padua university visit

MUSEUM OF NATURE AND HUMANKIND

A wealth of 200 thousand natural and anthropological exhibits , built up over centuries. A merger of four collections — Mineralogy , Geology & Paleontology , Zoology and Anthropology — associated historically with the University of Padua. A scientific narration of planet Earth as an evolving system, describing the diversity of humankind and the environment, and the relationships between them, using multimedia and interactive methods for the ultimate learning experience. To round off the celebrations marking 800 years since its foundation, the University of Padua offers this opportunity for participation and scientific citizenship to schools, to the city and to tourists.

Located opposite the Scrovegni Chapel — partner in a symbolic dialogue between knowledge and art — this is the showcase project in a scientific museum-centric ecosystem that runs through the city, connecting the museum with the Palazzo del Bo , the Botanical Garden (UNESCO heritage site) and the various university museums, giving Padua a unique identity in Italy and in Europe.

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PLAN YOUR VISIT

10 a.m. – 7 p.m . from Tuesday to Sunday (last admission 6 p.m.)

Closed on working Mondays

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Antropology

Geology and Paleontology

Padua City of Science

Thanks to the University, two 16th century sites in Padua still exist today — the first permanent anatomical theatre and the world’s first university botanical garden — combining with the 18 finest years in the life of Galileo to make this city the cradle of modern science.

Find out how to visit the places of science in Padua

Corso Garibaldi, 39 – 35121 Padova Tel. +39 049 8273939 E-mail: [email protected]

Copyright © 2023 Università degli Studi di Padova – All rights reserved

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University of Padua: unmissable historical places (+ a brand new museum)

Find out just how many beautiful things there are in padua linked to the university which for 800 years has continued to expand its fame worldwide, 1. palazzo bo.

• 2. Liviano Palace

4. Botanical Garden

5. museum of nature and humankind.

Young people and bicycles everywhere: you can immediately tell that Padua is a student city! But the University of Padua isn’t just any university: founded in 1222, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, currently among the top 100 on a global level, known above all for its degrees in medicine, law and psychology.  

No, we’re not trying to convince you to enroll at the University of Padua, we’re just hoping to tempt you to go and explore its historical destinations ! These are beautiful places where history, science and art meet and are a great testimony to the role of the university in the Italian and international cultural world over its 8 centuries of life.  

Where shall we start?

Well, we’d have to start with the iconic Palazzo Bo ! It is the historic seat of the University of Padua and today it houses the rectorate and faculty of law. Where does its strange name come from? The building incorporates an ancient hotel that had an ox on its sign ( hospitium bovis ) because it was located next to some butchers. And so it was that since then the ox’s head has stayed on as the symbol of the University of Padua !

Cortile Antico

Palazzo Bo is located right in front of the Town Hall and next to Caffè Pedrocchi. You can enter (for free) the Cortile Antico , an elegant sixteenth-century cloister attributed to Andrea Moroni, whose highlight is the fact that it is fully lined (atrium, stairs, loggias) with the coats of arms of students and professors who attended the university between 1542 and 1688. Opposite, you can see the Torre del Bo which houses the bell that used to ring to mark the start of classes (today it only rings when a University professor dies).

Teatro Anatomico of the University of Padua

Palazzo Bo also houses the very famous Teatro Anatomico , which is the oldest permanent anatomical theater in the world. Designed in 1594 by the pathologist Girolamo Fabrizi d'Acquapendente , and opened the following year, it was the arena in which medical students dissected corpses on an anatomical table placed in the center of six elliptical tiers, capable of accommodating up to 300 seats .

Teatro Anatomico of the Un" }--> Sala dei Quaranta and Cattedra di Galileo

From the Cortile Antico, you can also access the Sala dei Quaranta , which takes its name from the portraits of 40 illustrious students, from different historical eras and from all over Europe, created by the artist Gian Giacomo dal Forno. But the most interesting feature is that this is where Galileo’s cattedra is located, that is, the wooden chair from which the famous scientist taught mathematics for 18 years, from 1592 to 1610.  

Cortile Nuovo

Although not as well-known as the Cortile Antico, the adjacent Cortile Nuovo is definitely worth a visit, mainly due to the stele by Gio Pomodoro dedicated to Galileo Galilei and the contemporary work of art by Jannis Kounellis which celebrates the commitment in the fight for the Resistance of many teachers and students. From here you then can access Gaudeamus!, the museum of student spirit of the University of Padua, the only one in Italy, which shines a light on the traditional spirit that reverberates across the communities of university students.

Sala dei Quaranta and Catt" }-->   2. Liviano Palace

Let's leave the Bo, and move a few hundred meters to another historic location, still in the heart of the historic center: Palazzo Liviano . It is the seat of the Faculty of Letters and Philosophy and can be accessed from Piazza Capitaniato, one of the most picturesque locations in Padua. Entrance is free and you can take a look around this modernist building designed in the 1930s by the Milanese architect Gio Ponti .

What is most striking are the frescoes that line all the walls of the atrium. They are the work of Massimo Campigli and, according to the then prevailing fascist ideals, they represent the continuity of Roman culture into the modern one. The large marble sculpture depicting Tito Livio , created in the same years by the Treviso artist Arturo Martini , closely interacts with this work.  

Sala dei Giganti

The Sala dei Giganti is also part of the Liviano complex, but it dates back to much older times: it was built in the late Middle Ages, when it was one of the representative rooms of the Reggia Carrarese , the palace of the rulers of Padua. Today it is used as a hall for special events: the best way to visit it is by participating in one of the many concerts held inside it and, listening to the music, admire its wonderful frescoes created by Altichieri da Zevio, Jacopo Avanzi and Guariento d'Arpo .

