Verona Nightlife - Clubs, Bars & Nightlife Tips

A picturesque northern Italian city with lots of history, Verona is a popular tourist spot due to its well-preserved Roman architecture, summer opera festivals in an ancient arena, live music, and lively nightlife at the nightclubs and bars.

The ancient Arena at Verona is the oldest known open-air opera stage in the world. This Roman Amphitheatre was built in the first century and is one of the best-preserved ancient arena structures. The Arena has many magnificent opera productions with lots of glitz, dancers, backdrops, and props to keep you fully entertained.

However, because of the Arena’s humongous size, sometimes it can be difficult to hear the voices or see expressions on the performers' faces if you are higher up in the non-reserved seats. You also will only have access to the opera’s bathroom facilities if you reserve the pricier seats, although you can leave the arena to use the outside portable bathrooms. The dress rule is fancier for the reserve seats versus the others, which could be great for those who don’t have time to change.

It can be loud and crowded most times, but for opera lovers it can be an experience of a lifetime.

Not far from the steps of the Arena and near all major historic sites is a cute café-bar called CafeXet that has a local unplugged bands playing excellent music from the '60s and '70s. You can relax and enjoy it while dining on inexpensive food and excellent wine. On Monday nights when the Arena is closed, there's a chamber music concert in the courtyard of the church of San Luca to enjoy. At the popular Piazza Bra, musicians play and dancers dance at a stage in front of the town hall to the delight of the crowd.

Il CircoloVizioso is an informal pub where you can enjoy listening to a live local rock band. The La Vida Loca Bar is a lively disco and bar that serves the ever-popular Belgian beer. Tropico Latino, a Mexican pub and restaurant, serves great Mexican fare and delicious marguerites.

• Rick Steves: Why I Love Eating in Italy
• Why You May Not Be Allowed to Visit Italy's  Cinque Terre This Year
• Siena: Italy's Medieval Heart and Soul

Editor's Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about Verona nightlife.