Travel Guide: Verona

As the holiday season is fast approaching I am writing a post giving you some of my best recommendations when visiting Verona, Italy. I went in February and had the most fantastic time, it's a beautiful city perfect for a weekend city break. For total transparency, the prices might differ if you're going in the summer because it's peak season and hotels are more likely to bump their prices up, although, on the whole, I would class this as more of an affordable location. 

For the most budget-friendly trip I would recommend looking at Wizz Air-operated flights, I found them to have some fantastic deals at surprisingly good flight times. In terms of accommodation, there are a few different options I can suggest, Airbnb is often the cheapest option but doesn't always offer the luxury of being able to check-in early and leave luggage. During my trip, I stayed at the Relais Empire Hotel (booked using Booking.com) in the centre of Verona, I definitely think I found a one-off good deal because prices seem to have increased since February.  This hotel was an ideal location with all of the main tourist attractions and restaurants within walking distance. An airport transfer wasn't arranged in advance but it was very easy to get a taxi when at Verona Airport and from the Hotel, this was between €30 - €35 each way. There was a bus also operating to and from the Airport but to make the most of our short trip we opted for the taxi. Three or four days is the perfect duration of time to spend in Verona there's not a huge amount to do in the city once you've exhausted all of the main attractions but it is an ideal location to have onward travel to other parts of Italy. During our trip we got the train to Venice for the day which was incredibly simple, our hotel receptionist arranged this for us and train tickets were extremely affordable. During peak season day trips to Lake Garda are also easily accessible. 

Verona is rich in history, boasting some of Italy's most culturally significant landmarks. As you arrive in the city there are numerous different guided tours, we got one that was a little train that takes you around the city in half an hour, it was €5 each and a great way for us to get our bearings and figure out where we wanted to go back and spend more time. When most people think of Verona, Romeo and Juliet tends to spring to mind. When visiting the city I would encourage you to visit 'Juliet's House' and admire the beautiful architecture of the famous balcony. Underneath the balcony is Juliet's statue, rumour has it that if you touch her left breast you'll receive good luck. Whilst on the balcony if you're visiting with a loved one you can put a padlock on the love wall, padlocks are sold at the onsite gift shop or you can bring your own. If like me you want to live your true Letters to Juliet dreams you can write a letter and post it in Juliet's postbox, once again everything you need is available to purchase from the onsite gift shop and all stamps are trackable. Whilst you're out and about admiring the rich history of the city, be sure to visit Verona Arena, a 1st-century Roman amphitheatre that's still in use today. Concerts and opera performances frequently take place here so if you're visiting in peak season perhaps look in advance at any shows that might be taking place. If you're looking for some retail therapy, head towards Piazza della Erbe one of the main squares in Verona. In this area, you'll find local produce markets, gift stalls and local cuisine. Across from the main square itself is an array of alleys, down each one you'll find shops, restaurants and bakeries, something to suit everyone's taste. Once you've shopped, dined and taken in the cultural sites I would highly recommend watching the sunset from Ponte Pietra, you'll get a gorgeous view down the river and the Verona skyline. 

I mentioned at the beginning of this post about the simplicity of the Italian train system, travelling to other parts of Italy from Verona is very easy and hassle-free. We originally wanted to go to Lake Garda for the day but as it was off-peak season everything was closed, but if you go in the summer everything will be open. Instead, we opted to go to Venice for the day to enjoy the Venice Carnival celebrations. The journey was about an hour and a half so not too bad and the trains are double-deckers with device charging facilities and free wifi throughout. If you are getting the train, please remember to validate your ticket on the station platform otherwise you may get a fine. If you'd like to read a travel guide to Venice please let me know as I have plenty of recommendations. 

I hope this post has been helpful, if you have any questions please feel free to leave a comment down below. I'd also love to know what your travel plans are for the summer 💗