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When thinking about Italy, I am sure Trento and the region of Trentino aren’t the first thing that comes to people’s minds.
The whole region should definitely be considered a hidden gem, as it is not amongst the most popular destinations in the country, and many people haven’t even heard about it yet.
But you’d be surprised how much Trentino actually has to offer.
Being away from all the crowds, not having to feel suffocated by masses of tourists, and actually getting to enjoy Italy the proper way.. This place is all about it.
So let’s get into some more information about it and check out the best things to do in Trento and Trentino.
How to get to Trento
By plane
The city of Trento is located in northern Italy, in the stunning region of Trentino-Alto Adige. The nearest airports are located in Verona (about 1-hour drive), Bergamo and Venice (around 2 hours drive each). Personally, I flew to Bergamo and took a direct Flixbus from the airport to Trento, which took about 2.5 hours.
By bus
You can also take a Flixbus, which operates daily between Trento and many cities in Italy, Germany, Austria etc, as well as various airports.
By train
Taking the train is by far the most sustainable way to travel, so I highly encourage this option. The train station of Trento is located very closely to the city centre and serves as a connection to Verona and Innsbruck (Austria). If you’re coming from a different city, like Milan or Venice for example, you need to change trains in Verona.
By car
You can easily arrive in Trento by car using the nearest A22 highway, connecting Germany and Austria with Modena and Verona.
Best things to do in Trento
Since I had never heard of this place before, I came here having zero expectations and thinking it’s just a small town with close to nothing to do or see. I couldn’t have been more wrong. It turned out to be a perfect off-the-beaten-path getaway with enough attractions to keep you occupied for at least 3-4 days. Let me share with you some of the best things to do in Trento.
#1 Explore the historic Old Town
The very first thing one should do when getting to a new place is getting acquainted with the surroundings, and there is no better way to do that than by walking around the city. The historic centre is very compact and easily walkable, but also quite cosy, scenic and… Italian.
The cobbled pedestrian streets, colourful buildings, many cafes and restaurants makes you feel like you’re taken back in time. To top if off, the city is surrounded by mountains, which beautifully contributes to the whole scenery.
#2 Piazza del Duomo
The main square of Trento – Piazza del Duomo, owes its charm to the a few things – the fountain with Poseidon, the interesting architecture with frescos on the walls of the buildings, the cafes with outdoor seating, allowing visitors to sit down for a drink and soak in the atmosphere.
#3 Castel del Buonconsiglio
This is the largest and most important castle in the region. Castel del Buonconsiglio was the seat of the prince-bishops for over 5 decades, between the 12th and the 18th century.
The castle consists of several buildings from different eras, which were created by the prince bishops and some of the best architects at the time. The place is also surrounded by a huge wall, dating back to the 16th century, behind which you will find a beautiful park.
By climbing to the top of the castle you will reach one of the spots with the best views over the city. More recommendations will be revealed further in the blogpost.
How much? – €10
Free with Trentino Guest Card
#4 Cattedrale di San Vigilio
The Cathedral of San Vigilio, or the Duomo di Trento, is one of the symbolic buildings for the city. It was built over a pre-existing ancient church from the 6th century, devoted to Saint Vigilius – patron saint of the city.
If you happen to visit Trento from the last week of November up until the 6. January, you will find a magnificent Christmas market in the square right next to the Duomo.
#5 Take the cable car
Trento has integrated an amazing thing into their public transport system – a funicular between Trento and the small town of Sardagna. Taking the cable car is an amazing experience in itself – you will quickly travel over a valley, with stunning views opening up in front of your eyes in a matter of seconds.
The real reward comes ones you’re at the top though. A few meters away from the funicular stop, you will find a platform overlooking the valley, the river and the city of Trento.
How much? – €3 one way, €5 return ticket
Free with Trentino Guest Card
#6 MUSE della Scienze
The museum of science is definitely one of the best things you can do in Trento if you’re visiting with kids, or if you’re just curious about learning more about the world we live in. The museum is not only informative, but also extremely interactive. You can try all sorts of things and experience different phenomenons.
Muse consists of 6 floors, taking you on an exciting adventure into science and nature, showing the interaction between humans, technology and the environment.
How much? – Ticket: 11,- €
Reduced ticket: 9,- €
Family-ticket: two adults with children: 22,- €;
one adult with children: 11,- €
Free with Trentino Guest Card
#7 Palazzo delle Albere
Right next to MUSE you will find Palazzo delle Albere – a 16th century villa-fortress, holding impressive photo and painting exhibitions.
How much? – Free
Where to stay in Trento
Trento is a small town, yet for your own convenience you should still look for a place to stay in a good location.
If you’re spending two nights or more in a hotel in Trentino, you’re eligible for receiving the Trentino Guest Card, which gives you free access to museums, attractions and public transport. Click here to learn more.
Grand Hotel Trento – a stunning hotel with a very central location, right next to Piazza Dante. It offers a wide variety of services like spa, massages, fitness etc.
Hotel America – located at the end of the no-traffic zone, it is very convenient if you’re traveling by car. The central square is only 10 minutes away by foot.
Albermonaco – located just 500m from the train station, but also very convenient if arriving by car. The city centre is in very close proximity as well.
Hotel Buonconsiglio – another stunning place with a very central location.
Albergo Accademia – a beautiful hotel with a blend of old architecture and modern furnishing. Absolutely excellent location.
Hotel Venezia – located right next to the Piazza Duomo with a view of the cathedral. It doesn’t get any more central than this.
Things to do in Trentino/ Day trips from Trento
#8 Taste the local Trentodoc
The region of Trentino is very proud of their locally produced white and rosé sparkling wine Trentodoc. The sparkling wine resembles champagne, however, it has its own distinct taste, as well as a different and strictly ruled production process.
