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When you’re planning a visit to the “City of Love”, one of the most decisions you’ve gotta make is where to actually stay in Verona. Verona is a city rich in history, culture, and charm, with each neighborhood offering its own unique atmosphere and attractions. And don’t get me wrong, I love them all. Whether you’re drawn to the historic city center, the tranquil outskirts, or the bustling streets, there’s a neighborhood in Verona to suit every traveler’s preferences. And with a city as walkable as Verona, getting from neighborhood to neighborhood is easy enough.
The Historic Center (Città Antica): History & Romance
Verona’s Historic Center, or the “Città Antica”, is the beating heart of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Steeped in history, this neighborhood boasts well-preserved medieval architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and iconic landmarks. At the heart of the Centro Storico lies Piazza delle Erbe, a bustling square lined with colorful buildings, lively cafes, and the historic Lamberti Tower. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of daily life in Verona, browsing local markets, sampling traditional cuisine, and admiring architectural masterpieces. If you only have one day to spend in Verona, spend it in Città Antica.
One of the most famous attractions in the Historic Center is the Verona Arena, an ancient Roman amphitheater that dates back to the 1st century AD. Today, the Arena hosts world-class operatic performances and concerts, drawing visitors from around the globe. Other must-see sights include Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta), purportedly the home of Shakespeare’s tragic heroine, and the reason Verona is known as the “City of Love”. Also, DO NOT MISS the magnificent Castelvecchio, a medieval fortress-turned-museum showcasing a vast collection of art and artifacts. It’s one of the most interesting castles I’ve ever visited, and well worth a stop.
Staying in the Historic Center puts you within walking distance of Verona’s most iconic landmarks, as well as an array of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Whether you’re exploring the city’s rich history, indulging in gourmet cuisine, or simply soaking up the romantic ambiance, Città Antica offers an unforgettable experience for visitors to Verona. Hotels may be a bit more expensive and book up further out here because you’re in the middle of most of the main attractions, but that’s the same reason it’s one of the best places to stay in Verona.
Popular Hotels in Città Antica
- Hotel Milano & Spa: Situated near Piazza Bra (which is the dead center of historic Verona, and where the Verona Arena is located), this elegant hotel offers luxurious accommodations and a relaxing spa experience. You can actually see the Verona Arena from their rooftop terrace, and it’s tough to put a price on that.
- Hotel Giulietta e Romeo: Named after Verona’s famous star-crossed lovers, Hotel Giulietta e Romeo is a charming boutique hotel in the heart of Veronetta. The hotel offers cozy rooms with romantic decor, a courtyard garden, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the city. Guests can experience the romance of Verona while staying in this enchanting hotel. Also, seriously, where better to stay in Verona than the Romeo & Juliet hotel?
San Zeno: Relaxed and Authentic
Located just outside the bustling city center, the neighborhood of San Zeno offers a tranquil retreat amidst lush greenery and historic architecture. At the heart of San Zeno stands the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore (or, Basilica of San Zeno), one of Verona’s most important Romanesque churches. Dedicated to the city’s patron saint, San Zeno, the basilica features stunning frescoes, intricate sculptures, and a magnificent bronze door crafted by Renaissance master Andrea Pisano. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Verona for it’s sheer beauty.
San Zeno is a quieter neighborhood than the historic center, and it has a much more peaceful vibe with it’s charming piazzas, quiet cafes, and traditional trattorias. The neighborhood exudes a sense of serenity, making it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city center. In addition to its religious significance, San Zeno is also known for its picturesque gardens, including the tranquil
Popular Hotels in San Zeno
- Residenza San Zeno: For a more intimate stay, Residenza San Zeno offers cozy accommodations in a charming setting. This guesthouse features comfortable rooms with traditional Italian furnishings and a warm ambiance. Situated within walking distance of the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore and other landmarks, Residenza San Zeno provides a peaceful retreat in the heart of the neighborhood.
