Venice is a stunning city composed of over 100 smaller islands. This renowned Italian city is perfect for exploring on foot, allowing you to discover Venice’s best attractions effortlessly.
However, during the peak summer season, with the scorching heat and crowds of tourists, Venice can feel overwhelming.
Our top suggestion? Take a break and explore another fantastic city nearby to enhance your trip, whether it’s for a few nights or just a day.
However, if you don’t have any idea on how to plan the trip, then it’s just a matter of time before your exciting trip turns into a less memorable one.
In the following blog, we are going to have a detailed discussion on the 12 best day trips from Venice. So your trip is full of memories that last a lifetime.
Keep reading to find out!
Popular Day Trip Destinations from Venice
There are plenty of options to consider for day trips from Venice. Here’s a quick overview of some of the most popular destinations –
| Destinations | Travel Distance from Venice | Fastest Travel Duration |
| Murano | 2 miles (3 km) | ~ 13 min |
| Burano | 5.8 miles (9.3 km) | ~ 30 min |
| Torcello | 5.6 miles (9 km) | ~ 50 min |
| Lido | 8.4 miles (13.5 km) | ~ 20 min |
| Sant’Erasmo | 4.3 miles (7 km) | ~ 28 min |
| Treviso | 22.1 miles (35.6 km) | ~ 31 min |
| Padua | 22.3 miles (36 km) | ~ 26 min |
| Abano Terme | 32.8 miles (52.7 km) | ~ 25 min |
| Chioggia | 33 miles (53 km) | ~ 57 minutes |
| Vicenza | 43.2 miles (69.5 km) | ~ 42 minutes |
| Bassano del Grappa | 56 miles (90 km) | ~ 1 hour |
| Ferrara | 69 miles (111 km) | ~ 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Verona | 75 miles (120 km) | ~ 1 hour 10 minutes |
12 of the Best Destinations For a Day Trip From Venice
Even though Venice itself is a city full of tourist attractions, it is also surrounded by countless other tourist attractions. And with so many options to choose from, here are 12 of our recommended places to visit from Venice on a day trip –
1. Murano & Burano
Fastest Travel Mode: Vaporetto lines 4.1 & 4.2 to Murano | Vaporetto line 12 to Burano.
Attractions: Glass Museum | The colored houses of Burano | Santi Maria e Donato | San Pietro Martire.
Best For: Art & Culture Enthusiasts | Families & Couples | Quieter Atmosphere.
Just a short boat ride from Venice, Murano and Burano offer vibrant day trips full of color and craftsmanship. Murano is famous for its glass-blowing, with canal-side showrooms displaying everything from trinkets to exquisite art.
Also, don’t miss the Glass Museum (Museo del Vetro) to explore the history of Venetian glassmaking. However, key attractions include the Vetreria Artistica Colleoni glass factory and the Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato, said to house the bones of a vanquished dragon.
2. Torcello
Fastest Travel Mode: Vaporetto lines 4.1 & 4.2
Attractions: Attila’s Throne, Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, Museo di Torcello
Best For: Art & Culture Enthusiasts | History Enthusiasts
Torcello may be a small island, but it holds significant historical and architectural treasures, notably its cathedral, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta since 639.
This cathedral is revered as one of the finest surviving examples of Venetian-Byzantine architecture.
Next up, stop to take a look at the intricately detailed marble carvings on the rood screen, the 11th-century mosaic floor, and the pulpit, a masterpiece assembled in the 13th century from earlier fragments.
3. Lido di Venezia
Fastest Travel Mode: Vaporetto line 1
Attractions: Lido Beach, Grand Hotel des Bains, Venice Film Festival site
Best For: Beach Lovers | Nature Enthusiasts | Romantic Getaways
Lido di Venezia is Venice’s most famous summer destination, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, intriguing history, and stunning beaches. It hosts the prestigious Venice International Film Festival annually during the last week of August and the first week of September.
So, if you’re in Venice, visiting Lido di Venezia is a must. The island has numerous excellent hotels and resorts, providing an ideal setting for an exciting getaway.
The culinary scene is also exceptional, offering a diverse range of dining options, from fine dining restaurants to charming bakeries and traditional Italian pizzerias.
4. The Island of Sant’Erasmo
Fastest Travel Mode: Vaporetto line 13
Attractions: Orto di Venezia, Cathedral and Museo Diocesano, San Francesco
Best For: Nature Lovers | Solitude Seekers | Family Outings
Sant’Erasmo, known as “the vegetable garden of Venice,” offers a serene escape with its natural beauty and agricultural heritage. Located in the northern Venice Lagoon, this island is a haven for nature lovers.