The only type of grapes allowed are Chardonnay, Pinot noir, Pinot Meunier and Pinot blanc, and they need to be grown in a specific area in Trentino.
#9 Take a day trip to Riva del Garda
Riva del Garda is a small town, located at the northern tip of Lake Garda. If you’re spending some more time in the region of Trentino, definitely add Riva del Garda to your itinerary, as it is one of the highlights around. And it is only about an hour and a half drive from Trento.
The town is an absolute paradise for beach lovers, as it gives off strong seaside vibes due to its mediterreanean climate, long beaches and pretty narrow streets.
#10 Bathe in Lake Garda
Lake Garda is the largest and one of the most famous lakes in Italy. You would surely miss out if you don’t pay a visit to this beautiful place.
There are many activities offered in the surroundings, and a personal favourite of mine turned out to be the catamaran ride.
#11 Go on a catamaran ride
As previously mentioned, I was so stoked about this catamaran ride, that I had to include it.
For those who don’t know (just like I didn’t), catamaran is a watercraft, made out of two parallel hulls, typically bridged by a deck or a trampoline. The develop a very high speed on water, mostly thanks to the wind.
Trust me, this is something you need to experience.
#12 Hike the Mount Bondone
The close-by mountain Monte Bondone offers over 50 hiking trails for nature lovers to explore. In winter Monte Bondone is heaven for skiers, and in summer – for hikers. But the list of options of things to do doesn’t conclude here – you can go mountain biking, do via ferrata, go rock climbing etc. More about it in the next lines…
#13 Go Rock Climbing
The region is an absolute heaven for rock climbing enthusiasts. Did you know that one of the best climbers in the world – Adam Ondra – is an ambassador of the region of Trentino for rock climbing? He loves it here and this is how special this place is.
The region of Trentino offers numerous places for rock climbing, some of which are also suitable for bad rainy weather. Check out the full list of rock climbing site in the Trentino-Alto Adige region here:
- Arco Climbing Area Trento, Italy
- Massone (Policromuro) Climbing Area, Arco Trento
- Nago, Trento Rock Climbing Area
- Serrada Rock Climbing Area in Trento Province Italy
- Spiaggia delle Lucertole Rock Climbing Site, Italy
#14 Try Via Ferrata
Special thanks to Annika from The Midnight Blue Elephant Blog for the photo.
When I visited Trentino, I got to try via ferrata for the first time in my life, and it turned out to be a lot of fun.
It is definitely an activity I’d recommend for adrenaline and sports lovers, or even for absolute beginners like me who just want to try something new. Good time is guaranteed.
#15 Visit Canale Di Tenno
Canale Di Tenno is a medieval village near Lake Garda, which has existed since the 13th century. With its typical stone houses,cobbled streets and fresco decorations, the village has preserved its old style and vibes, which makes it an absolute must-see in the region of Trentino.
It comes as no surprise that Canale Di Tenno was named one of the most beautiful villages in the country and you need to add it to your travel plans for Italy.
The village was partially abandoned after World War I, but thanks to some artistic and cultural activities, it came back to live after World War II.
A festival, called Rustico Medioevo, is being held annually? In Canale Di Tenno. The festivities involve folkloristic shows, dance and theatre performances and more, all taking place in the small square. You will also be able to taste some local cuisine and watch different shows and concerts.
#16 Try Wakeboarding
Special thanks to Annika from The Midnight Blue Elephant Blog for the photo.
I had a lot of ‘firsts’ during my trip in Trentino and wakeboarding was one of them. I never knew how cool of an experience this was until I got the opportunity to try it out.
And I made a promise to myself to do it again.
If you’re into water sports, this one is definitely for you. There are a couple of places in the region where you can do wakeboarding.
We personally did it at Lake Terlago with a company called Lake Line, and the instructors did their absolute best to make us feel safe, confident and ready to take on this new challenge.
Where can you go wakeboarding?
Be Wake Ledro
Pur (Lake Ledro)
38067 Ledro(Tn)
tel. +39 334 9829909
bewakesystem@gmail.com
open from mid-April to the end of September, from 10 am to 7 pm
Lake Line Terlago
Via al Lago (Lake Terlago)
38096 Vallelaghi (Tn)
tel. +39 392 658 4943
lakeline0.0@gmail.com
open from April to the end of October, from 9 am to 9 pm
P.S. This place also offers the option for rent a paddle board, so if wakeboarding isn’t your cup of tea, there are some more chill water activities instead!
#17 Indulge in all the amazing food
Let’s face it – this is Italy. It would not be a complete vacation if you didn’t stuff your face with some pizza and pasta.
Or even better – why not try some of the local delicacies like strangolapreti, a spinach and cheese flavored potato and flour gnocchi; canederli (bread dumplings), as well as all varieties of sausages.
Top it off with some strudel and kaiserschmarren. (Yes, the cuisine has been strongly influenced by the German and Austrian culture).
Final thoughts
Trentino surprised me! This part of Italy that I hadn’t previously heard of turned out to have so many interesting things to offer. I’m already dreaming of coming back someday and exploring some more. It seems like the time spent here wasn’t enough.
But if you have a few days to spare, make sure to hop on a day trip to the floating city and take a gondola ride in Venice.
Even though Trentino and this Northern part of Italy is certainly not up there like Rome, Florence and Venice in terms of popularity, I personally very much enjoyed my stay here. Maybe even a tad more than in these over-touristy places. 🙂
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Lyubomira is the creator and author behind Bulgarian On The Go. With a background in journalism and experience in the field of tourism and marketing, her mission is to show travellers many beautiful places they might have never thought of visiting or even knew existed.
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