Day trips from Venice

Take a prosecco wine-tasting tour.

Prosecco is one of the most famous Italian wines. So, why don’t you spend a day exploring the wine-growing area of the Veneto region.

This Prosecco wine tasting tour includes a visit to a traditional winery, where you’ll learn all the secrets of prosecco production. Plus, there is a guided wine tasting at the end.

Verona is a gorgeous medieval city. It’s famous for its connection to Shakespeare’s tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. For more details take a look at my complete Verona day trip itinerary .

Located about 1 hour away from Venice by train, Verona is the perfect day trip. If you take an early train, one day in Verona will be enough to see the highlights. Don’t miss to buy the Verona Card (it will save you money and time)!

How to get to Verona Take a train from Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia to Verona Porta Nuova (1h15min journey). From there it’s about 1.5km to the historic city centre.

Florence is one of the must-see cities in Italy. It’s known as the birthplace of the Renaissance. I’d strongly recommend spending at least 2-3 full days in Florence. There is a lot to see (take a look at my detailed itinerary for Florence )!

If you visit Florence on a day trip, the most you’ll be able to do is a walking tour of the historic centre.

How to get to Florence Take a train from Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia to Firenze S. M. Novella (2h15min journey). From there is about a 10min walk to the historic city centre.

How many days in Venice

Are 3 days in venice too much.

3 full days in Venice is the perfect amount of time to explore the city. You’ll need 2 days to see the major attractions including Doge’s Palace, Saint Mark’s Basilica and Bridge of Sighs. Also, you’ll have to dedicate one full day to Murano and Burano – the most interesting islands in the Venetian lagoon.

There are 3 major attractions with huge waiting lines (unless you take a guided tour) – St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Campanile. The main problem is that the basilica, which can be visited quicker than the palace, opens an hour later than the palace. So if you decided to visit the palace first, after your tour, the lines for the basilica will be hours long. And vice versa.

The best way to avoid this is to visit these 3 attractions early in the morning on two different days. In the afternoons, you can tour the less popular sights (museums and churches). The third day of this Venice itinerary is all about island hopping. I’ll show you what are the best islands near the city and how to get there.

What if I don’t have 3 full days in Venice?

If you have 2 days and a half, use the half-day to explore the city on foot and take a gondola ride. Also, I’d recommend you to visit St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace in one day. However, in this case, it’s better to take a guided tour for one of the sights (not to lose hours in waiting).

The second full day, spend in island hopping and tour Murano and Burano. It’s a unique experience, so don’t miss it even if you don’t have 3 full days in Venice.

2 or 3 days in Venice?

Although it’s possible to visit Venice in 2 days, I’d recommend 3 days (or at least 2 days and a half).

If you have only 2 days you have to prioritize which attractions are most important for you. Do you want to visit the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica or just a walking tour is enough? If you’re not into museums you can explore Venice in one day.

Another option is to skip Murano and Burano and dedicate all your time to Venice. In this case, you’ll have enough time to visit the most popular attractions.

Best time to visit Venice

Venice is one of the most visited cities in Europe. Having this in mind, you can imagine that the crowds are huge any time of the year. Yet, the least ideal time to visit is the months of August and February. And the problem is not only the high prices of accommodation during these 2 months.

During August not only the crowds are the biggest, but also the weather is hot with high humidity and lots of bugs.

The famous Venice Carnival (Carnevale) takes place every year at the end of February and the beginning of March. If you’re not visiting the city because of this event, avoid February and March.

The winter (November, December and January) is the low season. However, the chances of flooding are higher. Also, it’s cold and wet and you’ll probably spend a lot of time outside. Taking a gondola ride won’t be pleasant, too.

What is the best time of year to visit Venice, Italy? The best time to visit Venice is spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October). During these periods the temperatures are pleasant and tourists are fewer.

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About the author

Thank you so much for this wealth of information! I really appreciate your hard work to put together these guides, its been so helpful as I plan my vacation to Italy 🙂 Wishing you health and safe travels!

Thanks, Sarah 🙂 Happy and safe travels!

Thank you so much Milena. Hope I’ll be tested negative 24h before the flight so I’ll follow your steps in Venice!.

I hope, too, Virine! Have a great time in Venice! 🙂

Omg I’ve been reading itineraries for Venice for days and honestly this is the most amazing one! I just love the restaurants recommendations and how everything is structured! Thank you so much!

Thank you so much for your comment! 🙂

Thank you….this will definitely help with trip planning.

Thank you for your comment, Elaine. 🙂

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Are there cars in Venice? How to visit Venice by car

As curious as it may sound, this question is one that many tourists ask before coming here: is it possible to drive a car in Venice?

In fact, for someone who has never been to Venice, it can feel very strange , and yet fascinating , to think of a city without a single car !

So how is that possible? How can a modern city function without all the services that are provided via car? Public transport, relocating, ambulance for emergencies and groceries, Venetians manage to do all these things without a single wheel .

There are many ways to answer this question, and in this article, we'll try to list them all!

Venice, the city where you have to leave your car at the parking garage before visiting it

Could you imagine a city where you cannot use your car to visit it ? A city where you have to leave your vehicle in the proper parking space?

You have to think about the city like a fish-shaped island in the middle of the Venetian lagoon. A city built on water and made of canals and bridges ( do you know them all ?). Of course there are no cars in its historic center.

However, Venice is not just its city center. There are many little islands in the lagoon that, together with the mainland , create the Venice Metropolitan area . In fact, Mestre, Lido, Murano are all separated from the central island, but they are known as Venice.

So to answer from an institutionally correct perspective, yes, there are cars in Venice.

Parking in Venice: let's see all the possibilities you have

Of course you cannot visit Venice by car. The access to the historic center is completely forbidden to cars .

However, you can reach the city using your private vehicle .

We will now see three different solutions for visiting Venice with your car. Additionally, we will see the most important car parking areas of the city.

1. You can cross Ponte della Libertà by car and then reach Piazzale Roma

You might arrive in Venice by car, train, bus and also by bike or on foot (see the related article! ).

The Ponte della Libertà (Liberty bridge) is a very long bridge connecting the mainland to Piazzale Roma . Santa Lucia train station is just beyond the Constitution Bridge (also called Calatrava bridge).

You can leave your car at the local parking garage and then walk to the center, or maybe take a water bus and tour the whole length of the Grand Canal.

Car parking in Piazzale Roma: not cheap but the closest to the city center

Piazzale Roma is used as a bus, tram and taxi hub for workers and visitors. It also hosts the offices of some car rental companies and also the Garage San Marco , enabling Venetians and visitors to park their cars there.

Parking your car in Piazzale Roma is not so cheap , but it is very comfortable if you are planning a one night trip. Please consider reserving your parking ticket in advance!

2. Cross Ponte della Libertà and then go to Tronchetto parking spaces

Instead of going straight to Piazzale Roma, you could take the chance to park your car in Tronchetto .

Parking here is perfect for people who want to take the ferry boat to the islands (like Lido) , because the larger boats all depart here.

The parking areas in Tronchetto: cheaper than Piazzale Roma area

Tronchetto island is an artificial island designed specifically to manage the vehicles reaching Venice.

Here you will find lot of parking spaces , the cruise and the ferry boat terminals.

It's a perfect place to park your car and then you can reach the city in less than 5 minutes with the People Mover . It is an automated elevated shuttle train which connects Tronchetto island to Piazzale Roma.

In this way you can visit Venice without even thinking about your car.

3. You can leave your car in Mestre parking space

Instead of going directly to Venice, if you are planning a longer stay , you may consider leaving your car in the mainland .

You may find free parking or cheaper parking spaces than the ones that you would find in Venice. Then you can reach Venice using local transports or a taxi.

Car parking in Mestre: 15 minutes away from Venice but cheaper

In the mainland you would find many places to park your car. You can leave it in the parking space of your hotel , for example. Otherwise, you could leave it close to Mestre railway station and then take your train or bus to the city.

Crossing the Liberty Bridge by public transport , in fact, will save you a lot of money . Money you could use for your gondola ride , for example!

All these things considered, how should you visit Venice without a car?

How to visit Venice without using your car

Apart from the abovementioned marginal areas, the city center has nothing but the pedestrian bridges, canals and calli (streets) in which cars are not allowed. That is why Venice is also known as the canal city, a car-free place that is different from all the other cities.

Here, under the Rialto bridge, gondolas and water buses bring people from one part of the city to another. There are lots of Vaporetto stops and gondola hubs all around the city. If you are in a hurry, a water taxi can quickly bring around the visitors.

Visit Venice like a local does!

Locals themselves have their personal boats to go around, do groceries, transport etc. Each boat has (or should have, to be honest) its personal parking lot in the canals of the city. Water taxis and water buses have similarly specific parking lots.

Of course, locals do not travel just with their boats but there is also a lot of walking going on.

Taxis and Vaporettos can bring you to the furthest places of the lagoon, from San Marco square to Burano and other islands of the lagoon.

How would you visit Venice next time you come here?

As we saw, there are no vehicles allowed in Venice .

However, taking a water bus in Piazzale Roma or exploring the city with a gondola , is one of the best ways to appreciate and visit Venice .

So, after parking your car, take your chance to explore the city like Venetians would do. A completely new world will be open to your amazed eyes .

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40+ Venice Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

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The iconic city of Venice, Italy is one of those few destinations that requires no introduction. Famed the world over for its dreamy gondola-filled canals, this historic city (built over 100 islands) is the stuff of pure bucket list dreams, with a legion of obsessed fans all over the world.

And I get the obsession. Venice and I go way back. It’s the first city I ever visited in Europe, the first city where I ever missed a flight, and coincidentally where my boyfriend formally asked me to be his girlfriend… on Valentine’s Day, no less!

So believe me when I say I take it personally when people call Venice overrated.

I mean… can it be crowded and smelly in the summer? Yes. Can some restaurants and shops be wildly overpriced? Absolutely… but it’s still one of the most magical places in the world, so long as you do it right.

And after many repeat visits over the past decade, I think I’ve gotten a grasp on how to do Venice properly.

So, in this post, I’ll be sharing all my best Venice travel tips for first time visitors to help ensure you love this city as much as I’ve grown to. (Boyfriends sold separately)

Read on for my top Venice must-knows before you go.

Save this list of Venice Travel Tips for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Venice in Italian is Venezia

First off, let’s get one thing straight: the glorious city known to us as Venice is actually known in Italian as Venezia.

This is the name you’ll see at train stations, bus stations, and scrawled across a staggering amount of souvenir shop hats.

SO, remember: Venice is Venezia, and they are not in fact two different places (a blunder that’s more common than you think!)

2. Learn some basic Italian before you go

On a similar note, I do think it’s important to learn some basic Italian before you go. 

Venice gets its fair share of rude tourists so locals often appreciate when you make the effort and knowing some basics can go a long way, like…

• Hello (in the morning/afternoon):  Buongiorno (Bwon-JOOR-no) 
• Hello (in the evening):  Buonasera (Bwon-ah-SAY-ruh)
• Thank you:  Grazie (GRAHT-see-eh)

3. Stay overnight in Venice rather than do a day trip

Because of how pricey accommodation can be, many people opt to visit Venice as a day trip. 4 in 5 visitors in fact, according to some sources .

And if you’re considering that as an option, please picture me with a pouty face, stomping around and insisting you don’t.

Truthfully, 2-3 nights minimum is needed to get a feel for all that Venice has to offer, plus (even more crucially) staying in Venice overnight allows you to soak in the sights both early in the morning and late at night when crowds are at their lowest. In a city as busy as Venice, this bonus is invaluable!

Plus as of spring 2024, Venice will begin a trial of their controversial €5 entry fee for day trippers. So, save your money and your sanity – stay overnight! I promise it’s worth every penny.

4. Avoid visiting Venice during peak periods

Now, In terms of when to visit, the bad news is Venice doesn’t really have much of a quiet season at all.

That said, there are definitely aggressive peak seasons that I’d advise you avoid – namely summer, Easter & Carnival… unless your idea of a good time is waddling through narrow streets with a mosh pit of tourist-strangers .

Winter (outside of Carnival) is generally when you’ll find the least crowds in Venice.

Unfortunately though, this season brings more potential for rain, gloom, and floods, so to be safe, Spring and Fall are probably better times to go.

5. There are two airports close to Venice you can fly into

In terms of arriving in Venice, there is of course the Venice Marco Polo Airport which less than 5 miles away from the city centre, but there’s also the much smaller Treviso Airport which is about 25 miles away, and services budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air. 

For that reason, you can often find cheap flights that fly into this airport from other European countries, so it may be worth looking into if you’re visiting multiple countries on your trip.

6. Know that there’s many options for getting to Venice from Marco Polo Airport

From Marco Polo Airport, the quickest way to get into central Venice is booking a private water taxi, which comes at a hefty price tag starting at 120 euro minimum. For larger groups though, this might be worth it, especially because it only takes 30 minutes to get into the historic centre.

NOTE: If you want the airport water taxi experience for a cheaper price, you can also book individual slots here on a water taxi that you’ll then share with others.

Another much cheaper but slower option is to take the Alilaguna water bus, or vaporetto which has three potential routes that go to central Venice for only 15 euro… but takes over an hour.

And the final option is to take either a bus or a taxi which is slightly cheaper. It’s important to note though that the closest you can get to the historic centre on wheels is Piazzale Roma , and from there you’ll either need to finish the journey on foot or hop on a water bus or taxi anyway, so it’s probably not the best option unless you’re staying super close to there.

In any case, I would ask your accommodation the best way to get there and they’ll be able to advise.

