Finding where to stay in Verona as a first-timer can be a headache. That’s why, in today’s article, I will help you to find safe places to stay in Verona for first-time visitors.
I will share with you what I believe are the best and safest areas to stay in Verona for first-timers and tourists, along with a helpful map. I’ll also share where I stayed in Verona and recommend some of the best hotels for various budgets.
Verona is a popular tourist destination located in the northern part of Italy, in the Veneto region. It was an important Roman settlement and has well-preserved Roman structures, including the Arena di Verona, a Roman amphitheater that is still used for concerts and operas today.
The historic center of Verona has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its cultural significance and well-preserved architecture.
The city boasts numerous architectural landmarks, such as the Castelvecchio (Old Castle), a medieval fortress; the Ponte Scaligero, a fortified bridge over the Adige River; and the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, a Romanesque church with beautiful frescoes.
Verona is often associated with the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet, written by William Shakespeare. You can explore Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta), a 13th-century house that is said to have inspired the fictional setting of Juliet’s balcony.
Verona, like many Italian cities, offers a delightful culinary experience. Local specialties include risotto, polenta, Amarone wine, and pastries like Pandoro, a traditional Christmas cake.
Verona hosts several events and festivals throughout the year, including the Verona Arena Opera Festival, Vinitaly (an international wine fair), and various cultural and music events.
Is Verona safe to visit?
Yes, Verona is generally a safe place to visit. But, as in any popular tourist destinations in Italy, pickpockets and scams are common problems. So, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, take care of your belongings, especially in crowded areas, tourist spots, and public transportation.
Tourist areas are generally safe to book your accommodations. I also advise sticking to well-lit streets, and avoid dark alleys especially during the night.
Where to stay in Verona for the first time?
The best and safe areas to stay in Verona for first-timers and tourists are The Historic Center, Porta Nuova, Veronetta, Borgo Trento, and San Zeno. It’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and secure your belongings regardless of which area you are in.
Historic Center is an ideal base for first-timers as it puts you in the heart of Verona’s historic charm. You’ll be close to major attractions like the Arena, Juliet’s House, Piazza Erbe, and Piazza Signori. The cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and lively atmosphere make it a delightful place to explore.
Veronetta is on the other side of the Adige River and offers a quieter, more local atmosphere. It is still within walking distance of the city center and home to several attractions like Castel San Pietro and Museo Archeologico al Teatro Romano.
Porta Nuova is the area near Verona’s main train station, making it convenient for travelers arriving by train. It’s a busy district with various accommodation options, and you can easily access public transportation to explore the city.
Borgo Trento and San Zeno offer a quieter and more authentic experience. They are close to the historic center but slightly removed from the tourist crowds.
During my trip to Verona, I stayed in the historic center, at the Opera Relais De Charme – Aparthotel. It was a great mid-range hotel, close to everything, including the famous Arena, Viale Mazzini shopping street, and Juliet’s Balcony. My room was spacious and beautiful. It had everything I would need.
Below is a map of the popular areas in Verona for first-time travelers. You can scroll down to view the live map.
Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Verona, especially for first-time visitors. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget.
All hotels in Verona have been carefully selected by me from well-known and secure booking sites such as booking.com, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them.
If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.
5 Safe areas to stay in Verona for first-timers and tourists:
1. Verona Historic Center
The Historic Center is overall the best location to stay in Verona for first-timers and those who want to be in the heart of the action. This area is filled with history, culture, and architectural wonders.
The Historic Center is home to Verona’s most famous landmarks, including the Arena, Juliet’s House, Piazza delle Erbe, and Ponte Pietra. Staying here allows you to easily explore these iconic sites on foot.
The narrow cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and vibrant squares create a charming and romantic atmosphere. You’ll be surrounded by the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
The Historic Center is dotted with cafes, restaurants, and shops, offering a variety of Italian cuisine, local products, and souvenirs. You can indulge in the culinary delights of Verona and experience the local lifestyle.
