Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
Gay travelers can rejoice as Verona is not just a city steeped in history and culture; it is a gay-friendly attraction that offers terrific experiences around every corner. Not only is she the ‘The City of Love’ made famous by her being the backdrop for the play Romeo and Juliet, but she is also the perfect place for gay travelers to try their chance at love and a little bit of fun.
Verona doesn’t just have several gay bars and nightclubs; she has gay cruising zones and saunas, giving you access to a complete gay Italian experience (with or without a beautiful partner).
This city isn’t just great for the queer traveler; it is a feast for the senses with stunning historical sights in open plazas, Medieval buildings and a Roman amphitheater older than the Rome one. In quick summary of this, she is a city with great art, incredible sights, delicious wine and food, and it has something for everyone.
This creates the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway for singles and partners alike, with key attractions related to Shakespeare classics, from wishing wells to balconies. In addition, you can quickly get around town with their brilliant public transport or pedestrian-friendly streets with outside-city sights not far beyond their city walls.
So if you want to visit an iconic literary setting, experience the best of what Italy offers, or take another chance at love, this city will capture you and leave you wanting more.
In this article we will cover...
Attractions in Gay Verona, Italy
As a new visitor to Gay Verona, there are plenty of things to see and do, regardless of your sexual orientation. One of the best ways to experience any new city is to visit some of its most iconic landmarks and attractions, including historical monuments, museums, and art galleries.
We also love gazing at architecture up close, exploring parks and gardens, sampling the local cuisine, visiting local markets, and attending cultural events such as festivals, concerts and shows.
Even as the out-and-proud queer we are, we still love to explore the city and its culture in the same way as everyone else. Doing so allows us to learn more about the city and its people and gain a deeper understanding of the local culture. As such, these are our favorite must-see attractions in Verona.
Verona Small-Group Food and Wine Walking Tour Including Lunch
For those looking for a half-day tour that combines a three-in-one experience, The Verona Food, Wine & History tour is brilliant. You will take a sensory stroll of Verona’s historic streets, dining at old eateries, wine bars and restaurants while learning about their culinary traditions.
Part of these proceedings will guide you to a funicular railway to the city’s highest point to experience stunning cityscape views. You’ll see sights like Casa di Giulietta and get a chance to take a photo at its famous balcony, linked to Romeo and Juliet tradition, with more things just waiting to be discovered.
Italian Small-Group Cooking Class in Verona
You may think that the best way to experience food on tour is to visit as many restaurants as possible; however, a cooking class is a solution if you want to take it to the next level. The Italian Risotto and Pasta Cooking Class in Verona offers a unique and interactive culinary experience with an Italian chef.
You’ll learn to make traditional Italian dishes from scratch, using fresh and seasonal ingredients. This class is limited to a small group, so you’ll get enough attention and room to get advice and supervision from the talented chef. Once your meals are done, you can sit down and enjoy them with Italian wine and the freedom to take the recipes home to try for yourself.
The Verona Arena is a well-preserved central city Roman amphitheater built in 30 AD (older than the Roman one) that could hold up to 30,000 people! Even if it is 2,000 years old, it is still used today for large-scale opera performances and other events.
So if you get to be in town during its opening for entertainment, you should stop by and imagine what it would’ve been like during the height of Ancient Rome.
Verona City Sightseeing Walking Tour of Must-See Sites with Local Guide
Hands down, the best way to see Verona is with a walking tour, as you can explore the city at a leisurely place with the opportunity to stop and take in the sights. Moreover, having a guide on hand will make it seamless and give you a local insight into what it’s like to live in the City of Love and the rich history of its streets.
In addition, you’ll get to see Arena di Verona and several locations related to Romeo and Juliet. If you are here to get a complete romantic experience, this could be a cute date idea. Just ensure it doesn’t end in a tragedy like those star-crossed lovers.
Piazza Delle Erbe
This historic square in Verona was the town’s former forum during the Roman Empire. It has many must-see attractions that border it, from the Torre dei Lamerti town hall to the Casa dei Mercanti. In its center is a monumental fountain built in 1368 with a Roman sculpture of Madonna dating back to 380 AD.
