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Explore these 15 best things to do in Trento Italy! They are all fabulous. You’re going to love discovering what to see in Trento Italy.
Where Is Trento Italy?
Trento, in northern Italy, is situated in the Adige River valley in the Trentino-Alto/Südtirol region, which borders Austria and Switzerland. This region is also known as the Alto Adige region of Italy. Trento used to be part of Austria until after WWI. The stunning Dolomite Mountain range is the backdrop for this city full of historic charm.
Trento, Italy is an absolute hidden gem close to Milan, Lake Garda and Venice. But Trento is not really on foreigners’ radar. A popular spot with Italians on vacation, Trento is the perfect summer and winter destination.
How To Get To Trento Italie
How To Get To Trento By Train
There is one direct train each day from Milan. Otherwise, you can travel from Milan to Trento with a change in Verona. There are also trains from Verona and Venice and Bergamo.
Book Your Train Ticket to Trento
Closest Airports
There is no airport in Trento. The closest airports are Milan, Bergamo, and Verona.
Book Your Flight to Trento
Road Trip
Planning a trip through the Dolomite Mountains? The gorgeous Dolomites are in the regions of Veneto, Trentino, Südtirol, and Fruili Venezia Giuila. Your best way to visit the villages and get to the trailheads will be by car. Rent your car in Italy for the best experience in the Dolomites.
15 Best Things To Do In Trento Italy
1. Wander Or Flâner
You know from my Paris posts that I love to wander and wonder when I get to a new destination. It’s the “flaneuse” in me. My preferred way to connect with a place. Within minutes of setting foot in Trento, I knew this well-kept secret would be perfect for sauntering.
Medieval streets. Gurgling fountains. Piazzas filled with people. Frescoes decorating facades. Tiny tucked away alcoves. There’s even a castle that looms over the city. All this Italian goodness with a mountainous backdrop and church bells chiming.
Hotels In Trento Italy
In Trento, it is best to be located in or very close to the historic centre. Do you want a view of the Dolomite mountains or the Adige River? These hotels have the best review ratings: Hotel Villa Madruzzo, Be Place, and The Grand Hotel
2. Trento Italy: Explore Castello del Buonconsiglio
Although not the only castle in the region, Castello del Buonconsiglio is the largest and most important. The oldest section of the castle, called Castelvecchio, was the residence of Trento’s Prince-Bishops from the 13th – 18th centuries. Today, this massive complex is a museum housing multiple exhibits honouring Trento’s history.
The Torre Aquila is the gem of the Buonconsiglio Castle. Walk with a guide along crooked floorboards and cold, narrow passageways to enter the crowning glory of the entire visit. Frescoes from the 14th century depict the Cycle of the Months. The delightful scenes tell tales of another era and my Canadian heart sings seeing that snowball fights are as old as time.
Fun Adventures in Trento Italy: Try a river rafting trip on Val di Sole or a cooking class in a local’s home.
3. Things To Do In Trento: Look For Angels
Sauntering in a city like Trento, there is always a fine reward when looking skyward. My favourite angel on this northern Italy itinerary has been sighted in Verona.
But the angels in Trento, Italy are waiting to be discovered.
Have you ever wondered, when it comes to angels if they are male or female?
I say male for the last two photos. Agreed?
Keep your eyes open in Trento Italia. Angels are everywhere.
4. Find All The Neptunes
The Neptune Fountain or Fontana del Nettuno stands front and centre in the Piazza Duomo. Neptune, the god of freshwater and the sea, is the perfect representation for this fountain as in 1769 it started bringing a supply of fresh water to the city.
Keep your eyes open as Neptune makes several appearances in this beautiful city.
5. Relax In Piazza del Duomo
Honestly, if you never made it out of Piazza del Duomo, the main square in Trento, you wouldn’t feel it was an injustice. This square, located in the historical centre of the old town, is stunning. Sit at a café and observe the colourful facades, the Neptune Fountain, the Duomo, and the intricate frescoes telling their ancient stories. The Piazza del Duomo is the perfect place for people-watching.
