Why You Should Include Padua in Your Italian Itinerary
Padua (or Padova) isn’t typically seen topping Italian vacation itineraries, but it should be. This Padua Travel Guide will tell you why!
Venice isn’t the only place to see in the Veneto region! Padua with plenty to see and do is the perfect hub, conveniently located 15 minutes by train from Venice. (In Padua you will also find that accommodations and menus are priced lower than those in nearby Venice.)
Padua claims to be the oldest city in the region. Although the city fell in 602 to the Lombards and everything was burned, it still has some old-world charm. What you see today are the remnants of the town’s improvements in the Middle Ages.
Padua is known for its almost 15 miles of porticos; a status symbol of the building owners. Porticos are the beautiful archways that jet out from the side of the buildings. In the old part of the city, you’ll find the quintessential colorful buildings that Italy is known for, lined with porticos and intersected with cobblestone streets.
Porticos of Padua
Cafés and restaurants abound throughout the old city center. Locals enjoy an espresso, a quick snack, or the popular Aperol spritz throughout the day. The city center has plenty of shopping from well-known brands to small boutiques. In the main squares you can shop for vegetables, fruit, herbs, and flowers at the local markets.
Skip to Section: Padua Travel Guide
- Best time of year to visit Padua
- Getting to Padua
- Where to stay in Padua
- Getting around Padua
- 9 things to do in Padua
- What to eat in Padua
- Where to eat in Padua
- 9 Day trips from Padua that aren’t Venice
Padua Travel Guide: The best time of year to visit Padua
Padua, like most of Italy is hot and humid in the summer (especially July and August). The best time of year for you to visit will depend on your preferences. The fall and spring are beautiful, the weather is quite comfortable during the day, and things cool off in the evening. If you go in the winter it will be cold (often close to 0°C, or under 40°F), you will probably see foggy mornings, but if you do see snow it probably won’t stick. Padua is a University town, so when the high heat of summer ends, school begins.
Piazza in Padua, Italy in early September
When we lived in a nearby Borghi we would visit Padua often and even in the summer it didn’t feel like there were a bunch of tourists, just locals and students enjoying their summer. We spent 2 months traveling back and forth to Padua by bus 5 days a week to take Italian lessons in January and February and almost every day we wore big thick jackets that went almost to our ankles!
Padua Travel Guide: Getting there
If you are flying, the closest airports are in Venice. You will either arrive at Venice’s Marco Polo Airport or at the Airport in Treviso (Aeroporto di Treviso Antonio Canova). From Marco Polo Airport, you can easily purchase an inexpensive shuttle ticket and take a bus to Padua’s main station. Before you get on the shuttle make sure to load your luggage in the space below the bus so that you can enjoy a comfortable journey to Padua. There is a bus every 40 minutes from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm. This bus makes many stops along the way and you will arrive in roughly 45 minutes. From Treviso airport, you can take a shuttle to Padua or a shuttle to Mestre train station (just outside of Venice) and then take a train to Padua.
You can easily get to Padua by train, there are fast trains arriving from Venice, Bologna, Milan, Rome, Verona, and more throughout the day. If you’re looking for luxury travel you should book a private car transfer from an airport in Venice or Bologna that will take you to Padua.
Padua Travel Guide: Where to stay in Padua
Stay in the historic center and you probably aren’t a far walk from anything you want to see or do. If you can though, staying near Piazza della Frutta and Piazza delle Erbe will have you in the perfect location for aperitivo in the evening, a fun natural wine bar, and the famous covered market.
The neighborhood that surrounds the Basilica di Sant Antonio will have you near the Basilica, Prato delle Valle, and the University Botanical Gardens. The neighborhood has a charm that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time a little. If you aren’t feeling up for a walk through the historic center you can easily catch a bus and/or tram to get you where you want to be.
