10+ Best Things to Do in Vicenza, Italy (2025) | Hidden Gems & Insider Tips!
Ever been to a place so magical that you wonder how it’s still a well-kept secret? That’s Vicenza for you.
Nestled between Venice and Verona, this Renaissance wonderland is where jaw-dropping Palladian architecture meets vibrant Italian culture—without the overwhelming tourist crowds.
If you love history, stunning piazzas, incredible food, and discovering places before they become “the next big thing,” then pack your bags because Vicenza is calling.
I’ve lived here, wandered its hidden alleyways, sipped countless spritzes in sun-drenched piazzas, and found the absolute best things to do in Vicenza. Let’s dive into them so you can experience the magic for yourself.
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Insider Tips to Level-Up Your Visit
In an effort to explore the best things to do in Vicenza here is a big tip:
- Start at Vicenza Tourism Office (IAT) to pick up a handy Vicenza Card for discounts and easy sightseeing.
- To explore Vicenza’s monuments, you have several convenient options:
- Vicenza GOLD Card: Offers entry to all 11 main attractions, valid for 12 days. Sites include Teatro Olimpico, Basilica Palladiana, Museo Civico di Palazzo Chiericati, Palladio Museum, and more.
- Vicenza SILVER Card: Grants entry to any 4 sites from the list of 11, valid for 8 days.
- Single Tickets: Available for individual site visits.
- Note: Museums are closed on Mondays. Cards can be purchased at the IAT Office (by Teatro Olimpico entrance), Gallerie d’Italia Palazzo Leoni Montanari, Palladio Museum, Basilica Palladiana, Diocesan Museum, or Museo del Gioiello.
- Military families at Caserma Ederle: grab a museum pass to explore the city fully!
1. Walk Through Piazza dei Signori & Admire the Basilica Palladiana
If there’s one place that captures the soul of Vicenza, it’s Piazza dei Signori. Think grand architecture, buzzing café life, and locals effortlessly living their best Italian lives. Overlooking it all is the Basilica Palladiana, a Palladian masterpiece with a stunning rooftop terrace.
Don’t Miss: A golden-hour aperitivo on the rooftop terrace—the view is straight out of a movie.
- Location: Piazza dei Signori, Vicenza
- Opening Hours: Terrace is open seasonally; check locally for times.
- Cost: Free to explore the piazza; rooftop access has a small fee.
- Website: Palladian Basilica
2. Step Inside Teatro Olimpico—A Renaissance Masterpiece
Walking into Teatro Olimpico feels like stepping into a dream. Designed by Palladio and completed in 1585, this UNESCO-listed theater is the oldest surviving indoor theater in the world. The illusionistic stage set—depicting the streets of Thebes—has remained untouched for over four centuries. It’s one of my favorite places in Vicenza. It’s too cool to miss and it’s right next to the Tourist Office.
Why Visit? This place will blow your mind even if you’ve never cared about theater.
- Location: Piazza Matteotti, 11, Vicenza
- Opening Hours: Tues-Sun, 9 AM – 5 PM
- Entry Fee: ~€11 (part of the museum pass)
- Website: Teatro Olimpico
3. Visit Villa La Rotonda, Palladio’s Perfectly Symmetrical Villa
If architecture had a supermodel, it would be Villa La Rotonda. Designed by Andrea Palladio in the 16th century, this villa is all about symmetry, balance, and elegance.
Pro Tip: Even if the interior isn’t open, the gardens alone are worth the visit!
- Location: Via della Rotonda, 45, Vicenza
- Opening Hours: Limited; check ahead.
- Entry Fee: ~€10 for gardens and villa.
- Website: La Rotonda
4. Discover Casa Pigafetta—Home of a Legendary Explorer
Tucked away on Via Pigafetta, this Gothic home is where Antonio Pigafetta, Magellan’s right-hand man, was born. His detailed journals from the first circumnavigation of the globe are legendary! However, you can’t actually go inside as it’s a private residence. This is my favorite facade in Vicenza. There is so much to take away from it.
After you’re done, wander into Cafe Pigafetta, it’s one of my favorite cafes here in Vicenza and they’ve got some wonderful pastries. It’s here where if you get there just in time you can experience Italian cafe culture and life to the fullest!
- Location: Via Pigafetta, Vicenza
4. Santa Corona Church: What to See and Why Visit?
Santa Corona Church: What to See and Why Visit?
- Historic Significance: Founded in the 13th century, Santa Corona Church is a striking example of Gothic architecture at the heart of Vicenza.
- Giovanni Bellini’s Masterpiece: Don’t miss Bellini’s iconic “Baptism of Christ,” considered one of Italy’s finest Renaissance artworks.
- Impressive Art Collection: Features works by other renowned Venetian artists, including Paolo Veronese and Giambattista Tiepolo.
