Padua is a city full of parks and gardens: large and small, historic and neighborhood spaces. This is where local life blossoms, especially during the warmer months. Open‑air concerts, aperitifs surrounded by greenery, families at playgrounds, groups of friends sitting on the grass until evening: Padua’s parks are all of this.
Some are historic gardens designed centuries ago, while others have become lively meeting places in recent years thanks to festivals and events that animate Padua’s summer.
Here are some green corners we recommend to our guests:
Prato della Valle
Italy’s largest square (and one of the largest in Europe) is also one of the most beloved places for Padua’s residents. At its center lies the Isola Memmia, an elliptical garden surrounded by a canal and 78 statues, accessible via four small bridges. In summer, it’s perfect for a picnic on the grass or a bike ride along the outer ring.
Orto Botanico di Padova
Founded in 1545, it is the oldest university botanical garden in the world still in its original location and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Between the historic 19th‑century greenhouse and the modern Biodiversity Garden, it offers a fascinating journey through centuries‑old plants, rare species, and botanical curiosities.
Just a few minutes’ walk from Prato della Valle — ideal to combine in a single stroll.
Website: www.ortobotanico1545.it
Giardini dell’Arena
In the heart of the city, next to the Scrovegni Chapel and the remains of the ancient Roman Arena, these historic gardens are one of Padua’s most frequented green spaces. In summer, they host kiosks and refreshment areas perfect for an outdoor aperitif, while in winter they light up with Christmas decorations.
Website: www.giardinidellarena.com
Giardini Treves (Parco Treves)
Designed between 1829 and 1835 by Giuseppe Jappelli (the same architect behind the famous Caffè Pedrocchi), this is the city’s first true historic park, with a typical English‑style “romantic” layout made of winding paths, gentle slopes, and unexpected viewpoints.
Entrance from Via Bartolomeo D’Alviano, next to Porta Pontecorvo.
Parco Milcovich – Arcella Bella
Located in the Arcella district, this park has undergone a true revival in recent years thanks to the “Arcella Bella” project: a summer garden with concerts, open‑air cinema, street food, and activities for all ages, open almost every day from April to September. Perfect if you want to experience an evening like the locals, between an aperitif and live music, away from tourist routes.
It’s situated in Via Jacopo da Montagnana, a few minutes’ walk from the train station
Website: www.arcellabella.com
Campo dei Girasoli
Inside Parco del Basso Isonzo, this space comes alive every summer with a rich calendar of events: over 200 live concerts, excursions, creative workshops, and talks with experts. A great way to discover the most authentic, neighborhood‑based side of the city, between music, nature, and outdoor social life.
Website: www.campodeigirasoli.com
Parco Iris
A large urban park designed for sports and relaxation, with a fitness trail for outdoor exercise and wide lawns perfect for sunbathing. Ideal if you’re looking for a quieter, less touristy space to enjoy greenery like the locals do.
Address: Via Giovanni Canestrini
Parco d’Europa
Just outside the city’s Renaissance walls, this large green area was created through urban redevelopment and is now loved for walks, sports, and relaxation. Inside you’ll also find the Giardino di Cristallo, a greenhouse that houses the municipal collection of succulents.
Address: Via Venezia, 40
