Get to Know Verona, the Charming City in Italy That Inspired Our Wedding Color of the Year

Shakespeare would have been pleased to know Verona, Italy, was the inspiration behind Verona Sunset, the Minted + Brides Wedding Color of the Year 2025. The renowned poet and playwright was no doubt captivated by the city’s winding Adige River, its mountainous landscape, and its historic ruins when he chose the city as the setting for his most famous love story, Romeo and Juliet. "Whether you’re strolling through its cobbled streets, relaxing in one of its charming squares, sampling its delicious cuisine, or simply watching the sunset paint the city in a golden hue, you’ll appreciate all the ‘City of Love’ has to offer,” says Dr. Terika L. Haynes, the founder of Dynamite Travel.

To get a better overview of Verona, we asked Italian-based travel experts with strong ties to the Veneto region to share their favorite spots to stay, eat, drink, and wed. “Verona’s unique blend of history, culture, and fabulous food and wine makes it the perfect choice for anyone looking for a romantic getaway,” adds Luca Poddi, the general manager for Abercrombie & Kent in Italy. “Couples from all over the world flock to Verona to hold hands, profess their love and kiss in front of all its enchanting monuments. It’s a city that leaves a long-lasting impression.” 

Where to Stay, Eat, Drink, and Marry in Verona

Where to Stay

Finding a fabulous hotel in Verona is easy—deciding which one to stay in is the hard part. “There are so many incredible places to overnight,” shares Poddi. If you’re looking for a luxurious boutique style hotel, the Vista Verona, situated in a quiet corner of the city close to the Adige River, is known for its beautifully appointed rooms that feature modern yet authentically Venetian furnishings. “It also houses one of the only spas in the city, perfect for couples looking to unwind,” says Amanda Poses, the chief travel advisor for Poses Travel & Co, an independent affiliate of SmartFlyer, a Virtuoso agency. She also suggests jumping on one of the hotel's complimentary bicycles and taking in all the sights and sounds of the city.

The 14th century NH Collection Palazzo Verona has been recently modernized yet still oozes history. “It’s got a top-tier staff, large suites, and a convenient location in the heart of the historic center,” shares Julie Durso, a private travel manager at Scott Dunn US. 

Ardent Romeo and Juliet fans will get direct views of Juliette’s courtyard and balcony from their windows at the Il Sogno di Giulietta, a townhouse with 16 rooms and suites. And if you’re searching for something even more intimate, the 18th-century Palazzo Monga Guesthouse features just four suites, an owner who greets guests with a warm welcome upon arrival, and a chef who prepares a delicious breakfast that’s delivered to your room every morning.

Where to Eat 

 "Verona is famous for its local dishes, including Amarone risotto, potato gnocchi, polenta, and Valeggio tortellini, along with desserts including Italian sweet bread and fried fritters,” says Dr. Haynes. You’ll find these offerings, plus more, at the city’s most celebrated restaurants, some with stunning rooftop views of the city.

If it’s a quintessential Verona experience you’re looking for, check out Trattoria al Pompiere, where black and white photos of celebrities who’ve dined at the restaurant line the walls and where the tiramisu is a house favorite. Looking to add in a workout before your meal? Located on San Pietro hill, patrons can climb the 1,000 stone stairs to Re Teodorico (there’s a funicular you can take to the top, as well) where once arrived, you’ll discover a cafe, pizzeria, and cocktail bar along with some of the city’s most breathtaking sunsets—while there, you'll experience the true meaning of our wedding color of the year.

Read on for several more must-try restaurants if Verona is anywhere on your romantic itinerary.

• Nestled away in a narrow alleyway in the center of the city, guests can sit outside in the courtyard at Ristorante Greppia and enjoy an authentic menu containing traditional Veronese dishes, including a popular pasta sampler.
• The open kitchen at the elegant Iris Restaurant a Palazzo Soave allows guests to see the chefs in action, where gourmet food, attentive service, and sensational wine make for an unforgettable meal.
• Antica Bottega del Vino is the perfect place to taste Verona’s famous risotto all'Amarone and includes one of the most extensive wine menus in Verona featured in a 180-page book!
• Guests are seated at romantic balcony tables next to the Adige River at Osteria Nori, while enjoying specials such as spaghetti vongole, pork cheeks, and octopus.
• If you’re looking for a quaint eatery away from the bustle, Ristorante Osteria dal Cavaliere is beloved by the locals and is renowned for its impressive carbonara, tiramisu, and espresso.
• If you’re looking to experience a meal in a centuries-old space with outdoor balcony seating overlooking the river Adige, head over to Osteria Ponte Pietra Ristorante for inventive regional Italian dishes and a great wine list.
• “In addition to wonderful food, I love Famiglia Rana for their sustainability initiatives,” says Dr. Haynes. “For example, they get their electricity from renewable sources and vegetable waste is used for compost.” 
• Casa Perbellini 12 Apostoli has great tasting menus and an open kitchen where you can see your dining masterpiece created in front of you. “My favorite wine to order from their cellar is Tenuta Santa Maria Di Gaetano Bertani,” notes Dr. Haynes. “Its dried rose petals gives it a unique scent.”
• And finally, if an engagement is in the making, consider a reservation at Ristorante Ponte Pietra, known for being the second most popular location for wedding proposals—after Juliet’s balcony, that is. 

