The Best Day Trips from Venice: Unforgettable Escapes

The magic of Venice doesn’t end at its canals, it’s also the perfect launchpad for unforgettable day trips from Venice. Just beyond the lagoon, you’ll find vineyard-draped hills where a visit to a Veneto winery means sipping crisp Prosecco with sweeping views, Renaissance treasures like Verona and Padua buzzing with art and history, and the soaring Dolomites offering alpine beauty only a train ride away. These escapes blend culture, food, landscapes, and wine into the kind of adventures that make your itinerary truly memorable. From medieval towns to vineyard walks, every journey out of Venice feels like stepping into another chapter of northern Italy’s story.

What are the best day trips from Venice?

Wander the colorful streets of Burano

A boat ride to Burano is one of the most colorful day trips from Venice you can take. This little island bursts with charm, from its rainbow-painted fisherman’s houses to its centuries-old lace-making tradition. Strolling along the canals feels like walking through a living painting, and yes, it’s as photogenic as everyone says. Before heading back across the lagoon, sit down at a canal-side trattoria for fresh seafood and soak in Burano’s laid-back vibe.

Watch glassblowers at the Murano glass factory

Just a short vaporetto ride away, Murano is another favorite for day trips from Venice. This island has been the home of glassmaking masters for centuries, and watching artisans transform molten glass into delicate works of art is nothing short of mesmerizing. Pop into a workshop for a live demonstration, then visit the Murano Glass Museum to uncover the history behind this iconic Venetian craft. Between the shimmering displays and the island’s quiet canals, Murano is a perfect mix of culture and charm.

Discover our latest guide on the top things to do in Murano to complete your itinerary!

Step back in time on Torcello Island

For a step back in time, Torcello is the most atmospheric of the lagoon islands and a unique choice for day trips from Venice. Quieter and more rustic than Murano or Burano, it feels almost frozen in history with just a handful of residents and wide open spaces. The highlight is the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, where glittering Byzantine mosaics tell stories that go back more than a thousand years. Peaceful, haunting, and full of history, Torcello shows you Venice’s origins in their rawest form.

Escape to authentic Treviso

Just 35 minutes from Venice by train and nicknamed “little Venice,” Treviso is full of winding canals, medieval walls, and piazzas perfect for lingering over an espresso. Sweet tooth? This is the birthplace of tiramisu, so don’t leave without a slice. Wine lovers can explore nearby Treviso wineries, where sparkling Prosecco flows as easily as the local charm. For many travelers, the chance to visit Treviso Italy is a perfect balance of food, culture, and authentic Italian life.

Embrace the elegance of Padua

Padua, or Padova to locals, is 40 minutes away by fast train and feels like a city overflowing with history and charm. The Basilica of Saint Anthony is a timeless pilgrimage site, while Prato della Valle, one of the largest squares in Europe, is perfect for a leisurely stroll among fountains and statues. To top it off, step inside the Scrovegni Chapel and marvel at Giotto’s frescoes, a groundbreaking masterpiece that still takes visitors’ breath away centuries later.

Walk through architectural jewels in Vicenza

About an hour from Venice, Vicenza, once home to the legendary architect Andrea Palladio, is a showcase of Renaissance brilliance. Wander the historic center to admire the Basilica Palladiana’s elegant façade, then step inside the Teatro Olimpico, the world’s oldest indoor theater with a stage that looks like a city frozen in time. Often overshadowed by Verona, Vicenza is a gem in its own right and a must for anyone passionate about architecture and history.

Visit the romantic city of Verona

Verona ranks high on the list of Venice getaways, but it also makes a perfect base for unforgettable day trips from Verona itself. Just about 75 miles from Venice, the city is pure romance, with Juliet’s balcony at Casa di Giulietta, the buzzing Piazza delle Erbe, and an ancient Roman arena that still hosts concerts under the stars. Beyond the sights, Verona is surrounded by the Valpolicella hills, home of bold Amarone wines. Joining one of the many Verona wine tours is the best way to sip your way through this rich tradition while soaking in vineyard views.

Step into the Habsburg legacy in Trieste

Trieste is where Italy meets Central Europe, a city shaped by Italian, Slavic, and Austrian influences on the Adriatic. Wander past grand cafés with a Viennese feel, explore castles overlooking the sea, and admire neoclassical architecture that sets Trieste apart from Venice. Just 2.5 hours away by train, it’s an easy escape for travelers wanting a different cultural flavor. Beyond the city sights, visiting Trieste wineries adds another layer to the experience, with crisp whites and bold reds that reflect the region’s crossroads of traditions.

With so many unique things to do in Trieste, it’s a destination that surprises and delights at every turn.

Take a Dolomites day trip

For adventurers and lovers of alpine beauty, adding the Dolomites to your travel plans is a must. Just 2.5 to 3 hours from Venice by car or bus, this mountain range is a world of jagged peaks, mirror-like lakes, and alpine villages that feel pulled from a postcard. Hike to iconic spots like the Tre Cime, pause at Lake Misurina, or simply soak in the sweeping views that contrast so sharply with the flat Venetian Lagoon. With so much to see, building a Dolomites itinerary is as exciting as the journey itself, every stop delivers a new kind of magic.

Sip the wines of Veneto

Veneto is one of Italy’s most diverse wine regions, and Venice is the perfect gateway to explore it. Just beyond the lagoon, rolling hills and sun-soaked vineyards produce everything from sparkling Prosecco to rich Amarone and smooth Soave whites. A visit to a Veneto winery means more than just tasting, it’s about walking through the vines, meeting local producers, and discovering the traditions that give each glass its character. Raise a bubbly toast in the Prosecco Hills or savor a bold red in Valpolicella, and you’ll see how Veneto’s wines capture the spirit of northern Italy.

Good to know before visiting day trips from Venice