top 10 verona tourist attractions

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.

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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 .

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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

17 Places to See & Best Things to Do in Verona, Italy (+Map & Travel Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 20, 2024

Visiting Verona in Italy and wondering what to expect and what to see and do in the city? In this guide, we cover all the musts – the best places to see and things to do in Verona for first-time visitors . Take a look!

Verona lies in the Veneto region in the north of the country and is one of the prettiest cities in Italy . Known as a romantic destination because of its association with Romeo and Juliet, the city is still much quieter than the major tourist destinations like Rome , Venice , Florence , or Milan .

Yet there are many good reasons to visit Verona beyond the famous Juliet’s Balcony… From its historic amphitheater and the beautifully preserved churches and ancient bridges to the beautiful wine region just near the city, Verona has more to offer than it looks at first glance.

In this guide, you can read about the VERY BEST things to see and do in Verona . We cover all the musts for first-time visitors, but also a few of the nicest sights and attractions for those of you who have a bit more time in the area. It’s well worth planning a bit more time in Verona and exploring deeper!

We also created a map of the main landmarks of Verona and included some helpful tips for visiting each attraction. You can find all this information at the bottom of this article.

Take a look!

PRO TIP: As you’ll see below, almost all the main landmarks in Verona require a ticket. But pretty much all of them are also included with the Verona Card . You can get this card for 1 or 2 days and it offers exceptional value for those who want to visit all the best places in Verona.

Verona Card pays off even if you just visit 3-4 of the most popular attractions in Verona, not even to mention the use of public transport, etc.

Since most of the main sights in Verona don’t require lots of time, you’ll likely cover most of them during your visit. So this city pass is a really good value. We hardly ever get city passes for a short city visit, but in Verona, it really makes sense.

Top 4 Experiences in Verona:

• Verona Card with Arena Priority Entrance
• Wine Tasting Tours
• Countryside E-bike Tours

These are the main attractions and best things to do in Verona, Italy:

1. Arena di Verona

Dating all the way back to 30 AD, Arena di Verona is a splendid amphitheater and definitely #1 of the best places to see in Verona!

Verona Arena can easily rival the famous Colosseum in Rome (which was built a few decennia later, around 70-80 AD). In a way, it’s even more impressive since it’s so perfectly preserved. Arena di Verona is still used for live opera performances today!

Built to hold 30,000 spectators, this architectural marvel is located at Piazza Bra in the heart of the historic town. Citizens from all over the Roman Empire would have come here to watch ‘ludi’ (Roman games and shows).

Containing all of its original arches and seating, the Arena is absolutely fascinating to visit, either during an opera performance or as part of a sightseeing tour . From the upper levels, you have a great overview of the Arena itself, but also a nice high-angle view of the city center.

We explain all the best ticket options for visiting Arena di Verona below.

Tickets and tours: You can opt for a single ticket or visit Verona Arena with Verona Card that gives you skip-the-line access. Alternatively, if you want to get a bit more background information, you can also book a skip-the-line Arena guided tour . A popular option is also this guided city tour that – among other sights – includes a visit to the Arena as well.

Either way, getting skip-the-line tickets/ booking a tour in advance is well worth it; especially if visiting Verona in the high season (+-April to October) or on the weekends.

Good to know: In addition to visiting the Arena for sightseeing, it’s really worth trying to attend an opera performance here at night. The sight of the Arena all lit up and the magic of listening to such music in a real ancient amphitheater makes for an unforgettable evening!

If you are visiting Verona on a weekend (Thursday-Sunday) during the summer months, don’t miss this bucket list experience!

You can see the calendar and reserve your ticket for the opera performance in advance on their website or on GetYourGuide . The latter has a special deal that includes tickets for the opera performance, plus a guided city tour, public transport in the area, reservation fees, etc. And – the main advantage – you can cancel for free up to 24hrs before the date of the event.

If you didn’t reserve in advance, you may still try to get a ticket on the day itself. Also, the cheapest tickets are for the stone steps and the seats are unreserved . So if you get one of those, make sure you arrive early to get a good spot. You can also rent a cushion for a couple of euros, which I would definitely recommend doing. The alternative is to sit on the hard stone for the duration of the performance!

TIP: As you enter the Arena for a performance, make sure you pick up a candle from the large unmarked box by the gate. These are free and given to honor ‘the tradition of the candles’, which is apparently how the stage was illuminated in the past. These days, everyone is asked to light their candle right before the performance begins, which is an awesome sight!

2. Piazza Bra

Piazza Bra is Verona’s largest town square and the place where most tourists to begin their visit to the city. You’ll likely come here through I Portoni della Brà , the impressive Verona city gates. Under the gate, you can see a small statue of William Shakespeare.

Located on the edge of the city center, Piazza Bra is home to the Arena di Verona . It has lots of open space around the arena too, offering plenty of opportunities to take nice pictures of the amphitheater.

You’ll find many other historic buildings here too including the Palazzo Beriberi and the Gran Guardia Palace . In the center of the square stands the statue of the Italian King Vittorio Emanuele II on horseback. Whereas the southern end of the piazza is enclosed by part of Verona’s medieval city walls and the above-mentioned city gate.

Piazza Bra is lined with lots of colorful shops and homes, with pretty balconies and decorated shutters. It’s also filled with terraces and cafes, making it a great place for a cup of coffee and some people-watching.

If you’re here before dinner, you’ll likely see groups of friends and families walking around as they take part in their daily passeggiata . This is the Italian ritual of taking a stroll before eating.

