Verona Tourist Guide
North Italian City Famous for Romeo and Juliet
Verona is an ideal city in which to spend a few relaxing days, surrounded by centuries of history and art. Famous for its first century Arena and Shakesperean connections, Verona has been popular with tourists for many years. The steady stream of visitors has ensured a thriving local industry with many fine restaurants, bars and hotels to choose from in the idyllic Italian city.
History, Art and Architecture
The city centre is dominated by the Roman Arena, which is still used for live concerts. The opera season runs between June and August and offers an unforgettable experience. The performances are extremely popular and it is advisable to book in advance. At other times of the year the arena is also used for popular music concerts.
A short stroll from the arena is the imposing Castelvecchio, once home to the della Scala family. The castle now houses a fascinating museum with many important works of Italian art and sculpture. The bridge which joins onto the castle was destroyed by retreating Germans but restored to its former glory after the Second World War.
Verona is home to many impressive churches, the best known being the Basilica di San Zeno. The city also has the most famous balcony in the world. Despite being constructed in the early 20th century, Juliet’s balcony is a magnet for tourists and the entrance is covered with love notes from around the world, stuck to the walls.
The local authority are quite rightly proud of the city's history and are keen to maintain it. Eating in the vicinity of historic monuments is forbidden. It is also a rule of the city that no-one can walk around bare-chested.
Food and Drink in Verona
Near the arena is a large assortment of street restaurants which are popular with tourists. Their location means that prices tend to be considerably higher than other areas of the city. For those visitors prepared to walk a short distance there are many excellent eateries to be discovered, particularly across the Arnige River. The quality of food and wine is just as good but the bill will be nowhere near as large.
The local drink of choice is spritz, usually made with campari or aperol, mixed with sparkling white wine and soda water. A favourite food in Verona is horse, or cavallo, which has a rich, gamey flavour.
Pubs and Clubs in Verona
In addition to the numerous wine bars, trattorias and ostarios, Verona also has a few pubs and clubs. Near the centre are Scottish themed pubs and an Irish bar. Due to noise restrictions the city’s nightclubs tend to be in the suburbs. Most bars close at 1am, or 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, so the nightclubs are the only option for late night drinking.
Accommodation and Travel Links
Verona has a large choice of hotels, ranging from low budget accommodation to five-star establishments. The city's main railway station is Porto Nuovo, and is served by both local, national and international trains. Their is a bus station located just outside of the railway station. Verona also has an airport and is within easy driving distance of Milan, Venice and Lake Garda.
Verona's Arena at night
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Juliet's balcony
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The view from Castel San Pietro
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