Where to Stay in Verona
With or without Romeo and Juliet’s love story, Verona is a romantic city. Its lovely piazzas, medieval streets, magnificent architecture, and Roman ruins attract some five million visitors every year. As one of Italy’s most popular cities, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options, so many that it can almost feel overwhelming when trying to decide where to stay. Before booking, the first thing to do is decide which neighborhood you’d like to be in. That choice will depend on whether you prefer a central location that will put you steps from the major attractions or an area that’s away from the biggest tourist crowds, as well as other preferences and your budget. Many first-time visitors prefer being right in the heart of the historical center, but others would rather enjoy a more tranquil setting for getting away from it all. This guide will help you make the best decision for your trip to Verona.
Best Neighborhood for First-Time Visitors & Sightseers Verona: Historic Center (Centro Storico)
Verona’s historic center is the best for first-time visitors and sightseers as it’s the most convenient location, with the most famous sights within easy walking distance of the wide range of accommodation options that can be found here. Hotel rates tend to be higher, but as an alternative, there are plenty of B&Bs, family-run guesthouses, and hostels. If you’re looking for something more luxurious, there are hotels with pools or even rooms with a view of Juliet’s legendary balcony. You’ll be steps from an endless array of shops, restaurants, and bars, along with attractions like the 1st-century AD Roman Arena now used for concerts and opera performances, along with Piazza dell’Erbe, the city’s forum during Roman times. It still retains its lively atmosphere as a gathering place with a market, bars, and cafes. This area is teeming with places to be explored that will all be easily reached on foot with a stay here.
Best Neighborhood for Shopping in Verona: Borgo Milano
While Verona isn’t a shopping destination like Florence or Milan, it does offer plenty of venues where you can give your wallet a workout, with most found in Borgo Milano, just west of the San Zeno neighborhood. A trendy residential district, it’s a great place to stay for those who want to enjoy plenty of shopping, with a great range of boutiques and shops, particularly along Corso Milano where you’ll find all sorts of fashion brands tucked among restaurants and bars. It’s also home to the city’s football stadium, Marc’Antonio Betegodi, where you can catch the A.C. Chievo. There’s also a market nearby open on Sundays that’s ideal for treasure hunting. Plus, you’ll be staying among the hip locals here, with a variety of accommodation options that are also a lot more affordable than those in the historic center. Take your pick of everything from apartment rentals and hostels to guesthouses and mid-range hotels.
Best Neighborhood for a Quiet Setting in Verona: Valdonega
The quiet, leafy neighborhood of Valdonega is a great place to stay for those who want to return to a peaceful setting that provides an escape from the tourist crowds. It’s one of the most desirable places for Veronese to live, located within walking distance of the historic center on a hill. An upscale community with lots of green space, it’s made up of many residential buildings that are surrounded by large gardens and parks. If you’re looking for sophistication, tranquility, and authenticity without sacrificing convenience, it’s ideal. Families with children are likely to appreciate it too as it’s home to Parco delle Colombare and Parco Cani di via Zenara which have paved walking and biking paths along with sweeping views over Verona. There are some very desirable hotels here, some with pools and gorgeous grounds, all while being just a 10-minute walk to the center of the city.
Best Neighborhood for a More Budget-Friendly Stay in Verona: Veronetta
Verona isn’t a cheap city to visit. If one of your primary goals is to make your money stretch as far as possible, Veronetta is where you want to stay. It offers a buzzing bohemian vibe along the eastern banks of the Adige River and as it caters to many students, there is a wide range of more affordable accommodations, from hostels and family-run inns to boutique hotels. Plus, you’ll find many shops, bars, and restaurants too. Filled with charm and character, including many old and crumbling buildings with historic beauty that still shines through, there is no shortage of things to do here. There are a number of popular spots to explore right in the neighborhood, including Giusti Gardens, Castel San Pietro, and the beautifully arched Roman bridge, Ponte Pietra. It’s connected to the historic center via a series of bridges, including Ponte Pietra, making it easy to reach as well.
Best Neighborhood for Nightlife in Verona: Porta Nuova
While Veronetta is great for nightlife with its large student population, Porta Nuova is widely regarded as the best for fun after dark. Located south of the historic center, it’s easy to combine nightlife with sightseeing and it’s also home to the city’s main train station, Verona Porto Nuova. If you stay here, it will be easy to reach many areas of Verona as well as enjoy day trips to cities nearby like Venice. While you’re here you can take advantage of Verona’s nightlife hub, with locals and visitors alike gathering in this neighborhood to socialize and enjoy a few drinks. It’s fun just to walk around, enjoying the magnificent Renaissance architecture in between checking out the endless bars and eateries. One of the hottest local spots is the Ostinati wine bar, ideal for aperitivo followed by dancing the night away. When it comes to accommodation, it offers everything from hostels to romantic boutique hotels.
Best Neighborhood for Families Visiting Verona: Borgo Trento
While Valdonega can be a great pick for families, most feel the very best neighborhood for a family-friendly stay is Borgo Trento. It’s located just across the Adige River north of the historic center, offering a more tranquil setting while still being close to all the main attractions. There are lots of things for kids and parents to do without having the leave the boundaries of the neighborhood. Camp Giochi Per Bambi is here and provides a great place for little ones with a wading pool, a playground, a carousel, and a picnic area. For those with kids old enough for a bit of a hike, you can walk to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes chapel which offers a breathtaking view over Verona and its surrounds. Accommodation here ranges from quaint B&Bs to hotels with spacious traditional suites with plenty of room for a small family.
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