Things to do:
Drink a spritz in Piazza dei Signori
Piazza dei Signori
@jylee
My go-to was drinking a Hugo from BarCode perfectly in view of the clock tower.
If you want to go more classic, try an Aperol or Campari spritz. Aperol is more palatable to my taste as campari is quite bitter.
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Sit and walk in Prato della Valle
Prato della Valle
@jylee
You cannot visit Padova without visiting Prato della Valle
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See the beauty of Basilica di Sant'Antonio
The Basilica of St. Anthony
@jylee
The outside is brick because they ran out of money from embellishing the inside. Don't judge a book by it's cover, don't judge a basilica by it's brick.
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Tour the University of Padua
University of Padua
@jylee
Although touring a school is not usually among the top things to do in a new city, the University of Padua is the fifth-oldest surviving university with the architecture and classrooms to match.
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Explore Palazzo della Ragione
Ragione Palace
@jylee
A market mixed with incredible history
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Note: If you go near the winter holidays, there will be holiday markets in some of the piazzas.
Things to eat (& drink):
Gelateria La Romana
@jylee
The best gelato in Padova
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Sushi Kai Padova
@jylee
Going to Italy and eating sushi is not expected, but after living here for a few months, Sushi Kai gave me just what I needed with a surprisingly good all-you-can-eat sushi meal.
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LibrOsteria Padova
@jylee
A bookstore + osteria (wine bar) combo with amazing staff.
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BarCode
@jylee
Gets crowded, but is one of the establishments where you can sit out in the Piazza. My go to was the Hugo (this was in 2018).
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Joyce's Pub
@jylee
This is merely personal, but I can't not include a place with my name. The food and drinks were good to match.
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Corte Sconta
@jylee
A wine bar with an extensive range of options.
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Bar 2000 Snack Café
@jylee
Perfect breakfast and/or lunch with the best staff (how many places can I say this for?). I still remember the name Gigi as the liveliest, most welcoming person behind the bar - he still will judge you for ordering a cappuccino past 11.
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Pedrocchi Café
@jylee
A historic café in the heart of Padova, known for their minty signature coffee.
It's also hosts the Museo del Risorgimento on the upper floor - accessible by a separate entrance on the northern side.
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How to get there:
I've always taken a train from Venice - it's less than 5 euros and takes under an hour (also I've always flown into Venice). Any train that will take you to Venice, will also take you to Padova.
Stazione FS di Padova
@jylee
Remember to validate your tickets!
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*Note: the city center is closed off to most private vehicles and requires a permit to drive in. Padova is 100% a walkable city and I believe it is best appreciated on your feet.
*Note: I usually include a where to stay; however, for Padova I stayed with a family and most places I found near the city center were apartments available for daily booking. I thought it best to leave that search up to you rather than suggest places that may be constantly booked.
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