Verona
The city of Romeo and Juliet, with a Roman arena that hosts the world's most magical opera season.
About Verona
Verona is one of northern Italy's most beautiful cities, a place where Roman ruins, medieval palaces, and Renaissance gardens coexist along the banks of the Adige River. The Roman Arena—Italy's best-preserved amphitheatre after the Colosseum—hosts an annual summer opera festival that's one of the world's great cultural experiences: Aida with real elephants, under the stars, in a 2,000-year-old arena. Beyond Shakespeare's fictional lovers (Juliet's Balcony is a tourist trap, but the city's romantic atmosphere is real), Verona offers a stunning Romanesque cathedral complex, the Castelvecchio bridge, and excellent restaurants serving horse-meat pastissada, bigoli pasta, and Amarone wine from the Valpolicella hills just outside town.
Best Time to Visit
June to September for the Arena opera season. April to October for pleasant city exploring. The Vinitaly wine fair in April is the world's largest. Christmas brings atmospheric markets in Piazza dei Signori.
Local Tips
- See opera in the Arena.
The summer opera season in a 2,000-year-old amphitheatre is unforgettable. A local will tell you to buy the cheap stone seats (bring a cushion), arrive early for the candle-lighting at dusk, and skip the interval to keep your spot.
- Tour the Valpolicella wineries.
The hills north of Verona produce Amarone—one of Italy's most powerful and prestigious reds. A local knows the family cantinas in Fumane and Sant'Ambrogio where tastings include rare vintages and a lesson in the appassimento drying process.
- Cross the Ponte Pietra at sunset.
Verona's oldest bridge, dating to the Roman era, offers the best views of the city and the river. A local will time a walk across for sunset and end at the Castel San Pietro viewpoint above for a panoramic aperitivo.
(the local lens)
Meet the Local Experts
Your on-the-ground insiders. The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.
Chiara
Bari, Lecce +7
5.0(4)I am a local tour guide with over twenty years of experience in Venice and it’s lagoon. As a native of the area and a resident nearby, I have a deep and authentic connection with this extraordinary land, which I know not only historically and artistically, but also in its most authentic and everyday aspects. I love sharing Venice’s natural beauty, artistic and cultural heritage, centuries-old traditions, and the unique identity that makes the lagoon a place like no other. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience that allows me to offer personalized itineraries, combining great masterpieces with lesser-known gems, offering an authentic and engaging experience. I also pay great attention to food and wine, guiding guests to discover the typical flavours and culinary traditions of Venice. My goal is for you to experience Venice not just as a tourist destination, but as an emotional, cultural, and sensorial experience, leaving you with an indelible memory of this unique city.
Sebastiano
Genoa, Portofino +8
I’m originally from Italy and have spent years helping travellers plan their trips across the country through my instagram page @friendinitaly - from iconic destinations like Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast to lesser-known places that most tourists completely miss. After moving to the United States four years ago, I realized how difficult it can be to truly understand how to travel in Italy without local insight. That’s why I started helping people plan smarter, more authentic trips - not just following generic itineraries, but creating experiences that actually fit their travel style. I’ve helped hundreds of travellers with practical advice on transportation, timing, hidden spots, and how to avoid common mistakes that can ruin a trip. I also guide people on how to move efficiently between cities, how many days to spend in each destination, and which cities to choose for a first trip to Italy. Whether you're visiting Italy for the first time or coming back for something deeper, I can help you make the most of your time.
Andrea
Latina, Rome +13
I'm Andrea, I have visited over 50 countries around the world. I speak English and Spanish, and traveling has always been my way of truly understanding how places work, not just seeing them. Despite this, Italy remains the place I'm most attached to. I've always lived and worked there, and over the years I've traveled extensively throughout the country: not as a tourist, but by immersing myself in local dynamics, getting to know the people, businesses, and regions firsthand. This is precisely what makes the difference. I've built a solid network of local contacts throughout Italy: entrepreneurs, professionals, and reliable operators, people I've worked with or know directly. These aren't generic suggestions, but real connections. I love Italy because it's incredibly diverse: each area has its own identity, rules, and opportunities. It's a country that can offer so much, but only if you know how to navigate it. I've invested years learning this firsthand, and today I can guide people in a practical, direct, and effective way. In short: I don't just offer advice, but access to a proven local network and concrete knowledge of the area!
Daniela
Venice, Vicenza +2
I’m a Professional Tour Guide based in the Veneto region, and I help travelers design meaningful journeys through Venice and Northern Italy. I know this region not only through study, but through years of living and working here. From the canals of Venice and its lagoon to historic cities, elegant villas, and the landscapes of the Venetian countryside, I help travelers experience the area beyond the usual tourist paths. My goal is to create itineraries that feel natural, well paced, and rich in authentic experiences. I love suggesting special places, local restaurants, scenic routes, and encounters that reveal the true character of the region. If you want to explore Venice and the Veneto with the insight of someone who truly knows the area, I’ll be happy to help you plan your journey.