Together with my best friend Sophia, I explored the enchanting city of Verona at the end of July. Although we had limited time (two nights) for our short getaway to Verona, we managed to fully enjoy the beauty of this city. In this article, I will share my experiences and recommendations for Verona and tell you how to make the most of a brief stay.
Getting to Verona
Sophia and I decided to visit Verona from Venice. Originally, we had spent an afternoon there to drop off our friend Fernanda at the airport after our beach vacation in Grado. However, since Sophia’s and my return flights were not on the same day, we spontaneously decided to spend two additional nights in Verona. We chose the train as our mode of transportation for the trip, as it offers a convenient and fast connection between the two cities and cost just 20 euros for a round trip. The train journey took us through picturesque landscapes and we reached our destination in about an hour and a half. It’s worth mentioning that Verona is also an excellent option for a day trip from Venice.
Exploring on Foot
Verona is a city best explored on foot since most of the attractions are located in the old town. Sophia and I prefer to explore cities on foot as it provides the best way to discover a city’s unique atmosphere and hidden treasures – unless, of course, a tempting Ford Mustang is available to us. Nevertheless, even if we appreciate the freedom of strolling, it’s reassuring to know that Verona has an efficient bus network that allows travelers to conveniently move from one attraction to another.
Verona's Attractions
Verona offers an abundance of fascinating sights to explore, including:
Juliet's House and the Path to Love
One of the places we visited was the famous Juliet’s House, renowned for its association with the balcony scene from Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” We explored the house and admired the statue of Juliet in the courtyard. The entire area was quite crowded, including the balcony, so we decided not to go up. Nevertheless, we were able to capture the iconic photo with the Juliet statue. It’s worth noting that tradition holds that touching Juliet’s breast is believed to bring good luck in love, while touching her belly is associated with fertility.
Unfortunately, unlike in the movie “Letters to Juliet,” we couldn’t attach letters directly to the house’s wall – a dream I had cherished since childhood.
Tomba di Giulietta
The Tomba di Giulietta, translated as Juliet’s Tomb, is another impressive site in Verona. This monument is dedicated to the fictional Shakespearean character Juliet from “Romeo and Juliet.” The tomb is set into an imposing stone wall and attracts lovers and romantics who often leave flowers and love notes here.
My godmother had raved about this place, but unfortunately, we didn’t have the opportunity to visit this fascinating monument. However, since I definitely want to return to Verona, this attraction is at the top of my bucket list.
Verona Arena: A Heritage of Antiquity
The Verona Arena, a well-preserved Roman amphitheater, is a stunning testament to ancient architecture. This impressive monument now serves as a venue for operas and concerts. A visit to the Arena not only provides insights into its historical significance but also offers the opportunity to attend an event and experience the acoustic masterpiece.
Castelvecchio: A Castle with History
Castelvecchio is an imposing castle that majestically overlooks the Adige River. The castle houses a museum and is a place where visitors can learn more about Verona’s history and culture. From the castle’s walkways, you can not only admire the impressive architecture but also enjoy spectacular views of the city and the river. Castelvecchio is another Verona highlight not to be missed.
Castel San Pietro and Panoramic View
From Castel San Pietro, you can enjoy not only stunning architecture but also breathtaking views of the city. This spot offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and is perfect for watching the sunset and admiring Verona’s skyline.
Our Accommodation: Hotel San Marco
Sophia and I had the pleasure of staying at the Hotel San Marco Fitness Pool & SPA, we can highly recommend this accommodation. The rooms were not only extremely comfortable but also stylishly furnished. The value for money was unbeatable for us and the service left nothing to be desired. After the hot and exhausting days, the pool proved to be a welcome oasis for cooling off, which we enjoyed thoroughly. Another highlight was the rich breakfast buffet that pampered us every morning with a variety of culinary delights. In the vicinity of the hotel, we also found numerous restaurants offering a wide range of culinary pleasures that spoiled us with their diverse dishes.
Culinary Highlights in Verona
- Osteria al Borgo: This restaurant impressed us with its unique dishes that showcased traditional Italian cuisine in a new light.
- Il Localino: Here, we enjoyed excellent local wine that perfectly complemented the delicious meals.
- Pizzeria Vesuvio: This pizzeria right by the water offers breathtaking views and delicious pizzas. A perfect place to end the day.
Shopping in Verona
Verona is also a paradise for shopping enthusiasts. The city offers a wide range of shops, including luxury stores, tourist boutiques, local markets and regular shops. Here, everyone can shop to their heart’s content and find souvenirs.
The most famous shopping street in Verona is “Via Mazzini.” This pedestrian street stretches from the central square, “Piazza Bra,” to “Piazza delle Erbe” and offers a wide range of shops, including luxury stores, fashion boutiques, jewelry shops, and more. Via Mazzini is a popular spot for shopping and a stroll through Verona’s old town.
In Conclusion
Our short getaway to Verona was an unforgettable experience and I hope that these tips and recommendations will help you make the most of your own visit to this charming city. Verona offers a unique blend of culture, history, and romance, and it has certainly found a place in my heart. The city is manageable in size, but during the high season, I recommend avoiding it as the high temperatures and crowds can make exploration challenging.
