Located between Milan and Venice, Verona is one of Italy’s most popular travel destinations – and rightly so.
Whether you are a fan of sticking firmly to the tourist trail or prefer to head off the beaten track, this wonderful city has got you covered, but our advice is to mix the two to get to the real heart of the city.
There’s a reason why Shakespeare placed star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet in Verona – it’s the perfect spot to head to if you’re looking for a short break in a historical city.
What to do
Even though it’s not as big as Rome, you definitely won’t be short of things to do in this wonderful city with trips to Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House, above), the Verona Arena and even segway tours on offer. For the more religious aspects of the city, Duomo, Verona’s 12th-century cathedral or the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore are the spots to head to.
If you’re looking to check out the city’s history but also want to bask in the buzz of Verona, Piazza delle Erbe is where you should go. The spot was originally a Roman Forum and now boasts a variety of busy cafés and stunning architecture including the Palazzo Maffei at its northern end.
For a whirlwind taste of the city the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tours are your best bet with full commentary. The open-top double-decker buses stop at 16 different stops with two different bus routes. Tickets are valid for 24 hours.
Where to eat
If fine dining is your style and you’re looking for the Michelin experience, Il Desco is the place to head to. With a beautifully crafted menu, the restaurant has a wonderful range local specialities teamed up with lesser known wines like Quintarelli. The restaurant is located just a few steps away from Juliet’s house and amphitheatre so it’s perfect for if you’re touring the city.
Looking for a more budget menu? The Hosteria Vecchia Fontanina is the place to go. This lovely restaurant offers an eclectic mix of traditional Veronese cuisine using fresh produce. On sunny days it’s well worth reserving a table on the terrace. A quieter place to grab a bite to eat is the Trattoria Papa e Cicia, only ten minutes away from the city centre. This lovely restaurant features real Italian home cooking on the bank of the Adige river with a wonderful selection of pasta and risotto.
Where to shop
There’s quite the selection to choose from when shopping in Verona with Via Mazzini, Via Roma and Piazza Erbe being among some of the busier streets. Souvenirs and famous brands like Gucci and Prada are widely available but there are many affordable shops in the area.
If you’re looking for music, DVDs, guides and other electronics, the Fnac store in via Cappello, 34 near Juliet’s home or head to Dischi Volanti in via Fama 7/A.
Shopping centres are generally closed on Sundays but are open usually from 9.00 am to 8.00 pm – weekdays are more relaxed. The shops in the heart of the city are sometimes open too on a Sunday but this depends on the owner’s decision. Lunch breaks normally take place between 12.30 and 3.30 pm. But some places don’t close for lunch.
Where to sleep
For absolute luxury, Il Sogno di Giulietta is a must. The guesthouse itself is located in a medieval palazzo and offers 16 various rooms filled with antiques and ornate bedposts – many of the rooms boast a balcony. Definitely living proof that romance is alive and kicking in Verona.
B&B Nino Martini is a fine place to stay if you’re looking for something that’s a bit more low-key. There is a lovely shaded garden that guests can avail of, as well as the kitchen and a room for breakfast. Rooms are clean, nicely decorated and has free Wi-Fi.
How to get there
Aer Lingus fly directly to Verona with Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways and KLM taking indirect flights from our capital. Prices vary throughout the year depending on the season so check out skyscanner.ie to see all your options before you book.
For great hotel deals check our HerHotels.ie
