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Verona isn’t just Romeo & Juliets balcony and gladiator battles at the Verona Arena during the daytime. Well, ok, we don’t have gladiator battles here anymore. But, once the sun goes down, the Arena di Verona hosts spectacular opera performances under the stars, while historic theaters showcase everything from classical concerts to cutting-edge theatrical productions. And if you’ve never walked the streets of Verona after the sun goes down, you’re missing out on a magical experience.
Verona isn’t just a day-time town. In fact, Italians in general tend to be out later than Americans do. If you go to dinner at 7pm here in Italy, you’re likely to find an empty restaurant outside of other tourists. However, if you go to that same restaurant at 10pm, you’ll find it packed full of locals. Verona has a little bit to offer everyone, and what to do in Verona at night really just depends on your tastes. You can go out drinking, dancing, see some local attractions, or even just take a romantic moonlit stroll in the City of Love. So here’s our guide to the best nightlife in Verona, make sure to comment at the end anything you’ve done in Verona at night that didn’t make the list!
Local Verona History and Attractions at Night
Arena di Verona
You literally can’t visit Verona without at least seeing the Verona Arena from the outside as you walk by. It’s like Verona’s Eiffel Tower, somehow everything just seems to lead back to the Piazza Bra and the Arena. But, most people see the Arena by day. And while it’s a fantastic stop while the sun is up, it has just as much to offer once the moon comes out. One of the most impressive things about the Arena, is that even after 2,000 years, it’s still regularly used for shows in the evening.
During the summer the Arena hosts their “Arena Opera Festival” with tickets as low as 25 (or as high as 250). You can find concerts, opera’s, ballet’s and plays being hosted year-round however, and you can click here for their full schedule of events. I’m personally not a classical type guy, and in the United States I never attended plays or Operas, and you couldn’t have caught me dead at a ballet. However, there truly is something magical about sitting under the stars to watch a play in a seat that people have been watching plays in for thousands of years. As far as memorable and cultural things to to do in Verona at night, this is the top of the list.
Piazza Erbe
Piazza Erbe, once the site of the Roman Forum in Verona, is now a lively marketplace by day and a vibrant social center by night. The centerpiece of Piazza Erbe is the imposing statue of Madonna Verona, a symbol of the city’s enduring spirit and resilience. Lit up against the night sky, the statue serves as a focal point for both reflection and symbol of the city of Verona. In fact, the Madonna Verona has been standing watch over Piazza Erbe at night for nearly 700 years, as it was constructed in 1368. Remind us in 2069 to update this article to say “over 700 years”! There’s a copper scroll on the statue that is original and reads “EST JUSTI LATRIX URBS HAEC ET LAUDIS AMATRIX“, the original motto of Verona. In english, that translates to: “Verona is a city that provides justice, and loves to be praised“. Which must be true, because this entire website is in praise of Verona.
As you explore the piazza at night, you’ll encounter street performers, artisans, and vendors selling an array of goods, adding to the lively atmosphere. Of course, there’s wonderful resteraunts Whether you’re in search of a romantic evening stroll or a vibrant nightlife experience, Piazza Erbe offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of Verona after dark. Even if you’re not planning on grabbing dinner at any of the restaurants here, walking through Città Antica (the old city), at night in Verona is a very romantic time, and a great way to see Verona with much less tourists, and many more locals.
Verona Philharmonic Theater
The Teatro Filarmonico, or the Philharmonic Theatre for us english speakers, is another perfect option when you want to experience something more cultural to do in Verona at night. Located just east of Piazza Bra down Via Roma towards the Adige River, it’s almost impossible to miss. And while most of us aren’t regular attendees of Philharmonic theaters back at home, it’s nice to have a reason to dress up on a trip, and indulge in local arts and culture.
Originally constructed in the 17th century, this magnificent theatre has undergone a few renovations and restorations over the years, both to preserve its historic charm, and also to adapt to the demands of modern audiences. The Verona Philharmonic Theatre has shows most nights of the year, and even hosts educational programs and workshops, and is very much a functioning and integral part of Verona’s local culture. Even outside of going to the Philharmonic for an event, the theatre itself is gorgeous. So whether you’re stopping in for a show, or just to admire the frescoes and ornate decorations, we highly recommend putting the theater on your to-do list at night.
