VERONA & LAKE GARDA
Verona & Lake Garda is a region that masterfully pairs historical romance with breathtaking natural beauty. It’s the land of Romeo and Juliet, grand Roman ruins, and shimmering alpine waters.
This single region offers a stunning juxtaposition: the medieval charm and operatic culture of Verona set against the dramatic mountains and tranquil beaches of Italy’s largest lake.
Most Popular Attractions
Verona Historic Center: Roman & Medieval Wonders
Arena di Verona: An incredibly well-preserved Roman amphitheater still hosting world-class opera and concerts.
Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House): The purported house of Shakespeare’s Juliet, featuring the famous balcony and a statue of Juliet.
Piazza delle Erbe: The city’s main, vibrant square, built on the site of the ancient Roman forum and surrounded by stunning medieval architecture.
Torre dei Lamberti: A medieval watchtower offering fantastic panoramic views of the city.
Piazza dei Signori: A beautiful square surrounded by impressive palaces, including the Palazzo della Ragione and the Arche Scaligere.
Arche Scaligere: A group of elaborate Gothic funerary monuments of the Scaliger dynasty, who ruled Verona.
Verona Cathedral (Duomo): A complex of Romanesque and Gothic buildings with a bell tower designed by Giulio Romano.
Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore: Considered one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy.
Castelvecchio & Ponte Scaligero: A stunning medieval castle now housing an art museum, connected to a striking fortified bridge over the Adige River.
Porta Borsari: A majestic Roman gate that served as the main entrance to the city in antiquity.
Ponte Pietra: An ancient Roman arch bridge crossing the Adige River, rebuilt after its destruction in World War II.
Teatro Romano & Museo Archeologico: The remains of a Roman theatre and an adjacent museum with ancient artifacts.
Verona Culture, Gardens & Surrounding Towns
Giardino Giusti: One of the most beautiful and historic Italian Renaissance gardens, offering exquisite views of the city.
Museo di Castelvecchio: The museum inside the castle, housing a rich collection of medieval and Renaissance art.
Museo di Storia Naturale: Verona’s natural history museum, featuring collections of paleontology and zoology.
Santuario della Madonna di Lourdes: A hillside sanctuary offering a peaceful retreat and spectacular views.
Fumane Caves: Archaeological site just outside Verona, important for understanding prehistoric man in the region.
Soave: A picturesque walled medieval town famous for its excellent white wine.
Borghetto sul Mincio: A tiny, incredibly romantic village characterized by its ancient water mills.
Villa Mosconi Bertani: A grand Neoclassical villa and one of the most prestigious wineries in Valpolicella.
Parco Natura Viva: A large safari and zoological park and a significant center for the conservation of endangered species.
South Garda: Historic Sites & Family Fun
Sirmione: A stunning peninsula famous for the Scaliger Castle and the Grotte di Catullo, one of the largest Roman villas in Northern Italy.
Peschiera del Garda: A fortified town and UNESCO World Heritage site with a striking pentagonal defense system.
Gardaland: Italy’s largest and most popular theme park, offering thrilling rides and attractions.
CanevaWorld Resort: A major entertainment complex featuring a water park (Caneva Aquapark) and a movie-themed park (Movieland Studios).
Parco Giardino Sigurtà: A vast, beautifully maintained botanical garden near Valeggio sul Mincio.
San Martino della Battaglia: Site of a key battle in the Italian unification, featuring a tower and ossuary memorial.
West Garda: Lakeside Towns & Scenic Drives
Garda Island (Isola del Garda): The largest island on the lake, featuring a beautiful Venetian Gothic villa and lush gardens.
Riva del Garda: A beautiful town at the northern tip of the lake, known for its Venetian architecture and sailing.
Limone sul Garda: A charming village famous for its lemon houses (limonaie) and stunning views.
Salò: A large town with a beautiful lakefront promenade and historic connections to the Italian Social Republic.
Il Vittoriale degli Italiani (Gardone Riviera): The bizarre, elaborate former home of the poet Gabriele D’Annunzio, a unique monumental complex.
