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Wondering what to do in Trento? Look no further than this list of the best things to do in Trento and travel guide.
I’ve recently visited Trento, in Northern Italy, for a travel blogging conference and loved everything about this Alpine city!
Trento is the capital of the province of Trentino, in the historic region of Tyrol. It is the third-largest city in the Alps, after Grenoble, in France and Innsbruck, in Austria, and the second largest in the Tyrol, after Innsbruck.
The city was dominated by Austria and the Austrian-Hungarian Empire until the end of World War I when it became part of Italy.
Today, it combines its Austrian-Hungarian past with an authentic Italian character and the epic scenery of the Alps as a backdrop.
The result is a hidden gem of a town, made of pastel buildings and lively streets and piazzas.
If you’ve never considered visiting Trento, I urge you to go now before the whole world discovers its charms.
If you’re already planning your trip, here are the top things to do in Trento, Italy, plus pro travel tips.
Read more:
Best things to do in Trento:
#1 Admire Trento’s painted façades
I recommend starting your visit to Trento strolling around the cobbled streets of the old town and admiring its remarkable painted façades.
Contemporary with the Council of Trent, which was held in Trento in the 16th century by the Catholic Church, some of these exquisite frescos tell stories about life, justice, and death, making them authentic books of morals, besides amazing works of art.
I took a walking tour of the town center with Discover Trento and found it a great way to learn more about the history of Trento and some of its landmarks. I’d definitely recommend joining this tour if you find yourself in Trento on a Saturday.
This walking tour is another good option to explore Trento and its past.
#2 Explore the Buonconsiglio Castle
The lovely Buonconsiglio Castle is one of Trento’s highlights and the most important monument in the Trentino region.
It was the former residence of the prince-bishops of Trento from the 13th to the 18th centuries.
Today you can visit most of its interior and gardens and admire the incredible frescos of the Aquila and Falcon’s towers.
Overlooking the city, the Buonconsiglio Castle offers also amazing panoramic views of Trento.
#3 Have a drink at Piazza del Duomo
Piazza del Duomo, or Cathedral’s square, is the center and heart of Trento.
Lined by al fresco cafés and restaurants, it’s a popular meeting point any time of the day.
One of my favorite things to do in Trento was sitting in Caffè Italia enjoying the view of the square, the Neptune Fountain and the mountains in the background while sipping a Hugo cocktail.
In case you don’t know, Hugo is a typical South-Tyrolean before-dinner aperitif that you definitely need to try while in Trento.
#4 Take the cable car to Sardagna
The short but thrilling cable car drive to the nearby village of Sardagna is well worth taking for the breathtaking views of Trento and the Italian Alps.
There’s a viewing platform on the top, as well as a small café with a terrace where you can have a drink and soak up the view.
#5 Join a tour of the Gorge of Ponte Alto
Visiting the Gorge of Ponte Alto was another of my favorite experiences in Trento.
This deep canyon was carved in the rock by the river Fersina, whose strength used to be a threat to the city and people of Trento.
In order to protect the town, a dam was built here in the 16th century. This weir was one of the first examples of hydraulic engineering work in Italy and even in the world.
Today, two modern dams replaced the first one and created two impressive waterfalls of 40 meters each.
For security reasons, you need to join a guided tour to visit the Gorge of Ponte Alto.
The tour includes a demonstration on the technology used here, but also a chance to go behind one of the waterfalls and feel all its power.
An amazing and highly recommended experience!
#6 Learn about the Council of Trent at the Museo Diocesano
The Museo Diocesano Tridentino is one of the most important museums in Trento.
Located in the Piazza del Duomo, right next to the Cathedral, it’s the best place to learn more about the famous Council of Trent.
Two rooms of the museum are dedicated to the 19th conference of the Catholic Church, that took place in Trento between 1545 and 1563 as a response to the Protestant Reformation.
The museum’s unique collection comprises also works of art and culture from the 11th to the 19th century.
