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Padua, the complete guide.

Giotto's frescoes, oldest botanical garden, Saint Anthony.

The Italia Magnifica guide · Updated October 2026

A city of learning since the thirteenth century, home to Italy's oldest university garden and Giotto's revolutionary frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel.

Pilgrims fill the Basilica of Saint Anthony, and Prato della Valle ranks among Italy's largest squares.

When to visit Padua

Average highs and lows across the year.

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What to see first

The world's oldest academic garden beneath the Santo's domes, Padua

Padua Botanical Garden

The world's oldest academic botanical garden still on its original site, laid out in a circle in 1545.

Read the guide
Risi e bisi in a deep stoneware bowl, loose spring rice thick with peas and parsley, a spoon resting in the wave and lagoon water past the window.

What to eat, and drink

Eating and drinking in Padua

Well-loved everyday tables and Michelin stars, each checked open.

  1. Ristorante pizzeria bar L'OASI DEI SAPORIPizzeria
  2. Bacaro PadovanoTrattoria
  3. So’ RivàTrattoria
  4. OrsucciPizzeria
  5. Trattoria San PietroTrattoria
  6. Enoteca dei TadiTrattoria

Michelin-starred

  1. Le Calandre ★★★

Sleeping in Padua

Well-reviewed places to stay, each checked open, by town.

  1. Massimago
  2. Hotel Patavium3-star
  3. Al Prato3-star
  4. Officine Cavour Apartment CENTRO STORICO PADOVA
  5. Padova Suites C20
  6. B&B Hotel Padova3-star

Tours worth booking in Padua

Compared by our editors, across providers.

Booking through these links may earn Italia Magnifica a commission, at no cost to you.

  1. Private Padua Highlights Tour including Scrovegni Chapel and St Antonio Basilic

    • Viator
    • 4h
    • 5.0★ · 17 reviews
    from €318Book this tour

  2. Padua City Sightseeing Walking Tour of Must-See-Sites with Local Guide

    • Viator
    • 2h
    • 5.0★ · 3 reviews
    from €209Book this tour

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