tourist centre verona

17 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Verona

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

About halfway between Milan and Venice, Verona is one of Italy's most popular cities for tourists, who revel in its art, architecture, opera, and literary fame . It lies in the sweeping S-curve of the River Adige as it emerges from the Alps. Verona's Centro Storico, the historic center, where you'll find most of the attractions and things to do, is linked with the left bank neighborhoods by 10 bridges.

Because Verona is so often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbor, Venice , tourists often try to see it in one day, but there are so many things to do here that you'll want to spend longer in this charming city.

Verona became a Roman colony in 89 BCE and developed into an important town. There are several remains from this time, including the Roman amphitheater , and the city is equally rich in Romanesque churches from the 11th and 12th centuries.

Verona was an important artistic center in the Renaissance and earlier, under the powerful della Scala family. You'll meet them everywhere, referred to as the Scaligeri. The leading 15th- and 16th-century architects, Fra Giocondo and Michele Sanmicheli, were responsible for several splendid buildings and the bastioned town walls.

You'll find it easy to plan your visit with this handy list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Verona.

See also: Where to Stay in Verona

1. Castelvecchio and Ponte Scaligero

2. arena di verona (roman amphitheater), 3. casa di giulietta, 4. basilica of san zeno maggiore, 5. piazza delle erbe, 6. piazza dei signori and loggia del consiglio, 7. arche scaligere (scaligeri tombs), 8. piazza bra, 9. duomo di santa maria matricolare (cathedral), 10. sant'anastasia, 11. stroll through the giardino giusti, 12. teatro romano and ponte pietra, 13. san fermo maggiore, 14. shop on via mazzini, 15. climb or ride to the top of the torre dei lamberti, 16. day trip to mantova (mantua), 17. day trip to sirmione and rocca scaligera, where to stay in verona for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in verona, verona, italy - climate chart.

On the banks of the Adige, Castelvecchio was built by the Scaligeri in 1354-55, an impressive defensive fortress certain to remind any rivals of the power of the della Scala family. Crossing the river is the beautiful castellated Ponte Scaligero, a 14th-century bridge that's traffic free and among the locals' favorite places to go for a stroll.

The castle's main tower and ramparts afford views of the bridge, the city, and surrounding hills. The castle interior has been brilliantly restored and transformed into bright exhibit space by architect Carlo Scarpa, without sacrificing the integrity or history of the castle.

The collections of the Civico Museo d'Arte are shown here, featuring Veronese sculpture, applied art, and paintings, with works by Bellini, Rubens, Montagna, Guardi, Tiepolo, Tintoretto, Pisano, and artists of the 15th- and 16th-century Veronese school.

A few steps up Corso Cavour is the Arco dei Gavi, a first-century stone arched gate that spanned a Roman road; look for the grooves worn by chariot wheels in the stone below the arch.

Address: Corso Castelvecchio 2 (off Corso Cavour), Verona

One of the largest of its kind and among the best preserved Roman amphitheaters, Verona's arena was built in the reign of Diocletian, about 290 CE. Only four arches of the outer wall on the north side have survived, but the vaulting and seating are intact and in regular use.

Its 44 rows of seating can accommodate 22,000 spectators, and in July and August, it is the home of the Verona Opera Festival , one of Europe's major summer music events ranked with the Bayreuth and Salzburg festivals. Concerts and other events are also held inside.

Address: Piazza Brà, Verona

Verona is perhaps best known internationally as the setting for Shakespeare's famous tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. Inevitably, tourists asked where the star-crossed lovers lived, and Veronese obligingly pointed out a small medieval palazzo just off Piazza delle Erbe that had an attractive courtyard where tourists could stand without blocking the street.

In the 1930s, the city added the missing ingredient, building a balcony overlooking the courtyard. Several decades later they added a bronze statue and set up displays inside the house for tourists to look at on their way to be photographed on the balcony.

No matter that the story is fiction, the characters purely imaginative, and the plot not based on any actual events or people in Verona (where Shakespeare had never been), the city has still become a place of pilgrimage to the point where they hire a team of secretaries to answer mail left for the mythical Juliet.

Address: Via Cappello 23, Verona

The large 11-12th century Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore is considered the finest Romanesque building in northern Italy. The beautiful main front of alternating strata of brick and white tufa is flanked by a slender Romanesque campanile (1045-1178) and the 14th-century battlemented defensive tower of a former Benedictine abbey.

Although you enter through the elegant Romanesque cloister via a gate at the side, be sure to see the bronze doors on the front portal, with outstanding Romanesque reliefs of Biblical and secular scenes.

The interior has an unusual 14th-century timber roof and beautiful Romanesque capitals. In the aisles are frescoes from the 13th to 15th centuries . In the choir is a marble figure, thought to be 14th-century, of St. Zeno, the fourth-century bishop of Verona. His reliquary is in the crypt, which is quite unusual in that it is equal in size and prominence to the chancel above it. On the high altar is a 15th-century Madonna with Saints by Mantegna.

On the third Sunday of the month, a locally popular flea market fills Piazza San Zeno, where you may find everything from salami to antiques.

Address: Piazza San Zeno, Verona

The central feature of Verona's Centro Storico is the rectangular Piazza delle Erbe, one of the most picturesque squares in Italy. It stands on the site of the Roman forum and is now a fruit and vegetable market. In the center of the square is the 16th-century Berlina, a canopy on four columns, formerly used for elections. To the north of it is a fountain from 1368 with the Madonna di Verona , an ancient marble statue that was repurposed in medieval times.

At the north end of the square, a marble column holds the lion of St. Mark, the emblem of Verona's former Venetian rulers. At the northeast corner stands the Casa Mazzanti , originally built by the Scaligeri. Like many houses here, it is adorned with Renaissance frescoes. On the north side of the square is the Baroque Palazzo Maffei from 1668, and to the left of this, the 1370 Torre del Gardello .

The Casa dei Mercanti at the corner of Via Pellicciai was rebuilt in 1878 in its original 1301 form. Opposite, rises the 84-meter-high Torre dei Lamberti , with a medieval bell, El Rengo. From the end near the lion of St. Mark, Corso Porta Borsari is interrupted by Porta dei Borsari , a Roman city gate built in the first century CE and restored in 265. At the opposite end is the pedestrianized Via Mancini, Verona's most fashionable shopping street.

Accessed through an archway from Piazza delle Erbe , Piazza dei Signori is surrounded by palaces, and in the middle stands a monument to Dante erected in 1865. The Palazzo della Ragione (Town Hall), on the south side of the piazza was begun in 1193 but altered in later centuries. The main front of the building is Renaissance, dating to 1524. In the courtyard are a Gothic grand staircase from 1446-50 and the entrance to the Torre dei Lamberti .

Also in the square are a battlemented tower and the Palazzo dei Tribunali , converted in 1530-31 from a Scaliger Palace and with a Renaissance doorway by Michele Sanmicheli. On the east side of the square is the Palazzo del Governo , originally another Scaligeri palace and also containing a doorway by Sanmicheli.

On the north side of the Piazza dei Signori stands the Loggia del Consiglio, one of the finest Early Renaissance buildings in Italy. It was built by Fra Giocondo from 1486 to 1493, and is crowned by statues of famous citizens of Verona. Recent excavations here have uncovered a Roman street, mosaics, and other remains below the current street level, which you can explore from an entrance off the adjoining large courtyard.

The lovely little church of Santa Maria Antica was completed in the 12th century and became the family church of the della Scala princes, who ruled Verona in the 13th and 14th centuries. Their imposing Gothic tombs almost overshadow it, topped by their effigies in full armor. Look for their symbol: the ladder (scala) was the heraldic emblem of the family and frequently recurs in the elaborate wrought-iron railings.

Above the church door are the sarcophagus and a copy of an equestrian statue of Cangrande della Scala, who died in 1329 (the original is beautifully displayed at Castelvecchio). To the left are the mural monument of Giovanni, who died in 1359, and the sarcophagus of Mastino I from 1277. Inside the railings, under a canopy, are the sarcophagi and equestrian statues of Mastino II and Cansignorio, who died in 1351 and 1375 respectively.

Address: Via Arche Scaligere, Verona

The arena forms one side of the wide Piazza Brà, opposite the Palazzo Malfatti, created by Michele Sanmicheli. Adjoining the long building of the Gran Guardi, the old guard-house from 1614, is the gate and tower of I Portoni della Brà , the landmark entry point to Piazza Bra and the old city. Beneath its Romanesque arches is a bust of William Shakespeare and his lines from Romeo and Juliet beginning "There is no world without Verona walls..."

Forming a third side of the piazza is a long row of restaurants with sidewalk terraces that are almost always filled with people. Step through one of the passageways to the tangle of streets just behind the row of restaurants and you'll find several excellent choices that are less crowded with tourists. Two good options are Torcolo on Via Carlo Cattaneo or Ristorante Nastro Azzurro on Vicolo Listone.

The cathedral is a 12th-century Romanesque basilica with a 15th-century Gothic nave. Adjoining it is a campanile on a Romanesque base, designed by Sanmicheli but not completed until 1927. On the beautiful main doorway of the cathedral are figures of Charlemagne's two paladins, Roland and Oliver, done between 1139 and 1153.

Inside, on the first altar to the left, is the church's primary highlight, Titian's 1525 Assumption , and at the end of the south aisle is the Gothic tomb of St. Agatha, from 1353. Especially striking are the red marble pillars and marble choir-screen. To the left of the cathedral is a Romanesque cloister built in 1123, with an early Christian mosaic floor on the lower level.

Address: Piazza Duomo 21, Verona

A brick church from the late 13th century, Sant'Anastasia towers above a little piazza in the heart of Verona and is the city's finest example of Gothic architecture. Over its portal are scenes from the life of St. Peter carved in stone, and above them, a 15th-century fresco.

Just inside, a pair of grotesques carved from marble hold holy water fonts, the left one by Gabriele Caliari, the father of the artist Paolo Veronese. Don't miss the fresco of St. George and the Princess by Pisanello.

The slender bell tower, 72 meters tall, is known for its nine bells, rung in a traditional style known as Veronese bellringing , an art perpetuated by the Scuola Campanaria Verona in S.Anastasia, an academy of bellringers based at the church.

Address: Piazza Sant'Anastasia, Verona

Behind the 16th-century Palazzo Giusti is the lovely garden, Giardino Giusti, with paths among its eight formal parterres, each with a different pattern of hedges, along with fountains and statues.

A path leads from the back, up the steep embankment to a less formal garden with a grotto and views of the city framed by beautiful old cypresses. Although it's not the largest, it is ranked among the best Renaissance gardens in Italy . Especially in the summer heat, it's a peaceful retreat from the city.

Address: Via Giardino Giusti 2, Verona

Across the Roman bridge of Ponte Pietra, on the hillside below Castel San Pietro , the Roman Theater was built in the first century during the reign of Augustus and excavated between 1904 and 1939. Of the theater itself, you can see the remains of the stage building's tufa walls and stones in the stage pit with holes where the ropes were drawn to open and close the curtains.

More remnants are visible of the auditorium, which was built into the hillside in galleries and terraces, including the floor of the orchestra seating with geometric inlaid marble. The theater is the home of the summer Verona Jazz Festival . The Roman bridge, Ponte Pietra, was blown up during World War II, as were all Verona's bridges, but after the war, the stones were retrieved from the river and painstakingly sorted and reassembled into the bridge that crosses here today.

Address: Regaste Redentore 2, Verona

The first San Fermo Maggiore was built in the eighth century in memory of saints Fermo and Rustico, believed at the time to have been martyred in the arena. It was replaced in the 11th century with the present structure, and the crypt is the only surviving part of the original.

The current church retains its 11th-century Romanesque lower portion, with a Gothic upper section from the 13th-14th century. The facade is beautifully decorated in marble. The church houses a 14th-century wooden crucifix and Alessandro Turchi's Adoration of the Shepherds. Look for the Pisanello frescoes above the Brenzoni monument, and more frescoes surrounding the ornate pulpit.

Address: Via San Fermo, Verona

Leading from Piazza Bra to Piazza delle Erbe, the narrow Via Mazzini runs through the heart of the Centro Storico. The marble pavement of this pedestrianized street is worn by centuries of feet, and the buildings at either side house Verona's most elegant shops. Display windows show the latest in Italian and international fashions, with a mix of trendy names and local boutiques.

Here, as everywhere else in Verona, history is never very far beneath your feet; the ground floor of the Benetton store is covered in glass, so you can see the 1st-century Roman Domus excavated beneath it. Although it's Verona's favorite shopping street, it is also the most popular place to go for the traditional passeggiata , or evening stroll.

Constructed in 1172 and heightened to its current lofty 84 meters (276 feet) in the 1400s, Torre dei Lamberti dominates the skylines of both Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori. You can distinguish the two periods of construction, as the old tower was built in layers of tuffa and terra cotta, giving it a striped appearance.

You can climb the 368 steps spiraling to the top to see the stonework up close, or you can take the glass elevator for a faster view of the interior. As you might expect, the views from the top are spectacular, encompassing the entire center of Verona, the Adige Valley, and the surrounding hills.

Fifty kilometers south of Verona, the provincial capital of Mantua was the residence of the Gonzaga family from 1328 until 1707, and they made Mantua one of the most refined and cultivated of princely capitals, a great center of art and learning. Their sumptuous residence, the massive Palazzo Ducale , dominates the town and is still one of Italy's most splendid palaces.

Today, it houses several important collections, including paintings, Greek and Roman sculpture, medieval and Renaissance sculpture, and tapestries made from cartoons by Raphael. These are displayed in opulent rooms decorated with frescoes, ceiling paintings, and richly sculptured ceilings.

Also in the center of Mantua, the church of Sant'Andrea is a masterpiece of Early Renaissance architecture built by Leon Battista Alberti in 1472-94, with a transept and choir from 1600. Mantova's third major attraction is the single-story Palazzo del Te , built for the Gonzagas between 1525 and 1535 by Giulio Romano. It is decorated with beautiful frescoes and stucco work.

At the tip of a long promontory reaching out into the southern end of Lake Garda , about 40 minutes from Verona , Sirmione could be a stage set. You enter the town across a drawbridge, at the foot of a picture-perfect castle, Rocca Scaligera, built in the 12th century by Verona's ruling Scaligeri family. After touring the castle's restored rooms, climb to the tower for views across the lake and town.

Stroll along Sirmione's main street of chic shops, and walk or take the tourist trolley to the far end of the peninsula. Here, the Roman poet Catullus, who lived from 84 to 54 BC, built a villa to take advantage of the sulphur springs, which are now used by a luxury spa. The remains of his villa, Grotte di Catullo , and the complex surrounding it are extensive and worth exploring both for their history and for the beautiful lake views.

Verona's main attractions, with few exceptions, lie within the hairpin bend in the River Adige, where the Romans built their town. Castelvecchio, the Roman Arena, Juliet's House, Piazza delle Erbe, the cathedral, and several art-filled churches all cluster in this Centro Storico. Happily for tourists, so do several hotels, and others are a few minutes away. Here are some highly rated hotels in Verona:

Luxury Hotels :

• In a well-preserved palazzo, Due Torri Hotel shares a little piazza with Sant'Anastasia, one of Verona's top attractions. Bountiful complimentary breakfasts, a rooftop restaurant, and exceptional concierge service distinguish this historic property, where deluxe guest rooms have marble bathrooms and wood-paneled walk-in closets.
• In the old center near Piazza delle Erbe, a five-minute walk to the arena, Academia Hotel serves an excellent free breakfast, as well as drinks and light snacks every afternoon in the sitting room.
• Also overlooking Via Mazzini, Escalus Luxury Suites Verona serves made-to-order breakfasts that are brought directly to its stylish rooms. Although the building is a historic one, the interior décor and amenities are contemporary, and there is an elevator. This member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) also offers valet parking.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• On the main street connecting the rail station (which is also the airport bus stop) to the Centro Storico, the four-star Best Western Hotel Firenze is a 10-minute walk from the Arena and on a direct bus line. All rooms have either a steam bath or Jacuzzi, and apartments in the annex, called Casa Cavallino, have kitchenettes. Free Wi-Fi is available in every room.
• Along with rain showers and free continental breakfast, Hotel Milano has a rooftop terrace with a tiny pool, Jacuzzi, and café overlooking the arena; on opera and concert nights, you can hear the music drifting up. The spa includes a Turkish bath, sauna, and ice waterfall.
• Hotel Trieste , five minutes from the arena on the main street between the rail station and old town, has brightly furnished rooms, complimentary breakfast, underground parking, and free bicycles for guests.

Budget Hotels:

• On a quiet back street just off Piazza Bra next to the arena, Giulietta e Romeo Hotel has some rooms with balconies. The generous included breakfast has hot dishes, as well as the usual breads and pastries. The hotel has an elevator.
• On a small street between the Roman Arena and river, Best Western Hotel Armando offers guests free on-street parking and complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Some rooms are accessible to disabled guests.
• Just off Piazza Bra, between the arena and Castelvecchio, the Hotel Torcolo has plain rooms, an elevator, a very helpful staff, and parking spots for guests. Especially for a hotel with such modest prices, rooms are very well equipped, with refrigerators, safes, hair dryers, and Wi-Fi.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Places to Visit near Verona: While the magical canals and opulent palaces of Venice are less than 90 minutes away, the same train will also take you to Vicenza , with its elegant Palladian villas, and to Renaissance Padua , with its shrine of St. Anthony and magnificent Scrovegni chapel lined in frescoes by Giotto.

Where to Go Next: Verona sits at the heart of some of Northern Italy's most popular attractions, but it is also easy to travel to other major tourist cities by direct train. In less than 90 minutes, a train will take you to the Renaissance treasures of Florence , a good base for visiting the hill towns and other places to visit in Tuscany .

More on Italy

Home » Travel Guides » Italy » 15 Best Things to Do in Verona (Italy)

15 Best Things to Do in Verona (Italy)

Nestled on a U bend on the Adige River, Verona is one of the most important cities in the Veneto region of Italy and is famed for its historical centre and myriad of stunning buildings and architecture.

Verona is the second largest city in the region behind Venice and has a population of 269,000. In 89 BC, Verona became a Roman settlement and held an important position in Northern Italy as it was located at the intersection of two important roads.

As time progressed and the Roman Empire collapsed, other factions and ruling parties exercised control over Verona including Alboin of the Lombards, Mastino II, and Maximilian I. Today, Verona attracts a huge number of tourist due to its rich history and significance, and its myriad of ancient buildings such as the Arena and the Ponte Scaligero.

Lets explore the best things to do in Verona :

1. Arena di Verona

Forget about the Colosseum in Rome; Verona has its own version that is just as spectacular and possibly better preserved.

This national landmark is unknown to many, but it stands as a triumph of Roman engineering and is a true wonder.

Located in the middle of the historic town centre, the Arena is an immense Colosseum that contains literally of its original seating and exterior arches.

Constructed in 30 AD, it is remarkable that this structure has stood in such a fine condition for thousands of years.

Various shows and games would have been held here such as the Roman Ludi and at its peak, the amphitheatre would have held 30,000 spectators.

Today you can walk inside the Arena and admire its architecture; furthermore, concerts and musical shows are still held here which is a true spectacle.

2. Castle Vecchio

Sitting on the banks of the River Adige, the Castle Vecchio is a hugely important structure and has stood since its initial construction in 1354. Serving as a primary mode of defence for the city, this castle was the greatest achievement of engineering for the Scaliger dynasty.