#7 Visit the Cathedral of San Vigilio
The Cathedral of San Vigilio, or Duomo, is one of the most beautiful buildings in Trento.
The basilica, that dominates the Piazza del Duomo, was first built here in the 11th century. However, over the centuries it was modified and expanded several times in Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles.
One of its main features is the rose window overlooking the square, including a medieval Wheel of Fortune.
From its interior, you can see the ruins of the first church built on this same spot in honor of San Vigilio, the patron of Trento.
The cathedral has also historical importance since it was here that the decrees of the Council of Trent were issued.
#8 Relax at Piazza Dante
Between the train station and the historic center, you’ll find Piazza Dante, Trento’s largest public park.
A statue of Dante, one of the most important Italian poets of all time, dominates the square.
There’s also a small lake and some lawns where you can improvise a picnic or relax after a day of sightseeing.
#9 Catch an exhibition at The Galleries
I’ve visited The Galleries of Piedicastello for the opening party of Traverse 19 (a travel blogging conference held in Trento in 2019) and absolutely loved this place!
The Galleries are an exhibition, workshop and event venue in what was once two road tunnels.
In 2017, two former tunnels of the Trento bypass were closed and converted into the most original museum you’ve probably ever been to.
The space is managed by the Fondazione Museo Storico del Trentino and offers a diversified and innovative cultural program.
Admission is free of charge.
#10 Visit the MUSE Science Museum
If you’re visiting Trento with kids (or even if you’re not), you can’t miss the new MUSE Science Museum.
Designed by the famous Italian architect Renzo Piano, the award-winning MUSE opened its doors in 2013 in a former industrial quarter.
It’s intended as a space of reflection on the relationship between man and nature.
Interactive installations, special effects, and virtual sensory experiences make it a lot of fun for children and adults alike.
#11 Enjoy Trento’s cuisine
One of the best things to do anywhere in Italy is, of course, enjoying the delicious Italian food.
Make sure to try some South-Tyrolean specialties while you’re in Trento.
One of my favorite places to eat in the capital of Trentino was Al Vò, which is also the town’s oldest restaurant.
Al Vò serves traditional local dishes with a creative twist and is probably one of the most Instagrammable restaurants in Trento.
For delicious pizza, I recommend Uva e Menta, a laid-back pizzeria hidden in a quiet street of the old town.
And don’t forget to grab a gelato for dessert in one of the many gelaterias of the old town.
#12 Go underground in the city of Tridentum
Hiding underneath the historic center of Trento, the ancient Roman city of Tridentum is a fascinating archeological site and tourist attraction.
The ruins of Tridentum, established in the 1st century before Christ, were discovered during the expansion works of the Social Theatre.
Today, visitors can explore 1,700 square meters of public and private spaces, roads, houses, courtyards, and workshops.
Over almost 2 thousand years, the city of Tridentum underwent a series of interventions until it was incorporated within the medieval and modern city and its name shortened to Trento.
#13 Discover MART contemporary art collection
The MART-Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art from Trento and Rovereto is one of the most important of its kind in Italy.
Its main venue is located in the town of Rovereto, 30 minutes from Trento, and a spectacular work of architecture itself.
The permanent collection contains more than 20 thousand masterpieces representing the most significant art movements of the 20th century, from Futurism to Pop Art, and much more.
A mandatory thing to do in Trento if you’re into contemporary art and architecture!
#14 Take a day trip to Lake Garda
Less than 1 hour from Trento, Lake Garda is the largest and most famous lake in Italy.
A holiday destination in its own right, Lake Garda makes also for a great day trip from Trento.
Head to Riva del Garda, the closest village to Trento in the north shore of Lake Garda, and join a boat tour around the lake to make the most of your time.
#15 Explore the Brenta Dolomites
Trento is a great getaway to the Italian Alps and the magnificent Dolomites.
After a couple of days in the capital of Trentino, I definitely recommend spending some time in the spectacular Brenta Dolomites.
