Parma, Bologna or Verona

Maybe stay in Modena, which is between Parma and Bologna. Then you could take the train into Parma and Bologna (each is only about a 30-45 minute train ride). Modena is also a lovely historical city with great food. And you could drive to San Donnino, which is a lovely estate, just south of Modena and has a wonderful balsamic vinegar tour. Bologna is great, but driving in the city is horrible. Each of your cities have ZTLs to avoid.

Never been to Parma. Verona is good with its mini-arena and the Romeo and Juliet balcony.

Bologna is interesting, but I liked Ravenna more.

We did Emilia Romagna region in May. We're partial to Bologna and Parma because of the food. We're actually going back to both of them next summer because we'd like to spend more time. I've been to Verona, but it's been about 20 years.

You really can't lose with any of them, and with three days you can see all of them if you wish. I'd pick based on the parking situation (which I know nothing about, as I took trains).

I have 6 nights and am trying to decide between Bologna or Verona also!
Then we travel to Venice for 4 nights

I hear so many mixed reviews for Bologna, not many bad ones about Verona

But Bologna sounds worthy for
some historical sites
Great food and markets
Untouristy
Easy access to Florence Ferrara Verona and Parma

It can’t be that bad. I loved Athens and that’s a gritty city
Would anyone recommend air bnbs or hotel and best part of city to stay. Obviously old town!

Thanks

Just returned from a trip and stayed in Bologna for 5 nights. Verona is great for a day trip as is Parma but I would not spend 3 nights in either. Bologna has much more to see and is a rail hub so it’s easy for travel. My suggestion would be to drive from Como to Verona where you can ditch the car. A vehicle is more of an inconvenience than you might imagine. (Luggage storage at RR station or perhaps at car rental office. We parked in a public garage near the centro historico, kept the luggage and returned the car after seeing the city.) Then go by train for the remainder of your trip.

In Verona, eat at L'Orologio on Corso Porto Nova, just outside the center. Great menu, about 25 different wines by the glass. In Bologna we stayed at the 2 star (under rated) Albergo Centrale. Clean, nice sized rooms, good breakfast and great location. Try the Ristorante Il Saraceno, Via Calcavinazzi, about a block away. Enjoy an aperitivo or two and some charcuterie at Signorvino on the Piazza Maggiore across from the Cathedral.

Never been to Parma but I love Bologna and Verona. Have been several times. Can't go wrong with either place. Verona just might edge Bologna out by a little for more sights but Bologna has better food. Let me know if you need hotel or restaurant recommendations.

I would prefer Parma that is the smallest of the three but had an interesting history that has left memories.

I loved Bologna! There are many historical sites, modern conveniences--like shopping and many fine restaurants. It was one of my favorite cities that I visited.