7 Awesome Things To Do In Vicenza, Italy [with Suggested Tours]
Are you planning to travel to Vicenza, Italy, soon? Read our tips below on the things to do in Vicenza, with suggested tours.
The name of the city came from the word Vicetia or Vicentia, meaning Victorious. It’s a gorgeous laid-back city which you should stop, especially if you are going to or from Venice and Milan. The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Palladian Villas of the Veneto. There are many buildings here made by the renowned Italian Renaissance architect, Andrea Palladio.
List of Things to do in Vicenza, Italy
1. Check the buzz at Piazza dei Signori and Basilica Palladiana
Vicenza’s city square is the historic Piazza dei Signori (Square of the Lords). It is surrounded by gorgeous buildings, namely the Palladian Basilica and the Loggia del Capitano. If you are lucky enough, you can see an open market in the square.
The Basilica Palladianais part of the UNESCO World Heritage site mentioned above. It’s actually not a church but used as a seat of government and currently hosts exhibitions. You could also go up and see the view of the city. It’s something you should not miss in Vicenza, Italy.
Suggested Tour: Vicenza Private Walking Tour
2. Visit some villas – Villa La Rotonda and Valmarana ai Nani
Villa Almerico Capra Valmarana, commonly known as Villa La Rotonda, is another UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Palladio. It is inspired by Rome’s Pantheon as you could see it on the villa’s four sides. If you think it’s beautiful outside, wait until you get inside! You will be amazed by the fresco paintings made by Italian Painters Alessandro, Giovanni Battista Maganza, and Canera.
The Villa Valmanara “Ai Nani” is owned by the aristocrats, the Valmanara Family. It’s just near Villa Rotonda. Like its neighboring villa, it’s gorgeous inside and out. There are also paintings made by Giambattista and Giandomenico Tiepolo. It’s worth your time to visit here.
Suggested Tour: Villa Valmarana Admission Ticket
3. Hike to Monte Berico
Monte Berica is a small hill that overlooks Vicenza, Italy. It is said that the Blessed Virgin appeared here twice to a peasant worker in 1426 and 1428. On top of the hill, you would see a Marian Shrine, the Basilica of St. Mary of Mount Berico. If you are Catholic, you can attend mass here.
4. Walk along Corso Palladio
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Corso Andrea Palladio is the main street of Vicenza, full of shops, restaurants, and some great works of the renowned architect Andrea Palladio. What’s really lovely is that it’s for pedestrians, so you don’t need to watch out for cars. You can also ride a bike here.
Suggested Tour: Vicenza Private Walking Tour
5. See a show in Teatro Olimpico
The final design made by Palladio was the Teatro Olimpico. It has been inspired by Roman and Greek influences. You would not be disappointed about coming to visit here as this indoor theatre is amazing. There’s also a light show for visitors to see. If there are any concerts or plays here, you should definitely book a seat. The experience will be memorable!
Suggested Tour: Vicenza Private Walking Tour with Teatro Olimpico
6. Bike to Ponte San Michele
Just near the Basilica is one of the best and most beautiful bridges in the city, the Ponte San Michele. You could see there Retroneriver flowing and beautiful houses. It’s a stone bridge perfect for photo opportunities, and there are not many people, too!
7. Unwind around Parco Querini
After you have visited all the spots on our list (numbers 1-6), you can relax at Parco Querini. It’s picturesque and filled with animals like beavers, ducks. You can enjoy walking on the paths in the early morning or relaxing during the night. If you want, you can also have a picnic or sit on the grass.
Suggested Tour: Vicenza 3-hour Private Tour
8. Find accommodation in Vicenza, Italy
Where to stay in Vicenza, Italy
Budget Hotel
Hotel Verdi
Hotel Verdi is located 3 km from Vicenza’s historic center. Here you will find a choice of rooms, free rental bikes, a shuttle service, a business center, and a hot tub. All the air-conditioned rooms have a balcony, a flat-screen TV and a seating area. All accommodation comes with a private bathroom, free toiletries, and a hairdryer.
