Things to do in Padova

Activities, attractions and tours

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Padova showing food
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Photo provided by Expedia
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Top places to visit

1. Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua

Experience the grandeur of the Basilica di Sant’Antonio di Padova, an internationally revered pilgrimage site dating back to the 13th century. Byzantine-style domes crown this architecturally rich building. Inside you’ll find a series of artworks and the golden reliquary of St. Anthony. The basilica is not Padua’s main cathedral, but “Il Santo” has worldwide acclaim as being one of the Holy See’s eight international shrines.
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Basilica di Sant\'Antonio da Padova showing a church or cathedral, night scenes and heritage architecture

2. Scrovegni Chapel

Scrovegni Chapel is known all over the world for its stunning interior covered in elaborate frescoes created by the master painter Giotto. Be amazed by the scale and detail of these gorgeous artworks. Afterward, explore the pretty park in which the chapel stands. The grounds are perfect for a walk and are also home to the ruins of a Roman arena.
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Scrovegni Chapel featuring heritage elements, interior views and a church or cathedral

3. University of Padova

Founded in 1222, the University of Padova has long been developing the young minds of Italy. Much of the campus lies within the 16th-century Palazzo Bo in the heart of the city. Join a guided tour of the palace for an introduction to the historic institution where Galileo was a tutor.
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Palazzo del Bò showing heritage elements and interior views

4. Prato della Valle

The Prato della Valle is one of the most distinctive public spaces in all of Europe, notable not only for its vast size but also for the large number of statues that occupy it. With 78 stone figures dotted around the square and many elegant historic buildings lining the streets, this is a wonderful place to get an insight into Padova’s long history as a cultural and architectural hub. Come here on a sunny afternoon to watch locals strolling around the square and relaxing on the grassy island in the middle. Allow time to stop at one of the cafés surrounding the Prato della Valle and to study the beautiful and fascinating marble statues.
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Prato della Valle featuring a river or creek, a bridge and a statue or sculpture

5. Pedrocchi Cafe

Padova is home to so many historic treasures that it is hard to pick out the most significant, but the ornate Pedrocchi Café has to be one of them. This opulent café has been open for many generations. Come here to sip its signature mint-flavored coffee in the sumptuous rooms where George Sand, Stendhal and many others once did the very same. Head upstairs to experience culture in the Risorgimento Museum.
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Pedrocchi Cafe featuring a city, heritage architecture and night scenes

What to do in Padova

Popular places to visit

Basilica di Sant\'Antonio da Padova showing a church or cathedral, night scenes and heritage architecture

Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua

4.5/5(27 reviews)

Romanesque and Byzantine architecture meld together in the monumental façade of this superb basilica, which was built in the years following St. Anthony’s death.

Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua
Scrovegni Chapel featuring heritage elements, interior views and a church or cathedral

Scrovegni Chapel

4.5/5(229 reviews)

See some of Giotto’s finest frescoes in person in the breathtakingly beautiful interior of this 14th-century church, which stands in a scenic park.

Scrovegni Chapel
Palazzo del Bò showing heritage elements and interior views

University of Padova

4.5/5(43 reviews)

Follow in the footsteps of former tutor Galileo at Italy’s second-oldest university and marvel at the very old permanent anatomical theater and botanical garden.

University of Padova
Padua Cathedral featuring heritage elements, a church or cathedral and interior views

Padua Cathedral

Padua Cathedral is just one of the places to see in Padova, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While you're in the area, find time to visit its stunning cathedral.

Padua Cathedral
Prato della Valle featuring a river or creek, a bridge and a statue or sculpture

Prato della Valle

Embrace Padova’s rich cultural past at one of Europe’s largest city squares, a historic spot filled with nearly 80 beautiful statues.

Prato della Valle
Pedrocchi Cafe featuring a city, heritage architecture and night scenes

Pedrocchi Cafe

4/5(11 reviews)

Take a truly unique coffee break in this ornate café. Over the centuries it has played a role in attempted revolutions and hosted writers such as George Sand.

Pedrocchi Cafe
Church of the Eremitani which includes a church or cathedral and interior views

Church of the Eremitani

4.5/5(20 reviews)

Visit this bright and airy 13th-century church to discover medieval treasures that were spared from bombardment during World War II.

Church of the Eremitani
Piazza dei Signori featuring a city, a square or plaza and heritage elements

Piazza dei Signori

Browse the stores, enjoy flavorful foods and take photos of the many historic buildings in this beautiful square, one of Padova’s most striking.

Piazza dei Signori
Padua Botanical Garden showing a garden and interior views

Padua Botanical Garden

The world’s first academic botanical garden is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed treasure, preserved in its original design with historic architecture.

Padua Botanical Garden

Areas of Padova

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City Center Padova

Unique features of City Center Padova include the historical sites and cafes. Make a stop by Piazza dei Signori or Piazza delle Erbe while you're exploring the area.

City Center Padova
Historic Centre featuring shopping and signage

Historic Centre

4.5/5(30 area reviews)

Delve into Padova’s compact historic heart and find a remarkable collection of architectural and cultural landmarks, connected by twisting cobbled streets and broad piazzas.

Historic Centre
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Arcella

While Arcella may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Palazzo di Giustizia di Padova and Scrovegni Chapel.

Arcella
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Guizza

Though Guizza may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Museo Naturalistico di Villa Beatrice and Prato della Valle.

Guizza
Abano Terme

Abano Terme

Photo "Legnaro" by Mario Penner (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Mario Penner (CC BY)

Legnaro

Frequently asked questions

Is Padova worth visiting?
Providing a mix of bars and pubs and walking trails, there's no shortage of things to do in Padova. While you're here, visit Catajo Castle, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Padova?
Start your day with a visit to Catajo Castle and La Specola Observatory. Then, tour different parts of Padova for local restaurants and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Padova?
The top tourist attraction in Padova is Catajo Castle, so make sure to include it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Padova?
Three days in Padova is enough to visit the city's major highlights. Many travellers spend two days on average. La Specola Observatory, Basilica Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta and MUSME are highly rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Venice.
Is Padova a walkable city?
It all depends on what you plan to see and do in Padova. Several top attractions, such as La Specola Observatory and Basilica Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Padova's best neighbourhoods, Historic Centre is 0.48 kilometres away from downtown, while City Centre Padova is 0.16 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Padova with kids?
Planning what to do in Padova with kids has never been easier. Whether you're getting away with little ones or teenagers, there are lots of family-friendly attractions to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Padova for adults?
Azienda Vitivinicola Vigna Roda and Loggia della Gran Guardia are just a couple of the things to do in Padova. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Padova?
From enjoying parks to strolling around exciting neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Padova. If you're looking for inspiration, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Basilica Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta is a must for anyone wanting to save on their travelling adventures.