Planning a visit to the enchanting Padua, Italy? On this complete journey information you’ll discover all the data you should get pleasure from a memorable go to. Test it out!
Padua is without doubt one of the most historic cities in Northern Italy and it’s generally known as a cultural and tutorial cradle. Typically dubbed the aesthetic neighbor of Venice, town is well-known worldwide for the College of Padua which, based in 1222, is without doubt one of the oldest in all of Europe, and second in Italy after the College of Bologna (my metropolis!)
Padua can also be residence to the world’s most historical botanical backyard, thought of the birthplace of botanical science and horticulture. Town is perhaps small, however there are many superb issues to do in Padua! Its quite a few sights vary from museums, artwork galleries, and libraries to lovely parks, essential non secular buildings, and astounding structure.
Whereas it’s not as well-known as close by Venice and Verona, Padua is a vacation spot value visiting, and it makes for a beautiful weekend escapade. On this information, you’ll discover the whole lot you should know, from when to go to to the way to get there, one of the best issues to do in Padua, and the standard dishes you shouldn’t miss out on, so you possibly can plan the right journey.
👉 Why belief the suggestions on this information to Padua? Whereas I will not be the skilled, my household definitely is! With all of my cousins, uncles, and aunts calling Padua their residence, I’ve sourced genuine native suggestions and insights straight from them. Dive into this information and uncover Padua by means of the eyes of its true locals. It’s as near firsthand expertise as you may get with out dwelling there your self.
REASONS TO VISIT PADUA, ITALY
1. Historic metropolis filled with artwork
Padua claims the title of the oldest metropolis in Northern Italy and is believed to have been based round 1200 BC, boasting an extremely wealthy historical past. Its non secular and artwork heritage, each of that are centuries outdated, is without doubt one of the main sights in Padua, which has not solely been an essential pilgrimage website because the 1300s however additionally a cradle for the humanities and tradition.
The magnificent 14th-century frescoes of Scrovegni Chapel are sometimes credited with sparking the Italian Renaissance, and the up to date artwork scene in Padua is as thriving as ever, with frequent exhibitions and loads of museums. The well-preserved Medieval and Renaissance structure, which presents a bridge to the previous, is yet one more Padovian gem that attests to town’s inventive worth.
2. Aperol Spritz was born right here!
Beloved each in Italy and overseas, Aperol Spritz is without doubt one of the most celebrated Aperitivo drinks, and it originated within the very metropolis of Padua in 1919.
Brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri, whose father owned a liqueur firm, experimented for seven years to craft the Aperol drink, which was a direct hit in Padua and its close by cities. It wasn’t till across the Nineteen Fifties that Prosecco was launched to the combo, and the recipe has remained unchanged ever since.
3. Nice day journeys from right here
Padua is positioned within the coronary heart of the Veneto area, and it’s properly linked to the enchanting cities of Venice, Verona, Milan, and Vicenza to call a couple of. It’s additionally near the Euganean Hills, a beautiful space to go to for wine tasting, and by the Brenta River, so it’s a tremendous base to go on memorable day journeys across the area.
HOW TO GET TO PADUA
▶️ One of the simplest ways to get to town is by prepare. The prepare station in Padua is inside strolling distance of its fundamental sights, and most Northern Italian cities – and the remainder of the nation, for that matter – have frequent providers that move by means of it. The journey from Milan to Venice has its fundamental cease in Padua, which additionally connects with most cities within the Veneto area by prepare.
Stazione Centrale di Padova (Padua Central Railway Station) is the place you’ll be heading. To get your prepare tickets, you possibly can both make a purchase order on-line or get them straight on the station.
▶️ For those who resolve to start out your go to to Italy within the Veneto area, the closest worldwide airport to Padua is Venice Marco Polo Airport.
WHAT TO DO IN PADUA
I’ve beforehand written a full post about the very best things to do in Padua. Nonetheless, when you’re in a rush, right here under you’ll discover our high suggestions. Examine them out!