Good to know: There is a pretty little park in the piazza – Giardini Vittorio Emanuele II – that offers some shade and has a few benches. It’s a great place to take a little rest from sightseeing. There is a fountain in the middle called Fontana delle Alpi or Fontana di Piazza Brà . The locals call it ‘lemon squeezer’ because that’s exactly what it looks like!

3. Piazza delle Erbe

There are lots of lovely squares to visit in Verona. Piazza delle Erbe in the middle of the historic old town is probably my personal favorite. Diamond-shaped and lined with important buildings, it was Verona’s principal Forum.

This is where you’ll find the beautiful Baroque Palazzo Maffei and the Torre Lamberti , along with lots of charming cafes to enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Take the time to admire all the buildings here – many of them have colorful mural paintings.

Look out for the ‘Capitello’ in the center of the square. This columned canopy dates back to the 16th century and was the place where punishment sentences were announced. You can also see a 14th-century Madonna di Verona fountain , with the statue itself dating back to 380 AD.

You can’t really miss the Lion of St. Mark located on the column in front of Gardello Tower and Maffei Palace. This winged statue symbolizes Venetian rule and you can find a number of depictions throughout the city.

There are usually lots of market stalls on Piazza delle Erbe. Nowadays, they tend to sell a lot more souvenirs than the handmade goods they were originally used for. The umbrellas cover the view somewhat and might detract a bit from the beauty of the square, but the bustling atmosphere in the historic setting makes this unique square one of the best places to see in Verona!

4. Torre dei Lamberti

Located on the Piazza delle Erbe, the Lamberti Tower stands at an impressive 84m high. Although work on the tower originally began in the 12th century, the octagonal tower floor with its marble arches was only added until 1464.

There are two bells in the belfry. The largest – The Rengo – is a 1557 replacement for the original. It was used to call meetings of the city council. The smaller Marangona was used to alert citizens to fire.

Admiring the 360-degree views from the top of the Lamberti Tower is something you really must do during a visit to Verona! You can see across the whole city, the hills nearby, and even the mountains to the north.

Good to know: You have two options to get to the top of the tower. You can either to walk up the 368 steps or take the elevator (there are still a few steps to climb at the very top, though). The walls of the elevator are transparent so you still get to enjoy the amazing architecture on the way up!

Practical info: Torre dei Lamberti is open daily (except Christmas Day) and you can get a ticket on the spot. The same ticket also gives you access to the adjacent Gallery of Modern Art as well. The Lamberti Tower – just as most other Verona attractions – is also included with the Verona Card .

TIP: Just at the bottom of the tower, there’s a small museum called Galleria d’Arte Moderna Achille Forti. Even if you are not visiting the art gallery inside, it’s worth seeing the building. On the other hand, this museum is also included with the city card and doesn’t take much time, so you may want to check it out as well.

5. Casa di Giulietta & Juliet’s Balcony

Juliet’s House ( Casa di Giulietta ) is one of the most popular places to see in Verona. It’s world famous as the setting of Shakespeare’s play ‘Romeo and Juliet’. And yes, you can see the famous Juliet’s Balcony here – even if you decide not don’t visit the inside of the house itself.

Despite the fact that Shakespeare never actually visited Italy, this 14th-century building and its balcony are synonymous with one of the most romantic stories of all times. For that reason, Casa di Giulietta attracts visitors from all over the world.

Here you can pose for photos with a statue of Juliet and see the bed inside the house that appeared in the Zeffirelli film version of ‘Romeo & Juliet’ . More recently, Juliet’s House also featured in the blockbuster movie ‘Letters to Juliet’ .

Located on 23 Via Capello in the very heart of Verona, Casa di Giulietta is reached by a covered pathway. Here you will see all manner of romantic graffiti, handwritten letters, and post-it notes with love messages left by visitors. Don’t try adding one yourself, though, as this is no longer allowed.

The main attraction, of course, is the balcony where Romeo professed his love to Juliet. Sadly, this balcony isn’t quite as authentic as it seems and was actually added in the 1930s to bring life to Shakespeare’s play and encourage even more tourists!

Good to know: You can see the house, the famous balcony, and the bronze statue of Juliet for free, but you will need a ticket to visit the museum inside the house. It’s also included with the earlier-mentioned Verona Card , which offers really good value if you plan to visit several Verona attractions and museums inside.

Practical information: Juliet’s House is open daily except for Mondays (unless it’s a public holiday like e.g. Easter Monday, when it’s open as well – this counts for most other Verona attractions too).

6. Piazza dei Signori

Piazza dei Signori i s one of Verona’s lesser-known piazzas, mostly visited by tourists when it hosts its annual Christmas and Easter markets. But it’s a really nice town square, just steps away from the above-mentioned places and well worth visiting for its historical interest!

Located beside Piazza della Erbe, Piazza dei Signori was once the center of Verona’s public institutions. The square houses the 15th-century Loggia del Consiglio , which was originally the city hall. You can also see several palazzos here, such as the Palazzo del Comune and the Palazzo del Podestà , once the residence of the Scaligeri family, and now the state government office.

Piazza dei Signori is often referred to as Piazza Dante. This is because it contains a monument to “The Divine Comedy” author Dante Alighieri , who lived in Verona from 1312 to 1318, after which he moved to Ravenna where he spent the last years of his life.

Good to know: There have been recent excavations here that have unearthed Roman remains beneath the current street level. These include mosaics and a Roman street, which you can actually view from the Capitano Palace (Palazzo di Cansignorio) through the large glass ‘windows’ in the ground.

