Where To Stay In Verona: The Ultimate Neighborhood Guide
Verona is a city in northern Italy, situated at the foot of the Lessini Mountains and surrounded by the Adige River. Part of Italy’s Veneto region, Verona retains its medieval charm and has a reputation for being among the most romantic cities in the country. Because of its architecture and urban structure, Verona has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the top tourist destinations in northern Italy.
While the city is perhaps best known as the setting of Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, there’s more to Verona than just romance and history. In fact, over the years, it has evolved into a modern metropolis that offers everything from sightseeing, nightlife, dining and more!
Because of its popularity and accessibility from other major Italian cities, Verona draws nearly five million tourists every year. It’s no surprise there are plenty of accommodation options found in the city. If you’re overwhelmed with the choices, don’t fret; we’ve created this neighborhood guide on where to stay in Verona to help you plan your trip.
Whether you want to stay somewhere that is centrally located or perhaps find a place that’s far away from the busy crowd, you will surely find accommodation that suits your needs, preferences and budget. (Pro tip: For a hassle-free experience, look for a luggage locker in Verona where you can store your luggage while you explore the hotel choices.)
Centro Storico (Historic Centre): Best place to stay in Verona, especially for first-time visitors
When talking about the best places to stay in Verona, the first area that comes to mind would have to be Centro Storico, also known as the Historic Centre. Best for first-time visitors or those who want to see as much as they can within a short period of time, the Historic Centre of Verona is home to the city’s most popular attractions, such as the Arena di Verona (a 1st century Roman amphitheater), the Castelvecchio Museum and the Torre dei Lamberti.
Staying within Centro Storico can also save you money during your stay in the city; the Historic Centre is compact enough and is easily walkable, which means you don’t even have to use public transportation. If you do need to ride public transport, Verona’s primary train station - the Stazione Porta Nuova - is also within walking distance from Centro Storico and can be reached on foot.
Widely regarded as the heart of Verona, Centro Storico is extremely tourist-friendly. In fact, there is a wide range of hotels, inns and other accommodations found around the area; it is also home to several retail establishments as well as the city's top restaurants that cater to both locals and visitors. The downside, however, is that the prices here may be a little bit higher compared to other areas in the city.
Veronetta: Best place to stay in Verona for travelers on a budget
Like most cities in Italy, Verona isn’t exactly a cheap city to visit. If you are looking to stretch your budget, then the best area to stay in would be in Veronetta. The neighborhood is situated on the left bank of the Adige River and is a famous student area that boasts a buzzing bohemian vibe.
Because it caters to a lot of students and immigrants, Veronetta has a broad selection of budget-friendly accommodations – from boutique hotels to hostels and inns. There is no shortage of things to do in Veronetta; the neighborhood is home to several points of interest such as the Ponte Pietra, Castel San Pietro and the Giusti Garden.
The trendy area is also home to a number of bars, restaurants and shops that cater to a younger crowd that likes to have fun. All in all, Veronetta is an excellent choice for budget accommodation while still having plenty of fun things to do and interesting places to visit.
San Zeno: Best place to stay in Verona for an authentic experience
While the Historic Centre seems like the obvious choice for tourists visiting Verona, there are some travelers that prefer to stay somewhere away from the crowd. If you’re one of them, then the best area to stay for you is in San Zeno. Located on the west side of the Historic Centre, the suburb has a charming and cool village feel, offering visitors a more authentic experience during their stay.
Despite being a more peaceful area, San Zeno is by no means boring; the neighborhood has plenty of noteworthy attractions such as the Central Piazza, the Museo degli Affreschi and the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore - a 12th century church that used to be a major destination for pilgrims. The area is also filled with stunning 16th century architecture and buildings.
If you want to do a little bit of shopping during your trip, San Zeno is also home to a massive antique market that operates on the weekend. In here, you will find all sorts of interesting objects and products, including Italian souvenirs, jewelry, furniture and more. The accommodation options are also abundant; you can choose from mid-range hotels to lovely guest houses and chic apartments.
Borgo Trento: Best place to stay in Verona for families
Verona is not just for couples looking for romance; this lovely city is also an excellent destination for families who like to travel together. The best area to stay in for families would have to be Borgo Trento. Sitting north of the Historic Centre of Verona, just across the Adige River, the neighborhood is significantly more peaceful but still close enough to the city center and all the main attractions.
The neighborhood of Borgo Trento has something to offer for guests of all ages. For a fun day out with the kids, head over to the Campo Giochi Per Bambini. This attraction offers plenty of fun things to do for the young ones, including a playground, a paddling pool, a carousel and a picnic area where you can lounge and spend time with the family.
