Looking to explore beyond Venice while still soaking in Italy’s rich history and culture? Great idea!
Venice may be the heart of the Veneto region. But the surrounding towns are packed with incredible cultural gems just waiting to be discovered.
Whether you’re into stunning Renaissance architecture, ancient mosaics, or Roman ruins, these Venice day trips have something for everyone.
Let’s dive into some of the best cultural day trips from Venice that will take your trip to the next level! You can get to them all via a short train from Santa Lucia station.
Best Venice Day Trips For Art & Culture
Padua
Padua is rich in history and culture, with one of the world’s oldest universities and beautiful Renaissance art.
The one thing you absolutely can’t miss is the Scrovegni Chapel, adorned with magnificent frescoes by the Florentine genius Giotto.
Seeing them in person is spine-tingling. This is where the artist makes the decisive break with Byzantine style art and toward the realism and humanism that would define the Italian Renaissance.
You won’t be able to see the chapel without pre-booking a timed entry ticket or guided tour. Plus, you’ve got to arrive about 45 minutes early to allow time for decontamination in a climate-controlled airlock.
The second most famous cultural site is the Basilica of Saint Anthony. The exterior is an interesting mix of styles with Byzantine, Gothic, and Romanesque elements.
Inside, there is statuary and murals. Don’t miss Donatello’s specular equestrian statue of Gattamelata in the piazza outside.
Prato della Valle is the city’s main piazza, and one of the largest in Europe. Almost 100,000 square feet, this stunning elliptical square is unique for its size and design.
At its center is an island known as the Isola Memmia.
It’s surrounded by a canal lined with 78 statues of historical figures important to Padua’s history. The statues include notable scholars, artists, and other prominent figures from various eras.
You should also see the magnificent frescos by Andrea Mantegna in the Church of the Eremitani.
These paintings are one of the most important fresco cycles of the Renaissance and showcase Mantegna’s exceptional talent. Although the frescos were damaged during WWII, they are restored and remain a crucial representation of Mantegna’s early career.
The restored frescoes were unveiled to the public in 2006. The restoration effort is considered a triumph of art conservation.
There are 13 scenes in total, 6 on each side wall and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on the back wall of the chapel.
You can get around Padua by walking, the Padua Tram, or by taking the hop on hop off tourist bus.
Verona
Famous for its connection to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona is a handsome medieval city set in red and peach colored towns.
As a result of being mentioned in several of Shakespeare’s plays, the city is magnet for hopeless romantics.
The most popular site is Casa de Giulietta. This 14th century home is said to be the Capulet’s residence. I highly recommend booking a skip the line ticket in high season.
Outside is a statue of Juliet that you can rub for good luck. If you go inside, you can step out onto Julie’s balcony. My girl loved this bit.
There’s also Juliet’s Wall, at the entrance, where you attach your own tale of star crossed love.
Once you’ve made this obligatory pilgrimage, head over to tour the impressive Arena di Verona.
This ancient monument was actually built a little before the Colosseum. And it’s almost as massive, holding between 30,000 to 50,000 people.
Dating back to AD 30, this open air amphitheater originally hosted brutal gladiator games, jousts, circuses, and tournaments.
It’s made from beautiful pink and white stone from Valpolicella. While it once had three tiers of arches, only two remain today.
The outer ring is missing. But that doesn’t really take away from its grandeur.
What’s really cool is that the arena is still in use today for operas. If you’re planning to catch a show, make sure to get in line early—it tends to wrap around the block!
You also visit the Basilica of San Zeno on Piazza San Zeno. It’s the greatest Romanesque church in northern Italy. A highlight is a Mantegna painting above the altar.
You should also check out the Castelvecchio and Castelvecchio Museum.
The medieval castle built in the 14th century that now houses an excellent museum with works by Venetian and Veronese artists. Plus, you get great views of the Ponte Scaligero.
Finally, visit Piazza dei Signori. This elegant square is surrounded by historical buildings and statues, including a famous monument to Dante Alighieri.
Verona is very easy to visit on your own — just take the train directly there from Santa Lucia. But you can also book a guided tour from Venice.
