Pavia Guide: What to see & Where to stay in Pavia

Looking for the perfect day trip from Milan? Let us introduce you to Pavia, a charming town just 45 minutes away by train. In this article, we prepared a whole Pavia Guide.

Once a medieval capital of Lombardy, Pavia offers a delightful mix of history, stunning architecture, and riverside serenity. Think cobbled streets, centuries-old churches, and one of Italy’s oldest universities, all without the tourist crowds you’ll find in Milan.

While planning our Milan itinerary, we wanted to include a few day trips that offered a different vibe. After some research, we chose Pavia and Turin.

Turin drew us in with its grand boulevards and rich royal history, while Pavia impressed us with its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful old town, and the scenic Ticino riverside, the perfect escape for a slower, more local experience.

So if you’re wondering what to see, do and where to stay in Pavia, stick with us! We’ll walk you through our Pavia Guide filled with must-see sights, relaxing spots, local food recommendations, places to stay and plenty more to help you make the most of your day trip from Milan.

Our Pavia Tourist Map 

You can start with our Pavia tourist map, where we’ve marked all the must-see spots you shouldn’t miss. It’s the perfect way to plan your visit and get a feel for the city’s highlights right from the start.

What to see in Pavia: Our Personal Experience

Pavia Train Station 

Traveling from Milan to Pavia, we headed to Porta Venezia station and caught a regional train. The ticket cost just €4 per two person, although on the way there, the conductor unexpectedly issued us two child tickets — probably trying to help us save a bit of money 😄 So in the end, it was even cheaper! Normally it costs €4 per person.

The train ride was smooth and took about 45 minutes and goes almost every half an hour. For the most accurate info on ticket prices and schedules, it’s always best to check the official Trenord website or consult the departure boards at the station before your trip.

Minerva Statue

On our way from the train station, we passed by the Statue of Minerva, one of Pavia’s most iconic landmarks. Standing tall at a busy intersection, this impressive bronze statue represents the Roman goddess of wisdom.

Historic Street Center in Pavia 

From there, we continued into Pavia’s historic city center, a charming maze of narrow cobbled streets, elegant piazzas, and centuries-old buildings. The town feels pleasantly slow-paced, with locals riding bikes, hidden courtyards, and quiet corners that invite you to wander without a plan. Sometimes, we just love to get a little lost, grab something to eat or drink from the food court on the main street, and simply explore without a destination. It’s the kind of place where you can soak up the authentic Italian atmosphere just by strolling around.

Pavia’s Arancini 

One of the highlights from the local food court was definitely the arancini — crispy on the outside, warm and flavorful on the inside. We were excited to find such good Sicilian street food in Pavia and it turned out to be a delicious surprise and the perfect quick bite before heading to our next stop.

The best one was probably cacio e pepe and cost €3. Filip completely fell in love with this simple, cheesy, peppery perfection. He is still dreaming about it!

Medieval Towers 

Just a few steps from the historic center, we stumbled upon one of Pavia’s most striking features, its medieval towers. Once part of a much larger system (Pavia used to have over 100 of them!), these ancient brick structures still rise proudly above the rooftops, giving the city a distinct skyline and a real sense of medieval grandeur.

We loved how they just appear out of nowhere, towering between charming houses and churches. 

University of Pavia

We continued our walk past the University of Pavia, which is impossible to overlook. It’s one of the oldest universities in Italy, founded in 1361.

The University of Pavia is not only one of the oldest in Italy but also one of the most respected. It offers a wide range of programs, from medicine, law, and engineering to humanities, political science, economics, and natural sciences.

Palazzo Malaspina

Just around the corner from the university, we came across the elegant Palazzo Malaspina, a beautiful 18th-century building that once belonged to the powerful Malaspina family. Today, it houses part of the University of Pavia’s library and exhibition spaces, including the Camillo Golgi Museum.

The palace itself isn’t open to the public on a regular basis, but entrance is sometimes possible during special events or exhibitions. So if you’re lucky (or planning ahead), you might get a glimpse inside and see its grand staircase, baroque ceilings, and historical charm up close.

For up-to-date information about openings or exhibitions, it’s best to check the official university museum website.

