Where to Stay in Verona: Verona was a two-hour drive on the autostrada from Milan. Many people visit on a day trip from Venice. The old center of Verona is a car-free pedestrian zone with a choice of hotels. We found a rental with free parking in a residential neighborhood, just a short walk from the Basilica of San Zeno and a square filled with restaurants. Walking another 15 minutes along a beautiful riverside embankment brought us to the Arena.