18 Best Day Trips From Venice + 3 To Avoid

Are you spending a few days in Venice and looking for the best day trips from Venice? I have been there many times, including recently, and I am about to share my top picks.

Venice is undoubtedly one of the world’s most stunning cities and among the top destinations in Italy, with only Rome attracting more visitors. But crowds and the constant activity of Venice can become overwhelming at times.

Even with plenty to do within the city, and many fantastic hidden gems in Venice, you might find yourself yearning for a change of scenery and looking to explore other parts of Veneto (one of Italy’s 20 regions) and other places in Italy that may be less crowded yet equally captivating.

Thankfully, despite its location on a lagoon, Venice is surprisingly easy to depart from, making it a fantastic base for a variety of day trips.

In this post, I’ve created a list of the top day trips from Venice, complete with tips on making the most of each adventure and getting around Italy. I’ve also included a few spots that aren’t ideal for a quick visit so you know where to avoid going.

If you are visiting Venice for the first time and don’t know how long to stay there, head over to my post How Long Should You Stay In Venice? Also, my post 15 Unmissable Things To Do In Venice is a must read to discover the best activities.

You should also read my article The Best Tips For Visiting Venice as it’ll provide guidance to plan your trip and my post How To Get From Marco Polo Airport To Venice for information on how to get from the airport to the city.

Best Day Trips From Venice (By Distance)

Murano

Location: 15 minutes by vaporetto from Venice

Officially part of Venice, Murano is a cluster of seven small islands connected by bridges and separated by canals, creating a fascinating network that still feels distinctly Venetian. Known for its long history of glassmaking, Venetian authorities relocated artisans to Murano in 1291 to protect the secrets of their lucrative trade.

While some travelers find great accommodation options in Murano and stay here for their Venice trip, most visit just for a day.

The island is a haven for craftspeople. Wandering the narrow streets, you’ll stumble upon hidden workshops where artisans still practice their craft. Don’t miss the Murano Glass Museum to learn more about the heritage of this unique island and its people.

Murano is also home to historic churches, like the Church of Santa Maria e San Donato, which dates back to the 12th century and boasts a stunning mosaic floor.

Murano is one of the easiest day trips from Venice. To reach Murano, take the vaporetto (public water bus). The best option is line 12 from Fondamente Nove, which departs every 30 minutes and takes about 15 minutes. It can get crowded during peak tourist season (I visited Venice in December and there were no tourists around Murano), so plan to leave early in the morning.

If you’re interested in learning more about the island and the glassblowing factory, I recommend this Murano Island and Glass Factory Private Tour. It’s the perfect activity for traveling with a small group and a more personal experience. You’ll get to watch a glassmaking demonstration and have a guide who will show you around.

If you don’t care for a private tour, you can also check out this Murano & Burano Guided Tour. This one is with a group, but you travel by private boat to the islands, which is a cool experience. It’s a good way to visit both islands and a glass factory on Murano.

Burano – one of the best day trips from Venice

Location: 30 minutes by vaporetto from Venice

Not far from Murano lies Burano. This is one of the most charming small islands of Italy. It is originally made up of five smaller islands. It is famous for its lace-making tradition and widely recognized for its picturesque, colorful houses. Each home is carefully painted by its owner in designated colors chosen by the local government, making Burano a photographer’s paradise.

This small island offers a peaceful escape with quaint streets lined with local shops and cozy trattorie. Here, you can sample traditional dishes like risotto de go (a risotto made with goby fish, unique to the lagoon). Burano is also known for its relaxed, local atmosphere, with only around 3,000 inhabitants.

To get there, take the vaporetto line 12 from Fondamente Nove, which stops by Murano along the way. The ride takes about 30 minutes, with departures every half hour.

Many tours that go to Murano also go to Burano, and they’re an easy way to explore the islands. This Murano & Burano Private Boat Tour with Hotel Pickup is another great option that lasts around four hours. And as an added bonus, it also swings by Torcello, another nearby island.

