Treviso, Italy

Treviso is the home to world famous tiramisù, but there’s so much more in, and near, this beautiful city nestled in the Veneto region of Italy!

Treviso is known as “La Piccola Venezia” or “Little Venice” due to its canals and location on the Sile River, and like its namesake, is a location that must be experienced in order to be truly appreciated.

Disclosure: I was hosted by Marca Treviso for a four day press trip, however, I paid for my own accommodations in Treviso as I attend the Tiramisù World Cup each October. As always, all opinions are my own.

The Treviso region encompasses a large part of the Veneto province, and after experiencing a taste of what lies beyond the city, I’m excited to share it all with you! The difficult part is that there’s SO MUCH to share that it simply won’t be easy!

The city is small and the center is extremely walkable, with a laid back, yet refined atmosphere. Quiet spots are to be found throughout, along with lots of water features, like the river and canals. There are some water wheels from mills, and adorable little bridges over the canals. Some are dotted with bistro tables and chairs adorned with fresh flowers in little vases.

Evenings are bustling with families, couples and friends out for apertivo, dinner and having a passeggiata (stroll) for a gelato.

Where is Treviso?

The city of Treviso is located in the northwest region of Italy, about half an hour to 40 minutes north of Venice by train or car. The region of Treviso encompasses almost 1000 square miles, so it’s about the size of Great Salt Lake, if that helps with imagery, because it’s not a tiny area.

In fact, Treviso is less than two hours away from this year’s Winter Olympics 2026 mountain events in Cortina d’Ampezzo. It’s also not too far from Slovenia (about a three hour drive) and Austria (about a five hour drive.)

Is Treviso Worth Visiting

In a nutshell, Treviso is definitely worth visiting, especially if you are planning a trip to Venice. While I love Venice, if you arrive during high season, you could be dealing with swaths of tourists and lots of high priced hotel and restaurants.

I do still recommend visiting popular Italian cities like Venice, Florence and Rome, because they are iconic (not to mention their incredible history), but many visitors lock themselves into these popular destinations, and miss out on seeing so much more.

What to do in Treviso

• Walking tour – you can do a self guided walking tour, or go with a local guide (recommended.)
• Shopping – there’s so many fantastic shops in this town, from clothing and shoes, to gourmet food, chocolate and everything in between.
• Museums and Art
• Churches and Treviso Cathedral (with museums/crypts)
• Food Tours or you can simply eat your way through the city!
• Market Day is Saturday.

Food and Restaurants – Where to Eat in Treviso

While there are many culinary reasons to visit Treviso, two stand out: radicchio di Treviso and tiramisù.

This radicchio is prized for its mild flavor, and as you can see, it looks much different than other radicchio. It’s definitely something you’ll see on menus and at markets when it’s in season.

Just like in Venice, you’ll see loads of cicchetti, which are bite sized snacks served most times of the day, which are similar to aperitivo bites, if you’re more familiar.

While there are too many restaurants for me to list (you can find a list of food and beverage locations here), I can highlight a few of the ones I’ve really enjoyed with my friend Cynthia (What a Girl Eats) and Jill (Mad About Macarons.)

• Hostaria dai Nanetti – don’t miss the mortadella and eat in the nearby square.
• Odeon alla Colonna – beautiful indoor or outdoor setting, good food and atmosphere
• Aquasalsa – canalside seating, drinks and cicchetti
• Etto – a casual, quick meal with quality pasta and sauces you can mix and match
• Ai Brittoni Ristorante – ask for a view of the Isola della Pescheria
• Le Beccherie – birthplace of tiramisù.
• Da Spillo – authentic Neapolitan pizza
• Unico Ristorante – casual, Southern Italian food
• Dassie – very good gelato

A Day Trip from Venice

As someone who has been to Treviso several times, I would suggest this loose itinerary for a day trip in the city. Of course, you can always do and see more if you spend a night or more. I recommend using Treviso as a base to explore the region (more coming soon!)

• Take the train from Venice to arrive by mid-morning, or earlier. Tickets can be as low as $5.00!
• Walk or taxi into the the centro storico (historic center.) It’s only about a 10 minute walk into the city, and you’ll feel safe, even if you’re alone*. NOTE: for the past two years, there has been construction in front of the train station making the street crossing a bit challenging.

• Wander the streets, but be sure to see: the Sile River (easy to see when you’re walking from the train station into town), and Piazza Dei Signori, the heart of the city which sits below the 13th palace buildings (don’t miss Fontana delle Tette, or the Fountain of Tits which poured out red and white wine during city celebrations.) Visit the historic Loggia dei Cavalieri, which happens to be the tiramisù and Prosecco sampling center during the Tiramisù World Cup, where visitors can buy individual servings of this Trevisan dessert, and flutes of world-famous Prosecco from the nearby wine region. There are so many hidden spots to discover, and some are even more desirable in the evening!

• Isola della Pescheria – (fish market island) has to be one the cutest markets in the world! Located in the middle of a canal, fishmongers, and fruit and vegetable vendors set up here to sell their produce under the watchful eyes of nearby mermaid statues, stately swans and diving ducks.

• Lunch – whether you choose to eat lunch, dinner or both, you’ll be spoiled for choice! Not to mention all the places where you can enjoy an apertivo. See the Where to Eat section.

• Museum, Art, or Churches – there are so many options in this category, you’ll have to narrow down the choices. Some churches have a museum or crypt which you can visit. I toured the Treviso Cathedral (San Pietro) last October, including the crypt and would recommend it. There are so many interesting artifacts, frescos and art.
• Aperitivo and/or Dinner – see Where to Eat in Treviso above.
• Train back to Venice (or spend the night!)

The Tiramisù World Cup

Why is the Tiramisù World Cup held in Treviso? It’s the birthplace of Tiramisù! You can even visit the restaurant, Le Beccherie, where it was created, and they don’t just serve tiramisù.

If you happen to be visiting Treviso in early to mid-October, check which weekend the Tiramisù World Cup is happening as you could be lucky to see competitors in action, and taste some award winning desserts!

Did you know that YOU can compete in the Tiramisù World Cup as long as you are not a professional in the culinary industry?

Competitors arrive from all around the globe to put their six ingredient desserts to the test in the original competition, and some try to gain the title of creative champion.

Where to Stay in Treviso

While I have stayed at several accommodations in Treviso, and all have been comfortable and clean, I was really pleased with my one night stay at B&B Hotel Treviso last October. The location is perfect, just a two minute walk to the historic center, so you definitely won’t need a car if you’re staying in town. Breakfast is included with your stay, unfortunately I had to leave extremely early and wasn’t able to enjoy it.

I hope I’ve enticed you to visit Treviso, which is the gateway to even more discoveries in this Italian region with so much to offer! Take a peek at my article introducing the Veneto region for more inspiration!

For more information and inspiration check out VISIT TREVISO

*While Treviso is a safe and walkable city, common sense and vigilence are always a must when traveling, especially solo. For example, don’t walk anywhere you are not familiar on your own at night. This applies everywhere; just be mindful and smart.

I was hosted by Marca Treviso for a four day press trip which included dinner and a one night stay at Hotel Treviso. From the photos I’ve shared, I paid for most of my own accommodations and food in Treviso as I attend to judge the Tiramisù World Cup each October. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC regulations.