Verona, Italy Travel Guide

Discover Verona: A city where history, romance, and culture blend seamlessly in the heart of Italy's Veneto region.

Welcome to Verona, a city that beautifully marries history, culture, and romance. Nestled in the Veneto region of Italy, Verona is famous for its rich history and enchanting architecture. As you walk through its ancient streets, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time, surrounded by well-preserved Roman ruins and medieval buildings. Verona is perhaps best known as the setting for Shakespeare's timeless love story, 'Romeo and Juliet.' The iconic Juliet's Balcony attracts visitors from all over the world who come to leave letters and take pictures. But there's much more to Verona than this literary landmark. The city's Roman amphitheater, the Arena di Verona, hosts world-class opera performances and concerts, offering a magical experience under the stars. Beyond its historical significance, Verona boasts a vibrant culinary scene. From traditional Italian trattorias to upscale dining establishments, you can savor some of the finest wines and dishes in the region. Don't forget to explore the bustling Piazza delle Erbe, where you can enjoy a coffee or aperitivo while watching the world go by. Verona is not just a destination; it's an experience that will leave you with lasting memories.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Verona.

Visit the Arena di Verona during the summer for an unforgettable opera experience.
Purchase a Verona Card to gain access to multiple attractions and save on entrance fees.
Take a walk along the Adige River for stunning views and photo opportunities.
Explore the lesser-known Giardino Giusti, a beautiful Renaissance garden.
Try the local Valpolicella wines; they are some of the best in Italy.

Neighbourhoods in Verona

Verona City Centre

San Zeno

Borgo Trento

Veronetta

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Verona

Explore Verona: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Verona

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Best Attractions

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Arena di Verona

Discover the grandeur of the Arena di Verona, a Roman amphitheater steeped in history and a premier venue for opera and cultural events.

4.7

Gardaland Resort

Experience the thrill and excitement of Gardaland Resort, Italy's top amusement park, with rides, shows, and endless fun for all ages near Lake Garda.

4.4

Casa di Giulietta

Explore the iconic Casa di Giulietta in Verona, a symbol of love and romance, and immerse yourself in the enchanting story of Shakespeare's Juliet.

4.1

Castello Scaligero di Sirmione

Explore the enchanting Castello Scaligero di Sirmione, a medieval fortress offering breathtaking views and rich history on the shores of Lake Garda.

4.6

Best landmarks in Verona

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Verona Arena

Discover the grandeur of Verona Arena, a historic Roman amphitheater renowned for its stunning architecture and world-class performances in the heart of Italy.

4.7

Juliet’s House

Discover the enchanting Juliet's House in Verona, a must-visit museum celebrating love, history, and Shakespeare's timeless tale.

4.1

Castelvecchio Museum

Explore the stunning Castelvecchio Museum in Verona, a castle-turned-art museum showcasing medieval masterpieces and breathtaking views.

4.6

Piazza delle Erbe

Explore the vibrant atmosphere of Piazza delle Erbe, Verona's historic square filled with culture, markets, and stunning architecture.

4.7

Best restaurants in Verona

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Osteria il Ciottolo

Discover the heart of Italian cuisine at Osteria il Ciottolo in Verona – where every dish tells a story.

4.6

Greppia

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Greppia in Verona—where every dish tells a story and every meal is a celebration.

4.5

Ristorante Nastro Azzurro

Savor authentic Italian cuisine at Ristorante Nastro Azzurro in Verona, featuring fresh seafood and delectable pizzas for an unforgettable dining experience.

4.5

Antica Bottega del Vino

Discover authentic Italian cuisine and an exquisite wine selection at Antica Bottega del Vino in beautiful Verona.

4.5

Best bars in Verona

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The Soda Jerk

Experience Verona's nightlife at The Soda Jerk, a hidden cocktail bar serving innovative drinks in a cozy atmosphere.

4.7

Archivio

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Verona at Archivio, a cocktail bar offering expertly crafted drinks and a lively atmosphere perfect for all travelers.

4.7

King Carlos da Barca

Discover King Carlos da Barca, a vibrant sports bar in Verona offering delicious food, drinks, and a lively atmosphere perfect for unwinding.

4.2

Santa Maria Craft Pub

Discover the perfect blend of craft beers and traditional Italian cuisine at Santa Maria Craft Pub in Verona, a haven for beer lovers.

4.8

Best nightclubs in Verona

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Dorian Gray

Discover Dorian Gray, the ultimate disco club in Cadidavid, offering great food, vibrant nightlife, and an unforgettable dance experience.

4.1

Berfi's Club

Discover the energetic nightlife of Verona at Berfi's Club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.

3.6

Mad' in Italy

Discover the heart of Verona's nightlife at Mad' in Italy—a lively gastropub and disco club blending exquisite dining with vibrant entertainment.

4.0

Discoteca Love Verona

Discover the electrifying nightlife at Discoteca Love Verona, a top destination for dance lovers in Italy's romantic city.

3.2

Best shops in Verona

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ADIGEO

Discover ADIGEO, Verona's vibrant shopping mall, where fashion, beauty, and delicious dining meet in a lively atmosphere.

4.4

Primark

Discover affordable fashion in Verona at Primark, where style meets savings in a vibrant shopping atmosphere.

4.3

Flying Tiger Copenhagen

Explore the whimsical world of Flying Tiger Copenhagen in Verona, where unique gifts and playful home goods await every traveler.

4.3

Louis Vuitton Verona

Discover unparalleled luxury shopping at Louis Vuitton Verona, featuring exquisite leather goods and fashion accessories in a historic setting.

