Padua is a city rich in attractions, stunning views, and vibrant events, blending a unique mix of highbrow culture and lively student life. Though it remains overshadowed by nearby Venice, Padua offers an array of experiences that make it a hidden gem among Italy’s most visited destinations.
Why Padua Should Be on Your Travel List
Why hasn’t Padua yet become a major tourist destination? Perhaps Venice, with its close proximity, steals the spotlight. Or maybe the bustling businesses, prestigious university, and state-of-the-art hospital already bring enough people to the city. Don’t wait to visit Padua for work, study, or medical reasons. This thrilling city in Veneto deserves to be on your must-visit list.
Planning a weekend in Padua is easy, and once you start researching what to see and do, you might decide to spend your entire vacation here. Art is the most immediate draw, with invaluable masterpieces like the Giotto frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel, the treasures of the Basilica del Santo, and numerous museums. Yet, the city’s vibrant life is perhaps its greatest appeal. Blend in with the locals, discover the city’s soul in its markets, experience the essential evening spritz ritual (the true Venetian aperitif), join the boisterous student graduation parties, and explore the upscale boutiques and the historic Caffè Pedrocchi.
Easily accessible by car, train, bus, and plane, and simple to navigate on foot or by bike, Padua is rich in events year-round, less expensive than more famous tourist spots, and perfect for a surprising and affordable vacation. Why haven’t you visited yet?
Top Attractions in Padua
Padua is a cultured, affluent, and devout city. This becomes evident when you visit its most famous attractions. It’s also a city that loves to enjoy life, rewarding itself with a well-deserved break at spritz hour after a long workday. Here are the most interesting sights to see in Padua:
Scrovegni Chapel
The top attraction in Padua is the Scrovegni Chapel, beautifully frescoed by Giotto. This 14th-century masterpiece is considered one of the greatest works of Western art. The chapel, initially a private one for the wealthy Scrovegni family, was frescoed between 1303 and 1305. The walls depict scenes from the lives of Jesus and the Virgin Mary, with the counter-facade showcasing a magnificent Last Judgment. No need to be an art expert to be overwhelmed by the drama, expressive power, and vibrant colors of these extraordinary paintings. Visits are timed and must be booked in advance to preserve the precious frescoes. Given its popularity, it’s advisable to book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua
Padua is a significant European pilgrimage site, and the most visited attraction after the Scrovegni Chapel is the majestic Basilica of Saint Anthony (known simply as “Il Santo” by locals). The basilica houses the relics of Saint Anthony, who was originally from Lisbon but died in Padua in 1231. The June 13th procession, marking his death anniversary, attracts thousands of pilgrims from across Europe. Built in the early 13th century, the basilica’s complex structure combines Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine elements, featuring eight domes, two bell towers, four cloisters, a library, and numerous chapels. Inside, you’ll find medieval artworks and the saint’s tomb. Outside, Donatello’s bronze equestrian statue of Gattamelata, a Venetian Republic condottiero, stands prominently despite the bustling crowd of pilgrims and vendors of religious items.
Prato della Valle
Another pride of Padua is Prato della Valle, the second largest square in Europe after Moscow’s Red Square. Officially named Isola Memmia, locals simply call it “the Prato.” It’s an unusual square with an elliptical central lawn crossed by two perpendicular paths with a fountain in the middle. Surrounding the lawn is an artificial canal adorned with a double ring of statues depicting historical figures. This popular gathering spot is where Paduans come to relax, chat, eat ice cream, jog, or skate. It often hosts events, including some of international renown, and is the finish line for the Padua Marathon. Every Saturday, a lively market encircles the canal, perfect for bargain shopping. For high-quality purchases, head to the city center shops.
