The ULTIMATE First-timers guide to Verona, Italy
Did you know that I live 45 minutes away from Verona? Yup! That’s right I live so close that I frequent this beautiful city any chance I can get. So I decided to make a guide to Verona for you, but not just any guide. THE ULTIMATE GUIDE!
Verona has the vibe of big city Rome, with all the ancient ruins and beautiful history. I am sure you know this as the city of Romeo and Juliet, but it’s more than that. It’s a city with beautiful sunsets at the foot of the Dolomiti and Verona is a city that foodies often lament over.
This Ultimate Guide to Verona is a blog post that serves as a starting point for your visit, take a look at my other blog posts that are focused on Verona and Italy:
- Italy by Train How to travel by train in Italy for First Timers
- The Perfect One-Day Verona Itinerary
- Three Days in Verona Italy: An Epic Weekend Getaway
- The Best Places to Stay at In Verona
- How to Take a Day Trip from Venice to Verona (Train, Car & Tours)
Looking for things to do in Vicenza?
The Best things to do in Vicenza, Italy: Villas, Food etc
Heading to the Dolomites?
Learn all about the Charm of the Dolomites
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Is Verona Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Verona is one of the most beautiful cities in northern Italy, offering a mix of Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and Renaissance palaces. Known as the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, it’s a city full of history and romance. Not going to lie I was a little disappointed when I found out that the tale above was a little bit off kelter and Shakespeare took this tale from both Dante and Luigi Da Porto (which if you didn’t know is from Vicenza)
Beyond this one blip, Verona offers world-class cuisine, stunning riverfront views, and a relaxed atmosphere compared to major tourist hubs like Venice and Rome.
How many days you choose to spend here is up to you.
Many people will fly into Verona’s airport and use it as a base for their travels in the Dolomites, Venice, and Lago di Garda. On good air days you can see the peaks of the Dolomites peaking up beyond the city. If you are taking the train in from Milan or Venice you can’t miss those snowcapped peaks.
Is Verona Safe for Travelers?
I hate answering this question because I believe how we view being safe is very personal. However, yes, Verona is generally very safe for travelers. The crime rate is low, and violent crime is rare. As with any tourist destination, pickpocketing can be an issue in crowded areas, so it’s best to stay aware of your belongings. Solo travelers like me, often feel comfortable walking around even in the evening.
Where is Verona Located?
Yes! Verona is a city in northern Italy, situated in the Veneto region. It lies along the Adige River, about 30 kilometers (19 miles) east of Lake Garda and 120 kilometers (75 miles) west of Venice. Verona is strategically positioned at the crossroads of several important trade and travel routes, making it a key historical and cultural hub.
Verona is well-connected by train and highways, making it an easy destination to reach from cities like Milan, Venice, Bologna, and Florence. Verona’s Valerio Catullo Airport (VRN) serves domestic and international flights.
Verona is famous for its Roman and medieval history, most notably its well-preserved Arena di Verona, a Roman amphitheater that hosts summer opera performances, and its association with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The city is also a gateway to the Valpolicella wine region, known for its Amarone and Ripasso wines. Which by the way are some of my favorites, as I am typing this I am drinking a Massaro Valpolicella Ripasso.
What is Verona Famous For?
- Juliet’s Balcony – Inspired by Romeo and Juliet, this site is one of Verona’s most visited attractions. You can stand in line with other folks to rub her breast but I digress, I find it very weird. One of my tour guides mentioned that the balcony and the house are worth missing, it’s considered rather expensive but remember, it’s up to you to decide your itinerary, not me.
- Arena di Verona – A well-preserved Roman amphitheater that hosts operas and concerts. The way the Arena di Verona is built allows for the acoustics to be quite amazing. Coming during Opera season? You’ll be in for a treat as it’s one of the most beautiful setups. Opera season and shows can be found here
- Piazza delle Erbe – A lively square surrounded by historic buildings, markets, and cafes.
- Castelvecchio Bridge – A stunning medieval bridge offering great views of the river.
- Verona’s Wine Culture – The surrounding Valpolicella region produces excellent wines, including Amarone.
- Roman and Medieval History – From the Roman Gate of Porta Borsari to the Scaliger Tombs, history is everywhere.
I highly recommend taking a tour of Verona. You can’t go wrong with that! I personally loved the Verona Small Group Walking tour with Cable Car and Arena Tickets.
How to Get to Verona
Looking for flights? CheapOAir is a wonderful option
Verona is well-connected by train, car, and air.