Let’s leave the university classrooms behind us and head to the Specola, the main place of astronomical observation here in Padua. But do not be fooled: this is not where Galileo made his observations, as he did his from his house near Via del Santo. The Torlonga – as the Specola was then called – already existed in the 9th century as the main tower of the Castelvecchio, and was only transformed by the University into an observatory in the 1700s.   

Nowadays the Specola is home to the Astronomical Observatory of Padua belonging to the INAF - National Institute of Astrophysics, and is open to visitors. It is worth a visit even just from the outside, because it is located in a very picturesque area, with the River Bacchiglione flowing next to it, small pedestrian bridges and lots of hipster bars.

Another must-see destination is the Botanical Garden of the University of Padua. It certainly needs no introduction, but it's still worth remembering that it is the oldest university botanical garden in the world, founded in 1545 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Inside it you can find the Giardino dei Semplici, the tanks with water lilies, the greenhouses with succulent plants, and then Goethe's Palm and the very modern Greenhouse of Biodiversity . But above all there is an atmosphere suspended in time that takes you straight back to the Renaissance, offering some respite from the frenzy of everyday life.

This is the latest addition to the University of Padua and has already entered the hearts of the people of Padua and of the many visitors who come from far away: it is the Museum of Nature and Humankind , born from the fusion of four historical collections (Mineralogy, Geology and Paleontology, Zoology and Anthropology) to narrate the evolutionary journey on Earth and the relationship with its inhabitants. Thanks to an engaging, multimedia and interactive display, it is an educational, surprising and exciting journey. Definitely worth a visit (and it's right in front of the Scrovegni Chapel).

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Guided tours

Private guided tour of Padua: Historic Center & University with access to the Anatomical Theater

Guided visits

Visit Padua Must See: Walking tour with a local guide and coffee time at Caffè Pedrocchi

Botanical Garden and Padua historic center: private guided tour between art and science

Giotto Scrovegni Chapel in Padova - Evening Tickets

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The biodiversity garden in the Padua Botanical Garden

Founded in 1545, the Botanical Garden of Padua is the oldest botanical garden in the world to be still in its original location; it covers an area of about 2.2 hectares and since 1997 is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

In October 2014 a new wing of the botanical garden was inaugurated, called the ' Garden of Biodiversity ': it is one of the most advanced greenhouses in the world in this field! Within this new, futuristic, structure more than 1,300 species of plants are collected from every climatic area of the Earth. The plants are arranged according to a phytogeographic system which provides the visitor with a clear representation of the richness or poverty of biodiversity in every climate ... In essence you can travel the world through vegetation, from tropical areas to sub-humid areas, from temperate zones to dry ones!

Prato della Valle in Padua

Probably only those who live in Padua - but perhaps not even everyone! - knows that Prato della Valle is one of the largest squares in Europe , second only to Red Square in Moscow.  

Prato della Valle has in fact an area of 88620 m²: it is characterized by a central elliptical island, called Memmia island (about 20 000 m²), surrounded by a small channel (fed by the Alicorno canal) on whose banks there is a double ring of statues; the outer circumference is 1450 m.

The Anatomical Theatre at the University of Padua

The University of Padua, founded in 1222, is one of the most important symbols of culture in Italy... There are lots of places to discover inside!  

Among the most fascinating, there is undoubtedly the Anatomical Theatre , located in Palazzo del Bo .

5 things to do for free in Padua

We don’t think everyone knows that in one of the three rooms of Caffè Pedrocchi , the Sala Verde , there has always been a no purchase needed policy. So come and take a seat on one of the comfortable velvet green armchairs and take a break from touristing: to read a book, a newspaper, or get some work done.  

You’ll feel like one of those penniless intellectuals who spent their afternoons here in the 19th century chatting about art and politics. Apparently, the Italian expression for penniless - being in the green, ‘essere al verde’ - comes from this room.

Elena Lucrezia Corner Piscopia: the first woman to graduate in the world

Women in Venice are often distinguished by their courage and their unconventional choices and an excellent example is Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia , the first woman to graduate in the world.   

Elena was born in 1646 and was the fifth of seven children of the noble John the Baptist Cornaro and Zanetta Boni from a lower-class. The father was a man of great culture and when he saw the abilities of his daughter, he encouraged her cultural growth in every way. Elena was taught by the best teachers of Greek, Latin, science, philosophy and theology, and she also learned Hebrew and Spanish from a rabbi. Well known among Italian scholars for her intellectualism , Cornaro was received in several Italian academies, and her fame also spread abroad.

Bartolomeo Cristofori: the Padua-born man who invented the piano

Did you know that the inventor of the piano hailed from Padua ? That’s true and his name was Bartolomeo Cristofori .  

Bartolomeo Cristofori was born in Padua on 4 May 1655 by Francesco and Laura Cristofori. We do not know much about his life in Padua other than it was precisely here that young Bartolomeo learned how to craft harpsichords , violins and organs. His work as a harpsichord maker earned him such a great reputation that he was visited in his workshop in Padua by Prince Ferdinando de Medici , son of the then Grand Duke of Tuscany, Cosimo III, a great lover of musical instruments and esteemed cembalist. Impressed by Bartolomeo’s abilities, the Prince asked him to move to Florence and work for the Medici Court. Bartolomeo Cristofori accepted and in 1688 he moved to Florence.

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‘ Padovani gran dottori ’, so goes the saying that recognises this city’s great culture – and it's true, thanks to our wonderful University! The Bo (the University’s name), the Saint (Antonio, the University’s patron saint) and Giotto : Padua has always been associated to these three names. But over the centuries we have also hosted many other celebrities, such as Galileo Galilei, Petrarca, Donatello ... Outside the city walls, our territory is dotted with so many other beauties to discover, for example the stunning Euganean Hills and their thermal spas , charming walled cities such as Este and Montagnana , and splendid villas such as Villa dei Vescovi , Villa Emo Capodilista or Villa Selvatico . Have we motivated you to take a trip here? Let us help you discover many interesting stories and episodes about the city and province of Padua!