TIP: Check out Caffè Dante Bistrot, Verona’s oldest coffee house (1865). It is located in Casa della Pietà with a pretty coral-colored exterior and carved statue embellishments. Although, be aware of high prices and extra charges if you decide to eat here.

Tour tip: If you want to see the best of Verona with a local and learn more about Dante at the same time, check out this highly-rated ‘Dante in Verona’ walking tour .

7. Arche Scaligere

Scaligeri Tombs ( Arche Scaligere ) is another landmark to see in Verona city center.

Located next to the Church of Saint Mary ‘Antica’ and right next to the square of Piazza dei Signori, this is a group of five Gothic funerary monuments to the noble Della Scala family. Each tomb is dedicated to a different lord of Verona.

The family – also known as Scaligeri or Scaliger – ruled Verona in the 13th and 14th centuries and there are several monuments to them throughout the city.

Good to know: Scaligeri Tombs are separated from the street by a wall and iron bars. To get a better look at them, you’ll have to pay a small entrance fee. It’s open every day throughout the year and yes, the entrance here is also included with the Verona Card .

8. Castelvecchio Bridge & Museum

Castelvecchio is a magnificent building located on the banks of the River Adige, just outside of the medieval city walls. Constructed in 1354, it originally served as both a fortress and a residence. Nowadays, this is a museum dedicated to Verona’s past.

The artifacts on display inside the museum range from ceramics and sacred art to coins and weaponry. There are also some exceptional paintings from the early Renaissance period, along with elegant Romanesque sculptures.

The exterior is impressive too, featuring an imposing gatehouse with two guard towers and crenulated battlements. But the highlight is the 14th century arched stone bridge Ponte di Castelvecchio (aka Ponte Scaligero) attached to the main complex.

The longest of its kind in the world when it was originally built, the bridge is decorated in the same style as the castle walls. It features several sets of stairs in its towers which you climb for splendid views of the castle and down the River Adige.

Be sure to take a stroll along the riverbank, too, for some great photographs of the bridge itself.

Good to know: The Castelvecchio museum is undoubtedly the best in Verona and you should set aside at least an hour or two for a visit here. However, it’s just a few minutes walk from the main sights in Verona’s old town. So even if you don’t have time to visit inside, it’s still worth coming here to see the castle and the bridge!

Practical information: Castelvecchio Museum is open daily except on Mondays. It’s also included with the Verona Card .

9. Ponte Pietra

Ponte Pietra (‘the stone bridge’) is the oldest bridge in Verona. Originally built around 89-100 BC, the bridge was also part of Via Postumia, an ancient Roman road connecting Genoa to Aquileia.

One of the most picturesque bridges in Verona, Ponte Pietra has collapsed due to floods many times throughout history. It was rebuilt time and again. Most recently, it was partially destroyed during WWII and was rebuilt in the 1950s using the original style and materials as much as possible.

Note the big round holes in the middle – these are ‘flood eyes’ that are supposed to help reduce the water pressure on the bridge in case of a flood. You can see a similar Roman bridge with an ‘oculus’ – Ponte Sisto – in Rome as well.

The views from this bridge are really nice too, with the hilltop church Santuario della Nostra Signora di Lourdes to one side and Verona old town to the other.

Good to know: Ponte Pietra is just a 10-15 min scenic walk from the main landmarks in the historic city center. The bridge connects this part of town to the Roman theater and the castle on the other side of the River Adige (more info about these landmarks below).

10. Roman Theater & Archeological Museum

The 1st-century Roman Theater and Archeological Museum (Museo Archeologico al Teatro Romano) is another ancient landmark worth seeing in Verona.

During the summer you can see live outdoor performances here, or simply enjoy the amazing view from the top of the theater looking over the River Adige. The museum filled with statues, bronzes, glasswork, and Roman mosaics is fascinating too. It’s housed in the former Convento dei Gesuiti .

TIP: The stonework here serves as a sun trap and it can get incredibly hot in the summer, so try to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Practical information: Just as pretty much any museum in Verona, the Roman Theater and Archeological Museum is open daily except on Mondays. It’s also included with the Verona Card .

11. Views from Castel San Pietro

The Castle of Saint Peter ( Castel San Pietro ) sits on a site on the eastern bank of the River Adige, where a church dedicated to the saint once stood. The castle itself was constructed in the 14th century to help bolster the city’s defenses.

Although the castle is not open to the public, its position on the top of a hill gives you breathtaking views across the red rooftops to the center of Verona.

Indeed, this is the highest viewpoint in the city and not to be missed! It’s also a popular place to watch the sunset in Verona.

Good to know: You can reach the top of the hill on foot, starting at the Ponte Pietra next to the Roman Theater. The walk is only mildly demanding and takes about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the one-way ride up on the funicular railway, enjoying the view as you ascend.

TIP: Visit in the early evening with a bottle of wine and join other visitors in watching the sun go down over the city – a truly memorable experience.

12. Duomo – Verona’s Cathedral

Cattedrale di Santa Maria Matricolare was consecrated in 1187 and is one of Verona’s oldest religious buildings. If you visit one church in Verona, make it the Duomo !

A beautiful example of 12th-century Romanesque architecture, the Cathedral is stunning both inside and out. Its 15th-century Gothic nave is lined with marble columns and the main chapels feature decorative Renaissance frescoes. The most impressive fresco is located at the altar, beside which you can also see an enormous gold organ.

Look through the glass panels on the glass floor and you can see the remains of the previous church that lie beneath.

Practical information: All the main churches in Verona are open daily, but the hours differ per church and per day. You can find all the practical info here .

