Things to do in Padua

Things to do in  Padua

The taming of the view

Padua was catapulted into the limelight by UNESCO’s recent recognition of the city’s Scrovegni Chapel as a World Heritage Site. Art lovers have been drawn here to admire Giotto’s showstopping fresco cycle for centuries, however, and the city’s attractive old town is home to a collection of lovely squares and historic cafés bustling with students from the local university. Pilgrims are drawn to the Basilica of St. Anthony, and boat cruises and bike tours along the Riviera di Brenta also top the list of the most popular things to do.

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Top 8 attractions in Padua

#1

Scrovegni Chapel (Cappella degli Scrovegni)

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Padua is home to one of Italy’s greatest treasures of medieval art: the Scrovegni Chapel (Cappella degli Scrovegni). Decorated with an exquisite early-14th-century fresco cycle by Giotto—considered a masterpiece of Western art—the chapel was restored in 2002, and the frescoes were returned to their original magnificence.More
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#2

Prato della Valle

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The largest square in Italy isn’t in Rome or Florence, but in the charming northern city of Padua. A turn through the oval-shaped Prato della Valle, considered one of the most beautiful public spaces in Italy, to admire its grassy central island encircled by an elegant statue-lined canal, is a must while visiting Padua.More
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#3

Villa Pisani

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Villa Pisani is considered the queen of the magnificent villas built between the 16th and 18th centuries by wealthy Venetians along the Brenta Riviera, and its original 114 rooms were an homage to its owner, the 114th Doge of Venice. Take a day trip from Venice to admire the sumptuous architecture and vast gardens.More
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#4

Abano Terme

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Italy has a host of hot springs, many used as natural thermal baths since ancient Roman times. Among these historic spa destinations is the town of Abano Terme, the largest hot spring resort in Europe. Take a relaxing day trip from Venice to visit Abano Terme, set in the Euganean Hills with natural thermal waters as hot as 176°F (80°C).More
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#5

Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua (Basilica di Sant'Antonio di Padova)

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Topped by soaring domes and spires, the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua (Basilica di Sant'Antonio di Padova) is the most important church in the city and is visited by pilgrims from across the globe. With its mix of Romanesque, Byzantine, and Gothic architecture, and rounded domes reminiscent of St. Mark’s Basilica in nearby Venice, this church is one of Padua’s top attractions.More
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#6

Villa dei Vescovi

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Perched in the scenic Euganean Hills outside Padua, Villa dei Vescovi was built in the 16th century as a summer retreat for the city’s bishops. Today, the stately villa and its grounds are owned by Italy’s National Trust (FAI), and its frescoed halls and walled garden offer a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Renaissance elite.More
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#7

History of Medicine Museum of Padova (MUSME Padova)

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This interactive museum in Padua explores the evolution of medical science and humanity's knowledge of the body from ancient times to today through multimedia exhibits, videos, and themed displays. Learn about the history of medicine by visiting the museum’s six halls and anatomical theater.More
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#8

Brenta Riviera

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Brenta del Riviera is an ancient waterway that connects the Italian cities of Padua and Venice and is lined with the opulent second homes of Venice’s noble families—a perfect spot far enough away to enjoy a countryside atmosphere but close enough to return quickly to Venice.More
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Explore Padua by interest

Top activities in Padua

Full-Day Padua to Venice Burchiello Brenta Riviera Boat Cruise
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Full-Day Padua to Venice Burchiello Brenta Riviera Boat Cruise

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$146.05
From Padua, Wine Tour in the Euganean Hills
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From Padua, Wine Tour in the Euganean Hills

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$147.14
Padua: 2-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour

Padua: 2-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour

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$136.24
Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Padua

Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Padua

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$162.40
Live Padua as a local

Live Padua as a local

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$76.29
Tour to the Venetian Villas and the Brenta Riviera
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Tour to the Venetian Villas and the Brenta Riviera

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$103.54
From Padua, Full Day guided Tour of Verona and Garda Lake
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From Padua, Full Day guided Tour of Verona and Garda Lake

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$201.63
From Abano Montegrotto Olive Oil & Wine in the Euganean Hills

From Abano Montegrotto Olive Oil & Wine in the Euganean Hills

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$98.09
City Sightseeing Padua Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing Padua Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

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$16.35
Small-group Street food tour in Padua

Small-group Street food tour in Padua

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$97.00
Lasagne Bolognese cooking and eating with Francesco

