Home - Travel Destinations - Verona Italy – The Beautiful City of Romance
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Home - Travel Destinations - Verona Italy – The Beautiful City of Romance
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Verona, Italy, is a city that captures the imagination with its romantic streets, ancient architecture, and lively piazzas. This article is a complete guide for first-time visitors to Verona, Italy. You’ll learn why Verona is a must-visit city, what makes it special, and how to experience its unique charm. Verona offers a perfect balance of culture and relaxation, and this city welcomes travelers who want to enjoy Italy beyond the usual tourist crowds and discover a place full of warmth and beauty.
There’s something about Verona that stays with you long after you leave. Maybe it’s the faded peach walls glowing in the afternoon sun, the quiet rustle of ivy curling over stone balconies, or the soft sound of heels on cobblestones echoing through narrow lanes. This isn’t just another city in Italy — it’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and feel something.
For a first-time visitor, Verona offers everything: atmosphere, beauty, excellent food, and just enough drama to keep it interesting. Best of all, it’s compact enough to explore without stress, but rich enough to remember forever.
By now, you’re probably planning a trip to northern Italy and wondering if Verona deserves a spot on your itinerary. Should you visit Verona or Milan? We’ll help you decide further down in this article. And what about those people who say Verona isn’t worth it? Let’s talk about that too — with honest, firsthand insight.
Since Verona is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is definitely worth a visit.
Verona sits quietly in northern Italy, tucked between Venice and Milan, and often overlooked by travelers rushing between the bigger cities. But that’s part of its charm — Verona doesn’t try too hard. It doesn’t need to.
You’ll find it in the Veneto region, along the Adige River, surrounded by rolling vineyards and less than 30 minutes from Lake Garda. Trains make it easy to reach from Venice (1 hour) or Milan (1.5 to 2 hours), and the city center is small enough to explore entirely on foot.
Because it’s one of the most romantic cities in Europe — and not just because of Juliet’s balcony. The golden light, the quiet backstreets, the views from ancient stone bridges… It’s a place that makes ordinary moments feel cinematic. And for first-time visitors to Italy, Verona is the perfect mix: not overwhelming like Rome, not overly touristic like Venice, yet packed with beauty and personality.
Flying into Verona makes it easy to visit Lake Garda, just a short 30-minute drive away. This means you can quickly escape the city and enjoy the stunning lakeside towns, scenic beaches, and beautiful mountain views without spending hours on the road. Verona’s convenient airport connects you to both the city’s charm and the natural beauty of Lake Garda, making it a perfect starting point for exploring northern Italy.
Verona is well connected by train, with direct routes from Venice (1 hour), Milan (1.5 to 2 hours), and Florence (2.5 hours). Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN) serves domestic and limited international flights. From the train station, it’s a 15–20-minute walk or quick taxi to the historic center.
Need to book train tickets? The Italian train site (Trenitalia/Trainline) is easy to use.
DID YOU KNOW: Shakespeare never actually visited Verona and his characters in Romeo & Juliet never really existed. But Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House) is one of Verona’s main tourist attractions. The balcony overlooking the small courtyard is a famous Instagram spot and everyone in love, stops here.
During the week of Valentine’s Day, the Verona in Love festival is held in the heart of the historic center of the Scaligero capital. As they say “If you love him, bring him to Verona”.
So if you’re planning to propose, a visit to Verona might be an awesome idea. But if you’re planning a wedding, why not do it in Italy? I’m not going to say anything else. Just visit Sposami A Verona for everything you need to arrange the perfect wedding in Italy.
Planning your accommodation: When planning where to stay – It is nice to stay in the historic center of Verona so you can walk to everything — from Juliet’s balcony to riverside sunset spots — without needing taxis or public transport.
Topping Up Local Wi-Fi or Mobile Data
Most cafés and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi, but for stable connection on the go, consider buying a local SIM. TIM, Vodafone, and WindTre have tourist packages you can pick up at the airport or in town. You’ll find top-up vouchers (called “ricariche”) at tobacconists (look for a blue “T” sign), newsstands, or via the provider’s app or website. Make sure your phone is unlocked before you go.
It is near to:
1. Lake Garda
Just 30 minutes away, Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake. Charming towns like Sirmione and Lazise offer lakeside walks, historic castles, and plenty of cafés with water views.
2. Valpolicella Wine Region
Famous for its rich Amarone wine, Valpolicella is a short drive from Verona. Visit vineyards, enjoy wine tastings, and soak in the rolling countryside.
3. Mantua (Mantova)
About 40 minutes by train, Mantua is a Renaissance gem with elegant palaces, quiet squares, and beautiful lakes surrounding the historic center.
4. Vicenza
Known for the architecture of Andrea Palladio, Vicenza is an hour by train. It’s perfect for lovers of classical design and less crowded streets.
5. Soave
A small medieval town just 30 minutes away, Soave is famous for its white wine and well-preserved castle overlooking vineyards.
Two full days gives you time to see the highlights without rushing, while still leaving space for slow moments — the kind Verona is made for. You can walk the old town end to end in half a day, but the charm is in taking your time. Linger over lunch. Watch the light change on the Arena. Catch the golden hour from Castel San Pietro.
One day is doable if you’re just passing through, but you’ll only scratch the surface. You’ll likely leave wishing you had more time.