Best Bars in Verona
How could a list of the best things to do in Verona at night not include a few places to grab drinks or get a nightcap? Obviously Verona, and the entire Veneto region,…. and the entire country of Italy, are all famous for their wine. So if you like wine even a little bit, then a wine-bar will be a no brainer for what to do at night in Verona. But Verona has so many great bars with so much more variety than just wine, whether you want a lively atmosphere with live music and people to meet, or a quiet place to chill and take a load off from a long day walking around sightseeing. Here’s a few of our favorite bars in Verona:
The Soda Jerk: A Hidden Cocktail bar
Secret entrances and incredible cocktails. That sums up The Soda Jerk in 5 words. The Soda Jerk is a hidden speakeasy with the vibes of a modern upscale cocktail bar, but housed in an old Italian building. It’s hands-down one of the most popular bars for locals and tourists alike, and for pretty good reason. All the cocktails are amazing, and it’s a perfect balance between a lively atmosphere, and one still intimate enough to just hang out with your travel group.
You first have to find The Soda Jerk, which isn’t as easy as most bars. It’s a speakeasy (kind of hilarious, because speakeasys were really only a thing in prohibition-era America before they caught on as trendy), so there isn’t a large sign out front. It’s just a small plaque on a wall in an alley. Make no mistake though, if you like good cocktails and a fun night out, The Soda Jerk is worth the hunt. Plus, isn’t the chase half the fun?
Archivio: Craft Cocktails & Beers
Located just a two-minute walk from Piazza Erbe, Archivio is your go-to bar when you’re looking for something small batch. And the alcohol isn’t the only thing small-batch, the bar itself is very very small itself. I’m talking “squeeze-your-way-in-the-door” small. It is the very definition of an intimate environment. Because of this, you want to make sure that you get to the bar early. If you wait until 10:00pm, you don’t have a shot of getting in the door, at least not in our experience.
But if you can get in the door, it’s absolutely worth it. They offer some of the best craft brews in Verona, from local Italian beer and small batch spirits, so selections from around Europe. The cocktails are some of the best in town as well, with our favorite being the Schedina. Seriously, check out their cocktail menu and try and tell us that you don’t want to go have a drink there.
Antica Bottega del Vino: THE Wine Spot
Antica Bottega del Vino is the center of wine world in Verona, and for a city that hosts one of the biggest events in the wine world every year, Vinitaly, that’s really saying something. They don’t just have one of the most extensive wine lists in Verona, they have one of the most extensive selections in all of Italy. It has some great old-world ambiance, and some truly old wines that go hand in hand with it.
How extensive is their selection? Well, they have something like 18,000 bottles of wine in-house, and has won numerous awards for it. In fact, Wine Spectator has awarded them every year since 2004. And again, this is in a city known for it’s wine, in a region known for it’s wine, in a country known for it’s wine. So to stand out like that, you truly have to be doing something right. I think our point is made.
And to absorb all that wine, Antica Bottega del Vino also offers some great small plates, referred to as cicchetti. Recently, they’ve even opened a location in New York on 5th Avenue, so if you’d like to try this wonderful wine bar while you’re stuck in the states, that’s your opportunity! If you’re a wine lover visiting Verona, this is absolutely where you want to spend a night.
Best Nightclubs in Verona
Dorian Gray: Dinner & Flirty Dancing
Named after the Oscar Wilde character, Dorian Gray embodies the figures spirit of decadence and hedonism pretty well. If you’re not familiar, Dorian Gray was a character swept into partying and the pleasures of London, living a life of Hedonism and chasing youth until he (too late) tries to renounce who he had become. And if you ignore the part of the story where it starts to get sad, it’s a great name for a club! Jokes aside though, Dorian Gray in Verona is the perfect place to go for a night on the town.
About 15 minutes south from downtown Verona, Dorian Gray offers everything from dining, to drinks, to dancing, and even their own dating app. Yep, they have an app called “Flirty Dancing” to help you meet others in the club. Obviously known for their huge dancefloor and live shows, Dorian Gray actually offers some great dinner options too. They have a limited but well crafted menu, and all options include entry to the dancefloor as part of their cost. Their dining areas are also pretty popular places to host bachelor and bachelorette parties or birthday parties.
