VERONA TRAVEL GUIDE

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Verona is one of the most beautiful cities in northern Italy and a perfect tourist destination for any traveller, as it combines a great historic centre with beautiful architecture, a riverside setting, and it’s a great base for visits to Lake Garda and the surrounding countryside.

This travel guide will help you plan the perfect trip to Verona by showing you the best attractions, things to do and places to visit including a tourist map, photos and an itinerary with day trip suggestions.

Verona is located in northern Italy, in the Veneto region and with the arrival of low-cost airlines at the local airport, it has become very popular in the last few years. It is a perfect destination for a city break and it can be combined with day trips to Lake Garda.

Verona is most famous for its association with Romeo and Juliet. Some of the best sights are the enormous Roman Arena, popular for its summer festival, Juliet’s house and the attractive old town centre with its medieval palazzi and churches. Verona is also a great place for food lovers.

The best time to visit Verona is during the summer months, late spring or early autumn for the best weather, as it is warm and mostly sunny, although in the summer months there is always a chance of thunderstorms.

However, I will probably avoid the high season of July and August because everywhere tends to get very busy and accommodation is a lot more expensive and difficult to find. These months can also be unbearably hot.

April, May, early June, September or early October are probably the best months for sightseeing and day trips and you can enjoy the sights with comfortable temperatures, but without the large crowds.

If you want to enjoy the Verona Arena Opera Festival, you need to visit during the summer months (June to early September).

For a city break, Verona is a fine destination any time of the year, if you don’t mind the cold during the winter months.

Two days will be sufficient to cover most of the major attractions at a relaxed pace and get a feel for the city. This would give you enough time to explore the historic centre and enjoy the local cuisine in Verona’s restaurants.

You will need to stay longer if you want to combine your stay with day trips to the wider Veneto region.

Verona serves as a convenient base for exploring the surrounding region, including day trips to Lake Garda, Mantua, and the nearby wine regions of Valpolicella and Soave.

The best place to stay is in the historic old town of Verona with all the major sights within walking distance. However, accommodation in the old town can be very expensive, so a cheaper alternative is to stay closer to the Verona Train Station (Stazione Porta Nuova) or Borgo Milano area, a bit further away but still within 20-25min walking distance.

Best hotels in Verona

• Hotel Aurora: Perfectly located in the heart of Verona with the breakfast terrace overlooking Piazza Erbe.
• Hotel Milano & Spa: A trendy hotel next to the Verona Arena, with a jacuzzi on the roof and views of the Arena.
• Due Tori Hotel: Featuring a large roof terrace with views of the historic centre, this great hotel is a more luxurious option in the heart of the old town.
• Hotel Mastino: A 3-star hotel located within a 5-minute walk from the famous Verona Arena with good breakfast and affordable prices.
• Boutique Hotel Scalzi: One of the cheaper options close to the heart of Verona, a 10min walk from the Arena and 15min from the train station
• Hotel Piccolo: A 3-star hotel, 10min walk from the train station and 20min from the old town. Good value for money with a good breakfast. Also with free street parking.
• Hotel Leopardi: Located on Borgo Milano but only 25min walk from central Verona, this 4-star hotel is great value for money with great breakfast and private parking.
• Novo Hotel Rossi: Located close to the train station, it is a good option if you are planning to do day trips by train. It’s about 25min walk from the old town.

Click here to check and compare prices on accommodation for the whole city of Verona.

By Plane

Verona airport (Valerio Catullo Airport) is connected to only a few European countries, like the UK, France, Germany, Netherlands & Spain. There are mainly low-cost airlines operating, like Ryanair, Volotea, Eurowings & Wizz Air, so flights can be quite affordable, even in the summer months.

Getting from/to the airport

The airport is located about 12km to the southwest of the city of Verona and it can be reached by car, taxi or bus in about 15 to 20min.