7. Know there’s many options for getting to Venice from Treviso Airport

From Treviso Airport, while there are some buses and shuttles you can book, again the closest you can get to the historic centre will be Piazzale Roma. So, bear in mind you’ll need a plan to get from there to your accommodation!

In any case, if you don’t mind transferring, the cheapest option from Treviso is actually a combination of a bus and then train into Venice.

8. Beware of the two ‘Venezia’ train stations

On that note, apart from flying, an easy way to arrive in Venice is by taking the train. Venice is superbly well connected to the rest of Bella Italia through the Italian rail network which has an impressive 2000+ stations to choose from.

If you do take the train though, beware of a common tourist mistake that many first time visitors fall into: there are actually two stations that begin with Venezia – Venezia Santa Lucia and Venezia Mestre.

Venezia Santa Lucia is the central train station in Venice’s historic centre, right by the Grand Canal. In most cases, this is the one you’ll want to go to.

Venezia Mestre on the other hand is located on the mainland and is where you’ll find a lot of admin buildings… but also locals, because (surprise!) it’s much cheaper to live there.

Odds are, unless you’re staying in Mestre, you won’t have much reason to disembark at Venezia Mestre Station , so make sure you’re looking out for Venezia Santa Lucia Station, and you don’t accidentally get off early.

9. Remember you can’t drive in Venice

Now, the last option for arriving in Venice is by car but again, remember: no cars are allowed in Venice’s historic centre. It’s part of what makes this city so aggressively charming.

SO, if you drive to Venice, you will need to leave the vehicle at a pricey parking lot on the outskirts of the city during your stay. So, it’s not really an option I’d recommend unless Venice is just part of a big road trip you’re doing that includes other destinations.

10. Know the pros and cons of staying in historic Venice vs. on the mainland

Now let’s chat about where to stay.

When choosing accommodation, the two main areas to consider in Venice proper are either the historic centre or Mestre (the mainland bit where options tend to be cheaper).

If budget allows, staying in the historic centre is ideal because then you can easily explore Venice before and after the day trip crowds. It’s also much dreamier to be staying in the city, and is the option I’d recommend to any first timer.

… If you really can’t resist a hotel deal in Mestre though, don’t fret – you’re only a short train/boat ride away from Venice proper.

11. Understand the pros and cons of Venice’s different neighbourhoods

Alright – now it’s time to get our bearings with Venice’s historic centre, which is actually more fun than in most cities, because this magical city happens to be shaped like an actual fish.

… Oh yes. What a plaice.

Anyways, this historic centre of Venice is divided into six districts known as sestieri , arranged fishily like so:

If money is no object, staying in the belly of the fish is going to put you in close proximity to most major sights, with San Polo and San Marco being the priciest and busiest neighbourhoods.

Dorsoduro (bottom belly, I guess) is also a great choice, with some more affordable options and some quieter pockets as well.

If your goal is avoiding crowds though, the tail of the fish, Castello , is the largest of the sestieri and also the quietest, relatively speaking. 

And in terms of transport links, the most convenient areas are Cannaregio , the head of the fish which is home to Santa Lucia train station and Santa Croce, the fish nostrils, which is home to the transport hub Piazzale Roma… but of course, the vibes here may not feel as classic historic Venice as many visitors want.

NOTE: Some visitors may choose to stay at another island in the Venetian lagoon for a quieter and more affordable experience, but again, I’d really recommend staying in historic Venice for your first trip just to make the most of your time there.

Overall, there are lots of pros and cons to all these sestieri . If you’re stuck on finding the best place for you, check out my guide to finding the best accommodation every time to help narrow down your choices.

12. Pack light

Out of all the Venice travel tips I’m sharing in this post, packing light is possibly the most important.

I get it – maybe you want to bring a bunch of ballgowns for the most epic photoshoot of your life… or maybe you need space to hoard magnets. Either way, you might need to rethink how much you bring.

Not only do water taxis and boats have restrictions on how much luggage you can bring on board, you’re almost always guaranteed to end up carrying your bags on your own at some point, whether to get up on a bridge, on or off boats, etc.

So, don’t bring any bags you can’t reasonably carry yourself.

13. There are many options for navigating Venice via boat

By now, you should realize there’s only two ways to really get around Venice: on foot or on water.

In terms of water transportation, the cheapest option is to go by Vaporetto , which are like public water buses. One way tickets are quite steep at €9.50, so I’d advise buying a TravelCard that includes unlimited travel for set time periods like 24h, 48h, 72h or a week.

You can also book a Motoscafo or private water taxi that will cost significantly more, with trips within the city often going for 70 euro or more.

Of course there’s the world famous gondolas too, but do note that these are more for sightseeing than actual transportation, so we’ll discuss them later.

14. Don’t be too reliant on GPS in Venice

For shorter distances, the better way to get around Venice is (in my opinion) on foot.

One important thing to note however is that GPS services like Google Maps don’t work very well in Venice, with the blue dot often very confused as to where you really are amidst the city’s sea of centuries-old buildings.

So, if you’re highly Google Maps-dependent like me, it’s time to practice some old school navigation skills. Plan your route with landmarks and street names! Take note of your route as you go! Leave a trail of breadcrumbs! (But don’t.. because Venetian pigeons are scary)

In any case, remember to not rely on Google Maps, and plan your routes accordingly. Having a backup offline map downloaded or a paper map is also probably a good idea.

15. Add additional time buffers and assume you’ll get lost

Another silly but helpful Venice navigation tip?

Just assume you’ll get lost. Honestly. Because you will!

And if you assume it’ll happen, then you’ll ensure you have extra time buffers between booked activities, thereby minimizing stress and saving the family vacation. Yay!

16. Get your bearings by using Venice’s unique street signs

When trying to find your way around, your best friend in Venice (besides me, of course) will be the city’s unique street signs, known as nizioleti , which are beautifully painted on the walls of buildings.

… The trouble? Nizioleti can be deceptively confusing, because Venice has many unique terms for streets and places that aren’t familiar to most visitors.

So, here’s a quick crash course!

The most common word you’ll see is Calle which refers to a typical street. Some variations of this you might see include:

• Calle Larga , which means wide street and
• Calleta, which means a narrow street

In any case, this term generally applies to streets that have buildings on both sides. 

This is in contrast to a Fondamenta which is a canalside street that has a building on one side and a canal on the other.

Similarly, a Riva is a street that has buildings on one side and then a larger expanse of water on the other side.

Ramo is a small side street that often leads to a dead end and Sotoportego are unique passageways that go under buildings.

And you’ll also see other terms used for street that don’t really have as much to do with the physical properties of the street itself, but rather makes reference to its history, like…

• Salizada for instance is a word used for some of the city’s most historically important streets, and therefore the ones that were paved with cobblestones first
• Rio Tera refer to streets that used to be canals before they were filled to make streets, and
• Ruga are streets that used to be filled with compacted soil so your shoes wouldn’t get dirty

There’s also Campo which refers to a typical Venetian square. Unlike other places in Italy where the word piazza tends to be used for Square, Venice has only one Piazza, Piazza San Marco or Saint Mark’s Square.

The word Ponte means bridge, and you’ll see this one a lot because Venice has hundreds.

And lastly, the word used for most Venetian waterways is actually Rio, whereas Canal is reserved only for the big ones like the Grand Canal.

To get your bearings, you can look for signs with a red frame and lettering, which usually have an arrow pointing you in the general direction of famous landmarks. There are also some special yellow ones as well that do the same job.

The word “per” in these cases translates to “for” so, this way FOR Rialto Bridge.

17. Book big must-do attractions in advance

Now, let’s move onto Venice attraction tips!

As I mentioned before, no matter when you go to Venice, it’ll be busy, so if you have your heart set on any attractions, pre-booking is essential. You can do so online at a variety of places, like here:

• (Recommended!) Venice Passes & Bundles
• Doge’s Palace
• St Mark’s Basilica
• St Mark’s Bell Tower
• Classic Gondola Ride

For timed attractions, I would advise booking either the first possible time slot or the final one if your goal is to minimize crowds.

For untimed attractions, I would aim to either be there when it opens or just before it closes, because the middle of the day is almost always going to be the busiest time.

18. Book a sunrise tour

If your goal is to experience Venice like you own the place, walking around at sunrise is pretty much the only way to do it.

I booked a summer sunrise tour of Venice years ago and still think it’s one of the best things I ever did in the city. Getting to see all of Venice’s main squares and canals void of people was absolutely priceless.

And while sadly, the tour I took doesn’t seem to be offered anymore, there’s still a few alternatives, like this one that that includes breakfast.

19. Or book an after-hours tour

On the other hand, if you’re more of a night owl than an early bird, you can also look into after hour tours for certain attractions which get you entry after they close to the general public.

Here’s one for instance that gets you into St Mark’s Basilica after hours.

20. Choose the right sightseeing pass for Venice

Now if you’re hoping to save money during your visit in Venice, one thing to consider is getting a sightseeing pass ( you can browse some options here ).

Confusingly, Venice has several and the best choice for you will depend on which specific attractions you’ll see and how long you’re going to be in the city.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular options:

• Venice Pass : Probably the best deal for most 1st timers because it includes a lot of attractions like St Mark’s Basilica, Doges’ Palace and also a gondola ride, plus many other attractions.
• Venice Discovery Pass : Includes key attractions plus public transport on Vaporetto boats, including to and from the airport.
• Venezia Unica City Pass: Includes Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs and Armory, plus extra churches and museums

Overall, if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing, one of these passes would probably be worth it.

To choose which one, I would write down my top must-do activities and the duration of my stay, then see which pass fits those needs best.

21. Go beyond the main popular attractions in Venice

Of course, like in many major cities, some of the most charming parts of Venice can be found beyond the most famous sights.

In Venice, some wonderful gems to explore include…

• Liberia Acqua Alta : One of the world’s most beautiful bookstores which has a really cool section in the back with displays made of ruined books. This isn’t so much a secret anymore but it’s still very cool!
• Free rooftop terrace at Fondaco dei Tedeschi : Beautiful and free views that you have to book in advance here

… As well as plenty of museums that many visitors miss, so be sure to do a bit of extra research to find cool hidden gems!

22. Remember: Gondola prices are fixed

Now, let’s move onto gondola tips for Venice. The first thing to keep in mind is that prices for gondolas are actually fixed, so there’s no room for negotiation.

According to the official City of Venice regulations, gondolas can fit up to 5 adults at once and as of October 2023 cost a fixed rate of €80 for a 30 minute ride during the day, and €100 at night.

NOTE: If you don’t mind sharing with strangers, a more budget-friendly way to get a gondola ride may be booking a seat for yourself like through here .

23. Gondolas take different routes so choose wisely

Now, while gondolas all cost the same, it’s important to note that they don’t take the exact same routes, so be sure to ask the gondolier beforehand where they go, and try to make sure it’s a combination of both smaller canals and also the big iconic must-sees.

BONUS TIP: Be sure to also vet the vibe of your gondolier, because that can make a huge difference in your experience. The last thing you want is a grumpy gondolier that seems to despise everything about you…

24. Try to time your gondola ride for the morning

Especially if you’re visiting in the summer, I would time your gondola ride for the morning because…

• a) It’s the least busy time
• b) It’ll be less hot (there’s no shade on these gondolas!)
• c) Morning is when gondoliers will likely be in their best moods

25. Consider boarding your gondola in a quieter part of town

Of course, you can expect that line-ups for gondolas around the Grand Canal area will be the worst, so if you don’t mind visiting quieter less “famous” canals, then I’d advise starting your gondola ride elsewhere for a more peaceful experience overall.

26. Board a Traghetto for a budget-friendly boat ride

Now, if gondolas feel overly pricey, then there’s still another way you can get a boat ride experience in Venice for a fraction of the cost. 

Enter the almighty Traghetto!

These boats whisk locals and tourists alike across the Grand Canal for the low, low price of €2. That’s right, you could literally ride the Traghetto back and forth forty times for the price of one scenic gondola…

Now, is it the same experience? Obviously not. A Traghetto ride is fairly short, and involves a larger less opulent boat. But for the price of a bottle of water? It’s not a bad budget hack at all.

27. Consider booking a rowing lesson instead of a gondola ride

Lastly on the boat front (because wow, I didn’t realize I had this many boat-related Venice tips), consider booking a lesson with Row Venice if you’re hoping to get out on the water in a non-touristy fashion.

This unique (non-profit) company offers rowing lessons and tours that allow you to traverse Venice’s iconic waterways in a way that most tourists never get to experience – with you in control!

The cost is on par with a regular day time gondola ride, except the lessons last 90 minutes so you’re on the water for the triple the time. Definitely worth looking into if you’re looking for unique things to do in Venice.

28. Avoid dining in St Mark’s Square

Alright, now it’s time to tackle Venice food tips!

First off – as enticing as they look, do avoid the fancy restaurants in St Mark’s Square.

While the views and vibes are immaculate (with someone playing the Godfather theme on the accordion at all times, it seems), the restaurants here are well known tourist traps with inflated prices and often poor food quality.

If you do want to enjoy the atmosphere though, maybe opt for a coffee or drink instead, then eat elsewhere.

29. Dine far away from major tourist attractions

On a similar note, I would try to dine as far away as possible from major tourist attractions for the same reason.

Most of the time, these restaurants cater to tourists and don’t prioritize good service or quality since you probably won’t come back anyway.

I find that quality and prices tend to improve dramatically once you find yourself outside of the main tourist hotspots, so be sure to shop around and when in doubt, look at reviews.

30. Only go to restaurants with prices

Another important Venice must-know? Always make sure prices are on clear display before you commit to a restaurant.

Over the years, there have been many headlines like this one about Venetian restaurants overcharging tourists for meals… and getting away with it. So don’t let that be you!

