Verona, the city of romance and Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, is one of Italy’s most beautiful and historic destinations. While it’s easy to fall in love with Verona’s charming streets, ancient Roman ruins, and breathtaking piazzas, there are a few mistakes that travelers often make.
Verona is a captivating city full of history, charm, and romance, but like any destination, it’s easy to fall into a few tourist traps. By avoiding these common mistakes — from not buying the Verona Card to skipping the local food scene — you’ll experience the best of what this enchanting city has to offer.
To help you have a smooth and enjoyable experience, here’s a guide to common mistakes to avoid in Verona — and how to avoid them.
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Mistakes to Avoid in Verona
1. Only Visiting Juliet’s Balcony
Mistake:
Many visitors rush to Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House) to see the famous balcony from Romeo and Juliet, leaving out the rest of Verona’s historic and cultural attractions.
How to Avoid It:
Explore Beyond Juliet’s Balcony: While Juliet’s Balcony is a fun photo stop, don’t let it be your only focus. Verona is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with rich history and beautiful architecture. Visit the Arena di Verona, an ancient Roman amphitheater, and explore the stunning Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori.
Discover Romeo’s House: For a quieter, more authentic experience, visit Casa di Romeo, less crowded but just as historically intriguing.
Tip: Head to Juliet’s Balcony early in the morning to avoid the crowds, then spend the rest of your day exploring Verona’s hidden gems.
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2. Underestimating the Power of Comfortable Shoes
Mistake:
Verona’s cobblestone streets are picturesque but not always friendly to uncomfortable footwear. Many tourists don’t realize how much walking is involved and wear the wrong shoes.
How to Avoid It:
Wear Comfortable, Supportive Shoes: Verona’s streets, especially in the historic center, are uneven and require sturdy shoes. Avoid heels or unsupportive sandals if you plan on walking a lot.
Plan for Walking Tours: Whether you’re exploring the ancient Roman ruins or strolling along the Adige River, having comfortable footwear is essential to making the most of your visit.
Tip: If you want stylish shoes, opt for comfortable flats or walking shoes that suit both comfort and fashion.
3. Skipping the Verona Card
Mistake:
Many travelers skip purchasing the Verona Card, unaware of the money and time it can save on popular attractions.
How to Avoid It:
Buy the Verona Card: The Verona Card offers free entry or discounted access to major attractions, including the Arena di Verona, Juliet’s House, Castelvecchio Museum, and more. It also includes free use of public transport.
Choose the Right Duration: The Verona Card is available for 24 or 48 hours, so choose the one that best fits your itinerary. It’s a great way to maximize your time and budget if you’re visiting multiple sites.
Tip: The Verona Card can be purchased online or at many attractions around the city, and it usually pays for itself after visiting just a few sites.
4. Visiting During Opera Season Without Booking Tickets in Advance
Mistake:
Verona’s Arena di Verona is world-famous for its summer opera festival, and many visitors underestimate the demand for tickets or forget to book in advance.
How to Avoid It:
Book Opera Tickets Early: If you plan to visit during the Arena Opera Festival (typically from June to September), book your tickets well in advance. Tickets sell out quickly, especially for popular performances like Aida or Carmen.
Check the Opera Schedule: Even if you’re not attending a performance, check the festival schedule. During the opera season, access to the Arena may be limited during the afternoons due to preparations.
Tip: For a unique experience, opt for tickets in the stone steps of the Arena for a more traditional atmosphere.
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5. Not Exploring Verona’s Local Food Scene
Mistake:
Many tourists stick to generic restaurants near the main tourist attractions and miss out on the city’s authentic Veronese cuisine.
How to Avoid It:
Try Local Specialties: Don’t leave Verona without trying local dishes like Risotto all’Amarone (risotto made with Amarone wine), Bigoli con le Sarde (a thick pasta with sardines), and Pastissada de Caval (a horsemeat stew). Pair these with local wines like Valpolicella and Amarone.
Eat in Local Osterias: Instead of eating at restaurants geared toward tourists, seek out family-run osterias or trattorias for a more authentic experience. Look for places like Osteria del Bugiardo or Trattoria al Pompiere.
Tip: Avoid restaurants right next to the main attractions and venture a few streets away for better prices and more authentic meals.
6. Not Planning for Seasonal Weather
Mistake:
Visitors often underestimate Verona’s seasonal weather, either not preparing for the summer heat or not bringing layers during the cooler months.
How to Avoid It:
Summer Visits (June-August): Verona can get very hot during the summer months, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). Dress lightly, bring a hat, and carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Winter Visits (November-February): Winters in Verona can be chilly, with temperatures dropping to around 5°C (41°F). Pack warm layers, especially if you plan to walk around the city’s open spaces.
Tip: Fall (September-October) and spring (April-May) are ideal for pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists, making it a great time to visit.
7. Skipping the Surrounding Vineyards
Mistake:
Many travelers focus solely on Verona’s city attractions and skip visiting the nearby vineyards and wine regions, missing out on the area’s world-class wines.
How to Avoid It:
Take a Wine Tour: Verona is located near some of Italy’s best wine regions, including Valpolicella and Soave. Take a day trip to explore the vineyards and wineries, where you can sample famous wines like Amarone, Ripasso, and Soave.
Self-Guided Drives: Rent a car or hire a driver to explore the Valpolicella Wine Route, where you’ll find rolling vineyards, charming villages, and wineries that offer tours and tastings.
Tip: Try pairing your wine with local Veronese dishes for a truly immersive experience.
8. Relying Solely on Taxis Instead of Walking or Using Public Transport
Mistake:
Relying on taxis or rideshares to get around Verona can be costly and unnecessary, as the city is very walkable and has a reliable public transportation system.
How to Avoid It:
Walk Around the City: Most of Verona’s major sights are within walking distance, and strolling through the city’s charming streets is one of the best ways to experience its beauty.
Use Public Transport: If you need to get around faster or visit farther attractions, the local bus network is affordable and efficient. The Verona Card includes free bus rides, making it a great option for getting around.
Tip: The city center is best explored on foot, and you’ll find hidden gems around every corner that you might miss in a car or taxi.
9. Not Allowing Enough Time for Verona’s Museums
Mistake:
Many visitors don’t allocate enough time to fully explore Verona’s impressive museums, often rushing through or skipping them entirely.
How to Avoid It:
Take Your Time at Castelvecchio Museum: This medieval castle-turned-museum is a highlight of Verona, housing an impressive collection of Renaissance paintings, sculptures, and medieval weaponry. Allow at least two hours to explore.
Visit the Verona Archaeological Museum: Situated next to the Roman Theater, this museum gives insight into Verona’s Roman history and offers stunning views of the city.
Museo di Storia Naturale: One of the lesser-known museums, this natural history museum is perfect for families or those interested in geology and paleontology.
Tip: Plan museum visits for the early afternoon when the streets are hottest or most crowded.
10. Not Checking the Opening Hours of Churches and Attractions
Mistake:
Many of Verona’s churches and attractions have limited or unusual opening hours, and travelers often forget to check ahead, leading to missed opportunities.
How to Avoid It:
Check Opening Hours in Advance: Churches like Verona Cathedral and Basilica di San Zeno may close for lunch or have reduced hours on Sundays. Double-check hours before you go.
Buy Tickets in Advance: For popular attractions like the Arena di Verona or Juliet’s House, buying tickets online can save time and ensure entry, especially during high season.
Tip: Visit churches and attractions in the early morning to avoid midday closures and crowds.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.