A Guide to Visiting Trento — Laura the Explorer

A typical Italian itinerary typically features house-hold names like Rome, Venice and Florence - those classic Italian heavyweights.

Trento, on the other hand, is not a city as many foreigners have heard of.

But if you’re looking to escape the beaten path and discover a different side of Italy, visiting Trento could be just the thing you’re looking for!

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VISITING TRENTO

The capital of the Trentino region in Northern Italy, Trento is nestled into the foot of the Dolomites. It’s the perfect base for active relaxers, with endless options for hiking, cycling, skiing and other alpine activities in the mountains that line the Adige Valley. It’s also a great launching pad for exploring the greater Dolomites region.

The city itself has a lot going for it too.

From it’s origins as a post on the medieval highway (read: river) between the Gauls and the Venetians and Etruscans, it was conquered by various groups until it became a part of the Holy Roman Empire and the seat of a Prince-Bishop. It’s most well known claim-to-fame is probably for hosting the Council of Trent, which is said to have kick-started the Catholic Revival and was overseen by three different popes. More recently, after a few more changes of hands (such as the Habsburgs, Naploean and the Austrians), World War I eventually saw Trento annexed by Italy.

It’s safe to say there is a wealth of history in this unassuming city!

Today, the city of Trento appears near the top of lists for the best quality of life, the best standard of living, and the best job opportunities across all Italian cities. And the city feels prosperous. Investment in infrastructure is evident, public services function well, and from what we experience in our month living in Trento, the town appeared to be thriving.

With it’s curious mix of Austrian and Italian influence, historic castles and modern museums, red marzeminos and white sparkling Trento DOC wines, the city of Trento is an interesting and charming destination.

The guide contains everything you need to know before visiting Trento.

HOW TO GET TO TRENTO

PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO TRENTO

Whilst there’s no airport in Trento (the closest are Verona or Bergamo), it is extremely well connected via public transport.

In addition to the Trento train station on the main Brenner railway that runs from Austria in the north to Verona in the south, it’s also the main hub for trains east to Belluno in the Veneto region, as well as many bus routes within the region.

From the south, trains from Verona run approximately twice an hour, with regional, intercity and frecciarossa options all available. The regional train takes less than 10 minutes longer than the high speed train, so the budget friendly option is definitely worth it.

From Bergamo, Milano, Lake Como and other destinations in northwest Italy, train routes typically involve a transfer at Verona.

From the north, trains run through to Innsbruck in Austria in about two and a half hours, or to Munich in Germany in about four and a half hours.

Eurail passes can be a great option for travelling between Austria or Germany and Italy, as high-speed (and therefore more expensive) trains typically service this route.

From the train station, the historic city centre is a short walk through pretty Piazza Dante.

DRIVING TO TRENTO

At the foot of the Dolomites, Trento is a great place to launch a roadtrip into the region. The city of Trento is also extremely easy to reach via rental car, thanks to its location next to the A22 Autostrada which runs up the Adige Valley from Verona to the border with Austria.

Rental cars can be picked up from the airport in Verona or from within Trento itself.

Do consider your accommodation in Trento carefully however, as cars cannot be driven through the historic town centre where a lot of the accommodation is focused. There are quite a few large carparking buildings surrounding the town centre that are your best option if you don’t mind a short walk. We used these and found them extremely convenient, and it seemed that locals even used these as their long term parking options.

For more details on driving the Adige Valley from Lake Garda to the Dolomites. Check out this article with all of the route options and the highlights along the journey.

WHEN TO VISIT TRENTO

Trento is a year round destination, but we would highly recommend visiting in the late spring early summer when the lush green city really shines. The gardens are in full bloom, wineries throw open their cellar doors, and the San Viglio Festival brings a party atmosphere to the city. Trento is a modern city with a high quality of life, and when the warm summer temperatures arrive everyone gets outside, dining al fresco dining in the city’s piazzas and gardens or cycling the trails up and down the Adige River.

We loved visiting the region in June so much that we wrote a whole guide about it.

Why You Should Visit the Dolomites in June

SPRING IN TRENTO

Temperatures in Trento in spring are still relatively cool, but thanks to it’s lower altitude down in the valley, it’s definitely not as cold as up in the Dolomite mountains. Spring showers are common so do pack a brolly or a rainjacket. Ahead of the peak season, it’s also not too busy about the city.

