Whether you are looking for an amazing day out or a longer stay in Padua, there are plenty of things to see and do here.
One of the most famous sights is Prato della Valle, home to the largest piazza in Italy and a beautiful array of statues. The square also plays host to regular markets and events so there's always something new to discover here!
1. Piazza dei Signori
One of the most iconic squares in historic Padua, Piazza dei Signori is a must-visit for any visitor. It’s home to numerous buildings and is a popular venue for local events and markets, so be sure to check it out during your visit!
This impressive square is dominated by Torre Dell’Orologio, a medieval clock tower that dates back to the Carrarese era. Its astronomical clock tells the time, date and position of the sun in the zodiac.
While you’re in the area, don’t miss out on a visit to Caffe Pedrocchi (EUR3) for a proper Italian coffee and delicious pastry. This cafe is a must-stop for coffee lovers and is considered one of the best in the city.
If you have a little more time, be sure to explore the surrounding arcaded streets of Padua. It’s one of only three cities in Italy with this unique architectural feature and it’s a fun way to explore the city.
2. Eremitani Civic Museums
Padua’s Eremitani Civic Museums are a treasure trove for art, archaeology and history lovers. There are several sections, including the Archaeological Museum and the Museo della Medievale e Moderna Arte, which house collections from different periods of history.
The Museum of Paintings, for example, houses a vast collection of paintings by famous Venetian artists such as Boccaccio, Veronese and Tiepolo. The Pinacoteca section also holds an impressive collection of religious paintings.
The Palazzo della Ragione was Padua’s law-courts, and features a large medieval hall, il Salone, with loggias on each side. Its interior is adorned with a wonderful fresco cycle by Giotto, dating to the thirteenth century.
3. Palazzo Zuckermann
Located on Corso Garibaldi, Palazzo Zuckermann is one of the most beautiful and interesting places to visit in Padua. It is home to the Museum of Applied Arts on the ground and first floor and the Museo Bottacin on the second, both of which are part of the Civic Museum.
It is also a great place to take photos, as you can get beautiful shots of the palace and the surrounding area. Its best time to visit is early in the morning, when the light is soft and beautiful.
Another attraction worth visiting is the Prato Della Valle - the largest square in Europe! This square is a perfect place to sit and relax, or admire the luscious trees and plants. It also has a large water feature that is surrounded by a series of statues.
4. Il Museo della Calzatura
If you love shoes, this is the museum for you. Housed in the beautiful Villa Foscarini Rossi, Il Museo della Calzatura showcases hundreds of pairs of exquisite shoes from some of Italy’s biggest names in fashion.
The Basilica and Abbey of Santa Giustina is another must-see. Originally built in the 6th century, it is one of Italy’s largest churches.
During the 14th century, Padua was the capital of the Venetian Republic, which ruled over this area until 1797. Today, there are many traces of this time in the city.
In fact, you will often see the winged Venetian lion adorning the facades of buildings and standing on a pillar at Piazza dei Signori. It’s one of the best-known historical sights in Padua and a must-see when visiting this historic town.
5. Esapolis - The Museum of Living Insects
Located in Padua, Esapolis is Europe's largest insect museum with live animals. It offers a variety of exhibits on silkworms, bees, butterflies, and spiders.
The museum is a place where children can explore the wonders of insects and learn about their evolution through the use of scientific technology and interactive devices. It also includes a laboratory where children can hold insects in their hands and get a feel for them.
This is the first museum in Italy to offer a course in which the visitor does not just observe but interacts more or less directly with the elements that are present. It is the result of a fruitful collaboration between the Province of Padua and MicroMegaMondo Butterfly Arc.
