Verona

🏛️ Why Visit Verona, Italy?

Verona – proper Romeo and Juliet territory that'll have you falling head over heels faster than you can say "wherefore art thou"! This gorgeous Italian city is absolutely cracking for a jollie, romantic or otherwise, and trust us, it's got way more going on than just that famous balcony scene. We're talking about a UNESCO World Heritage site that's kept its medieval charm while serving up some seriously good contemporary wine and pizza.

The city's got this brilliant mix of ancient Roman history and romantic Renaissance vibes, plus it's home to one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world – yes, even older than the Colosseum! Whether you're here for the culture, the wine, or just to soak up that Italian dolce vita lifestyle, Verona's going to proper blow your mind.

Top reasons to visit Verona:

🏖️ World-class opera at the Arena – catch performances in a 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheatre that holds 15,000 spectators

🎉 Romeo and Juliet trail – from Juliet's balcony to the tomb, you can follow in the footsteps of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers

🏰 Stunning medieval architecture – wander through piazzas lined with gorgeous frescoed buildings and climb the Torre dei Lamberti for epic city views

🌊 Perfect base for Lake Garda – just a short drive or train ride to Italy's largest and most beautiful lake

☀️ Amazing wine region – you're bang in the middle of Valpolicella country, home to world-famous Amarone wines

🎭 Top Things to Do in Verona

There's absolutely loads to keep you busy in this brilliant city, from ancient Roman ruins to world-class shopping and some of the best food you'll ever taste. The historic centre is perfect for wandering – most attractions are within walking distance, so you can easily hop from one amazing sight to the next.

Historic Wonders

🎠 Arena di Verona – This jaw-dropping Roman amphitheatre is the real deal – built around 30 AD and still hosting world-class opera performances every summer from June to September. Talk about atmosphere!

🏛️ Juliet's House and Balcony – You can visit the famous balcony for free or go inside to see the real statue and post a letter to the Secretaries of Juliet. Proper romantic, this one!

🏰 Torre dei Lamberti – This 12th-century tower offers unmissable panoramic views across the city. You can take the stairs or lift to the top – worth every step!

Beautiful Squares and Streets

🏖️ Piazza delle Erbe – The heart of Verona, lined with gorgeous historic buildings adorned with stunning frescoes. Perfect for people-watching with an Aperol Spritz!

🎨 Piazza dei Signori – Home to the giant statue of Dante Alighieri, who found refuge in Verona during his exile from Florence. Absolutely stunning architecture here.

Beyond the City

🐬 Lake Garda day trips – The easiest place to visit is Sirmione, a tiny town on a peninsula jutting into the lake, just a short train ride away. Brilliant for a day out!

🍷 Valpolicella wine tours – Visit two wine cellars and taste the famous Ripasso and Amarone wines. Yes, please!

🏨 Where to Stay on your Verona Holidays

Right, let's sort you out with some absolutely cracking places to stay! We've picked hotels that'll give you proper good value and put you right where you need to be. Whether you're after budget-friendly digs or something a bit more special, we've got you covered.

Best Value Options

🏨 Villa Di Cazzano - This gorgeous 18th-century villa in the countryside outside Verona has been transformed into a luxury eco-friendly boutique hotel set among the vineyards. You’re just 30 minutes from Verona by car and only 6km from the medieval village of Soave. You'll get organic breakfast with local products, spacious rooms mixing antique and modern furnishings, plus there's a hot tub in the private garden. Romantic, but not gigantic(ally expensive).

🏨 Villa Malaspina - This stunning 16th-century historic residence has been converted into a 4-star hotel with 67 elegant rooms, each one different from the other. Located just 8km south of Verona and 10km from the airport, it's got large indoor and outdoor spaces, free parking, and their own restaurant serving Italian cuisine. Brilliant for families!

🏨 Best Western CTC Hotel - If you want to be closer to the action, this modern 4-star hotel is just 10 minutes from Verona with a free shuttle service, offering comfortable, spacious, spotlessly clean rooms with LCD TV, minibar and air conditioning, plus there's a fitness centre in the hotel so you can work off some of that pizza.