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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.

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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…

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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.

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Padua, the city of Saint Anthony, is a modern and lively city that combines historical-cultural heritage, centuries-old traditions, faith, and well-being.

The picturesque Veneto city is located in the heart of the Po Valley, in a privileged position in the northeast of Italy, between Venice and Verona. Just outside the city are the great green lungs of the Euganean Hills ( Colli Euganei ) and the center of one of the largest spas in Europe, the Euganean Spas ( Terme Euganee ).

One of the few cities in the world with two UNESCO heritage sites: the Botanical Garden, the oldest academic garden in the world, and the fourteenth-century fresco cycles, a museum widespread in eight civic and holy sites in Padua under the Padova Urbs Picta guardianship.

Padua is a city of art, rich in culture. From Giotto to Donatello, Petrarch to Galileo, Padua has been host to the greatest artists and scientists, making it a temple of knowledge and beauty. Its ancient history breathes through the architectural miracles of the middle ages, the legacy of the famous University, and the charm of the aristocratic villas, arcaded streets, and squares.

Padua has an outstanding tourism offer that embodies many of the virtues of Veneto: arts, history, and nature. …read more

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What to visit

Caffè Pedrocchi, one of the symbols of modern Padua, a café with historical prominence recognized for its coffee and good food

Prato della Valle in Padua is one of the most spectacular squares in the world and, with its 90,000 square meters, is one of the largest in Europe.

One of the most famous and visited sanctuaries in the world and a testament of art decorated by Giotto, Giusto de' Menabuoi, Altichiero da Zevio, and Jacopo Avanzi

The oldest Heritage Garden in the world, home to over 6,000 different plant specimens and the futuristic Garden of Biodiversity

The Paduan Basilica is one of the largest churches in the Christian world and one of the greatest masterpieces of Renaissance architecture.

A true miracle of architectural audacity and an impressive collection of fourteenth-century mural paintings, the only secular and civil commission executed by Giotto in Padua

Torre dell'Orologio is a medieval clock tower which rises between the Piazza del Capitaniato and Piazza dei Signori, representing one of the symbols of the Carrarese era in Padua.

The Scrovegni Chapel houses one of the most outstanding masterpieces of figurative art of all time, the complete fresco cycle created by Giotto

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.

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10 Reasons to Visit Padua, Italy – A Must-See Italian City

By Author Rossi Thomson

Posted on Last updated: 15th March 2024

Categories Day Trips in Italy , Padua , Veneto

Padua is an Italian city that is older than Rome, it’s close to many of Italy’s most famous destinations, and it has so many unmissable sights that you can easily fill up your stay here with wonderful things to do.

Yet, this intriguing city in the northern italian region of veneto is often overlooked by the mass tourists in favour of the nearby venice and verona ..

This means that Padua remains mostly off the beaten track and it’s a pleasure to explore without having to run the gauntlet of large crowds and coach parties. So, if you are looking for an exciting day trip destination in Northern Italy or a base from which to explore large swathes of both the north and the centre of the country, then Padua is a great choice.

Take it from me!

I used to live next door to Padua for six years and I took every opportunity to escape to this attractive city time and time again in order to see yet more of it and learn more about its history and art. There is so much to discover here! So many great sights and museums! And so many delicious things to eat and drink!

Now, I am only too happy to pass the word along. Especially, considering how easy it is to get to Padua and that the city features twice on 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!

So, let me tell you about Padua in Italy and what makes it a great Italian destination for a day trip , a long weekend or even a whole week. Without further ado, here are the ten main reasons to visit Padua during your Italian holiday. All are neatly organised in nice and easy chunks of information based on my extensive first-hand experience and research.

Have a look!

10 reasons to visit padua, italy – a must-see italian city.

1. Padua Has an Incredibly Rich Historic and Artistic Heritage That Spans Over 3,000 Years

Padua was founded in 1183 BC which makes it 430 years older than the Italian capital Rome! Plus, by the end of the 1st century BC, Padua had become the richest place in Italy after Rome. Since then, the city has borne witness to many historic events. Its beautiful centre is a patchwork of architectural styles and artistic influences spanning many centuries.

From Roman ruins and medieval walls to Renaissance frescoes and buildings in the Liberty style, Padua in Italy is a place where people have lived and created for over three millennia. Plus, some of the greatest minds in European history used to call the city home.

It’s in Padua that you can see the houses in which the polymath Galileo Galilei and the sculptor Donatello lived, the street on which the renowned architect Andrea Palladio was born and the basilica in which Elena Cornaro Piscopia – the first woman with a PhD in the world – was laid to rest.

Dozens of excellent museums shed light on the different periods in Padua’s exciting history. Every walk you take in town will lead you to discover sights of great importance. The more you learn about this hidden gem of an Italian city, the more you realise the seminal role it played on so many levels for both Italy and Europe as a whole.

To experience the best in terms of the art and history of Padua in Italy, don’t miss: 

Scrovegni Chapel and Eremitani Civic Museums – frescoed at the start of the 14th century by the Florentine Giotto di Bondone, the Scrovegni Chapel is the masterpiece that sparked the artistic expression of the Italian Renaissance. Next door to it, you can visit the Eremitani Civic Museums. On the ground floor here you can see important archaeological artefacts tracing the multilayered history of Padua and its surroundings. On the top floor of the museum, you can enjoy paintings by Tintoretto, Titian, Giorgione, and dozens of other worldwide-recognised artists. 

Palazzo della Ragione – a must-see medieval town hall with a fully frescoed upper floor (known as Il Salone) and loggia which affords splendid views over Padua’s daily market. In contrast, its ground floor, the so-called Sotto il Salone , is taken by the city’s best delis, bakeries, fishmongers, and butchers – a tradition that dates back to the 14th century.

