Best Hotels in Padua: Where to Stay Near the Scrovegni Chapel

Padua is often used as a budget base for Venice — a 45-minute train journey away at a fraction of the cost. But the city rewards time of its own, and staying in the historic centre gives access to the Scrovegni Chapel, the university, the Prato della Valle, and the Basilica on foot.

Historic centre

The area between the Scrovegni Chapel and the Palazzo della Ragione is the most convenient for sightseeing.

Budget (€55–90/night): Several good B&Bs and small hotels in the historic streets. The area around Piazza dei Signori has good options at budget and mid-range prices.

Mid-range (€90–160/night): Good boutique hotels in the centro storico. Padua has a well-developed hospitality offer driven by its university visitor base.

Top-end (€160–300/night): Hotel Majestic Toscanelli (a historic hotel in the old market area), Plaza Hotel (larger business-oriented hotel). Padua doesn’t have many luxury options but these are solid.

Near the train station

The Stazione di Padova is 10 minutes’ walk from the Scrovegni Chapel.

Budget (€50–80/night): Standard budget hotels around the station.

Mid-range (€80–140/night): Business hotels; reliable quality.

Padua as a Venice base

Staying in Padua and day-tripping to Venice saves 40–60% on accommodation costs. The trains run every 30 minutes (45 minutes, €4.50 one-way). If Venice accommodation is booked out or prohibitively expensive for your dates, Padua (or Treviso or Vicenza — similar distances) is a practical alternative.

However: this means missing the Venice experience of being on the island at night, when the city is quietest and most atmospheric.

Booking tips

• Book 2–4 weeks ahead for spring and autumn. Padua doesn’t have Venice’s booking pressure.
• The Feast of St Anthony (13 June) brings pilgrims and fills accommodation.
• Padua has several university-season periods (exam weeks in January/February and June/July) when the city is busier.