Arena di Verona
First-century Roman amphitheatre that held about 30,000 spectators and still hosts the summer opera festival. The 104th Arena di Verona Opera Festival runs 11 June to 11 September 2027, with seats from about EUR 23.
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About Verona
Verona is a UNESCO-listed city on the Adige river in northeastern Italy, known for its Roman Arena, the Romeo and Juliet legend and an outstanding medieval and Renaissance historic centre. This guide covers hotels, attractions, restaurants and practical planning for Verona.
- Capital
- Venice (regional capital of Veneto)
- Largest city
- Verona (largest city in Veneto by population)
- Population
- About 256,000 (comune, 2025 estimate)
- Languages
- Italian (Veronese dialect widely spoken)
- Currency
- Euro
- Time zone
- CET/CEST (UTC+1/UTC+2)
Explore Verona by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Verona
The 17 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House)
Medieval house associated with the Capulet family and Shakespeare's Juliet, with a courtyard, bronze statue and balcony. Since 1 April 2026 visits are by timed reservation, with a cheaper courtyard-only ticket and a full ticket that includes the interior.
Piazza delle Erbe
Former Roman forum and the liveliest square in Verona, ringed by frescoed palaces, the Madonna Verona fountain and the Lion of St Mark column. Market stalls fill the centre during the day and cafes line the edges.
Torre dei Lamberti
An 84 m medieval tower with 368 steps or a lift to a bell-chamber terrace and panoramic views of the roofs, the Adige and the Arena. Entry is included in the Verona Card.
Ponte Pietra
Roman arch bridge across the Adige dating from the first century BC, rebuilt with recovered stones after retreating troops blew it up in 1945. It links the old town to the Roman Theatre and the Castel San Pietro hillside.
Museo di Castelvecchio
14th-century Scaliger fortress converted into an art museum by architect Carlo Scarpa, holding Veronese painting, sculpture and the equestrian statue of Cangrande I. The crenellated Ponte Scaligero crosses the Adige beside it.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Verona Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Verona, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Verona
- Days 1-2Verona city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Verona
- Days 1-3Verona comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Verona, departure
Where to stay in Verona
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget EUR 80 (~$92)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range EUR 170 (~$195.50)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury EUR 450+ (~$517.50+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Due Torri Hotel
Due Torri Hotel is a 5-star hotel in Centro Storico (Sant'Anastasia), about 0.8 km from the Arena di Verona. Address: Piazza Sant'Anastasia 4, 37121 Verona. Phone +39 045 595044. Reservations are made through the official website. The main sights of the old town are within walking distance.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Gabbia d'Oro
Hotel Gabbia d'Oro is a 5-star hotel in Centro Storico (Porta Borsari), about 0.5 km from the Arena di Verona. Address: Corso Porta Borsari 4A, 37121 Verona. The main sights of the old town are within walking distance.
Check rates on Booking.comVISTA Palazzo Verona
VISTA Palazzo Verona is a 5-star hotel in Centro Storico (Piazza delle Erbe area), about 0.5 km from the Arena di Verona. Address: Corticella Leoni 3, 37121 Verona. Phone +39 045 11170880. Reservations are made through the official website. The main sights of the old town are within walking distance.
Check rates on Booking.comPalazzo Victoria
Palazzo Victoria is a 5-star hotel in Centro Storico, about 0.4 km from the Arena di Verona. Address: Via Adua 4, 37121 Verona. Reservations are made through the official website. The main sights of the old town are within walking distance.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Verona
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Antica Bottega del Vino
Historic wine house in a side lane off Via Mazzini, serving classic Veronese dishes beside one of Italy's most extensive Veneto wine cellars. The front bar suits a glass and a snack; the dining rooms suit a full meal.
Trattoria al Pompiere
Long-running trattoria near Piazza delle Erbe known for a generous board of Veneto cured meats and for risotto cooked with Amarone.
Il Desco
One-star Michelin restaurant in a historic palace, serving tasting and a-la-carte menus built on Veneto produce.
Casa Perbellini 12 Apostoli
Verona's highest-rated fine-dining address, a three-star Michelin restaurant run by chef Giancarlo Perbellini in the historic centre.
