Are you planning a vacation in Venice and looking to extend your itinerary beyond the confines of the Serenissima? Among the most popular options for a day trip are two charming cities: Padua and Treviso. Both offer unique experiences and must-see historical attractions, but which one should you choose? We have created two itineraries, one for each city, to help you make the best decision.
Itinerary 1: Discovering Padua
Padua, the larger of the two cities, is rich in history, art, and culture. If you have just one day to explore, here’s an itinerary that will allow you to visit the main points of interest in the city.
- Prato della Valle
Begin your visit at Prato della Valle, one of the largest squares in Europe. This vast open space is surrounded by a canal and adorned with statues of notable figures, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing stroll. - Basilica of Saint Anthony
Continue to the Basilica of Saint Anthony, one of Italy’s most important sanctuaries. This impressive church is a pilgrimage site for visitors from around the world and houses the relics of the saint. - Botanical Garden
A short walk from the basilica, you’ll find the Botanical Garden, the oldest university botanical garden in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you can admire a vast collection of rare and ancient plants.
Palazzo della Ragione
Head towards the Palazzo della Ragione, a medieval building that contains one of Europe’s most significant cycles of frescoes. Don’t miss the chance to visit its impressive hall, the largest in Europe without supporting columns.
- Continue the tour with a visit to Palazzo del Bo, the historic seat of the University of Padua, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. Here, you can explore Galileo Galilei’s lecture chair and the Anatomical Theatre, the oldest permanent anatomical theatre.
- Eremitani Civic Museums
Conclude your day at the Eremitani Civic Museums, which house a rich collection of artworks and archaeological artifacts, including frescoes by the renowned painter Giotto.
Itinerary 2: Discovering Treviso
Next, let’s explore Treviso, a city that is equally captivating as Padua. With its perfectly preserved city walls and the Sile River surrounding its historic center, Treviso offers a delightful blend of history and nature that captivates every visitor.
- Church of San Francesco
Start your visit at the Church of San Francesco, a fascinating religious building that encapsulates centuries of history and art. - Treviso Canals and Buranelli Canal
Continue to explore Treviso’s canals, particularly the picturesque Buranelli Canal, a charming corner of the city that offers ideal photo opportunities. - Piazza San Vito and Fontana dei Tre Visi
Stop at Piazza San Vito to admire the Fontana dei Tre Visi, an ancient fountain symbolically representing the three faces of the city. - Piazza dei Signori
Head to Piazza dei Signori, the vibrant heart of Treviso, surrounded by elegant historic buildings and characterized by a lively atmosphere.
- Don’t miss the curious Fontana delle Tette, a unique monument dating back to the 16th century, which has become one of Treviso’s most distinctive symbols.
- Treviso City Walls and Porta San Tomaso
End your tour with a walk along Treviso’s perfectly preserved city walls and visit Porta San Tomaso, one of the ancient city gates that testify to its glorious past.
How to Reach Padua and Treviso from Venice
Both cities are easily accessible from Venice thanks to an efficient network of trains and buses. If you wish to explore other destinations in the Veneto region or need to reach the main airports, find out how to conveniently travel by bus from Venice and nearby locations.
What to See Around Venice?
If you’re curious to discover more interesting destinations around Venice, visit the “Around Venice” section of our blog for additional suggestions and itineraries.