A common trick is they charge pricey items like seafood by weight, so pay special attention to that.

31. Look out for ‘Venezia Autentica’ restaurants/businesses

If you’re stuck and need a quick frame of reference, there’s an organization known as Venezia Autentica that aims to support and highlight authentic local businesses that are run responsibly.

So when in doubt, you can always look out for their stickers or browse their website for ideas.

32. Try Venetian dishes while in Venice

Now another important Venice food tip is to try traditional Venetian cuisine over stereotypical “Italian foods” like pizza or pasta. 

I know that sounds blasphemous, but hear me out: wood fire pizza ovens are for the most part banned in Venice, so good pizza is in pretty short supply… plus Venetian cuisine doesn’t tend to focus much on pasta.

Instead, try some local dishes, like for instance…

Cichetti: These are little bite-sized dishes you can eat with your hands or a toothpick, usually for €1-3 each. They come in a huge variety so they’re great for tasting lots of local flavours in one go and are common when you go to a Bacaro which are cozy traditional Venetian taverns.

A popular dish commonly seen at a Bacaro is Sarde in Saor (Sardayn Sour) which are fried sardines served with vinegar and onion.

Venetians are also big on risotto, with a soupier iteration known as Risi e bisi which is rice and peas, that is very popular.

… Also very popular is polenta, which is paired with a variety of dishes like small lagoon shrimp (like in Polenta e shcie ) and liver (like in Fegato alla veneziana ).

And if you feel you may combust without pasta on this trip (no judgement), try Bigoli which is a classic Venetian pasta that’s like thick spaghetti, often served as Bigoli in salsa which means with an onion and fish sauce.

33. Bring a refillable bottle because there’s free water fountains

If you have a free second between inhaling all those delicious Venetian classics, another important must-know is to stay hydrated.

Luckily, staying hydrated in Venice is free!

All over the city, you’ll find many free drinking fountains offering clean and drinkable water, so bring a refillable bottle and take advantage.

34. Read up on more general Italy food and drink tips

There are many more general food tips I could tell you about Italy, but then we’d be here forever.

SO I’d recommend reading my full Italy travel tips post for more info on things like coffee etiquette, the structure of a typical Italian menu, and many more delicious secrets.

35. Take note of English/Italian names of landmarks and places

Now once you arrive in Venice, there are a few things you must know.

Firstly – keep in mind that the Italian and English names of places are often used interchangeably, so it’s helpful to remember that these are indeed the same places, for instance…

• Piazza San Marco = St Mark’s Square
• Palazzo Ducale = Doge’s Palace
• Ponte di Rialto = Rialto Bridge

36. Be prepared to pay for public toilets 

Public toilets in Venice can often cost as much as €1.50, so if you’re a total cheapskate like me, remember to use the toilet whenever you have an opportunity to so like at the hotel, at a restaurant or at museums.

Also be sure to keep coins on you so you can pay for these public toilets when needed.

37. Beware of pickpockets 

Unfortunately, Venice is a very popular city with many potential easy targets for pickpockets, so you’ll encounter a fair few in busy areas.

So, be vigilant and make sure you keep a hand and eye on your belongings.

… And read my full guide on how to avoid pickpockets in Europe for more guidance!

38. Don’t feed the pigeons 

Besides selfie sticks and sunburns, the most common thing you’ll see in St Mark’s Square is pigeons. And lots of ’em.

More than likely, you may also witness a tourist feeding and taking photos with said pigeons. Please refrain from doing this as it’s a banned and fineable offense … which also happens to be fairly gross.

39. Don’t swim in or touch canal water

Speaking of gross, another Venice must know is that you should never under any circumstance touch the canal water or try to swim in it.

Not only is the water really dirty and often laced with sewage, it’s (also) a fineable offense of a few hundred euro.

40. Look for artisan shops to support

Another important Venice tip? When shopping for souvenirs, do go to small artisan shops rather than buy cheap copies from typical souvenir stalls.

Anywhere really close to big touristy squares or attractions are likely to have mass produced goods that aren’t of great quality. So, make sure you shop around for goods that are handmade – they’ll definitely last longer!

41. Don’t be tempted by the fake designer goods 

On a similar note, you may see some people in Venice selling fake designer bags on the street.

Not only are these (of course) low quality copies, it’s also illegal in Italy to buy counterfeit goods, so beware of that.

NOTE: These salespeople can be very persistent, so the best course of action is to simply not engage at all.

42. Don’t randomly stop to take photos and block the way

This can be very frustrating for everyone involved, so just be mindful that you’re not the only person in Venice and you should get out of the way if you want to stop for photos.

43. Do a day trip to the nearby islands in the Venetian lagoon

Lastly, if you have time, make sure you explore more of the Venetian Lagoon besides just Venice!

Burano for instance is this gorgeous rainbow island that is honestly one of the prettiest places I’ve ever been to. You can learn more about the best things to do in Burano in my full guide, or read my Venice to Burano guide for guidance.

There’s also the similarly named Murano, which is well known for its artisan glass production, as well as several more islands with their own draws, so be sure to leave some room in your itinerary for exploring further!

I hope you enjoyed those Venice travel tips! 

Let me know in the comments if you have any more Venice must-knows to add. Safe and happy travels! 🙂

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1 thought on “40+ Venice Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go”

I’ve never been to Venice before, but it’s on my list for next year so I’ve been searching for first timers guides! Some super handy tips in here 🙂

C x Lux Life London

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12 incredible day trips from Venice

May 15, 2023 • 16 min read

Escape the clamor of Venice on a day trip Andrea Comi / Getty Images

Venice is one of the world’s greatest cities – a floating work of art, an open-air museum, and a place that everyone wants to visit at least once in their lifetime.

But what makes it great also makes it crowded...and then some. This fragile city is the poster child for overtourism and not only is it unpleasant to be part of that, but a whistle-stop tour of the sights makes you part of the problem. Our advice? Stay longer. A week is a decent amount of time to get a feel for the real Venice, beyond the crowds, and to take a couple of day trips beyond the canals.

The Italian railway system is excellent and in this part of the country, there are regular high-speed trains that can whisk you to another world in less than half an hour. Whether you’re looking for somewhere close by or fancy a day out in another region or even in the mountains, here are some of the best places to go.

1. See world-changing art in Padova

Travel time: 26 minutes by train

If it wasn’t so close to Venice, Padova (or Padua) would be one of northern Italy’s most feted cities. As it is, not many tourists make it to the place that changed art history – yet it’s one of the easiest day trips from Venice by train. Here, in the Cappella degli Scrovegni – the chapel of the Scrovegni banking family, which now sits in a little park, just 10 minutes’ walk from the train station – Giotto spent two years from 1303 to 1305, frescoing it from top to bottom. What he produced shattered medieval artistic conventions, introducing perspective and humanizing his figures, instead of keeping them stiff and sculptural. If his Nativity and Flight to Egypt scenes are familiar, that’s because they make regular appearances on Christmas cards around the globe.

Other sights include the colossal Basilica di Santa'Antonio – where the remains of St. Anthony of Padua are kept – and Prato della Valle , a huge square (said to be Europe’s largest) where grand statues of local luminaries stand guard over a moated island (join the locals and buy a pizza at nearby Pizzeria Orsucci, going strong since 1922, and eat it in the square). Don’t miss Piazza delle Erbe, where there’s still a busy food market, both inside and out. Looking for souvenirs? La Bottega del Pane is a pantry of exceptional local foods.

How to get to Padova from Venice:  The easiest way to get there is by train. Fast trains can take as little as 26 minutes, and slower (cheaper) regional trains can take double that time.

2. Pay homage to Romeo and Juliet in Verona

Travel time: 72 minutes by train

In fair Verona , where we set our scene, little has changed since the 16th century, when Shakespeare set Romeo and Juliet here. The Piazza delle Erbe still hosts a lively market beneath its frescoed palazzos; the Adige river still loops around the elegant center; and the Giardino Giusti’s impeccably laid out garden hasn’t undergone anything more radical than a trim in 500 years. Juliet may not have existed in real life but her spirit lives on in Verona, where " Juliet’s House " – complete with balcony, of course – lures visitors, and a bronze statue is said to bring love to those who rub its breast (nobody could accuse Italy of being politically correct).

Verona may be known as a romantic getaway, but its real attraction is its Roman amphitheater, the Verona Arena , constructed from rosy-pink stone from a local quarry. Back in the day it put on gladiator battles; today, it’s rather more sophisticated, hosting an annual opera festival that’s one of Italy’s iconic summer events.

How to get to Verona from Venice:  The train is the fastest and easiest way to get there. There are fast trains (the Milan-Venice route stops at Verona) or slower, cheaper regional ones. The journey ranges between 72 minutes and nearly two and a half hours.

3. See bombastic Renaissance architecture in Vicenza

Travel time: 44 minutes by train

Just as Padova is overshadowed by Venice, Vicenza is the often overlooked sibling of nearby Verona. It wasn’t like this 500 years ago, when the local dignitaries were building palazzos, each grander than the last along what was the Roman decumanus (main drag) and is now called Corso Palladio, after Renaissance starchitect and adopted vicentino , Andrea Palladio.

Today, you can still walk along the street, just as they did – the only thing that’s changed is that it’s now pedestrianized and the “most elegant street in Europe,” according to 19th-century historian Cesare Cantù. The jewel in Vicenza’s crown, though, is the Teatro Olimpico – a jaw-dropping theatre by Palladio, its interior crafted entirely from wood, stucco and plaster to aid the acoustics. Its trompe l’oeil stage set is the oldest in the world. If you have a car, it’s worth driving around the countryside, which is littered with sumptuous villas also designed by Palladio – La Rotonda is one of the finest.

How to get to Vicenza from Venice:  Fast trains from Venice are quick (from 44 minutes) and easy, or it’s a 50-minute drive.

4. Hit the water at Lake Garda

Travel time: 93 minutes by train

Yes, you can do a day trip from Venice to Lake Garda – in fact, Italy’s largest lake makes for a fun day trip on public transport. Take the train to Desenzano , from where the (water) world is your oyster. Ferries zigzag across the lake – top stops include Lazise, a picture-perfect village on the crystal clear water; Gargnano, where you’ll find Limonaia La Malora, one of the only remaining lemon groves which Garda used to be famous for; and Limone sul Garda, where there’s a footpath cantilevered over the water on the outskirts of town.

At Sirmione, a peninsula thrusting out into the lake from the southern shore, there are the remains of a Roman villa, the Grotte di Catullo , while on a hill above Gardone Riviera is the Vittoriale , the former home of beloved Italian writer Gabriele D’Annunzio. The views from the rambling grounds (which include a warship dug into the hill) are spectacular. It’s a great family day trip but you may want to extend that into an overnight or two – it’s the perfect destination to combine with Venice.

How to get to Lake Garda from Venice:  To do it all by public transport, you can take the train to Desenzano, from where ferries depart for towns and villages around the lake. Otherwise, you can drive from Venice, rent a car at Desenzano or, if you’re sticking to the east side of the lake, Verona.

5. See a Venice without tourists at Chioggia

Travel time: 75 minutes by ferry and bus

Perched at the southern end of the Venice lagoon, Chioggia is close to Venice on a map, but getting there by road is tortuous. That’s why you should visit during summer, when one of Europe’s most beautiful public transport routes is running: the 11, which takes the form of a bus all the way along the Lido island, then transfers to a ferry across to Pellestrina, continues the length of this toothpick-thin island separating the lagoon from the Adriatic, before dropping you off for a final ferry crossing to Chioggia.

Often described as a mini Venice, Chioggia certainly shares a lot with La Serenissima – a settlement clumped over islands, linked by bridges – but where Venice has an elegant feel of decay, Chioggia is a living, working town. Instead of tourist gondolas, you’ll see fishing boats lined along the canals, and there are even cars driving along the streets. Don’t miss the church of San Domenico, where a painting of St. Paul by Renaissance artist Carpaccio sits in the dark, alongside votive paintings by fishermen. It’s a brilliantly atmospheric yet cheap day trip from Venice.

How to get to Chioggia from Venice:  Take a vaporetto from the city to the Lido, where the number 11 bus route whisks you eastwards, transfers to a ferry to Pellestrina, continues to the end of the island, and then drops you off at the ferry for Chioggia. Note that this route is only active in summer. Otherwise, it’s about an hour’s drive (but on frustratingly slow roads) south of Venice.

6. Soak up the cross-cultural history of Trieste

Travel time: One hour 50 minutes by car

It takes a while to get to Trieste – just over two hours by train, or a quicker (but stressful) drive – but it’s absolutely worth it. Reward an early start with a capo in b – a micro-sized cappuccino, served in an espresso glass. This used to be part of the Austro-Hungarian empire, so the coffee scene is more Vienna than Venice, here. Instead of downing an espresso at the bar, people sit down with a newspaper to savour their break. Caffe degli Specchi is the place to go – it sits on Piazza Unità d’Italia , one of Italy’s most spectacular squares, with frothy Habsburg-era buildings on three sides, and the sparkling Gulf of Trieste on the fourth.

Wander the old city – home to Roman ruins and the 15 th -century Castello di San Giusto , which has spectacular views over the water – then head northwest from the center to Miramare , a fairytale castle of gleaming white stone, cantilevered over the water. On the way back into town, take a dip; the sidewalk doubles as a sun terrace, where the Triestini lay their towels, sunbathe, and hop in the calm waters of the Gulf to cool off.

How to get to Trieste from Venice:  It’s quickest to drive, at around 1 hour 50 minutes, but the road’s a busy autostrada  with tolls. Better to take the slower but scenic train, which weaves around the lagoons at the very northern tip of the Adriatic Sea.