The front gatehouse of the castle is quit imposing and features a series of crenulated battlements and two guard towers.

Inside there is a museum dedicated to the history of the castle that contains a myriad of artefacts and factual displays.

Furthermore, there is the fantastic Castle Vecchio Bridge that is attached to the main complex and provides fantastic views down the river.

3. Ponte di Castle Vecchio

At the time of its construction, the bridge was the longest of its kind in the world.

Connected to the Castle Vecchio, the bridge is decorated in the same style as the walls of the castle and features a fantastic series of crenulated battlements that you can see through down the River Adige.

As with most of the historic buildings of Verona created during this era, the bridge is made from red brick which makes it stand out against the landscape of the city.

Furthermore, there is several series of stairs that you can climb in the towers of the bridge to gain an elevated viewpoint.

Aside from walking across the bridge, ensure that you walk along the river bank to view it and photography it from the side.

4. Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore

The Basilica of San Zeno is one of the most important religious buildings in Verona, mainly for its stunning architecture, but also because it was the fictional place of the marriage of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

Located on the west side of the River Adige, the Basilica sits at the far end of the Piazza San Zeno.

The front façade of this church is quite simple and has a large central circular window and a beautiful ornate wooden door.

Inside the Basilica is truly beautiful however – the floor is covered with peach and grey tiles, marble columns hold up the arches and the ceiling has a series of decorative tile-work.

Additionally, an Abbey is also attached to the church with a wonderful arched courtyard and cloister.

5. Piazza Delle Erbe

Verona has a wonderful amount of charming squares and the Piazza Delle Erbe is one of the finest examples.

This diamond shaped piazza lies in the heart of the historic centre of the city and serves as one of the main points of activity.

During the Roman Empire, this piazza would have served as the main forum for the settlement.

Various important buildings line the square including the Torre Lamberti, the Palazzo Maffeia and the Case dei Giudici.

Furthermore, there is a selection of cafes and restaurants and also several fountains and marble statues.

The architecture, building facades and character of this beautiful piazza is undeniable.

6. Giardino Giusti

The Giusti Gardens are located in the grounds of the palace of the same name on the eastern bank of the river Adige.

The palace itself is a Neo-Classical structure and the gardens can be found at the back of the building.

Designed in an Italian Renaissance style, the gardens are some of the finest in Verona and provide a beautiful contrast to the waves of architecture that is present in the city.

Separated into 8 different squares, each part contains a different design and a central fountain or decoration.

Maintained to a beautiful standard, it is easy to see the care and attention that is put into this garden.

Furthermore, there is also an exciting hedge maze and a small wooded area to walk through.

7. Piazza Bra

As the largest piazza in Verona, the Piazza Bra is one of the main tourist areas of the city and contains a great amount of historic buildings, public amenities and eateries.

Undoubtedly the main attraction of the piazza is the colossal Arena di Verona and the open space surrounding this monument offers some fantastic photographic opportunities.

Furthermore, there is the Gran Guardia and the Palazzo Beriberi which are two fabulous buildings in their own right.

Aside from the main buildings, there are many quaint shopping and residential structures that are painted in various colour and have beautifully decorated shutters and balconies.

The Piazza Bra is definitely one of the best places to start your tour of Verona.

8. Torre dei Lamberti

Standing proudly on the Piazza Delle Erbe, the Torre dei Lamberti is the tallest tower in Verona standing at 84m high.

Construction originally started in the 1100’s however the tower stood in a state of disrepair and it was not until the 15th century that the tower was enlarged and clad.

Different time periods can be seen when looking at the tower as it is split into several distinct different sections.

A huge clock face adorns the wall that faces into the piazza, and the tower is topped with an octagonal dome containing a series of marble arches.

If you want to see Verona from a different angle, you can climb to the top of the tower and see the whole of the city spread out before you.

9. Verona Cathedral

Created in a similar style to the Basilica of San Zeno, Verona Cathedral presents a building that is grander, larger and more decorative.

The front facade features a similar shape and composition, but contains a great deal more decoration and some fantastic artwork and stained glass windows.

Consecrated in 1187, the Cathedral is one of the oldest religious buildings in Verona and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Whilst the exterior is marvellous in its own right, the interior is just as opulent and decorative.

At the main altar, there is a stunning fresco depicting the a religious scene, and more Renaissance frescos can be seen in the main chapels.

Furthermore, a huge gold organ stands to the right of the altar and red Verona marble columns line the main knave.

10. Castel San Pietro

Holding a strategic position on the eastern bank of the Adige, the Castle of Saint Peter sits on a slightly elevated hill and has been inhabited since Roman times.

Originally, a church dedicated to Saint Peter stood here which gives the castle its name.

During the 1300’s the actual castle was built as a means of fortification for the city and stood firm for over 400 years.

Although the castle is no longer open to the public, you can still walk through its grounds, admire the amazing architecture, and experience fantastic views across to the historic centre of Verona.

11. Scaliger Tombs

Located next to the Piazza dei Signori, the Scaliger Tombs are a series of gothic funerary monuments dedicated to the influential Scaliger family.

This family rule Verona for many years and the heads of the house sat as the Lords of Verona.

Enclosed within a series or ornate Iron grills, the tombs have a Gothic design and feature a central arched structure with many pointed towers and stone sculptured decoration.

Five tombs in total sit in the enclosure dedicated to Cangrande I, Mastino II, Cansignorio, Alberto II and Giovanni.

The last monument is actually built into the wall of the adjoining chapel and features an ornate coffin and death mask.

12. Arco dei Gavi

Reminiscent of the Arch of Constantine in Rome, the Arco dei Gavi was constructed during the first century AD and would have originally served as part of the city defences and been a major gate into what is now the historic city centre.

The original inscription of the pediment on the arch read “Lucius Vitruvius Libertus”. During the Napoleonic era, the arch was actually demolished and it was not properly rebuilt using original designs until the 20th century.

You can now marvel at the arch in all its glory next to the Castle Vecchio – It is also worth seeing at night when it is beautifully lit up.

13. Casa di Giulietta

Verona is famous for having an associated with William Shakespeare; several of his plays are set in this city including the epic Romeo and Juliet.

Located on the Via Cappello, the Casa di Giulietta is the supposed building from the famous scene in Shakespeare’s play where Romeo Hails Juliet and she speaks to him from the balcony.

Although this building has been added too and any truth has be embellished, it nonetheless provides an important attraction and is a great place to visit if you are in that part of the city.

You can see the fabled balcony and inside the house there is a selection of informative displays about the play and the building.

14. Lake Garda

There are many great lakes in Italy, but non is as impressive as the mighty Lake Garda.

Lake Garda covers a surface area of 369 squared KM and has a water volume of 50.35km cubed.

It is one of the largest lakes in Italy, and also a popular holiday location due to its favourable climate, beautiful scenery and the amount of attractions available.

If you are staying in Verona for a length of time, consider taking a day trip to Lake Garda to explore this beautiful area of natural beauty – Consider a boat ride on the lake, or visiting one of the charming towns that sit on its shores such as Sermione or Bardolino.

15. Piazza dei Signori

Another of Verona’s fine Piazza’s, the Piazza dei Signori actually sits in close proximity to the Piazza delle Erbe but is just as interesting and popular.

Many historical and architecturally beautiful buildings line the square including the Palazzo del Capitano, the Loggia del Consiglio and the Case della Pieta.

Each building offers a slightly different style and the square is a miss-match of different time periods that creates a pleasant contrast.

Music performances are often held here and there is also several cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating.

15 Best Things to Do in Verona (Italy):

• Arena di Verona
• Castle Vecchio
• Ponte di Castle Vecchio
• Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore
• Piazza Delle Erbe
• Giardino Giusti
• Torre dei Lamberti
• Verona Cathedral
• Castel San Pietro
• Scaliger Tombs
• Arco dei Gavi
• Casa di Giulietta
• Piazza dei Signori

Verona: a city to fall in love with to honour Romeo and Juliet

Verona is a magical city in northern Italy where art, history and culture combine to give you wonderful memories.

Home of Romeo and Juliet , it is known all over the world as a city to fall in love with.

Where Verona is located and why it is so special

Verona stands on a strip of land drawn by the loops of the Adige River , in the heart of the Po Valley and just a few kilometres from Lake Garda .

The urban layout of the city is linked to the Scaligeri family , who in two centuries transformed Verona into a powerful Signoria in all of Italy.

History and information on Verona

Already existing as a small centre populated by the Veneti and the Cenomani Gauls, in the 1st century BC Verona became a Roman municipium and in the following centuries saw the domination of the Ostrogoths, the Lombards and Charlemagne.

The impressive monuments of Roman Verona were enhanced by the della Scala family and the city became an important seat of political and administrative power in the province until the oath of allegiance to Venice. The city remained part of the Venetian Republic for four centuries, until its occupation by Napoleon and its cession to the Austrians in 1797.

Why Verona is a UNESCO site

Because of its urban structure and its architecture made up of Roman monuments that marry the Renaissance art  Verona has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 as a splendid example of an city of art .

The most beautiful places to visit in Verona:

The city's two thousand years of history are well represented by the stupendous Arena di Verona , the city's iconic amphitheatre that stands out on Piazza Bra.

Built in the 1st century to host gladiator fights, the Arena has become the largest open-air opera house in the world since 1913, when it staged Giuseppe Verdi's Aida . Today you can visit it on days when there are no performances or discover it during concerts or operas.

While in Piazza Bra, look up. In addition to the Arena, the 17th-century Palazzo della Gran Guardia, the imposing Palazzo Barbieri and the marble Liston, as well as several cafés and restaurants, stand here.

The other symbol of the city is just a few steps away. We are in the historical centre of Verona , and Juliet's house , an evocative medieval palace that actually belonged to the Cappelletti family, also known as the Capulets, is a must. The small courtyard is overlooked by the balcony symbolising the love story of Romeo and Juliet, written by Luigi da Porto and later reworked and made world famous by William Shakespeare.

From Juliet's house, it is only a few steps to Piazza delle Erbe , the oldest square in Verona, which was built over the area of the Roman Forum and became the centre of political and economic life in Roman times.

Some of the city's most beautiful monuments are here: Palazzo Maffei , with its 17th-century façade in late Renaissance style with Baroque motifs, and the imposing Torre dei Lamberti , which you can ascend by lift or by climbing 368 steps for a panoramic view of the city.

From the tower you can get a glimpse of the ancient Roman Theatre located on the other side of the Adige River, on the side of the San Pietro hill . You can reach it on foot by crossing the historic Ponte Pietra, the oldest bridge in the city and also the only one remaining from Roman times. Before crossing the bridge, however, stop at the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta , the Duomo of Verona rebuilt in Romanesque style after the 1117 earthquake and renovated during the Renaissance.

The Palazzo della Ragione is divided between Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori. A historical seat of military, judicial and administrative power since 1500, the building now houses the Achille Forti Gallery of Modern Art with its collection dedicated to the visual arts of the 19th and 20th centuries.

On the other side of the city, overlooking the banks of the Adige River, stands the symbol of the medieval power of the Scaligeri: Castelvecchio , built between 1354 and 1356 and today the city's most important museum with collections of medieval, Renaissance and modern art.

Arena di Verona

Juliet's House

Piazza delle Erbe

Palazzo della Ragione

Castelvecchio Museum

7 typical products and dishes of verona.

In Veneto, good wine is an important reality and Verona is no exception. Valpolicella arrives on Veronese tables directly from the hilly area above the city, as does Amarone , a powerful red wine to pair with autumn and winter foods such as stews, stews and roasts.

Amarone is also the protagonist of a first course that you can find in every restaurant or trattoria in the city: risotto all'amarone , prepared strictly with Vialone Nano rice , a particular variant of rice cultivated in the Veronese lowlands.

While sipping a glass of wine, you should try the Venetian soppressa , a tasty salami enriched with garlic that cannot be missed at aperitifs in the streets of the city.

And at Christmas, don't miss out on a delicious Pandoro , born right here.

You cannot leave without enjoying the olio del Garda , an extra virgin olive oil produced in the Lake Garda region and also widely used in Verona.

Related articles

2 days in Venice: the itinerary

The Scrovegni Chapel, Giotto's masterpiece that revolutionised art

Discover Venice, a romantic destination second to none

Padua’s Botanical Garden: the oldest in the world

Veneto enchants with its immense artistic and historical heritage and elegant cities

Venice and Its Lagoon

Between lake and hills, Garda DOP extra virgin olive oil

In Vicenza to discover the Palladian villas and other hidden places

Cycling around the historic and artistic beauties of the Veneto

A weekend of art in Venice. Discovering museums, galleries and exhibition venues

The environs of Venice: nature, culture, traditions and fine food.

Venice: curiosities, unusual places and local traditions

Murano and the Glass Arts

Venice's Historic Cafes

Venice: an open-air museum with a thousand-year tradition

Vinitaly and the city

Padova Marathon 2024

Primavera del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG

Festa del Redentore a Venezia 2024

Continue living like an Italian

Subscribe to the Newsletter so as not to miss places, events and experiences for experiencing the best side of Italy: the authentic one.

Keep up to date

Would you like to learn about the most authentic experiences to be had in Italy, stay up to date on the most interesting events, discover our special offers and receive lots of insider hints and tips?

Save your favorite places

Create an account or log in to save your wishlist

Do you already have an account? Sign in

Must-see attractions in Verona

Roman Arena

Built of pink-tinged marble in the 1st century AD, Verona's Roman amphitheatre survived a 12th-century earthquake to become the city’s legendary open-air…

Galleria d'Arte Moderna Achille Forti

In the shadow of the Torre dei Lamberti, the Romanesque Palazzo della Ragione is home to Verona's jewel-box Gallery of Modern Art. Reached via the Gothic…

Giardino Giusti

Across the river from the historic centre, these sculpted gardens are considered a masterpiece of Renaissance landscaping, and are named after the noble…

Museo di Castelvecchio

Bristling with fishtail battlements along the river Adige, Castelvecchio was built in the 1350s by Cangrande II. Severely damaged by Napoleon and WWII…

Torre dei Lamberti

One of Verona's most popular attractions, this 84m-high watchtower provides panoramic views of Verona and nearby mountains. Begun in the 12th century and…

Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore

A masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, the striped brick-and-stone basilica was built in honour of the city’s patron saint. Enter through the flower…

Casa di Giulietta

Juliet's house is a spectacle, but not for the reasons you might imagine – entering the courtyard off Via Cappello, you are greeted by a young…

Verona’s 12th-century duomo is a striking Romanesque creation, with bug-eyed statues of Charlemagne’s paladins Roland and Oliver, crafted by medieval…

Basilica di Sant’Anastasia

Dating from the 13th to 15th centuries and featuring an elegantly decorated vaulted ceiling, the Gothic Basilica di Sant’Anastasia is Verona’s largest…

Piazza dei Signori

Verona's beautiful open-air salon is ringed by a series of elegant Renaissance palazzi. Chief among these are the Palazzo degli Scaligeri (aka Palazzo…

Piazza delle Erbe

Originally a Roman forum, Piazza delle Erbe is ringed with buzzing cafes and some of Verona’s most sumptuous buildings, including the elegantly baroque…

Ponte Pietra

At the northern edge of the city centre, this bridge is a quiet but remarkable testament to the Italians’ love of their artistic heritage. Two of the…

Chiesa di San Fermo

At the river end of Via Leoni, Chiesa di San Fermo is actually two churches in one: Franciscan monks raised the 13th-century Gothic church right over an…

Teatro Romano e Museo Archeologico

Just north of the historic centre you’ll find a Roman theatre. Built in the 1st century BC, it is cunningly carved into the hillside at a strategic spot…

Arche Scaligere

Walk through the archway at the far end of Piazza dei Signori to these ornate Gothic funerary monuments, the elaborate tombs of the Della Scala family, in…

Loggia del Consiglio

Occupying the north side of Piazza dei Signori is the 15th-century Loggia del Consiglio, the former city council building and Verona's finest Renaissance…

Ponte Scaligero

From the battlements of the Castelvecchio you can look down on this asymmetrical, brick bridge that takes just three leaps to span the river Adige. It…

Dante Alighieri Statue

The famous, rather pensive statue of Dante looking like a lost tourist, stands on Piazza dei Signori where he lived from 1312 to 1318 in Cangrande's…

Located in what was once the Jewish Ghetto, this neoclassical synagogue was designed by Giacomo Franco and Ettore Fagiuoli and completed in 1864. It's not…

Palazzo Maffei

Flanking the northern end of vibrant Piazza delle Erbe is Palazzo Maffei, an elegantly baroque creation now home to numerous offices and businesses.

More destinations you need to see

26 BEST Things to do in Verona, Italy + Where to Stay

Hugging the banks of the Adige River in northern Italy, it’s not hard to fall in love with Verona with all her impressive artwork, ancient architecture, rich history, and stunning skyline. 

Italy’s fair Verona extends beyond her fame for being the city of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers. Verona was nicknamed piccola Roma (little Rome ) thanks to its importance during the Roman times, Verona was established as a Roman settlement in 89 BC. With its long history and so much on offer, I’ve gathered 26 best things to do in Verona.

My top money-saving travel tip when visiting Verona is to pick up a VeronaCard . With the VeronaCard you get either free or reduced fee entrance to top attractions, monuments and churches plus discounted tickets to selected concerts, opera and theatre productions and free bus travel. For a full list of what’s included and to buy your Verona Card, click here.

Haven’t decided where to stay? Don’t miss my guide on where to stay in Verona .

Map of 26 Best Things to do in Verona

To help you locate each of the magnificent viewpoints in Verona that I’ve included in this list, I’ve created a handy Google map you can use. Got a question? Just ask me in the comments below.

Watch my Verona video guide here

1. piazza bra.

Fun fact: A marble liston is a Venetian word used in various cities of the Veneto region. The term liston refers to a long marble slab used for paving the streets. The term far el liston , means “to walk around the square”.

Tips for visiting Piazza Bra

• Piazza Bra is fully pedestrianised so it’s a safe place to wander around without having to dodge traffic.

Address: Piazza Bra, 1, 37121 Verona

Opening hours: 

• Cafés and restaurants open early for breakfast around 8am and close around 2am at night.
• Shops open from 9.30am and close at 9pm.

2. Roman Arena (Arena di Verona)

The Roman Arena is located in the lively Piazza Bra full or bars, restaurants and a park giving you plenty of vantage points from which to enjoy one of Italy’s largest amphitheatres.

Thanks to its elliptical shape, the Roman Amphitheatre has excellent acoustics, which is why in summer it hosts the biggest names in the music and opera and seats up to 30,000 patrons on its various orders of tiers. The high quality production and performances are unforgettable making it one of the absolute best things to do in Verona. 

Verona’s Roman Amphitheatre wasn’t always a happy place though. At the centre of the area floor gladiators would fight for life against wild beasts. Sadly, thousands of souls died inside these pink-tinged marble walls. 

Tips for visiting the Roman Arena

• Tuesday – Sunday: 8:30 – 19:30 (the ticket office closes at 18:30)
• Monday: 13:30 – 19:30 (the ticket office closes at 18:30)
• Free entrance & Priority Entrance with the Verona Card
• Adult: 10,00 €
• Reduced:  7,50 €
• Groups (min 15 pers): 7,50 €
• Schools and 8-14 years old: 1,00 €
• 0-7 years old: Free 

Visit the official Arena website to buy opera tickets

3. Palazzo Barbieri

Tips for visiting the Palazzo Barbieri

Address: Piazza Bra, 1, 37121 Verona Opening hours:  The Palace is not open to visitors, but it can be admired from the outside. Admission: Free to wander around the exterior.