TIP: If for whatever strange reason you opt not to get Verona Card, you can also buy one low-cost ticket for all four of Verona’s main churches (the Cathedral Complex, the Basilica di San Zeno, the Basilica di Santa Anastasia, and San Fermo). This ticket offers great value for those who want to visit all the best churches in Verona.

Good to know: Al the religious sights in Italy have a dress code for entry which requires that your knees and shoulders must be covered. This is also the case if you are visiting the churches in Verona.

13. Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore

Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore is one of Northern Italy’s best-preserved examples of Romanesque architecture. This beautiful 12th-century church is located on the west side of the River Adige. It’s a little outside of the main sightseeing routes in Verona and therefore relatively peaceful. However, as far as the best places to see in Verona go, this Basilica is well worth a detour!

The exterior is striking, made from a warmly colored combination of tufa stone and bricks. While the interior is adorned with marble columns and stunning artwork. The cloisters are really nice too! But perhaps the most noteworthy is the San Zeno Altarpiece . It’s considered to be Verona’s first major Renaissance piece and the inspiration for other local artists.

Yet despite its beauty and architectural importance, San Zeno Maggiore is famous for quite a different reason! It was in its crypt that the marriage of Shakespeare’s Rome and Juliet took place.

Good to know: You need to buy a ticket to enter the church, but you can see the beautifully restored cloisters and stunning bronze doors for free. You can also admire the beautiful rose window above them. And yes – you probably guessed it by now – the entrance here is also included with Verona Card .

TIP: If you are in Verona on a Sunday, you can combine your visit to San Zeno Maggiore with a trip to the flea market on Piazza San Zeno. This is more of a local market than a tourist one, so you can pick up some great Italian antiques and bric-a-brac. Just be aware that few stall-holders here speak English, so haggling might be a challenge!

14. Basilica di Santa Anastasia

Basilica di Santa Anastasia is another church that’s well worth seeing in Verona. It’s a lovely building designed by two Dominican friars in the 13th century.

The largest church in Verona, it’s located at the end of the Decumanus Maximus. This was the main Roman road in Verona connecting Porta Borsari to the former Postumio Bridge.

With its beautiful vaulted ceiling soaring to a great height, Sant’Anastasia is best known for its beautiful frescoes and impressive red Veronese marble pillars. The most famous is Pisanello’s fresco ‘St. George & the Princess’. You can also see carved stone scenes depicting the life of Saint Peter and a pair of fonts held by hunchbacked marble grotesques.

TIP: The cost of admission includes a very good audio tour which is both informative and easy to follow.

15. San Fermo Maggiore

Chiesa di San Fermo Maggiore is the lesser-visited of the four main churches in Verona. But it’s unique and well worth a look too!

The original church here dates from the 11-14th centuries and has been rebuilt later. Thus the mix of romanesque and gothic styles. Inside, you can see lots of stunning artworks and paintings, with images of over 400 saints. The wooden ceiling is very impressive!

But what makes San Fermo Maggiore more special is that it has two levels ; with a small older chapel located underneath the current church.

Good to know: Visit here is also free with Verona Card or the earlier-mentioned Churches Pass.

16. Il Giardino Giusti

Located on the grounds of the Giusti Palace located on the River Adige’s eastern bank, il Giardino Giusti are spectacular 16th-century gardens. These are the finest gardens in the city!

This park is a bit of a hidden gem in Verona, but it’s well worth a visit if you have more time to explore beyond the main sights and attractions.

Giardino Giusti gardens are divided into 8 sections and each one has a different theme, with its own decoration or fountain in the middle. This is typical of the Renaissance layout, which emphasizes beauty, perfection, and geometry.

A stroll amongst the cypress trees and grottoes makes a refreshing break from all the sightseeing in Verona. You’ll also find a hedge maze here which is fun for kids (the boxwood hedges are too low to present much of a challenge to adults). You can also visit Apartamento 900 , the apartments of the family to whom these gardens belonged.

TIP: Although quite steep, it’s worth climbing the steps and paths to the upper tiers of the gardens for the panoramic views of the city.

Good to know: Giardino Giusti entrance fee is quite high for a rather small park and it is not included in the city pass. However, there are discounts for the Verona Card holders and also special family tickets.

Practical information: Giardino Giusti is open daily throughout the year except on Christmas day. See their website for more info.

17. Food, Wine & Vineyards

In addition to all the main sights and attractions in Verona, the city has a lot to offer for food and wine lovers too.

One of the best ways to get to know the local cuisine and try some traditional regional dishes in Verona is by joining one of the organized food tours . Cooking classes are also available.

This is the best-rated Verona food & wine tour that takes you to the main landmarks in the city too. If you rather just focus on food, check out this great value food tour with wine tasting .

If you are looking for a more hands-on experience, you can also opt for this popular cooking lesson or a gelato-making class . And if you are mostly interested in local wines (such as the world-famous Prosecco), you’ll find various wine-tasting experiences .

But if you have more time, I highly recommend joining a winery tour of the beautiful Valpolicella Valley just outside the city. Valpolicella is best known for its Recioto, Ripasso, and Amarone wines.

You can visit the Amarone Wine Trail by minivan with this very popular and highly-rated tour , or you can opt to visit the Amarone countryside with an e-bike tour .

Whatever you choose, it’s a great addition to the ‘regular’ sightseeing in Verona and will make your visit much more memorable.

Map of Verona attractions

To help you get a better idea of where everything is located, we created a map indicating all the main sights in Verona mentioned in this article.

