Verona or Padua

The first question that comes to me is, “when ?” If it’s during opera season, you would have a tough time finding lodgings in Verona.

Of the three, including Vicenza, I rank Padova 1st, with Vicenza a close 2nd. However, you can’t go wrong with any of them.

Stayed in Padua in April, did train day trip to Verona. Both have a lot to see, Padua will be considerably closer to Venice.
We thought Verona was more interesting but either would be great. Driving watch the ZTL's in Padua! Our hotel was just off the main square in the heart of ZTL land, hope to not see any citations in my mailbox. Majestic Hotel Toscanelli was very nice and convenient.

Both are great, with lots of interesting sights. I would say that Verona is more scenic, with the river and the hills.

Agree completely with inbsig.

Art fan? Padua https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1623

Architecture? Vicenza https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/712

Verona, well, wow. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/797

Padua could be a nice stop, but it requires more than one day. Consider also Treviso and Vicenza; Treviso is closer to Venice and quite underrated city, the civic museums are interesting.

We're in Treviso now and agree with Tobia! It's a charming city and I think it would be quite easy with a car. We're staying slightly outside the center and there appears to be a lot of free and easy street parking.

I've bene to Verona and it was not my favorite (but that was several years ago, and just my humble opinion). Padua and Vicenza are on our list to visit this summer, but I haven't been yet.

We are traveling from Milan to Padua. Does it make sense to stop in Verona for lunch on the way?