The setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona is a beautiful and romantic city and one of the most important locations in Italy’s Veneto region. The second largest city in the region behind Venice, Verona is nestled in the U-bend of the Adige River and is home to some of the most beautiful architecture you can find anywhere in the world. It’s no wonder tourists flock from all over the world to stop in Verona during their trips through northern Italy.
One of the main draws to Verona is its long and interesting history. The circumstances surrounding the original founding of the city is somewhat a mystery, with some believing it was founded by the Euganei, a society which no one is sure existed or not. However, historians are sure that Verona played an important role in the Roman Empire and later in the conquests of Charlemagne. Later in its history, the city of Verona was invaded by Napoleon and even later by Nazi Germany. You can walk through the many chapters of Verona’s intriguing history by touring through the city and learning about all of its cultural sites. And with so many of the sites to visit, the best way to get around the city is by renting a motor scooter.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring a scooter in Verona. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a motorcycle. This guide includes:
- The price of motor bike hire in Verona
- The best places to rent a scooter in Verona
- Whether it’s safe to drive in Verona as a foreigner
- Whether you need an international driving permit to hire a scooter in Italy
- The best things to do in Verona by scooter
What Is the Cost of Motor Scooter Hire in Verona?
In general, renting a motor scooter in Italy is more expensive than many other parts of the world. This is because prices for everything in Italy are generally pretty high, and because renting a Vespa is such a popular activity for tourists in Italy. If you’re looking at renting a scooter in Verona, you can expect to pay around €60 per day for the cheapest available option.
If you plan on staying in Verona for a while, you’ll probably be able to get a discount on weekly or monthly scooter rentals. You should make sure that whatever rental shop you choose to do business with includes the cost of helmet rental and insurance in the stated rental price.
Where Can You Rent a Motor Scooter in Verona?
If you plan on flying in Verona Villafranca Airport, also known as Valerio Catullo Airport, you’ll have to catch a taxi or a bus into the city of Verona before hiring your scooter because there are no scooter rental services available immediately at the airport.
Once you get into the heart of the city of Verona, you should have no trouble whatsoever finding a rental scooter. The Cittadella neighbourhood is littered with rental shops, the San Zeno area has quite a few also, and there are also some rental shops available near the Verona Porta Nuova. A quick internet search will tell you the location of a rental shop nearby, regardless of where in the city you are. You can also ask the employees at your accommodation about scooter rental; many of the hotels offer scooter hire services themselves.
Should You Drive a Rental Scooter in Verona?
If you’re not comfortable with driving a motor scooter, Verona is probably not the best place to try it. Italian drivers often drive very aggressively and ignore the laws of the road, and there can often be quite a bit of traffic, especially around the busier areas of Verona. Worry not, however, Verona is a very walkable city, so you can see all the sights without having to go through the stress of driving in a foreign country.
If you’re comfortable with driving a motor scooter, however, driving around Verona can be an extremely rewarding experience. It gives you the freedom to explore the city on your own schedule, and it’s much quicker than trying to use public transportation. However, you should always drive defensively and be aware of your surroundings for the aforementioned reasons.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit To Hire a Scooter in Italy?
Citizens of the EU do not need to carry an international driving permit with them while driving in Italy. Non-EU foreigners, on the other hand, are required to carry an international driving permit, their passport, and a copy of their driver’s license from their home country with them at all times while operating a motor vehicle in Italy. Failure to do so can result in an expensive fine.
You can apply for your international driving permit online here. There is an application fee of $20. You should apply for your international driving permit at least two weeks before departing your home country, as that’s how long it usually takes for the permit to come in the mail. Once you have your permit, it will be valid for one full year.
What Are the Best Things To Do in Verona by Scooter?
Now that you have all the information you need to rent a motor scooter in Verona, here are some of the best things to do while you’re in the city:
Arena di Verona
Everyone's heard of the Colosseum in Rome, but you may not have heard about the Arena di Verona, Verona’s very own version of the Roman Colosseum that’s just as magnificent and arguably more well-preserved. Visitors to the Arena di Verona can experience the masterful architectural engineering that existed in Verona during the reign of the Roman Empire. Plus, the arena is located right in the center of the city, so you won’t even have to go out of your way to see it.
Originally constructed in 30 AD, the Arena di Verona hosted a wide variety of different games, performances, and various spectator sports. At its peak, the arena had a capacity of over 30,000 people. Today, many of the original seats and exterior arches are still standing. Additionally, if you go to Verona at the right time, you might be able to see a live concert or performance held right in the arena.
Castle Vecchio
Originally built in 1354, the Castle Vecchio is another hugely important historical landmark that sits right on the Adige River. During the Scaliger dynasty, the castle served as the primary mode of defense for the city of Verona with its impressive battlements and intimidating towers. Visitors can walk around the tower and learn all about the history of the structure and its inhabits at the museum located inside.
One of the most amazing features of the Castle Vecchio is the bridge that leads up to it, known as the Ponte di Castle Vecchio. The bridge was built in the same architectural style as the castle walls and features even more battlements and towers. You can walk across the bridge and get some of the best views of the Adige River you can find anywhere in Verona.
Piazza Delle Erbe
Of the many bustling squares throughout Verona, Piazza Delle Erbe is arguably the most charming. This diamond-shaped area would have served as the main forum of the city during the Roman Empire, where public figures would have addressed their fellow Romans.
Today, the Piazza Delle Erbe is home to many wonderful cafes, bars, and restaurants where you can experience authentic Italian culinary culture. There are also many important buildings surrounding the square, including the Torre Lamberti, the Palazzo Maffei, and the Case dei Giudici. There’s also a ton of dazzling statues and fountains to keep your eyes occupied the whole time.
Make All the Stops in Verona on a Motor Scooter
There are so many historical and cultural sites in Verona that it can seem overwhelming to try to get to all of them. If you really want to hit as many landmarks as you can in Verona, the best way to do so is by renting a scooter and avoiding the hassle of public transportation.
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