4. Palazzo della Gran Guardia

The palace was designed by Domenico Curtoni at the start of the 17th century, but it wasn’t completed until Giuseppe Barbieri came along in the mid-19th century.

The Palazzo della Gran Guardia is one of Verona’s most important historic buildings. It was intended to be used as a covered space for soldiers to train in during bad weather and was also used as barracks for the occupying Austrian Army forces during Italy’s first struggle for independence in 1848. 

Today, Palazzo della Gran Guardia is a venue for exhibitions and cultural events including art shows and Vinitaly, Verona’s wine conference. 

Tips for visiting Palazzo della Gran Guardia

• Its interior is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

Address: Piazza Bra, 1, 37121 Verona Opening hours:  Palazzo della Gran Guardia is only open to the public during exhibitions or other events. Admission: Prices vary with each event.

5. Portoni della Bra

Tips for visiting Portoni della Bra

Address: Piazza Bra, 1, 37121 Verona Opening hours: All day, every day Admission: Free 

6. Porta Borsari

Porta Borsari was located on Via Postumia which served as the Decumano Massimo (the main east-west street) a major Roman road. It was the city’s main entrance, which is why is it’s so richly decorated. 

The gate’s original Roman name was Porta Iovia, because of its proximity to a small temple dedicated to Jupiter lustralis.

In the Middle Ages it was renamed Porta di San Zeno, while its current name derives from the guard soldiers which were paid the dazio (Latin bursarii).

Tips for visiting Porta Borsari

Address: Corso Porta Borsari, 57A, 37121 Verona Opening hours: All day, every day Admission: Free 

7. Castelvecchio and Castelvecchio Museum and Gallery 

The Castlevecchio was the greatest engineering achievement for the Scaliger dynasty who built the moated fortress to protect the family in case of revolt. 

Later, Castlevecchio suffered major damage by Napoleon and bombings in WWII but was restored and reinvented by architect Carlo Scarpa.

Today, the castle is now home to the Castelvecchio Museum and Gallery which documents the history of the castle through a series of medieval artefacts, factual displays and a diverse collection of paintings by Pisanello, Giovanni Bellini, Tiepolo, and Veronese. Included in your ticket, is access to the two guard towers which give excellent elevated views of the city and river.

Tips for visiting Castelvecchio Museum and Gallery

• The bridge is fully pedestrianised so there’s no traffic to dodge
• The museum is partially accessible to wheelchairs and strollers via an internal elevator.

Address: Corso Castelvecchio, 2, 37121 Verona

• Tuesday – Sunday: 8:30 – 19:30 (the ticket office closes at 18:45)
• Monday: 13:30 – 19:30 (the ticket office closes at 18:45)

Admission: 

• Free entrance with the Verona Card or persons with disabilities
• Adult: 6,00 € 
• Reduced: 4,50 €
• Schools and 8-14 years old: 1,00  €
• First Sunday of the month between October and March: 1,00 €

Visit the official Castelvecchio website for more information

8. Castelvecchio Bridge (Ponte Scaligero)

One of the best things to do in Verona is to wander across the bridge itself and enjoy the views of the Adige River by peeping through its series of crenellated battlements. Don’t forget to admire the bridge from the river bank. The best view is from the north side looking back towards both the fort and bridge.

Tips for visiting Castelvecchio Bridge

Address: Corso Castelvecchio,2, 37121 Verona Opening hours: All day, every day Admission: Free 

9. Arco dei Gavi

In 1805, French troops dismantled  Arco dei Gavi in order to enlarge the north-eastern entrance gate to the town. By 1932, the monument was re-assembled next to Castelvecchio where it stands today.

Tips for visiting Arco dei Gavi

• Arco dei Gavi looks especially beautiful at night when all lit up.

Address:   Corso Cavour, 37121 Verona Opening hours: All day, every day Admission: Free 

10. Piazza delle Erbe

Today, Piazza delle Erbe is surrounded by important buildings including the Torre dei Lamberti, the Casa dei Giudici (“Judges’ Hall”) and the ornately frescoed Mazzanti Houses. 

On the western side of the piazza is stunning Baroque Palazzo Maffei, decorated by statues of Greek gods including Jupiter, Venus, Apollo, Hercules and Minerva. Located directly in front of Palazzo Maffei is a white marble column with a St. Mark’s Lion adorning the top, a symbol of the Republic of Venice . 

On the southern end is the Casa dei Mercanti (“House of the Merchants”, also known as Domus Mercatorum), now the seat of the Banca Popolare di Verona. 

The masterpiece of the Piazza delle Erbe is its fountain, built in 1368 by Cansignorio della Scala with a Roman statue called Madonna Verona, dating back to 380 AD. 

Tips for visiting Piazza delle Erbe

• The centre of the square is pedestrianised to the east with a quiet road reaching around the west side.
• Piazza Erbe, 16, 37121 Verona 
• Located between Via Mazzini and the Corso Porta Borsari.

Opening hours:  

• Cafés and restaurants open between 07:00 – 09:00 to as late as 02:00. 
• Shops open between 09:30-10:00 to 19:00-19:00 and may close for lunch between 13:00-15:00.

Admission: Free 

11. Torre dei Lamberti

Torre dei Lamberti continues to dominate the skyline standing 83 metres tall and offers gorgeous panoramic views from its bell tower.

Tips for visiting Torre dei Lamberti

• A lift is available to whisk you up two-thirds of the way before walking up the remaining flights of stairs
• The ticket includes a visit to the Modern Art Gallery (closed Mondays).

Address: Via della Costa, 2, 37121 Verona 

• Monday – Friday: 10:00 – 18:00
• Saturday – Sunday: 11:00 – 19:00
• Public holiday – 11:00 – 19:00
• Last admission 45 minutes before closing

Admission:  

• Adult: 8,00 €
• Reduced: 5,00 €
• Children 0-7 years: Free
• Monday: 5.00 € (due to Modern Art Gallery being closed)
• Schools and 8-14 years old (Monday only): 1,00 € 

Visit the official Torre dei Lamberti website for more information

12. Piazza dei Signori / Piazza Dante 

The piazza is flanked by important historical and architectural important buildings, such as the  Loggia del Consiglio (the former city hall), the Palace of the Government, and the Domus Nova. 

Dante Alighieri, born in Florence in 1265, was a poet and writer and just like Shakespeare is to English , Dante is considered the father of the Italian language. In the late Middle Ages, most poetry was written in Latin, which made is only accessible to the most educated readers. Dante defended the everyday vernacular and began writing in his Tuscan dialect, thus making his work widely accessible. His most famous piece is epic poem The Divine Comedy . This highly unorthodox choice set a precedent that was later adopted by other Italian writers including Petrarch and Boccaccio. 

A statue of Dante stands here because when he was 39, Dante come to live in Verona for seven years after he was exiled from Florence. He was taken in and hosted by Bartolomeo and Cangrande della Scala of the ruling Scaligere family. 

Two other noteworthy statues here are dedicated to Scipione Maffei and Girolamo Fracastoro. 

Girolamo Fracastoro was a doctor, poet, and astronomer, and is depicted wearing a Roman toga and holding a sphere representing the world. According to legend, the sphere will fall on the head of the first true gentleman who passes underneath him.

Tips for visiting Piazza dei Signori

• Piazza dei Signori is pedestrianised with the odd passing of local authority.
• The square has a few cafés and restaurants where you can dine al fresco or inside.

Address: Piazza dei Signori, 37121 Verona Opening hours: Cafés and restaurants open from 10:00 until late Admission: Free 

13. Scaliger Tombs (Arche Scaligere)

The first tomb built here is that of Cangrande I, the most famous of the family dynasty and the protector of the poet Dante and whose tomb is attached to the exterior church wall. This name cangrande means “big dog” in Italian, which is why there is a statue made in his likeness on horseback decorated with harnessed dogs.

Two angels watch over the tomb of Mastino II, and Cansignorio’s tomb is the most ornate with warrior saints protecting him.  The final two tombs are for Alberto II without a canopy and Giovanni, whose tomb is also built into the church wall.  

Tips for visiting Scaliger Tombs

• While the Scaliger tombs can be seen from behind the ironwork fence for free, you can pay a small entrance fee to see the monuments up close. 

Address: Via Arche Scaligere, 37121 Verona

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 – 13:00 and 15:00 – 18:00
• Free entrance with the Verona Card  
• Entrance: 1,00 € 

14. Casa di Giulietta and Juliet’s Balcony

Shakespeare took inspiration for his famous play from a true story of family rivalry which happened in Verona during the 1300s. Their names were Montecchi and Capuleti (from which we get the Capulets and Montagues) and at the time were genuine rival political factions.

Shakespeare wasn’t the first to write about the love story between Romeo and Juliet. Luigi Da Porto was the first author of the celebrated story in 1500.

Juliet’s 13th century house was indeed that which belonged to the Dal Cappello family and today houses a small museum with a collection of paintings, prints, and ceramics. Added years later (for the benefit of fans of the play) is Juliet’s balcony, the supposed location of the famous scene where Romeo hails Juliet from her balcony.

The balcony overlooks a small courtyard where a bronze statue of Juliet dating from 2014 stands, replacing the original from 1969 which is now located in the museum’s atrium.

Lining the walls of the entrance to the courtyard are thousands of post it notes covered in declarations of love. 

Some 50,000 letters addressed to Juliet are sent to Verona each from those seeking advice from Shakespeare’s romantic heroine. A group of volunteers set up The Juliet Club to act as “secretaries of Juliet,” and respond to these letters, thus keeping alive the magic and romance of one of the most powerful love stories in history.

Tips for visiting Juliet’s House

• Juliet’s House gets very busy during high season, I recommend visiting first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds and have a less crowded experience inside the museum.
• You can visit the courtyard where you can see Juliet’s statue and balcony for free. To access the balcony, this is only possible by purchasing a ticket to the exhibition inside.
• If you want to leave a love notes on the walls outside, you’ll need to bring your own pen, paper and adhesive.
• Don’t forget to rub the right breast of Juliet’s statue to bring good luck.

Address: Via Cappello, 23, 37121 Verona

• Monday: 13:30 – 19:30
• Tuesday – Sunday: 08:30 – 19:30
• Last entrance: 18.45 
• Free entrance with the Verona Card
• Adult: 6,00 €
• Groups (min 15 pers): 4,50 €

Visit the official Casa di Giullietta website here for information

Going to Verona with someone special? Tell them how you feel and learn how to say ‘I love you’ in Italian  

15. Casa di Romeo (Romeo’s house)

The house looks like the Della Scala palaces, being both Romantic and Gothic in style. On the façade of the house is a plaque (unfortunately now covered in graffiti) with an inscription in both Italian and English dedicated to the memory of the two young lovers. It reads: “Oh Dov’è Romeo?… Taci, ho perduto me stesso: io non sono quì e non son Romeo, Romeo è altrove” (Act 1, scene 1). ” Tut, I have lost myself, I am not here: This is not Romeo, he’s some other where.”

Tips for visiting Romeo’s House

• The house itself cannot be visited but you can get closer by visiting the restaurant located within its walls.

Address: Via Arche Scaligere, 2, 37121 Verona Opening hours:  Closed to the public. This is a private residence so please be respectful.

16. St. Zeno Maggiore Church (Basilica di San Zeno)

Even if you’re not a huge fan of Romeo and Juliet, Basilica of San Zeno is definitely worth visiting. Located on the west side of the River Adige, Basilica of San Zeno is one of the most important religious buildings in Verona, famous for its Romanesque architecture and beautiful rose window (called “Wheel of Fortune”). It is also home to the famous triptych by Mantegna depicting the Madonna with Child and Saints.

Both the Basilica and the adjoining Benedictine monastery were built in honour of St. Zeno, the patron saint of Verona, who died in 380 AD.

Tips for visiting Basilica di San Zeno 

• Visitors should cover their shoulders and knees before entering the church.

Address: Piazza San Zeno, 2, 37123 Verona

• Monday – Saturday 08:30 – 18:00 (luglio e agosto fino 18.30)
• Sunday and religious holidays 12.30 – 18.00
• Monday – Saturday 10.00 – 13.00 and 13.30 – 17.00
• Sunday and religious holidays 12.30 – 17:30
• Last entry is 15 minutes before closing time
• Adult: 3,00 €
• 0-11 years: Free
• Schools: 1,00 € 
• Group (min. 20 people): 2,00 € 

17. Juliet’s Tomb at San Francesco al Corso Monastery 

Today, the old monastery has been transformed into the Museum of Frescoes G.B. Cavalcaselle. The museum houses frescos from Veronese buildings dating from Medieval times through the sixteenth century as well as nineteenth-century sculptures.

If you’re so inclined you can even join the thousands of people who have come here from around the world to get married in one of the cosy halls of the museum.

Tips for visiting Juliet’s Tomb

Address: Via Luigi da Porto, 5, 37122 Verona

• Last entry: 18:30
• Adult: 4,50 €
• Reduced: 5,00 € (over 60, students)

18. Ponte Nuovo

Crossing the Adige River to the east of the city is Ponte Nuovo. The attraction here isn’t the bridge itself but the lovely perspective it provides of the historic centre.

Tips for visiting Ponte Nuovo

• This is a lovely place to take a stroll down at dusk when the street lamps illuminate the path and side streets towards Ponte Pietra on the west bank.

Address: Ponte Nuovo, 37121 Verona VR, Italy

19. Giardino Giusti

Giardino Giusti is an oasis of greenery and the only sixteenth-century Italian-style garden in Verona which has attracted the likes of Goethe and Mozart.

The gardens are made up of 8 different squares with a unique design and a central fountain or decoration. There is also a hedge maze and series of grottoes landscaped into the hillside.

Tips for visiting Giardino Giusti

Address: Via Giardino Giusti, 2, Verona

• Monday – Sunday: 09.00 – 19.00
• Closed on 25 December
• Reduced entrance fee with the Verona Card  
• Persons with disabilities: Free
• Reduced: 7,00 € (over 60, students, groups of over 15 people)

Visit the official Giardino Giusti website for more information

20. Roman Amphitheater (Il Teatro Romano)

Built on the hills of St. Peter in the middle of Augustinian age, this spectacular theatre was lost over centuries of various civil and religious buildings being built over its ruins. It wasn’t until  1834 that the rich Veronese merchant, Andrea Monga, bought the houses in the area and set about archaeological excavations which unearthed the original marble floor of the orchestra pit and rows of stone seats. 

The only damage the Roman Theatre suffered was to part of the seating when the Church of San Siro was built on the site during the 10th century. 

Located on the hill above the theatre is the former Convent of San Gerolamo which houses an Archaeological Museum. Here you’ll find a wealth of Roman artefacts  found throughout the Verona area including coins, mosaics and sculptures. On top of that, the museum has beautiful views over the river and city landscape.

Today, this Roman Theatre is once again open to the public hosting open-air concerts, opera, and ballet from early June to the end of July seating up to 15,000 people.

Tips for visiting Roman Amphitheater

• During the summer, the Roman Theatre is wheelchair accessible via gangways. During winter, those touring the theatre and gain access via Vicolo Botte. 
• The Archaeological Museum is not wheelchair accessible.
• A tour of the theatre and museum is a must for those interested in Roman history.

Address: Regaste Redentore, 2, 37129 Verona

• Monday: 13.30 – 19.30
• Tuesday – Sunday: 08.30 – 19.30 
• Last entrance: 18:30
• Closing times may vary if there is a performance on in the evening.
• Adult: 4,50 € 
• Groups (15+ people): 3,00 €
• 8-14 years: 1,00 €
• 0-7 years: Free
• Admission includes audioguide

Visit the official Teatro Romano Summer festival website for more information

21. Verona Cathedral (Complesso della Cattedrale Duomo)

Consecrated in 1187, Verona Cathedral is one of the oldest religious buildings in Verona. The Cathedral is the central structure of a complex of buildings which include San Giovanni in Fonte, Santa Elena, and the Canon’s Cloister. 

Tips for visiting Verona Cathedral

• The cathedral is closed during Mass.
• The main church is wheelchair accessible; the Baptistery and secondary churches have steps at the entrances.
• As with all churches, visitors should cover their shoulders and knees before entering.

Address: Piazza Duomo / Piazza Vescovado, 37121

• Monday – Saturday 10:30 – 17:30 
• Sunday and religious holidays 13.30 – 17:30
• Monday – Saturday 10.00 – 17.00
• Adult: 3,00 € 
• Groups (min. 20 people): 2,00 €
• 0-11 years: 1,00 €
• Schools: 1,00 €

Visit the official Verona Cathedral website for more information

22. Basilica of Saint Anastasia

The interior features a richly decorated vaulted ceiling with ornate side chapels. Don’t miss 15th-century artist Pisanello’s famous fresco located above the entrance to the Pellegrini chapel.

Tips for visiting Basilica of Saint Anastasia

• Free entrance if you’re attending mass.

Address: Piazza Santa Anastasia, 37121 Verona

• Monday – Saturday 10:30 – 18:00 
• Sunday and religious holidays 13:30 – 18:00
• Sunday and religious holidays 13:00 – 17:00

Visit the official Basilica of Saint Anastasia website for more information

23. Ponte Pietra

A lovely want to enjoy this part of Verona is by getting a gelato at the local hotspot Gelateria Ponte Pietra Verona located on Via Ponte Pietra, 13 and taking a stroll across the bridge. Take your time to admire the buildings lining the river bank before heading north across the bridge and walking along the river bank to the west. 

Tips for visiting Ponte Pietra

• This is a lovely spot to sit by the water and watch the world go by. The colours here are sunset are epic!

Address: Ponte Pietra, 37121

24. Take the funicular to Castle San Pietro 

Tips for visiting Funicolare di Castel San Pietro

• Pack wine, cheese, and panini and do as the locals do and head here for an aperitivo as you watch the sunset. This place is absolute perfection.
• The funicular is located at Via Santo Stefano, 12, 37129
• Alternatively, you can go by foot by taking the stairs which start at Scalinata Castel S. Pietro.

Funicular Opening hours: 

• Monday – Sunday: 10:00 – 21:00
• Monday – Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00
• Closed: January 1st, December 25th
• The ticket office closes 15 minutes before closing time.
• Return ticket: 2,00 €
• One way: 1,00 € 
• Groups (min. 15 people): 1,50 €
• 0-10 / over 65 years: 1,00 €
• 0-1 year old / persons with disabilities / teachers / tour guides: Free

Visit the official Funicolare di Castel San Pietro website for more information

25. Take a day trip to Sirmione on Lake Garda

Why not spend the day relaxing by Lago di Garda aka Lake Garda fringed by villages, mountains, vineyards and citrus groves. Lake Garda is only 40 minutes from Verona making it incredibly close, so it would be a shame to miss out on visiting Italy’s largest lake while you’re in town.

One of the closest and picturesque spots to Verona on Lake Garda is the town of Sirmione where you’ll find Castello Scaligero (also known as the Rocca Scaligera or the Rocca di Sirmione), a 13th century fortress built by the Scaligere family. It was built over the top of the ruins of an ancient Roman fortress is one of the most complete and well-conserved castles in Italy. The castle sits at the narrowest point of the peninsula and protected the Medieval town which was accessed by crossing one of the castle’s bridges and passing through the city gate.

