I'm choosing between these two as a day trip from Venice. What do you think? thanks!
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Both are good choices for a day trip! If you have to choose between them, some (Michelin, for example) rate Verona *** (highly recommended) and Padova **(recommended); but these are general overall ratings. It depends on your specific interests, which you didn't specify. For example, those interested in art, and in particular the history of Italian Renaissance art, find that Giotto's frescoes in Padova's Scrovegni Chapel, alone, make Padova their choice, if they had to choose between the two destinations.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5850 posts
I've been to both and for a day trip, I would prefer Verona. The city is very compact and manageable. It has a very impressive arena and nice pedestrian area and main square.
On the other hand, if you are an art lover, you might want to choose Padua and make a reservation for the Scrovegni Chapel.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
Verona. Hands down.
Posted by
Mpls, MN
1005 posts
Have been to both and agree with Doug's posting--Verona hands down!!
Posted by
OP
Hong Kong
5 posts
I'm not that into art. So I guess I'll go to Verona then. Thank you all.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12315 posts
I've only been to Verona but we really liked it. The city center has an interesting combination of Roman and medieval buildings.
I had planned to skip the ampitheater in Verona because we were planning to see the Colliseum in Rome. I'm glad we saw it because the Colliseum is in such ruin while the Verona ampitheater is still in use.
Posted by
Frisco, TX
103 posts
I haven't been to either yet, but for my trip I have chosen Padova. Easy, easy, EASY choice thanks to the Scrovegni Chapel. That is all I feel like I absolutely MUST see out of Padova, Verona, and Vicenza.
Don't get me wrong, I would love to see them all at some point. Verona looks like the most beautiful city, overall, out of the three. Vicenza has Palladio's Teatro Olimpico and many of his famous villas are in the area. For me, though, Giotto's work in the Scrovegni Chapel is the ultimate draw out of any of these cities.
I have yet to see that sight get less than the top score in any guide (Michelin 3 stars, Frommer's 3 stars, Rick Steves 3/3, Fodor's "Fodor's Choice", and another book, I think it was Insight Guides "Italy" listed the Top 25 things to see in the entire country, and the Scrovegni Chapel was on it).