The Verona Airlink (Line 199) connects the airport with the main station of Verona (Porta Nuova Station). The daily bus service is scheduled every 20 minutes and the bus ride takes 15min. Ticket: €6.00. From there you can take any of the buses that connect to the city centre using the same ticket (valid for 75min).

There are also taxis available outside the Arrivals Terminal, but the cost is considerably more expensive about €30 euros.

Alternatively, you can also rent a car in one of the rental offices at the airport. The airport is the best place to book if you haven’t done it before you arrive. However, booking a car is not really recommended if you only stay in Verona, unless you are planning to do day trips to Lake Garda and the surrounding countryside.

By Land

Verona is well connected with a good road network, bus and trains to the rest of Italy. Bus and train travel in Italy is very affordable and a good option if you want to explore nearby towns.

Rome2Rio is a good website for checking prices & times on train and bus travel.

By Car

I would only recommend hiring a car if you would like to explore Lake Garda as part of your visit to Verona as you can make the most of your day and enjoy this beautiful lake at your own pace without having to rely on the public transport timetables. The best place to rent a car is the airport if you haven’t done so before you arrive.

Car rental can be quite expensive in high season (€50 per day). Better to book in advance before your travel for the best deals. Also in high season, there might be low availability and the prices can be much higher if you leave it until you arrive. Check the link below to book and compare car rental prices.

Parking

Most of the historic centre is closed to traffic, with the exception of residents, authorized vehicles and cars travelling to hotels. There are various paid car parks in the city. In most places, there are parking ticket machines that you can pay with coins, a credit card or through an app.

For free parking, you can use the Porta Palio car park (15min walk to the centre) or Piazzale Guardini by the train station (25min walk).

By Taxi

There is a radio taxi service 24 hours a day and is available in Piazza Bra and at the Verona Porta Nuova railway station. Other taxi ranks can be found in Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza San Zeno, the Borgo Trento hospital and the Borgo Roma hospital.

By Train

Trains are run by Trenitalia and connect Verona with the rest of Italy. You can buy tickets at train stations or through this website. Prices are relatively cheap.

For a day trip to Lake Garda, you can take the train to either Peschiera del Garda or Desenzano del Garda.

By Bus

The public transport service is provided by ATV, which manages all the urban (Verona and neighbourhoods) and extra-urban (province of Verona) lines. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines located at various bus stops, newsagents and on the bus. There is also the Ticket Bus Verona App.

By Bike

There is a bicycle rental service, Verona Bike, with stalls located throughout the centre and beyond. 

Verona Card

For those who want to discover the entire city of Verona, there is a card, the Verona Card, which allows you to visit the main monuments and museums of the city, such as the Arena, the Museum of Castelvecchio, Juliet’s house, the Torre dei Lamberti and many others. In addition, the Verona Card allows you to travel on buses within the city. It can be purchased at the ticket offices of monuments and museums, at the IAT office in Piazza Bra, at newsagents and tobacconists’ shops in the city centre. The card is available in two versions: 24 hours at the price of 20 euros and 48 hours at the price of 25 euros.

There are many good Italian restaurants in the heart of Verona. A nice area for a meal and a drink is Piazza Bra overlooking the Arena. For a more authentic and typical Veronese meal, there are several good restaurants in various locations in the old town.

When dining in Italy, it’s common to enjoy multiple courses. A traditional Italian meal often includes antipasti (appetizers), primi piatti (first courses, usually pasta or risotto), secondi piatti (main courses, often meat or fish) and dolci (desserts).

It’s worth noting that while tipping is appreciated, it’s not common in Italian culture, and service charges may already be included in the bill.

Best restaurants in Verona

• Trattoria Pane e Vino: Typical Veronese restaurant in Via Giuseppe Garibaldi offering traditional dishes.
• La Taverna di Via Stella: Old fashioned tavern with traditional Veronese food.
• Tre Marchetti: Stylish restaurant with great dishes next to the Arena.
• Ristorante Vittorio Emanuele: Fine dining in an elegant setting by Piazza Bra.
• Hostaria Vecchia Fontanina: Authentic Veronese Cuisine.
• Osteria il Ciottolo: Good restaurant near Castelvecchio with Veronese dishes.