When we were taking Italian courses in Padua we would walk by Scrovegi Chappel every morning to get to class and we always enjoyed staying in town to get lunch and see more of the city, or go shopping. Just north of Scrovegni Chappel, there is a park that runs along the river, the park has some Roman ruins and a nice path to walk. Locals bring their dogs to this park or go for an afternoon drink and a snack. If you like to shop then you’ll want to stay south/southwest of the chapel where you’ll find it easy to walk to the high-end shops and boutiques that you love, all before grabbing an afternoon snack and espresso at Paduas’ most famous cafè
We recommend looking into one of the boutique hotels in Padua, leaving apartments for the locals to rent long-term; this helps keep the authentic feel of an old city center like Padua’s. There are many small hotels and boutique hotels throughout the city center of Padua. We’ve stayed at Hotel Donatello which is on the corner opposite from the corner of the Basilica di Sant Antonio. Hotel Donatello will allow you to drop off luggage early or leave it while you explore the city a little more before leaving town. The furnishings and decorations are a little outdated but so Italian at the same time. Hotel Donatello offers breakfast making it easier for travelers to get out for the day (Pro tip: if you desire a real cappuccino ask the staff for one instead of using the provided machine). There are plenty of dining options near the hotel, along with bus and tram stops.
Hotel Al Cason, a budget hotel option near the train station offers prices that are often below €100 (before taxes). The hotel isn’t fancy but isn’t a bad place to lay your head if you want to be near the train station or save some money. Al Cason offers a decent breakfast (as far as hotel breakfasts go).
Padua Travel Guide: Getting around Padua
The historic center is walkable and lovely to see on foot. You can also find bikes and e-bikes to rent via the Ridemovi platform. Padua has a tram, the SR1 runs through the historic center from north to south and connects to most other tram lines that are outside of the historic center. Padua has an extensive bus network (download the Busitalia Veneto app and create a profile before your trip). The Busitalia Veneto buses can get you around Padua and out to the rest of the Veneto (when a train isn’t an option).
If you’re looking for a taxi you can usually find one at the train station, as you exit the front of the train station you will see the line of them out front. Other ways to get a taxi include calling Radio Taxi Padova (+39 049 651333). If your Italian isn’t great you may be more comfortable sending an SMS message with the pickup address (+39 338 8442000), or using the AppTaxi app to request a taxi (download the app and create a profile before your trip).
Padua Travel Guide: 9 Things to do in Padua
1. Walk through the porticos as you make your way to Basilica di Sant Antonio (or ‘Il Santo’ to the locals). The Basilica is one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Italy, and is one of the most magnificent church interiors you’ll ever see. Don’t forget to look up while you are inside!
Outside of the Basilica di Sant’Antonio
The inner canopy of Basilica di Sant’Antonio
Within the basilica is the tomb of St. Antonio, the patron saint of Padua. St. Antonio is the saint who watches over lost people and lost things. Visitors come from all over to put a hand on St. Antonios’ tomb and leave photos of missing persons.
2. Visit Prato della Valle, the second-largest square in Italy. However, it is more of a circle than a square. Known as ‘Il Prato’ to the locals, this ‘square’ probably has more grass than you will see in any other square in Italy. The green island L’isola Memmia is at the center of the square, statues adorn the ring-shaped canal that encloses this square. There are 78 statues, 40 on the outer ring and 38 on the inner ring. There are 4 bridges from the main road to the island, allowing passage over the canal. Tree-lined paths from the bridges intersect in the middle of the Island where there is a fountain. It’s a popular place to go for a stroll, sit and study, or meet friends. In the summer many young people will sit and talk all night long.
Prato delle Valle, Padua, Italy. The square also hosts a market every Saturday from 7-7, and an antique market every 3rd Sunday from 9-7. [stock image]
3. Make reservations to see Scrovigni chappel with Giotto’s famous frescos. A reservation is required, and you can check the website for availability, same-day reservations are not available. At Scrovigni Chappel there is usually a temporary museum exhibit that you can add to your ticket. If you are only interested in the exhibit, you do not need a reservation.
4. Visit Padua University, established in 1222. The University is the 5th oldest surviving University in the world and the 2nd oldest University in Italy. A group of students and teachers from the University of Bologna founded the University. The University is home to the oldest surviving anatomical theater in Europe and you can take a 45-minute tour for €9 (at the time of writing this).