Three days or more is perfect if you plan to explore nearby — like Lake Garda, Valpolicella’s wine region, or even Venice on a day trip.
May, September, and early October are the best months, thanks to mild weather and smaller crowds.
May is when Verona truly comes alive. Flower boxes overflow on windowsills. Locals linger outside cafés. Couples stroll along the river. There’s an air of anticipation, with summer just around the corner — but without the crowds of June, July, or August.
You’ll find fewer tour groups, shorter lines, and easier photo moments at popular spots like Juliet’s Balcony or Piazza delle Erbe. The city feels open, but not empty.
Buy the Verona Card to skip lines and save on entry fees
Many attractions are closed Monday mornings — plan around it
Restaurants often open for dinner after 7:00 PM
Take cash — not all small shops accept cards
Stay in the historic center so you can walk everywhere
Verona offers daily free walking tours (usually in English) that start from Piazza Bra or near the Arena. They typically last 1.5 to 2 hours and give you a good overview of the main sights. While the tours are “free,” it’s customary to tip your guide at the end. Look for companies like “Verona Free Walking Tour” or ask at your hotel — many places have up-to-date flyers or booking help.
TRAVEL TIP: Aperitivo Is a Way of Life
Locals don’t rush dinner. They meet for aperitivo — usually around 6:00–8:00 pm — with a glass of wine or spritz and small bites. Best spots? Try Piazza Erbe or tucked-away wine bars near Via Mazzini. It’s also a smart way to save on dinner costs if you’re not too hungry.
Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll be on cobblestones)
Light layers for warm days and cool evenings
A travel umbrella or packable rain jacket
Sunglasses and a sun hat for midday strolls
Something nice for dinner — Verona dresses up in the evening
There are loads more to do. What to know which is the best places to visit / things to do? Maybe get the best walking map? We can help you: Read more>>>
From personal experience, here’s what stands out about romantic Verona — the little details that make it unforgettable:
Evening walks by the Adige River — the golden light hits the water, locals are out for passeggiata, and you feel like you’re in a film.
Dinner under fairy lights in Piazza delle Erbe — couples everywhere, soft music, candlelight on the cobblestones.
The view from Castel San Pietro — the perfect place to sit close, breathe in the view, and feel like you’ve escaped the world.
A quiet moment at Juliet’s balcony early in the morning — cliché or not, it’s surprisingly moving when the courtyard is still empty.
Sharing a gelato on the steps near Ponte Pietra — nothing fancy, but completely perfect.
What makes Verona romantic isn’t just the story of Romeo and Juliet. It’s the slow pace, the warm lights, the balconies overflowing with flowers, and the way you end up holding hands without even meaning to.
Here’s a tip most tourists miss: cross the Ponte Pietra and climb up to Castel San Pietro at sunset — it’s free, romantic, and gives you the best panoramic view of Verona.
If you love shopping and exploring shops, you have to stroll down Via Giuseppe Mazzini, but beware it is a very busy street at times. However it has some beautiful architecture, so take the time to stop and look up at the buildings just above the shop windows.
The streets of Verona gets busy around here, but it is worth strolling through the markets and just exploring all the places.
Piazza delle Erbe is one of those places worth visiting with its outdoor market and restaurants.
Our Travel Tip would be to STOP. Stop every now and then and just have a gelato or some fresh summer fruit in the heat of the summertime. Stop to take in the surroundings. Stop to rest your feet and enjoy the day. Don’t rush everything and don’t expect to see everything in one day. Maybe stay another day and take a road trip from Verona to Limone sul Garda. Explore the beautiful places nearby.
Yes, if you plan to visit multiple attractions it is a good idea. The Verona Card (24‑ or 48‑hour) includes free entry to major sites and public transport. It saves both time and money.
In tourist areas, yes. However, using a few basic Italian phrases is helpful and appreciated.
Large restaurants and shops accept cards, but it’s wise to carry some cash for small vendors and markets.
SELF CATERING OPTION
Dimore Verona offers self-catering apartments in different parts of the city Verona, which can be a more affordable option and is ideal for couples or small families.
Each apartment is equipped with a flat-screen TV and washing machine, plus free Wi-Fi and a bathroom including a shower, bidet and hairdryer. Some apartments are air conditioned.
However if you want to compare price first , here are a few of the popular booking options:
Size: Small, walkable, and charming
Atmosphere: Romantic, relaxed, full of old-world beauty
Main draw: Juliet’s balcony, Roman Arena, river views, piazzas
Best for: Couples, first-timers to Italy, people who prefer slow travel and smaller cities
Time needed: 2–3 days
Nearby getaways: Lake Garda, Valpolicella wine region, medieval villages
Verona feels like you’ve stepped into a painting — easy to get around, beautiful at every corner, and much less hectic than Milan.
Size: Very Big, busy, cosmopolitan
Atmosphere: Fast-paced, fashion-forward, urban
Main draw: Duomo, The Last Supper, designer shopping, nightlife
Best for: Art lovers, shoppers, business travelers, fans of big cities
Time needed: 2–4 days
Nearby getaways: Lake Como, Bergamo, Turin
Milan has big sights and bold style, but it’s less romantic and less relaxed.
While you’re in the area, also visit Desenzano del Garda and Sirmione.