Tremosine Sul Garda: A collection of small villages perched on the cliffs, offering the spectacular “Terrazza del Brivido” viewing platform.
East Garda: Mountains, Cable Cars & Windsurfing
Malcesine: A picturesque town dominated by the impressive Scaliger Castle on a cliff overlooking the lake.
Monte Baldo Cable Car (Malcesine): A rotating cable car offering breathtaking, panoramic ascent to the top of the Monte Baldo ridge.
Torri del Benaco: A charming town featuring a Scaliger Castle with a museum and fishing traditions.
Bardolino: Famous for its namesake light red wine and its delightful lakeside promenade.
Garda Town: A town that gave its name to the lake, known for its La Rocca fort and a beautiful bay.
Brenzone sul Garda: A series of ancient villages on the slopes of Monte Baldo, known for its olive groves.
Parco Alto Garda Bresciano: The Regional Natural Park offering extensive hiking and cycling trails in the western mountain areas.
Tenno Lake (Lago di Tenno): A small, strikingly turquoise lake nestled in the hills, known for its medieval village, Canale di Tenno.
Activities & Experiences
Attend an Opera at the Arena di Verona: Experience a world-class opera performance in the spectacular setting of a 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater. This is a bucket-list cultural event.
Take a Boat Tour on Lake Garda: Rent a private boat or join a public ferry tour to circumnavigate the lake, stopping to explore charming towns like Sirmione, Malcesine, and Limone sul Garda.
Hike the Path of Olives (Sentiero dell’Ulivo): Walk or cycle this scenic trail on the eastern shore of the lake, which winds through olive groves and offers stunning views of the water.
Cycle the Peschiera del Garda to Mantua Greenway: Rent a bike and ride the Mincio River cycling path, a dedicated, mostly flat route that follows the river from Lake Garda south to the historic city of Mantua.
Explore the Grottoes of Catullus (Grotte di Catullo): Visit the impressive ruins of an ancient Roman villa at the tip of the Sirmione peninsula, with a fantastic museum and views over the lake.
Sample Local Valpolicella Wines: Take a guided tour and tasting at a vineyard in the Valpolicella region, just north of Verona, famous for its Amarone and Ripasso wines.
Ride the Monte Baldo Cable Car (Funivia Malcesine-Monte Baldo): Ascend 1,760 meters in a rotating cable car from Malcesine to the top of Monte Baldo for panoramic views, hiking, and paragliding opportunities.
Take a Traditional Italian Cooking Class: Learn to prepare classic dishes of the Veneto region, such as homemade pasta, risotto all’Amarone, or tiramisù, from a local chef or nonna.
Wander through the Giardino Sigurtà Park: Spend a day at this massive, breathtaking natural park near Valeggio sul Mincio, famous for its incredible springtime tulip displays and beautiful landscaped gardens.
Discover Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta): Join the crowds at the famous balcony in Verona’s city center, a must-see, albeit touristy, nod to Shakespeare’s tragic romance.
Visit the Scaliger Castles: Explore the medieval fortresses of the powerful Della Scala family, particularly the striking waterfront castle in Sirmione or the hilltop castle in Malcesine.
Local Tips & Transport
Verona City:
Walkable Center: Verona’s historic center is very compact and is easily, and best, explored on foot. All major attractions—the Arena, Piazza delle Erbe, and Juliet’s House—are close together.
Buses: The local bus network (ATV) covers the city and surrounding areas. A single ticket can be purchased at a tabacchi (tobacconist) or the main bus station.
Verona Card: If you plan on visiting multiple museums and using public transport frequently, the Verona Card is an excellent value option.
Lake Garda Region:
Car is Recommended for Flexibility: A car is the most flexible way to tour the lake, allowing you to stop easily at various towns, hidden viewpoints, and vineyards. Be aware that roads can be narrow and parking is often limited and expensive in the main towns.
