We will be in Italy in early November. We plan on staying 2 nights in either Vicenza or Padua. Any suggestions on which would be better? Thanks

I have been to both cities and I would prefer Padua. Be sure to make reservations for the Scrovegni Chapel. It is amazing!

You could stay in Padua and make a day trip to Vicenza and/or Verona. Verona is a very interesting place with a pink Colosseum and many painted buildings. Have a great time! Laurie

Padua is more "big city" than Vicenza. There is a great deal to see there, both at the Scrovegni Chapel end of town and the Cathedral end of town, but it is also a center for offices and commerce. We will go back, but there isn't something to fill the eye every minute the way there is in the historic center of Vicenza. Verona is perhaps my favorite city in Italy, so I join Laurie in hoping you can get there.

These cities are linked -- and to Venice as well -- by excellent train service and are no fun to drive in. So if you plan to drive for part of your trip, driving after you leave them would be a good idea. Verona airport is a good place to pick up a car.

Thanks. we plan on visiting both as well as Verona. Just wondered which was the better to stay in.

I prefer Vicenza because it is smaller, really charming and seems less touristy. People are very friendly, and of course, the architecture is wonderful. Whether you stay or just visit, don't miss Teatro Olimpico.

Vicenza is one of my favourite cities but we just stayed a week in Padua and found it ideal. It is a rail hub so you can easily get to many other places, and the new tramline runs directly from the centro storico to the station. The food markets are wonderful, the old areas with loggias are extensive and there is alot going on with a very lively passegiata. We didn't even make it to the Capella Scrovegni this visit.

Okay, tarquin! You make me ready to go back to Padova! Where did you stay?

Love Padua, Love Verona; Vicenza - it was OK.

When I first got to Padua the first time I went,I had the same reaction as Ackislander that there wasn't "wow inducing eye candy" every where you looked. But there certainly is plenty of it, and it's just a very pleasant place to be, in addition to the 'sites'.

This gallery has photos of Padua, Verona, and Vicenza (plus Treviso and Trieste). http://www.pbase.com/annforcier/italy__the_veneto

Don't tell anyone, Ackislander, but the reference is Homeaway 482809.

WOW, tarquin! Nice find. I just bookmarked that in case I ever get tired of staying in Venice. (Probably never happen)

Difficult question...
If you would be interested in Palladian architecture, then Vicenza and surroundings is the place to be. I would go to Vicenza for its historic unity and visit all Palladian buildings and to Padua for Scrovegni and to stroll in town.
And don't worry about restaurants, you can find excellent ones in both of them.

Check opening hours-- Padova is busy enough that there are some things to do on Monday. On Monday in Vicenza, nothing was open, as I learned sadly last winter.

I agree with Sassafrass and Tarquin, Vicenza is absolutely charming. I've been to all of these cities and I remember my favorite always being Vicenza, for the beauty, feeling of non-tourist city, great food, friendly people, etc. Totally worth a day and a night if not more. I wish I'd had time to stay here and travel out from here to other places.

Padua is far more interesting

Good advice from many others. We love Padova for the market, Scrovegni chapel, and overall feel. Best way to decide depends on how you are traveling. The more interesting the city, the less you want to travel by car. Padova connects very well by train whether to Venice or Verona. City hotels in any of the above will be more enjoyable if you are traveling by rail, especially if time is limited.