Weekend in Padova

Historic 19th-century café with three distinct rooms in neoclassical, Egyptian, and Renaissance styles. The ground floor is still a working café, and you can wander the main rooms

Tip: Order just a coffee – the house specialty 'caffè Pedrocchi' (with mint and cream) costs around €3, which is reasonable. The tables outside are pricier, so sit inside.

One of Europe's largest public squares, an elliptical island surrounded by a canal lined with 78 statues of historical figures. Locals gather here for markets, rollerblading, or ju

Tip: Go on Saturday morning for the antique market. Otherwise, early evening is quietest, and the light on the statues is softer.

One of Europe's largest public squares with a central island, canal and 78 statues.

Tip: Head there just before sunset; the market (Wed & Sat mornings) adds local colour but crowds build fast.

A sprawling red-brick basilica that mixes Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine styles. Houses the saint's tomb, a chapel with reliefs by Donatello, and a treasury of relics. Entry is free, but the treasu

Tip: Visit the treasury for the reliquary of Saint Anthony's tongue – it's macabre but historically interesting. Avoid 12:00–14:00 when tour groups flood in.

13th-century basilica with a marble facade, Donatello bronzes and St Anthony's tomb.

Tip: Go early (before 10am weekdays) to see the chapel without queues. Dress code enforced: shoulders and knees covered.

Giotto's fresco cycle, dating from 1305, covers the interior in vivid biblical scenes. The chapel itself is a brick box, but inside is one of the most important paintings in European art. Entry costs

Tip: Book online at least three days ahead, especially in summer. Walk-ins are rarely possible. The 20-minute viewing slot is timed exactly.

Medieval town hall with a vast hall and frescoed zodiac cycle on the upper floor.

Tip: Skip the paid upper hall if budget's tight — the ground-floor portico (free) has enough Renaissance atmosphere and a good view of the square.

Fresco cycle by Giotto from 1305, considered a masterpiece of Western art.

Tip: Book at least a day in advance online via the museum website — walk-up tickets rarely available. Low-cost entry only; no free times.

The world's oldest academic botanical garden, founded in 1545. Laid out in a circular plan with medicinal plants, greenhouses, and a ginkgo tree from 1750. Entry is about €10, but

Tip: The free Sunday gets very busy, so arrive just after opening at 09:00. Bring water – the greenhouses can be muggy.

UNESCO World Heritage garden founded 1545, with medicinal plants and ancient trees.

Tip: First Sunday of each month entry is reduced to €1 after 11am. The greenhouse and arid plant house are worth the inside route.