Obviously the dancefloor is the main attraction to Dorian Gray, and they’re known for their shows. The break up their nights with themes; Friday is 80s/90s night, Saturday is for the younger crowd and typically features one of their 10 resident DJs, and Sunday is “Fiesta Latina”, the Latin American themed night they’ve been doing every Sunday for 20 years.
Berfi’s Club: Small Club, Big Vibes
We don’t know who Berfi is, but he runs one of the most fun clubs in Verona. Part of Verona’s nightlife history, this club-restaurant is a local staple. Typically pretty busy on all weekend days weekends (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) Berfi’s Club also throws occasional weekday parties, usually on Wednesdays, in collaboration with the University. It’s definitely on the smaller side for a club, but the venue packs a punch. In the main room, popular dance music like House and EDM plays courtesy of renowned DJs. Meanwhile, the Caffè degli Artisti offers a more intimate vibe with live music ranging from genres to the occasional performance by the acclaimed singer Fiordaliso. Top it all off with dinner at the on-site restaurant, Il Cantuccio, included in the entrance fee.
Their website is extremely barebones, so the best place to figure out what events are happening and who is playing is on the berfisclubofficial Instagram.
Veniceberg: New & Experimental
Veniceberg is a cultural hub dedicated to underground electronic and experimental music. It fosters a close-knit community where music lovers can experience unique sounds in an intimate setting. Their handcrafted sound system, meticulously designed to match the room’s geometry, delivers exceptional acoustic quality, making Veniceberg more than just a club.
For over twelve years (since 2012), Veniceberg has been a driving force in Verona’s nightlife, offering a platform for innovative artistic expression and communication. They bridge the gap between the city’s scene and the global electronic music movement. Looking forward, Veniceberg aims to empower its members to become active participants in this culture. The’y will create a’re actually working to create a dedicated space for music exploration, learning, workshops, offering a platform for local DJs to collaborate, and share their passion for music. Veniceberg’s mission is to elevate the recognition of electronic music in all its forms and become a voice for the future of music in Verona.
It’s a smaller club, but if you’re younger and want to see where the center of gravity for the cool kids in Verona nightlife is, this is where you go. Their website is kept pretty up-to-date, but its always worth checking out their Instagram as well if you’re visiting soon.
FAQs: Nightlife and Things to Do at Night in Verona, Italy
Verona boasts a vibrant nightlife scene offering something for everyone. From chic cocktail bars to lively clubs and traditional wine bars, there’s no shortage of options to explore after dark.
The historic center of Verona, particularly around Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza Bra, is bustling with bars, cafes, and restaurants. The streets around the Adige River also host numerous bars and clubs, creating a dynamic atmosphere.
Bars typically open in the early evening, around 6 or 7 PM, and may stay open until late into the night, especially on weekends. Clubs often open later, around 11 PM or midnight, and stay open until the early hours of the morning.
While some upscale establishments may have a dress code, many bars and clubs in Verona have a relaxed atmosphere where casual attire is acceptable. However, it’s always a good idea to check specific venues if you’re unsure.
Yes, Verona is renowned for its cultural offerings, including nighttime performances at the famous Verona Arena. During the summer months, the arena hosts opera and other live performances under the stars, providing a truly unforgettable experience.
Verona is generally a safe city, but it’s always wise to exercise caution, especially late at night. Stick to well-lit areas, avoid walking alone if possible, and keep an eye on your belongings. It’s also a good idea to have a plan for getting home safely, whether by taxi or public transportation.
Yes, there are plenty of late-night dining options in Verona, ranging from casual pizzerias and trattorias to upscale restaurants serving gourmet cuisine. Whether you’re craving a midnight snack or a full meal after a night out, you’ll find plenty of delicious choices to satisfy your appetite.
Absolutely! Consider taking a nighttime stroll along the picturesque streets of Verona’s historic center, where you can admire the beautifully illuminated landmarks such as Juliet’s House and the Verona Cathedral. You can also join a guided night tour to discover the city’s hidden gems and learn about its fascinating history after dark.