Vicolo Tre Re 

From the university, we made a quick turn into Vicolo Tre Re, a narrow old street connecting to Strada Nuova. Nothing too touristy here just a short, quiet alley with old houses and a local feel.

I just really like these tiny Italian streets. There’s something cozy and real about them, even if there’s nothing “special” to see.

Ponte Coperto 

After that, we headed to the Ponte Coperto, one of Pavia’s most famous landmarks. This covered bridge crosses the Ticino River and offers great views of both the river and the city. It’s a popular spot for a walk, photos, or just watching the water flow by.

The bridge you see today is a reconstruction from the 1950s, but it was built to match the original medieval version that was destroyed during World War II.

Ticino River 

From the middle of the bridge, you get a really nice view of the Ticino River. On one side you see the city skyline with its towers and rooftops, and on the other side (this one) the river opens up towards the countryside. It’s a peaceful spot, and we stayed there for a few minutes just enjoying the view and the breeze.

Vela Dolci Tentazioni  – Too Good to Go 

After crossing the bridge, we walked about 15 minutes further along the river because we had ordered a surprise sweet package via our favorite app, Too Good To Go, which we can totally recommend.

If you haven’t heard of it, Too Good To Go is a food waste reduction app that lets you buy food from bakeries, restaurants, and cafés at a lower price. 

We picked up our package at Vela Dolci Tentazioni, a local sweet shop, and for just €4 we got a generous box of pastries and treats. You can have a look at our package and please tell me that it is totally worth it!

If you’re into sweets and want to try something local while saving money (and the planet), you should definitely try it too.

View of Ticino River 

After we picked up our sweets, we walked back to the riverside and found a spot in the park by the Ticino River. We sat on the grass, enjoyed the view of Pavia, and ate our pastries in the sun.  It was a really relaxing break and we would like to recommend the park to you as well. 

Pavia Cathedral – Duomo di Pavia 

Before leaving the town, we stopped by the Duomo di Pavia, the city’s main cathedral. It’s a massive Renaissance building with a huge dome that you can spot from many parts of the city.
The inside is spacious and calm, with simple decoration and a peaceful vibe — a nice contrast to the busy piazzas outside.

It’s not one of those over-the-top cathedrals full of tourists, but still impressive in size and history. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth stepping inside for a few quiet moments.

San Michele Maggiore 

One of our last stops was San Michele Maggiore, one of the oldest and most important churches in Pavia, built in the 11th century. It’s a great example of Romanesque architecture, with a rough stone façade and beautifully carved details.

The inside feels quiet and atmospheric, darker than the Duomo, and full of historical weight, several kings were crowned here. We went in for a few minutes just to walk around and take it in, and it was definitely worth it.

Entry is free, and the church is open most of the day, Monday: 08:30–12:00 and 14:30–19:00, Tuesday to Saturday: 08:30–19:00 and Sunday: around 09:00–19:00 (hours may vary slightly.)

San Michele Maggiore was our last stop in Pavia. Then we came back to Milan by train again.

More Things to Do in Pavia – Our Recommendation

Unfortunately, we had only one afternoon in Pavia, but if you plan to stay longer or want to explore beyond the main sights, here are some extra things you can do in and around the city.

All of these spots can be found on our interactive map below, so you can easily plan your visit and navigate around Pavia.

Certosa di Pavia 

Certosa di Pavia is a monumental Renaissance monastery located about 8 km north of the city. Built in 1396, it’s one of the most impressive religious sites in northern Italy, known for its ornate marble façade, quiet cloisters, and small museum with sculptures and historical objects.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays)
Times vary by season: generally 09:00–11:30 and 14:30–17:30
Entry is free, tickets are handed out at the entrance. For more information, let’s check the official website. 

It’s easy to reach by train or bus from Pavia and takes about 45 minutes to 2 hours to visit. I am personally a bit sad that we didn’t have time for Certosa di Pavia but I put it into our bucket list and hope to visit it soon. 

Visconti Castle – Civic Museum 

Visconti Castle (Castello Visconteo) is just a short walk from the city center. This 14th-century fortress was built by the powerful Visconti family and now houses the Civic Museums of Pavia, with exhibitions covering archaeology, medieval sculptures, Renaissance paintings, and local history.