You can check the location of these restaurants on this map.

Local Cuisine

• Gnocchi: Potato dumplings made from potatoes, flour and eggs.
• Risotto all’Amarone: Risotto made from “vialone nano” rice from Verona and Amarone wine
• Pastisada de caval: A horse meat stew mixed with wine & vegetables
• Risotto with Tastasal: Risotto made of minced pork
• Pearà: A cooked sauce served with mixed boiled meat
• Polenta: A typical Veronese meal made of maize flour.
• Pandoro: A typical Christmas cake
• Nadalin: A star-shaped baked Christmas cake
• Wines from the area of ​​Bardolino, Soave, Custoza, Valpolicella and the famous Amarone

1. Verona Arena: This Roman amphitheatre is one of the world’s largest. It is located in Piazza Bra and is one of the most famous sights in Verona. It is open to the public for visits, but it is definitely worth attending an opera if you visit in the summer. The opera festival runs from mid-June to the beginning of September. Entry ticket: €10.
2. Castelvecchio: This is the best preserved medieval castle of Verona. It is now a museum of fine medieval art, early Renaissance paintings, jewellery, armour and weaponry (Museum of Castelvecchio). Entry ticket: €6.
3. Ponte Scaligero: Also known as Ponte di Castelvecchio is a beautiful medieval bridge connecting Castelvecchio with the north bank of the river. It is a popular place for a walk and to admire the views of the river and the castle from the opposite side.
4. Castel San Pietro: A hilltop fortress that offers panoramic views over the whole city and the river from its terrace. It is free and it only takes about 10min to walk there by stairs or you can take the funicular (€2).
5. Torre dei Lamberti: Torre dei Lamberti is located in Piazza dei Signori, part of Palazzo della Ragione. It is an impressive tower that provides great views over the city. It is usually very busy with long queues during high season. You can skip this and enjoy the even more impressive view over Verona from the Castel San Pietro. Entry ticket: €6.
6. Piazza Erbe: This is the main square of the old town, and it is still used as a marketplace since medieval times, with stalls selling everything from herbs to fruits and food. There is a fountain in the centre and a column with a lion on the northern side in front of Palazzo Maffei and another column on the southern side.
7. Piazza dei Signori: A medieval square with the statue of Dante in the centre linked to Piazza Erbe by the Arch of the Rib (Arco della Costa). It is surrounded by the Palazzo di Cansignorio, Palazzo della Ragione, Palazzo del Podestà and Loggia del Consiglio.
8. Duomo: Verona’s impressive cathedral has a magnificent Romanesque portal and the interior has some beautiful frescoes. The cathedral complex also includes a cloister with the ruins of earlier churches: a baptistery and St. Elena. Entry ticket: €4.
9. Juliet’s House: Casa di Giulietta is a restored 13th-century inn, but it is said that Juliet lived there and Romeo climbed this house’s balcony. The courtyard is free to visit and see the balcony, but it is usually so busy and overcrowded with tourists that it cannot be appreciated. There is a statue of Giulietta outside and it is considered good luck to touch her breasts. You can also visit the house museum but there is not much to see inside. It’s worth booking your ticket online if you want to visit the house, as it allows you to skip the line. Entry ticket: €6. You can also visit Casa di Romeo and Tomba di Giuletta.
10. Ponte Pietra: Historic restored Roman arch bridge that provides nice views towards the old town and the Castle San Pietro.
11. Piazza Bra: One of the main squares of Verona surrounded by the Arena, Palazzi and a great place for a walk, drink or a meal.
12. San Zeno Maggiore: The basilica of San Zeno is located further away from the old town and therefore less visited, however it is one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches. It has an impressive facade with bronze door panels and a nave ceiling.
13. Basilica of Santa Anastasia: Santa Anastasia is a beautiful Italian gothic church with some impressive 15th-century frescoes.
14. San Fermo Maggiore: The Church of San Fermo is located on the banks of the Adige, near Ponte Navi. It is an example of Italian gothic style and consists of a lower and an upper church with some impressive frescoes.
15. Teatro Romano & Museo Archaeologico: This Roman theatre is located on the east side of the river close to Ponte Pietra. The theatre is connected with a lift to the archaeological museum with exhibits of mosaics, pottery and glass.
16. Giardino Giusti: This is an attractive Renaissance garden located to the east of the old town with some beautiful hedges and statues. Entry ticket: €10.
17. Tombs of the Scaligeri: Scaligeri was the most powerful family that ruled Verona for over 100 years. Their tombs are located by the Church of Santa Maria Antica.
18. Via Giuseppe Mazzini: A pedestrian street with designed shops.
19. San Lorenzo: An attractive but lesser-known church of Verona.
20. San Giorgio in Braida: A lovely domed Renaissance church by the river bank. It’s a nice setting that provides good views towards the castle and Verona’s skyline.

