Padua: Underrated (and Less Crowded) Cousin of Venice

Ah, Venice. The city of canals, gondolas, and, letâ’s be honest, way too many tourists. If you’ve ever fantasized about a romantic gondola ride, only to find yourself bumper-to-bumper with other boats like a traffic jam on water, you’re not alone. While Venice is undeniably beautiful, the reality often involves overpriced coffee, selfie sticks flying at dangerous angles, and a mysterious knee-deep flooding that nobody seems too concerned about.

But what if I told you there’s a place just 30 kilometers away where you can still bask in Italy’s Renaissance glory without feeling like a sardine in a can? Enter Padua: the city that quietly watches its famous neighbor hog the spotlight while keeping its treasures under wraps.

A Renaissance Wonderland Without the Elbowing

Padua is old. I mean, really old. We’re talking one of the oldest cities in Northern Italy. But don’t let that fool you it has all the flair of the Renaissance, minus the crowds.

The Sistine Chapel of Padua (Because Every City Needs One)

First stop: the Scrovegni Chapel. If Venice has St. Mark’s Basilica, Padua counters with this beauty, known as the Sistine Chapel of Padua. The Florentine painter Giotto di Bondone painted a cycle of frescoes here between 1303 and 1305, which basically means he was doing Renaissance art before the Renaissance was even a thing. His 38 frescoes tell biblical stories, but the real message is: Move over, Michelangelo, I did it first.

St. Anthony Basilica: Where Donatello Left His Mark

Then there’s the Papal Basilica of St. Anthony, a red-brick masterpiece with domes that look suspiciously like the ones in Venice’s St. Mark’s Basilica. Built in the 13th century, this sanctuary is one of Italy’s most famous pilgrimage sites. Inside, you’ll find works by Donatello yes, the Renaissance sculptor, not the Ninja Turtle.

Galileo’s Old Stomping Grounds

Speaking of famous names, Galileo Galilei taught at the University of Padua for 18 years. He probably enjoyed the peace and quiet compared to his later years in house arrest. Founded in 1222, the university is among the oldest in Italy. The historic Palazzo del Bo, its headquarters since 1493, is a must-visit if you want to walk in Galileo’s footsteps and pretend you understand physics.

Markets, Squares, and Coffee With a Twist

One of the best things about Padua? Everything is within walking distance no boats, no bridges, no risk of falling into a canal.

Piazza delle Erbe (Herb Square) & Piazza della Frutta (Fruit Square): The city’s bustling marketplaces where you can buy fresh produce or just pretend you’re in a medieval trade scene.

Salone della Ragione: A hidden gem inside Palazzo Comunale, often overshadowed by bigger names but secretly one of Padua’s coolest spots.

Prato della Valle: The largest square in Italy (and honestly, one of the most picturesque). If Venice has narrow alleys, Padua has open spaces where you can actually breathe.

And then there’s Caffe Pedrocchi, the intellectual hangout spot since 1772. Fun fact: originally, you didn’t even have to buy anything to sit there a concept so radical it probably made local businesses cry. If you do order something, go for the house specialty: an espresso with mint and cream, because why not?

Thermal Baths: Because Sightseeing Is Exhausting

After absorbing all that history, your feet will demand revenge. Luckily, Padua is right next to the Euganean Hills, home to healing thermal springs. These volcanic hills don’t just offer stunning views they provide a spa experience that has been a thing since Roman times. Because if the Romans knew anything, it was how to relax in style.

Padua: The Cultural Getaway You Didn’t Know You Needed

Padua is like Venice’s sophisticated, laid-back sibling just as cultured, but without the fuss. No overpriced gondolas, no aggressive pigeons, and no risk of spending your vacation wading through floodwaters. Whether you’re here for Renaissance art, Galileo’s legacy, or just an espresso without the tourist tax, Padua is the perfect alternative to Venice.

And if you still must see Venice? It’s just 30 kilometers away close enough for a quick visit, but far enough to escape when the crowds become unbearable.

Your secret Italian escape? Padua. But don’t tell too many people let’s keep it our little Renaissance hideaway.