Also in Sirmione is the Roman Villa of the poet Catullus, known also as “Grotte di Catullo”, lots of lovely beaches some smaller than others, pretty narrow alleys, and loads of cafes and restaurants. 

Tips for visiting Lake Garda

• To reach the eastern side of Lake Garda, “Riviera degli Ulivi” you can take the local ATV local bus.
• Bus lines from Verona are 162, 163, 185. To go further, to the northern part of the lake, you can take busses 483 and 484. For more bus information and times, visit ATV.verona.com
• If you don’t want to bother with public transport, join this Sirmione and Lake Garda small group tour or this full-day Lake Garda tour .
• 08:30 until 19:00. Closed Mondays.
• Monday, Wednesday – Saturday: 8.30-19.30
• Tuesday: Closed
• Sunday: 8.30-14.00
• Monday, Wednesday – Saturday: 8.30-17.00
• The ticket office closes 45 minutes before closing time.
• Full: 6,00 €
• Ticket includes entrance to Grotte di Catullo and Villa Romana di Desenzano
• Full: 8,00 €
• Reduced: 4,00 € (Europeans between 18-25)

Visit the official Castello Scaligero di Sirmione for more information

Visit the official Grotte di Catullo for more information

26. Take a day trip from Verona

Santuario Madonna della Corona

Verona is located in an ideal spot from which to venture out and visit any of the many wonderful cities and locations in the area. In under an hour you can be bathing your feet in Lake Garda, shopping in the super chic city of Milan, savouring local wine and Parmesan cheese and Parma ham in the Parmigiano-Reggiano factory in Parma, wandering the canals of Venice , seeing the colourful houses of Burano , or eating a real spaghetti Bolognese in Bologna. 

Getting to any of these places is super easy. Search for and book your train tickets using either Trenitalia , or for a more luxurious experience and faster commute, book with Italo. P.S. Don’t forget to validate your ticket before travelling! 

For something closer to home, here are some top-rated day tours that will simplify your travel plans.

• Wine tasting experience and guided tour at Villa Mosconi Bertani in Verona
• Visit the beautiful medieval Soave Borgo for a Wine tasting tour
• Join this Dolomites small-group day trip with Lunch
• Gardaland Amusement Park: Skip-the-line ticket
• Verona food walking tour with wine tasting
• Risotto and Pasta Cooking Class
• Spend the day in Parco Giardino Sigurtà , voted the most beautiful park in Italy in 2013.
• Compare the best car rental prices here or catch a train and visit Santuario Madonna della Corona (pictured above) that clings to the rising mountains 774 meters above sea level, overlooking the valley of the Adige river.

Watch my vlog on the best things to do in Verona

How to get to Verona from the airport

Getting to Verona city centre is very easy. Look out for the big blue shuttle bus at the front of the terminal. This will take your to the main strain station, Verona Porta Nuova. Tickets cost €6 and can be bought from the driver. Only cash is accepted.  The journey is takes 10 minutes or so.

From Verona Porta Nuova station, take either b us 11, 12, 13 towards Piazza Bra and alight there. From there you can walk to your accommodation relatively easily. Bus tickets must be purchased from the ticket machine for €2.

Getting around Verona

Verona is a very walkable city and everything can be reached by foot. With your VeronaCard  public transportation is free so you can always use it to catch the bus and travel the length of the city more quickly if you only have a short time.

Where to stay in Verona

When it comes to accommodation, Verona has something for everyone on any budget. When you’re ready to book, use my special link and get 10% of your booking back . Win-win!   Here are some of the top-rated hotels to choose from in Verona.

B&B Primavera — Just because you’re on a budget, doesn’t mean you can’t be in a central location. Located less than 5 minutes from Verona Arena, B&B Primavera is the perfect budget accommodation. The rooms are clean and well-furnished and decoration, which is rare when it comes to budget hotels. 

Check room rates and book your stay at B&B Primavera

Check room rates and book your stay at Hotel Bologna here

Hotel Milano & Spa — What could be more luxurious or special that a stay at Hotel Milano. Their most famous feature is their rooftop jacuzzi which overlooks Verona Arena. I really want to stay here but they were fully booked, for obvious reasons! Don’t miss your chance, book your room well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Check room rates and book your stay at the Hotel Milano & Spa

Need more options don’t miss my complete guide on where to stay in verona ., don’t be treated like a tourist. learn italian with my 80/20 method.

Travelling to Italy? Don’t be treated like a tourist! Live your best travel experiences and learn Italian for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant or a taxi driver who has “taken you for a ride”. I’ve made it easy for you to master the Italian language so you can create lifelong memories as you mingle with locals , get local tips , avoid tourist traps , and make new friends . Who knows, you may even be invited over for afternoon tea by a lovely Sicilian family like I was! Read all about how speaking Italian changed my life  and check out my online Italian video course here.

Here’s what my students are saying:

I really enjoyed the Intrepid Italian course, it certainly exceeded my expectations. The learning methodology is great,  and easy to follow and found that I  progressed much faster in the last 4 weeks than I ever did on my own or using other language apps. Grazie mille Michele, I can’t wait until I can put my new skills into action! – Roma Small

Click here for instant access!

Don’t miss these Italy travel guides

• Lakes, Mountains & Castles: 21 Best Things to do in Trento, Italy
• 33 Italy Travel Tips That Will Save You Time, Money and Disappointment
• Rome Tips and Tricks: 27 Things You Should Know Before You Go to Rome
• 29 Amazing Day Trips from Rome By Train, Car & Guided Tour
• Top 10 Absolute Best Views of Rome That Will Blow Your Mind
• Top 10 Things to Do in Rome That Aren’t On Your List
• Domus Aurea: Visit Rome’s Secret Hidden Palace
• Self-Guided Trastevere Walking Tour: Where to See Rome’s Most Beautiful Streets
• 21 Unique Things to Do in Venice You Should Try at Least Once
• Top 7 Authentic Tours and Experiences in Rome [Run by Locals]
• 12 BEST Things to do in Burano, Italy (Tips from a Local Guide)
• 36 Wonderful Things to do in Umbria, Italy (PLUS Map of Umbria)
• Where to Stay in Rome | Best Hotels and Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Rome
• Where to Stay in Verona: Best Hotels in Verona Neighbourhoods
• Where to Stay in Venice | Best Hotels in Venice for Every Budget
• 27 Best Things to Do in Trieste, Italy (PLUS Map, BEST Tours & Day Trips)
• THE 15 BEST Hotels in Trieste, Italy [2023 Edition]
• What it’s like Staying at DoubleTree by Hilton Trieste

Like it? Pin it for later

Over to you!

Got a question about visiting Verona? Ask me below! Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

Like what you see? Subscribe using the form below to have all of my posts delivered directly to your email.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Get my best language and travel tips FREE by email...

Subscribe to my newsletter to receive detailed travel guides, exclusive travel and language learning tips, priority access to giveaways and more!

I will never give away, trade or sell your email address. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

Egypt Travel Tips: 24 Essential Things You Should Know Before You Visit Egypt (2024)

35 best things to do in madeira, portugal // the ultimate guide 2024, you may also like, where to stay in verona // best hotels..., leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

If you don't know where you are , how do you know where you're going?   Find out how well you know Italian grammar today!

30+ Unique & Fun Things to do in Verona, Italy

Last Updated: October 28, 2022

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

If you’re looking for an exhaustive list of all the fun things you can do in Verona, I’m happy to step up as chief fangirl because this city has an absolute chokehold on me.

After all, longtime readers/stalkers will know that it was a spontaneous trip to Verona and Venice in early 2016 that got my waffley boyfriend to finally commit and ask me to be his girlfriend.

It was pouring, cold, and disgustingly romantic, and ever since then I’ve always thought of Verona with these dreamy sepia-toned love-goggles.

I’ve since been back a few more times, most recently on my own in the thick humid heat of Europe’s Great Heatwave of 2019 (I believe some headlines called it “hell on earth”).

… and I still love Verona. I sweated a lot, but I still loved it. And truthfully, the better I get to know it, the more I appreciate all there is to do in this romantic little city, far more than what standard guidebooks would tell you.

So, in the spirit of sharing the love, I’ve compiled a list of my favourite things to do in Verona, filled with the touristy musts that are worth your time, along with some hidden gems I’ve discovered during my last three visits. Here we go!

Save this list of Things to do in Verona for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

First: Quick Verona Activity Recommendations

In a rush? I detail a lot of my top Verona recommendations below in depth, but here are some quick links if you just want to book and go:

• Buy a Verona Card if you plan on visiting a lot of main sights (it’ll save you loads of money
• Book this food tour if you’re wanting to try a lot of local specialties at once
• Book this cooking class if you’re interested in learning how to make your own pasta and tiramisu from scratch
• Book this tour if you’re interested in doing a day trip out to the nearby wine region
• Book this tour if you want to do a day trip to Lake Garda

1. Enjoy the view from Castel San Pietro

Let’s start with one of my favourite (free) things to do in Verona. Castel San Pietro is a dreamy hilltop castle that overlooks the city. Occupied since pre-Roman times, this used to be a prime spot for anyone who wanted to control the Adige River. Today, it’s one of the most spectacular places in Verona to catch sunset.

Although much of the castle was destroyed when Napoleon arrived in 1801, visitors these days can still walk past the ruins of the Roman theatre to the top of the hill or ride the funicular to get to the top in less than a minute.

Once you reach the top you’re treated to almost 360 ° views of Verona, truly the best vantage point to see all those church spires, the old town and the river.

If you get up early enough, you can even enjoy the views without all the crowds of tourists! Although trust me, sunset is really the time to come here, especially if you bring a bottle of your own vino to enjoy.

2. Visit Juliet’s House (and balcony)

Next up: the famous Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House).This is another one of the most famous things to do in Verona, but I want you to lower your expectations, because (while it’s a famous must-do), this is an activity I personally find overrated.

Pretty much everyone knows the story of Romeo and Juliet, whether by reading the play or just swooning over Leo DiCaprio in the 1996 film version.

And, according to Veronese tourist lore, this is the house where Juliet lived and had her super-romantic balcony moment with Romeo… ignoring the fact that, you know, Romeo and Juliet were not actually real people.

Nonetheless, thousands of tourists flock here today to get their own balcony photo and rub the boob of Juliet for luck. It’s a little pervy, and often terribly crowded, but it’s just one of those Verona must-dos that you can’t escape. I’d say – go early in the morning, check it off the list, and mosey on.

NOTE: If you want access to the balcony, you’ll have to pay to access the museum. It’s included with the Verona Card , so worth a quick stop if you’re doing other big attractions in the city, but I found the museum itself a bit boring, to be honest.

3. Scope out the Verona Arena

The Arena di Verona (Verona Arena) is a Roman amphitheatre built in the first century and still in use today. It’s one of the best-preserved structures of its kind, although not as big or as famous as the Colosseum in Rome.

Still, with a capacity of 15,000, it’s a popular spot for concerts and other performances… and sightseeing!

It’s pretty cool that the stones here have seen everything from gladiator fights and operas, to One Direction concerts, and it’s even going to be the location for the closing ceremony of the 2026 winter Olympics in Milan.

During my visit, a lot of was obstructed as they were setting up for an opera, but it was still extremely cool to see the inside, so be sure to put it on your list!

PS: if you’re looking to save money, admission is included with a Verona Card .

4. Attend an opera or live performance at the Arena di Verona

Admiring the facade of the Arena di Verona is nice. Walking along the epic interiors is better. But the best is getting to witness a live performance inside.

This is one item on my bucket list I can’t wait to cross off someday, and if you feel the same, you can check out their calendar of performances here.

PS: For my fellow humans who got brainwashed into Italian obsession thanks to the Lizzie McGuire movie, this may be the closest you get to experiencing a concert in the Colosseum, because the one in Rome doesn’t host live events.

5. Prance across Ponte Pietra

With its scenic location hugging the banks of the Adige River, Verona has no shortage of pretty bridges, but if there’s one I’d give a specific shoutout to, it’s Ponte Pietra (AKA Stone Bridge).

This Roman arch bridge is a real stunner. Completed in about 1508, she’s looking pretty good for her age… although admittedly she has had some work done, as four of her arches were blown up by retreating German troops during WWII. Luckily for eager sightseers like you and I, they’ve since been repaired.

Ponte Pietra is very pretty obviously, but so are the views you get from here of pretty vine-covered buildings and the rushing waters of the Adige. This is a pedestrian-only bridge as well, so feel free to pose for as many selfies as you want without needing to worry about being run over by cars.

6. Get a beautiful view from Lamberti Tower

Verona is a city of views, and one of my favourites is from the Lamberti Tower or Torre dei Lamberti. You won’t be able to miss this huge clock tower as you can see it towering above from nearly anywhere in the city.

For €8 (or free with the Verona Card ) you can climb the 84 metres to the top of the tower to enjoy 360 °  views, or just take the transparent elevator if you don’t feel like walking up 368 steps, especially if it’s the middle of another European heat wave…

7. Enjoy the beauty of Verona’s main squares

There are a lot of pretty piazzas in Verona, but the three main ones are also the prettiest and most worth exploring.

Piazza Brà: Brà (as the locals call it) is the largest piazza in Verona and the one where you can see the big Roman amphitheatre, now known as the Verona Arena. Don’t get too distracted by it though or you’ll miss the pretty garden in the centre of the piazza as well as the many cafes and restaurants lining the square. This is also where you can visit the historic town hall (Palazzo Barbieri) and the Palazzo della Gran Guardia.

Piazza delle Erbe:  Piazza delle Erbe is the diamond-shaped piazza located close to Juliet’s Balcony. There’s an ancient fountain in the centre (built in 1368) as well as a Roman sculpture dating to 380 AD! Most of the buildings lining the square are gorgeous, from the frescoed Mazzanatti houses to the Baroque style Palazzo Maffei and its statues of Greek gods.

Piazza dei Signori:  This piazza might not be as popular or busy as the other two but it’s still so cute! There are lots of pretty arches and in the centre is a famous statue of Dante (yeah, the one who wrote the Divine Comedy) since he was given shelter in Verona after being exiled from Florence in 1302.

8. Go church hopping

If you’re one of those travellers who can’t resist a nice church peek, then Verona is the perfect destination for you. There’s a wealth of beautiful and unique churches here which are worth exploring. Here are some of my favourites!

Duomo di Verona: Possibly the most famous and most-visited church in the city is the Duomo di Verona, AKA Verona Cathedral. It’s a Roman Catholic Cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary and has been standing in Verona since 1187. Not only is this a very pretty Cathedral, with a big tower giving off serious Rapunzel vibes, but it’s also home to one of the oldest continuously functioning libraries in the world. So you can pretend to be Belle as well as Rapunzel!

Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore: The Basilica of San Zeno is mostly famous because this was where Romeo and Juliet were supposedly married in Shakespeare’s play. But putting aside the location of a fictional marriage, this is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture that marks the burial site of Saint Zeno of Verona . There’s a statue of the saint inside and a pretty belltower on the outside as well.

Basilica di Santa Anastasia: If you prefer your churches more Gothic, then the Sant’Anastasia near the Ponte Pietra might be your fave. This is a church of the Dominican Order and features lovely stained-glass windows, Gothic arches, statues, carved facade panels and the famous fresco of St. George and the Princess by the Italian master Pisanello. See if you can spot a little statue of a hunchback while you’re there!

Chiesa di San Fermo: A really beautiful church with a belltower holding six different bells and pinnacles on the rooftop. Inside is just as interesting as this church is split over two levels and the wooden ceiling kind of looks like the hull of a ship that’s been decorated with hundreds of paintings.

9. Stop by the Scaliger Tombs

Rounding off this section of classic Verona sights, the Scaliger Tombs are a group of five Gothic funerary monuments dedicated to members of the Scaliger family.

The Scaligers were the ruling family of Verona during the 13th and 14th centuries so it kind of makes sense that they’d have some very over-the-top tombs, especially the one for Cangrande I – which means “Big Dog” in Italian!

The highlight for many visitors is a big statue of Cangrande on a horse on top of his tomb, which is a popular spot for photos. While there is an entry fee to get up close, the tombs are built in such a grand way that they can be admired from outside the iron fence, making it an easy add-on while exploring other Verona attractions.

10. Enjoy some truly incredible handmade pasta

Alright, let’s move onto some delicious foodie things to do in Verona. We’ll start with my favourite affordable must do: at La Bottega della Gina you can eat some of the freshest and most drool-worthy handmade pasta you’ve probably ever had.

Even though it’s kind of a snack-bar style place, the quality of the pasta and the friendly service of the staff will have you coming back for every meal in Verona.

Seriously, the tortellini is so good, I was ready to propose.

11. Sample other local Verona foods – some more adventurous than others

As with any place in Italy, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from in Verona, but while here, you should make sure you try some specialties of the Veneto region in particular.

After all, Italian cuisine is surprisingly diverse, so be sure to step out of the usual tourist routine of pasta + pizza, and try some of these Veronese specialties…

• Risotto all’Amarone : Risotto made with local red wine
• Bollito e pearà : Boiled meat served with a peppery and creamy sauce
• Sfogliatine di Villafranca: A sweet puff pastry
• Potato Gnocchi: Often paired with a horse meat sauce in some restaurants, if you’re feeling adventurous

12. Savour a delicious food tour

One of the first world problems that visitors face in Verona is simply that their stomach space isn’t sufficient for all the delicious foods they want to try.

Luckily, an easy solution for that is a food tour, where you get to try bite-sized portions of things while learning more about them as you go.

Food tours are one of my favourite activities when I travel, and this three hour one covers a lot of Veronese classics like codfish, pastissada (polenta), and risino (a rice-based dessert).

Click here to check reviews and availability.

13. Go hunting for whale ribs

Looking for something a bit quirkier and offbeat to do in Verona? Well, one of the city’s weirdest sights is the whale bone that can be found hanging from the Arco Della Costa. It’s weird partly because Verona is nowhere near the sea, but also because nobody seems to know how or why it got there!

It’s believed that this bone is a rib and it has been hanging from a metal chain at this spot since at least the 1700s.

There are a few different myths and legends surrounding why it’s there but the truth is nobody really knows. Regardless, it’s worth tracking it down to have a look and try to figure out the mystery.

14. Hike up to an alternative viewpoint at Santuario della Nostra Signora di Lourdes

The views from Castel san Pietro over Verona are great, but if you want another stunning viewpoint that’s not quite as touristy then head to the Santuario della Nostra Signora di Lourdes.

That mouthful translates to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Lourdes, and after a 30-minute hike up a hill, you’ll come to the beautiful sanctuary with even more incredible views.

It’s a fairly steep walk at the end but you’re rewarded by both a pretty church to explore and a truly breathtaking view over the city of Verona. It’s a quiet spot and there’s also a pretty garden that’s perfect for relaxing while enjoying the solitude.

15. Explore Castelvecchio

Castelvecchio (Old Castle, in Italian) is a castle that was the most important military building built during the Scaliger dynasty – remember the big dog guy? Yeah, it was built by him.

Nowadays the castle is a museum, and visiting the interior is well worth it for history buffs (especially since it’s included with the Verona Card ). The castle itself is a good example of Gothic architecture, with seven towers, an elevated keep and four buildings within the walls.

