Top 5 day trips from Venice, Italy: destinations and experiences

If your travel plans extend beyond a simple day trip to Venice and you wish to delve deeper into the Italian experience, considering the closest cities to Venice could significantly enhance your itinerary. These noteworthy places offer a wealth of unique attractions and experiences that encapsulate the rich tapestry of Italian culture and history. Today, we’re excited to share with you some of these cities, our favourite destinations that are easily accessible and promise a truly immersive Italian experience.

The closest cities to Venice for unforgettable day trips

From the bustling medieval marketplaces of Padua to the serene Alpine foothills of Bassano del Grappa, the cobblestoned lanes of Treviso laden with the effervescence of locally made Prosecco, the rejuvenating spa treatments of Abano and Montegrotto Terme, to the human chess spectacle in Marostica – each of these destinations represent the best day trips from Venice, Italy. These are just a few of the many noteworthy places to visit near Venice, each offering an unforgettable immersion into diverse Italian experiences. So, where will your Italian adventure take you first?

1. Padua

Known in Italian as Padova, the beautiful city of Padua is one of our top recommendations for day trips from Venice, Italy. Just over half an hour away by train, it’s an easily accessible destination from Venice. Once a powerful city-state, Padua is home to Italy’s second-oldest university and boasts plenty of medieval marketplaces to explore. 
Don’t miss the Basilica di San Antonio in Padua, a remarkable city near Venice, which houses the remains of St Anthony. Enjoy a stroll around the 90,000 square metre piazza known as Prato della Valle, where you’ll find 78 statues of notable Paduans. This is just one of the many captivating experiences that await you in this enchanting city near Venice.

2. Bassano del Grappa

Venture towards the Alpine foothills to the town of Bassano del Grappa, a charming city near Venice. An hour and 20 minutes away by train, it invites you to discover the history of one of Italy’s most famous liqueurs, grappa, at the Museo della Grappa. The town is also famous for its picturesque 13th-century wooden bridge, known as the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), adding to the charm of this city near Venice.

3. Treviso

Noted for its canals, the town of Treviso, a delightful city near Venice, is just 45 minutes away by train. It’s a likely destination if you visit Venice on a budget airline. While it’s much less well-known than Venice, which once owned it, Treviso is worth a visit for its cobbled medieval streets and a beautiful cathedral boasting a work by Titian. This Italian city near Venice is also celebrated for its local sparkling wine, now a popular aperitif: Prosecco.

4. Abano and Montegrotto Terme

For those seeking relaxation, Abano and Montegrotto Terme are ideal destinations for day trips from Venice, Italy. The word ‘Terme’ means ‘bath’, and this area is one of Europe’s best spa attractions. It’s one of our favourite places near Venice to visit when we need to unwind. This wellness haven, one of the closest cities to Venice, is the place to come for all manner of spa treatments, from massages to thermal mud baths. It’s about 40 minutes on the train from Venice, making it a perfect destination for a rejuvenating day trip.

5. Marostica

If you’re visiting Venice in an even-numbered year, and at the end of September, you’re in for a treat if you decide to visit Marostica. This town, just over an hour’s drive, is one of the intriguing places to visit near Venice. Renowned for a local variety of cherry, Marostica, one of the closest cities to Venice, is also famous for its human chess tournament. This unique event takes place on the fourth weekend in September every other year, adding a special charm to the array of experiences offered by the closest cities to Venice.