7. Travel back in time to mysterious Ferrara

Travel time: About one hour by train

Often mist-swirled and always mysterious, Ferrara is a time machine back to the Renaissance period. The Castello Estense , the ominous brick castle of the Este dynasty, dominates the city – today you can go for a boat ride in the moat that once separated the family from their citizens and mooch through the castle which, 500-odd years ago, was one of Italy’s cultural capitals. Fancy a taste of their lifestyle? Much of Ferrara’s traditional food comes from the Este family’s Renaissance cookbook – try pasticcio, a sweet-pastry pie filled with macaroni cheese, meat ragù and bechamel sauce, and salama da sugo, a spicy kind of sausage, served with mash and said to be Lucrezia Borgia’s favorite food. Both are acquired tastes, but a fascinating glimpse into how they ate hundreds of years ago.

Ferrara’s Palazzo dei Diamanti , an exhibition space in a 15 th -century palace whose façade is studded with diamond-shaped stones, reopened in 2023 after two years of closure. It was originally damaged in the 2012 earthquake, along with much of the city. Check out its website for what’s on during your visit – its exhibitions are usually top notch and well worth the trip.

Until the Second World War, Ferrara had a renowned Jewish community; this was the setting for The Garden of the Finzi-Continis , by Giorgio Bassani, and you can still wander the narrow streets of what used to be the Jewish quarter. Learn the history of the community – both here and more widely in Italy – at the exceptional MEIS , or National Museum of Italian Judaism and the Shoah.

How to get to Ferrara from Venice:  It’s easiest to go by rail. High-speed trains take just over an hour, while regional ones are around 90 minutes. Otherwise, it’s an easy 75-minute drive along the autostrada, but it’s a toll road and city center parking is expensive.

8. Eat some of Italy’s best food in Bologna

Where to go from Venice by train? Further than you think. By high-speed rail, it’s easy to turn Italy’s culinary capital into a daytrip. 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 shameless indulgence.

Wander the streets of the Quadrilatero  (home to food stalls since the medieval period), take a pasta-making class (we like the offerings at Salumeria Bruno e Franco ), and end with an aperitivo on Piazza Maggiore, Bologna’s main square, where a hulking naked statue-fountain of Neptune dominates one side, and the Basilica di San Petronio , a barn-like church, dominates the other. Any of the restaurants will do you proud – must-try dishes are tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini in brodo (tiny pasta pockets filled with a meaty, cheesy stuffing and swimming in broth), and cotoletta alla petroniana, or alla bolognese – a veal cutlet swathed in prosciutto, layered with cheese, then baked to oozing perfection.

How to get to Bologna from Venice:  It’s easiest by train – high-speed Frecciarossa trains can whisk you there in just over an hour and a half. It’s roughly the same by car, though you should add autostrada tolls and the road is quite monotonous.

9. Climb into the Dolomites at Cortina d’Ampezzo

Travel time: Two hours by car

Within a two-hour drive from Venice, you can be in the heart of the Dolomites . Head due north, and within an hour you’ll be winding up through mountain passes towards Pieve di Cadore, the birthplace of Renaissance painter Titian (his birthplace is now a museum, and there are paintings by his artist family in the local church). From there, fork west, hugging the mountainsides, to Cortina d’Ampezzo .

This is one of Italy’s chi-chiest ski resorts, but there’s plenty to do year round, from hiking to eating (try the Michelin-starred SanBrite , whose owners source all their ingredients locally). This is part of the Ladin community, an ancient population of the mountains that have their own language and traditions. Learn about the Ladins, and the Regole – essentially a collection of centuries-standing families who "govern" the town – at the Ethnographic Museum, housed in an old sawmill.

How to get to Cortina d’Ampezzo from Venice:  This is definitely one to drive. The two hours by car (or 80 minutes from Venice Marco Polo airport) changes to a minimum of five and a half by public transport and you’ll have to change at least twice.

10. Wallow in volcanic mud in the Euganean Hills

Travel time: 45 minutes by car or train

The wider region around Venice, Veneto , tends to be pretty flat except where the landscape rears up towards the Dolomites. This is one of the exceptions – a group of cone-like volcanic hills, 81 of them to be precise, rearing up from the plains south of Padova.

Of course, their volcanic origin should give you a hint that Italy’s famous thermal spas will be nearby. The small, neighboring towns of Montegrotto and Abano are home to various springs and spas that have been going since Roman times. Today, along with other nearby towns Galzignano, Battaglia and Teolo, they’re said to form the oldest, and largest, thermal spa in Europe, with 240 thermal pools between them. One of our favorites is the Abano Ritz Hotel Terme – family- and female-owned for three generations. The thermal mud they use in balneotherapy treatments comes from right beside the hotel and the pools in their 6,000-square-meter waterpark stay a constant 33 degrees (91.4F), thanks to the thermal waters that spent 25 years and 100km (62 miles) underground before gushing out here.

Don’t spend all your time wallowing, though – the whole area is designated the Euganean Hills Regional Park, and there are trails for hiking, biking and horse-riding, as well as breathtaking views from behind the wheel if you prefer a road trip. Visit one of the sprawling Renaissance country villas on offer (try Villa Barbarigo , known as the hills’ answer to Versailles, near Galzignano). Can’t go to Italy without seeing some Roman remains? You’ll find bits of 2000-year-old spas at Montegrotto and Abano.

How to get to the Euganean Hills from Venice:  Trains take between 37 minutes and an hour to reach the Terme Euganee-Abano-Montegrotto station, which serves the spa towns. If you want to explore the park, though, you’ll need a car – it’s about a 45-minute drive from Venice.

11. Wind back the centuries at Aquileia

Travel time: 80 minutes by car

Across the border in Friuli Venezia Giulia and en route to Trieste is this fascinating time capsule, where the history of the northern Adriatic is layered like a lasagne. Now a Unesco World Heritage site, this was one of the richest cities of the early Roman Empire before it was destroyed by the Huns in the fifth century CE. There’s not a lot from that era visible, since most of it lies unexcavated below fields, although the Roman river port is fascinating in its detail.

What you’re really going for is the later history – the basilica , dating back to the fourth century and rebuilt in the medieval period after an earthquake. The original mosaic floor was saved from damage and today it’s an astonishing, colorful carpet of early Christian artwork, with astonishingly vivid depictions of Bible stories like the Good Shepherd and Jonah and the whale, in between cameos of rich Roman locals, and lagoon wildlife.

How to get to Aquileia from Venice:  The easiest way to get there is by car; it’s about an hour and 20 minutes’ drive from Venice, and about two thirds of the way to Trieste. By public transport you’ll need to take a train to Cervignano-Aquileia-Grado and then swap to a bus – the journey takes just over two hours.

12. Visit Venice’s inland empire at Treviso

Travel time: 31 minutes by train

These days, Treviso is best known for its airport, home to budget airlines galore, but there’s nothing low-end about the town itself. Elegant, petite and pretty, Treviso is still a place for residents rather than tourists, and a walk around its calm centro storico is like one big exhale if you’ve come from crowded Venice. Once part of the Stato da Tera, Venice’s historic inland empire, it’s curiously similar to La Serenissima – all porticoes, art-filled churches and elegant palazzos – only without canals taking center stage (though there are a few – the Canale dei Buranelli, sweeping through the center, is the prettiest).

Don’t miss the Fontana delle Tette , a fountain in the shape of a naked woman which used to spout wine from her breasts – white from one, and red from the other – every time a new mayor was sworn in. The original has been moved to the Palazzo dei Trecento, the 13th-century castle-like building dominating the Piazza dei Signori but there’s a replica in situ just off Calmaggiore, the main street dating back to Roman times. The church of San Nicolò is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, which you won’t find much in Venice.

How to get to Treviso from Venice: Trains run every half hour or so, and take 30-40 minutes to Treviso Centrale. Otherwise, it’s a simple, if not particularly scenic, 40-minute drive from Piazzale Roma.

This article was first published Mar 18, 2019 and updated May 15, 2023.

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15 Best day trips from Venice Italy

Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and also a great base from which you can explore the Veneto region and beyond.

I’ve always found it difficult to tear myself away, but there are many compelling day trips from Venice. Some are very easy, including popular boat tours in Venice that take you out to lagoon islands like Burano .

Some of the best day trips from Venice only involve a short train or bus ride onto the mainland and back.

Some possible trips from Venice involve more travelling time, and we offer guidance on whether or not you can accomplish your trip from Venice under your own steam.

There is also the option of booking day tours from Venice, which take you beyond the reach of public transport. It’s also worth bearing in mind the option of car rental in Venice, which again opens up more options for you.

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Easy Day Trips From Venice – Around The Venetian Lagoon

The best of the boat trips from Venice is the Murano Burano Torcello run to the three islands in the north of the lagoon – or just seeing two of them.

Burano and Murano often confuse visitors because of the similarity of their names, but they are very different.

The departure point for the Murano, Burano and Torcello vaporetto (waterbus) is the Fondamente Nove station on the northern side of the city. The number 12 boat takes you to Murano Faro, a short walk from some of the Murano glass workshops for which the island is known worldwide.

It continues northwards across the open lagoon, and the leaning tower of the main church on Burano island soon comes into view.

The boat then reaches a canal between the islands of Mazzorbo and Mazzorbetto, before turning left towards the island of Torcello.

Torcello feels very quiet and remote nowadays, but this isolated spot was actually settled long before the islands that make up the city of Venice were occupied.

It is also home to Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which is one of the most impressive churches in Venice . It dates back to the 7 th century and has a stunning mosaic above the east apse.

Torcello was once a thriving small city, but is now an isolated outpost of Venice, with the cathedral, another church, a museum, a few houses and a restaurant spread out along a single narrow canal.

Most of the island has reverted to something akin to its pre-settlement state – nearly all of its buildings were dismantled, the materials re-used in the city of Venice. It’s worth climbing the cathedral campanile for the view over the island. Which gives you a good idea of how the islands that make up Venice once would have looked.

Our Rating: 4.5/5

See Also: Venice Off The Beaten Path – Explore 18 Hidden Gems In Venice

Most people make the day trip to Burano to see the many brightly painted houses that make up this small fishing village, the next stop on the number 12 service from Torcello.

I’ve found that Burano and Torcello make a good day trip from Venice. You need an hour or more on Torcello, and if you’re a keen photographer, at least a couple of hours on Burano. It’s quite small, but it still takes a while to walk around all the canals and backstreets. Nearly every house is a photo opportunity – I’ve never seen anywhere quite like it.

It also attracts a steady stream of visitors looking to buy Burano lace, which is painstakingly sewn by women on the island, traditionally to supplement their husbands’ fishing income.

There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around the island, making it an ideal day trip destination from Venice.

See Also: Things To Do In Burano

The Rest of the Lagoon

There are some other intriguing side trips from Venice around the various lagoon islands. One of the most off-beat short trips from Venice is on the number 13 vaporetto, which departs Fondamenta Nove, calling at Murano Faro en route to the island of Sant’ Erasmo.

Few make the trip to Sant’ Erasmo, but I recommend it, especially if you need a break from the peak season crowds in Venice. It’s where many of the vegetables you see for sale at Rialto market are grown.  You can walk or hire a bike (from the first stop, Capannone), and meander past fields of artichokes, aubergines and peppers.

One of the most unusual Venice day tours is to the island of San Lazzaro degli Armeni, which is home to a small Armenian Catholic monastery just to the west of Lido island. The guided tour is fascinating, giving great insight into Armenian history. The monastery’s library houses one of the most important collections of Armenian manuscripts in the world.

San Lazzaro degli Armeni has attracted many well-known visitors, including Lord Byron, who learned some Armenian there in 1816-17 and has a room named after him there. There is also a story that Joseph Stalin worked there as a bellringer in 1907, having fled Russia to help plot revolution in exile.

Chioggia is a lovely little fishing town at the southern end of the Venetian lagoon. It’s very different to Venice itself, but an interesting side trip from Venice. It’s a hint of how Venice might have turned out had it not become so incredibly wealthy because of its trading empire.

It’s worth the journey down from Venice just to see the last known painting by Vittore Carpaccio, St Paul, in the church of San Domenico. There are several other notable churches, including the Duomo, or cathedral, designed by Baldassare Longhena, who was also responsible for the glorious Santa Maria della Salute at the entrance to the Grand Canal back in Venice.

Chioggia also has a great fish market and seafood restaurants, and the old town makes for a pleasant stroll for an hour or so. There is also a beach at Sottomarina (sometimes referred to as Marina di Chioggia).

Our Rating: 3.5/5 for the destination, 5/5 for the longer journey

Getting there: the 80E bus from Piazzale Roma takes an hour to reach Chioggia.

However, the longer route via the beach island of Lido is far more interesting. The number 11 bus runs the length of Lido island, boards a ferry to Pellestrina island, which has wonderful views of the lagoon and 18 th century sea walls. Another bus then continues the length of that to a ferry, which then takes you past mussel fishermen’s houses on stilts. One of the best places to catch a sunset in Venice , and one of the true hidden gems of Venice.

The Brenta Canal

After Venice’s maritime empire and overseas influence started to dwindle, the Venetian wealthy turned their attention inland, to the adjacent Veneto region. Many of the aristocratic families built palaces along the scenic Brenta Canal (also known as the Riviera del Brenta) which links Venice with Padua, and several boats offer cruises along this beautiful waterway.

Brenta Canal cruises usually start at 0900, with several stops at Venetian villas en route, finishing at 1700 or 1800. Some services finish at the vast Villa Pisani at Strà, with an onward bus to Padua, while others dock in Padua. You then make your own way back from Padua by bus or train.  Full day cruises are currently priced at €99, with half day cruises (to Oriago) €55.

