What to see in Trento: the 15 best attractions and things to do

Trento is the capital of Trentino Alto Adige and one of the richest cities in Italy. Throughout its history it has been occupied by numerous populations, including Etruscans, Gauls and Romans. Thanks to its ancient and long history and the passage of various empires and sovereigns, Trento has a myriad of wonderful historical structures , such as the cathedral and the Buonconsiglio Castle, many museums and galleries.
Moreover, thanks to its position in the Northern Alps, it is also an excellent starting point for reaching renowned ski resorts and wonderful trekking in summer.
So let’s find out together what are the things to see and do in Trento !
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1 – Piazza Duomo and Cathedral of San Vigilio
Photo by Matteo Ianeselli.
Photo by Franco Visintainer. Located in the heart of the historic center of Trento, the Duomo is the main religious structure of the city . Built in the 11th century, this majestic and ancient building is dedicated to San Vigilio, patron saint of the city, and stands right on his tomb.
It was the seat of the famous Council of Trent from 1545 to 1563, over time it has undergone various restorations and a series of splendid Renaissance frescoes were added inside.and some Gothic and Baroque elements. In the front of the cathedral stands a huge circular rose window and a decorative arched door, on the outside you can see two large Gothic towers, one of which has an onion dome.
Photo of Ettorre (gregorio). Here begins the magic of Christmas : the starting point of the Christmas celebrations. From here the markets branch out along the streets of the city, creating a unique atmosphere. You will be completely enveloped by the scent of typical sweets and Christmas music.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: in the historic city center. Also reachable on foot from the station (650 m, 8 min). All bus lines stop near the Cathedral (Piazza Duomo stop, Via Antonio Rosmini stop) – Get directions
• Hours: every day 6: 30-12: 00 and 14: 30-20: 00 / Tourist visits not allowed during the celebrations
• Ticket cost: free

2 – Palazzo Pretorio and Torre Civica
Photo by Greymouser. The tower and palace are located in Piazza Duomo and represent two of the most impressive attractions in the whole city , with a lot to tell, and therefore need at least half a day for an in-depth visit.
The Palazzo Pretorio dates back to 1220 and over the centuries it has served as a prison and court , but it has also been the seat of the municipality and seat of the bishops. Inside are the Cathedral Treasury and the Tridentine Diocesan Museum, with paintings representing the events relating to the Council of Trent.
The Civic Tower is located right next to the building and is equipped with a large clock, its Renga bell instead announced the death sentences that were then carried out on the square it overlooks. Unfortunately the tower cannot be visited.

Don’t miss the December light show : during the month of December, this is one of the most beautiful spots to take a photo! In fact, a large tree is set up in front of the building and in the evening, when the sun goes down, a wonderful light show is projected on the main facade.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: in the historic city center. Also reachable on foot from the station (650 m, 8 min). All bus lines stop near the Cathedral (Piazza Duomo stop, Via Antonio Rosmini stop) – Get directions
• Hours: every day 10: 00-13: 00 and 14: 00-18: 00
• Ticket price: full € 7.00, over 65s and residents of the Province of Trento € 5.00, university students and children up to 26 years € 2.00, up to 14 years free

3 – Palazzo Roccabruna
Photo by Matteo Ianeselli. It is an unmissable stop especially for wine lovers . Palazzo Roccabruna, which should not be confused with the castle of the same name, has undergone a recent restoration and, since 2007, has housed the Provincial Enoteca del Trentino .

It gathers a collection of over 60 fine labels , which also include grappas and spirits dating back to the years between 1940 and 1980. The visit is recommended not only for lovers of good wine but also for lovers of good food, since the enoteca organizes weekly guided tours and tastings of typical Trentino products: meats and cheeses from the malga are specially paired with the 100 best wines of the area thanks to the help of qualified sommeliers.

Cooking courses are held at the old stables , while the main floor is reserved for exhibitions and events concerning regional food and wine.

