Padua, Italy: 5 Days of Family-Friendly Fun!

Padua: Your Family's Gateway to Italian Charm

19 July 2023

A trip to Padua, Italy promises a fulfilling family vacation filled with culture, history, and fun activities for all. Visitors can explore the renowned University of Padua, stroll through the picturesque Prato della Valle square, and marvel at the impressive frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel. Families can also enjoy a delightful bike ride along the Brenta River, visit the interactive children's museum called MUSME, and indulge in delicious gelato at the charming cafes dotted across the city.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Adventures in Ancient Padua

  • Begin your day with a hearty breakfast of fluffy pastries and strong coffee at Caffè Pedrocchi, a legendary café that has been serving locals since 1831.
  • Explore the oldest university botanical garden in the world, Orto Botanico di Padova, and immerse yourself in the lush greenery and fragrant blooms.
  • Marvel at the intricate frescoes adorning the Cappella degli Scrovegni, painted by the masterful Giotto in the 14th century.
  • Wander through the vibrant Piazza delle Erbe, where a lively market offers a sensory overload of colorful fruits, vegetables, and aromatic spices.
  • End your day with a leisurely gondola ride along the serene canals of Padua, as your gondolier regales you with tales of the city's rich history.
Day 2

Culinary Delights in Padua

  • Treat your taste buds to a mouthwatering lunch at Trattoria da Remigio, a humble trattoria serving traditional Venetian cuisine.
  • Indulge in a shopping spree along Via Umberto I, where charming boutiques and local artisans offer unique treasures to bring back home.
  • Visit the majestic Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua, a sacred place where pilgrims flock to pay homage to the beloved saint.
  • Sample delectable bites of cicchetti, a Venetian version of tapas, at Osteria dal Capo, while sipping on a glass of crisp Prosecco.
  • Wrap up your day with a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Prato della Valle, the largest square in Italy, and take in the bustling atmosphere.
Day 3

Art and Culture Galore

  • Explore the magnificent Palazzo della Ragione, a medieval palace with the largest roof unsupported by columns in Europe, and marvel at its stunning frescoes.
  • Immerse yourself in the renowned Galleria dell'Accademia, which houses a remarkable collection of Italian Renaissance art.
  • Unleash your inner bookworm at Libreria Acqua Alta, a peculiar bookstore where books are stacked in gondolas, bathtubs, and even a gondola-shaped staircase.
  • Enjoy a peaceful picnic in the Parco Regionale dei Colli Euganei, a lush regional park with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Delight in a dinner of delectable handmade pasta at Ristorante Al Capitello, a charming spot tucked away in a medieval courtyard.
Day 4

Hidden Gems of Padua

  • Discover the enchanting Oratorio di San Michele, a small chapel adorned with vibrant frescoes depicting scenes from the New Testament.
  • Dive into the strange and fascinating world of antique medical tools and anatomical wax models at the Museo di Anatomia Patologica.
  • Take a leisurely bike ride along the ancient city walls, enjoying the fresh air and panoramic views.
  • Pay a visit to the historic Café Pedrocchi once again, this time for an afternoon pick-me-up of their famous mint-infused hot chocolate.
  • Explore the charming streets and canals of the picturesque district of Prato della Valle, where colorful houses create a vibrant backdrop.
Day 5

Relaxation and Reflection

  • Take a day trip to the nearby picturesque town of Arquà Petrarca, where Petrarch, the father of humanism, spent his final years.
  • Spend a lazy afternoon soaking in the healing thermal waters at Terme Euganee, a renowned spa in the heart of the Euganean Hills.
  • Indulge in a leisurely lunch at Osteria La Botta, a cozy trattoria known for its hearty regional cuisine and extensive wine selection.
  • Visit the peaceful Cloister of Santa Maria della Grazie, a hidden gem where you can find reprieve from the bustling city.
  • Enjoy a leisurely evening stroll along the scenic riverbanks of the Bacchiglione River, watching as the sun sets over the charming cityscape of Padua.

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.

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