Welcome to our guide on the best attractions and things to do in Padua! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular traveler to this charming city in Northern Italy, there’s always something new and exciting to discover. Padua is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and picturesque landscapes that make it a must-visit destination in Italy. Our guide will take you on a virtual tour of the city’s top attractions, including its historical landmarks, culinary delights, and off-the-beaten-path gems. Pack your bags and let’s explore the best of Padua together!

The 3 Best Things To Do In Padua

1. Padova Bike Tour
2. Padua City Sightseeing Hop on Hop Off Tour
3. Padua Venice Burchiello Boat Tour on Brenta River

The 3 Best Things To Do In Padua

1. Padova Bike Tour

Nestled on the banks of the Bacchiglione River, Padova is a beautiful city that boasts of arcade streets, traditional squares, and historic medieval fortifications. On this bike tour, explore the city with ease as your knowledgeable guide leads the way. The tour takes you to top attractions, including the Santa Giustina Basilica, along ancient waterways and the majestic Bacchiglione River, while providing sweeping views of the city. Hassle-free round-trip travel to and from your Padova accommodation is included. The tour is inclusive of a local guide, pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, use of bicycle, food and drinks, and gratuities. The tour ends at the meeting point. The Basilica of St. Anthony, one of the top attractions in Padova, is included in the itinerary.

2. Padua City Sightseeing Hop on Hop Off Tour

Experience the highlights of Padua with this hop-on hop-off bus tour. With a validity of 24 hours, you can easily explore the city at your own pace. See the famous Basilica of St. Anthony, Palazzo della Ragione, and other main attractions. Listen to live commentary or take advantage of the free onboard WiFi. The tour begins at 10:30 AM and you can choose any point along the route to start your journey. Get on and off the bus as many times as you want and create your own itinerary. This is a great way to get an overview of the city and explore further on foot. Food and drinks are not included and there is no hotel pickup or drop-off, but you will be able to start the tour at a convenient location in Padua.

3. Padua Venice Burchiello Boat Tour on Brenta River

This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the Brenta Riviera and the stunning villas built alongside it. Following the route of the ancient Burchiello boats, you’ll cruise through 5 locks and 9 swing bridges while admiring the beauty of over 50 villas. Along the way, you’ll stop at Villa Pisani, Villa Widmann, and Villa Foscari for guided tours that provide insight into the history and architecture of these enchanting properties. Lunch is included in this full-day excursion, which begins and ends in Padua. Please note that this tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments.

Visiting Padua: FAQs

If you’re planning a trip to Padua, Italy, chances are you have a lot of questions. To help you plan your visit, we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about this beautiful city.

What is Padua?

Padua, also known as Padova in Italian, is a city in the Veneto region of Northern Italy. It is known for its beautiful historic city center, which is home to a number of important landmarks, including the Basilica di Sant’Antonio, the Prato della Valle, and the Scrovegni Chapel.

When is the best time to visit Padua?

The best time to visit Padua is in the spring (April – June) or fall (September – November), when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists. Summer (July – August) can be hot and crowded, while winter (December – February) can be quite cold and damp.

How do I get to Padua?

Padua is well-connected by train and bus to other cities in Italy and Europe. The city has a major train station, Padova Centrale, which is located in the city center. You can also fly into nearby Venice Marco Polo Airport and take a train or bus to Padua.

What are the top attractions in Padua?

Some of the top attractions in Padua include:

• The Basilica di Sant’Antonio, a beautiful church that houses the tomb of Saint Anthony
• The Prato della Valle, one of the largest public squares in Europe
• The Scrovegni Chapel, which features stunning frescoes by the artist Giotto
• The Palazzo della Ragione, a medieval town hall with a large hall and frescoes
• The Orto Botanico di Padova, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world

What is the food like in Padua?

Padua, like much of Italy, is known for its delicious food. Some local dishes to try include:

• Risotto alla Padovana, a rice dish with sausage and radicchio
• Bigoli con l’anatra, a type of thick spaghetti with duck ragu
• Baccalà alla vicentina, salt cod with onions and milk
• Tiramisu, a popular dessert made with mascarpone cheese, espresso, and ladyfingers

What are some day trips I can take from Padua?

Padua is well-positioned for day trips to other cities in the Veneto region. Some popular destinations include:

• Venice, the famous canal city just a short train ride away
• Vicenza, a beautiful Renaissance town known for its architecture
• Verona, a city of romance and the setting of Romeo and Juliet
• The Euganean Hills, a beautiful hilly area located just south of Padua

Is Padua expensive?