Organize your visit on the weekend : wine lovers or not, lovers or not of good Trentino food, this is a must see. Pay attention to the times, as it is only open on weekends, so we advise you to organize yourself accordingly.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: in Via Santissima Trinita 24. It can also be reached on foot from the station (900 m, 11 min). All bus lines stop near the Cathedral (Piazza Duomo stop, Via Antonio Rosmini stop). Near public parking Piazza Fiera parking – Get directions
• Hours: Enoteca Thu-Sat 17: 00-22: 00
• Ticket cost: based on the tasting experience, from € 6.00. Consult official website

4 – MART, Civic Gallery of Trento
In the center, a few steps from the Duomo, is the MART, or the Civic Gallery of Trento, which offers a journey between contemporary art and 19th and 20th century architecture . In reality, this is a branch of the largest Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Trento and Rovereto, located right in the city of Rovereto.
The Civic Gallery of Trento is not very big, so we advise you to pay it a visit as soon as you have a moment of time! But, in addition to the permanent collections, the Gallery always organizes numerous temporary exhibitions that touch on different topics .

Visit the Rovereto headquarters: if you love modern and contemporary art, visit the large headquarters, the MART in Rovereto, (30 km from Trento, by car in 25 min, by direct train in 15 min).
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: in Via Rodolfo Belenzani 44. Reachable on foot from the Duomo (250 m, 3 min) and from the central station (550 m, 7 min) – Get directions
• Hours: Tue-Sun 10: 00-18: 00, Fri 10: 00-21: 00, closed Mon
• Ticket cost: € 2.00

5 – Via Belenzani
Photo by Matteo Ianeselli. It is one of the main streets of the historic center and from the Duomo it reaches via Roma. During your stay you will surely find yourself passing by here several times!
Strolling along this street means admiring the refined architecture and a selection of historic buildings with beautiful colorful frescoes dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, including the Thun Palace, the Municipal Palace and the Casa Geremia. Here is also the entrance to the Civic Gallery of Trento. But not only that: the street is also full of particular shops , where you can buy souvenirs of the city, and wonderful pastry shops, where you can taste traditional sweets!

Enter the courtyard of Palazzo Thun: on the street is this wonderful building, whose internal courtyard is always accessible! In addition, various exhibitions are organized on numerous occasions.

6 – Tridentum – SASS, Sas underground archaeological space
Photo by ArcheoTrentino. It is an archaeological area brought to light after some excavations carried out on the occasion of the restoration and expansion of the theater. These are the remains of the ancient Roman city of Tridentum , built and inhabited during the 1st century BC, in the period in which the ancient Romans conquered this part of Italy. With the expansion of the Roman Empire, Tridentum developed and became an important military and commercial center .
Today isIt is possible to visit the excavations of the ancient city , which include parts of the original walls and sections of the fantastic Roman roads. Furthermore, in the ruins of the old houses you can still admire the mosaics that adorned the walls, rooms with even ancient underfloor heating systems, courtyards, a perfectly preserved well and a glassmaker’s shop.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: in Piazza Cesare Battisti. Reachable on foot from the train station (650 m, 8 min). Torre Verde Galasso reference stop – Get directions
• Hours: from October to May 9: 00-13: 00 and 14: 00-17: 30, from June to September 9: 00-13: 00 and 14: 00-18: 00, closed Mon
• Ticket price: full € 2.50, reduced € 1.50

7 – Castello del Buonconsiglio
Photo by Jakub Halun.
This splendid complex was the home of the bishop princes who ruled Trento during the 13th century. The castle consists of a series of buildings (with Castel Beseno and Castel Stenico) which together constitute a real museum center concerning the art and culture of the city.
It is surrounded by imposing crenellated walls and embellished with a circular tower that dominates the horizon. Despite the interventions and changes it has undergone over time, the castle retains much of the original structureand there are remains of the first construction in some decorations and in the internal courtyards, including some beautiful colored frescoes and wall paintings. From the upper courtyard, there is an extraordinary view of the valley and surrounding mountains .

Follow the path : inside it is a path that will take you to visit the very famous Cycle of the Months, a late medieval fresco among the most important and beautiful of its kind! And as you climb higher and higher, in some places you will be able to enjoy wonderful views of Trento! So eyes open and camera in hand.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: in via Bernardo Clesio, in the northern part of the historic center. Also reachable on foot from the station (550 m, 7 min). Reference bus stop Sanzio “Castello” – Get directions
• Hours: from May to November every day 10: 00-18: 00, from December to April 9: 30-17: 00, always closed Mon
• Ticket price: full € 10.00, over € 658.00, reduced € 6.00, up to 14 years free

8 – Mausoleo di Cesare Battisti
Photo by Clanc72.
Photo by Federica Mazzanti. The Mausoleum of Cesare Battisti is located on the top of Doss Trento, that is the small hill overlooking the city, on the opposite bank of the river from the center. Given its position, from here you can admire a beautiful view over the whole city and the historic center ! You can reach it on foot, with a walk of about 40 minutes, or by public transport, which is certainly more comfortable.

