How to spend the ultimate long weekend in Verona, Italy

11.12.2024 - 16:39 / lonelyplanet.com

Dec 10, 2024 • 8 min read

It may be synonymous with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, but the beguiling city of Verona, on the mighty Adige River, is nudging its way onto many an Italy must-visit list. 

Rome, Milan, Florence and Venice may be top-of-mind for many but “fair Verona” has everything you could want in an Italian city break, and you won’t leave wondering “where were the locals?” (they’re sitting right next to you – and possibly light-heartedly gossiping about you right now).

I studied Italian back at school in Australia (Melbourne considers itself a satellite Italian city), and have explored Italy on multiple trips, but this summer after visiting the Venice Biennale (amazing!) I decided to take a few days to get to know Verona. It far exceeded expectations. It’s an inexpensive 1¼ hour train from Venice – making it an excellent alternative base for visiting the Floating City – but honestly Verona is an incredible destination of its own.

A World Heritage-listed city, Verona is packed with outstanding historic sights – Roman, medieval and Renaissance eras all feature. It’s a major Italian culture hub with the Arena di Verona hosting spectacular performances in the summer. In terms of shopping, there’s everything from luxury brands to independent artisans; and as it’s in the heart of the gastronomic Veneto region, Verona’s food and drinks scene is impressive.

When to arrive:  Friday morning for a full weekend. Most shops close on a Monday. 

How to get from the airport: Catch the shuttle bus from Verona Villafranca Airport to Verona Porta Nuova train station (15 mins). Taxis are expensive (that includes Uber). From the train station it’s a 1.6km (1 mile) walk to Piazza Brà – or take a local bus. There are ticket machines here, or tap your bankcard when you board the bus.

Getting around town: Verona’s historic district is large but walkable. Streets around Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House) do get crowded during peak times. Local buses, that run around the outside of the old town, are inexpensive and frequent.

Where to stay: The Hostello for a dorm bed in an historic neighborhood, Corte San Mattia for a rural escape a 20-minute bus ride away, Due Torri Hotel for Italian opulence.

What to pack: Denim says “tourist”. Pack something comfortable and stylish. Good walking shoes are essential, you’ll cover a lot of ground.

Morning: Leave your bags at your accommodation and get yourself to Café Carducci for an espresso, cornetto (croissant) and plate of fresh fruit. Next, walk 15 minutes to the Funicolare di Castel San Pietro to either ride the cable car or – if you’re fit – climb the stairs up to the Castel San Pietro for breathtaking views of Verona, the Adige River, and the villa-dotted hills behind you. This is