If you like exploring castles then it’s very fun to explore the museum and all the fine art on display.

There are some beautiful frescoes here, as well as lots of gold pieces, ceramics, ancient weapons, paintings, statues, sculptures and even old bells.

Most of the sculptures date back to the Romanesque period, including works by Tintoretto, Veronese, Andrea Mantegna, and Pisanello… so it’s well worth it if you’re in search of historical and cultural things to do in Verona.

16. Look for a gaping hole in the street with Roman ruins

One of the weirdest sights you might stumble across while walking through Verona is a literal gaping hole in the street (at Porta dei Leoni) where you can look down on some Roman ruins.

Luckily for the clumsy, there are now viewing platforms and railings surrounding it so you can easily have a look without taking a historic tumble.

Of course, this is where the remnants of the historic Porta dei Leoni are located, showing that this huge fortified gate would have also had two defensive towers and an inner courtyard.

Pretty impressive to look at while just having some lunch!

17. Enjoy the peace (and beautiful hidden viewpoint) at Giardino Giusti

If you’re looking for a true hidden gem in Verona, the Giardino Giusti Palazzo is a 16th-century palace and garden that is unbelievably gorgeous.

Located in the Veronetta area on the left bank of the river Adige, it’s easily walkable to get here from the city centre but once you’re in the garden, it feels completely removed from the tourist chaos in the center.

The garden is generally considered to be one of the finest examples of an Italian renaissance garden, featuring beautiful statues, topiary, a maze and even a little tower leading to a secret viewpoint over the city.

It may cost €10 to enter the gardens, but you’ll feel like you’ve left behind all the hustle and bustle of the tourists as you wander along pretending that you live here, and I’d highly recommend it if you’re looking for a calmer and more peaceful Verona activity.

18. Visit the supposed oldest library in the world

I mentioned Biblioteca Capitolare briefly already, but it really deserves its own entry. The Verona Cathedral Chapter Library has been named the “Queen of ecclesiastical collections” due to the many important ancient Roman and early Christian texts it still houses.

It’s arguably the oldest working library in the world (some other libraries may still be fighting for that crown) while the likes of Dante and Charlemagne’s son have even studied here.

Over the years, this library has withstood an earthquake, the plague, Napoleon, floods and bombs, so if you’re even slightly interested in books and history, you’re going to want to visit, although beware of their limited opening hours:

19. Trace the city’s ancient gates and walls

Did you know that part of the reason Verona is a UNESCO World Heritage Site is because of its walls and fortifications? No brainer then that another Verona must-do is checking some of them out!

As the Romans conquered the Italian peninsula, Verona was in an important strategic location for controlling routes to the Balkans and Danube provinces, not to mention the bridge over the River Adige being a very handy asset.

So the Romans made sure the city was well fortified. As did later occupiers such as Venice and Austria.

Today, visitors can’t see much of the Roman walls apart from two main gates, the Porta Borsari and the Porta dei Leoni, but both locations are worth a quick look while you’re exploring town.

NOTE: History nerds like me can enjoy walking a route put together by Verona’s Tourism board that will take you all over the main wall locations and ruins.

20. Visit the Roman Theatre

While the Arena di Verona is no doubt the most amphitheatre in town, there’s another theatre that’s often missed by visitors: the Roman Theatre or Teatro Romano.

Built in the 1st century BC, today only a portion of the theatre remains, but luckily you can still identify the most important parts, such as the stage, orchestra, and auditorium.

Despite its scenic location near Ponte Pietra, this is one of the quieter and lesser-known tourist attractions in Verona, so I’d recommend stopping by if you need a break from the crowds, and want to venture a bit more off the beaten path.

21. Enjoy a sunset stroll along the Adige

A lot of people make the mistake of missing sunset in Verona because they’re having a meal or taking a break at their hotel.

Don’t let this be you!

Golden hour is one of the most special times to be exploring Verona, especially if you go for a stroll along the river.

I can’t emphasize how important this Verona must-do is if your goal is to fall in love with the city. Do it please. And take pictures. And send them to me on Instagram. Thank you.

22. Take a cooking class

Sure you can stock your suitcase full of magnets and postcards, but the best souvenir you can take home from Verona is (honestly) the ability to make your own pasta and tiramisu from scratch!

For those interested in foodie things to do in Verona, this 3.5 hour cooking class is a must-book. I did a similar one in Bologna and still use those skills every time I’m in the kitchen.

Click here to check prices and availability

23. Go for a day trip to wine country

It should be no surprise that there’s quite a few things to do in Verona for wine lovers, but one of the more special ones (if you have the time) is a day trip out to the nearby wine region of Valpolicella valley.

In this four hour stress-free tour , you get picked up/dropped off in Verona, and get to visit two typical wine cellars, while learning the secrets of Amarone wine. This is an ideal way to go if you’re not driving on your own, and want the ease of having a guide bringing you around.

Click here to check prices and availability.

24. Go truffle hunting and sample regional products

Another unforgettable foodie thing to do in Verona is going on a truffle hunting tour… which, in case you were wondering, is indeed a real thing!

In this 2 hour tour, you set out with an actual Italian Tartufaro in search of truffles, and then get to enjoy some truffles paired with local wine and other regional specialties.

Click here to check reviews and availability on this experience

25. Learn how to make your own gelato

An inevitable thing that will happen during your Verona trip is that you will eat the equivalent of five dumptrucks worth of gelato.

Another inevitable thing is that you will dream about said gelato for years to come… so why not bring a piece of the magic home with you by learning to make your own? For those with a sweet tooth, this is one foodie experience in Verona that cannot be missed.

26. Enjoy a half-day tour out to Lake Garda

With any city break, I always find it’s a nice idea to get out of the city and enjoy some surrounding nature, when possible. This allows you to develop a full appreciation for the region and everything it has to offer.

In the case of Verona, Lake Garda, one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes is within day trippable distance, making it a no-brainer if you have the time for it.

If you prefer a guided experience, this half-day tour includes a boat trip, guided walking tour, and roundtrip transportation from Verona.

27. Go cycling around wine country

If you’d like to burn some calories while also recklessly consuming them, this E-Bike tour around the Valpolicella Valley sounds like a perfect fit.

Famed for its tasty wine and picturesque rolling hills, this region is one of the most popular day trips from Verona, and for good reason.

28. Visit “Juliet’s Tomb” and its fresco museum

Alright, so most people know that one of the top things to do in Verona is Juliet’s house… but remarkably few tourists know of another Juliet-centric attraction in the city: fair Juliet’s tomb.

Beneath the former Monastery of San Francesco is a tomb that, according to Shakespeare’s play, was where Romeo and Juliet were laid to rest. After the play became so popular, a sarcophagus was placed here for fans to come and visit, which (fun fact) was also the same sarcophagus used in the 1937 film version.

Even famous fans have visited this spot, like Napoleon’s wife Marie-Louise of Austria. Today visitors can also get married here.. you know, if you’re really looking for a morbid place to start your new life together.

Of course, there is also a museum here, the Museo degli Affreschi, which opened in 1975 and houses some beautiful 16th – 18th century frescoes from the palaces of Verona.

While I admit this is kind of a morbid and offbeat thing to do in Verona, it is free entry with a Verona Card , so it’s worth checking out if you get one.

29. Shop on Via Mazzini

Via Mazzini is the main street between Piazza Brá and Piazza del Erbe, which is verrry popular with those looking to burn a hole in their wallet.

What used to be lined with barracks and warehouses is now home to the most expensive Italian stores, which are usually filled with ambling packs of tourists.

Shopping isn’t usually my top choice when it comes to Verona activities, but in case you’re looking for a place to shop around during your visit, this is a good bet.

30. Savour some drinks with an epic view

Imagine sipping a goblet of wine while overlooking the Verona Arena, and try not to get giddy about it.

Seriously – what a way to feel like you own the place, right?

Luckily, there’s a place you can experience exactly that – the Terrace Arena Sky Bar. Sure, it won’t be the cheapest drinks you’ve had, but remember: you’re paying extra for the view, the memories, and the immaculate main character energy.

31. Enjoy an elegant (splurgey) meal

Verona has some truly outstanding restaurants, so if you’re looking for something romantic or memorable to do during your trip, then treating yourself to a nice sit-down meal might be worth scheduling.

And while I’m usually more of a “inhale pot of pasta on the street” kind of girl (see my La Bottega della Gina recommendation), I do actually have a fancy restaurant recommendation for Verona, because I went there by accident.

Picture this: it’s pouring rain, you’re starving, every place you’ve been to is fully booked, and your last resort is a crinkly map your BNB host gave you, with a restaurant starred as his favourite.

That’s what led me to Ristorante Maffei, a beautiful restaurant just off of Piazza Erbe. The food was delicious. The restaurant was beautiful… and (despite being absolutely broke students that were way underdressed) we enjoyed our experience a lot.

Plus… you get to walk in on a literal red carpet, so that’s fun.

32. Watch Letters to Juliet and hunt for filming locations

Lastly, please allow me to get on my soapbox and announce that I think Letters to Juliet is a criminally underrated masterpiece of a rom com.

If you’re looking for a fluffy watch that will get you absolutely jazzed for your Verona trip, make sure it’s this one. The best part is, it features many of Verona’s most iconic locations, so you’re sure to see a lot of them as you explore!

And, if you really want to get into the rom com mood, there’s also Love in the Villa , which is funny in a very cringey and predictable way.

Did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Verona?

Let me know in the comments, and I hope you have an amazing trip!

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

VERONA TRAVEL GUIDE

Verona is one of the most beautiful cities in northern Italy and a perfect tourist destination for any traveller, as it combines a great historic centre with beautiful architecture, a riverside setting, and it’s a great base for visits to Lake Garda and the surrounding countryside.

This travel guide will help you plan the perfect trip to Verona by showing you the best attractions , things to do and places to visit including a tourist map , photos and an itinerary with day trip suggestions.

INTRODUCTION TO VERONA

Why visit VERONA

Verona is located in northern Italy, in the Veneto region and with the arrival of low-cost airlines at the local airport, it has become very popular in the last few years. It is a perfect destination for a city break and it can be combined with day trips to Lake Garda .

Verona is most famous for its association with Romeo and Juliet . Some of the best sights are the enormous Roman Arena , popular for its summer festival, Juliet’s house and the attractive old town centre with its medieval palazzi and churches . Verona is also a great place for food lovers.

BEST TIME TO VISIT VERONA

The best time to visit Verona is during the summer months , late spring or early autumn for the best weather, as it is warm and mostly sunny, although in the summer months there is always a chance of thunderstorms.

However, I will probably avoid the high season of July and August because everywhere tends to get very busy and accommodation is a lot more expensive and difficult to find. These months can also be unbearably hot.

April, May, early June, September or early October are probably the best months for sightseeing and day trips and you can enjoy the sights with comfortable temperatures, but without the large crowds.

If you want to enjoy the Verona Arena Opera Festival, you need to visit during the summer months (June to early September).

For a city break, Verona is a fine destination any time of the year, if you don’t mind the cold during the winter months.

HOW LONG TO STAY IN VERONA

Two days will be sufficient to cover most of the major attractions at a relaxed pace and get a feel for the city. This would give you enough time to explore the historic centre and enjoy the local cuisine in Verona’s restaurants.

You will need to stay longer if you want to combine your stay with day trips to the wider Veneto region.

Verona serves as a convenient base for exploring the surrounding region, including day trips to Lake Garda, Mantua, and the nearby wine regions of Valpolicella and Soave.

WHERE TO STAY IN VERONA

The best place to stay is in the historic old town of Verona with all the major sights within walking distance. However, accommodation in the old town can be very expensive, so a cheaper alternative is to stay closer to the Verona Train Station ( Stazione Porta Nuova ) or Borgo Milano area, a bit further away but still within 20-25min walking distance.

Best hotels in Verona

• Hotel Aurora : Perfectly located in the heart of Verona with the breakfast terrace overlooking Piazza Erbe.
• Hotel Milano & Spa : A trendy hotel next to the Verona Arena, with a jacuzzi on the roof and views of the Arena.
• Due Tori Hotel : Featuring a large roof terrace with views of the historic centre, this great hotel is a more luxurious option in the heart of the old town.
• Hotel Mastino : A 3-star hotel located within a 5-minute walk from the famous Verona Arena with good breakfast and affordable prices.
• Boutique Hotel Scalzi : One of the cheaper options close to the heart of Verona, a 10min walk from the Arena and 15min from the train station
• Hotel Piccolo : A 3-star hotel, 10min walk from the train station and 20min from the old town. Good value for money with a good breakfast. Also with free street parking.
• Hotel Leopardi : Located on Borgo Milano but only 25min walk from central Verona, this 4-star hotel is great value for money with great breakfast and private parking.
• Novo Hotel Rossi : Located close to the train station, it is a good option if you are planning to do day trips by train. It’s about 25min walk from the old town.

Click here to check and compare prices on accommodation for the whole city of Verona.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Entry requirements/visa.

No visas are required for visits up to 90 days for most nationalities.

EU citizens only need a photo ID to enter Italy. Citizens from the rest of Europe, the USA, Australia and Canada only need a passport . For full details check this website .

Opening hours

Shops : 9am –1pm & 3pm-7pm Monday to Saturday

Banks : 8.30am–1.30pm Monday to Friday

Restaurants : 12am–3pm & 7pm-11pm

Verona is generally a safe place and you shouldn’t encounter any issues during your stay. However, it’s worth being vigilant in crowded places and busy areas like city centres and train stations.

Travel Insurance

It’s always recommended to get travel insurance before you travel even if a destination like Italy shouldn’t pose any safety concerns. You never know what might happen; better to be fully covered in case of an accident or flight delays etc.

SafetyWing is a great choice for long-term travellers and digital nomads. Alternatively, you can use one of the price comparison websites for cheaper quotes.

Verona has a  moderately continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers.

January is the coldest month with an average temperature of 4°C and July is the warmest month (July) with an average temperature of 25°C.

Surprisingly the driest months are the winter months of January and February and the wettest are the summer months of June, July & August.

More information regarding the weather and average temperatures can be found here .

Travel Gear

For information on travel gear and what to pack click here .

Italian is the official language, which is one of the Romance languages that evolved from Latin . Most people speak some English.

Basic words:

• Hello – Ciao
• Goodbye – Ciao or Arriverdecci
• Yes = Si
• Thank you = Grazie
• You’re welcome = Prego
• Please = Per favore
• Excuse me = Mi scusi
• Good morning = Buongiorno
• Good evening = Buona sera
• Good night = Buona notte

The currency is the euro . Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s worth having some cash with you as many small shops, bakeries and cafes won’t accept cards. It’s also worth carrying some coins for public transport and parking machines.

The best way to get local currency is through an ATM that can be found in most areas.

Italy is cheaper than most of Western Europe, but prices tend to be higher during July and August, especially for accommodation.

Electricity

The power plugs and sockets in Italy are of type C & F (with two round pins) and less often type L . The voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.

Internet/Mobile Phone

If you are not a resident of an EU country that offers free roaming in the EU, in order to avoid high roaming costs, you can buy a local SIM card .

The 4 major mobile providers are Vodafone, Tim, Windtre & Iliad .

You can buy a prepaid sim card in one of the local mobile stores in the city of any of the above providers. It is easy and affordable, but you will need to carry your passport as proof of ID.

Also, Verona airport and most hotels offer free wif i.

HOW TO GET TO VERONA

Verona airport ( Valerio Catullo Airport ) is connected to only a few European countries, like the UK, France, Germany, Netherlands & Spain. There are mainly low-cost airlines operating, like Ryanair, Volotea, Eurowings & Wizz Air, so flights can be quite affordable, even in the summer months.

Getting from/to the airport

The airport is located about 12km to the southwest of the city of Verona and it can be reached by car, taxi or bus in about 15 to 20min.

The Verona Airlink (Line 199) connects the airport with the main station of Verona (Porta Nuova Station). The daily bus service is scheduled every 20 minutes and the bus ride takes 15min. Ticket: €6.00. From there you can take any of the buses that connect to the city centre using the same ticket (valid for 75min).

There are also taxis available outside the Arrivals Terminal, but the cost is considerably more expensive about €30 euros.

Alternatively, you can also rent a car in one of the rental offices at the airport. The airport is the best place to book if you haven’t done it before you arrive. However, booking a car is not really recommended if you only stay in Verona, unless you are planning to do day trips to Lake Garda and the surrounding countryside.

Verona is well connected with a good road network , bus and trains to the rest of Italy. Bus and train travel in Italy is very affordable and a good option if you want to explore nearby towns.

Rome2Rio is a good website for checking prices & times on train and bus travel .

HOW TO GET AROUND VERONA

I would only recommend hiring a car if you would like to explore Lake Garda as part of your visit to Verona as you can make the most of your day and enjoy this beautiful lake at your own pace without having to rely on the public transport timetables. The best place to rent a car is the airport if you haven’t done so before you arrive.

Car rental c an be quite expensive in high season ( €50 per day ). Better to book in advance before your travel for the best deals. Also in high season, there might be low availability and the prices can be much higher if you leave it until you arrive. Check the link below to book and compare car rental prices.

Most of the historic centre is closed to traffic, with the exception of residents, authorized vehicles and cars travelling to hotels. There are various paid car parks in the city. In most places, there are parking ticket machines that you can pay with coins, a credit card or through an app.

For free parking, you can use the Porta Palio car park (15min walk to the centre) or Piazzale Guardini by the train station (25min walk).

There is a radio taxi service 24 hours a day and is available in  Piazza Bra  and at the  Verona Porta Nuova railway station . Other taxi ranks can be found in Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza San Zeno, the Borgo Trento hospital and the Borgo Roma hospital.

Trains are run by Trenitalia and connect Verona with the rest of Italy. You can buy tickets at train stations or through this website . Prices are relatively cheap.

For a day trip to Lake Garda, you can take the train to either Peschiera del Garda or Desenzano del Garda .

The public transport service is provided by  ATV , which manages all the urban (Verona and neighbourhoods) and extra-urban (province of Verona) lines. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines located at various bus stops, newsagents and on the bus. There is also the Ticket Bus Verona App .

There is a bicycle rental service,  Verona Bike , with stalls located throughout the centre and beyond. 

Verona Card

For those who want to discover the entire city of Verona, there is a card, the Verona Card , which allows you to visit the main monuments and museums of the city, such as the Arena, the Museum of Castelvecchio, Juliet’s house, the Torre dei Lamberti and many others. In addition, the Verona Card allows you to travel on buses within the city. It can be purchased at the ticket offices of monuments and museums, at the IAT office in Piazza Bra, at newsagents and tobacconists’ shops in the city centre. The card is available in two versions:  24 hours at the price of 20 euros and  48 hours at the price of 25 euros.

WHAT TO EAT & DRINK IN VERONA

There are many good Italian restaurants in the heart of Verona. A nice area for a meal and a drink is Piazza Bra overlooking the Arena. For a more authentic and typical Veronese meal, there are several good restaurants in various locations in the old town.

When dining in Italy, it’s common to enjoy multiple courses. A traditional Italian meal often includes antipasti (appetizers), primi piatti (first courses, usually pasta or risotto), secondi piatti (main courses, often meat or fish) and dolci (desserts).

It’s worth noting that while tipping is appreciated, it’s not common in Italian culture, and service charges may already be included in the bill.

