Where to live

The arcaded old heart of Padua: grand squares, the university's historic buildings, the markets of Piazza delle Erbe, and Prato della Valle all within a short walk. It's lively year-round with students and cultured to its bones. The trade is cost and buzz: it's the priciest place to live, and a busy one, especially in term time.

Best for: those who want to live in the middle of the arcades, the squares, and the university life

The southern edge of the centre, around the vast Prato della Valle square and the Basilica of Saint Anthony. It's handsome, characterful, and a little calmer than the core, with pilgrims and locals mingling in the shadow of the great church. Central without being in the thick of it, and priced accordingly.

Best for: those wanting a handsome, central-adjacent base with a bit more calm

The historic university quarter just east of the centre, right by the classrooms and full of student life: cheap eats, bars, and a young, dynamic energy along the old river port. More affordable than the centre and lively with it. It's busy and noisy in term, quieter out of it.

Best for: students and young residents who want to be in the middle of university life

Leafy, orderly residential districts a little out from the centre, the 'garden city' feel of tree-lined streets and family homes. Calmer and greener than the core, popular with families and professionals who want space and quiet within easy reach of town.

Best for: families and professionals wanting a calm, green base near the centre

North of the train station and linked to the centre by the tram, Arcella is the most affordable of the areas worth looking at, a mixed, increasingly diverse district where the rents are lower and the apartments larger. It varies block to block, and the streets closest to the station are worth checking before you sign.

Best for: budget-conscious residents and students who want space and value over polish