In the evenings, the Historic Center comes alive with a vibrant nightlife. You can enjoy the lively atmosphere as the city comes alive with street performers and outdoor seating in charming squares.
The central location of the Historic Center makes it convenient for exploring other parts of Verona. You can easily reach nearby districts, the Adige River, and the beautiful bridges connecting different areas.
Consideration: It can be crowded, and noisy at night but as it’s very central partly to be expected.
Best places to stay in Verona Historic Center for first-timers:
Luxury ($$$): NH Collection Palazzo Verona, popular 5-star hotel centrally located in the historic center of Verona, close to everything, only a few mins stroll from the Arena, Juliet’s House, and Piazza Erbe. The hotel has very good buffet breakfast, paid airport shuttle services, valet parking, and comfortable rooms.
Mid-range ($$): Hotel Accademia, 4-star hotel in central location, just around the corner from the main pedestrianized shopping street. It is a short walk from all tourist attractions including the Verona Arena, Piazza Erbe, and Verona Cathedral. It has fabulous breakfast, a fitness center, and 24-hour front desk.
Budget ($): Hotel Milano & SPA, popular 3-star hotel in the heart of Verona historic center, within walking distance to all major sights, steps away from Arena, shops, and restaurants. It is 10 mins walk from Verona Cathedral, and 20 mins walk to the main train station. The breakfast is exceptional with such a large choice of dishes.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN HISTORIC CENTER2. Porta Nuova
Staying in the Porta Nuova area in Verona is a convenient and practical choice, especially for those who prioritize accessibility and proximity to transportation hubs.
Porta Nuova is the main train station of Verona, providing excellent connectivity to other cities in Italy and beyond. If you plan to arrive by train or use it as a base for day trips, staying near the train station can be highly convenient.
The area around Porta Nuova is well-served by buses, making it easy to navigate the city and reach various attractions. This is particularly helpful for those who prefer to use public transportation.
If you’re attending events, conferences, or exhibitions at Verona Fiere, staying near Porta Nuova can be advantageous, as it’s relatively close to the fairgrounds.
As in any area next to the railway station, it can be sketchy at night. So, I advise you to be more cautious when staying near the train station, take care of your belongings, and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night. Overall it is a good base if you arrive by train or want to travel by train.
Also take note that it is a bit farther from the historical heart of Verona, you might need to rely on public transportation or be prepared for a slightly longer walk to reach the old town.
Best places to stay in Verona in Porta Nuova for first-timers:
Mid-range ($$): Hotel Giberti & Spa, great 4-star hotel located between Verona’s Arena and Porta Nuova Station. It is not right in the Historic center but it is a very easy 10 mins walk to get there. They have good silent air conditioning in the rooms, and comfortable beds.
Budget ($): Hotel Verona, 3-star hotel located in central Verona, just outside the old walls, close to Via Mazzini, Piazza Bra, Verona Arena and Castelvecchio Museum. It has a 24-hour front desk, a lift, family rooms, and private parking. 10 mins walk to the main bus station and the Porta Nuova train station.
Budget ($): Novo Hotel Rossi, 3-star hotel conveniently located right next to the train station, 15-20 mins walk to the Arena, 10 mins bus ride to the historic center. It has spacious air-conditioned rooms, 24-hour reception, paid parking, and free bike rental. Great base if you need to have easy access to both the train station and the buses to Orio al Serio Airport.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN PORTA NUOVA3. Veronetta
Choosing to stay in the Veronetta district can offer a unique and less touristy experience while still being within reasonable walking distance to the main attractions of Verona.
Veronetta has a more local and residential atmosphere compared to the bustling tourist areas. Staying here allows you to experience the daily life of Veronese residents.
Veronetta is generally quieter than the city center, providing a peaceful retreat after a day of sightseeing. It’s a great option for those who prefer a more relaxed environment.
The district is situated on the left bank of the Adige River, offering beautiful views of the city and its surroundings. Some accommodations may provide scenic views of Verona.
