Verona may often be overlooked in favour of Italy’s larger metropolises like Rome, Florence and Venice, which makes it a gem for travellers seeking a more authentic, intimate Italian experience. With its compact, walkable historic centre, centuries-old charm, and an abundance of genuine trattorias serving up local specialities, Verona offers a peaceful yet culturally rich escape from the crowds.

The city, which is tucked in the north of Italy, is steeped in romance, history and tradition. Walkability is one of Verona’s greatest assets; its quiet cobbled streets and inviting piazzas are easy to navigate, the only issue being that few visitors give themselves ample time to explore them all. Tourist Italy said: “For those wondering how many days to spend in Verona, we’d say two days is the absolute minimum. Truly, you could spend a week exploring the cobbled streets, soaking in the surrounding culture and romance.”

Verona is famously known as the setting for Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet", but there’s more to it than its affinity with star-crossed lovers.

You can visit Casa di Giulietta — Juliet’s House, see the balcony, and enter the property. Nearby, you'll find Piazza delle Erbe, a bustling square with shops and cafes, and the historic Via Cappello.

The Piazza delle Erbe was once a Roman forum and is now one of many clustered attractions in the city.

On the theme of Roman heritage, the magnificent Arena di Verona also exists, which still hosts large-scale opera performances that echo the city’s storied past.

As more than just a window into a rich Roman past, Verona has also been branded “Italy’s most underrated foodie city” by chef Theo Randall on The Go-To Podcast.

The podcast praised the walkable marble streets that intertwine around the city’s impressive architecture and noted that culinary delights are easy to find.

With some of the “most amazing restaurants,” including “classic Italian trattorias,” Verona’s gastronomy scene is authentic.

A highlight of the city is Il Pompiere, which translates to ‘The Fireman’. The restaurant is a true trattoria with a unique selling point: an enormous antipasti counter.

Diners are met with an abundance of local cheeses and salumi, air-dried meats that are smoked or salted and left to age. Prosciutto and salamis galore make for a sizeable menu from which you can choose what you want on your antipasti board.

You can choose from a selection of salamis, which are sliced and served with pickles, warm focaccia, and Veronese wine for a delicious meal.

Theo, who had experienced the restaurant for himself, said it was “just incredible” and reminisced about the risotto served at the same trattoria.

Visitors in Verona during spring can dine on the springtime Bruscandoli risotto, which comprises white risotto and a wild hop shoot similar to asparagus that grows in the area.

Wine is an equally important part of the meal and is available across the city. Veronese wine, specifically "Rosso Veronese," refers to red wines from the Veneto region of northeastern Italy, particularly the province of Verona. The region is known for its easy-drinking, vibrant, and fruit-forward styles.

Podcast fans who have visited the underrated Italian gem themselves have noted how amazing the city is, with one suggesting on Instagram: “Walk into the arena when a concert is on. The sound it generates is mind-blowing. Verona is an amazing city.”

A second chimed: “It's absolutely beautiful. A mini Rome but laid back… 20-minute train journey to Lake Garda.”

One person seconded the restaurant recommendation: “Love this place and not crazy expensive either.”