Vicenza
Vicenza is an absolute gem of a city. It’s a UNESCO-listed destination where you can immerse yourself in a true Palladian journey.
This is where Andrea Palladio, one of the world’s most influential architects, left his mark. If you’re into architecture, especially Renaissance design, Vicenza will be a dream come true.
The city is often called the “Pearl of the Renaissance,” “Gold City,” and, fittingly, the “City of Palladio.”
You can immediately see why.
The Palladio buildings you can’t miss are:
- Teatro Olimpico
- Basilica Palladiana
- Palazzo Chiericati
- Villa La Rotonda
- Palazzo Barbaran da Porto
- Palazzo Thiene
- Villa Valmarana ai Nani
But Vicenza is more than just its architecture. The city’s charming streets are a mix of pastel-colored buildings, quaint churches, small canals, beautiful piazzas, and cobbled alleys.
You might want to book a 2.5 hour walking tour of Palladio’s masterpieces or a 1.5 hour walking tour with a local.
For or information, check out my complete guide for all the best things to do in Vicenza.
>>> Click here to book a guided tour from Venice to Vicenza
Ravenna
Ravenna played a pivotal role when the Byzantine and Roman empires intertwined, leaving behind a fascinating blend of history and culture.
One of the best things about Ravenna? It’s a bit of a hidden gem, not nearly as overrun with tourists as some of Italy’s more famous spots.
Ravenna’s biggest claim to fame is its stunning collection of early Christian and Byzantine mosaics, which earned their spot as UNESCO World Heritage sites. These mosaics are famous for their vibrant colors, intricate details, and unique style.
What sets Ravenna’s mosaics apart is that they capture the transition from the Roman world to the Byzantine era. As the Greco-Roman world faded, Byzantine art began to shift away from classical ideals and naturalism.
The buildings you will want to see are:
- Basilica di San Vitale (famous for mosaics of Emperor Justinian, Empress Theodora, and biblical scenes)
- Mausoleum of Galla Placidia (known for its vibrant blue and gold mosaics
- Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo (features rows of mosaics depicting saints and biblical scenes)
- Neonian Baptistery (mosaics of Christ’s baptism in the dome, surrounded by apostles)
- Basilica di Sant’Apollinare in Classe (stunning apse mosaics, including a transfiguration scene)
Dante’s tomb is also a must-visit. It’s tucked away near the Basilica of San Francesco in a simple white marble structure in the Quadrarco di Bracciofore.
Dante spent his final years in Ravenna. And you can explore his life and work at the Dante Museum, located in the former Franciscan convent where he once stayed.
For history lovers, the Archiepiscopal Museum is another gem. Next to the Chapel of Sant’Andrea, it houses a fantastic collection of religious artifacts, including a rare mosaic of Jesus as a victorious warrior.
And don’t forget the National Museum of Ravenna, filled with fascinating archaeological treasures that offer a deeper look into the city’s rich history.
If you need an efficient way to see it all, here’s my one day in Ravenna itinerary.
You may be interested in these guided tours as well . Be sure to book ahead in high season.
Ferrara
Yet another UNESCO site worth a day trip from Venice is Ferrara.
Ferrara is a walled city that flourished under the Este family. You’ll find a well-preserved medieval center, a wealth of Renaissance art and architecture, and a beautiful castle.
The 16th century castle has everything you’d want in the domain of a powerful family — a moat, hefty brick walls, drawbridges, and sturdy towers.
The Estes hosted one of the finest Renaissance courts in Italy, and cultivated art and humanities. Some of the frescos are fabulous. And you can look closely at them with the help of angled mirrors.
>>> Click here to book a guided castle tour
The cathedral is another must see, although right now it’s undergoing restoration and the interior is closed.
The facade is made of white marble and is a striking blend of tiered Romanesque and Gothic styles.
Apart from that, Ferrara is a lively, cool city. You’ll want to take a medieval walking tour or wind down Via delle Volte.
It’s a medieval street curving through the heart of Ferrara’s historic center and lined with ancient buildings.
