2ndcupoftea

Things to Do in Padova – as well as places to stay and eat…

Well, Padova turned out to be somewhat of a surprise. I’ve been before, many times in fact; as it is a convenient toilet stop, with a 800 year old tongue to gaze at on the way to Venice. Yes, for most that is what Padova, home to Europe’s second oldest University and Italy’s largest square, is… We park the bus, stroll across Prato della Valle and into the Basilica of San Antonio, then off we go. The sightly more adventurous might of course include a booking to the Scrovegni Chapel. However…

Love Padova?

… you’d be missing out if this is all you do here. The place has certainly been ‘done up’ with a lot of investment for tourists. The old centre surrounding the Palazzo della Raggione is stunning and there are hidden gems aplenty. I certainly recommend at least two full days in this old City – you will not be bored.

Here is my list of things to do in Padova as well as places to stay and eat. Enjoy and be prepared for a pleasant surprise…

Fancy a Drink?

1901 Enoteca Severino, Via del Santo 44. Cute, cute little hole in the wall style place, just up what was once the main approach to the Basilica of San Antonio. Fewer tourists than the swarms of pilgrims in olden times, make their way today, but you should.

Not Much Has Changed…

Avoid the crowds in the bars heading back to the Prato Della Valle and the tourist bus car park and head instead, North along this street. Wonderful old wooden shelves, stacked with even better bottles, all waiting to be enjoyed in good, local company. Closes on Sundays and in true non-tourist style; between 14.00 and 17.00. Cheers.

Maison Hand, Piazza Eremitani 17. Don’t go the obvious tourist bar that EVERYONE goes to as you poor out of the Scrovegni and Eremitani museum. Well, nothing against the place, just that as usual around the corner is a more quiet, different sort of place. Not sure they are massively used to tourist so communication maybe just a little tricky, but the coffee and everything else is very very good. Here is their website to find them Maison Hand.

Where To Eat – Padova

Osteria Fradei Kempes – Riviera Tito Livio 17, tel 0498765599. After finishing a well worthwhile guided tour of the University, I asked; ‘where do students and teachers eat?’. Osteria Fradei Kempes I was told in a flash.

Amazing Food – Surrounded by Locals…

You have to ‘get’ what Italian food is all about to like this place. Unassuming decor, paper table ‘cloths’, wines in carafes and a hand writing menu on a scrap piece of A4. But, from the kitchen comes – amazing home cooked dishes at incredible value. Expect to be the only tourist (for now) surrounded by real Italians on their lunch break. Loved it. No website it seems.

La Vecchia Enoteca, Via S Martino e Solferino 32. Right in the heart of the old Jewish Ghetto, this place is very popular with locals and I recommend booking. That should be all you need to know, but just in case, let me add that the food is a great mix of Padaova traditional dishes with some new twists. The Italo-French chef, who’s name I don’t recall, is very friendly and happy to discuss menus and individual tastes. As an Enoteca, you’d expect the wines to be good, and they don’t disappoint. Usually closed Sunday evening and Mondays, call on 0039(0)498752856 to be sure you get a table.

Osteria dei Fabbri, Via dei Fabbri 13. This is my favourite place to eat in Padova (that I have found). Giselle is a lot of fun and together with her husband (?) make for great hosts.

Just Come Here and Eat…

Exactly the kind of people I add to this site. The food was truly wonderful, the baccala’ from Vicenza exquisite and my meat eating guests loved the Ossobuco. I was leading a trip that went through delightful Padova with real ‘foodies’ and this place had our vote! They are usually closed on Thursdays and it is well worth calling 0039(0)49650336 to be sure to get a table.

Ciokko Latte – P.zza dei Signori 32

There are so many (rightly so) gelaterie in Padavo, but many seem to be of the frozen yogurt variety with a help yourself machine… hmm, not sure I get it and this Ciokko Latte is my favourite place for a cold refreshment in the centre.

We Each Have Our Favourites, This is Simply Mine…

There is a website Ciokko Latte, but don’t fuss, just go and taste…