SUMMER IN TRENTO

Trento enjoys a hot, sunny summer with temperatures frequently reaching over 30 degrees celcius in the peak months of July and August. It’s a great time to head up into the nearby mountains for a respite from the heat. As is common in the Dolomites, afternoon thunderstorms do occur. This is peak season where visitors flock to the region for adventure activities, camping, swimming and enjoying the winery culture.

AUTUMN IN TRENTO

Autumn (fall) is another lovely time to visit Trento and the Dolomites region, with temperatures dropping from their highs down to more pleasant numbers. Peak season has also passed so visitor numbers have dropped back down. Its a popular time to visit for leaf-peeping when the foliage starts to turn.

WINTER IN TRENTO

Winter in Trento is cold but dry, with snow typically making an appearance. Temperatures drop right down to freezing level, and frosts are common. Visitors at this time of year is peak season for winter alpine activities such as skiing in the nearby mountain resorts.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN TRENTO

Nestled next to the Adige River beneath the towering Brenta Dolomite range, the main town centre of Trento is extremely picturesque. Full of amenities, yet with a compact, walkable old city centre, Trento is a great place to based yourself for at least 2 or 3 days for exploring up and down the Adige Valley.

TIP: All of the basic entries to the attractions detailed below, along with public transport, are included in the Trentino Pass, which you get for free if staying in Trento! More details on the Trentino Pass below.

DAY 1 - EXPLORE CENTRAL TRENTO

CASTELLO DEL BUONCONSIGLIO

Start your day at Trento’s most impressive and historic site, and probably the main attraction, Museum and Castle Buonconsiglio, located on the corner of the historic old town.

This impressive medieval castle features impressive fresco paintings aging from the 1400’s. Originally home to the Prince Bishop, the castle was luckily saved from bombing in World War I. In spring and summer, the beautiful gardens are in full bloom.

If you wish to visit the famed Torre Aquila (Eagle Tower), it’s recommended to book in advance as numbers are limited and require a special ticket for a dedicated timeslot.

Allow two to three hours to visit the castle.

laura the explorer at castello del buonconsiglio

laura the explorer inside castello del buonconsiglio

PIAZZA DEL DUOMO DI TRENTO

After spending the morning at the castle, head to Piazza del Duomo for lunch.

The Trento Duomo dominates the southern face of the main piazza, whilst the adjoining Diocesan Museum lines the eastern face. Both are constructed in Romanesque style, whilst the surrounding cafes and stores hint at the alpine architecture of the Dolomites. It’s a curious mix of both Italian and Austrian influence. Famous for hosting the Council of Trent in the 1500’s, the museum and cathedral are must-visits for religious history buffs.

The piazza features the beautiful Fontana del Nettuno fountain, as well as some incredible fresoces on Casa Cazuffi (above Cafe Italia).

To eat, we recommend grabbing a table at Osteria Te Ke Voi and ordering one of their focaccia sandwiches.

MUSE - SCIENCE MUSEUM

After lunch, its time to swap the old for the new.

Designed by celebrated Italian architect Renzo Piano, the MUSE Science Centre is quite the architectural departure from the solid, stone historical buildings that form the Trento centro storico, with it’s sharp, angular, glazed facade and light filled interior.

Located in the university district, the museum features some interesting, interactive exhibits on the local natural history of Trento and the Dolomites. It’s a great visit for kids and alpine enthusiasts.

PARCO NATURALE DEL DOSS

From the museum, take a pleasant afternoon walk to up and around Doss Park.

Located on a small mound just across the Adige River, the leafy park is home to several attractions, including the ruins of a paleo-christian basilica, the columned rotunda mausoleum of local WWI hero Cesare Battisti, the National Alpine Museum, along with lovely views out over the city of Trento.

Tucked down underneath the park, there’s also the history museum Le Gallerie, located in the old, decommissioned motorway tunnels that run below the hill of Doss Park.

mausoleum of cesare battisti in doss park

SARDAGNA

Finish your day with dinner and a sunset overlooking the Adige Valley from the picturesque mountain-side village of Sardagna.

