A First-Timer’s Guide to Verona: My Verona Journey Series, Part 6

Visiting Verona for the first time is like stepping into a dream—rich with history, stunning views, and unforgettable experiences. In Part 6 of My Verona Journey, we’re giving you a guide to make the most of your first trip to this incredible city. Whether you’re here for the ancient sites, the delicious food, or just to soak in the charm, this guide will help you navigate Verona like a local.

Dive into My Verona Journey: A First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Exploring, Experiencing, and Remembering the Heart of Verona by Obehi Ewanfoh. Start your adventure today and uncover the magic of Verona!

By now you understand that Verona is one of Italy’s most romantic and charming cities! Whether you are here for the first time or returning for a quick visit, Verona offers a wealth of cultural treasures, historical landmarks, and hidden gems that will make your stay unforgettable.

In this chapter of the book, we will break down the essentials for first-time visitors, including how to get around the city, where to find the must-see sights, and how to make the most of your time.

Let’s get started with everything you need to know to explore Verona like a local!

1. Getting Around Verona – Navigating the City

Verona as already stated in a previous chapter is a relatively small city, making it easy to explore on foot. The historic center, where most of the major attractions are located, is pedestrian-friendly, with narrow streets, charming piazzas, and hidden courtyards that are best explored at a leisurely pace.

From personal experience, I can confidently say that exploring Verona on foot is an absolute delight. I’ve had the pleasure of guiding two groups of over 20 participants each on separate occasions, and each time, the city’s charm shines through.

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There’s a real difference between wandering aimlessly and having the knowledge to navigate a city like Verona—especially for first-time visitors. Knowing what to focus on makes all the difference in truly experiencing the city’s beauty.

Exploring Verona through walking

Walking is by far the best way to explore Verona, as the historic center is compact and full of surprises. From the Arena of Verona to Piazza delle Erbe, many of the city’s most famous sights are within walking distance.

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as some of the cobblestone streets can be a little uneven. As you wander, take time to peek into the side streets, where you will often find quaint cafes, artisan shops, and stunning views.

Your Tip: Take a sunset walk along the Adige River. The golden light reflecting on the river creates a magical atmosphere, and you will have the chance to see landmarks like the Ponte Pietra and Castel San Pietro from a different angle.

Public Transportation

Verona has a well-connected bus system, which is an easy and inexpensive way to get around the city and reach some areas outside the historic center. Buses are reliable, though they might get crowded during rush hour, so be prepared for that. Tickets can be purchased on the bus, through a mobile app or at the Tabacchi.

A Tabacchi might look like a quirky mix of items—cigarettes, bus tickets, stamps, and lottery tickets—but for tourists, it’s actually a hidden gem for handling some essential tasks.

These small shops are authorized by the government, so they are the perfect spot to buy your tobacco, pay utility bills, get bus passes, or try your luck with a lottery ticket. While the selection may seem random, a Tabacchi is a convenient one-stop shop for many practical services you might need during your stay in Verona and Italy.

If you are planning to visit Verona’s outskirts, the Verona Porta Nuova Railway Station is the main transport hub, offering access to regional trains that connect Verona with other cities in the Veneto region, including Vicenza, Padua, and Venice.

Verona Railway Station is also a great gateway for travelers looking to explore other Italian cities like Rome, Florence, and Naples, or even venture to other European destinations such as Munich, all with direct train connections.

Your Tip: If you are only staying in Verona for a short time and want to focus on the historic center, you can likely skip public transportation and stick to walking.

Taxis and Ridesharing

Taxis are available throughout the city, but they are not as commonly used as in larger cities. You can hail a taxi in popular areas like Piazza Bra or Piazza delle Erbe, or you can book one through a local taxi service or use a ride-sharing app like Uber or Bolt.

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Your Tip: Taxis and ride-sharing services are useful if you are staying outside the city center or need to get to and from Verona Villafranca Airport (approximately 10 km from the city center).

Bicycles and E-Scooters

Verona is becoming increasingly bike-friendly, with bike lanes and rental services available throughout the city. You can rent a bike from one of the many rental shops or use e-scooter services (like Lime and Circ) that are scattered around the city for short-distance travel.

Renting a bike is a great way to explore the Adige Riverbanks or take a scenic ride through the nearby vineyards.

Your Tip: Renting an e-scooter is a fun and easy way to explore Verona’s parks and the surrounding hills if you are looking for a little adventure.