My post A Short Guide To Burano highlights the best things to do and how to get to this lovely small island.

Lido di Venezia

Location: Approximately 20 minutes by vaporetto from Venice

Lido di Venezia is another welcome contrast to the crowded streets of Venice, and one of the most popular day trips to enjoy in the summer. This long, narrow island stretches for 11 kilometers (7 miles) and is primarily known for its sandy beach.

However, the Lido di Venezia has more to offer than just a relaxing beach day. It hosts the prestigious Venice Film Festival, where celebrities from around the world gather each year to celebrate cinema.

Historically, Lido di Venezia has also been significant as one of the earliest settlements in the lagoon. Over time, power struggles led to the construction of various forts, fortifications, and barracks, adding to the island’s charm.

Today, Lido attracts visitors with its mix of history, local culture, and glamorous accommodation options.

To reach Lido from Venice, you have several vaporetto options. Line 1 follows the scenic route along the Grand Canal – that’s the one I took last time I visited and the views were impressive. Lines 5.1 and 5.2 offer circular routes around the city. For a faster trip, you can take Line 6, a seasonal express service departing from Piazzale Roma. The journey takes about 20 minutes.

Once you get to Lido, I highly recommend this Bike Tour on Lido Island. It doesn’t coordinate transportation; you’ll meet on the island, but it’s such a fun experience and a great way to explore the island with a local guide who knows their way around. The bikes are provided, of course.

Treviso – one of the lesser-known day trips from Venice

Location: About 20-30 minutes by train from Venice

Treviso is one of my favorite secret spots in Italy, and it’s so easy to reach from Venice. In fact, last time I visited Venice I based myself in Treviso, as I was visiting my cousin who lives there.

Just a 30-minute train ride away, Treviso is a charming city with its network of canals and a strong connection to Venetian history. Incorporated into the Republic of Venice in the 13th century, Treviso’s defensive walls and ramparts still stand, offering a glimpse into its past.

Treviso is also a food lover’s paradise. You can explore the local fish market or try some of the city’s signature dishes, including tiramisu, which originated here, and prosecco, a sparkling wine from the nearby Prosecco region.

Treviso is one of the best day trips from Venice by train: it takes about 30 minutes to get there.

Padua

Location: Around 30 minutes by train from Venice

I have the fondest memories of visiting Padua with my parents as a child, and since then I have been many more times – it’s one of my favorite cities in northern Italy.

Less than an hour from Venice, Padua offers a refreshing break from the bustling crowds of Venice’s center. The city is known for its intriguing blend of medieval town squares and architecture from the Fascist period, but it’s perhaps most renowned for housing one of Italy’s oldest universities.

Historically, Padua played a significant role in the region, frequently competing for dominance with Venice and Verona until it was ultimately brought under Venetian control in the early 15th century.

Today, Padua remains an important cultural and industrial hub, with a vibrant student population contributing to its youthful energy.

Padua is one of the easiest day trips from Venice by train: a train ride takes about 30 minutes and has frequent departures throughout the day.

If you’d like to travel in style, you can also consider this Venice to Padua Full-Day Brenta Riviera Boat Cruise. It’s not your traditional day trip because it’s more of a cruise than a city tour, but it’s a really unique experience. You’ll stop at several villas along the canal.

For a more traditional city tour, I recommend this Small Group Guided Tour of Padua from Venice. The tour takes you to all the best attractions in Padua. All transportation and logistics are planned for you, and you get to explore with a local guide.

Brenta Canal and the Venetian Villas

Location: About 30-45 minutes by car or canal cruise from Venice

Stretching from the town of Stra to the Venetian Lagoon, where it joins the Grand Canal, the Brenta Canal is a picturesque waterway that gained popularity in the 16th century.

Wealthy Venetians built their grand villas along its banks, creating a luxury retreat outside the city. Today, over 200 historic villas still stand, many surrounded by expansive gardens. While some remain private residences, several are open to the public as museums, galleries, or gardens.

