Zoya & Matteo
Things To Do
Best things to do in Verona/Valpolicella/Lake Garda
Have you ever visited a new place and instantly fallen in love with it? For us, that was Verona. Verona may not be as popular as other Italian cities like Florence and Venice, but don’t let that fool you. Verona is underrated as an Italian destination, as we just discovered. Verona is gorgeous, similar to Venice but without the canals, the decay, and the huge numbers of tourists. Valpolicella is a hilly area located north-west of Verona just 15 km from Lake Garda, which extends for 240 km. It is an area that is well known and appreciated for its wine production and much more. We were pleasantly surprised, and we were here just long enough to know that we can’t wait to return again for our wedding!
#1 Wander through Centro Storico
Centro storico is the historic center of Verona. This is where you will find many of the main sights in the city, like the wide piazzas, Juliette’s house, and churches galore. This part of the city is made for wandering (and for taking tons of photographs). Wander the side streets, have lunch in an outdoor café, and have fun exploring Verona.
#2 Piazza Bra
This is main piazza in Verona. It’s a huge open square lined on one side with outdoor cafes. It is one of the largest squares in Italy as well as in Europe. Located inside the City's gates, Piazza Bra is a beautiful and an expansive square. I'ts like a huge arrival hall from whence you get to various places and attractions. The pink marble liston is perfect for a stroll. Bra is also a destination for to observe and people-watch over a cup of coffee. Enjoy a meal at one of the al frescoes restaurants and pizzerie that are lined alongside prominent historic buildings Arena
#3 The Verona Arena
The Verona Arena sits adjacent to Piazza Bra. This is one of the best preserved Roman ampitheaters and it is still is use today. You can purchase tickets to tour the inside of the arena or, if your timing is right, see a performance here. For the performance schedule, visit the Arena’s official website. Tickets to tour the inside of the arena cost €10 and the standard opening hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am to 7 pm with the last admission at 6:30 pm. Opening hours can be reduced when preparations are being made for events.
#4 Piazza delle Erbe
Piazza delle Erbe is one of the two popular historic market squares in the heart of Verona. Sourrended by astonishingly beautiful architecture, Piazza delle Erbe is a bustling market square. An ideal place to shop at the daily market or dine at some of the best restaurants in Verona. A popular meeting point for Veronese since Roman times, it continues to be pivotal for their daily passeggiata. Morover , many of the streets that cross Verona lead to the square and you are likely to pass through here either by coincidence or by planning.
#5 Join the Crowds at Juliette’s House
Verona is home to Shakespeare’s legendary love story, Romeo and Juliette. While in this city, you have the chance to see the famous balcony of Juliette’s house. Thousands of people cram into this small square everyday to see this balcony and to have their picture taken with the statue of Juliette. Just be aware that the balcony was built in the 20th century and this really is nothing more than a tourist trap. But if you know to expect the crowds and the tacky stores that sit all around the square, it can be a short but entertaining visit. Tim and I had fun watching people eagerly waiting in line to have their photo taken with Juliette.
#6 Piazza dei Signori and Loggia del Consiglio
Accessed through an archway from Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza dei Signori is surrounded by palaces, and in the middle stands a monument to Dante erected in 1865. The Palazzo della Ragione (Town Hall), on the south side of the piazza was begun in 1193 but altered in later centuries. The main front of the building is Renaissance, dating to 1524. In the courtyard are a Gothic grand staircase from 1446-50 and the entrance to the Torre dei Lamberti.
#7 Valpolicella Wine and Wine tours
If you are planning a holiday there you have to know that wine testing in Valpolicella is a must do. There are many wineries to choose but you need a car to get them and enjoy the beautiful views of the wine routes. Bertani is one of the world-famous wineries in Valpolicella that is located in the birthplace of Amarone Wine. The Bertani Family organizes guided tours and you can visit the 18th-century Villa (with its frescoes, romantic gardens and vineyards) and of course the 16th-century cellars But if you prefer to stay in Verona there are some Valpolicella wine tours that you can join, perfect if you prefer not to rent a car. Below some possibilities available, click on the link for prices and details
#8 Lake Garda
Lago di Garda is Italy’s largest lake and a great destination for a day trip, a weekend break or a longer holiday. With shores dotted with picturesque towns, it offers a long list of historic sights, cute little beaches, and some of the best amusement parks in Europe. On account of its airport and excellent road and railway connections, Verona is the most convenient Italian city to reach Lake Garda. Two of the most important lakefront towns – Peschiera del Garda and Desenzano del Garda – have railway stations. By train, it takes respectively 13 mins and 23 mins to get there from Verona. This is such a short travel time. So, don’t miss the opportunity to see Italy’s largest lake if you are planning to spend more than a couple of days in Verona.
Where enjoy food in Verona
So where should you eat breakfast in Verona? Caffè Pasticceria Pradaval (Piazza Pradaval, 12), Caffè Wallner (Via Dietro Listone, 1), and Pasticceria Cordioli (Via Cappello, 37). Verona is no exception to the north’s risotto obsession, and you’ll find it in most restaurants (but normally served for a minimum of two people!). To give it their own regional flair, the Veronese dump in a whack of their local wine, Amarone, into the pot. Where to eat risotto in Verona: Hostaria La Vecchia Fontanina (Piazzetta Chiavica, 5) Ristorante Tre Marchetti (Via Tre Marchetti, 19) Ristorante Scapin (Via Armando Diaz, 22). Would a trip to Italy have been complete without gelato? Of course not. Seriously. It was chestnut honey, with no added sugar Try/demolish it for yourself, at: Vittoria 1938 Gelato Caffe (Via Armando Diaz, 6). Or, try other organic, recently made gelato at; L’arte del Gelato (Via Leoni, 3).
What To Drink in Verona
Did you know that Verona is Italy’s second-biggest producer of wine? To the north of Verona and the east of Lake Garda lies Valpolicella. Hot on the heels of Chianti, this is the country’s second most productive Denominazione di Origine Controllata (D.O.C.). Now, if you’re feeling fancy, you might also want to get your hands on some Amarone. It’s the Pavarotti of wine—big, bold, and beautiful. Wondering where to drink wine in Verona? We found great wine bars at: Antica Bottega del Vini (Via Scudo di Francia, 3) Caffè Dante Bistrot (Piazza dei Signori, 2) Osteria la Mandorla (Via Alberto Mario, 23).