You may even sight the ruins of Medieval towers, but today it’s a lively place enjoyed as an open place to take a moment between the narrow, cramped streets and peruse the markets.
The Basilica di San Zeno is an early Medieval church built between 967 to 1398 AD in Romanqesue style. It is said that this was the crypt where Romeo and Juliet got married, and so is a famous pilgrim spot for lovers and romantics alike. Outside the realm of legend, the building has a striking bronze door and outer facade, a prime place to get photos.
Located along the Adige River is the Castelvecchio Museum, housed in a Medieval building with a rich collection of art and artifacts related to the lengthy history of Verona. Whether you want to see sculptures, paintings, weapons, and old bells, you wouldn’t be disappointed with their expensive collections housed in incredibly designed halls.
Villa Mosconi Bertani is a neoclassical winery built in 1735 and a manor in Località Novare located just a short drive outside Verona. They are famous for their Amarone della Valpolicella wine, and today they are open for guided tours of their villa, park, and winery. So what better way to get a taste of rural Italian culture than to visit a top winery and get a taste of their drinks and history?
We have you covered if you need help deciding where to go on a date. This 13th-century house has been traditionally linked with the fictional character of Juliet and how it has become a popular tourist destination, with people making pilgrimages to the house and its famous balcony.
In this sacred place is a bronze statue of Juliet that visiting couples rub to get good fortunes in love and fertility. And apart from being an exceptional example of a Medieval house, it contains a small museum, information about Romeo and Juliet, and a balcony to get some romantic pictures!
Verona has many striking bridges that connect the city across the Adige River, and the Ponte Piera is significant as it is one of the oldest in the city. It was built around 100 BC during the Roman Empire and has been rebuilt several times over 2,000 years, including recently in 1957 when it was blown up by retreating German troops in World War Two.
Giusti Garden
The Giusti Palace and Garden is a 16th-century Mannerist structure with a garden considered the greatest in Italy. The first plant was planted in 1580, and ever since has been a garden full of expansive vistas, including a hedge maze and terrace gardens.
Gay-Friendly & Gay Hotels in Verona, Italy
Being gay-friendly accommodation means that the establishment is welcoming and inclusive to guests who identify as LGBTQ+. This can include, but is not limited to, having policies and practices that demonstrate a commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ guests, such as non-discrimination policies and providing support and resources for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Some gay-friendly accommodations may also provide amenities specifically catering to the LGBTQ+ community, such as rainbow flags or literature about local LGBTQ+ events or resources. Furthermore, gay-friendly accommodations may be located in an area known for being LGBTQ+ friendly.
While Verona does not have any specifically gay hotels or resorts, these are Verona’s most fabulous and pro-actively gay-friendly hotels. There are also hundreds more hotel and hostel options in Verona if none suit your desired budget, facilities or area – but these are the best hotels according to other gay travelers and us.
Whatever your needs are, Verona has you covered.
NH Collection Palazzo Verona ☆☆☆☆☆
If you’re after a luxurious five-star hotel in the city center of Verona, the NH Collection Palazzo Verona is a stunning choice. Not only is it exceptionally close to Juliet’s house but the incredible Verona Arena, where you can get a wide range of experiences without having to travel far from your room.
However, suppose the distance to the most popular gay attractions doesn’t sell it. In that case, the hotel allows you to pick from seventy rooms that all provide the basic amenities you’d expect from an upmarket hotel, including air conditioning and soundproofing.
The highlights of this hotel are the on-site facilities that allow guests to enjoy a royal experience. Whether that be the on-site restaurant providing you with Italian cuisine all day and the option for breakfast at an extra fee, you can begin your evenings with a bite and light drink at the bar before you hit the town.
During the day, if you don’t want to wander far, you can take full advantage of the lounging and meeting rooms, the sports center, and rustic artifacts adorning the walls throughout the public areas. Essentially, the building combines rustic history with modern splendor and is a great place to experience a little slice of Verona.
