Verona Opera Season - Where to Go, When to Book, and What Not to Miss

Julia Labedz
Jun 10
2 min read

Updated: Jun 11

The Arena di Verona Opera Festival is not just one of the most famous cultural events in Italy, it’s one of the most extraordinary musical experiences in the world.

Held inside a 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheatre under the open sky, the Verona Opera Season turns history into theatre. But to make the most of it, you’ll need to know more than just the showtimes. Here’s where to be, when to go, and what to do while you’re there.

Inside a 2,000-year-old Roman open-air amphitheater, the amphitheatre is packed for the opera season in Verona.

The Arena di Verona

The centrepiece of the season is the Arena di Verona, a colossal Roman amphitheatre that has stood since 30 AD. Originally built to host gladiator battles, today it seats around 13,000 people and serves as one of the world’s largest, and most beautiful, opera venues.

What makes the Arena unique isn’t just its scale, but the atmosphere - open air with candlelit steps. The acoustics here are brilliant, and there’s nothing better than sitting in the front rows with a glass of prosecco.

When - June to September

The Verona Opera Festival runs every summer from mid-June to early September, with performances typically scheduled three to four nights a week. The 2025 season kicks off in mid-June and will include classics like Aida, Carmen, La Traviata, and Turandot.

July and August are the busiest months, with the most performances and the liveliest atmosphere. Book early, especially for the big productions on weekends, as tickets can sell out months in advance.

Early and late-season performances (June and September) tend to be less crowded and slightly cooler in temperature, which can make for a more comfortable evening.

What to Do Before the Curtain Rises

Verona is more than just an opera stage - here's how to fill your day before taking your seat at the Arena.

Visit Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta): Yes, it's touristy. But stepping onto the tiny balcony is iconic. Then, escape the crowds and explore the medieval streets behind Via Cappello.
Climb the Torre dei Lamberti: Get a panoramic view of the city and Arena from the top of this 84-metre tower. Best visited in the late afternoon.
Walk along the Adige River: Walk from Ponte Pietra to Castelvecchio for a quiet loop around the city’s historic centre.
Eat like a local: Before the opera, head to a trattoria for risotto all’Amarone or bigoli pasta with duck ragù. Osteria Le Vecete and Trattoria al Pompiere are favourites that still feel authentically Veronese.

A Roman amphitheatre filled with people in the present day during a show, with a woman dressed as an Egyptian in the foreground.

What to Expect at the Opera

Dress ranges from smart casual to black tie, especially on gala nights. Bring a cushion if you’ve booked seats on the stone steps, and arrive early to grab a good view.

Getting There with Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus offers direct flights from Dublin to Verona, making it easy to get to the heart of opera season without the hassle of long layovers. The flight takes just over two and a half hours, and with multiple weekly departures during the summer months, it's simple to plan a weekend around a major performance.

Return fares typically range from €140 to €250, depending on when you book. From Verona Airport, it’s just a 20-minute drive or taxi ride into the city centre, close enough to drop your bags and still make it to aperitivo before the show.