northeast italy

I have seen Treviso described as mainly a residential community, a “nice place to live, but I wouldn’t want to visit there”. Here is a website with information on what to see and do in Treviso:

https://visitproseccoitaly.com/things-to-do-in-treviso-italy/?cn-reloaded=1

Of the three, we chose Ferrara, and specifically Hotel Annunziata, in a Castle View room:

https://www.annunziata.it/en/

But I can’t give you a review because we haven’t gone yet.

Cameron from RS wrote a blog post not too long ago that included a blurb about Treviso:

https://blog.ricksteves.com/cameron/2022/01/italy-best-destination-anywhere/

I’ve only walked around Ferrara for a couple of hours, but loved it and very much hope to go back. Here’s their website: https://www.ferraraterraeacqua.it/en/home-page

The highlight of Vicenza is the Palladian architecture. I would rated it 1st among the 3 you are considering.

We stayed in Treviso for six nights and really liked it a lot. Did two or three short day trips from there, but found plenty to do in the historic center. Canals, bridges, painted buildings, porticoes, pedestrian areas, the town walls, good places to eat, interesting art and museums, art installations on some of the walls, and even some small shops that two non-shoppers enjoyed looking around in. There was some kind of nighttime fish-eating festival and an antiques market while we were there. We easily returned our rental car to the Venice airport and flew home.

However, and maybe because we only spent a day in Ferrara and I wished we'd had more time there, I would probably choose Ferrara. More to see and do, plus there's the squash/pumpkin filled pasta.

Art made from wire mesh on some walls in Treviso

We did one trip focused on the Veneto and enjoyed visiting it’s towns and cities. Vicenza, Bassano del Grappa, Asolo.

I haven't been to Treviso, but I enjoyed Ferrara more than Vicenza.

Ferrara is a very pleasant town but I didn’t find much to do there and did day trips. I did enjoy bicycling all over town and around the perimeter on a bicycle provided by my hotel.

https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-things-ferrara-italy/

Thank you everyone for the great info. I think we are narrowing to Treviso or Ferrara. How about great B&Bs, or restaurants that are frequented by mostly local residents. Any good ideas? (you know, the typical RS tips).