Travel Tip: The Trentino Guest Card which includes free travel on Trentino’s public transport network, and free entry to museums, castles (including the Buonconsiglio Castle) and other top tourist attractions is a great deal. It’s free! It is only available with an overnight stay in hotels affiliated with the provincial tourist system.
Alternatively, pick up a Museum Pass for 22€. This pass lasts 48 hours and includes access to museums, and free local public transportation.
6. Ride The Funivia Trento-Sardagna
Find the ticket booth for this cable car journey in Trento Italia, by walking across Ponte S Lorenzo which crosses the Adige River. Definitely not for the faint of heart, this is one steep cable car journey.
Once at the top, there are magnificent views over Trento, the Dolomites and the Adige River valley. Stay a while and enjoy a drink at the restaurant.
7. Hike To Orrido di Ponte Alto |The Gorge Of Ponte Alto
Be sure to build time in to visit this deep gorge in Trento, Italy. The power of water is never more evident than watching the wild waters of the Fersina Stream here at the Orrido di Ponte Alto. It is only permitted to visit on a guided tour. Paved walkways lead you down into the gorge closer and closer to the waterfall until you are directly behind it. Roaring water and its cool spray accompany you on this tour!
8. Things To Do In Trento: Sit By The Medieval Wall
Today, the medieval wall does not surround Trento. It does though pop up every now and then, just to remind you that Trento Italia has been around for more than a few centuries.
9. Photograph Lago di Toblino
Lake Toblino, just 15 km west of Trento, is a beautiful side trip. The 12th-century castle, situated on the point, makes Lago di Toblino a photographer’s dream. Walk the pathway around the lake surrounded by birdsong and vineyards.
10. Take A Day Trip To Lake Garda
A day trip from Trento to Lake Garda is well worth it. The direct bus from Trento to Riva del Garda is about an hour and twenty-minute journey. The bus depot is right beside the train station and the buses leave about every three hours.
Riva del Garda is a beautiful lakeside town and Lake Garda is stunning. Windsurfers zip across the lake as ferry boats deliver passengers to towns along the shore.
Unforgettable.
11. Indulge In Trento DOC
There were endless vineyards, backdropped with stunning mountains, as the train rattled along from Verona to Trento. Look out prosecco! Here comes Trento DOC. With its perfect growing conditions, Trentino delivers when it comes to white and rosé sparkling wines. Visiting Cavit, the biggest cooperative in the area was a glimpse into the winemaking business in Trento.
Make sure you try a glass or two!
12. Things To Do In Trento: Eat Gelato, Of Course
Gelato makes the journey through Italy all the much sweeter. Cherry. Yes, that is the gelato shop’s name full of creative and absolutely delectable flavours. I had Monalisa. Twice. Mascarpone cheese and …. say no more.
If the lineup is too long at Cherry, Grom is another Italian gelato hotbed. I savoured Grom in Milan and also in Paris. Gluten-free cones and scrumptious gelato. It never disappoints.
13. Sip Coffee In Rovereto
My favourite smell in the world is that of coffee. In Italy, I am usually smiling as the scent of fresh beans creating that perfect cup of coffee is never too far away.
Take a short train ride from Trento to Rovereto to get a glimpse and taste of Bontadi coffee, coffee roasters that have been perfecting the process since 1790. The secrets of their technique have been passed from generation to generation. The museum is full of ancient coffee artefacts that any coffee lover would love. It is one of the best things to do in Rovereto.
14. Savour Italian Food At These Best Restaurants
When visiting Trento Italia, eating is an absolute highlight of the visit. Here are three best restaurants in Trento. The creative flavours, presentation and service were outstanding.
Uve e Mente Via Dietro le Mura A, 35
Orso-Grigio Ristorante & Pizza Via degli Orti, 19,
Ristorante al Vò Vicolo Vo, n.11
Pro Travel Tip: One of the most visited tourist attractions in Trento is MUSE, the Trento Science Museum. The fabulous building was designed by architect Renzo Piano. With its seven levels, interactive exhibits, and focus on natural and natural sciences, the Museo delle Scienze is not to be missed!
15. Have A Tête à Tête With Dante
“Beauty awakens the soul to act.” Dante
It seems fitting that a statue of Dante calls to you from the train station. On your way out of town saunter around Dante Alighieri, the Italian poet most famous for his Divine Comedy.
