zeppole

PS: I should add that if you spring for the cost of a fast train, you can be in either city in fifty minutes.

taconictraveler

I have to say that I would go to Verona, if I had to choose.
It is a most beautiful city, with some of the loveliest squares and buildings I have ever seen.

I like Bologna, and we had good food, but it was almost too big to get a real handle on, and Verona had more of a small city feel. Lots of art, ancient and medieval buildings, delicious food, the wonderful church of San Zeno, a Renaissance marvel (where Romeo and Juliet are said to have been married) as well as the Museo Civico, with its remarkable statue of the cangrande.

I could go on and on, and maybe it was just what WE happened to see and experience in both cities, but don't ignore Verona, it's memorable.

zeppole

Actually, I doubt most people answering in this thread have been to both places. They don't offer any basis for comparison. It's jsut a shout out for Bologna.

I'm glad people like Bologna, and I do too, very much, but Verona has many more marvelous piazze that are so very well used, and lovely food markets that date back centuries. Obviously people like both places, and for good reasons, but considering that it now costs most couples about $500 per day to visit Northern Italy, don't you want to make your decision on the basis of something more than a half dozen internet responses from people whose age and background you have no clue about?

Anyway, up to you, but the real reason I came back to post was that I felt certain that Verona is actually more into gnocchi than Bologna is, so I did some googling, and here is a link to a fun read. In addition to staging an entire event around gnocchi, and crowning a king-for-a-day Papa Gnocco, the Veronese also have a purely local word to caution against the perils of stuffing yourself with too much gnocchi: "GNOCCOLONITÀ."

http://juliadellacroce.com/forktales...y-in-verona-2/

yestravel

zeppole, actually u don't have a clue as to where people on this thread have gone... And I visited NItaly when the dollar was at $1.63 a couple years ago and it didn't cost anywhere near $500 a day...substantially less and I have been there since and again nowhere near $500 a day. so have u basis for comparison???

LoveItaly

Yestravel, zeppole is always the "one in the know" and puts down other posters responses a lot be they a one word response or many paragraphs. And you are correct, she has no idea about various posters.

I have spent many days in Verona going back to the 1970's and in Bologna since the early 1980's. It is all a matter of opinion of course but I will say again I prefer Bologna although I always have also always enjoyed Verona. My various friends in Northern Italy prefer Bologna to Verona also, unless they are attending the opera in Verona.

Enjoy whichever city you chose, mike, you will I am sure have a wonderful visit in either Bologna or Verona.

blueridge

Just thought Verona deserved another proponent. We spent a full day and one night in Verona last year coming off 3 nights at Lake Garda (also recommended). We were pretty much thunderstruck by Verona's beauty: gorgeous architecture throughout the very walkable city. Approaching the huge city gates through which the lovely buildings framing the square appear before you arrive at a view of the Roman Arena/coliseum is a treat: we hope to include Verona in another trip when we've made better plans to include a performance in the arena. Marble streets were thronged with shoppers at upscale shops open on Sunday, one of the oldest market squares - still operating, and a lovely river is crossed by a pedestrian bridge with picturesque views of roman gardens on the far side, or the cityscape looking back. Verona was a satisfying experience, and is a truly elegant city.

We spent 3 nights in Bologna on the same trip and were rather underwhelmed. I'd describe Bologna as gritty. I'd been looking forward to the arcaded streets, but though interesting, I found that these same arcades blocked views of the street architecture and drained the city of the graciousness I've enjoyed in so many European cities. Granted, we're not "foodies", many of whom have so obviously and sincerely enjoyed their stays in Bologna. We did enjoy the transportation convenience of Bologna, and had some great days trips by train to Ravenna and Ferrara, both of which we'd recommend warmly. We certainly don't regret visiting Bologna, and I think it's interesting as a contrast to most other Italian cities we've visited.

But still count us as a "Yay" vote for Verona.

Keren

Bologna. I've already spent 12 nights there on two visits and am going again soon, for another 5. I've made day trips and will probably make a few this time around, but have always loved returning to Bologna in the evening.

I loved Verona and my 7-day stay there and will visit again on the same trip for 1 day. But I prefer Bologna.

Marija

The OP asked which would YOU choose. I don't need any info about Mike to answer that question. Another vote for Bologna.

skatedancer

I'm loving this thread, because my husband and I were having the same debate between these towns. I kept telling him I wanted to get to Bologna, and he was just kept saying "why, I've never heard of it as a tourist destination." Well, to paraphrase Bill Clinton's campaign slogan, "it's the food stupid."

The good news for us is that we can make a stop in both! It will just be a lunchtime excursion most likely, but at least in Verona we'll get a quick view of the amphitheater and the towns, and in Bologna I'll get to see if the food reputation is deserved (although it does put tremendous pressure on that one meal!)

capxxx

I have been to both cities as well, multiple times.

I do not think there was anything wrong with the OP as framed, or with the way it was answered. It's a little insulting, Zepp, for you to suggest that a simple answer to a simple question indicates that we are all just trying to cover up our ignorance.

mikej48

I have been to neither - but this thread is fascinating. Thanks to all of you who have contributed.

Aduchamp1

Bologna. We once stayed an extra day just to eat.
____

There is a bakery in our neighborhood called Led Zeppole.

kleeblatt

I'm planning a 3 night trip to Bologna and this thread was fun to read. I've been to Verona, which I loved, and am looking forward to making a comparison. Last year I went to Turin/Torino so I'm especially interested in seeing the contrast between these two lovely cities.

Peter_S_Aus

For me, Verona. The Palazzo Vecchio museum is one of my favourites.

Peter_S_Aus

Sorry, make that Castel Vecchio