The Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites

The best places to visit in the Dolomites are scattered throughout one of Italy’s most breathtaking mountain regions, with dramatic peaks, alpine lakes, and charming mountain villages.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is ideal for travelers who love road trips, hiking, and unforgettable views.

I visited the Dolomites in July, staying in Cortina d’Ampezzo and exploring the region by car, which made it easy to reach some of my favorite spots. In this guide, I’m sharing the best places to visit in the Dolomites. Additionally, you’ll get tips on where to stay, eat, and how to get around. This helps you plan your trip with confidence. I planned it all on my own – and I know you can too.

Table of Contents

This blog covers everything you need to plan your own Dolomites adventure:

• Places I Visited: Seceda, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Braies, Cadini di Misurina
• Where to Stay: Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val Gardena, Seiser Alm, Rifugio Auronzo
• Where to Eat: Local restaurants and cafes, including tips on where to eat while hiking
• Getting Around: Car rentals, cable cars, and public transportation
• How to Get There: From Venice, Milan, to Innsbruck
• Best Time to Visit: Peak summer, shoulder seasons, and winter highlights
• Summary: How to make your trip unforgettable

Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites, Italy

Visiting the Dolomites had been on my bucket list for a while. There were a few places I knew I had to experience. Below are the locations I visited, followed by honorable mentions for a future trip. Additionally, these spots showcase the best that the Dolomites have to offer!

Seceda

Located above Ortisei in Val Gardena, Seceda is one of the most photographed viewpoints in the Dolomites, known for it’s sharp ridgeline and sweeping mountain slopes. Stepping off the cable car and immediately being greeted by this breathtaking view was truly unforgettable. To plan your trip, start with my full Seceda guide. It includes travel tips and everything you need to know.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Tre Cime di Lavaredo was an unexpected favorite of mine. The trailhead connects to Cadini di Misurina, and I was originally more excited to hike Misurina, but once I saw Tre Cime, it immediately became a highlight of the trip. These three towering peaks can be experienced via a loop hike that starts at Rifugio Auronzo. If you’re thinking about visiting this area, my guide to Tre Cime di Lavaredo has all the details on hikes, timing, and my insider tips.

Lago di Braies

Lago di Braies captured on 35mm film

Also known as Pragser Wildsee, this iconic alpine lake is a perfect spot for any adventurer to explore. You can rent rowboats to take out to the lake, enjoy shores where you can have a picnic or swim, and walk the path that loops around the lake, offering 360-degree views of the mountain ridges reflecting in the turquoise water. For everything you need to know to plan your visit, check out my full Lago di Braies guide here.

Cadini di Misurina

In addition to Seceda, Cadini di Misurina is one of the most photographed mountain peaks in the Dolomites. The hike, accessible from the Tre Cime di Lavaredo trail, is moderately challenging but rewards you with stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges. You’ll encounter a mix of sharp, jagged peaks and sweeping meadows, with cows grazing near Tre Cime and the sound of bells echoing through the valley. If you’re planning to explore this area, my guide to Tre Cime and Cadini di Misurina has all the details on trails and how to get there.

The Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites: Honorable Mentions (Places I Haven’t Explored Yet)

Alpe di Siusi

Also known as Seiser Alm, Alpe di Siusi is Europe’s largest high-altitude alpine meadow, featuring expansive green fields, charming huts, and iconic views of Sassolungo. Easily accessible from Val Gardena, this little slice of heaven is almost car-free and a wonderful spot to explore.

Passo Giau

Located about a half an hour from Cortina d’Ampezzo, Passo Giau connects Colle Santa Lucia and Selva di Cadore. Free parking is available at the top of the pass. The view features sweeping meadows with the mountains towering above.

Where to Stay in the Dolomites

I based myself in Cortina d’Ampezzo, right in the heart of the southern Alps. From here, it’s easy to explore the best spots in the Dolomites:

• Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Rifugio Auronzo): 50 minutes
• Cadini di Misurina (Rifugio Auronzo): 50 minutes
• Lago di Braies: 1 hour
• Passo Giau: 35 minutes
• Ortisei (cable car station to Seceda): 1 hour 40 minutes
• Val Gardena (cable car station to Alpe di Siusi): 1 hour 37 minutes

Additionally, here are a few towns to consider for your home base in the Dolomites:

• Bolzano – The capital of South Tyrol in northern Italy, known for it’s combination of Mediterranean, Austrian, and Italian culture.
• Corvara – Known for it’s Latin culture, it is a year-round destination for winter sports
• Val Gardena – Made up of three towns: Ortisei, the largest and a hub for summer activities; Santa Cristina, conveniently located in the middle; and Selva, a high-altitude town popular in winter.
• Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) – The largest high elevation Alpine meadow in Europe. A major tourist attraction for skiing and hiking.
• Cortina d’Ampezzo – My home base for this trip. I stayed at Hotel Corona, a quaint hotel with wonderful staff, local recommendations, and a balcony overlooking the town.
• Rifugio Auronzo – You can stay at this restaurant and lodge right at the base of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Cadini di Misurina trailheads, making it an ideal base for early-morning hikes.

