Where to stay

In fair Verona, the city's Shakespearean history sets the scene. The tale of Romeo and Juliet is inexorably linked with this northern Italian city, where ancient libraries and beautiful churches sit alongside a magnificent Roman amphitheater that's still used to stage operas today. Choosing where to stay can be a question of avoiding the crowds rather than being close to the most famous sights. The best accommodations on the tourist trail won't suit travelers looking for neighborhoods that still have a local feel. Attractive hotels tend to be small, family-run spots, ideal for trips centered on nights in authentic bars and osterias. On the other end of the scale are plush rooms in 18th-century palazzos and modern, marble-floored palaces.