During holidays and festivals, it becomes a vibrant destination, inviting visitors to explore its fields and vineyards. Hence, don’t miss the chance to visit the church square, where you can sample and purchase local agricultural specialties.
5. The Canal City of Treviso
Fastest Travel Mode: Trenitalia train
Attractions: Piazza dei Signori, Fontana delle Tette, Treviso Cathedral
Best For: Culture Enthusiasts | Culinary Explorers | Romantic Escapades
Treviso is often referred to as one of the “Little Venices” due to its canals and buildings emerging directly from the water, along with Venetian lions on its gates.
However, Treviso has its own unique charm. This old-world town features narrow streets, many lined with arcades, and is still encircled by well-preserved 15th-century walls. The canals and walls make it a delightful place to wander, with many house façades adorned with frescoes. Moreover, it is just a train ride from Venice.
Despite suffering heavy damage during World War II, Treviso’s art-filled churches have been impressively restored and remain notable tourist attractions.
Related Post: Ancient Rome Tourist Attractions
6. Padua
Fastest Travel Mode: Trenitalia trains
Attractions: Scrovegni Chapel, Prato della Valle, Caffè Pedrocch,Lake Como,Orto Botanico
Best For: Art Enthusiasts | History Enthusiasts | Leisurely Strolls
Padua, a must-visit on any list of the best day trips from Venice, is steeped in history and culture. Just a short train ride away, this charming city is known for the Scrovegni Chapel, which houses Giotto’s renowned frescoes, and the historic University of Padua, one of the oldest in Europe.
Visitors can stroll through elegant piazzas like Prato della Valle, admire the Basilica of St. Anthony, and enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere, making Padua an ideal destination for those looking to explore beyond Venice.
7. Abano Terme
Fastest Travel Mode: Trenitalia trains
Attractions: Montirone Park, Thermal Baths, Villa Bassi Rathgeb
Best For: Spa Enthusiasts | Wellness Seekers | Family Outings
Abano Terme is a very small town in Padua, Italy. Just a quick ride on Trenitalia trains, this spa town is famous for its therapeutic thermal baths and serene ambiance.
Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll through Montirone Park, known for its healing waters, or explore the art and history at Villa Bassi Rathgeb.
With its blend of wellness and cultural attractions, Abano Terme offers a perfect escape for spa enthusiasts, wellness seekers, and families looking for a tranquil retreat from the bustle of Venice.
8. Chioggia
Fastest Travel Mode: ACTV bus
Attractions: Fish Market, Cathedral of Chioggia, Corso del Popolo
Best For: History Enthusiasts | Seafood Lovers | Cultural Enthusiasts
Chioggia is approximately 30 km south of Venice and can be reached by boat in about an hour. So, if you are planning to visit Chioggia, you must visit the Museo di Zoologia Adriatica “Giuseppe Olivi” on its north side.
This museum showcases various Adriatic Sea creatures and is housed in a former palace that once served as a hospital. It wasn’t until the late 1990s that the building became an educational hub.
9. Vicenza
Fastest Travel Mode: Trenitalia trains
Attractions: Teatro Olimpico, Basilica Palladiana, Villa La Rotonda
Best For: Architecture Enthusiasts | History Enthusiasts | Cultural Connoisseurs
About halfway between Verona and Venice, Vicenza is situated at the edge of the fertile Po plain, right below the foothills of the Dolomites.
For instance, it is just 45 minutes from the romantic city of Verona, and the numerous attractions of Venice are less than an hour away.
From the 16th through the 18th centuries, the countryside around Vicenza became a preferred location for prominent families to construct country villas.
While some villas can only be admired from the outside, several are accessible to tourists and have meticulously restored grounds and gardens. Several of these villas are even listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List of Palladian Villas.
Related Post: Day Trip to Dolomites from Venice
10. Bassano del Grappa
Fastest Travel Mode: Trenitalia trains
Attractions: Ponte degli Alpini, Museo Civico, Poli Grappa Museum
Best For: History Enthusiasts | Spirit Enthusiasts | Cultural Connoisseurs
Bassano del Grappa is in Northern Italy’s Veneto region. It lies at the foot of the Alps along the River Brenta. And the most notable attraction is the Ponte Vecchio, a covered wooden bridge dating back to the 13th century.
Although it has undergone several renovations, its classic structure and beauty remain strong across the width of the River Brenta. So, once you get to Bassano del Grappa, most of your touring can be done on foot, as everything you’ll want to see is in moderately close proximity.