Lasagne Bolognese cooking and eating with Francesco

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$98.09
Private Padua Highlights Tour including Scrovegni Chapel and St Antonio Basilic
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Private Padua Highlights Tour including Scrovegni Chapel and St Antonio Basilic

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$346.59
From Padua: Olive Oil & Wine in the Euganean Hills
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From Padua: Olive Oil & Wine in the Euganean Hills

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$147.14
Italian Pizza Cooking Class with Chef Francesco in Padova

Italian Pizza Cooking Class with Chef Francesco in Padova

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$98.09
Cesarine: Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class in Padua

Cesarine: Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class in Padua

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$147.14
Private Wine and Olive Oil Tour in Padua with Thermal Baths

Private Wine and Olive Oil Tour in Padua with Thermal Baths

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$223.35
Private Gnocchi Cooking Class with Professional Chef in Padova

Private Gnocchi Cooking Class with Professional Chef in Padova

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$98.09
Transfer from Padova to Venice City Airport/Port or v.v.

Transfer from Padova to Venice City Airport/Port or v.v.

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Palladian villas, Foscari La Malcontenta, Emo, Barbaro, UNESCO World Heritage

Palladian villas, Foscari La Malcontenta, Emo, Barbaro, UNESCO World Heritage

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Private transfer, chauffeur service, from Padua to Venice Marco Polo airport

Private transfer, chauffeur service, from Padua to Venice Marco Polo airport

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$66.86
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All about Padua

When to visit

Sidestep the tourist crowds and muggy heat of summer in Padua and visit in the spring instead. Planning a trip between mid-April and mid-June is usually a good bet for pleasant temperatures and sun-drenched days. Film buffs flock to Padua in June for the River Film Festival, dedicated to international short films. Sherwood Festival (usually from June–July) is another big draw with live music, film screenings, sports events, and lively debates.

Getting around

Padua’s compact historic center is small enough to explore on foot, but if you prefer, there are great public transportation options, too. The tram network links the north to the south of the city and accepts contactless payments. Traveling by bus is also an efficient way to discover the city and its suburbs. It’s easy to pick up tickets in front of bus/train stations and also from local newsagents/tobacco shops (tabacchi).

Traveler tips

Avoid the mass-produced souvenir stalls and unearth some antique Italian treasures by taking a stroll along Via del Santo, toward the art museum of Palazzo Zabarella. Here you can find shops selling vintage and secondhand clothing, as well as rare books, antiques, and jewelry. Break up your shopping with a pit stop at a favorite local wine bar—Enoteca Severino Padova.

Attractions
8
Tours
145
Reviews
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People Also Ask

What is Padua, Italy, known for?

Known for its Renaissance frescoes and Roman ruins, the charming city of Padua is also home to Italy’s largest square—Prato della Valle. This northern Italian gem’s most famous sight is Scrovegni Chapel, but travelers also come here to visit the popular pilgrimage location of the Basilica of St. Anthony.

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Is Padua worth visiting?

Yes, Padua is worth visiting—especially if you’re interested in art, history, and architecture. It has fewer crowds than the nearby tourist hot spots of Venice and Verona but boasts its own medley of historical landmarks. On top of this, it offers beautiful squares, cafés, and a vibrant food scene.

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What are the most popular things to do in Padua?

Padua visitors typically make a beeline for its religious sites, such as the Basilica of St. Anthony and Scrovegni Chapel, famed for having 14th-century frescoes by painter Giotto. Another essential Padua experience is having a coffee at the historic Pedrocchi Café, which dates back to the 18th century.

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How long should you spend in Padua?

Two days allow you to leisurely explore the highlights of Padua. However, if you’re short on time, then it’s a manageable day trip if you’re catching a train from Bologna, Florence, Milan, Venice, or Verona. Plan wisely and you can see many of its top landmarks in a day.

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What is the difference between Padua and Padova?

There is no difference between Padua and Padova. They both refer to the same place—a picturesque city that’s situated in northeast Italy’s Veneto region. “Padova” is the Italian translation of the city’s name, while Padua is how the city is referred to in English and other languages.

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Is Padua a beautiful city?

Yes, Padua is a beautiful city. You can see the medieval frescoes of Scrovegni Chapel, take a boat trip on the Riviera del Brenta canal, or stroll through one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens. It’s also home to plenty of photogenic squares—such as Piazza dei Signori.

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