6 Best (& Easy) Day Trips from Venice

1. The Surrounding Islands

• Travel Time From Venice: 30 minutes to Murano; 1h15m to Burano (from Venice Santa Lucia train station)
• Why Visit: To see more of the Venetian islands
• Who It's Best For: Depends on the island - breakdown below. 

The surrounding islands most often include Murano and Burano but you could also include Mazzorbo and the Lido di Venezia onto your list. Just know you’ll need to choose between Murano, Burano, and Mazzorbo OR Venice’s beach for a single day trip. 

The easiest way to enjoy the surrounding islands is by boat. You can either hire a private boat, best organized through your hotel, or go for the public vaporetto (ferry). I’ve traveled to the islands by both means and while the vaporetto is significantly more affordable, if you can afford a private boat for the day, I highly recommend that route. 

If traveling by vaporetto, I do recommend you narrow down your list of stops or you gear up for a very long day because the ferry is slower and works on a designated time schedule, not your own whims. 

I go into detail on the islands of Venice here but in summary, here’s what you can expect:

• Murano: This is where Venice’s famous hand-blown glass is made so it’s best for those that enjoy craftsmanship and are looking for a unique souvenir.
• Burano: An island full of brightly colored homes, best for photographers and those that will enjoy wandering a colorful village. 
• Mazzorbo: This island is home to Venice’s last vineyard so is ideal for wine enthusiasts, but given the small size and hurdles to produce here, the wine (even by the glass) is very expensive. 
• Lido di Venezia: Lido means “beach” so that’s what you’ll get here. This is the island that hosts Venice’s film festival and is the best place for sand between your toes. Just know the water is shallow here so you likely won’t be able to dive fully in and swim. 

Where to Stay on the Surrounding Islands

While you can certainly visit for a day trip, if you like the idea of staying overnight at any of these places, I recommend:

• Murano: NH Collection Murano: This is where I stayed with my mom and we both loved it. Murano quiets down drastically once the day trippers leave and it can feel like you have the island to yourself.
• Burano: Night Galleria Home: Want the chance to stay in one of the brightly colored houses? This hot pink house is ideal.‍ 
• Mazzorbo: Venissa Wine Resort: I’m pretty sure this is the only place to stay on Mazzorbo but do know that island is connected by a small bridge to Burano if you’d like more options.
• Lido: Villa Contarini B&B: This quaint house is near the vaporetto line so it'll be convenient if you want to explore the other Venice islands. 

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2. Padua / Padova

• Travel Time From Venice: 30 minutes by train
• Why Visit: For a quick and easy day trip to see a place that looks more like Rome than Venice, especially nice if you don’t have time to see more of Italy on this trip.
• Who It's Best For: Those that prefer small cities with compact centers.

Padua is a small, charming city just outside of Venice. Raf and I have only been here for a day trip ourselves but would both like to go back for more time. 

Although so close to Venice, the city itself feels more Roman than Venetian in terms of the architecture. Since Padua was a Roman city before it became a Venetian one, I suppose that makes sense. According to locals, it’s the oldest city in Northern Italy but I can’t confirm that with total confidence. The university is the second oldest in the country, followed behind Bologna. 

For those that prefer a peak into local life and want to avoid the more touristic ambiance of Verona, Padua is a great choice. You’ll get the charm and the meandering alleyways but know it’s much smaller and rewards those that don’t need to see major attractions or have a true plan to enjoy a nice day out. 

I have heard you can get to Padua from Venice by boat but haven’t yet done that journey myself. This tour takes you along the canals, past some of the most impressive villas in Italy. I do know from experience that the train journey is short and easy with plenty of times to choose from throughout the day. 

Where to Stay in Padua

For those that want more than just a few hours to explore Padua, consider staying the night.

Even though Padua is pretty compact, I personally enjoy staying in the city center when the budget allows. I love being able to walk right outside my door and be in the thick of things.

• Budget Stay: A&F Apartment: Located in Piazza Garibaldi, this apartment is really well-positioned right in between the train station and the old town.
• Mid-Tier Stay: Palazzo Mantua Benavides Suites & Apartments: If you're searching for a historic stay, this one is for you. The building and the furnishings themselves will bring you back to a different era.
• Luxury Stay: Officine Cavour: Right in the heart of the city center at Piazza Cavour, this building offers a variety of modern rentals for different size groups.

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3. Treviso

• Travel Time From Venice: 30 minutes by train
• Why Visit: To try tiramisu from its origins. 
• Who It's Best For: Those that can’t get enough canals and want a small, romantic city to enjoy their day in. Also a great starting point for organized tours going to the Prosecco Hills.