11. Ferrara
Fastest Travel Mode: Trenitalia trains
Attractions: Este Castle, Palazzo dei Diamanti, Ferrara Cathedral, Museo Archeologico Nazionale
Best For: History Lovers | Architecture Enthusiasts | Cultural Enthusiasts
Ferrara’s historic center, featuring the grand Castello Estense and the 12th-century Duomo, was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Known as one of Italy’s greenest cities, Ferrara is located in the lush Po Valley near Bologna and is famous for its cuisine. This means you’ll find outstanding restaurants offering local dishes.
While wandering through its streets and exploring its palaces, you might feel transported back to medieval Italy as it transitioned into the Renaissance.
12. Verona
Fastest Travel Mode: Trenitalia trains
Attractions: Juliet’s Balcony, Verona Arena, Piazza delle Erbe
Best For: Romance Seekers | History Enthusiasts | Cultural Enthusiasts
The tale of Romeo and Juliet traces its origins back to the 13th century, a period marked by intense familial conflicts in Verona. Evidence of these conflicts can be seen in the numerous fortified houses throughout the city.
Today, they are very real to many modern tourists. Juliet’s house in Verona, a charming medieval building with a stone balcony, claims to be where Juliet grew up. The courtyard is now bustling with tourists, tour guides, and cameras.
Related Post: How to Plan a Perfect Venice to Verona Day Trip?
Practical Tips for Day Tripping from Venice
How well your day trips from Venice go will depend entirely on planning. In fact, planning is crucial for any trip, whether you are going alone or with some company. So here are some useful and handy tips to help you –
Transportation Tips
Transportation is a major part of any trip, especially if you are visiting multiple places and have a time or budget constraint. So, whenever you are planning your day trip from Venice, keep the following points in mind –
- Take advantage of the Vaporetto for island trips.
- For destinations like Murano, Burano, and Torcello, use Vaporetto lines 4.1, 4.2, and 12.
- For mainland trips, trains from Santa Lucia station and regional buses are reliable options.
- Always check schedules in advance to maximize your time.
Packing Essentials for Day Trips
Packing in advance is always the best thing to do, as the entire trip depends on how well you pack the essentials. So here are our recommendations when you are packing –
- Recommended Items – Comfortable walking shoes, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, lightweight jacket, snacks, phone charger, travel guide, map, and camera.
- Seasonal Considerations – In summer, pack extra sunscreen, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. In the winter, bring a warm coat, gloves, and an umbrella.
Budgeting for Day Trips
If you are on a budget, you should always make prior calculations and save some extra money as a backup. Below are some of the unavoidable expenses you must prepare for –
- Transportation – Vaporetto passes range from €25|$26.89 for 1 day to €65|$69.91 for 7 days.
- Meals – Expect to spend around €10-€20 ($10.76-$21.51) per meal.
- Attractions – Entry fees can vary; many outdoor attractions are free, while museums and guided tours range from €10-€30 ($10.76-$32.27).
Bonus Tips
Buy a multi-day Vaporetto pass for unlimited travel, pack your lunch, and book attraction tickets online in advance for discounts.
Accommodation Tips for Overnight Stay
If your day trip turns into an overnight stay, then you must make sleeping arrangements. But with so many options for accommodations, here is our expert advice to help you decide:
- Consider booking a room in advance in nearby towns like Padua or Treviso to avoid last-minute price surges.
- Look for accommodations near transport hubs for convenience.
Related Post: Prosecco Day Trip from Venice
The Verdict
Italy is a country rich in culture. From their food to their architecture and lifestyle, everything about them fascinates and draws in tourists from all corners of the world.
But one thing is for sure: Regardless of how long or short your trip is, the memories you will make will be with you for eternity. Just follow the key points as instructed and you will be all good to go!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you do a day trip to the Dolomites from Venice?
Yes, a day trip to the Dolomites from Venice is feasible, but it’s a long journey of about 3-4 hours each way.
How many days do you need in Venice?
You’ll need at least 2-3 days in Venice to visit some of the most popular tourist spots and attractions.
Where can you go via train from Venice?
You can easily access Florence, Milan, and Rome via train from Venice.
Is the Dolomites closer to Milan or Venice?
The Dolomites are closer to Venice than Milan, making Venice a more convenient base for exploring the breathtaking mountain range.
Is Treviso worth visiting?
Yes, Treviso is worth visiting for its charming medieval architecture, scenic canals, and relaxed atmosphere. Plus, it offers a quieter alternative to Venice, with attractions like the Piazza dei Signori, the Treviso Cathedral, and the picturesque Buranelli Canal.
