Discover Padua's Best on a Budget: A 5-Day Guide

Discover the charm of Padua without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Padua, located in northern Italy, is a cultural and artistic hub famous for its quaint streets, ancient architecture and lively student population. On a limited budget, visitors can explore the city's historic center, home to the stunning Scrovegni Chapel, Piazza delle Erbe and the iconic Prato della Valle. Along with these, affordable Italian cuisine, local wine and numerous free public parks make Padua an ideal destination for budget-conscious travelers.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arriving in Padua

  • Check into the Hotel Europa, a budget hotel with comfortable rooms and friendly staff
  • Stroll through the Piazza delle Erbe, a bustling square filled with markets and street performers
  • Visit the Basilica di Sant'Antonio, a stunning church with beautiful architecture and impressive artwork
  • Relax in the Prato della Valle, a large park with green spaces and picturesque canals
  • Enjoy a traditional dinner of risotto and wine at Trattoria Meneghina, a cozy restaurant with a warm atmosphere
Day 2

Discovering Padua

  • Explore the Palazzo della Ragione, a historic palace with grand halls and stunning frescoes
  • See the Orto Botanico di Padova, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world with over 7,000 plant species
  • Visit the Musei Civici agli Eremitani, a museum containing priceless artifacts from ancient civilizations
  • Take a leisurely cruise along the Bacchiglione River, admiring the scenic views of the city
  • Indulge in a sweet treat at Caffè Pedrocchi, a prestigious café known for its delicious pastries and coffee
Day 3

Cultural Immersion

  • Attend a performance at the Teatro Verdi, a beautiful theater with excellent acoustics and impressive productions
  • Learn about the history of Jewish life in Padua at the Museo Ebraico di Padova, a museum filled with fascinating exhibits and artifacts
  • Join a guided tour of the Cappella degli Scrovegni, a stunning chapel adorned with frescoes by Giotto
  • Wander through the streets of the Jewish Quarter, admiring the stunning architecture and learning about the local culture
  • Try the traditional dish of baccalà alla vicentina at Osteria Dal Capo, a cozy restaurant with friendly staff and excellent food
Day 4

Day Tripping

  • Take a day trip to Venice, a stunning city with breathtaking canals, historic landmarks and delicious cuisine
  • Explore the Venetian Lagoon, a protected nature reserve with beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife
  • Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, a museum containing a vast collection of modern art
  • Take a gondola ride along the Grand Canal, admiring the breathtaking views of the city from the water
  • End the day with a traditional Venetian meal at Osteria Anice Stellato, a charming restaurant with a warm atmosphere
Day 5

Relaxation and Reflection

  • Spend the day at the Terme Euganee, a spa complex offering therapeutic treatments and luxurious relaxation
  • Visit the Museo diocesano di Padova, a museum showcasing stunning religious art and architecture
  • Take a leisurely stroll through the Parco Regionale dei Colli Euganei, a natural park with beautiful hiking trails and stunning vistas
  • Try a local aperitif at the Antica Bottega del Vino, a popular wine bar with a warm atmosphere and excellent drinks
  • Enjoy a final dinner at Le Calandre, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its impeccable cuisine and elegant atmosphere.

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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