Padua itinerary
Padua Travel guide
By Giuseppe Baldassarri Italian travel blogger
Padua (Padova) is a charming city located in the Veneto region of Italy, known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant local culture. Here's a suggested itinerary to visit Padua and its surroundings, along with some local food and wine specialties to try:
Day 1: Exploring Padua
- Start your day by visiting the Scrovegni Chapel (Cappella degli Scrovegni), famous for its stunning frescoes by Giotto. Book your timed entry in advance, as there are strict visitation regulations.
- Explore the historic center of Padua on foot. Visit the magnificent Padua Cathedral (Duomo di Padova) and the nearby Baptistery (Battistero del Duomo). Take a stroll through Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta, where you can find local produce markets.
- Don't miss the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua (Basilica di Sant'Antonio da Padova), a significant religious site and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Inside, you can visit the tomb of Saint Anthony and admire the beautiful artwork.
- For lunch, try some local specialties like bigoli, a thick pasta typically served with various sauces, or risotto with radicchio, a typical Venetian dish. Pair your meal with a glass of Veneto wine, such as Valpolicella or Soave.
Day 2: Day Trip to the Euganean Hills
- Take a day trip to the nearby Euganean Hills (Colli Euganei), a picturesque hilly region known for its natural beauty and thermal spas.
- Visit the town of Arquà Petrarca, named after the famous Italian poet Petrarch who lived there. Explore its narrow streets, visit Petrarch's house, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
- Indulge in some wine tasting at one of the wineries in the Euganean Hills. The region produces excellent wines, including the renowned red wine called Colli Euganei Rosso. Enjoy the scenic vineyards and sample different varietals.
- For dinner, try some local dishes such as baccalà alla padovana (salted codfish) or risotto with asparagus, a vegetable that thrives in the region. Pair your meal with a glass of local white wine, such as Colli Euganei Bianco.
Day 3: Cultural and Culinary Delights
- Visit the University of Padua (Università degli Studi di Padova), one of the oldest universities in the world. Explore its historic buildings and admire the famous Anatomical Theatre, where anatomy lessons were held in the past.
- Discover the Orto Botanico di Padova, a beautiful botanical garden founded in 1545. It's the oldest university botanical garden still in its original location, and it's a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- For lunch, try a classic Venetian cicchetti experience. Cicchetti are small, savory bites typically enjoyed with a glass of wine. Head to the local wine bars and sample a variety of cicchetti, such as crostini with different toppings, fried seafood, and cured meats.
- In the evening, visit one of the traditional osterias in Padua. These cozy establishments offer a relaxed atmosphere and serve regional dishes like polenta with various sauces, rabbit stew, and local cheeses. Pair your meal with a glass of Veneto red wine, such as Amarone or Bardolino.
Throughout your visit, don't forget to try local desserts like tiramisu or zaleti, and traditional Venetian cornmeal cookies. And of course, indulge in gelato from the gelaterias you encounter during your explorations.
Padua and its surroundings offer a delightful combination of cultural treasures and culinary delights. Enjoy your time exploring the city, savoring the local flavors, and immersing yourself in the unique atmosphere of this beautiful region of Italy.
Here are some of his reviews of the best attractions that you can book:
Food and wine tasting in Padua?
Padua and its surrounding region of Veneto offer a rich culinary heritage with a variety of delicious dishes and excellent wines. Here are some food and wine-tasting experiences you can enjoy in Padua:
1. Wine Tasting:
- Visit a local winery or enoteca (wine shop) in Padua to sample a range of Veneto wines. Look for wines like Amarone, Valpolicella, Soave, Bardolino, and Prosecco, which are all produced in the region. Some wineries also offer guided tours of their vineyards and cellars, providing insights into the winemaking process.
- Join a wine tour that takes you to the nearby wine-growing regions, such as the Euganean Hills (Colli Euganei) or the Valpolicella area. These tours often include visits to vineyards, wine tastings, and explanations of the characteristics and production methods of the wines.
