padova travel blog

13 things to see in Padova: 1 day itinerary

Near Venice, Padova is home to an illustrious university, a famous saint, stunning artistic treasures, and magnificent squares.

Table of Contents

Padova is a delightful university town that combines impressive art, beautiful Medieval architecture, and a buzzing historic center . It will make for a great day trip from Venice .

Having rockstar Venice as a neighbor doesn’t really help. One gets automatically ignored. But  there are plenty of reasons to visit Padova . It’s one of the oldest cities in northern Italy, home to an illustrious university, a famous saint, stunning artistic treasures, and magnificent piazze .

I’ve put together  an itinerary with all the best things to see in Padova that you can cover as an easy day trip from Venice . At the end of the article, you’ll find a map summarizing all the places mentioned in this article.

By the way, if you’re looking for more 1 day itineraries in northern Italy, check out the articles One Day in Milan , One day in Monza , and One day in Brescia .

Now, here’s what you can see in Padova in one day:

1. Scrovegni Chapel

The Scrovegni Chapel is one of the highlights of any visit to Padova. It’s a private chapel belonging to the Paduan Scrovegni family, that contains an art masterpiece realized by Giotto : a huge depiction of the Last Judgement. The walls of the chapel are covered in 39 sequential frescoes illustrating the lives of the Virgin Mary and Jesus, culminating in the magnificent Universal Judgement on the wall opposite the altar. The great realism and the emotional narrative of the scenes will mesmerize you!

• Address: Piazza Eremitani, 8
• Tickets: €13, including entrance to the Eremitani Civic Museum (which I didn’t visit, though).
• Further info: Scrovegni Chapel website

2. Eremitani Church

Just a few steps from the Scrovegni Chapel you’ll find the Eremitani Church. Although fairly simple at first glance, it is truly impressive inside . This huge and peaceful building was one of the most important churches of Padua, but it was badly damaged during WWII (it had the misfortune of being located right next to Padova’s Nazi headquarters).

• Address: Piazza Eremitani, 9
• Tickets: free entrance

3. Caffè Pedrocchi

The historic Caffè Pedrocchi opened in Padua in 1831 . In its heyday, it was the meeting place for illustrious intellectuals, artists, and writers such as D’Annunzio, Balzac, and Stendhal. It later became a major gathering point for patriots during the 1848 riots against the Habsburg monarchy.

Although you can dine here, I suggest visiting only for a drink or coffee. Not to miss is their famous caffè Pedrocch i, a mint-flavored coffee . I’ve also heard that the tiramisù is delicious, but I haven’t tried it.

• Address: Via VIII Febbraio, 15
• Prices: €5 for a Caffè Pedrocchi, €6 for a slice of tiramisù
• Further info: Caffè Pedrocchi website   

4. Palazzo Bo and Anatomic Museum

Palazzo Bo is the seat of the University of Padua, founded in 1222 . It is one of the oldest European universities and the second oldest in Italy. Illustrious figures studied here , including Copernicus, Erasmus from Rotterdam, the poet Torquato Tasso and Eleonora Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia, the first woman in the world to receive an academic degree .

Palazzo Bo can be visited with guided tours only, which include also a visit to the anatomical theatre.

• Address: Via 8 Febbraio, 2
• Tickets: €7 
• Further info: University of Padua website  

5. Palazzo della Ragione

Just a couple of minutes walk from Palazzo Bo is Palazzo della Ragione, a stunning medieval palace that was once the seat of the local law courts . The interiors are a treasure trove of beautiful frescoes on astrology and interesting items such as a giant wooden horse (commissioned in the XV century for a public carnival), the reproduction of the Foucault’s pendulum (an homage to the connection between Padova and the scientific world) and the stone of shame (used to punish insolvent debtors). 

• Address: Piazza delle Erbe, entrance via the staircase “Scala dei Ferri” 
• Tickets:  € 6

6. Piazza dei Frutti and Piazza delle Erbe

Palazzo della Ragione sits between Piazza della Frutta and Piazza delle Erbe, the beating heart of Padova’s social life . They are home to bustling markets by day and a lively cafe scene after dusk. Pretty coffee shops and restaurants line their perimeter. 

7. Piazza dei Signori and the Clock Tower

Piazza dei Signori is another important piazza in Padova. Perhaps a bit austere compared to the previous two, it is lined with elegant buildings and nice eateries and bars.

8. The Cathedral of Padova

Only a few steps from Piazza dei Signori is the Dome of Padova. It didn’t particularly impress me, as it’s  fairly plain and unadorned .

• Address: Piazza del Duomo
• Tickets: free, but you’ll have to pay €3 to visit the Baptistery 

9. Old Jewish Quarter

Just south of Piazza delle Erbe is the old Jewish Ghetto, founded in 1603 and then abolished in 1797 . Here you can visit the interesting Museum of Jewish Padova and take a guided tour that brings you also to the synagogues.

• Address: Via S.Martino e Solferino
• Tickets: €8 to visit the Jewish museum 
• Further info: Museum of Jewish Padova    

10. Basilica of Saint Anthony

This is Padova’s most important religious sit e and a much-revered pilgrimage location  since it houses the tomb of Saint Anthony, the patron saint of the city and a key religious figure known for his kindness towards children, the poor and the sick.

• Address: Via Orto Botanico, 11 
• Further info: Basilica of Saint Anthony official website 

11. Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden of Padova is the oldest university botanical garden still in its original location . It was founded in 1545 and is a UNESCO world heritage site since 1997.   The garden serves as a repository for botanical knowledge and hosts about 7,000 precious plant and flower species , including a huge oriental plane that was planted in the garden in 1680.

• Address: via Orto Botanico, 15
• Tickets: €10  
• Further info: visit the  Botanical Garden website  

12. Basilica of Saint Giustina

The Basilica of Saint Giustina is the second most important pilgrimage site in Padova after the Basilica di Saint Anthony. It is huge indeed and contains some interesting paintings and artworks.

The church is dedicated to Giustina, the other patron saint of Padova, and houses the tomb of Luke the Evangelist.

• Address: Prato della Valle

13. Prato della Valle

Prato della Valle is one of Padova’s landmarks. It sits at the very end of via Roma, the town’s main street, and is, therefore, the perfect spot to end your walk around Padova. With its 90,000 square meters, Prato della Valle is the biggest square in Italy and one of the largest in Europe . At the center of the square, there is a grassy park surrounded by a water ring dotted with 78 statues of famous citizens, which makes it truly unique.

How to get to Padova

Traveling to Padova from Venice is easy and cheap . The train trip from Venezia Santa Lucia or Venezia Mestre to Padova takes about 30-45 minutes. Remember that with Trenitalia you can choose between two types of trains: the regional train costs €4,25, while the Frecciarossa high-speed train will cost you €18 and would save you just about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can catch a train with Italo prices are currently €10 for a 30-minute train ride. Of course, you can reach Padova very easily also from Milan, with trains departing regularly from the Central Station.

Useful tips for Padova

• I suggest buying a PadovaCard .  It costs €16 and allows you to visit all key sites for free or at reduced rates (including the Scrovegni Chapel) and to use the public transports for 48h
• I had a delightful lunch at Caffè della Piazzetta in the old Jewish quarter, while for dinner I tried Nane della Giulia , an old-school trattoria serving delicious traditional food in a cozy ambiance.
• If you are planning to stay overnight (and I highly recommend it), a good place is  Hotel S. Antonio in via S. Fermo , an excellent location within walking distance to the heart of the historic center. Rooms are simple and clean, the staff is great and rates are really good, check it out on Booking.com

Until next time,

Share this article on:

Grazie mille for reading My Italian Diaries!

If you’ve enjoyed the blog and found my articles useful, you can treat me to a virtual coffee to support the creation of new content and the site’s running costs. Just click on the button below and sprinkle a little virtual caffeine magic my way. Cheers to you!

Things to do in Ferrara, Europe’s first modern city

What to see in Caserta beyond the Royal Palace

9 easy day trips from Venice by train you can’t miss

39 thoughts on “13 things to see in padova: 1 day itinerary”.

I have been to Verona and Tuscany a couple of weeks a go, a shame that I missed this beautiful spot! Padova looks truly beautiful and reminds me to some other spots I have seen in this area. From your recommendation it seems really to be the perfect spot to be explored on one day. Especially the Botanical garden looks truly inviting as well as the Scrovegni chapel with its beautiful and colorful paintings. I will put this on my next North Italy road trip list!

Yay, I’m sure you’ll love it!

Gosh, this sounds lovely. I’ve never heard of Padova but it looks amazing. Although, I’d love to visit Venice, all the tourist crowds and cruise ships have put me off but Padova looks charming. Thanks for introducing me to it.

It would be a great side trip when you visit Venice, it’s just a 30 minute train ride away!

This really makes it seem like the Italians really cared and knew how to make a building! Not only is the outside art of which I’ve rarely ever seen But the insides are always so spectacular I could cry.

Ahaha, you are so right, the interiors are usually event more beautiful and full of surprises!

I have realized I have started to enjoy destinations which have great architecture and historic feel. So glad I stumbled upon this post. There are so many things to see in Padova and for 1 day, loved your recommendations. But your pictures share a story that I would love to cover them on our slow travel. Thanks for the useful tips to enable planning including the overnight stay suggestion for hotel.

I agree with you, the more time you have the better but I’ve noticed that Padova is usually visited in 1-2 days max and I wanted to sow that it’s feasible to cover pretty much all the main sights. It makes for a fantastic side trip from Venice!

It looks absolutely magical ✨

And it truly is 😀

This post brings back so much memory. I‘ve been to Padova almost 15 years ago. It is such a lovely city – one of my favourites 🙂

Really! Love reading this 🙂

I totally flaked when I first started reading this. I was like, I have never heard of Padova where the heck in Italy is this? Then I realized that I know it as Padua where the famed St. Anthony of Padua is from. I cant believe I have never been there before! I am definitely adding this to my return trip to Italy! I love all the amazing art everywhere from the churches to the walkways. Also there is something truly amazing about an Astronomical Clock to me! I could just sit in the square staring at it for hours!

It’s a true gem with so many pretty piazze for al fresco drinks and people watching 🙂

I adore Italy. I’ve been there three times (even got married there…in Florence), but I have not been to Padova. I agree with you that the less touristed cities are often so much more enjoyable. I definitely feel this way about Verona (though it gets a fair amount of tourists, too). I can’t imagine going to such a beautiful university as Padua!

Amazing!! So this is one for your fourth trip! 😉

Padova is really amazing, We have passed by and it’s becoming one of the best not a crowded city in northern Italy. We still have a lot of friends coming from there.

Glad to read this! It was my first visit and I loved it 🙂

I love coffee and so used to drinking it in Latin America that I’ve not had time to miss it. Cafe Pedrochi sound AMAZING and would definitely have to try one of those mint flavoured coffees. At 5 euros, though, i’d have to take midget sips to endure the flavour.

Ahaha, well it’s something to try especially if you are a coffee lover and then the location is really interesting 😉

Very beautiful! I love the frescoes. Those are amazing works of art. And Padova’s botanical garden looks really zenlike and solemn.

Thanks, glad you liked this article!

What a charming city! How have I not heard of this stunning city and it’s only a 30 min train ride away from Venice. This is a great day trip to take from Venice to get away from the tourists. Padova is filled with beautiful arts, architecture and many cafes. Looks like I’ll need to visit the Caffe Pedrocchi and sample the famous tiramisu!

I think the question is where in Italy isn’t there a beautiful town!?? I loved the photos and the description of what there is to see and do. I would definitely love to visit the gardens and walk the streets, eating of course! It is too bad not more is done to encourage tourists to Venice to spend time in Padua, especially when the tourists put such a strain on Venice.

Oh yes, that’s the real question Nicole!

Posts like these show us new places. I had never heard of Pedova also before this. The architecture is very close to that of Venice specially the square. Palazzo Bo looks seasons and a great place to stroll around. Keeping in mind easily accessible from Venice makes it a great place to visit if you going to Venice. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks Amar! My purpose is exactly this – to show you guys all the beauty of Italy, which is much more than just Venice-Florence-Rome, and I’m really happy when I receive comments like yours! 🙂

Such beautiful architecture! I’ve never heard of Padova but I feel like visiting it now just to admire these beautiful buildings. Of course, I would visit a bunch of other places in Italy too.

So many beautiful places here in Italy, isn’t it 🙂

A small town with a bunch of lovely places to see! You’re right, I’ve never heard of Padova and that’s probably because all the spotlight is on Venice and its smaller (probably even more charming) neighbours obviously get ignored! I love the Scrovegni Chapel, the depiction of the Last Judgement is truly an artistic masterpiece! Also, Prato Della valle looks like the sort of place I’d love to enjoy a walk! Such a lovely town, thanks for highlighting it.

Thanks a lot Medha! I would definitely recommend taking at least a day trip to Padova when visiting Venice!

I think in Italy, aside from museum hopping you can also so church hopping. Their church structure are magnificent that still stands nowadays, and survived many earthquakes and nature disasters. It would nice to have a bicycle and roam around the city 😀

Oh yes, that would be a fantastic way to explore! 🙂

Padova is a real gem and too often ignored because of its vicinity to Venice. I am grateful for this post that will help more foreigners to get to know this wonderful city and discover its stunning art treasures.

Thanks Federica! I myself am one of those who’s been ignoring Padova for so long and what a mistake! It’s a truly charming town to explore!

Padova isn’t a large well-known city for tourists, but there is just so much to see! Not surprising that Italy collects so many travelers every year.

True! And being so close to Venice, it would be such a shame to miss it!

I followed your itinerary today, and it was so helpful! I would have missed the wonderful Eremitani Church as it wasn’t in my guidebook. And I had the signature coffee and mint torte at Caffè Pedrocchi – they were both to die for!

Thank you so much Ingrid, that’s the whole purpose of this blog ❤️

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

An Italian travel writer in love with my country. Having travelled widely across the globe, I realized there was more to explore closer to home. My Italian Diaries is the place where I share itineraries, activities and off-the-beaten-path places to help you experience the best of Italy like a local!

Get the latest news, fresh posts, and exclusive unblogged stories from Italy delivered straight to your inbox each month.

I consent to the processing of my personal data as per the Privacy Policy

You’ve just been sent an email that contains a confirmation link. Just click on it to finalize your registration.

My Italian Diaries is the place where I share with you stories, photos and useful tips from my travels around Italy. I hope you will enjoy reading it and that my stories will inspire you to organize your next trip to my beautiful country.

Let's collaborate Collaboriamo Contact

17 Absolute Best Things to do in Padua, Italy (2024)

• March 6, 2024
• by Jenoa Matthes

Looking for the best things to do in Padua?

Padua, known as Padova in Italian, is one of the oldest cities in Italy and is home to beautiful historic buildings and important religious art. Today, Padua is most well known for its stunning 14th century Scrovegni Chapel, coated in frescoes by Giotto.

While the city is small, it is at its heart a university town so it is lively, young, and fun. We recently visited Padua and thoroughly enjoyed discovering this underrated city.

Whether you’re visiting on a day trip from Venice or have more time to spend here, Padua is well worth a visit. In this guide, we are sharing the top things to do in Padua, including important travel tips to help you plan the perfect trip!

17 Things to do in Padua

1. visit the scrovegni chapel (cappella degli scrovegni).

The interior of this beautiful 14th century chapel is covered fully in frescoes by Giotto. These images, which extend across the ceiling, depict stories of the Virgin Mary and Christ. The frescoes are considered a Proto-Renaissance masterpiece.

Originally owned privately as part of the Scrovegni family’s palace, the chapel was bought by the city and restored throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

In 2021 the chapel became a part of Padua’s UNESCO World Heritage Site which encompasses the frescoes all across the city. The chapel is also sometimes known by an alternative name: The Arena Chapel. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION: You must book your ticket in advance online at the official website . Time slots book out well in advance, so make sure to reserve ahead of time. Generally, tickets open in blocks of about six months. 

2. Discover the Basilica of Saint Anthony

The Basilica of Saint Anthony is one of the highlights of Padua’s historic center. It consists of two parts: a cathedral and a minor basilica.

Saint Anthony is the patron saint of Padua but even so, this is not the main cathedral of the city. That title belongs to Basilica Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, otherwise known as the Padua Cathedral.

But back to the Basilica of Saint Anthony, the church is in the shape of a latin cross. Its construction incorporates elements of Romanesque, Gothic, Byzantine, as well as Islamic architectural styles.

There are stunning vaulted ceilings covered in rich colored frescoes. At the high alter in the center of the cathedral you’ll see 29 bronze sculptures by the Italian sculptor Donatello. 

Saint Anthony is the patron saint of “lost people and things,” so many make a pilgrimage here to ask the saint to look over people who they have lost. That’s why you’ll see images of people posted all around the cathedral. 

Keep in mind that the church sees millions of visitors annually, so it is always busy. The basilica is free to enter. 

Book this half-day Private Walking Tour of Padua with a local guide to learn more about the history of the city and its famous sites.

3. Stroll Through Prato della Valle

Prato della Valle is a huge oval-shaped public square and is the largest piazza in Italy. It is in the top 50 largest city squares in the world and in the top ten largest city squares in Europe. 

This is the perfect place to go for a stroll on a sunny day. From the square you can see two churches — the Santa Giustina abbey as well as the Basilica of St. Anthony. 

In the center of the square is a small island. Around the island is a canal, and around that canal are rows of statues. 

This land has seen a lot over the centuries. From theater to jousting to early iterations of opera. Now, there are festivals and regular markets here. And it is of course just a wonderful spot to enjoy a quiet pace.

4. Explore the Historic University of Padua

Padua University was founded in the 13th century when a group of students left the University of Bologna in search of more academic freedom and it is still in operation today. It is the second oldest university in Italy, behind Bologna.

One of the coolest facts about this university is that the first ever woman to earn an academic degree graduated from the university of Padua in 1678. Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia graduated with a Doctorate in Philosophy. 

The best way to see the campus today, which includes a visit to Padua’s Palazzo Bo anatomical theater, is on a guided tour. There are tours which are run directly by the university, and you can purchase tickets online here.

The anatomical theater is a must see and was built for anatomy classes. The building itself is beautiful, but the history is even more fascinating and important. 

5. Enjoy the Padua Market

Six days per week, for 800 years, this market has been operating in the Piazza delle Erbe in Padua. There are lines of sellers with fresh produce, spices, olive oil, cheeses, meats, and more. Plus there is clothing, fabric, bags, and other items for sale. 

Note that not all stalls are open every day — so make sure to check their specific opening hours.

6. Visit the Botanical Garden

Built in the 16th century, Padua’s Botanical Garden is one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens.

The gardens started with a circular design which was meant to be demonstrative of the world. This original garden was enclosed in a wall to prevent thefts — which still occurred regularly. That circular design and wall have been retained to this day.

Now the gardens have expanded and there are a total of some 3,500 different species of plants here, the oldest of which is a Mediterranean dwarf palm which has been growing here since 1585. 

In addition to the historic gardens you can also visit the Biodiversity Garden which brings you on a journey through global climate zones. And there is also the botanical museum where you can learn more about the history of the gardens and all of the research the plants supported. 

The gardens are another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Padua.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:  The gardens have various opening hours throughout the year. Make sure to check up-to-date hours on the official website. Full price tickets cost €10 per person.

7. Check out Padua’s astronomical clock

Padua’s beautiful astronomical clock is one of the oldest working clocks in the world. It was originally built at the end of the 14th century.

The clock is located in the Piazza dei Signori. The huge clock face shows a 24 hour dial, meaning it makes one rotation a day rather than the standard two. It also shows the day of the month, the phases of the moon and the sun, as well as the movement of the planets. 

Not long after the clock was originally built, it was destroyed. In the 14th century it was rebuilt with one noticeable difference — the Zodiac sign for Libra was missing. There are a lot of theories on why this might have happened. I recommend going on a tour to learn more about those theories as well as the likely truth. 

You can tour the inside of the clock tower. Guided tours are offered by a group of local volunteers who work to preserve the heritage of the clock. 

8. Explore the Padua Cathedral (Duomo di Padua)

The Padua Cathedral, or cathedral of ​​the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, is the seat of the bishop of Padua and therefore the main cathedral of the city.

While this spot has been the site of a cathedral since the 4th century, the current cathedral was only built in the 16th century (though not actually finished until much later). 

The facade of the church remains to this day very simple and, in theory, unfinished. But inside the cathedral is completely different. It is spacious and bright and ornate. 

As well as the cathedral, the baptistery of the cathedral and the Diocesan museum are at this same site. The baptistery is a more intricate building, and some would say it is the highlight of this complex.

The baptistry was designed in the Romanesque style in the 12th century. Inside it is heavily frescoed. And in the museum you can see even more works of art which have been preserved from throughout history. 

9. Explore the Padua Astronomical Observatory (La Specola Museum)

Built in the late 18th century, there is a widespread rumor that it was from this tower that Galileo made his discoveries. This, however, could not have been true as Galileo died more than a century before the tower was built.

Over the years however, though not by Galileo, there were many, many astronomical discoveries and research done from here. 

Eventually, in the 20th century, the tower was turned into a museum. In the museum you can see all the instruments that astronomers used over the centuries. The tower is also part of a greater castle complex. 

Note that most of the explanations of the instruments you will see are in Italian — a good translation app on your phone can help you understand everything. Also be aware that the museum extends up into the towers and it is necessary to climb stairs to see it all. 

The museum can be visited on a 1-hour guided tour. To book and reserve visit the official website.

10. Visit Palazzo Zuckermann

Once a palace, the Palazzo Zuckermann has been transformed into two museums. The museums are the Museo di Arti Applicate e Decorative, or the Museum of Applied and Decorative Arts, and the Museo Bottacin. 

The museum of decorative arts contains more than 2,000 objects dating as far back as Medieval times — from glassware to ceramics, jewelry, and furniture. The museum also has quite an extensive coin collection. 

The Museo Bottacin is a donated private collection which contains paintings and sculptures from the likes of Felice Schiavoni, Cristoforo Dall’Acqua, and more. 

The rooms of the museum have been renovated to represent what life might have looked like at different periods throughout history. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION: The museum is open Monday to Sunday from 9:00am to 7:00pm. You can purchase combination tickets for both this museum and the Scrovegni Chapel for €15, or the museum alone is €11. For more information, visit the official website.

11. Wander the charming streets

Make sure not to miss the pedestrianized Via Umberto I and Via Roma. Going from north to south you’ll start on Via Roma. Eventually the street turns into Via Umberto I.

This long stretch of road is a great place to go for a stroll. There is a lot of shopping, plenty of cafes, and just general people watching and good vibes. 

Another area not to miss in Padua is the ancient Jewish ghetto, or the Quartiere dell’Antico Ghetto Ebraico. This is also a gorgeous area with narrow, cobblestone streets.

You can walk around and enjoy the beautiful little courtyards and cafes. But if you want to learn more about the Jewish history here and throughout Padua, it’s highly recommended to book a guided tour . These can be arranged through the Synagogue and Jewish history museum. 

12. Grab a drink at Caffe Pedrocchi

Caffe Pedrocchi is an elegant coffee shop in the center of Padua. It is also the oldest cafe in the city.

While the cafe is the main event — serving a standard menu plus specialties like the famous mint coffee — there is also a restaurant and patisserie here. 

If you are after more than just a coffee, it is advisable to book a table in advance. 

13. Take a cruise along the Brenta Canal

The Brenta canal is a man-made waterway which runs from Venice all the way to Padua. You can easily navigate the canal to Venice and back again to Padua in a day (though it is a long day). 

The highlight of this cruise is the stunning villas you’ll pass all along the way. Many tours will stop at some of the most stunning of these villas. You will be able to enter and see the beautiful decorations and frescoes adorning these private Venetian estates. 

We recommend booking this full-day cruise from Padua to Venice.

14. Visit the Church of the Eremitani

The Church of the Eremitani (Church of the Hermits) was built in the 13th century. It is a great example of Gothic architecture and has spectacular ceiling made entirely of wood. 

Just next to the church is the Musei Civici Eremitani — this is actually a museum complex. There is an Archaeological Museum as well as a Museum of Medieval and Modern Art.

The Archaeological Museum houses pieces from as far back as the times before the Romans (around the 1st century BC — the Iron Age). The art museum houses around 3,000 works of art from renowned Italian artists such as Giambono, Romanino, and Padovanino.

The pieces range from the 15th to the 18th centuries. The highlights include pieces by Giotto like the famous cross as well as a multimedia exhibit to better understand his life and time period. 

15. Go on a wine tour

To the southwest of Padua are the Euganean hills. It’s about 26 km (around 16 miles — a 40 minutes drive) to reach the hills from Padua. 

This region doesn’t just have amazing wine, it also has spectacular, jaw-dropping scenery, developed from a once volcanic ground. The lush landscape encompasses extensive vineyards as well as olive groves. 

Wine production in this area dates all the way back to Roman times. Now it is known as the Colli Euganei DOC. And while you can try classics like a Prosecco, an even more exciting and even more local variety is Serprino. This is also a sparkling wine but it comes directly from this volcanic soil. 

We recommend booking a tour , which will provide transportation to and from Padua, as well as the winery visits with tastings. 

If you have a car, you can also book this Prosecco Tasting Experience at a local winery.

16. Admire the Palazzo della Ragione

This vast, beautiful building is an old market hall which then became a medieval town hall and is now back to being a market. The building separates the two main squares of the city — the Piazza delle erbe and Piazza della frutta. 

On the main floor of the hall there are a huge number of stunning frescoes as well as statues. And of course the famous wooden horse. 

You can find vendors selling meat, cheese, sweet treats, bread, and so much more. Stalls open daily within the building and even more pop up out front each day. 

The building — and the frescoes within — are a part of the UNESCO world heritage site in Padua.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION: You can tour the inside of the Palazzo della Ragione everyday except Mondays. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00am-7:00pm. Tickets cost €7 per person and can be purchased upon arrival.

17. Taste the local cuisine

Of course, as with anywhere, you simply can’t leave Padua without trying some of the amazing local food. Here are a few dishes to order:

• Bigoli – this is a spaghetti-like pasta but this one is even thicker. Make sure that wherever you try it the Bigoli is made fresh. There are two traditional ways for Bigoli to be served in the region. It is often prepared with a duck sauce, or it could be served in sauce with sardines. 
• Spunciotti – this is actually not a specific food but rather a concept. It is basically small samples of food. Or a tasting platter. The name of this concept comes from the word stingere which means ‘to pierce’ as in, with a toothpick. It is most common to have your spunciotti with a glass of wine. 
• Risotto coi rovinassi – this dish is a rich bowl of risotto with chicken livers (sometimes also hearts and gizzards). This is then topped with a Grana Padano (a local cheese similar to parmesan). It is possible you might also encounter this dish with beef or pork, but the version with the chicken livers is the most authentic recipe. 
• Tramezzino – this is such a basic dish, but it is a local classic. Very simply, this is a tuna sandwich on white bread.
• Folpetti – technically this is ‘musky octopus’ which doesn’t sound all that appetizing. But in reality this is just a type of octopus. In this dish, baby octopus are used. They are boiled and then served simply with salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon. 

Map of Things to do in Padua

This map includes the best things to do in Padua. You can use it to easily navigate your way around.

To save the map to Google Maps on your phone or computer, click on the star next to the title. Once you do this, you’ll be able to find the map in your “saved maps” list on your phone.

To see a list of all the items on the map, click the box with arrow on the left. To enlarge the map, click the box on the right.

One Day in Padua Itinerary

Only have one day in Padua? Here are the can’t-miss things to do in Padua on your day trip.

• Scrovegni Chapel
• Basilica of Saint Anthony
• Prato della Valle
• Palazzo Bo at Padua University
• Market at Piazza della Erbe
• Astronomical Clock
• Palazzo della Ragione
• Botanical Garden

Getting around Padua

Padua is a small city and you can walk to all of the sites in this itinerary. The train station is a bit of a walk from the historic center; however, if you stop along the way, starting at the Scrovegni Chapel, everything will be within a 5-15 minute walk.

Is Padua worth visiting?

Yes! If nothing else, Padua is worth visiting for the Scrovegni chapel alone. However, once you’re there you’ll find there is a lot to see in this city making a visit very much worth it. 

How to get to Padua?

Getting to Padua by train

Padua’s train station is located to the north of the city. It is about 1.5 km (a little less than a mile) from the center of town. By foot it would take around 20 minutes to make the walk. 

Both the high-speed and regional trains come into the Padua station. Make sure when searching for tickets to use the name “Padova” some of the sites won’t recognize Padua. You can book your tickets at the station or online at Trenitalia.com .

• Milan to Padua – There are direct trains from Milan to Padua. The journey takes around two hours. Trains leave approximately every 30 minutes throughout the day. 
• Venice to Padua – There are constant trains throughout the day from Venice to Padua. The duration of the trip as well as the cost vary. The fastest option — which does only run a few times a day, is just 15 minutes. Other journeys can run as long as 45 – 50 minutes. 
• Verona to Padua – The journey from Verona to Padua takes 45 minutes at the fastest, or around 90 minutes at the slowest. The journey is direct and there are trains going constantly throughout the day. 

Getting to Padua by car

If you plan to drive to Padua you’ll probably want to leave your car during your visit as Padua is quite walkable. There is metered parking throughout the city — you’ll need to keep feeding the meter from 8am – 8pm during weekdays.

It is handy to have a car though if you plan to go out on day trips such as one to visit the wineries of the region. 

• The drive from Milan to Padua is about 240 km (150 miles) and should take just shy of three hours. 
• From Venice to Padua the distance is just 40 km (25 miles) and will take about 40 minutes to drive.
• Verona to Padua is about 88 km (55 miles) and the drive should take just about an hour. 

We recommend taking the train, instead of driving a car, as its much easier and more convenient to get around northern Italy.

Best time to visit Padua

Padua is a great spot to visit in both spring and early fall. These temperate seasons are lovely here and it’s pretty quiet, too.

Spring brings sunny days and fresh greenery as the city comes back to life. Fall on the other hand brings vibrant autumnal colors.

It can get quite cool though come winter, which is why we recommend an early versus late autumn visit. By November you’ll be looking at highs of just about 50°F (just around 10°C). 

We visited Padua in November, and the weather was chilly but sunny. The best part is it felt like we had the city to ourselves.

Summers are also a good time to visit. The weather is quite mild with highs rarely breaking 85°F (30°C) and generally the crowds aren’t too bad.

You can get a lot of day trippers from Venice though, so keep that in mind and time your visits to popular attractions for early morning or later afternoon when day trippers aren’t around. 

How much time do you need in Padua?

One day in Padua is enough to see the city center and the highlights. You can easily take a day trip to Padua from Venice or Verona, but you should plan to add on an extra day for any day trips.

You might want to take a cruise to Venice along the canals, or maybe head up into the hills to see the countryside and taste the wine. If you plan to do any of this it’s best to keep your hom ebase in Padua.

Where to stay in Padua

If you are planning on spending a night or two in Padua, there are plenty of beautiful hotels to choose from. We are sharing our top picks below.

• Luxury hotel | Le Camp Suite & Spa – This beautiful 4-star hotel is centrally located and includes modern amenities, such as air conditioning.
• Boutique hotel | Casa Giotto – A charming bed & breakfast located near the Scrovegni Chapel with modern and well-designed rooms.
• Mid-range hotel | Majestic Toscanelli – A 4-star hotel in the heart of Padua with classic Italian decor. It also has air conditioning.
• Budget hotel | Hotel Canton dell’Orto – This budget-friendly hotel is located near the Prato Della Valle and features simple decor and spacious rooms.

