Taking the train from Bologna via Verona to Venice. Meeting people in Venice so only have a few hours to grab cappuccino and stroll along the streets.
Question:
1. Can you leave luggage securely at train station?
2. Best way to get to the heart of Verona for a stroll?
3. Any must sees...not interested it Juliet's balcony!
many thanks!
The train station is about a 20-30 min walk from the center- not very attractive. I'd take a cab as far as Ponte Pietra then walk my way back thru the center up to the Arena. From the Arena/Piazza Bra- cab back to station.
There are some lovely churches in Verona, stop in as you pass- they all cost a few euros.
Have lunch on Piazza Erbe.
Luggage storage
https://www.amoitaly.com/deposit/verona.html
Is Verona worth a stop or simply go directly to Venice from Bologna and start the day in Bologna with a cappuccino ?
Verona is lovely but I think the answer to your question depends on how much time you have. Personally, I would not bother unless you have at least 3 hours. It will take time to get to the old town and then you have to check your luggage too.
To echo the opinions here I would recommend taking a cab from the train station to some place like I Portoni della Brà - the gate at Piazza Bra and it's straight shot from the train station. Just the other side of the gate is Piazza Bra and the Roman Arena. From there wander through the old town and check out the lively scene in Piazza Erbe. Grab a coffee or a spritz and then head back to the station.
There is a taxi stand in Piazza Erbe otherwise be sure you know how to call a cab to get back to the station. There are several competing apps but how well the phone works is based on how good your Italian is. If you get stuck consider popping into a hotel and asking them to call one for you.
Whether it is worth it or not is up to you. I found Verona instantly charming and even a very short visit would have convinced me to go back in the future. On the other hand you need to check your luggage and your leisurely stroll would (at least for me) having a bit of ticking clock on it to be sure you get back to the station in time. And I can't think of a better city with a couple of hours to kill wandering the streets than Venice.
It seems unlikely but if you find yourself in the city I highly recommend Verona Luggage Room on via Stella. Run by a great guy who was eager to offer help in enjoying Verona and called us a cab and told us where to stand to catch it. (5/5 would store luggage again.)
Either way enjoy your trip,
=Tod
