If you’re traveling in Italy and wondering, “Is Padua worth visiting?” I’ve got answers! This northern Italian city is part of the Veneto region, so it’s near Venice, Verona, and other popular attractions in Italy.
Padua itself is full of history, charming canals, and the true feel of an authentic Northern Italy small city. It’s never overrun with tourists and doesn’t appear on too many Italy itineraries, but what it lacks in tourism it makes up for with a plethora of wonderful things to do in Padua.
Enjoy incredible open-air nightlife, gorgeous cobblestoned streets, old-world architecture, and delicious coffee.
So, let me set the record straight, Padua is worth visiting if you’re into authentic, less touristy destinations. Here are the best things to do in Padua, Italy in one day or more.
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Things to know about Padua
Padua is a charming city steeped in history and culture. As one of the oldest cities in northern Italy, it’s full of rich heritage dating back to ancient Roman times.
With its history in mind, you’ll be able to see many well-preserved landmarks, such as the Basilica di Sant’Antonio and the University of Padua, one of the oldest universities in the world.
Padua is a captivating destination for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the authentic essence of Italian culture.
Note! When doing your travel research, you will see the name of the city written as both Padua and Padova. Padova is the Italian way to write the city and Padua is English. In this guide, I go back and forth by saying things to do in Padova, Italy AND things to do in Padua – it’s the same place, so don’t worry. 🙂
Venice to Padua is also a popular day trip idea. So, whether you are spending a weekend in Padua or planning an easy Venice to Padua day trip, this itinerary will help you see the best of the city.
If you want to do a Padua day trip from Venice, this full day boat tour is a convenient way to do so. So, let’s get into it – Is Padua worth visiting?
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Is Padua worth visiting? Why base your trip in Padua
One of the best things about Padua from a tourist’s perspective is that it’s an excellent place to base your trip to the Veneto region of Italy.
Veneto is the region of Italy home to destinations like Venice, Verona, Lago di Garda, and even part of the Dolomites mountain range. Venice is actually VERY close by.
You can take the fast train from Padua to Venice and get to Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia in just 26 minutes. Getting to Padua from Venice is so fast and simple.
If you want to go from Padua to Verona, the average train ride is 44 minutes.
Plus, you’ll find great accommodation in Padua for cheaper rates than you’d find in Venice and Verona.
When I was in Padua, I rented a car with DiscoverCars and drove to the Dolomites, and it was one of my favorite parts of my time in northern Italy. Here’s a fantastic round-up of the best things to do in the Dolomites.
If you rent a car in Italy, you’ll definitely be able to see more of the Veneto region and easily take day trips from Padua.
Best things to do in Padua, Italy
Follow this Padua itinerary to make the most of your time in this Northern Italian gem! Here are the best things to do in Padua, Italy.
Piazza delle Erbe & Piazza della Frutta
Begin your journey at Piazza delle Erbe, a bustling square teeming with vibrant market stalls, local vendors, and the lively pulse of Paduan life. The beautiful Palazzo della Ragione separates Piazza delle Erbe from Piazza della Frutta – both are must-see when it comes to things to do in Padua.
Ever since the Middle Ages, both piazze have been the commercial center of the city. Combined they make up one of the largest markets in Italy.
You can see both beautiful piazze by walking around the palace or by taking one of the passageways – Volto della Corda and Via Squarcione.
Piazza delle Erbe has a central fountain, historic architecture, and a slightly less bustling atmosphere compared to Piazza della Frutta – which is full of fruit and veggie vendors.
There are also numerous bars, restaurants, and shops that surround both.
Steampower Specialty Coffee & Breakfast Brunch
I’m a sucker for a good cup of coffee and a pastry. Of course, this is Italy and those luxuries are commonplace. Nonetheless, you can find a trendy place for breakfast and coffee in Padua right on Piazza delle Erbe at Steampower.
We sat on the square taking advantage of their outdoor seating options. You can also sit inside or under the shaded walkway by the entrance to the cafe.
What’s nice is that they also have some of the best cocktails in Padua. I’ve had an Aperol spritz and an espresso martini from Steampower and both were delicious.
The restaurant is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. most days, but stays open until 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Porta Portello
Step back in time as you stroll through Porta Portello, one of Padua’s historic gateways dating back to the early 1500s. This is one of my favorite things to see in Padua, Italy.
This iconic landmark offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history and medieval past, with its imposing architecture and Istrian stone.
Plus, it’s right on River Bacchiglione and there is a nice cobbled walking path.
When visiting Porta Portello, you’ll probably notice that it’s in a university area. So, you’ll have institutes, budget-friendly bars and restaurants, and a youthful energy here.
Also, I prefer to see the bridge from the Via del Portello side. The cobbled streets and the squared archway look gorgeous from here. See the photos above for inspiration.
Canale Piovego
For a lovely walk and chance to see more of Padova, wander along the picturesque banks of Canale Piovego. This canal was dug in 1209 as a way to connect Padua to the Brenta River
This scenic waterway winds its way through the edge of Padua’s historic center. The paths along the canal are very leafy and shaded and the homes that surround them look really picturesque.