Notable examples include the Palladian-inspired Villa Pisani, with its beautifully landscaped gardens and elegant courtyards; the charming Villa Foscari La Malcontenta, known for its weeping willows and stunning frescoes; and Villa Widmann, a remarkable showcase of the exuberant rococo style.

To visit the Brenta Canal and its stunning villas from Venice, you can take a train or bus to Padua or Mestre and then catch a local bus to Stra, where the canal begins. The travel time is about 30 to 45 minutes, so it’s a fairly easy day trip.

If you’d like everything planned for you, book this Venice to Padua Full-Day Brenta Riviera Boat Cruise I mentioned earlier. It’s a really comfortable way to travel along the canal, and you’ll be with a guide who explains more about the impressive villas along the way.

Vicenza

Location: 45 minutes by train from Venice

Vicenza is renowned for its remarkable architectural heritage, credited to Andrea Palladio, a pivotal figure in European architecture.

After leaving Padua for Rome, Palladio was greatly influenced by the ancient ruins he encountered. Upon his return to the region, he settled in Vicenza and developed his distinct style, which can be admired today in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Vicenza is a vibrant cultural hub, featuring numerous art galleries and museums housed in grand palazzi, such as the Palazzo Chiericati—a civic museum in one of the city’s most beautiful buildings. The city is also a haven for food lovers, offering a wide range of dining options and local wines.

Despite its many attractions, the city remains somewhat of a hidden gem, not overrun by tourists. Thanks to another cousin of mine who lives there, I’ve had the opportunity to visit several times—it seems like there’s a Sardinia-Veneto connection in my family!

Vicenza is conveniently located just 45 minutes from Venice by train, with frequent departures approximately every 20 minutes.

You can also join a guided tour if you don’t want to deal with planning or transportation. If you go this route, I recommend this Private 3-Hour Vicenza Tour. It’s just long enough to see all the main highlights, and since it’s private, you don’t have to travel with a large group.

Prosecco Region

Location: Approximately 1 hour by train or car from Venice

Only about an hour from Venice, the Prosecco Region is a perfect destination for those who love both nature and wine. This UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses 50,000 acres across the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions, featuring gently rolling hills, scenic vineyards, and quaint medieval villages dotted with historic wineries.

The best areas to visit are Valdobbiadene and Conegliano, where you’ll find some of the most renowned wineries. To reach this picturesque region, you can rent a car and explore at your own pace or take a train from Venice to Conegliano, which takes around an hour.

From there, I recommend renting an e-bike to roam the scenic landscape. Alternatively, you can join one of the many tours departing from Venice that offer guided visits to the area’s top wineries.

Honestly, a wine-tasting tour from Venice is one of the best ways to experience the Prosecco region if you don’t have a rental car (and this way you can also enjoy wine without having to then drive back). I recommend this Prosecco Hills and Wine Tasting Tour if you want a group activity. The tour includes private transportation and a stop at two different vineyards. It’s a really fun experience.

Cittadella

Distance from Venice: Around 1 hour by train or car

Cittadella, a fortified medieval town in the province of Padua, is known for its impressive 13th-century defensive walls that encircle the town in a perfect oval. Among the best-preserved in Europe, these walls offer a unique opportunity to walk along the ancient ramparts, providing a bird’s-eye view of the town and its surrounding countryside.

Within the walls, Cittadella’s historic center is full of medieval charm, with narrow streets, quaint shops, and beautiful churches like the Duomo, which houses frescoes by Jacopo da Ponte. The town also features a museum that helps you get a better understanding of its rich history, from its medieval origins to its role in various regional conflicts.

Cittadella is one of the easiest day trips from Venice by train. There’s a direct train from Santa Lucia station. The journey takes about 1 hour.

Verona

Location: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes by train from Venice

Verona, famously dubbed “fair Verona” in Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, offers much more than just literary fame. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a treasure trove of history, architecture, and culture, with charming squares and winding streets waiting to be explored.