Verona serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region. There are many great day trips you can take from Verona. Here are some of the best options:

1. Lake Garda: Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and offers a variety of activities. You can visit one of the lakeside picturesque towns like Sirmione, Desenzano del Garda or Peschiera del Garda by train. You can also take a boat ride if time allows.
   • Desenzano del Garda: Desenzano del Garda is a charming town located on the southwestern shore of Lake Garda with a beautiful lakeside setting, an interesting old town, a medieval castle and some nice piazzas.
   • Sirmione: This popular lakeside town is located on a narrow peninsula jutting into Lake Garda. Sirmione is famous for its thermal baths, historical ruins (like the Grotte di Catullo), and the Scaliger Castle. You can also explore the picturesque streets and enjoy lakeside dining.
   • Peschiera del Garda: Peschiera del Garda is a picturesque town located at the southernmost tip of Lake Garda with a charming historical centre and scenic waterfront,
2. Mantua (Mantova): This charming city is known for its well-preserved Renaissance architecture and the interesting historic centre. You can visit Palazzo Ducale, Palazzo Te, and some beautiful piazzas.
3. Vicenza: Vicenza is famous for its architecture, particularly the works of the renowned architect Andrea Palladio. You can visit the Palladian villas and the historic centre with its elegant buildings.

Valpolicella Vineyards and Wine Tasting

Discover Valpolicella Vineyards and Wine Tasting Experience is a 2.5 trip to visit a traditional family-run winery in Valpolicella and includes a tour of the vineyards and estate, 17th-century cellar, and scenic terrace and a taste of Valpolicella, Ripasso, and Amarone wines. Price: €60.

Verona Highlights Walking Tour

Verona Highlights Walking Tour in Small-group is a small group walking tour that lasts for 2h to explore the streets of Verona’s historic centre with a knowledgeable local guide. Price: €39.

Verona Food Tour

Verona Food Tour – Do Eat Better Experience is a small group tour that lasts 3.5h to get a taste of Verona’s culinary culture on a food and walking tour led by a guide. Price: €79.

Sirmione and Lake Garda Tour

Semi-private Sirmione and Lake Garda Tour is a half-day trip (4h) to Lake Garda that includes transport to Sirmione, where you’ll hop on a boat to cruise around its peninsula and take in views of the castle from the water and then a stroll through the medieval old town with a guide. Price: €89

Verona Cooking Classes

• Gelato Making Class: A 2h activity to learn how to make fruit sorbets and handmade ice cream. Price: €55.
• Risotto and Fresh Pasta Making Class: A 3.5h activity to learn how to make risotto, hand-made fresh pasta and tiramisu. Price: €95.

For more information and for bookings visit Cookly.