More Information for your Trip to Italy

• Things to do in Mantua
• Things to do in Verona
• One Day in Verona

FRANCE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE France Travel Insurance  – Should you get travel insurance for France? YES! We always get travel insurance before all of our trips for peace of mind. Check out  Travel Insurance Master  to find the best plan for you. France Rental Cars  – We’ve rented a car in France many times, and it’s definitely the most convenient way to get around the countryside. We rented our car through  Discover Cars  (our go-to rental agency), which helps you find the best rates no matter where you are traveling. France Phone Plans –  If your phone plan does not offer free coverage in France, then we suggest getting an eSIM. We used  Airalo  during our trip to France, and we had fantastic coverage the entire time. It’s easy to download and you can even top up via the app if needed. France Hotels –  Wondering where to book your accommodations for France? We’ve been reserving all of our hotels through  Booking  for years. Their messaging tool makes it easy to communicate with the hotels, and there are endless options to choose from.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Copyright © 2024 | THE TRAVEL FOLK

22 Best Things to do in Padua, Italy: a Local’s Guide

Here is my bit about the most interesting things to do in Padua, Italy . Padua is one of the most underrated cities in northern Italy . Most foreign travelers approach Padua as a diversion on the way to Venice, or as a stopover when going to more interesting towns in North Italy, like Verona or Milan. After having spent almost a week in Padua, and being a lover of off-the-track, slow-paced cities, I regretted much that I had not seen and promised myself I would visit a second time. If you’d rather watch my vlog about Padua, here you are!

You want to visit Padua from Venice… What about the other way round?

It only takes half an hour by train to reach Venice from Padua. Most foreign travelers visit Padua as a day trip from Venice , a local traveler would rather stay in Padova and tour Venice and the Lagoon Islands than the opposite solution… Venice is overcrowded, and Padua is lovely. Forget the lines, the high water, the tourist scams. Have a stroll in Venice and then retire to cute medieval Padua to have a quiet evening and night. And guess what? Padua’s train station lies 15 minutes by foot from the city’s historical center. So, no need to rush. Choose Padua as your strategic base to explore north Italy. Discovering Padua means more than a visit to the Scrovegni Chapel. There are at least eight other sites in Padua where you can admire the frescoes of Master Giotto and his disciples.

Padua: a lesser-known legendary city

There’s a popular saying that people from Rome and people from Padua (that’s how Italian call it…) are cousins. This originates from the narratives of at least two eminent historical figures: the poet Virgil and the historian Tito Livio. According to their knowledge, the city of Padua was founded by Antenor, one of the Trojans that, together with Aeneas, had to leave his homeland because of the conflict with the Greeks. Aeneas crossed the Mediterranean Sea and laid the foundation of Rome, while Antenor fled to the north of Italy via land and founded Padua. There is more than one landmark to commemorate this event in Padua. During the Middle Ages, a citizen of Padua built a monument in the place which today is Piazza Antenore, after he had found an ancient sarcophagus with a skeleton and identified it as the remains of Antenor.

Grab the city map at the Tourist Info Center and plan your itinerary in Padua

Padua’s historical center is tiny compared to other cities in Italy. I’ll pin the main places of interest on my map here, but in case you like to hold a paper map while you sightsee, you can get a nice one for free at the Tourism Info Point inside the train station, just in front of Caffè Natoo. It has some great coffee and fresh juices too.

Self-guided walk through Padua’s historical center

From the train station, take Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi that passes through the Scrovegni Chapel, the Giotto Public Park, and the free Paleontology Museum. Reach Piazza Garibaldi. Take Via Cavour and visit Piazza Cavour, Caffè Pedrocchi, and Palazzo Bo, then turn right to enter Piazza Delle Erbe. You’ll be at the heart of the historic center. See the Ragione Palace, Piazza Dei Signori, and Loggia dell Guardia, then go back and have a stroll in the ghetto quarter. Walk under all the different porticos until you reach the Sant’Antonio Cathedral and the immense square of Prato della Valle.

Let’s go into more detail about the best things to do in Padua.

Have breakfast at one of these beautiful cafes.

Speaking of coffee… one of the things I appreciated the most during my stroll around Padua was the presence here and there of cute coffee shops which I couldn’t resist entering. Way more relaxed and friendly than most of the cafes in Rome . Try and pay a visit to at least a couple of the ones I liked the most.

– Caffè Pedrocchi – an immersion in the 19th century

Much more than a coffee shop! Actually, I’ve never seen a café in Italy that could be compared to this. Caffè Pedrocchi is one of the icons of Padua. Its founder, the coffee master Antonio Pedrocchi, conceived of a monumental building, an abode of intellectual excitement and international exchange. The café gained the name of “open door café” because it remained open day and night from 1831 to 1916. Take a rest on one of the soft benches of the “green room” while you read a book; that’s what that room was created for! It’s a welcoming place for students and travelers, even if they don’t buy a thing… But don’t miss what’s happening in the other rooms, in particular, the best seller Pedrocchi coffee, a large espresso covered in minty pistachio foam and a sprinkle of cocoa (€3). And of course the cuisine at Pedrocchi is excellent. A must visit in Padua.

– The Coffee Box

This is a two-storey American style cafeteria on, just a quick walk from the Scrovegni Chapel. Their muffins are an out-of-the-world-experience! You’re probably going to need two of them, at least I did… not always easy to find a perfect muffin in Italy. They have all kinds of coffees and teas, and they make you choose your favorite cup. Go sit on the second floor if you want to spend a few hours there. They serve juices, bagels, pizza slices, and soups with a generous handful of Grana during the cold months. It’s a really colorful and cozy place.

Caffè Baessato

A stylish café decorated with black marble, less than 1 km from the train station and a few steps from the Scrovegni Chapel. The customers here are mostly local. The place is great for a savory breakfast. Snack on their delicious tramezzini sandwiches or on the micro-panini. Join the locals for the Italian aperitivo ritual in the evening. Everything is fresh and I’ve heard the service is one of the best in town.

Maison Hand

This tiny café was too beautiful not to stop by and get my daily fix of vitamin C (€2.5 for an orange juice). I really enjoyed the soft white couches and the botanical illustrations on the wall. The elegance of this coffee shop fits perfectly with the architecture of the street where the café is located. If you want to see some more beautiful objects, visit the neighboring furniture design shop that shares the name with the café.

And what about Giotto’s Scrovegni Chapel?

The frescoes by the medieval Tuscan artist Giotto, covering the whole surface of the Scrovegni Chapel, are still considered the top attraction in Padova’s historical center. I don’t agree fully with this view, as there are many more interesting things to see and do in Padua. There are more frescoes from Giotto in other churches, and the urban architecture is so graceful you’ll feel a sense of wellbeing simply by walking in the streets… The rich owner of the Scrovegni Chapel summoned Giotto to Padua in 1302, after having heard of the great work he had performed in the Cathedral of San Francesco in Assisi. The frescoes on the walls of the chapel recount episodes from the life of Christ and Mary, and Judgement Day, while the vault is a starry sky. Giotto’s sojourn in Padua was very productive and influenced the work of many other artists of the time.

How to visit the Scrovegni Chapel

Booking is mandatory and you’re best to do it well in advance or you risk failing to find a spot. An adult ticket costs €14. You can reserve your ticket online or by calling the number +39-049-2010020. The day of your visit, retrieve your ticket at the ticket office of the Eremitani Museum (100 m from the Scrovegni Chapel) and be at the entrance of the chapel 10 minutes prior to the time slot you have booked.

More of Giotto’s frescoes in Padua

This year (2020), for its candidacy to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, Italy will propose the fresco cycles of eight places within Padua’s historical center, including the Scrovegni Chapel. The project’s name is “ Padova urbs picta .” Here are the sites in Padua where you can admire frescoes from the 14th century, by Giotto and other not less gifted artists, all united by a similar composition style and subject, and all included in the candidacy.

Basilica and Monastery of St. Anthony | Frescoes by Giotto | Free admission

Address: Piazza del Santo, 11.

Church of Santi Filippo e Giacomo agli Eremitani | Free admission

Piazza Eremitani

Palazzo della Ragione

Address: Piazza delle Erbe | Ticket €7

Cathedral’s Baptistery

Frescoes by Giusto dei Menabuoi | Address: Via Dietro Duomo, 5.

Chapel of the Carraresi Palace

Frescoes by Guariento di Arpo | Address: Via Accademia, 7 | Free admission with guided tour (Tue. thru Sat 10 AM-12 PM)

Oratory of St. George

Frescoes by Altichiero da Zevio | Address: Piazza del Santo.

Oratory of St. Michele 

. Frescoes by Jacopo da Verona | Address: Riviera Tiso da Camposampiero, 32 | Ticket €3.

If you love medieval painting, you surely need to add these to your bucket list of things to do in Padova …

Eat something in Padua’s ghetto

Now that you’ve looked at walls painted with religious subjects for hours, you must have gotten very hungry. This is good news, since Padova won’t disappoint a foodie traveler. The cutest district of the historical center where you can look for a place to eat is the ghetto. Take a stroll down the cobbled Via Dei Fabbri, along Via Soncin, and Via Delle Piazze. You will see art and antiques galleries, the Museo Ebraico, and lots of places where locals and travelers meet for aperitivo and lunch. Try the Osteria L’Anfora for a meal, Café Tulipes for a light lunch with a glass of wine (one of the dishes here is the focaccia with porchetta and radicchio, which I had in the vegetarian version), and the Jolly Roger for a beer. This is my favorite neighborhood in Padua. I love taking pictures here, with the soft light reflected on the elegant buildings and the columns of the porticos. If you’re in a hurry and want to save a few coins, have a delicious homemade pasta at the takeaway Bigoi.

Walk under Porticos, peculiar trait of Padova’s architecture

Porticos are everywhere in Padua! It reminds me of the city of Bologna, which is only 120 km from Padua. Both cities have endless strings of porticos at the bottom of the medieval houses. They were both flourishing cultural and commercial centers during the Middle Ages. The architecture of Padua looks like a blend between Bologna and Venice. While you walk under the portico galleries, which are all different, try and spot some peculiar columns, like the one decorated with the bas relief of a mocking devil near Palazzo Zabarella, or the missing column behind the Ragione Palace. One of the coffee shops in the stunning Piazza Delle Erbe has a medieval column nestled within the bar’s counter (Bar Nazionale).

Visit Palazzo Bo – the 13th-century University of Padua

The “Bo Palace” corresponds to the Faculty of Law and the rectorship of the University of Padua, which is the second most ancient university in Italy (1222). Padua University will soon be 800 years old! When you enter the beautiful courtyard from VIII Febbraio Street, you will see an incredible number of emblems (3,000, counting the ones in the other halls as well). Those are memories of the deans and counselors of the university. The Faculty of Medicine was particularly influential and considered the number one in Renaissance Europe. With a guided tour, you can visit the oldest parts: the rooms of the professors, the ancient library, the great hall, the Medicine Hall, and lastly, the spectacular “anatomical theatre.”

Adult ticket: €7 for a 45-minute visit.

Bask in Piazza delle Erbe

Piazza Delle Erbe is the heart of Padua. The most representative buildings of glorious Padua’s past, when Padua started being a powerful center in the Middle Ages, overlook the Piazza Delle Erbe. Every morning it hosts the fruit and vegetable market. At any hour of the day, with a peak at the aperitivo hour (6 pm-9 pm), the cafes at the four sides of the square come alive with people chatting loudly and ordering a spritz (you can have it with or without alcohol) and the tramezzino (the local small sandwich filled with ingredients of your choice). You can have both for €5 at the Bar Nazionale.

Go inside the Palazzo della Ragione

This is a monument that you really can’t miss while in Padua. The entry fee is low (€4 for an adult) and you don’t need to spend a long time inside, but you’ll probably choose to take a seat and admire the impressive salon for a few minutes, once you’re inside. The Ragione Palace consists of a huge hall, Europe’s biggest ancient hall without columns. The walls are entirely covered in amazing frescoes (these frescoes are included in the UNESCO nomination fresco cycles), concerned with justice, astrology, and symbolic animals. Palazzo della Ragione was the Palace of Justice of ancient Padua. The cherry on top is a tall wooden roof in the shape of an upside-down hull. The only object in the hall is a wooden horse realized in the 15th century on the occasion of a great party where common people.

MORE FREE THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN PADUA

The astronomical clock in piazza dei signori .

After visiting Piazza delle Erbe and the Ragione Palace, it feels natural to keep walking through Piazza della Frutta and reach Piazza Dei Signori. All of these three squares have markets in the morning, and become quieter in the afternoon when you can observe their beauty without distraction. Piazza Dei Signori was the place where the “lords” (signori) held festivals, like the carnival, celebrating the identity and union of the city. Today you can admire the astronomical watchtower “Torre dell’Orologio,” and notice, if you pay attention, that it’s got 11 zodiac signs instead of 12. What’s the missing one? And why?

The Paleontology Museum: the best thing to do in Padua with kids

You’ll be eager to visit the relaxing Geology and Paleontology Museum of Padua if you’re traveling with kids. If you’re not on a family trip, don’t skip it either! Entrance is free, and this is already an invitation. Even if you’re not so much into science, you will find the hundreds of fossils extremely fascinating. I’ve found the fossilized trees showcased in the “Hall of the Palms” a great example of interior deco. I asked myself if I wasn’t visiting an art gallery instead of a museum, and, full of admiration, I wondered if I would look that beautiful in 300 million years. In the other rooms are all kinds of fossilized beings which you’ll identify with the help of the museum’s welcome brochure. The building that hosts the permanent exhibition is Palazzo Cavalli, a baroque mansion full of paintings from the Bible and mythology, and would deserve a visit itself.

Loggia della Gran Guardia

Another lovely place with free admission in Padua! The palace became the seat of the city council at the beginning of the 15th century. Enter from the large staircase that lets you access the loggia in Piazza Dei Signori. Visit the hall on the first floor; it hosts exhibitions from local artists and has big frescoes from the 17th century with three historical (and mythical) episodes that happened in Padua, including a representation of the Trojan Antenor founding the city.

Prato Della Valle: the 2nd biggest square in Europe

Coming from the narrow streets of the center, you’ll hold your breath when you arrive at Prato Della Valle. This is the second largest square in Europe, second only to the Red Square in Moscow. The square has had different functions throughout the centuries, and always represented a hub for the common people, even if located slightly outside the city walls. In Roman times, it was a theater and a track for horse races. During the Middle Ages, it used to host popular festivals and trade fairs. The contemporary architecture dates back to the 18th century, when a Venetian lord, with the help of the clergy, undertook the complex reclamation of the swampy lands. Now, at the center of the elliptical square, lies an island with a small park, trees, and a fountain. The island is surrounded by a channel crossed by four bridges and decorated with 88 marble statues of eminent figures (including Antenor).

Relax at Parco Giotto with vin brulé or hot chocolate

To wrap up your day in Padua, take a walk in the enchanting Giotto Park at the back of the Roman amphitheater and the Scrovegni Chapel. There are a few kiosks where you can get hot chocolate or vin brulé in winter, and gelato in summer.

Things to eat in Padua

In Padua, you’ll be able to eat all the traditional Italian dishes plus a few local specialties:

Being a vegetarian, I had radicchio in Padova a few times, cooked in different ways. I’m pretty fond of the red, bitter veggie! Try the risotto al radicchio, crepes al radicchio, focaccia con porchetta and radicchio .

Wines from the Veneto Province are on the pedestal of the most popular Italian wines, together with the ones from Tuscany. On the other hand, people from this region are considered the best drinkers in Italy, and my experience confirmed it! Besides wine, give the spritz a try , that the locals drink at any time of the day, and the Prosecco .

Take a day trip from Padova to the thermal baths in Abano Terme

It’s quite difficult to compare the thermal baths near Rome to any other in Italy, but the ones near Padua are exquisite. Abano Terme is an entire town dedicated to thermal baths and treatments. The name “Abano” derives from the god of thermal water “Apono.” 

You can visit one of the 75 thermal hotels and centers and get access to the restoring water. Have a look at the accommodation in Abano Terme and choose the one that suits you best. 

How to get to Abano Terme from Padova

In the square in front of the train station, get a bus ticket for Abano at the ticket office stand, and look for the bus stop “Linea Dei Colli.” Get on the bus “A.” It takes 35 minutes to arrive in Abano Terme. Ask the bus driver to stop at your hotel.

What’s that you enjoyed the most of these fabulous things to do in Padua ?

I’m Lisa, an Italian from Rome who one day discovered she finds incredible joy in traveling to new places. With this blog, I help you discover Italy (especially Rome and its surroundings) as a local would. Find out more about me here .

20 thoughts on “22 Best Things to do in Padua, Italy: a Local’s Guide”

I love discovering the small towns outside of the major cities when I travel and making that the base of which to travel from. The channel in Prato Dalla Valle Square is beautiful! I love Italian sculpture – always pensive 🙂

Thank you! The square with the channel and the garden was the highlight together with Piazza Delle Erbe.

Oh yes, I have been thinking of taking more daytrips away from the destination I am vising, seems like a cool way to see just a little bit more 🙂

I never realised a beautiful town like Padua was so close to Venice, I would definitely like to visit here. I like the idea of mint pistacio coffee, how unique! Padua is going on my bucket list

We drove to Venice many years ago from Tuscany region and stopped overnight in a tiny village called Mira just outside Venice and did just a day trip. Padua might have been a better option as it is a bigger city with many things to do. That picture of Prato Dalla Valle Square looks amazing! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

What a beautiful place. Will consider this for my Europe bucket list. Thanks for sharing

Thank you for a great guide. I haven’t been to Padua yet, but now I plan on adding to my Europe itinerary. Looks like a lovely city, with so much history!

I just love Italy! I’ve never been to Padua, but you make it look amazing, so much to see and do here. Thanks for all the great information.

What a beautiful looking city! We have recently moved to Malta and there are so many cheap flights to Italy from here, it’s so great to discover new places. Wasn’t familiar with Padua so I’m saving this post and will start looking for flights!

I’ve been to Italy many times but never to Padua. It looks absolutely lovely. Thanks for the highlights, I hope to get there on my next trip.

Padua seems to be offbeat destination and therefore I missed it during my Venice visit. Padua really looks interesting. I loved the grand door of beautiful Medieval building in Padua, Piazza Antenore.

Coming from the relatively young country of Australia, it is hard to get me head around walking through the Padua University that is 800 years old! Thank you for sharing your experiences and photos. Beautiful.

The canal through the city of Padua is lovely. Another place I want to visit in Italy now!

I haven’t been to Padova, yet 🙁 Just the neighbours, Venezia and Verona. Next time I am in Italia, must fix that 🙂 Bookmarking this post for future reference 🙂 Grazie.

Great suggestion to use Padua as a home base for travel instead of crowded Venice! I’m keeping this in mind for when I go back and explore more of Italy. I had no idea that Prato Della Valle is the second-largest square in Europe. It’s so beautiful with the statue-lined canal and the grassy park. Can’t wait to see it for myself 😀

Never heard of Padua before, maybe it’s my ignorance or maybe it’s just so off the tourist radar. I am stunned by the architecture and beauty in the place. Thanks for sharing this amazing destination.

What a beautiful looking city, I love italy, but I’ve only done the main toruist rotutes (pisa, rome, florence, venice) and I didn’t venture out of those cities. I really love the columned fascade of the The Ragione Palace in Piazza delle Erbe, it remidns me a little bit of some of the archtecture inthe colonial cities in South Amaerica.

This is a great guide to an amazing looking city. I didn’t realize it was so close to Venice I would love to venture here for a day and explore.

I hadn’t heard of Padova. It sounds like a wonderful place. That Pistachio-Mint Coffee sounds amazing too! Thanks for sharing all these helpful details.

Italy is on top of my bucketlist although I have never really heard of Padua before. Thank you for sharing about this place.

Comments are closed.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

The Best Things to Do in Padua, Italy – A Great One Day Itinerary

Share this Post:

During our recent trip to northern Italy’s Veneto Region , we also stopped in the pretty University town of Padua, about halfway between Verona and Venice . Contrary to its more famous neighbours, the city only sees a fraction of their visitor numbers , which makes exploring its sights all the more rewarding.

Apart from some beautiful palazzos and churches, you can visit a series of well-preserved 14 th century frescoes , walk across Europe’s second-largest square and explore the oldest Botanical Garden in the World . Furthermore, you’ll find one of Christianity’s most important pilgrimage sites as well as the famous “Café without Doors”.

Padua has enough worth-wile sights to keep you occupied for a few days. If your time is limited, though, you can still see the absolute highlights in a day . Read on for my ultimate one-day itinerary.

This post may contain affiliate links and I might earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more info click here .

The ultimate one day itinerary for Padua

Scrovegni chapel.

Start your exploration at Padua’s most famous sight: the fresco-covered Scrovegni Chapel. Created by famous late Gothic artist Giotto di Bondone , the paintings depict scenes from the Life of Jesus and Mary. Apart from a vivid portrayal of the Last Judgement with graphic depictions of Hell, you’ll find plenty of dynamically painted scenes which were well ahead of their time, stylistically.

Entrance to the Scrovegni Chapel is with a timed ticket, so it pays to pre-book, which you can do on their website . At the moment, the first slot is at 9AM.

City Museum or Museum of Applied Arts

The ticket to the Scrovegni Chapel also includes entrance to the Musei Civici degli Eremitani and the Palazzo Zuckermann. Both of them warrant a visit but are rather big, so if you only have a day in Padua, I suggest picking one of the two . The City museum is located right next to the chapel and contains both archaeological artefacts from the Etruscan and Roman Eras as well as medieval artworks .

The Museum of Applied Arts in the nearby Palazzo Zuckerman on the other hand, displays artful furniture and objects of daily use from medieval times to late 19th-century. Which one is more worth visiting depends on your personal preference. I liked the Museo Civici a bit better but as an archaeologist, I might be slightly biased;-)

Lunch Break at Café Pedrocchi

Stop for a late breakfast or early lunch at this Padua institution. Also known as the “Café without doors” , the Café Pedrocchi has been the haunt of local students and artists since its inception in the late 18 th century. The nickname refers to the fact that in the Green Room of the Café, people were allowed to socialize without having to order anything – a tradition that still continues to this day.

Still, I suggest that while you’re here, you try the famous Pedrocchi Coffee mixed with cream and mint syrup at least once. It’s surprisingly refreshing on a hot summer day. There are also snacks and sweets available, in case you’re in need of something more substantial.

Palazzo de la Ragione

Padua’s former town hall and palace of justice dominates the city’s central market square and is decorated by another set of famous frescoes running around the walls. Several curiosities , like a Foucault’s Pendulum and a huge wooden horse sculpture, fill the big central hall, while the arcaded loggia running around the hall has some nice views of the adjoining squares.

Cathedral Baptistery

To me, the striking Cathedral Baptistery was even more impressive than the Scrovegni Chapel. The central dome is covered in a depiction of Jesus in the Pantocrator Style , surrounded by countless angels and saints .

The walls feature scenes from the lives of Jesus, Mary and John the Baptist, while the small apse surrounding the altar is decorated with apocalyptical scenes from the Book of Revelations. It’s easy to lose yourself in the countless beautiful scenes. By contrast, the adjoining cathedral itself is rather austere and not necessarily a must-see sight in my opinion.

The entrance is by guided tour only, but contrary to the Scrovegni Chapel, we just showed up and got a spot with the next group, so it requires less pre-planning.

St. Anthony Basilica

This beautiful pilgrimage church near the southern end of the city centre contains the relics of the namesake saint as well as a series of beautifully decorated chapels. Especially striking is the lavish chapel containing the sarcophagus of St. Anthony himself as well as fresco-covered the Cappella di San Giacomo on the opposite side of the nave. Adjacent to the church is a series of pretty cloisters that you shouldn’t miss.

Botanical Garden

The Orto Botanico di Padua has the distinction of being the Oldest Botanical Garden in the World but even without this pedigree, it would be well-worth visiting. Apart from the historical garden attractively combining natural and man-made features, there are a series of modern greenhouses recreating several biospheres. It’s a fantastic place for a stroll or to rest your aching bones after walking around the city all day long.

Prato della Valle Square and Diner

Directly to the west of the Botanical Garden, you’ll find the Prato della Valle , Europe’s second-biggest square after the Red Square in Moscow. Contrary to the record-holder, this one features a pleasant central meadow surrounded by a small canal.

The area is surrounded by 78 statues depicting famous Italian persons as well as the odd international figure (Gustav Adolf II of Sweden and Stephan Báthory of Transylvania somehow made the cut). The eastern and northern edge of the square feature several restaurants , ideal to top of your day of exploration with a typical regional speciality, like Risotto con i Rovinassi (Rice with Chicken Liver).

Map of Padua

Have a look at this map containing all the places mentioned above.

How to get to Padua

Padua can easily be reached by train from Venice (about 30 minutes/5€), Verona (about 1 hour/8€) or Vicenza (about 30 minutes/5€). Padua’s Train station is located slightly north of the city centre across the Piovego Canal.

Where to stay in Padua

There’s no shortage of places to lay your head in Padua, although cheaper options tend to be somewhat sparser and a little out of the centre. We stayed at Albergo Junior , a few minutes north of the train station. It’s a cozy and very affordable bed and breakfast run by a friendly elderly couple.

The city centre is full of midrange options with great ratings, like Scrovegni Rooms and Breakfast or Residence Eremitani , which are right next to the Scrovegni Chapel.

The sumptuous Palazzo Mantua would be at the top end of the spectrum.

Have a look at the map above for more options.

What else to do in Padua

The 14th-century fresco cycles of Padua, Italy – Which of the UNESCO sites are worth visiting?

Exploring Padua Botanical Garden, the Oldest Botanical Garden in the World

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• More Networks

Padua, Italy: A Complete Travel Guide by Locals

By: Author Stefania Guglielmi

Posted on Last updated: February 17, 2024

Categories Europe , Italy

Planning a trip to the enchanting Padua, Italy? In this comprehensive travel guide you’ll find all the information you need to enjoy a memorable visit. Check it out!

Padua is one of the most historical cities in Northern Italy and it’s known as a cultural and academic cradle. Often dubbed the cultured neighbor of Venice, the city is famous worldwide for the University of Padua which, founded in 1222, is one of the oldest in all of Europe, and second in Italy after the University of Bologna (my city!)

Padua is also home to the world’s most ancient botanical garden , considered the birthplace of botanical science and horticulture. The city might be small, but there are plenty of amazing things to do in Padua! Its numerous attractions range from museums, art galleries, and libraries to beautiful parks, important religious buildings, and astounding architecture. 

While it’s not as famous as nearby Venice and Verona, Padua is a destination worth visiting, and it makes for a lovely weekend escapade. In this guide,  you’ll find everything you need to know , from when to visit to how to get there, the best things to do in Padua, and the traditional dishes you shouldn’t miss out on, so you can plan the perfect trip.  

Why trust the recommendations in this guide to Padua? While I may not be the expert, my family certainly is! With all of my cousins, uncles, and aunts calling Padua their home, I’ve sourced authentic local tips and insights directly from them. Dive into this guide and discover Padua through the eyes of its true locals. It’s as close to firsthand experience as you can get without living there yourself.

Table of Contents

REASONS TO VISIT PADUA, ITALY

1. Historical city full of art

Padua claims the title of the oldest city in Northern Italy and is believed to have been founded around 1200 BC, boasting an incredibly rich history. Its religious and art heritage, both of which are centuries old, is one of the major attractions in Padua, which has not only been an important pilgrimage site since the 1300s but also a cradle for the arts and culture.

The magnificent 14th-century frescoes of Scrovegni Chapel are often  credited with sparking the Italian Renaissance , and the contemporary art scene in Padua is as thriving as ever, with frequent exhibitions and plenty of museums . The well-preserved Medieval and Renaissance architecture, which offers a bridge to the past, is yet another Padovian gem that attests to the city’s artistic value.  

2. Aperol Spritz was born here!

Beloved both in Italy and abroad, Aperol Spritz is one of the most celebrated Aperitivo  drinks, and it originated in the very city of Padua in 1919 .

Brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri, whose father owned a liqueur company, experimented for seven years to craft the Aperol drink , which was an immediate hit in Padua and its nearby cities. It wasn’t until around the 1950s that Prosecco was introduced to the mix, and the recipe has remained unchanged ever since.   

3. Great day trips from here

Padua is located in the heart of the Veneto region , and it’s well connected to the enchanting cities of Venice, Verona, Milan, and Vicenza to name a few. It’s also close to the Euganean Hills, a wonderful area to visit for wine tasting, and by the Brenta River, so it’s an amazing base to go on memorable day trips around the region. 

HOW TO GET TO PADUA

▶️ The best way to get to the city is by train . The train station in Padua is within walking distance of its main sights, and most Northern Italian cities – and the rest of the country, for that matter – have frequent services that pass through it. The journey from Milan to Venice has its main stop in Padua, which also connects with most towns in the Veneto region by train. 

Stazione Centrale di Padova (Padua Central Railway Station) is where you’ll be heading. To get your train tickets, you can either make a purchase online or get them directly at the station. 

▶️ If you decide to start your visit to Italy in the Veneto region, the  closest international airport to Padua is Venice Marco Polo Airport . 

WHAT TO DO IN PADUA

I’ve previously written a full post about the very best things to do in Padua . However, if you’re in a rush, here below you’ll find our top recommendations. Check them out!

Go on a Walking Tour

The best way of getting around in Padua to admire its squares, architecture, and picturesque corners is by putting on comfortable shoes and going on a walking tour . This will give you a chance to stroll along charming alleys and major avenues, discover hidden gems, and make as many stops as you want to take in the vibrant atmosphere.

The number one place to go wandering around is the Padua city center , also known as the university town, where the seat of the university, Palazzo Bo, is located. Here you’ll also find the Padua Cathedral at Piazza Duomo, and the beautiful Baptistery, among many other landmarks. It’s undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in the city.

You can also join a guided tour of Padua to gain a deeper understanding of its history and culture. 

➤ Padua: Private City Walking Tour & Scrovegni’s Chapel Visit is led by a certified guide who knows the city and its history like the palm of their hand. They’ll take you and your group around the historic center while recounting interesting tales about Padua. You’ll visit the Cathedral, Erbe Square, and access the awe-inspiring Scrovegni Chapel.  ➥  BOOK IT HERE

➤ Padua Experience Like a Local is a half-day tour that allows you to discover the most authentic side of the city, as you’re guided by a local. You’ll visit the country’s largest square, the Jewish Ghetto, and Piazza delle Erbe, all the while learning about the city’s history and culture. Finish the trip at Caffè Pedrocchi for a traditional tasting. ➥  BOOK IT HERE

Marvel at the Frescoes of Scrovegni Chapel

Among the most important things to see in Padua is Capella   degli Scrovegni, a small and beautiful chapel built in the early 1300s. The chapel’s interior is completely covered in frescoes painted by Giotto di Bandone , which are said to have kindled the Italian Renaissance. 

The paintings, which depict the life of Jesus and the Virgin Mary through numerous biblical scenes, date back to the 14th century and are well preserved thanks to the careful monitoring of the chapel’s temperature and by limiting the number of daily visitors. Tickets need to be booked in advance through the official website, and cost 15€ + 1€ presale fee. 

Visit the Botanical Garden of Padua

Did you know the Orto Botanico di Padova, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site , is the first Botanical Garden in the world? This 236,000-square-foot (22,000-square-meter) garden, which is still in its original location, was founded in the 16th century, and as part of the university it’s used for medical, botanical, and other scientific studies . 

The garden houses over seven thousand species , and it’s located right next to the Basilica of St Anthony of Padua, so you could combine both visits. 