Best restaurants in Verona

• Trattoria Pane e Vino : Typical Veronese restaurant in Via Giuseppe Garibaldi offering traditional dishes.
• La Taverna di Via Stella : Old fashioned tavern with traditional Veronese food.
• Tre Marchetti : Stylish restaurant with great dishes next to the Arena.
• Ristorante Vittorio Emanuele : Fine dining in an elegant setting by Piazza Bra.
• Hostaria Vecchia Fontanina : Authentic Veronese Cuisine.
• Osteria il Ciottolo : Good restaurant near Castelvecchio with Veronese dishes.

You can check the location of these restaurants on this map .

Local Cuisine

• Gnocchi : Potato dumplings made from potatoes, flour and eggs.
• Risotto all’Amarone : Risotto made from “vialone nano” rice from Verona and Amarone wine
• Pastisada de caval : A horse meat stew mixed with wine & vegetables
• Risotto with Tastasal : Risotto made of minced pork
• Pearà : A cooked sauce served with mixed boiled meat
• Polenta : A typical Veronese meal made of maize flour.
• Pandoro : A typical Christmas cake
• Nadalin : A star-shaped baked Christmas cake
• Wines from the area of ​​ Bardolino , Soave , Custoza , Valpolicella and the famous Amarone

VERONA ATTRACTIONS

BEST sights & things to do

• Verona Arena: This Roman amphitheatre is one of the world’s largest. It is located in Piazza Bra and is one of the most famous sights in Verona. It is open to the public for visits, but it is definitely worth attending an opera if you visit in the summer. The opera festival runs from mid-June to the beginning of September. Entry ticket: €10.
• Castelvecchio : This is the best preserved medieval castle of Verona. It is now a museum of fine medieval art, early Renaissance paintings, jewellery, armour and weaponry ( Museum of Castelvecchio ). Entry ticket: €6.
• Ponte Scaligero : Also known as Ponte di Castelvecchio is a beautiful medieval bridge connecting Castelvecchio with the north bank of the river. It is a popular place for a walk and to admire the views of the river and the castle from the opposite side.
• Castel San Pietro : A hilltop fortress that offers panoramic views over the whole city and the river from its terrace. It is free and it only takes about 10min to walk there by stairs or you can take the funicular (€2).
• Torre dei Lamberti : T orre dei Lamberti is located in Piazza dei Signori , part of Palazzo della Ragione. It is an impressive tower that provides great views over the city. It is usually very busy with long queues during high season. You can skip this and enjoy the even more impressive view over Verona from the Castel San Pietro. Entry ticket: €6.
• Piazza Erbe : This is the main square of the old town , and it is still used as a marketplace since medieval times, with stalls selling everything from herbs to fruits and food. There is a fountain in the centre and a column with a lion on the northern side in front of Palazzo Maffei and another column on the southern side.
• Piazza dei Signori : A medieval square with the statue of Dante in the centre linked to Piazza Erbe by the Arch of the Rib (Arco della Costa). It is surrounded by the Palazzo di Cansignorio , Palazzo della Ragione, Palazzo del Podestà and Loggia del Consiglio.
• Duomo: Verona’s impressive cathedral has a magnificent Romanesque portal and the interior has some beautiful frescoes . The cathedral complex also includes a cloister with the ruins of earlier churches: a baptistery and St. Elena . Entry ticket: €4.
• Juliet’s House : Casa di Giulietta is a restored 13th-century inn, but it is said that Juliet lived there and Romeo climbed this house’s balcony. The courtyard is free to visit and see the balcony, but it is usually so busy and overcrowded with tourists that it cannot be appreciated. There is a statue of Giulietta outside and it is considered good luck to touch her breasts . You can also visit the house museum but there is not much to see inside. It’s worth booking your ticket online if you want to visit the house, as it allows you to skip the line. Entry ticket: €6. You can also visit Casa di Romeo and Tomba di Giuletta .
• Ponte Pietra : Historic restored Roman arch bridge that provides nice views towards the old town and the Castle San Pietro.
• Piazza Bra: One of the main squares of Verona surrounded by the Arena, Palazzi and a great place for a walk, drink or a meal.
• San Zeno Maggiore : The basilica of San Zeno is located further away from the old town and therefore less visited, however it is one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches . It has an impressive facade with bronze door panels and a nave ceiling.
• Basilica of Santa Anastasia : Santa Anastasia is a beautiful Italian gothic church with some impressive 15th-century frescoes.
• San Fermo Maggiore : The Church of San Fermo is located on the banks of the Adige, near Ponte Navi. It is an example of Italian gothic style and consists of a lower and an upper church with some impressive frescoes .
• Teatro Romano & Museo Archaeologico : This Roman theatre is located on the east side of the river close to Ponte Pietra . The theatre is connected with a lift to the archaeological museum with exhibits of mosaics, pottery and glass.
• Giardino Giusti : This is an attractive Renaissance garden located to the east of the old town with some beautiful hedges and statues. Entry ticket: €10.
• Tombs of the Scaligeri : Scaligeri was the most powerful family that ruled Verona for over 100 years. Their tombs are located by the Church of Santa Maria Antica.
• Via Giuseppe Mazzini : A pedestrian street with designed shops.
• San Lorenzo : An attractive but lesser-known church of Verona.
• San Giorgio in Braida : A lovely domed Renaissance church by the river bank. It’s a nice setting that provides good views towards the castle and Verona’s skyline.

VERONA DAY TRIPS

Verona serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region. There are many great day trips you can take from Verona. Here are some of the best options:

• Desenzano del Garda : Desenzano del Garda is a charming town located on the southwestern shore of Lake Garda with a beautiful lakeside setting, an interesting old town, a medieval castle and some nice piazzas.
• Sirmione : This popular lakeside town is located on a narrow peninsula jutting into Lake Garda. Sirmione is famous for its thermal baths, historical ruins (like the Grotte di Catullo), and the Scaliger Castle. You can also explore the picturesque streets and enjoy lakeside dining.
• Peschiera del Garda : Peschiera del Garda is a picturesque town located at the southernmost tip of Lake Garda with a charming historical centre and scenic waterfront,
• Mantua (Mantova) : This charming city is known for its well-preserved Renaissance architecture and the interesting historic centre. You can visit Palazzo Ducale, Palazzo Te, and some beautiful piazzas.
• Vicenza : Vicenza is famous for its architecture, particularly the works of the renowned architect Andrea Palladio. You can visit the Palladian villas and the historic centre with its elegant buildings.

VERONA ACTIVITIES & TOURS

Valpolicella vineyards and wine tasting.

Discover Valpolicella Vineyards and Wine Tasting Experience is a 2.5 trip to visit a traditional family-run winery in Valpolicella and includes a tour of the vineyards and estate, 17th-century cellar, and scenic terrace and a taste of Valpolicella, Ripasso, and Amarone wines. Price: €60.

Verona Highlights Walking Tour

Verona Highlights Walking Tour in Small-group is a small group walking tour that lasts for 2h to explore the streets of Verona’s historic centre with a knowledgeable local guide. Price: €39.

Verona Food Tour

Verona Food Tour – Do Eat Better Experience is a small group tour that lasts 3.5h to get a taste of Verona’s culinary culture on a food and walking tour led by a guide. Price: €79.

Sirmione and Lake Garda Tour

Semi-private Sirmione and Lake Garda Tour is a half-day trip (4h) to Lake Garda that includes transport to Sirmione, where you’ll hop on a boat to cruise around its peninsula and take in views of the castle from the water and then a stroll through the medieval old town with a guide. Price: €89

Verona Cooking Class es

• Gelato Making Class: A 2h activity to learn how to make fruit sorbets and handmade ice cream. Price: €55.
• Risotto and Fresh Pasta Making Class : A 3.5h activity to learn how to make risotto, hand-made fresh pasta and tiramisu. Price: €95.

For more information and for bookings visit Cookly .

Major Festivals & Events

• The Arena Opera Festival is the most popular event in the city during the summer months (June to September).
• The Carnival of Verona is  one of the oldest in Italy . In fact, it dates back to 1531. The great parade of masks and floats takes place on the last Friday of Carnival called Venerdì Gnocolar. It usually takes place in February. 

More information about excursions & tours in Verona can be found here .

VERONA TOURIST MAP

You can click on the map below for the location of the best sights and places to visit in Verona .

VERONA ITINERARY

It is worth staying in Verona for 3 to 4 days if you want to explore it and combine it with day trips to the surrounding region. The following itinerary includes things to do for 3 days . Overnight stay in Verona.

Visit the historic centre of Verona.

• Start your tour of the old town by visiting Castevechio and Arco dei Gavi .
• Optional visit at the Museum of Castelvecchio .
• Cross Ponte Scaligero to the north bank of the river to enjoy the views towards the medieval bridge .
• Walk along Corso Cavour through Porta Borsari up to Piazza delle Erbe .
• Climb Torre dei Lamberti to enjoy the views of the city.
• Continue to Piazza dei Signori and pass the Scaligeri Tombs .
• Visit Basilica di Santa Anastasia .
• Walk by the river bank up to Ponte Pietra enjoying the views towards Castel san Pietro .
• Cross the Ponte Pietra and walk up to the Caste san Pietro to enjoy panoramic views over the city.
• Optional visit to the Roman Theatre and Archeological Museum .
• Walk along the river up to Parrocchia di San Giorgio in Braida taking in the views.
• Return back to the old town and visit the Duomo .
• Have a look at Juliet’s House and the famous balcony.
• Take Via Giuseppe Mazzini up to Piazza Bra .
• Have a cafe at Piazza Bra and enjoy the views of the Arena .
• Optional visit inside the Arena .

Day Trip to Lake Garda

• Take the train to Peschiera del Garda
• Take a boat tour around the lake.
• Explore the charming towns, such as Sirmione, Bardolino or Lazise .
• Take a boat to Desenzano del Garda .
• Return to Verona by train from Desenzano del Garda .

Day trip to Mantua (Mantova)

• Take the rain from Porta Nuova train station to Mantua for a visit to this historic town.

VERONA PHOTOGRAPHY

You can check the best photographs from Verona here .

Here is a list of the best viewpoint locations in Verona where you enjoy great views .

• Piazzale Castel San Pietro
• Torre dei Lamberti
• Piazzetta Bra Molinari
• Plinio Codognato Public Garden
• Giardini Pietro Gazzola
• Santuario della Madonna di Lourdes

You can check these viewpoints’ locations and the best photo spots on the island on the following map .

VIRTUAL TOUR OF VERONA

Check the following video slideshow to get further inspiration to visit Verona 🙂

FURTHER READING

Some websites for more information about Verona :

• Tourism Verona : The official tourist website of Verona.

Some good travel guides to buy before your visit Verona :

• Lonely Planet The Italian Lakes (Travel Guide) : A great guide about the Italian Lakes that includes information about Verona.
• The Rough Guide to Italian Lakes : Another good guide for the Italian Lakes that includes information about Verona.

TRAVEL RESOURCES

• Flights : I always use Skyscanner as my first choice as it’s so easy to use and you can search best deals by month. Google Flights is another very good search engine.
• Accommodation : I always use Booking.com as my first choice, as it offers a great choice of accommodation at affordable prices and it’s so easy to use. Airbnb is a great alternative for homes and apartments to rent by real homeowners.
• Car Rental : I always check Skyscanner for the cheapest car rental options. Discover Cars is also a good and easy-to-use website with great prices.
• Public Transport : Rome2Rio is a good website for checking prices & times on train and bus travel.
• Day Trips & Tours : Viator provides the most comprehensive list of day trips and you can book directly with them. GetYourGuide is also a great place to search for tours & activities to do.
• Travel Insurance : SafetyWing is a great choice for long-term travellers and digital nomads. Alternatively, you can use one of the price comparison websites for cheaper quotes.
• Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, and at no extra cost to you, I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping this site running and ad-free.

Sharing is caring!

You may also like

Malaysia travel guide and things to do, helsinki travel guide and things to do, antalya travel guide & things to do, wroclaw travel guide and things to do, things to do in kefalonia, kefalonia travel guide, turin travel guide and things to do, madeira towns & villages, things to do in jersey, madeira beaches, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

• Maps of Italy >
• Veneto >

Verona Map and Tourist Guide

Visit the enchanting world heritage site in the veneto region.

Verona, the second largest city of the Veneto Region after Venice, has one of the nicest medieval centers in Italy. It's centered around the Piazza delle Erbe, once the city's Roman forum and still sporting nicely preserved frescoes on the facades of the surrounding houses.

Verona is the setting of three Shakespeare works: Romeo and Juliet; The Two Gentlemen of Verona; and The Taming of the Shrew. The Roman arena is a place where you can see these plays and other events.

Tourists especially like to visit Juliet's balcony ( rubbing the right breast ) of Juliet's statue, located in the foliage below the balcony, is a popular activity, especially for those wishing to get married). The popularity of this activity causes palpitations among Verona's leadership; they're frantically looking for ways to make money from all the gawkers and may come up with a way to separate you from a few Euros for a gander at yonder balcony.

The Piazza delle Erbe has an 84 meter high tower built in 1172 called the Torre di Lamberti which you can climb to get great views down into the piazza and spreading out to include all of medieval Verona. There is also an elevator you can take for a small charge.

Verona is especially romantic and welcoming at night .

Below is the map showing the main attractions in this part of Verona.

Map of Verona's Historic Center

Hold your mouse over the markers to identify them on the map. Zoom the map using the controls on the left to see the attractions in more detail.

Verona's historic center is located inside a sharp bend in the Adige river, as you can see from our map. A Plaque inside the Arena commemorates the high water mark in a time of flooding.

Verona Travel Tips: Getting Around, Weather and Climate

Verona has a train station called Verona Porta Nuova which is about a 20 minute walk from walls of the historic center (the area around Piazza Bra and the Roman Arena). Verona is on the Torino to Trieste Line . 

Verona is less than three hours from Rome, and less then an hour from Venice. See a Rail Map of Italy .

To check the weather and historic climate for Verona, see our Verona Weather and Climate Charts .

Verona Top Attractions

Casa di Giulietta

You can do what everyone does and take pictures of people rubbing Juliet's right breast and gaze at the balcony while letting out a gentle sigh.

Learn More...

Piazza delle Erbe

See the Lamberti tower? You can go up in it to get an overall view of Verona. There's even an elevator that takes you most of the way. See the view in our video below.

Duomo di Verona

Try to make delicious sense of the Romanesque carvings when you visit this Cathedral built over two Paleo-Christian churches in 1187.

Even More Verona Attractions!

Verona Arena - Roman era Arena in which modern performances are still held. See below for how to get tickets to performances. You can also visit inside the arena, best done with a Verona Card , since €10 is a bit steep for what you'll see. You can get your Verona Card at the Arena ticket office and start from there.

Roman Theater and Archaeological Museum on the "other" side of the Adige river teaches you about the history of the city and the The 1st-century Roman theater found here hosts outdoor performances in the summer.

Verona Castle - Very interesting place to walk around in. Museum has a ton of religious art, which can get tedious after a while, but entrance allows you to walk the ramparts and even over the Castel Vecchio bridge, which is a magnet for buskers, just the ticket for that romantic interlude you crave in Verona.

Verona Pictures

Wine from the Valpolicella Wine Region

Close to Verona, a wine region called Valpolicella makes some pretty interesting wines. Besides the namesake Valpolicella, there are the Amarone and Ripasso wines made with partially dried grapes, a technique which adds a dramatic wollop of flavor. A tour of a traditional winery gives will show you how these wines are made, and you'll have a tasting of Veronese cuisine.

Discover Valpolicella: Winery Tour

Recommended Places to Stay

Best Western Hotel Armando - Quiet location, recently remodeled, near the Arena. Modern decor and free internet. Adjacent restaurant, Al Bersagliere is excellent.

Relais De Charme Il Sogno Di Giulietta - Great user ratings make this one the Lux choice for romantics wanting to be near the vibes of Casa Giulietta.

Another highly-rated luxury establishment is the Hotel Gabbia d'Oro in the old town.

If you'd like to choose a place to stay based on location or price, the map below will show you current prices and location.

Remember, if you take a hotel or are in an apartment and simply don't want to cook but wish to eat well, perhaps meeting some locals who are home chefs might fit the ticket. Find an experiencial eating experience in Verona via BonAppetour.

Verona Video

Take a look around Verona. It's Romantic. Especially when you add music: Romantic Verona Video

More Italy Travel Planning Resources

Book a Hotel or Hostel Book a Vacation Rental

• Travel Planning Timeline : Learn what you need to plan when.
• What Will an Italy Vacation Cost? : Tools for budgeting your Italian vacation.
• Unplanned Attractions : Save time for the good life in Italy.

31 Absolute Best Things to do in Verona, Italy: Complete Verona Travel Guide

• December 6, 2023
• by Jenoa Matthes

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We earn a small commission on every purchase made at no extra cost to you.

Are you looking for the best things to do in Verona?

Verona is a city full of history and romance. While it is famed for being the place where Romeo and Juliet met, there is so much more to this beautiful Italian city.

We fell in love with Verona so much on our first trip that we decided to stay for a month the next time we went there! During our 4-weeks in Verona, we explored not only the city’s highlights but also discovered some of the best hidden gems.

With all of this time spent exploring the city, we feel like this is the most comprehensive Verona travel guide that you will find.

Once you’ve read our list of the best things to do in Verona, you’ll find an easy-to-follow map that you can download right to your phone.

Additionally, you’ll find a guide to the best restaurants in Verona, a list of our top hotel picks, and other practical information to help you plan your trip.

Ready to explore Verona? Let’s dive in.

31 Best Things to do in Verona, Italy

1. verona arena (arena di verona).

The Verona Arena is an amazing example of the Roman influence that has been left on the city. This arena was built in the time of the emperor Tiberius in 30 AD. Remarkably, the arena survived the centuries so well that it is still used for performances to this day.

Built with pink and white limestone and originally made to hold up to 30,000 people, this is considered to be one of the most well preserved Roman arenas in the world.

If you go for a visit during the day, you can walk around the seating areas and take in the vastness of the space where gladiators once fought. 

We recommend walking all the way to the top floor of the Verona Arena for spectacular views overlooking the Piazza Bra and of this ancient structure.

Summer opera performances: During the summer, from June to September, the Verona Arena hosts the annual Verona Opera Festival. Every week, they put on different performances for visitors to choose from. You can get information on the 2024 schedule and the performance schedule on the arena website .

There are a number of ticket levels, and it’s important to note that tickets do sell out. If you are planning on visiting Verona during the summer, we highly recommend booking well in advance.

Tip: Start your day by visiting the Verona arena in order to avoid the lines, especially during the high season (summer). You can sign up for this guided tour with skip the line access, or alternatively, we recommended getting the Verona Card, which includes priority access to the arena.

Hours : Tuesday – Sunday from 9:00am – 7:00pm Verona Arena ticket price : €10 Included in the Verona Card? Yes

2. Piazza Bra

Piazza Bra, just outside of the Verona Arena, is the largest square in Verona and is one of the largest across Italy too. As such, this is the center of life in Verona and is consistently abuzz with people and events. 

Around the edges of the square you can find loads of cafes and restaurants. Setting up at one for a casual drink is a great way to enjoy a bit of la dolce vita.

As well as the arena, you’ll also find other important buildings here such as the Verona city hall and the Gran Guardia Palace.