Below, you can find additional suggestions for places to see near Verona , and also some practical tips and information for your visit to the city.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Where to stay

While many tourists just visit Verona for a day, we highly recommend spending at least a night or two in the city. If you can attend an opera performance, staying here is a must-do! But also otherwise, there are plenty of things to do in Verona to make a longer stay worthwhile! ( See also our recommendations for the best things to do near Verona below! )

We recommend staying in the historic city center . In the high season, accommodation prices of most of the mid-range hotels in the old town tend to be quite similar. But, of course, a lot depends on your exact travel dates and any deals the hotels might be offering…

Check out the beautiful Hotel Milano & SPA***S with the best rooftop terrace in Verona. It’s one of the top picks in the heart of the old town, and offers a great price/ quality/ location ratio.

Great value on a slightly lower budget is Hotel Firenze , about 10 minutes walk from the Arena.

Some of the best places to visit near Verona

In addition to the above-mentioned Valpolicella valley with vineyards and wineries just near Verona, there are many other amazing places to visit in this part of Italy.

Soave Castle is just about 30 min drive from Verona, and the famous Lake Garda as well. It’s well worth seeing, even if you only have time for one or two of the best places in Lake Garda . There’s a very popular day tour that takes you to the southern side of Lake Garda from Verona.

If you are visiting Verona with kids in summer and have a day to spare, you may want to visit Gardaland amusement park as well.

If you have a car, you could easily spend a few days touring around Lake Garda too. In that case, you may also want to visit Santuario Madonna della Corona . This picturesque hillside church is located just about 50 minutes drive from Verona. You could easily combine a visit here with a relaxing dip in the pools of Aquardens Thermal Baths overlooking Valpolicella hills, just about 20 minutes drive from Verona.

Other places to visit nearby include the beautiful Trentino region and the famous Dolomite mountains . If you are visiting Verona in summer, it’s well worth planning a few days extra to see these beautiful regions!

Also the most famous Italian cities like Venice , Milan , and Bologna are just a short trip from Verona. You can easily visit Venice for a day from Verona (by train or by car ). And don’t forget Lake Como , one of the most beautiful places in Northern Italy!

FAQ – Visit Verona

Verona is located in the Veneto region in northern Italy. It’s just a short drive from Lake Garda and about 1-1.5 hours by train from Venice, Bologna, or Milan. Located about halfway between Venice and Milan, Verona is a wonderful addition to any Italian trip itinerary.

Yes, absolutely, Verona is well worth a visit. It’s one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, offering a great mix of historic sites, cultural attractions, and a romantic, laid-back atmosphere. If visiting in summer, try to see an opera performance at the Arena di Verona, and it will become one of the most memorable trips ever!

Verona is world-known for its Arena, one of the largest ancient Roman amphitheaters built in 30 AD and still in use today! Verona is also famous as the city of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” and also as one of the towns where Italy’s greatest poet Dante Alighieri lived and worked on his masterpiece “The Divine Comedy”.

While you can see a few of the main landmarks of Verona in half a day, we recommend at least one full day for the city. If you want to actually visit all of Verona’s tourist attractions and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of this romantic city, plan two days for Verona. If you also want to visit Valpolicella valley and/or take a day trip to Lake Garda, you can easily spend 3-4 days in Verona.

If you have limited time in Verona and can only see the absolute ‘musts’, be sure not to miss Arena di Verona, Piazza Bra, and Piazza delle Erbe. Torre dei Lamberti and Casa di Giulietta are also among the top landmarks that are well worth seeing, even if just from the outside.

Yes, you can easily visit Verona by car. There are several of convenient parking garages close to the old town, where you can leave your car for a day. We used and recommend the big underground parking garage Cittadella just outside the city gates and 5 minutes walk to the Arena. It’s also just outside the ZTL (limited traffic zone) where you can’t drive as a tourist. I indicated this parking on our map above. You can also use this parking if you are staying in the city for a night or two.

So, this is our guide to some of the very best places to see and things to do in Verona, Italy.

Verona’s romantic atmosphere and ancient attractions make it a unique and special destination to visit, one of the best places in Italy .

I hope that this guide helps you plan a more memorable trip to Verona, and inspires you to spend more time here. (And yes, I know I say this for many places in Italy, but it’s so worth it!)

Have a great time in Verona and enjoy every moment in this beautiful city!

READ ALSO: Italy Itinerary (how to see the ‘musts’ – including Verona – in about 2 weeks)

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Photos: personal collection and Depositphotos.com

More travel inspiration for Italy:

• Hidden Gems of Rome
• Most Beautiful Towns of Lake Como
• Best Towns in Tuscany
• Amalfi Coast Itinerary
• Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast
• How to Visit Cinque Terre
• Bellagio, Lake Como
• Varenna, Lake Como
• Best Things to Do in Naples
• Best Day Trips from Naples
• Itinerary for Naples, Capri, and Amalfi Coast
• Best Hikes in the Italian Dolomites
• Traditional Italian Food by Region
• Mt Vesuvius Volcano
• Capri Island
• … For more inspiration and destination guides, please check our Italy travel blog .

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Luke Thomas

Sunday 17th of July 2022

Thank you for such a fantastic post this has been so useful for planning our trip this summer. When you say we can’t show knees in the churches in religious sites does that mean men can’t wear shorts and I have to wear trousers? given we are in Italy in August we weren’t planning on taking any trousers at all. Thanks for your help.