Go on a Strolling Tour
One of the simplest ways of getting round in Padua to admire its squares, structure, and picturesque corners is by placing on comfy sneakers and happening a strolling tour. This will provide you with an opportunity to walk alongside charming alleys and main avenues, uncover hidden gems, and make as many stops as you need to take within the vibrant ambiance.
The primary place to go wandering round is the Padua metropolis middle, often known as the college city, the place the seat of the college, Palazzo Bo, is positioned. Right here you’ll additionally discover the Padua Cathedral at Piazza Duomo, and the gorgeous Baptistery, amongst many different landmarks. It’s undoubtedly the most effective locations to go to within the metropolis.
You too can be part of a guided tour of Padua to realize a deeper understanding of its historical past and tradition.
➤ Padua: Non-public Metropolis Strolling Tour & Scrovegni’s Chapel Go to is led by a licensed information who is aware of town and its historical past just like the palm of their hand. They’ll take you and your group across the historic middle whereas recounting fascinating tales about Padua. You’ll go to the Cathedral, Erbe Sq., and entry the awe-inspiring Scrovegni Chapel. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ Padua Expertise Like a Native is a half-day tour that means that you can uncover probably the most genuine aspect of town, as you’re guided by a neighborhood. You’ll go to the nation’s largest sq., the Jewish Ghetto, and Piazza delle Erbe, all of the whereas studying concerning the metropolis’s historical past and tradition. End the journey at Caffè Pedrocchi for a standard tasting. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Marvel on the Frescoes of Scrovegni Chapel
Among the many most essential issues to see in Padua is Capella degli Scrovegni, a small and exquisite chapel constructed within the early 1300s. The chapel’s inside is utterly lined in frescoes painted by Giotto di Bandone, that are stated to have kindled the Italian Renaissance.
The work, which depict the lifetime of Jesus and the Virgin Mary by means of quite a few biblical scenes, date again to the 14th century and are properly preserved due to the cautious monitoring of the chapel’s temperature and by limiting the variety of every day guests. Tickets must be booked prematurely by means of the official web site, and value 15€ + 1€ presale price.
Go to the Botanical Backyard of Padua
Do you know the Orto Botanico di Padova, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the primary Botanical Backyard on the earth? This 236,000-square-foot (22,000-square-meter) backyard, which remains to be in its unique location, was based within the sixteenth century, and as a part of the college it’s used for medical, botanical, and different scientific research.
The backyard homes over seven thousand species, and it’s positioned proper subsequent to the Basilica of St Anthony of Padua, so you would mix each visits.
Have Espresso at Caffè Pedrocchi
Essentially the most historical café in Padua, which has been standing because the early 18th century, is Caffè Pedrocchi. This iconic location serves one in all Italy’s most well-known espresso, providing all of the classics, a couple of signature coffee-based drinks, and mouthwatering pastries (when you’re a candy lover you completely can’t skip it).
The eating rooms are elegant and stylish, and it’s an actual deal with to sit for a cup of espresso in such a flowery setting.
Piazza delle Erbe
Piazza delle Erbe is the previous market sq. of town, and it nonetheless holds a weekly market the place you should purchase contemporary produce, handicrafts, and equipment.
It was Padua’s beating coronary heart again within the day, and whereas the explanations for its significance have shifted, it continues to be a focus within the metropolis, and a gathering spot for locals and vacationers.
The sq. is surrounded by lovely buildings and busy eateries and cafés, providing a beautiful excuse to take a break out of your explorations and sit down for some time to people-watch with some nibbles or a glass of Aperol Spritz.
Examine Out Prato della Valle
Padua is a metropolis with quite a few essential places, and the checklist has room for another attraction: the most important piazza in Italy, Prato della Valle. This very aesthetic sq., which covers over one million sq. toes, has an elliptical form with a inexperienced island within the middle that’s encircled by a beautiful canal. The piazza boasts 78 statues round it, rings of walkways, and 4 avenues: it’s a hanging sight to behold!