At the center of the Piazza Bra, you’ll find the Giardini Vittorio Emanuele II. Shaded with trees and covered in grass, this is a wonderful place to relax for a bit, especially during the hotter months. We spent many afternoons sitting by the fountain and people watching.

3. Castelvecchio Museum

The Castelvecchio Museum is housed in the imposing and unmissable 14th century medieval castle of the same name. The castle was built by the then incredibly powerful Veronese della Scala family.

The space was brought back to life when it was renovated in the mid 20th century by Carlo Scarpa. Now, the castle houses hundreds of pieces across many exhibits.

You can see sculptures, pictures, jewelry, and ancient artifacts from across Veronese history. These pieces span the ages with works from the Medieval, Renaissance, and Modern art periods. 

In addition to the museum, the castle itself is an interesting attraction. Many of its original features remain and you can explore the grounds, the ramparts, and make your way across the castle’s bridge. 

Make sure to have enough time to wander along the castle walls. There is a nice view of the Adige river and the Castelvecchio bridge from here.

Hours : Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm | More info on the  official website Ticket price : € 6.60 online | €6 at the museum Included in the Verona Card? Yes

4. Castelvecchio Bridge

The Castelvecchio Bridge (also known as the Scaliger Bridge) is a pedestrian bridge that is connected to the castle and is free to visit. Walking across the bridge provides nice views along the Adige river in both directions.

The bridge was originally built in the Middle Ages, around the mid 14th century, and stood for hundreds of years before being destroyed partially in the 19th century and then fully in the 20th century during World War II.

The bridge that stands today is a reconstruction and an exact replica of the original. 

5. Piazza delle Erbe

The Piazza delle Erbe is at the heart of Verona, Italy. This square has been important to the city of Verona since the first century BC when it was used as a Roman public forum. 

Now, the Piazza delle Erbe — translated in English to Herb Square, is a lively market square. You can come here any day of the week to experience the permanent outdoor market.

Unfortunately, these days, the local market is mainly a tourist attraction where vendors sell souvenirs instead of a typical Italian market that sells fresh produce and goods.

The square is lined with gorgeous historic buildings like the Mazzanti Houses which are adorned with stunning, colorful frescoes. In the middle of the square is a sculpture of Madonna which was constructed during Roman times. 

If you need a bit of a refresher during your busy day, then sit down at one of the many restaurants at the Piazza delle Erbe and grab an Aperol Spritz.

We wouldn’t recommend eating here, as there are much better restaurants for food that we’ve listed out in our Verona food guide.

6. Torre dei Lamberti

Climbing the Torre dei Lamberti is one of our favorite things to do in Verona as it provides unmissable views across the city. It was constructed in the Romanesque style in the 12th century by the Lamberti family. 

The tower stands at 84 meters (275 feet) tall making it the tallest building in the city. You can make your way to the top either by stairs (there are 368) or by elevator.

The elevator is see-through so you can admire the architecture of the interior of the building all the way up.

Do note though that if you take the elevator there are still a few steps when you get out to reach the true top of the tower. 

Tip: We highly suggest reserving your time slot in advance. To book your time slot, you need to send an email to the ticket office, and they will get back to you with your confirmed reservation. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to reserve online on your own.

Hours : Monday – Friday from 10:00am – 6:00pm & Saturday – Sunday from 11:00am – 7:00pm Ticket price : €6 | Reservations are highly recommended by emailing in advance on the official website Included in the Verona Card? Yes — but advanced booking is highly recommended

7. Piazza dei Signori

This square was developed in the middle ages. Back then it was surrounded by buildings of great importance — mansions of the powerful Veronese families, as well as buildings of political importance.

Today, you can still see those grand buildings though now they are used only as landmarks and attractions. Around the edges of the square you’ll find the Palazzo della Raggione — a former palace built in the 1100s, and the Loggia del Capitanato — one of many designated UNESCO world heritage sites around the city. 

In the middle of the square is a statue of Dante — giving the space its alternate name: Piazza Dante. It is said that when Dante was given safe haven here in Verona it was in this square that he found safety and inspiration for his further works. 

8. Scaliger tombs

In an effort to make sure they would not be forgotten, the powerful Scaliger family built themselves a burial place. The Scaliger family ruled Verona throughout the 13th and 14th centuries.

This complex is made of five gothic funerary monuments that are lavishly decorated with a sarcophagus, extensive statues, and other details showing off — to this day — the power the family held. 

The tombs take up an entire city block and are protected by an ornately decorated wrought iron fence. 

Hours : Tuesday – Sunday: 7:30 am – 12:30 pm & 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm (only open during the summer months) Ticket price : Free with ticket to other Verona museums & monuments Included in the Verona Card? Yes

9. Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta)

While there was never a real Juliet, it is believed that Shakespeare may have found inspiration for his timeless love story Romeo & Juliet from this house in the fair city of Verona, and the family who once lived here.

This is the home where the Dal Cappello family (Capuleti family) lived in the medieval ages. It is a tower house built in the 13th century, and today you can visit it in pursuit of the love story.

The courtyard in front is free to visit and from there you can look up at the famous balcony. While it may not matter in this world of fantasy, that balcony was only added in the last century — so neither Juliet nor Shakespeare ever would have seen it.

In the courtyard you can also find a bronze statue of Juliet. It is believed that if you rub her right breast you will gain luck in love, which is why it’s much shinier than the other.

Entering the house you’ll be able to see artifacts from the building and the family who once lived there, along with items from the much more recent screen adaptation of the story. 

There is also a spot on the grounds where people write and leave behind their love letters. 

Our personal opinion: While it is neat to see “Juliet’s home”, this is definitely a super touristy destination. Safe to say – we were a bit disappointed with the inside of the house. If you’re in a hurry, just visit the courtyard. The interior of the house is okay and not really worth visiting.

Hours : Tuesday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm Ticket price : €6 Included in the Verona Card? Yes — but advanced booking of a time for your visit is mandatory. Book online at the  official website.

10. Basilica di Santa Anastasia

This beautiful Gothic church was constructed in the 13th century. The church is the largest in Verona and is considered to be one of the most important places of Catholic worship in the city. Interestingly, despite its importance to the city, the facade of the church has remained unfinished. 

That importance is, though, reflected inside with the grandeur of the decor. Make sure to look up as you enter and admire the beautiful frescoes adorning the ceiling as well as the many statues all throughout the basilica.

One particular statute to look out for is the hunchback who is eternally crouched below the holy water — representative of the people’s support of the church. 

Hours : Monday – Friday: 10.00 am – 5.00 pm & Saturday: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm & Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM Ticket price : €4 Included in the Verona Card? Yes

11. San Fermo Maggiore

The most interesting thing about San Fermo Maggiore is that it is actually two churches in one. When the Francsicans decided to build here in the 13th century, they built it over an already existing church but left that one totally untouched. So now, you can visit both the upper and the lower churches.

The upper church is built in the French Gothic style, while the lower church is in the Romanesque style. In the Gothic church, make sure to look to the ceiling which has 416 busts of saints and incredible wooden details.

Hours : Monday – Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm & Saturday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm & Sunday: 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm Ticket price : €4 Included in the Verona Card? Yes

12. Basilica di San Zeno

The San Zeno Basilica was originally built in the 5th century, but the structure that we see today mainly evolved between the 10th and 14th centuries in the Romanesque style. The exterior is warmly colored and the interior is grand and opulent.

The interior of the basilica is one of our favorites in all of Italy. Make sure to look up at the ceiling to admire the delicate wooden paneling and unique details.

The other major draw is the massive crypt of the church where the remains of Saint Zeno are housed. That, though, is not what visitors find most interesting, it is instead the fact that the crypt is where the marriage of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet took place. And of course, you can visit the space. 

While it is a bit of a walk to get here, if you have the time, we highly recommend visiting this basilica. It truly is a hidden gem in Verona.

Hours : Monday – Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm & Saturday: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm & Sunday: 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm Ticket price : €4 Include in the Verona Card : Yes

13. The Verona Cathedral Complex (Cathedral of Santa Maria Matricolare)

As well as the cathedral itself, the complex houses the Chiesa Rettoria di Sant’Elena and Battistero di San Giovanni in Fonte — both Catholic churches, the Canons’ Cloister, the Capitular Library of Verona, and more.

In Roman days there were more buildings such as private villas and baths here. You can still see the remains of some of those structures.

The cathedral was first built in the 4th century but it underwent many expansions to accommodate the growing community in Verona as well as a large reconstruction after a 12th century earthquake. 

The cathedral is built largely in the Romanesque architectural style — though with centuries of building it has many influences. The interior is nothing short of stunning with pink columns throughout the nave.

Of course, look to the altar for amazing artworks as well as up to the ceiling which is adorned with incredible frescoes.

Hours : Monday – Friday: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm & Saturday: 11:00 am – 3:30 pm & Sunday: 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm Ticket price: €4 Included in the Verona Card? Yes 

14. Civic Museum of Natural History

The Civic Museum of Natural History in Verona presents almost five centuries of amazing scientific artifacts and discoveries from across the Palaeolithic, Neolithic and Iron Ages.

Amazingly, there are almost three million different pieces to see in this museum. So, needless to say, you could spend a lot of time exploring and learning from it all. 

Check out taxidermy bears, insect fossils, and explore the variety of birds on display. 

Beyond the exhibits themselves, the museum is housed in Palazzo Pompei, a Renaissance palace built in the 1600s.

Hours : Tuesday – Wednesday: 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm & Thursday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Ticket price: €4.50 Included in the Verona Card? Yes

15. Ponte Pietra

Crossing over the Adige River on the Ponte Pietra gives you amazing views of Verona including of the Cathedral and of the Roman Theater. T

his Roman arch bridge is the oldest bridge in Verona and was first built by the Romans when they arrived to the city in 100 BC. 

While parts of the original bridge still stand, you can notice a distinct difference in the building materials which were used later to repair damage caused by floods and war. 

16. Piazzale Castel San Pietro

For the best panoramic views of the beautiful city of Verona, make your way to the Piazzale Castel San Pietro. Sitting atop the hill on the far side of the Adige River, the area surrounding the Castel San Pietro offers amazing views of the Veronese rooftops (views which include the Torre dei Lamberti).

The castle at the top is actually an Austrian fortress which was built in the 19th century. It was, though, built with the intention to blend in with the rest of the architecture of the city, thus giving it the name of castle. 

You can’t enter the fortress, but you can visit its exterior and stop at the restaurant at the top. This is also an amazing place to stop for sunset views over Verona. 

To reach the top you can walk up the stairs — there are about 250, or you can take a funicular up — be mindful, though, of the time for the funicular’s last trip, especially if you are going up for sunset.

Funicular hours: Summer (April – October) 10:00 am – 9:00 pm & Winter (November – March) 10:00 am – 5:00 pm  Funicular ticket price : €3 roundtrip Included in the Verona Card? No

17. Roman Theater (Teatro romano)

The ancient Roman Theater in Verona was built in the 1st century BC and remarkably, is still in use as a theater to this day. This is thanks to excavations in the 19th century which recovered the remains that had been buried beneath later settlements.

While there is some of the seating from the original theater, much of the space has needed to be reconstructed, and many modern day seats have been added. 

In addition to the theater, you can also visit the museum here which is full of Veronese and Roman history and artifacts including mosaics, sculptures, and more. 

Hours : Tuesday – Wednesday from 2:00pm – 6:00pm & Thursday – Sunday 10:00am – 6:00pm Ticket price : €6 | More info on the official website Included in the Verona Card? Yes

18. Archeological Museum

A visit to the Archeological Museum is a part of your visit to the Roman Theater in Verona. The museum is housed above the theater in a monastery, and your ticket will allow you to see both spaces and all of the amazing architecture and artifacts within. You can explore what is left of the monastery.

In the museum you’ll see statues, sculptures, artifacts, and more from Verona’s past. You can also visit the cloisters of the monastery and see all of its gorgeous frescoes. Outside are the beautifully maintained gardens which you are free to explore.

If you’re interested in learning more about Roman times, especially in Verona, this is a stop not to be missed. 

19. Wander around the streets

There are definitely a lot of amazing things to do in Verona, but sometimes the best thing to do is to simply put away the guidebooks and all the information you have about Verona, Italy and just go get lost. 

Verona is not a large city, and it is very pedestrian friendly, get out there and discover all of it. Centro storico is the name of the historic part of the city, and this is the ideal place to begin your wanderings.

Turn down those intriguing alleyways or stop in at a cafe or a bar if it takes your fancy. Make sure to go down Via Mazzini, the main shopping street of the city (also pedestrianized)

20. GAM Achille Forti Modern Art Gallery

This museum is dedicated to modern Italian art, housing 1,600 pieces in its collection spanning from the early 19th century to present day including realism, surrealism, expressionism, and more.

You can find works by renowned Veronese artists such as Renato Birolli as well as plenty of others from across the rest of Italy such as Filippo de Pisis or Arturo Tosi.

This gallery is a great way to spend some time in Verona, it lays out the history of the city beautifully through art.

We have visited many small art galleries in Italy and while some are okay, this one surprised us. We ended up spending a couple of hours here taking in all of the unique artworks.

Hours : Tuesday – Wednesday: 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm & Thursday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Ticket price : €4 in person | €4.40 online – No need to book in advance Included in the Verona Card? Yes

21. Try the local cuisine

With a city that tells as much of a story as Verona does, a city that is over 2,000 years old, of course part of that story is the food.

There is so much of it to try on your visit to Verona, but start with these highlights. 

• Pandoro: the famous Christmas cake from Verona was first documented in the 18th century when it was enjoyed by Venetian aristocracy. Today, you only need to imagine that you are a part of the aristocracy to enjoy this vanilla sweet bread.
• Risotto all’Amarone: this dish is a risotto in a red wine sauce and it’s easily found at restaurants around the city. The color may be a little bit off putting — but the black appearance comes from the intense flavor of the local dry, red wine that this dish is made with.
• Sopressa salami: this is a special type of salami which can only come only from the region. The salami is made from pork, lard, and an array of simple spices. It is soft and rich and often served on its own or with bread. Interestingly, this is a typical morning snack in Verona.
• Pastissada de caval: while this horse meat stew may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it has a long history originating in the 5th century when the flesh of horse’s killed in battle were collected and cooked. Now, the tradition continues (though the horses do not come from battlefields) and this dish is still popular. The meat is slowly stewed in wine along with an array of veggies. It may be possible to find this dish with beef instead of horse, but it won’t have the same rich flavor. 
• Meat with pearà: Some say this dish of boiled meat in a sauce with breadcrumbs and pepper is one of the most Veronese things you can try. The meats used in this delicious dish often include beef, chicken, beef tongue, sausage, and cow trotters (feet). 
• Tortellini : Though this delicious stuffed pasta is not in fact from Verona, but rather Bologna, it is very popular in the region. There is a special type of tortellini which originates nearby — Tortellini di Valeggio. This version of the pasta has extra thin dough giving it a very fine and delicate flavor. 

22. Walk along the ancient walls of Verona

Looking up at the Castel San Pietro you’re able to see a portion of the city walls already. There are in fact three sets of city walls in Verona which were each built by different cultures over the ages.

First came the Roman walls, then the walls of the Comune, and finally the Scaliger walls. The stretch of wall which you can still find standing behind the castle today is from the Scaliger family.

Make your way to Forte San Felice behind the castle and walk along the ancient walls until you reach the historic center again. You can actually walk all the way to the Giusti Gardens this way.

We did this walk early one morning and came across locals either running or going for a morning stroll as well.

23. Giusti Gardens

The Giusti Gardens are one of the most incredible hidden gems in Verona, Italy. We visited the gardens during the fall season, and even then, they were beautiful with all the fall foliage. I can only imagine what they look like during the spring and summer.

The Giusti Gardens are 16th century, Renaissance style gardens. Wander your way through the tall cyprus trees, fountains, hedges, mazes, and greenery. We spent a good couple of hours here taking it all in – it’s a nice escape from the busy city center.

The gardens were originally built and owned by the Giusti family, which made their wealth from the wool-dyeing trade in Verona. During your visit, you can also explore Apartment 900 – part of the original family home.

Hours : Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm Ticket price: €11 Included in the Verona Card? Discounted price of €8

24. Take in the views from Santuario della Madonna di Lourdes

For possibly the best views of Verona, the Santuario della Madonna di Lourdes is the place to visit. It is even higher than the Piazzale Castel San Pietro and it is also less visited.

You can walk up by road from the historic city center, it takes about 25 – 30 minutes and is a fairly trafficked walking route, but the views are also accessible by road.

While you don’t have to go past the parking lot for views of the city, there is also a church as well as gardens which are both very peaceful and worth visiting while you’re up there. 

Hours : Church open Monday – Sunday 7:30 am – 12:00 pm & 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM Ticket price : Free

25. Arco dei Gavi & Porta Borsari

Admire the city’s arches and gates – Arco dei Gavi & Porta Borsari. Thanks to the many influences, cultures, and powers in the city throughout history, Verona has unique architecture everywhere you turn. With three sets of walls there are a huge number of arches and gates to explore.

Arco dei Gavi was originally built as part of the Via Postumia, a Roman military road which ran across Northern Italy. Unfortunately, despite surviving several centuries, the original gate was destroyed during Napoleon’s reign and what is standing today is a reproduction of the original. 

Another stunning gate is the Porta Borsari which has double arches on the ground level and above that, two levels of six arches each. The beautiful white limestone used makes the structure even more eye-catching.  

26. Go rafting on the Adige River

The Adige river is vital to Verona — it gives the city its shape, both literally and figuratively. The river connected Verona throughout history, it provided protection and importance and routes in and out. Now, it is a beautiful aspect of Verona which you can enjoy on a rafting trip.

Adige Rafting Verona offers two hour rafting trips which bring you down the river, all the way through the city. This is a great way to get out in the sunshine (hopefully!), get a bit of physical exercise, and also learn more about the history and culture surrounding the river. 

While much of the rafting trip is very laid back, there are a few spots where you’ll have the opportunity to navigate some soft white water. Life jackets are provided but you’re likely to get wet so a change of clothes is recommended! Kids as young as three years old are welcome on the tours. 

Ticket price : Adults €25 & Kids under 12 €18 Where to buy tickets: Reserve online at the official site

27. Cimitero Monumentale

It may seem odd to recommend visiting a cemetary, but we really enjoy seeing historic cemetaries around Europe. The grounds of this 19th century cemetery are quite ornate and beautiful. The old cemetery is fully enclosed with long rows of columns in a neoclassical design.

At either end there are two pantheon structures, one of which is based on the famous Pantheon in Rome. Dissecting this space is a series of cyprus trees and hedges.

The tombstones here are arranged in order of importance and wealth, with those who held prestige in life, receiving cover from the elements, and those from poorer families being buried outside.

A few of the more notable Veronese buried here are the writer Emilio Salgari and the artist Umberto Boccioni.

Hours : Monday – Sunday 8:00 am – 5:30 pm

28. Go on a history walking tour 

As you’ve probably gathered from reading through this list of best things to do in Verona, the city is steeped in history. Founded in the first century BC, Verona has seen Romans, Ostrogoths, Lombards, Carolingians, Scaligers, and Austrians, before finally becoming a part of present day Italy.

You can definitely pick up lots of bits and pieces of these centuries in Verona by visiting various monuments, but the very best way to understand more of a full picture is on a history walking tour. 

