Oh, Treviso. You stole my heart. Treviso, Italy is often called Little Venice or the Other Venice. It is located just a short train ride away from Venice in the Veneto region of Northern Italy. Treviso is a beautiful ancient city that has crisscrossing canals, medieval fortified walls, and flowing rivers. The city is filled to the brim with art, gorgeous architecture, and great food. It is the first Italian city that I could honestly move to, in particular, the historic center. That is how much I love this city and why I couldn’t wait to share a travel guide to Treviso with you! Not to mention, there are so many wonderful things to do and explore in Treviso. So keep reading for a complete travel guide to Treviso, Italy which includes where to stay in Treviso, things to do in Treviso, and the best restaurants in Treviso.
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How to get to Treviso
Luckily enough, Treviso has its own airport that services many of the budget airlines. Most people will rush right out of the airport to get on the bus or train to Venice. Ignore them and find the help desk/bus desk. They will tell which local bus to hop on to get into the city. I don’t remember the cost but it was cheaper than a taxi. We got dropped off right outside the city gates near the train station and walked to our hotel. If you are coming from somewhere else in Italy just figure out the trains to get to Treviso Centrale. Super easy and affordable.
Once you are in city, it is easy to get around on foot.
Fun Facts!
Did you know that Treviso is the birthplace of Tiramisu?
And (even better) that Treviso’s prosecco comes from the hills next door to the city?
Best Hotel in Treviso, Italy
B&B Hotel Treviso-This was a great budget hotel for my 5-day trip to Treviso. The room and bathroom were large, incredibly clean and comfortable. It was also in the perfect location for exploring the historic district. Everything was within walking distance (including the train station) and it was just down the road from the Cathedral. There is an outdoor patio and a modern lobby to hang out in. They also provide luggage storage and great tips for meals out. I wouldn’t get the breakfast. It costs over $7.00 a day per person. There are plenty of cafes to eat at which is much cheaper. I highly recommend this hotel.
If you are not a fan, then check out some Treviso hotels. Plenty of recommendations and pictures to get you started.
Best Restaurants in Treviso, Italy
Malvasia
Excellent brunch and wonderful coffee with some of the best views in the city. You can sit right on a canal. Absolute stunner of a location. Cool vibe inside as well.
Ristorante Odeon alla Colonna
I have thought about my meals at this restaurant many times. (Yes, I did go more than once.) It was some of the best food I have ever eaten with some incredible views. The inside is also wonderfully romantic. I had some of the best carbonara ever with refreshing glasses of prosecco. The local prosecco was under $5.00!!!!!!!! What! I could cry I wish I could go back now. Do not skip this restaurant.
Osteria Arman
Wonderful, cozy, and local restaurant. Fantastic service and pasta. Highly recommend. Near many of the attractions.
Brunch Republic
This, I believe, is a small chain. The food was decent, coffee was just ok. A decent spot for a quick sit-down breakfast. Ideal if you are looking for more than a pastry to start your day.
Camelia Bakery
Very attractive bakery with yummy sweet treats. You can sit outside with a nice espresso and enjoy people-watching.
Heidi & Peter Bakery
This great German/Austrian bakery is in the heart of the shopping area. It smells so good with all the freshly made pretzels and breads. I highly recommend a stop at this bakery.
Gelateria La Romana
OK, so this is a chain BUT the gelato was excellent. It is also right across the street from the Cathedral and just steps away from the hotel. So a perfect location.
Best Coffee in Treviso
- Taste Coffee: This is for coffee aficionados. You can pick the origin of your coffee bean, how you want it brewed, and so on. It is very very very good coffee. A very trendy place with a gorgeous seating area on a bridge that goes over a canal.
- Caffetteria Hausbrandt: Excellent coffee in a charming shop with decent pastries. Nice place to sit outside. Good service.
- Coofe Treviso: Nice place to stop and grab a quick espresso.
Best Cocktails in Treviso
Cloakroom Cocktail Lab
Oh my goodness, the cocktails at this place are out of this freaking world. Service is fantastic and friendly, and drinks are innovative and delicious. We went here multiple times. Lovely patio seating in a charming square. Don’t skip this.
Best Things to Do in Treviso
Lose Yourself Amongst the Canals/Historic Center
Truly experience this small Italian city by wandering along its narrow streets; enjoying the the crisscrossing canals and beautiful alleys. Make a goal to find the city’s water wheels that are still in operation. Most importantly, get lost in the historic center. The best part of Treviso is wandering the historic center and getting lost following the canals. It is everything you dream about when imagining a trip to Italy. Quiet, beautiful, and authentically Italian.
Go Market Shopping
I enjoyed two excellent markets while visiting Treviso. The first is the fish market or Isola della Pesheria. It is a small fish market on a small island in the historic center of Treviso. Beautiful to walk around. The second market shopping experience happens on a Saturday. It is a massive street market just outside the San Tomaso city gates. Holy cow this was a massive market filled with clothes. Very affordable but good quality clothes. It was a blast to walk around.
Go shopping on/around Via Calmaggiore
Treviso has a wonderful collection of boutiques and big-name shops to find the latest in Italian fashion. Benetton is based in Treviso. My favorite small shop was Chance which is a luxury vintage store. Gorgeous pieces. Oh! Stop by Talmone for delicious sweet treats.
Visit Civic Museum of Santa Caterina
The Civic Museum of Santa Caterina is located in Treviso’s Civic Museum. It only costs 6 euros to visit. It includes a large collection of ancient art from the Bronze Age to the Renaissance. It even features masterpieces from Titian and Lorenzo Lotto. There is also a large archeological section to explore with artifacts dating back to 1600 BCE. This was a fascinating art museum to visit. Very quiet with limited crowds. If you enjoy art at all this is a must-visit.
FYI: Some of the placards around the art pieces are in Italian only. Use Google Translate to help translate the information. It was very easy and quick.
Walk along Treviso’s city walls (Mura di Treviso)
Enjoy a relaxing walk on Treviso’s city walls. Topped with a gravel path with a gorgeous view of the historic center. A wonderful to explore Treviso.
Grab an Aperitivo in Piazza dei Signori
One of the most breathtaking sights in Treviso is Piazza Dei Signori. It is filled with lively locals and restaurants. So slow down and spend some time in the piazza. Grab a spritz and enjoy.
Visit Treviso’s Cathedral (Duomo): The Cathedral of Peter the Apostle
It was rebuilt in the 1700s in the Neoclassical style. The crypt is the only existing structure that is from the original cathedral which dates back to the 6th century. The façade and the interior are beautiful and well worth a visit. There was a sign hanging up outside the door when you can visit.
Take a Day Trip
Treviso is in a spectacular location as a base for several day trips. It is only a 40-minute train ride to Venice. You can take a ride out into prosecco country and enjoy a wine tasting. Or take a train to visit Padua or Verona. Treviso is a great base!
Final Thoughts
I hope this Treviso travel guide has convinced out to visit this authentic Italian city. It is one of my favorite places with all the great restaurants and things to do. I hope you love Treviso as much as I do!