For those travelers that want to experience a hotel in the vain of a Renaissance villa, you will be happy to find the four-star Colomba D’Oro Hotel fulfills these wishes and more. Not only is she situated in a great location with Piazza Bra and Verona Arena a short stride away, but she also provides complimentary breakfast and an on-site bar to keep you full during your stay.
These shared services include a lounging terrace, garden, paid parking, and business services for those on a working holiday. Then for your private space, you can select from fifty comfortable rooms with all you’d ever need, with baths and freebies in your bathroom and cookware in some.
With the decor, a natural oasis in the city’s heart, and little extras to make you feel special, you’ll not regret this hotel.
Hotel Accademia is a four-star hotel in a district of Verona that is great for shopping and tiki touring. If you want to visit Juliet and pay homage to her legendary tragic love story with Romeo, her house is just three minutes away.
If you need to keep fit during your stay, the hotel has a fitness center, is next to popular hiking trails, and even has free bike hire to take full advantage of this prime location.
However, she isn’t just great for adventurers; she has an onsite restaurant, business services, and rooms catering to guests. You can pick from a variety of rooms (totaling ninety-four), with all providing all the basics you need. With all these benefits and situated in an 18th-century mansion, you’ll love your stay.
For something a little more straightforward than other options on the market, Hotel Bologna provides easy access to Verona. You can explore the major city attractions without jumping on four wheels, and if you need a break from your hotel room, you’ll always find somewhere new to explore.
But if the day is gloomy and you need a rest, your room will keep you set with prime bedding and other basic room necessities.
Then when you need a bite, their restaurant serves excellent Italian cuisine and local wines with breakfast at an extra fee, so you don’t need to worry about lifting a finger. However, a highlight of this quaint hotel is the roof terrace, perfect for a date, and a spa is even included.
For those that want a great hotel experience in Verona with a spa, Hotel Milano & Spa will be the last place you need to look.
Not only is this hotel brilliant with its rooms, and the shared services of the restaurant, art gallery and free bike hire being a highlight of guest’s stays, this place stands out because of the spa service. You will relax and rejuvenate at their wellness center and wash away the day’s stress in their spa.
Gay Nightlife In Verona, Italy
Exploring the gay and gay-friendly nightlife in a new city can be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences while traveling – and Gay Verona is no exception. Not only will you have the opportunity to meet new people and make friends, but you’ll also get a taste of the local culture and learn more about the city’s LGBTQ+ community.
Going out and experiencing the queer and queer-friendly nightlife in a new city can also be a great way to break out of your comfort zone and try new things. Whether dancing the night away at a gay club or mingling with locals at a gay-friendly bar, you’ll have the chance to make memories and create lasting connections.
So, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and explore the gay and gay-friendly nightlife in Verona. You’ll be glad you did!
Gay Bars In Verona, Italy
Luclà Cafè is a quaint gay bar in the center of Verona that looks like a pretty little drinking abode with outdoor dining front terrace and a small yet fun-packed inside drinking bar.
However, that is not all they provide as they are exceptionally queer, shining a pride flag above their vast selection of drinks in full display of their nighttime patrons. You may stumble upon refreshing beverages, a topless man at their shirtless gay nights, and much more. So if you are looking for a gay venue welcoming to all, look no further than here.
Gay Parties & Gay Clubs In Verona, Italy
For a little bit of romantic pleasure, look no further than the gay dance club Romeo’s Club. Not only is there room for a little party with flowing strobe lights and great music for all musical tastes, you maybe spot a live drag or DJ performance to enhance your nightlife experience.
However, if you want to find a quiet place to relax and enjoy one of their many cocktails, you can either head to their Baristro or hang out at the dancefloor bar. You may be lucky enough to find your Romeo or Juliet.
Pianeta Milk Arcigay Verona – Lgbt*Center
Verona is home to the Pianeta Milk Arcigay, an LGBTQ+ center in the middle of town. Here you have access to excellent services from health counseling, local gay advice on the region, opportunities to attend social events and festivals and get an excellent overview of what the queer community is all about in Verona.
