Let me show you 11 amazing things to do on a weekend in Trento Italy and why this charming little city should be your next city break destination.
Plus tips on seeing the Dolomites, Castello del Buonconsiglio, MUSE Science, where to eat and stay, and other top attractions in Trento including the best things to do in Trento guide. I can’t believe I’ve never heard of Trento. One of the most beautiful, authentic little city in Italy before, until now.
When you think of Italy which cities come to mind? Rome, Venice Milan or Florence. Never to the North of Italy with its lesser known cities. Well, let me introduce you to Trento in Northern Italy one of Italy’s most underrated cities.
Charming and compact, Trento, feels like a small town. It will impress you with its architectural wonders, stun you with the fantastic views of the famous Dolomites and seduce you with the rich flavours from the local cuisine. All sourced locally, of course.
1. Do a Walking Tour of Old Town of Trento
Start your weekend in Trento off with a Trento walking tour. I’ve always love to explore a new city by doing a walking tour to get a lay of the land.
The Old Town of Trento is filled with historic and beautiful buildings but has a local atmosphere. Where all you’ll see are locals going about their daily lives, no tourists. Well except for me taking photos of the locals.
While Italy has many beautiful old towns. Trento’s colourful houses, painted frescoes, Cathedral, Piazza Duomo and the Neptune Fountain makes a walking tour through the Old Town especially euphoric.
Though the Trento Old Town is small and compact, plan to spend half a day of your time in Trento exploring it to discover the heart of the city.
I was lucky enough to catch the Thursday market. Every Thursday the piazza in Trento Old Town hosts the weekly market, where stallholders sell items ranging from local food, oils and wines through to clothes and underwear!
It’s a tradition in most Italian cities, and Trento is no exception. It’s a great place to wander around for bargains if you’re in the shopping mood. If you only have one day in Trento Italy starting off with a walking tour is one of the best things to do in Trento.
2. Piazza Del Duomo (Piazza Duomo)
What to see in Trento Italy? Sitting in the heart of the old town — is the Piazza del Duomo. A medieval square that was once a commercial, political and monumental hub of the city. The Piazza captured my interest at first sight. I found the square to be buzzing with local activity.
This breathtaking square has a range of impressive structures, including the Duomo di San Vigilio, Casa Balduini, and the medieval Palazzo Pretorio. Palazzo Pretorio houses the Diocesan Museum. Walking from any direction through the square. I would always end up in front of the Fountain of Neptune right at the centre of the square.
My favourite things to do in Trento was to people watch. Walking past the array of stunning architecture lining the Piazza del Duomo. I would settle in a corner of a café in the square for a coffee or a ‘Hugo’ and just to waste a few hours watching local life unfold in front of me.
3. See the Case Cazuffi
Another thing to see in Trento is the Case Cazuffi – flanked by the famous Casa Rella.
These two medieval houses overlooking Piazza Duomo in Trento are famous for their complex cycle of 16th-century paintings. The beautiful frescoes were created by the Italian painter Marcello Fogolino, who arrived as a fugitive in Trento in 1526.
The facade on the left-hand-side features scenes and characters from classical Greek mythology, with the bottom area displaying Damocles at the table of tyrant Dionysius, the top showing Opportunity and Nemesis, and Geryon and allegories of Fortune. The paintings are not only steeped in history and mythology but are also well preserved.
There is no way you can pass these two houses by without taking at least 200 photos. I know I did. I wanted to capture the detailing and intricacy of the painting on the houses from every angle as they were so beautiful.
4. Visit the Castello Del Buonconsiglio Castle
No Trento city break is complete without visiting the Castello Del Buoncosiglio. Around 15 minutes walk from the main square is Castello Del Buonconsiglio. It is one of the top things to see in Trento and should not be missed.
I spent around 2 hours just roaming the castle grounds, and I also took a tour of the Castelvecchio, which includes Torre Aquila.
The Buonconsiglio Castle is easily the most important structure in the region as it was once the residence of the Prince Bishops that ruled Trento in the 13th century the oldest part of the building, expanded with an Italian Renaissance-style Magno Palazzo.
Because of its age, they have added different design elements to the castle at various stages of its history. One of the older parts of the castle is the medieval Castelvecchio, the Magno Palazzo added during the Renaissance period and the Giunta Albertiana wing, which was constructed in the Baroque age.
But there were two highlights for me visiting the Buonconsiglio Castle. One was visiting Torre Aquila. A tower at the southern end of the Castello del Buonconsiglio with the frescoes of the twelve month cycle.
Depicting both the pastimes of the nobles and the farmers who cultivated the fields, according to the changing seasons. This is a masterpiece of Gothic art that takes us to the heart of courtly and peasant life in Trento at the end of the 14th century.
The second highlight was the views of the entire city from the balcony of the castle. I had to marvel at the amazing views stretching from the surrounding mountains past the valley. The castle now hosts the Provincial Museum of Art, provincial monuments and collections.
But the Buonconsiglio Castle offers more than just striking views; you can stroll the gardens and even chill for a snack at the café.
5. Cable Car in Trento to Sardagna
If you are still wondering what to see in Trento? Riding the cable car is another fantastic thing to do in Trento. It is about a 10 minute walk from the square to the cable car. I told you that Trento was compact and easily explored on foot.
Ok, so I’m going to be honest with you guys. This cable car is nothing new or fancy like the Emirates cable car in London or any super modern cable car that you have probably ridden.