Where to Drink

Verona is teeming with bars and osterias that serve up delightful cocktails and happy hour bites. Our experts’ favorite places to unwind include Enoteca Oreste Dal Zovo, located a few steps from Piazza delle Erbe, where the owner serves you a snack with your drink and an “elixir of love” is on the menu. “It’s believed whomever drinks the liqueur will fall in love forever,” says Poddi.

Loved by locals, Via Farma Café Verona is a great stop for cocktails, chips (crisps), and olives while Osteria Dal Zovo for the Elisir d'Amore is an unpretentious wine shop that’s also a bar where you’ll find people standing and chatting, surrounded by thousands of wine bottles lightly covered in dust. “It’s stools only at Osteria del Bugiardo, a charming wine bistro located on a small side street, the perfect spot to sample a wide variety of wines and finger foods,” says Poses.

“Many of the hotels also have rooftop bars such as the Vista Verona and the Due Torri Hotel Verona, where guests enjoy craft cocktails, delicious aperitif snacks, and a fantastic view of the sunset,” adds Durso. 

Where to Marry 

There are many different wedding venues in Verona and the surrounding areas, including luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants, historical villas, farmhouses, and vineyards. “The elegant Villa Arvedi, located in the hills of Verona, boasts breathtaking architecture, intricate frescoes, and meticulously manicured gardens,” says Poddi. “The panoramic views of the surrounding countryside make it an ideal backdrop for photographs.”

For couples seeking a blend of luxury and romance, the 18th-century Villa Cordevigo offers gorgeous views of surrounding vineyards and olive groves. “The elegant and historical interiors provide a magical backdrop for ceremonies and receptions, while the villa's Michelin-starred restaurant ensures an amazing culinary experience,” notes Poddi. “The tranquil gardens and exquisite chapel create unforgettable wedding moments.”

If you’re a fan of Shakespeare’s classic play, you can arrange for a private wedding at the iconic Casa di Giulietta or book the evocative Tomba di Giulietta. “Both venues provide a unique opportunity to celebrate your love surrounded by the timeless story of Romeo and Juliet,” says Poddi. For another unique experience, check out Villa Ormaneto, a hunting lodge from the 1300s that once belonged to the Scaligeris, Verona’s dynasty family centuries ago. “The villa includes luxury accommodations, modern cuisine, and a tree-lined path that’s ideal for wedding photos,” says Durso.

Noteworthy Things to Do and See in Verona

Embrace everything Verona has to offer by checking out the area’s historical and cultural establishments during your honeymoon or over your wedding weekend. Before doing so, consider purchasing a Verona Card (27,00 EUR), which includes free entrée to 15 attractions, like the Arena Amphitheatre, Casa di Giulietta, and the Castelvecchio Museum, as well as the use of public transport in the city area. The card is valid for 24 or 48 hours, depending on the option you book. 

