Why Verona Is Everything You’re Looking For When Traveling In Italy
Verona isn’t the loudest city in Italy—but it might just be the most magical. In a short visit, you can explore its historical heart, enjoy panoramic views, indulge in delicious local flavors, and discover the natural beauty. Verona keeps a slow and soft rhythm—which makes it perfect for anyone who loves beauty without the chaos.
What to See in Verona
Arena di Verona. This ancient Roman amphitheater was built nearly 2,000 years ago—and guess what? It’s still being used today! You can watch opera and concerts under the stars during the summer (July to September).
Where: Piazza Bra (the city’s main square).
Tickets: €25 to €200 depending on the show and seat.
Tip: Buy your ticket early at arena.it and bring a cushion—it’s stone seating!
Walk Along Via Mazzini.
From the Arena, walk down Via Mazzini—Verona’s famous shopping street. There are lots of nice stores, but also beautiful architecture and marble sidewalks.
Piazza delle Erbe.
This lively square used to be a Roman marketplace. Now, it’s full of life—cafés, little shops, fruit stalls, and the Madonna Verona Fountain right in the center. It’s a great place to grab a spritz and people-watch.
Don’t miss: Climb Torre dei Lamberti (the tall clock tower) for an amazing view over the city!
Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta)
Shakespeare wrote: “There is no world without Verona walls”. His Romeo and Juliet is known worldwide.
Well, you can visit Casa di Giulietta, where there’s a balcony, a statue of Juliet, and even a little mailbox where visitors leave letters asking for love advice!
Where: Just to the right off Via Mazzini
Hours: 8:30 – 19:30 Ticket: €6
Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds
Ponte Pietra is Verona’s oldest bridge, a graceful stone arch that has connected the city across the Adige River since Roman times. Originally built in 100 BC, it has witnessed centuries of history. The bridge was tragically destroyed by retreating German troops during World War II in 1945, but it was meticulously rebuilt using the original stones and reopened in 1959.
View from Castel San Pietro
Want the best view of the whole city? Head up to Castel San Pietro. You can walk up the steps or take a little funicular train. From the top, you’ll see rooftops, the river, and hills all around. It’s especially beautiful at sunset.
Piazza dei Signori & Dante.
This quieter square has a statue of Dante, the famous Italian poet. It was within the quiet walls of Verona’s Capitular Library—one of the oldest in Europe—that Dante Alighieri penned the celestial verses of Paradiso, the final chapter of his Divine Comedy. Around the square, you’ll see elegant old buildings and peaceful vibes—great for a relaxing stroll.
Get a Verona Card: saves money on entry tickets to the museums and principal city attractions.
Museums & Free Sundays: Verona has some cool museums—like
Castelvecchio, which is part castle, part art gallery. Many museums are
free on the first Sunday of every month
What to Eat in Verona
This isn’t just Italy—it’s Veneto, and Verona’s cuisine is proud of its rustic, deeply flavorful roots.
Risotto all’Amarone (on the photo)– Creamy risotto made with fine Amarone red wine.
Risotto con Tastasal – another risotto that you can try only in Veneto region. With its rich flavour of grounded salted meat it goes amazing in chilly months.
Bollito misto e pearà – Boiled meats served with a tasty, peppery sauce.
Veronese Potato Gnocchi: this dish is originally tied to the joyful chaos of Carnival Friday, known as Venerdì Gnocolar. More than just comfort food, gnocchi in Verona is a symbol of community, celebration, and centuries-old tradition that continues to bring people together around the table.
Wines You Shouldn’t Miss
Valpolicella – Lively, everyday red. Great with meats.
Amarone – Rich, strong, and unforgettable (often called the “king of wines”)
Soave – A fresh white wine from the hills east of Verona. Dry, floral, and made for lazy summer afternoons.
City Rating: Verona
Scenic Beauty –10/10. Verona is a visual masterpiece. From the pastel-toned facades of the Old Town to the Adige River flowing under arched bridges, every corner is postcard-worthy. The city’s medieval and Roman heritage creates an effortlessly cinematic backdrop.
Photo Opportunities – 10/10. Photographers will fall in love instantly. Capture the Arena lit at night, or shoot from Castel San Pietro for panoramic views. Even the side streets are gold for street photography and lifestyle shots.
Cultural & Historical Value – 10/10. Verona is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason. It blends Roman ruins, Renaissance palaces, Gothic churches, and literary legends (hello, Romeo & Juliet) into one incredibly rich cultural destination.
