Top 10 Places to Visit in Veneto
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Latest page update: 14 April 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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This top ten list brings together the cities, lakes, islands and mountain towns that define Veneto’s unique character. Venice leads the way with its canals and palaces, while Verona, Padua and Vicenza offer Roman history, art and elegant piazzas. Lake Garda and Cortina d'Ampezzo showcase the region’s natural beauty from water to mountains.
Smaller spots like Burano, Soave and Chioggia add colour, tradition and quiet charm beyond the more famous cities. Veneto combines iconic landmarks with a wide variety of landscapes and experiences. |
Chioggia, Veneto
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Venice
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Venice is unlike any other city in the world, built on more than 100 islands and crossed by canals instead of roads. The Grand Canal winds past palaces, churches, and elegant old buildings.
Piazza San Marco is the city’s heart, home to the Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the iconic bell tower. Gondolas and water buses carry visitors through the city’s narrow waterways. Despite the crowds, Venice still reveals quiet corners, artisan shops, and hidden bridges. It has an airport, train station, and ferry connections to the islands and beyond. |
Venice, Veneto
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Lake Garda
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The eastern shore of Lake Garda lies in Veneto and includes some of the region’s most popular holiday towns. Bardolino, Garda, and Malcesine offer beaches, promenades and colourful old centres.
Malcesine’s Scaliger Castle and cable car to Monte Baldo are major highlights. The area is known for wine, olive oil, and summer lake cruises. Ferries run between the towns throughout the day. The lake is an easy drive from Verona and Venice. It’s one of the best places in northern Italy for outdoor activities and scenic day trips. |
Peschiera del Garda, Veneto
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Verona
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Verona is a romantic city of Roman ruins, Renaissance palaces, and medieval charm. It’s best known for its links to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and the Roman Arena in the central piazza.
The old town is compact and walkable, with riverside views, elegant squares, and shopping streets. Juliet’s balcony, though fictional, remains a popular stop for photos and messages. Verona is well connected by train and has its own airport. It also serves as a great base for exploring northern Veneto and Lake Garda. |
Verona, Veneto
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Padua
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Padua (Padova) is a lively city with a strong university atmosphere and a long history. It’s known for the Scrovegni Chapel, painted by Giotto, and the vast Basilica of Saint Anthony.
The historic centre has arcaded streets, lively markets and large public squares like Prato della Valle. Cafés and bookshops fill the student-filled streets year-round. Padua is just 30 minutes by train from Venice. It’s ideal for a day trip or an overnight stop full of culture and local life. |
Padua, Veneto
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Burano
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Burano is a small island in the Venetian Lagoon, famous for its brightly coloured houses and lace-making tradition. Every house is painted a different colour, creating a vibrant, postcard-perfect view.
The island is quieter than nearby Murano and ideal for slow walks along canals, seafood lunches, and browsing local craft shops. It’s small enough to explore in an hour or two. Ferries run from Venice in under an hour. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to visit with fewer crowds. |
Burano, Veneto
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Vicenza
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Vicenza is an elegant city best known for its connection to architect Andrea Palladio. His villas and palaces, including the Teatro Olimpico and Villa La Rotonda, define the city’s character.
The old centre is full of stylish streets, arcaded buildings, and piazzas that reflect the city’s Renaissance past. Vicenza is less touristy than Venice or Verona but full of cultural interest. Trains connect Vicenza to Verona, Padua, and Venice. It’s a great option for travellers looking for architecture, art, and a quieter pace. |
Vicenza, Veneto
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Bassano del Grappa
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Bassano del Grappa sits at the foot of the Dolomites and is crossed by the wooden Ponte degli Alpini bridge over the River Brenta. It’s known for its grappa, mountain views and old-world charm.
The historic centre has artisan shops, museums and towers, with views stretching towards alpine peaks. Grappa tasting is popular, and the town hosts several cultural events throughout the year. Bassano is on a train line and easy to visit from Vicenza or Padua. It’s a great choice for food lovers and weekend explorers. |
Bassano del Grappa, Veneto
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Cortina d'Ampezzo
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Cortina d’Ampezzo is a stylish mountain resort in the heart of the Dolomites. It’s famous for winter skiing, summer hiking and stunning natural scenery in every direction.
The town has hosted the Winter Olympics and will do so again in 2026. Visitors can enjoy alpine dining, panoramic cable cars, and access to some of Italy’s most beautiful mountain passes. Cortina is best reached by car or bus. It’s a gateway to the Dolomites and a year-round destination for outdoor adventure. |
Cortina d'Ampezzo, Veneto
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Chioggia
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Chioggia is a fishing town at the southern end of the Venetian Lagoon, often called “Little Venice” for its canals, bridges and boats. It’s less touristy, with a strong local atmosphere.
The town has seafood markets, narrow alleys, and colourful houses, while the nearby beach resort of Sottomarina offers long sandy shores. It’s a popular weekend spot for Venetians. Chioggia can be reached by bus, ferry, or car. It’s an easy alternative to Venice with its own charm and working-port feel. |
Chioggia, Veneto
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Soave
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Soave is a walled town east of Verona, surrounded by vineyards that produce the famous Soave white wine. Its medieval walls and castle sit above the town, offering views across the plains.
The centre has cobbled streets, wine shops, and small trattorias serving local food. Wine tastings are easy to arrange, with many producers offering tours and cellar visits. Soave is a short drive from Verona and connected by local buses. It’s a great half-day trip for wine and history. |
Soave, Veneto
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