Although Venice and its many islands has enough attractions to keep you busy for days, sometimes you may feel the need to escape the crowds and visit other places in the Veneto region. Many great destinations lie with a comfortable day trip by train from Venice’s Santa Lucia station.
Treviso, about 40 minutes by train, is sort of like Venice in miniature, with canals, and elegant townhouses, many decorated with frescoes, within the old city walls. A lively outdoor market is held on Saturday mornings, selling everything from fresh produce and chacuterie to clothing and even some designer bargains. Swish shops and great, local restaurants are another feature of Treviso. After you have wondered around head to the Piazza del Signori and have a glass of prosecco.
Padua (about 35 minutes by train from Venice) is another handsome town with a strong artistic history. Its most famous attraction is the Cappella degli Scrovegni and the rich frescoes by Giotto di Bondone. Markets are held daily in Padua, in the Piazza’s della Fruta and Erbe. In Padua, take a break in the chic Caffé Pedrocchi (Via 8 Febbraio, 15) a meeting place for the city’s intelligentsia for centuries.
