Have you moved to Trento for study or work? Many people make this choice every year. Trento boasts some of the best universities in northern Italy and even the jobs ensure well-being and a good salary.

Moreover, Trentino is wonderful.

For those who love the mountains and nature, this is the perfect place to live. Trento is quite a big city but still on a human scale and, just outside, you find yourself surrounded by the most beautiful mountains in the world.

You have to spend the coldest months of the year here and you wonder what to do in Trento in winter? The answer is: everything!

Both the city and the surrounding nature areas offer a wide range of activities to choose from, and winter is precisely the most fascinating season to live here. If you love sport, you can go on weekend trips to the Dolomites or you can go as far as Lake Garda. For everyday life, on the other hand, there are also many places of interest in the city and exhibitions that you can visit in your free time in one of Trento's famous museums.

The buildings of Trento, like those of many other Italian cities, tell the complete story of the city. We move from typical remnants of the Middle Ages to the Renaissance and on to the present day with more modern and contemporary styles. Trento is a city that never tires both lovers of tradition and those who prefer innovation. It is therefore a modern city where, however, history can be felt at every step.

Having been the headquarters of the Council of Trent, the city experienced a splendour that is still visible today.

So, let's not waste any more time in chatter and find out what to do in Trento in winter so you never get bored.

Visiting Trento in winter

Trentino is an extremely popular destination in winter for all those who live in northern Italy, as we will not tire of saying that some of the most beautiful mountains in the world are to be found here. However, few tourists stay in the city. Once the Christmas market period is over, tourists who visit the area during the day prefer to dedicate themselves to snow sports.

If you have decided to live here for a period of time, you therefore have a great opportunity, that of discovering a magnificent city in peace and quiet.

The Christmas market period is certainly one of the most interesting, but even in the following months the city certainly does not lose its charm. You can stroll through its streets, stop for a hot chocolate, and visit one of the many museum exhibitions.

As we shall see, some of the most interesting exhibitions in all of Italy are held here.

And then what? What can we say about the city framed by snow-covered mountains?

If you are lucky, some snow may fall even in the city and whitewash the beautiful palaces and stately homes. Trento is a very elegant city, which in 2021 was on the podium of the Italian cities with the best quality of life.

Here is a list of what to see in Trento in winter.

Discovering the historical city centre

The starting point for visiting Trento in winter is definitely Piazza del Duomo, the city's main square.

Here you will find some of the most beautiful buildings. The first one is the Cathedral of San Vigilio, also called the Duomo of Trento. It was built in the 12th century on top of an existing Paleo-Christian church. Now you can see different architectural styles ranging from Gothic to Baroque. The Cathedral was dedicated to San Vigilio because the saint's relics are kept inside. But it is not only this that has made it famous, but we must also remember that it was here that the famous Council of Trent took place from 1545 to 1563, convened as a reaction to the Protestant Reformation.

Also, in Piazza del Duomo we find the Palazzo Pretorio, which houses the Museo Diocesano Tridentino and was the original bishop's residence, and the Torre Civica. We will talk about the museum later when we discuss the various museums you can visit in the city.

While you are visiting the square, you should also linger over the decorations on the façades of the buildings, in particular Palazzo Cazuffi. It is a 16th century house adorned with frescoes by Fogolino, a 16th century Italian painter. From the square all the main streets of the city lead you to the other points of interest.

In the centre, you cannot miss the Buonconsiglio Castle, a complex containing several buildings from different historical periods. The oldest structure is Castelvecchio, while Palazzo Magno has Renaissance architecture and the Giunta Albertiana a Baroque style. The castle is famous because the Bishop's Principality of Trento was based here.

From the centre you can finally reach Doss Trento, a small hill so fascinating that it was even portrayed by the painter Albrecht Dürer in one of his paintings.

Museums in Trento

After visiting the historic centre, what to do in Trento in winter? On a particularly cold day where being outside is unthinkable, you can take refuge inside one of the many museums.

The most important is the Muse, Trento's Science Museum. In fact, you should know that the city boasts an exceptional science centre, including universities. You can reach it with a short walk from Piazza del Duomo and it will amaze you from the outside with its architecture designed by Renzo Piano. The museum is organised on several levels, each of which houses a specific route. It is a visit that ensures fun for young and old alike.

We have already mentioned among the things to see in Trento in winter the Museo Diocesano Tridentino in Piazza del Duomo. The museum is located in the Palazzo Pretorio and priceless religious relics that escaped destruction during the war are kept here. Of course, there are also many exhibits about the Council of Trent, the most important historical event that ever took place in the city.

The Castello del Buonconsiglio also houses a museum with regional collections. We advise you to check on the official website the exhibitions that are active in the period in which you decide to visit it.

If, on the other hand, you want to find out more about the city in Roman times, we recommend a visit to the Spazio Archeologico del Sas where you can see the remains of the ancient city walls.

But that's not all, because if you are attracted by aircraft, you can visit the Gianni Caproni Aeronautical Museum. A small museum that will surprise you with all that it contains.

In Trento there is also the Museo Nazionale Storico degli Alpini where you can discover many interesting facts about Italy's most famous military corps. Alpini rallies are often organised in Trento and if you live here, you will certainly see one.

What to do in and around Trento in winter

Have you visited all the museums and temporary exhibitions? You are tireless!

Here are some ideas for a weekend getaway.

The main attraction you can reach from Trento is obviously Lake Garda, one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe. From Trento you can quickly get to Riva del Garda and from there drive along its entire length on both sides. You can easily spend a day visiting the small villages or you can try your hand at one of the many sporting activities on offer even in winter.

If you are a sportsman, you can spend a few weekends skiing or snowboarding on the many ski slopes in the Dolomites. Around Trento there are over 300 ski lifts in the ski resorts of Obereggen/Pampeago/Predazzo, Carezza, Madonna di Campiglio/Pinzolo/Folgàrida/Marilleva, San Martino di Castrozza, San Pellegrino/Falcade, Ponte di Legno/Tonale, Andalo, Moena/Bellamonte, Alpe Cermis, Monte Bondone, Lavarone, Monte Baldo and others.

You are spoilt for choice between fantastic slopes and snow parks!

If you are passionate about nature but not necessarily about sport, you can visit the Orrido di Ponte Alto canyon. It is a canyon that is home to two 40-metre waterfalls plunging forcefully into the rock.

Do you like history instead? We suggest you go as far as Castel Beseno, the largest fortified complex in all Trentino-Alto Adige. A visit to the castle is very interesting; you can still see the walls and ramparts. The Buonconsiglio Castle Provincial Museum is also located here. However, the most fascinating aspect is the view of the valley below, from which you will not be able to take your eyes off.

If, on the other hand, you want to combine nature and history, you can dedicate a day to visiting Lake Toblino with its castle of the same name. It is a small alpine lake that sometimes freezes over in winter when it is very cold, giving the observer a fairy-tale landscape.