The Piazzas
About a 10-15 minute walk from Prato della Valle are three central squares: Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza della Frutta, and Piazza dei Signori. These squares, connected by pedestrian streets, a passage known as “canton dee busie,” and the Sottosalone galleries, form the heart of Padua’s city life. They are surrounded by some of the city’s most important buildings and monuments, including the magnificent Palazzo della Ragione, part of Palazzo Moroni (the town hall), the Torre dell’Orologio, and the Loggia della Gran Guardia. A fountain once used for a graduation rite now banned also stands here. By day, the squares buzz with market stalls selling fruits, vegetables, and clothing; by late afternoon, bar tables fill the spaces vacated by vendors, attracting students and workers for the aperitif ritual and some conviviality.
Palazzo della Ragione
Among Padua’s historic buildings, the grand and charming Palazzo della Ragione stands out. Built in the 13th century to house city courts and a covered market, it was topped with its distinctive inverted ship hull roof in 1306. The upper floor (Salone) is a massive hall, one of the largest hanging halls in the world, now used for exhibitions and events. Inside, you’ll find a huge wooden horse and a Foucault pendulum. A daytime guided tour is highly recommended, but it’s also worth returning at night to see the beautifully illuminated palace.
Sottosalone
The ground floor of Palazzo della Ragione houses the Sottosalone, two galleries lined with shops continuing the medieval tradition of the covered market. Here, you can buy everything from horse meat to mountain cheeses, vegan tapas, fresh fish, fine wines, craft beers, handmade pasta, chocolate, children’s clothes, natural cosmetics, and more. Shopping at the Sottosalone is a true tradition, so take the opportunity to purchase local products to enjoy on the spot or as souvenirs.
Palazzo Bo
Padua is home to Italy’s second-oldest university. Since the 16th century, its official seat has been Palazzo Bò, a complex building with origins dating back to the 13th century, located on the central Via 8 Febbraio. A guided tour of Palazzo Bò includes the Anatomical Theatre, the world’s first purpose-built classroom for teaching human anatomy through cadaver dissection. Students watched from wooden balconies overlooking a table below where autopsies were performed. The tour also features Galileo Galilei’s lectern, as the famous scientist taught at the university from 1592-1610, along with the splendid Aula Magna used for official ceremonies, the Sala dei Quaranta, and the inner courtyards. Among the many artworks on display is a statue of Elena Cornaro Piscopia, the world’s first female graduate.
Caffè Pedrocchi
Caffè Pedrocchi in Padua rivals the famous Caffè Florian in Venice and the historic cafes of Vienna. Like these iconic examples, it boasts elegant rooms steeped in history, once frequented by intellectuals and enlightened nobles. Among these rooms, the White Room, beloved by Stendhal and mentioned in one of his most famous books, stands out. Today, Pedrocchi remains a sophisticated social hub, though it’s more common to flaunt designer clothes than intellect. For an exclusive experience, sit at one of the refined tables, prepare to pay a premium for a cup, and enjoy the house specialty, Caffè Pedrocchi: a robust espresso with mint and fresh cream, sprinkled with bitter cocoa. It’s served in a cappuccino cup but without a spoon, as it shouldn’t be sweetened.
Botanical Garden of the University of Padua
Tired of the bustling city center? Escape to the Botanical Garden, a green oasis near the Basilica del Santo. Founded in 1545 by the University of Padua to conserve medicinal plants, it is one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens. Over the centuries, it has been enriched with plants from around the world and now hosts 3,500 different species. In 1997, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it has recently been expanded with modern, large greenhouses. You can visit independently or on guided tours, with special openings for events throughout the year.
Civic Museums
Padua’s Civic Museums form a complex of four thematic museums, two of which are housed in the cloisters of the former Eremitani Convent (one dedicated to medieval and modern art, the other to archaeological artifacts) and one in the nearby Palazzo Zuckermann. The fourth venue is the famous Scrovegni Chapel. With a single ticket, you can explore objects of daily life from the earliest Venetian populations, Nicola Bottacin’s rich collection of art and coins, valuable furniture from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, and much more.
