Incredible Things to Do in Padua, Italy

If you are visiting the northeastern regions of Italy, the most popular choices are usually Venice or Verona. However, these are also two of the most expensive options. A great alternative when you want to explore this part of Italy is to visit Padua. Not only is this city a lot cheaper, but there is also a wide range of attractions for visitors without them needing to venture elsewhere.

Go to the Palazzo Zuckerman Museum

This vast museum has so much on display that you may need to visit several times to take in everything there is to see. The exhibits include items used by Italians in their everyday lives over several centuries.

See the Capella Degli Scrovegni

The Scrovegni Chapel was built in 1305. It is most famous for its fresco by Giotto and the Roman Amphitheater surrounding the structure. It is a busy attraction, and visitors have a set time slot to visit. Therefore, booking a visit to this attraction in advance is essential.

Stroll Around the Stalls at Prato Della Valle

Although Prato Della Valle is the town square, it has an oval-shaped design. It has a fountain in the center surrounded by statues. While it is a very visually appealing spot and a great place to sit for a rest, most people come here to visit the market. There are two sections to the market; one is a flea market, and the other sells fresh produce.

Take a Trip to St. Anthony’s Basilica

St. Anthony’s Basilica is one of the most prominent structures in Padua, and its towers and domes are a wonderful sight. The church is in the historical part of Padua and is worth visiting for its external architecture and internal décor. Some of the highlights of a visit are the paintings, relics, statues, and the tomb of St. Anthony.

See the Exhibits at Il Museo del Risorgimento

The museum is in a beautiful building, and its focus is the history of the Risorgimento. Many of the exhibits teach visitors about the history of Padua. Attached to the museum is Caffe Pedrocchi, which is a great place to enjoy a light lunch or eat a refreshing bowl of gelato.

Go to the Basilica of Santa Giustina

The Basilica of Santa Giustina is a typical example of an Italian church. One difference is that the church is also home to a small shop, which is unusual in that it sells only products made by monks.

Explore the Botanical Gardens

Orto Botanico, the botanical gardens, has been a key feature of Padua since 1545. Interestingly, Orto Botanico is the world’s oldest botanical garden on its original site, which is on the grounds of the University of Padua. It is an academic botanical garden with a vast and unusual collection of plant species. The gardens are beautifully landscaped, and there are greenhouses and water features. It’s a fantastic and interesting place to visit for all the family.

Pick Up Some Souvenirs at the Piazza Delle Erbe Market

It is worth devoting a day to retail therapy while you are in Padua, and the best place to do this is Piazza dell Erbe market. It is a great place to buy fresh, local produce and sample some of the local delicacies and traditional dishes. It is also an excellent place to pick up some souvenirs from your visit to Italy. The stalls sell almost everything, from leather goods to clothes. Small cafes, bistros, and restaurants surround the market, so you can sit to rest your feet and enjoy lunch.

Dine at the Pago Pago Pizzeria

People assume that all the best pizza is in Naples, but there are some fantastic places to eat pizza in Padua. Although each person has their own opinion about which pizzeria produces the best pizzas in the city, Pago Pago Pizzeria is a popular choice among locals and visitors alike. This restaurant has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and makes some of the most delicious pizzas in the area.

Have Fun at Parco Padovaland

If you are visiting Padua with children or want to have a fun day out, one of the best options is Parco Padovaland. It is a large waterpark on the outskirts of Padua with various slides, water features, and pools. There is something to suit people of all ages at the park, which has an area devoted to younger children, slides, and pools for older children and adults, and areas for relaxing that will suit those who prefer a quieter and less adventurous day.

Conclusion

These are just a few ways to spend your time in Padua, as there are many other attractions in this beautiful location. Padua is an excellent choice of destination if you visit northeastern Italy and a cheaper alternative to Verona and Venice.