8 Must-See Destinations Near Venice with Map

map of places to see near Venice

Visiting Venice this year? Then there are eight places close to Venice that you'll not want to miss out on.

Even the farthest is an easy 2-hour drive from Venice, and the first one is a short boat ride away. So rent yourself a car—try Discover Cars for the best deals—and head out on the trip of a lifetime.

Ready to go? We'll start with those nearest to Venice and move on to those farther away...

1) Burano

Burano

A short boat ride from Venice is the enchanting and colorful little fishing village of Burano. In the past, the village's men would embark on their daring seafaring adventures while the women would remain behind, skillfully crafting some of the world's most exquisite lace. To this day, this beautiful tradition still lives on as women continue to devote themselves to the art of lace-making, preserving the rich heritage of Burano.

Don't forget to savor the island's culinary delights, as the local seafood dishes are known to tantalize the taste buds with their freshness and flavor.

You can easily get to Burano by boat from Venice, but if you don't feel like figuring out boat timetables, etc., then here's a good tour to see all the highlights in a morning or afternoon.

Prefer to really get to know this enchanting island filled with fascinating people, incredible stories, and secret corners? Read our guide to the real Burano.

2) Padua

Padua

Padua, or Padova as it is called in Italian, is a city near Venice that is bursting with life and youthful vigor. It's like Italy's own version of Cambridge, with a bustling student population zipping around on their bicycles (there are way more bicycles than cars here). and lovely squares where the old folks gather to gossip and market sellers convince you to buy the deal of a lifetime.

What makes Padua truly special is that it is still relatively unspoiled by the masses of tourists. Every step you take in Padua is like unearthing fragments of its illustrious history, from ancient Roman remnants to the grandeur of medieval palaces.

It is easy to get here from Venice too; from Venice's Santa Lucia train station to Padua's main train station, Padova Centrale, it takes only around 30 minutes.

Like the next town on our list, Asolo, this too is a town where tourists haven't yet arrived in numbers—despite the fabulous cathedrals, great artworks, beautiful parks, thousands of years of history... I could go on and on but rather discover more for yourself.

3) Asolo

Asolo

Considered to be one of Italy's loveliest small towns, and certainly the loveliest small town near Venice, Asolo really is something super special—artists and writers having been drawn here for centuries.

The most convenient way to travel is by renting a car and driving. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and follows the A27 highway towards Belluno. Take the exit at Treviso Nord and follow the signs to Asolo. The scenic drive through the Veneto countryside adds to the charm of the trip.

Asolo is truly one of my happy places, a tranquil haven that encapsulates the essence of Italy's timeless beauty. One of my favorites in all of Italy. Read more about it here. 

4) Madonna della Corona

On a cliff-side and seeming to touch the clouds, while far far below lie the fields and forests of the Veneto; this is the Madonna della Corona. How did they get it up here and why? Answers and more here.

5) Verona

Piazza delle Erbe in Verona

I often say that Verona has everything a lover of Italy could possibly want, all wrapped in a beautiful, walkable city.

For history, you can stand where Shakespeare set his most famous love story, then turn a corner and find an ancient Roman arena that is still filled with music today. For beauty, you have the elegant curve of the Adige River wrapping around the city center and those soft, rolling hills in the distance.

But for us, what makes Verona truly special is how it lives. It’s not just a museum. It’s a vibrant city that has held onto its soul. In the evenings, the piazzas fill with friends spilling out of cafes, the sound of laughter mixing with the clink of wine glasses. The local market is full of life, and there’s a feeling of benessere—of wellbeing—here that’s hard to find.

This is why we believe it's not just one of the loveliest cities to visit, but perhaps the very best to live in. It offers a perfect Italian life: deeply rooted in breathtaking history and culture, yet completely alive and joyous in the present.

Getting to Verona from Venice is a straightforward and convenient journey too. The most popular way to travel from Venice to Verona is by train. Trains depart frequently from Venezia Santa Lucia station and arrive at Verona Porta Nuova station. The journey takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the train type.

If you prefer driving, you can rent a car and travel from Venice to Verona by road. The distance between the two cities is approximately 120 kilometers, and the journey typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Keep in mind that parking in Verona's city center can be limited and expensive, so it's advisable to research parking options in advance.

Get our FREE Guide to Verona.

6) Sirmione

Step onto the ancient cobblestones of Sirmione, flower-draped cottages line your path, and on a summer evening, the entire peninsula is perfumed with the sweet scent of jasmine.

Here, you can feast on lake-fresh perch at a ristorante by the water, sipping a crisp local Lugana wine as the sun sets over Lake Garda. Or you can simply wander, letting the labyrinth of streets lead you to a hidden courtyard, a quiet gelateria, or a glimpse of the castle from a perfect, unexpected angle.

Discover Sirmione here.

7) Trieste

Miramare Castle, Trieste

Just two hours by train from Venice, and you enter another world: Trieste. This is Italy’s coffee capital, the historic home of Illy, yet it feels utterly distinct from any other Italian city. For centuries, it was the glittering port of the Austrian Empire, a muse to writers like James Joyce, who wrote here for nearly a decade, and only joined Italy after the First World War.

The result is a captivating urban symphony. It is “Vienna by the sea,” where the aroma of apple strudel wafts from the grand cafés lining the huge piazza by the sea, and the romantic castles of Austrian princes tell of love stories as sad as that of Romeo and Juliet. Here, Habsburg grandeur meets Mediterranean light—a unique blend of Austrian elegance and Italian dolce vita, all framed by the sparkling Adriatic.

It is a city of the sea, of sweeping squares, of literary history, and of an identity all its own. To experience Trieste is a sheer and unexpected joy. Discover everything you need to plan your visit to this unforgettable corner of Italy.

All you need to plan your visit is here.

8) Bassano Del Grappa

Bassano Del Grappa

This one is one of my favorites. It's the kind of town that makes you feel like you'd love to raise a family here or retire here. There is so much to see, from the famous Grappa Museum to the oldest wooden bridge in all of Italy and the setting will take your breath away. Discover Bassano Del Grappa here.

Your Questions Answered

What other city is close to Venice, Italy? 

Padua is close to Venice, located approximately 30 kilometers (18 miles) to the west. It boasts historical sites such as the Scrovegni Chapel and the Basilica of Saint Anthony. Here's all you need to know about this great city. Padova isn't the only splendid city near Venice; Treviso, too, is fabulous, and it is only around 30 minutes by train from Venice.

Can you do a day trip from Venice to Florence?

Yes, it's possible to do a day trip from Venice to Florence. High-speed trains connect the two cities, with travel times of around 2 hours, allowing for a day of exploration in Florence before returning to Venice.

Are there beaches near Venice?

Yes, the Lido di Venezia is a nearby island known for its sandy beaches. Easily accessible by vaporetto, it offers a seaside escape from the historic canals of Venice. Take a look at our beach guide for all the best beaches near Venice that you will not want to miss.

Is there a direct train from Venice to Lake Como?

While there isn't a direct train from Venice to Lake Como, you can take a train to Milan and then transfer to a train or other transportation to reach Lake Como.

Map - 8 Places to See Near Venice