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Visiting Verona: Everything You Need to Know

There are cities that, even if you visit them ten times, seem new every time. They are cities shrouded in a mysterious atmosphere that makes them increasingly captivating, interesting, and new. Verona is certainly one of these. Verona has both the charm of an art city rich in history and legend , and an innovative city that never ceases to renew itself without losing its essence. Many visit it for its romantic atmosphere, others pass through to attend concerts at the Verona Arena and cannot help but admire it.

Still others choose it time and time again because they've found a little bit of home here—perhaps a terrace among the stars , or a pleasant stay and an experience they'd like to repeat, or perhaps a good base for a trip to Lake Garda. That's why we like to be there for everyone, to satisfy every taste, and to ensure that everyone who passes through has everything they need and can find a corner of the city they'll love again and again.

This is regardless of the season and whether or not Verona's famous Christmas markets , because this city is splendid and welcoming in every month of the year: with spring it blooms again and in summer it offers scents and sensations that cannot be experienced in any other city.

In addition to providing our apartments in Verona , we've also decided to write a short summary of everything you need to know about visiting Verona, a comprehensive and up-to-date guide for those who don't want to waste time chatting and discovering the city; also in conjunction with the splendid Vinitaly event .

The Verona Arena: between history and legend

Imagine strolling through Piazza Bra at dawn, and the Arena stands silently against a pink sky, ready to awaken to the buzz of cafés. This oval square, among the most beautiful and spacious in Italy, is the city's living room, where locals and travelers mingle among equestrian statues and Art Nouveau buildings. In this setting, the Arena is the undisputed protagonist : built in 30 AD to accommodate up to 30,000 spectators, the Arena has withstood many vicissitudes and changes for centuries, and today hosts opera festivals such as the famous Opera Festival , an opera festival dating back to 1913, and many other concerts.

This Roman amphitheater, though now the very emblem of the city, is just one of the Roman remains that can be found along its streets. The Roman Theater of Verona is a prime example. Built during the reign of Augustus, the open-air theater is perched on Colle San Pietro. Besides being a virtuoso example of Roman architecture and home to the Archaeological Museum, it also hosts captivating performances and a rich program ranging from dance to jazz, for a surprising experience under the Verona sky.

The Roman structures still visible in Verona don't end here. One last example is the famous Ponte Pietra , the long bridge spanning the Adige River with its five Roman arches and the only one remaining from the Roman era. This evocative bridge has undergone several renovations over time and is now accessible on foot or by bicycle. An interesting fact: the small window along the bridge, the only one remaining of many, once allowed the passage of flooded river water.

A meeting in Piazza delle Erbe between art and spritz

Continuing to stroll through the streets of the city you come across buildings and monuments of great importance and beauty until you arrive at one of the most beautiful squares in the city: Piazza delle Erbe was the ancient market square , with stalls selling strawberries, cheeses and spices that enlivened the square under the Fountain of the Madonna Verona, a winged figure that watches over from above.

Here you can see the Torre dei Lamberti and the column with St. Mark and the lion, a symbol of Venetian freedom. The Torre dei Lamberti is part of the magnificent Palazzo della Ragione , located between Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori, an architectural complex that offers tangible evidence of the city's ancient grandeur and rich history. Built in the 12th century to house the new municipal magistrates, the building features an internal courtyard, the notaries' chapel, and the Achille Forti Gallery of Modern Art .

A stroll through the square is the perfect opportunity for a Veronese spritz, with Aperol, white wine, and soda, while watching the city go by. But before you leave, remember to visit the Palazzo Maffei to admire an extraordinary collection of works spanning two thousand years of history, an eclectic and ever-changing collection with a focus on Veronese painting.

Passage to Piazza dei Signori

Now all you have to do is cross the Arco della Costa, located between Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori, a gallery that allowed magistrates to travel from their residence, the Domus Nova, to the Courthouse, the Palazzo della Ragione . The name is linked to a bone hanging at the top of the arch, a whale rib placed there in 1700. Perhaps it was a simple emblem or perhaps a relic of the Crusaders, the fact is that the bone still hangs there, and legend has it that it will fall only when an honest and pure-hearted person passes under the arch.