Our Rating: 4/5

Day Trips From Venice By Train

Venezia Santa Lucia is the departure point for trains from Venice to mainland Italy. There are possible day trips by train to the north, east, south and west, and here are some of the best options.

The Venice to Padua day trip is one of the best you could possibly do.   I originally stayed there because Venice was booked out for a festival and I didn’t mind the ‘commute’. If Padua wasn’t so close to Venice it would be a bigger city break destination in its own right. It reminds me of Bologna in that it’s a captivating medieval city with a large young student population.

There are enough things to do in Padua to tempt you for two or three days, but as you’re only there for one you should book yourself a place on a tour of the Cappella Scrovegni. The entire interior of this small chapel was painted by Giotto da Bondone for a wealthy patron seeking to pay and pave his way to the afterlife.

It took him over two years – 1303 to 1305 –  to paint all the walls and ceilings, decorating them with a series of Biblical scenes. The most astonishing thing about his paintings is how far ahead of their time they were. They were completed over 150 years before the Renaissance, yet this is the era they most closely resemble. You need to book your tickets at least a day in advance, and arrive prior to your time slot.

The heart of the city is around the two Palazzo della Ragione and the two squares either side, the Piazza della Frutta and Piazza delle Erbe, where bustling markets are held on weekdays. It’s a short walk from here to the Duomo, or Cathedral, and the highlight of a visit here is the adjoining Baptistery, with an incredible ceiling by Giusto de’ Menabuoi.

Padua’s other essential sight is the Basilica of St Anthony of Padua, known locally as Il Santo. St Anthony was a disciple of St Francis of Assisi who was canonised only three years after his death. The basilica was built to venerate him, and his devotional cult is very strong nearly 800 years after he died. It’s one of the most opulent and fascinating churches I’ve ever visited.

Our rating: 5 / 5

Getting there: The train from Venice to Padua takes between 30 and 50 minutes, depending on whether you catch the Eurostar (quickest), Inter-Regionale or regionale (slowest) service.

The Venice to Vicenza day trip is another you can easily do by train.

You will already have had some introduction to Vicenza’s most famous son, Andrea Palladio, in Venice. His sublime church of San Giorgio Maggiore is one of the most iconic sights on Venice, and the nearby churches of Il Redentore and Zitelle are also must-sees. If any of these have captivated you, Vicenza is where you should go to see much more of Palladio’s work.

As with Padua, you’ll probably struggle to see everything in a day. However, most of the best things to see in Vicenza, including several Palladio sights, are within a short distance of each other in the city centre, including the Basilica Palladiana, Palazzo Thiene and Teatro Olimpico, a wonderful re-creation of a Roman theatre.

Palladio is also well-known for his beautifully proportioned Roman-inspired villas, and there are two within easy reach on the southern outskirts of Vicenza. The Villa Rotonda and nearby Villa Malmarani ai Nani are around 400 metres’ walk from the number 8 bus stop.

There are also wonderful views over the city from the church at Monte Berico. A day trip to Vicenza is feasible, but it may be worth considering a Vicenza tour as an option if you want to cover all of the main sights in the time available.

Our rating: 5/5

Getting there: The train from Venice to Vicenza takes between 45 minutes (for fast intercity services) and 1 hour 15 minutes (Regionale).

Verona is one of the most popular destinations for a day trip from Venice.   It’s one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, and the only reservation I have for recommending a day trip from Venice to Verona is that you cannot hope to do it justice in a day. It deserves at least two days, possibly even more.

There are so many things to do in Verona. The most popular sight is the Casa di Giulietta, the setting for Shakespeare’s tale of doomed love, Romeo and Juliet. The house, which at one time belonged to the Dal Cappello family (similar to Shakespeare’s ‘ Capulet’) dates from the 14 th century, but the balcony was added much later. Needless to say, it is one of the most popular selfie spots in Italy.

Verona has so many other things to see. The Roman Arena, the best-preserved in Italy after the Colosseum in Rome, is still used as a venue for opera and concerts.

As time on a day trip to Verona day trip from Venice is limited, I suggest seeking out some of the highlights of the medieval city. The Ponte Pietro is a stunning red-brick fortified bridge over the Adige River, and the Duomo and San Zeno Maggiore church are two of the finest Romanesque buildings in northern Italy.

Verona is also a beautiful city to walk and savour the street life, with Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori two of the prime spots to take a break and watch the world go by for a while.

Getting there – There are frequent trains from Venice to Verona Porta Nuova, and to make the most of the day you should spend the extra money on the faster Regionale Veloce or Frecciarossa trains which take a little over an hour, rather than the slow regionale which take twice the time for less than half the price.

Trieste is the last outpost of Italy, tucked away in the north-east corner of Italy, next to the border with Slovenia, with Croatia also close by.

It’s a fascinating city which doesn’t really feel like Italy. It was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire for over 500 years, and its main seaport until 1918 and the end of the First World War. It still feels like a crossroads city to me, with as much Slavic and Germanic influence as Italian.

It may not have many of the conventional sights of some of the other destinations we describe, but I’d still recommend a day trip from Venice to Trieste to uncover some of its many layers of history.

Trieste is also the (unofficial) coffee capital of Italy, which dates back to its time as a free port under the Habsburgs, when coffee was shipped there from all over the world. It’s home to the famous Illy coffee brand, and they have set up a University of Coffee where you can take a day course or even enrol on a degree.

I sought out the Caffe San Marco while I was there last, partly to sample the outstanding espresso, but also to see where James Joyce drank his coffee for ten years.

The most popular tourist sight in Trieste is actually just outside the city – the Castello Miramare sits in a gorgeous location a few miles across the bay.

There are also plenty of other surprises and things to do in Trieste on your day trip. It’s only a short walk from the seafront up the hill to the Roman amphitheatre and the lovely Cathedral at the summit.

In this last corner of Italy, you can also visit the one Nazi concentration camp to be set up on Italian soil. The Risiera di San Sabba started out as a rice mill, but was put to sinister use by the Nazis, who murdered at least 5,000 people there, and deported many more to the death camps to the north, including Auschwitz .

Getting there: The regular train from Venice to Trieste takes two hours.

Bassano del Grappa and Marostica

Bassano del Grappa is a pretty town in the foothills of the Dolomites two hours north of Venice.It’s best known as the home of grappa, a strong spirit that’s usually grape-flavoured, which comes in many varieties.

There are, of course, plenty of places to try or buy grappa in Bassano, including a number of osterie, or bars, and the Poli Museo della Grappa. The most impressive sight in the town is the covered wooden Ponte Vecchio, also known as the Ponte degli Alpini, which spans the river Brenta.

Bassano’s nearest neighbour is the picturesque town of Marostica, which is known for a game of human chess played out on the town square every two years. The next perormances will be held 7 th to 9 th September 2018.

The tradition goes back to the 15 th century, when two noblemen sought the hand of Lionora, daughter of the local lord. It makes for a stunning spectacle, played out with the Castello the imposing backdrop.

Our Rating: 4 / 5

Getting there: The regular train from Venice to Bassano del Grappa takes two hours, and there are regular buses from Bassano to Marostica which is only 4 km away.

Best Day Tours from Venice

Some destinations can be visited in a day from Venice, but if you’re relying on public transport you’re not going to see much, which is where taking private day tours from Venice becomes an option. We recommend this for the following destinations.

Wine Tours from Venice

Sampling a glass or two of prosecco is almost as essential a Venetian experience as a boat ride down the Grand Canal. And if you’re in Venice for a few days and want to know (and try) more, you can take guided tours from Venice to ‘Prosecco country’ to the north of nearby Treviso.

The main Prosecco Superiore growing area is actually quite small, between the towns of Valdobbiadene and Conegliano. It’s steep, hilly country, and the vineyards make a wonderful sight, especially towards harvest time. There are also some beautiful villages along the route, including Guia and Santo Stefano.

The tours take you through this fine scenic countryside, and you usually visit two or three wineries, learning all about the cultivation of the vines and tasting several vintages at each.

Our Rating: 4.5 / 5

Lake Garda is the largest of the Italian Lakes, and one of the most beautiful, with some beautiful resort towns around its shores. It’s around 50 km north to south, and around 10 km across most of the way.

You can reach Lake Garda from Venice by train easily enough: trains regularly stop at Peschiera and Desenzano. You can then count on getting to a hub like Sirmione by bus, or up either shore, but you’re not going to get long wherever you choose to go.

So if you want to make the most of your day trip to Lake Garda you’ll get more out of it by taking a day tour.

Our Rating: 4.5

The Dolomites

If you climb one of Venice’s campaniles on a clear day, you can see the peaks of the mighty Dolomites to the north.  No wonder that a Dolomites day trip from Venice sounds appealing.

However, the Dolomites are out of reach of public transport from Venice.

You can organise car hire from Venice, and with your own wheels you can get to the mountains in around two hours. This gives you the freedom to explore some of the scenic Dolomites drives for a few hours before heading back to Venice.

Alternatively, if you book a Venice Dolomites day trip with a private tour company, a typical itinerary takes you to lovely Lake Santa Caterina, the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo peaks and gives you some time in the ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Our Rating: 5/5

Ravenna was once the most powerful city in what was left of the Roman Empire in western Europe, and was the seat of power in the 5 th and 6 th centuries. The legacy of its century-long heyday is some of the most precious mosaic art on the planet, all dating from this period.

I had studied Byzantine art at university, and even that didn’t prepare me for seeing the Ravenna mosaics in person: they are simply astounding. The main sites are the Basilica of San Vitale, the Neonian and Arian Baptisteries, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and the Basilicas of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo and Sant’Apollinare in Classe.

It’s situated close to the Emilia-Romagna coast to the south of Venice and the Po delta. You can get from Venice to Ravenna by train and back in a day, but the chances are it’ll take you three hours or more each way. Then there are the six main sites to visit – five are within walking distance of each other, while the other one is a short bus or train ride away.

Put simply, a Venice to Ravenna day trip on public transport is going to be long and tiring. A Ravenna day tour makes more sense, getting you there and back in much less time.

L ong Distance Day Trips from Venice

The day trip from Venice to Florence can be done, but it’s not one I’ve seen anyone try, and I wouldn’t do it myself as it deserves a lot more time than a day trip is going to offer.  Venice is too far away. It makes more sense to take a Florence day trip from somewhere closer, like Bologna or one of the Tuscan cities.

That said, if Venice is the closest you’re ever likely to get to Florence and this is the one chance you’re going to get to see it, by all means go for it.

It doesn’t really make much sense to book a tour of Florence from Venice, as it’s easier to make your own way there by train (which can take as little as two hours). but it would be well worth your while joining a Florence tour while you’re there, especially if you want to get an overview of the city in a short space of time.

Our rating: 5/5 for the destination, but 3/5 for a day trip all the way from Venice.

Getting there : by regular train from Venezia Santa Lucia to Florence Santa Maria Novella (Firenze SMN)

See Also: Photographing Florence – Capturing One Of the Most Beautiful Cities In Italy

The day trip from Venice to Milan can also be done, but as with Florence, it’s not one I’d contemplate myself. Again, Milan deserves more time than a day, but as some of the main sights are close to each other you’d get to experience some of the best things to do in Milan more quickly than you would Florence.

A day in Milan would give you enough time to see the magnificent Duomo, the opulent La Scala Opera House and Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper in nearby Santa Maria delle Grazie church. One of the most beautiful old delis in Italy, Peck, is also very close to the Duomo.

As with Florence, if your time is limited it makes sense to catch one of the high-speed trains from Venice, and to cover as much ground as possible, book yourself on a Milan tour.

Our rating: 4.5/5 for the destination, and 3/5 for a day trip all the way from Venice

Getting there: Trains run regularly from Venezia Santa Lucia to Milano Centrale.

D ay Trips Out of Venice That Can’t Be Done

While travelling in Italy in the late 1990s I met a number of people who talked about taking day trips from Venice to Croatia. I looked into the possibility of it back then and it wasn’t workable. The situation remains the same over twenty years on.

It’s easy enough to find a day trip to Venice from Croatia, as several operators in Pula, Porec and Rovinj run daily boats there in season (usually April to September). They depart in the morning, returning in the early evening.

And therein lies the problem if you want to embark on a day trip to Croatia from Venice. The only departures available are in the evening, so you really need to spend one, or more likely two, nights at your Croatian destination. There is much more of a market for day trippers to Venice from Croatia than there is the other way around. The same applies to Slovenia.

Some visitors do indeed contemplate day trips and tours from Venice to Rome. I wouldn’t. The quickest train one way takes well over three hours, so that’s around seven hours just on the train.

Rome is an amazing city packed with hundreds of things to see and do. The best advice I can give is not to do so on a long, exhausting day trip from Venice.

Best Day Trips from Venice Map

To help you plan your travels I created this map in google maps showing the locations of each of the day trips from Venice in this article. Click on the map and it will take you to google maps where you can download this map and get directions.

Day Trips From Venice – Final Words

I hope that my day trips from Venice article has helped you plan your Italy itinerary.

The Veneto region is extraordinarily rich in places to visit. It has always been rather overshadowed by Venice, meaning that time-poor travellers don’t have the opportunity to explore it more.

At the very least, I’d look at a half-day trip to the north of the Venetian lagoon. The island of Torcello is serene, and there are enough things to do in Burano – and houses to photograph – to warrant a few hours of your time.

If you’re going to make one trip back to the mainland, make it to Padua . It’s one of the most underrated cities in Europe with two World Heritage Sites, including some of the finest medieval fresco cycles in the world.

