Solo in the City of Love: A Woman's Guide to Traveling Alone in Verona

After visiting over 40 countries—many with three energetic kids asking 'are we there yet?' every five minutes—I've developed a sixth sense for places that feel both welcoming and secure. Verona immediately registered on this radar.

The city strikes that magical balance that solo travelers seek: it's compact enough to navigate easily on foot, yet large enough to offer endless discoveries. Unlike Florence or Venice, where tourists often outnumber locals, Verona maintains an authentic rhythm of Italian life that hasn't been completely overtaken by tourism.

During my conversations with solo female travelers at my B&B and in cafés throughout the city, safety was consistently highlighted as a key advantage. The well-lit streets, even in the evening, and the general atmosphere of respectful distance make it comfortable for women exploring alone. The historic center is particularly well-patrolled, and the prevalence of family-owned businesses creates a network of informal watchkeepers.

What particularly impressed me was how the locals treat solo travelers. There's none of that pitying 'table for one?' attitude you might encounter elsewhere. Instead, Veronese shopkeepers, waiters, and residents seem to respect independence, often going out of their way to ensure solo visitors feel welcome without being intrusive.

As Maria, a 34-year-old architect from Spain I met at a wine bar near Piazza delle Erbe told me, 'In Verona, I never feel like I'm missing out by traveling alone. If anything, I feel like I'm experiencing something more authentic because people engage with me directly rather than seeing me as part of a group.'

Let's address the Shakespeare in the room: yes, Juliet's Balcony exists, and yes, it's crowded with tourists taking selfies with a bronze statue of Juliet (with one particular body part polished to a shine from too much... appreciative touching). Is it worth seeing? Sure, for about 15 minutes. But Verona offers so much more for the curious solo traveler.

One of my favorite discoveries was the Giardino Giusti, a Renaissance garden that seems to exist in a parallel universe where time moves more slowly. Dating back to the 16th century, these terraced gardens offer spectacular views of Verona and peaceful corners where you can read, sketch, or simply breathe. I spent an entire afternoon here with my travel journal, occasionally looking up to watch local families and the odd tourist wander through the cypress-lined paths.

For art lovers, skip the crowds at the main museums and head to Chiesa di San Zeno Maggiore, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture housing incredible medieval frescoes and a haunting crypt. When I visited midweek around 2pm, I had the place almost entirely to myself—a stark contrast to the shoulder-to-shoulder experience at more famous attractions.

Perhaps my most cherished find was Osteria Sottoriva, tucked under ancient porticoes along what might be the oldest street in Verona. Here, I enjoyed a solo dinner that turned into an impromptu Italian language lesson with the elderly owner who, upon learning I was Filipino-Irish, insisted on teaching me dialect words that supposedly sounded like Tagalog (they didn't, but his enthusiasm was infectious).

For those seeking retail therapy with a cultural twist, skip the luxury brands on Via Mazzini and explore the artisan workshops in the San Zeno neighborhood. I found a leather craftsman creating the most beautiful travel journal cover I've ever seen—now a prized possession that holds memories of all my subsequent travels.

As someone who's spent years dining out with three kids (imagine pasta sauce in places you didn't think pasta sauce could go), eating alone in Verona felt like a luxury. But I know solo dining can feel intimidating for many travelers, especially women who sometimes face unwanted attention or that dreaded pity look from servers.

Verona offers the perfect training ground for solo dining confidence. Start with the city's wine bars or 'enoteche' where single patrons are the norm rather than the exception. My favorite was Enoteca Segreta near the Roman Theatre, where the owner Paolo treated me to an education in Valpolicella wines alongside perfectly paired cicchetti (Venetian-style tapas).

For lunch, embrace the Italian tradition of eating at the bar in cafés. Not only is it more economical (many places charge extra for table service), but it's also where you'll have the best chance of striking up conversations with locals. At Caffè Carducci, I found myself in an animated discussion about the merits of different olive oils with two elderly gentlemen who had strong opinions about everything from politics to the proper way to make tiramisu.