Have Coffee at Caffè Pedrocchi

The most ancient café in Padua, which has been standing since the early 18th century, is Caffè Pedrocchi . This iconic location serves one of Italy’s most famous coffee , offering all the classics, a few signature coffee-based drinks, and mouthwatering pastries (if you’re a sweet lover you absolutely can’t skip it). 

The dining rooms are elegant and classy, and it’s a real treat to sit for a cup of coffee in such a fancy setting .

Piazza delle Erbe

Piazza delle Erbe is the former market square of the city , and it still holds a weekly market where you can buy fresh produce, handicrafts, and accessories.

It used to be Padua’s beating heart back in the day, and while the reasons for its importance have shifted, it continues to be a focal point in the city, and a meeting spot for locals and tourists. 

The square is surrounded by beautiful buildings and busy eateries and cafés , offering a wonderful excuse to take a break from your explorations and sit down for a while to people-watch with some nibbles or a glass of Aperol Spritz. 

Check Out Prato della Valle

Padua is a city with numerous important locations, and the list has room for one more attraction: the largest piazza in Italy, Prato della Valle . This very aesthetic square, which covers over a million square feet, has an elliptical shape with a green island in the center that’s encircled by a lovely canal. The piazza boasts 78 statues around it, rings of walkways, and four avenues: it’s a striking sight to behold! 

WHERE TO EAT IN PADUA

▶️ Ristorante Boccadoro is an elegant Michelin-starred restaurant that specializes in Italian fare. It’s a great place to indulge in the traditional dishes of the region, such as Fegato alla Veneziana, Polenta alla Brace, and Bigoli al Baccalà, as it pays homage to Veneto’s cuisine. The setting is enchanting, the service is top-notch, and the food is absolutely delicious. 

▶️ Enotavola Pino is yet another Michelin-starred eatery in Padua. This local spot specializes in pasta and seafood dishes and boasts an incredible wine menu. It’s both a restaurant and a bar, featuring wood-barrel tables that give it an atmospheric vibe. The restaurant, which is as popular among locals as it is with tourists, offers indoor and outdoor seating areas.   

▶️ All’Ombra della Piazza is  the  place to be during  aperitivo  time, as it’s where you’ll find the most delicious Cicchetti in Padua. The Venetian-style  tapas are the star of the restaurant, but you can also order tasty pizzas and other small bites to go with your Aperol Spritz.  

ONE DAY IN PADUA ITINERARY

Visiting Padova, Italy in a single day? With this itinerary, you’ll be able to check out its main sights in the most efficient way. Your first stop will be Prato della Valle , the city’s most famous square. 

Take snaps from every angle and stroll leisurely around it before making your way to Padua’s Botanical Garden . You could spend hours in the massive gardens, especially if you’re a botanical enthusiast, so be mindful of your time! 

Next up is the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua (Basilica di Sant’Antonio) , where the saint’s remains are housed. The building has been a pilgrimage site for centuries but is also worth admiring for its beautiful art and architecture.

After your visit, it’s time to check out the charming squares of the cities. Piazza delle Erbe is the closest to the Basilica, and it’s a perfect spot for taking a break to eat, have a cup of coffee, and people-watch. 

A few steps away is Piazza dei Signori , named after the rulers who worked and lived around it. It’s also where you’ll find the impressive Astronomical Clock of the city!

Right next to the square, you can’t miss Palazzo della Ragione , likely one of the prettiest buildings in town. Divided into two floors, the upper one used to house the town hall while the ground floor is where the city’s market hall was located. Admire the frescoes in the main hall, and then continue to Cappella degli Scrovegni . 

Scrovegni Chapel is an absolute must- see in Padua for art lovers for the spectacular frescoes it boasts. You’ll need to purchase your tickets in advance to ensure access on the day of your visit! 

Alternatively, you can start the day with a Padua: Private City Walking Tour & Scrovegni’s Chapel Visit , which lasts two hours and will give you a perfect introduction to the city. 

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM PADUA

If you’re visiting Padua for a day, you should focus on the city’s main places to visit. If you have more time, however, I recommend taking a day trip to Venice, the nearby wine country, or going on a cruise to take in the region’s beautiful scenery. There are many places you can explore from Padua, and below you’ll find my top recommendations. 

Embark on a Wine Tour

Veneto is one of the major wine regions in the country, which makes Padua a fantastic starting point to explore the area’s vineyards and wineries for sips of Veneto wine. 

➤ 8-Hour Prosecco Wine and Tastings Tour from Venice or Padua is a guided excursion that takes you to two wineries in the Prosecco DOCG area. You’ll meet the producers and learn about the history and making of the beloved sparkling wine, besides indulging in a tasting of four types of Prosecco. Cap off the day with lunch at a trattoria. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤  Amarone Wine Tour & Tasting from Venice, Padua or Verona is a full-day trip into the Valpolicella Valley, nestled between the city of Verona and Lake Garda. You’ll stroll through historic vineyards and learn about the region’s winemaking techniques before tasting Amarone and Recioto wines paired with cheese. You’ll also be treated to a traditional lunch. ➥  BOOK IT HERE  

Take a cruise along the Brenta River

The Brenta River, one of the most important ones in Northern Italy , played a great role in the history of Padua. It was used for the transportation of people and goods, and it connects Padua with Venice , which is why taking a cruise between the two cities is both a very enjoyable activity and a practical way to visit the city of canals! 

As you glide down the river, following the route of the Venetian merchants, you’ll pass by opulent villas with striking architecture , so keep your eyes peeled! 

➤ On this Full-Day Padua to Venice Burchiello Brenta Riviera Boat Cruise , you’ll hop aboard a Burchiello boat and set sail along the famous river. You’ll learn from your guide’s live commentary, and tour four different – and stunning – villas along the way. You’ll also stop in the town of Oriego to have lunch at a famous restaurant, and finish the tour in Venice.  ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Venice is one of the most enchanting Italian cities, and being merely 28 miles (46 km) from Padua it’d be a crime not to visit! Known as the  floating city , Venice is worldwide famous for its beautiful canals, but there’s so much more to it than the waterways. 

The architecture of the city is remarkable , and its history is equal parts eerie and fascinating. You can’t miss the ghost tours if you’re into spooky things! The local food is mouthwatering , especially the  Cicchetti , and the nearby islands of Murano and Burano are worth a trip if you have the time. 

To get there you simply need to make your way to Padua Central Railway Station , and take a train to Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia. The trip takes 30 minutes on the high-speed train, and tickets cost less than 5€. 

To return, the train from Venice to Padua takes around the same time, so it’s the best way to make the journey. 

➤ Alternatively, you can join a  Small Group Tour in Venice departing from Padua . You’ll learn about Venice’s history while strolling around the Cannaregio district and the Jewish Ghetto, and admire the major landmarks from up close. You’ll also receive insider tips on where to have lunch and which café serves the best espresso.  ➥   BOOK IT HERE

Euganean Hills

The Euganean Hills, or Colli Euganei in Italian, is a beautiful area of Veneto known for its wine and volcanic hills , which date back to over 30 million years ago. It’s one of the most scenic natural locations close to Padua , and home to a few castles, so it makes for a very fun day trip! 

The Euganean Hills is a vast area comprising villages that are far and few in between, so traveling there by public transportation is not very practical . From Padua, you could take the train to Abano Terme, one of the major towns, but you’ll then find it hard to get around. For this reason, unless you have a car, I suggest joining a tour .  

➤ From Padua to Arquà Petrarca, the Medieval Village is a half-day guided tour that takes you to the beautiful village of Arquà Petrarca. You’ll visit the poet Petrarca’s house, an olive oil mill, and a producer of Venetian delicacies for a tasting. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ From Padua: Olive Oil & Wine in the Euganean Hills is a foodie’s top choice when it comes to Colli Euganei tours. You’ll visit a local olive oil mill to learn about its production and enjoy a tasting, and then head to a winery for a cellar tour and to sample typical wines. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Verona & Lake Garda

Verona and Lake Garda combined are the perfect recipe for a dream day trip – they’re two of the most alluring locations in Northern Italy , and make for an enchanting escapade.

Verona is considered the city of love for being the setting of Romeo and Juliet, but its charm is entirely its own merit, featuring beautiful architecture, remains of the great Roman Empire, and a beautiful river. 

Lago di Garda is the largest lake in Italy , and it’s one of the most sought-after destinations for holidaymakers. The lake is surrounded by beautiful towns that showcase a rich culture, architecture, and cuisine, plus exceptional views that won’t let you put your camera down . 

Sirmione, Lake Garda’s most popular town, and Verona are 25 miles (40 km) away, and they’re 79 miles (128 km) and 59 miles (95 km) from Padua respectively.  You can travel between the cities by the fast regional train , making the journey to Sirmione, which takes a little over an hour, then connecting to Verona. When you’re ready to return, take the train from Verona to Padua. 

You can check the train times ahead of time to plan your day, or else join a tour from Padua . 

➤ This  Full Day Guided Tour of Verona and Garda Lake  starts with a scenic drive to Verona, where you’ll enjoy a walking tour around the city as your guide tells you about its history and major landmarks. You can opt to take the funicular up to San Pietro Hill, and after a lunch break make your way to Garda. There you’ll explore the town of Sirmione, known as the Pearl of Lake Garda .  ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Lesser known than its neighbors Treviso, Venice and Verona, Vicenza is a gem in the Veneto region that’s worth checking out. One of the major attractions in Vicenza is its architecture, as the city could be considered the personal project of the famous Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio .

Besides the elegant, expertly designed buildings and Palladian villas, the city – which is listed as a  UNESCO World Heritage Site – boasts a rich artistic heritage and delicious local cuisine.  

The train journey from Padua to Vicenza takes slightly over 15 minutes , and tickets cost 4.70€, so there’s really no excuse not to go! 

WHERE TO STAY IN PADUA

Staying in the city overnight? These are the best Padua hotels for all budgets. 

BOUTIQUE HOTEL : Padova Suites C20 overlooks Piazza del Santo, offering phenomenal views from its spacious rooms. They all feature a private bathroom, a wardrobe, a kettle, and a minibar, and some even have a balcony. There is a restaurant on-site as well. 

BOUTIQUE HOTEL : Officine Cavour Piazza Cavour has very trendy lofts equipped with a kitchen, dining furniture, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with bathrobes and slippers. Bikes are rented on-site, and the property is conveniently located in the city center. 

MID-RANGE HOTEL : B&B Casa Camilla is a charming home in a residential area of Padua that will make you feel like a local. With traditional décor and comfortable rooms, guests will have a private bathroom, modern amenities, and daily breakfast. Bike rental is available as well. 

ON A BUDGET : Casa a Colori Padova offers double, triple, and family rooms with private bathrooms and a terrace or balcony. The property features a fitness center and a restaurant, and it serves an Italian or Continental breakfast. 

BEST TIME TO VISIT PADUA

The best time of year to visit Padua is in the spring or the fall – the shoulder seasons. Padua weather during the months of April to June and September is mild, and though there may be occasional rainy days , the temperature should be good enough to spend enjoyable days outdoors. 

The summer months are a good alternative, but you have to account for very hot days , and it will also be the most crowded period. 

PADUA, ITALY: FAQS

Padua, the capital city of the province of Padua, can be found in the Veneto region, in north-eastern Italy. It’s in the center of the region, 25 miles west of Venice. 

Padua is known for its rich religious heritage, for being home to the country’s second-oldest university, where Galileo Galilei taught mathematics, for its astounding architecture, and ancient history. It’s considered the oldest city in Northern Italy! 

Padua is such an interesting city, with incredible history and fascinating landmarks, that I believe it’s worth the visit. Padua is relatively small, so you could plan a day trip there. 

Yes, Padova and Padua are the same, a charming city located in Northern Italy. Padova is the city’s Italian name, while Padua is the English version.  

1 full day is enough to see Padua, as the city is small and its attractions are all close to each other.

They are quite different. I personally prefer Verona between the two, but Padua is definitely less crowded and less touristy, so it might be a better option if that’s what you’re after. 

Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.

Sign me up for the monthly newsletter!

Self-guided Walking Tour of Padua (with Maps!)

This website uses affiliate links which earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Padua is a city in the Veneto region in the northeast of Italy and is home to the second oldest university in Italy (the oldest is in Bologna). This, plus the historical wealth of the city, has created a legacy of grand buildings, many filled with the medieval frescoes for which Padua is famous. There is an Italian popular saying: “Venice is beautiful, Padua is her sister”. 

It has two UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list. Once for its 14th-century frescoes and another for its Orto Botanico – the oldest academic botanical garden in the world!

It is also an important place of pilgrimage: St Anthony is buried in Padua and the 25 km Walk of Saint Anthony ends here. Then there is the Shakespeare connection: this was the setting for his play  Taming of the Shrew . As you walk the shady colonnaded streets you can imagine yourself back in that world, in the place that Petruchio describes as “fair Padua, nursery of the arts”.

How to get to Padua?

By Car: Padova is strategically located at the crossroads of major motorways in Italy. For those traveling from the west (Venice) to the east (Milan), you can access the A4 motorway (Venice-Milan) and take the Padova Est exit if you are coming from Venice or the Padova Ovest exit if you are arriving from Milan. If your journey brings you from the south (Bologna) to Padova, you’ll be on the A13 motorway (Bologna-Padova). Take the Padova Sud exit, and from there, you can follow the signs guiding you to the center of Padova or continue in the direction of the A4 motorway (Milan-Venice) if you wish to travel east.

Warning: The centre of Padova is a Traffic-Restricted Area (ZTL).

Parking: The most convenient parking is Piazza Rabin , just to the south of Prato della Valle – about € 1.50 an hour. From here head north through the arch to arrive at Prato della Valle.

By Train: Padua is easy to reach by train from many other nearby Italian cities. All the trains that move between Milan-Venice and Bologna-Venice stop in Padua. To get to the centre from the train station walk down Corso del Popolo.

Prato della Valle

Prato della Valle, Italy’s largest square, stands as one of Padua’s most iconic attractions. Covering an expansive area of 90,000 square meters, it boasts an elliptical shape. The square is bordered by a canal that encircles an oval space known as the Isola Memmia, named after Andrea Memmo, the visionary behind Prato della Valle in the 18th century.

Two concentric rings of statues grace the perimeter of the canal, totaling 78 in all, each representing prominent figures intertwined with the rich history and culture of Padua. For instance, statue number 36 pays homage to Galileo Galilei, who famously declared that he “spent the happiest 18 years of his life living and teaching in Padua.” Statue number 35 commemorates the renowned humanist and poet Petrarch, who was a frequent visitor to Padua in the 14th century. Statue number 21 immortalizes the illustrious Renaissance artist Andrea Mantegna, who both studied and worked in Padua. Notably, pinpoint 12 on this list leads to the opportunity to view Mantegna’s renowned cycle of frescoes in the Church of the Eremitani in Padua.

Prato della Valle serves as a vibrant hub for many of Padua’s major events and festivals. It regularly hosts bustling markets, featuring an array of fresh produce, vintage items, and assorted treasures.

Take a moment to explore Prato della Valle, and you’ll discover a treasure trove of picturesque opportunities. The stately Lodge Amulea and the imposing structure of the Basilica of Santa Giustina present splendid subjects for your photography. Be sure to capture the beauty of these landmarks with your camera to preserve the memories of your visit.

Orto Botanico

Walk straight through the oval park, then walk anti-clockwise around it before turning onto Via Beato Luca Belludi. Quickly turn off to the right to walk down the pedestrianised Via Donatello, after 200m you arrive at the University of Padua Botanical Gardens.

The Orto Botanico di Padova is a small botanical garden in Padua, in the northeastern part of Italy. Founded in 1545 by the Venetian Republic, it is the world’s oldest academic botanical garden that is still in its original location. The garden – affiliated with the University of Padua – currently covers roughly 22,000 square meters, and is known for its special collections and historical design.

Piazza del Santo & Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata

Head back to the entrance of the gardens. After crossing the small bridge, turn off Via Donatello and walk up Via Orto Botanico until you reach the Piazza del Santo.

One of the main reasons for visiting the Piazza del Santo is it see the Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata. It is one of the most famous statues in Italy, made by Donatello in 1446, it represents Erasmo da Narni, who was a soldier fighting for the church and for the Venetian Republic. His nickname was Gattamelata. It was the first equestrian statue of this size since antiquity and was commissioned by the soldier’s wife and son. The house in which Donatello lived during his time in Padua is located opposite the Basilica.

Basilica of Sant’Antonio

Padua is affectionately known as the City of the Saint due to the deep and heartfelt devotion of its locals to St. Anthony. The term “Il Santo” is used by the citizens of Padua to refer both to the Saint himself and to the exquisite basilica that enshrines his relics.

Originally constructed between 1232 and 1310, with subsequent modifications over the centuries, the Basilica of St. Anthony stands as Padua’s most significant religious landmark. Annually, it welcomes five million pilgrims. This basilica is a must-visit, showcasing a harmonious blend of architectural styles, magnificent frescoes, numerous chapels holding precious relics, and a wealth of masterpieces.

Key highlights within the basilica include:

• Chapel of St. Anthony: A splendid Renaissance masterpiece where visitors come to offer their prayers before the Saint’s tomb.
• Chapel of the Relics (Treasury Chapel): Here, you can behold the Incorrupt Tongue of St. Anthony, along with numerous other revered relics. The meticulous craftsmanship and artistry evident in the design and creation of the reliquaries, chalices, and religious artifacts preserved here are truly breathtaking.
• Presbytery and Main Altar: This area is a magnificently frescoed and ornamented space, adorned with 15th-century statues and bas-reliefs by the renowned artist Donatello. These are among the most prized artistic treasures within the Basilica.
• Cloisters: These cloisters are not only beautifully maintained but also house fragments of preserved frescoes, providing a glimpse into the basilica’s rich history.
• Museums of the Basilica: These museums offer an opportunity to delve deeper into the life and work of St. Anthony and to admire a collection of artworks owned by the Basilica.
• Oratory of St. George and School of the Saint: Two small buildings adjacent to the main body of the Basilica. The first hosts one of the most precious 14th-century fresco cycles. The second features a series of frescoes by Titian and other renowned local painters.

Information for Visiting Anthonian Museum, Oratory of St George & Little School:  Open Tuesday to Sunday 9.00 to 13.00 and 14.00 to 18.00, Adult Ticket €7 https://www.santantonio.org/en/content/times-and-single-ticket-various-museums-shrine

MUSME - Museum of the History of Medicine

From the square head away from the Equestrian statue of Gattamelata up the Via del Santo. At the end when you reach Via S. Francesco turn right to see the MUSME – Museo di Storia della or left to see the MUSME – Museo di Storia della or right to reach the Palazzo Bo.

MUSME is a collection of exhibits that describe the history of medicine. Since the University of Padua houses one of the oldest medical schools in the world, it is fitting for this museum to be located in the historic center of Padua, within walking distance of the medical school. Exhibits explain gross anatomy, the development of pharmacology, surgery and also focus on the evolution of medical education.

Come out of the building and turn right onto Via S. Francesco. You will pass Piazza Antenore which has the Tomb of Anthenor. This is a historical medieval tomb, falsely attributed to the mythical founder of Padua, more probably the remains of a Hungarian warrior and not the Trio prince.

Opposite this is the Palazzo Romanin Jacur. A 14century palace that Dante lived in Padua during his exile.

At the end of the piazza is the location of the Ponte San Lorenzo, the remains of a segmental stone bridge with 3 arches, built by the Romans from 47—30 BCE. Unfortunately now inaccessible and not visible from the street.

At the next block turn north onto Via VIII Febbraio to reach Palazzo Bo.

Take a guided tour of the University of Padova, one of the oldest in Europe, where Galileo taught for a dozen years, and which awarded the first Ph.D. in the world to a woman in the 17th century). It is a fabulous renaissance building and tiered courtyard that housed the main campus of the University of Padua’s medical school for centuries. As such, it is decorated to the hilt with the family crests of all the illustrious teachers and alumni who have walked these old stone floors.

Look out for the lectern where Galileo taught!

Cafe Pedrocchi

Carry on north on Via VIII Febbraio to reach Piazzetta Cappellato Pedrocchi, or to skip it take first left to go straight up Via Guglielmo Oberdan another bloack to see Pedrocchi Café.

Walk past the historic Pedrocchi Café. Known for its part in the 1848 riots against the Habsburg monarchy, as well as for being an attraction for artists over the last century from the French novelist Stendhal to Lord Byron to the Italian writer Dario Fo. Pricing is as you would expect for a historic building.

The Roman Arena and the Arena Gardens

Head north out of Piazza Cavour, one of the main squares, dedicated to Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, one of the most important Italian politic leaders at the time of of early Italian independence wars and first Prime Ministero of Italian Kingdom in 19th century. Continue past Piazza Garibaldi, leaving it to walk along Corso Guiseppe Garibaldi. You will see the Roman Arena on your right and the The Palazzo Zuckermann Museum on your left.

The Roman Arena of Padua was an amphitheatre used for gladiator games in the ancient Patavium. The Arena ruins are now part of the Giardini dell’Arena park. Today, only a few ruins remain part of the bearing walls and a series of arches. The remains of the Arena have recently undergone a cleaning and restoration process. In parallel, an excavation project is also underway to bring to light the original structures of the Arena, floors and foundations, buried over the centuries by numerous stratifications and subsequent building works.

Palazzo Zuckermann

The palazzo is home to the Museum of Applied and Decorative Arts, with over two thousand exhibits that might be called the hidden patrimony of the Padua City Museums. It also houses the Museo Bottacin, which has a rich collection of medals and coins. The neoclassical facade of the building has elements influenced by the Liberty style – the Italian version of Art Nouveau.

Chiesa degli Eremitani

The Church of the Eremitani (Chiesa degli Eremitani) is a 13th-century Gothic-style church known for its rich collection of artworks. Tragically, during the Second World War, the church suffered damage when it was mistakenly bombed by the Allied Forces. It is said that the proximity of the German headquarters in Padua to the church led to this unfortunate incident. Despite being on the ‘do not bomb’ list of cultural heritage sites, it became a casualty of war.

The most severe damage was inflicted on the church’s Ovetari Chapel, which had been adorned with frescoes by a group of renowned Renaissance artists in the 15th century. Among these artists, Andrea Mantegna’s name shines brightly. Mantegna had a unique approach to painting, which resembled the work of a sculptor wielding a paintbrush. His skill in depicting finely sculpted bodies, expressive faces, and intricate architectural backgrounds has garnered admiration for centuries. Many of his paintings now grace famous museums and galleries worldwide.

When the bombs struck the Church of the Eremitani on March 11, 1944, Mantegna’s frescoes crumbled into a staggering 88,000 fragments. This incident represented Italy’s most devastating art loss during the war. Only many decades later, thanks to advanced software, were the frescoes meticulously reconstructed, resembling a massive jigsaw puzzle with numerous missing pieces. Observing the restored frescoes in person brings to light the truly devastating impact of war on cultural treasures.

Musei Civici di Padova

Walk anti clockwise around the arena and you will come to the Musei Civici di Padova.

Part of the Eremitani Civic Museums complex, the palazzo houses the Museum of Applied and Decorative Arts and the Bottacin Museum in its rooms. The museum complex is headquartered in Piazza Eremitani, in the cloisters of the former Augustinian monastery adjacent to the Church of the Eremitani. But the Eremitani Civic Museums encompasses a series of monumental sites and various museums located in different buildings in Padua, showcasing an expansive collection ranging from archaeological objects to medieval and modern art.

Cappella degli Scrovegni

Cone out of the Musei Civici di Padova and turn left you will see the Cappella degli Scrovegni backing onto the Roman Arena.

The Scrovegni Chapel, located in Padua, was adorned with an array of magnificent frescoes by the renowned artist Giotto in the early years of the 14th century. This remarkable transformation of the chapel was commissioned by the local moneylender, Enrico Scrovegni.

Giotto’s position as one of the most significant painters in history is indisputable, as he played a pivotal role in redefining the boundaries of pictorial expression. His influence on the art world is immeasurable, casting a long and enduring shadow across the annals of art history. To discuss the history of art without acknowledging the profound impact and enduring legacy of Giotto would be incomplete.

Among Giotto’s many masterpieces, the fresco cycle in Padua’s Scrovegni Chapel stands as his crowning achievement. This breathtaking work of art is a testament to his unparalleled talent and artistic vision, and it remains a cherished treasure for all who have the privilege of experiencing it.

Ponte Molino

Cross back over Corso Guiseppe Garibaldi and walk along Via Giotto. Turn third left down Via del Carmine and when you get to the end turn left to get to Ponte Molino.

Ponte Molino is an ancient Roman bridge featuring five graceful arches. Its construction dates back to the years 30-40 AD, and it offers enchanting vistas of the Bacchiglione River. This bridge is among the few surviving Roman bridges in Padua and a rare example of an ancient bridge designed for the passage of both pedestrians and vehicles.

The bridge earned its current name, “Molino,” due to the presence of floating watermills operating adjacent to it from the 10th century until the late 19th century.

The road that traverses this bridge was historically Padua’s most important street, known as “Stra’ Maggiore.” It was watched over by the Torre di Ezzelino, an imposing tower constructed by a famous medieval tyrant. While the tower can still be seen at the far end of the bridge, your attention may also be captivated by another significant structure that stands beside Ponte Molino – the renowned Porta Molino.

Porta Molino, a substantial gate, was erected in the 13th century and formerly served as the most critical gate in Padua’s medieval defensive walls. Local legend has it that the gate’s height was such that Galileo Galilei used it as an observatory for his celestial observations.

Piazza dei Signori & Torre dell'Orologio

Walk across Ponte Molino and down Via Dante Alighieri. When you reach Piazza dei Signori you will see the Torre dell’Orologio on your right.

The Torre dell’Orologio is a clock tower situated in Piazza Dei Signori, nestled between the Palazzo del Capitanio and the Palazzo dei Camerlenghi in Padua, Italy. It is also known as the astronomical clock of Padua. The tower’s construction commenced in 1426 and was completed around 1430. The tower was commissioned by Prince Ubertino de Carrara, a member of the Carrara clan in Padua, who served as the Lord of Padua from 1338 to 1345. Subsequently, it was expanded to accommodate the new clock, which was crafted in 1427. The clock itself was finished in 1434. In 1436, decorative elements were added to the clock’s dial, and a year later, the clock tower was inaugurated. At the tower’s base, the grand triumphal arch, designed by Giovanni Maria Falconetto, was incorporated in 1531.

The clock’s design and construction were overseen by Giovanni Dondi dell’Orologio, also known as Giovanni de’ Dondi, an Italian physician, astronomer, and mechanical engineer. Gian Petro Dalle Caldiere provided assistance during the process. The clock’s design features references to the zodiac. However, the original clock did not include the Libra sign, as in the pre-Roman system, Scorpio and Libra were considered one zodiac sign.

The clock’s dial portrays the Earth at its centre, displaying the phases of the Moon, days, months, and the zodiac signs. Today, the clock is accessible to the public, with a group of volunteers known as Salvalarte ensuring that such sites remain open for public enjoyment. This group is affiliated with a nationwide environmental association.

Duomo di Padova

Walk past the Torre dell’Orologio along Via Monte di Pietà until you reach the Piazza Duomo.

Although the interior of the Duomo is quite simple, it is worth to visit this beautiful renaissance style church.  There is separate entry to the baptistry so you do not need to go in via the cathedral, which costs 3 euros. The 12 century baptistry of the Duomo contains one of the most complete medieval fresco cycles to survive in Italy.

Palazzo della Ragione

Either return to the Piazza dei Signori and walk past the Chiesa di San Clemente or walk down Via Daniele Manin to reach the Palazzo della Ragione.

It is worth visiting Palazzo Della Ragione and you should make time to go inside to see the frescoes. It is a stunning medieval town hall that was built in the 13th century. There are three floors, the underground has Roman ruins but is not always accessible to the public. Secondly, the ground floor is a wonderful place to get something to eat because it is full of cafes and then finally the top floor is where you will find the frescoes.

Head south down Via Roma to return to Prato della Valle.

Similar Blogs

Padua is a city in the Veneto region in the northeast of Italy and is home to the second oldest university in Italy (the oldest is in Bologna). This, plus the historical wealth of the city, has created a legacy of grand buildings, many filled with the medieval frescoes for which Padua is famous. There […]

Walking Tour of Milan (Map and Route)

Welcome to Milan, a city recognized as one of the world’s four fashion capitals and a global hub of design. With its rich history and cultural significance, Milan is a key tourist destination that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. The origin of the name Milan is uncertain, but one theory suggests it comes from the […]

Walking Tour of Assisi: Map and Route!

Welcome to Assisi, a picturesque hilltop town nestled on the western slope of Mount Subasio, standing proudly at 1,300 feet above sea level. With its commanding views overlooking the rivers Topino and Chiasicio, Assisi boasts a rich history that spans millennia. Originally known as Assisium, this walled city with its narrow, twisting streets and alleys […]

A Day In Padua, Italy

In the July heatwave we found ourselves flying out to Veneto for a week to drink aperol spritz, admire the country views and attend our friend’s beautiful wedding. We stayed in one of our favourite ever airbnbs , visited local towns like Cittadella and Venice , and spent the day walking around beautiful Padua (or Padova as the Italians say).

How to get there

We rented a car from Marco Polo airport for our holiday so that we could drive around from our airbnb. This made it super easy to visit Padua as you can park in the city centre car park just north of the Canale Piovego for only €1.20 an hour. Then it’s just a matter of crossing the Ponte Milani and you’re in the centre. Our route took us through the university buildings, past the cathedral, down to Prato della Valle , then to the Botanical Gardens and back up.

Cappella degli Scrovegni

First up and an absolute must-see is the Scrovegni Chapel, a tiny church that holds a fresco cycle by Giotto. This important masterpiece of Western art was painted in 1305 and named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021. The 14th century frescos marked the beginning of a revolution in mural painting and influenced fresco technique, style, and content for a whole century.

The chapel is an 8 minute walk from the car park, inside the complex of the Museo Civico on Piazza Eremitani . The lobby of the museum is where you pick up your tickets – the chapel is environment controlled to preserve the frescos, so you need to book a time slot in advance through their website . Make sure you remember to bring a mask!

Inside, every surface of the chapel is covered with Giotto frescoes, including the walls and the ceiling. The largest frescos tell the story of the  Life of Christ  and the  Life of the Virgin Mary , whilst the wall at the back of the church shows a large  Last Judgement fresco with glorious gold painted angels at the top and some pretty graphic depictions of hell at the bottom. Around the bottom of the walls there are also panels painted to look like statues, showing the holy virtues on one side and vices on the other.

Before you go into the chapel you’ll be held in a temperature-controlled waiting room for 15 minutes. Here you’ll watch a little video all about the preservation of the chapel and how the pollution of the city had been damaging the frescos – hence the need for the extra layer of protection.

Coffee: Caffe Pedrocchi

Next on the tour is Pedrocchi Cafe, founded in the 18th century and designed by architect Giuseppe Jappelli. It has a fascinating history. Because of its central location right near the seat of government, the café quickly became a meeting place for students, artists, writers and patriots. Big names like Lord Byron, the French novelist Stendhal, the Italian writer Dario Fo, and the futurist Marinetti made this their haunt. It had not only one but six newspapers named after it, and in 1848 it was the scene of the student uprisings against the Habsburg monarchy. 

Until 1916 the cafe was open 24 hours a day, earning it the nickname “coffee without doors”. The prices were unusually reasonable for such a luxurious city, so anyone could eat there no matter how much money they had. People were allowed to sit at tables without ordering and stay to read books and newspapers, and the cafe loaned out umbrellas when it rained. Today the cafe is managed by the Fede Group, who channel the profits into the restoration of the building itself.