And there’s so much more. Vicenza, Verona, Lake Garda in one direction. Ferrara, Bologna , Ravenna in the other. And Tuscany? You can do a day trip to Florence if you’re really pushed for time. But I’d suggest that’s another trip entirely – check out my Best Places to Stay In Tuscany article for a few ideas.

David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian. He is a European travel expert with over 30 years’ experience exploring Europe. He has a degree in History from Manchester University, and his work is regularly featured in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, The Times, and The Sunday Times.  David is fluent in French and Welsh, and can also converse in Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech and Polish.

Day Trip From Venice To The Dolomites

Michela Italy Dolomites , Tours , Venice 2

If you’re considering how to travel from Venice to the Dolomites, I’m here to help you. I live about halfway between Venice and the Dolomites, and I’ve been to both destinations more times than I can count. I highly recommend visiting both places, as they’re unique. A day trip from Venice to the Dolomites is a great idea; however, it’s best for an extended 2-3 day trip. Whether you enjoy exploring the area on scenic drives or lean more towards public transit, I have some tips that might help you.

Table of Contents

If you haven’t visited Venice yet and plan to add it to your upcoming Italy Trip, don’t miss out on exploring the unusual places of Venice and some of its beautiful surroundings. North Italy is well-connected, and lovely towns near Venice keep you busy for many days. If you want to see the closest mountains near Venice, a day trip to the Dolomites Cortina is worth it.

A Day Trip from Venice to Dolomites Cortina

Few know you can go from Venice to the mountains in less than 2 hours. And the connections are also good. You can get from Venice to Cortina or go on self-driving tours by train. Drive the highway from Venice to Belluno, and from there, you will drive through the small villages of the Dolomites Cadore region.

Many small towns and cities near Venice are worth visiting, like Verona, Padova, and Ravenna. However, a trip to the Eastern Dolomites is unique because you can dive into the heart of the Italian Alps, a UNESCO heritage site, and see some of Italy’s characteristic landmarks. The Dolomites are not only for keen walkers and these mountains. The stunningly unique landscape and geology are extraordinary; you will not see anything like that in Europe.

Where are the Dolomites?

The Dolomites are a mountain range in Northern Italy that goes up to the border with Austria. They cover more than 350000 ha with no less than 18 mountains that stand over 3000m tall. Visiting the entire region on a day trip to the Dolomites from Venice won’t be possible. The primary destinations if you’re coming from Venice will be Cortina and Belluno, the getaway town to the Eastern Dolomites. Below is a map showing the drive from Venice to Cortina in the Dolomites. The distance is about 150 km, and you should plan two and a half hours of driving.

Are the Dolomites worth visiting?

Many small towns and cities near Venice are worth visiting, like Verona, Padova, and Ravenna. However, a trip to the Eastern Dolomites is unique because you can dive into the heart of the Italian Alps, a UNESCO heritage site, and see some of Italy’s characteristic landmarks. The Dolomites are not only for keen walkers and winter sports fans. The stunningly unique landscape and geology are extraordinary; you will not see anything like that in Europe.

When is the best time to visit the Dolomites?

The best time to visit the Dolomites is, without a doubt, in the summer. From mid-June to mid-September, I’d go in July or August when the weather is more predictable to be on the safe side.

Check out our Small Group Trip to the ➡️ Northern Dolomites

I know it’s the busiest time in Italy for tourists and the nicest, as far as the weather and daylight are concerned. If you have to choose a day, don’t go on weekends, as all the locals spend the day in the mountains, and traffic jams are a classic.

Bonus Tip: When visiting the Dolomites from Venice, plan your trip over midweek days when it is less busy and there are fewer tourists. Leave early in the morning and stay until late to avoid office-hour traffic.

How to get from Venice to the Dolomites

Few know you can go from Venice to the Dolomites mountains in just 2 hours. And the connections are also good. You can get from Venice to Cortina by train or on self-driving tours. Take the highway from Venice to Belluno, and from there, you will drive through the small towns and villages of the Cadore region.

By Car (fastest option)

If you choose to go on a self-drive tour of the Dolomites , you can drive on the motorway, A27, from Venice through Treviso and Vittorio Veneto to exit the “autostrada” in Belluno. From there, one hour more drive, Cortina, on the SS51 road. You can hire a car in Venezia-Mestre or at Venezia Airport.

Find all: ➡️ Car Rental Deals from Venice

By public transport (cheapest option)

Going from Venice to the Eastern Dolomites of Cortina is easy. There is an express bus service every two hours or so. You can also go on Cortina’s typical day trip from Venice by trains and shuttle buses from Venezia-Mestre (the mainland of Venice). In the Eastern Dolomites, there is a local bus network, but it’s suitable for those who live there. To go on a day trip, you must be flexible and move around fast to maximise your time.

If you are taking the train from Mestre Venice to the Dolomites, you will go through Treviso and change to the train to Belluno. From there, you can go by bus. It will take 3-4 hours. From Venice to Cortina, using the bus is probably the fastest of all public transportation options. Even though public transport is well served, I recommend driving a car from Venice to the Dolomites because it will simplify things if you want to see more places when you get there.

By tour (most convenient option)

Joining a tour is convenient for travelling from Venice to the Dolomites. You won’t have to worry about transport, and you’ll have excellent local guides who know all the best spots and ensure a fantastic time.

The Dolomites, Lake Misurina, and Cortina Day Trip are highly recommended day tours. This tour is designed for small groups, with a maximum of 8 people. During the trip, you’ll visit Lake Misurina and the charming town of Cortina, both offering breathtaking views and stunning natural landscapes.

By Taxi / private transport (for larger groups)

If you prefer a taxi to get you from Venice to the Dolomites, some companies offer door-to-door transfers from your accommodation in Venice to the Dolomites. The journey usually takes 2 hours, depending on traffic. Private transport is the most convenient option for travelling in groups or as a family.

Check out this ➡️ A Private Tour From Venice To Cortina Dolomites

Best Places to Visit in the Eastern Dolomites

Most people on a day trip to the Dolomites from Venice end up in Cortina to see the most touristy places. Cortina itself is a beautiful small town in the Dolomites. However, the mountain scenery around Cortina is gorgeous and in the heart of the Eastern Dolomites. So, I would use Cortina as a hub for a day trip or more trips in the area.

Cortina D’Ampezzo

The Queen of the Dolomites is the hub when travelling from Venice, thanks to its easy access by public transport. It’s a luxurious ski resort but equally touristy in summer. Next to its amazing views, don’t miss the many lakes, WWI destinations, and hiking trails.

San Vito Di Cadore

San Vito Di Cadore is a smaller town in a green valley in the Belluno Dolomites. Its most famous attraction is Lago Mosigo. It’s a fabulous place for those who prefer strolls over strenuous hikes.

Auronzo Di Cadore

This former mining town is now an international ski destination. It’s built on the banks of Lake Santa Caterina, and in addition to visiting Pallazo Corte Metto, make sure to explore nearby villages such as Villapicolla.

Sappada is a small mountain village with a strong community that doesn’t speak Italian but German. In summer, the typical wooden buildings are decorated with flowers. Some top attractions include Nevelandia Park and the three-day Carnival in February/March.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Not a mountain town this time, Tre Cime Di Levaredo is one of the most famous hikes in the Dolomites. It’s a 4-hour circuit trail that begins at the car park of Refugio Auronzo, and it’s known for its three unique towering peaks.

Last but not least, on your way to Cortina from Venice, Belluno is a must-see historic town in a stunning mountain setting. Thanks to its direct train from Venice, it’s a great getaway to explore the Dolomites. When you’re there, visit the ancient squares, the Duomo of Tulio Lombardo and the Church of S. Stefano.

Things To Do In The Dolomites

No worries, there’s more to do than exploring historical villages! If you go to the Dolomites, I’m sure you’re ready to hit the outdoors. Here are our picks for the best things to do in the Dolomites.

Hike the beautiful green valleys.

There are hundreds of Dolomites hikes , and it would take months, if not years, to do all of them. But if you stick to a day trip to Cortina from Venice, you must not miss the Croda da Lago Hike. It’s a 12 km easy hike that you can start from Passo Giau, about 20 minutes north of Cortina. From the beautiful refuge, you will enjoy the spectacular view of Mount Nuvolau and hike through sweeping valleys and a picturesque landscape.

The hike’s first half is more on a rocky path to reach the great Mondeval Alpine meadows’ highest point. The walk meanders through the lunar landscapes of Val Formin along the tall, spikey mountain walls of Croda Da Lago down to the Feral Lake and Palmieri Refuge. It is an idyllic place and one of the most scenic landscapes of the Dolomites I know.

Go climbing, mountain biking, or paragliding

If you are into extreme mountaineering and want to try some “Ferrata” (climbs), you can do some serious climbing and go on mountain biking trails. Or, if you are brave enough, try paragliding.

Relaxing in the mountain landscapes

If you are not a fit hiker, you can take short walks in the villages or nearby and spend time in a cosy rifugio (mountain hut). Most have gardens where you can sit outside and enjoy the spectacular panorama. Or you can take a relaxing walk around one of the many Dolomite lakes.

Indulge in the Dolomites food

Do you think the Dolomites are only for those keen hikers and walkers? That’s not true. The Dolomites are famous for great food, too. You can taste sweet and savoury specialities from locally produced cheeses and rich culinary traditions.

Extending your Dolomites Trip

A day trip from Venice is way too short to do justice to the fantastic Dolomites in Italy. However, if you ideally want to plan 2 or 3 days in the Dolomites to visit more cities outside Venice, there are endless combinations and day trips that you can do. You can see the Prosecco Hills , halfway between Venice and the mountains.

You can tour some of the ancient small towns in North-East Italy . Vittorio Veneto, Belluno, Bassano del Grappa, and Agordo are just a few Dolomites Towns that you can add to your trip itinerary.

If you love food & wine, this region produces the Prosecco wines d.o.c.g. You can also spend time at the many lakes at the foothills of the Dolomites. If you want to join a multi-day tour that encompasses all of the above and caters to small groups of travellers, click below:

Where to stay in the Eastern Dolomites

If you would like to explore more of the Dolomites, here are some great suggestions on where to stay. The Dolomites is a vast region well-known for its hospitality and warm community. While Cortina and Belluno are excellent day trip destinations, I recommend booking your stay in one of the smaller, more authentic villages, such as Sappada, Auronzo, or San Vito di Cadore.

Best Places to Stay in the Dolomites: ➡️ Franceschi Park Hotel (4* Hotel in the heart of Cortina D’Ampezzo) ➡️ Albergo Miravalle (Mid-Price Hotel in Auronzo di Cadore) ➡️ Wellness Hotel Bladen (Mid-Price Hotel in Sappada) ➡️ Albergo Cappello e Cadore (Mid-Price Hotel in Belluno)

Where to stay in Venice

If you want to book your stay in Venice, here are some great suggestions. Venice has over three thousand places, from luxury hotels to budget hotels and B&Bs to rental houses and apartments. It takes a lot of time to do an accurate search online. Below are our picks based on our experience and the client’s feedback. Click the links below to view prices and availability or check out our guide to the best areas and hotels where to stay in Venice .

Best Places to Stay in Venice: ➡️ Casa Accademia (Budget in Dorsoduro Venice) ➡️ Locanda Ai Santi Apostoli (Budget in Cannaregio) ➡️ Ca Nigra Lagoon Resort (Mid-Prices in Santa Croce) ➡️ Hotel Casa Verardo (Mid-Priced in San Marco) ➡️ Ca’ Di Dio Small Luxury Hotel (Lux hotel in Castello)

Related Articles & Guides:

19 Unusual Things to Do in Venice

Best Areas and Hotels Where To Stay In Venice

Visiting Trieste from Venice on a day trip

A Hiking Tour To The Northern Dolomites

Things to do in Bolzano South Tyrol In Summer

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Ryan Biddulph November 10, 2018 @ 2:40 pm

A 2 hour trip is perfect, Michela. So close. Especially for such an eye-popping place. Excellent post.

Kathleen Bello November 16, 2018 @ 2:28 pm

It was great reading your blog, very nicely executed. I haven’t visited Italy yet, but after reading your blog, would surely love to visit ASAP. Thanks for sharing such a fantastic blog and awesome pictures.

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Venice Revealed

13 of the Best Day Trips from Venice: Go Beyond the Lagoon

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Venice, the city of canals, is undoubtedly one of the most enchanting places on earth. 

But the magic of the Veneto region extends far beyond its capital. From the shimmering waters of Lake Garda to the medieval charm of Verona, Northern Italy is a treasure trove of diverse landscapes, rich history, and mouthwatering cuisine. 

For those who wish to delve deeper into the travel experience, embarking on a day trip from Venice opens up a world of possibilities. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or a foodie , there’s a destination waiting to captivate your senses. 

If you are staying for more than a couple of days , a day trip from Venice is a great idea. So, let’s set sail from the Grand Canal and discover the best day trips from Venice.

1 – The Lido (Venice Lagoon)

Just a short boat ride away from the bustling heart of Venice lies the serene island of Lido di Venezia . Known for its tranquil beaches and Art Nouveau architecture, Lido offers a refreshing contrast to the crowded streets and canals of Venice. This thin strip of land, stretching between the Adriatic Sea and the Venetian Lagoon, is one of the best day trips from Venice for those seeking a blend of relaxation and cultural exploration.

Attractions

Lido is famous for its sandy beaches , which provide a perfect setting for a beach day. The island is also home to the Venice Film Festival, which takes place at the historic Palazzo del Cinema every September. For architecture enthusiasts, a stroll around the island reveals a collection of beautiful villas and hotels showcasing the elegant Liberty style, Italy’s version of Art Nouveau. The Santa Maria Elisabetta area, with its charming shops and cafes, offers a glimpse into the everyday life of the locals.