In addition, Ferrara’s food scene alone is enough reason to merit a day trip from Venice. As part of the Emilia-Romagna region, known for its incredible culinary traditions, Ferrara offers a true taste of Italy’s food culture.
It’s rather unabashedly carnivorous — sausages, lamb chops, steak. You can also shop at the food stalls at the Mercatao Communal. The local pasta to try is cappelacci di zucca.
To get a good sampling of it, you could go on a guided food tour or take a cooking class.
Trieste
Trieste offers a refreshing change from the usual Venice day trips. The city surprises at every turn, with a perfect melting pot of history and culture.
With its complex history and unique location, this city is a unique blend of Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian influences. Its grand cafes, historic architecture, and multicultural flair make for a truly special experience.
In fact, Trieste only returned to Italian possession in 1954!
You can explore majestic castles, take a leisurely stroll along the scenic seafront, or admire the stunning architecture in Piazza Unità d’Italia, Europe’s largest sea-facing square.
You’ve got Miramare Castle towering above the Gulf of Trieste, offering stunning views and a taste of the city’s regal past.
Then there’s the fascinating mix of religious traditions, from Catholic to Orthodox and Jewish, all reflected in its beautiful churches.
One of the most impressive ancient sites is the Roman Theater, built in the 1st century A.D. It once seated 6,000 spectators and hosted public events.
Over time, it was buried and forgotten. Luckily, it was rediscovered and excavated in the 1930s, and now you can visit this incredible piece of history.
Trieste’s literary vibe is also strong, with famous authors like James Joyce having called it home.
And don’t miss Caffè San Marco, where you can sip your coffee in a spot brimming with history.
>>> Click here to book a walking tour
Treviso
Known for its medieval walls and picturesque canals, Treviso offers a quieter cultural experience. It’s completely overshadowed by Venice. But it shouldn’t be!
The small town has rows of medieval streets, Gothic churches, and a network of canals.
The Piazza dei Signori is the historic heart of Treviso. It’s home to several palaces.
The Duomo looks rather dull from the outside. But inside, you’ll find a fascinating crypt and a Titian painting on the high altar.
There are also a pair of medieval churches. Santa Lucia has a superb fresco by Tomasa de Modena. San Vito has Byzantine style frescos from the 13th century.
And don’t miss the Museo di Santa Caterina. It has a remarkable fresco cycle by Modena depicting the life of Saint Ursula.
The canals in Treviso are found throughout its historic center. The most notable canals run along Via Buranelli and the Pescheria (the fish market island).
Here, you’ll find picturesque views with bridges, water mills, and colorful houses reflecting in the water. It’s all very lovely.
Treviso has some excellent restaurants But its real claim to fame is as the home of tiramisu. The classic place to try it is Le Beccherie.
Florence
Thanks to the advent of high speed trains, a trip to Florence from Venice is well within the reach of a day tripper.
It will be a long day, with a 2-2.5 hour train ride each. But if that’s the only way you can see Florence, I say go for it.
Florence is a stunningly beautiful city and the Cradle of the Renaissance. I think it has the best Renaissance art on planet earth and its palaces and churches filled with priceless treasures.
I’ve written dozens of articles on Florence for you to check out, including a detailed one day in Florence itinerary.
With 1 day, I recommend arriving early and doing the following:
- Oltrarno Viewpoints
- Pitti Palace
- Ponte Vecchio
- Florence Cathedral & Brunelleschi’s Dome
- Uffizi Gallery
- Galleria Accademia
- Palazzo Vecchio (evening)
To save time, I don’t think you need to wait in the line to get into Florence Cathedral. There’s not that much inside of note.
But you should definitely book a timed entry ticket to climb Brunelleschi’s dome, a timed entry ticket for the Accademia, and a timed entry ticket for the Uffizi.
Otherwise, you won’t be able to see these attractions.
To see things quickly, consider taking a tuk tuk tour or using the hop on hop off bus.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the best cultural day trips from Venice. You may find these other Venice travel guides useful:
- 1 day in Venice itinerary
- 2 day itinerary for Venice
- Guide to the Dorsoduro
- Guide To San Polo
- Must see sites along the Grand Canal
- Best museums in Venice
Pin it for later.
