Things to do in Padova

Activities, attractions and tours
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Top places to visit

1. Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua

Experience the grandeur of the Basilica di Sant’Antonio di Padova, an internationally revered pilgrimage site dating back to the 13th century. Byzantine-style domes crown this architecturally rich building. Inside you’ll find a series of artworks and the golden reliquary of St. Anthony. The basilica is not Padua’s main cathedral, but “Il Santo” has worldwide acclaim as being one of the Holy See’s eight international shrines.
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Basilica di Sant\'Antonio da Padova which includes night scenes, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

2. Scrovegni Chapel

Scrovegni Chapel is known all over the world for its stunning interior covered in elaborate frescoes created by the master painter Giotto. Be amazed by the scale and detail of these gorgeous artworks. Afterward, explore the pretty park in which the chapel stands. The grounds are perfect for a walk and are also home to the ruins of a Roman arena.
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Scrovegni Chapel which includes interior views, religious aspects and heritage elements

3. University of Padova

Founded in 1222, the University of Padova has long been developing the young minds of Italy. Much of the campus lies within the 16th-century Palazzo Bo in the heart of the city. Join a guided tour of the palace for an introduction to the historic institution where Galileo was a tutor.
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Palazzo del Bò featuring interior views and heritage elements

4. Prato della Valle

The Prato della Valle is one of the most distinctive public spaces in all of Europe, notable not only for its vast size but also for the large number of statues that occupy it. With 78 stone figures dotted around the square and many elegant historic buildings lining the streets, this is a wonderful place to get an insight into Padova’s long history as a cultural and architectural hub. Come here on a sunny afternoon to watch locals strolling around the square and relaxing on the grassy island in the middle. Allow time to stop at one of the cafés surrounding the Prato della Valle and to study the beautiful and fascinating marble statues.
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Prato della Valle featuring a river or creek, night scenes and a statue or sculpture

5. Pedrocchi Cafe

Padova is home to so many historic treasures that it is hard to pick out the most significant, but the ornate Pedrocchi Café has to be one of them. This opulent café has been open for many generations. Come here to sip its signature mint-flavored coffee in the sumptuous rooms where George Sand, Stendhal and many others once did the very same. Head upstairs to experience culture in the Risorgimento Museum.
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Pedrocchi Cafe featuring heritage architecture, a city and night scenes

Popular places to visit

Areas of Padova

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City Center Padova

Unique features of City Center Padova include the historical sites and cafes. Make a stop by Padua Cathedral or Clock Tower while you're exploring the area.

City Center Padova
Historic Centre showing shopping and signage

Historic Centre

4.5/5(30 area reviews)

Unique features of Historic Centre include the historical sites and cafes. Make a stop by Padua Cathedral or Piazza del Duomo while you're exploring the area.

Historic Centre
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Arcella

While Arcella may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Giardini dell'Arena and Scrovegni Chapel.

Arcella
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Guizza

Though Guizza may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Prato della Valle and Padua Botanical Garden.

Guizza