Has anyone had experience with parking in Verona for the Opera? We are staying 25 minutes drive from the town and will be driving to and from the Opera. Our home exchange host has suggested a parking facility near the Arena, but I am afraid getting our car after the performance will be a zoo. Perhaps I am wrong, if most attendees are staying overnight in town near the Arena. Any words of encouragement or advice?
Posted by
Green Bay
21274 posts
I recall a parking garage by Porta Nuova train station, outside the ZTL. Not a bad walk to the Arena from there.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
7956 posts
I’ve read that people like to continue the evening at Piazza Bra after the opera, so it may not be the zoo you’re anticipating of everyone leaving at once.
I’m staying at a hotel within site of the arena, so I’ll probably not be getting much sleep that night, too!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16203 posts
I always park on Piazza Cittadella in the multistory underground parking, including on Opera nights.
3 min walk to the Arena. Never had problems finding parking but maybe don’t wait till the last minute. I usually like to hang out in the city center and have something to eat before the Opera, which usually ends well after Midnight (so I need something in my stomach first). It’s not a zoo getting out, but we often go for pizza after.
Parcheggio Multipiano Cittadella
Via Paglieri, 37122 Verona VR, Italy
+39 045 596500
https://goo.gl/maps/E3VsRbmcHCq
Posted by
OP
30 posts
Thank you Sam and Jean. Very interesting about post-opera at Piazza Bra. The Opera starts at 9pm, so for people going out afterwards I say, “More power to you, but not I!” I have thought about parking at the train station, which seems to be a 20-minute walk from the arena, and am having trouble assessing if that would be better than a parking garage near the arena. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Posted by
OP
30 posts
Robert, just saw your reply. The parking you use is the one my HomeExchange host recommends. I didn’t even think to be concerned about initially getting a spot, was more concerned about crowds after the Opera when retrieving the car. You didn’t mention that, leading me to think it’s a non-issue.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16203 posts
I haven’t experienced big crowds getting out after the opera because I didn’t leave right away. But I’m pretty sure the rush to get out would last only a few minutes. Just hang out on Piazza Bra for a drink for 15-20 min or so and you’ll be fine after that. A lot of people going to the opera don’t drive to it. Verona is small and a lot of locals live within walking distance. Tourists also tend to stay in the city center where they can walk to it. And many hotels outside the city center have a shared van or minibus service that stops at a few hotels to take their guests to the opera.
Posted by
OP
30 posts
Roberto, thank you so very much for sharing your invaluable experience with me.