Padova was for centuries under the control of Venice. Most of the canals of Padua are artificial and were built specifically to allow boats from Venice to arrive.

Padova is close to Venice and has LGBTQ nightlife unlike Venice. 

Piazza delle Erbe is the place where people meet for the night and many bars in the squares are good places to drink an aperitivo, socialise or meet friends.

Padova has a mix of gay and gay friendly bars, cafes and restaurants as a very open-minded city. There are specific clubs for gay community only which require Arco membership to enter.