Compared to other major Italian cities like Venice and Florence, Padua is relatively affordable. You can find reasonably priced accommodation and dining options throughout the city.

Do I need to speak Italian to visit Padua?

While knowing some Italian can certainly be helpful, especially when communicating with locals, you don’t need to be fluent to visit Padua. Many people in the tourism industry speak English, and the city is generally easy to navigate even if you don’t speak Italian.

Final Thoughts

Padua is a beautiful city rich in history, culture, and great food. By understanding the basics of planning your trip and having your questions answered, you can make the most of your visit to this lovely Italian destination.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Padua

Padua, a charming city in the Veneto region of northern Italy, has a rich historical and cultural heritage. There are plenty of things to see and do, whether you are interested in art, architecture, history, or just want to spend time wandering around beautiful streets and squares. Here are some ideas on how to make the most of your time as a tourist in Padua:

1. Visit the Basilica di Sant’Antonio

The Basilica di Sant’Antonio is one of the most important churches in Padua and attracts millions of visitors every year. It is dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua, a Franciscan friar who is one of the most beloved saints in Italy. The church is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, with its impressive domes, marble columns, and intricate frescoes.Inside the Basilica, you can see the tomb of Saint Anthony, which is a masterpiece of Renaissance art. There are also several chapels, each with its own unique artwork and decorations. Don’t miss the Scuola del Santo, a museum displaying precious artworks, and the cloisters, which are peaceful and beautiful spaces.

2. Walk around the historic center

Padua’s historic center is a delightful place to explore on foot, with its narrow streets, atmospheric squares, and elegant buildings. Start from the Piazza delle Erbe, which has been the heart of the city’s social and commercial life for centuries. Here, you can see the Palazzo della Ragione, a medieval palace, and the colorful fruit and vegetable stands of the market.From there, head to the nearby Piazza dei Signori, which was once the political center of Padua. The square is surrounded by impressive buildings, such as the Palazzo del Capitano and the Loggia della Gran Guardia. Walk along the Via del Santo, a wonderful street lined with ancient buildings, and make your way to the Prato della Valle, one of the biggest and most charming public squares in Europe.

3. Admire the frescoes of the Cappella degli Scrovegni

The Cappella degli Scrovegni is a small chapel attached to the Church of Santa Maria della Carità. It is famous for its exquisite frescoes, which were painted by the Italian master Giotto in the early 14th century. The frescoes depict scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary and Christ, and are considered one of the masterpieces of Western art.Due to the delicate nature of the frescoes, the chapel has strict visiting regulations. You must book your visit in advance, and you will be given a time slot of 15 minutes to view the frescoes. You will also be required to wear special shoes and pass through an airlock system to prevent damage to the paintings.

4. Take a boat tour along the River Brenta

The River Brenta is a picturesque waterway that flows from Padua to Venice. Taking a boat tour along the river is a relaxing and enjoyable way to see the countryside and admire the beautiful villas and gardens that line its banks. Some of the most impressive villas include Villa Pisani in Stra, Villa Foscari in Malcontenta, and Villa Widmann in Mira.There are several companies that offer boat tours, and you can choose between a guided tour or a private tour. The tours usually last for two to four hours, and include commentary on the history and architecture of the villas.

5. Visit the Botanical Garden

The Orto Botanico di Padova, or Padua Botanical Garden, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest academic botanical gardens in the world. It was founded in 1545 by the University of Padua, and today it contains over 7,000 species of plants from all over the world.The Botanical Garden is a peaceful and beautiful place to wander around, with its ponds, fountains, and greenhouses. Don’t miss the oldest section of the garden, which has been preserved in its original Renaissance layout. You can also visit the Museum of Medicinal Plants, which is housed inside the garden and displays a wide range of botanical specimens and artifacts.

6. Try the local cuisine

Padua and the Veneto region are known for their delicious cuisine, which is based on fresh ingredients and simple but tasty dishes. Some of the local specialties include risotto with radicchio and taleggio cheese, bigoli with duck ragù, and sarde in saor, a dish made with marinated sardines, onions, and vinegar.There are several good restaurants in Padua where you can sample the local cuisine, from traditional trattorias to upscale restaurants. Don’t forget to try the local wines, such as Soave, Valpolicella, and Amarone, which are some of the best in Italy.

Book Your Tour Now

Padua is a wonderful city with a lot to offer to tourists. Whether you are interested in history, art, nature, or food, you will find something to delight you here. Don’t forget to plan your visit in advance, and make sure to book your tickets for the Cappella degli Scrovegni, which is one of the highlights of Padua’s cultural heritage. Enjoy your stay in this beautiful city!