5. If it is spring or summer, the Botanical Garden of Padua is a lovely place to take a stroll. In keeping with what seems to be the theme of Padua, the garden is one of the oldest academic gardens in the world. You can visit the garden once for €10 or select one of their season passes on their website here.
6. Go to the covered market between Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta for lunch. We recommend Casa Barozzi (stall 43). Later you can come back and enjoy an aperitivo in one of the piazzas. If you aren’t familiar this should be a drink and a snack before dinner! The second floor of the Ragione Palace is also worth seeing with its massive raised ceiling, a keel-vaulted ceiling that looks like an upturned boat. The enormous hall is decorated with frescos, houses a large wooden horse, and is used for exhibitions today.
Paninio at Casa Barozzi
7. See the astrological clock in Piazza dei Signori. The awe-inspiring clock tower displays the time of day, months, moon phases, and the zodiac (course of the sun). The tower is placed between two palazzos, so grab yourself a gelato while you admire the clock tower and the square that it looks upon.
Piazza dei Signori and the Astrological Clock in Padua, Italy
8. Visit the ghetto: A beautiful and cultured neighborhood of Padua with narrow streets and tall(er) buildings. Today it’s a great place to grab a snack or drink and chat with friends (or locals) at one of the many wine bars or cafés.
The ghetto is situated between via Marsala (south), via Roma (east), piazza del Duomo – via Barbarigo (west), and via Manin (piazza delle Erbe via San Carnacio) (north), it is easy to reach by foot from anywhere in the historic center. The main intersection is via San Martino and Solferino.
9. Shop! You will find many popular brands and boutique shops throughout the old part of the city, from clothing to shoes, make-up, and even some vintage shops.
Padua is just 22 miles west of Venice, and only 15 minutes by train! Venice isn’t the only easy day trip from Padua, Padua is a great hub for exploring the northern region of Veneto in Italy.
Tired of endless online searches and overwhelming travel planning?
Let us handle the details. With our Custom Travel Planning Services, we’ll save you precious time and energy, curating a seamless and unforgettable adventure.
Read all about our Custom Travel Planning here.
OR
Let’s Plan Your Dream Trip Today
Padua Travel Guide: What to eat in this ancient city
Our Padua travel guide would not be complete without our recommendations on what the locals eat and drink, and of course keep reading to find out where to eat them!
Cichetti – Cichetti are the perfect snack. Hailing from Venetian culture these are typically small slices of bread with 1 or 2 things on them, like meat with cheese, a spread with vegetables or olives, or one of our favorites Bacala Machinato (creamed cod, a very popular dish in the Veneto (region of Venice).
Tramezzino – These little sandwiches are made on American-style white bread with the crusts cut off. The sandwich may be rolled up or be a small square. These are an affordable lunch option that Venitians exercise daily; you will find them in cafès, bars, train stations, and grocery stores throughout the Veneto and sometimes in other regions of Italy. Typical toppings include tuna with onions or olives, sliced ham with mushrooms, egg salad, and chicken curry (similar to coronation chicken, if you are familiar with this popular tea sandwich).
Spritz – This is debatable, many sources say the spritz was born in Venice, while others refute this. A spritz should include a sparkling wine, some type of bitters or bitter alcohol, and a splash of soda water. A popular version of a spritz is the Aperol spritz, these are the beautiful orange drinks on ice that are usually garnished with a slice of orange. You’ll see people enjoying Aperol Spritz at cafes and bars and they are especially popular in Padua because Aperol is made in Padua!
Aperol Spritz
Ragù d’anatra – “Anatra” is Italian for duck and “Ragù” simply means sauce This ragu could come in the form of a tomato sauce with ground or shredded duck, or it could be a lighter sauce that is more like olive oil with ground or shredded duck. It’s always a good idea to go out of your comfort zone and try something local and this dish does not disappoint.
Padua Travel Guide: Where to eat
Pedrocchi Café – This fancy cafè is located in the high-end shopping area of the old town and is the oldest historic cafè in Padua, a reservation is recommended, but not always required. Enjoy a nice pastry with espresso, a cup of tea, traditional Italian snacks, or order lunch. You will pay more to enjoy this Cafè but it won’t hurt to treat yourself just once!