WHERE TO EAT IN PADUA
▶️ Ristorante Boccadoro is a sublime Michelin-starred restaurant that makes a speciality of Italian fare. It’s an ideal place to indulge within the conventional dishes of the area, equivalent to Fegato alla Veneziana, Polenta alla Brace, and Bigoli al Baccalà, because it pays homage to Veneto’s delicacies. The setting is enchanting, the service is top-notch, and the meals is completely scrumptious.
▶️ Enotavola Pino is yet one more Michelin-starred eatery in Padua. This native spot focuses on pasta and seafood dishes and boasts an unimaginable wine menu. It’s each a restaurant and a bar, that includes wood-barrel tables that give it an atmospheric vibe. The restaurant, which is as widespread amongst locals as it’s with vacationers, presents indoor and out of doors seating areas.
▶️ All’Ombra della Piazza is the place to be throughout aperitivo time, because it’s the place you’ll discover probably the most scrumptious Cicchetti in Padua. The Venetian-style tapas are the star of the restaurant, however you can even order tasty pizzas and different small bites to go along with your Aperol Spritz.
ONE DAY IN PADUA ITINERARY
Visiting Padova, Italy in a single day? With this itinerary, you’ll have the ability to take a look at its fundamental sights in probably the most environment friendly manner. Your first cease shall be Prato della Valle, town’s most well-known sq..
Take snaps from each angle and stroll leisurely round it earlier than making your method to Padua’s Botanical Backyard. You would spend hours within the large gardens, particularly when you’re a botanical fanatic, so be conscious of your time!
Subsequent up is the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua (Basilica di Sant’Antonio), the place the saint’s stays are housed. The constructing has been a pilgrimage website for hundreds of years however can also be value admiring for its lovely artwork and structure.
After your go to, it’s time to take a look at the charming squares of the cities. Piazza delle Erbe is the closest to the Basilica, and it’s an ideal spot for taking a break to eat, have a cup of espresso, and people-watch.
A number of steps away is Piazza dei Signori, named after the rulers who labored and lived round it. It’s additionally the place you’ll discover the spectacular Astronomical Clock of town!
Proper subsequent to the sq., you possibly can’t miss Palazzo della Ragione, probably one of many prettiest buildings on the town. Divided into two flooring, the higher one used to deal with the city corridor whereas the bottom ground is the place town’s market corridor was positioned. Admire the frescoes in the primary corridor, after which proceed to Cappella degli Scrovegni.
Scrovegni Chapel is an absolute must- see in Padua for artwork lovers for the spectacular frescoes it boasts. You’ll must buy your tickets prematurely to make sure entry on the day of your go to!
👉 Alternatively, you can begin the day with a Padua: Private City Walking Tour & Scrovegni’s Chapel Visit, which lasts two hours and will provide you with an ideal introduction to town.
BEST DAY TRIPS FROM PADUA
For those who’re visiting Padua for a day, it is best to give attention to town’s fundamental locations to go to. In case you have extra time, nevertheless, I like to recommend taking a day journey to Venice, the close by wine nation, or happening a cruise to absorb the area’s lovely surroundings. There are a lot of locations you possibly can discover from Padua, and under you’ll discover my high suggestions.
Embark on a Wine Tour
Veneto is without doubt one of the main wine areas within the nation, which makes Padua a incredible start line to discover the world’s vineyards and wineries for sips of Veneto wine.