Pratto della Valle – this is Italy’s largest square! An oval canal runs around its edge and 78 statues are dotted on both sides of the canal. They represent famous people who have left their mark on the history and culture of Padua, Italy. 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! Number 35 is Petrarch who was a regular visitor to Padua in the 14th century and number 21 is the eminent Renaissance painter Andrea Mantegna who studied and worked here.

Learn More:

• 13 Best Things to Do in Padua, Italy in One Day (Full Itinerary with Times, Photos, and Map)
• Padua, Italy – 101 Facts about the City of the Saint

2. Padua is Both a Scientific and a Religious Centre Making It a Place to Experience on Many Levels

Padua is a very curious city in terms that both scientific innovation and religious tradition have flourished here over the centuries alongside each other.

Italy’s second-oldest University was founded in Padua in 1222 and to this day it is a stalwart of science and scientific discovery. In fact, the University of Padua is one of the leading higher education institutions in Europe. Over the centuries, many famous scientists have studied and/or taught here and many important discoveries were made along the way.

It’s widely accepted, for example, that the University of Padua is the birthplace of modern medicine. It was here that the world’s first permanent anatomical theatre was installed in the 16th century and systematic dissections regularly took place. This made it possible to completely re-evaluate the then-available knowledge about human anatomy and huge progress was made in terms of medicine as a science.

The University of Padua’s historic seat – Palazzo Bo – stands right in the city’s heart. Its portico is covered with the crests of former students and daily guided tours take eager visitors to the rooms where science was shaped for many centuries. Among the highlights is Galileo’s podium from which he taught his widely popular lectures during his time in Padua. Curiously enough, across from the podium, there is a small pillar in which one of Galileo’s vertebrae is preserved.

At the same time, Padua is the centre of the cult of St. Anthony. Or Il Santo as the Saint is lovingly called by the locals.

Make sure that you put at least an hour aside for the splendid Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua. This is a richly decorated and rather large church with countless Christian relics (including the body of Il Santo himself) and many priceless works of art. The lovely cloisters, the on-site museums and the different chapels here make the basilica a must-see for every visitor to Padua, Italy.

In addition, the city is rich in churches – both large and small. Each one of them has countless stories to tell. From the Church of the Eremitani , carefully restored after it was bombed during the Second World War, to the Baptistery, fully covered with 14th-century frescoes, Padua in Italy is the right place to delve into the history and art of the Catholic faith.

To experience the best in terms of the scientific and religious traditions of Padua in Italy, don’t miss: 

Palazzo Bo – the historic seat of the University of Padua. Paid guided visits are held daily in English and Italian. They are highly recommended as you get to see the places where science made history. You can also pop into the historic courtyard off the street free of charge.

University of Padua Botanical Garden – the world’s oldest academic botanical garden which is still in its original location. Nowadays, Padua’s Orto Botanico is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a beautiful place with two distinctive parts. One is the historic walled garden which preserves its centuries-old design of a square into a circle. The other is the Biodiversity Garden – an impressive series of interconnected greenhouses where you can walk across the world’s climate zones and marvel at their botanical richness.

Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua – a Roman Catholic church and a minor basilica dedicated to the cult of St. Anthony. It hosts important relics of many Catholic saints. Among them is St. Anthony of Padua who is interred in a chapel with outstanding architecture and art. From stunning frescoed ceilings to Donatello’s bronzes for the high altar, there are many masterpieces to admire in the basilica as a whole.

Abbey of Santa Giustina – an immense basilica dedicated to one of the city’s patrons – St. Giustina of Padua. It stands right next to the University of Padua Botanical Garden and Italy’s largest square – Prato della Valle . It’s a must-see for the incredible feeling of endless space inside its cavernous interiors. Plus, there are many important relics and works of art here, as well as the tomb of Elena Cornaro Piscopia – the first woman with a PhD in the world.

Baptistery – a small building the plain brick facade of which hides an incredible cycle of 14th-century frescoes by Giusto de Menabuoi. Stand in the middle of the floor and look up at the ceiling. The gaze of Christ surrounded by numerous circles of saints in heaven is hypnotic. Inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the Baptistery is dedicated to St. John the Baptist and you will find it next door to Padua’s Duomo.

Diocesan Museum – a very interesting museum next to Padua’s Duomo with priceless frescoes and a rich collection of devotional art.

• The Birthplace of Modern Medicine
• Three Universities in Italy You Need to Put on Your Travel Wish List Now

3. Padua Is a Great Place to Go Shopping – from Fresh Produce and Vintage Finds to the Latest Fashions

Tempting window displays flank Padua’s central streets. From high-fashion boutiques and high-street staples to historic shops that have been in business for dozens if not hundreds of years, you will be spoilt for choice.

Cosmetics, jewellery, and fashion stores stand side-by-side with shops specialised in rare prints, haberdashery, and priceless antics. There are also many art galleries and bookshops selling new and vintage editions. Just go for a walk through Padua’s historic centre and pop into any small boutique or a larger store that takes your fancy. Soon, you will find yourself very much in love with dozens of drawings, paintings, rare jewellery pieces, daring outfits, and imaginative textiles. Budget accordingly!

In addition, the daily market on the historic squares of Piazza delle Erbe , Piazza della Frutta , and Piazza dei Signori as well as the regularly held bric-a-brac and vintage markets on Prato della Valle give you a chance to shop for fresh produce as well as bags, clothes, and all sorts of knick-knacks at pocket-friendly prices.

To enjoy the best shopping opportunities in Padua in Italy, go for a walk along: 

Via del Santo up to Palazzo Zabarella – for shops selling rare books and beautiful prints, among other things.