Caffè Cavour – Caffè Cavour is near Pedrocchi Cafè and offers affordable pricing for espresso drinks, pastries, snacks, lunch, gelato, and drinks. We would go here often with other students from our Italian lessons. Our favorite was the tonno e cippolline tramezino (tuna and pickled onion tramezzino). This is also within the shopping area of the old town, so if you’ve shopped until you are ready to drop, you can recharge here while people-watching.
Brutal – A natural wine bar located in Piazza dei Signori, this wine bar has friendly and helpful staff. Brutal offers snacks and more to stave off your hunger while you enjoy their large selection of natural wines. You can order by the glass or purchase bottles to enjoy or take away. If you aren’t sure what to drink, just ask the staff, they are knowledgeable and helpful. If you aren’t up for a glass of wine, they also have a selection of beers on tap so take a load off at this trendy spot.
Caffé V – Some of the best cichetti we’ve had in Padua! They offer a full menu, including coffee/espresso, sweets, pastries, cichetti, and drinks. When you walk by and see patrons outside drinking their spritz in a fancy glass, it’s hard to deny yourself this indulgence.
Covered Market – Ragione Palace is a medieval civic building with shops on the ground floor. The covered market has two sides that are both lined with stalls where you can find fresh fish, cheese, salami, and more, including a hot meal. The market is between Piazza della Frutta and Piazza delle Erba. You can get the local dish ragù d’anatra and a glass of wine at Pastasuta. [insert name of that pasta place we went to with Andi]
Casa Barozzi – Panini – The best panini you will have in Padua. It is located in the covered market (stall # 43, on the Piazza della Frutta side, and at the beginning of the hall). Casa Barozzi is closed on Sundays and Mondays, you can enjoy them for lunch any other day of the week (and dinner on Saturdays), and if there is a line it is worth the wait, we promise. We have not had the pleasure of enjoying it yet, but at stall #37 you will find Casa Barozzi – cucina.
Breakfast at Ca’pelletti – This restaurant is located a stones throw from Scrovegni Chappel. Ca’Paletti gets its name from a type of in-house pasta that they make, cappelletti is a hat-shaped egg pasta stuffed with cheese (like tortellini’s big brother). You can get full breakfasts, pancakes, pastries, doughnuts, espresso drinks, lunch, or dinner here and for a good price. We often went after class or during the pausa (Italian morning break for the second breakfast, usually espresso and a pastry). This restaurant also offers fun upgrades to the typical espresso drink, like pistachio or hazelnut cream espresso!
Soul Kitchen – Best burgers in Padua; if you get tired of Italian food for some reason… Grab a burger and a beer at this hip Rock & Roll inspired Burger joint. The beef and toppings are high quality and the burgers are BIG!
Bacaro Padovano – If you’re looking for something a little fancy but still informal then Bacaro Padovano is a great choice. The restaurant offers traditional Venitian fare and Mediterranean options along with craft beers and a great wine selection to wash it all down with. Call ahead or stop in to make a reservation.
9 day trips you can take from Padua that aren’t Venice
1. Abono Terme or Montegrotto Terme, are just 7 min. and 12 min. by train from Padua (respectively). Here there is no shortage of spa hotels offering spa services and an opportunity to soak in the healing waters that the region is known for!
2. Vicenza, a Renaissance town, is only 25 min. by train from Padua. In Vicenza, you can visit the Teatro Olympico which replicates an outdoor amphitheater but is indoors. If you’re patient you will catch the regular light and sound show! Spend the afternoon strolling and enjoying the original Paladian-style architecture throughout the city center.
Inside of Teatro Olmpico
3. Cittadela, 43 min. by train from Padua, where you can walk the entire ellipse of the Medieval wall of the city before settling into a local trattoria for lunch! The wall is the only remaining elliptical medieval wall in Europe with a Parapet walkway that is still walkable. See the city from 15 meters high as you walk the 1600 meters of walkway. Visit their website (here) for more information about opening hours, tickets, where to enter the wall, and about other monuments in Cittadela.