Tuesday 19th of July 2022

@Jurga, 😂 brilliant thank you 😊

Hi Luke, this is a common rule for visiting religious sites everywhere in Italy. Usually, big popular places have some covers for rent or to borrow available at the entrance, but this is won't be the case everywhere. In general, this rule is a bit flexible too and depends on the people working at each place. They just want to avoid people showing up there with clothing that hardly covers anything. If your shorts are almost up to your knees and you wear decent t-shirts and footwear, I think it should be ok for most places. Or you can get a pair of light linnen pants depening on what exactly you plan to visit. For women, I'd normally recommend to just pack a big light shawl or a sarong (something like this) and tight it around the waist when needed. Nobody says men can't do that as well ;). My husband once had to buy funny elephant pants in Thailand in order to visit some religious places there and it made for some fun pictures. :) Enjoy your trip!

Sunday 3rd of April 2022

🎉🎉🎉🎉🌟🌟🌟👏👏 i am totally convinced, i bookmarked this article 👍

Thursday 14th of April 2022

You'd love it, Michael!

Love the Verona article and the pictures. Thanks. P.S. Will you send me similar information about Modena.

Hi Mercedes, unfortunately, we have never been to Modena, so I can't help you with that one.

Must-see attractions in Verona

Roman Arena

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

• December 6, 2023
• by Jenoa Matthes

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 from 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.

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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.

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The 14 Best Things to Do in Verona, Italy

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Considered one of the most popular travel destinations in Italy for romance , Verona is located between Milan and Venice in northern Italy's Veneto region. Verona is famously known as the setting for William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," but it's also home to several historic and contemporary attractions. From touring the original home of the Roman Forum at Piazza delle Erbe to watching the opera inside an authentic Roman arena, you're sure to find plenty of inspiring activities on your trip to Verona at any time of year.

Ride the Funicular to Piazzale Castel San Pietro

The Castel San Pietro sits at the top of the hill and is accessible by foot or by a very modern automated funicular. From the top of the hill, you can capture one of the most picturesque views of the city. If you do choose to walk, it's a great opportunity to appreciate all the small houses and quiet streets on the way up. Visitors are allowed to enjoy the views from the square, but the castle is not open to the public. Still, it has an interesting history worth learning about, from its origins as the site of a Roman fortress to the existing building's 19th-century construction.

Take a Walking Food Tour

Don White / Getty Images

Typical dishes of Verona include everything from Risotto with minced pork and pasta with beans, and you could spend weeks here trying all the different specialties. If you're working on a much shorter timeline, a walking food and wine tour is in order. Ways Tours offers a top-rated tour led by a guide who will show you the city's main landmarks while guiding you through tastings of espresso, pastries, and Valpolicella wine. Going with a guide ensures you get a behind-the-scenes look at real Italian kitchens to see how pasta is made and a local expert on hand at the wine shop to help you decide on the best vintages to take home.

See the Roman Forum at Piazza delle Erbe

To start your trip with a bit of history, head to the original site of the Roman Forum, Piazza delle Erbe. This rectangular piazza is located in the heart of historic Verona and is surrounded by beautiful medieval buildings and towers. In its center, you'll find a 14th-century fountain topped with a Roman-style statue.

Although once used as a central location to sell produce and handmade goods, most of the stalls at Piazza delle Erbe now offer tourist souvenirs instead. However, you'll also find small cafes where you can have coffee in the morning or a glass of wine to end the day along one side of the piazza.

Step Through an Arch to Piazza dei Signori

From Piazza delle Erbe, walk through the Arco della Costa, an arch with a whale rib hanging from it, into Piazza dei Signori, a small square surrounded by monumental buildings. In the center is a statue of Dante, and perched atop buildings around the square are more famous signori . This square was once the seat of the city's public institutions, and you'll see the tower of the Palazzo del Capitanio , the 15th-century Loggia del Consiglio that was the town hall, and the 14th-century Palazzo della Prefettura, formerly the Palazzo del Governo that was a residence of the Scaligeri family.

Pay Respects at the Scaliger Tombs

RnDmS / Getty Images

Perhaps one of the most influential families in the history of Verona, the Scaligers ruled the city throughout the 13th and 14th centuries. As a result, several monuments were constructed around Verona, including the Scaliger Tombs. This group of five Gothic funerary monuments is located in a courtyard outside the church of Santa Maria Antica, and each tomb is dedicated to a different Lord of Verona: Cangrande I, Mastino II, Cansignorio, Alberto II, and Giovanni. The Scaliger Tombs are free to enjoy and open every day of the year; however, each tomb is separated from the street by a wall with iron bars that prevent tourists from disturbing the dead lords that rest there.

Climb Lamberti Tower

Located just off Piazza delle Erbe near Palazzo della Ragione, Lamberti Tower ( Torre dei Lamberti ) is a good place to get an overview of Verona. Climb the stairs to the top or pay to take the elevator most of the way, and you'll have fantastic views of the city and beyond. Construction for its medieval bell tower started in the 12th century; it was raised a few times since then until it reached its final height of about 275 feet in 1436. Additionally, Count Giovanni Sagramoso added a clock to the tower in 1798 to replace the one on the nearby Torre Gardello that had stopped working.

Tour Juliet's House and Balcony

Perhaps the most popular tourist destination in Verona, the 13th-century building known as Juliet's House is home to a museum dedicated to the titular female protagonist of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." The house is a great example of Gothic architecture in the city, and inside the museum, you'll find a collection of period furniture meant to replicate what Juliet would have had in her home during the time. Located in a courtyard off Via Capello, Juliet's House also features the famous balcony where Romeo professed his love to the young Juliet and a statue of Juliet herself. Visitors can see the balcony and bronze statue for free, but access to the museum requires a small fee.