You cannot visit Caffe Pedrocchi without trying their signature drink – mint coffee. Stay with me on this one. Pedrocchi coffee is 100% Arabica espresso, fresh cream and mint syrup, with a dusting of cocoa. The key to this one is to drink immediately as it is served. Do not stir under any circumstances. The cream on top is cold, the coffee underneath is hot, and together they make a surprisingly refreshing and extremely enjoyable mid-morning pick-me-up. Matt refused to try it and I implore you to not make the same mistake.

Palazzo della Ragione

Just west of the cafe you’ll find the Ragione Palace, a Medieval, fresco-filled civic building with a ground floor food market flanked by two town squares also bustling with markets. It’s known by locals as “ il Salone ” (the big Hall) because of the great hall covered in frescos on the upper floor. The market on the ground floor is 800 years old – probably the oldest in the European Union!

Università degli Studi di Padova

Before stopping for lunch we wondered somewhat aimlessly through the streets around the University of Padua. Founded in 1222 when a large group of students and professors left the University of Bologna  in search of more academic freedom (‘ Libertas scholastica ‘), it’s the second-oldest university in Italy and the fifth-oldest surviving university in the world. It’s consistently ranked among the best universities in Italy to this day, and in 2021 it was among the best 200 universities in the world according to ARWU.

As it is clearly a functioning university, you can’t just go in and look around. To properly visit the historical buildings of the university, including the Palazzo Bo and the anatomical theatre, you’ll need to book a ticket for one of their guided tours.

Lunch: Baruffino

Just near Padua Cathedral you’ll find Baruffino , a cicchetteria and seafood bistro. Cicchetti  are Venetian bar snacks, traditionally eaten for lunch or as an afternoon snack with a white wine. They’re like little open sandwiches, usually featuring fish, seafood or ham of some kind and cheese, tomatoes and olives. They’re similar to Spanish tapas or Italian  aperitivo . Our waitress categorically would not let us eat lunch without trying some.

When in Rome! We started our meal with cicchetti, letting the waitress choose the toppings for us, followed by seafood pasta which was delicious. Our table was outside on the pavement, and the restaurant was clearly popular with locals which is always a good sign.

This was such a welcome break, and we thoroughly enjoyed sitting in the shade with a light breeze, cooling down with a coke and tucking into fresh pasta with rich homemade sauce.

Padua Streets

The city of Padua is nothing short of picturesque, with a dense network of arcaded streets opening into large communal  piazze , and bridge after bridge crossing the various branches of the Bacchiglione river.

As it was so hot on the day of our visit, we couldn’t do all the things we would have liked to do. There are dozens of 17th century villas, and historic churches that date back as far as the year 520. The main things we cut from our itinerary on the day were the cathedral and the Castello Carrarese , a twin-towered fortress built over a 13th-century castle, formerly used as a prison and observatory.

After our lunch at Baruffino, we took a moment to strategise and decided to make our way straight to Prato della Valle .

Prato della Valle

This 90,000-square-meter elliptical square is the largest in Italy, and one of the largest in Europe. The massive space at first glance seems to be mainly concrete, with a green island at the centre –  l’Isola Memmia – surrounded by a small canal bordered by statues.

Previously just a swampy bog south of the old city walls of Padua, in 1636 a group of Venetian and Veneto notables bankrolled the construction of a lavish theatre as a venue for mock battles on horseback. The space has been used for lots of different things over the centuries since, and fell into disrepair more than a few times.

This square really reminded me of the place de la concorde in Paris, and it seems to be similarly popular among the local skating and roller blading crowds, even hosting competitions.

I would’ve stopped to take more photos, but I cannot overemphasise how unbearably hot it was on that day. We hurried across the sun-baked road, the heat bouncing back at us from all directions, and into the shaded safety of the Basilica di Santa Giustina . This 10th Century Benedictine abbey is packed with art and marble altars – a nice calm place to hide from the heat.

Orto Botanico di Padova

Next we made our way through some pretty residential streets towards the entrance to the botanical gardens. The Orto Botanico were founded in 1545 and are the oldest academic botanical gardens in the world. Despite housing six thousand types of plant, the gardens only cover 22000 sq metres, so don’t be intimidated. Inside you can see a ginkgo tree from the 18th century, a plane tree from 1680, and a palm tree that was planted in 1585!

Basilica Pontificia di Sant’Antonio di Padova

Right next to the botanical gardens is the Pontifical Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua. Known locally as il Santo , the basilica is officially recognised by the Vatican as an international shrine, visited as a place of pilgrimage by people from all over the world. It was built in the 13th century, in Byzantine and Romanesque styles with Gothic features.

I didn’t take any photos inside the Basilica, as I wanted to just take it all in. The interior is truly stunning, with beautiful mosaics, frescos and reliefs. There’s a whole chapel housing holy relics, including St Anthony’s body. His tongue and chin specifically are displayed in a gold reliquary which is …an interesting choice.

On our way back to the car we stopped off for a gelato at Venchi – this is an ice cream chain that exists in the UK, but it it just hits different when you’re eating it in the Italian summer sun.

I’m so glad we braved the heat to visit this beautiful city! Caffe Pedrocchi in particular was a highlight for me, but more generally Padua was just a lovely place to explore and spend a day.

Click to pin!

I’m Sophie, a writer and blogger living in St Albans, traveling, eating, and telling you all about it.

Find me on: Web | Instagram | Facebook

You may also enjoy:

Christmas at harry potter studios, hatfield house visit: palace, gardens & woodland walks, best day trips from lisbon (by train), where to eat in richmond, leave a reply cancel reply, get email updates.

Enter your email address to get updated when I write new posts!

Email Address

WHERE ARE WE GOING NEXT?

Follow me on bloglovin’.

259 Followers on Bloglovin'

Discover more from Wunderhead

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

13 Best Things to Do in Padua, Italy in One Day (Full Itinerary with Times, Photos, and Map)

By Author Rossi Thomson

Posted on Last updated: 4th September 2022

Categories Day Trips in Italy , Padua , Veneto

Padua is a great destination for a day trip in Italy.

Easily reached from many popular italian cities like venice , bologna , florence, verona , and milan , padua – or padova , as it is known in italian – has a long list of world-class sights that cannot be missed if you wish to have the full italian experience..

After all, it is here in Padua that you can see the frescoes that sparked the Italian Renaissance, the wooden desk that Galileo Galilei used for his lectures at the city’s University, as well as a lively market that has been held at the same place for 800 years and it is still going strong to this day.

Add to this the world’s oldest academic botanical garden, Italy’s largest square, Italy’s second-oldest University (which is also the fifth oldest in the world), and one of Italy’s oldest coffee shops that is still serving excellent coffees nowadays, and Padua becomes a truly unmissable destination on any travel wish list.

Plus, this very atmospheric city also has its own Saint! St. Anthony of Padua is highly venerated here and the Basilica that is dedicated to him houses some of the most precious works of Italian art. 

So, in case you are raring to go but are unsure where to start from and how to organise your Padua day trip, fear not.

In this blog post, I will share with you Padua’s top sights and 13 best things to do here in one day. I will also show you how you can see them all in a logical sequence that is coordinated with the different sights’ opening times. 

Starting at 9:00 am in the morning and ending at 7:00 pm, this is a long day of sightseeing and taking lots of history, culture, and even nature in. It’s a whirlwind of a day but by the end of it, you will feel really pleased with yourself for having seen so many wonderful things, for having enriched your knowledge of Italy, and for having delighted your soul with so many beautiful views.

I have provided lots of first-hand tried and tested information coupled with many pictures to give you a good idea as to what to expect. A map is embedded towards the end of this blog post and it shows you the locations of the different sights.

This itinerary is based on my first-hand experiences of visiting and revisiting Padua almost weekly in the span of the six years that I spent living in Italy. I traversed this gorgeous Italian city from end to end, falling in love with its major sights and uncovering its hidden corners over and over again. 

When constructing this itinerary of the 13 best things to do in Padua in one day, I organised all the sights in a logical sequence in terms of distance from one another, their location in the city, and their opening hours at the time of writing this blog post. If you follow the itinerary as it is, you will be able to see the best that Padua has to offer in a smooth and clear way without having to crisscross the city up and down time and time again.

The itinerary is valid in all seasons and is suitable to follow as it is from Monday to Friday. If you are visiting Padua on a weekend or a bank holiday though, the sequence given below needs to be rejigged a little bit. I have provided a note of why and how to do this under point 11 below. 

For added help, at the end of this blog post, I have also included a list with some practical do’s to make your day in Padua, Italy as smoothly running as possible. Please, have a look at it as it will help you maximise your sightseeing opportunities.

In any case, I need to insert a disclaimer here: please, note that this is just a sample itinerary and you can freely choose to follow it or not, to see all the sights on it or to skip some, to spend longer than suggested at some, and/or to change the order of visiting them. I composed the itinerary to share with you my love and appreciation for Padua and to show you how you can see and experience as fully as possible this wonderful Italian city in one day. At the same time, I don’t guarantee anything and I don’t promise that you will have a great time. It’s all in your hands!

Padua has a lot to offer – from priceless frescoes to museums that are rich in artifacts, from lively coffee houses to markets that have been going strong for centuries. To fully feel and live the city, you need to see both its inside and outside spaces, for even a short walk around Padua’s squares can give you just as much insight into authentic Italian culture and life like a visit to the city’s most refined museum. As such, this itinerary takes you all over Padua’s historic centre and shows you its atmospheric hidden corners and the sparkliest gems in its crown. You decide how many of them you want to see!    

Now, without further ado, let’s head to Padua, Italy. There is so much to see and do there, there is no time to lose!

Aim to arrive in Padua at 9:00 am.

If you are arriving by train , get off at Padova train station. Buy a tram ticket from the kiosk just outside of the train station and then catch a tram from the Stazione FS tram stop in the direction of Capolinea Sud.

If you are driving , a convenient car park to leave your vehicle at is Padova Centro Park (also known as Car Park Padua City Centre). Walk for 6 mins to the Trieste tram stop and get a tram in the direction of Capolinea Sud. Make sure that you buy a tram ticket in advance. You can do it online by using this website .  

Please, have a look at this map of Padua’s tramway system to get an idea of its structure and the different tram stops. 

Travel all the way to Prato della Valle tram stop. The journey takes around ten minutes or less, so you should be able to reach the first destination on this itinerary around 9:30 am at the latest.  

1. Pratto della Valle

Suggested Time to Spend Here: 15 mins

Prato della Valle is Italy’s largest square and one of Padua’s main sights.

It has an area of 90,000 square meters and it’s elliptical in shape. The square is fringed by a canal surrounding an oval space known as the Isola Memmia (Memmo’s Island) after Andrea Memmo who created Prato della Valle in the 18th century.

Two rings of statues run along the canal. They are 78 in total and they represent famous people connected with the history and culture of Padua.

For example, statue number 36 is of Galileo Galilei who, in his o wn words, ‘spent the happiest 18 years of his life living and teaching in Padua’! Statue number 35 is of the renowned humanist and poet Petrarch who was a regular visitor to Padua in the 14th century. And statue number 21 is of the eminent Renaissance artist Andrea Mantegna who studied and worked in Padua. In fact, ticking point 12 in this list will allow you to see Mantegna’s famous cycle of frescoes in the Church of the Eremitani in Padua.

Prato della Valle is where many of Padua’s main events and festivals take part. Markets selling fresh produce, vintage items, and bric-a-brac are regularly held here, too.

Have a quick look around Pratto della Valle. It offers wonderful photo opportunities. The elegant building of the Lodge Amulea and the gigantic body of the Basilica of Santa Giustina are great to capture in pictures.

By 9:45 am start walking to the next stop on this itinerary with the best 13 things to do in Padua, Italy in one day. 

The Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua is only 5 minutes away from Pratto della Valle and you should be able to reach it by 9.50 am by following these directions .

2. Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua

Suggested Time to Spend Here: 1 hour 15 mins

Padua is known as the City of the Saint due to the locals’ heartfelt devotion to St. Anthony. Traditionally, the citizens of Padua use the term Il Santo to refer both to the Saint and to the exquisite basilica that houses his relics.

Initially built between 1232 and 1310 and then modified several times through the centuries, the Basilica of St. Anthony is Padua’s most important religious sight. Every year, five million pilgrims visit the Basilica. With its architectural mix, splendid frescoes, numerous chapels housing precious relics and a treasure trove of masterpieces , the Basilica is a must-see.

Plan to spend about an hour and a quarter here paying special attention to the following highlights:

• Chapel of St. Anthony – a splendid Renaissance work-of-art where people pray in front of the Saint’s tomb;
• Chapel of the Relics (Treasury Chapel) – here you can see the Incorrupt Tongue of St. Anthony as well as many other relics. The attention to detail and the mastery that were employed in the design and making of the many reliquaries, chalices, and other religious objects that are preserved here are truly stunning. 
• Presbytery and Main Altar – a splendidly frescoed and decorated environment with 15th-century statues and bas-reliefs by Donatello. These are the Basilica’s most precious works of art. For more about Donatello and Padua, see the small note at the end of this entry.
• Cloisters – beautiful, well-kept, and with fragments of frescoes preserved. 
• Museums of the Basilica – where you can learn more about the life and work of St. Anthony and admire some of the many pieces of art owned by the Basilica.
• Oratory of St. George and School of the Saint – two small buildings just outside by the main body of the Basilica. Inside the first, you can admire one of the most precious fresco cycles of the 14th century. The second has a cycle of frescoes by Titian and other renowned local painters.

Please, keep in mind two things:

One is that, usually, at 10.00 am a mass is held in the Basilica. If you don’t want to attend mass, you can spend the first half of your time exploring the cloisters, the Museums, the Oratory of St. George, and the School of the Saint. Then, you can use the rest of your time to see the major points of interest inside the Basilica itself and to discover many other treasures and hidden corners there, too. 

The second thing to keep in mind is that there is a combined entrance fee for the Museums, the Oratory of St. George, and the School of the Saint. It is not expensive and it’s really worth it. 

When visiting the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua, please, make sure that you are dressed appropriately. Shoulders and knees should be covered at all times. If the day is particularly hot, you can bring a lightweight scarf to wrap around your shoulders. 

Donatello in Padua: Donatello – one of the most renowned sculptors of the Italian Renaissance – lived and worked in Padua for ten years. Right outside of the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua, you can admire an equestrian statue by Donatello. It depicts the powerful military commander Gattamelata and it was the first full-size equestrian statue to be cast since antiquity. The house in which Donatello lived during his time in Padua is opposite the Basilica, too. A plaque affixed to it testifies to this fact.

By 11:05 am start walking to the next stop on this itinerary with the best 13 things to do in Padua, Italy in one day. 

Padua University Botanical Garden is only 3 minutes away from the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua and you should be able to reach it by 11.10 am by following these directions .

Official website:   Basilica di Sant’Antonio di Padova

3. Padua University Botanical Garden

Suggested Time to Spend Here: 1 h

Padua’s Botanical Garden is the oldest University Botanical Garden in the world that still remains at its original location. It was founded in 1545 by the Venetian Republic to help Padua University’s students in their pharmacology and medicinal studies.

Nowadays, the garden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It houses over 7,000 botanical species. Among them is a palm tree that is over four centuries old. Goethe’s Essay on the Metamorphosis of Plants was inspired by the German writer’s visit to Padua University Botanical Garden where he came across this particular palm and spent time observing and studying it.

The botanical garden has two parts:

• Historical Garden – this is the original garden as it was first set up back in 1545. It’s in the shape of a circle (symbolizing the world) enclosing a square, which is then divided into four smaller squares. Fountains and water features are strategically positioned all throughout making it a lovely place to visit even on a hot summer day. The Historical Garden is surrounded by a tall circular wall (which was erected centuries ago to curtail the theft of precious medicinal plants!).
• Biodiversity Garden – this is the new part of Padua University Botanical Garden. Housed inside a modern glass building, it was opened in September 2014. A visit to it gives you a chance to walk through the world’s climate zones – from the aridest to the most fecund – and admire the vegetation native to each one of them.

Padua University Botanical Garden has played an important scientific role in the development of botany and pharmacology. It was also through it that several important for the economy plants like sunflowers and potatoes were first introduced in Italy. Prospero Alpini – the garden’s director at the start of the 17th century – was the first European to describe the coffee plant and its medicinal properties.

The garden is lovely to visit, especially in spring and summer when everywhere you look, you see trees in bloom and lush plants. In addition, the informational displays in the Biodiversity Garden provide lots of interesting details to make you stop and think about the role of plants in our everyday lives.    

By 12:10 am start walking to the next stop on this itinerary with the best 13 things to do in Padua, Italy in one day. 

Via Umberto I is about 5 mins away from Padua University Botanical Garden and you should be able to reach the top of Via Roma by 12:45 am by following these directions .

Official website: Orto Botanico Universita’ di Padova

4. Via Umberto I and Via Roma

Suggested Time to Spend Here: 30 mins

At this stage in our itinerary, you will go for a walk along two of Padua’s most elegant central streets – Via Umberto I and Via Roma. Please, follow these walking directions .

Padua is a lively University town and its streets are dotted with cafes, bakeries, delis, gelaterias, and boutiques. Going for a nice stroll is really pleasant and it gives you a chance to feel the city’s vibe. Plus, there are many historic buildings and churches lining up both Via Umberto I and Via Roma, so everywhere you look, there will be a new discovery for you to admire and photograph. 

Stop for a quick coffee, pop into a fashionable shop, light a candle in a church that is centuries-old, take photos of facades that have been weathered by the hands of time, take a photo from the Torricelle Bridge or just have a cone of gelato or two. 

Here are a couple of sights that deserve your interest along the way (but don’t let them detract you from having a proper Italian espresso or enjoying a five-minute shopping spree in a cool boutique if this is what you prefer):

• Palazzo Capodilista – one of Padua’s largest palaces, this medieval building has a 35-meter tall tower that was built in the 12th century;
• Church of Santa Maria dei Servi – a 14th-century church with a huge portico running alongside Via Roma. Inside you will find plenty of works of art, including a crucifix by Donatello.

By 12:45 pm you should be at the top of Via Roma, so start walking to the next stop on this itinerary with the best 13 things to do in Padua, Italy in one day. 

Padua’s Piazza delle Erbe is only 1 minute away from the top of Via Roma and you should be able to reach it by 12.50 pm at the latest by following these directions .

5. Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza della Frutta, and Palazzo della Ragione

Suggested Time to Spend Here: 1 h 15 mins

Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta are two of Padua’s most atmospheric squares. Each morning (Sundays excluded), a lively market takes place here with traders selling seasonal local produce on Piazza delle Erbe and all sorts of clothes and household items on Piazza della Frutta. The market has been going on for eight hundred years and is part of Padua’s and Italy’s living history.

Browse for a few minutes the stalls and take visual delight in the piles of white asparagus in spring, apricots in summer, chestnuts in autumn, and tangerines in winter. Then head to Palazzo della Ragione . This is the imposing building that is sandwiched between the two piazzas and serves as the market’s stunning backdrop.

A medieval town hall, Padua’s Palazzo della Ragione has a long and illustrious history. It has three levels:

• the top floor – locally known as Il Salone – is a huge richly frescoed hall. This is where meetings and tribunals deciding the fate of Padua and its citizens were held for centuries. To see it, you need to buy a ticket. It’s more than worth it. The medieval frescoes are truly outstanding and represent the cycle of life. Plus, the Palazzo’s enormous terrace opens beautiful views over the adjacent Piazza delle Erbe. You will see the ticket office on your left-hand side as you go up the large stone steps that lead to the Palazzo’s terrace.
• the ground floor – locally known as Sotto il Salone – is where delis, cafes, bakeries, fishmongers, butchers, pasta makers, and many more exquisite food shops are located. Some consider it to be the world’s first covered shopping centre for food has been sold along its vaulted walkways for over 800 years. It’s a great place to explore the culinary delights of Padua and Italy. 
• the underground level is where many Roman ruins have been excavated. For centuries, Padua was a flourishing Roman city – second only to Rome in terms of its financial prosperity. Unfortunately, the underground level of Padua’s Palazzo della Ragione is only rarely open to the public, so it is likely that you won’t be able to see it if you are in town for just a day.    

Now is a good time to grab some lunch from one of the many delis, bakeries, and cafes here. It could be a tramezzino or two (a crustless triangular sandwich with a delicious filling), a  piadina (a tasty toasted wrap with a variety of fillings), a bowl of pasta made on-site or something else that won’t take you ages to eat and yet will give you a good idea of the quality and the variety of the food sold at Sotto il Salone and around the two adjacent squares.

By 2:05 pm start walking to the next stop on this itinerary with the best 13 things to do in Padua, Italy in one day. 

Padua’s Piazza dei Signori is less than 5 minutes away from Piazza delle Erbe and you should be able to reach it by 2:10 pm at the latest by following these directions .

6. Piazza dei Signori and Astronomical Clock

Piazza dei Signori is one of the most beautiful squares in Padua, Italy. Historically, it was the most important open public space in town, too. This is where the rulers (or Signori ) of Padua used to live and work. They were assigned by the Republic of Venice to which Padua belonged for close to four centuries.

During the day, Padua’s Piazza dei Signori hosts a lively market that disbands in the early hours of the afternoon. The market stalls are then cleared out and you can enjoy the immense expanse of the square and admire the beautiful buildings that surround it. And then, in the evening, the adjacent cafes and bars place their tables outside and the square becomes a lively place to meet up with friends and relax over a glass of aperitivo or two.

There are several buildings of interest around Padua’s Piazza dei Signori.

The most striking one is the clock tower with its astronomical clock . Look at it closely and soon you will notice that it has a 24-hour clock face on which 11 instead of 12 zodiacal signs are depicted. The missing one is Libra. Another curious thing about the clock is that it follows the geocentric model of the Solar System with the Earth and not the Sun in the centre of the dial.  

My favourite building at Padua’s Piazza dei Signori though is the 16th-century Loggia del Consiglio (also known as the Loggia della Gran Guardia). Right in front of it, you will see the Colonna Marciana – a pillar at the top of which stands the symbol of the Republic of Venice – the Winged Lion of St. Mark.

By 2:25 pm start walking to the next stop on this itinerary with the best 13 things to do in Padua, Italy in one day. 

Padua’s Ponte Molino is just over 6 minutes away from Piazza dei Signori and you should be able to reach it by 2:35 pm at the latest by following these directions .

7. Ponte Molino, Porta Molino, and Ezzelino’s Tower

Ponte Molino is an ancient Roman bridge with five arches. It was originally built between 30 and 40 AD and it opens picturesque views over the river Bacchiglione. It is one of few surviving Roman bridges in Padua and one of the very few ancient bridges built to be crossed not just by pedestrians but also by vehicles.

Its current name – Molino – the bridge owes to the fact that from the 10th up to the end of the 19th century, a number of floating watermills operated right next to it.

The street that crosses over the bridge used to be Padua’s most important street. It was known as Stra’ Maggiore and it was guarded by a tall tower – Torre di Ezzelino – built by a famous medieval tyrant. You can still see the tower at the far end of the bridge but your imagination may be captured by another imposing structure that flanks Ponte Molino – the so-called Porta Molino.

Porta Molino is a large gate that was erected in the 13th century. It used to be the most important of the gates in Padua’s medieval defensive walls. According to the locals, the height of the gate was such that Galileo Galilei used it as an observatory for his studies of the night sky. 

By 2:50 pm start walking to the next stop on this itinerary with the best 13 things to do in Padua, Italy in one day. 

Padua’s Piazza Molino is just over 7 minutes away from Ponte Molino and you should be able to reach it by 3:00 pm at the latest by following these directions .

8. Baptistery, Duomo, and Diocesan Museum

To reach Padua’s Piazza Duomo from Ponte Molino, you will retrace your steps back to Piazza dei Signori (see point 6 above) and from there you will need to continue straight ahead for a minute or two max.

Piazza Duomo is a small square in Padua flanked by two buildings of interest – the Baptistery and the Diocesan Museum. Between them stands Padua’s Duomo which is quite sterile both in terms of its facade and its interiors, so pop in to tick it off your list but keep the bulk of your time here for the other two sights.

These are the reasons why:

• Baptistery – this small and plain on the outside building preserves inside one of the most precious fresco cycles of the 14th century. Painted by Giusto de Menabuoi, it is incredibly detailed and it takes you on a Biblical journey. The effect of looking up at the ceiling where Christ Pantocrator is surrounded by concentric circles of angels and saints is truly hypnotic. 
• Diocesan Museum – housed in the 15th-century residence of the Bishops of Padua, it has a lovely collection of religious art. Of great interest and impact is the series of frescoes in the Bishops’ Hall. It depicts the first hundred Bishops of Padua. The frescoes were originally painted by Bartolomeo Mantegna and subsequently re-worked and re-touched through the centuries.

Please, note that the Baptistery and/or the Diocesan Museum may have reduced opening hours, may not be open every day, or may be open only partially during specific periods. Please, click on this link to check available time slots for visits and make sure that you buy your tickets well in advance if you want to follow this itinerary as it is given herewith.

In addition, you can consult the most up to date opening hours of the Diocesan Museum at this official link (in Italian). 

It is very important to note that this itinerary is organised in a way to give you a chance to visit both the Baptistery and the Diocesan Museum but, please, do check their most up to date opening days and hours as much in advance as possible and pick the day to spend in Padua accordingly.

By 4:00 pm start walking to the next stop on this itinerary with the best 13 things to do in Padua, Italy in one day. 

Padua’s Ancient Jewish Ghetto is just 2 minutes away from Piazza Duomo and you should be able to reach it by 4:05 pm at the latest by following these directions .

Official websites:  

• Museo Diocesano di Padova (in Italian)
• Buy tickets online in advance  

9. Ancient Jewish Ghetto

Suggested Time to Spend Here: 10 mins

Nowadays, lined up with small boutiques and lovely eateries, the narrow cobbled streets of the Ghetto have bore witness to the lives of the Jewish citizens of Padua over many centuries.  There has been a Jewish presence in the city since the 11th century.

You can simply walk through this area, admiring the old buildings and following Padua’s seemingly endless covered walkways (called porticoes) to the next destination on this list. Hence, I have provided 10 minutes for this in our itinerary through Padua.

However, it has to be said that visiting the Jewish Heritage Museum is the best way to learn about Padua and the role its Jewish citizens have played in the history of this Italian city. The museum is very well curated and the ticket to it also includes a visit to the nearby 16th-century synagogue.

The opening hours of Padua’s Jewish Heritage Museum vary greatly depending on the day and the month. Please, have a look at them here and see if you would be able to visit the museum on the day you are in Padua. In this case, you will need to adapt this itinerary to your specific needs.

Otherwise, by 4:15 pm start walking to the next stop on this itinerary with the best 13 things to do in Padua, Italy in one day. 

Padua’s Palazzo Bo – the historic seat of Padua University – is less than 5 minutes away from the Ancient Jewish Ghetto and you should be able to reach it by 4:20 pm at the latest by following these directions .

10. Palazzo Bo

Beautifully frescoed, Palazzo Bo is the historic seat of the University of Padua which is the second oldest University in Italy and the fifth oldest University in the world.

Illustrious minds have studied and worked here through the centuries. Among them is Galileo Galilei who, in his own words, spent the happiest 18 years of his life living and teaching in Padua. At Palazzo Bo you can see the wooden desk from which Galileo used to give his lectures to a captivated crowd of students and citizens.

Elena Cornaro Piscopia – the first woman with a PhD in the world – is also an alumna of the University of Padua. You can see her statue and learn more about her incredible story during a visit to Palazzo Bo.

Important medical and scientific discoveries were made under the roof of this palace in the historic heart of Padua. The world’s first permanent anatomic theatre was installed here in the 16th century thus modernising medicine and helping it become the science we know it nowadays.

As such Palazzo Bo truly is a must-see in Padua!

While anyone can walk off the street and admire the frescoed monumental courtyard of Palazzo Bo, the historic halls and the anatomic theatre of the University of Padua can only be seen as part of a guided tour. To avoid disappointment, please, make sure that you book the guided tour in advance at this link (in Italian). You will find more useful information and the ticket office’s phone number at this link .

At the time of writing this blog post, the only guided tour in English from Monday to Friday is held at 4.30 pm. Hence, this itinerary is structured in such a way so as to allow you to be there on time for it.

On weekends and bank holidays, the guided tour in English is held at 12.30 pm. This means that you will need to rejiggle the itinerary a bit in order to be there on time.

An easy way to do it is to tick off the first three points of this itinerary as they are, then to leave Padua University Botanical Garden at 12:00, take the tram from either the Prato della Valle or the Santo tram stops to the Ponti Romani tram stop and from there to walk for 3 mins to Palazzo Bo following these directions .

Once your guided tour to Palazzo Bo has finished, you can continue with the itinerary from point 5 onwards and then just skip straight from point 9 to point 11.

Bear in mind that the weekdays’ guided tour lasts about 45 mins whereas the weekend’s guided tour lasts about 1 h 15 mins.

If you are visiting Palazzo Bo on a weekday, by 5:15 pm start walking to the next stop on this itinerary with the best 13 things to do in Padua, Italy in one day. 

Padua’s Cafe Pedrocchi is literally a minute away from Palazzo Bo and you should be able to reach it by 5:20 pm at the very latest by following these directions .

Official websites:

• Guided Tours to Palazzo Bo
• Buy tickets online in advance

11. Caffe Pedrocchi

It’s time for coffee and there is no better place to have it than at Padua’s historic Caffe Pedrocchi. Founded in 1772, this is one of Italy’s most legendary coffee shops. They used to call it ‘the cafe without doors’ as from 1831 (year of construction of its current grand premises) to 1916 it was open 24/7 and its doors were never closed.

Have a proper Italian espresso for a boost of energy after all the walking and sightseeing you have been doing on your day trip to Padua.

Even better, treat yourself to Caffe Pedrocchi’s specialty – a shot of 100% Arabica coffee with mint syrup, whipped cream emulsion, and a dusting of bitter cocoa. The secret is to sip it rather than gulping it down. This way the layers stay on top of one another and with every delicious sip you can taste the fragrant coffee, the energising mint, and the smooth cream, rounded off by the slight bitterness of the cocoa.

By 5:35 pm start walking to the next stop on this itinerary with the best 13 things to do in Padua, Italy in one day. 

Padua’s Church of the Eremitani is 5 minutes away from Caffe Pedrocchi and you should be able to reach it by 5:40 pm at the latest by following these directions .

Official website: Caffe Pedrocchi (in Italian)

12. Church of the Eremitani

The Church of the Eremitani has a compelling story to tell. Originally built in the 13th century and hosting a rich body of works of art, it was bombed by the Allied Forces during the Second World War. It all happened by mistake, they say, as the German headquarters in Padua happened to be close to the church. So, even though it was on a ‘do not bomb’ list of cultural heritage, it became a casualty of war.

The heaviest damage was borne by the church’s Ovetari Chapel. In the 15th century, it had been frescoed by a host of illustrious Renaissance artists. Among them, the name of Andrea Mantegna stands out. Mantegna painted as though he was a sculptor with a paintbrush in hand. His chiseled bodies, expressive faces, and perfect architectural backdrops have been attracting admiration for centuries. His paintings nowadays grace worldwide known museums and galleries.

When the bombs hit the Church of the Eremitani on 11th March 1944, Mantegna’s frescoes fell to the ground in 88 thousand fragments. This was Italy’s most devastating art casualty of war. Only many decades later and thanks to a sophisticated piece of software, the frescoes were pieced back together like a giant puzzle with many missing pieces. Standing in front of the restored frescoes you begin to understand how truly devastating wars are.