Locanda 4 Cuochi
Opened in 2012 on a quiet street near the Arena; its set lunch is a popular mid-range way to try modern Veronese cooking.
Osteria Sottoriva
Arcade-side osteria on the medieval Via Sottoriva serving home-style Veronese pasta, stews and local wine.
Book a food tour in Verona We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Getting around Verona
Verona's historic centre is compact and best covered on foot. Verona Porta Nuova station, on the Milan-Venice and Munich-Bologna lines, lies 1.2 km south of the Arena, and the airport is 12 km southwest with a direct bus.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EUR (1 EUR = 1.15 USD), broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | EUR 40 (~$46) | EUR 100 (~$115) | EUR 300 (~$345) |
| Food (per day) | EUR 25 (~$28.75) | EUR 45 (~$51.75) | EUR 100 (~$115) |
| Transportation | EUR 5 (~$5.75) | EUR 8 (~$9.20) | EUR 20 (~$23) |
| Activities | EUR 10 (~$11.50) | EUR 17 (~$19.55) | EUR 30 (~$34.50) |
| Daily total | EUR 80 (~$92) | EUR 170 (~$195.50) | EUR 450+ (~$517.50+) |
Best time to visit Verona
Weather through the year in Veneto
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Veneto.
Spring and early autumn give mild weather and open-air evenings without peak heat.
The Arena Opera Festival runs from mid-June to mid-September (11 June to 11 September in 2027), and hotel prices rise sharply on performance nights. December brings the Christmas market on Piazza dei Signori.
Essential travel tips
- Book Juliet's House by timed slot at museiverona.com since access changed on 1 April 2026
- Compare the Verona Card (about EUR 27 for 24 hours, ~$31.05; check veronacard.it) with single tickets before buying
- Buy a four-church pass (EUR 8, ~$9.20) at any Chiese Vive ticket office if visiting three or more churches
- Visit the Arena in the morning in summer, as it closes early on opera days
- Eat local dishes such as risotto all'Amarone, bollito misto with pearà and pastissada de caval
- Use Verona as a base for day trips to Lake Garda, Soave and the Valpolicella wine area
Safety information
Keep bags zipped and worn in front in crowded spots such as Via Cappello near Juliet's House, Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza Bra on Arena nights.
Book Juliet's House and the Arena only through official sites (museiverona.com and arena.it) to avoid inflated resale prices and unlicensed guides.
Check the menu for the coperto (cover charge) and any table surcharge before sitting on Piazza Bra, Piazza delle Erbe or Piazza dei Signori.
Carry water and a hat in July and August, when temperatures often exceed 30C; public fountains around the centre supply safe drinking water.
Use the official taxi rank or a pre-booked taxi at Porta Nuova station and the airport, and plan a taxi or a walk with other attendees after late opera finishes.
Stay off the Adige embankments in heavy rain and do not swim in the river; the current is fast.
Carry insect repellent from June to October for tiger mosquitoes, and note that emergency number 112 connects to police, ambulance and fire.
Frequently asked questions
Is Verona safe to visit in 2026?
Verona is very safe. Pickpocketing in crowds near Piazza delle Erbe and Casa di Giulietta is the main concern. Emergency numbers are 112 (general), 113 (police) and 118 (ambulance).
What is the best time to visit Verona?
April to June and September to October give pleasant weather. The Arena Opera Festival runs from mid-June to mid-September, and August is very hot.
How much does it cost to visit the Arena?
The daytime visit costs about EUR 12 (~$13.80) in 2026. Opera tickets start at about EUR 23 (~$26.45) at arena.it.
Do I need to book Juliet's House?
Yes. Since 1 April 2026 entry is by timed reservation at museiverona.com, with a EUR 5 (~$5.75) courtyard ticket and a EUR 12 (~$13.80) full ticket.
How do you get around Verona?
The historic centre is walkable. Verona Porta Nuova station is a 15-minute walk from the Arena, and ATV buses and the Aerobus connect the airport.
What currency is used in Verona?
The Euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for small osterie and market stalls.