Historic Centre Travel Guide

Padova

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


Top hotels in Historic Centre

Hotel Casa del Pellegrino

Hotel Casa del Pellegrino

3 out of 5
Via Melchiorre Cesarotti 21, Padova, PD
The price is ₹5,898 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹5,898
₹6,995 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Padova. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (986 reviews)
"Casa del Pellegrino is clean and smells so pleasantly everywhere - rooms, hallway, stairs ... pure joy!!! Room is spacious, modern in the middle of old town of Padova. Bathroom is ultra modern and fully functional. Bed is very comfortable and bedding sheets so clean, my wife couldn't believe it. ..."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Hotel Casa del Pellegrino
Donatello

Donatello

3 out of 5
Via del Santo, 102/104, Padova, PD
The price is ₹6,973 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
₹6,973
₹8,175 total
1 Aug - 2 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Padova. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (251 reviews)
"A very scenic location and we had the luck of having a view over towards the basilica. Rooms were very clean and spacious. Absolutely loved the place"

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

Donatello
Hotel Europa

Hotel Europa

4 out of 5
Largo Europa 9, Padova, PD
The price is ₹10,341 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
₹10,341
₹12,081 total
1 Aug - 2 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Padova. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Basilica of Saint Anthony of ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (347 reviews)
"They allowed us to have a late checkout, which was very convenient since we had a late train."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Hotel Europa
Hilton Garden Inn Padova City Centre

Hilton Garden Inn Padova City Centre

4 out of 5
Corso Milano 40, Padova, PD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹11,658 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
₹11,658
₹14,640 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Padova. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Popular attractions Basilica of Saint Anthony ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (79 reviews)
"Decent place close to the city center."

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Padova City Centre
Maritan Hotel & Spa

Maritan Hotel & Spa

3 out of 5
Via Gattamelata, 8, Padova, PD
The price is ₹6,164 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
₹6,164
₹7,288 total
24 Jul - 25 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Padova. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (226 reviews)
Modern but a bit far away
"Helpful staff who were happy to provide maps of the city and other help. Room was very modern with powerful AC and walk-in shower. Beds were comfortable if a bit hard for us. Staff replaced towels daily and made beds neatly. Very quiet despite ground level room next to road + hospital. Bathroom could ..."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2024

Maritan Hotel & Spa
Hotel Giotto

Hotel Giotto

3 out of 5
P.le Pontecorvo 33, Padova, PD
The price is ₹5,536 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹5,536
₹6,596 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Padova. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Popular attractions Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua and Loggia ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (264 reviews)
"Great place, clean and close to many things to do, a little far from the train station but not too bad. Friendly staff and clean facilities."

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

Hotel Giotto
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

Default Image

City Center Padova

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

City Center Padova
Default Image

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
Default Image

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