You can read more details about the Church of the Eremitani, the Ovetari Chapel, and Mantegna’s frescoes here . 

By 5:55 pm start walking to the last stop on this itinerary with the best 13 things to do in Padua, Italy in one day. 

Padua’s Scrovegni Chapel is only a couple of minutes away from the Church of the Eremitani and you should be able to reach it by 6:00 pm at the latest by following these directions .

13. Scrovegni Chapel and Eremitani Civic Museums

There are many things to see in Padua. Nothing shines quite as bright as the city’s Scrovegni Chapel.

This rather plain on the outside small chapel hides inside one of the most stunning pictorial cycles in the world. Painted around 1305 by the Florentine artist Giotto and his students, it is universally accepted by art historians that the Scrovegni Chapel’s frescoes sparked the Italian Renaissance.

Under a ceiling painted in blue and dotted with gold eight-point stars, your eyes will follow the Biblical story of Jesus of Nazareth depicted in beautifully symmetrical panels and expressing human emotions in a way that was unheard of until then. And while the religious side of it all may not necessarily appeal to your mind, the expressiveness and the humanity of the frescoes will resonate with your heart and you may end up finding answers to important questions that for ages may have been running through your head.

There are many superlatives that can be written about the Scrovegni Chapel and its depictions of heaven/hell and human life caught between both. It is a sight that has to be seen in Padua. You cannot leave the city without experiencing it for yourself.

The Scrovegni Chapel can only be seen as part of a guided visit which lasts around 20 mins. You also need to book it in advance. The chapel is very popular and tickets sell out quickly. To avoid disappointment, the best thing to do is to book your ticket as soon as you know on which day you will be in Padua. This way, you will be able to choose the right time slot to also give you a chance to follow this itinerary as it is above.

Customarily, the Scrovegni Chapel closes at 7:00 pm. On special occasions, it remains open until 10:00 pm and between 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm, you can book a guided visit to the chapel that lasts 40 mins. Such events are known as  Giotto sotto le stelle (Giotto under the Stars), so keep an eye on the official website in case such a visit is on during your time in Padua, as it’s really worth it. 

The ticket for the Scrovegni Chapel also gives you access to Padua’s Eremitani Civic Museums. They are a treasure trove for art, archaeology, and history lovers. To explore them in some depth you will need at least a couple of hours. Ideally, more.

This itinerary covers strictly a day trip to Padua (assuming that you cannot spend more than a day in the city), so it is structured in a way to help you explore Padua’s historic centre, see its most important and exciting sights, and feel its vibe as authentically as possible. 

As such, I haven’t put much time aside for the Eremitani Civic Museums. They usually close at 7 pm, so after your visit to the Scrovegni Chapel, you can use the rest of the time to have a very quick look around the museums. Or, if you are lucky and there is a Giotto sotto le stelle event on the day of your visit, you can book a ticket for the Scrovegni Chapel for after 7:00 pm and utilise the time between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm to explore the Civic Museums.

In any case, in order to properly see the collections of the Eremitani Civic Museums and cover all of the sights on the itinerary above, it is preferable to spend two days in Padua, Italy.  

• Capella degli Scrovegni
• Buy Your Ticket Now
• Musei Civici degli Eremitani

What an amazing day you just had exploring Padua! With a heart replete with beauty, history, and art, it’s time to say good-bye to this often shunned but so rich in sights and experiences Italian city.

Head to the car park or, respectively, the train station . Click on the highlighted words to access walking maps with directions. Alternatively, you can take the tram for one or two stops to your final destination for the day.

Map of the 13 Best Things to Do in Padua, Italy in One Day

Practical Do’s for Your Day Trip to Padua, Italy

Do take this itinerary as a suggestion. You can tick off as many or as few of its points as you want. The itinerary is constructed to easily take you from one sight to the next in the most logical and quick way thus saving you unnecessary crisscrossing of Padua’s historic centre several times. Opening hours have also been taken into consideration so that you can visit all of the above sights one after the other provided you book in advance the most popular ones and adhere to the itinerary’s suggested timetable.  

Do check the most up-to-date opening hours of the museums and sights you are interested in on their respective official websites (links provided above) prior to your visit to avoid disappointment in case of extraordinary closures or limited opening times. 

Do book the most famous sights like the Scrovegni Chapel and Palazzo Bo well in advance in order to be able to follow (if you so wish!) the logical order of the itinerary above.

Do wear your most comfortable walking shoes. This is an intensive itinerary and Padua has a lot of ground for you to cover. Even if you shave portions off this itinerary of the best 13 things to do in Padua in one day, feeling comfortable when walking around is a great feeling.

In summer, do wear sun protection and bring a bottle of water with you. Padua can get really hot and the bright sun can feel rather blinding after a while.

Do check the weather forecast in advance. If rain is expected, don’t let it change your mind about visiting Padua. The city looks very atmospheric in the rain and its long porticoes (basically, pavements with ceilings above) make it easy to traverse the historic centre without getting drenched.

In Conclusion

Padua is a millennia-old city in Italy. You will find it sandwiched between the tourist magnets of Venice and Verona in the Northern Italian region of the Veneto.

The city has an incredible plethora of sights to see and explore yet it stays off the beaten tourist track. Visiting it is a chance to experience the art, history, and food of Italy in the most authentic and local way.

The above blog post provides you with a detailed itinerary to follow on a day trip to Padua. All of the city’s major sights are covered – from the world’s first academic botanical garden to the fully frescoed Scrovegni Chapel which is considered to have sparked the Italian Renaissance. 

The itinerary is structured in a logical way so that you don’t have to crisscross the city time and time again and thus waste precious sightseeing time. Suggested times are provided for each sight and are coordinated with each sight’s current opening times and guided visits/tours. 

In addition, I have included many details giving you a clear idea as to what you can expect to see and why it is worth it to visit the sights on the above itinerary. A shortlist with practical do’s while in Padua on a day trip rounds off this blog post.

I hope that you will find it useful and that you will love discovering Padua in Italy for yourself.

More Helpful Links

• Padua, Italy – 101 Facts about the City of the Saint
• 10 Reasons to Visit Padua, Italy – A Must-See Italian City
• Best Things to Do in Padua, Italy – Story
• Exploring Padua: Palazzo della Ragione
• Padua’s 800 Years Old Market
• Cornaro Loggia and Odeon in Padua, Italy – History, Architecture, and Art  
• Padua in the Run-Up to Christmas – Festive Lights, Chocolate, and Egyptian Artifacts
• Padua’s Astronomical Clock – Where Time, History, and Science Await You
• Sant’Antonio’s Cakes in Padua, Italy – The Story of the Sweets of the Saint
• Padua’s Botanical Garden and the Basilica of Santa Guistina – A Great Contrast of New and Old
• Day Trips from Padua, Italy – Over 35 Unmissable Destinations in the Veneto, Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna
• Best 12 Towns to Visit around Lago di Garda – Italy’s Largest Lake
• Lake Garda with Kids or The Best 11 Things to Do at Lake Garda for Families
• 30 Days of Adventures in the Veneto, Italy – #30daysofadventures
• Top 15 Places to Visit in the Veneto, Italy – The Ultimate Guide
• 20 Best Things to Do and See in Verona, Italy in One Day – The Ultimate Itinerary with Photos and Tips
• 25 Best Things to Do in Vicenza – Northern Italy’s Hidden Gem
• 18 of the Best Cities to Visit in Northern Italy (With Travel Tips and Nearest Airports)

Thank you for reading! Please, leave me a comment, pin the image below or use the buttons right at the top and at the end of this blog post to share it on social media.

For more useful information like this, please, like my blog’s page on  Facebook  and  subscribe  to my strictly no-spam newsletter.

Email address:

Amanda Adams

Sunday 9th of April 2023

Thanks so much for sharing the amazing itinerary for Padua. Me and my daughter spent the day there yesterday whilst on a mini break to Venice from the UK. We didn't get to do all 13 but selected about seven. It was really helpful - the 4-layered coffee experience was just brilliant. I used all your Google links throughout my day, everything went so smoothly so thanks again for sharing your knowledge. Amanda and Leena.

Monday 10th of April 2023

Many thanks for your kind words! I am so pleased that you enjoyed visiting Padua! I really miss going to Pedrocchi for a coffee. It's raining in England at the moment. So, have a great time in Venice! Best wishes,

David Scott

Thursday 24th of September 2020

Brings back so many great memories as my wife and I lived in Padua for 4 years 2002-2006. Loved it. We went to the market most Saturday mornings riding our bicycles. Of course there are many wonderful restaurants too. Good job.

Friday 25th of September 2020

Thank you for your kind words, David! Your memories of Padua sound idyllic! Best wishes,

Sharing is Caring

Help spread the word. You're awesome for doing it!

11 Best things to do in Padua: The most underrated city in Italy

• David Angel

Looking for the best things to do in Padua? Padua is an amazing city full of artistic and historical treasures and makes a great day trip from Venice. This guide covers all the best things to do in Padua and gives you must know tips for visiting. 

Like many others, I chanced upon Padua because of Venice.  I opted to stay in Padua – Padova in Italian – because all the hotels in Venice were booked out. In doing so I stumbled upon one of the best cities to visit in Italy.

I was amazed at how many things to do in Padua there are and returned there soon afterwards. It’s a city immensely rich in history, and several Padua attractions boast astonishing art treasures.

Padua attracts visitors on day trips from Venice , but has always been in Venice’s shadow, somewhat. As a result, it’s one of the most underrated cities in Europe .

I’ll give you the lowdown on the best Padua things to do, including one of the best churches in Europe and possibly the most impressive piece of art you will see in your lifetime. It’s also home to one of the oldest universities in the world.

Beyond the Padua sightseeing, this is a young city with a large student population which keeps it fresh and interesting. Read on for my full Padua guide.

Table of Contents

Where Is Padua?

Padua is in the Veneto region of north-east Italy . It’s 40 km (25 miles) inland from its more famous neighbour, Venice.  Padua is on one of the main rail routes across northern Italy, so the cities of Vicenza and Verona are within an hour’s journey.

Padua History – A Little Background

Claims have been made that Padua is the oldest city in Italy, dating back to 1183 BC. It was supposedly founded by Antenor, a prince from Troy.

What is certain is that it’s very old, possibly dating back to around 1000 BC.

It later became a prominent, powerful city under the Romans.  It then fell to the Huns, Goths, Lombards, Franks and Magyars all captured and ransacked it over the next 500 years. A fire in 1174 didn’t exactly help matters either.

It enjoyed its greatest period of prosperity in the 13 th century. The University was founded in 1222, becoming one of the leading universities in Europe.

Anthony of Padua, the Portuguese-born saint, spent his final few years in the city, and a Basilica was built to house his relics.

Padua later fell under the rule of the Venetians until the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797. Thereafter it became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, before being absorbed into Italy in 1866.

Padova Card

The Padova Card is a smart card valid for either 48 hours (€17.00) or 72 hours (€22.00). You can either buy it in Padova or online. The online ticket includes entrance to the Cappella degli Scrovegni. The full benefits include bus travel within the city and out to the Euganean Hills, and entrance to some of the main attractions in the city.

The Best things to do in Padua

The basilica del santo.

It’s known as the Basilica of the Saint, as if he doesn’t need to be named. In Padua, he doesn’t. From a distance, the Basilica looks like the skyline of a medieval city, a cluster of domes, towers and turrets. It was built to inspire awe, and still does 800 years later.

The Saint is St Anthony of Padua, a Portuguese-born ascetic and itinerant Franciscan preacher who spent his last years in Padua.

He attracted a fervent following, partly because he chose a life of poverty over possible wealth. After his death, reports of miracles abounded, and he was canonised within three years of his death.

Once Anthony was dead, the asceticism went out of the window rather quickly. A suitable church had to be built to house the shrine of St Anthony. The interior is nothing short of staggering.

One of the first things you reach is the vast marble shrine, which contains most of his relics.

It’s an extraordinary sight, constantly thronged with worshippers praying for miracles of their own. Prayer candles are lit, and a wall of photographs records miracles attributed to him.

St Anthony is traditionally the patron saint of lost things, but if this is anything to go by he has also intervened in some shocking car crashes.

One vehicle was wrapped around a tree on an Alpine mountain road, with the message ‘Grazie Antonio’ underneath.  It’s an incredibly intense experience.

I nominated Il Santo as top of my list of things to do in Padova because there is no let-up in this fascinating place. I made my way to the Treasury Chapel where several precious ornate reliquaries are held. The array of relics is mind-boggling.

One reliquary contains Anthony’s lower jaw. Another holds the Incorrupt Tongue of St Anthony. Yet another contains his vocal cords. Please forgive the pun, but this left me utterly speechless.

The Basilica also houses many more art masterpieces. The Chapel of St James is decorated with a fine fresco cycle by Altichiero da Zevio.  This is easy to find.

It’s a lot more difficult to see the Donatello statues and reliefs depicting the life of St Anthony. I happened to see a verger showing an Italian couple, and managed to join them for a very privileged couple of minutes. If you want to see them, you’ll need to ask.

Donatello’s Gattamelata Statue

Gattamelata (meaning ‘honeyed cat’) was a condottiero, or military leader active during the Renaissance period.  

He is buried inside the Basilica, but of far greater interest is  Donatello’s bronze equestrian statue of him outside the church.

The Donatello Gattamelata is an incredibly influential sculpture, the forerunner of most equestrian sculptures in the west.

If you visit San Zanipolo in Venice , you’ll see another magnificent example, Andrea del Verrocchio’s statue of Bartolomeo Colleoni, next to the church.

Cappella degli Scrovegni

Nothing can quite prepare you for the Scrovegni Chapel. It’s top of most people’s list of what to do in Padova, and rightly so.

It’s one of the greatest artistic achievements of the medieval world.

This small chapel was built as the private chapel and last resting place of Enrico Scrovegni, a wealthy Padua banker.

He commissioned Giotto di Bondone to paint ambitious fresco cycles depicting the Life of Christ and the Life of the Virgin Mary. It took Giotto two years to complete this commission.

It’s an incredible sight, and the paintings are remarkably vibrant. The life like style of depiction of his subjects is very unlike any contemporary art, foreshadowing Renaissance painting styles by well over a century.

You need to book your Scrovegni Chapel tickets online at least 24 hours in advance. Or take this walking tour with an experienced local guide that includes visiting the Scrovegni Chapel as well as other famous squares and historical monuments in this fabulous city.

Caffè Pedrocchi

This 18 th century café has the credentials to go with the coffee: both Lord Byron and French author Stendhal frequented it during the 19 th century.

It’s also a marvellous mish-mash of architectural styles. These include Ancient Greek and Venetian Gothic. If you love the cafes of Vienna, Budapest or Trieste, this place is a must-see. I happened to be in Padua for my 30 th birthday, and this is where I had dinner to celebrate.

They also have their own unique house drink, named after the café, with mint flavoured cream and a dash of cocoa powder.

The cafe now occupies the ground floor of the building. The first floor rooms – the piano nobile – are sumptuously decorated, and are now occupied by the Pedrocchi Café Museum and, next door, the Museo del Risorgimento.

Palazzo del Bo

The Palace of the Ox is the ancient headquarters of Padua University, the second oldest in Italy after Bologna. It’s a fascinating place to visit for an hour, as intriguing as its counterpart in Bologna .

The only way to see Palazzo Bo is on a guided Padua University tour .  There are usually four tours a day in English, and four in Italian. It’s worth visiting just to see the wooden anatomical theatre, which dates from 1595. 

You also get to see the Aula Magna, or Great Hall, where Galileo Galilei (the chair of mathematics, no less) sometimes lectured.

Palazzo della Ragione

This magnificent medieval palace sits between two lovely squares, Piazza della Frutta and Piazza delle Erbe.  

These two medieval market squares still host a great fruit and vegetable market every morning except Sundays, and after this café tables take over.

The Palazzo – called Il Salone by locals – is a fine august building from the city’s golden era in the 13 th and 14 th century.

It was the city’s Palace of Justice until 1798. The ground floor arches are home to cafes, delis and other food shops, and there’s also a covered market inside.

The first floor loggia gives great views over the Piazza delle Erbe, but the highlight is the fresco cycle on the walls of the Great Hall.

This depicts the signs of the zodiac, and was completed by Minolo Miretto and Stafano da Ferrara between 1425 and 1440.

Padua Cathedral

In most cities in Europe the Cathedral is the largest, most prominent church.  Not so in Padua because of Il Santo, of course. The body of the current Padua Duomo was built between 1551 and 1754, so an older exterior conceals a largely white Baroque interior.

The Baptistery is next door, and contains one of the most impressive fresco cycles in Italy by Giusto de’ Menabuoi.

I think it gets overlooked somewhat because visitors only have time to visit the Scrovegni Chapel.

If you visit Padua, I’d say that seeing this is as essential as the Scrovegni. Andrew Graham-Dixon takes Giorgio Locatelli to see it in their wonderful Italy Unpacked series – this clip includes their visit to Padua, from 16:45 onwards. It’s a truly spellbinding work.

The Baptistery is included in the Padova Card, otherwise admission is €3.00. It’s open 10.00 am to 6.00 pm daily.

Orto Botanico Padova

The Botanical Garden Padua is a wonderful surprise. I chanced upon it during my first visit to the city, and was amazed by its story.

It’s the oldest botanical garden in the world, founded in 1545. It’s the prototype for all others that have followed.

Because of this it was granted UNESCO World Heritage status. The original layout is still preserved.

It started out with the intention of cultivating plants for medicinal purposes, and is linked with the University of Padua. Surrounding walls had to be built to prevent theft, and the collection gradually grew to include plants from all over the world.

The oldest tree in the garden dates back to 1550, and is known as the Goethe palm, after the German author who ponce wrote about it.

A new section has been added recently which includes four greenhouses. In these four different climates have ben recreated, including tropical rainforest, temperate Mediterranean and arid desert.

Prato della Valle

The Prato della Valle Padua claims to be the largest city square in Europe . I can testify that it’s truly vast. Many photos of Padua in brochures and online show the Prato.

A canal surrounds an island in the middle of the square, and the waterway is flanked by a row of statues either side.

The Prato della Valle (‘meadow of the valley’) is just to the south of Padua city centre, and it plays host to a huge Saturday market (0800-1900), selling everything from household goods to clothes to flowers.

On weekdays there’s also a fruit and vegetable market on the square.

Basilica of Santa Giustina, Padova

At the edge of the Prato stands Santa Giustina Basilica.  This Basilica has an incredible roll-call of relics, including those of St Justina of Padua, St Luke the Evangelist and St Julian.

It’s not as impressive as Il Santo, but it is immense, one of the ten biggest churches in Christendom. It was rebuilt in the Baroque style in the 17 th century.

Day Trips from Padua

Padua tends to get visitors on a day trip from Venice, but there’s no reason you can’t do it the other way around. A day trip to Venice isn’t the ideal way to see the city, but if you stay in Padua, you can make several day trips there.

The Venice to Padua train takes as little as half an hour, so getting back and forth is easy. Padova train station is at the northern end of the city centre, a ten-minute walk from the Cappella degli Scrovegni.

Padua is also close to the Colli Euganei, or Euganean Hills. I haven’t had the chance to visit this area yet, despite intending to for a very long time.

It has several small historic towns including Arquà Petrarca, which was indeed home to the 14 th century poet Petrarch. The spa town of Àbano Terme is also close by.

Padua Accommodation

Many Padua hotels are in the mid-range bracket, with a wide range of 4-star and 3-star options around the city.

The Hotel Europa is one of the best 4-star Padova hotels, in an ideal location too. It’s across the street from the Cappella degli Scrovegni and ten minutes from the station. Doubles are around €130 a night.

Albergo Verdi is one of my old Padua haunts, and they’ve upped their game since my first stay. They’re now a chic small boutique hotel, very close to the Piazza dei Signori, Palazzo della Ragione and the Duomo. You can often find doubles for €100-120.

The best Padova hotel if you’re on a budget is Casa del Pellegrino, right opposite the Basilica del Santo.  It’s beautifully clean and one of the best bargains you’ll find in this part of Italy. The location is excellent as well. Doubles are €50-60 per night.

David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian. He is a European travel expert with over 30 years’ experience exploring Europe. He has a degree in History from Manchester University, and his work is regularly featured in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, The Times, and The Sunday Times.  David is fluent in French and Welsh, and can also converse in Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech and Polish.

Padova – What to Visit: 1 day itinerary (map included)

• May 31, 2022

Home > Italy > Padova – What to Visit: 1 day itinerary (map included)

Table of contents

Padova is a city in Northern Italy, located in the Veneto region, where we also found the famous cities of Venice and Verona . It may not seem like the obvious choice for those visiting the region, but I promise it’s worth visiting Padova 🥰

The city may be rather small, but it is very cute and deserves some attention. So keep reading this post so you can better plan your trip to Padova.

When is the best time to visit Padova?

Padova has a very mild climate given its proximity to the sea, so any time of the year is good to visit Padova 😊 However, April to June and September and October are probably the months where you’ll find the city with the most pleasant temperatures (while still managing to escape the tourist crowds at the same time).

How many days do you need to visit Padova?

Padova is a tiny city, however, it still has some unmissable points of interest. I recommend spending at least one day in the city, but if you have an additional day available, you will certainly be able to better absorb the city’s spirit.

How to get to Padova?

Although Padova does not have an airport, it is very simple to get there from neighbouring airports. I especially recommend you choose one of these airports:

• Verona (~ 1h15): bus ( Airlink ) from the airport to Verona Porta Nuova railway station and from there take a direct train to Padova
• Option 1 (~1h): direct bus from Mobilita Di Marca
• Option 2: get the bus ( AirLink ) between the airport and Treviso Centrale railway station. From Treviso Centrale, take a train to Venezia Mestre and from there a train to Padova.
• Bologna (~1h30): take a train to Bologna central station and from there change to another train heading to Padova

Trains in Italy work very well and it is easy to buy tickets online directly from the Trenitalia or Italo websites or from the various ticket machines available in the train stations. I recommend checking the timetables available in advance on the websites, as well as the ticket prices. There are many options available, but also very different prices.

💼 TRAVEL INSURANCE: Unexpected events happen anywhere in the world, so I always recommend getting travel insurance. I regularly use Heymondo , which offers some of the highest coverages on the market at very competitive prices. As well as covering medical expenses, Heymondo’s insurance also covers the loss or theft of luggage, electronic equipment and more. They also have a 24/7 customer service through their App. As A Ticket to Take Off reader, you get a 5% discount when purchasing Heymondo insurance . The purchase must be made using this link , and the price shown on the website already includes the discount.

Accommodation in Padova

I only slept one night in Padova , but I have an accommodation recommendation for you 😊 During my stay in the city, I opted for a family-run and very well-located accommodation. Located less than 5 minutes walk from the Basilica of Saint Anthony or Prato della Valle, it is impossible to find a better location than this.

Casa Locatelli is a flat inserted in an 18th-century palace and it is equipped with everything you need for an excellent stay. In addition to the bedrooms and bathroom area, the flat also has a social area (living room) and a small kitchen.

Activities & tours in Padova

What to visit in padova.

You can easily visit the main points of interest in the city on foot, as they are not so far away from each other. Before starting the list of what you can visit in Padova, I leave you here a map with the main points of interest in the city.

» Prato della Valle

The Prato della Valle is the main square of Padova and is even the largest in Italy and one of the largest in Europe. The square has an elliptical shape, having a canal full of statues around the central green space.

It is a very pleasant space in the city, where the locals take the opportunity to spend some of their free time. From the square, we can see some of the city’s places of interest, such as the Santa Justina Basilica, the Loggia Amulea and several palaces.

💡 EXTRA TIP: During some days of the year, there is a fair in this square, which ends up making some photo opportunities at this amazing square almost impossible.

» Basilica of St. Anthony

The Basilica of Saint Anthony is probably one of the main attractions that brings tourists to Padova and it’s something you definitely have to visit in Padova.

Although Saint Anthony is a Portuguese saint born in Lisbon, his body is buried in Padova and there is even some dispute regarding the saint.

The Basilica is quite magnificent and worth admiring, both inside and out 😉 The visit is free, so don’t miss the opportunity to visit this superb basilica as well as its cloisters.

💡 EXTRA TIP: Right next to the Basilica of Saint Anthony, you can also find the Oratory of Saint Giorgio – a small gothic-style chapel, known for its frescoed interiors. However, I warn you that, unlike the Basilica, you have to pay to visit inside.

» Via Umberto I and Via Roma

Moving on to the next point of this Padova itinerary, I suggest a short walk through two important streets of the city: Via Umberto I and Via Roma. Apart from finding several well-known shops along the way, you can also find some more historic buildings such as the Palazzo Capodilista and the Santa Maria dei Servi church .

» Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Frutti (squares)

These two squares appear together in the itinerary as they are side by side, only separated by the imposing Palazzo della Ragione – government building on the upper floor and indoor market on the ground floor. Both squares were the commercial centre of the city for many years and markets are still held there today.

Apart from the Palazzo della Ragione, the Palazzo Comunale , the Torre degli Anziani and the Peronio Column also stand out.

💡 EXTRA TIP: The beautiful interior of the Palazzo della Regione can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday and the ticket costs 7€.

» Piazza dei Signori (square)

Another must-see in Padova is Piazza dei Signori. While the previous two squares were more linked to trade, Piazza dei Signori was more related to government celebrations.

There are several emblematic buildings that can be found there, but I especially highlight these:

• San Clemente Church
• Clock Tower (tower with a 14th-century astronomical clock)
• Loggia del Consiglio (government building built in the 15th century)
• Martian Column

» Piazza Duomo (square)

We head for one more square – Piazza Duomo. As the name indicates, the ex-libris of this square is its cathedral (duomo in Italian). The Cathedral itself is definitely not the most imposing religious building in the city. However, it is worth visiting its interior as the visit is free of charge.

It is also possible to visit the Baptistery which contains frescoes inside and the ticket costs 5€.

» Old Jewish Quarter

One of the places I most enjoyed visiting in Padova was the old Jewish Quarter. Created in 1603 and abolished in 1797, this was where the Jews lived.

Nowadays, the narrow streets that make up this small neighbourhood are clearly different in style from the rest of the city, with lots of street markets and restaurants that make you want to go inside 😉

It is also possible to visit the Jewish Museum of Padova where you can learn more about the life of this community in Padova.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: The ticket to visit the Jewish Museum of Padova costs 10€ or 12€ if you also visit the Synagogue. I recommend checking opening times in advance here .

» Palazzo del Bo

Palazzo Bo is in fact the seat of the University of Padova , which is one of the oldest in the world (like Salamanca). With over 800 years of history, renowned personalities have studied here, and the building is currently used as the Faculty of Law and rectory of the University.

Although the courtyard can be visited freely, to visit the inside of the University (including the anatomical theatre, which is the oldest in the world) you have to pay and you have to book a guided tour.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: Guided tours are available every day of the week but at different prices. From Monday to Friday the tour costs 7€ and at the weekend 12€. Also, note that these two tours are not exactly the same so you should check which one you prefer in advance here .

» Eremitani Church

The next thing I recommend you visit in Padova is the Church of Eremitani, built in the 13th century. Although it looks simple and bare on the outside, inside you can find some frescoes, making it one of the most beautiful churches in Padova.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: Admission to the church is free and opening times are as follows: weekdays from 7.30 am to 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm to 7 pm; weekends from 9 am to 12.30 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm.

» Scrovegni Chapel

If I had to choose my favourite religious monument in Padova, the Scrovegni Chapel would probably win. Those who see the chapel from the outside don’t even imagine what’s inside, making it one of Padova’s best-kept secrets 😉

The vast majority of the chapel is covered with frescoes painted by the famous Giotto during the early 14th century. The artwork narrates the Story of Salvation and each of the murals is incredibly detailed.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: It is only possible to visit the Chapel by guided tour (advance booking required!!!), and tickets from Tuesday to Sunday also include access to the Musei Civici di Padova or Palazzo Zuckermann . This ticket costs 14€.

On Mondays, the ticket is cheaper and costs 10€ because Musei Civici di Padova is closed. You can find more information about timetables and buy tickets here .

However, if you are like me and only want to visit the chapel, I suggest you try to buy tickets for the “Giotto under the stars” option. The ticket costs only 8€, however, this visit only happens from 7 pm to 10 pm and is not available all year round.

» Giardini dell’Arena

After contemplating a beautiful work of art, I suggest you take the opportunity to rest a bit in the Giardini dell’Arena gardens. The space is right next to the Scrovegni Chapel and even has a very nice terrace 😉

» Molino Bridge and Gate

Molino’s gate and bridge are some of the best-preserved parts of the first wall that surrounded Padova. It is estimated that the wall was built in the early 13th century and would have had almost 20 gates. Although this is not the most obvious must-see on an itinerary through Padova, it is a good stop to enjoy the river that passes under the Molino Bridge and also to observe the Ezzelino Tower.

Restaurants in Padova

I’ve only had two meals in Padova and of those, I can only really recommend one – you can’t always get it right 😜 So, the restaurant I can recommend is Osteria Al Peronio (€€). It has a very central location, a terrace for the hottest days and, above all, a varied menu with Italian food. We tried the asparagus and mushroom risotto and it was very tasty.

Disclaimer : this post may contain some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you buy something through my links. This doesn’t represent any additional cost to you and you’ll be supporting my work here on the blog😊

Share This Post

I am Mariana from Porto, Portugal . I am truly passionate about traveling and all things travel related. And that’s exactly what led me to create this page: so I can inspire others to travel and help plan all those trips with my tips and itineraries.

Click here to find out more about me.

RELATED POSTS

Ultimate guide to the best hike in Bryce Canyon: Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail

How to spend one day in Death Valley National Park (map included)

Guide to hike Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion National Park

PLAN YOUR TRIP

• 🛡️ Travel insurance with 5% discount
• 🌙 Best accommodations
• ✈️ Cheapest flights
• 🥾 Essential items for your trip
• 🚀 Experiences & tours
• 💳 Revolut: the best card during trips
• 🚗 Transfer to/from airport
• 💰 Compensation for delayed/canceled flights

FEATURED POSTS

Best international travel insurance in 2024

Travel essentials: 36 useful accessories

What to wear in extreme cold (up to -30ºC): my Lapland packing list

How to save some money while travelling: Revolut

Prepare your trip.

Book the best accommodations with Booking

• Buy your essential items at Decathlon

Find the cheapest flights with  Kiwi

• Find the best tours/attractions with GetYourGuide or Viator

Book Heymondo travel insurance with 5% discount

Claim compensation for delayed/canceled flights with  AirHelp

Join Revolut :  the best card to save money while travelling

Book airport transfers with Welcome Pickups

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

A step-by-step guide on the best hike in Bryce Canyon: a combination of the Navajo Loop with Queen’s Garden Trail…

How to spend one day in Death Valley National Park: one of the most inhospitable places in the USA, but also one of the most surprising…

Find out everything you need to know to hike Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion National Park. It’s one of the easiest and most beautiful trails in the park…

LEAVE YOUR FEEDBACK

There is no map! Why?

There is a map under the section ‘What to visit in Padova?’. Maybe it’s taking some time to load 🙂 Can you try again?

• Book the best Accommodations
•  Travel insurance with 5% discount
• Find the cheapest flights
• Join Revolut: the best card for travelling
• Book transfer from/to airport
• Claim compensation for delayed/canceled flights

About Me | Work with Me | Contacts

Home » Blog » Italy Travel Guides » 15 Best Things To Do In Padua Italy

15 Best Things To Do In Padua Italy

Last Updated on August 6, 2024 by Jo

Our travel content is reader supported. We may earn a small commission from links in this article (no cost to you).

