Padova Italy

If you have been to Venice a bunch of times, that's fine. We stayed at the Al Fagiano. Its in the RS book, and there was an RS group there for one night when we were there. It is close to the St Anthony shrine church. We got a Padova card at the train station tourist office so we could ride the tram for free and see some of the Padua sights, including the Scrovegni Chapel. You need a separate reservation for that, but worth it. Anyway, the tram connects the Al Fagiano to the Train station through the center of town.

If you're thinking of "a couple of day trips" rather than one day trip, I'd stay in Venice itself. I had a great 3 night stay in Padova, with a day trip to Ferrara. Both Padova and Ferrara are not only very nice places, but they are not very "touristed," so it's practically just you and the Italians - quite a change from Venice. In Padova, I stayed at Belludi 37 (it was not in the RS book when I went, but it is now). I'd stay there again. http://www.belludi37.it/en/ The Padova Card is a great deal, particularly since (at least when I went) it covered unlimited rides on the tram, which very conveniently connects everything you want to see in town. While Padova is walkable, it was great to be able to take the tram when I was tired.

A few years ago my family and I stayed one night in Padova enroute to our agriturismo near Lake Garda as we couldn't check into our apt.until the next day. Saw the Scrovegni Chapel, Anatomy Theatre, etc. Padova is very untouristy and we enjoyed it. Stayed at Hotel Casa del Pellegrino right across the street from the Basilica of St. Anthony. It is in the R.S. book. It was nothing fancy but clean and fine for us. It also had safe parking for our car. Also did it as a daytrip from Venice this past July on a trip with my sisters and niece. Very easy to do. I would agree with above post that if you are thinking of several daytrips to Venice then I would just stay in Venice. You would be missing out on Venice in the evening which is lovely.

Good idea to see Padova. Not such a good idea to see Venice. The best time to see Venice is before the day trippers arrive, a walk or vaporetto ride at dawn is priceless; and after the day trippers leave. Strolling around the Campi after dark is highly atmospheric and great fun, and very safe. If you day trip in from Padova you will be one of the day trippers which make Venice less than pleasurable for many and will miss the best bits. But, as said above, if you have been to Venice a few times previously it is a decent idea. In addition to staying in Venice many times I have over the years popped in from Padova, Vicenza, Quarto d'Altino, and Bologna. I wouldn't suggest that to a first timer.

If you take a very early train to Venice and a late train back to Padova, you can have some of the pre-and post-daytripper experience. I stayed at Hotel M14 a couple of years ago, it's in the Prati delle Valle area with local tram and bus links a block away. They also have enclosed parking and will rent you bikes.

I think it's a great idea, but maybe because that's what we did and really enjoyed it a few years ago. Padua was a complete and happy surprise. We stayed several nights at the Hotel Al Cason. The family who owns the hotel treated us like gold. Period. A pleasant and reasonably priced restaurant is an option, nice sometimes when we returned late from daytrips. They have a small bar...get a Spritz! Rooms are spacious and modern. No more than 10 minute walk to the train station and an easy bus top into town. The area is not the prettiest but absolutely felt safe always. We had been to Venice before, so a day trip was fine. We also visited Vicenza and Verona on daytrips. No journey more than about 1 hour each way and frequent,cheap trains. The university area, the Prato, the piazza, botanical Gardens and fantastic Scrovegni Chapel. Staying in Padua allowed us to buy the extended tour option available late into the night...well worth it, I thought. We scheduled each day according to our likes or stamina, and spent the rest of our time taking in Padua. It has much to offer itself, and we felt we could suspend the usual "forced march" mentality we typically adopt in a city like. Florence, or Whatever. I'm very glad we did it like we did. It was a perfect fit for us.

I'll join the chorus of cheers for Padova and add one more suggestion. There are two companies that do boat trips on the Brenta Canal, which runs between Padova and Venice. They are guided tours with visits to some Palladian villas along the way. There are full and half day options. After doing the full, I recommend the half. The full day, starting at 8 a.m., with a bus ride back to Padova during rush hour made for too long a day. The price includes the villa admissions. We really enjoyed the experience. www.ilburchiello.it or www.anoniana.it/bmain.html