Welcome to this guide on the best cities in Veneto to visit from Venice.
Veneto is a region based in the northeast of Italy. This region is dotted by cities overlooking the sea and the lagoon, medieval towns of the Pianura Padana (Padana plains) and villages nestled between mountain valleys.
Among the best cities to explore in Veneto, there are Venice, Verona, Vicenza, Padua and Treviso which are also the most visited cities in the region.
But there are tens of other towns and villages worth visiting, each one characterized by its own traditions and history.
Cities in Veneto
In this Veneto guide I’ll share some of the best cities in Northern Italy so you can get off the beaten track when travelling to Venice or anywhere in between.
But first, let’s look at some of the unique differences between Northern Italy vs Southern Italy so you can see why the north despite having a distinct climate is also as popular with visitors.
Cities in Northern Italy vs Southern Italy
All of Italy is beautiful and it’s difficult to compare the north and south. Each part of the country has its own peculiarities that can’t be found elsewhere.
To gain a deeper insight into this special region, let’s look at 3 reasons why the cities in Veneto and the rest of the north are unique to cities in the south.
- Cities in northern Italy are based in unique geographical positions. Let’s take Venice and all the other villages on the Venetian lagoon built on islands, or the small towns surrounded by vineyards like in the Prosecco Hills or Bardolino. Additionally, in the northern regions of Italy, you can easily find villages on the slopes of the Dolomites Alps, completely immersed in nature. Are you in Venice and want to visit the Dolomites? Then check out this Cortina & Dramatic Dolomites Day Tour from Venice and take in the fresh mountain air.
- The range of activities you can experience in the northern regions of Italy is huge compared to the south. The north of Italy has both the sea and the most beautiful mountains in the country, as well as a lot of cultural and historical sights to discover. In terms of outdoor activities, you can go skiing in the Alps, rafting on alpine rivers, hiking or cycling along incredible paths, or just relax for a day at one the best Northern Italian lakes or beaches.
- North of Italy has its own unique historical background which is perfectly narrated through iconic landmarks and sightseeing scattered throughout the territory. For example, the Doge’s Palace in Venice is considered the best example of Gothic architecture and Verona’s amphitheatre is one of the best preserved Roman ruins of its kind.
How many cities are in Veneto Italy?
In Veneto, there are 7 big cities: Venice, Padua, Vicenza, Verona, Treviso, Belluno and Rovigo.
These are also called provinces and for each one of them there are smaller towns that belong to them. In total, the cities and towns in Veneto are 563.
What is the capital of Veneto?
The capital of Veneto is Venice, that counts a population of more or less 843.545 residents scattered all around its province.
The city is connected to Veneto mainland through the Liberty Bridge. You can get to Venice by car, by train and by bus from Mestre, the closest town to the city of water.
Got travel insurance for Veneto?
World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Best Cities to Visit in North Italy
Veneto is such a great region in the north of Italy to visit. Veneto boasts a long history of political and economical successes, architectural and artistic sights to marvel at, and a varied landscape. This is what makes this territory so unique.
Let’s find out more about the cities in Veneto that you should definitely visit.
Venice
Venice, the capital city of the Veneto region is one of the best known and loved cities by tourists from all over the world.
It’s one of the most visited cities in Italy, only second after Rome. The historical centre of Venice was built on more than 100 small islands that rise in the heart of the Venice lagoon, on the Adriatic Sea.
The splendour of the artistic and architectural masterpieces that are only here, and the presence of the lagoon, made Venice a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Take a closer look at some of my favourite tourist attractions in Venice to whet your appetite and so when you arrive here, you know where to go.
Verona
Crossed by the Adige river, and only a few kilometres away from Lake Garda, the romantic city of Verona is located at the foot of the beautiful Lessini mountains.
The city centre of Verona is another UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Veneto region. It’s famous all over the world for its Roman amphitheatre and the balcony of Romeo and Juliet, attracting visitors to capture memories inspired by the Shakespeare’s tragedy.
What makes the centre of Verona particularly outstanding is the presence of historical landmarks from different ages of history, such as Roman ruins as well Gothic medieval churches.
Padua
Located just 40 km west of Venice, you can find so many things to do in Padua, which is known as a vibrant university city with tens of artistic and architectural gems.
Padua is home to one of the most ancient universities of all times, where Galileo Galilei used to teach, as well as the city where two UNESCO Heritage Sites are: the Cappella degli Scrovegni and cycle of frescoes by Giotto and the Orto Botanico.
But that’s not all! This Veneto province attracts thousands of pilgrims every year, for the ‘Santo’ or St. Anthony’s Basilica where the remains of the saint lay.