I’ve had the chance to visit Verona often, thanks to another cousin who lived there for a while (she’s back in Sardinia now, though!).

The city’s main highlight is its impressive 1st-century Roman amphitheater (the Arena di Verona in Italian), which hosts an acclaimed opera festival every summer.

In addition to countless historic churches, Verona also enjoys a prime location, just a short distance from the beautiful shores of Lake Garda.

It’s easy to go to Verona by train. A direct route from Venice Santa Lucia to Verona Porta Nuova takes about an hour and 15 minutes. If you prefer to drive, the trip typically takes around an hour and 20 minutes.

There are also some guided tours that make the trip. You can look into this From Venice: Day Trip to Verona by Train with Guided Tour. You’ll travel to Verona with a guide, who’ll take care of transportation. Once in Verona, you’ll get a detailed walking tour of the city center, which is the perfect little taste of the romantic city.

Bassano del Grappa

Location: Around 1 hour and 15 minutes by train from Venice

Situated along the Brenta Canal, Bassano del Grappa is a delightful city known for its charming medieval streets and the iconic wooden Ponte Vecchio bridge.

Once you get there, you will have the chance to explore the historic Piazza Libertà, visit the 12th-century Ezzelini Castle, or tour several museums that offer insights into the city’s rich past.

You can reach Bassano del Grappa by train from Venice. There are direct trains, and the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Asolo

Distance from Venice: Around 1 hour and 15 minutes by car or 1.5 to 2 hours by train and bus

Asolo, often referred to as “The City of a Hundred Horizons,” is a picturesque hilltop town that offers stunning views of the surrounding Veneto countryside.

This charming town has long been a haven for artists, writers, and intellectuals. Notable residents have included the English poet Robert Browning and explorer Freya Stark, whose legacies remain part of Asolo’s cultural fabric.

The town is steeped in history, with highlights like the Rocca di Asolo, a medieval fortress perched on the hilltop from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the area. The Cathedral of Asolo, home to works by renowned Renaissance artists like Lorenzo Lotto, and the Civic Museum, showcasing local archaeological finds and art, are also worth a visit.

To reach Asolo from Venice, take a train to Bassano del Grappa and then a local bus or taxi to Asolo. The total journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

Ferrara

Location: 1 hour and 20 minutes by train from Venice

Ferrara is renowned for its beautifully preserved Renaissance city center, which flourished under the wealthy Este family that governed the city for several centuries.

The city is surrounded by medieval walls, stunning architecture, and grand palaces. With its historical connection to the 18th-century adventurer Casanova, Ferrara is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Although the city suffered significant damage during World War II, its historic center has survived remarkably well. History enthusiasts must visit the Jewish Ghetto, once the largest and oldest in the region and in force from 1627 to 1859. Even if you’ve visited the Rome Jewish Ghetto, this is another must-see in Italy.

Ferrara’s compact layout, with pedestrian-friendly streets and bike paths, makes exploring easy. This is also one of the best day trips from Venice by train. There are regular trains and the journey takes about an hour and 20 minutes.

Once you get to the city, consider this Ferrara: Medieval Ferrara and the Jewish Ghetto Walking Tour for the main attractions. The tour takes you through the Jewish Ghetto, Castello Estense, the garden of Palazzo Roverella, and more. It’s a really good way to make the most your day in the city.

Bologna

Location: 1.5 hours by train from Venice

Nicknamed “La Grassa” or “the fat one,” Bologna has earned its reputation as a food lover’s paradise. While the city offers plenty of chances to savor its famous dishes—like ragu alla Bolognese, lasagne, mortadella, and tortellini—it is also home to a historic center and the famous porticoes, which are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I visit Bologna regularly. On a recent visit, I was particularly struck by Bologna’s extensive network of porticoes, which line the streets for about 62 kilometers (38 miles) and date back to the 11th century. These covered walkways are a unique city feature and add to its charm – not to mention, they provide shelter from the sun in the summer, and from the rain in the winter!