Via Altinate – for boutiques specialised in fashion and accessories.

The area between Porta Altinate , Via Baiamonti , and Piazza della Frutta  – for all sorts of high-street stores and historic shops.

Shops and shopping malls are all over Padua , so explore as many as possible if shopping is your thing.

4. Padua Is Very Social – A Vibrant University City Where People Like to Go Out

Students make up one-fifth of Padua’s population. So, the social life here is vibrant. There are lots of places to head to both during the day and in the evening. The Italian aperitivo hour is when the city gets especially lively, even more so in spring and summer when people come out to enjoy the breeze after the daily scorching temperatures.

Countless cafes and bars line the main historic squares in town – Piazza delle Erbe , Piazza della Frutta , and Piazza dei Signori . In the late afternoons and early evenings of the hot months , countless tables and chairs are placed alfresco. Families and groups of friends come out in droves, all nicely dressed up, and ready to relax after a long day.

Chatter and music fill the air. Tall glasses clink and clank. Kids run around. Beautiful historic buildings overlook this authentic Italian scene. It’s quite cinematic, really. Make sure that you take part!

Gran Teatro Geox is the place to head to in Padua for concerts by world-famous singers and bands as well as for musical theatre performances touring Europe. Just make sure that you book a ticket well in advance.

To experience first-hand the social life of Padua in Italy, go for a:

Passegiata! This is Italy’s traditional early evening walk taken by families and friends to see what’s new around town and to be seen in their finest attire. Head to Padua’s historic centre. Starting from Caffe’ Pedrocchi walk around the three main squares –  Piazza delle Erbe , Piazza della Frutta , and Piazza dei Signori – and see which cafe, bar or restaurant will appeal to you the most. Have an aperitivo , tuck into dinner, and have fun. It’s a great way to experience Italy authentically!

• Italian Piazzas – 20 Most Beautiful Squares in Veneto, Northern Italy – see points 3, 12, and 19 for Padua’s historic squares

5. Padua is Right Next Door to Many of Italy’s Most Famous Destinations and It’s a Great Base for Many Exciting Day Trips

Padua’s train station is one of the main hubs of the Italian railway system. In addition, a large network of buses and coaches connects Padua to dozens of small towns and large cities in the north and the centre of Italy. The city is also on the Autostrada A4 and Autostrada A13 . Both are important Italian highways. The first links Turin to Trieste via Milan , Padua, and Venice . The second stretches from Bologna to Padua via the cities of Ferrara and Rovigo .

All this means one thing: you can easily visit Padua on a day trip! Or, if you are staying in Padua during your Italian holiday, you can easily travel from here to many other Italian cities . To give you an idea of the wide choice available, here are some travel times by high-speed ( Frecciarossa / Frecciargento / Italo Treno ) train and/or fast regional ( Regionale Veloce ) train from Padua to some of the most famous destinations in Italy:

• Padua to Vicenza  – from 17 mins
• Padua to Venice  – from 26 mins
• Padua to Ferrara  – from 35 mins
• Padua to Verona  – from 44 mins
• Padua to Bologna  – from 1 h 3 mins
• Padua to Desenzano / Peschiera  on  Lake Garda  – from 1 h 6 mins
• Padua to Brescia  – from 1 h 21 mins
• Padua to Florence – from 1 h 44 mins
• Padua to Mantua  – from 1 h 45 mins
• Padua to Milan  – from 1 h 59 mins
• Padua to Ravenna  – from 2 h 7 mins

Or you can take a bus to a bunch of must-see nearby towns and villages. Chioggia , Arqua’ Petrarca , and Stra immediately spring to mind. From sprawling beaches and Venetian villas to places of historic interest, the choice is huge and all yours. You can consult this map to see all the small towns and villages you can travel to from Padua by bus.

To enjoy the best day trips from Padua in Italy, don’t miss:

This blog post ! It reveals over 35 unmissable destinations to explore from Padua. It also includes a detailed list of tips and tricks on how to navigate the Italian railway system. To check train times and book train tickets in advance, I find the following three websites very useful:  Omio ,  ItaloTreno , and  TrenItalia .

• Where is Padua and 5 Easy Ways to Reach Italy’s Hidden Gem of a City
• 10 Cities of Venice and Veneto to Visit in Italy and What to See in Each (With Map, Travel Times, and Practical Tips)
• Top 15 Places to Visit in Veneto, Italy – The Ultimate Guide
• 31 Prettiest Small Towns in Veneto, Italy (With Map and Practical Tips)
• 8 Most Beautiful Villages to Visit in Veneto, Italy

6. Plus Padua is Next Door to Five Airports Making It So Very Easy to Reach from Anywhere in the World

No one likes an airport transfer that lasts hours and costs an arm and leg. You are in luck then, as Padua in Italy is close to five airports conveniently served by flights from all over Europe and the world. 

Here they are together with tips on how to quickly get from each one of them to Padua:

Venice Marco Polo Airport  – a shuttle bus will take you directly from this stylish and busy airport to Padua Bus Station. The service runs on average twice per hour during the day and takes about 1 h 5 mins. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle bus to the Venezia Mestre train station . The journey is about half an hour. Once there, you can then get a direct train to Padua. The train journey lasts around 15 mins.

International Airport Treviso Antonio Canova – bus number 101 connects this busy low-cost airport to Padua. It runs around twice per hour. You can reach your accommodation in Padua in just over an hour straight from the plane.

Verona Valerio Catullo Airport – a shuttle bus connects this compact and easy-to-navigate airport to the Verona Porta Nuova train station. Once there, get a train ticket to Padua. You will be arriving in 42 mins (by high-speed train) or 59 mins (by fast regional train).

Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport – a monorail train, the  Marconi Express , connects Bologna Airport to Bologna Centrale train station. Travel time between the two is only seven minutes! Once at the train station, get a train ticket to Padua. A high-speed train will take you there in about an hour. The journey by fast regional train will be much cheaper but it will last about an hour and a half.

Trieste Airport – if none of the above four airports work for you, then you can fly directly to Trieste Airport. It has its own railway station with direct trains to Venezia Santa Lucia . Once there, you can get a train to Padua. Altogether the journey can last from around 1 h 40 mins to just under two hours.

For the best travel experience to Padua in Italy, keep in mind:

Public transport is very well organised in Northern Italy and this includes Padua. Trains run regularly and mostly without delays from early in the morning to late in the evening. Coach buses connect the smaller destinations. Even if you are not used to travelling by public transport, do give it a try. It’s easy to use and inexpensive thus making it possible to get from point A to point B with minimum hassle.

In terms of airports, choose the one that best fits your budget and your travelling plans. Sometimes, an airport that is just a bit further away or not so popular offers the best prices and easy transfers. While many people may tell you that you should fly into Venice Marco Polo for Padua, make sure that you also check ticket prices and arrival times for the other four airports mentioned above. They offer straightforward transfers by public transport to Padua and you can often find flights to them at pocket-friendly prices.

If this is your first visit to Italy, try to arrive in the morning or during the day. This will give you the biggest selection of choices in terms of reaching Padua from the airport either by public transport, taxi, private transfer or another way.

• 11 Major Airports in Northern Italy (With Map, Nearest Cities, and Public Transport Options)

7. Padua Has a Great Local and International Food Scene Which Makes This Italian City a True Foodie Heaven

Padua has some enviable culinary traditions and finding delicious food that doesn’t break the bank is not a problem here. After all, Padua is the city where a daily fresh produce market has been going strong for over 800 years. It is also here that you will find Sotto Il Salone – allegedly Europe’s oldest shopping centre specialised in food.

In addition, one of Italy’s most famous food carts sets up for business every evening (Mondays excluded) on Piazza della Frutta right by Palazzo della Ragione . Called La Folperia it specialises in seafood and most notably, the locals’ favourite – octopus. It’s been in business since 1977 and it keeps alive the centuries-old traditions of Padua’s seafood sellers.

This Italian city is also host to many restaurants serving international cuisine. In case you are really hankering for a burger, a Chinese or a Mexican meal, you won’t be disappointed.

To keep it authentic though, make sure that you sample the culinary specialities of Padua, the region of Veneto , and Italy as a whole. From b igoli (thick long strands of round pasta traditionally served with duck- or sardine-based sauce) and bollito misto alla Padovana (a stew combining different cuts of meat) to risotto and pizza, the choice is delicious.

From cheap street food to places to eat with friends on long wooden tables, from sandwich shops selling excellent tramezzini , piadine , and panini to refined restaurants, Padua’s food scene is a joy to explore.

To enjoy many traditional foods in Padua in Italy, head straight to:

Sotto Il Salone – the oldest food shopping centre in Italy and some say, even in Europe. You will find it on the porticoed ground floor of Palazzo della Ragione between Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta right in Padua’s heart.

Explore it from end to end taking in the rich displays of the resident butchers, fishmongers, bakeries, and delis. Buy lots of different foods in small portions from the numerous shops. This way you will get to sample a wide variety of specialities. For a quick bite, stop for a generously stuffed tramezzino or piadina in one of the several bars inside and outside Sotto Il Salone . Alternatively, grab a bowl of fresh pasta and enjoy a glass of Prosecco.

• Italian Food – 13 Ways to Eat Well in Italy Without Breaking the Bank
• Padua’s 800-Years Old Market
• Exploring Padua: Palazzo della Ragione
• Italian Markets – 11 Types of Markets You Can Find in Italy

8. You Will Find Excellent Cakes Here, Too Plus An Authentic Cafe Culture

Having a serious case of the sweet tooth?! No worries!

Padua is the right place to be if you love cakes, biscuits, sweets, and gelato! There are many lovely cake shops, patisseries, and gelaterias dotted all over town. Some of them have been in the same spot for dozens of years and the padovani flock to them for traditional local delights.

Follow their example and don’t leave without trying:

• pazientina – a layered cake of almond paste, sponge, zabaione , and large shavings of dark chocolate. It’s a must!
• pevarini – a biscuit with a bite. Its main ingredients are almonds and cacao. A pinch of black pepper adds a bit of a surprise and helps develop the flavour while you chew.
• dolce del Santo – a cake developed in honour of St. Anthony of Padua. It’s made with puff pastry, marzipan, sponge, candied orange peel, and a very generous helping of apricot jam. I like to have it in Pasticceria Lillium just up the street from the Basilica del Santo .

As for proper Italian gelato , head straight to Gelateria Giotto – a cute little place with an interesting story behind it. All the gelato, chocolates, and other sweets here are produced by the patisserie workshop at Padua’s prison where the prisoners receive professional patisserie training. Year after year, their panettone, for example, receives some of the highest accolades in Italy.

Padua is not all about the cake, though! This Italian city is also big on coffee . In the historic centre, you will come across the imposing building of one of Italy’s most famous coffee houses. Called Caffe’ Pedrocchi , it was founded in 1831. Since then, it has become one of the most iconic places in town. You have to have a coffee here even if you are in the city only for a short amount of time.

To enjoy the best cakes and coffees in Padua in Italy, head straight to:

Caffe’ Pedrocchi – one of Italy’s most iconic historic coffee houses. They call it the ‘cafe without doors’ as, originally, it was open 24/7 and it never shut its doors. Don’t leave without trying their signature coffee. It is prepared with a shot of 100% Arabica topped with mint syrup, whipped cream emulsion, and a dusting of bitter cocoa. Caffe Pedrocchi houses a museum, too! On its  piano nobile  you will find the Museum of Risorgimento and the Contemporary Age. 