When you're ready for a proper sit-down meal alone, try Trattoria Al Pompiere, where tables are close enough that conversation between neighbors happens naturally, and the staff excel at making solo diners feel welcome. Their risotto all'Amarone was life-changing enough that I ordered it two nights in a row.

For breakfast, I recommend grabbing a travel mug and heading to Piazza delle Erbe market. The ritual of selecting fresh fruit, grabbing a pastry from Pasticceria Flego, and finding a spot on the steps of the fountain to people-watch became my favorite way to start each day.

And don't miss gelato at Gelateria Romana—eating ice cream alone is never awkward, and their pistachio flavor haunts my dreams to this day.

Let me start by saying that Verona ranks among the safest Italian cities I've visited. However, as my wife always reminds me when I'm planning our family adventures, 'preparation isn't paranoia—it's smart traveling.' This applies doubly for women traveling solo.

Verona's historic center remains lively well into the evening, with families and locals out enjoying the cooler air. This natural surveillance creates an environment where solo travelers can comfortably explore after dark. That said, the areas around the train station (Porta Nuova) deserve the same caution you'd exercise in any transport hub worldwide.

During my week in Verona, I chatted with Sophia, a solo traveler from Canada in her 30s, who shared her evening routine: 'I always send my day's photos to my sister before heading out for dinner—it's our check-in system that gives us both peace of mind.' This simple practice struck me as brilliant—regular check-ins that don't feel burdensome but create a safety net.

For navigating the city, I found that offline maps were essential when wandering the medieval streets that seem designed to confuse GPS. I loaded the area into my phone power bank before heading out each day, which proved invaluable when my phone battery drained from too many photos of those gorgeous Veronese doorways and courtyards.

Accommodation-wise, I stayed at a family-run B&B called Casa Coloniale near Piazza Bra. What made it ideal for solo travelers was the 24-hour reception and the owner Francesca's practice of sending guests off each morning with recommendations tailored to their interests. Having someone who notices your comings and goings without being intrusive adds an extra layer of security.

Perhaps the most valuable safety tip came from a local woman who overheard me asking for directions: 'Walk like you know where you're going, even when you don't.' In Verona, this confidence trick works particularly well because the city's main attractions form a natural walking loop that rarely leaves you truly lost for long.

While Verona captivated me for several days, its strategic location in the Veneto region makes it an ideal base for solo day adventures. The efficient regional train network connects you to several destinations that complement a Verona stay perfectly.

Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake, lies just 30 minutes from Verona. I spent a day in Sirmione, a thermal spa town on a narrow peninsula jutting into the lake. The 13th-century castle, Roman ruins, and crystal-clear waters create a fairytale setting that's easily navigable for solo travelers. Pro tip: take the earliest train possible to beat both the heat and the tour buses that arrive mid-morning.

For wine enthusiasts, the Valpolicella region is practically on Verona's doorstep. Rather than joining a formal tour, I rented a foldable daypack and took the local bus to San Pietro in Cariano, where family-run vineyards welcome independent visitors. At Azienda Agricola Brigaldara, the owner's daughter gave me an impromptu tour when she learned I was traveling alone, explaining their amarone production process while we sampled vintages in their stone cellar.

Venice makes for an ambitious but doable day trip (only 1 hour 10 minutes by train), though I'd recommend this only for experienced solo travelers comfortable with navigation. I found that arriving in Venice around 8 am allowed me to experience St. Mark's Square in relative tranquility before the cruise ships disgorged their passengers.

For something completely different, the medieval walled city of Soave (30 minutes by train) offers a glimpse into a less touristed Italian town. Famous for its white wine and dominated by a stunning castle, Soave was where I had my most authentic interaction with locals. When a sudden spring shower trapped me in a tiny enoteca, the owner insisted I join her family's Sunday lunch in the back room. Three hours and many wine glasses later, I left with recipes, recommendations, and phone numbers of 'cousins you must visit next time in Sicily!'