Jump on the cable car from the valley station next to San Lorenzo Bridge and take the scenic trip up over vineyards to the village nestled into the nook of the mountain. Enjoy dinner and drinks at Bistrot Ristorante Trento Alto - we recommend trying local delicacy, capriolo (deer) if it’s available. Then, drink in the view from the nearby observation deck before taking the cable car back down again.

DAY 2 - EXPLORE SOUTH OF TRENTO

CASTEL BESENO

Start your second day in Trento by heading out to Castel Beseno, one of the remaining medieval fortresses that line the Adige Valley.

Located up on a high ridge, the castle is strategically located with incredible views up and down the Adige Valley and the Brenta Dolomites mountain range. It’s a great places to learn about the medieval history of the region, where these castles controlled the flow of goods and traffic from Northern Europe down into the Italian Peninsula. Climb the castle walls and try some old armour on for size.

The fortified castle is about a 15-20 min drive from Trento, otherwise catch bus #301 which runs from to the charming town of Besenello. From the town, its a 20 min walk up hill to the castle. The walk is on the slightly strenuous side, but the views make it worthwhile!

Grab lunch from the castle cafe before heading on, or refresh at the local brewery nestled just below the castle.

M.A.R.T.

From Castel Beseno, continue a little further south to the small city of Rovereto, home to MART, aka the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Trento and Rovereto.

It’s only a 15 min drive from Castel Beseno to Rovereto, or a 20 minute bus ride from back down in the village of Besenello.

Housed in an incredible building designed by local Northern Italian architect Mario Botta, the incredible domed courtyard leads you in to a great display of modern art, focusing on Northern Italian artists.

MART is the place to visit if you’re after a refresh from all the religious art that Italy is generally known for! The museum attracts high calibre exhibitions, and we were treated to an exhibit featuring Gustav Klimt’s The Three Ages of Woman.

Once you’ve had your fill of contemporary art, head back to Trento. It’s a scenic 20-30 min drive back up the valley, or a (thankfully) flat 15 minute walk to the Rovereto train station from where frequent trains make the quick 15 minute ride back up to Trento.

CANTINE FERRARI FRATELLO LUNELLI

By now, I think you’ve earned a glass of the local tipple, and given the quantity of vineyards that line the Adige Valley, it should come as no surprise that the Trentino region is home to it’s own denomination of sparkling wine, called Trento DOC.

Produced in the traditional champagne style, the valley is home to many local producers, including the most well-known brand, Ferrari, current supplier of Formula 1 podium fizz.

Finish your second day in Trento with a tour of the impressive, extensive cellars and, of course, some taste testing of the local produce.

DAY TRIPS FROM TRENTO

Trento is a great base for visiting some of the other sights in the Adige Valley, with many great attractions located within an hours’ drive, or a few stops on the train or bus.

SANCTUARY OF MADONNA DELLA CORONA

In a country that’s home to Roman Catholicism, the architecture has to be pretty unique to stand out in a sea of historical churches. But clinging to the side of the mountain at the foot of the Dolomites, this is one site that won’t leave you church-fatigued.

A religious site since around 1000AD, the first version of Santuario Madonna della Corona was built in the1670’s and remained in various forms until being rebuilt in the 1970’s, and thanks to its unique location, appears to be suspended in mid-air.

From Trento, it’s a little over an hour’s drive away, making it a perfect half-day trip. Head along the picturesque valley before winding your way up Via Enzo Ferrari to the village of Spiazzi. There’s plenty of parking in this parking lot (bring cash).

From the main road, make your way down the trail/path Località Gabbiola. I’d recommend decent footwear to make life easier, but we did witness plenty of nonnas making their way down in their Sunday best!

It is possible to visit using public transport, though you’ll need to allow extra time and take the original (longer) pilgrimage walking route from Brentino Belluno. Take the train from Trento to Borghetto, then bus #472 to Brentino Belluno. If relying on public transport, allow a full day for the visit

If you’re relying on public transport and the full pilgrimage route doesn’t appeal, I’d recommend booking a Sanctuary Madonna della Corona half day tour.

LAGO DI GARDA

Whilst visiting Lake Garda could easily fill a week, it’s also an easy day trip from Trento.

The main centre of northern Lake Garda, Riva del Garda, is easily accessible by car (a scenic 45 minute drive) and also via bus either from Trento direct, or via Rovereto (and train between Trento-Rovereto).

