The same spritz, in the same square, can cost twice as much. In Verona the gap between a 3 € aperitivo at the counter of a Veronetta osteria and a 7 € one seated under the arcades of Piazza Bra is real, well-documented, and almost never comes down to the quality of the bitter in your glass. Before deciding where to sit, however, the people of Verona are divided on a far older question: Campari or Aperol?
Campari vs Aperol: the difference that actually matters
It is not just a matter of colour. Aperol has an alcohol content of 11%, a sweet-citrusy flavour, bitter orange peel and rhubarb. Campari reaches 25%, is noticeably more bitter, with a more complex and dry aromatic profile. In the finished cocktail, both end up somewhere around 8–12 degrees: the difference hits you mostly on the second sip.
Unlike the Aperol Spritz, which is sweeter and more citrusy, the Campari Spritz stands out for its bolder, more bitter character, appreciated by those who prefer less conventional flavours. Those who want something fresh and light choose Aperol. Those who prefer a sip with more backbone order Campari — and Veronese bartenders can tell which camp you belong to the moment you say the word "spritz".
The spritz was born in the nineteenth century in the Triveneto, when soldiers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire found Venetian wine too strong and diluted it with sparkling water — hence the name, from the German spritzen (to spray). The defining leap came in the 1920s and 1930s, when Select was created in Venice (1920) and Aperol in Padua (1919), and someone had the idea of adding a bitter to the mix.
The official IBA recipe — that of the Spritz Veneziano — calls for the 3-2-1 ratio (Prosecco, Aperol, soda) served in a wine glass over ice and garnished with orange. For Campari the proportions are identical; only the bitter changes. In Verona's bars, however, many bartenders still work by eye — and the hand behind the pour changes everything.
How much does a spritz cost in Verona in 2026 (and where to spend wisely)
In Verona's historic centre a spritz consistently costs around 5 €, sometimes a little more. To find one at 3 € (or 3.50 €) you now have to head to the outskirts or further into the province. But exceptions do exist, even a short walk from the Arena.
- At the counter in Piazza Erbe — With a spritz at Mazzanti, sipped standing at the counter, you get crisps, olives, peanuts, finger sandwiches and small frittatas included in the price of a single aperitivo (around 3 €). The same spirit applies at bar Anselmi next door.
- Locandina Cappello, Via Cappello 16 — Facing the Casa di Giulietta, inside a historic 1700s building with wooden rooms and vaulted ceilings, you can enjoy aperitivos, cured meats and cicchetti. Honest prices, authentic atmosphere.
- Seated in Piazza Bra — Prices here climb to 7 €. The prices are in line with other venues in the centre: paying more to sit in such a beautiful and historic square is simply part of the deal. Knowing this in advance makes it a conscious choice.
- Away from the main squares — In some spots you can settle outside at tables on the grass, with a classic spritz at around 3.50 €. Veronetta and the lungadige still offer this kind of pricing.
A local tip: standing at the counter always costs less. In Verona's historic bars, staying on your feet with a glass in hand is still the most authentic — and most affordable — way to do aperitivo.
Beware the "fake spritz": what is happening in 2026
In 2026 a serious issue came to light: many venues, especially in tourist areas, are serving spritz made with off-brand bitters while passing them off as original Aperol. An investigation revealed how several bars have been substituting Aperol with generic, lower-quality aperitivo liqueurs while keeping the price unchanged.
How to spot a good spritz in Verona? Three quick signs:
- The colour — Original Aperol is an intense, bright orange. If the colour looks washed out or the flavour falls flat, you are probably not drinking real Aperol.
- Generous ice — A careful bartender fills the glass with ice before the Prosecco. Anyone who skips this step is cutting corners — and often quality along with them.
- The garnish — Orange for Aperol, orange or olive for Campari. If a single shrivelled slice arrives on the rim, that is not a good sign.
In Veneto the world of the spritz is remarkably varied: one could almost say that every city has its own version. In Verona the local interpretation calls for DOC Prosecco as the base, and the more attentive bartenders will mention it with pride. If you want to experience aperitivo the way a Veronese does, order with confidence, sit wherever your budget allows, and savour the ritual.
What is the best time for aperitivo in Verona?
Between 18:00 and 19:30, when the bars fill up with locals. Outside the Arena schedule and the guided-tour rush, the counters are quieter and prices are often better. Avoid the pre-show window in summer: demand spikes and wait times grow.
Campari or Aperol: which to order if it is your first time?
If you have never tried Italian bitters, start with Aperol: it is softer, slightly sweet, and low in alcohol. If you enjoy dry flavours and already know what you like, Campari will give you a more interesting surprise.
Can you do a low-cost aperitivo near the Arena?
Yes. Walk three minutes from Piazza Bra toward the inner streets: the price drops and the atmosphere becomes more local. Piazza Erbe at the counter remains one of the most balanced options in the historic centre.
For your next stay in Verona, the apartments at The Verona Stay in Via Roma 21 — close to the Arena — put you five minutes on foot from the best bars in the centre. No taxi, no app: step outside, choose Campari or Aperol, and the evening has already begun.