Additional Attractions
Exploring the top attractions in Padua mentioned above will keep you busy for more than a day. If you have more time, you won’t get bored as there are many other interesting sites to visit. After visiting the Scrovegni Chapel, stop by the adjacent Eremitani Church, then relax in the Arena Gardens or enjoy a drink at the kiosks. Other notable religious buildings include the Cathedral and the Basilica of Santa Giustina. The former, located on the square of the same name, is famous for its beautiful baptistery, while the latter is next to Prato della Valle. Devotees should also visit the Sanctuary of Padre Leopoldo Mandić (canonized in 1983) in the Santa Croce district.
Padua boasts a long list of museums. Besides the Civic Museums, the city and its surroundings offer several unique thematic museums. Suitable for all ages is the Museo del Precinema – Collezione Minici Zotti, showcasing magic lanterns and other optical devices that led to the invention of cinema. This small, well-curated museum offers a nostalgic and romantic journey through time. Other notable thematic museums include the Jewish Padua Museum, the ultra-modern MUSME – Museum of the History of Medicine, the National Photography Center, and the Museum of the Risorgimento and Contemporary Age.
Contemporary architecture is scarce in Padua’s center, but the Monumento Memoria e Luce, designed by internationally renowned architect Daniel Libeskind to commemorate the victims of the September 11, 2001, New York attacks, is worth seeing.
Day Trips from Padua
Padua is an excellent base for exploring Veneto. From here, you can easily visit popular destinations like Venice and Verona or the lesser-known gems of Vicenza and Treviso on a day trip, all reachable by train in an hour or less (Venice is just 30 minutes away!). Peschiera del Garda and Desenzano are on the Milan railway line, making them easily accessible for a relaxing day at the lake. With a bit more planning, you can also visit the stunning Dolomites or dive into the Adriatic Sea for a day.
Where to Stay in Padua
Tourists in Padua are outnumbered by those visiting for work, study, or medical reasons. Consequently, Padua’s hotels primarily cater to these travelers who stay for a night or two. Many four-star hotels, designed for business travelers, are concentrated near the fairgrounds or the industrial zone. While not particularly charming, consider them for comfort, modernity, parking, and easy car access. Another option for drivers is the B&Bs in the suburbs or nearby towns, offering the beauty and tranquility of the Venetian countryside just a step away from the city. Budget hotels around the hospital provide simple but functional accommodations, all within walking distance of major attractions. The best lodging options for those using public transport are in the city center, with choices for every budget: family-run hotels, luxury establishments, vacation apartments, charming B&Bs, and affordable accommodations like a hostel and a pilgrim’s house.
How to Get to Padua
Reaching Padua is very easy, whether by car or public transport, as the city is strategically located at a crossroads of road and rail connections. It lies along two of Italy’s main highways: the A4 Turin-Trieste, crossing the entire Po Valley, and the A13, connecting to the A14 Bologna-Taranto, allowing travel from Padua to Bari along the peninsula’s eastern side. The train station in Padua is on the Venice-Milan, Venice-Bari, and Venice-Rome lines, served by regional, Intercity, and high-speed trains (both Trenitalia and Italo). Numerous long-distance buses also pass through Padua en route to major Italian and European cities. Although Padua doesn’t have an airport, three airports are within an hour’s distance or less (Venice, Verona, and Treviso), all served by low-cost flights from many Italian cities and easily reachable by bus or affordable transfer services.
What to See in Padua Province
When the hustle and bustle of Padua’s center become overwhelming, head just 10 km south to find a wonderful green and peaceful oasis: the Colli Euganei. These low, cone-shaped volcanic hills are covered with woods and vineyards, hiding charming villages, villas, gardens, churches, and trails. Don’t miss Arquà Petrarca, the Catajo Castle, and the Praglia Abbey. This area is also known as Terme Euganee for its therapeutic waters and mud. It’s Europe’s largest spa destination, with over 100 establishments and 200 heated pools with natural hot water, mainly concentrated in Abano and Montegrotto Terme.
Padua province is also home to some of Veneto’s most beautiful walled towns. Cittadella, Montagnana, Este, and Monselice are worth visiting. Another must-see attraction in the province is Villa Contarini in Piazzola sul Brenta, one of the largest and best-preserved Venetian villas.
