This year we spent the month of April in an apartment in Arles, France and had a wonderful time. Next year we are thinking of doing the same in Padova, Italy. Has anybody stayed in Padova for an extended time? If so, what are your thoughts on spending a month there? Our interests are day or two day trips (Venice, Bologna, Verona, etc.) and absorbing the local culture by visiting the markets, cooking, museums, old churches, etc. Thanks for your help.
Posted by
Wiesbaden, Germany
791 posts
I think it's an excellent idea. Padova is perfectly located to explore places like Venice, Verona, Vicenza, Bassano del Grappa, Marostica, Treviso, Bologna and a few other places.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
I can only say that I spent three nights in Padova and liked it a lot. It gets few tourists, so it feels more "authentic" (I know, I know) than a place like Venice or Florence. It also has a phenomenal central market (supposedly, the second most impressive in Italy after Bologna). My friend spent a morning there, and said the vendors were happy to talk to him about their wares, since, unlike in Bologna, they weren't being bothered all day by food tourists. In addition to the trips you mentioned, we took a day trip to Ferrara and loved it. It's another very nice city with few visitors.
Posted by
Toledo
653 posts
It's a longer day trip but you can get to Ravenna, another great town that is easy to manage. Ferrara and Mantova are other possible daytrips. Most require train changes in Bologna, but there may be direct buses (I've only taken trains in this area).
Posted by
Andover, MA, USA
559 posts
Hi Jim, I will echo the others and say that I really enjoyed Padova, especially for the lack of tourists. It's a big enough place to keep you busy, but also a good launching point. I loved just wandering around and watching people there, since they were mostly Italian, meaning not tourists (and I was there in late June). Definitely take in the Scrovegni Chapel (actually since you'll be there for a while you may consider going twice since you only get 15 minutes at a time). Enjoy!!!