Planning a trip to Verona? See below for Lorenza Bacino’s tip on the things to see and do, what to eat and where to stay!
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
➤ ARENA
+39 045 800 3204
Built in the 1st century AD, a 12th century earthquake destroyed most of the outside walls – only a small section remains. Seating 25,000, it is the most famous landmark in Verona. The 2014 season runs from 20 June-6 September.
➤ JULIET’S BALCONY
+39 045 803 4303
Set in the courtyard of Juliet’s House (entrance to the courtyard is free) the 13th century house belonged to the Dal Cappello family, whose coat of arms is visible above the inner-archway of the courtyard. Free entrance with the Verona Card.
➤ ROMAN THEATRE
+39 045 800 0360
Across the Ponte Pietra is one of Italy’s best preserved Roman theatres, which is now used for performances in the summer. Free entrance with the Verona Card.
➤ CASTELVECCHIO
+39 045 806 2611
The Castle is the largest and most impressive of the Scaligeri buildings, constructed towards the end of their rule. The castle’s inner courtyard is the entrance to the Museum of Veronese Art. Free entrance with the Verona Card.
➤ PIAZZA ERBE / PIAZZA SIGNORI 
Piazza delle Erbe was built on the site of the Roman forum. Towards one end there is the Palazzo Maffei. The piazza now hosts permanent stalls surrounded by the 14th century Torre del Guardella and the Casa Mazzanti. Adjacent is Piazza Signori, aka Piazza Dante, and the entrance to the Lamberti Tower.
➤ JULIET’S TOMB
+39 045 800 0361
The convent San Francesco al Corso has been used as an orphanage and a military store-room, and houses the sarcophagus of Juliet. Today it is a museum of frescoes and also hosts civil wedding ceremonies. Free entrance with the Verona Card.
➤ DUOMO di VERONA
+39 045 592813
The Cathedral was built in the 7th century on top of a pre-existing medieval church and has been altered and enlarged in the subsequent centuries. The façade includes both Roman and Gothic elements. There is a Romanesque portal, with its Roman porch. Inside, Titian’s Assunta is in the first chapel to the left. Free for Verona citizens, children, religious people, journalists and members of the military, group leaders (minimum 20 paying), teachers with groups, and those with a Verona Card.
WHERE TO STAY
➤ Due Torri Hotel
Piazza S. Anastasia 4
+39 045 595044
www.duetorrihotels.com
A five-star luxury landmark hotel with stylish ensuite rooms in an historic building. Located in a quiet area of Verona, yet still close to all the sights, restaurants and shopping. Attractive roof-top with views over Verona, and restaurant and bar service. Breakfast and hot buffet offered. There is bar service in the hotel courtyard and in the lounge.
➤ Sogno di Giulietta
Via Capello 2
+39 045 800 9932
www.sognodigiulietta.it
High standard, romantic Dimora storica located in the Casa di Giulietta courtyard and overlooking Juliet’s balcony. Just as the balcony itself is fake, the exact whereabouts of the Capulet family home is unknown, but that of the Montague family does still stand and is within easy walking distance. Truly a great central location in Verona, especially if you are there for the Shakespeare connection. All 16 spacious and stylishly decorated rooms have full ensuite facilities.
➤ Grand Hotel
Corso Porta Nuova 105
+39 045 595600
www.grandhotel.vr.it
Four-star hotel offering breakfast and hot buffet. Set in an historic building in a very good central location, with comfortable and stylish ensuite rooms. Has an internal garden/courtyard with bar service, sitting area and loungers. A great base for exploring Verona and the area as it is easy to reach all the sights and/or the train station or airport.
➤ Giulietta e Romeo 
Vicolo Tre Marchetti 3
+39 045 800 3554
www.giuliettaeromeo.it
Three stars. Superb location near to the Roman Ampitheatre/Arena in a quiet side street in the heart of Verona. Close to all sights and shopping, friendly and helpful staff. Comfortable and elegant rooms have ensuite facilities. The hotel has a small outdoor courtyard with bar service where breakfast can also be taken.
➤ De Capuleti
Via del Pontiere 26
+39 045 800 0154
Bright and modern 35-room hotel (all rooms ensuite), only a few minutes’ walk from all the main sights. Good value, and it has a small wellness area. Three stars.
WHERE TO EAT
➤ Ristorante Maffei
Piazza Erbe 38
info@ristorantemaffei.it
+39 045 8010015
www.ristorantemaffei.it
A fantastic place to book for special occasions, this restaurant is in a 17th century palazzo that belonged to the notable Maffei family from San Benedetto. The décor is distinctly Baroque and the plates and settings are sumptuous. For romantic dinners there’s a ‘Romeo and Juliet’ table situated two floors down among the ancient ruins.
€ € €
➤ Antica Bottega del Vino
Vicolo Scudo di Francia 3
info@anticabottegadelvino.net
bottegavini@bottegavini.it
+39 045 800 4535
www.anticabottegadelvino.net
Famous in Verona and all over Italy for its wine selection. Once a place where intellectuals, poets and writers would hang out. The choice of prestigious and award winning wines is the real attraction here. In fact, there’s always a series of musical or arts events to enjoy here.
€ € €
➤ Trattoria Fluviale Vecio Mulin
Via Sottoriva 42/a
info@veciomulin.com
+39 045 806 5146
www.veciomulin.com
Right on the river with great views at night, and very cosy and atmospheric. A fish trattoria, that also specialises in meat dishes. The tuna is seared to perfection and served with olives, capers and tomatoes.
€ €
➤Antica Trattoria Enoteca Al Bersagliere
Via dietro Pallone 1
info@trattoriaalbersagliere.it
+39 045 800 4824
www.trattoriaalbersagliere.it
Do ask to visit the wine cellar, which dates from 1200 AD or so. This trattoria is one of seven approved by the Comune of Verona for typical regional delicacies, (piatti storici). Leo is on hand to offer some delicious recommendations.
€ €
➤ Pizzeria Impero
Piazza dei Signori 8
+39 045 803 0160
Nicola’s in charge of this pizzeria in a secluded corner of the piazza. It’s a trattoria, and a restaurant, with a friendly atmosphere and views over the square.
€