- Romeo & Juliet Connection: Visit the tomb of Luigi Da Porto, author of Historia Novella, the original story behind Shakespeare’s legendary Romeo & Juliet. Da Porto’s tomb is easily spotted on your left when entering the church.
Personal tip: My first visit with my Italian immersion class truly left me amazed—making Santa Corona Church an absolute must-see during your time in Vicenza!
5. Admire the artwork at Vicenza’s museums and galleries
Museo Civico di Palazzo Chiericati, housed in a stunning Palladian palace. This museum offers a treasure trove of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and applied arts dating from the 13th to the 20th century.
Gallerie di Palazzo Leoni Montanari, set in a beautiful late Baroque palace. Owned by Intesa San Paolo, this gallery showcases an impressive collection of contemporary and historical artworks.
Museo del Gioiello is located in the iconic Basilica Palladiana, and is only made up of two rooms. This museum houses precious jewelry and focuses on Vicenza’s history as being the City of Gold.
6. Relax in one of Vicenza’s beautiful parks and gardens
Parco Querini
Parco Querini is a serene oasis in the heart of Vicenza, offering lush green lawns, tree-lined pathways, and a charming central pond with a small island accessible by a picturesque bridge. This peaceful park is perfect for strolls, picnics, or simply enjoying a moment of calm. Keep an eye out for the resident turtles, rabbits, and ducks that call the pond home. If you have kids, just remind them to be friendly to animals!
Salvi Gardens Vicenza
Also known as Giardini Salvi, this historical garden is located near the city center, making it an ideal spot for a quick escape from urban life. The park features beautiful fountains, shaded seating areas, and the enchanting Loggia Valmarana, which overlooks a tranquil waterway. It’s a great place to unwind while soaking up a bit of Vicenza’s heritage.
Villa Guiccioli Historical Park
This expansive park surrounds the iconic Villa Guiccioli, a site of historical significance tied to Italy’s Risorgimento. The park combines history and nature with scenic walking trails and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It’s a wonderful destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
6. Savor Baccalà alla Vicentina
Indulge in Vicenza’s signature dish, Baccalà alla Vicentina. This creamy codfish delicacy is a must-try for food lovers.
Head to Angolo Palladio in Piazzetta A. Palladio, renowned for serving one of the best versions in town. Baccalà alla Vicentina is a beloved traditional dish from Vicenza, Italy, and it’s a delicious example of how Italian cuisine brings out the flavors of simple, quality ingredients. The dish uses dried salted cod (baccalà) that’s rehydrated and slowly cooked with onions, anchovies, milk, and olive oil, creating a rich and creamy sauce that has just the right amount of saltiness and umami flavor.
This dish has fascinating origins dating back to the 15th century, when Venetian merchants, through their trade with northern European countries, introduced dried cod to Italy. Over the centuries, it gradually evolved into a staple of the Veneto region. In particular, it gained prominence in Vicenza, where today, it is considered an integral part of the city’s cultural heritage.
Opening Hours & Pricing
- Friday: 6:30–10:30 PM
- Saturday: 12–2:30 PM, 6:30–10:30 PM
- Sunday: 12–2:30 PM, 6:30–10:30 PM
- Monday: 6:30–10:30 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 6:30–10:30 PM
- Thursday: 6:30–10:30 PM
💶 Average Price: €20–30 per person
Google Map Pin: Angolo Palladio
7. Enjoy the Vibrant Markets in Piazza Dei Signori
Piazza dei Signori isn’t just a picturesque backdrop—it’s the bustling heart of Vicenza’s community life. Framed by architectural masterpieces like the stunning Basilica Palladiana, the elegant Loggia del Capitaniato, and the impressive 82-meter Torre Bissara, this square is alive with local spirit.
Visit on Tuesday or Thursday mornings (from 9 am to mid-afternoon) to browse the lively market stalls filled with fresh produce, local crafts, and regional specialties. Don’t miss seasonal festivals here, including the famed Vicenza Jazz Festival!
8. Climb Monte Berico for Breathtaking Panoramic Views
For an unforgettable view of Vicenza, ascend Monte Berico, a beautiful hill that overlooks the city. At its summit stands the majestic Sanctuary of the Madonna di Monte Berico, a celebrated pilgrimage site famed for miraculous stories dating back to the 15th century. Admire the basilica’s remarkable interiors, intricate marble work, and Paolo Veronese’s stunning altarpiece.
After exploring, stroll along Viale X Giugno, a charming, tree-lined pathway dotted with sculptures and shrines. Finish your visit by taking in a captivating sunset over Vicenza’s historic rooftops and enjoy delicious Veneto cuisine at one of the hilltop restaurants.
9. Discover Vicenza’s Dark History: Tombstone of Galeazzo da Roma
Hidden in plain sight along Corso Palladio is a small yet intriguing plaque—the Tombstone of Galeazzo da Roma. Situated near a bookstore, this memorial marks a grisly episode from Vicenza’s past. In 1548, Galeazzo da Roma, driven by revenge and family honor, violently attacked the Valmarana family, leaving a tragic mark on the city’s history.