Of course, the best reason to go to the Lido is to hit the beach. The most popular one, the Alberoni , is a protected nature reserve and feels very far away from the crowds of Venice. 

Getting There and Best Time to Visit

Reaching Lido from Venice is a pleasant ride on a vaporetto (water bus) that takes about half an hour. The best time to visit Lido is during the summer months when you can fully enjoy the beaches. However, if you wish to avoid the crowds, spring and early autumn are also lovely times to explore the island.

Check out the full article on the best times to visit Venice!

Food and Drink Experiences

Lido offers a variety of dining options where you can savor Venetian cuisine. Seafood is a staple here, with local restaurants serving fresh fish and shellfish dishes. For a unique food experience, try the traditional Venetian dish, sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines). Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a glass of Prosecco, the famous sparkling wine from the Veneto region.

2 – Murano and Burano (Venice Lagoon)

A visit to Venice would not be complete without a day trip to the enchanting Venetian lagoon islands of Murano and Burano. These islands are just a short boat ride away from Venice and offer a unique glimpse into the region’s rich artisanal heritage.

Murano is world-renowned for its long-standing tradition of glassmaking. The island is dotted with glass factories, many of which offer a glass blowing demonstration. Visitors can watch master glassblowers at work, transforming molten glass into intricate sculptures, chandeliers, and jewelry. The Glass Museum (Museo del Vetro) is a must-visit, showcasing the history of glassmaking and stunning examples of Murano glass.

Read my full guide on the things to do in Murano!

Burano, on the other hand, is famous for its lace making and brightly colored houses. The island’s lace is known for its exquisite quality and intricate designs. The Lace Museum (Museo del Merletto) provides fascinating insights into the island’s lace-making history. Walking around Burano, you’ll be charmed by the vibrant houses that line its canals, each painted a different color.

Getting There, Best Time to Visit, and Local Customs

Both Murano and Burano are easily accessible day trips from Venice by vaporetto . The best time to visit these islands is in the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller.

In terms of local customs, it’s important to respect the privacy of the residents. While the colorful houses of Burano are incredibly photogenic, remember that they are people’s homes. Always be respectful when taking photos.

Both islands offer delightful food and drink experiences. In Murano, be sure to try a ‘bussolà’, a traditional Venetian biscuit that’s perfect with a cup of coffee . In Burano, don’t miss the chance to taste the island’s famous ‘Bussolà Buranello’, a donut-shaped cookie that’s a local favorite. Seafood lovers will also enjoy the fresh fish and shellfish dishes served in the islands’ restaurants. Pair your meal with a glass of Veneto’s famous Prosecco for a truly Venetian dining experience.

3 – Sant’erasmo (Venice Lagoon)

Sant’erasmo, often referred to as the “Garden of Venice,” is a tranquil island in the Venetian Lagoon. It’s a fantastic day trip for those seeking a break from the bustling city life of Venice. The lagoon island is renowned for its lush landscapes, vineyards, and orchards, producing a variety of fruits and vegetables, including the famous Sant’erasmo artichokes. 

The island also offers beautiful views of the lagoon and Venice in the distance.

How to Get There, Best Time to Visit, and What to Do

Getting to Sant’erasmo is a pleasant ride on the vaporetto (water bus) from Venice, taking about half an hour. The best time to visit is during the spring and summer months when the island’s vegetation is in full bloom. Once there, you can rent bikes to explore the island’s natural beauty, visit the Torre Massimiliana, a historic tower now converted into a cultural center, or simply enjoy a leisurely walk along the beach.

Unique Food and Drink Experiences in Sant’erasmo

Sant’erasmo offers a unique culinary experience, thanks to its agricultural richness. Don’t miss the chance to taste the island’s renowned artichokes, usually served fresh in local dishes. The island also produces its own wine, so a wine tasting is a must-do for wine lovers.

Accommodation Options for Extended Stays

While Sant’erasmo is typically visited as a day trip from Venice, those wishing to stay longer can find accommodation options on the island. There are a few charming bed and breakfasts that offer a peaceful retreat amidst the island’s natural beauty. 

Staying on the island provides a unique opportunity to experience the everyday life of the locals in this serene part of the Venetian Lagoon.

Remember to always check the availability and book in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.

4 – Bologna (Emilia Romagna)

Bologna, the capital of the Emilia Romagna region, is a city that’s rich in history and culture. Known as “La Dotta” (The Learned), “La Grassa” (The Fat), and “La Rossa” (The Red), Bologna is a city of many faces. It’s home to the oldest university in the world, the University of Bologna, which was founded in 1088 and has a student population that brings a youthful energy to the city.

Major Sites

Bologna is renowned for its beautiful and historic architecture. The Piazza Maggiore is a sprawling square that’s surrounded by some of the city’s most important buildings, including the Basilica of San Petronio, one of the largest churches in the world, and the Palazzo del Podesta, a historic city hall. 

The city is also famous for its porticoes, covered walkways that line the streets of the city center, and the Two Towers, the Asinelli and the Garisenda, which are the city’s main symbols.

The Journey from Venice

Bologna is conveniently located and is easily accessible from Venice. The journey by train takes about an hour and a half, making it a feasible day trip. The city’s main train station is located about 20 minutes’ walk from the Piazza Maggiore, and the route will take you past many of the city’s beautiful old buildings and impressive architecture.

Bologna is often considered the culinary capital of Italy , and for good reason. The city is the birthplace of many famous Italian dishes, such as tortellini, lasagna, and ragu (the meat sauce that’s often referred to as Bolognese sauce). The city is also known for its cured meats, cheeses, and wines. 

When in Bologna, be sure to visit one of the city’s many trattorias to experience authentic Bolognese cuisine.

5 – Bassano del Grappa (Veneto)

Nestled in a picturesque setting with the foothills of the Alps rising behind it and the Brenta River flowing through it, Bassano del Grappa is a charming city that makes for a fantastic day trip from Venice. The city boasts a rich history, with architectural wonders dating back to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It is also famed for its production of the potent grappa spirit.

The heart of life in Bassano del Grappa is centered around Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza della Liberta. However, the city’s most popular attraction is the beautiful Ponte degli Alpini , a wooden bridge offering stunning views of the river and the city. It’s an ideal spot for capturing memorable photos.

Journey from Venice

Bassano del Grappa is located to the northwest of Venice and is easily accessible by public transport. A direct train line connects the two cities, with trains departing frequently. The journey takes approximately an hour and 15 minutes, and once you arrive, the scenic city center is just a short stroll away.

For a more immersive experience, consider taking a guided tour. This is a great way to get a feel for the lovely Venetian hill towns. With stops at Bassano del Grappa, Asolo, and Marostica included, alongside prosecco tasting at a local vineyard and a visit to a Palladian villa, it promises to be an action-packed day out.

Unique Food and Drink Experiences

Bassano del Grappa is renowned for its production of grappa , a strong Italian spirit. A visit to Bassano del Grappa would be incomplete without a tasting session. The city also offers a variety of local dishes that are worth trying, such as “bigoli”, a type of pasta often served with duck ragu.

6 – Chioggia (Veneto)

Chioggia, often referred to as “Little Venice,” is a charming town located in the Veneto region, about an hour away from Venice. This medieval town is nestled on two islands, separated by the ‘Channel Vena,’ and is known for its vibrant fishing and port activities. It’s a fantastic day trip from Venice, offering a glimpse into the everyday life of a traditional Italian fishing town.

Chioggia is a treasure trove of historical and cultural attractions. Start your visit at the arcaded Piazzetta Vigo, where you’ll find the Vigo Bridge and a high column with the Lion of Saint Mark. 

Not far from here is the 14th-century Palace of the Granaio Pubblico, a neo-gothic style building with beautiful windows with pointed arches. Behind the palace is the fish market, a Chioggia landmark, where you can find fresh fish of various species.

The town is also home to several beautiful churches, including the Church of Saint Andrew with its 12th-century bell tower, the Holy Trinity Church with important paintings by Palma il Giovane and Andrea Vicentino, and the 13th-century Church of Saint Dominic which includes a 16th-century painting by Vittore Carpaccio.

How to Get There and Best Time to Visit

Chioggia is easily accessible by public transport from Venice. You can take a direct train line from Venice’s Santa Lucia train station to Chioggia. The journey takes about an hour and a half. The best time to visit Chioggia is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the town is less crowded.

Chioggia offers a wide range of local specialities based on seafood. Try the ‘granseole’ (crab meat with olive oil, lemon, and spices), ‘bigoli in salsa’ (spaghetti with garlic sauce, oil, onion, parsley, and anchovy fillets), and the so-called ‘black cuttlefish’ (squid cut and boiled in a sauté onion, garlic, white wine, and tomatoes). Don’t miss the ‘Festival of salt-water fish’ that takes place during the first ten days of July, where you can enjoy local products and a few glasses of Merlot, Cabernet, Prosecco, and Soave.

7 – Verona (Veneto)

Verona, famously known as the setting for Shakespeare’s “ Romeo and Juliet ,” is a city in the Veneto region of Italy that is rich in history and culture. It’s a medieval city that effortlessly combines its historical past with a vibrant present. I highly recommend a Verona day trip as it is one of my favorite cities in Northern Italy. 

Verona is home to a number of significant historical sites. The Roman Arena, an enormous amphitheater that dates back to the 1st century AD, is one of the best-preserved of its kind. Despite its age, the Arena is still in use today, hosting concerts and operas. 

The city is also home to the Ponte Scaligero, a beautiful bridge that was rebuilt after World War II.

The city’s most famous site is Juliet’s House, which draws visitors from around the world who wish to stand on the famous balcony and declare their love. The city is also home to numerous beautiful churches and piazzas, including the ornate San Zeno Maggiore Church and the bustling Piazza delle Erbe.

Verona is conveniently located just over an hour’s high speed train ride west of Venice, making it an easy day trip. Trains depart frequently from Venice Santa Lucia train station, and upon arrival in Verona, you’ll find yourself just a short walk from the city’s historic center.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Verona is in the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded with tourists. The summer months can be quite hot, and the city is often crowded with tourists.

Verona is known for its excellent cuisine and wine. The city is particularly famous for its risotto, which is often served with Amarone wine, a rich red wine that is produced in the region. Other local specialties include pastissada de caval, a horse meat stew, and pandoro, a sweet bread that is traditionally served at Christmas.

8 – Lake Garda (Lombardy/Veneto)

Lake Garda, nestled between Lombardy and Veneto, is Italy’s largest lake and a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. With its clear blue waters, charming lakeside towns, and stunning mountain backdrop, Lake Garda is a perfect day trip from Venice.

Attractions and Activities

Lake Garda is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy a variety of water sports, including sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking. For those who prefer land-based activities, the surrounding area offers excellent hiking and biking trails.

There is an elevated bike path that hugs the cliffs of the river’s edge suspended above the water. The views are incredible and it is a ride you’ll never forget. 

The blue lake is dotted with picturesque towns and villages, each with its unique charm. Desenzano del Garda, at the southern tip of the lake, is known for its lively atmosphere and beautiful beaches. Sirmione, located on a peninsula extending into the lake, is famous for its medieval castle and thermal baths.

A Lake Garda day trip would not be complete without a trip to Gardaland, Italy’s largest amusement park, which offers fun for the whole family.

Getting There and Around

Lake Garda is about a two-hour drive from Venice. There are also direct train lines from Venice to Desenzano del Garda and Peschiera del Garda, both located on the southern shore of the lake. Once you’re there, you can get around by car, bus, or ferry. 

The Lake Garda ferry service is a pleasant and convenient way to explore the different towns and attractions around the lake making it one of the most fun day trips.

The best time to visit Lake Garda is from April to October when the Northern Italy weather is warm and most attractions are open. However, the lake is beautiful all year round, and a visit in the off-season allows you to enjoy its beauty without the crowds.

Food and Drink

Lake Garda is renowned for its local cuisine, which features fresh fish from the lake and delicious wines from the surrounding vineyards. Try “trout in carpione,” a traditional dish of marinated trout, or “risotto con tinca,” a risotto with tench, a fish native to the lake. 

For wine lovers, a visit to a local winery for a tasting of the region’s famous Bardolino or Lugana wines is a must.

Accommodation

If you decide to extend your stay, Lake Garda offers a wide range of accommodation options. From luxury hotels with stunning lake views to cozy bed and breakfasts in the charming lakeside towns, there’s something to suit every taste and budget. 

For a unique experience, consider staying in a historic villa or a modern eco-friendly resort.

9 – Padua (Veneto)

Padua, or Padova as it’s known in Italy, is a charming city in the Veneto region, just a short train ride away from Venice. Known for its ancient university and rich history, Padua offers a unique blend of historic sights, vibrant student life, and modern business. It’s a city where you can wander through historic streets, admire stunning architecture, and enjoy a variety of cultural experiences.

Padua’s biggest tourist attraction is the Scrovegni Chapel (Cappella degli Scrovegni), renowned for its priceless frescoes by Giotto. The Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua, known simply as Il Santo, is another must-visit site. Beyond these two, the city is filled with numerous other historic sights, art galleries, and parks.

Padua is easily accessible from Venice by train, with the journey taking only about 20-40 minutes depending on the type of train you take. The city’s train station is located just north of the town center, making it convenient for visitors to start exploring right away.

Padua can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded.

Padua offers a variety of unique food and drink experiences. The city is known for its traditional Italian cuisine, with a variety of restaurants and bars offering everything from quick snacks to substantial meals. For a refreshing afternoon treat, try some high-quality ice cream from Grom on Via Roma, a new Italian institution loved by Slow Food aficionados.