- Rome to Verona
- Train: 3h 15m via Frecciarossa.
- Car: ~5 hours.
- Flight: 1 hour to Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN).
- Florence to Verona
- Train: ~1h 30m via high-speed train.
- Car: ~3 hours.
- Milan to Verona
- Train: 1h 15m via Frecciarossa.
- Car: ~2 hours.
- Venice to Verona
- Train: ~1 hour.
- Car: ~1.5 hours.
- From Innsbruck:
- Train: ~3.5 hours.
- Car: ~3 hours.
- From Munich:
- Train: ~5.5 hours.
- Car: ~5 hours.
A Brief History of Verona
Verona was founded in the 1st century BCE and became an important Roman settlement. Many of its ancient structures, such as the Arena and Porta Borsari, remain intact. During the Middle Ages, Verona flourished under the rule of the Scaliger family, who left their mark with grand palaces and bridges. In the 19th century, it became part of unified Italy. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its historical significance.
Budget Breakdown: How Much Does It Cost to Visit Verona?
- Accommodation: €60-€300 per night (budget to luxury hotels)
- Food: €5-€10 for street food, €15-€30 for a sit-down meal
- Attractions: €5-€15 per site; Verona Card (€20-€25) includes major sites
- Transport: Public buses cost ~€1.50; walking is the best way to explore
Where to Stay in Verona
- Centro Storico (Historic Center) – Best for first-time visitors, close to attractions.
- Veronetta – Trendy area with a younger vibe, great for budget travelers. This is one of my favorite areas of the city as it’s where the locals are and it feels much more quieter than the rest of the city. I also love the restaurants in this part of the city.
- San Zeno – Quieter, more local experience, great for families.
- Borgo Trento – Residential area with luxury hotels and peaceful surroundings.
Need to find a hotel? I’ve got you. Here is a detailed blog post on places to stay in Verona
Restaurants to try in Verona
Looking for places to go for an authentic meal while in Verona? Don’t worry I got you! These are all outside the busy Piazza Erbe and they all feature local dishes like Polenta, Risotto, and Valpolicella
- Locandina Cappello – I felt like the service here was excellent and the waiter directed my friend and I to some local dishes on the menu. We had the best cheese, fried polenta, and local sausage platter as an appetizer. Everything was from local producers and the main menu items were spectacular. Mine had tons of cheese and it was perfect. Do I remember the names of the items we ate? no, because I am a terrible blogger.
- Malga Veronetta– I loved this restaurant as it was local comfort food. The appetizer was polenta, cheese, and mushrooms. It’s like stepping into a mountain hut in the Dolomites and eating food only grandma could make.
- Cafe Carducci– This was such a great breakfast option, they have a wonderful breakfast menu that would satisfy any traveler’s appetite in the morning. The omelette was incredible here and the staff were friendly and beyond hospitable.
- Osteria Ponte Pietra Ristorante– Recently renovated and adorned with exquisite 19th-century furnishings, this Michelin-starred restaurant exudes elegance and sophistication. Each room offers a stunning view of the Adige River, immersing guests in one of Verona’s most romantic and enchanting settings.
Looking for more in-depth recommendations? check out my blog post on the Top Restaurants in Verona, this includes rooftop restaurants, cafes, and where to find the best pastries and drinks!
Must-visit historic Sites in Verona!
- Arena di Verona – A stunning Roman amphitheater still in use today.
- Piazza delle Erbe – The historic market square filled with beautiful architecture.
- Juliet’s House – A small museum and the famous balcony from Romeo and Juliet.
- Castelvecchio & Castelvecchio Bridge – A medieval castle with a fantastic museum.
- Ponte Pietra – A picturesque Roman bridge with scenic views.
- Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore – A masterpiece of Romanesque architecture.
- Scaliger Tombs – Gothic-style tombs of Verona’s ruling family.
- Porta Borsari – A Roman gate marking the ancient entrance to the city.
Another fascinating walk you can do is a self-guided tour of the Botteghe Storiche Di Verona. These bronze plaques signify historical businesses and buildings throughout the city. In my two-day guide to Verona, I detail some of the local businesses you can visit and one of my favorite cafes. Check out this Instagram post where I talk about the Botteghe Storiche Di Verona!
FAQ About Visting Verona, Italy
Conclusion
I hope I have convinced you to visit Verona and spend time walking the streets of this wonderful city. If you need more convincing, head on over to my other blog posts about the best places to stay in Verona and my itineraries.
Have any questions? Get in touch below or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram for more inspiration.