Lake Ferries: The Navigazione Laghi ferry service is a fantastic way to travel between the towns and offers scenic views. There are slow (passenger and car) and fast (passenger only) services. This is a relaxing alternative to driving.
Public Buses: The ATV bus service connects Verona with the main towns on the eastern side of the lake (Peschiera, Bardolino, Malcesine). Buses are a great budget option.
From the Airport: The Aerobus (Line 199) runs regularly from Verona’s Valerio Catullo Airport (VRN) to the Porta Nuova train station, from which you can catch a train or bus to your final destination. Taxis are also readily available with a fixed rate to the city center.
The Garda Divide:
East vs. West: Lake Garda has distinct characteristics. The eastern shore (Verona side) is more developed, with larger, livelier towns and a gentler landscape. The western shore (Brescia/Lombardy side) is wilder, with dramatic cliffs, deep tunnels, and a more remote feel.
Dining Culture:
Regional Specialties: Don’t miss trying local specialties. Near the lake, this includes fresh lake fish, especially sardines or coregone. In Verona, look for dishes with Amarone wine, like risotto, and the local horse meat specialty, Pastissada de Caval.
Aperitivo Hour: Between 6 PM and 8 PM, join the local tradition of aperitivo. Order a spritz (the Veneto region is the home of the Aperol Spritz) or glass of local wine and enjoy the complimentary snacks (stuzzichini) offered by the bar.
Dining Times: Lunch is usually between 1 PM and 2:30 PM, and dinner rarely starts before 8 PM, often later in the summer. Pizzerias often open earlier than traditional ristoranti.
Language:
While English is widely spoken in tourist-heavy areas like Sirmione, Malcesine, and central Verona, a little Italian goes a long way. Locals will appreciate a friendly Ciao (hello/goodbye) and Grazie (thank you).
Hidden Gems:
Ponte Pietra, Verona: While the Arena is the icon, the Ponte Pietra—an ancient Roman bridge—offers one of the most romantic views of the Adige River and the city at sunset.
Isola del Garda: This private island, visible from the western shore, hosts a stunning, ornate Venetian-style villa and beautiful gardens. Tours are available and offer a peaceful escape from the busy shore towns.
Punta San Vigilio: A beautiful, small private bay and peninsula near Garda town on the eastern shore, famous for its picturesque port and historic villa. You can visit the locanda (inn) for a coffee or a meal.
Mercato delle Erbe: While not “hidden,” the daily market in Verona’s Piazza delle Erbe is the heart of the city’s social and commercial life. Go in the morning to see it at its liveliest, with stalls selling everything from fresh produce to souvenirs.
Top Restaurants
Osteria Sottoriva [$20-$35] – A traditional and historic Veronese osteria located under medieval arcades, famous for classic local dishes like Pastisada de Caval (horse stew) and Risotto all’Amarone.
Trattoria Al Pompiere [$30-$50] – Located in a small alley in Verona, this elegant but classic trattoria is known for its Venetian and Veronese cuisine, high-quality charcuterie, and excellent wine list.
Osteria a la Carega [$20-$35] – A cozy and authentic osteria on a quiet street in Verona, known for traditional Veronese cooking like cotechino and seasonal specialties, enjoyed in a relaxed, rustic atmosphere.
Hostaria Verona [$25-$40] – Located near the Arena, this spot is highly regarded by locals for its traditional Veronese cuisine, including homemade pasta, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Dalla Rosa Alda [$15-$25] – A simple, family-run restaurant in San Giorgio di Valpolicella, popular for authentic Venetian and Valpolicella area cuisine, with a focus on value and local flavor.
Trattoria alla Ruota [$20-$35] – A traditional trattoria in Negrar (Valpolicella region), known for simple, well-executed Venetian dishes and a great selection of local wines.
Trattoria Pizzeria Tre Noci [$20-$35] – Located in the hills near Verona, this family-run spot is famous for its delicious spit-roasted meat (spiedo) and traditional local cuisine.
