Vicenza is one of Veneto’s great art cities, famous the world over as the “city of Palladio”. The genius of Andrea Palladio, the most influential architect of the Renaissance, left his masterpieces here: the scenic Palladian Basilica in Piazza dei Signori, the Teatro Olimpico — the oldest surviving covered theatre in the world — and a sequence of palaces that make the centre an open-air museum. For this, the city and the nearby Palladian villas are a UNESCO site.
Elegant, intimate and less crowded than Venice and Verona, Vicenza is also a wealthy and lively city, famous for goldsmithing and well connected on the rail line between Verona, Padua and Venice. In this guide we tell you where it’s best to sleep, with practical tips and a selection of properties among the most appreciated by travellers, to find the perfect base for your stay.
Vicenza’s great advantage is that it combines world-class artistic heritage with a modest size and an authentic atmosphere, far from mass tourism. Here you can admire Palladio’s architecture at leisure, strolling through a centre where every palace tells of the Renaissance, and savour the quality of life of a well-off, human-scale city. It’s a destination that surprises anyone who discovers it, perfect both for an art weekend and as a base for exploring Veneto.
The historic centre: where it’s best to stay
The historic centre is without doubt the best area to stay in Vicenza. Compact and largely pedestrian, it’s comfortably walked along Corso Palladio, the elegant main street lined with Renaissance palaces, which links the great attractions: from Piazza dei Signori with the Palladian Basilica and the Bissara Tower, to the Teatro Olimpico, to Palazzo Chiericati with the Civic Museums, to the many history-rich contrà.
Sleeping in the centre means having all Palladio’s masterpieces within walking distance and experiencing the city’s elegant, refined atmosphere, among historic cafés, boutiques and excellent restaurants. It’s the ideal choice for those who want to visit Vicenza without travelling around and enjoy the charm of its centre in the evening too, when the illuminated palaces offer striking views. Here are the addresses we recommend, in the centre or in a convenient position.
Relais Santa Corona
An elegant 18th-century residence finely restored in the pedestrian historic centre, on Contrà Santa Corona. An unbeatable position a short walk from Corso Palladio and the Teatro Olimpico, with the charm of a period residence: a refined, very central base.
Palazzo Scamozzi
A refined hotel in the historic centre, right along Corso Palladio, with air-conditioned rooms and an in-house bar. Sleeping on the main street, with the Palladian palaces on your doorstep, is the best way to experience the monumental heart of Vicenza on foot.
The Glam Boutique Hotel & Apt
A refined 4-star in the historic centre, a short walk from the Teatro Olimpico. The large crowd of satisfied guests confirms comfort and quality service: an elegant, very convenient base for discovering the city of Palladio, with rooms and apartments for every need.
Antica Pusterla Relais de Charme
An elegant charming relais in the heart of Vicenza, with a private garden and a refined spa area. An oasis of calm and relaxation a short walk from the monuments, ideal for those seeking a well-kept, restful stay in the historic centre, combining art and wellness.
B&B Palazzo Regaù
A refined B&B in the historic centre, a short walk from Palazzo Chiericati and the Teatro Olimpico, with a spacious suite. A well-kept and well-located address, perfect for those who want to experience Vicenza on foot in an elegant setting, a step from the museums.
Nuovo B&B WhyNot? a Vicenza
A welcoming adults-only B&B with a garden, free parking and a generous buffet breakfast with vegan options. Well-kept and quiet, with the convenience of parking, it’s the ideal choice for those arriving by car who want to discover the city of Palladio at a relaxed pace.
What to see and how to get around
The ideal route in Vicenza follows in Palladio’s footsteps. From Piazza dei Signori, dominated by the Palladian Basilica with its loggia, you walk along Corso Palladio to the Teatro Olimpico, a marvel with its fixed perspective stage set, and to Palazzo Chiericati, home of the Civic Museums. Just outside the city, don’t miss the famous Villa La Rotonda, an absolute icon of Palladian architecture, and Villa Valmarana ai Nani with Tiepolo’s frescoes, as well as the Monte Berico Sanctuary, from which you enjoy a magnificent view over the city.
Vicenza is comfortably visited on foot: the centre is compact and concentrates all the attractions. Those arriving by train get off at the station, a few minutes’ walk from the centre and well connected to Verona, Padua and Venice on the main line. Those arriving by car must bear in mind the traffic restrictions in the historic centre: it’s best to choose a property with parking or leave the car in the car parks on the edge of the centre. To plan your travel, see the guide on how to get to Veneto.
The shoulder seasons are ideal for visiting Vicenza with pleasant weather; the city is at its best when the palaces light up at sunset. It’s also a convenient base for day trips, both to the other art cities of Veneto and to the hills and villas of the Vicenza countryside. It’s best to book your accommodation a little ahead at weekends and during the fairs, in particular those dedicated to goldsmithing, which draw many visitors to the city.
This guide is part of our journey through the region: discover all the areas and destinations in Where to Stay in Veneto.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions we’re asked most often about where to stay in Vicenza.
What’s the best area to stay in Vicenza?
The historic centre is the best choice: compact and largely pedestrian, it lets you reach the Palladian Basilica, the Teatro Olimpico, Palazzo Chiericati and the palaces along Corso Palladio on foot. It’s the most elegant and charming area, ideal for experiencing the atmosphere of the city of Palladio. Those arriving by car or seeking lower prices can choose a property just outside the centre, with parking, while still being a few minutes from the monuments.
Is Vicenza worth a visit?
Absolutely yes. Vicenza is the “city of Palladio”, a UNESCO site, with a historic centre that is a true open-air museum of Renaissance architecture, less crowded and more authentic than nearby Venice and Verona. Between the Palladian Basilica, the Teatro Olimpico and the Palladian villas like La Rotonda, it offers an extraordinary artistic heritage. It’s an ideal destination both for art lovers and for those seeking an elegant, human-scale city.
Is Vicenza a good base for visiting Veneto?
Yes, excellent. Vicenza sits on the main rail line between Verona, Padua and Venice, all reachable in a short time. It offers on average lower prices than the more touristy destinations and is handy for exploring the other art cities and the Vicenza hills on a day trip. Many choose it as a quiet and elegant base for a tour of Veneto, combining art, architecture and excellent food and wine.
How do you visit the Palladian villas?
The most famous Palladian villas, like Villa La Rotonda and Villa Valmarana ai Nani, are just outside the centre of Vicenza, on the hills towards Monte Berico. They can be reached by car, by bus or even on foot with a pleasant walk from the city. They have specific opening days and hours, which are worth checking in advance, especially out of season. They are a must to complete a visit to the city of Palladio.
How many days do you need to visit Vicenza?
To see the centre of Vicenza one day is enough: the Palladian Basilica, the Teatro Olimpico, Palazzo Chiericati and Corso Palladio are comfortably visited on foot. With an extra night you can add the Palladian villas, the Monte Berico Sanctuary and trips to nearby Verona, Padua and Venice. It’s also a perfect destination for an art weekend, and an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area.