Riva del Garda has an extremely picturesque centro storico and marina, with plenty of restaurants and walking and cycling trails along the lake edge.

Nearby Limone sul Garda (or, simply Limone) is an even more picturesque town in the north west of the lake. Nestled under imposing rock cliffs, the waterfront is packed with bars, restaurants and boutique shops. Wander the labyrinth of backstreets (some so small you might need to duck!) until you end up in the beautiful Porto Vecchio.

Spiaggia Cola just south of the Limone town centre is well set up for swimming. The public beach has plenty of amenities and space to lay out a towel.

If you’re travelling via public transport, but still want to be able to explore as much of Lake Garda as possible, a great option is to rent a scooter for the day. It will give you a lot more freedom than the bus and ferry schedules, and also the opportunity to explore some of the best beaches/lakefronts.

We hired our scooter from Motoragazzi (not sponsored, just highly recommended!) which allowed us to completely circumnavigate the lake whilst avoiding road congestion and finding a carpark. They have seven branches around Lake Garda and also offer one-day self-guided tours.

TRENTINO WINE ROUTE

In addition to the most famous Trento DOC producer, Ferrari, the Adige Valley is home to many wine producers, making a wine tour a great option to taste the local supply!

The Strada del Vino (Wine Road) features over 70 producers from Lake Garda up to Bolzano, and along with Trento DOC, it’s also known for the Marzemino variety.

Many cellar doors are open for tastings and sales, though some do need to be booked in advance. Tasting often also include local cheeses, fruits and other produce. Gastronomic heaven!

Many of the cellar doors close to Trento are also accessible by local bus if you want to create a DIY tour. Those further afield in Mezzocorona can also be accessed by local FTM Railway.

While you’re up on the wine route, also check out the recently added attraction Mezzocorona Skywalk!

BOLZANO

Whilst Trento is the capital of Trentino, to the north is Bolzano (Bozen), the capital of Alto Adige (Sud-Tirol), and together they form the Trentino-Alto Adige autonomous region of Italy.

Whilst only 40 minutes up the road from Trento in either a car or on the train, the city of Bolzano has an even more Austro-tyrolean feel. You’ll even start seeing signage in both German and Italian, as most places are known by their German name as well as their Italian name.

The Bolzano centro storico (the Altstadt Bozen) is centred around the Piazza Walther (Waltherplatz) and features the beautiful Duomo di Bolzano (Maria Himmelfahrt) with it’s incredible marble-tiled roof.

Check out the South Tyrol Archeological Museum, where you can find Ötzi, the Iceman, who’s mummified remains were discovered up in the Dolomite mountains.

Or, simply wander the historic streets where you’ll encounter picturesque laneways full of tyrolean architecture, markets full of local produce, and restaurants offering dumplings and apple strudel rather than pizza and pasta!

THE TRENTINO GUEST CARD

One huge benefit that comes with staying in Trento is that you will receive the Trentino Guest Card, which provides free or reduced rate access to an extensive range of the most popular attractions in the region.

It includes literally hundreds of attractions and experiences, and we couldn’t believe that by simply staying in Trento, we would not only access so many things for free, along with free public transport to visit them too!

This advice not sponsored, just a huge benefit of staying in Trento! Similar cards are also available if you decide to stay in other towns and cities in the Trentino region.

ACTIVITIES

The following activities in my suggested itinerary are included in the free pass:

Castello del Buonconsiglio, Trento (reduced price)

Museo Diocesano Tridentino, Trento

Basilica paleocristiana, Trento (under the Trento Duomo)

MUSE Museo delle Scienze, Trento (reduced price)

Museo Nazionale Storico degli Alpini, Trento, in Park Doss.

Le Gallerie, Trento, under Park Doss.

Castel Beseno, Besenello

MART, Rovereto

Cantine Ferrari Fratelli Lunelli, Trento

TRANSPORT

If your sans-vehicle, the card will provide even more benefits, with the following transport included with the Trentino Guest Card:

All train journeys beginning and ending in the Trentino region, on regional trains only (no IC, EC or Frecciarossa trains).
All bus journeys beginning and ending in the Trentino region.