Here are a few Verona walking tours we recommend:

• Verona Highlights Walking Tour – This small group tour takes you around the city with an expert guide.
• Best of Verona Highlights Walking Tour with Arena – This 3-hour tour takes you to the city’s highlights and includes skip-the-line tickets to the Verona Arena.

29. Go on a food or wine tour 

Italian food is always amazing, and Verona is no exception.

From meats and risottos to pastas and wines, there are a whole lot of local delicacies to try here.

You can sit down for a few meals, but especially if you’re short on time in Verona, a food or wine tour is a great way to knock it all out in one go. 

Best Verona Food Tours:

• Verona Food, Wine & History tour : This is the tour to take if you want a bit of history and a bit of food. You’ll wander through the streets of Verona with a guide learning about the main sights all while sipping and eating your way through the city.
• 3-hour Verona Food Tour  – On this food tour, you’ll get to taste five different dishes plus some local wine while wandering the historic streets of Verona.

Best Verona Wine Tours:

• Full-day wine tasting tour  | On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy tastings at three wineries, learn about the local wine-making process, and have a sit-down lunch at a fantastic restaurant. This is our top pick!
• Amarone wine-tasting tour  | During this 4-hour small group tour, you’ll taste local wines, tour vineyards, and learn about the process of making the local wines.
• E-bike wine experience  | Explore the Valpolicella valley by e-bike while tasting local wines and learning about local winemaking with an expert sommelier.

30. Porta Leoni

Located in the historic city center, you’ll find an ancient Roman gate and ruins. Porta Leoni is a true hidden gem in Verona and is originally from the 1st century BC.

It used to stand at 13 meters (42.5 feet) high and was a main entrance into the Roman city.

We happened upon these Roman ruins while wandering the city. It’s always fascinating to experience modern times and ancient history simultaneously.

31. Take a day trip to nearby city 

Verona sits in a prime and central location in Northern Italy for day trips. Once you’ve finished up your list of activities in Verona, don’t pack up your bags just yet.

During our month in Verona, we spent a large amount of our time exploring the nearby towns on day trips. Check out our list of the 15 best day trips from Verona , or see a few of our top choices below.

• Lake Garda : The largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda is an idyllic setting which is nothing short of picture-perfect. There are several destinations around the lakeshore, one of the easiest to get to from Verona is Peschiera del Garda which can be reached on a quick 15-20 minute train ride. 
• Venice : Venice is the magical city of canals and iconic gondola rides where you can enjoy gelato and shop for carnival masks — no matter the time of year. The train trip from Verona to Venice is one hour.
• Padua : Padua is a small city known for its beautiful churches — Scrovegni Chapel and the Basilica of St. Anthony. The train trip from Verona to Padua is about 45 minutes each way.
• Bologna : Bologna is worth visiting if only for a bowl of fresh pasta and bolognese sauce! But actually, there is plenty else to do. You can get there on the train from Verona in just under an hour.
• Madonna della Corona Sanctuary: The 17th century church seems to defy reality in its perch on a cliffside in the Alps. It’s not easy to access the Madonna della Corona Sanctuary by train so you’re best to drive — the trip takes about an hour.

Don’t have time to see it all? Verona top 10

Here’s a list of the top 10 things to do in Verona if you don’t have time to see everything on this list. 

• Verona Arena & Piazza Bra
• Castelvecchio Museum & Bridge
• Piazza delle Erbe & Piazza dei Signori
• Torre dei lamberti
• Giusti Gardens
• Basilica di Santa Anastasia
• Basilica di San Zeno
• Ponte Pietra & Piazzale San Pietro
• Juliet’s House
• Roman Theater

Map of things to do in Verona

To help you best navigate your way around, here is a map of all of the best things to do in Verona and restaurants listed in this itinerary.

To save the map to Google Maps on your phone or computer, click on the star next to the title. Once you do this, you’ll be able to find the map in your “saved maps” list on your phone.

To see a list of all the items on the map, click the box with arrow on the left. To enlarge the map, click the box on the right.

The Verona Card

The Verona Card is a great investment to make for your trip to the city. Based on our experience, you’ll come out saving a good bit of money — especially if you make your way through most of the best of Verona, Italy.

The card is offered as either a 24 or 48 hour card. Both versions include free access to about 16 different spots in the city.

It also gives you a reduced ticket price at a further six city attractions. With the Verona Card you’ll also get free bus rides for the duration of its validity.

We bought the 48-hour Verona card and saw all of the main sights listed in this post within two days. It definitely saved us a lot of money and was easy and convenient to use.

You can purchase the pass online below and then pick it up at the Verona Tourist Office in Piazza Bra.

• 24-hour Verona city pass
• 48-hour Verona city pass

It’s important to note that there are a couple of activities you need to reserve a time slot for in advance even with the pass, such as Juliet’s House and the Torre dei Lamberti.

Where to eat in Verona 

There are so many great places to eat in Verona. Luckily, we spent a month here taste testing the best for you. Here are some of our favorites. 

Cafes in Verona: 

• Pasticceria Flego – For both a scrumptious and Instagram swoon-worthy snack, this is the perfect little place. Try the delicious stuffed brioche and have a coffee.
• Dolciaria Cantonucci Verona – Breakfast lovers will delight here in this fun cafe and sandwich shop which serves classics like an omelet as well as loads of fresh pastries. 
• Café Carducci – This beautiful classic vintage cafe has breakfast options like omelets, brioche, coffee, stunning cheese and charcuterie boards, and more.
• Caffe Borsari – One of the best places to get coffee in Verona. Their cappuccino is amazing!

Quick eats in Verona: 

• La Bottega della Gina XXL – Order your bowl of fresh tortellini totally customized to your tastes and watch as it’s all prepped right there in front of you. If you’re overwhelmed by choice, get the mixed option.
• La Figaccia – If you’re looking for an amazingly delicious focaccia sandwich that is properly stuffed with a good portion of fillings, you’re in for a treat. 
• Dal Grano – If you’re after a quick meal to go, these delicious square pizza slices are considered to be the best in the city.
• PanzeRé – Panzerotteria – These stuffed breads are a must-try — especially if you’re ever in need of a late night snack, order the one stuffed with tomatoes and mozzarella

Restaurants in Verona: 

• Caffè Monte Baldo – Osteria con cucina – This classic Italian restaurant has a great selection of small plates and cicchetti and serves all of the Veronese classics. 
• Trattoria alla Colonna – This is a great place to go if you’re craving a good solid meat dish as it’s best known for the amazing fried veal cutlets.
• Locanda di Castelvecchio – If you’re really feeling your meat — this is the spot (and probably not a great choice for vegetarians), there’s a cart of boiled meats that goes around which you can choose from, plus they serve amazing pastas.
• Trattoria al Pompiere – You can’t go wrong with basically anything off the menu here as everything is delicious, plus the wine list is top tier and the knowledgeable staff can recommend a pairing for anything. 

Healthier options: 

• Zazie Verona – In addition to beautiful coffees, here you can get all sorts of vegetarian dishes like noodle bowls, set lunches, and a huge variety of toasts. There is a definite international influence on the menu. 

Gelato in Verona:   

• Zeno Ice Cream And Chocolate – For slightly quirkier flavor options, this is the spot… have you ever tried a beer-flavored gelato?
• Gelateria La Romana – If you’re really committed, this is the best gelato shop in Verona with beautiful fluffy choices, but it is located outside of the historic city center so it’ll take a bit more effort to get to

Where to stay in Verona

These are our top picks for the best hotels in Verona that accommodate every type of budget.

Luxury:  Vista Palazzo  | This 5-star hotel features gorgeous modern rooms, rooftop views, and top amenities like a spa and gym.

Boutique:  Hotel Accademia  | A wonderful hotel located in the heart of the old town with amenities like a gym and breakfast.

Budget:  Casa Esvael  | This charming b&b is located just a 5-minute walk from the center of Verona and offers a lovely rustic Italian stay.

How much time to spend in Verona? 

Verona isn’t a huge city geographically, but, as you can see from this list of 31 things to do in Verona there is a lot to fill up your time with! To make sure you hit all that you must do in Verona, you’ll want to book for a minimum of two days in the city.

If you want to add in a day trip to one of the nearby destinations, give yourself a well-rounded three days (at least). Adding in extra time will only add to your relaxation and ability to fit more in more.

Whether that be more Verona attractions, day trips, meals, or time spent wandering aimlessly.

On the other end, if you only have one day to fit Verona in your Italy itinerary, it’s not impossible, and if you follow this one day Verona itinerary you’ll still be able to see a lot.

How to get to Verona

Getting to Verona by plane

There’s one airport in Verona which receives domestic and international flights. The airport’s name is Valerio Catullo Airport, it’s about 10 km (around 6 miles) from the center of Verona.

There are quite a few airlines which use the airport such as Lufthansa, KLM, and Easyjet. The airlines service around 80 destinations direct from Verona — mostly in Europe.

How to get from the Verona airport to the city center

To get from the airport into the center of Verona you can get the 199 bus . A one way ticket costs €6 per person.

Alternatively, if you want to get a taxi from the airport, it’ll be around €25 one way. As with anywhere, it’s a good idea to make sure you watch the route your taxi driver takes to ensure you’re not being overcharged.

If you’re going to get a rental car in Verona, the easiest option is to pick it up at the airport — the drive from there is about 15 minutes. But keep in mind that you really won’t need the car during your time in Verona so depending on costs it may be best to wait until you’re headed off again to pick it up. 

Getting to Verona by train

You can easily access Verona by train from many destinations around Italy. Cities like Milan, Venice, and Trieste are all close to Verona and the train journeys are easy and convenient with each taking somewhere around 60 to 90 minutes. 

There are two train stations in the city — the main being Verona Porta Nuova, and the secondary being Verona Porta Vescovo. Porta Nuova is just to the west of the city center, the walk into town is pretty easy and if you don’t have too much luggage and are happy to do it, it should only take around 20 minutes.

If you do have a lot of luggage, a bus may be better, there are several bus routes which will get you downtown quickly. 

Getting to Verona by car

Driving in to Verona is a great opportunity to take a day to explore the nearby countryside. Trips from the close cities such as Venice, Bologna, and Milan only take around 90 minutes so you could easily take it slow and spend the whole day making your way to the city by car.

Remember though, if you come by car you’d be wise to either return it on arrival or find a safe parking place where you won’t need to worry about or move it for the duration of your stay. 

Planning on renting a car in Italy? When we book a rental car in Italy, we use Discover Cars . We always find the best deals here, plus the insurance is affordable.

How to get around Verona?

Verona is a very walkable city and everything on this list of places to go in Verona, Italy is close together. It would likely take more time to drive or to wait for public transportation to get from place to place than to simply walk.

That being said, there are buses in the city which can get you around quite quickly — this is especially useful for any trips to the outskirts.

You can buy tickets for cheap online or on the bus, but keep in mind that if you purchase the Verona card all of your bus travel is included for the duration of its validity. 

Best Time to Visit Verona

Summer in Verona is definitely nice, but shoulder seasons — spring and autumn, are the best choice. Not only will the weather be more mild, but the crowds will be thinner and the prices for things like accommodation and flights will be more affordable.

In both the spring and the autumn you can expect day time temperatures in the mid 60s F with minimal rainfall. The best shoulder season month is September, the crowds (and school kids) have left but the temperatures remain in the mid to high 70s F with very minimal rainfall. 

In addition to the warm months, Christmas is a wonderful time to visit . The city has one of the best Christmas markets in Northern Italy, plus you can enjoy mulled wine and see the city all lit up and decked out for the holidays!

FAQ: Things to do in Verona

What is Verona, Italy best known for? 

Verona, Italy is best known as the home of Shakespeare’s star crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. Though the story is fictional, you can find many spots which inspired, and were inspired by, the famous tale.

In addition to the fictional romance, Verona is known for its history — dating as far back as the first century BC when the Romans first founded the city. 

Is it worth visiting Verona? 

Yes! It is very much worth visiting Verona. The city is full of fascinating things to see and do. You can explore Roman ruins and discover the ancient history of the city.

You can see art and sample gelato, you can raft down the river and climb towers. You won’t need to wonder what to do in Verona because there is simply plenty to do!

Is Verona a walkable city? 

Yes, Verona is a very walkable city. The central area of Verona is compact and much of it is pedestrianized, making it both easy and safe to navigate on foot.

The city is also largely flat so you won’t need to be climbing up and down hills for much of your Verona sightseeing. 

More information for your trip to Italy

• Bologna to Verona day trip
• Milan to Verona day trip
• Best Things to do in Bologna
• Is Venice worth visiting?

ITALY TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE Italy Travel Insurance  – Should you get travel insurance for Italy? YES! We always get travel insurance before all of our trips for peace of mind. Check out  Safety Wing  to find the best plan for you. Italy Rental Cars  – Is it safe to rent a car in Italy? Yes! We’ve rented a car in Italy too many times to count, and it’s definitely the most convenient way to get around the countryside. We rented our car through  Discover Cars  (our go-to rental agency), which helps you find the best rates no matter where you are traveling. Italy Phone Plans –  If your phone plan does not offer free coverage in Italy, then we suggest getting an eSIM. We used  Airalo  during our trip to Italy, and we had fantastic coverage the entire time. It’s easy to download and you can even top up via the app if needed. Italy Hotels –  Wondering where to book your accommodations for Italy? We’ve been reserving all of our hotels through  Booking  for years. Their messaging tool makes it easy to communicate with the hotels, and there are endless options to choose from.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Copyright © 2024 | THE TRAVEL FOLK

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• Travel guide
• Itineraries
• Local Experts
• Travel Advice
• Accommodation

With its wealth of Roman sites and streets of pink-hued medieval buildings, the irresistible city of Verona has more in the way of historic attractions than any other place in the Veneto except Venice itself. Unlike Venice, though, it's not a city overwhelmed by the tourist industry, important though that is to the local economy. Verona is the largest city of the mainland Veneto, and its economic success is largely due to its position at the crossing of the major routes from Germany and Austria to central Italy and from the west to Venice and Trieste.

Brief history of Verona

Set within the low amphitheatre that the wide River Adige has carved out of the hills, Verona conveys a sense of ease that you don't find in the region's other cities. As you walk past the great Roman arena, or along the embankments or over the bridges that span the broad curves of the Adige, you'll be struck by the spaciousness of the city. With cars and buses barred from many of the squares and narrow medieval lanes of the historic centre, this is a city that invites dawdling.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Italy, created by local experts

8 days  / from 2646 USD

Experience the hit TV show 'The White Lotus' in Sicily

Stay in beautiful Taormina with gorgeous views of Mount Etna and discover Sicily, including famous filming locations. Go on exclusive wine tastings, discover the Greek theater in Taormina with a private guide, visit other Sicilian towns and enjoy the crystal clear water on this week-long trip.

8 days  / from 3289 USD

Enchanting Italian Lakes

Experience the picturesque lakes of Northern Italy, including Lake Garda, Como, Lugano and Maggiore; explore the charming Borromean Islands – former favourites of Ernest Hemingway – and stroll the romantic streets of Verona and Milan. All of this, and much more, with this self-drive trip!

16 days  / from 3289 USD

From Venice to Florence: A Grand Tour of Northern Italy

From the atmospheric canals of Venice and the picturesque coastline of Cinque Terre, to the trendy designer boutiques of Milan and the Renaissance-infused streets of Florence, Northern Italy has plenty to offer. Experience it all with this comprehensive trip.

Tailor-made trips for   Italy

Verona’s initial development as a Roman settlement came about from its geographical position straddling the main lines of communication. A period of decline after the disintegration of the Roman Empire was followed by revival under the Ostrogoths, who in turn were succeeded by the Franks. By the twelfth century Verona had become a city-state, and in the following century it approached the zenith of its independent existence with the rise of the Scaligers. The ruthless Scaligers were at the same time energetic patrons of the arts, and many of Verona’s finest buildings date from their rule.

With the fall of their dynasty a time of upheaval ensued, Gian Galeazzo Visconti of Milan emerging in control of the city. Absorption into the Venetian Empire came in 1405, and Verona was governed from Venice until the arrival of Napoleon. Verona’s history thereafter shadowed that of Venice.

Top image: Juliet's Balcony in Verona, Italy © Manuel Hurtado/Shutterstock

Discover more places in Italy

• Travel Guide Morocco
• Travel Guide Namibia
• Travel Guide South Africa
• Travel Guide China
• Travel Guide India
• Travel Guide Indonesia
• Travel Guide Japan
• Travel Guide Laos
• Travel Guide Malaysia
• Travel Guide Myanmar (Burma)
• Travel Guide Nepal
• Travel Guide Philippines
• Travel Guide Singapore
• Travel Guide South Korea
• Travel Guide Sri Lanka
• Travel Guide Taiwan
• Travel Guide Thailand
• Travel Guide Australia
• Travel Guide Fiji
• Travel Guide New Zealand
• Travel Guide Belize
• Costa Rica Travel Guide
• Travel Guide Cuba
• Travel Guide Guatemala
• Travel Guide Honduras
• Travel Guide Jamaica
• Travel Guide Nicaragua
• Travel Guide Panama
• Travel Guide Puerto Rico
• Travel Guide Trinidad and Tobago
• Travel Guide Albania
• Travel Guide Austria
• Travel Guide Belgium
• Travel Guide Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Travel Guide Bulgaria
• Travel Guide Cyprus
• Travel Guide Czechia (Czech Republic)
• Travel Guide Denmark
• Travel Guide England
• Travel Guide Estonia
• Travel Guide Finland
• Travel Guide France
• Travel Guide Germany
• Travel Guide Greece
• Travel Guide Hungary
• Iceland Travel Guide

The Rough Guides to Italy and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Find even more inspiration here

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 26.04.2021

Ready to travel and discover Italy?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Where to stay
• Travel advice

Get inspired

Filter by type, advanced filters, magic verona moments, do you already have dates in mind, unmissable.

Obviously, you have to go to the Roman Arena, the Castelvecchio and Juliet's House, but there is so much more to do and see in Verona. In the evening, join the locals for an aperitif, in the midst of this beautiful city. And watch the sun set from Castel San Pietro, accessible on foot or by funicular.

Must-See Places in Verona, Find Them All Here

Do you want to learn more about the city’s secrets? Read more about the interesting and unusual places in Verona.

• R_VALPOLICELLA
• M_VINO_CIBO
• T_SETTEMBRE
• E_VERONA_DINTORNI
• E_LOCAL_LIFESTYLE

Outstanding wines, made with passion

The bond between the people and their land has given us a wealth of high-quality products.

Traditional Veronese Food and Produce

Verona offers a rich culinary heritage, with superb recipes that you have to try.

• M_FESTIVAL_EVENTI
• M_MUSICA_OPERA_TEATRO_DANZA

Verona and music: a deep and lasting bond

Verona is alive with the sounds of the greatest artists of past and present.

All the Information You Need to Get the Best from Verona.

Accommodation, tickets, car parks, public transport and more more. Click here to get answers to all of your holiday planning queries for Verona.

Explore more and save with Verona Card

Verona Card is the combined ticket which allows you to visit the city and save!

Request information

Please do not hesitate to get in touch directly

Verona Tourist Office - IAT Verona Via Leoncino, 61 - (Palazzo Barbieri, Piazza Bra) 37121 Verona

Select period

Clear dates entered

Sign up for our newsletter

KUMBE - Digital Tribu Web, copy, development, webservices integration & project management

FERATEL MEDIA DMS Content

Il suo messaggio è stato spedito correttamente.