There is a distinctly Veronese paradox that repeats itself every November: those who bring a horse to Fieracavalli book the stall weeks in advance, check the feed supply, arrange the transport. Then they arrive at the fair, glance at their watch at seven in the evening, and realize they still have no room for the night. The city is full during those four days — and not only with hooves.
Fieracavalli 2024 in Verona: Dates, Numbers, and What to Expect
Fieracavalli 2024 takes place at Veronafiere from 7 to 10 November, Thursday through Sunday. This is the 126th edition of Italy's largest international equestrian fair. Opening hours: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:00 to 23:00 (commercial pavilions close at 19:00); Sunday from 9:00 to 19:00. Tickets purchased online cost 24 € (full price) or 17 € (concession); at the door, 27 € and 19 € respectively.
The numbers speak for themselves: 140,000 visitors from 73 countries, over 2,200 horses of 60 breeds, 700 exhibiting companies from 25 nations, 200 events spread across 12 pavilions and 6 outdoor areas covering 128,000 square metres of exhibition space. Show jumping, western riding, breeding showcases, evening performances. And the Jumping Verona — the only Italian leg of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup — which lights up Pavilion 8 well into the night.
The fair is located at Veronafiere, Viale del Lavoro 8, approximately 3 km from the historic centre. By car: take the Verona Sud exit from the A4 motorway, then follow signs for "Fiera" (about 1 km). By bus: lines 21 and 22, stop at Viale dell'Agricoltura. From Porta Nuova station, a dedicated shuttle runs during the event — or a taxi, five minutes away.
Where to Stay During Fieracavalli: A Local's Reasoning
This is where the real question lies. Most visitors search for accommodation near the fairgrounds, in the Borgo Roma area or along Viale del Lavoro. The result: the few hotels there fill up early, prices climb steeply, and in the evenings you find yourself stranded — no decent restaurant, no evening stroll, no glass of Valpolicella on the Liston.
A Veronese thinks differently. The historic centre is just 3 km from the fair, under 10 minutes by taxi or by the event bus service. Staying in an apartment near the Arena or Piazza Bra means the fair is a quarter of an hour away — and you return each evening to one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Italy. Dinner at an osteria, a walk along the Liston, the Arena glowing in the night. It is not a compromise: it is simply the better choice.
Those attending as exhibitors or breeders with a horse stabled on site still need to travel to the fairgrounds every morning: the difference between setting off from the fair district or from the historic centre is a matter of minutes. Visitors and enthusiasts, on the other hand, gain an entire evening of city life every day.
A note on the ZTL: Verona's historic centre has a restricted traffic zone in operation. If you arrive by car, park outside the ZTL (car parks on Corso Porta Nuova or Piazza Cittadella) and walk to your apartment — less than 5 minutes from Via Roma and Piazza Bra.
Can I get between the centre and the fair easily?
Yes. During Fieracavalli, dedicated shuttle services run from Porta Nuova station to the fairgrounds. By taxi, the journey from the centre to the fair takes around 8 minutes. The local bus (21 or 22) covers the route in 15 minutes. Having an apartment in the centre does not mean sacrificing convenience: it means adding the city to the equation.
When should I book accommodation for Fieracavalli?
As early as possible. Verona in November already sees high demand (cultural tourism, trade fairs). Fieracavalli brings 140,000 people over four days: availability in the historic centre runs out quickly. July and August are the right months to find options at reasonable rates.
Is it worth staying longer than four days?
Always. Verona cannot be taken in during a single evening. The Museo di Castelvecchio, the Basilica di San Zeno, a morning in Valpolicella or on Lake Garda: anyone making the journey for Fieracavalli has every reason to stay an extra day. And the historic centre, once the four fair days are over, becomes quiet again — walkable, unhurried, and entirely your own.
For your stay in Verona during Fieracavalli, The Verona Stay offers apartments in the heart of the historic centre — close to the Arena (Via Roma 21) and the Teatro Ristori. No early-morning taxi to reach the fair: just ten minutes of city living before you step inside the pavilion.