You’ll also find a lot of accommodation options in this area.
Piazza del Santo & Basilica di Sant'Antonio
Bult in the 1200s, the small Piazza del Santo is home to the grand Basilica di Sant’Antonio. This is one of the best things to see in Padua.
The basilica is beautifully unique with brick Romanesque characteristics, hints of Gothic with its nine chapels and high-pointed arches.
Feel free to walk inside and pay homage to Saint Anthony, a beloved figure in Paduan history.
Prato della Valle
Close to Piazza del Santo, you’ll find the unique square of Prato della Valle. It is not only the largest square in Italy but one of the largest in Europe.
A canal with old-world bridges and Renaissance sculptures surround a grassy space at its center. The outer edges are filled with pedestrians, vendors, local events, and more.
As for those sculptures, it’s actually 78 life-size marble statues of spiritual beings and leaders of the 18th century.
I’ve never seen a plaza quite like Prato della Valle, and that’s why it’s one of my favorite reasons when answering questions like “Is Padua worth visiting?” Yes, totally!
There are so many free things to do in Padua that make it such a nice place to visit, whether as a base or Venice to Padua day trip.
Caffetteria Manin
If you want a quintessentially Italian coffee experience, head to Caffetteria Manin. This charming café has a traditional feel with a coffee counter and a selection of fresh croissants and other pastries.
They also sell their own coffee, so it makes for a lovely souvenir from your trip to Italy.
Enjoy the experience like a local and order your coffee at the bar and enjoy it at the bar, too. You can say un cappuccino, per favore if you like milk in your coffee. Otherwise, un caffè is an express or un caffè lungo is more of an americano, drip-style coffee.
Besides, Padua is a great city to practice ordering coffee in Italian.
Giardini dell'Arena
Right next to the water, Giardini dell’Arena is one of my favorite places to visit in Padua to relax, read, and even enjoy an afternoon Aperol spritz.
The gardens are dotted with seating areas and the onsite Bar Arena serves light bites and drinks.
The gardens are also home to numerous events, concerts, and even local nightlife – easily one of the best things to do in Padua, Italy.
Gelato at Gelateria Gnam Gnam
For health-focused gelato using fine ingredients, Gelateria Gnam Gnam has some amazing gelato in Padova. It’s at the heart of the city center near Piazza delle Erbe.
Choose between a cone or a cup and then you have a choice of tons of flavors – some are even vegan. There’s lemon, pistachio (my go-to), chocolate, fior di latte, and sooo much more.
The gelateria is open late most days, so whether you want an afternoon or post-dinner treat, this is one of my favorites.
The Coffee Box
For another spot to get coffee in Padua as well as a light lunch, smoothies, sandwiches, and other drinks, I recommend The Coffee Box. It’s near the main shopping streets of Padua.
Nearby you’ll see The North Face, Mango, and more localized boutique shops. If you want to shop on your trip, this is a good area to be in.
Historic walks in Padua
So much of Padua feels like time has stood still, and it’s part of what makes it such a beautiful place to visit in Italy.
Whether by day or night, walks through the city center of Padua are ones full of cobbled streets, historic relics, and hidden gems. I highly recommend you allow yourself to meander around when you stay in Padua. Book a Padua walking tour to truly get to know the ins and out of the city and its rich history. I also like this walking tour, which let’s see you experience Padova like a local.
Other Padua things to do
Where to Stay in Padua, Italy
Make the most of your trip to the Veneto region of Italy by basing your stay in Padua. Here are some of the best hotels in Padua.
La Boheme – stay right on the canale in this cozy vacation rental. This is the best option for an intimate, authentic stay. It even has a little balcony that overlooks the water.
Hotel Casa del Pellegrino – for a cozy and affordable stay in the city center with a great breakfast spread. This is one of the most popular hotels in Padova.
Casa Giotto – stay in a traditional home with upscale notches in a stunning location
Hotel Al Cason – just outside of the city center but closer to the train. This is one of the best budget-friendly hotels in Padua.
FAQ about Padova, Italia
Here are some of the most common questions I’ve seen about visiting Padua.
What is special about Padua?
Padua is home to Italy’s largest square, Prato della Valle. It’s unique for its life-size statues that surround the canal and bridges of this beautiful plaza.
How far is Padua from Venice?
You can get to Padua from Venice by train in just 26 minutes. You will take the train from Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia in Venice.
Is Padua worth a day trip? And is Padua worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you are tired of bustling destinations like Verona and Venice. Padua is a university city with an authentic “people live here” kind of vibe. If you want to experience that during your trip to Italy, definitely visit and follow these Padua itinerary recommendations.
How many days do you need in Padua?
Padua in one day is very doable! However, if you want to use the city as the base for part of your northern Italy trip, then stay longer. You can take day trips into Venice and Verona. Plus, you can also reach Lago di Garda (better with a car) and the Dolomites as day trips from Padua.
Are you traveling to southern Italy on your trip? If so, here are the absolute best things to do in Rome.
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Thank you for sharing this information.
You’re so welcome! I hope it’s been helpful. Happy travels!