Verona or Bologna?

Both are interesting and pretty, and both can keep you busy for the whole day.
My personal preference is probably for Verona.

I can't resist pointing out that there's another good option: Bergamo.

Considered it, but not sold on it.

In 2015 we did a day trip to Bologna and stayed in Verona for 3 nights in late April, early May. Would definitely pick Verona - pretty, walkable center, Roman ruins and delicious food and wine. It's easy enough to avoid the Romeo & Juliet cheesiness, although the Montague's cemetery is pretty neat.

To be fair, Bologna has its charms, including food - but that's where someone tried to pick my husband's pocket!

I have been to both. Verona, to me, is very pretty, but too much high end shopping, the area looked more like a mall.
Bologna has great architecture and the food was some of the best I've had! It had more of a "fun" atmosphere.
Just my opinion :)

Based on your "likes", Verona without any doubt.

Verona as well for me.
Bologna was nice, but no big wow.

I visited both cities last summer and preferred Verona. Plus, for a day trip, Rick gives you an excellent Verona walk and great restaurant recommendations in his Italy guidebook.

Another vote for Verona. I'll be there for the third time this summer. For us, one time in Bologna was enough.

Traylaparks, "Bologna...- but that's where someone tried to pick my husband's pocket!" Well, one pickpocket was successful, unfortunately, for us! I was concentrating on taking "the perfect photo" on a quiet street, and she came up and grabbed my husband's hand. Luckily we wear our money belts and had just eaten lunch, so he only lost the 10 Euro in his pocket.

For a day of sightseeing, I'd choose Verona because its sights are more varied, more interesting and just plain more of them. The San Zeno Church is special and the Arena could be the best Roman ruins in northern Italy.

I’ve spent a week in each of these cities. I’d pick Verona.

Ok, I'll stick to the original plan of going to Verona. Thanks!