Osteria Il Bertoldo [$25-$40] – A small, welcoming osteria in Verona’s historic center, frequently visited by locals for its Venetian cuisine, including fresh fish and Risotto all’Amarone.
Osteria del Bugiardo [$15-$30] – A very popular, lively spot near Piazza delle Erbe in Verona, known for its extensive selection of local Buglioni wines and delicious cicchetti (small savory snacks).
Locanda di Nonna Ida [$20-$35] – A charming, classic cuisine locanda in Marano di Valpolicella, offering traditional dishes from the Verona and Valpolicella area.
Osteria Corte Farina [$15-$25] – A down-to-earth osteria in Verona’s city center offering a traditional, no-frills menu of local dishes at very reasonable prices.
Trattoria La Pigna [$20-$30] – A simple and well-loved trattoria in Verona, praised for its quality Italian food and welcoming atmosphere, often featuring Veronese staples.
Antica Bottega del Vino [$40-$70] – One of Verona’s most historic and famous wine bars and restaurants, still frequented by locals for its incredible wine cellar and refined Venetian cuisine.
Osteria dell’Oste [$25-$45] – A classic Verona osteria with a focus on high-quality, perfectly cooked meats, especially Florentine-style steak (Fiorentina).
Osteria da Morandin [$20-$35] – A hidden gem in a quiet Verona street, offering traditional Veronese cooking with a genuine, unpretentious feel.
Trattoria Alla Fassa [$25-$40] – Located in Castelletto di Brenzone on Lake Garda, this popular spot offers excellent fresh lake fish dishes and classic seafood.
Osteria La Pinta [$25-$40] – A welcoming osteria in Sirmione (Lake Garda) that focuses on fresh lake fish and traditional regional dishes with a strong Venetian influence.
Trattoria La Vigna [$20-$35] – Located in a rural area near Lake Garda, this place is known for its homemade pasta and traditional agriturismo-style cuisine using local products.
Il Giardino delle Esperidi [$20-$35] – Located in Bardolino, near Lake Garda, this restaurant is known for its seasonal cuisine and lovely garden setting.
Osteria Antico Brolo [$25-$40] – A restaurant in Gardone Riviera (Lake Garda) offering country cooking and a cozy atmosphere with traditional Garda-area flavors.
Locanda Perbellini – Ai Beati [$40-$70] – A contemporary locanda in Garda town, by a renowned chef, offering sophisticated interpretations of traditional dishes.
Dario Ristorante [$35-$60] – A contemporary spot in Verona with a modern take on Italian cuisine, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative presentation.
Osteria dai Coghi [$30-$50] – Located outside Verona in Albarè di Costermano, this modern osteria provides a creative twist on classic Italian dishes.
Tapasotto [$25-$45] – Owned by a local Michelin-starred chef, this Verona spot offers creative, high-quality tapas-style dishes in a lively environment.
La Bartola [$30-$50] – A modern and lively Verona restaurant known for its inventive menu that creatively blends traditional Italian flavors with contemporary flair.
Re Teodorico [$35-$60] – Located near Castel San Pietro in Verona, this restaurant is famous for its panoramic terrace overlooking the city and the Adige river, serving modern Italian food.
Osteria Bakaré [$30-$50] – A modern cuisine spot in Peschiera del Garda, offering creative dishes that often feature local lake ingredients.
Vert Osteria Contemporanea [$30-$50] – Located in Caprino Veronese, this osteria offers modern, classic cuisine with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
QB DuePuntoZero [$40-$65] – A modern cuisine restaurant in Salò (Lake Garda) known for its innovative approach to Italian and Mediterranean food.
La Veranda del Color [$40-$70] – Located in Bardolino (Lake Garda), this restaurant is noted for its beautiful setting and sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients.
Casa Perbellini 12 Apostoli [$150-$250] – Chef Giancarlo Perbellini’s flagship, two-Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of Verona, offering an exceptional and personal creative dining experience.
Il Desco [$100-$180] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in Verona known for its innovative take on Italian Contemporary cuisine and elegant, refined setting.