Pasticceria Racca – a beautifully presented patisserie shop in Padua’s historic centre. Their cakes and sweets are like little works of art. Plus, the patisserie’s decor regularly changes according to the season. Around Christmas, it becomes a veritable Winter Wonderland.

Pasticceria Biasetto – run by a World Pastry Cup winner, here you will find a wide selection of traditional for Padua and Italy pastries and sweets.

Lilium Pasticceria –  my guilty secret in Padua. Very close to the Basilica of St. Anthony, they specialise in many traditional for Padua cakes. Plus, they make the famous Dolce del Santo – a very tasty cake inspired by St. Anthony’s good deeds. My favourite thing in the shop is the Santantonino chocolate bar. Delicious! You should also try their meringues. They are as big as a small melon.

• Sant’Antonio’s Cakes in Padua, Italy – The Story of the Sweets of the Saint
• Coffee in Italy or 101 Facts about Italian Coffee Culture
• 21 Types of Italian Coffees and How to Order Coffee in Italy Like a Local
• 19 Rules of Italian Coffee Culture or How to Drink Coffee Like an Italian

9. Padua Has a Rich Programme of Fantastic Events, So There Is Always Something Exciting to Do Here

There is always something happening in Padua. From a rich palette of events during the Christmas season to a summer studded with concerts and festivals, the city is an exciting place to visit.

Padua’s tourist offices – one inside the train station and another right behind Caffe’ Pedrocchi – can provide you with the most up-to-date information about the latest happenings in town. During the high season, a temporary tourist office opens its doors at Piazza del Santo just opposite the Basilica of St. Anthony, too.

In addition, keep an eye on the website of Fiera di Padova – Padua’s sprawling exhibition centre – for news and info about forthcoming large-scale shows and events.

All over town – in shops, cafes, and hotels – you will find bunches of brochures and leaflets. Pick as many as you like as they will give you information about interesting local events you simply cannot miss.

For an exciting Christmas, head to Padua in Italy:

Padua is particularly lovely during the Christmas period. Many fun events take place all over town. The best thing is that the facades of the historic buildings are illuminated with stunning visuals. Long strands of lights get suspended above the streets, too. Families come out to shop at festive markets and enjoy the exhibitions of traditional Nativity scenes .

The Falo’ della Befana is Padua’s most unique event. It takes place on Epiphany – the 6th of January. This is when the padovani get together to incinerate a huge effigy of Befana. A kind old lady who flies around on a broom she brings presents to the well-behaved children and coal to the naughty ones. The burning of her effigy is a direct reference to centuries-old beliefs that you need to dispense with the old and start the new year afresh.

• Padua, Italy in the Run-Up to Christmas
• Events in Italy – 6 Ways to Find the Best Italian Festivals and Fairs
• Italian Christmas – 15 Best Things to Do, Eat, and Enjoy for the Holidays in Italy

10. Padua Has a Well-Organised Public Transport System Making It Easy to Get Around Town

Many bus lines and a very modern tram line crisscross Padua. No matter where you are in town, you can easily and quickly get to the historic centre, the train station, and anywhere else. This is so incredibly convenient! The historic centre is very walkable per se. Still, if you get tired or don’t fancy being on your feet all day, there is no need to walk for miles or spend a large chunk of your travel budget on taxis.

The website of Busitalia Veneto has all the details about the different public transport lines which serve the city of Padua. You can find the current timetables and transport maps on this page . Have a look also at the different types of tickets and their prices .

This way you have no excuse to not go out and explore all over town! Even if you are not used to taking public transport and usually rely on cars, in Padua you will find out how convenient and budget-friendly it is to get to places by tram and bus. So, make sure that you put this must-see Italian city on your travel bucket list and head there before long.

In Conclusion

If you are in the planning stages of a holiday in Italy and are looking for a great day trip or a convenient place to serve as your base, the city of Padua may just be the perfect candidate.

Within a very convenient distance from five airports and served by an extensive public transport network, Padua in Northern Italy is easy to reach and easy to navigate.

Plus, Padua has a thriving food scene, an 800-year-old market, and is home to one of Italy’s most famous historic coffee houses.

In addition, the city is older than Rome and it has an incredibly rich artistic and historic heritage. Close to several well-known tourist destinations like Venice , Verona , Lake Garda , and Milan , Padua is a great city to either visit for a day or to stay in for a longer exploration.

So, in this blog post today, I listed ten reasons to inspire you to visit Padua during your Italian holiday. I hope that you found the information useful and that it will galvanise you to put this exciting city at the top of your travel wish list.

Have a great time in Padua!

Enjoy all the amazing art, history, and food that this gem of a city in northern italy has to offer  , travel tools, get ready for your trip to padua in italy.

Get a guidebook from Amazon. Buy plane tickets , train tickets , and bus tickets through Omio. Research accommodation on Booking.com. Select local tours and activities on  GetYourGuide ,  Viator , and  Tiqets .

