Cheap flights to Verona depart from Gatwick and Stansted airports near London, as well as from Manchester Airport. Flights to Verona will arrive at Valeria Catullo Villafrance Airport, often shorted to Verona Villafranca Airport. Aerobus operates frequent shuttle services between the airport and Verona Railway Station. Tickets can be purchased on board the bus. There is a taxi stand outside the arrivals area for taxis to Verona and other destinations.

The city centre is very compact and can be explored on foot. Buses are operated by ATV and can usually be recognised by their bright orange exterior, although some of the newer models are painted green and black. Tickets are available from the bus station and newsagents throughout the city, as well as on board the bus. Check the ATV website for more information regarding routes. Purchase the Verona Card to enjoy free entry to some of Verona’s most popular attractions, as well as free travel on ATV buses within the city. Verona Cards are valid for two or five day durations, and are available from the Tourist Information Office, tobacconists and museums. Taxis are easily available from the taxi rank at the railway station. They can also be booked ahead of time.

Literary buffs may wish to start their visit with a pilgrimage to ‘Juliet’s House’, where hordes of teenagers flock for their chance to be photographed on ‘Juliet’s Balcony’. Despite its name and apparent age, the balcony was only added in the mid-1930s. For something more authentically historic, see the imposing Roman-era Arena which is still in use today for opera and ballet performances. The Teatro Romano in the north of the city is another attractive Roman amphitheatre. Discover the interior of the Duomo, where the walls sport flamboyant frescoes of soaring angels and Madonnas. Climb up all 238 steps to the top of the Lamberti Tower, and be rewarded with spectacular views over Verona.

Via Mazzini is akin to London’s Bond Street – both sides of this pedestrianised street are lined with a series of high-end boutiques. Other nearby areas such as the Via Capello and Corso Porta Borsari house a mix of high street brands, independent boutiques and old-fashioned family-owned shops. Piazza delle Erbe has a wide range of stalls selling antiques, souvenirs and local delicacies and wine, as well as a selection of restaurants. Wine buffs may wish to visit the Bottega del Vino to peruse their selection of wines. It also has a menu of enticing dishes including suckling pig and braised beef cheeks. Head to the Ristorante 12 Apostoli for an atmospheric meal – the historic restaurant has been serving the citizens of Verona for more than 250 years. When the sun goes down, head to Caffe delle Erbe for drinks or light snacks, accompanied by live music performances. The Alter Ego nightclub is a favourite spot for many of Verona’s hip young things.