The remains of Cesare Battisti are kept right in the center of the mausoleum , with a circular shape taken from classical art. Executed by the Austrians on 12 July 1916, Cesare Battisti and the symbol of irredentism , he was the one who fought for the Italian spirit of Trento.
Reachable by car or via a short uphill walk from the western exit of the Piazzale Zuffo car park. From Trento station bus 1, 2 or 6 to Piazzale degli Alpini (25 min) – Get directions

Visit it at sunset : since the Mausoleum is always accessible, one of the best times to visit it and certainly at sunset, when you can see the sun setting behind the mountains and the rays that are reflected on the peaks create a spectacle that only the mountain can offer.

9 – Church of Santa Maria Maggiore

And the church of the Council of Trent, in fact, the preparatory congregations took place here from April 1562 to December 1563. It was built by the bishop-prince Bernardo Clesio between 1520 and 1524. the typically Romanesque one.

The church was enriched over the centuries with works of great value : the exterior has a design similar to the cathedral, with a large circular rose window and a triangular pediment decorated in the upper part. There are also some delightful stucco details on the door. Inside, however, there are many decorations and magnificent Baroque altars.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: in Vicolo delle Orsoline 1. Reachable on foot from Trento station (400 m, 5 min). Reference stop Rosmini S. Maria Maggiore – Get directions
• Hours: every day 8: 00-12: 00 and 14: 30-18: 00
• Ticket cost: free

10 – Sardagna and
funivia Photo by Matteo Ianeselli. On a visit to Trento it is impossible not to go up to Sardagna , a hamlet located on top of the mountain overlooking the city. To get to the top you can take the Trento-Sardagna cable car, which offers wonderful views over the city and will take you to your destination in just 3 minutes. The departure station is located near the train station.
Once you get to the top, you will be in the most beautiful viewpoint in Trento ! In addition to taking a walk around the small hamlet and visiting some attractions such as the Parish Church of Santi Filippo e Giacomo and the small Chapel of San Rocco, do not miss the Panorama Busa Degli Orsi,a wonderful panoramic terrace always accessible !

Stop for dinner too : reach the hamlet in the afternoon, to be able to explore it far and wide, in fact not far away is the imposing Sardagna Waterfall. Once the tour is over, we recommend that you stop for dinner here and then admire the city illuminated from the viewing platform.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: departure station in S.Lorenzo “Funivia”, in front of the San Lorenzo car park. It can be reached on foot from the railway station (450 m, 6 min) and from the Duomo (600 m, 8 min). Ascent to Sardagna by cable car (3 min) – Get directions
• Hours: Sardagna always accessible / Trento-Sardagna cable car every day 7: 00-22: 30
• Ticket price: Sardagna free / Trento-Sardagna cable car round trip € 5.00, bike supplement € 2.00

11 – Monte Bondone
Photo by Fabio Guariento. One of the strong points of Trento is its position , among the wonderful mountains of Trentino. Near the city, on the west side, is Monte Bondone, also known as Alpe di Trento. It reaches up to 2,100 m and is clearly visible from the city, it will probably be the backdrop for many of your photos !
Monte Bondone is a natural attraction to visit in every season , thanks to the many activities that can be carried out here, both in winter and in summer! If you are a lover of skiing and winter sports, here you will find the Monte Bondone Snowpark, which has over 20 km of slopes of varying difficulty.. One of the most demanding is the Gran Pista, with about 800 m of altitude difference, suitable only for the most experienced. For the little ones there are also ice rinks and the ski school!

In summer, however, here you can do numerous trekking , also these of different duration and difficulty, but also sports such as mountain biking, horseback riding, climbing and paragliding! There really is something for everyone!

