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Tourists from all over the world flock to Venice, but there’s a beautiful town just an hour away that’s often overlooked.
And there’s never been a better time to visit this lesser-known destination, after Venice confirmed plans to double its entry cost for day-trippers amid an ongoing battle with overtourism.
Venice attracts roughly 30 million visitors per year and, on its busiest days, up to 120,000 pass through the city.
Fortunately, Bassano del Grappa boasts the same Italian charm without the crowds.
Found in the Veneto region, home to Verona as well as Venice, Bassano del Grappa blends history and natural beauty with medieval architecture and stunning mountain views.
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Clarissa Cappelletti, international country manager at WeRoad, says it’s an excellent choice for travellers looking for something beyond Italy’s mainstream tourist hubs.
‘Bassano del Grappa is a charming and underrated destination,’ she tells Metro. ‘It’s particularly appealing for those on a road trip, as it sits conveniently between major cities like Venice and Padua while offering a quieter, more authentic experience.’
The town is most famous for Ponte Vecchio, a covered wooden bridge designed by Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio in 1569.
Straddling the Brenta river, the bridge has been destroyed several times (most recently during the Second World War), but it’s always rebuilt in the same style.
After being damaged in the war, the bridge earned the nickname ‘Ponte degli Alpini’, because its most recent reconstruction was carried out by the Alpini, Italy’s mountain troops. At one end is a small museum of war relics dedicated to these men.
Today, the bridge is a place where locals gather to chat and enjoy the view of Mount Grappa, at the foothill of the Alps.
The peak of the mountain, which gave the town its name, is visible from the arcaded streets and piazzas, which are lined with boutiques, cafes, churches and shops selling the region’s famous ceramics.
For clearer views over the terracotta roofs and out to the mountains beyond, tourists can climb the Torre Civica in Piazza Garibaldi, or walk up to the 12th century castle (Castello degli Ezzelini).
Bassano del Grappa is also known for its local grappa, a pomace brandy made from leftovers of the winemaking process.
Venice alternatives around the world
Overcrowding in Venice has intensified so much in recent years that regulations including a tax for day-trippers and limits on the size of tour groups have been introduced to reduce footfall.
It goes without saying that Venice is deserving of its popularity, but other destinations around the world also offer a slice of similar charm.
Tavira, in Portugal, has been referred to as ‘the Venice of the Algarve’. Likewise, Aveiro has been called ‘the Venice of Portugal’ thanks to its canals and gondola-esque boats. Grand World, an entertainment complex on the island of Phu Quoc, Vietnam, is designed to look just like Venice. Closer to home, there’s a slice of Italy in Wales. Portmeirion is a unique tourist attraction designed to look like a Mediterranean village.Where to eat and drink
As the town’s name suggests, the term ‘Grappa’ is deeply rooted in the history of Bassano del Grappa, known for its centuries-old tradition of distilling this unique ‘spirit.’
The distilleries of Bassano, such as the renowned Nardini, are true temples of grappa craftsmanship, where visitors can learn about its history, the techniques involved, and, finally, taste the finished product.
There’s no shortage of cosy bars serving the drink in town, and there’s even a free museum where visitors can learn about how the beverage is made and its different varieties.
Other local tipples include tagliatella liqueur, an aromatic drink usually served after a meal, and the local cocktail Mezzo e Mezzo, which is made with a rhubarb liqueur.
Matteo Rigo, who runs A Day in Bassano, a platform that offers accommodations and holiday intineraries in the area, gives Metro some insider tips.
‘The town has a great aperitivo and nightlife offer for its size and different cafes, cocktail bars and hangouts are always crowded even on weekdays,’ he says.
Matteo recommends checking out Bar Leon, on the main square, and Palazzo del Misture for its old-world, nineteenth-century vibe.
Pacelli Sottounderbar, a cozy little spot in the heart of town, often puts on DJ sets and live music nights, usually with a Brit rock or alternative vibe.
For something more underground, Vinile Club – in Rosà, just outside the city center – is a historic go-to for live music lovers. With a mix of rock, new wave, punk and grunge, it’s the kind of place where you go for the music and end up staying for the whole night.
For food, there are plenty of spots to try cicchetti, also known as ‘Venetian tapas’. The region is known for its white asparagus, which is in season from mid-March to June.
Osteria Trinità, the town’s top-rated eatery on TripAdvisor, is a popular cicchetteria, restaurant and bar serving traditional Venetian cuisine.
For those who appreciate seasonal and organic food, Agriturismo da Riondolo, nestled at the foot of the hills, moves with nature’s rhythm, producing almost everything in-house.
A few kilometres north of Bassano, in the village of Solagna, Antica Trattoria da Doro is a historic, family-run restaurant featured in the Slow Food Osterie d’Italia guide.
Their take on local tradition is thoughtful and elegant, paired with a sharp selection of natural and organic wines from trusted local producers.
To keep the wine vibes going, check out Vibo, right in the heart of Bassano with a view over Piazza Libertà. This lively wine bar focuses on organic labels and is the perfect place to sip and discover something new.
Meanwhile, the wider Veneto is also home to Italy’s Prosecco region.
Strada del Prosecco (Prosecco Road), which weaves through lush vineyards and family-run wineries, is found nearby. The popular Osteria Senz’Oste — a hillside farm with a Prosecco vending machine — is under an hour’s drive away.
Get a glass of bubbly for under a fiver
In 2023, Veneto produced 735 million bottles of Prosecco, part of a tradition that goes back over 3,000 years.
The very best quality doesn’t mean you have to pay a premium, though.
In the picturesque city of Treviso, less than an hour’s drive from Bassano del Grappa, you can find Prosecco on offer for £2.52 a glass.
Metro previously rounded up seven European holiday destinations where you can get a glass of sparkling wine for less than £5 — check out the full list.
Getting there
If this all sounds tempting, fortunately Bassano del Grappa is remarkably easy to reach.
Budget airlines Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2 operate return flights to Venice from airports across the UK for as little as £28. From there, it’s just over one hour’s drive to Bassano del Grappa.
Alternatively, the town is easily accessible from Venice via public transport. A direct train from Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia takes one hour and 15 minutes and costs roughly £7.
Once there, however, it’s best to rent a car. Metro‘s Martina Andretta, who grew up in the region, says it’s the easiest way to make the most of your time there.
‘Public transport is pretty good, but if you want to see more of the countryside and other small centres it’s a no-brainer,’ she says. ‘Driving isn’t too bad either, the roads are wide.’
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