The castle’s courtyard and architecture are also worth seeing, even if you don’t go inside, it’s a calm, spacious spot to take a break from the streets.

Opening hours are from Monday, Wednesday to Friday: 14:00–18:00, Saturday and Sunday: 10:00–18:00 and closed on Tuesdays. For entrance fees you can check their website.

Botanical Garden 

If you are interested in the Botanical Garden, it is part of the university and dates back to 1773. It’s a quiet place with historic greenhouses, a medicinal plant area, and a Ginkgo tree planted in 1778, one of the oldest in Europe. Opening hours (May–June) are Tuesday to Thursday: 10:00–13:30, Friday: 10:00–17:30 and from Saturday and Sunday: 10:00–18:00. Full entrance is €6. 

Museum of Electrical Technologies

If you’re into science or engineering, this museum is dedicated to the history of electricity and features more than 4,000 objects. You’ll find old generators, radios, measuring devices, and some interactive exhibits. Opening hours are Tuesday to Friday: 09:00–13:00 and Saturday and Sunday: 15:00–18:00. Full entrance is €5. If you want to get more information, let’s check the official website.

Where to stay in Pavia 

We didn’t stay overnight in Pavia ourselves, as we only visited for one afternoon. But if you’re thinking about spending a night or two, there’s definitely plenty to do to make it worth your time.

When looking for accommodation, I always go for places rated at least 8/10 to keep the stay comfortable and enjoyable. We prepared a few good options across different budgets from budget-friendly stays, to comfortable mid-range picks, and even a couple of more luxurious places if you feel like treating yourself.

Budget stays in Pavia

Even if you’re traveling on a budget, you can still find comfortable and pleasant places to stay in Pavia. Here are three great options that won’t break the bank:

Appartamento Pavia
A small, well-equipped apartment with a kitchen and private bathroom. It’s not right in the center, but you can easily walk everywhere. Great if you want to cook a meal or just enjoy a bit more space than a hotel room.

Residence Il Cascinetto
A quiet and practical place with everything you need – private bathroom, solid Wi-Fi, and easy parking. Perfect if you’re coming by car or just want a peaceful night away from the crowds.

L’appartamento del Borgo
Bright and nicely decorated, this apartment offers a cozy atmosphere in a calm neighborhood. You’ll find shops nearby, so it’s easy to grab something for breakfast and feel at home during your stay.

Middle-range stays in Pavia

If you’re looking for something a bit more stylish or centrally located without breaking the bank, these mid-range options offer great comfort and design while staying under control budget-wise.

Golgi Suite
A sleek and modern apartment just a short walk from the center. You’ll get plenty of space, private kitchen, and a super clean, well-kept interior. Great choice if you like the idea of a home base in Pavia with more privacy than a hotel.

La Cà di Sogn
Set in a charming and quiet area of Pavia, this apartment is ideal for travelers who appreciate a peaceful stay. Expect a lovely outdoor area, modern bathroom, and overall a clean and cozy vibe. It feels like staying at a friend’s place—if your friend had great taste.

UniHo Hostel
Despite the name, this feels more like a hotel than a hostel. You’ll find bright rooms, private bathrooms, and modern design. Bonus: it’s located near the university area, so it has a younger energy while still being calm at night.

Luxury stays in Pavia

If you’re up for a more exclusive experience in Pavia, these places deliver comfort and elegance without being overly flashy. They all offer something extra, whether it’s design, location or atmosphere, so you can treat yourself without overdoing it.

Il 64B
This is your stylish, light-filled apartment right in the heart of the old town. Modern design, a private balcony, and a quiet location, even though you’re just steps away from everything. Great for couples who want comfort, privacy and aesthetics in one.

Arnaboldi Palace
A unique stay in a historical building with incredible interiors, think frescoed ceilings, antique furniture and a grand, yet homey atmosphere. This place has a charming old-world feel, while still offering modern comforts and excellent service.

Grey House Pavia
A calm, design-focused apartment with muted tones, natural materials and a real “soft luxury” feel. Located in a quiet area but within walking distance from the center, it’s ideal for travelers who appreciate minimalism and elegance over bling.

If you haven’t found the perfect place to stay yet, check out the map below – it shows all the spots from this guide and lets you explore available hotels and apartments in just a few clicks.