Price: Starts at USD 69 for a Double or Twin Room with Balcony for two
Luxury Hotel
Hotel Campo Marzio is the most central 4-star property in Vicenza. The reception, open 24 hours a day, is serviced by a multilingual staff, always available to make your stay as pleasant as possible. Bike hire can be found on-site and is based upon availability. Monuments, museums, shops, and restaurants are all within easy reach, including Piazza dei Signori with the Basilica Palladiana, which is just 500 m away.
Price: Starts at USD 119 for a Small Double Economy for two
How to go to Vicenza, Italy
By Air: The nearest International Airports are Verona Villafranca Airport and the Venice Marco Polo Airport.
If you arrive at Verona Airport, ride a bus from Verona to Verona PortaNuova for 15 minutes. There you can ride a train to Vicenza; the train ride will be 25 minutes.
In case you choose Venice Airport you can ride a bus directly from the airport to Vicenza; travel time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. However, if you opt to use a train, you will need to ride a bus to Venezia Mestre Station and then ride a train to Vicenza; the train ride will be 32 minutes.
From Rome, Italy: You can ride a train (ItaloTreno) from Roma Termini and stop at Padova; travel time is 3 hours and 30 minutes. Transfer trains and ride from Padova to Vicenza; travel time is 16 minutes.
From Milan, Italy: From Milano Centrale, ride ItaloTreno to Vicenza. The train ride will be 1-hour and 40 minutes.
About the Writer
Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and fell in love with the journey since. I aim to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, taking pictures, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my Instagram.
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The first picture is of Padua, not Vicenza. Padua is nearby and worth a visit as well. Just wanted to let you know. If you would like I can send you the right picture.
Thanks for the heads up! It was tagged as Vicenza on the site, so, I used it because it looks great. If you have amazing photos that we can use with your permission, please feel free to e-mail it to me – [email protected].
Thank you for this blog. My son and his family are moving there this year (2020) and we will be visiting next year to visit the family. Then up to Austria, Germany, Paris and Switzerland then back to the family before we head back home to the US. So I am looking for places to visit and explore.
Hi there,
I live in Vicenza and I run a B&B. Could I promote it through your website?
Hello, you can message the [email protected].
Hi Mary,
I was looking for some background on Vicenza and found your post from 2015. I wonder if it has changed much since then. I would have like to have learned more about shopping and foods.
Please add the phonetic sounds to your last name. Mineis difficult enough to pronounce, and I always die a little inside when I have to repeat it the third time.
I would love to travel with you! Have fun in Colombia:) and thank you for your tips on Vincenza;) my name is David. Feel free to email me if you like.
Did you really forgot Andrea Palladio? Who change worldwide architecture in 1500. ? Olimpico Theatre, first cover theatre in the world, still open and visitable? It’s like make an article about 7 things to do in Venice and talking only about Mestre
Thank you, Madam !
You’re welcome Ron 🙂 Happy travels ❤️❤️
Seafood is a must! I crave right after I saw your photo.
Haha! Yes Marky! There’s a lot of seafood restaurants in Vicenza that serve mouthwatering dishes like those! You should really add this to your bucket list 😉
Thank you for the heads up on Monte Berico. That would be an interesting hike though.
The pleasure is ours Aminah 🙂 Really glad that you find this post informative. Happy travels ❤️
Shopping and food tripping are perfect for me. haha. Vicenza looks incredible in summer.
I couldn’t agree with you more Arzo ❤️ Vicenza is a really interesting place to go to! Hope you can visit there one day!
Hi there!! Would you be able to recommend a place to go shopping for jewelry? i have read that Vincenza is known for jewlery making ::) thank you!!
Hello Kanya Jane 🙂 I suggest you go to the International Vicenza Gold Fair, you can find a really good deal there 🙂
Totally love Vicenza! Was there for 6 years and loved it! Am close to retirement and can’t wait to go back. It is truly the most beautiful place I’ve ever lived.
Wow! that’s great to here Benita 🙂 Really glad that you enjoyed Vicenza ❤️
Oh wow, the thought of eating seafood followed by wine tasting in such a luxurious beautiful environment sounds divine. I’ve never managed to get to italy get but it is very high on the list!