🏨 Montresor Tower - This refined 4-star hotel in Bussolengo (one of the more central suburbs of Verona) features elegant rooms with mountain views. The hotel has a gym, and a restaurant, and is just a short walk from lake Garda.

Mid-Range Comfort

🏨 Hotel Leopardi - Named after the famous Italian poet and located on Via Leopardi, this very popular 4-star hotel is just 400 metres from the Basilica of St Zeno and 2km from the city centre so it’s walking distance into town. The spa facilities include a Turkish steam bath and hot tub, plus their restaurant La Ginestra serves brilliant local specialities. No wonder they are often fully booked.

🏨 Muraless Art Hotel - This boutique beauty puts art at the heart of your stay, with contemporary design and creative touches throughout. You're perfectly positioned for exploring Verona's cultural treasures.

🏨 Agriturismo Corte San Mattia - If you want to combine a city break with the rural joy of getting away from it all, this might be the place for you! Experience authentic Italian countryside hospitality at this charming agriturismo, where you'll enjoy farm-to-table dining and peaceful rural surroundings just outside the city.

🏨 Novo Hotel Rossi - A modern, unassuming, hotel, right in the city centre, that combines contemporary comfort with Italian style, offering excellent facilities and easy access to Verona's main attractions. It has an average rating of 4.5 on trip advisor with over 2000 reviews, so they clearly know how to look after their guests.

Luxury Escapes

🏨 Villa Quaranta Tommasi Wine Hotel - If you liked the idea of the other, countryside, options but wanted something a bit more special, Villa Tommasi might be your number. This spectacular 4-star wine hotel is owned by the historic Tommasi family, world-renowned winemakers and ambassadors of Amarone. You'll stay in a 17th-century villa, enjoy wine therapy at their thermal SPA, and explore their century-old park. Absolutely stunning!

🏨 Opera Relais De Charme - Pure elegance in the heart of Verona, this boutique hotel captures the romantic spirit of the city with luxurious rooms and impeccable service that'll make you feel like royalty.

🏨 Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amista - This five star, elegant, hotel in an old manor house outside the city, offers an extraordinary blend of contemporary art and luxury hospitality. The grounds are amazing and every corner of the hotel is dying to be photographed.

All these hotels put you in brilliant positions to explore everything Verona has to offer, from the Arena to the wine regions. 

💰 How to Have a Very Cheap Verona Holiday (that’s still brilliant)

Yes, Verona is one of the most romantic cities in the world, but romance doesn't have to break the bank! This gorgeous city is absolutely doable on a budget if you know the tricks. For starters look at our great value hotels section just above. And beyond that, here's how to make your euros stretch further without missing out on any of the magic.

When to Go

Skip the summer opera season (June-September) when prices go through the roof. Visit between November and March when some attractions cost just €1 on the first Sunday of each month. Spring and autumn are brilliant – lovely weather, fewer crowds, and hotels slash their prices.

Smart Savings

• Verona Card - The 24-hour card costs €27 and covers loads of sights plus bus travel. Absolute bargain if you're doing the tourist trail!

• Free walking tours - The historic centre is compact and walkable, so you can see most major sights on foot

• Free balcony viewing - You can enter Juliet's courtyard and see the statue for free – only pay if you want to go inside the house

Free Fun

Wandering the medieval streets costs nothing and you'll stumble across gorgeous piazzas, ancient walls, and stunning architecture at every turn. The Sunday markets are brilliant for soaking up local atmosphere.

Getting About

Public transport is reasonably priced – regional trains are comfortable and budget-friendly for day trips. Many hotels outside the centre offer free shuttles, saving you taxi fares.

The bottom line? You can absolutely have a cracking time in Verona without spending a fortune. Pick the right time to visit, stay smart about attractions, and you'll discover that this romantic city gives you brilliant bang for your buck!