Padua tours

Things to do in Padua

In Padua, the old and new blend seamlessly, crafting a city that is both intellectually stimulating and beautiful. Known for its esteemed university and lively squares, Padua is filled with deep narratives and endless intrigue. Your local guide invites you on Padua tours that bring these tales to life: imagine a hassle-free visit to the breathtaking frescoes of the Scrovegni Chapel or a relaxed stroll through the vibrant markets of Prato della Valle. A food and wine tour introduces you to the city's culinary treasures, from creamy risottos to exquisite Veneto wines. Private tours in Padua uncover the city's essence, from the peaceful Botanical Garden to the historic cafes where thinkers and artists have gathered for generations. Discover Padua, where each street is a chapter in a captivating story ready to be explored. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Padua. Explore Padua your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Padua tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Padua for every interest, including: History tours: Follow Galileo’s footsteps at the University of Padua’s Palazzo Bo and peek into the 16th‑century Anatomical Theatre with a timed visit. Continue to the Basilica of Saint Anthony and the medieval ghetto lanes, hearing stories at Caffè Pedrocchi where revolutionaries once met. Architecture tours: Compare the soaring timber roof of the Palazzo della Ragione with the elegant arcades of Via Roma and Piazza delle Erbe on a relaxed city walk. See the astronomical clock at Piazza dei Signori, then contrast Padua’s UNESCO‑listed Botanic Garden with its modern Biodiversity Garden pavilion. Art and Culture tours: Secure timed tickets to the Scrovegni Chapel to stand beneath Giotto’s fresco cycle, then see the luminous dome frescoes in the Baptistery by Giusto de’ Menabuoi. Add the Oratorio di San Giorgio near Il Santo and finish with cicchetti and a spritz under the Sotto il Salone arcades on a food‑focused culture tour. Getting around: The centre is very walkable, and a single‑line tram plus city buses cover longer hops and the train station. To reach fresco sites on the edge of town or the Euganean Hills and villas, you can book chauffeured tours or arrange tours with private transportation through your local guide. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Padua inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Discover the neighborhoods of Padua on a private walking tour that you can tailor with your local guide to suit your interests, ensuring you experience the city in a unique and personal way. - Prato della Valle: This vibrant area is known for its lively markets and beautiful elliptical square. A great choice for cultural tourists and families looking to soak up the local atmosphere. - University District: Perfect for those interested in education and history, this neighborhood is home to one of the oldest universities in the world. It's a must-see for cultural tourists eager to learn more about Padua's academic legacy. - Ghetto Ebraico: Explore this historic Jewish quarter with its narrow streets and unique shops. Ideal for those seeking meaningful connections and insights into the city's diverse cultural tapestry. Day trip ideas from Padua Based in Padua, you can branch out to nearby cities, small towns, and green hills for day trips that match your interests and the pace of your tour. Venice: ride the fast train and step right into canals, stone lanes, and lively markets by the Rialto. If you like art, photography, or local food, this day trip keeps you busy with neighbourhood walks, quiet church interiors, and ferry hops across the lagoon. Vicenza: a compact centre filled with Palladian palaces and clean-lined facades along Corso Palladio. Design fans and architecture students get clear examples of form and proportion, while shoppers and coffee lovers find easy stops on a relaxed loop of the old town. Euganean Hills and thermal towns: trails, vineyards, and hot-spring centres around Abano and Montegrotto. Hikers and cyclists enjoy rolling routes with views, and if you like slower days, parks and village squares make an easy fit for a low-key tour. Verona: river curves, Roman bridges, and busy piazzas like Piazza delle Erbe. History buffs can trace layers in the streets, while food fans snack on local dishes between short walks along the Adige. Chioggia and Sottomarina: a working harbour with canals, morning fish markets, and a long beach just across the bridge. It suits seafood lovers, casual photographers, and anyone who wants a simple seaside day without long travel. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Padua most travellers miss.