Padua Italy - Enchantment Awaits

Padua (Padova in Italian) is a vibrant and prosperous city with a beautifully preserved old town, gorgeous parks, and some of the best cafés and restaurants in Italy. It’s a place where history and local life blend seamlessly, yet surprisingly few tourists ever take the time to explore beyond the famous Scrovegni Chapel. That’s a real shame because Padua is packed with charm, character, and hidden treasures at every turn. Stick with me—I’ll show you why this city deserves so much more than just a quick visit!

Where to Stay in Padua

Let's start with where to stay. If you're looking for your own apartment in the heart of Padova, you can't do better than the Palazzo Bovio. The apartments have everything you need to feel right at home, and host Andrea is a goldmine of information on what to do, where to eat, etc. I loved my time here.

If you prefer a hotel stay, then the Hotel Giotto is a great alternative.

Three things put Padua on the map:

1. The first is the university, which was founded in 1222 and is one of the oldest in the world. Its location here gives the town a pleasant student town vibe and energy.
2. Then there is the 13th-century Il Santo, officially the Basilica di Sant'Antonio da Padova—and mamma mia, what a sight it is. It is the burial site of St. Anthony, and it is gorgeous: a breathtaking blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine styles, crowned with domes that seem to rise straight from a Florentine painting. Inside, you'll find remarkable frescoes by Giotto and Altichiero, plus the relics of the saint himself, all wrapped in the warm, golden glow of centuries of devotion. The chapel of the reliquaries is a treasure trove—think Vatican-level splendor, but with that understated Paduan soul. I reckon it's worth coming to Padua just to see this one basilica. No joke. It's the kind of place that makes you whisper "che bellezza" the moment you walk in. You don't have to be religious to feel something here; you just have to love Italy.
3. The other huge attraction is the 14th-century Scrovegni Chapel, featuring the world-famous frescoes by Giotto. When they say world-famous, they mean it. The colors are so vibrant, so alive; they hit you like a beautiful Italian summer. Every little detail tells a story, and Giotto? Pure genius. You walk in and your jaw just drops. It's small, intimate, and absolutely packed with emotion; you can feel the centuries of art lovers before you holding their breath in the same room. The chapel is so popular with visitors that it’s highly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during the busy summer months of July and August. You can do this through the official Chapel site.
   

Inside the Scrovegni Chapel

What else to see?

Museums & a World of Butterflies

Start your museum journey at the Museo di Arte, located in the majestic Palazzo Zuckermann. Here, you’ll find a stunning collection of Italian art spanning from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Works by famous artists like Giotto and Mantegna capture the heart of Italy’s artistic evolution, offering a glimpse into Padua’s pivotal role in art history.

If you’re intrigued by the history of Italy’s unification, the Museo del Risorgimento is a must-visit. This museum brings to life the stories and figures that shaped the modern nation, with a focus on Padua’s key role during the Risorgimento period. It’s an educational and thought-provoking experience that deepens your understanding of Italy’s past.

For those interested in science and nature, the Civico Museo di Storia Naturale is a treasure trove of fossils, minerals, and taxidermy animals. It’s a fascinating place to explore the natural world and learn about the scientific discoveries that have shaped our understanding of life on Earth.

But perhaps the most unique museum in Padua is MUSME, the Museum of the History of Medicine. Located in a historic building, MUSME delves into Padua’s long-standing legacy in the field of medicine. The interactive exhibits allow visitors to explore the evolution of medical practices, offering a captivating and educational experience.

If you have kids, like me, then I suggest that you take them to Butterfly World, where they can walk amongst 400 of the world’s most beautiful butterflies. They claim it is one of the biggest butterfly parks in the world—can't say if that is true, though. The other Veneto butterfly park in Santorso claims the same thing.

Parks, Markets and Gardens

You must visit the fabulous Botanical Garden of Padua; it is one of the oldest in the world, established in 1545, and is a fascinating way to spend a few hours. The garden is not only a beautiful place to explore but also an important scientific landmark. It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its historical significance in the study of plants and botanical sciences. As you stroll through its lush, vibrant spaces, you'll discover an incredible variety of plant species, from medicinal plants to rare and exotic ones.

There is also the Prato delle Valle. I'm not sure how to describe the Prato delle Valle; it's sort of a huge piazza/park with 78 statues of famous people dating back to the 18th century.  A lovely spot to relax and watch the world pass by.

I am sure you will love the outdoor market next door to the magnificent 12th-century Palazzo della Ragione (which is also a must see). The market is amazing; it has an outdoor section selling clothes, bags, etc., where you are sure to find a great bargain. I have bought some lovely bags and outfits here. Then there is the indoor section filled with gourmet delights. Join me in the video below for a walk through the food section of the market.

Details of all these places and useful maps of Padua can be found at the local tourist office, next to the main station. For more photos and info about the city click here.

Where to Eat?

Trattoria San Pietro at Via S. Pietro 95 and the Osteria Ai Scarponi in Via Cesare Battisti 138 are great options. They are both tiny little restaurants, and you'll need to book because they are hugely popular with locals. It is, however, worth the effort: the food is excellent, and both serve all of the most popular and always delicious local dishes, prepared with only the freshest ingredients.

Getting Around Padua 

Padua has a good public transport network, and if you are spending more than 48 hours in the town, get the Padova Card, which costs from €23 upwards, depending on how long you want it for. The card allows you unlimited use of public transport and free entrance to the Scrovegni Chapel and twelve museums in the town. You can get it from the tourist office or from most hotels.

One last thing, or two, to do...

Take a boat trip on the Brenta; it isn't a low-budget outing, but it is an interesting and enjoyable day out with plenty to see, plus you get a discount if you have the Padova Card.

Then, of course, there are the famous spas near here, so why not go in for a little pampering? Have a look at our spa guide for more.