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

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