The Trento to Sardagna cable car is old fashioned, but it gets the job done. Which is to carry you from the valley to Sardagna for some epic panoramic views. Taking the cable car from Trento to Sardagna is a great way to cap off your day in Trentino’s capital.
It only takes about three minutes to move up the mountains gradually, so you can absorb the magnificent views of the city as well as the unfolding mountains on both sides.
If you have the Trentino Guest Card, you’d be allowed a free funicular ride; otherwise, you’ll have to pay a fee of €5 for a round-trip ticket.
Sardagna is about 600 meters above sea level. When travelling in the cable car, it will feel as though you’re going right into the mountains.
If you are a fan of adventures and sunset, this promises to be a fantastic trip, and you can even bring your own drinks along.
There is a viewing terrace that allows you panoramic views of the city in the city wall and valley below. So you can lap these up the views and get some tremendous awe-inspiring photos.
6. MUSE Trento (Museo delle Scienze di Trento)
The Museum of Natural Science (MUSE) or Museo delle Scienze di Trento is a must-visit destination for visitors in Trento. No, it is not the typical boring science museum. It’s fascinating, and this is coming from an actual scientist. The museum has several floors, with each level covering different topics.
To make your visit there more interesting, start on the underground floor. Where you get to discover the earliest pieces of evidence of life on earth, learn about DNA, and other fascinating sights.
The first to third floor covers topics on the prehistory, innovation and sustainability of the Alpine world, and the geology and biodiversity of the Dolomites Mountain range.
I told you this museum wasn’t dull, so if you are a little geek like me, fan out and relive all the things you learnt and experienced in your early science classes. The MUSE is one of the unusual places to see in Trento Italy.
7. Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Trento
The MART is a contemporary art museum which originated in 1987 and contains mostly modern and contemporary artworks, including works from renowned Giorgio Morandi, Palazzo delle Albere and Giorgio de Chirico in Trento Italy.
The permanent collection contains more than 15,000 artworks, including paintings, drawings, engravings, and sculptures from the late 19th century to present day.
The exhibitions in this museum changes regularly, including works from the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. If you like the MART another Trento museum to visit is the National Historical Museum to visit with a weekend in Trentino.
8. Visit the Palazzo Delle Albere
Built-in Renaissance style, this fortified palace sits right in front of the MUSE and is one of the best places to visit in Trento Italy. The Palazzo Delle Albere was built in the 15th century by the Prince Bishops Cristoforo Madruzzo.
Though the venue was severely damaged in the 18th century, it has now become home to temporary exhibitions after renovations. The stunning 16th-century frescoes on the walls of the first and second floors of this historical buildings is one of its highlights for first-time visitors.
9. Explore Trento Cathedral (Basilica Duomo di San Vigilio)
The construction of Trento Cathedral started in 1212 by bishop Federico Vanga. The goal was to set up a new Duomo (Cathedral) which would sit on the Basilica of San Vigilio in the undergrounds and is a top things to do in Trentino Italy.
You can’t miss the Basilica Duomo di San Vigilio in Trento as it dominates the small square of Trento’s Old Town.
Commissioned by Adamo d’Arogno, Trento Cathedral was built in a Romanesque Lombard style with the vaulted high ceiling common with later Gothic architecture and was the place where the decrees of the Council of Trent were issued between 1545 and 1563. Do not miss out on an adventure to visit the underground of the Trento Cathedral!
10. Get Some Culture at the Piedicastello Galleries
The Gallerie di Piedicastello comprises the – Galleria nera [Black Gallery] and Galleria bianca [White Gallery].
An open and innovative cultural offering that showcases the history and memory of the city of Trento, Trentino and of the regional area corresponding to historical Tyrol. The Galleries are located in the Piedicastello district, underneath Doss Trento.
You can reach them in just a few minutes’ walks from the Old Town, the train station and the Muse and are top Trento things to do.
They built the Tunnels in the 1970s to aid speedy travel in Trento, all the way from Verona to the Brenner Pass.
11. Day Trips from Trento Italy to Riva Del Garda on Lake Garda
From the state-of-the-art Museum of Natural Sciences and 13th-century castle to the historical Italian architecture, there are lots of things to do in Trento Italy.
However, if you are a lover of everything adventure, you’ll definitely want to try something outside the city. Then visit Riva Del Garda!
Riva Del Garda, which doubles as a tourist resort, has so many attractions that you can easily spend a few days there.
Located at the northern end of Lake Garda, the town is the perfect base to head off to the mountains and lakes in search of adventures.
If you arrive in the town in the afternoon, one of the best ways to make the most of your time is to stroll alongside Rival Del Garda’s promenade.
In about 30 minutes, you can walk along the lake from the city centre down to the foot of Monte Brione at Forte San Niccolo.
If you are a keen cyclist then a ride to Torbole, should be high on your list of things to do. Mornings are the perfect time to go swimming or spending some time in Riva Del Garda’s waters.
If you are going into the waters for a dip. Locals recommend Spiaggia Sabbioni – very close to the centre. After hiking and swimming, you head back to Trento. Try something new: learn how to sail or go on a sailing excursion around the Riva Del Garda Lake.
If something more relaxed appeals to you, stand-up paddle boarding is another excellent alternative. You can try paddle boarding on Lake Garda for a romantic and memorable experience.
If you love adventure and planning on exploring countries close to Trento or more of Europe, then you’re in luck as Dubrovnik one of Europe’s most popular destination is only a few hours away.
Other day trips from Trento in Northern Italy other than Lake Gardaincludes Brenta Dolomites, Adige Valley, Pale di San Martino or Orrido di Ponte Alto.