For romantics and opera lovers, Verona is most definitely worth a visit. Whether you make it the centerpiece of your Italy vacation or one of many stops, the river city of Verona has its ties to Romeo, yes, but is also renowned for its Roman and Renaissance influences over the centuries. We have countless ideas of what to do once you’ve arrived. But, for now, let’s look at some common travel tips for visiting Verona, Italy, to help you make the most of your trip there.
How Long Should I Spend in Verona?
Plan to take advantage of this fair city and spend three days there. This keeps your sightseeing at a reasonable pace and allows you to cover just about everything a first-timer would want to see. If you want to use Verona as your home base for other Italy day trips in the area, then make it closer to five days. For ideas for day trips, keep reading.
Study Your Shakespeare
We get it – at least one of the reasons you’re visiting Verona is likely to do with Shakespeare. Interestingly enough, the Bard never visited Verona, but he set his famous Romeo & Juliet love story here. There’s a little bit of myth-making attached to Juliet’s Balcony and Tomb, making it one of the most-visited sites in Verona, but remember to go beyond this popular spot to the many other wonderful things the city has to offer.
Pack Comfortable Shoes
Simply put, you will walk a lot in Verona. The historic center is compact and easily walkable – walking is the best way to explore this area. There’s no subway, so your other option is a bus or taxi, but save those options for getting to and from the train station. If you prefer to bike around the historical center, on both sides of the Adige River, and across the famous bridges, then consider a bike-share from the Verona Bike service – you’ll see them parked around the city.
Plan Around the Tourist Season
If you can swing it with your schedule, try to visit Verona in the slightly off seasons of March through early June, or September into fall. June to August is quite busy, as expected. Summers are warm and dry, but you’ll find the weather still quite nice in those shoulder seasons – just pack a lightweight rain jacket for the occasional shower.
Go to the Opera
Step aside, Shakespeare. Verona is also famous for its prestigious opera scene. In fact, there’s a renowned international music festival held here every summer. The Arena di Verona Opera Festival is held in an incredible 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater and runs for several months. There are usually affordable last-minute tickets available, so if you’re visiting in June, July or August, definitely add an opera performance to your list of musts.
Purchase your Verona Card here. Valid for 24 or 48 hours (depending on the option booked), with skip the lines at Verona Arena.
Take a Day Trip
If you have three days or more in the area, plan for a day trip from Verona. Three favorites include the vineyards of the famous Veneto wine regions, just a half-hour outside the city. (We can arrange for a private guided tour and tasting.) Another option is visiting the Santuario Madonna della Corona. A gorgeous church carved into a mountainside. Or, head to Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy and less than an hour from Verona by train.
Need more tips for visiting Verona? Let’s chat about how to make the most of your time there.