Another top attraction in Borgo Trento is the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, which is a chapel sitting on top of a hill. While you might have to work for a bit and hike to reach the site, you will be instantly rewarded by some incredible views of Verona and surrounding areas.
Accommodations in Borgo Trento range from traditional suites and bed and breakfasts to an inn that is located within a fully functioning farm. The neighborhood also has amazing restaurants, bakeries and shops that you can check out with your family.
Porta Nuova: Best place to stay in Verona for nightlife
Porta Nuova is undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in Verona, especially if you like to go out for a few drinks. The neighborhood, which is located south of the Historic Centre, is the perfect base for tourists who want to combine sightseeing with socializing. Porta Nuova is also home to Verona’s main train station, called Verona Porto Nuova, making it easy for you to access other areas or even go out of town to visit neighboring cities such as Venice.
Porta Nuova is home to some renowned attractions, including the tomb of Juliet, where you will find a museum and 11 bronze statues that depict the iconic love story by Shakespeare. The area has a good mix of 16th century Renaissance architecture with more modern buildings and establishments.
In recent years, Porta Nuova has also become a nightlife hub in the city. Locals and travelers gather in the neighborhood to have a few drinks and socialize. Some of the most beloved local bars in Porta Nuova include Ostinati, a wine bar that’s become a popular aperitivo spot, and Berfi’s, a nightclub where you can drink and dance until the late hours.
Verona Fiere: Best place to stay in Verona for business trips
In the past few years, Verona has gradually transformed into a destination for individuals and companies that are looking to set up or expand their businesses in the city. If you’re coming to Verona for a work trip or on official business, the best area to stay in would have to be Verona Fiere.
Verona Fiere, which was named after the event venue located in the neighborhood, has a very modern feel to it. The area is filled with new and modern-looking buildings as well as numerous exhibition spaces that regularly host conventions and business events. In addition, Verona Fiere is home to some of the best hotels in Verona, including luxury accommodations that are designed for executives and business travelers.
Situated on the southern side of the city, Verona Fiere is a little bit from the city center. This makes it the ideal place to stay in if you don’t want to travel to the busy parts of the city. Apart from business travelers, visitors who have previously been to Verona might prefer staying in Verona Fiere in order to avoid the tourist traps and enjoy the city’s more peaceful side.
Borgo Milano: Best place to stay in Verona for shopping
Verona is not exactly a shopping destination, especially compared to other Italian cities such as Milan and Florence. However, the city does have a decent selection of retail spots, most of which can be found in the neighborhood of Borgo Milano. Located west of San Zeno, this hip residential district boasts a good range of shops and boutiques.
The main shopping area in the neighborhood is Corso Milano, where you can find some fashion brands lined together with restaurants and bars. Aside from the retail areas, Borgo Milano is also home to Verona’s football stadium, the Marc’Antonio Betegodi Stadium, where you can catch a game featuring the A.C. ChievoVerona football club. There’s also a market near the stadium that operates every Sunday that’s worth visiting for some cool finds.
Borgo Milano is also filled with a variety of accommodations that are way more affordable than those found in the city center. The area has everything from mid-range hotels, guest houses, apartments and even hostels.
Montorio: Best place to stay in Verona for an off the beaten path experience
For a completely unique and off the beaten path experience while in Verona, you may want to consider staying within the Montorio area. Situated about 4 miles northeast of the city center, this tiny neighborhood is a great place to get away from the busy areas while still getting to admire the rich history and culture of Verona.
One of the most famous attractions in the area is the Castello di Montorio, a castle on the hill that once played a crucial role in Verona’s defense. Although the hike may be a bit tiring, the spot does offer some picturesque views of the city and beyond. Other points of interest include the Verona Archaeological Museum and the Ponte Scaligero.
Although the accommodation options in Montorio are basic and limited, most places are clean and budget-friendly.
When is the best time to visit Verona?
As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, Verona can be quite busy all year round and the best time to visit the city all depends on your personal preference. Typically, the busiest time of the year would be during the summertime, which is when the Arena Opera Festival takes place.
However, if you have no intention of attending the festival, the best time to visit would be during spring or early fall, particularly the months of April and May. During this time, the weather is warm but not as humid as it usually is during summertime.
If you do not mind the cold, winter is also a great time to visit in order to have unique experiences that only happen during the Christmas season. If you are in the city during this period, you have to try the Pandoro, a local delicacy that is only available during Christmas, in one of the cafés located in Piazza dei Signori.