Small Group Travel Blog: Expert Travel Tips, Destination Guides & Tour Advice

Discover Padua: Top 5 Attractions, Best Hotel, and Must-Try Restaurants on Our Northern Italy Tour

When exploring Northern Italy, many travelers head straight to Venice, but just a short trip away lies the charming and often overlooked city of Padua. Rich in history, culture, and vibrant local life, Padua offers a unique experience that stands out from the crowds. On our Traveling Professor small group tours, we make sure to spend quality time discovering this fascinating city. Here’s a guide to the top five attractions, the best place to stay, and three restaurants you absolutely must try while visiting Padua.

Top 5 Attractions in Padua

1. Scrovegni Chapel (Cappella degli Scrovegni)
   Home to one of the most important fresco cycles in the world, painted by Giotto, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-see for art lovers.

2. Basilica of Saint Anthony (Basilica di Sant’Antonio di Padova)
   A stunning pilgrimage site with impressive architecture and sacred relics, the basilica is a spiritual and historical highlight.

3. University of Padua (Università di Padova)
   Founded in 1222, the University of Padua is one of the world’s oldest universities and a historic center of scientific innovation. Explore its historic buildings and the famous anatomical theatre.

4. Caffè Pedrocchi
   Known as the "Café without doors," this historic café has been a cultural and intellectual hub since 1831. Stop here for a coffee or pastry and soak up its elegant atmosphere.

5. Prato della Valle
   One of Europe’s largest public squares, this elliptical plaza is surrounded by beautiful statues and a charming canal—perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Where to Stay: Majestic Toscanelli Hotel

For an authentic and comfortable stay in Padua, we recommend the Majestic Toscanelli Hotel. Located in the heart of the city, this elegant hotel offers a blend of classic Italian style with modern amenities. Its central location puts you within walking distance of major attractions, making it an ideal base for your Padua adventures.  This is where we stay in Padua on our small group tour to Northern Italy.

Must-Try Restaurants in Padua

1. Antica Trattoria dei Paccagnella
   A historic eatery known for hearty, authentic Northern Italian fare, perfect for tasting regional specialties like risotto and grilled meats.

2. La Folperia
   Famous for its cicchetti (Venetian tapas), this casual spot is great for sampling a variety of small plates paired with local wines.

Plan Your Padua Experience with Traveling Professor

Padua may be less famous than Venice, but it offers an enriching and less crowded experience that every traveler to Northern Italy should explore. Join our small group tours to enjoy expert guides, curated experiences, and a comfortable itinerary designed to help you uncover the hidden gems of this enchanting city.