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.
Beatrice
Venice, Treviso +4
Hey! I'm Beatrice. I come from Treviso, a little gem just outside Venice. I love trekking in the Dolomites, swimming in mountain lakes, and exploring new places. I work as a travel co-ordinator and I love exploring. Food is definitely my Achilles’ heel, I just can’t resist it! Especially Tiramisù (that was invented in my beautiful city: Treviso). I’m deeply in love with my region, Veneto, and I’m always happy to share it with others (because there’s so much more than just Venice). That said, even in Venice I know some hidden gems that are absolutely worth discovering 😉 Whether it’s uncovering hidden natural spots, planning outdoor adventures, or diving into local traditions, I love creating genuine, memorable experiences that go beyond the usual tourist paths.
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.
Lorenzo
Padua, Treviso +3
Ciao a tutti! Are you looking for a tailored trip experience? Let me introduce myself! I'm Lorenzo, born and raised in the heart of Veneto with a passion for my native region and for traveling. I live on the border between the provinces of Padua and Vicenza, I've studied at Ca' Foscari University and worked at the European Cultural Centre, both located in the historic town of Venice. As you may imagine I've got a lifetime experience for trips around my region: a hike in the Venetian Prealps, a Bacari Tour in Venice, sunbathing on the shore of Lake Garda, trying the local food at a festival, wandering around in the old centre of Bassano del Grappa... and more planned! I'm a traveller. Meaning that not only do I organise all my own trips but also trips with my friends, from mainstream destinations like London or Madrid to places less common among travellers like Sarajevo and Tallinn. I've also studied abroad in the Canary Islands, Tokyo and Paris. What all my trips have in common is "don't miss the famous spots, try local food, experience something new" trying to feel like an active tourist. If you need a proud local who understands travelers' needs, I'm here!
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.