• Take a sunset walk along the Adige River: Stroll the picturesque Adige River, which winds around the center of Verona, and discover the ancient Ponte Pietra, a historic stone bridge that makes for a beautiful backdrop for photos at sunset. “Nestled along the riverbank, you can also admire the well-preserved remains of the Roman Theatre of Verona,” says Poddi.
• Check off a lover’s to-do list: No trip to Verona is complete without a visit to the famous Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta) where visitors can view the iconic balcony that inspired Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and leave a note to the long-lost heroine. “A tradition dating back centuries, romantics leave a letter for Juliet and volunteers, known as ‘secretaries of Juliet’ work around the clock to ensure each one gets a response,” says Poses. Couples can also share a kiss at sunset on the Castelvecchio Bridge, where young lovers in Verona often go for their first date or at the Well of Love, a tribute to yet another love story between Italians Corradodi San Bonifacio and Isabella Donati, whose lives also ended tragically. 
• Wander beautiful gardens: Take a romantic stroll through the serene Giardino Giusti, a beautifully landscaped Renaissance-styled garden filled with elegant sculptures, manicured hedges, and a variety of plants. Located on the opposite side of the river from the bustling historic center, it’s the perfect place to relax in nature's tranquility. “Created in the late 1500s, it’s considered to be a smaller version of the Boboli Gardens in Florence,” says Poddi.  
• Watch the sunset from Castel San Pietro: Climb the 147 steps (or take the funicular) to Castel San Pietro, where you’ll be rewarded with the most magnificent views of Verona. “Watch the sun set over the city, a truly magical experience as it fades below the horizon, setting the sky ablaze with vibrant orange hues,” says Poses. 
• Attend a summer concert or opera: Considered the city’s architectural treasure, the Arena of Verona transports visitors back in time and showcases the city's significance during the Roman Empire. “Older than Rome’s Colosseum, the amphitheater is a fantastic piece of preserved history,” says Durso. “During the summer evenings, the Arena becomes a romantic open-air venue for concerts and opera performances, drawing audiences from around the globe.” 
• Visit the city’s historic churches: Discover the architectural and spiritual beauty of Verona by visiting its historic churches. “The Basilica of Santa Anastasia and the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore are two magnificent examples of Gothic and Romanesque architecture with impressive frescoes,” says Poddi. “The wooden ceiling on the Church of San Fermo features 416 busts of saints within the arches.” The exterior of the Basilica di San Zeno is bathed in warm colors thanks to the combination of bricks and tufa stone and the San Nicolò Church, located steps away from the Arena, is where the American-Greek Soprano Maria Callas married Giovanni Battista Meneghini in 1949. 
• Sign up for a guided tour: A tour guide can bring the history of Verona and its area neighbors to life. Take a culinary journey through the picturesque streets of Verona as the sun sets on The Sunset Verona Food & Wine Walking Tour, where guests sample regional delicacies and wines. A full-day experience, The Valpolicella Tour takes place 20 minutes outside Verona in the Valpolicella countryside (where wine has been produced since the time of ancient Greece), and includes stops to three different wineries. With a visit to Lake Garda and Valpolicella, The Sirmione and Lake Garda Tour features a stroll through the charming resort town of Sirmione, followed by a one-hour scenic boat ride along the Sirmione peninsula. Also included: lunch, a wine tasting, and a dip in Lake Garda’s crystal-clear waters. 
• Visit a medieval castle: Explore the imposing Castelvecchio, a castle built in the mid-1300s that includes a museum containing renaissance, modern, and medieval art along with ancient weapons, sculptures, and statues.
• Tour the world’s oldest library: Dating back to 700 AD, the Biblioteca Capitolare di Verona is the oldest library in the world. “Though some manuscripts were lost during wars, looting, floods, and other natural disasters, the process of restoration, preservation, and digitalization continues to this day,” shares Poses.  
• Hunt for truffles: Head out with a local truffle hunter while in the Valpolicella region and watch as their dogs forage for these precious mushrooms before sampling their finds. 
• Sip an aperitif in one of Verona’s squares: People watch while enjoying an aperitif in one of Verona’s iconic squares. “Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori are the perfect spots to soak up the vibrant local culture, while the main square, Piazza Bra, offers a multitude of cafes and restaurants alongside its views of the Arena,” says Poses 
• Hire a personal photographer: Consider a photoshoot with a professional photographer to capture your time in the city and the picturesque streets of Verona, with backdrops that include the Adige River and the Castelvecchio and Ponet Pietra bridges. 
• Visit a spa: “Verona is also known as a wellness destination, with luxurious hotels, such as Hotel Milano & Spa, featuring a Finnish sauna and steam bath, and the Due Torrie Hotel Spa, where a Turkish bath and sauna will calm your mind and body," says Dr. Haynes. "At the spa at Vista Verona, an emotional shower that relies on the energizing properties of water, colors, and aromas will stimulate your senses." After a sauna or bath, guests can nap on a comfy chair and sip on some hot tea in the quiet room at the Sauna Bagni Turchi. The city also has a few convenient day spas, including the Suadis Wellness Center, featuring a heated waterbed for post-treatment relaxation.
• Explore the Complex of the Cathedral: Delve into the architectural splendor of the Duomo Complex, which includes the Cathedral of Verona and its adjoining structures. “The compound showcases a blend of styles, from Romanesque to Gothic, and offers a glimpse of the city’s rich ecclesiastical history,” says Poddi. 
• Climb a medieval tower: Soaring over Verona’s skyline, the historical Torre dei Lamberti offers panoramic views of the city and beyond. Constructed in Romanesque style in the 12th century, at 275 feet, it’s the tallest building in the city. Visitors can walk the 368 steps or ride the see-through elevator while viewing the fabulous interior architecture.