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Erasmus Guide 2026-2027

Living in Padua:
the definitive student guide

Hidden corners, the best neighbourhoods to rent a room and the legendary spritz culture of Italy's oldest university city, all in one place.

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favorite Living in Padua

Padua (Padova) is far more than a university city: it is a vibrant student community where eight centuries of history blend with everyday life. From the daily food market in Piazza delle Erbe to the late-afternoon spritz ritual, moving here means stepping straight into authentic Italian culture, the Veneto way.

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Made for cyclists

Padua is flat and compact, so almost every student gets around by bike. Picking up a second-hand bicycle in your first week is a rite of passage, and you will rarely need public transport again.

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Brilliantly connected

Just 25 minutes by train from Venice and well linked to Verona, Bologna and Milan. Weekend trips across Italy are cheap, fast and absurdly scenic, perfect for ticking off your Erasmus bucket list.

map Best neighbourhoods to live in

Prato della Valle park surrounded by historic statues and water canal
Laid-back vibe Green spaces

Prato della Valle

Home to the largest square in Italy, this area is ideal if you love open-air running, picnics on the grass and a calmer pace, while still being a short bike ride from Palazzo Bo and the historic centre.

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Cobblestone street in the historic centre of Padua at golden hour
Nightlife Historic

Centro Storico

Living inside the medieval walls means you are minutes from Palazzo Bo, the main lecture halls and the lively piazzas. It is busy, loud and impossibly charming, the obvious pick if you want to feel the pulse of student life every single night.

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Life at the University of Padua

The University of Padua (Unipd) was founded in 1222, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. Galileo Galilei taught here for nearly two decades. Expect rigorous academics, an international Erasmus crowd and a social calendar that revolves around the historic colleges and city centre.

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    Palazzo Bo The historic seat of Unipd. Do not miss the Anatomical Theatre, the oldest of its kind in the world.
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    Study halls and libraries Spread across the city centre. Arrive early during exam season, the best spots fill up by 9am.
Students walking through a historic university courtyard in Padua

nightlife Spritz culture and student nightlife

Piazza dei Signori

Every Wednesday evening the central squares fill up with students for the legendary giropizza and spritz crawl. The local order is a Spritz (Aperol, Campari or Select) and prices are unbeatable for Western Europe, usually €3.50 to €5 a glass, snacks included.

19:00 Kick-off
€4 Average price
Close-up of an Aperol Spritz cocktail with an orange slice
Don't miss aperitivo hour!

Available rooms in Padua

Verified listings for Erasmus students. Book your room in Padua online, securely and 100% in English.

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Bright modern student bedroom with wooden furniture in Padua
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Sunny room near Portello student area

location_on Via Belzoni, Padua

€450/month Bills included
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Cosy student bedroom with a large window overlooking Padua
New listing

Single room with balcony

location_on Piazza dei Signori

€520/month Available from 1 September
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Spacious shared living room in a student apartment in Padua

Twin room near Prato della Valle

location_on Prato della Valle

€380/month per person Ideal for couples
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Student desk with laptop and houseplants in a Padua flat

Affordable single near the train station

location_on Stazione di Padova

€350/month + €50 utilities
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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a bike to get around Padua?

It is highly recommended. Padua is flat and compact, so a bike is the most practical way to get around the city. Getting a second-hand one is considered almost the first rite of passage for every student who arrives. With it, you will reach the university, the squares and your room without any hassle.

What are the best neighbourhoods to live in Padua?

Prato della Valle, next to the largest square in Italy, is ideal if you are after green spaces and a relaxed atmosphere close to the centre. The Historic Centre, within the medieval walls, puts you steps away from the university (Palazzo Bo) and the squares; it is bustling and charming. On Lupo Rooms you have rooms in both areas.

Why is the University of Padua famous?

The University of Padua is one of the oldest in the world, founded in 1222, and Galileo Galilei was among its professors. The atmosphere is academically rigorous but socially very lively. Don't miss the anatomical theatre at Palazzo Bo, its historic seat, and get to the study halls early during exam season.

Is Padua close to Venice?

Yes, Venice is just 25 minutes away by train from Padua. This makes the city an ideal base for Erasmus students: weekend trips are cheap, fast and incredibly scenic. You can enjoy Padua's university life and escape to Venice whenever you feel like it.

How much does a spritz cost in Padua?

Between €3.50 and €5, incredibly cheap compared with the rest of Europe. The spritz (Aperol, Campari or Select) is the local drink and a true ritual: every Wednesday evening, squares like Piazza dei Signori fill up with students. It is the best way to socialise and immerse yourself in Paduan student life.

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