City wall in Cittadella fortress, Italy [stock image]
4. Verona, just 45 min. by train from Padua where you can see the famous Romeo and Juliet balcony. Bear in mind though that Romeo and Juliet were fictional characters and this was not their balcony, but it still has a certain pull that tourists can’t deny. The balcony isn’t the only reason to go to Verona though! The Verona Arena hosts concerts and large opera shows in its enchanting 1st-century Roman amphitheater.
The Verona Arena in Piazza Bra [stock image]
You can visit Castelvecchio and Ponte Scaligero, the bridge that crosses the Adige between Verona and Castelvecchio. Castelvecchio is a castle that is home to an art gallery and was built in the 14th century. Or, perhaps you are interested in one of the food tours, wine tours, or cooking classes in Verona.
5. Bologna can be reached in 1 hr from Padua on a Trenitalia or Italo train. Bologna is the capital of Emilia-Romagna and a University town. You can find amazing food in Bologna as you walk the old streets to see the Duomo, Neptune’s fountain, and its two towers. Torre Garisenda and Torre Asinelli tower over the historic center of Bologna. At the time of writing this, Asinelli Tower was closed for maintenance, but you can check their website to see if it is possible to visit. The 498-step climb to the top is worth it for a view of Bologna that you won’t forget.
View of Garisenda Tower from Asinelli Tower
6. Chioggia, not by train but 1 hr by bus from Padua. In Chioggia, known as Little Venice (although the locals don’t like the moniker), you can get those beautiful canal photos without having to dodge the tourists you see in Venice. Spend the morning strolling through the canaled city and enjoy the local fare; we suggest a glass of prosecco with a plate of mussels. If you’re from the US, you’ll probably be delighted by the low prices and big portions of mussels. From Chioggia, you can walk or take a 12-minute bus ride to Sottomarina. Sottomarina is a popular beach destination for locals, lined with sun loungers for rent and waterside bars for refreshments.
Chioggia, Italy
Where to go next?
These last 3 are a little further and we only recommend them as a day trip if you’ve been before, otherwise, we recommend them as your next stop when you leave Padua:
7. Just 1 hr & 45 min. to Florence – Known for its Duomo with Brunelleschi’s famous dome, the Accademia Gallery housing Michelangelo’s gigantic Statue of David, the Uffizi gallery that hosts Botticellis Birth of Venus, and the Ponte Vecchio (a colorful bridge lined with jewelry shops)
8. Less than 2 hrs to Modena – A haven for foodies, Modena is where the best balsamic vinegar is from. Modena has an opera heritage along with Ferrari and Lamborghini cars.
9. Only 2 hrs to Milan – Go see the incredible Duomo of white marble and Da Vinci’s famous Last Supper.
Would you stay in Padua instead of crowded Venice on your next vacation to Northern Italy?
We hope this Padua Travel Guide inspires your trip to the Veneto Region. Still aren’t sure where to go from Padua? We’ve got some travel inspiration photos to help you with that! If you have any questions please send us an email and we’re happy to share any insight we might have.
-XO, The Twins
How can we help? We would love to hear your questions!
Contact us by email at [email protected]
Need help planning your trip to Padua?
Custom Travel Planning Services – Learn more about the services that we offer. Leverage our expertise and let us craft the perfect itinerary, tailored to your unique desires.
10 steps to turn travel dreams into a reality – Planning a dream trip takes time and money. Focus on spreading out the spending so you don’t pay for the whole trip at once.
Travel Resources Page – websites, apps, and products we frequently use to plan and enjoy a trip.
Essential Guide to Flight Booking Like a Pro – Your Essential Guide for tips on how to tackle the monumental task of booking a flight.
Ciao Bella! Navigating Italy by Train: Tips for Train Travel in Italy – A complete guide to planning, booking, and traveling by train in Italy. This also includes tips for navigating Italian train stations.
Best Travel Luggage – a review and recommendation of our favorite luggage.
Itineraries – Not sure where to go from Padua, consult our Perfect Italian Itinerary.
Travel Inspiration – Proceed with caution, pictures are likely to make you want to book a flight now!
Leave a Reply