Organize the excursion in the best possible way : however, one of the most evocative moments remains autumn. If you visit your destination in the winter, make sure you have all the snow gear in your car, so winter wheels and chains in the trunk. In Trentino, never let yourself be taken by surprise!
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: 20 km from Trento. Reachable by car via the A22, exit Trento Sud. From Trento, continue on via Statale 12 (approximately 30 min depending on the point of arrival) – Get directions
• Hours: Monte always accessible / Ski facilities with timetables that vary according to the day / For trekking it is better to venture during the day and with beautiful sunny days
• Ticket price: free / Paid ski facilities, prices based on the services chosen

12 – Lago di Toblino
Photo by Federico Del Gaizo. If you are not particularly sporty people or simply want to enjoy a relaxing day , in the surroundings of Trento there is another natural beauty to be discovered: we are talking about Lake Toblino. This is considered to be one of the most romantic lakes in the whole region , with beautiful woods and lush nature.
The lake is dominated from above by the Toblino Castle, dating back to 1300 and today transformed into an exclusive restaurant. We recommend that you enjoy a nice walk around the lake and then drive to the viewpoint along the SP18, from which you can admire the lakes and the whole area from above! It is a nice day trip to do even with children.
15.6 km west of Trento. Reachable by car via SS45bis (20 min). Alternatively, direct bus line B205 from Trento station to the Due Laghi-Hotel Miralagh stop (30 min) – Get directions

Visit it in autumn : beautiful and romantic in every season, certainly autumn is the time when the lake reaches its pinnacle of beauty. The best times to visit are early in the morning and around sunset, when the light has excellent characteristics for taking wonderful photos.

13 – Le Albere and Palazzo delle Albere
Photo by Niccolo Caranti. Le Albere, where the MUSE is located, ea wonderful neighborhood designed by Renzo Piano , thanks to a redevelopment project in the area. Today it is one of the most beautiful areas of Trento, with gardens and clubs. After visiting the museum, we recommend that you take some time to stroll around the neighborhood and in the Michelin Brothers Park, ideal for a picnic or to spend some time with the children.
In the district there is also the Palazzo delle Albere, adjacent to the MUSE. It is a villa-fortress dating back to the 1500s, with 4 towers at the corners and surrounded by a small poplar garden with canals and paths (Tue-Sun 10: 00-18: 00 / free admission). This palace was once the summer residence of the Madruzzo Prince Bishopsand numerous events and tournaments were held here. Today the palace can be visited inside and preserves wonderful frescoes depicting landscapes, castles, the 12 months and much more.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: south of the historic center, along the banks of the Adige river. From the Duomo on foot (950 m, 12 min). Reference stop Sanseverino “Albere” / Muse, numerous lines from the station – Get directions
• Hours: free district and park / Palazzo delle Albere Tue-Sun 10 am-6pm
• Ticket price: neighborhood and park free / Palazzo delle Albere free

14 – MUSE, Trento Science Museum
Photo by Matteo De Stefano / MUSE. MUSE, short for Trento Science Museum, is a wonderful building designed by Renzo Piano and an ideal stop for the whole family. Located on the banks of the Adige River, this museum can be reached from Piazza del Duomo on foot in about 10 minutes.
The collections held within it include interactive exhibits illustrating the region’s natural alpine environment , along with geological information, examples of wildlife taxidermy, and exhibits on natural phenomena such as avalanches. Do not miss a look at more current issues , such as sustainable development and environmental conservation.

The museum’s flagships are the Maxi Ooh !, a unique sensory space dedicated to children from 0 to 5 years old, the tropical greenhouse, the largest dinosaur exhibition in the Alps and the FabLab, a digital space where to give shape to own ideas.

Visit with children : the museum has several family tickets, allowing you to save money! Furthermore, it adheres to the Citizen Science project, with the aim of developing and increasing the critical and civic sense of the environment. All the info on the official website.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: in Corso del Lavoro e della Scienza 3, in the Le Albere district. Reachable on foot from Piazza Duomo (950 m, 12 min). Reference stop Sanseverino “Albere” / Muse – Get directions
• Orari: mar-ven 10:00-18:00, sab-dom 10:00-19:00
• Ticket price: full € 11.00, reduced € 9.00, family ticket € 22.00

15 – Orrido di Ponte Alto
Photo of Syrio. The Orrido di Ponte Alto is a wonderful canyon carved into the rock for thousands of years, where the Fersina stream flows. It is one of the most popular attractions in all of Trento and the surrounding area, so you absolutely cannot miss it. Furthermore, today the route is open again after important works in 2015 and can be traveled in total safety , obviously always with a guide! It is a natural attraction suitable for everyone, the route is in fact very simple and has no criticism.
Here you can admire two waterfalls of over 40 meters, born as a result of hydraulic works carried out in 1500, with the aim of reducing the floods in the city caused by the torrent.

