Verona

Located in an old palazzo, this spacious 1-bedroom rental is tucked away from the busier streets and main attractions, but within walking distance to everything, making it the perfect spot. The apartment is close to excellent restaurants, bars, shops, and has a fully-stocked kitchen if you want to dine in. The washer/dry combo was a huge plus and the apartment is beautifully decorated.

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Photo source: Palazzo Tiolo

Located in Borgo Trento, a residential neighborhood near the city center, Filia offers modern dishes via two tasting menus or a la carte. With only 5 tables, service is exceptional and extremely personal. The chef introduced many of the dishes to the table and made it a point to get to know us which was great! The menu is exciting and the taste matches the presentation. Reservations required.

This intimate Veronese restaurant has space for less than 30, so make sure to get a reservation ahead of time. Try the Cappuccino di polpo as your appetizer - a playful presentation of deliciousness will arrive. Friendly staff that spoke to us in Italian so that we could practice.

In Citta Anticà but away from the shopping and bustle, La Molinara starts you off with a serving of mortadella for an appetizer! While you can opt for traditional Veronese with familiar meat options, they also have cavallo and burro on the menu (which are both delicious and worth the adventure!).

Right across the street from Ponte Scaligero and Museo di Castelvecchio, Trattoria I Masenini adds a modern twist to the typical served Vernonese cuisine (like adding zucca to their risotto all’amarone. Be sure to try something from their spit roast as well!

One of the best pizzerias in Verona! An extensive menu of classic, white, and specialty pizzas, so everyone can find a favorite. The restaurant has a wonderful outdoor garden that you can dine al fresco in the warmer months.

Very close to Piazza delle Erbe, this combination wine bar and ristorante is great for food or drink. One of the first things you’ll notice when you sit down - the wine list is HUGE! We did New Year’s Eve here, ordered the Bottega Steak and a bottle of Amarone, and were in heaven. The fireworks after at the Arena at the end of the evening helped cap the evening! Reservations recommended.

In the heart of the city near the Arena, Locanda 4 Cuochi offers traditional cuisine with a modern twist. While there is a general rule to steer clear of restaurants that are on or near the public plazas (and with the vicinity of the Arena close by), this is a fabulous exception - food is terrific AND reasonably priced. Reservations recommended.

The Verona Arena is famous, and rightfully so. It was built in 30 A.D. and is still in use today. It’s extremely impressive and really cool to have right in the middle of town. If you’re able, check out a live show that they have in the warmer months.

Verona was built along a bend in the Adige River, and for much of its history has been used as defensive protection from her enemies as it surrounds two thirds of the historic city center. Today, it has picturesque views everywhere from its walking and biking trails that follow along the river banks.

Sneak a peek at Juliet's Balcony early in the morning before anyone is there. A bit of a tourist’s delight, the balcony itself wasn’t even constructed until the 20th century. Admittedly, this is not something up our alley, but this is a main draw for the city. Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Check the times as the gate to the courtyard is locked during non-operating hours.

A bit outside of the city center (but not too bad for those willing to get in a good walk!), this garden built in the Renaissance Era has the best vistas of Verona. It’s worth the climb up the terraces to get an incredible view of the city!

There are more famous coffees in Italy that blend in chocolate (see our Turin City Guide about Bicerin), but this specialty served at Caffè Borsari is unforgettable and worth going into the store to try. It’s a small shop, so get there early or be patient to order. The store has a wonderful ambiance as well!

I think we ate this dessert after almost every meal once we discovered it. We even made a day trip to Mantua to get it straight from the place it was invented! A crumbly almond concoction, almost like a cookie, with a hint of sweetness - can be served with multiple different types of sauces.

Take two great things all on their own - Risotto and Amarone wine - and combine them, and you get a fabulous dish that you will love. A must try!

The regional favorite red wine from east of Verona is made in 5 levels. From easy-drinking every day (Classico), to a -reserved-for-special-times (Amarone), to a dessert wine (Recioto), there’s one for every occasion. We tried a Recito at Osteria il Bertoldo; it was not too sweet and not overtly syrup-y like most dessert wines that we’ve tried previously - much more to our tasting.