Top 5 Things to do in Padova, Italy.
Visit Prato della Valle-
Prato della Valle is the largest square in Italy and one of the largest squares in Europe. It is lovely to walk around in the sunshine and is surrounded by a small canal with two rings of statues.
From the fountain in the middle you can see the domes of the Basilica of Santa Giustina on one side (pictured) and the Basilica of San Antonio of Padova on the other side. The wide open space of Prato della Valle is calming and tranquil and is often home to events like the bike race pictured. There is also a large market held on Saturdays and various flower and international food markets throughout the year.
Visit the many beautiful Piazze (squares)-
Piazza dei Signori is a beautiful square with an open space to eat and drink during the summer months. It features an astrological clock featuring 11 of the zodiac signs, Libra is missing, there are many stories as to why this is but I'll leave you with that mystery!
Piazza del Erbe and Piazza del Frutta sit on both sides of the Ragione Palazzo and also house a market on a Saturday. Interestingly, Piazza del Erbe (the herb square) holds the fruit market and Piazza del Frutta (the fruit square) holds a varied market including herb stalls!
One of my favourite buidings in Padova is Palazzo Moroni located in the Comune di Padova (the town hall), this is where the large Christmas tree is every year and it looks beautiful by night.
From here you can also see Caffe Pedrocchi.
Have aperitivo in Caffe Pedrocchi-
Caffe Pedrocchi is believed to be the oldest Caffe in Padova and was built in the 18th century. It is beautifully decorated inside and, although pricey, it is worth a visit for a traditional aperitivo, if you're feeling brave you could try the Pedrocchi special green spritz. You can also drink the speciality Caffe Pedrocchi which is coffee with a green mint flavoured cream with a sprinkle of cocoa.
When this photo was taken Pedrocchi was under construction but when shown in it's fully glory it is beautiful and has grand function rooms upstairs.
Walk down by the river-
When walking from Prato della Valle into the historic centre on Via Roma you cross a bridge over the river. Take a little walk down by the river to see beautiful coloured houses and for views that make you feel as though you are in Bruges.
Just a ten minute walk from Via Roma is the Museum of the Astronomical Observatory, Museo La Specola. It is reflected beautifully into the water and is worth a visit just for the view.
Explore the street art of Kenny Random
As you wander around the streets in the historical centre, you will see many beautiful pieces of street art, many of these are by the infamous Kenny Random. Part of the fun is just stumbling across them unexpectedly.
There we have it, just 5 things to do in Padova. It is a beautiful city that I feel is often forgotten, overshadowed by Venezia nearby.