Treviso is another small city just outside of Venice. Although similar in size to Padua, Treviso looks and feels more like Venice with small canals running through the city center. Treviso also has an undeniable luxurious feel to it, where you can sense people with money choose to settle down here.

While the history tends to pull people to Padua, the fact tiramisu comes from Treviso tends to call the people there instead. 

I’ve also only been to Treviso for a day trip and while I’d like to go back with Raf, I think a day is enough time to explore the city center and walk the ancient walls that surround the city. 

The biggest exception to the day trip rule would be if you plan to visit the Prosecco Hills and want a closer base (more on that next) or if you like the idea of being in a quiet Italian city that has plenty of charm without any group tour chaos. 

If you choose to visit Treviso, I highly recommend you walk the city center, walk at least a portion of the old walls, scope out the impressive villas, and, of course, enjoy tiramisu. 

Where to Stay in Treviso

If you have more time to spend or want to stay overnight, I recommend booking your stay at:

• Budget Option: Terzopiano: Modern decor and comfortable interiors nestled in a historic building between town center and the train station.
• Mid-Tier Option: Castelmenardo39: Stay in one of Treviso’s historic buildings right in the city center. They offer double rooms and family rooms.
• Luxury Option: Apartment Deluxe Isola Di Mezzo: Situated near the train station just inside the city walls, this apartment has everything you need for a remarkable stay.

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4. Prosecco Hills

• Travel Time From Venice: ~1 hour by car
• Why Visit: To visit the vineyards that produce Prosecco
• Who It's Best For: Wine enthusiasts or people who simply enjoy a glass (or 3) of Prosecco

As I’m sure you could guess, the Prosecco Hills is the region where Prosecco comes from. Valdobbiadene is the most common hub for these trips but the vineyards stretch from there, across the north of Conegliano, to Vittorio Veneto. 

Here, you’ll find a hilly region littered with vineyards, small towns, and wineries with their doors open for day visitors and overnight guests. There’s even a trail that takes you right through the heart of the region if you have the time for a 4-day boozy adventure. 

This region is relatively quiet when you compare it to famous Tuscany but worth the visit for those that are looking for wine tasting and for those that, like me, simply prefer Prosecco. 

To best enjoy a day trip from Venice, I recommend you join a tour or rent your own car. You’ll have a tough time visiting via public transportation, especially if you’re on a tight timeline. Although there are tours that leave from Venice, Treviso is a slightly more common hub for tours to leave from. 

GetYourGuide has a vast selection of options if you’d prefer to enjoy a day trip here and not have to worry about driving back to Venice after your tastings. 

Where to Stay in the Prosecco Hills

For a cheaper stay, Conegliano is likely a better choice but since I've recommended Valdobbiadene to take part in the grape harvest and enjoy plenty of wine tastings, I'm going to only recommend places that's nearby the action.

This is a great time to stay at an agriturismo. These are locally run bed and breakfasts that usually sit on a farm. More often than not, they'll serve food made by them or their neighbors, almost always including their own wine.

• Budget Stay: Agriturismo due Carpini: Located in the same area but outside of the small town of Santo Stefano, you'll absolutely love the sweeping views of the Prosecco vineyards from the rooms and the infinity pool. You're within walking distance to many vineyards here.
• Mid-Tier Stay: Locanda Sandi: If you're looking for a more rustic yet charming place to stay, this is the one for you. This hotel is right next door to Villa Sandi Vineyard and tasting room.
• Luxury Stay: Agriturismo Vedova: For a more modern place to stay, here you'll enjoy great views and even the privacy of your own sauna if you book a stay at the suite.

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5. Verona

• Travel Time From Venice: 1h15m by train
• Why Visit: To visit my favorite city in Italy
• Who It's Best For: Those that enjoy chic cities with plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants to choose from. 

As far as cities go, Italy has some really great ones. While I’m enamored also with Rome, Verona is simply my favorite. With plenty of things to do and great day trips if you decide to stay longer, you can easily fill up a weekend in Verona or even more.

Here you’ll find great shopping with more local brands than chains, impressive architecture, plenty of pedestrian-only streets, and a buzzing restaurant and bar scene. You seriously won’t have to go more than a few steps to find your next stop for a coffee, drink, or bite to eat. 

Verona is the place to go for those that enjoy wandering without too much on the agenda. Yes, there’s the colosseum, Juliet’s House, and a number of museums, but personally Verona gets under your skin the same way Venice does: by giving yourself the freedom to wander down side streets without much of a plan other than to enjoy the moment.

