Things to do in Veneto

All about Veneto

When to visit

Grey, rain-filled skies hover over this northern region for much of winter, but the wet weather empties Venice of tourists if you’re seeking a quieter visit. Spring and fall are the best seasons to explore Veneto’s art cities, where temperatures soar in summer. Head to the high-altitude Dolomites if you want to escape the summer heat. Wine enthusiasts flock to the region’s cellars in fall when the vineyards are at their lush best.

Getting around

Almost all of Venice is car-free, so you can only get around the city of canals on foot or by boat. The main art cities of Padua, Vicenza, and Verona are well-connected by train, but you’ll need to rent a car (or join a tour with transportation) to explore the wineries in Valpolicella and Conegliano or to hit the trails and slopes in the peaks surrounding Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Traveler tips

To dine like a true Venetian, search out a traditional bàcari wine bar for a selection cichetti washed down with an ombra. Cichetti are Venice’s version of tapas—small plates and finger foods usually kept in a glass-fronted display case next to the bar and eaten standing up. They’re paired with a small glass of local white wine, known locally as ombra. The most popular local wine bars have crowds of patrons spilling out onto the canal-side alleyway.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Veneto worth visiting?

Yes, Veneto is a culture-rich region, with headliner cities like Venice, Padua, and Verona stuffed with art and architecture. The region offers premier wine country for tours and tastings, mountain peaks to explore on foot (or skis), and the eastern shores of Lake Garda, ideal for hiking and water sports.

What do you call someone from Veneto?

Residents of the Veneto region are called Veneti, though most locals identify more with their city of residence than the region as a whole. Residents of Venice are known as Veneziani, those from Padua are called Padovani, and those from Verona go by Veronesi.

How many tourists visit Veneto?

Veneto is one of Italy’s most visited regions, largely due to Venice. Yearly, more than five million visitors stop in La Serenissima, while Verona and Padua host three million and one million annual visitors, respectively. The Veneto Dolomites draw one million yearly adventurers looking to hit the trails and slopes.

What food is Veneto famous for?

Veneto stretches from mountain peaks to the Adriatic coastline, so the regional cuisine varies. However, there are a few flagship delicacies and dishes that stand out, including crisp prosecco and bold amarone wines, grappa spirits from Bassano del Grappa, Asiago cheese from the eponymous plateau, and Venice’s cichetti small plates.

Do people speak English in Veneto?

Yes. Tourism is a huge industry in Venice, and many Venetians speak enough English to communicate with international visitors. Hotel and restaurant staff, shopkeepers, and even gondoliers can often converse with customers in English. Once you leave Venice, you’ll find that English is much less common.

How many days do you need in Veneto?

You’ll need a week in Veneto to fully experience the region. Venice takes at least two days to visit, especially if you explore the outlying islands of Murano and Burano. Verona, Vicenza, and Padua all merit a day trip, as do the region’s wine-producing areas and the Dolomites.

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