City walk in Verona with English audio guide

Discover the hidden gems of Verona with our audio tour. In addition to the well-known attractions, our English-speaking audio guide reveals the city's hidden treasures as you enjoy a delightful walk.

Your walk through the historic center of Verona

A city trip to Verona is ideal for lovers of everything beautiful that Italy has to offer. The romantic streets, ancient bridges, and remarkable Roman ruins provide the perfect backdrop for a love story in the city of romance. This must be exactly what Shakespeare had in mind when he wrote Romeo and Juliet. Of course, a visit to the Arena is a must, but there is so much more beauty to discover.

There are plenty of charming shops and dining options. Via Mazzini is home to most of the boutiques and brand stores. For unique antique shops and ateliers, take a stroll through the streets between Piazza delle Erbe and Santa Anastasia. Afterwards, you can settle down for lunch or dinner and savor local specialties like gnocchi or risotto, prepared with Amarone wine.

Verona will surprise you time and again so embark on a self-guided walking tour through the center of Verona.

Sights you shouldn't miss in Verona

Verona is a beautiful city with much to explore. That's why we've sorted everything out for you, so you won't miss a thing. Here are just some of the highlights you'll encounter with our audio tour while walking through the historic center:

Castelvecchio: The 14th-century castle, with its deep red bricks and battlements, stands along the banks of the Adige River. It was built by order of Cangrande II della Scala, one of the rulers of Verona from the Scaligeri family. Today, the building houses an art history museum featuring sculptures, frescoes, weapons, and religious art.
Visit the museum's website.

Arena di Verona: The Arena of Verona is an impressive Roman amphitheater, built in the first century AD and one of the best-preserved in the world. It is still used today for spectacular opera performances and concerts, adding to the city's unique atmosphere. With a capacity of about 22,000 spectators, it is one of the largest and most remarkable historical monuments in Italy.

Casa di Giulietta:
Juliet's house in Verona is one of the city's most visited tourist attractions, famous for the legendary love story of Romeo and Juliet. The medieval building, with its iconic balcony, is often associated with the scene where Romeo declares his love to Juliet. Visitors can enter the house, view the balcony, and explore the rooms furnished with period pieces, allowing them to immerse themselves in the romantic atmosphere of the story.

Santa Maria Matricolare Cathedral:
The Santa Maria Matricolare Cathedral, commonly known as the Verona Cathedral, is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture in the heart of Verona. Built in the 12th century, the cathedral features an impressive facade, intricately carved portals, and a richly decorated interior that includes notable frescoes and artworks from various periods.

Arche Scaligere:
The Scaliger Tombs are a group of five Gothic funerary monuments in Verona, dedicated to the prominent Scaliger family who ruled the city during the Middle Ages. Located near the Church of Santa Maria Antica, these tombs are celebrated for their elaborate and ornate design, featuring intricate carvings, canopies, and equestrian statues.

Piazza delle Erbe: Just a few steps from the Arena, you find yourself in the heart of the historic center, where you're surrounded by a succession of monumental splendor. Piazza delle Erbe is the beating heart of the city and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful squares in the world. The square is encircled by impressive medieval buildings and towers, such as Palazzo Maffei, Palazzo della Ragione, and the merchant house Casa dei Mercanti.

These are just some of the many sights you will visit with our audio tour during a walk through the center of Verona.

Practical tips and information for a city trip to Verona

Transportation

• Book your flights and accomodation in Verona in advance, especially during peak season. Verona is a popular tourist destination, so demand is high.
• The city center of Verona is compact and easy to explore on foot. You can also use the bus and tram network. For day trips to the surrounding area, you can take the train.
• Consider purchasing a Verona Card. With this discount card, you get free access to most attractions in Verona and can skip the lines at the city's famous Arena. This saves you a lot of time. By visiting just a few attractions, the Verona Card already pays for itself.
• Verona Airport is located just twelve kilometers from the city itself. The city center can be reached quickly in various ways. Public transportation is well-organized. Every 20 minutes, the Aerobus departs from Verona Airport, dropping you off in the city at Verona Porta Nuova central station. From there, you can continue on foot or by bus to your accommodation.
• If you're traveling with several people or with a lot of luggage, taking a taxi becomes a more attractive option. A taxi from Verona Airport to the city costs around 25 euros.
• If you prefer not to be dependent, you can, of course, also rent a car in Verona.

Food and Drink:
Verona has a rich culinary tradition, influenced by both the surrounding Veneto region and the nearby mountains and lakes. Here are some of Verona's culinary specialties:

• Risotto all'Amarone: This is perhaps Verona's most iconic dish. It is a creamy risotto made with Amarone wine, a full-bodied red wine typical of the region. The wine gives the dish a deep, rich flavor.
• Pastissada de Caval: This is a traditional stew made from horse meat, slowly cooked in red wine and herbs. The dish has historical roots and is often served with polenta.
• Pandoro: Although Pandoro is now enjoyed throughout Italy, it originally comes from Verona. This sweet, golden cake is especially popular around Christmas and has a soft, airy texture.
• Gelato (Ice Cream): During a city trip to Verona, you can hardly go wrong when choosing ice cream. Many people consider Gelateria Ponte Pietra to be the best option in the city (perfectly paired with a visit to Castel San Pietro), but according to the experts at the Italian culinary magazine Gambero Rosso, Zeno Gelato stands out above the rest. This gelateria is the only one in Verona to receive three cones each year in the prestigious ice cream survey.
• Aperitivo: The people of Verona love to start their evening with a drink and fresh appetizers. At the beginning of the evening, find a café or osteria in the old town and let yourself be surprised. Each bar has its own specialties. The atmosphere is always lively, and it's common to see three generations of Italian families sitting together at the table, laughing loudly and enjoying each other's company.

Other Tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes. You'll be doing a lot of walking while exploring the city.
• Bring a bottle of water. Especially in the summer, it can get very hot in Verona.
• Learn a few basic phrases in Italian. This will help you communicate with the locals.
• Respect local customs and traditions.