A Day in Padua | Your Quick Guide

If you believe the claims, Padua may well be the oldest city in northern Italy. It is rumoured that the Trojans founded the city in the 12^th century BC after the fall of Troy. Whether or not this is true, Padua is a lesser-known gem in Northern Italy. You’ll be greeted by a lemon-yellow light, colourful houses and noisy cicadas. More than that though, is that you’ll find yourself in a beautiful city that is rich in history, culture and friendly faces. Here is how to spend a day in Padua, one of my favourite places in Italy.

A Day in Padua | Your Quick Guide

Getting there

Padua is well-connected and easy to reach by train, car, or bus. There are frequent high-speed trains from Venice take just about 30 minutes, making it an ideal day trip from the lagoon city. These tickets typically costs around €8.00 for a round trip.

If you’re travelling further afield from other major cities like Milan, Bologna, or Florence, you’ll also find direct train connections. The prices of these vary but, strangely, are only slightly more than from Venice in many instances. Either way, the Italian train service is always excellent and much cheaper than in the UK.

For those driving, Padua is accessible via the A4 motorway, and there are several parking options near the city centre.

Where to stay in Padua

Padua has something for everyone. In the past we have used the city as a base for exploring the nearby (and much more expensive) Venice. If you are looking for a more luxurious experience, consider Hotel Belludi 37. You’ll find this near the Basilica of Saint Anthony and it offers some truly stylish rooms and exceptional service. It is more on the pricy side, but is well worth it for those travellers hoping to splash out.

For a more budget-friendly option, try the NH Padova. Each time we come to Padua we stay here and we are always really happy with our choice. If I am honest, we still dream of the amazing breakfast spread a few years later!

How to spend a day in Padua

Morning: Exploring Padua’s Historical and Artistic Heart

Breakfast at Caffè Pedrocchi

If you aren’t staying at the NH hotel, then head out into the city and tuck into a tasty breakfast; the Italian way. Why not start your day at the historic Caffè Pedrocchi, which is certainly a landmark café. In fact, it has been serving locals and tourists since 1831. During this time, the café has had periods where it has been open 24/7. They have even developed their own signature mint coffee.

Scrovegni Chapel

For your first major tourist destination, I would suggest that you head to the Scrovegni Chapel. This chapel is a must-visit for art lover and houses an exquisite series of frescoes by Giotto, painted between 1303 and 1305. In fact, these vivid and emotional masterpieces are considered some of the most important works in Western art history. Be sure to book your tickets in advance, as entrance times are carefully managed to preserve the artwork. Tickets cost €10.

Basilica of Saint Anthony

A short walk away is the Basilica of Saint Anthony (known locally as Il Santo), a stunning church dedicated to Padua’s patron saint. The basilica has truly unique architecture and houses some stunning Renaissance artwork. It also houses the tomb of Saint Anthony. Outside of the basilica (in the courtyard) are the bronze statues by Donatello which are definitely worth seeing. All in all, an impressive place to see and a good spot to soak up the history.

Afternoon: Immerse in Local Culture

Lunch at a Trattoria

For lunch you’ll really be spoilt for choice. To discover the true essence of the city, I would suggest that you choose one of Padua’s traditional trattorias. Trattoria Al Prato or Antica Osteria Dal Capo offer classical Paduan dishes like bigoli pasta with duck ragù or risotto with radicchio. Whilst you’re here, indulge yourself and compliment your meal with a glass of Veneto’s famous Prosecco or a local red wine. If you’re in the mood for pizza, then Pinsa Pizzeria or Forbici Pizza serve authentic Italian pizza.

Prato della Valle

After lunch, let your food go down and take a leisurely stroll around the Prato della Valle, one of Europe’s largest public squares. This elliptical and iconic piazza features a central island surrounded by a canal, where you’ll find statues of prominent historical figures lining its perimeter. It’s a peaceful spot to sit down and relax. Tip: This is a great alternative for the evening; the light in the square at sunset is just gorgeous.

Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico)

Adjacent to the Prato della Valle, you’ll find the Orto Botanico di Padova. This is actually the world’s oldest academic botanical garden and was established in 1545, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this garden you’ll find thousands of plant species and it stands as a testament to Padua’s long-standing contributions to science and medicine. Tickets cost €10.

Evening: Embrace Padua’s Vibrant Nightlife

Aperitivo at Piazza delle Erbe

As the sun sets, one nice thing to do is to join the locals for an aperitivo at Piazza delle Erbe, one of Padua’s lively squares. Order an Aperol spritz, the region’s signature cocktail made with Prosecco and, of course, Aperol. You can always substitute the Aperol for Campari if you prefer. The square is also home to some lively markets during the day, so this is an option too.

Dinner and Gelato

For dinner, I would suggest heading to another traditional restaurant – you simply cannot have enough Italian food. Consider Osteria dei Fabbri or Enoteca dei Tadi; both of these are known outstanding food and service, along with a perfect atmosphere for an evening. If you still have room in your belly, satisfy your sweet tooth with a creamy gelato from La Romana.

Evening Stroll

End your day with a quiet, slow walk through Padua’s streets back to your hotel. The city’s medieval arcades and cobblestone alleys take on a truly magical quality at night. I think it makes for the perfect conclusion to any visit.

My Top Tips for Your Day in Padua

Local Etiquette: Embrace the Italian pace when in Padua. Take your time and learn a few basic Italian phrases to enhance your interactions with locals.

Getting Around: Padua is a compact city, making it ideal for walking. However, there are also efficient public transportation options, including buses and trams if you need them.

Tickets and Reservations: Book tickets in advance where possible. Some of the main attractions can get busy and quickly.

Best Time to Visit: Spring is my favourite time to visit as it is not too hot to get around. However, autumn is another good alternative.

Final Thoughts | A Day in Padua

One day in Padua is enough to fall in love with its artistic treasures, historical landmarks, and warm atmosphere. While the city deserves more than a single day to fully enjoy, I think that it gives you just enough time to see what the fuss is all about. Once you’re hooked, you’ll keep coming back – trust me. I hope that you found my quick guide useful and, as always, just ask if you have any questions.