2. Must-See Sights – Iconic Landmarks of Verona

There is no shortage of incredible landmarks to visit in Verona, from ancient Roman ruins to medieval castles and Renaissance palaces. As a first-time visitor, these are some of the must-see attractions you will want to add to your list.

When I first arrived in Verona, I met my first Italian friend, with whom I began exploring the city. Along with his girlfriend, he introduced me to places I would have never discovered on my own, even though I have been living in Verona for some years.

We visited hidden gems, like World War II monuments, old military posts, and statues of iconic figures such as Dante, all scattered throughout the city—both in the bustling centers and in quieter, lesser-known corners.

Verona is truly a city rich in history, offering so much to discover, whether you are a first-time visitor or a long-term resident.

Speaking from my own experience as a foreigner who moved to Verona from Nigeria in August 2004, I can say that this city is full of surprises. It’s a place that invites you to uncover its many layers of history and culture, making it an unforgettable destination for anyone looking to explore Italian tourism.

Arena di Verona

The trust is, no trip to Verona is complete without a visit to the Arena di Verona—the city’s ancient Roman amphitheater and one of the best-preserved in the world. Built in the 1st century AD, the Arena was originally used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. Today, it’s most famous for hosting the Verona Opera Festival, but it also hosts concerts, ballets, and other cultural events throughout the year.

You can explore the Arena’s vast interior and imagine the grandeur of ancient Roman entertainment. Don’t forget to look up at the outer walls to see the impressive stones that have weathered centuries of history.

Your Tip: If you plan on attending a concert or opera at the Arena, try to arrive early to get the best seats and soak up the atmosphere before the show begins.

3. How to Make the Most of Your Visit – Helpful Tips

Now that you have got the basics of how to get around and where to go, here are a few more tips to help you make the most of your time in Verona.

Plan for the Weather

Verona experiences a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Summer can be particularly warm, so make sure to pack light, breathable clothing and stay hydrated.

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If you are visiting in the winter, remember that temperatures can drop, especially in the evenings. Spring and autumn are perfect times to visit, with pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists.

Your Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for walking, as the city’s cobblestone streets can be challenging, especially if you plan to explore on foot.

Take Advantage of Verona Card

If you plan to visit several museums and historic sites, consider purchasing the Verona Card. This card offers discounted or free entry to many of the city’s major attractions, including the Arena di Verona, Castelvecchio, and Giardino Giusti. It’s available for 24, 48, or 72 hours, and it also allows free access to public transportation.

Your Tip: The Verona Card is an excellent value if you are planning on visiting multiple sights. However, be sure to check which attractions are included before you buy it.

Be Aware of Tourist Traps

While Verona is generally a very tourist-friendly city, it’s still important to be mindful of tourist traps, especially around popular landmarks like Piazza Bra and Casa di Giulietta. Restaurants in these areas can be overpriced. Depending on your pocket, you might need to look for eateries that are a little off the beaten path for better value and authentic local cuisine.

Your Tip: If you are looking for the best food and drink, ask locals for recommendations. They will point you toward hidden gems that you won’t find in many guidebooks.

Do you remember what I mentioned earlier about my first Italian friend, showing me around in Verona? It’s a great reminder that sometimes you can never discover everything on your own, the best way to experience a city is by asking questions.

Learn a Few Italian Phrases

While many people in Verona speak English, especially in tourist areas, it’s always appreciated if you can speak a little Italian. Simple phrases like “Buongiorno” (Good morning), “Per favore” (Please), and “Grazie” (Thank you) will go a long way in making a good impression.

Your Tip: Italians are known for their warmth and hospitality, so don’t be shy about engaging with locals, even if it’s just a quick chat.

Journal Prompt: How do you imagine your first walk through Verona will be like? What are you most excited to see or do when you get there?

Be sure of this. Verona is a city that will captivate you with its beauty, history, and romantic charm. By following these tips and exploring the city’s iconic landmarks, you’ll get a true sense of its culture and character.

So, make the most of your time here and let Verona’s magic leave an unforgettable impression on your heart.

Ready to fall in love with Verona and discover hidden gems, must-see spots? Start by gabbing access to My Verona Journey: A First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Exploring, Experiencing, and Remembering the Heart of Verona by Obehi Ewanfoh. Start your adventure today and uncover the magic of Verona!