Alternatively, you can also see the house attributed to Romeo's family on Via Arche Scaligere. Afterward, sample the traditional food of Verona, including horse or donkey meat, at ​Osteria al Duca next door.

Visit the Roman Theater and Archaeological Museum

Built into a hill overlooking the Adige River, the Roman Theater and Archaeological Museum is easily accessible from Juliet's House via Ponte Pietra, a picturesque stone bridge that crosses the river. The 1st-century Roman theater found here hosts outdoor performances in the summer, and the museum—which is housed in the former Convent of Saint Jerome—features Roman mosaics, Etruscan and Roman bronze sculptures, and Roman inscriptions. Both attractions are open seven days a week, and tickets are required to get inside each one.

Explore Castelvecchio Castle and Museum

Built as a residence and fortress in the 14th century, Castelvecchio now serves as a museum dedicated to medieval life in Verona. The building complex includes several towers and keeps as well as a brick bridge crossing the river, and the former parade ground inside is now a nice courtyard for the museum, which features 16 rooms of the former palace filled with sacred art, paintings, Renaissance bronze statues, archeological finds, coins, weapons, and armor. Tours are available daily throughout the year, and tickets are required to explore the museum.

See the Opera at Fondazione Arena Di Verona

The biggest and most imposing monument in the city, the Fondazione Arena Di Verona is the third-largest Roman arena in Italy after the arena in Capua and the Colosseum in Rome. Built in the 1st century, the amphitheater holds up to 25,000 spectators and now hosts a variety of musical concerts including Verona's leading opera companies and the prestigious opera festival known as the Festival lirico all'Arena di Verona since 1913.

However, the best time to visit this Roman arena is during the daytime when the sun shines brightly on the stage. Although part of the seating is now covered in bright orange and red chairs, it's still easy to imagine the original look of the amphitheater when it was used for less savory activities than watching a play or opera.

Wander Through Giardino Giusti

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Located on the grounds of a large castle complex on the eastern shores of the Adige river, Giardino Giusti is a sprawling garden designed in the Italian Renaissance style and known as one of the best examples of Italian gardens in the country. Along with eight separate sections of gardens, this famous attraction also features a hedge maze and a walking trail through a small, wooded area on the edge of the grounds. Throughout the year, the Giusti Garden also opens its doors to a variety of events including the Festival of Beauty, the Singing Garden, and rotating contemporary art exhibitions.

Take a Day Trip to Lake Garda

If you have a bit of time to explore around Verona, consider taking a day trip to Lake Garda. Known as Lago di Garda in Italian, Lake Garda is one of the biggest lakes in Italy and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike thanks to its crystal blue waters, pleasant climate, and clean beaches.

The town of Sirmione, located at the south end of the lake, is home to the towering fortress known as Rocca Scaligera, which was once owned by the influential Scaliger family, as well as Grotte di Catullo, the remains of a Roman villa that used to exist on the peninsula. On the western shore in the town of Gardone Riviera, you'll also find the former home of poet d'Annunzio, known as Vittoriale degli Italiani.

Say a Prayer at Duomo di Verona

The Romanesque Cathedral, also known as Duomo   di Verona , is a complex of buildings that includes a 12th-century Baptistery, the Canons Cloister, Saint Elena Church, and the remains of a 4th-century paleo-Christian basilica.

The octagonal Romanesque baptismal font, decorated with carved Biblical scenes, was carved out of a single block of marble, and the Baptistery has frescoes from the 13th to 15th centuries. The cathedral's frescoes are from the 15th to 18th centuries and the exterior is decorated with 12th-century reliefs. the Cathedral Complex is open on Sundays through Fridays year-round, with varying hours by season, and tickets are required to tour the facilities. However, you can also see the inside of the cathedral during religious services on Sundays for free all year long.

Stoll Around Piazza Bra

Once a suburban braida (field), Piazza Bra is a huge piazza located inside the main gate entering Verona. You'll see the Roman Arena on one side of the piazza, next to the neoclassical Palazzo Municipale, and several porticoed buildings with cafes and restaurants along a broad walkway on the opposite side. Piazza Bra is also home to an extensive garden with a central fountain, which makes for a great place to take a picnic lunch or bring your carryout from one of the restaurants nearby.

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15 Top Attractions and Things to Do in Verona, Italy

Verona doesn’t always make it on to the first-timer visitor’s Italy itinerary , but that definitely doesn’t make it off the beaten path either. Over five million tourists from all over the globe flock to this beautiful little city every year , in no small part thanks to Shakespeare setting Romeo and Juliet here. “In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,” ring any bells? Aside from the totally fictional love story, Verona is totally worth a visit , so keep reading for exactly what things to do and see in Verona.

Pssst! Verona is super easy to explore on foot, so I’ve ordered the below attractions in the route of a convenient walking path . Think of it as your own self-guided tour.

Pro tip : If you’re keen to enter all of Verona’s best attractions in one day, definitely purchase the €20 Verona Card . It allows entry into absolutely everything listed below that requires payment, unlimited city bus travel, and more. You can purchase the Verona Card at the entrance booth of monuments and museums, as well as at newsstands and tobacconists in the city center.

Now, let’s get to it! Here’s everything you definitely should not miss while in Verona.

Castel San Pietro

While the Castel San Pietro (Saint Peter’s Castle) is a historic Veronese landmark in and of itself, the main reason it tops this list is for the epic views it grants. From Verona’s old town, cross the Ponte Pietra bridge over the Adige River, and follow the road directly across the street up to the fortress. The walk is not too bad, and your efforts will be rewarded with the absolute best view of Verona.