Also known as Piazza Dante, Piazza dei Signori is home to the bronze statue of Dante meeting Cangrande, as well as the Loggia del Consiglio with Renaissance frescoes. Climbing the steps of the Palazzo della Ragione allows you to discover 13th-century astrological frescoes and enjoy a view of the bustling Piazza delle Erbe.

Romeo and Juliet: Between Love and Legend

Verona is the quintessential city of lovers, enveloping you in Shakespearean stories brought to life by flower-filled courtyards and historic balconies, like that of Juliet's House . Located at Via Cappello 23, the courtyard of Casa Capuello is a must-see, teeming with tourists eager to caress the statue of Juliet, particularly her right breast, which brings good luck in love. Seeing Juliet's House and the sites of Shakespeare's tragedy is an experience that manages to blend history with reality, romanticizing the places and moments.

The balcony, added in 1939 to give voice to the legend, also inspires love letters and dedications scattered across the walls. Juliet's Tomb is located in the Cloister of Santo Stefano, a romantic and melancholic red porphyry sarcophagus. Another must-see for a romantic tour of Verona is Porta Borsari, on the street of the same name, where Romeo and Tybalt's love duel took place. If you're looking for a romantic spot linked to a beautiful legend other than Romeo and Juliet, then visit the Pozzo dell'Amore , just steps from Piazza delle Erbe, a place that will make you reflect on the depths of eternal love.

If you want to add a touch of romance to your tour of Verona , then don't miss a sunset stroll through the most picturesque spots from which to admire the city from above or from new, fascinating vantage points. It's in these places that love for Verona, a city easy to adore, is truly expressed.

The Basilica of San Zeno and other must-see Verona treasures

Those who enjoy walking can enjoy a charming, ever-changing Old Town, with its historic and modern architecture, as well as a stroll through Verona's most beautiful neighborhoods , passing through Borgo Trento, Veronetta, and San Zeno. The latter neighborhood is dominated by the superb Basilica of San Zeno , a magnificent building along the Adige River, framed by two tall towers, a bell tower, and a crenellated tower, in full Romanesque style. The Basilica is part of the city's history; the portal of San Zeno, in fact, represents the city's birth certificate. Inside, it houses an altarpiece by the artist Mantegna.

If you're looking for a Renaissance-style monument with Palladian influences, head to the Gran Guardia di Verona , a historic palace that served as a venue for military meetings. Inside, you'll find a collection of paintings, sculptures, and frescoes dedicated to life in Verona, including Renaissance works by Paolo Veronese.

Verona's hidden treasures don't end here : if you love nature and elegant gardens, the kind that make you feel like a Renaissance nobleman, then you must take a stroll through the Giusti Garden, the most beautiful park in the city. Or you can choose to admire the photos of the statues in the monumental cemetery or visit the ancient Chapter Library, which houses valuable manuscripts.

Useful tips for a trip to Verona

Tours of Verona can be exhausting, especially in high season. Besides staying in the city center and having your own apartment to move around freely, such as the Casa ai Lavatoi just outside the historic center, you can optimize your visit time by simply booking museums in advance or purchasing the VeronaCard , a card that gives you access to the Basilica of San Zeno, Juliet's House, and the Arena with a single ticket. Alternatively, you can opt for the VenetoMyCard , which includes more than 60 sites and 1,000 experiences in Verona alone.

These options allow you to reduce wait times and explore the city's main sites without waiting in line. But remember: a low-budget tour of Verona is possible simply by enjoying all the free or nearly free experiences in and around the city. Strolling through the historic center, exploring the neighborhoods, admiring the architecture, and sipping a coffee in the square are small experiences that build the trip just as much as museum visits (like the Children's Museum , a place suitable for all ages).

Choosing the right accommodation can make all the difference: with a city apartment, you can get around on foot or by public transportation. You can also choose to buy local products at the market and prepare traditional dishes in the fully equipped kitchen, for a more intimate and romantic dinner. With a self-contained apartment, your stay is halved in cost and amplified in experience!

