Padua was catapulted into the limelight by UNESCO’s recent recognition of the city’s Scrovegni Chapel as a World Heritage Site. Art lovers have been drawn here to admire Giotto’s showstopping fresco cycle for centuries, however, and the city’s attractive old town is home to a collection of lovely squares and historic cafés bustling with students from the local university. Pilgrims are drawn to the Basilica of St. Anthony, and boat cruises and bike tours along the Riviera di Brenta also top the list of the most popular things to do.
Sidestep the tourist crowds and muggy heat of summer in Padua and visit in the spring instead. Planning a trip between mid-April and mid-June is usually a good bet for pleasant temperatures and sun-drenched days. Film buffs flock to Padua in June for the River Film Festival, dedicated to international short films. Sherwood Festival (usually from June–July) is another big draw with live music, film screenings, sports events, and lively debates.
Padua’s compact historic center is small enough to explore on foot, but if you prefer, there are great public transportation options, too. The tram network links the north to the south of the city and accepts contactless payments. Traveling by bus is also an efficient way to discover the city and its suburbs. It’s easy to pick up tickets in front of bus/train stations and also from local newsagents/tobacco shops (tabacchi).
Avoid the mass-produced souvenir stalls and unearth some antique Italian treasures by taking a stroll along Via del Santo, toward the art museum of Palazzo Zabarella. Here you can find shops selling vintage and secondhand clothing, as well as rare books, antiques, and jewelry. Break up your shopping with a pit stop at a favorite local wine bar—Enoteca Severino Padova.
