Since this is the Outlandish Blog I shall be sharing Verona tips which aren’t the mainstream popular tourist destinations. So, if that’s what you’re after, unfortunately I’m not your gal.
I may as well point out, though, that Verona is a relatively small city, so even if you don’t know where certain monuments are, you’ll bump into them. This Italian pearl is such a beautiful place with a lot more history than one would expect from such a small city.
As such, it is well worth a visit! And not just a weekend visit. I would instead recommend at least 5 days soaking in the real atmosphere of the city and enjoying getting to know it properly. I’d also recommend booking a free walking tour, they are always worth it. Remember to take cash along!
I hope you enjoy my photo diary, which does feature many of the popular tourist destinations in the city. Along with the photos I’ll be sharing my outlandish tips for a city break in Verona.
Verona Tips & Photo Diary
Walk around aimlessly & enjoy the vibes
My best Verona tips revolve around aimless wandering. Because this is the perfect city for that! It’s small enough that if you get lost you’re not too far away from anything, and navigation is easy without google maps thanks to the Adige River. It snakes around the city and helps you stay on track.
I’d recommend using one day wandering around Citta Antica, the old town. This is the southern side of the river, which includes all of the following:
- Casa di Giulietta, the balcony where a fictional character yearned for her loved one
- Piazza Erbe, the old main square
- Torre dei Lamberti, the tallest tower in Verona built in 1172 but finished in 1460’s
- Arena di Verona, the stage for the closing ceremony of 2025 Winter Olympics and older than Colosseum in Rome
- Castelvecchio, the mediaeval bridge and the old castle that is nowadays a museum.
Climb up to Santuario Madonna di Lourdes and Castel San Pietro
Verona resides in the Veneto region which is in the North East of Italy so it’s surrounded by mountains and hills that are easily climbable. The point of climbing is what you find on top, of course: the view!
So, next in my Verona tips I would recommend dedicating the second day for the other side of the river. Cross the river along the Ponte Pietra bridge which was blown up in the 2nd WW and re-assembled by locals from the original tiles they fished out of the river.
Here’s a little fact check: even though the southern side of the river is called the Ancient City, it’s actually the modern side of the city. This is because Verona is said to have been founded by the foot of the hill where the Castel San Pietro palace now stands.
As proof of that you can find the ruins of a Roman Theatre at the foot of the hill. Plenty of events are still held at the location. After checking the ruins, you can opt for climbing the stairs or taking the funicular up to Castel San Pietro.
The castle isn’t that intriguing, just an old military barracks and a museum but the views of the city are great! For even better views I recommend you next head to the Santuario Madonna di Lourdes up on the next hill. It looks like a long way away but actually only takes a 15-20 minutes’ walk and isn’t that steep. Nothing compared to the hills of Bologna!
And the views from there? Spectacular! Just one thing: dress modestly. Even the square in front of the sanctuary is considered sacred so shorts, short skirts and revealing tops are actually banned.
Eat and drink well
It’s Italy so what would my Verona tips be without restaurant recommendations for Verona?! Nothing at all, obviously! So, let’s get to it; some of these places were recommended by my friends, some by a tour guide and some I picked at random while there.
- Since it’s Italia one must try a pizza place and my recommendation goes to Gemma Pizzeria (Centro)! Great food and amazing service.
- The next one was recommended to me by a friend and I insist you try the Osteria del Bugiardo! It’s behind the corner from Piazza Erbe but despite the touristic location it’s preferred by locals and I know why: glass of wine 5€ and the food is amazing.
- For drinks and snacks with a nice view of the Ponte Pietra I recommend the tiny bar with a veranda by the river, Terrazza Bar al Ponte. Great staff, quality drinks and perfect snacks to go with the drinks.
- And of course in Italy it’s compulsory to eat gelato! You can find plenty of gelato places all over Verona but I recommend the Gelateria Ponte Pietra because there’s a lovely square in front of it where you can enjoy the local atmosphere and your gelato.
The thing about restaurants in Italy is that it’s very difficult to go wrong even in the touristic areas. Cooking bad food is basically illegal in the country, so you can be pretty sure of being delightfully fed anywhere you plonk your ass down. So, are you planning a trip to Verona yet? ♥