The statue was installed while Trento was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire as a reminder of its Italian heritage. The soaring statue is a fine finale to a city overflowing with beauty.
I hope you enjoy all these best things to do in Trento as much as I did.
Until next time,
More Travel Info…
Looking for an authentic Italian travel experience? Try visiting Tropea and Scilla in Calabria, southern
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Oh, this makes me want to go back to Italy! If only for the gelato 🙂
The gelato just doesn’t disappoint!
First, that pizza with the eggplant looks amazing! Second, I’ve been all over Italy except the northern regions and Trento looks fascinating. I’m in! Maybe on my next trip…
You’ll love the north. The food is outstanding and so is everything else!
Amazing Trento! As an Italian, I visited Trento only once in my life, it is not only a beautiful city but the Italian city with the best quality of life.
It doesn’t surprise me that Trento tops the list for the best quality of life in an Italian city. There is plenty to do and the people look busy as they go to work but neither hurried nor harried! I could see living in Trento!
Everything about Trento looks magical. The food, gorges, wine, and angels. I think they all look male. I think all the angels the Bible refers to are male.
I love playing the male / female angel game! And there are plenty in northern Italy to ponder!
I have never heard of Trento but now I want to go. The angel statues are beautiful and the Neptune statues and fountain are really beautiful. Funivia Trento-Sardagna looks like a great way to see the city. Thanks for the great tips.
I hadn’t heard of Trento until I went to the conference. And what a delight it was to spend some time there!
What a great list of ideas! I would love to see how many angels I could find in Trento! Of course, no doubt I would want to enjoy gelato and delicious Italian food… And as a writer, I would especially enjoy having a conversation with Dante. I can’t wait to go back to Italy!
I just loved the Dante statue. I think next time I would sit across from him with my journal and see what beautiful words arrived on the page!
I think you and I have the same idea of travel. Wander the streets of any hidden gem in Europe and see what you can find. Love this little tour of Trento – from the searching to Angels and Neptune (I love that one in the garden) to eating gelato (an absolute daily must) to dining al fresco, sampling of the region’s wine…it sounds like the perfect day. I do want to visit this area of Italy and will definitely remember this place to add it my itinerary.
If you like to wander, Trento will be just perfect for you. I would happily return and wander more!
Anywhere in Italy is always a winner. Trento with Lake Garda there, too, is a great place to be.
Yes – a quick day trip to Lake Garda was amazing.
I had not heard of Trento before finding your post. The city for which the Dolomites provide a backdrop is a most important city. I have never thought about whether angels are male or female…I agree that you must eat all the gelato possible and those frescoes!! I’m heading back to Italy in March and I can’t wait. Hopefully, I can fit in Trento because of all on your list, I highly want to boat across Lake Garda!
Lake Garda really is lovely. I was worried it would be way too touristy for my liking, but I just loved it.
I absolutely love the architecture here. I like to avoid the highly touristy areas and love discovering hidden gems like this that aren’t too far away from the main cities. I’ll definitely keep an eye out for the angles throughout the city. The food looks fantastic too!
I love keeping an eye out for angels when I travel in Italy! And yes, the food was absolutely terrific.
I love how you could do a full-fledged scavenger hunt with the angels and Neptunes! That is such a fun idea for exploring a city. And I am a firm believer that gelato should be in any Italian itinerary – always great to get a couple recommendations for the best places to go!
Wouldn’t that be a wonderful scavenger hunt! Angels and Neptune with gelato in hand! Sign me up!
Italian towns are so charming, Trento looking at your photos follows same charming path. Hope i will manage to visit soon, as we will be travelling from the south to the north of Italy
Trento is really not on everyone’s travel radar when in northern Italy. But it is so worth adding it to your itinerary.
It’s always a joy to learn about an undiscovered small town in Italy! Everything about Trento, from the frescoes to the Neptune fountains, looks totally stunning. I think I’m most impressed by those beautiful rocky cliffs near Lago Di Toblino and Lake Garda. Wow. They are just so striking!
The city of Trento and the surrounding landscapes are truly exceptional. Well worth a jaunt to Trento. It is a treasure!