Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Italy / Veneto / Verona
 |  | Destination Guide : Verona |
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| | | Perfect setting for Romeo and Juliet |  | Why go on holiday to Verona?
Get your artistic juices flowing in one of Italy's ancient and beautiful cities. Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet was set here and as a result, it's a preferred destination for couples hoping to add another twist to their own love story, hopefully without the tragic ending.
The perfect way to end a romantic day strolling and sightseeing is a night in the world-famous arena, where you can watch a performance with 15,000 opera lovers in this open-air Roman amphitheatre.
How much will it cost?
A decent mid-range hotel (based on two people sharing) costs between £50 and £60 per room per night.
For some luxury, try the five-star Due Torri Hotel Baglioni, an impeccably furnished 13th-century building in the heart of the old city. Two nights in a classic double will set you back about £250. The period furniture and art in the hotel makes it the perfect base in this elegant city.
Return flights to Verona start at around £45.
When should I go?
The winters can be cold but the weather is pretty good the rest of the year. Spring and autumn are probably the most pleasant times of year to visit weather-wise but the summer months are best for a trip to the open-air opera. In August most Italians go on holiday and many shops and restaurants are closed.
Who's it for?
Verona is a city for lovers of all that is classically Italian. You'll find none of your British snobbery on a visit to the opera in Verona, as it's the music of, and for, the people.
Leave your reserved British nature at the entry kiosk as audience participation is commonplace at many productions and the cast will often perform the same song over and over again at the request of an appreciative public. Fellow spectators are warm and friendly and while enjoying your own picnic you will often be asked (or told) to sample a bit of someone else's lavish spread.
Veronese wines are well respected around the globe and the best place to try a couple is the Bottega del Vino where they stock over 3,000 varieties.
The local cuisine is very traditional and many of the recipes haven't changed for hundreds of years. Classic Veronese dishes include gnocchi (potato dumplings), pasta e fagioli (pasta and beans) and for the truly adventurous, pastissada de caval (horsemeat stew).
Verona is also known as Little Rome and the Romanesque architecture dotting the compact, old city reflects this. The best way to get around is on foot.
What are the must-sees?
First and foremost, no trip to Verona is complete without a visit to the arena. Past performances have been produced by greats such as legendary film director Franco Zeffirelli and there's always a buzz in the city on the day of a big production. If opera isn't your thing, there are also some classical music recitals.
Even though Shakespeare's play is obviously fiction, someone in Verona decided that they had actually discovered the location of the infamous balcony on which Juliet stood while Romeo serenaded her, and so the House of Juliet is a prime tourist attraction in the city.
Otherwise, the city is divided into four sections - the Centro Storico, the Cittadella, San Zeno and Veronetta. In the Centro Storico, every visitor ends up at some point in the main square, the Piazza Bra, and it's a great people-watching venue. Verona's Cathedral, the Duomo is also a beautiful blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
The Cittadella is the business centre of Verona but it's also the best place to spend your euros on some cut-price Italian designer labels.
The main attraction of San Zeno is the world-famous church of the same name and Veronetta is great for a stroll along the banks of Adige River. Be sure to cross the beautiful Ponte Pietra (stone bridge).
If you're planning to visit several churches and museums, invest in a Verona Pass. You'll save a bit of cash, which could otherwise be spent on shopping, or food and drink.
What will I spend?
Prices vary, but as a rough guide, a traditional meal costs around £10. The cheapest seats for opera at the Arena go for about £25 and a Verona Pass will set you back £5.50 for a day or £8.20 for three days.
Any special events?
Tune into the annual Verona Opera Festival which takes place every summer. For lovers of all things equine, there's the Verona Horse Fair from November 4-7. For something a bit different, try the neighbouring village of San Giovanni Ilarione where they celebrate the humble chestnut.
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| | Available rental properties in Verona |
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| |  | | VERONA WALLS
Stylish 4-star accommodation in the very heart of the ancient town of Verona in the Venetian Region of North East of Italy.
|  | | Verona City Centre Apartment
Stunning and spacious refurbished 1 bed designer duplex within Verona city walls. Sleeps 2-4. Inc. 1 bedroom, sitting-room/kitchen, 1 bathroom/1 WC, 250 sq ft terrace. 15 min to Piazza Erbe/Arena
|  | | Bardolino
Great and colourful apartment at only 700m of cosy Bardolino, at the famous lake Garda. The apartment is part of a residence (with 40 apartments in to
|  | | Borgo Tascherio
Verona, home to Romeo and Juliette and a rather impressive Roman amphitheatre.
This attractive first floor holiday flat is located in the centr
|  | | VERONA WORDS
Stylish accommodation in the very heart of the ancient town of Verona in the Venetian Region of North East of Italy.
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