Oseleta [$90-$150] – A Michelin-starred restaurant located in Villa Cordevigo, Cavaion Veronese (near Lake Garda), offering creative and sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine in a stunning setting.
Lido 84 [$100-$180] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in Fasano del Garda, famous for its excellent, highly creative cuisine that often uses local lake ingredients, particularly the “cacio e pepe” in a pork bladder.
Esplanade [$90-$160] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in Desenzano del Garda, offering an elegant lakeside setting and a refined menu of Italian Contemporary dishes.
La Rucola 2.0 [$80-$140] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in Sirmione (Lake Garda) known for its modern, creative Italian cuisine and stunning location.
Vecchia Malcesine [$80-$130] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in Malcesine (Lake Garda), offering country cooking and modern interpretations of local lake and mountain traditions.
La Speranzina Restaurant & Relais [$90-$160] – A fine dining spot in Sirmione (Lake Garda) with a beautiful lake view, serving creative Italian cuisine.
Villa Feltrinelli [$150-$250] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Gargnano (Lake Garda) offering exceptional, highly-refined Italian Contemporary cuisine in a magnificent historic villa setting.
Riviera Restaurant [$80-$140] – Located on Lake Garda, this elegant spot, led by a renowned chef, offers a sophisticated and original menu inspired by both lake and sea flavors.
Enocibus al Pomo D’oro [$20-$35] – A cozy enoteca/restaurant in Verona known for its quality wines and Italian dishes, often featuring local specialties.
Ristorante Darì [$30-$50] – Located in a small, quiet vicolo in Verona, this popular restaurant offers traditional cuisine in an intimate and romantic setting.
Signorvino [$15-$30] – A well-regarded wine shop and bistro chain with a location in Verona, offering a wide selection of regional wines and simple, high-quality Italian food pairings.
Trattoria Alla Vedova [$20-$35] – A restaurant in the Verona area (specific location may vary by source, but known for its quality) serving authentic local and Venetian dishes.
Caffè Dante Bistrot [$25-$45] – Located in the historic Piazza dei Signori in Verona, this elegant bistro offers a refined menu of Italian and European dishes with a beautiful view.
Enoteca della Valpolicella [$35-$60] – Located outside Verona in Fumane, this enoteca and restaurant is a must-visit for lovers of Valpolicella wines, paired with traditional Veronese dishes.
Osteria La Fontanina [$35-$60] – A traditional and intimate Verona restaurant in a unique, historic space, known for its classic cuisine and warm atmosphere.
Trattoria Alla Torre [$25-$40] – Located near the Arena in Verona, this traditional trattoria offers classic Veronese dishes and pizzas in a charming, slightly hidden location.
Corte Farina [$15-$25] – A simple but genuine Italian restaurant in Verona, serving pizza and traditional dishes at great value, popular with locals.
La Cantina del 15 [$30-$50] – A romantic dining spot in Verona near Castelvecchio, known for its high-quality traditional Veronese cuisine and reasonable prices.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Archivio: A favorite among locals and visiting bartenders, this small but mighty bar is located just off Piazza delle Erbe in Verona’s historic center. Known for its innovative cocktails and an intimate, contemporary-retro vibe.
The Soda Jerk: Situated in the historic center of Verona (near the Adige River in the Veronetta district), this late-night speakeasy-inspired locale offers classic and inventive cocktails in a sophisticated setting, sometimes with a doorman to set the Prohibition-era mood.
Romeo Cocktails and Bistrot: Found in the heart of Verona, this elegant establishment combines refined modern Italian dining with thoughtful, balanced, and beautifully crafted cocktails.
Terrazza Arena Sky Lounge Bar & Restaurant: Perched on the roof of the Hotel Milano & Spa, this bar offers spectacular, almost-touchable rooftop views of the Verona Arena. Perfect for a celebratory post-dinner cocktail with a view.
