Curator’s statement
Verona, Italy, often celebrated for its timeless connection to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, is a destination where romance and history seamlessly intertwine. While the city is magical year-round, we discovered after staying there for two weeks in October that there’s something particularly enchanting about Verona in the fall. As the summer crowds disperse and the warm autumn sun saturates the landscape in golden hues, Verona transforms into an intimate setting for couples seeking a blend of culture, romance, and understated luxury.
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Things to do
Explore the city with the Verona City Card, which is good for 24 or 48 hours for an approximate cost per person of $28 and $33, respectively. This pass allows you to hop on and off the large and easy Verona bus system. It provides admission to several major attractions, such as Verona Arena (skip-the-line entry), Juliet’s Balcony, Basilica di Santa Anastasia, Verona Cathedral (Duomo di Verona), Lamberti Tower (Torre dei Lamberti), Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore, and offers a discount on admission to many more attractions.
Museums
Visit Castelvecchio Museum
Scaliger Tombs (Arche Scaligere)
Archaeological Roman Theatre
Modern Art Gallery of Verona
Natural History Museum
Churches
San Fermo Maggiore Church
Basilica di Santa Anastasia
Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore
Duomo di Verona
San Francesco al Corso Church and home of Juliet’s Tomb: This is a bit farther from the attractions around the city center, but worth a visit if you are a Romeo and Juliet fan.
Opera
Arena di Verona Opera Festival: Enjoy an epic outdoor concert experience from June to September.
Fall festival
Hostaria di Verona: In October, Verona hosts a citywide festival over three days celebrating local wine, featuring tastings, live music and small bites. We happened upon this and will definitely return for it.
Miscellaneous musts
Wander through the verdant, sprawling Giusti Gardens (Giardino Giusti): Try your luck in the hedge maze or bring a bottle of wine and enjoy a sunset view from the Pavilion.
Shop luxurious local and international brands along the white marble-lined Via Mazzini.
Enjoy a spritz in a cafe in Piazza Bra or Piazza Erbe and people-watch.
Take a day trip! The train station is a quick 10-minute bus ride from the city center.
Places to eat & drink
Breakfast
Elk Bakery: American-style breakfast is not typical in Italy, but the Elk Cafe offers a decadent brunch. Our favs were the Pancakes Dolci and the Macedonia di frutta fresca, a generous, healthy bowl of fresh fruit, yogurt, home made granola and more. The sleek, modern Elk Cafe also serves lunch and dinner.
Lunch/Dinner
Caffe Montebaldo: Go for the most delicious “cicchetti” (savory appetizers similar to tapas) in town!
Ristorante Torcolo: This is the perfect place to try the Risotto all’Amarone! And one of the only restaurants where you can order a single serving instead of service for two of this delicious dish.
La Taverna Di Via Stella: Intimate and local, the cuisine is authentically Veronese with an extensive wine list of local varietals.
Osteria Ponte Pietra: A perfect spot for a romantic lunch or dinner. When booking, ask for a table outside overlooking the Ponte Pietra and the rushing Adige River.
Ristorante Maffei: Michelin star-quality dishes at reasonable prices. This elegant restaurant is tucked into Piazza Erbe. Insider tip: Try the tiramisù made with Pandoro di Verona. It is the best tiramisù we have had throughout our travels in Italy.
Pizzeria Du De Cope: For a casual night out, this popular local pizzeria offers authentic Naples-style, wood-fired pizzas. The menu offers a local artisanal beer pairing suggestion for each pie. If you are craving a beer after a few days of wine and Spritzes, this is the place to go!
Most romantic spots for aperitivi
Terrazza Arena Sky Lounge: Go after dark to experience a breathtaking view of the Arena illuminated against the night sky. Enjoy their signature spritz, The Giulietta, and complimentary gourmet aperitivi such as caviar and cream cheese on toasted rounds of bread.
Re Teodorico: A must for the brilliant sunsets and the most sweeping view of Verona. Try a Spritz del Teo, which features rhubarb liqueur, red vermouth, Prosecco and soda.
Need to know
Though this guide is geared toward a romantic getaway in Verona, the city is equally magnificent and accessible for families.
Travel Advisor
Jennifer Cadden
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