You can follow my Dolomites itinerary for the best hiking and wellness activities in Trentino.
Or check out the best things to do in the Dolomites in summer here.
Read more:
Trento travel guide:
Where to stay in Trento
Albermonaco
I stayed at Albermonaco during my 4 nights in Trento.
This is a budget-friendly hotel with a great location just a 5-minute walk from the historic center.
My room was nice and clean, with a balcony and a lovely view of the mountains.
Breakfast was okay, not the best I’ve ever had, but it did the job for a very reasonable price.
Click here for more info and booking.
Grand Hotel Trento
If you’re looking for a more upscale stay right in the town center, Grand Hotel Trento is your best option.
Although I’ve only briefly visited and haven’t stayed here myself, I know other travel bloggers who have and loved it.
This is a beautiful 4-star hotel located only a 2 minute-walk from Trento train station and the historic center.
Click here for more info and booking.
How to get to Trento
Trento is easily reachable by plane, train, bus or car.
Verona is the closest international airport to Trento. From there you can get to Trento by train, bus or car in about an hour.
Other options are Milan, Venice, Bologna, and Innsbruck airports, from where you can get to Trento in about 2 hours.
How to get around Trento and Trentino
Trentino Guest Card is the best and cheapest way to explore Trento and the region of Trentino.
It offers free access to public transportation, more than 60 museums, 20 castles, and 40 attractions, as well as discounts in many other services and events.
To receive your Trentino Guest Card free of charge you just need to book a stay of at least 2 nights in any of the participating hotels.
If you’re staying for only one night, you can still request your card at a special price.
Alternatively, you can buy your guest card online or at any tourist office for 40 euros per person per week. Children under 18 do not pay.
Then simply download the card’s free app and start exploring.
If you’re planning to explore more of Trentino, including the Brenta Dolomites and Lake Garda, I’d recommend renting a car so you can have more flexibility.
If you’d rather not drive, you can also join one of the many guided tours on offer. This is an excellent way to learn more about the region with a local expert.
From the best museums, monuments, and attractions, to the best places to eat and stay, you can’t go wrong with this list of the top things to do in Trento, Italy and travel guide.
More travel tips
Travel Insurance
SafetyWing – Travel insurance is very important and you should never leave home without it! I use and recommend SafetyWing travel medical insurance for travelers, remote workers, and nomads.
They cover overseas medical assistance in case of accident or illness, travel delay or interruption, lost checked luggage, emergency medical or political evacuation, natural disasters, and personal liability, at very competitive prices.
You can subscribe online here for a minimum of 5 days to a maximum of 364 days, or opt for a monthly subscription instead.
Cheap flights
Looking for the best airfare deals? Skyscanner is my favorite travel search engine for finding cheap flights around the world. They also offer price tracking and alerts to help you secure the best deals.
Accommodation
When it comes to accommodation, Booking.com is the best site out there. From hotels to apartments, resorts, villas, B&B, and guest houses, it offers the best prices for accommodation all over the world. I book the majority of my stays through them.
Yoga Retreats
Looking for a yoga retreat near home or in an exotic destination? BookYogaRetreats offers the best yoga retreats, holidays, and courses around the world for all budgets and levels of experience.
Tours
GetYourGuide is my favorite platform for local tours, unique experiences, and skip-the-line tickets to attractions all around the world.
Klook is another great resource for tours and activities, especially if you’re looking for things to do in Asia.
Car Rentals
Rentalcars.com is a car rental search engine that compares the biggest brands in car hire and allows you to find the cheapest deals all around the world.
Have you been to the capital of Trentino? What would you add to this list of what to do in Trento? Share in the comments section below!
Read more:
- A Relaxing Dolomites Itinerary: Hiking and Wellness in Trentino
- 10 Great Things to Do in the Dolomites in Summer
- The Essential Hiking Packing List for Beginners
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Mar Go says
It was never on my list but now I’ll definitely consider! 🙂