What to see in Padova in one day? If you’re asking yourself this, you’re in the right place.
Padova might not be the first city you think of when planning a trip to Northern Italy, especially in a region that also boasts Venice and Verona—but trust me, it’s worth it.
I spent one day in Padova and was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it, from its historic squares to its relaxed vibe.
In this post, I’ll guide you through the best things to do in Padova: what to visit in Padova, why each spot is special, and how to make the most of your time, with a handy map to make planning effortless.
Is Padova worth visiting?
Padova is one of those cities that quietly wins you over. It might not have the instant name recognition of Venice or Verona, but that’s part of its charm.
You won’t find the same overwhelming crowds, yet the city is packed with history, culture, and beautiful corners waiting to be explored.
What really makes Padova worth visiting is the mix of world‑class landmarks and local life. From the frescoes of the Scrovegni Chapel to the lively markets at Piazza delle Erbe and the peaceful walkways around Prato della Valle, there’s no shortage of memorable Padova attractions to fill your day.
If you’re looking for an Italian city that feels authentic, manageable in size, and still offers plenty to see and do, Padova ticks all the boxes. Even with just a day, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve uncovered one of Italy’s best‑kept secrets.
When is the best time to visit Padova?
Padova has a very mild climate given its proximity to the sea, so any time of the year is good to visit Padova. However, April to June and September and October are probably the months to visit Padova.
This is when you’ll find the city with the most pleasant temperatures (while still managing to escape the tourist crowds at the same time).
How many days in Padova?
Padova may be a small city, but it’s bursting with history, culture, and charm that make it worth adding to any Northern Italy itinerary.
You can easily visit Padova in one day and see its most iconic landmarks, from the grand Prato della Valle to the incredible Scrovegni Chapel.
But if you have extra time, spending a second day allows you to slow down, wander its quiet streets, and soak up the city’s authentic spirit even more.
How to get to Padova?
Although Padova does not have an airport, it is very simple to get there from neighbouring airports.
I especially recommend you choose one of these airports:
- Verona (~ 1h15): bus (Airlink) from the airport to Verona Porta Nuova railway station and from there take a direct train to Padova
- Treviso (Venice)
- Option 1 (~1h): direct bus from Mobilita Di Marca
- Option 2: get the bus (AirLink) between the airport and Treviso Centrale railway station. From Treviso Centrale, take a train to Venezia Mestre and from there a train to Padova.
- Bologna (~1h30): take a train to Bologna central station and from there change to another train heading to Padova
Trains in Italy work very well and it is easy to buy tickets online directly from the Trenitalia or Italo websites or from the various ticket machines available in the train stations.
I recommend checking train timetables and ticket prices online in advance, as there are plenty of options—often with big differences in travel time and cost.
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Accommodation in Padova
I slept one night in Padova and I have an accommodation recommendation for you.
During my stay in the city, I opted for a family-run and very well-located accommodation. Located less than a 5-minute walk from the Basilica of Saint Anthony or Prato della Valle, it is impossible to find a better location than this.
Casa Locatelli is a flat inserted in an 18th-century palace and it is equipped with everything you need for an excellent stay. In addition to the bedrooms and bathroom area, the flat also has a social area (living room) and a small kitchen.
Activities & tours in Padova
Padova Tourist Map
When figuring out what to see in Padua in one day, it helps to have everything in one place. This Padova tourist map highlights all the main stops from this guide, making it easy to plan your route and see the city at your own pace.
What to see in Padova in one day
Most of Padova’s main sights are within walking distance, so you can easily explore the city on foot. And in this guide, all the things to see in Padova are listed in order to help you follow the route smoothly.
» Prato della Valle
Prato della Valle is the main square of Padova and is even the largest in Italy and one of the largest in Europe. The square has an elliptical shape, having a canal full of statues around the central green space.
It is a very pleasant space in the city, where the locals take the opportunity to spend some of their free time. From the square, we can see some of the city’s places of interest, such as the Santa Justina Basilica, the Loggia Amulea and several palaces.
💡 EXTRA TIP: During some days of the year, there is a fair in this square, which ends up making some photo opportunities at this amazing square almost impossible.
» Basilica of St. Anthony
The Basilica of Saint Anthony is probably one of the main attractions that brings tourists to Padova and it’s something you definitely have to visit in Padova.
Although Saint Anthony is a Portuguese saint born in Lisbon, his body is buried in Padova and there is even some dispute regarding the saint.
The Basilica is quite magnificent and worth admiring, both inside and out. The visit is free, so don’t miss the opportunity to visit this superb basilica as well as its cloisters.
💡 EXTRA TIP: Right next to the Basilica of Saint Anthony, you can also find the Oratory of Saint Giorgio – a small gothic-style chapel, known for its frescoed interiors. However, I warn you that, unlike the Basilica, you have to pay to visit inside.
» Via Umberto I and Via Roma
Moving on to the next point of this Padova itinerary, I suggest a short walk through two important streets of the city: Via Umberto I and Via Roma.
Apart from finding several well-known shops along the way, you can also find some more historic buildings such as the Palazzo Capodilista and the Santa Maria dei Servi church.
» Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Frutti (squares)
Move towards two of the most important squares in the city: Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Frutti.
These two squares appear together in the itinerary as they are side by side, only separated by the imposing Palazzo della Ragione – government building on the upper floor and indoor market on the ground floor.
Both squares were the commercial centre of the city for many years and markets are still held there today.
Apart from the Palazzo della Ragione, the Palazzo Comunale, the Torre degli Anziani and the Peronio Column also stand out.
💡 EXTRA TIP: The beautiful interior of the Palazzo della Regione can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday and the ticket costs 8€. More information.