Along with all transport within the city of Trento, here are some other transports included in my itinerary:

Funicular/cable car to Sardagna
Buses to Castel Beseno & Rovereto
Trains to/from Rovereto
Trains/buses to Riva del Garda on Lake Garda
Trains to Mezzocorona
Funicular/cable car at Mezzocorona

HOW TO GET THE TRENTINO GUEST CARD

Just before arriving in Trento, our accommodation provided us with details which we entered into the Mi Trentino app - it was as simple as that! We then showed the app when we arrived at the attraction, or boarded public transport. Too easy!

For more details, check out the Trentino website.

WHERE TO STAY IN TRENTO

Trento is a great base for the exploring the Adige Valley. As the capital of the region and home to a thriving university scene, there are lots of accommodation options for all budgets. It’s also much more affordable than other regions in the Dolomites.

We would recommend staying in the historical centre. The old town is extremely walkable and the main train and bus stations are within easy walking distances.

PARKING

Staying in the historical centre does make it slightly more complicated if you have a vehicle, but there’s an easy work-around. There are large carparks on the edges of the old town that are even used by locals who live in the old town and store their cars in the parking buildings.

We stayed in the old town and left our car in Autosilo Buonconsiglio each night. There is a website for reserving a space, but we could never get it to work properly. It showed the carpark as full even when there were plenty of spaces available. We had no issues at all just driving up and finding a spot, even on nights when there were huge events happening in town.

Of course, if you stay outside the old town, options for accommodation with parking will be more plentiful.

BACKPACKER | Trento is one of the few places in the Dolomites that does have a hostel. Highly rated Ostello Giovane Europa di Trento is perfectly located on the edge of the old town and across the road from the train station.

MID-RANGE | Hi Hotel Wellness & Spa is well located on the edge of the pedestrian-only old town, but still accessible by car. It's also a short walk from the train and bus stations. The on-site pizzaria is one the best in the city, with proper Napoli style pizzas!

LUXURY | Hotel Villa Madruzzo is a beautiful, vibrant hotel located in the hills above Trento. The beautiful grounds overlook vineyards and offer sweeping views of the Adige valley.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCE | One of our favourite experiences in Italy was staying at an agriturismo. Roughly translating to 'farmstay', these are typically located on wineries and are definitely not roughing it! For something a little difference, check out Agriturismo Mas dei Chini which is set in a picturesque Trento DOC winery.

WHERE TO EAT IN TRENTO

Thanks to it’s location in the fertile Adige Valley, there’s no shortage of delicious food and wine to devour! In fact, touring the wineries is one the best things to do in Trento!

We were based in Trento for a month which abled us to sample many of the local establishments, and here are some of our favourite recommendations.

COFFEE & PASTRIES

Caracolito Caffe | This became our local where we got our coffee and pastry every morning. They barely have any online presence, but with the constant stream of locals, you know you’ve found a winner. Extra points to the always-friendly staff that entertained our basic italian!

PIZZA

Acquaefarine | If you’re not planning on visiting Naples, or even if you are, this is the place to sample Naples-style pizza. After we spent a month living in Naples and becoming self-declared pizza connoisseurs, we reckon this pizza is a good as it gets.

LUNCH OR DINNER

Osteria Te Ke Voi Trento | There a few high profile but poorly rated cafes surrounding Piazza del Duomo, but Osteria Te Ke Voi is not one of them. Whilst it is a little more expensive due it’s location on the square, I’d recommend one of their delicious sandwiches for lunch.

Forsterbräu Trento | With Trento on the edge of the Austrian influenced Dolomites, the influence on the food becomes noticeable. To lean into the Sud-Tirolean cuisine, head here for delicious canederli (dumplings), spatzle (sud-tirolean pasta), or a classic wienerschnitzel.

Trento Alta | Located up the cable car in Sardagna, this is a great spot to relax at after enjoying the views from the nearby panoramic terrace.

WINERIES

Maso Martis | This is the spot to go for an afternoon of wine and cheese. Accessible by bus (free with the Trentino Card) or a short drive up the hill, book in for a tour of this family-owned winery complete with wine tasting and cheese board.

SUPERMARKETS

Eurospar | We tried out a few of the local supermarkets during our month in Trento, and found this Eurospar to have the largest range of goods on our side of the old town. Head up the escalator for a huge range of meats, cheeses and bakery goods.