Padua may not be as well known as many other Italian cities, such as Venice , Verona , Treviso or Bologna, which is one of the reasons you should put Padua on your list of things to do in Italy . Not only is, Padua is one of the oldest cities in northern Italy , it is home to many world-class sites and attractions.

There are plenty of fantastic things to do in Padua. You can see the frescoes that sparked the Italian Renaissance, walk in the footsteps of Gallelio at the world’s 5th oldest university, and grab a coffee at one of Italy’s most famous coffee shops. Plus so much more.

So whether you’re planning a day trip from nearby Venice or Verona, or using the city as a base for a few days, here are our suggestions for the best things to do in Padua.

Table of Contents

1. Step inside Saint Anthony of Padua Church

The almighty St Anthony of Padua Church (Basilica di Sant’Antonio di Padova) is Padua’s most important religious site, dedicated to the city’s very own patron saint; St Anthony, also known as ‘il Santo’.

The church is one of the eight international shrines recognized by the Holy See and a renowned place of pilgrimage, with millions of Roman Catholics from all across the world making the journey to Padua each year.

Dating back to the 1200’s, Saint Anthony of Padua Church is a unique mix of architectures, with a bold Romanesque exterior, Byzantine domes, and Gothic and Baroque interiors.  Inside the church, you’ll find many beautiful frescoes, colourful artworks and ornate marble statues. Keep an eye out for pieces by famous Italian artists including Donatello and Titian.

As well as being able to explore the stunning chapels and church cloisters, you can also pay a small fee to visit the Museum of the Basilica where you’ll be able to learn more about the life and work of St Anthony.

2. Take a tour of the University of Padua

Established in 1222, the University of Padua is the second oldest university in Italy, after Bologna, and the fifth oldest in the world. The university was actually established by a group of scholars and professors from the University of Bologna who wanted more academic freedom.

The University of Padua was also the first university in the world to award a PhD to a woman. In 1678, Elena Lucrezia Corner Piscopia graduated from Padua University with her philosophy doctorate.

Palazzo Bo (The Bo Palace) is the main campus of the university, located in the historical city centre of Padua. The main courtyard, with its many amazing frescoes, is free for anyone to visit, however, a tour of the university will allow you to see so much more.

On a guided tour of the university , you can discover even more of the 800-year-old campus, including several of the grand halls where countless scientific discoveries have been made, the world’s first permanent anatomic theatre, and the desk where Galileo Galilei once taught as a professor in the early 1600s.

3. Explore Padua’s Botanical Gardens

Founded in 1545, The Orto Botanico di Padova is the world’s oldest academic botanical garden still in its original location. It is often referred to as the original botanical garden, paving the way for the hundreds of gardens found all over the planet today.

Padua’s Botanical Gardens were opened by the Venetian Republic for the purpose of growing medicinal plants. Since its founding, the gardens have been linked to the University of Padua and used in the study of botany, medicine, pharmacology, ecology and many other disciplines.

Today, the beautiful gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and open daily for the public to visit. You can explore the two main areas, the historical garden and the biodiversity garden, which combined are home to an amazing 7,000 botanical species.

4. Wander around huge Prato della Valle

Continuing on with Padua’s list of impressive achievements, the city is also home to the largest piazza (town square) in all of Italy. Prato della Valle measures an impressive 90,000 sq meters in size, with a grassy island in its centre known as l’Isola Memmia and 78 statues representing the city’s most famous residents.

No matter when you visit, Prato della Valle is always bustling with locals enjoying an afternoon stroll or letting their kids run around in the sunshine. Regular events and markets also take place in the piazza throughout the year, so you never know exactly what you’re going to stumble across.

Related: Calendar – Italy’s National Holidays & Local Events

5. Take a Burchiello cruise along the Brenta Canal

The Brenta Canal is a scenic waterway that links Padua with Venice on the coast. The area lining the banks of the canal is known as the Brenta Riviera and is famous for its grand Venetian Villas and stunning countryside. Many of the lavish villas were once the summer residencies of the Venetian noblility in the 1700s.

The best way to travel along the Brenta Canal from Padua is by Burchiello. The Burchiello was once the traditional wooden Venetian barge used by the wealthy to reach their villas on the Riviera. Today, Burchiello’s have been upgraded into modern, comfortable boats that cruise along the canal.

A full-day mini-cruise will take you all the way to Venice and back. Many cruises also include stops and guided tours of some of the villas along the Riviera, such as Villa Foscari, Villa Widmann and Villa Pisani. You can book a boat cruise here .

6. Shop at Padua’s 800-year-old market

While you might expect many of the buildings and landmarks in Padua to be over 800 years old, it’s probably a little more surprising to find out that the daily market has been a staple in the city for just as long.

Taking place every morning from Monday to Saturday across Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza delle Frutta, Padua’s main market has been running for over 8 centuries. The current market sells everything from fresh produce to clothes, household items and antiques.

The morning market is definitely a must-visit attraction in Padua. There are also numerous cafes and restaurants surrounding the lively squares for you to stop for a morning coffee or spot of lunch while overlooking the bustling market.

Plus, don’t forget to check out Padua’s imposing medieval town hall, Palazzo della Ragione, which sits in between the two squares and acts as a backdrop to the sprawling market.

7. See the astronomical clock in Piazza dei Signori

Piazza dei Signori is another important square in Padua that is certainly worth visiting. The historic square was once the living and working headquarters of the rulers (signori) of Padua, hence the many impressive buildings.

The piazza is centred around Torre Dell’Orologio (the clock tower) and its 24-hour astronomical clock that tells the time, date and position of the Sun in the Zodiac.

Many things make this clock special. The first being that it is one of the oldest clocks in the world still in working order, having been built in 1344. Another unusual thing about this clock is that only 11 of 12 zodiacal signs are depicted, with Libra being the missing sign. This supposedly comes from the pre-Roman Zodiac system, in which Libra was incorporated into the Scorpio constellation.

8. Admire the frescoes of the Scrovegni Chapel

The Scrovegni Chapel (Cappella degli Scrovegni) is a small and somewhat understated (from the outside) church in Padua that would be all too easy to pass by without knowing the wonders that await you inside.

The 14th-century church is considered to be home to the most complete series of frescoes by renowned Italian painter Giotto. The beautiful frescoes depict stories from the bible, including the life of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. Truly a masterpiece, many art historians believe that it was Giotto’s work on the Scrovegni Chapel that sparked the Italian Renaissance.

There are many amazing things to see in Padua, but no visit to the city would be complete without admiring the frescoes of the Scrovegni Chapel. However, the chapel can only be visited on a guided tour and is extremely popular, so it’s important to book your tickets well in advance.

9. Visit Padua Cathedral, Baptistery & Diocesan Museum

Piazza Duomo is another of the most important places to visit in Padua, being home to three major landmarks; Padua Cathedral, the Baptistery and the Diocesan Museum.

While not quite as impressive as the Saint Anthony of Padua Church from the outside, Duomo di Padua is still one of the most important landmarks in Padua. The original cathedral dates back to 1117 but had to be mostly rebuilt after an earthquake destroyed it.

Right next door to the cathedral, you’ll also find the Baptistery of Padua, which is filled with more amazing frescoes created in the 14th century by talented Italian painter Giusta de Menabuoi, a student of Giotto.

Finally, completing the trio of buildings on Piazza Duomo is the Diocesan Museum. Set inside the former 15th-century residence of the Bishops of Padua, the museum houses the city’s most established collection of religious art.

10. Stop for a coffee at Caffe Pedrocchi

Known as ‘the cafe without doors’, Caffe Pedrocchi is one of Italy’s most famous coffee shops, which from 1831 until 1916 was open 24/7 and its doors were never closed – hence the nickname .

Sat just across the road from the Univesity of Padua’s Palazzo Bo, the cafe has been the meeting spot of countless important academics, intellectuals, writers, and artists over its almost 200 years. It has also hosted many notable parties and events, including elegant academic balls.

Although the cafe does now have closing hours, it’s still one of the best places to stop in Padua for a proper Italian coffee and delicious pastry . Be sure to try the cafe’s speciality, Caffè Pedrocchi, which is a shot of 100% Arabica coffee with mint flavoured cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. (Want the lowdown on ordering coffee in Italy, read this ).

The historic cafe is also known for its many different themed rooms, such as the Egyptian room, the Greek Room, the Roman hall, and the Renaissance room, which can be found upstairs on the ‘Piano Nobile’ (Noble floor). On this floor you’ll also find the Museum of the Risorgimento and of the Contemporary Age, outlining the history of Padua and the historical importance of the cafe, which you can visit for a small fee.

11. Enjoy Padua’s food scene

Like all of Italy, Padua is a city that takes great pride in its food, with most dishes being prepared using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients from the Veneto and Emilia-Romagna regions.

But what food is Padua known for exactly? There are several typical local dishes in Padua you can try:

• Risotto con i Rovinassi – risotto with chicken livers.
• Oca in onto Padovana – goose meat preserved in goose fat.
• Gran bollito alla Padovana  – mixed boiled meat, a favourite dish of Gallelio.
• Bigoli – the most traditional pasta in Padua, often served with duck sauce.
• Pazientina Padovana – a layered cake consisting of almond shortcrust pastry, soft sponge and chocolate.

And there’s certainly no shortage of great places to try these local dishes in Padua, with an abundance of fantastic food markets, cafes and restaurants all across the city.

Some of the best places to eat in Pauda are:

• Sotto il Salone  – a covered market on the bottom floor of Palazzo della Ragione which is home to many of the city’s best cafes, butchers, cheesemakers , bakeries, pasta makers and other food stalls.
• Pasticceria Graziati – one of the oldest patisseries in the city, famous for its pazientina cake.
• Al Duomo – for some of the best pizza in Padua.
• Fuel Ristorante in Prato – luxury restaurant serving creative takes on authentic local dishes.

12. Stay in a 14th-century wine tower

If you decide to base yourself in the city for more than a day, treat yourself to a stay in one of the most unique hotels in Padua.

Massimago Wine Tower is a charming B&B set inside an ancient tower dating back to the 1300s, surrounded by a centuries-old park right in Padua’s historic centre. The tower’s large suites feature antique furnishings and beautiful frescoes adorning each wall. You can book a room here .

What’s more, you can also organise a wine tasting of Massimago’s self-produced Valpolicella wines during your stay. The ultimate Padua hotel for wine lovers.

Related: 10 Top Italian Wines You Need To Know | How To Choose The Best Prosecco – 10 Top Tips | Prosecco vs Champagne: What’s The Difference?

13. Take a day trip to Venice

With Padua’s close proximity to Venice, the two cities can easily be incorporated into one trip.

Take a stroll around the picturesque canals, admire the architectural wonders of St Marks Square, visit the grand Doge’s Palace and stop for a spritz in one of the charming little piazzas.

Visiting Venice? Check out these related guides:

• 21 Most Popular Places to Visit in Venice, Italy
• 10 Things NOT To Do in Venice (and 10 To Do Instead)
• The best restaurants in Venice – tried and tested
• How to spend one day in Venice

14. Take a Wine Tasting Tour

While visiting the Veneto region, don’t miss the chance to sip on prosecco in the gorgeous Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Prosecco region.

The rolling hillsides are situated in the historical region between the towns of Valdobbiadene and Conegliano, around an hour north of Padua. The region is filled with beautiful rolling vineyards and family-run wineries where they produce the premium Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG in Italy.

It’s easy to visit the region by booking a half day or full day tour.   Not only will you tour the wineries, learn about the winemaking process, taste plenty of wine paired with delicious locally produced cheeses.

15. Take a sightseeing tour of Padua

If you’re interested in an introduction to Padua, the city has a Hop On Hop Off Bus that will take you to many of the sights on this list of things to do in Padua. Not only will the bus help you get a good overview of the city, your ticket typically includes a booklet with money off many admission prices.. You can book bus tickets here .

How to get to Padua

Where is Padua?

Padua is a city in the Veneto region in the northeast of Italy.

Getting to Padua by plane

The nearest airport to Padua Italy is Venice Marco Polo Airport around 20 kilometres east of the city. There are regular buses and trains that connect Padua to the airport. Related: Guide to Flying with Wine .

Getting to Padua by train

Padua is easy to reach by train from many other nearby Italian cities.

The train from Venice to Padua takes 30 minutes on average – but can take as little as 15 minutes by high-speed train – and costs just €3.60 when booked in advance. This makes it easy to visit Padua in a day from Venice.

The train from Verona to Padua also runs regularly every day, taking between 45 minutes and an hour and costing as little as €7.60.

Trains from Bologna to Padua also take around an hour and cost €9.

So, that’s our guide to things to do in Padua. Got any questions, let us know in the comments below.

Check out our other guides to visiting Italy and Italian Wine

• 8 Best Regions of Italy For Your Next Vacation
• 15 Best Things To Do In Treviso Italy
• How To Get To Venice From The Airport
• Where to Stay in Venice
• The Best Italian Christmas Markets to Visit
• Prosecco: Learn More About The Drink You Love
• 10 Things NOT to Do in Venice (and 10 To Do in Instead)

4 thoughts on “15 Best Things To Do In Padua Italy”

I’d like to tour the astronomical clock. May I book tickets with your company? I don’t see a link.

Hi, I’m afraid this is just a travel guide for Padua so we don’t sell tickets for the clock. Hope you have a great trip.

great travel guide!

You’re welcome. Happy travels!

Comments are closed.

18 Amazing Things to Do in Padua

Not very popular among travelers but very much worth the visit, Padua (or Padova in Italian) is a lovely Italian city in the province of Veneto that just waits for you to discover it. Overshadowed most of the times by places like Venice or Florence, Padua will surprise the visitor with its numerous attractions, some of which rated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Read further to find out what are the best things to do in Padua.

How to get to Padua?

What is padua famous for, is padua worth visiting, how many days to stay in padua, 1. marvel giotto’s frescoes at the scrovegni chapel, 2. visit orto botanico – the oldest botanical garden in the world, 3. admire the grand basilica of st. anthony of padua (il santo), 4. see padua cathedral (il duomo), 5. visit the diocesan museum of padua (museo diocesano) and the baptistery (il battistero), 6. visit padua’s 800-year old market, 7. enjoy a dinner at piazza dei signori with a view of the astronomical clock, 8. walk around prato della valle, 9. count the stars at la specola, 10. indulge in some shopping in padua, 11. cruise the brenta canal with il burchiello, 12. visit palazzo zuckermann and its 2 museums, 13. see the treasures kept at the eremitani museums, 14. see the church of the eremitani, 15. marvel palazzo della ragione, 16. visit the basilica of st. giustina, 17. enjoy a cup of coffee and a lesson in history at pedrocchi café, 18. get a sense of padua as a university city at palazzo bo.

DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase via one of those links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost for you.

It’s quite easy to travel to Padua. You can fly either to the Marco Polo Airport of Venice or to the airport of Treviso and then take the public transport to Padua. I flew to Treviso and had a private taxi arranged via my accommodation to pick me up at the airport, which was quite convenient and absolutely not expensive even if you travel on a budget.

If you fly into Treviso, there is a direct bus from the airport (line 101) to Padua. The journey takes about hour and a half. If you fly into Marco Polo Airport, you can get to Mestre and then take the train or the bus (line 15) to Padua, and all this in about an hour.

Pro tip:  Check out on  Omio.com  for all transportation options (flights, buses or trains) to and from Padua.

Padua is one of the cradles of the Italian Renaissance. The 14th-century frescoes and the Botanical Garden , both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are the most popular things to see in Padua. Padua is also famous for Il Santo , or Saint Anthony of Padua , the Franciscan friar who settled in Padua. The University of Padua is the second oldest in Italy (established in 1222).

Absolutely! Padua is a city with rich historical and cultural heritage, full of charm, that remains a bit off-the-beaten track. In Padua, you can savor Italy at its best without the crowds and the overtourism, which are typical for cities like Florence or Venice.

Besides, Padua does not only offer a fine combination of art, history, and culture, but also a whole lot of lovely shops, scattered around the historical center, which will satisfy every fashion buff.

If you want to see all attractions in Padua you should consider staying at least a week in Padua. A couple of days won’t be enough to see all museums and do all those fun things in Padua. I stayed 4 days in Padua and I feel they were not enough, so I’ll be visiting the city for sure once again. You can read here my 4-day itinerary of Padua .

Best things to do in Padua

Padua is not a place to be visited in a day, as it abounds in things to do and places to see. One of the best things to do in Padua is take a day cruise on the Brenta Canal to Venice , just like this has be done in the days of the Grand Tour . Other best things to do in Padua include a visit to Scrovegni Chapel , a food walking tour of the city , and of course a visit to the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua. Read further to find out my selection of 18 interesting things to do in Padua and places to see in this beautiful Italian city.

On the map below, you can find all attractions in Padua which are mentioned in this travel guide:

The Scrovegni Chapel ( Cappella degli Scrovegni ) is considered the masterpiece of Giotto ( 1267-1337 ) – the father of the Italian Renaissance, one of the first painters who diverted from the flat images of the Byzantine painting traditions. Take a good look of the faces, they are so vivid and full of emotions. I must admit I had the impression that Giotto knew quite a lot of beautiful women.

The chapel was built on the remains of a Roman theater by the wealthy banker Enrico Scrovegni and commissioned to Giotto in just after 1300. It was adjacent to a palace, which was demolished in 1827. Luckily, the Municipality of Padua acquired the church so that it could be preserved and we can enjoy the beautiful frescoes inside.

The Scrovegni Chapel (the most famous tourist attraction in Padua) is a good example of how sites of high cultural and historical value are being preserved in a sustainable way. Let’s be straight on this one: we, as tourists, do our utmost to ruin our monuments by loving them too much.

In 2021 UNESCO enlisted The Scrovegni Chapel as a World Heritage Site in 2021 together with seven other sites in Padua under the name of Padua’s fourteenth-century fresco cycles .

Unfortunately, you can’t enjoy the frescoes endlessly, unless you visit the chapel multiple times. You need to book tickets in advance and visitors are allowed in the chapel in small groups for a limited time (about 15 minutes), first having to wait in a climate controlled room. You also can’t make a booking for the same day. You need to arrive well in advance before your time slot, as you first need to spend 5 minutes in the climate controlled room.

Practical info

Address: Piazza Eremitani, 8, Padova 35100 Admission fee: adults – 16 EUR (day ticket, including Eremitani Museum and the Zuckermann Palace), 10 EUR (evening ticket, only the chapel) Opening times: daily, from 9 am till 7 pm, from March 25 till November 1, daily from 7 am till 10 pm Website: www.cappelladegliscrovegni.it

The Botanical Garden of Padua ( Orto Botanico ) – one of the most popular attractions in Padua, is the world’s oldest academic botanical garden. It was created in 1545 and was used as a teaching facility of the University of Padua. For its outstanding contribution for the development of modern scientific disciplines like botany, medicine, ecology and pharmacy among others, it has be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

It has a historical garden and a biodiversity garden located in a solar active building. The oldest tree in the garden is the Mediterranean palm planted in 1585.

Address: via Orto botanico 15, 35123 Padova Admission fee: adults – 10 EUR, kids (6-12 yoa) – free of charge, students (13-25 yoa) – 6 EUR Opening times: closed on Mondays; November-March, from 10 am till 5 pm; April-September, from 10 am till 7 pm; October, from 10 am till 6 pm Website: www.ortobotanicopd.it

The name of Saint Anthony is immediately associated with the name of the city, as Saint Anthony is the patron saint of Padua. The Basilica of Saint Anthony forms a large complex together with the Franciscan Friary (a network of 5 cloisters) and the Oratory of Saint George .

The relics of St. Anthony are kept in the Treasury Chapel and the basilica is one of the international shrines of the Roman Catholic Church. Il Santo is a must-see in Padua.

Do not forget to take a break at one of the cafés across the square where you can enjoy a refreshing gelato feasting your eyes on the church, the square and the statue of Gattamelata , cast by Donatello.

Address: Piazza del Santo, 11, 35123 Padova

Il Duomo is the cathedral of Padua. It took 200 years (1551-1754) to build it and still has the facade remained unfinished. It has been initially designed by Michelangelo, but later on the designs have been changed.

In front of the cathedral is Piazza Duomo , one of Padua’s many squares, where you can sit, relax, and have a drink, or a pizza.

If you are interested in religious art, right on Piazza Duomo you can visit the Diocesan museum of Padua ( Museo diocesano di Padova ). It is housed in the former Bishop’s Palace ( Palazzo Vescovile ). Quite beautiful is the salon which displays portraits of the bishops of Padua.

The Baptistery, located next to the cathedral, was built in the 12th century. The most remarkable thing about the Baptistery is the 14th century fresco cycle by Giusto de’ Menabuoi , one of the forefathers of the Italian Renaissance. The frescoes in the Baptistery are a part of the collective UNESCO World Heritage Site Padua’s fourteenth-century fresco cycles.

You can visit the museum and the Baptistery with a combined ticket.

Address: Palazzo Vescovile, Piazza Duomo 12, 35141 Padova Admission fee: Only museum: adults – 6 EUR, kids (up to 6 yoa) – free of charge, students (7-25 yoa) – 5 EUR; Baptistery+Museum: adults – 12 EUR, kids (up to 6 yoa) – free of charge, students (7-25 yoa) – 9 EUR Opening times: Monday, from 2 pm till 6 pm, Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am till 1 pm and from 2 pm till 6 pm Website: museodiocesanopadova.it

Farmers’ markets in Italy are an institution. Where else can you find such an explosion of colors, smells and tastes! You can’t visit an Italian city without visiting its farmers’ markets and Padua does not disappoint. 6 days per week the lively squares Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Frutti become the focal point of Padua’s everyday life.

And when you just think you’ve seen it all, venture into Palazzo della Ragione , the old town hall of Padua, where on the ground floor you will find numerous deli shops. The covered market of Padua is 800 years old, which makes it perhaps the oldest, still functioning market in Europe! For sure it is also one of the biggest markets in Italy.

You can book a guided 2-hour market tour in Padua , try some delicious food an learn everything about the tradition of the farmers’ markets in Padua and Italy.

There’s one thing that I regret I couldn’t do in Padua and that is a market tour followed up by a cooking class. Next time I visit Padua, I’ll book for sure one of these two tours I came across: tour 1 of the market followed by a cooking class and dinner , tour 2 followed by a cooking class .

Another emblematic square in Padua is Piazza dei Signori , dominated by the Clock Tower ( Torre dell’Orologio ) with the famous astronomical clock. In the morning (6 days a week) you’ll find here the extension of Padua’s daily market. On Piazza dei Signori are the stalls with the non-food items.

In the late afternoon all market stall are cleared and Piazza dei Signori turns into a big outdoor restaurant with all cafés and restaurants claiming their terrace space under the famous astronomical clock. So, take a seat at one of the restaurants and enjoy a delicious pizza and this special vibe of Italy’s dolce vita .

The tower that dominates Piazza dei Signori dates back to the 14th century. However, it was destroyed in 1390 during the war with the Venetian Republic. The tower was rebuilt in 1428 and the replica of the original astronomical clock of Jacopo Dondi from 1344 was placed on the tower and inaugurated on the Day of Saint Anthony in 1437. They say that this is the oldest functioning astronomical clock in the world that still stays on its original place.

With its 90 000 sq m Prato della Valle is one of the largest squares in Europe and the largest one in Italy. And it’s like no other square you have ever seen. There’s a 20 000 sq m elliptical green island in the center of the square, known as Memmia island, surrounded by a small channel, also elliptical. Both sides of the channel ring are lined up with 78 statues. Initially there were 88 statues, but for various reasons there are 10 less today.

The square was designed at the end of the 18th century by the architect Andrea Memmo . Until the 1990s it was largely neglected but today is one of the most famous attractions in Padua.

La Specola  is an astronomical observatory turned into a museum. It’s housed in the tower of the Carrarese Castle , built in the 14th century by Francesco I da Carrara . In 1767 the tower was transformed into an astronomical observatory and it functioned as such until the 1930s.

Today, you can visit the museum and see historical instruments used in past. In the so-called Figures Room you can see life-size paintings of some of the most famous historical figures in the field of astronomy: Ptolemy , Copernicus , Tycho Brahe , Galileo , Kepler , Newton , Montanari and Poleni .

When I visited the museum, it was possible to just walk in without a guided tour. This however has changed and currently the museum can be visited only with a guided tour.

Address: Vicolo dell’Osservatorio, 5, 35122 Padova Admission fee: adults – 8 EUR, family ticket (2 adults and 3 kids up to 14 yoa) – 20 EUR Opening times: May-September: weekends and public holidays at 6 pm, Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am till 1 pm and from 2 pm till 6 pm Website: www.beniculturali.inaf.it

Padua is a city that offers not only a fine combination of art, history and culture, but also a whole lot of shops, scattered around the historical center. Walking the arcaded streets of Padua from one shop to the other is a lovely way to spend your afternoon in the city.

You can also book a special shopping tour with sightseeing in Padua .

If you happen to be in Padua between March and October you should go on a boat trip on the Brenta canal , that’s gonna take you past majestic villas straight to Venice. The trip is inclusive of a visit to 3 villas ( Villa Pisani , Villa Widmann and Villa Foscari , aka the Malcontenta ) and you can opt for a lunch.

The villas along the Brenta canal were the summer residences of the wealthy and were built throughout the 16th, 17th and the 18th centuries. You can spot frescoes of Veronese or Tiepolo and enjoy the Vitruvian beauty of the Palladio’s architectural genius. The Paladian Malcontenta is another masterpiece on the List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites .

Read more:  Everything you need to know about the Brenta Canal cruise .

The trip ends in Venice and what a marvelous way to arrive in the city than by water!

After spending some time in Venice you can go back to Padua by train. There’s a train each 20 minutes from Santa Lucia train station and it takes about 25 minutes from Venice to Padua.

Palazzo Zuckerman was built at the beginning of the 20th century for the rich industrialist Enrico Zuckermann . Zuckermann was the owner of La Zedapa – a plant for metal parts. In the second half of the 20th century it was used as the Post Office of Padua.

Today, on the first floor of the palace is housed the Museum of Applied and Decorative Arts ( Museo di Arti Applicate e Decorative ) and on the second one the Bottacin Museum ( Museo Bottacin ).

In the Museum of Applied and Decorative Arts you can find a lovely collection of 16th-century majolica, furniture from the 17th and 18th c., clothing accessories and historical clothing, and last but not least a large jewellery collection.

The Bottacin Museum on the other hand, houses the art and numismatic collection of the wealthy merchant Nicola Bottacin , who left it to the city of Padua in 1865. On display are paintings, furniture, sculptures, ancient weapons and other works acquired for the decoration of his home, built in the eclectic style of the 19th century.

Address: corso Garibaldi, 33, 35122 Padova Admission fee: adults – 11 EUR, kids (up to 5 yoa) – free of charge. The price includes also a visit to the Museo Eremitani . Tickets are sold only at Museo Eremitani . Opening times: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am till 7 pm Website: padovamusei.it

Padua Civic Museum s ( Musei Civici di Padova ) or The Eremitani Museums ( Musei degli Eremitani ) is a complex of museums and sites that besides the Palazzo Zuckermann’s museums and the Scrovegni Chapel, also includes the Archeological Museum and the Art Gallery located at the former Eremitani convent. The Eremitani were Augustinian hermit friars who came to Padua in 1237. The convent was closed in 1806 when the Napoleonic rule banned the friars.

The Archeological Museum display the long history of the city of Padua from its origins (9th-8th century BC) to late antiquity (4th century AD). There’s also a rich collection of Egyptian finds, Etruscan, Greek and Magna Graecia ceramics.

The Art Gallery or the Museum of Medieval and Modern Art , as the full name is, offers an overview of Venetian paintings and sculptures from the 14th to the 18th century. You can see there works by Giovanni da Bologna , Jacopo Bellini , Girolamo Romano , Paolo Veronese , Giorgione , and Antonio Canova among others.

Address: piazza Eremitani 8, 35122 Padova Admission fee: adults – 11 EUR, kids (up to 5 yoa) – free of charge. The price includes also a visit to the Palazzo Zuckermann’s 2 museums. Opening times: daily, 9 am till 7 pm Website: padovamusei.it

A part of the Eremitani convent complex is the Church of the Eremitani ( Chiesa degli Eremitan ). It was built between 1260 and 1276 and was dedicated to St. Philip and St. James. During WW2 the church was heavily bombed by the Allied forces and it suffered an immense destruction which was fatal for the magnificent frescoes in the Ovetari Chapel.

In 2021 the remaining frescoes in the church received a recognition by UNESCO and together with 7 other sites in Padua, among which also the Scrovegni Chapel, they were included on the List of World Heritage Sites as Padua’s fourteenth-century fresco cycles.

The church can be visited free of charge and is located next to the Museum of the Eremitani and the Scrovegni Chapel.

Palazzo della Ragione is another famous attraction in Padua, located between the two market squares Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Fruti . Besides the oldest covered, still functioning market in Europe on the ground floor, on the 2nd floor of the building you can find some amazing frescoes, which are one of the 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Padua collectively known as Padua’s fourteenth-century fresco cycles. The upper floor of Palazzo della Ragione is a large hall, which served as a court room, perhaps being the largest court room in Europe.

The palace was built in the early 13th century and at the beginning of the 14th century the inner walls were taken down and a new roof in the shape of an overturned ship’s hull was placed. The frescoes are made by Nicolò Miretto and Stefano da Ferrara .

Address: Piazza delle Erbe, 35100 Padova Admission fee: adults – 8 EUR, kids (up to 5 yoa) – free of charge. Opening times: Tuesday-Sunday, 9 am till 7 pm Website: padovamusei.it

Located at one corner of Prato della Valle, this beautiful church is another famous landmark in Padua. Actually, Prato della Valle belonged to the Abbey of St. Giustina until 1767, of which the Basilica of St. Guistina is a part. The basilica was first built in the 6th century, but it got its present look in the 17th century when it was substantially renovated. St. Justina of Padua (4th century), together with St. Anthony of Padua (12th-13th century), is one of the patron saints of the city.

The Abbey of St. Giustina itself emerged in the 9th century as a Benedictine abbey. The abbey was closed after Napoleon invaded Padua in 1797. The buildings were returned to the Catholic Church at the beginning of the 20th century.

My tip is to enjoy a drink at Prato della Valle overlooking the beautiful basilica church.

Address: Via Giuseppe Ferrari, 2/A, 35123 Padova

Pedrocchi Café ( Caffè Pedrocchi ) is one of the most emblematic places in Padua. A coffee house was founded in 1772 by Francesco Pedrocchi and in 1831 the café as we know it today opened. Soon it became one of the most beloved meeting places for writers and artists. Among the most prominent guests that frequented the café were Lord Byron, Stendhal and Dario Fo.

The fame however of Pedrocchi Café came in 1848 when the café was connected with student riots against the Habsburg Monarchy .

You can book a walking tour of Padua with a visit of the Pedrocchi Café and a cup of coffee there.

The Pedrocchi Café is also home to the Museum of the Risorgimento ( Museo del Risorgimento e dell’Età Contemporanea ) dedicated to the history of Padua from the fall of the Venetian Republic (1797) to the promulgation of the Italian Constitution on January 1, 1948.

Address (café): Via VIII Febbraio, 15, 35122 Padova

Practical info for the Museum

Address: Piazzetta Cappellato Pedrocchi, 35122 Padova Admission fee: adults – 5 EUR, kids (up to 5 yoa) – free of charge. Opening times: Tuesday-Sunday, 9:30 – 12:30 am, 3:30 – 6 pm Website: padovamusei.it

Padua prouds itself in being home to the 2nd oldest university in Europe and the world’s 5th-oldest university. The University of Padua was established in 1222 and Bo Palace ( Palazzo Bo ) has been the historical seat of the university since 1493. The Bo Palace is also home to the oldest anatomical theater in the world.