Bologna also has several famous Italy landmarks, including the Asinelli Tower, one of the two iconic leaning towers (currently closed for restoration works), and the stunning Santuario della Madonna di San Luca, perched on a hill overlooking the city.

Bologna is one of my top recommendations for day trips from Venice by train. There are frequent departures and the train takes around an hour and a half to reach Bologna Centrale. Driving is another option, but it usually takes about 2 hours, and parking can be difficult, so the train is generally the more convenient choice.

You don’t really need a guided tour to get to Bologna. Venice and Bologna are two central hubs in the region, so there are lots of trains and routes. However, once there, I recommend considering a tour of the city. There’s this Bologna: City Center Walking Tour, which is amazing in covering all the must-see attractions. Or if you’re a foodie, I recommend this Bologna 3-hour food tour with market visit. You’ll sample some of the best regional cuisine and find some hidden gems in the city.

If you’re planning Italy for its delicious food, you must read my articles, Must-Try Traditional Italian Food By Region and Common Misconceptions About Italian Food, so you can understand what you’re getting yourself into with the local specialties.

Chioggia

Location: About 2 hours by vaporetto and bus from Venice, or 1.5 hours by direct bus

South of Venice, you’ll find the charming town of Chioggia, often referred to as “Little Venice.” This historic fishing town, which predates Venice, has served as an important trading center in the lagoon for centuries. With its vibrant streets and winding canals, Chioggia provides a delightful backdrop for a relaxed day of exploration.

The town offers plenty of spots to unwind by the sea or enjoy a waterfront meal. History enthusiasts can visit the Torre dell’Orologio S. Andrea, a Romanesque watchtower featuring one of the oldest working clocks in the world.

To reach Chioggia from Venice, take a vaporetto to Lido, then a bus (Line 11) to the southern end, followed by a short boat ride. This scenic route takes around two hours. Alternatively, a direct bus overland can get you there in about an hour and a half.

For a boat ride on the Venetian Lagoon in Chioggia, I recommend this Chioggia: Venetian Lagoon and Canals Boat Tour. It’s honestly an entirely different experience than a boat ride in Venice, so if you’re planning a day trip to Chioggia, you should do both and compare them.

Sirmione (Lake Garda)

Location: About 2 hours by train and bus from Venice

Lake Garda stands out as one of northern Italy’s most iconic destinations, known for its stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious accommodations. The lake is dotted with charming towns along its shores, and Sirmione is easily my favorite.

Located on the southern tip of Lake Garda, this small town has attracted famous figures throughout history, from the ancient Roman poet Catullus to the celebrated 20th-century opera singer Maria Callas.

The town stretches along a picturesque peninsula that juts into the lake. There are several interesting attractions you can visit on a day trip, including the impressive ruins of a 1st-century Roman villa, the Grotte di Catullo.

While there’s no direct train from Venice to Sirmione, you can take a train to a nearby city like Verona and then continue by bus. Alternatively, you can drive – it takes about an hour and a half.

Some combination tours go to Sirmione, Lake Garda, and other nearby destinations. For example, this Land of Venice: Verona, Lake Garda, and Countryside Private Tour includes a guided tour of Sirmione, a boat ride on Lake Garda, a quick tour of Borghetto, and a private walking tour in Erona. It may seem expensive but keep in mind if you are traveling with a small group it can be shared.

Florence

Location: About 2 hours by train from Venice

I honestly recommend spending way more than a day in Florence. However, if you are tight on time it’s possible to experience some of the city’s most iconic attractions on a day trip from Venice to Florence.

With a day in Florence, you’ll have time to visit the Duomo, the city’s magnificent 15th-century cathedral, the fourth largest in Europe. If you love art, don’t miss the Uffizi Gallery where you can admire Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, or the Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David – you’ll have to get tickets in advance to avoid the lines at the ticket counter.

There should even be time to unwind at one of Florence’s charming terrace cafes, where you can enjoy a meal and soak up the atmosphere of the city’s cobblestone streets.