2. Cicchetti Tasting:
- Explore the streets of Padua and discover the local tradition of cicchetti. Cicchetti are small, flavorful bites similar to Spanish tapas. Visit the city's bacari (wine bars) and osterie, where you'll find counters filled with a tempting array of cicchetti. Try delicacies like crostini (toasted bread with various toppings), fried seafood, marinated vegetables, and cured meats. Pair your cicchetti with a glass of local wine or a spritz, a popular Venetian aperitif made with Prosecco, Aperol, or Campari, and soda water.
3. Traditional Paduan Dishes:
- Sample traditional dishes from Padua's cuisine. Some highlights include bigoli, a thick pasta typically served with ragù or anchovy sauce; risotto with radicchio, a bitter purple vegetable; and baccalà alla padovana, a dish made with salted codfish. Don't miss the chance to try polenta, a staple in the region, often served with hearty stews or grilled meats.
4. Local Markets and Delicacies:
- Visit the local markets in Padua, such as Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta, where you can find fresh produce, cheeses, cured meats, and other local delicacies. Explore the stalls and indulge in the flavors of the region. You can pick up ingredients for a picnic or create your own tasting experience with a selection of local products.
- Look for artisanal cheese shops and bakeries in Padua, where you can find specialties like Asiago cheese, Grana Padano, and traditional breads like focaccia and zaleti (cornmeal cookies).
5. Sweet Treats:
- End your culinary journey with some sweet treats. Try traditional desserts like tiramisu, made with layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream, or sbrisolona, a crumbly almond cake. Gelaterias in Padua offer a wide range of gelato flavors to satisfy your sweet tooth.
When exploring the culinary scene in Padua, consider asking locals for recommendations on their favorite restaurants, trattorias, or hidden gems. They can often provide valuable insights into the best places to taste authentic local flavors.
Remember to drink responsibly and, if you're driving, plan transportation accordingly or opt for organized tours that include transportation.
Here are some of his reviews of the best attractions that you can book:
Padua: where to stay?
How to get to Padua?
Padua (Padova) is a city located in the Veneto region of Italy. It is well connected to major cities in Italy and can be reached by various modes of transportation. Here are the most common ways to get to Padua:
1. By Air:
- The closest international airports to Padua are Venice Marco Polo Airport and Treviso Airport. Both airports have regular flights from major European cities.
- From Venice Marco Polo Airport: Upon arrival, you can take a bus or taxi to Venice's main train station, Venezia Santa Lucia. From there, you can take a direct train to Padua (approximately 30 minutes).
- From Treviso Airport: After landing, you can take a bus or taxi to Treviso Centrale train station. From Treviso Centrale, you can catch a train to Padua (approximately 30 minutes).
2. By Train:
- Padua has a well-connected train station called Padova Centrale. It is a major railway hub in northern Italy and offers frequent connections to various cities.
- If you are coming from Venice, you can take a direct train from Venezia Santa Lucia to Padova Centrale. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
- If you are traveling from other cities in Italy, such as Rome, Florence, or Milan, you can find direct train connections to Padua. The travel time will vary depending on the distance.
3. By Bus:
- Several bus companies provide connections to Padua from different cities in Italy. Companies such as FlixBus, Baltour, and Busitalia offer routes to Padua.
- Bus services are generally slower than trains but can be a more economical option. The duration of the journey will depend on the distance and the specific route.
4. By Car:
- Padua is accessible by car, and it is well-connected to the national highway network. The A4 motorway (Autostrada Serenissima) passes close to Padua, providing easy access from various directions.
- If you are driving from Venice, you can take the A4 motorway towards Milan and exit at Padova Est or Padova Ovest, depending on your destination within the city.
Once you arrive in Padua, you can explore the city on foot or use public transportation, such as buses and trams, to get around and visit its attractions.
It's recommended to check the schedules and book your transportation tickets in advance, especially during peak travel periods, to secure your preferred travel options and ensure availability.