You can visit Palace Bo with a guided tour, where you can see the Anatomical Kitchen, the Anatomical Theater, the Galileo Galilei Great Hall ( l’Aula Magna Galileo Galilei ), the Hall of Forty ( la Sala dei Quaranta ), the Hall of Medicine ( la Sala di Medicina ), and the Hall of Law ( Sala di Giurisprudenza ).

Address: Via VIII Febbraio, 2, 35122 Padova Website (tours and times): www.unipd.it

26 thoughts on “18 Amazing Things to Do in Padua”

Thank you, Madam ! Padua an unknown romantic town !”

“Oh let the skies thy worthy mirror be! And in dear stars thy shape and image see…”

Indeed it’s a magical city!

So nice seeing in your post Padova! II’ve been there many times, as I live quite close. I really liked your post and your photos 🙂

Thank you! I fell in love with Padua…

Love places that are void of jammed pack tourists so Padua looks like a nice place to visit. Interesting the Il Duomo is still unfinished. But it’s great that it’s close to Venice too because even though it’s crowded, it’s still worth visiting.

Padua looks like a hidden Italian gem that gives such happy feels. I’ve planned a day trip to Venice in August and am considering exploring more of Padua now, all thanks to you! Would love to see the Duomo Cathedral which hasn’t been completed yet!

Thank you for exposing this hidden gem! Padua looks like an amazing pace to visit and I can’t wait to add it to my itinerary

Sounds like an amazing place!

Wonderful post! Makes me wistful. I was in Padua a number of years ago, but it was just a one day stopover between two other cities. I would have loved to get to explore more of the town like you did. I love the idea of “home-basing” in a smaller town like this that is easy commuting distance to the big touristy ones. Great idea!

It looks like a very interesting city to visit, specially if we follow your recommendations. I loved the Giotto’s masterpiece too. It’s so beautiful !! Cheers

I’m heading to Venice in September! I only have a few days unfortunately, but I can’t wait to squeeze as much as I can in. I’m so excited to explore Italy! Leah

I’d never heard of this place but it looks really beautiful. I love discovering places that not everyone goes to!

Yep, Padua is one of these. I love also discovering new places – like everybody knows Rome, Venice & Florence, that even without actually being there, you feel like you’ve already been – there’s so much exposure everywhere. I’m happy I can inspire people to discover new places.

Beautiful pictures and what a fun itinerary. We are going to Venice this summer and almost stayed in Padua! Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to explore both cities so we’re just staying in Venice. Hope to see Padua one day.

Enjoy Venice!

Nice tips ! And of course Vinnies is a must go ;))) I like your photography by the way !

Thanks Anna!

Great post! I’ve been to Italy many times, but not to Padua. I didn’t realise it was such a lovely city! It’s on my list for next time. I can’t believe the cathedral is still not finished though!

Yes, Padua is a hidden gem!

Padua looks so beautiful! This article really inspired me to travel there one day.

You should absolutely visit it! There’s so much to do and see there!

I can imagine, I have traveled in Italy quite a bit with my family back when I was a child, but I´d love to see it again with different eyes! 🙂

One and the same place can be so different of you are 15 or 35 or 55!

Exactly 🙂 we change, but places change as well…

Padua sounds great! Perfect to stay in a cute little town away from the tourists and still be close to Venice for a day trip! Definitely an off the beaten path destination. 😉

Yes, in a place like this you can “taste” the Italian way!

Leave a comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

About Daniela

• Destinations
• Competitions

A Montenegro Road Trip

Le mans 24 hours – then and now, rouen – the city of a hundred spires, the allure of agadir, padua or padova.

With my brief yet enjoyable visit to Venice at an end, I made my way to the railway station to take a 45-minute train journey to the city of Padova (Padua in English) famed for its enormous Prato Della Valle Plaza, its Basilica, and for being the birthplace of Aperol Spritzers…

Now for this part of my Italian adventure, I was joined by my old pal Tony who knows a thing or two about Italy, as he works for a rather excellent Italian Tour Operator. It was therefore my decision to take it easy and let Tony lead the way.

A 40-minute train journey from Venice to Padova cost just €4.70. As I repeat time after time in my posts, it is such good value to travel by train in Europe!!

Now Tony was staying in a charming little hotel. I wasn’t. Having booked late I was staying in an apartment near the station where a few shady characters loitered outside the rather uninspiring entrance to my diggs. Once I hurried through to safety I then struggled with the room safe and, as I sat on the shelf next to it, to try and understand how to work the damn thing, the shelf together with the safe and myself collapsed in a heap on the floor. I needed a drink.

Wandering around central Padova at night was lovely with the city alive with al fresco restaurants and bars on pretty, stylishly lit, cobbled streets. We met at the Prato Della Valle Plaza which is known as the largest elliptical square in Europe. There are some 78 statues of famous Padova historical figures encompassing the square – I won’t name them all.

After mooching and getting a feel for the city we found the really fabulous Bar, Birreria Da Umbe where every table featured a rather dated sewing machine. Now after my previous day’s experience in Venice with the Asian seamstress, I am wondering if there is a theme going on here?

Padua City Highlights

Sunday was earmarked to explore the city. After wandering around the wonderful old streets on my own discovering a fabulous Sunday morning art market, an oh-so-special Fiat 500 and numerous squares with coffee shops springing into life, it was time to meet Tony.

We met at the Prato Della Valle to see it in the daylight before heading to the Basilica of Saint Anthony.

Basilica of Saint Anthony

As it was named after Anthony, Tony insisted on going in on this busy Sunday morning. I have to admit I am not normally one for an early morning Basilica but as it happens I enjoyed the experience which was, credit where credit is due, magnificent.

As an added bonus I was delighted to be handed a free bread roll and a prayer as we left…. I was starving but have kept my prayer handy as I am sure I might need it at some point on this trip!

Museum La Specola

The last stop was my idea. I had been told by a random Italian to go to the Museum La Specola, an Astronomical Observatory where it is believed Galileo studied the stars. Now I am no Patrick Moore but I thought this might be good to see.

In the midday heat we wandered to the Museum which is located on the pretty river bank but Mamma Mia it was closed…. there was to be no Galileo Galileo for us this morning in Padova! Tony took note that this had been my idea and is taking a tighter hold of our itinerary going forward!

We went for a sandwich, a beer and an Aperol Spritzer to commiserate.

Fun Times in Padua

It was soon time for us to hit the tracks. After a somewhat challenging start to my stay, I grew to really like Padua or Padova. If you have the time to get under the skin of city you will discover an arty vibe, great food and a lively nightlife. It makes a great day trip from Venice or a two-night stay would be perfect to really get a feel of the city.

If you are planning an Italian adventure then add it to the itinerary… but stay in a central hotel !!

For more information on visiting Padua in Italy , contact the Italian Tourist Office or contact your local travel agent or tour operator.

All photos were taken by myself and should be credited if used to @justonefortheroad

Biarritz – Timeless Elegance Meets Laid-Back Cool

Autumn in berlin, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Most Popular

Recent comments, editor picks, popular posts, the 8 regions of northern italy, the wildlife of canada, taking my time on andros island, popular category.

• Holidays 80
• City Breaks 40
• Wildlife & Nature 14
• Experiences 11
• Activity Holidays 10
• Holiday Extras 9

Padua (Padova)

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

Select Month

• roughguides.com
• padua-padova
• Travel guide
• Itineraries
• Local Experts
• Travel Advice
• Accommodation

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

Rakesh, USA

It was my first time using rough guides and it will not be my last. From the first time I connected with the team it had been great. They were easy to comm...

Hemmed in by the sprawl that has accompanied its development as the most important economic centre of the Veneto, Padua (Padova) is not immediately the most alluring city in northern Italy. It is, however, one of the most ancient, and plentiful evidence remains of its impressive lineage. A large student population creates a young, vibrant atmosphere, and yet in spite of having two big attractions – the Giotto frescoes and the Basilica of St Antony – Padua has the feel of a town that is just getting on with its own business.

Brief history of Padua

The cappella degli scrovegni, travel ideas for italy, created by local experts.

Experience the hit TV show 'The White Lotus' in Sicily

Stay in beautiful Taormina with gorgeous views of Mount Etna and discover Sicily, including famous filming locations. Go on exclusive wine tastings, discover the Greek theater in Taormina with a private guide, visit other Sicilian towns and enjoy the crystal clear water on this week-long trip.

Enchanting Italian Lakes

Experience the picturesque lakes of Northern Italy, including Lake Garda, Como, Lugano and Maggiore; explore the charming Borromean Islands – former favourites of Ernest Hemingway – and stroll the romantic streets of Verona and Milan. All of this, and much more, with this self-drive trip!

From Venice to Florence: A Grand Tour of Northern Italy

From the atmospheric canals of Venice and the picturesque coastline of Cinque Terre, to the trendy designer boutiques of Milan and the Renaissance-infused streets of Florence, Northern Italy has plenty to offer. Experience it all with this comprehensive trip.

Florence: A Trip Back In Time

Florence. A mere mention of the name conjures up grand images of Renaissance romance, awe-inspiring art and astonishing architecture. Come and see for yourself.

Eternal Rome for the Weekend

Welcome to this whirlwind tour of Rome, also known as the Eternal City. Rome is one of the most photogenic cities on earth, so make sure you pack your camera.

Wine and food in Tuscany

Stay at a beautiful hotel in San Gimignano, a medieval hill town half way between Florence and Siena. Tuscany is known for its wines and food and that's what you'll be exploring on this itinerary - several wine and food pairings await. All hand-picked by your local travel specialist.

A Roman municipium from 45 BC, the city thrived until the barbarian onslaughts and the subsequent Lombard invasion at the start of the seventh century. Recovery was slow, but by the middle of the twelfth century, when it became a free commune, Padua was prosperous once again. Italy’s second oldest university was founded here in 1221, and a decade later the city became a place of pilgrimage following the death here of St Antony.

In 1337 the Da Carrara family established control. Under their domination, Padua’s cultural eminence was secured – Giotto, Dante and Petrarch were among those attracted here – but Carraresi territorial ambitions led to conflict with Venice, and in 1405 the city’s independence ended with its conquest by the neighbouring republic. Though politically nullified, Padua remained an artistic and intellectual centre: Donatello and Mantegna both worked here, and in the seventeenth century Galileo researched at the university, where the medical faculty was one of the most ambitious in Europe. With the fall of the Venetian Republic the city passed to Napoleon and then to the Austrians, who ruled until Padua was annexed to Italy in 1866. Bombed several times by the Allies in World War II, the city has been extensively restored.

The Cappella degli Scrovegni was commissioned in 1303 by Enrico Scrovegni in atonement for his father’s usury, which was so vicious that he was denied a Christian burial. Giotto was commissioned to cover the walls with illustrations of the life of Mary, the life of Jesus and the story of the Passion, and the finished fresco cycle is one of the high points in the development of European art – a marvellous demonstration of Giotto’s innovative attention to the inner nature of his subjects. In terms of sheer physical presence and the relationships between the figures and their environment, Giotto’s work takes the first important strides towards realism and humanism.

The Joachim series on the top row of the north wall (facing you as you walk in) is particularly powerful – note the exchange of looks between the two shepherds in the Arrival of Joachim. Beneath the main pictures are shown the Vices and Virtues in human (usually female) form, while on the wall above the door is a Last Judgement – in rather poor condition and thought to be only partly by Giotto. At the bottom is a portrait of Scrovegni presenting the chapel; his tomb is at the far end, behind the altar with its statues by Giovanni Pisano.

Top image: Cityscape image of Padua, Italy with Prato della Valle © Rudy Balasko/Shutterstock

The Rough Guides to Italy and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Find even more inspiration here

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 26.04.2021

Ready to travel and discover Italy?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Where to stay
• Travel advice

The Well-Travelled Postcard

A travel blog for anyone with a passion for travelling, living, studying or working abroad..

How to Spend a Weekend in Padua (and Why I’m Dying to Move Back to Italy!)

         If you saw my Postcard of the Week on Monday then you’ll already know that I spent last weekend sauntering around the Italian city of Padua (Padova in Italian). Now, I’m already a huge Italophile, having spent a total of 12 months living there over the past couple of years. And Padua didn’t fail to enchant me – I’m just as in love with Italy as I ever was and potentially even more so. The weekend away was a treat from Discover Padova , the city’s official tourism website, who chose me as one of four winners of their blogger competition, and not only did I get to visit a new part of Italy, but I was also very reassured to find out that I haven’t forgotten my Italian! If I’m honest, I prefer Italian to my other languages, Spanish and Portuguese, even if it is less useful on the world stage.

How to get to Padua

I flew to Venice Marco Polo airport and then took a 60-min bus, costing €8.50 to Padua’s main bus station. From there it’s a short walk to the city centre or get a bus/taxi to anywhere further afield.

Where to stay in Padua

I was generously hosted by the lovely 4* Methis Hotel , well-located on one of the canals right next to the Astronomy Observatory, and only a 10-min walk to the heart of the city. Rooms cost from €89 per night with breakfast included. The hotel has some great design features (such as my divine, entirely royal blue bathroom!) although there’s so much to see in the city that you won’t be spending much time in your hotel.

How to explore the city

I had a 48h Padova Card , which costs €16 (or €21 for 72h) and allows you free entrance into 12 sites and discounted entry into a further 24, as well as free public transport of parking, if you’ve brought a car. Well worth it.

____________________

        So, I found myself in Padua, late on Friday evening, having just checked into the Methis Hotel. What next? I got my first mouthful of Italian cuisine at the Terrazza Carducci trattoria , just off the Prato della Valle, a huge statue-lined, landscaped lawn  oval-shaped square. I returned there on Saturday to find a large weekly market in full swing, selling everything under the sun, and on Sunday there was a monthly antiques market, which I much preferred. But I did take an after-dinner stroll to orientate myself.

        On Saturday morning I headed to Giotto’s famous frescoes inside the Scrovegni Chapel , which were painted in 1303-05 and are apparently considered among the most celebrated works in the history of art. You need to book well in advance (although the ticket is free if you have the Padova Card) and you should arrive early in order to see a 15-min film in the museum’s multimedia room. I remember learning about the Scrovegni Chapel in an Italian text book while at university, and I also studied Dante’s Inferno in 2nd year, in which Dante accuses Scrovegni’s father of the sin of usury and places him in hell. An entire wall of the Chapel is a description of heaven and hell, in response to Dante’s accusation, as Scrovegni, himself also a usurer, was keen to avoid to avoid the same fate of a fiery hell and is thus depicted by Giotto as entering heaven. Sadly no photos were allowed inside the Chapel, although here is a photo to give you an idea.

          I adore art and could look at it all day, although religious art is probably my least favourite genre. However the story-telling nature of the frescoes in Scrovegni’s Chapel keeps your interest and the two short films you’re shown as introduction will enthuse even the least art-lover of them all, so I highly recommend you visit the Chapel even if you’re not normally keen on religious art. I really enjoyed studying Dante and his graphic descriptions of the various circles of hell, so having that connection really made this a highlight for me, and I’m now determined to finish Dante’s trilogy by reading Purgatory and Paradise as well.

          I then headed to the Basilica di Sant’Antonio, which I featured in my postcard from Padua on Monday. The remains of the miracle-worker Saint Anthony attract a small crowd of Catholics who come to pray for loved ones to be healed and who place photos around his tomb. My favourite part however was the cloisters, which reminded me of a peaceful monastery far from the reality of civilisation.

        Leaving behind the Basilica, I followed along one of Padua’s scenic canals which in one direction take you to the stunning Euganei Hills and in the other direction all the way to Venice.

         Leaving the canals, I headed to the three  piazze (Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza della Frutta and Piazza dei Signori) that are full of markets stalls every day except Sunday. Separating two of the piazze is the gigantic Palazzo della Ragione, on whose ground floor is a daily food market, underneath a cavernous, frescoed room that used to be the law courts and now plays host to exhibitions.

          This weekend saw the opening of a highly-anticipated exhibition on Renzo Piano , a leading architect not only in Italy but worldwide, and he gave a lecture in the Aula Magna of Padua’s ancient university which filled the streets with people and excitement. While I loved the fact that Italians are cultured enough to get so excited about an architect (would this happen in the UK I ask?), it did mean that Palazzo Bò was completely shut off for tourists. I had been really keen to visit the university as it’s the second oldest university in all of Europe – it was founded in 1222, while Bologna beat them to it in 1088. It was also the world’s first university to award a woman a degree, in Philosphy, to Elena Lucrezia Piscopia back in 1678! This did impress me I have to say – very progressive thinking for the typically patriarchal Italians. Palazzo Bò is shut on Sundays so I sadly never got a chance to see the Aula Magna nor the six-tier, 16th-century anatomy theatre which is said to be fascinating.

        Disappointed to not be allowed into the university, I remedied the situation by turning my attention to the important matter of lunch. Heading into the very gentrified Jewish Ghetto, I picked a cute enoteca called Il Gottino for a typical piadina and an Aperol Spritz, my favourite Italian drink. Aperol is an orange spirit invented in Padua, which you mix with Prosecco, soda water and a slice of orange for a refreshing midday or pre-dinner cocktail. I polished this off and completed the meal with a pit-stop in Grom, an Italian ice-cream maker that I was simply addicted to while living in Modena. My favourite flavours? Stracciatella, Bacio and Nocciola.

        Fancying a breath of fresh air and some greenery, I wandered over to the oldest Botanical Garden in Europe (also free with the Padova Card), which the university created in 1545 to analyse poisonous plants. Nearby is yet another grand church, the Basilica and Abbey of Santa Giustina.

        A friend of mine spent her Erasmus year in Padua (lucky girl!) so I had asked her for insider tips on where to eat – her unequivocal reply was to eat at the Pizzeria al Duomo. The groups of locals waiting outside for a table were testament to how good the pizza is, and I chose their signature dish, Duomo: tomato, mozzarella, sundried tomatoes, cured beef, sheep cheese, raw mushrooms and various types of lettuce and chicory. Oh my goodness, I had died and gone to heaven…

        The Piazza dei Signori and the Jewish Ghetto area, just south of the three piazze,  are both great areas for a few drinks, as small bars full of lively Italians spill out onto the quaint cobbled streets. One of the many things I loved about Padua was how Italian it feels. During my after-dinner stroll it hit me that I’d barely seen another tourist all day. The city’s beauty hasn’t been tarnished, as many other Italian cities have, by garish souvenir shops or jarring English menus outside restaurants. I would recommend you get there quickly, to see it as a real, living city and let’s keep our fingers crossed it doesn’t go the way of its neighbour, Venice.

        After a good night’s sleep and a fresh continental breakfast at the Methis Hotel, Sunday morning brought plenty of sunshine with it and I headed towards the neoclassical style Caffè Pedrocchi,  one of the most famous historical coffee-houses in all of Italy , that, as luck would have it, was reopening that morning to great fanfare and to the sound of a quartet and a grand piano. Upstairs you can visit the elegant Piano Nobile, (also free with the Padova Card) and the Museum of Risorgimento. On Saturday night, during an intrepid adventure through a temptingly open door, I accidentally gatecrashed a beautiful wedding reception taking place in the stunning ballroom of the Piano Nobile.

        Having seen the locals’ excitement at the arrival of Renzo Piano in the city, I decided to check out his exhibition in the Palazzo della Ragione, which in any case is an impressive structure covered in frescoes and worth a visit anytime (included free in the Padova Card). My favourite part of the Palazzo was its outdoor gallery terrace and its view over the Piazza delle Erbe. The exhibition was equally intriguing, as among other buildings Renzo Piano also designed the Shard, London’s tallest skyscraper, which I visited last summer (see my blog post here ).

         And despite the university being closed, I did take a good look through the huge iron bars that guard the Palazzo Bò and I also snuck into the town hall for a little look around.

        In the excellent weather on Sunday, Padua was gleaming. At every turn there was another beautiful view or another fascinating market and I thought it best to absorb the atmosphere at a more relaxed pace. I settled myself down at a table in prime position in Piazza dei Signori, with a view of the Clock Tower and plenty of sunshine. There is nothing better than a chilled Aperol Spritz in the sun, in an Italian  piazza , with lunch on the way. I sat back and contemplated my weekend in Padua. I had visited so many different places and sights that I hadn’t really taken the time to digest it all. As occurs on most Sundays,my blissful happiness was slightly tinged with the though of an impending Monday, and I dreaded having to fly back home and leave this dream-like Italian city that appears as if straight out of a film. I would absolutely love to live in Italy and I’m convinced that I will do again one day… In any case, I leave you with this photo of my Aperol Spritz, a photo that manages to encapsulate so many aspects of my lovely weekend in Padua.

         I’d like to say a very big thank you to Discover Padua for such a fantastic weekend and for letting me explore a lovely part of Italy. If I had had another day I would have loved to take a boat down to explore the Euganei Hills to the south-west of Padua and take a dip in the thermal spas the area is famous for. From the photos it looks like a more verdant version of the hills around Tuscany and some of the villas and castles you can visit look stunning! I will simply have to return soon!

Share this:

About The Well-Travelled Postcard

Search the blog

Follow blog via email.

Enter your email address to follow my blog and receive new posts by email.

Email Address:

Follow me on Twitter

Listen to my podcast.

12 Comments »

I lived in Padova for 3 month in 2012. I was an au pair there and I am in a good relationship with the family. Last year I went back for 2 weeks and I will go back in the end of May for 2 weeks again 🙂

Oh wow what a place to live and that’s great that you can go back too! I’d love a return trip to Padua.

• Pingback: Postcard of the Week: Padua, Italy | The Well-Travelled Postcard

Great review. We will use it as a guide for our Padua experience – starting tomorrow for 4 days. Must try the ice cream, I think we like the same flavours.

I hope you have a brilliant trip and let me know what you think of Padua!

Had a wonderful time in Padua. We have travelled extensively in Italy and found that Padua was probably the most vibrant city we have visited, particularly in the evenings. We stayed at the Majestic Toscanelli close to the Piazza Delle Erbe, upgraded to a suite – very nice! During our stay we were blessed with good weather, spending much time outdoors admiring the buildings, the piazze and strolling along the canals. Of course the good weather meant we had several ice creams. The Grom ice cream you receommended was probably the richest we have ever had, particularly the Bacio. We also experienced some delightful meals. Having purchased our Padova Cards we visited, and were impressed by, the main sites including – Scrovegni’s Chapel (of course), Basilica di Sant’Antonio, Orto Botanico plus several Museums. The only slight disappointment was that many of the statues in the Prato della Valle were covered as they are being cleaned of graffiti. We also visited Vicenza as I has always wanted to visit the city of Palladio and in particular the Teatro Olimpico. We would like to return to the area and cruise the Brenta canal, visit the Euganean Hills and some of the villas in the area.

Oh that sounds like a lovely trip! So pleased that some of my recommendations were useful and that you saw lots of the main sites. I loved how easy it was to walk around Padova! Your description is making me miss Italy…

• Pingback: How To Find Money for Travel (& the Secret Behind How I Afford to Travel So Much) | The Well-Travelled Postcard

Great blog! I would suggest to have a travel guide “Padua Top 95 Spots” it has lots of tips, is easy to read, has a good selection of attractions and points of interest that can make your visit a pleasurable one.. You can have a look here at the below link:

http://amztk.com/padua

• Pingback: What to See, Do and Eat in Bellagio at the Heart of Lake Como | The Well-Travelled Postcard

Wonderful ! Thank you Virginia !

Thank you, Madam !

The famous poet Goethe (1786, Italian journey) about Padua: Prato della Valle, il Bo, Botanical Garden, Palazzo della Ragione…

“The great square, called Prato della Valle, is a very wide space, where the chief fair is held in June. The wooden booths in the middle of it do not produce the most favourable appearance; but the inhabitants assure me that there will soon be a fièra of stone here, like that at Verona. One has hopes of this already, from the manner in which the ‘Prato is surrounded, and which affords a very beautiful and imposing view. A huge oval is surrounded with statues, all representing celebrated men who have taught or studied at the University. Any native or foreigner is allowed to erect a statue of a certain size to any countryman or kinsman, as soon as the merit of the person and his academical residence at Padua are proved (…) With all its dignity, the University gave me the horrors as a building. I am glad that I had nothing to learn in it. One cannot imagine such a narrow compass for a school, even though, as the student of a German university, one may have suffered a great deal on the benches of the auditorium. The anatomical theatre is a perfect model of the art of pressing students together. The audience are piled one above another in a tall, pointed funnel. They look down upon the narrow space where the table stands; and, as no daylight falls upon it, the professor must demonstrate by lamplight. The botanic garden is much more pretty and cheerful. Several plants can remain in the ground during the winter, if they are set near the walls or at no great distance from them (…) The hall of audience in the town-house, properly designated by the augmentative Salone, is such a huge enclosure, that one cannot conceive it, much less recall it to one’s immediate memory. It is three hundred feet long, one hundred feet broad, and one hundred feet high, measured up to the roof, which covers it quite in. So accustomed are these people to live in the open air, that the architects look out for a market-place to overarch. And there is no question that this huge vaulted space produces quite a peculiar effect. It is an enclosed infinity, which has more analogy to man’s habits and feelings than the starry heavens. The latter takes us out of ourselves; the former insensibly brings us back to ourselves…”

What do you think? Leave a comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

Though less than an hour from Venice, Padua (Padova in Italian) seems a world away with its medieval marketplaces, Fascist-era facades and hip student population. As a medieval city-state and home to Italy’s second-oldest university, Padua challenged both Venice and Verona for regional hegemony. A series of extraordinary fresco cycles recalls this golden age – including in Giotto’s blockbuster Cappella degli Scrovegni, Menabuoi’s heavenly gathering in the baptistry and Titian’s St Anthony in the Scoletta del Santo. For centuries, Padua and Verona fought for dominance over the Veneto plains. But Venice finally occupied Padua permanently in 1405.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Cappella degli Scrovegni

Padua's version of the Sistine Chapel, the Cappella degli Scrovegni houses one of Italy's great Renaissance masterpieces – a striking cycle of Giotto…

Padua’s Museum of Medical History is a fascinating mash-up of historical artefacts and high-tech exhibits that detail the city’s outsized contribution to…

This Renaissance palazzo (mansion) is the seat of Padua’s history-making university. Founded by renegade scholars from Bologna seeking greater…

Prato della Valle

At the southern edge of the historical centre, this odd, elliptical garden was long used as a communal sports ground. Today it's a popular spot for locals…

Basilica di Sant’Antonio

A pilgrimage site and the burial place of St Anthony of Padua (1193–1231), this huge church was begun in 1232, its polyglot style incorporating rising…

Palazzo della Ragione

Ancient Padua can be glimpsed in elegant twin squares (one the fruit market, the other the vegetable market) separated by the triple-decker Gothic Palazzo…

Musei Civici agli Eremitani

The ground floor of this monastery houses artefacts dating from Padua’s Roman and pre-Roman past, including some delicate glass, serviceable Roman…

Orto Botanico

Planted in 1545 by Padua University’s medical faculty to study the medicinal properties of rare plants, Padua’s World Heritage–listed Orto Botanico is the…

Plan with a local

Experience the real Italy

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

Latest stories from Padua

Nov 11, 2019 • 3 min read

Partial to a shot of limoncello? We explore the home of limoncello, Luxardo distillery, Italy's oldest independent family-run liqueurs company in Padua.

Aug 15, 2019 • 6 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Padua

• The Botanical Museum
• Stabilimento Pedrocchi e Museo del Risorgimento e dell'Età Contemporanea
• Market " Sotto il Salone"
• MUSME | Museum of the History of Medicine
• Palazzo Zuckermann

Itineraries

• Il Cammino di Sant'Antonio
• Discovering Padua, the City of Frescoes
• Anello fluviale di Padova
• Campodarsego slow-paced itinerary
• Padua-Chioggia. The Salt and Sugar Way
• Giotto and the Scrovegni Chapel
• Galileo Galilei
• Sant'Antonio, il Santo del popolo
• In Praise of Petrarch
• The Fine Horses of the Veneti

Visit Padua Urbs Picta

• Padua: a city of watercourses
• The squares, between shops and spritz
• La vostra Padova a quattro zampe
• Caffè Pedrocchi. The largest café in the world

Notturni Padovani

Summer at botanical graden.

• Amici della Musica-Musica al Museo

Musei Gratis in Agosto

• Ludwig van Beethoven The Return

Food & Drink

• Food & wine
• Spritz in Padova
• Three patented Padua recipes

Historic Shops

• Shopping in the city centre and in the outlying areas
• Padova and its ‘Piazze’
• The Market in Prato della Valle
• A Food Market ‘Sotto il Salone’
• City Sightseeing Bus
• Padova Urbs Picta
• Ten things not to be missed in Padova
• Cycling in Padua and the surrounding areas
• Historical gardens and parks
• Unexpected Museums
• Ten centuries of frescoes in Padova
• The hidden places of the city: Padova’s underground world
• Discover Padova

The South of Padua

• The Botanical Garden: the Oldest in the World

HOW TO REACH US

Welcome services, getting around padua, app and useful links.

Welcome to the very heart of Veneto

Not just unesco, from the scrovegni chapel to bicycle rides in the countryside, in the footsteps of sant’antonio or along the waterways a coffee at café pedrocchi or a quick snack in the sottosalone market, walks and bike trips, what are you interested in, experience padua and its land, padua’s traditional bars and restaurants, the aperol spritz and unmissable events..

UNIQUE TICKET FOR THE EIGHT URBS PICTA SITES  From September you can visit the eight sites of Urbs Picta, Giotto’s Padua, which in 2021 became

Padua, City of Wine

Many visitors to the city notice it right away: when two friends meet up for an evening or lunchtime drink, there is no way that

There is a long history behind commercial life in the city. Even nowadays, as you stroll around the city streets you can come across ancient

Discover all of the activities that await you in Padua and the surrounding area

Where to stay

Choose the right accommodation for your stay in padua.

A taste of Padua

Indulge in the authentic flavours of our land, get inspired, elegant villas on the brenta canal, museums and village festivals, delicious bowls of pasta for lunch, cycle tours and country walks: there is so much to see, do and enjoy in this region, plan your trip, find up-to-date information and get ready for your trip, tourist welcome services, getting around in padua, useful links and apps, keep in touch.

Sign up to receive updates on events and activities in the city of Padua.

Premendo su "Iscriviti" si dichiara di aver preso visione dell'informativa ai sensi dell'art. 13 Reg. UE 679/2016 e si acconsente al trattamento dei dati per l'iscrizione alla Newsletter "Turismo Padova". [information]

Book your URBS PICTA CARD now

Turismo Padova

Information.

Resta in contatto

Iscriviti per ricevere aggiornamenti sugli eventi e le attività della città di Padova.

By clicking on Subscribe, you declare that you have read the information pursuant to art. 13 EU Reg. 679/2016 and consent to the processing of data for the subscription to the 'Turismo Padova' newsletter [information]

Travel itineraries

Thoughtfully designed travel itineraries. Use as an inspiration for your trip to Padua and the surrounding area. You can copy and customize for your own holiday.

A day-trip itinerary exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site: "Giotto’s Scrovegni Chapel and Padua’s fourteenth-century fresco cycles"

4 hr 44 min

Padua internal river ring

Cadoneghe, Limena, Noventa Padovana, Padua

The outer route of the Padua river ring (Anello Fluviale di Padova) surrounds the city using the waterways, the artificial canals and the river Brenta.

