I am considering staying in Verona, Italy this year beginning June 3rd. I would like to know where is a good location for walking and seeing things. I’m looking for lodging and there are different areas and I don’t know what is good and what would make getting around difficult. If renting a car for 5 days is necessary then we will do that. Thanks all.
Posted by
2898 posts
I don’t think you need a car for Verona.
We were there 3 nights and stayed near the train station. It worked well as we took one day trip (to Lake Garda) and thus only had one day when we weren’t coming or going. The bus station is right next to train station.
We took a bus into the center of Verona one day and walked the other day. It is more charming in the center if you are looking to walk around and is closer to the sites you will want to see.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
8029 posts
I like to stay in the areas around Piazza Bra or Piazza Erbe. Everything is walkable in this historic center. Consider some of the city bike or walking tours, too.
Posted by
San Diego, California, USA
1233 posts
A car in Verona would be an expensive hassle as parking and traffic in center Verona are both notoriously bad.
Stay in old city center "Città Antica" which is based on the old Roman city in the bend of the river. The Veronetta neighborhood - north of Via Gaetano Trezza - across the river is nice as well. San Zeno is a cool little neighborhood but is a bit far from the tourist areas. Borgo Trento is close to the core but is completely filled with housing and I wouldn't recommend staying there unless you are right on the river. If your concentration is on Verona then stay in the city and grab a 2e bus or a 10e cab to train station as needed.
There is a taxi stand in Piazza Erbe if you want to cab back to the station.
Verona is a chic, mostly pedestrian, cafe culture like city the bend of the river centered around the old Roman core that feels smaller (to the tourist) than it's size would suggest. It has an intact Roman Arena, Theater which are still used for music with music and opera being a big part of the city's summer schedule. It also has several interesting churches and smaller museums to explore. If you like modern art check out the Palazzo Maffei Casa Museo which mixes ancient and modern art, a palazzo and rooftop tour all into one place overlooking piazza Erbe.
I think Piazza Erbe (looking past the market stands) is one of the prettiest piazzas in Italy. Verona has the 'elegant decay' feeling with faded murals on medieval buildings that the Veneto does so well.
Al Grottino - Osteria e Sbecoleria is a great hole in the wall place off Piazza Erbe for a drink and cicchetti. Cafe Monte Baldo nearby also has great cicchetti and more serious food if you want that. Right near the cafe there is Arcivio a super small, super hip cocktail bar.
Day trips include Padua/Padova, Brescia (my recommendation if you like Roman ruins), Bologna and even Venice.
Have a great trip!
=Tod
Posted by
3496 posts
This Forum always keeps me aware of the passage of time! In 2014, we stayed at the Hotel Giulietta e Romeo - currently the No. 1 Verona hotel on Trip Advisor. The location is perfect - an easy walk from the train station, and a few yards away from the Arena. Our only day trip from Verona was to Lake Garda. I wish we had spent that day in Verona.