» Piazza dei Signori (square)
Another must-see in Padova is Piazza dei Signori. While the previous two squares were more linked to trade, Piazza dei Signori was more related to government celebrations.
There are several emblematic buildings that can be found there, but I especially highlight these:
- San Clemente Church
- Clock Tower (tower with a 14th-century astronomical clock)
- Loggia del Consiglio (government building built in the 15th century)
- Martian Column
» Piazza Duomo (square)
We head for one more square – Piazza Duomo. As the name indicates, the ex-libris of this square is its cathedral (duomo in Italian).
The Cathedral itself is definitely not the most imposing religious building in the city. However, it is worth visiting its interior as the visit is free of charge.
It is also possible to visit the Baptistery which contains frescoes inside and the ticket costs 15€. The ticket also includes an audioguide and also a visit to Bishop’s Hall and Diocesan Museum.
💡 Exploring more of Northern Italy? Check out my guides for 2 days in Venice, 1 day in Verona, and 2 days in Bologna—perfect add‑ons to your Padova trip.
» Old Jewish Quarter
One of the places I most enjoyed visiting in Padova was the old Jewish Quarter. Created in 1603 and abolished in 1797, this was where the Jews lived.
Nowadays, the narrow streets that make up this small neighbourhood are clearly different in style from the rest of the city, with lots of street markets and restaurants that make you want to go inside 😉.
🎫 Discover a different side of the city on this Padova Jewish Heritage Museum and Synagogue Tour. This guided experience takes you through the former Jewish Ghetto, offering insight into centuries of history, and includes visits to the Jewish Museum of Padova and the city’s historic synagogue for a meaningful look at Padova’s cultural past.
It is also possible to visit the Jewish Museum of Padova where you can learn more about the life of this community in Padova.
📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: The ticket to visit the Jewish Museum of Padova costs between 10€ and 15€, depending on many Jewish sites you decide to visit. I recommend checking opening times in advance.
» Palazzo del Bo
Continue towards Palazzo del Bo, which is, in fact, the seat of the University of Padova. This is one of the oldest universities in the world (like Salamanca).
With over 800 years of history, renowned personalities have studied here, and the building is currently used as the Faculty of Law and the rectory of the University.
Although the courtyard can be visited freely, to visit the inside of the University (including the anatomical theatre, which is the oldest in the world) you have to pay and you have to book a guided tour.
📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: Guided tours are available every day of the week but at different prices. From Monday to Friday the tour costs 8.7€ and at the weekend 16.5€. You can buy your tickets online.
» Eremitani Church
The next thing I recommend you visit in Padova is the Church of Eremitani, built in the 13th century.
Although it looks simple and bare on the outside, inside you can find some frescoes, making it one of the most beautiful churches in Padova.
📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: Admission to the church is free and opening times are as follows: weekdays from 7.30 am to 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm to 7 pm; weekends from 9 am to 12.30 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm.
» Scrovegni Chapel
Ready to see one of Padova’s most special places?
If I had to choose my favourite religious monument in Padova, the Scrovegni Chapel would probably win.
Those who see the chapel from the outside don’t even imagine what’s inside, making it one of Padova’s best-kept secrets.
The vast majority of the chapel is covered with frescoes painted by the famous Giotto during the early 14th century. The artwork narrates the Story of Salvation and each of the murals is incredibly detailed.
📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: It is only possible to visit the Chapel by guided tour (advance booking required!!!), and tickets from Tuesday to Sunday also include access to the Musei Civici di Padova or Palazzo Zuckermann. This ticket costs 16€.
On Mondays, the ticket is cheaper and costs 12€ because Musei Civici di Padova is closed. You can find more information about timetables and buy tickets here.
🎫 Want a deeper look at Padova’s history and hidden gems? This private city walking tour includes a visit to the famous Scrovegni Chapel along with Padova’s most iconic landmarks.
However, if you are like me and only want to visit the chapel, I suggest you try to buy tickets for the “Giotto under the stars” option. The ticket costs only 10€, however, this visit only happens from 7 pm to 10 pm and is not available all year round.
» Giardini dell’Arena
After admiring such an incredible work of art, it’s the perfect time to slow down at the Giardini dell’Arena gardens. Right next to the Scrovegni Chapel, this peaceful spot offers plenty of green space, and even a lovely terrace, to rest your feet before continuing your walk.
» Molino Bridge and Gate
Molino’s gate and bridge are some of the best-preserved parts of the first wall that surrounded Padova. It is estimated that the wall was built in the early 13th century and would have had almost 20 gates.
Although this is not the most obvious must-see on an itinerary through Padova, it is a good stop to enjoy the river that passes under the Molino Bridge and also to observe the Ezzelino Tower.
Restaurants in Padova
I only had two meals in Padova, and to be honest, only one was truly worth recommending—you can’t win them all 😜.
The spot I do suggest is Osteria Al Peronio (€€), a centrally located restaurant with a sunny terrace that’s perfect for warmer days. Their menu offers a great variety of Italian dishes, and the asparagus and mushroom risotto we tried was absolutely delicious.
🎫 Want to experience Padova like a local? This Padova Food and Culture Walking Tour is the perfect way to discover the city’s history while sampling traditional bites along the way.
Final thoughts on visiting Padova in one day
This Padova one day itinerary proves that even a short visit can uncover centuries of history, breathtaking art, and the lively charm of its piazzas.
Whether you’re here for the frescoes, the food, or just to soak in the atmosphere, you can absolutely visit Padova in one day and still feel like you’ve experienced the best of the city.
Have you been to Padova before or is it still on your travel list? Share your thoughts, questions, or even your own tips in the comments below.
Disclaimer: this post may contain some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you buy something through my links. This doesn’t represent any additional cost to you and you’ll be supporting my work here on the blog😊
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