➤ 8-Hour Prosecco Wine and Tastings Tour from Venice or Padua is a guided tour that takes you to 2 wineries within the Prosecco DOCG space. You’ll meet the producers and be taught concerning the historical past and making of the beloved glowing wine, in addition to indulging in a tasting of 4 varieties of Prosecco. Cap off the day with lunch at a trattoria. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ Amarone Wine Tour & Tasting from Venice, Padua or Verona is a full-day journey into the Valpolicella Valley, nestled between town of Verona and Lake Garda. You’ll stroll by means of historic vineyards and be taught concerning the area’s winemaking strategies earlier than tasting Amarone and Recioto wines paired with cheese. You’ll even be handled to a standard lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Take a cruise alongside the Brenta River
The Brenta River, one of the vital essential ones in Northern Italy, performed an ideal position within the historical past of Padua. It was used for the transportation of individuals and items, and it connects Padua with Venice, which is why taking a cruise between the 2 cities is each a really pleasing exercise and a sensible method to go to town of canals!
As you glide down the river, following the route of the Venetian retailers, you’ll move by opulent villas with hanging structure, so preserve your eyes peeled!
➤ On this Full-Day Padua to Venice Burchiello Brenta Riviera Boat Cruise, you’ll hop aboard a Burchiello boat and set sail alongside the well-known river. You’ll be taught out of your information’s dwell commentary, and tour 4 totally different – and beautiful – villas alongside the best way. You’ll additionally cease within the city of Oriego to have lunch at a well-known restaurant, and end the tour in Venice. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Venice
Venice is without doubt one of the most enchanting Italian cities, and being merely 28 miles (46 km) from Padua it’d be against the law to not go to! Often known as the floating metropolis, Venice is worldwide well-known for its lovely canals, however there’s a lot extra to it than the waterways.
The structure of town is exceptional, and its historical past is equal elements eerie and interesting. You possibly can’t miss the ghost excursions when you’re into spooky issues! The native meals is mouthwatering, particularly the Cicchetti, and the close by islands of Murano and Burano are value a visit you probably have the time.
To get there you merely must make your method to Padua Central Railway Station, and take a prepare to Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia. The journey takes half-hour on the high-speed prepare, and tickets value lower than 5€.
To return, the prepare from Venice to Padua takes across the identical time, so it’s one of the best ways to make the journey.
➤ Alternatively, you possibly can be part of a Small Group Tour in Venice departing from Padua. You’ll study Venice’s historical past whereas strolling across the Cannaregio district and the Jewish Ghetto, and admire the main landmarks from up shut. You’ll additionally obtain insider tips about the place to have lunch and which café serves one of the best espresso. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Euganean Hills
The Euganean Hills, or Colli Euganei in Italian, is a gorgeous space of Veneto identified for its wine and volcanic hills, which date again to over 30 million years in the past. It’s one of the vital scenic pure places near Padua, and residential to a couple castles, so it makes for a really enjoyable day journey!
The Euganean Hills is an enormous space comprising villages which can be far and few in between, so touring there by public transportation shouldn’t be very sensible. From Padua, you would take the prepare to Abano Terme, one of many main cities, however you’ll then discover it exhausting to get round. For that reason, except you have got a automotive, I counsel becoming a member of a tour.
➤ From Padua to Arquà Petrarca, the Medieval Village is a half-day guided tour that takes you to the gorgeous village of Arquà Petrarca. You’ll go to the poet Petrarca’s home, an olive oil mill, and a producer of Venetian delicacies for a tasting. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ From Padua: Olive Oil & Wine within the Euganean Hills is a foodie’s best choice on the subject of Colli Euganei excursions. You’ll go to a neighborhood olive oil mill to study its manufacturing and revel in a tasting, after which head to a vineyard for a cellar tour and to pattern typical wines. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Verona & Lake Garda
Verona and Lake Garda mixed are the right recipe for a dream day journey – they’re two of probably the most alluring places in Northern Italy, and make for a fascinating escapade.
Verona is taken into account town of affection for being the setting of Romeo and Juliet, however its allure is completely its personal benefit, that includes lovely structure, stays of the nice Roman Empire, and a gorgeous river.
Lago di Garda is the most important lake in Italy, and it’s one of the vital sought-after locations for holidaymakers. The lake is surrounded by lovely cities that showcase a wealthy tradition, structure, and delicacies, plus distinctive views that gained’t allow you to put your digicam down.