WHAT TO PACK FOR TRENTO

LUGGAGE

This is Italy, so you can expect to find a lot of cobblestones throughout the old town, but pleasantly in Trento, and throughout the general Trentino-Alto Adige region, you’ll find the infrastructure in great condition. This is definitely one of the more accessibility-friendly areas of Italy.

This makes lugging a suitcase around slightly easier than other areas of Italy. Do be aware however that many accommodations are situated in two or three storey building without elevator access.

HIKING GEAR

Chances are that if you’re visiting Trento, you’re also going to be making your way into the Dolomites, so bring along your hiking gear. If you forget something, or want to pick up something new, Trento is one of the main hubs for large sportswear stores close to the Dolomites.

We carry older season versions of these North Face Dryzzle Futurelight rain jackets, and I wore these Danner Mountain 600 Boots, and these Teva Sandals.

A SCARF OR SHAWL

Whilst Trento has a completely different feel than places further south in Italy, you’ll still need to cover up when entering the Duomo and other religious structures. Cover up your shoulders and knees, or keep a light shawl or scarf in your bag for throwing on before you enter.

CITY WEAR

This cool university town definitely has more of an active or casual streetwear vibe. Whilst you should wear whatever makes you feel comfortable, you’ll be unlikely to find the locals dressed in beach-wear/resort-wear a la the Amalfi Coast.

LINEN (SUMMER)

It does get surprisingly hot in the summer, with temperatures in the high 30s common. Light, loose layers are perfect for strolling the cobblestone streets.

WARM CLOTHES

The surrounding mountains turn into ski resorts in the winter, so it definitely gets cold at that time of year, but even in the summer you’ll want to pack a warm winter jacket if you’re planning on heading up to high altitude. Our thermal puffers are these Macpac Halo Down Jackets, but these 660-fill North Face Insulated Jackets are similar.

A MAP

We carried the four pack Kompass Dolomites Set which covered the entire Dolomites region. If you don't bring a copy with you, you can find them at the local Sportler store.

WHERE TO GO AFTER TRENTO

HEADING NORTH? THE DOLOMITES!

Just up the road from Trento are the incredible Dolomites mountain, which offer some of the most picturesque mountain scenery in the world. From the snow-capped peaks, rolling green meadows and sparkling blue lakes to the world-class dining, fascinating historical landmarks and plethora of wellness retreats, there’s something to suit all tastes. Popular with European holiday makers for years, it’s easy to see why the Dolomites is now becoming a must visit destination for travelers from around the world.

For more details on visiting the Dolomites, check out our experience in one of these articles.

A Roadtrip from Lake Garda to the Dolomites

A Guide to Visiting the Dolomites

HEADING EAST? VENICE!

The iconic lagoon-centred islands of Venice are just a hop, skip and a jump from Trento. In two to three hours, buses and trains run through to Venice either direct or with a stop in Verona or Bassano del Grappa.

From it’s maze-like alleys, to it’s meandering canals, and it’s grand historical architecture, there are plenty of things to easily fill in two or three days in Venice. Whilst it’s an extremely popular destination, do what you can to support local businesses and get off the beaten track.

We recommend spending some time exploring the less-visited neighbourhood of Cannaregio, and for visiting the sites around St Marks Square, get there early in the morning before the day-trippers arrive.

HEADING SOUTH? MODENA & BOLOGNA

In my opinion, Emilio Romagna is an extremely underrated region of Italy, and direct trains run from Trento to the hub of Bologna in about two hours.

A gastronomic epicentre, you’ll find local delicacies such as prosciutto from Parma, parmigiano reggiano (aka parmesan cheese), balsamic vinegar from Modena, lambrusco wine, and of course, it’s home to world famous Ragù Bolognese!

One of the highlights from our trip to Italy was staying at a local agroturismo. Nestled amongst the vineyards somewhere outside of Modena, our hosts even arranged for us to attend the yearly tortellini festival being held in a nearby village - a really authentic, local experience.

Emilio Romagna is also home to Motor Valley, the heart of Italy’s motoring history. From Ferrari, to Lamborghini, to Pagani, to Ducati, sports car enthusiasts will be in heaven exploring the factories and museums that line the valley. Time your visit to watch the F1 pros lap Imola, or rent a Ferrari and take yourself for a spin.

If you’re a foodie or a motor-head, this Emilio Romagna should be top of your Italian hit-list.