Verona: A true rival for the national treasure of Italy.

Verona is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is also one of the most romantic. This does not mean you can’t travel their alone, or with the girls. It is a place for everyone. A place we can all escape, as long as you lose the tourist trial in the process.

Top places to visit:

There are parts of Verona with mock soldiers, hustlers and many overpriced gimmicks. The trick to this city is to find the Verona you want to discover and go from there.

Juliet’s house:

Now Juliet’s house is definitely top of all the tourist destinations but you want to be careful in how you approach it. If you head there in high season or the middle of the day then it loses its magic. Try to go in the early morning or just before closing. Also bear in mind you don’t have to pay to go into the actual courtyard which is definitely more atmospheric than the gimics which have now been placed inside. Therefore you can easily pop in over and over again on your way to the main square.

Castelvecchio Museum:

Now while you might have Florence down as the place for art, this museum is a fascinating find for the art fans among us. It is rather big but includes some beautiful views and is definitely a good way to spend an afternoon. If you don’t really like art then you might find it a bit grinding, but as it is set in Castelvecchio with views over the bridge it can be a good compromise on a couples holiday.

Various churches:

If you want to see art first hand then head for churches. Many are included in the tourist passes and include beautiful pieces but don’t be afraid to head off the tourist trail. It is by no ways fully inclusive and some will let you in for free, especially if some services are on.

This is especially common in other cities as well. If you talk to the priest they are often more than happy to show you around and tell you some local history. They know all the gossip.

Giardino Gusti:

Now I am not normally a garden fan but these are truly beautiful. They are a bit out of town and up the hill on the other side of the river but they are well worth the short walk.

Head there for a quiet morning. While I didn't see one person there, this is when it has its true magic. It is truly amazing. 

The River:

While there are many overpriced eateries on the main side of the river, head to the other side and you can feast your eyes on the view for free. If you head down the steps you can even paddle your feet while enjoying the view on a jetty. I spent a delightful few hours with a local Italian couple down there. 

The view! Now this is a treat for the eyes:

If you have ever watched ‘Letters to Juliet’ then this is the view! Castel San Pietro houses the best viewing point of the city. It is just over the river and up a rather long flight of stairs. It is rather popular with tourists and local youths alike, but head there early evening and get a seat on the wall. Then see one of the most beautiful sunsets in Verona.

My favourite place to eat doesn’t even have a name.

Head out the top of the square – opposite side to Juliet’s house – and wind your way through the streets to the river. You will soon pass a bakery – a very small bakery – which sells the best pizza baguettes I have ever tasted. This became a daily treat for me and a taste I will never forget. It is just a stones throw from the river so if you pop yourself up on the wall you have one of the best views in town for a much cheaper price.

If you want a drink then Piazza del Erbbe has a number of good options that aren’t too pricy but don’t be afraid to hit the side streets. Just use your common sense and you will often find a totally unexpected side of Verona to discover.

The best bit about the Verona is the side streets - they are full of beautiful places with amazing architecture. Don't be afraid to ask the locals for places to eat and drink, they will probably be a lot cheaper (and yummier). 

Make sure to also look out for the new art exhibitions coming through the city. I found one in the underground basement. It was a photography exhibition and nothing to do with Verona but about war and human suffering. It was an incredible and humbling experience with very few of us down there. There a lot of hidden gems around and you don't want to miss out. 

So my greatest tips for Verona is to choose one or two places you really want to see and then just explore. It is a beautiful city, romantic too, but you only really discover its true essence if you get off the beaten track. You won’t regret it and once you discover the hidden delights you will see why I would say it can envy Venice for its atmosphere and Florence for its art. 

There is a lot more to Verona than the amphitheatre.