More Helpful Information About Padua in Italy

Padua: Where is Padua , Things to Do in One Day ,  101 Facts About Padua ,  Day Trips from Padua , Venice to Padua Day Trip , Padua in the Run-Up to Christmas , Prato della Valle – Italy’s Largest Square , Cornaro Loggia and Odeon , Astronomical Clock , Sant’Antonio’s Cakes , Daily Market Videos of Padua: Top 6 Things to See in Padua , Prato della Valle , Basilica of St. Anthony – 1 , Basilica of St. Anthony – 2 , Scrovegni Chapel , Palazzo della Ragione and Market on Piazza delle Erbe , Palazzo Bo , Piazza dei Signori

More Helpful Information About Italy

Best of Italy:  Italian Piazzas ,  Italian Markets ,  Accommodation for Every Budget ,  Best Times to Visit Italy ,  Italy in Summer ,  Italy with Kids Italian Food:  Best Italian Food Gifts ,  Cheap Italian Food ,  Rules of Italian Breakfast ,  Italian Breakfast Foods Italian Coffee:  Italian Coffee Culture ,  Italian Coffee Drinks ,  History of Coffee in Italy Christmas in Italy:   Fun Facts ,  Things to Do ,  Italian Nativity Scenes ,  Panettone ,  Christmas Guide Northern Italy:  Best Cities to Visit ,  Major Airports ,  Reasons to Visit Lake Como:   Travel Guide ,  Reasons to Visit in Winter ,  Best Towns ,  Best Things to Do ,  Milan to Lake Como ,  Nearest Airports ,  Getting Around Lake Como Lake Garda Towns and Villages:   Best Towns ,  Lazise ,  Desenzano del Garda ,  Riva del Garda ,  Malcesine ,  Torri del Benaco ,  Punta di San Vigilio ,  Campo di Brenzone ,  Borghetto and Valeggio sul Mincio Visiting Lake Garda:  Travel Guide ,  Map of Lake Garda ,  Getting Around Lake Garda ,  Lake Garda with Kids ,  8 Best Airports ,  Venice to Lake Garda ,  Verona to Lake Garda ,  Milan to Lake Garda ,  Bologna to Lake Garda Venice:  Essential Tips ,  Things to Do ,  Major Landmarks ,  Hidden Gems ,  How to Navigate Venice ,  Venice in a Day for Art Lovers ,  Train Stations ,  Nearest Airports ,  Best Tours ,  Beaches of Venice ,  Quotes about Venice ,  Boats in Venice ,  Haunted Venice ,  Day Trips from Venice ,  Arco del Paradiso Verona:  Things to Do in One Day ,  Verona Opera Festival ,  Day Trips from Verona ,  Romeo and Juliet Itinerary ,  Verona to Venice ,  Verona to Milan Padua:  Things to Do in One Day ,  101 Facts About Padua ,  10 Reasons to Visit Padua ,  Day Trips from Padua ,  How to Reach Padua Vicenza:  Things to Do ,  Day Trips from Vicenza ,  Best Museums ,  The Beauty of Vicenza Treviso:   Travel Guide Veneto:  Top Places to Visit ,  Unique Adventures ,  Most Colourful Places ,  Mysterious Places ,  Most Beautiful Lakes ,  Reasons to Visit ,  Main Cities ,  Prettiest Small Towns ,  Most Beautiful Villages Lombardy:   Best Cities and Towns ,  Reasons to Visit ,  Brescia Friuli Venezia Giulia:   Venzone ,  Most Beautiful Villages Emilia Romagna:  Bologna ,  Ravenna ,  Comacchio ,  Most Beautiful Villages Marche:   Reasons to Visit ,  Gradara ,  Frasassi Caves ,  Temple of Valadier Umbria:   Reasons to Visit Perugia Campania:   Naples

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Saskia Webb

Tuesday 12th of July 2022

I came upon your blog quite by chance. I love it. It is so informative with a lot of very useful and practical information. I love that you write the history as well so we can have a better understanding of the places we love to visit. There is also quite a bit of information that is not known. Thank you for your time and effort in putting all this together for our benefit. I especially feel that modes of transport, ways of getting there, accomodation and food tips are so useful to a traveller. You cover everything. Just a genius

Thank you, Saskia! I really appreciate your kind words. It feels good to know that my blog posts come in useful. Writing sometimes feels like a shot in the dark, so thank you for your lovely feedback. Have a great summer!

Best wishes,

Sharon Wilson

Tuesday 14th of June 2022

Very informative. Will definitely do day trip to Padua when in Venice. How often do trains run & where can we find schedules of local transportation once in Padua?

Dear Sharon,

Thank you for your comment and for stopping by. In reply to your queries: These two blog posts provide the necessary details in terms of transportation and things to do in Padua. Once in Padua, you can easily walk to the historic centre from the train station. It takes about 10-15 mins max in a straight line. Or you can take the local tram which stops in front of the train station and in a couple of stops or so reaches the historic centre. Venice to Padua - The Best Day Trip in Italy (With Travel Tips and Sights to See) 13 Best Things to Do in Padua, Italy in One Day (Full Itinerary with Times, Photos, and Maps)

Have a lovely time in Italy!

Rossi Thomson

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

15 Best Things To Do In Padua Italy

Last Updated on March 14, 2024 by Jo Fitzsimons

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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: Prosecco Calendar – Italy’s National Holidays & Prosecco 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 Prosecco Tour

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

The Prosecco hills are 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 highest quality Prosecco in the whole of Italy – Prosecco DOCG .

It’s easy to visit the region by booking a half day or full day Prosecco tour.   Not only will you tour the wineries, learn about the winemaking process, taste plenty of quality Prosecco paired with delicious locally produced cheeses, you can visit the region’s unique Prosecco vending machine  perched on the top of a hill in the middle of the vineyards.

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!

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The guided tour of Palazzo Bo includes the anatomical theatre, the Galileo Galilei’s Aula Magna, the Sala dei Quaranta (The “Hall of the Forty”) and the Aula di Medicina (where lectures on medicine were originally given). From Monday to Saturday.

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Guided tours to the Hall of the Giants (Sala dei Giganti) at Palazzo Liviano

Padua city of science, an integrated ticket.

Padua City of Science  (Padova città della scienza) is  a new integrated ticket  that welcomes both individuals and families to discover the best of what Padua has to offer at a discounted price. The integrated ticket grants access to two or three cultural sites,  Palazzo del Bo , the  Botanical Garden , and the  Museum of Nature and Humankind .

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40 Facts About Elektrostal

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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