- Hotel Trieste: Situated in a historic building, this boutique hotel combines classic elegance with modern comforts, making it an ideal base for exploring San Zeno and beyond.
Veronetta: Youth, Culture, and the University
Situated on the eastern bank of the Adige River, Veronetta is a lively neighborhood known for its bohemian vibe and youthful energy. Home to the University of Verona, Veronetta is the college town neighborhood of Verona. Except picture your college town if it was located in a historic Italian city, and it’s students came from all over the world. The neighborhood’s narrow streets are lined with hip cafes, trendy bars, and eclectic boutiques, creating a vibrant atmosphere that pulses with creativity and innovation. It’s absolutely one of my favorite neighborhoods, and definitely worth a look when considering where to stay in Verona.
One of the highlights of Veronetta is the Ponte Pietra, a picturesque bridge that spans the Adige River and offers stunning views of the city skyline. The Ponte Pietra connects Veronetta to the historic old town. Visitors can stroll across the bridge, admiring the ancient architecture and soaking in the panoramic vistas. For those seeking a bit of history, Veronetta is also home to the medieval Porta Vescovo gate, a well-preserved relic of Verona’s past.
Veronetta is also where the famous Giardino Giusti is located, a stunning Renaissance garden renowned for its beauty and tranquility, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Verona’s skyline. Which, by the way, makes a prettyyy good sunset date while you’re in the City of Love.
Staying in Veronetta offers visitors the opportunity to experience Verona’s lively cultural scene firsthand, with a diverse array of dining, entertainment, and nightlife options right at their doorstep. It’s definitely the “cool” spot to stay in Verona, and an area where you’ll get to experience a lot more of what it’s like to be a local than the average visitor to Verona will.
Popular Hotels in Veronetta
- Locanda Al Vescovo: Situated in the eastern half of the Veronetta neighborhood, the Locanda Al Vescovo hotel offers comfortable modern rooms just a walking distance from the heart of the action and culture in this neighborhood.
- La Maison de Charme: Located in the heart of Veronetta, La Maison de Charme offers elegant accommodations with a blend of classic charm and modern amenities. The hotel features comfortable rooms, and a restaurant serving traditional Italian cuisine.
Borgo Trento: Family-Friendly Tranquility
Nestled to the northwest of the city center, Borgo Trento is a charming residential neighborhood known for its leafy boulevards, elegant villas, and vibrant markets. Named after the nearby Trento Gate, Borgo Trento offers a delightful mix of historical landmarks and modern amenities. The main attraction here is the “Arsenale Franz Josef I”, an Austrian military arsenal built between 1854 and 1861. It’s interesting to visit when you’ve been around Verona and seen the main attractions, but I certainly wouldn’t put it at the top of your list unless you’re a major Italian history buff.
Staying in Borgo Trento provides visitors with a peaceful retreat away from the crowds, while still being within easy reach of Verona’s main attractions. This is primarily a residential area, so you’ll get an authentic view of the average Veronese day-to-day life, and this makes a good neighborhood to stay in if you’re planning a longer stay, or if you get tired by crowds easily.
Popular Hotels in Borgo Trento
- Hotel Italia: The Hotel Italia is a three-star hotel that offers nice modern rooms at a very reasonable rate, towards the north end of the Borgo Trento district.
- Verona Sweet Rooms: Looking for something a bit more boutique? Verona Sweet Rooms is a 4 room hotel that has a very personal touch.
So, Where Should You Stay In Verona?
Listen, Verona offers a diverse array of neighborhoods to suit every traveler’s preferences, from the historic charm of the city center to the tranquil beauty of San Zeno. Whether you’re seeking cultural landmarks, culinary delights, or simply a peaceful retreat, Verona has something for everyone. If you only have a day or two, I would absolutely recommend staying in the Città Antica and putting yourself in the middle of it all. However, if you have some more time, check out staying in one of the other neighborhoods!
