Verona is much more than Romeo and Juliet. It has a Roman amphitheatre better preserved than the Colosseum, a UNESCO historic centre crossed by the Adige river, wineries pouring Amarone and a food tradition rivalling Bologna.
📅 Best time to visit
June-August for Arena opera (book months ahead). Spring for climate and fairs. December for Italy's best Christmas markets.
🏛️ Why visit Verona
🍽️ Local cuisine
Bollito with pearà sauce, bigoli with sardines, Amarone risotto, pastissada de caval, Valeggio tortellini and pandoro. Wines: Amarone, Valpolicella Ripasso, Soave and Custoza.
🗺️ Neighbourhoods to explore
Piazza Bra for the Arena and cafés. Piazza delle Erbe for the market. Veronetta for university life. Lungadige for romantic walks. Valpolicella (20 min) for wineries.
✈️ How to get there
Valerio Catullo Airport (VRN) is 12 km from the centre with shuttle buses every 20 minutes. Verona Porta Nuova station gets trains from Milan, Venice and Rome.
💡 Practical tips
- Book Arena opera months in advance — gallery seats from €30.
- Juliet's balcony is touristy but Piazza delle Erbe next door is stunning.
- Do a Valpolicella winery tour: Amarone at cellar prices.