Originally Posted by annhig

<<Let's be honest: I probably couldn't have walked uphill that far.>>

BVL - I know I couldn't.

Originally Posted by bvlenci

A friend of ours who lives in Bologna regularly walks as the way up. (She's in her early 70s.)

​​​​​​A few years ago I spent a week in Bologna while was husband was having surgery and recovering. My friend and I walked up together, taking a bus to the beginning of the portico. She usually walks all the way up, but I didn't have time for that.

​​​​​​​Let's be honest: I probably couldn't have walked uphill that far.

Originally Posted by margo_oz

I spent a couple of days in Vicenza on my way through to Venice last year.

It's a great small town with heaps of places to see. It'd be well worth a couple of day trips from Padua...which is just up the road (in Australian distances!)

Originally Posted by kimbedly

Both Padua and Bologna are great options for a longer stay in the Veneto and Emilia Romagna regions.
Overall, both Padua and Bologna would make great bases for a longer stay in the Veneto and Emilia Romagna regions. If you're looking for a smaller, more relaxed city with easy access to green space and ancient Roman ruins, Padua may be the better choice. If you prefer a larger city with more nightlife and entertainment options, and excellent train connections to other parts of Italy, Bologna may be the way to go. Ultimately, it may come down to personal preference and what you're looking for in a long-term stay.