Sirmione, Lake Garda’s hottest city, and Verona are 25 miles (40 km) away, and so they’re 79 miles (128 km) and 59 miles (95 km) from Padua respectively. You possibly can journey between the cities by the quick regional prepare, making the journey to Sirmione, which takes a little bit over an hour, then connecting to Verona. Whenever you’re able to return, take the prepare from Verona to Padua.
You possibly can examine the prepare occasions forward of time to plan your day, or else be part of a tour from Padua.
➤ This Full Day Guided Tour of Verona and Garda Lake begins with a scenic drive to Verona, the place you’ll get pleasure from a strolling tour across the metropolis as your information tells you about its historical past and main landmarks. You possibly can decide to take the funicular as much as San Pietro Hill, and after a lunch break make your method to Garda. There you’ll discover the city of Sirmione, generally known as the Pearl of Lake Garda. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Vicenza
Lesser identified than its neighbors Treviso, Venice and Verona, Vicenza is a gem within the Veneto area that’s value testing. One of many main sights in Vicenza is its structure, as town could possibly be thought of the private challenge of the well-known Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio.
In addition to the elegant, expertly designed buildings and Palladian villas, town – which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – boasts a wealthy inventive heritage and scrumptious native delicacies.
The prepare journey from Padua to Vicenza takes barely over quarter-hour, and tickets value 4.70€, so there’s actually no excuse to not go!
WHERE TO STAY IN PADUA
Staying within the metropolis in a single day? These are one of the best Padua resorts for all budgets.
BOUTIQUE HOTEL: Padova Suites C20 overlooks Piazza del Santo, providing phenomenal views from its spacious rooms. All of them function a personal rest room, a wardrobe, a kettle, and a minibar, and a few actually have a balcony. There’s a restaurant on-site as properly.
BOUTIQUE HOTEL: Officine Cavour Piazza Cavour has very fashionable lofts geared up with a kitchen, eating furnishings, a flat-screen TV, and a personal rest room with bathrobes and slippers. Bikes are rented on-site, and the property is conveniently positioned within the metropolis middle.
MID-RANGE HOTEL: B&B Casa Camilla is a captivating residence in a residential space of Padua that may make you’re feeling like a neighborhood. With conventional décor and cozy rooms, visitors may have a personal rest room, trendy facilities, and every day breakfast. Bike rental is accessible as properly.
ON A BUDGET: Casa a Colori Padova presents double, triple, and household rooms with personal loos and a terrace or balcony. The property encompasses a health middle and a restaurant, and it serves an Italian or Continental breakfast.
BEST TIME TO VISIT PADUA
The greatest time of 12 months to go to Padua is within the spring or the autumn – the shoulder seasons. Padua climate through the months of April to June and September is gentle, and although there could also be occasional wet days, the temperature ought to be adequate to spend pleasing days outdoor.
The summer time months are a great various, however you need to account for highly regarded days, and it’ll even be probably the most crowded interval.
PADUA, ITALY: FAQS
Padua, the capital metropolis of the province of Padua, may be discovered within the Veneto area, in north-eastern Italy. It’s within the middle of the area, 25 miles west of Venice.
Padua is thought for its wealthy non secular heritage, for being residence to the nation’s second-oldest college, the place Galileo Galilei taught arithmetic, for its astounding structure, and historical historical past. It’s thought of the oldest metropolis in Northern Italy!
Padua is such an fascinating metropolis, with unimaginable historical past and interesting landmarks, that I consider it’s well worth the go to. Padua is comparatively small, so you would plan a day journey there.
Sure, Padova and Padua are the identical, a captivating metropolis positioned in Northern Italy. Padova is town’s Italian identify, whereas Padua is the English model.
1 full day is sufficient to see Padua, as town is small and its sights are all shut to one another.
They’re fairly totally different. I personally choose Verona between the 2, however Padua is certainly much less crowded and fewer touristy, so it is perhaps a greater choice if that’s what you’re after.
