Weekend Wanderlust: 3 Days in Padua, Italy

Discover the beauty and culture of Padua, Italy's underrated gem.

22 April 2023

As a tourist, a trip to Padua, Italy would be a delightful opportunity to discover the beautiful architecture of the city. Visitors can roam around the elegant Piazza dei Signori, gaze at the ornate frescoes of the Scrovegni Chapel, and tour the world-renowned Padua Botanical Garden. Food connoisseurs can also indulge in the delicious local cuisine while admiring the beauty of the city.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Rediscovering Padua

  • Stay at the charming Hotel Al Cason, a stone's throw away from the city centre's vibrant markets and cafes.
  • Sip on an espresso as you stroll along the Piazza della Frutta, stopping to sample the local produce.
  • Marvel at the sheer size of the Basilica di Sant'Antonio and light a candle for good measure.
  • Indulge in classic northern Italian cuisine at the Osteria al Duomo, famous for its pork infused dishes.
  • End the evening with a glass of Prosecco in the warm ambiance of the Bellini bar.
Day 2

Unraveling the Renaissance

  • Enjoy a sophisticated breakfast at the Galleria Caffè Pedrocchi, dating back to 1831, named after the prominent literary circle that once gathered there.
  • Visit the Palazzo della Ragione, a medieval building turned exhibition centre, home to several exhibitions annually.
  • Stroll down the Prato della Valle, one of Europe's largest public squares, bequeathed with an impressive Francesco Maria da San'ta'Angelo statue.
  • Savour Padua's signature dish of bigoli pasta with duck sauce at the famous Mascareta restaurant.
  • Spend the evening at the historic Teatro Verdi for a night of cultural indulgence.
Day 3

Padua's Wonders

  • Take a boat trip along the waterways of the Horti Leonini garden, pausing only to enamour yourself with the beautiful surroundings.
  • Pay a visit to the Caffè Pedrocchi's second floor, now functioning as a historical museum.
  • Explore Padua's less-explored gems, including the Santa Maria dei Servi church and the Oratorio di San Rocco.
  • Finally, indulge in crispy miniature pizzas called “pizzette” and creamy mozzarella at the Fratelli Bandiera Pizzeria.
  • Finish your trip with a visit to the Spazio Museale Pino Pascali showcasing modern and contemporary art.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Padua, Italy by plane is to fly to Venice Marco Polo Airport and then take a train to Padua. There are direct train services from the airport to Padua that take approximately 30-40 minutes.

Car

If you are driving to Padua, take the A4 motorway from Milan or Venice and exit at Padova Est. From there, follow the signs to the city center. Be aware that Padua has a limited traffic zone (ZTL), where access is restricted to certain hours and days.

Train

If you are already in Italy, the best way to get to Padua by train is to take a regional train from Venice, Milan, or Bologna. Padua has its own central train station called Padova Centrale, which is well connected to other major cities in Italy.

Boat

Padua is an inland city and not accessible by boat. The nearest port is Venice, where you can take a train or bus directly to Padua.

Bus

The best way to get to Padua by bus is to take a coach from Venice or Florence. There are several coach companies offering direct and indirect services to Padua, and the journey time varies depending on the route you choose.

Destination

Padua

Located just a stone's throw away from a certain famous city with a leaning tower, Padua offers travelers the chance to experience the charm and culture of Italy without having to dodge crowds of selfie-stick wielding tourists at every corner. Plus, their gnocchi game is on point.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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