10 – Vicenza (Veneto)

Nestled in the heart of the Veneto region, Vicenza is a hidden gem that’s often overlooked by tourists. Known as the “City of Gold” due to its long-standing tradition in goldsmithing, Vicenza is also famous for its unique architectural style, largely influenced by the renowned 16th-century architect Andrea Palladio. This has led to the city’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts.

Attractions in Vicenza

Vicenza is home to numerous grand buildings designed by Palladio and his followers. The most famous among these is the Villa La Rotunda and Teatro Olimpico, Palladio’s last work, which was completed by his son and then by Vincenzo Scamozzi. This theatre, modeled on ancient Roman theatres, boasts a curved amphitheatre, graded stepped seating, and lavish ornamentation.

Another notable landmark is the Basilica Palladiana, the town’s medieval law courts, featuring an imposing facade by Palladio. The city’s heart, Piazza dei Signori, is dominated by these two striking landmarks.

For art lovers, the Gothic Church of Santa Corona houses works by Giovanni Bellini and Paolo Veronese. And for a panoramic view of the area, a walk or bus ride uphill to the Santuario di Monte Berico is highly recommended.

Journey from Venice and Best Time to Visit

Vicenza can be reached in 45 minutes from Venice by taking one of the high speed trains; a cheaper option will take just over an hour. The city’s compact town center and attractive villas in the hills a short walk away make it a fantastic day trip from Venice. The best time to visit Vicenza is during spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is most pleasant.

Keep in mind that in August many of the shops and restaurants will be closed for a week or two. 

Unique Food and Drink Experiences in Vicenza

Vicenza offers a variety of unique food and drink experiences. The city is known for its traditional dishes like “baccalà alla vicentina” (salted cod cooked with milk, onions, and anchovies) and “bigoli” (a type of thick spaghetti usually served with duck ragu). For wine lovers, a visit to a local winery to taste the regional wines like the white Soave or the red Valpolicella is a must.

11 – Trieste (Friuli Venezia Giulia)

Trieste, the capital of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, is a charming city located in northeastern Italy and offers one of the most unique day trips from Venice. It’s a unique blend of Italian, Slovenian, and Austrian cultures due to its location near the Slovenian border and its history as part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The city is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant café culture.

Getting There

Trieste is easily accessible from Venice by train. The journey takes about 2 hours, making it a perfect day trip destination. The city’s train station, Trieste Centrale, is conveniently located near the city center.

Things to Do

Once in Trieste, there are plenty of things to see and do. Start your visit at Piazza Unità d’Italia, one of the largest sea-facing squares in Europe. From there, you can easily reach the city’s main attractions. Visit the stunning Miramare Castle, which offers breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. Explore the Roman Theatre, a testament to Trieste’s ancient history. 

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the iconic Trieste Cathedral and the impressive Risiera di San Sabba, a former rice-husking factory turned concentration camp during World War II is also worth visiting.

Trieste is famous for its café culture. Make sure to visit one of the city’s historic coffee houses, such as Caffè San Marco or Caffè degli Specchi, and try a traditional Triestine coffee. For lunch or dinner, enjoy local specialties like jota (a hearty bean and sauerkraut soup), gnocchi di susine (plum dumplings), or fresh seafood dishes. Pair your meal with a glass of local Friulano wine.

Trieste is a walkable city, so comfortable shoes are a must. The city is also known for its strong winds, especially the Bora wind, so be prepared with a light jacket or windbreaker. Lastly, while Italian is the official language, you’ll also hear Slovenian and German spoken, reflecting the city’s multicultural heritage.

12 – Piran (Slovenia)

Piran, a charming town located on the Adriatic coast, is a hidden gem that makes for an unforgettable day trip from Venice. This Slovenian town is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, narrow alleys, and stunning views of the sea. Its unique appeal lies in its Venetian Gothic architecture, reminiscent of Venice itself, and its picturesque setting on a narrow peninsula.

Piran is a town where history and culture are intertwined with everyday life. The town’s main square, Tartinijev Trg, is a beautiful marble-paved area that was once the inner harbor. The square is adorned with a statue of a nattily dressed man, adding to its charm.

The Cathedral of St George, with its free-standing bell tower modeled on the campanile of San Marco in Venice, offers a panoramic view of the town and the sea. The Venetian House, a red mid-15th-century Gothic structure with tracery windows and a balcony, is another eye-catching structure in Piran.

For those interested in history, the Sergej Mašera Maritime Museum and the Mediadom Pyrhani, a multimedia, interactive museum, offer insights into Piran’s maritime history and overall historical story.

Getting to Piran from Venice involves a pleasant ferry ride across the Adriatic Sea. There are several ferry services available that offer a direct line to this beautiful city in Slovenia. The journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, making it a feasible day trip.

The best time to visit Piran is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the town is less crowded. Summer can be quite busy, but it’s also when the town is most vibrant.

Unique Food and Drink Experiences in Piran

Piran offers a variety of unique food and drink experiences. The town is known for its seafood restaurants, where you can enjoy fresh fish caught in the Adriatic Sea. Don’t miss out on trying the local olive oil and Piran sea salt, which are considered among the best in the world.

For wine lovers, a visit to the nearby vineyards for a wine tasting session is a must. The region is known for its Refošk and Malvazija wines.

While Piran is perfect for a day trip, it also offers a range of accommodation options for those who wish to extend their stay. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses, there’s something for every traveler. Some popular options include the Hotel Piran, located on the seafront, and the more budget-friendly Hostel Piran. 

Staying overnight allows you to experience the town’s enchanting atmosphere after the day-trippers have left.

13 – Prosecco Region and Prosecco Road

The Prosecco region, located in the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions of Italy, is a sparkling wine lover’s paradise. The area is renowned for its production of Prosecco, a bubbly white wine that has gained international acclaim. The lovely countryside is characterized by rolling hills covered in vineyards, charming villages, and historic wineries.

The Prosecco Road, or “Strada del Prosecco,” is a scenic route that winds through the heart of the Prosecco region. 

The road stretches from Conegliano to Valdobbiadene, passing through picturesque landscapes and offering stunning views of the vineyards and the surrounding countryside. Whether you travel the route by bike or car, you’ll find numerous wineries where you can stop for a tasting and learn about the traditional methods of Prosecco production.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply a lover of beautiful landscapes, the Prosecco region and the Prosecco Road offers one of the best day trips from Venice. The area is easily accessible from Venice, making it one of the best Venice day trips for those looking to explore beyond the city’s canals.

Read my full guide on taking a tour of Prosecco from Venice!

The Prosecco region is about an hour’s drive from Venice. You can rent a car and drive yourself, or join a guided tour that includes transportation and wine tastings. Since this is one of the day trips from Venice in which you’ll likely do the most drinking, I highly recommend booking a driver to take you around. 

If you prefer public transportation, you can take a train from Venice to Conegliano and then a local bus to Valdobbiadene.

When to Visit

The Prosecco region can be visited year-round, but the best time to go is during the grape harvest season, from late August to October. During this time, you can witness the grape picking and wine making process first-hand. The region also hosts several wine festivals throughout the year, offering a great opportunity to sample a variety of Proseccos and meet the local producers.

Wrapping It Up

Venturing beyond the enchanting canals of Venice opens up a world of captivating day trips. From the scenic islands of Murano and Burano to the historic towns of Verona and Vicenza, each destination offers its own unique charm and experiences. 

Explore the wonders of the Venice Lagoon, indulge in delicious food and wine, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Northern Italy. Whether you’re seeking natural beauty, historic sites, or culinary delights, these day trips from Venice are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

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Uno-X Mobility narrowly avoided disaster on stage 16 of the Tour de France when a team car missed a turn through a roundabout and nearly crashed into the other Uno-X team car.

The incident occurred at about 30km to go on Tuesday’s 189-kilometer sprint stage from Gruissan to Nîmes.

The first team car was pacing Uno-X rider Johannes Kulset back to the peloton, speeding through the course and maintaining that speed into a roundabout. But the car missed the correct exit on the roundabout and kept veering left in the circle.

Then the other Uno-X team car, driving the correct way and taking the other of two available paths around the roundabout, sped into frame within meters of the first car and Kulset.

Close call with two Uno-X team cars nearly crashing after a wrong turn in a roundabout. #TDF2024 pic.twitter.com/JmfpIrHLvw — NBC Sports Cycling (@NBCSCycling) July 16, 2024

Luckily no contact was made and Kulset was able to return to course and continue making his way back to the peloton. He finished the stage in the peloton, in 95th place, with the same time as winner Jasper Philipsen .

Kulset was assessed a 30-second penalty by the race jury for drafting off his team car while returning to the race. Riders are not allowed to use the slipstream of vehicles in the race, although it’s usually looked past for riders returning to the race after a mechanical or crash, so long as they only stay behind each car momentarily before moving up to the next one in the caravan.

Kulset’s case was a more blatant and extended case of drafting his own team car. However the penalty won’t matter much for the Norwegian rider who is in 52nd place overall, nearly 2.5 hours down on Tadej Pogačar, and who was more concerned about being able to help his team’s sprinter, Alexander Kristoff, who finished third.

Kulset was also assessed a 200 CHF fine, and docked 15 UCI classification points and 10 points in the Tour points classification.

The incident comes as the Tour de France and the UCI have been trialing new safety protocols at the race , including an extended version of the 3km rule, where riders are given the same time as the group they are with if a crash happens within the final kilometers of the race. The rule has been extended up to 5km from the finish on certain stages.

The other new safety feature being trialed is awarding riders the same time if they finish within three seconds of one another, rather than the one-second gaps of the past. This incentivizes riders, especially those vying for the GC, to take fewer risks in bunch sprint finishes.

Still, the final kilometers of today’s stage were quite technical, including no less than five roundabouts in the final 5km for the peloton to navigate at the most tense time of the race. And there was a crash at 1,300 meters to go involving green jersey Biniam Girmay.

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At least 25 dead in Peru crash as bus plunges 600 feet into the Andes

At least 25 people were killed and 17 injured in Peru on Tuesday after a bus crashed while traveling through a mountainous area, according to Ayacucho’s regional health department.

The bus skidded off a highway in Peru’s Andean Ayacucho region at dawn, overturning and plummeting down a slope of about 650 feet, Jhonny Rolando Valderrama, head of the highway protection division, told state news agency Andina.

Valderrama said the accident occurred on the Los Libertadores highway in Ayacucho in the south-central Andes and that rescue work was ongoing.

By early afternoon, a top police officer said early information indicated there were 42 passengers in the bus.

Peru’s ground transportation superintendent SUTRAN said in a statement the bus belongs to local company Turismo Molina Union SAC and that it has initiated an investigation.

Company representatives did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.

Deadly bus accidents are common in Peru, where many buses travel on precarious mountain roads or are driven by inadequately trained drivers.

At least 25 people died in April when a bus fell into a river in Peru’s northern Cajamarca region, while last September at least 24 people died in a similar accident in the Anco region.

Cavalcade   2024

While Ferrari’s exclusive driving events are well-known for their beautiful locations and extraordinarily scenic road routes, the most recent Ferrari Cavalcade truly pulled out all the stops, bringing a host of wonderfully diverse Prancing Horses – and their owners – together in Italy’s most romantic city, Venice.

Witness a selection of the highlights from this year's memorable Venice Cavalcade…

A glittering procession of 124 Ferrari cars, including an incredible 21 examples of the 812 Competizione A and a stunning one-off – the SP-8  – gathered at the Port of Venice for a spectacular display on the Sunday before the four-day driving programme began. 

With the entirety of the event being based at Venice’s luxurious St Regis Hotel, the first day began with clients being transported by water shuttles from the hotel to the Port of Venice to meet their cars for an early morning departure.

From left: the Venice Cavalcade saw 124 cars gathering at the Port of Venice before exploring the verdant countryside, beautiful towns and perfectly preserved hilltop villages of Northern Italy

Heading off into the very best of Northern Italy, the first break of the day saw the Cavalcade heading into the majestic Dolomite Mountain range, stopping at Passo D’Aune at Alpina 1954, before heading north towards the beautiful town of Agordo and a lunch break at the exclusive PalaLuxottica. The procession then set off southwards through the wine-making region of Borgo Luce before circling back to Venice, completing an intense yet rewarding 390kms behind the wheel.

After a relaxing lie-in the next morning, the first cars left the Port of Venice and headed south for a stop-off at the imposing Abbazia di Pomposa, before threading westwards towards the beautiful Renaissance town of Ferrara for lunch. The afternoon was spent returning in a northerly direction through the characterful town of Rovigo and back to Venice.

From left: the third and fourth days of the event saw the procession of Prancing Horses heading west to Vicenza, taking in more beautiful driving roads, enjoying interesting stop-off points and finally heading back to Venice for the conclusion of the Cavalcade 

Wednesday found the Cavalcade of Prancing Horses journeying westwards to the cosmopolitan city of Vicenza and onwards to Bassano de Grappa. A post-prandial sprint south-east then took the procession of cars to the Aeroporto di Istrana and the 51st Military Airforce Base, and then, once again, back to Venice ahead of a red and black themed dinner at the historic Arsenale Di Venezia.

A leisurely breakfast on the final day was followed by a pleasing jaunt into the lush countryside of Lower Padua. With a total journey distance of just 190kms, the Cavalcade cars travelled south-west to Padova, where they lined up in this historic city’s centre – allowing Ferrari fans and passersby alike the opportunity to witness a truly glorious collection of Prancing Horses. A short blast back to the Port of Venice rounded off the last segment of the driving programme, leaving guests the rest of the afternoon to explore Venice’s breathtaking marble palaces, enchanting squares and beautiful canals.