Abano Terme, Montegrotto Terme, Padua, Selvazzano Dentro

This is a route linking together four other routes: the Bacchiglione river cycle path (I1/I2), the Euganean Hills (E2) with the connection between them and the Battaglia Channel (I2)

The ReidOut Blog

From the reidout with joy reid.

• ALL REIDOUTBLOG POSTS
• THE REIDOUT
• FULL EPISODES

Trump campaign downplays travel on Jeffrey Epstein’s old plane

By Ja'han Jones

Former President Donald Trump and his campaign broke one of the most obvious unwritten rules of electioneering: never do anything to remind voters of your previous, yet-to-be-fully-explained relationship with one of the world’s most notorious child molesters .

Nonetheless, the Trump campaign says it has a perfectly good reason the candidate recently used a plane previously owned by the late Jeffrey Epstein to get to various campaign stops, as the Miami Herald reported. 

According to the report: 

Former President Donald Trump’s campaign flew in a blue Gulfstream jet formerly owned by sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, using it to travel to several campaign fundraisers over the weekend, the Miami Herald has confirmed. Trump, en route on his own private plane to a campaign event in Bozeman, Montana last week, unexpectedly landed in Billings because of mechanical problems, a campaign spokeswoman said. He and part of his staff then flew on a small charter to Bozeman for a rally Friday night. The next day, he switched to another larger Gulfstream with a serial number that matches a plane once owned by Epstein, his former neighbor in Palm Beach, the campaign confirmed.

The Herald went into a bit more detail later in the report, explaining how Trump’s decals had been placed on Epstein’s old plane so it resembled the one he owns. 

Per the Herald:

The campaign spokeswoman confirmed that a decal with the words “Trump 2024” was placed on Epstein’s old plane for the trip. Trump’s own private plane, a 757 named “Trump Force One,” was having mechanical difficulties, which led them to land in Billings, about two hours east of Bozeman. After Bozeman, Trump used Epstein’s old plane to travel Saturday to a fundraiser in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and then to Aspen and Denver. “Trump Force One” was then able to pick Trump up in Denver. Epstein’s old plane was only used one day, the spokeswoman said.

So there you have it, folks. Sure, Trump has flown on Epstein’s private jets plenty of times in the past , for reasons that remain unclear . But this time is different from all those times in that this one might just be coincidental. Glad the Trump camp cleared that up. 

Still, I’d argue anything that even potentially reminds voters of Trump’s past experiences partying with Epstein or the fact Trump wished Epstein’s co-conspirator well in his sex trafficking case could be considered an own goal at this point.

Ja'han Jones is The ReidOut Blog writer. He's a futurist and multimedia producer focused on culture and politics. His previous projects include "Black Hair Defined" and the "Black Obituary Project."

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Find Posts By Topic

• Accessibility
• Community Involvement
• Move Seattle
• News Releases
• Pedestrians
• Vision Zero
• Traffic and Construction
• Trees and Vegetation
• Winter Weather

Travel tips for August 14-27: construction, sports, and community events as summer flies by

Blog stats: 2,500 words | 12-minute read

At-a-glance:

• Stay in-the-know about our upcoming construction activities, professional sports games, and community celebrations taking place in the Seattle area, so you can travel with confidence in the weeks ahead.

SDOT construction, street closures, and travel impacts

Regional transportation agency work, major league sports home games.

• Community celebrations
• Visit our SDOT team at several events
• We also encourage you to follow us on X at  @seattledot  and  @SDOTTraffic , and visit the websites of our regional partner agencies, including  WSDOT ,  King County Metro , and  Sound Transit .
• You can also visit our  Project and Construction Coordination Map  for a map of various construction projects taking place throughout the city.
• We’re publishing these blogs during the summer to help you plan ahead and know what to expect when you travel.

Please note: Our construction projects take place throughout Seattle. To stay informed about projects near you, subscribe to our email updates . You can select from a list of projects and subscribe to the ones you’re most interested in. Thank you.

• Repaving of the South Spokane Street Viaduct requires a series of weeknight and weekend lane closures. Some of these include a full closure of all eastbound lanes, as well as a weekend-long closure of all westbound lanes.
• Read our  recent blog post or  visit the project web page for more information .
• On Saturday, Aug. 24 to Sunday, Aug. 25, we will pave N 130th St between Corliss Ave N & 1st Ave NE. Working hours are 7 AM – 5 PM.
• One travel lane in each direction will remain open during work and no impacts to sidewalks are expected.
• Corliss Ave N and Sunnyside Ave N will be closed at N 130th St during this work.
• Learn more about the project on our website .
• As soon as Monday, August 19, we will begin ‘slurry seal’ work in an area of Northeast Seattle. You can find a map here .
• This is a cost-effective method to renew the street surface and seal minor cracks and other irregularities. This preventive maintenance protects the pavement and stops moisture from getting into cracks in the pavement and causing damage.
• No parking signs will go up 3 days prior to work taking place and cars will need to be moved.
• During and after slurry seal work on each block, people will not be able to drive, park, or walk on the new street surface for up to 8 hours. Cars parked on the street where no parking signs are placed will be towed. 
• Learn more on our website .
• We are paving 11th and 12th Aves NE between NE 47th St and NE 67th St until early September.
• One travel lane remains open at all times.
• Parking is restricted 24/7 on both sides of the street during paving work.
• In preparation for intersection paving, S Main and S Washington streets between Alaskan Way S and 1st Ave S will be closed to vehicle traffic from Thursday, August 15 through Sunday, August 18.
• Access to Firehouse Alley will be maintained. People driving can enter and exit the alley at Yesler Way and S Jackson St.
• People driving on 1st Ave S will detour via Yesler Way and S Jackson St.
• Sidewalks on both sides of 1st Ave S, S Main and S Washington streets are planned to remain open for pedestrian access, with at least one east/west crossing maintained at both S Main and Washington streets.

King County Metro (in partnership with SDOT)

• South Lake Union Streetcar service is currently suspended for several weeks while King County Metro crews address mechanical issues with the two substations that power the streetcar due to an unplanned outage. We are working with Metro to repair the issue as quickly as possible. Click here for more information .
• Route 40: Timetable and route map
• Route 70: Timetable and route map
• RapidRide C Line: Timetable and route map

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)

WSDOT is continuing its work on several projects affecting major highways in and around Seattle. Below is a summary of the closures with the largest travel impacts.  Visit WSDOT’s website  for the latest information and resources to stay informed. Please note: this work is weather-dependent.

I-5 area work:

• This closure includes the University Street on-ramp to northbound I-5 each night (closes at 9 PM).
• Southbound I-5 mainline and express lanes off-ramps to Mercer Street (Exit 167) | Closed from 10 PM Friday, August 16 through 5 AM Monday, August 19, and again from 10 PM Friday, August 23 through 5 AM Monday, August 26 for median barrier installation along both off-ramps as part of the SR 520 I-5 Express Lanes Connection Project .
• Southbound I-5 in South Seattle | Up to 3 lanes of southbound I-5 at mid-Boeing Field will close for expansion joint repairs from 10 PM Friday, August 23 through 5 AM Monday, August 26.This is for the I-5 Duwamish River to South Lucile Street Concrete Rehabilitation Project .
• Travelers in both directions of I-5 should expect multiple lanes and ramps to be closed during overnight hours from Sunday nights through Friday mornings for the next few weeks.
• This is also part of the I-5 Duwamish River to South Lucile Street Concrete Rehabilitation Project .
• I-5 express lanes | The I-5 express lanes will close early at 9 PM weeknights Monday, August 12 through Thursday, August 15 to accommodate construction work in the lanes.

SR 520/Montlake Blvd area work:

• Lane reductions along eastbound SR 520 | Up to 2 left lanes along eastbound SR 520 on the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge between Seattle and Medina will be closed for bridge deck sealing work. From 9 PM to 5 AM weeknights Monday, August 19 through Friday, August 30. This is part of the SR 520 – Floating Bridge and Approaches Bridge Decks and Soffit Sealer project .
• Montlake Blvd and nearby ramp closures | From 10 PM Friday, August 16 through 6 AM Monday, August 19, Montlake Blvd will close in both directions between E Louisa St and E Hamlin St (over SR 520). E Roanoke St between E Louisa St and E Montlake Pl and Lake Washington Blvd between Montlake Blvd and E Foster Island Rd will be local access only. All associated ramps to and from SR 520 at Montlake Blvd will also be closed. There will be a signed detour for bicyclists and pedestrians. For more details, visit the SR 520 Construction Corner website .
• Full SR 520 closure between Seattle and the Eastside | SR 520 will fully close in both directions between I-5 and the Eastside from 11 PM on Friday, August 23, to 5 AM on Monday, August 26. Crews will pave and install utilities and under lid lighting. For more details, visit the SR 520 Construction Corner website .

I-90 area work:

• Westbound I-90 between Mercer Island and Seattle | The two left lanes on westbound I-90 between Island Crest Way on Mercer Island and Rainier Ave S in Seattle will be closed for routine tunnel maintenance. From 10 PM Friday, August 16 through 6 AM Saturday, August 17. This includes the HOV-only Island Crest Way on-ramp to westbound I-90.

Seattle Mariners

Upcoming games at T-Mobile Park

• Friday, Aug. 23 at 7:10 PM: San Francisco Giants
• Saturday, Aug. 24 at 1:10 PM: San Francisco Giants
• Sunday, Aug. 25 at 1:10 PM: San Francisco Giants
• Monday, Aug. 26 at 6:40 PM: Tampa Bay Rays
• Tuesday, Aug. 27 at 6:40 PM: Tampa Bay Rays

To learn more:

• https://www.mlb.com/mariners/schedule

If you’re riding the Link light rail, get off at the Stadium Station and walk a short two blocks over to the ballpark. If taking rideshare, there is a designated rideshare lot southeast of the stadium. If driving, the Mariners Garage opens 3 hours before first pitch. Biking, scooting, walking, or rolling to the game may also be great options, depending on your trip specifics. Find more information on navigating to T-Mobile Park here .

Seattle Storm

Upcoming games at Climate Pledge Arena

• Monday, Aug. 26 at 7:00 PM: Washington Mystics
• https://storm.wnba.com/schedule/

For all major ticketed events at Climate Pledge Arena, guests receive a free public transit pass alongside their ticket. If driving to the arena, there are three parking garages available nearby. Find more information on navigating to the arena here .

Seattle Sounders FC

• No upcoming games at Lumen Field in this timeframe.

Seattle Reign FC

Upcoming games at Lumen Field

• Sunday, Aug. 25 at 7:00 PM:  North Carolina Courage
• https://www.reignfc.com/schedule

If you’re riding the Link light rail, get off at the International District/Chinatown station and walk three blocks over to the field. For rideshare, get off on the north side by S King St & Occidental Ave S or on the south side by S Royal Brougham Way & Occidental Ave S. If driving, the Lumen Field Parking Garage is located south of the stadium and a North Lot is also nearby. Both open at 6 AM on event days and close 2 hours post-event. Biking, scooting, walking, or rolling to the game may also be great options, depending on your trip specifics. Find more information on navigating to Lumen Field here .

Community Celebrations

August 17: puppy crawl at bell street park – belltown.

Take a Saturday stroll with your furry friend. This event provides treats and goodies for your pup along the way. This is the last Puppy Crawl scheduled for this summer. Read here for more information on the Puppy Crawl.

The Puppy Crawl at Bell Street Park can be reached by King County Metro bus. Or, give your dog an extra stroll opportunity by walking, biking, or rolling to the event.

August 23: WABA Korea Expo & Festival – Magnuson Park Hangar

The Korean American Chamber of Commerce is hosting a day packed with a variety of local and global businesses. Attendees can expect over 80 booths displaying Korean food, culture, beauty products, merchandise, and performances. Read here for more information on the WABA Korea Expo & Festival.

WABA Korea Expo & Festival can be reached by  King County Metro  bus. Or, depending on your trip, walking, biking, or rolling might be great ways for you to get to the Magnuson Park Hangar.

Aug 25: Ballard Bites and Brews – Ballard

Indulge in bites from local restaurants and drinks from the Ballard Brewery District all accompanied by an evening of live music. This 21+ festival helps raise funds for the Ballard Food Bank and provides the community an opportunity to get together and celebrate summer. Read here for more information about the Ballard Bites & Brew event.

Ballard Bites and Brews can be reached by  King County Metro . Walking, biking, or rolling, are also great ways to get to the event.

Visit our SDOT Team at these community events

• Big Day of Play | Saturday, August 17, 12-5 PM | Rainier Playfields (3700 S Alaska St,  Seattle, WA 98118, Google Maps Link ) 
• Rainier Beach Back2School Bash | Saturday, August 24, 12-4 PM | Be’er Sheva Park (8650 55th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118, Google Maps Link ) 

More community events

• Aug 14: Wallingford Farmers Market | Learn more online
• Aug 15: Sip, Savor, Repeat Wine Garden | Learn more online
• Aug 16: Kane Brown | Learn more online
• Aug 16: Peso Pluma: Exodo Tour | Learn more online
• Aug 16: Friday Beer Garden at Westlake Park | Learn more online
• Aug 16: Sunset Supper at Pike Place | Learn more online
• Aug 17: Brewer Running Series X Lucky Envelope Brewery | Learn more online
• Aug 17: Seattle Design Festival Block Party | Learn more online
• Aug 17: Big Day of Play | Learn more online
• Aug 17: SOPASUPA South Park Summer Party | Learn more online
• Aug 17: Chinatown ID Block Party | Learn more online
• Aug 17: Columbia City Night Market | Learn more online
• Aug 17: Maple Leaf Park Movies by the Tower | Learn more online
• Aug 17: TSA White Center Fund Run | Learn more online
• Aug 18: BEGO Ethiopian Summer Festival | Learn more online
• Aug 18: Foo Fighters Everything or Nothing at All Tour | Learn more online
• Aug 18: Seattle Design Festival Block Party | Learn more online
• Aug 20: Brews and Tunes | Learn more online
• Aug 21: Wallingford Farmers Market | Learn more online
• Aug 22: Twenty One Pilots | Learn more online
• Aug 22: Sip, Savor, Repeat Wine Garden | Learn more online
• Aug 23: Chayanne – Bailemos Otra Vez tour | Learn more online
• Aug 23: Friday Beer Garden at Westlake Park | Learn more online
• Aug 24: Admiral Funktion Block Party | Learn more online
• Aug 24: Anjunadeep Open Air Seattle | Learn more online
• Aug 24: Maple Leaf Park Movies by the Tower | Learn more online
• Aug 24: The Great Cross Sound Race | Learn more online
• Aug 27: Jeff Lynne’s Elo – The Over and Out tour | Learn more online

We hope this post provided you with valuable information on upcoming construction and community events. Stay tuned for more updates and tips like this throughout the summer. Thank you!

Latest news.

Sign up to receive updates from the SDOT Blog via email.

Browse the Archive

First Nigerian to travel into space - what this flight means for the country’s ambitions

Law lecturer, University of Calabar

Disclosure statement

Anne Uruegi Agi is affiliated with Learnspace Foundation as a Trustee and President and the Africa Space Leadership Institute as the Secretary of the Institute.

View all partners

The Blue Origin space craft owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is to take six individuals to space from nations historically underrepresented in space exploration. Nigeria is one of the selected countries. Though a date is yet to be fixed for this particular trip, the Blue Origin space flight usually lasts about 11 minutes, during which participants are expected to undertake an experiment of their choice. The partnership to send the first Nigerian to space was facilitated by Anne Agi, a space law and policy academic and president of LearnSpace Foundation . She explains, in this interview with The Conversation’s West Africa regional editor, Adejuwon Soyinka, why the space trip is important and its benefits for Nigeria as the country marks 25 years of its space exploration journey.

How did this come about?

The Space Exploration and Research Agency , a US based organisation, has an initiative called the Human Space Flight Program . Its mandate is to democratise space for everyone. The agency is purchasing seats on the Blue Origin which will be given out for free to partner nations with little or no space footprint.

In June 2022, the programme launched the second Brazilian ever to go to space. On the next flight, one seat is guaranteed to go to a Nigerian. Also on the flight will be an Indian and citizens from some small island developing states (yet to be determined).

The date is yet to be fixed.

How will the person be chosen?

The arrangement is that the Nigerian public will choose someone in an open, democratic voting process that will be administered by the Space Exploration and Research Agency . Any Nigerian can apply as long as they are over 18 years of age, are healthy and have basic English language skills. They don’t need to be a scientist.

A public online voting process will select the Nigerian for the mission. Think of this as a “Big Brother reality show on space”.

This Nigerian will then team up with citizens of five other countries for the space flight. It will take off from a Blue Origin facility in the US.

During the short space flight, the space farers will be allowed to undertake one experiment. Researchers and scientists in Nigeria’s National Space Research and Development Agency are already meeting to decide what experiment the Nigerian will take up.

The Nigerian space agency is also encouraging Nigerian students to come up with an experiment.

Read more: One of Nigeria's satellites is on its last legs: why this is worrying

What building blocks has Nigeria put in place in space-related activities?

Nigeria has established the National Space Research and Development Agency , responsible for coordinating space-related activities, including human spaceflight, and has sponsored or co-sponsored six satellites .

Nigeria has also partnered with the Space Exploration and Research Agency to access a reliable launch vehicle and spacecraft capable of carrying humans to space. The country has established a training programme to prepare astronauts for space travel, including physical conditioning, scientific knowledge and spaceflight operations.

Nigeria has developed ground infrastructure, such as mission control centres, tracking stations and communication networks, to support space missions. And lastly, it has fostered partnerships with international organisations and space agencies.

Why is this important for Nigeria and what are the benefits?

First, Nigeria’s entry into human spaceflight will open doors to new international collaborations, commercial opportunities and access to space-based resources. Asteroids, for example, are rich in platinum, cobalt and helium-3 – rare but valuable materials.

The mission will conduct scientific experiments which may lead to breakthroughs in various fields.

Secondly, it will signify to the world that Nigeria is intentional about its space programme. This could attract investors in the science and technology sector.

Increased funding will also attract and retain the best talents in the field in Nigeria. Investing in space exploration can drive long-term economic growth, innovation and human capital development, aligning with Nigeria’s Vision 2050 goals .

Read more: There's a case for Nigeria and South Africa to cooperate on outer space activities

Thirdly, it can inspire young Nigerians to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Fourth, the preparation and actual event are crucial for Nigeria to demonstrate its capabilities, build expertise, and reap the benefits of space exploration and development.

Read more: Outer space: Rwanda and Nigeria sign an accord for more responsible exploration – why this matters

What’s your assessment of Nigeria’s 25-year space journey?

I’d say early initiatives like the establishment of the National Space Research and Development Agency in 1999 and training of professionals in satellite technology, space science and related disciplines were notable. They have inspired a new generation of scientists and engineers.

Starting with the NigeriaSat-1 in 2003, Nigeria became one of the few African countries with an indigenous satellite in orbit. It provides valuable data for various applications, including disaster management and environmental monitoring. Subsequent satellites have furthered capabilities in Earth observation and remote sensing, aiding agriculture, disaster management and urban planning.

Nigeria has collaborated with international space agencies and organisations, including partnerships with China, Russia, the European Space Agency, and recently with private space agencies. These collaborations have provided opportunities for knowledge exchange, research and training.

Despite these achievements, Nigeria’s space programme faces challenges and setbacks. Funding constraints affect the timely development and launch of new satellites, as well as the maintenance of existing infrastructure.

This has also created a gap in indigenous technological capabilities for more complex missions such as deep space exploration or advanced satellite communication systems. As a result, Nigeria depends on foreign technology and expertise.

There is also the challenge of attracting and retaining space technology talent. Brain drain to countries with more established space programmes is a risk, especially without competitive salaries and career development prospects.

Nigeria’s weak institutional and policy framework also hampers the sector. A stronger institutional structure and clearer policy guidelines and legal framework could help streamline efforts and maximise the impact of the space program.

Increased and sustained funding for the National Space Research and Development Agency, and space research and development programmes to attract and retain top space talent, are ways to improve the sector. There is also a need for public awareness campaigns on the benefits of space technology and international collaborations to access advanced technologies and expertise.

• Space research
• Blue Origin
• Space technology

Cybersecurity Specialist, Australian Biocommons

Manager, Centre Policy and Translation

Newsletter and Deputy Social Media Producer

College Director and Principal | Curtin College

Head of School: Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences

Money blog: Coca-Cola launching new flavour in collaboration with popular biscuit - and fans are divided

Welcome to the Money blog, a hub of personal finance and consumer news. Our focus has been on inflation rising - while other posts include Coke launching a new flavour with Oreo. Leave a comment on any of the stories we're covering in the box below - we round them up every Saturday.

Wednesday 14 August 2024 20:04, UK

• UK inflation rises for first time since December - analysis
• Wizz launches unlimited flight package for £445 - but there's a catch
• Coca-Cola launching Oreo drink - and fans are divided

Essential reads

• Is this the end of the British pub?
• What's gone wrong at Asda?
• Best of the Money blog - an archive of features

Tips and advice

• TV chef picks best cheap eats in London
• Save up to half price when visiting top attractions with this trick
• 'I cancelled swimming with weeks of notice - can they keep my money?'

Ask a question or make a comment

A "major breakthrough" which could signal the end of national rail strikes has been made in the long-running pay row involving drivers, according to the Department for Transport (DfT).

The department said the train drivers' union ASLEF had agreed to recommend a new pay proposal to its members after a series of "positive" talks led by the government. 

"The offer made to ASLEF is a 5% pay rise for 2022/23, 4.75% for 23/24, and 4.5% for 24/25," a spokesperson for the DfT said.

"The offer will now be put to ASLEF members in a referendum."

During the two-year pay dispute, drivers have taken 18 days of strike action, as well as refusing to work non-contractual overtime.

Mars is buying the food company Kellanova in a deal worth nearly $30bn (£23.3bn). 

The deal will see the business, which already owns several brands such as M&M's, Snickers and Skittles, take control of a huge portfolio of products, including Pringles, Pop Tarts and Cheez-Its.

Kellanova was created when the Kellogg Co split into three companies in 2022.

Based in Chicago, it had net sales of more than $13bn (£10bn) last year and has around 23,000 employees.

Mars Inc said it will pay $83.50 dollars (£65.02) per share in cash, putting the total value of the transaction at £35.9bn (£27.9bn).

The deal is expected to close in the first half of next year.

"The Kellanova brands significantly expand our snacking platform, allowing us to even more effectively meet consumer needs and drive profitable business growth," Andrew Clarke, global president of Mars Snacking, said in a statement.

Adverts for nutrition brands Zoe and Huel featuring a Dragons' Den star have been banned for failing to disclose their commercial relationship with the celebrity.

Steven Bartlett is an investor in Zoe and a director at Huel, but the the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) found ads seen on Facebook in February "omitted material information" about their links to him.

Starbucks has ousted its chief executive Laxman Narasimhan after less than two years at the helm.

The news comes after pressure for management change from hedge fund Elliott Management.

Read more...

Primark is trying to make headway in US markets with an advertising campaign across the pond.

Hoping "That's so Primark" will catch on, the retailer is introducing its budget style via two 30-second videos.

The company aims to open 60 stores in the US by 2026.

John Lewis is looking to cut 153 jobs as part of a staff shake-up across its stores. 

The high street giant claims the proposals are designed to improve customer service, ensuring workers are "in the right place, doing the right tasks at the right time". 

It is hoping the job cuts will be through voluntary redundancy and natural attrition - which covers people leaving through retirement, resignations or moving job. 

Staffing changes will also see currently separate roles for serving front and back of house combined.

John Lewis is also investing £5m in digital headsets for store workers to communicate better with one another - in a bid to improve service.

The changes, which were announced to staff yesterday, follow a similar staffing overhaul at sister business Waitrose.

A spokesman for John Lewis said: "We're seeking to make sure partners are in the right place at the right time to help customers.

"We're also removing unnecessary tasks and introducing new technology to make their roles easier.

"We carried out similar changes in Waitrose earlier this year, with customer and partner feedback increasing significantly since.

"It's since been ranked the number one supermarket for customer satisfaction."

Coca-Cola is launching an Oreo-flavoured drink in collaboration with the biscuit manufacturer.

The limited edition, zero-sugar drink will be released from September in a black and white can containing what Coca-Cola describe as "flavourful hints inspired by Oreo cookies".

At the same time, Oreo will release a Coca-Cola flavoured biscuit.

Eugenia Zalis, global head of marketing for Oreo-maker Mondelez International, said she "cannot wait to see the reaction" from customers - but they're already coming in before the products have even hit the shelves.

Multiple X users were quick to deploy the Jurassic Park meme inspired by Jeff Goldblum's character, Ian Malcolm: "Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they never stopped to think if they should".

Another added: "I will happily eat Oreos while drinking a Coke Zero, but I don't want either of these things."

Others were more enthusiastic, simply writing: "Need."

Ms Zalis was confident about the collaboration, saying: "We have truly upped the ante."

The beverage will be available at major retailers and Pizza Express, Popeyes and Slim Chickens, Coca-Cola said.

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

Annual inflation in the US fell to 2.9% in July, down from 3%, according to official data released this lunchtime.

The announcement helps pave the way for the US Federal Reserve for cut interest rates next month.

This matters to monetary policy makers in the EU and UK as they don't like to be too misaligned with the US - for fear of impacting currency strength, among other reasons.

The annual consumer prices index (CPI) rate for July was the lowest since March 2021 and came in below market expectations.

In the immediate aftermath of the publication of the latest figures, financial markets upped their expectations that the Fed would cut interest rates by 0.25 percentage points, pricing in the likelihood of such an outcome at 60.5%. 

The likelihood of a bigger 0.5 percentage point cut was judged to be 39.5%.

Earlier in the day, the likelihood of a 0.25 or 0.5 percentage point cut had been almost 50-50.

The first increase in inflation this year is less a reason for panic than a signal that, after almost three years of wild volatility, the UK's measure of price increases is returning to a period of what looks far more normal fluctuation.

The primary reason CPI stepped up to 2.2% in the year to July is statistical, the base effect of energy prices falling less this year than they did in July 2023. A year ago the Ofgem retail price cap fell by more than £1,100, 10 times more than the £110 reduction last month. That means that while energy prices are lower than they were, annual inflation increased.

The Bank of England had forecast this move upwards from its target rate of 2% and used it to justify its cautious tone around interest rates, even as they were cut earlier this month for the first time since the hiking cycle began.

Below the headline rate of CPI were numbers that will give the Bank some confidence that it can afford to cut rates further by the end of the year.

Core inflation, a measure that removes volatile food and energy prices and indicates the underlying "secondary" effects of inflation, fell slightly from 3.5% to 3.2%. 

Goods inflation remains in negative territory at minus 0.6%, but that was an increase from minus 1.4% the previous month, driven in part by food inflation, which increased to 1.8% after 15 consecutive monthly falls. 

Inflation in services, which make up the majority of the British economy, fell to 5.2%. Coming a day after wage inflation also eased, that fuelled expectations that further rate cuts are coming, though not necessarily at the next Bank of England meeting in September. 

Market expectations of a cut in September rose to 45%, meaning a narrow majority expect rates to be held at 5%, with the prospects of further cuts before the year-end priced at 90% in November and 97% in December.

Watch Kelso's TV analysis here...

Every Wednesday we ask top chefs to pick their favourite Cheap Eats where they live and when they cook at home. This week we speak to TV chef Judy Joo, who co-owns the popular Seoul Bird in London.

Hi Judy, can you tell us your favourite places in London where you can get a meal for two for less than £40?

Since 1900,  Paul Rothe & Son  in Marylebone has been crafting some of the best sandwiches in London. Lucky for me, I live just around the corner from this charming, historic deli. 

My go-to is their famous pastrami and cheese, piled high with pickle, mayo, and mustard. Occasionally, I'll switch things up with their epic coronation chicken, or if I'm feeling adventurous, a jacket potato with tuna and sweetcorn. It's quintessentially British, and I love it. 

Trejo's Tacos has crossed the pond, opening its first international outpost in Notting Hill. Founded by actor Danny Trejo, this canteen boasts a cult following in Los Angeles (myself included) and has quickly become my favourite spot for tacos in London. 

My usual order includes a plate of Baja fish and spicy shrimp tacos, dosed in their house hot sauce and perfectly complemented by one of their stellar OG margaritas or homemade horchata. I also love their house-made guacamole and salsa served with their truly addictive freshly fried corn tortilla chips. I just munch away while thinking of the southern California sun. 

I live near Edgware Road, an area renowned for its vibrant Middle Eastern community and fantastic cuisine. Maroush , a London institution with multiple venues across the city, remains a favourite, especially the original one on Edgware Road.

The chicken or lamb shawarma is the star dish, slow-cooked on vertical rotisseries, infused with aromatic spices, and expertly sliced off with sabers. It's the perfect late-night snack after a few too many pints. I love their tomato okra stew with rice - so comforting and warming. 

Tucked away in the basement of an unassuming British pub down a quaint mews street in Marylebone is Liu Xiaomian . 

I usually order the minced pork xiaomian - toothsome wheat noodles swimming in a red chilli broth, then dressed with seasoned pork and fragrant spring onions. The numbing pork wontons are another standout, delivering what their name promises in true mala style. Don't miss the cucumber side salad which offers a refreshing respite for your palate.

What is your go-to cheap eat to cook at home when you have a night in?

My go-to budget-friendly meal for cooking at home is pimped-out instant ramen noodles. 

If I am feeling spicy, I'll grab a pack of Shin Ramen and add fresh veggies and leftover proteins from the fridge. 

Spinach, mushrooms, corn, spring onions, leftover roasted chicken, and some frozen dumplings usually make their way into the pot. Absolutely anything goes!  

And, to finish, I'll crack an egg in and let it cook on top of the noodles just until the yolk is set, but still gooey. It's a quick, delicious meal that hits the spot every time.

We've spoken to lots of top chefs - check out their cheap eats from around the country here...

By Sky News Data and Forensics Unit

As we've discussed throughout the morning, the rate of inflation grew to 2.2% in July - the first time since December last year that it has increased.

Which shop prices are increasing fastest?

Olive oil costs nearly two fifths more than it did last year, with prices for 500ml-1 litre rising from £6.39 to £8.83 in just 12 months.

The Money blog looked at the reasons why here...

Plums, meanwhile, are up by a quarter, from £3.08 per kilo to £3.57.

Food and drink products are responsible for seven of the 10 highest increases since last year.

For fans of a slicked-back hairstyle, non-food items like hair gel increased by a third, and for any pet owners, the price of a small mammal cage nearly hopped up by a fifth.

Top five price rises:

• Olive oil (500ml-1litre): up 38%, £6.39 to £8.83
• Hair gel (150-200ml): up 33%, £3.08 to £4.10
• Plums (per kg): up 25%, £2.85 to £3.57
• White potatoes (per kg): up 20%, 74p to 89p
• Cauliflower (each): up 20%, £1.07 to £1.28

Fifty-six of the 156 types of food and drink tracked by the ONS have actually become cheaper since last year. Many of these were store cupboard staples like pulses, dried pasta, and canned tomatoes.

Top food price decreases:

• Pulses (390-420g): down 13%, 77p to 67p
• Frozen prawns (per kg): down 8%, £18.77 to £17.24
• Cheddar cheese (per kg): down 8%, £9.49 to £8.77
• Spreadable butter (500g): down 7%, £4.18 to £3.90
• Frozen berries (per pack): down 6%, £2.53 to £2.37

Of non-supermarket items, electric heaters have been some of the biggest price fallers - by 22%.

How much has your individual spending changed in the last year?

Use our calculator to see how much prices are rising on the groceries, clothing and leisure activities you pay for...

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free