Terrazza Bar al Ponte: This popular spot in Verona boasts a renowned riverside patio overlooking the Ponte Pietra bridge and Castel San Pietro. It’s a great place for a pre-dinner aperitif with reasonable prices and a stunning vista.
The Mill: Tucked away from the main tourist paths in Verona, this design-forward cocktail bar offers quiet sophistication and bold, unexpected flavors. The bartenders are considered true artisans.
Amaro: Located in Verona, this bar is celebrated for its passion for bitter spirits and vermouths, offering a menu that celebrates Italian liquid culture in a welcoming setting. It’s great for a quiet drink away from the main hustle.
Rivamancina: A small and charming bar in Verona, near the Teatro Romano, featuring sophisticated cocktails and light bites. Its atmosphere is enhanced by exposed stone accents and plants.
Grande Giove Cocktail Bar: A small but sophisticated spot in Verona, particularly popular in the Veronetta neighborhood, known for its meticulously crafted cocktails and high-quality service.
Caffè Filippini: A Veronese institution since 1901, located on Piazza delle Erbe. It offers a classic, cultured atmosphere and is famous for its house speciality, the Filippini cocktail.
Duchi Cafe: Located in Verona, this spot has a split personality, serving coffee in the morning and offering cocktails at night in a more intimate atmosphere upstairs.
Cocktail Bar – Hotel Bella Riva: Situated directly on the water in Gardone Riviera on Lake Garda, this hotel bar, also open to external guests, offers an extensive cocktail list to enjoy in a lounge on the water or in a large lakeside park.
Barracuda: The ideal spot for an aperitif in Sirmione, on the southern end of Lake Garda, thanks to its location that offers a stunning red glow of the lake at sunset. It’s known for creative cocktails and a pier perfect for a romantic drink.
Rivabar: Found on the lakeside in Riva del Garda, this bar is housed in a Liberty-style villa with a splendid terrace. It is known for its extensive selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, all served with fresh snacks.
Blanka Lounge Bar: An elegant setting in Bardolino, on the eastern side of Lake Garda, perfect for a quiet evening. It offers sophisticated aperitifs that include local food and wine delicacies.
Hollywood Dance Club: A historic and famous venue, located in the hills above Bardolino on Lake Garda’s eastern shore. Active since the ’80s, it’s a beautiful location that continues to renew itself, often featuring dinner and dancing.
Art Club Disco: An iconic and eclectic nightclub in Desenzano del Garda, on the southern shore of Lake Garda. It’s known for its live shows and trendy music, spanning genres from ’80s and ’90s hits to contemporary pop, disco, and techno.
Dorian Gray: A long-standing, vibrant hotspot nestled in the hills just outside Verona, famous for its energetic nightlife, often hosting parties throughout the night with diverse crowds and music.
Sesto Senso The Club: Originally on the lake and now located in the hills near Desenzano del Garda, this club is synonymous with social life and fun, particularly known for its great venue, trendy music, and possibility for dinner reservations.
Alter Ego: One of Verona’s most popular clubs, situated in a pretty location in the Veronese hills. It’s known for its summer terrace, where guests can dance the night away overlooking the backlit city of Verona.
Coco Beach Club: Located in Padenghe sul Garda, this is one of Lake Garda’s most popular venues. It functions as a beach club by day, transforming into a glamorous restaurant and a beachside disco under the stars by night, especially during spring and summer.
Berfi’s Club: A historic nightclub located within Verona’s city limits, featuring two main rooms (one with commercial hits, another with live performances) and an on-site restaurant. It hosts special events every Friday and Saturday night.
The Firm Club: Standing as a premier nightlife destination in Verona, this chic and stylish club attracts crowds with its pulsating energy and exceptional music selection, featuring house, electronic, and popular tracks.
Osteria da Ago e Rita: A unique spot in Torri del Benàco on Lake Garda that operates as a tigelleria (a place serving typical Emilian flatbreads) but transforms into a disco club with dancing on the tables after dinner.
Mad’ In Italy: A lively clubbing spot in Verona, often cited among the top venues for a fun night out in the city.