Truly I could say the same for everywhere in Italy but Verona really embraces those on that pace. 

From Verona, you might be tempted to continue on to the southern side of Lake Garda but I suggest you don’t. It’s easy and quick to get to Peschiera del Garda or Desenzano del Garda but as someone who has explored most of this lake, these aren’t the highlights in my opinion. The north is where Lake Garda really shines and for just a day, you’re better off enjoying Verona instead. Here’s a full guide on the towns of Lake Garda for more information on your options if you have more time to spare.

Where to Stay in Verona

Want to stay more than just one day in Verona? Based on experience and your budget, I recommend a stay at any of these options:

• Carrera Home: This apartment is perfectly located next to Castelvecchio Museum and Piazza Bra. It's pet-friendly and large enough for 5 guests. I’ve personally stayed here and while the home is simple, it’s comfortable and in a great location.
• Verona House Aparthotel: This hotel is situated near Carrera Home, giving you a great view but small space. It's perfect for those that prefer a hotel than an apartment rental. I’ve also stayed here on a solo trip to the city and really enjoyed myself.
• Casa Archi: Another pet-friendly apartment, this one is seriously unique. It's hard to beat the river views and staying in San Zeno is a nice alternative to being in the middle of the city center. Raf and I have also stayed here with our pets and loved the area and the views. For those visiting in the winter, the jacuzzi tub is a huge perk. 

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6. Bologna

• Travel Time From Venice: 1.5h by train
• Why Visit: To eat some of the best food in Italy
• Who It's Best For: Those that are interested in trying some of the most famous Italian dishes and those who would like to explore a city unlike any other in Italy. 

Bologna is one of Italy’s biggest cities but take that with a grain of salt since that population still falls below half a million. It’s home to the oldest university in the Western World, still a popular choice for students in Italy and abroad. If visiting while school is in session, you’ll enjoy a lively environment but if you visit while school is on break, you can expect the city to be a bit quieter than usual.

Bologna, like Naples, is one of the Italian cities that I would describe as grungy. It doesn’t have the romantic charm that the previous destination on this list offers or the impressive villas of Treviso and Padua. Instead it has plenty of street art, cool shops, and porticos that keep you out of the rain on nearly every street in the center. 

While I do enjoy the vibe of Bologna, the real reason to visit is the food. Even Italians agree that Bologna is the food capital of the country, a title that isn’t easy to come by. Most of the Italian dishes popular around the world are from here and while I might ruin your favorite Italian restaurant back home, once you try these dishes in the original recipe, there’s no turning back. 

Getting to Bologna is really easy from Venice but you want to be sure to come for at least two meals. Instead of aiming for lunch and dinner, I suggest swapping one of those out for aperitivo. Bologna’s aperitivo scene differs greatly from Venice’s, where they swap the cicchetti for Mortadella and Squacquerone (cheese) with a variety of breads. 

For more information on Bologna, I’ve written a number of articles based on our visits here:

• The Perfect Weekend in Bologna: 3-Day Travel Guide 
• 17 Best Local Dishes & Food to Try in Bologna 
• 10 Best Day Trips from Bologna 
• 7 Best Places to Visit in Emilia Romagna 

Where to Stay in Bologna

If you look at Bologna on a map, you'll see there's a highway that circles the city center. I recommend staying anywhere inside that circle so you can get around on foot instead of having to rely on public transportation.

📍A few of my top recommendations for places to stay in Bologna are:

• Budget Option: Casa Petronio Apartments: They offer a variety of apartments with 2-bedrooms, 1-bedrooms, or a studio to choose from. A bike rental and coffee shop is conveniently located in the same building.
• Mid-Tier Option: Central City Rooms m09: This is where we’ve stayed in Bologna and we really enjoyed it. It's pet-friendly so we could bring our pets with us and it's really close to the train station which made coming and going easy.
• Luxury Option: Grand Hotel Majestic gia' Baglioni: For a taste of luxury and to be just steps from Piazza Maggiore, you'll love your stay at this high-end hotel where you'll feel as if you became a queen in the 1800s.

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Which Day Trip from Venice Will You Take?

While I highly recommend you spend at least a few full days in Venice, if you have the time, there are some great day trip options to choose from. All can easily be enjoyed via public transportation (either train or ferry), which the exception of the Prosecco Hills, where it’s better to rent your own car or join a tour.

You really can’t go wrong with any of these options as they all offer something unique and gear themselves to a different kind of traveler. Go with your gut and pick the one that most aligns with your interest and I’m sure you’ll have a great day out.