Absolutely! Thanks Helen 🙂 We’re very pleased to know that you find our article interesting 🙂 Hope you can visit Vicenza anytime soon! ❤️
Totaly agree with you on the Italian Coffee. We were in Milan recently and got to sample a few different coffees and they were awesome! Great travel tips as always guys
Thank you so much Northern Crumble 🙂
What a beautiful, gorgeous place to visit! It looks glorious in the pictures and I must admit I love the sound of the wine tasting! x
That’s so true Zoe Ikiwn 🙂 If you really love wine tasting then Vicenza is the place to be! ❤️ You should really visit this place one day ❤️ Happy travels.
Looks an amazing place to visit. I’ve always had an interest in Italy
Exactly Zoe 🙂 Hope you visit Vicenza soon 😉
Great tips for enjoying this beautiful place. My husband would LOVE the wine tasting! H x
Then is place is really perfect for you guys! ❤️
What a beautiful place to visit I would just be happy looking at the sight. Awesome place.
That’s for sure Nayna 🙂 ❤️ Hope you can visit Vicenza too 😉
Oh my goodness, the food looks incredible. I’m off to Rome in July 🙂
Absolutely true Tara! Did you visit Vicenza too? ❤️
I have done a few wine tasting trips in italy and it’s a;ways a highlight of the trip.
That’s right Dannii, one of the best! ❤️
Italy is on my bucket list of places to visit, I will defo be book marking this page for reference
I’m sure you’ll love Vicenza Leighanne ❤️ Happy travels!
Sitting back with a good cup of coffee and shopping sound like me.
Haha! and Vicenza is the place to be! ❤️
I would absolutely love to visit Italy one day! It looks like such a warm, fantastic place.
I couldn’t agree with you more Elizabeth 🙂 It’s one of the most beautiful destinations nowadays ❤️
This is a useful post:) I absolutely love Italy and like nothing better than sitting outside a coffee shop people watching!
Really glad to hear that Lisa 🙂 Hope you can visit Vicenza too ❤️
I love these ideas. There is no way I could skip out on wine tasting. Trying some local wines would be great!
Haha! Absolutely! I’m sure you’ll love the wine tasting in Vicenza too ❤️
Wine tasting, seafood and shopping sounds spot on! x
Exactly Rhian ❤️ then you really need to visit Vicenza 😉
Oh my so much to do! I would definitely like to eat seafood and go and visit Monte Berico beautiful! x
We’re so delighted that you find this informative Sarah ❤️ Happy travels 🙂
I haven’t been to the north of Italy but adore this country. Another trip needs to happen and this looks like a fantastic place to go. Wine tasting, beautiful views and lots to see. I’m sold! Thanks for the inspiration
Yay! Thank you so much Kate! ❤️❤️
Piazza dei Signori looks like the ideal spot for a coffee and people watching! Great post, and it looks like a great alternative to the madness of Venice. And I can’t help but say Vicenza in a very stereotypical Italian accent 🙂
I’ve never heard of this city but I love Italy and have visited a few time. Love the culture, the food and of course the weather…I even have an Italian name!! ha ha. This makes me want to go back so badly!
Well it’s in the northeastern part of Italy. I hope you can visit Vicenza City too, I’m sure you’ll love it as much as you love the Italy 😉
Italy was my favorite country on my solo Eurotrip. The Italians know how to LIVE! I never got to see this city though. NEXT TIME! Thanks for this!
I had never heard of Vicenza, it sounds really nice. I would love to do wine tasting in the local shops, great tip!
Italy is one of the places I want to spend a very long time in. The people, the food, architecture, sights and vino… omgsh..
It would be awesome to live like a local in Italy.
Great ideas on how to spend you trip! Thanks!
Thanks for the intro to a lovely looking area that I was not familiar with! It looks absolutely charming:)
You had me at wine tasting! VICENZA HERE I COME!
Nice tips!! Always something fun to do in Italy 🙂
If only I could bicycle thru Italy eating and drinking my way from coast to coast… Thank you for bringing me back to Italy, if only for a moment.
Interesting snippet of places to see in Vicenza! This could be a good side trip when visiting Italy 🙂
I love Italy! I love their sights, people, food, everything! I don’t understand why I was born elsewhere 🙂
I am planning a trip to Europe next year and this definitely has made me excited to go to Italy! May have to add this spot to my list of places to go. I had no idea Italy was so warm all the time!