Gay-Friendly Nightlife Venues In Verona, Italy
Those seeking a classic cozy lounge bar in the heart of Verona will be ecstatic to know that Bar Madonna fits the bill. Your first sight of this popular gay attraction is a delicate neon sign on an elegant door shade.
When you go inside, you’ll understand why many love this intimate atmosphere, as you can enjoy great drinks in a sleek, eclectic style. The lounge offers walls covered in paintings, memorabilia and trinkets, surrounding cozy seated tables, and a fully stocked bar at your call.
For all those that love the literary giant Oscar Wilde and his horrific magnum opus, you will love Verona’s Dorian Gray dance nightclub. Here you can dance all night long in the club, two rooms, one underground and the other a smaller disco. Both floors have bars so you can keep well fed, and their musical specialty is music from the 80s and 90s.
For a little bite in town, Urban Café is a little cafe that is a popular place to fill your moaning stomach with coffee, sandwiches and cocktails. The atmosphere is chill, with a wide range of food to suit all, and it could be a perfect place to meet for a date before you hit the louder parts of Verona’s nightlife.
Another popular cafe in Verona that is a common place for gay people to frequent is Berfi’s Club, known for its late-night dancing and entertainment.
They specialize in two things: offering a massive dining hall for those that want to organize a significant event and a separate dancing hall to work off the calories from the delicious food and drink. A highlight of the dancehall is the view from the second floor, looking out on the moshpit and neon-lit bar in the background.
Cruising & Gay Saunas In Verona, Italy,
When traveling to a new city, it can be exciting to head out for more than just a stiff drink. One aspect of the Gay Verona scene that many queer men enjoy is visiting gay saunas and cruising clubs.
Sure, the sauna culture in Verona is not as hedonistic as in Amsterdam, Barcelona or Berlin, but these venues still offer a chance to meet new people, socialize, and engage in sexual activity – without resorting to gay hookup apps.
However, it’s important to remember that these venues can vary greatly in terms of atmosphere, clientele, and rules, so it’s a good idea to prepare yourself before visiting. If you are apprehensive, we advise studying our guide to visiting a gay bathhouse for the first time, which should help set your mind at ease and always practice safe sex.
Additionally, it’s important to be aware of and respect local laws and customs regarding gay venues and sexual activity. With a little planning and an open mind, visiting gay saunas and cruising clubs can be a fun and exciting part of your gay Verona travel itinerary.
Gay Cruising Bars In Verona, Italy
The Dark House Club is the only gay man-only bar in Verona with an attached sauna that takes the cruising experience to the next level. Start your evening by getting acquainted with the male staff members or the fellow gays at the bar styled in an American theme.
Then if you want to take full advantage of the facilities and get a little frisky, you can try your various fetishes, such as BDSM and other things you might not have tried in the past. If you are on holiday, now may be the time to try something new, and Dark House can provide glory holes, cages, relaxing areas, changing rooms, and cabins.
What makes the experience different each time is the theme that changes each night, so one night, you could be walking around in leather and the next, a fat bear suit.
Gay Saunas In Verona, Italy
Liquid Club is a gay sauna in Verona that offers a friendly and welcoming place to be your unapologetic gay self. You can come to meet others or spend some much-needed alone time during your busy schedule.
You can choose from various services, including a sauna, a Turkish bath, a hydro area, and private cabins if you want to have safe fun. Even if most of the patronage is middle-aged, you can still meet younger men and make it a dating venue if you meet online first.
Sex Shops In Verona, Italy
Sexy Shop La Passonne
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
La Passione might not be a gay sex shop, but it still comes to the table with a well-stocked shop appealing to all sexual needs. Regardless of why you stop by, you’ll be met by non-judgmental staff you can help with any requests if you raise a hand.
Gay Map Of Verona
Finding it hard to envisage where everything is in Verona? Hopefully, this queer-centric map helps where we have marked all the bars, clubs, parties, hotels, saunas, massages, and more will help you stay in the spot best suited to you!