Organize your visit on the weekend : the site can only be visited by guided tour for obvious safety reasons, but it is open only on weekends, so we recommend that you book your visit as soon as possible.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: entrance to the Orrido along the road that connects Trento to the SS47 della Valsugana, in Via alla Cascata. From Trento station, by car (10 min) or by direct bus B103, B401 or B402 to Ponte Alto (20 min) – Get directions
• Timetables: guided tours 45 min, Sat-Sun every 30 min in the 10: 00-18: 00 range, Fri every hour in the 10: 00-18: 00 range
• Ticket price: full € 6.00, reduced € 4.00

Other attractions to visit
The beauty of Trento, as well as in nature, lies in its historic center, a small open-air museum . Walking through the streets you will come across wonderful squares such as Piazza Venezia, ancient palaces and historical points such as Porta San Margherita, Torre Vanga or Torre Massarello (all free from the outside). You can also relax in wonderful green areas , such as the Piazza Venezia Park, near the square of the same name, and the Giardini Pubblici, the large park outside the train station where the Monument to Dante Alighieri is also located.
If in addition to the museums already mentioned, you want to give yourself to other cultural visits, you can opt for the Tridentine Diocesan Museum (€ 7.00), if you like the genre, with various and important paintings, manuscripts and liturgical furnishings dating back to several eras inside.
Finally, as we have already seen, the beauty of Trento also lies in the nature that surrounds it . In addition to the unmissable attractions already mentioned, you can visit many villages, lakes and practice mountain sports, such as hiking in summer or skiing in winter.

8 things to do in Trento
Visit the Christmas Markets

Photo in front of the Neptune Fountain

Urban trekking in the center of Trento

Lunch break at Forsterbru Trento

Medieval Tourism Festival

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1. Visit the Christmas Markets : one of the best times to visit Trento and certainly at Christmas, between markets with classic wooden houses, typical dishes, sweets, events and winter sports! Between Christmas music and handicrafts, you can warm up while drinking good mulled wine
2. Days on the snow : if you love skiing and, more generally, winter sports, then you should definitely visit Trento in winter. It is in fact an excellent base to reach various ski resorts and experience wonderful days in the snow
3. Photo in front of the Fountain of Neptune : it is impossible to leave Trento without having taken a photo in front of the Fountain of Neptune, in the center of Piazza Duomo, with the Duomo itself behind. A great souvenir photo
4. Urban trekking in the center of Trento : this is an initiative organized by the association Tesori Nascosti every year on October 31st. Accompanied by a local guide you will visit different attractions following a theme that changes every year. More info on the official website
5. Lunch break at Forsterbrau Trento : stop in this wonderful restaurant for lunch or dinner, in the heart of the historic center. You can taste Tyrolean and traditional dishes, all accompanied by excellent beers
6. Sunset from Sardagna : the best place to admire the sunset, with the sun setting behind the mountains, the sky turning red and the city lights slowly lighting up
7. Medieval Tourism Festival : between October and November you can attend this particular festival, with the aim of making visitors discover the wonderful castles of Trentino and the excellent wine proposal, with tastings and tours in cellars
8. Excursions in the surroundings : the position of Trento suggests day trips of great interest! Many lakes, from that of Garda to those of Levico and Caldonazzo, natural parks such as Val di Fumo and the Spormaggiore Wildlife Park in Val di Non, villages and castles such as San Romedio, Forte Belvedere Gschwent and Castel Beseno. More info here

Plan your stay in Trento: tips, flights and hotels
Photo by Gianni o O. Trento is an expensive city , especially in summer and winter, the high season. To reach it, you land in Verona or Bergamo (compare the flights), then the advice and rent a car to move around the area.
The center is the best area for accommodation, but certainly expensive. The Le Albere, Cristo Re and Solteri districts are slightly cheaper and in any case very close to the center and also to the shopping area. For panoramic views and suggestive environments in nature we recommend the hilly districts of San Dona, Cognola and Martignano (compare the accommodations on booking).
For those looking for nightlife, go downtown. Trento is also a university, there are many places to have a drink with friends!

Trento is a city on a human and family scale , with many green areas and very quiet. Children will certainly love MUSE, but also the many excursions that can be done in the surrounding area, including the one to the Orrido di Ponte Alto, with very simple routes suitable for everyone.