Vicenza remembers these tragic events through the Infamous Colonna and commemorative plaques along Corso Palladio, reminding visitors of its complex and often turbulent history.
10. Create Your Own Unique Souvenir at Stamperia d’Arte Busato
Looking for a truly memorable keepsake? Visit Stamperia d’Arte Busato, a family-run lithography studio with over 70 years of history. During my time in Vicenza, our Italian class took an unforgettable field trip here, crafting our own unique prints under the guidance of the talented Giancarlo Busato. It’s a remarkable experience, blending creativity, history, and local tradition—perfect for visitors or military families stationed in the area. Be sure to reserve your spot in advance!
11. Explore Ancient Roman Ruins Beneath Vicenza
Beneath the bustling streets of Vicenza lies a hidden gem—the Roman cryptoporticus dating back to the 1st century AD.
This underground corridor, once part of an opulent Roman villa, provides a rare glimpse into ancient urban life and is among the only surviving examples of its kind in Northern Italy.
Volunteers from Santa Maria Church, conveniently located across from the site, can guide your exploration. Afterward, complete your historical journey at the nearby Museo Diocesano to fully immerse yourself in Vicenza’s captivating past.
Opening hours
From Monday to Sunday
2.00pm – 6.00pm
Closed: Monday , Christmas , New Year’s Eve , Easter and August Bank Holiday
12. Take a Tour to Learn about the city’s history
If you don’t want to go at it alone, why not take a tour of Vicenza? I am an affiliate of Viator and some great tours that are offered in Vicenza
How to Get to Vicenza, Italy (Easy Guide for 2025)
Vicenza sits conveniently between Venice and Verona in Italy’s Veneto region, making it a breeze to visit by train, bus, or car. Here’s exactly how you can get here stress-free:
By Train (Fast and Convenient!)
Vicenza is exceptionally well-connected by train, with regular high-speed services on Trenitalia and Italo networks.
- From Venice: Quick 40-45 minute journey.
- From Verona: Only 20-25 minutes away!
- From Milan: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
The Vicenza train station is perfectly central—just a short stroll away from the Basilica Palladiana and the historic city center– about 10 minutes walk.
By Bus (Budget-Friendly Option)
Bus services via FlixBus and BusItalia frequently connect Vicenza to nearby cities such as Padova, Verona, and Venice.
- From Verona: Approximately 1 hour.
- From Venice: About 1.5 hours.
Buses arrive near the train station, so you’ll still be in the heart of the action.
By Car (Perfect for Explorers!)
Driving to Vicenza gives you ultimate freedom, especially ideal for exploring nearby areas like the picturesque Berici Hills or charming towns like Bassano del Grappa.
- From Venice: 70 km (approx. 45 min – 1 hr drive via A4 motorway)
- From Verona: 51 km (approx. 30-40 min drive)
- From Milan: 200 km (approx. 2 – 2.5 hrs drive)
Note: Many historic areas are pedestrian-only (ZTL zones), so park your car outside these zones and enjoy a stroll through the city.
Need a Parking Spot in Vicenza? Parcheggio Verdi and Parcheggio Park Fogazzaro
Read my post about Driving in Italy: 5+ Important tips You Should Know
Quick Tips
- Always check current traffic conditions and parking options.
- Train and bus schedules can vary slightly, so double-check schedules online before your journey!
Now you’re ready—safe travels and enjoy discovering Vicenza’s hidden gems!
Have you checked out my Driving in Italy Post?
FAQ About Vicenza, Italy
▶️ What is the Vicenza GOLD Card, and should I buy it?
The Vicenza GOLD Card offers entry to 11 major attractions, valid for 12 days, including Teatro Olimpico, Basilica Palladiana, and more. It’s perfect if you plan to visit multiple sites over several days.
▶️ What’s the difference between the Vicenza GOLD and SILVER Cards?
The GOLD Card covers entry to all 11 sites for 12 days, while the SILVER Card allows entry to four sites of your choice within 8 days.
▶️ Are museums in Vicenza closed on any specific days?
Yes, most Vicenza museums close on Mondays. Always confirm opening times ahead of your visit.
▶️ Can you easily explore Vicenza without a car?
Definitely! Vicenza’s historical center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making it ideal for walking. Public transport and taxis are also readily available.
▶️ Are there family-friendly activities in Vicenza?
Absolutely. Parks like Parco Querini, interactive museums, and spacious piazzas are perfect for families traveling with children.
Final Thoughts: Experience the Magic of Vicenza
Vicenza truly is Italy’s hidden gem—brimming with awe-inspiring architecture, captivating history, and delicious local flavors. Whether you’re climbing Monte Berico for panoramic city views, wandering charming historic streets, or indulging in authentic Venetian cuisine, Vicenza promises memories that will last a lifetime.
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