When in Padua, don’t miss a stroll around the Prato della Valle, one of the biggest square of Europe, and around Piazza dei Signori and delle Erbe.
To learn more about the city led by a private local guide, join this private city walking tour & Scrovegni’s Chapel visit.
Vicenza
Vicenza is also known as the ‘City of Palladio‘ and apart from being one of the biggest provinces of Veneto, it’s the cultural capital of Veneto, after Venice.
Vicenza is located south of the Berici hills and it’s famous throughout Europe for having some of the greatest masterpieces of Andrea Palladio, the Renaissance architect.
When in Vicenza, don’t forget to visit the Basilica Palladiana, Piazza dei Signori and Teatro Olimpico.
It’s worth visiting the outskirts of Vicenza too, where some of the most beautiful (but still not very well known) Palladian villas are only waiting to be discovered.
Treviso
As a quick 30-minute day trip by train from Venice or similarly, by car, Treviso is another province of Veneto that you must see if you have the chance.
Inside its medieval walls are protected artistic wonders such as the Cathedral with the altarpiece of the Annunciation by Titian and the Musei Civici hosting international art exhibitions every year.
The best way to explore the city is on foot. This way, you can really immerse yourself in the city’s magic atmosphere.
Bathed by the river Sile, Treviso offers a similar experience to Venice with its canals and bridges (just on a smaller scale).
Rovigo
Rovigo is the smallest province in Veneto, located in the south and only a few kilometres away from the region Emilia Romagna.
It’s a medieval city and the most important reminisce of that historical time are the towers Torre Donà and Torre Mozza. Rovigo is a small pearl, wedged between the river Po and Adige.
You can walk down its porticoes and small passages where Palazzo Roverella, Palazzo Roncale stand out as well as the city bell tower.
A very important historical landmark for all Rovigo people is the Tempio della Beata Vergine del Soccorso, also known as La Rotonda.
Chioggia
Chioggia is based on small island, only a few kilometres south of Venice. The town is nothing less than a smaller version of the capital city of Veneto, with all its canals and the narrow streets called ‘calli’.
Here there are many medieval churches, some of which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
The best way to visit this picturesque town is on foot, starting from the Cattedrale di Santa Maria and moving towards the Torre di Sant’Andrea and the fish market, also called Pescheria.
Schio
The origin of the city of Schio is quite ancient, with traces of the first human settlements 1000 years b. C.. Its Latin medieval name was ‘Schledum’.
The city centre developed over the centuries along the Lèogra stream and it’s now one of the major production centres in the Veneto region.
When in Schio is worth stopping by the city’s Duomo where it’s stored a painting by Palma il Vecchio and by the gothic church of San Francesco.
Considering its remarkable industrial background, in Schio a must-stop is the Fabbrica Alta and the Lanificio Rossi, great examples of industrial architecture.
Bassano del Grappa
Bassano del Grappa is a lovely medieval town located in the Vicenza area. Facing the Alps and bathed by the Brenta river, this small town offers incredible views.
To enjoy the best ones, head towards the Ponte Vecchio by Palladio. Get lost around Bassano’s streets and stop by the Duomo, Piazza Garibaldi and the Piazza Libertà.
Visit the Museo della Ceramica and Palazzo Sturm to learn more about the important ceramic and typography productions of the city, as well as at the Poli museum to taste the locally produced liquer called ‘grappa’.
Bassano del Grappa is famous for its local fresh produce such as the cod and white asparagus, join a local’s family home cooking class to learn everything about the city’s gastronomic traditions.
Check out this dining experience at a local home for a truly unforgetable culinary experience while you enjoy one of the best towns in Veneto.
Belluno
The city of Belluno is located at the foot of the Dolomites, in the northern part of Veneto.
It is known for being ‘the shining city’, a definition given by the Celts for the beauty of the city’s surrounding landscape.
Piazza del Duomo is the heart of the city, the perfect place to stop for a coffee.
After that, you can admire all the palaces around the public piazza: Palazzo dei Rettori, Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo vescovile and the Cattedrale of San Martino.
Belluno is a great place for outdoor activities such as hiking in the Dolomites and skiing during winter time.
Veneto Cities FAQ Guide
Here are some questions people ask when it comes to visiting Veneto.
Cities in Veneto
Now you know a bit more about some of the best cities in Veneto.
If you’re keen on exploring this region, check out the section Veneto region for more ideas and inspiration on where to go once here.
📌 Like this article? Click to Pin it…
If you found this Venice travel guide helpful, feel free to buy me a virtual coffee here.
“Dear traveller! Some links in this post contain affiliate links. Meaning, if you click through and make a tour booking or reserve a hotel, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support means a lot to me and helps me to keep creating and maintaining the quality of this site for you.”