This area is home to numerous attractions including the Museo Archeologico al Teatro Romano, Castel San Pietro, Ponte Pietra, and Giusti Garden.
Best places to stay in Verona in Veronetta for tourists:
Mid-range ($$): Theatrum Rooms and Suite, 4-star guest house, conveniently located right next to the Archeological Museum and Castle San Pietro close to Ponte Pietra and Sant’Anastasia. It is in a nice quiet neighborhood, only a short easy walk across the river to the old town. It has full-day security, luggage storage space, airport transfers, and bicycle rental services.
Budget ($): Giardino Giusti House & Court, popular 3-star accommodation on a quiet street in Veronetta, 10-15 mins walk to the historic center and Via Mazzini shopping area. The apartment is spacious and clean. Breakfast is delicious.
Budget ($): Piano Tre, 3-star guest house located in a quiet part of town but really close to all the popular attractions, only a 5-10 mins walk from the old town. Easy access to buses to get to the train station.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN VERONETTA4. Borgo Trento
Borgo Trento is a residential area that offers a more local and authentic experience. Staying here allows you to immerse yourself in the daily life of Verona’s residents.
While Borgo Trento is not located in the historic center, it is within walking distance or a short bus ride from the main attractions. This proximity allows you to enjoy the charm of the historic center while staying in a quieter neighborhood.
Best places to stay in Verona in Borgo Trento for travelers:
Mid-range ($$): Ai Ponti Verona, 4-star guest house in a good area, easy access to attractions and amenities. Only 10 mins walk to various attractions such as Piazza Bra and Arena Verona, Castelvecchio Museum, Via Mazzini. Bus stop is just across the bridge. The hotel has free airport shuttle services, and rooms with a kitchenette.
Mid-range ($$): Arsenale Suites, a lovely bed and breakfast located near the Castelvecchio Bridge. It has luggage storage space, a picnic area, and fabulous breakfast. It is in a quiet area but only a quick stroll across the bridge or along the river to the old town and main sites.
Budget ($): Nuova Opera Rooms, great eco-friendly guest house in the Borgo Trento, easy access to buses to get to the center. It is located just outside of the restricted traffic area of Verona, a 20 mins walk from the Verona Arena. Lots of local bars and restaurants nearby. Quiet at night for a good sleep.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN BORGO TRENTO5. San Zeno
San Zeno is a charming district in Verona, known for its historical significance and the beautiful Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore. Its location is also convenient for access to the old town and the train station.
This area offers easy access to numerous local attractions including Ponte Risorgimento, Castelvecchio Museum, Ponte Scaligero, and San Bernardino Bastion.
Best places to stay in Verona in San Zeno:
Mid-range ($$): Cinque Rooms, 3-star accommodation San Zeno district, adjacent to the river Adige, 10 mins walk from Verona Philharmonic Theatre. Easy access to multiple excellent restaurants. You can find a bus stop nearby taking you to Puerto Nuova train station.
Mid-range ($$): Aparthotel ANTICO SAN ZENO centro storico, 3-star accommodation located in a historical residence, a few minutes walk from San Zeno Basilica and Castelvecchio Bridge. Easy access to the town center and the main train station.
Mid-range ($$): Arena Suite, 4-star good value for money accommodation conveniently located only 10 mins from Piazza Bra. Great base to do sightseeing and explore the city.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN SAN ZENOIn conclusion, The Historic Center, Porta Nuova, Veronetta, Borgo Trento, and San Zeno are the best places to stay in Verona for first-timers and tourists. These are generally safe neighborhoods for visitors to book their accommodations and explore the city.
You can continue reading about other destinations in Italy in these articles:
- Best areas to stay in Lake Garda without a car
- Best places to stay in Dolomites without a car
- Best areas to stay in Bologna without a car
- Best areas to Stay in Venice first time
- Safe areas to Stay in Milan first time
- Safe areas to stay in Rome first time
There you have it, my recommendations for the most popular and safest neighborhoods that you can stay during your first trip to Verona. I hope you enjoyed my article and find it both informative and helpful.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality content.