Verona city breaks

Famed as the setting for Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, this understated fair city has romance around every corner – get lost among the pretty piazzas and tangle of medieval backstreets and you’ll see just what we mean. Take a starry-eyed stroll to visit Juliet’s ivy-clad balcony, people-watch at Piazza delle Erbe and indulge in some stylish shopping along Via Mazzini… you’ll soon fall in love. Over summer, world-class performers take to the ancient Arena’s stage to perform operatic classics under the stars. It’s all about the wine in this vineyard-wrapped city, so it’s only right to try the local ruby red Valpolicella. Food-wise, traditional osterias dish up meaty red wine stews, overflowing plates of pasta and bowls of creamy risotto. Fancy a day trip? Lovely Lake Garda is right on Verona's doorstep.

Fair Verona

Romance and ruins come together in idyllic Italian harmony in this picturesque UNESCO-stamped city. White-stone Porta Leoni is an old gate oozing character with two façades and remains of columns, while cinematic scenes can be found at tree-ringed Castel San Pietro. Ride up to it on the cable railway before enjoying river views from the ramparts. Oh, and don’t miss the Roman Arena, an enormous 1st-century amphitheatre right in Verona’s heart.

Lush lakeside

The twinkling shore and epic mountains of Lake Garda are within easy reach from Verona, just 15 minutes by train. Take a walk along the lakeside and get snap happy or even hop on a boat trip if the sun’s shining. Sirmione is one of the prettiest villages, nestled on the southern shore, close to equally beautiful Peschiera del Garda, set among medieval walls.

Open a bottle

With vineyards aplenty, the tumbling hills surrounding Verona provide the city with a delicious wine list showcasing the finest local drops of red, white and rosé. Pick which tipple you’d prefer and sample the goods – Valpolicella is a favourite, so keep an eye out for it. Wine bars are tucked down lanes and spill out into piazzas, so there are plenty of places to try it.

Best Western CTC Hotel Verona

Verona City, Verona

Our rating

Based on 1360 reviews

Great for friends and couples
Complimentary shuttle service
Modern and comfortable rooms
500m from the nearest bus stop
Certified Sustainable Hotel

Hotel Leon d'Oro

Verona City, Verona

Our rating

Based on 2125 reviews

Perfect for couples and friends
700m from the nearest bus stop
1.4km from Verona Arena
1.8km from the Castelvecchio Museum
Elegant style

Indigo Verona Grand Hotel Des Arts

Verona City, Verona

Our rating

Based on 1917 reviews

Great for couples and friends
220m from the nearest bus stop
750m from Piazza Bra
900m from Verona Arena
Certified Sustainable Hotel

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How about Lake Garda?

If you like the look of Verona, you’ll love Lake Garda! With its majestic lake at the centre, Lake Garda’s landscape paints a postcard-perfect picture. The north’s more mountainous, while the south is all rolling hills and verdant vineyards, but both are equally as beautiful.

Casa di Giulietta

Verona

It's a popular sight, but this may be one for the diehard romantics - by Verona standards this 14th-century house claiming a Shakespeare connection is pretty unremarkable. It's right in the centre of town, so...

Piazza Bra

Verona

Verona’s largest piazza and main square is located in front of the city gates. It’s lined with cafes and restaurants, bars and peaceful open spaces to relax in. Among the historic buildings dating back 2,000...

Piazza delle Erbe

Verona

A vibrant city-centre piazza, this was Verona’s main square in Roman times. Take a look at the distinctive architecture of the Baroque buildings, before grabbing something to eat at one of the restaurants with...

Language

Italian

Currency

Euro (€)

Time difference

+1hr

Local beer

£4.30

One way local travel ticket

£1.30

Meal for two

£53.80

Sightseeing

Etch a message on the wall for Juliet. Her Gothic-style house is a fictional pick, but it creates a sense of magic and is one of Verona’s top sights. The 1st-century Roman amphitheatre is a marvel to behold too. Take a peep behind the marble façade of the cathedral for a bigger gulp of history.

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Eating and drinking

Get ready to eat your way around Verona’s many street cafés and traditional osterias. Rolling ribbons of pasta, crispy wood-fired pizzas, plump gnocchi and tempting gelato flavours – get ready to tuck in. Braised meat is the local delicacy, while risotto’s a firm favourite. Don’t forget to order a glass of Valpolicella wine to wash it all down.

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Shopping

Retail therapy fans, the ‘Golden Mile’ of shopping is calling. Via Mazzini is a boutique haven, with Italian labels leading the way for upscale brands. There are some authentic little shops, with antiques and trinkets, too, along with other stores selling chic stationery down the Corso Porta Borsari. Window shopping optional.

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Getting around

As the city’s only small, it’s easy to leisurely stroll around the landmarks and dainty paved streets. But if your legs get tired, the Verona Card gives you free bus travel. If you want to embrace the local ways, there’s a bike hire service that’s ideal. Pedal along the riverside or cycle through the hustle and bustle.