Major Festivals & Events

• The Arena Opera Festival is the most popular event in the city during the summer months (June to September).
• The Carnival of Verona is one of the oldest in Italy. In fact, it dates back to 1531. The great parade of masks and floats takes place on the last Friday of Carnival called Venerdì Gnocolar. It usually takes place in February. 

More information about excursions & tours in Verona can be found here.

You can click on the map below for the location of the best sights and places to visit in Verona.

It is worth staying in Verona for 3 to 4 days if you want to explore it and combine it with day trips to the surrounding region. The following itinerary includes things to do for 3 days. Overnight stay in Verona.

Day 1

Visit the historic centre of Verona.

• Start your tour of the old town by visiting Castevechio and Arco dei Gavi.
• Optional visit at the Museum of Castelvecchio.
• Cross Ponte Scaligero to the north bank of the river to enjoy the views towards the medieval bridge.
• Walk along Corso Cavour through Porta Borsari up to Piazza delle Erbe.
• Climb Torre dei Lamberti to enjoy the views of the city.
• Continue to Piazza dei Signori and pass the Scaligeri Tombs.
• Visit Basilica di Santa Anastasia.
• Walk by the river bank up to Ponte Pietra enjoying the views towards Castel san Pietro.
• Cross the Ponte Pietra and walk up to the Caste san Pietro to enjoy panoramic views over the city.
• Optional visit to the Roman Theatre and Archeological Museum.
• Walk along the river up to Parrocchia di San Giorgio in Braida taking in the views.
• Return back to the old town and visit the Duomo.
• Have a look at Juliet’s House and the famous balcony.
• Take Via Giuseppe Mazzini up to Piazza Bra.
• Have a cafe at Piazza Bra and enjoy the views of the Arena.
• Optional visit inside the Arena.

Day 2

Day Trip to Lake Garda

• Take the train to Peschiera del Garda
• Take a boat tour around the lake.
• Explore the charming towns, such as Sirmione, Bardolino or Lazise.
• Take a boat to Desenzano del Garda.
• Return to Verona by train from Desenzano del Garda.

Day 3

Day trip to Mantua (Mantova)

• Take the rain from Porta Nuova train station to Mantua for a visit to this historic town.

You can check the best photographs from Verona here.

Here is a list of the best viewpoint locations in Verona where you enjoy great views.

1. Piazzale Castel San Pietro
2. Torre dei Lamberti
3. Piazzetta Bra Molinari
4. Plinio Codognato Public Garden
5. Giardini Pietro Gazzola
6. Santuario della Madonna di Lourdes

You can check these viewpoints’ locations and the best photo spots on the island on the following map.

Check the following video slideshow to get further inspiration to visit Verona 🙂

Some websites for more information about Verona:

• Tourism Verona: The official tourist website of Verona.

Some good travel guides to buy before your visit Verona:

• Lonely Planet The Italian Lakes (Travel Guide): A great guide about the Italian Lakes that includes information about Verona.
• The Rough Guide to Italian Lakes: Another good guide for the Italian Lakes that includes information about Verona.

• Flights: I always use Skyscanner as my first choice as it’s so easy to use and you can search best deals by month. Google Flights is another very good search engine.
• Accommodation: I always use Booking.com as my first choice, as it offers a great choice of accommodation at affordable prices and it’s so easy to use. Airbnb is a great alternative for homes and apartments to rent by real homeowners.
• Car Rental: I always check Skyscanner for the cheapest car rental options. Discover Cars is also a good and easy-to-use website with great prices.
• Public Transport: Rome2Rio is a good website for checking prices & times on train and bus travel.
• Day Trips & Tours: Viator provides the most comprehensive list of day trips and you can book directly with them. GetYourGuide is also a great place to search for tours & activities to do.
• Travel Insurance: SafetyWing is a great choice for long-term travellers and digital nomads. Alternatively, you can use one of the price comparison websites for cheaper quotes.
• Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, and at no extra cost to you, I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping this site running and ad-free.

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