Verona

shradhamis
Jun 22, 2024
4 min read

Introduction

Italy is a beautiful country, but pick a time of year when it's not teeming with tourists and you've hit the jackpot. For any lovers of the classic Romeo and Juliet, of course Verona is on the bucket list as a travel destination. For those of us still looking for love, why not try get some extra luck from Lady Love herself, Giulietta?

Pricing

Verona, much like many Italian cities, can be both very affordable and luxurious as well. I opted for something in between but there wasn't much that disappointed me on this city break. With flights from London Stansted airport, accommodation for 4 nights and a day trip to Venice, I spent just over £550 which I think is pretty reasonable for an extra long weekend.

Accommodation

I tend to research accommodation options via booking.com the most. Obviously, the more you use it the additional perks you get like the odd 10% off but it all makes a difference. I found a cute room within a duplex apartment style space which had its' own terrace space and stunning views from your room. Breakfast is available but I opted to just explore the city for cute cafes given how amazing the coffee is in Italy. Located next to a Spar if you need supplies, and a 3min walk to Piazza Bra. 4 nights without breakfast was £275. You might miss the entrance as it's through a residential gate but there is a sign (if you look closely).

Scaligero Rooms

Sightseeing / Experiences

Verona is a historic city, filled with quaint streets and preserved heritage. Of course, the most part of Verona is the setting of Romeo and Juliet. Now, of course Shakespeare took his literary liberities and though the house of Juliet doesn't actually exist, it hasn't stopped tourists flocking to areas of the city that have been turned into tourist traps.

Casa di Giulietta - many believe there is some truth to the story and that Giulietta Capuleti was born in this location. It's only €6 / £5 or so to get entrance and walk the house which has been set up as homage to Romeo & Juliet. Couples clamouring to get on to the balcony is pretty standard and everyone cops a feel of the famous statue of Juliet in the courtyard which is good luck apparently! (Yes, I did feel her up as well..I need all the good luck I can get). I recommend getting there for just before opening time so that you can get in front of the crowds and pictures of the statue without fighting with the tourists as well. Book your tickets online prior to your visit for quick entrance
Sunset from Castel San Pietro - use the furnicular to get up to the high view point for a magnificent sunset spot. The furnicular timetable does change during the off season so beware of this, but the walk down isn't so bad. Right next to the stop at the top, grab an Aperol Spritz and get ready for a sunset showdown.
Torre Dei Lamberti - central tower in the middle of a market area (which thankfully has a lift). Grab an aerial view of the city but note that there is netting around the whole view point that does obscure your photos a bit. Again, only €6 / £5 to visit and worth it for the views.
Arena di Verona - depending on the time of year you vist, you may be able to grab a show at the arena which is an impressive structure. Entrance fee varies but it's between €3 / £2.5 and €6 / £5 so won't break the bank.
Giardino Giusti - a stately home with a beautiful garden you can visit. Good to kill some time in between excursions, and again a nice high view point of the city. Entrance is €12 / £10 for the renaissance garden vibes
General meandering - i can't recommend this enough. Verona is one of those cities where you can just walk for hours and take it all in, along with finding hidden beautiful view points

Food

Who can go wrong with copious amounts of pasta and pizza? The Italians certianly know how to food. The one thing I will recommend is to stay away from the restaurants in the touristy areas such as Piazza Bra unless you're looking for a quick meal / drink to enjoy the atmosphere. The food here isn't as authentic, and is pretty expensive. You'll find much better options if you venture into the city a bit further and take your time.

Bottega del Gusto Venchi Cioccolato e Gelato - you're on holiday, start your day with a delicious crispy crepe filled with nutella and strawberries. Located just near Torre dei Lamberti
La Piazetta Osteria & Enoteca - Food so good that I went back twice. Discovered Bigoli (a type of spaghetti tube pasta) for the first time and fell utterly in love
Sapore Downtown - trendy take on pizza's but delicious flavours
Pizzeria Bella Napoli - because you can never have enough pizza, another pizzeria located down the road from the recommended hotel above