Food Scene – 10/10 (if you know good spots!). A paradise for food lovers! Don’t skip local dishes like risotto all’Amarone or pastissada de caval if you’re feeling adventurous.
Local Vibe & Atmosphere –10/10. Romantic yet relaxed, Verona feels intimate without being sleepy. The energy is artistic and creative, with locals enjoying long lunches and slow walks. It’s the perfect place for content creators seeking an authentic Italian vibe.
Walkability & Accessibility –Old Town: 10/10. Public Transport: 7/10.
Verona’s historic center is compact and perfect for walking – you can easily explore on foot without missing anything. However, public transport is basic. It works, but buses can be a bit slow and infrequent outside the core.
Nature & Green Spaces – 10/10. The city isn’t just stone and stories – it offers greenery too. Head to Giardino Giusti for Renaissance garden vibes or climb to Castel San Pietro for sunset views over the city. Bonus: Lake Garda is just 30 minutes away
Instagram Worthiness – 10/10. Verona is made for the grid. Think vine-draped balconies, colorful piazzas, river reflections, and gelato in hand. Every angle offers natural light and timeless charm.
Day Trips & Nearby Destinations – 10/10. Lake Garda, Valpolicella wine country, and the Dolomites are all within easy reach. Whether you’re into lakeside villages, vineyards, or mountain adventures, Verona is the perfect base.
Day Trips & Nature Escapes
Lake Garda (30 km from Verona)
Just a short drive or train ride away, Lake Garda is one of the most beautiful places in Italy. There are cute towns, castles, and amazing views.
Malcesine – Take a cable car up to Mount Baldo for incredible mountain views
Sirmione – Has a fairytale castle, but parking is tricky—arrive early!
Torri del Benaco – Peaceful, with clean beaches
Riva del Garda – Fancy, full of style
Soave (30 km from Verona)
A pretty walled town, great for white wine tasting.
Santuario della Madonna della Corona (40 km from Verona)
Another must-see: perched dramatically on a cliffside of Monte Baldo, the
Santuario della Madonna della Corona seems to defy gravity as it clings to the rock face, suspended between sky and earth.
Vallegio sul Mincio and Garden Park Sigurtà (40 km from Verona)
Valleggio sul Mincio is a real hidden gem: with its stone bridges, watermills, and golden light, the village is pure poetry, especially when you pair it with a plate of the town’s most famous treasure: tortellini.
Just beyond the village, Parco Giardino Sigurtà unfolds like a dreamscape: 600,000 square meters of blooming tulips, cypress-lined avenues, secret groves, and lily-covered ponds. It’s not just a garden—it’s a living painting that changes with every season.
Padova/Eng.: Padua (80 km from Verona)
Peaceful university city with the famous Saint Anthony Basilica. Highly reccomended! By the way, Padua is often considered the birthplace of the spritz.
Bassano del Grapa and Marostica (97 km from Verona)
Grappa, medieval architecture, artisan craftsmanship, and the iconic wooden Ponte degli Alpini spanning the Brenta River. Right from Bassano you arrive to Marostica, which is famous for the dramatic life-sized chess game played in the main square every two years.
Venice (120 km from Verona)
You already know—just go! Don’t forget that to enter Venice’s Historic City on certain dates, you must book and pay an Access Fee: €10 without early booking, or €5 if booked at least 4 days in advance.
Photos and text by: Marina
Instagram: @zaiatravels.live
I really traveled to Verona through the photos. Wonderful destination and very useful information.Thankyou for the amazing work.
Thank you so much for your kind words Despoina 🤗
Valuable Tips about Verona. I wish I would have known about the Verona Card.. it would have saved me some money.
Nice to read more about what Verona offers. I missed going up on with the train and see the views from there.
Vanny
Thank you Vanny ☺️ Honestly, I didn’t even know about the Verona Card — and I live here 😁 I checked it out and it’s actually really convenient!
What an inspiring post! To be honest, Verona wasn’t really on my radar… but now? It’s right at the top of my list. I especially loved the little details that are so easy to miss. Thank you for offering such a fresh perspective on the city, it felt almost like I was strolling through the streets myself.
Thanks, Marina 🌿
Thank you so much Lissie, your words mean a lot! 🤗
Such a beautiful and magical place, and wow the food. I would love to visit.
Thank you, Graham. I truly love this city. and honestly, I don’t think I could live without Veronese food 😄
I traveled to Verona on my first-ever solo trip. I loved it so, so much! This blog post really took me back there!
Wow 😍 happy to hear it! Thank you so much 🤗