This guide features recommendations for Verona creating the perfect vacation guide for runners looking to take on a Valentine’s Race with the Romeo and Juliet Half or the Verona Marathon.
$ | 4.6/5
If you want to have the best gelato in Verona, you are going to need to leave the old section and walk a bit further into town. This gelato shop is totally worth it though. Despite it being chilly and February, I still went multiple times.
$ | 4.5/5
This is a great brunch spot and bakery located in the center of Verona. The options are delicious and the restaurant is quite cozy. There is also another location a bit further out if you want to avoid crowds.
$$ | 4.5/5
Classic Italian in the heart of Verona. I found the staff here to be so kind and engaging. They really strive to make sure everyone is having a wonderful experience. The meals were also amazing, some of the best pasta I’ve had in multiple trips to Italy.
$ | 4.8/5
If you are looking to grab a sandwich for lunch, this is your best option. This restaurant specializes in focaccia sandwiches and desserts. The sandwiches are well priced and delicious. I still think about the focaccia with pistachio cream I got for dessert here.
$$ | 4.8/5
If you are looking to try some classic carbonara, this restaurant is a great choice. Make sure you book in advance though, as the place does fill up very quickly.
$$$ | 4.6/5
This is a great spot for a post race celebration. The restaurant has lots to offer and despite the higher prices, people still leave feeling like they underpaid.
$$ | 4.8/5
If you are looking for a great option that will be open throughout the day. Near the Giusti Gardens, this cafe offers amazing breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
4.3/5
This 3-star hotel did not feel like a 3-star experience. The rooms were comfortable and clean and the breakfast options were very varied and delicious. It’s also very close to downtown.
4.8/5
Right in the center of Verona, this hotel is only a few minutes walk from the finish line. The hotel is clean, with attentive staff and a great breakfast option.
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Hotel Indigo Verona - Grand Hotel Des Arts, an IHG Hotel
4.5/5
If you are planning to use Verona as your travel base to explore the rest of the Veneto region, this is a great option that is between the train station and the historic center. You will also find yourself with a shorter commute to the starting line on race day compared to some of the other hotels.
4.6/5
This 18th century, family owned hotel is a great option if you are looking for a unique stay during your trip. The building still transports guests back in time, while also adding in modern amenities.
These may be my favorite gardens I have found on any of my travels. They were absolutely stunning to walk around in, and you can also go inside the house that was lived in by the Giusti family. When we went the house was completely empty, not even a security guard in sight. It was a cool experience getting to imagine what it actually would’ve been like living in a large home like this without tons of other tourists.
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Verona Card
With 24/48/72 hour versions of the card, you can pay once and gain access to most of the popular sights around Verona. If you are only staying for one day, the 24 hour card may not be worth it, unless you are planning to be very active. The card will definitely be worth it though for longer stays. The below activities are all available with the card.
The Arena is honestly one of the most iconic landmarks in Verona, but to be honest, the inside isn’t super exciting. That being said, the year I ran this race runners were given free access to the Arena, which definitely made it worth a quick look around. Also if you have already purchased a Verona Card, this is worth it.
This archeological museum is a great stop if you are interested in the many different groups who have lived in Verona and how they interacted. It has multiple stories with indoor and outdoor sections. I highly recommend this museum for my fellow history nerds.
This is a great spot to get a panoramic view of the city, there is also an art museum at the bottom that is also included with the Verona Card. There are stairs to the top that are included with the Verona Card, or take the elevator which is an extra euro.
I put this at the bottom of the list, because I did not love it. I found it to be mostly waiting in line to step out onto a balcony that is not very old and look down on hundreds of tourists. I will say that this house does have some of the props from the various Romeo and Juliet adaptations if that is something that interests you. Even with the Verona Card, you will need to book an entry time.
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Churches in Verona
There are so many gorgeous churches in Verona. I’ve been twice and I visited some of the churches both times. While you can enter the churches with the Verona Card, if you only have an interest in the churches, you can also buy a pass just for the main churches. On my second trip to Verona, I bought just the church pass because I was also going to see the Giusti Gardens.
This is my favorite church in Verona, Chiesa di San Fermo Maggiore. It has a stunning ceiling that is unlike many of the ones you will find in churches across Europe.
A bit less ornate than the other two. This cathedral also features an interesting excavation area.
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More Resources
Thank you for taking the time to read this, if you have any more questions please feel free to reach out to sadie@jetsettingrunner.com for help.
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I'm Sadie, a travel advisor for runners. Through running a half marathon every month of 2023 in a new country, I rediscovered my love of running. I also experienced just how many differences there are between traveling for pleasure and to run.
Now I help fellow runners plan dreamy vacations to Europe for races - either solo, with their support crew, or their running club.
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