4.2

Explore Verona on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Verona, mapped for you.

Verona Essentials

Verona is well-connected and easily accessible. The nearest international airport is Valerio Catullo Airport (VRN), located about 12 kilometers from the city center. You can reach Verona by train from major Italian cities like Milan, Venice, and Rome. The Verona Porta Nuova train station is the main hub. Buses also run frequently from neighboring cities and other parts of Italy. For those driving, Verona is accessible via the A4 and A22 motorways.
Verona's city center is compact and walkable, allowing you to explore most attractions on foot. For longer distances, the city has a reliable public bus system operated by ATV. Taxis are available but can be expensive. Consider renting a bicycle, as Verona has several bike lanes and rental shops. If you prefer driving, car rental services are available, but parking can be challenging in the city center.
The official currency in Verona, as in the rest of Italy, is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and in case you visit places that do not accept cards. ATMs are readily available throughout the city for cash withdrawals.
Verona is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is important to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas such as Piazza Bra, Piazza delle Erbe, and around the train station. Pickpocketing can occur, so keep an eye on your belongings. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas. Neighborhoods like Veronetta, while culturally rich, have higher crime rates, so exercise more caution if visiting there.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Verona has several hospitals and clinics, with Borgo Trento Hospital being one of the main medical facilities. Pharmacies (farmacia) are scattered throughout the city and can provide over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and other unexpected situations.
Fashion: Do dress stylishly, as Italians take fashion seriously. Avoid overly casual attire when dining out. Religion: Do respect religious sites by dressing modestly and covering your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do validate your bus ticket upon boarding. Don't forget, as fines are imposed for unvalidated tickets. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Buongiorno' or 'Buonasera.' A handshake is common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like risotto all'Amarone and polenta. Don't eat or drink while walking; it's considered impolite.
To experience Verona like a local, visit the less touristy neighborhoods such as Borgo Trento and San Zeno for authentic dining experiences. Attend a performance at the Roman Arena during the summer opera season. Enjoy a leisurely aperitivo in Piazza delle Erbe, where locals gather in the evenings. Consider visiting during the annual Verona Wine Fair (Vinitaly) to taste local wines.

When is the best time to visit Verona?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Verona

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Verona. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloCiao
  [chow]
- GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
- YesSì
  [see]
- NoNo
  [noh]
- Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pehr fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
- Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsyeh]
- Excuse me/SorryScusa/Mi dispiace
  [skoo-sah/mee dee-spyah-cheh]
- How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stah-ee]
- Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
- Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
- I don't understandNon capisco
  [nohn kah-pee-skoh]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menù, per favore
  [vohr-reh-ee veh-dehr-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh]
- I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [nohn mahn-joh kahr-neh]
- Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
- I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-reh-ee pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]
- Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
- Go away!Vattene!
  [vah-tteh-neh]
- Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kee-ah-mah lah poh-lee-tsya]
- Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [kee-ah-mah oon doh-toh-reh]
- I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-noh pehr-soh]
- I'm illSto male
  [stoh mah-leh]
- I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-reh-ee kohm-prah-reh]
- I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwar-dahn-doh]
- How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
- That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh trohp-poh kah-roh]
- Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwah-ee ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]
- What time is it?Che ore sono?
  [keh oh-reh soh-noh]
- It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
- Half past (10)E mezza (dieci)
  [eh meh-tsa (dee-eh-chee)]
- MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
- AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
- EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
- YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
- TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
- TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
- 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
- 2Due
  [dweh]
- 3Tre
  [treh]
- 4Quattro
  [kwah-ttroh]
- 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
- 6Sei
  [seh-ee]
- 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
- 8Otto
  [oh-ttoh]
- 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
- 10Dieci
  [dee-eh-chee]
- Where's a/the...?Dov'è un/il...?
  [doh-veh oon/eel]
- What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-reet-tsaw]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwah-ee mohs-trahr-mee (sool-lah mahp-pah)]
- When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon bee-lyeh-ttoh (pehr)]

History of Verona

Verona, originally known as Verona Minor, was founded in the 1st century BCE. It became a Roman colony in 89 BCE and was strategically located at the crossroads of important Roman roads. Its establishment allowed it to flourish as a critical hub for trade and military activities in the Roman Empire.
The Scaliger family, also known as the Della Scala family, rose to power in the 13th century. Under the rule of Cangrande I della Scala, Verona experienced a period of prosperity, expansion, and cultural development. The Scaliger family contributed to the construction of several monumental buildings, including the Castelvecchio and the Scaliger Tombs.
In 1405, Verona came under the rule of the Venetian Republic. This period marked a time of stability and economic growth for the city. The Venetians fortified Verona with impressive defensive walls and bastions, many of which still stand today. During this time, Verona continued to develop its architectural and artistic heritage.
After the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797, Verona experienced a tumultuous period of French and Austrian rule. Napoleon's forces took control of the city, only to be replaced by the Austrians after the Congress of Vienna in 1815. The Austrian administration modernized Verona's infrastructure and contributed to its urban development.
Verona played a significant role in the Italian Risorgimento, the movement for the unification of Italy. In 1866, after the Third Italian War of Independence, Verona was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy. This marked the end of foreign domination and the beginning of a new era for the city within a unified Italy.
The 20th century brought significant changes to Verona, including the impact of both World Wars. During World War II, the city suffered bombings that damaged historical buildings. Post-war, Verona focused on reconstruction and modernization, while preserving its rich architectural heritage. Today, Verona is a vibrant city that harmoniously blends its historical legacy with contemporary life.