Verona, a city in northern Italy, exudes romance. It is famous for the setting of the love story of Romeo and Juliet, and also the remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, Arena di Verona. Despite being quite a touristy destination, I like its romantic vibe.

We took a 1-hour train from Padua to Verona, and then took a bus from the train station to the city centre. I actually visited Verona twice – first time was with Ben but unfortunately he felt ill and we had to leave early, and I returned the next day by myself.

 

A romantic city

Walking in the town just feels romantic… Perhaps it is the picturesque architecture, cobblestone streets or the beautiful plants. Each element contributes to the town’s romantic atmosphere, creating a captivating ambiance that enchants visitors with every step.

 

Arena di Verona

Arena di Verona is a Roman amphitheatre and it is still used today for concerts, opera, and other events, with a capacity of over 15,000 spectators. Its impressive architecture and rich history make it the number one tourist attraction in Verona on TripAdvisor.

We admired the exterior of the arena and enjoyed the view but decided not to pay the entrance fee to go inside. Having visited the Colosseum in Rome previously, we anticipated a similar experience inside and decided to explore other attractions instead.

 

Juliet’s house

Our main reason for visiting Verona was to visit Juliet’s House, a famous tourist spot linked to Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” It features a balcony where visitors leave love notes, though its connection to the play’s characters is debated.

Juliet’s house is consistently packed with visitors. Despite attempting to visit at various times throughout the day, it remained very crowded. After a while, we gave up taking a close-up photo with the statue and Juliet’s balcony because it was too difficult.

 

Piazza delle Erbe

Piazza delle Erbe in Verona is a vibrant square with a rich history. It hosts a lively market and is surrounded by beautiful medieval buildings.

The market is open every day except Saturday afternoons, Sundays and public holidays. It offers a variety of products, such as fruits, vegetables, housewares, souvenirs etc. In addition, there are many restaurants and cafes around the area.

While somewhat geared towards tourists, I don’t think it’s necessarily a downside as it offers more things to see and do. We enjoyed a pizza and Aperol Spritz at a cafe overlooking the market square, despite it being slightly overpriced. As long as it’s not overly crowded, the experience in Verona remains enjoyable.

 

Dotto train

I highly recommend taking the Dotto train in Verona! While wandering the city, I noticed others enjoying the ride, so I wanted to try and experience it for myself.

For just 5 euros, you can enjoy a 25-minute ride on the Dotto train with an audio guide available in four languages including English. It is a great way to learn more about Verona. However, during my ride, I found it challenging to hear the guide due to loud passengers sitting beside me.

 

Castle San Pietro

I did not visit Castle San Pietro, one of the top attractions in Verona, due to time constraints. Instead, I decided to relax at a cafe and admire the castle’s view. I highly recommend Cappa cafe for its excellent view of the castle.

I fell in love with prosciutto ham and Aperol Spritz during my time in Italy. Even though I had already eaten lunch, I couldn’t resist indulging in a large plate of prosciutto. The waiter jokingly asked if I was on a diet, to which I replied that they were just my snacks. 😂

I later discovered that I could take a cable car to Castle San Pietro. Perhaps I’ll save that experience for my next visit.

 

Goodbye Verona

I bought a keychain not only to remind myself about the romantic atmosphere of Verona but also because I found myself in need of one. The charm of the city lingered in my mind, prompting me to bring a piece of it back home with me.

Verona, overall, left a lasting impression of beauty and allure. With its rich history, captivating architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, it’s a place where one could easily spend an entire day exploring. From the iconic landmarks like Juliet’s House and the Arena di Verona to the charming streets and bustling markets, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this enchanting city.