The train from Venice to Florence takes about two hours. You’ll get off in the heart of the city in Santa Maria Novella Station, so you can start exploring right away.

If you’re planning a trip to Florence, whether for a day trip or longer, you must read my post, Best Things To Do In Florence. I’ve visited many times (including once very recently) and have lots tips to share.

Trieste

Location: Just over 2 hours by train from Venice

Trieste, the capital of Italy’s Friuli Venezia Giulia region, has a vibrant port that reflects its long-standing significance as a major trading hub. As the principal seaport of the Habsburg Empire, its waterfront is lined with grand neoclassical buildings that speak to its prosperous past.

What makes Trieste unique, however, is its location right on the border with Slovenia, giving the city a distinct character. Trieste even has its own language, which blends Venetian with Austrian, Slovene, German, and Greek influences.

Today, the marina is lively with colorful boats, and the city offers easy access to sandy beaches and scenic vineyards, perfect for nature lovers wanting to explore beyond the city.

You can travel directly from Venice to Trieste by train in just over two hours. Once there, I recommend joining a guided walking tour to discover the city’s unique charm and history.

To make the most of your day in Trieste, I recommend this Trieste: Guided Foodie Walking Tour. It combines all the best parts of local food with a tour of the city. You’ll find some hidden gems, snack on delicious local food, and learn more about the city.

Places NOT Recommended For Venice Day Trips

While many destinations are relatively close to Venice and may seem tempting, some are simply not ideal for a day trip. The main reason is straightforward: they’re too far away to make the journey worthwhile for just one day. Here are a few places in Italy better saved for a longer visit:

The Dolomites – one of the day trips from Venice to avoid

While the Dolomites are undeniably stunning, with destinations like Cortina d’Ampezzo and Lago di Braies offering magnificent mountain views and fantastic hiking trails, a day trip from Venice to Dolomites is simply too far, and I don’t recommend it.

The journey takes roughly three hours each way, leaving little time to fully appreciate the area’s breathtaking landscapes. To truly savor the beauty and adventure of the Dolomites, it’s best to dedicate several days (and rent a car) to explore this remarkable region.

Rovinj

Rovinj, a charming town on the Croatian coast across the Adriatic Sea, might seem like a tempting day trip from Venice, but it truly deserves more time to explore.

The ferry journey takes nearly three hours each way, making it one of the longest day trips from Venice – transportation would consume most of your day. With its captivating history, scenic streets, and stunning coastal views, Rovinj is best experienced over the course of a night to fully enjoy everything it offers.

Milan

Milan is a fantastic destination, famous for its impressive Gothic cathedral, thriving fashion industry, and lively nightlife. However, I don’t recommend a day trip from Venice to Milan. The travel time is around three hours by car or two and a half hours by train, which limits the time you’ll have to actually explore the city.

Milan’s vast layout and numerous neighborhoods are best experienced over a longer stay, particularly the Navigli district, which truly shines in the evening. To fully appreciate what Milan has to offer, I recommend staying at least a couple of days, or visiting from a closer city with a shorter commuting time.

That’s not to say that you can’t explore Milan with just one day, but do you really want to rush it if you don’t have to? And do you want to spend 6+ hours on a train for one day?

Conclusions On The Best Day Trips From Venice

If it’s your first time in the city, you are bound to spend more than a day in Venice. Last time I was there, I spent five days in Venice and could have stayed longer.

With so many fantastic day trips from Venice (and so many easy day trips from Venice by train), finding an excursion that suits your interests is easy. Just remember to consider travel times and make the most of your day, especially when exploring places like the Prosecco Region or the Brenta Canal, which offer a great mix of culture, scenery, and relaxation.

While planning Italy travels and Venice day trips, keep in mind that some destinations, like the Dolomites, are too far for a quick visit and are better suited for a longer stay.

By choosing wisely and considering the time you have available, you can (and should!) enjoy memorable and stress-free adventures that complement your Venetian itinerary.