Padua on a Budget: 3 Days of Charm

Experience Italian splendor without breaking the bank in Padua.

21 June 2023

Padua is a charming city in Northern Italy that offers plenty to see and do, even on a limited budget. You can explore the historic old town and its medieval monuments such as the stunning Scrovegni Chapel or take a stroll through the beautiful Botanical Gardens. When it comes to dining, Padua offers affordable options ranging from traditional trattorias to street food markets.

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Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Padua's Historic Center:

  • Check in at NH Padova, a budget-friendly hotel located near the city's main attractions.
  • Visit the Scrovegni Chapel to see Giotto's frescoes depicting the life of Christ.
  • Stop by the Orto Botanico, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, and marvel at the exotic plant species.
  • Admire the stunning architecture of Basilica di Sant'Antonio, a major pilgrimage site.
  • Walk along the picturesque riverbanks of Bacchiglione and take in the charming atmosphere of the city.
  • Satisfy your hunger at Da Gloria, a trattoria serving traditional Venetian cuisine.
Day 2

Art, Culture and Wine Tasting:

  • Enjoy a cup of espresso at Caffè Pedrocchi, a historic café that has been an institution in Padua for over 200 years.
  • Head to Palazzo della Ragione for a glimpse of the city's medieval market square and its impressive giant wooden horse sculpture.
  • Discover the works of Renaissance artists like Titian and Donatello at Musei Civici degli Eremitani.
  • Take a break from sightseeing and taste some local wines at Enoteca Obliqua.
  • Walk through the vibrant Jewish Ghetto and sample some of the best traditional Jewish pastries at Pasticceria Racca.
  • End the day with a cocktail and some live music at L'Ombra del Leone.
Day 3

Padua's Hidden Gems:

  • Marvel at the stunning mosaics at the Baptistery of the Cathedral of Padua.
  • Visit the Padua Observatory and observe the stars through a telescope.
  • Take a stroll in Prato della Valle, one of the largest and most picturesque squares in Europe.
  • Explore the picturesque streets of Quartiere Santo and admire the colorful houses and street art.
  • Have a seafood lunch at Il Calice, a cozy restaurant serving fresh seafood and local wines.
  • Finish your trip with a visit to Museo del Precinema, a museum dedicated to the history of cinema and pre-cinema technologies.
  • Padua may not be as well-known as Venice or Florence, but it has a unique charm that is worth discovering. With this 3-day itinerary, you'll be able to experience the city's rich history, culture and cuisine without breaking the bank.

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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