Historic Centre Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Historic Centre showing shopping and signage
Prato della Valle showing a statue or sculpture, a sunset and a garden
Basilica di Sant\'Antonio da Padova showing a church or cathedral, religious aspects and heritage elements
La Specola Observatory which includes a river or creek, landscape views and a city
Basilica di Sant\'Antonio da Padova which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and a church or cathedral

Delve into Padova’s compact historic heart and find a remarkable collection of architectural and cultural landmarks, connected by twisting cobbled streets and broad piazzas.

Padova’s Historic Centre (Centro Storico) is enriched by the city’s preserved monuments and modern energy. Get involved with the daily action of the city with lively markets, shops, cafés and bars.

The enormous Palazzo della Ragione dominates the district. Built in 1218, this imposing structure formerly housed the city court and a marketplace. The palace is surrounded by three major squares: Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza della Frutta and Piazza dei Signori. Wander around the piazzas to find Padova’s daily markets, which have been operating without interruption on this site for more than eight centuries.

Continue exploring to find Palazzo del Bò, the historic home of Padova’s university. The University Botanical Garden is among the world’s oldest botanic displays and is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site.

Another impressive structure in Padova’s historic skyline is St. Anthony’s Basilica, a Byzantine-influenced Romanesque edifice built to house the saint’s remains. Nearby, St. George’s Oratory contains an exquisite collection of frescoes. See one of the city’s most prized frescoes in Scrovegni Chapel, which is connected to the Eremitani Civic Museums and the 13th-century Church of the Eremitani.

Don’t miss a visit to one of Europe’s largest town squares, Prato della Valle. Formerly a Roman theatre, this 18th-century masterpiece features a canal lined with statues. The scene is completed by the superb architecture of the adjoining Basilica of St. Giustina. See Michelangelo’s touch in the interior design of Padova’s Duomo, which also has a beautiful baptistery. Explore the winding alleys of the Jewish Quarter and find a collection of art galleries and workshops.

The Historic Centre in Padova is the heart of the city and easy to reach via light rail and bus however, it is best explored on foot. Stop off in the district’s bars, cafés and restaurants for quick refreshments or a meal. As evening falls, head to one of the Historic Centre’s piazzas to enjoy an Aperol spritz or other aperitif with the locals.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Historic Centre Hotel Deals

Hotel Casa del Pellegrino

Hotel Casa del Pellegrino

3 out of 5
Via Melchiorre Cesarotti 21, Padova, PD
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Padova. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (998 reviews)
"Wonderful location. Heat didn’t seem to work."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Hotel Casa del Pellegrino
Donatello

Donatello

3 out of 5
Via del Santo, 102/104, Padova, PD
The price is AU$171 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
AU$171
11 Nov - 12 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Padova. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (287 reviews)
"Location was ideal."

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Donatello
Hilton Garden Inn Padova City Centre

Hilton Garden Inn Padova City Centre

4 out of 5
Corso Milano 40, Padova, PD
The price is AU$259 per night from 8 Nov to 9 Nov
AU$259
8 Nov - 9 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Padova. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Basilica of Saint Anthony ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (89 reviews)
"Nice clean modern amenities"

Reviewed on 2 Oct 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Padova City Centre
Hotel Igea

Hotel Igea

3 out of 5
Via Ospedale 87, Padova, PD
The price is AU$148 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$148
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Padova. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (295 reviews)
"The hotel was very well located and the staff were helpful and nice. The room had everything you need, including a hairdryer and bidet, and a very efficient AC. The hotel was very good for both work and tourism visits."

Reviewed on 13 Sept 2025

Hotel Igea
Hotel Giotto

Hotel Giotto

3 out of 5
P.le Pontecorvo 33, Padova, PD
The price is AU$159 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
AU$159
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Padova. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua and Loggia ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (275 reviews)
family stay
"This is a great place to stay in Padova, conveniently located near all the main attractions. The hotel staff are very friendly, and the on-site parking was easy to use. The rooms were spotless and well maintained."

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Hotel Giotto
Maritan Hotel & Spa

Maritan Hotel & Spa

3 out of 5
Via Gattamelata, 8, Padova, PD
The price is AU$177 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$177
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Padova. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (228 reviews)
"Coffee cold, air conditioning not working"

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2025

Maritan Hotel & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Historic Centre

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City Center Padova

Unique features of City Center Padova include the historical sites and cafes. Make a stop by Piazza del Duomo or Piazza dei Signori while you're exploring the area.

City Center Padova
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Arcella

While Arcella may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Palazzo di Giustizia di Padova and Scrovegni Chapel.

Arcella
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Guizza

Though Guizza may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Prato della Valle and Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua.

Guizza


Historic Centre Travel Guide

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