Hotel Corona in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Where to Eat in the Dolomites

During my stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo, I discovered a few local spots that are perfect for refueling after a long day of hiking.

• Il Vizietto Di Cortina -A favorite local restaurant in town that serves Casunziei all’Ampezzana, a traditional Dolomite pasta dish.
• Pizzeria Bar Ristorante 5 Torri – A wonderful place to grab a slice of pizza and a drink after a long day of hiking.
• SanBrite – This Michelin-star restaurant, whose name means “Healthy Pasture,” is a quaint, vegetarian-friendly establishment located just outside the heart of town, with views of the Tofane mountains. (They serve the best butter I have ever had).
• Pasticceria Panificio Alverà – A fantastic breakfast stop for coffee and pastries.

Additionally, as a vegetarian I was delighted by the variety of Italian Dolomite cuisine.

Eating While Hiking

If you’re interested in pairing a hike with local cuisine (instead of packing your own), here are a few recommended places to eat along the trails.

• Restaurant Secëda – Located at the beginning of the Seceda trail, right off the cable car from Ortisei, this is the perfect place to sit down and enjoy a hot pasta meal or toast with a shot of Génépi (a traditional alpine herbal liqueur) with your server.
• Rifugio Auronzo – This bar and self-service restaurant is located at the base of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Cadini di Misurina trailhead and also offers restrooms for hikers (bring cash!).

The Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites: How to Get Around

The Dolomites are spread out, so choosing the right way to get around is key. Here are the main options:

• Car: My favorite way to get around the Dolomites is by car. It allows you to stop wherever you want and explore at your own pace.
• Cable Cars & Lifts: Not every destination is fully accessible by car; some require parking in a nearby town and taking a cable car up to the trailhead
• Buses & Public Transit: There are major transport hubs, including Bolzano, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and nearby villages, which offer public transportation options.

My personal recommendation is to rent a car! Driving in a new country can be intimidating, but it’s easier to navigate than you might expect.

How to Get to the Dolomites

Getting around the Dolomites is straightforward once you’re there, but requires a bit of planning when deciding where to begin your journey.

Most travelers arrive via Venice, then continue by car or public transportation. I personally flew into Venice (spent a day exploring — it’s one of my favorite cities!) and rented a car. The drive from Venice to Cortina d’Ampezzo takes just over two hours and is well worth it for the stunning scenery along the way.

Another option is to fly into Milan or Innsbruck, Austria. The drive from Milan takes just under five hours, while coming from Innsbruck is a bit shorter at just over two and a half hours.

Best Time to Visit the Dolomites

I planned my trip for July, which is peak summer when all the trailheads are open and easily accessible. Temperatures were mild, with sunny afternoons and chilly evenings.

• Summer (June-September) – This time of year is best for hiking and road trips.
• Spring & Early Fall – During the shoulder seasons, there are fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, though some trails may still be closed due to snow.
• Winter (December – March) – This time of year is great for ski season and snow-covered landscapes.

The Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites: Summary

The Dolomites are truly a one-of-a-kind destination, with breathtaking peaks, alpine lakes, and charming mountain towns. When planning your trip, it helps to know the best places to visit in the Dolomites so you can make the most of your time. From hiking Seceda and Tre Cime di Lavaredo to enjoying a cup of coffee and a fresh plate of pasta in town, there’s something for every type of traveler.

Above all, starting in Cortina d’Ampezzo provides a convenient base for exploring all of the best areas, and with some planning, getting around by car or cable car is very easy. By following this guide to the best places to visit in the Dolomites, you’ll be able to design a trip that fits your pace and interests. Also be sure to check my guides for each destination for more in-depth tips, local recommendations, and insider advice to make your Dolomites adventure unforgettable.

Lastly, I hope this guide to the best places to visit in the Dolomites inspires your own mountain adventure! If you’re planning a trip — whether it’s a wedding, elopement, or just a personal adventure — and want someone to capture the memories along the way, I’d love to offer my destination photography services. You can learn more about my work on my website, or reach out here if you’re ready to begin your adventure with me.

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