👉Book your stay in Verona here

The Veronese Garda: azure waters and enchanting villages

Since you're already in Verona, you can't miss the opportunity to reach the Venetian shore of Lake Garda . The eastern shore is full of stunning villages waiting to be discovered . Known as the Riviera degli Ulivi (Riviera degli Ulivi), the villages on this shore are lined up like little pearls, starting with Peschiera del Garda, with its imposing fortress, canals, and the Ponte dei Voltoni (Voltoni Bridge), officially the southern gateway to the lake and the perfect starting point for the Mincio cycle path to Mantua or for a Navigarda cruise to discover other towns.

Further north, Lazise welcomes you with its virtually intact medieval walls, the Scaligero Castle, and a scenic lakeside promenade dotted with restaurants and wine bars, ideal for sunset strolls and local wine tastings. Not to mention the family adventures you can experience at Gardaland .

Bardolino smells of vineyards: here you can alternate relaxing on the beach with visits to the winery or the Zeni Wine Museum, discovering the secrets of Bardolino DOC and Chiaretto among rows of vines overlooking the lake.

In Garda , the town that gives its name to the lake, the historic center is centered around the harbor and its pastel-colored houses, while from the Rocca promontory or the nearby Punta San Vigilio, with its hidden bay and olive trees that descend to the water, you can experience one of the most iconic views of the entire Lake Garda.

Continuing north, Torri del Benaco is a concentration of history and authenticity: the Scaliger castle with its historic lemon house, the shell-shaped harbor, and the Pilgrim's Path through olive groves and woods offer a day that combines an open-air museum, scenic hiking, and an aperitif on the lakeside.

Further up, between Brenzone and Malcesine , the cobbled alleys, the small clusters of houses overlooking the water and the Scaligero Castle of Malcesine project you into a medieval atmosphere, while the rotating cable car ascends to Monte Baldo : from here, excursions depart through flower-filled meadows, paragliding to see the lake from above, paths to refuges like Fiori del Baldo and routes for expert bikers.

Along the entire Venetian shore of Lake Garda, you can enjoy a wide variety of intense experiences: rent a boat or join a lunch-inclusive cruise, try windsurfing and kitesurfing while taking advantage of the currents of the middle lake, hike through the surreal Valley of the Sphinxes in Brentino Belluno or along the Busatte–Tempesta trail overlooking the water, indulge in extra virgin olive oil and wine tastings directly at the farms, or choose organized experiences such as day climbs, wine tastings, and e-bike tours offered by the official Lago di Garda Veneto network.

truly interesting ways to experience a Verona + Lake Garda tour

Discovering the Veronese countryside

Whether you're a nature lover or a thirsty adventurer, eager to explore the area and discover lesser-known places, Verona is the perfect place for you. Just minutes from the city, you'll find the Molina Waterfall Park , a picturesque trail that winds along the river to discover the waterfalls in the Monti Lessini Regional Park, near the village of Molina.

Explore the Veronese hills and Valpolicella , home of the eponymous wine, and follow the Soave route. Discover the enchanting succession of hills covered with rows of vineyards that change color with the seasons, and savor the local produce. Then stop in Soave , the medieval village surrounded by Scaliger walls, where you'll find a few traditional trattorias and wine bars.

And then discover the flea market in Villafranca di Verona if you're looking for an alternative experience, or visit Legnago , the city internationally known as the birthplace of Antonio Salieri, to whom the city theater is dedicated. These are just a few little gems you can find in the Verona area.

And Verona, with its alleys that whisper ancient secrets and its sunsets that light up the Adige with golden reflections, still has so much to reveal to you: from the hills of Valpolicella where Amarone dances in the glasses, to the local markets that smell of fresh bread and blue cheeses, passing through impromptu jazz festivals in the courtyards and night-time strolls along the illuminated Scaliger walls.

This is just the beginning of a journey that renews itself every time, because Verona isn't just for visiting, it's for experiencing, one day at a time, one sip of history at a time. Why not make it unforgettable with an authentic stay in our apartments in the heart of the city?

Book now and let Verona captivate you forever.

👉 Discover and book your apartment in Verona here.