Ponte Pietra

The Ponte Pietra (Stone Bridge) is a beautiful bridge that you’ll probably cross to and from the Castel San Pietro. Expect musical performers and the like, as well as lovely views on either side of the bridge of colorful buildings along the Adige River.

Cattedrale di Santa Maria Matricolare

The Cattedrale di Santa Maria Matricolare or Duomo di Verona (Verona Cathedral) isn’t too far from the Ponte Pietra, so I recommend heading there next. It sits in a rather peculiar position, given that it’s a decently large attraction… it’s at the edge of a parking lot! I didn’t enter, since I’ve seen quite a few churches during my Italian travels , but it’s really pretty from the outside. If you do want to enter, you can purchase a joint ticket for this plus three other Verona churches for just €6, rather than paying €3 for each separately. 

Chiesa di Sant’Anastasia

The Chiesa di Sant’Anastasia is Verona’s largest church and is just a couple blocks down the street from the Duomo di Verona. Like with the Duomo, I didn’t enter and just admired it from outside. But if you want to see inside, this church is included in that same €6 four-church ticket I mentioned above.

Arche Scaligeri

Next, head to the Arche Scaligeri (Scaliger Tombs), which are just a couple blocks from the Chiesa di Sant’Anastasia. They are a group of five funerary monuments from the Scalifer family (who once ruled Verona) outside the Chiesa Rettoriale di Santa Maria Antica (Church of Santa Maria Antica). Like with all the other churches, I simply admired the Arche Scaligeri’s exquisite Gothic style from outside, but tickets to enter are just €1. Right across from the Arche Scaligeri is Casi di Romeo (Romeo’s house), in case you’re interested. It doesn’t draw quite the same crowd as Juliet’s place!

Piazza dei Signori

The Piazza dei Signori (Square of the Lords), also known as Piazza Dante (Dante’s Square), is home to all the former government buildings of Verona. It’s honestly such a beautiful square (what in Verona isn’t beautiful, though?), so I recommend spending some minutes taking in all the details.

Loggia del Consiglio & Statua di Dante Alighieri

The Loggia del Consiglio (Lodge of the Council) is the former city council building, which sits in the Piazza dei Signori. In front of it is a statue of a man named Dante (Statua di Dante Alighieri). You miiiiight have heard of this guy back in high school when reading his famous work, Divine Comedy . It includes Dante’s Inferno , which tell’s Dante’s story through the seven levels of hell. While Dante was born in Florence , he was exiled and thus spent some years living in Verona.

Piazza delle Erbe

If you think the Piazza dei Signori has a lot going on, just walk some feet over to the Piazza della Erbe (Square of Herbs, or Market Square). It stands on what used to be Verona’s Roman Forum. If you’ve been spared of tourist swarms thus far in your walk of Verona, prepare for them here. In this beautiful square, you will find food and souvenir stands, as well as several noteworthy monuments and buildings.

Case Mazzanti & Fontana Madonna Verona

One of the main things to see in the Piazza delle Erbe is the frescos adorning the Case Mazzanti (Mazzanti Houses). The painting is in pretty good condition considering it was commissioned by the wealthy Mazzanti family in the 16th century! In front of the beautiful artwork stands the Fontana Madonna Verona (Lady Verona Statue). It’s the square’s oldest monument and the symbol of the city Verona herself.

Torre dei Lamberti 

The Torre dei Lamberti (Lamberti Tower) or the Tower of Love sands tall above the Piazza delle Erbe. It offers panoramic terrace views from the top, which visitors can reach via stairs or elevator. Tickets to do so are €8 and include a visit to the Modern Art Gallery, except on Mondays, when tickets are €5 and the gallery is closed.

Palazzo Maffei & Colonna di San Marco

The Palazzo Maffei (Maffei Palace) sits on the far end of the Piazza della Erbe. Its banister is adorned by statues of Greek and Roman gods, such as Hercules and Apollo (the facade was covered when I visited), and in front of it stands the Colonna di San Marco (Saint Marco’s Column). This column, with the iconic Lion of Saint Mark, might look familiar if you just came from visiting Venice ! Verona and Venice are both in the region of Veneto, which was once part of the Venetian Republic, so expect to see similarities like this throughout Verona.

Casa di Giulietta

Just off to the side from Piazza delle Erbe is Case di Giulietta (Juliet’s House). Don’t worry about locating this one; you can just walk in the direction of the large crowd! Once you slowly push your way through the short tunnel, you’ll arrive in the infamous courtyard where Romeo climbed up the vines to Juliet’s balcony. Well, in the make-believe story, of course. This site, just like Romeo’s house, is entirely a touristic fabrication, but it’s still absolutely necessary kind of fun to visit nevertheless. If you want, you can even leave a letter for Juliet or have someone down below take your picture from her balcony. Entering the building to get to the balcony will set you back €6 (plus €0.60 for pre-booking online via the official site ), so make sure you’re camera ready! 

Arena di Verona

From Casa di Giulietta, walk the glitzy and car-free Via Guiseppe Manzzini to the Arena di Verona (Verona Arena). This Roman amphitheater dates back about 2000 years, and while it’s obviously less iconic than the Colosseum in Rome, it’s actually the first true open-air opera theater in the world! Today, you can enter in the day for €10, or enjoy an evening musical performance , if there’s one during your visit.

Piazza Bra is not only the largest square in Verona, but actually one of the largest squares in all of Europe. It’s a lovely place to enjoy a meal or a coffee and admire the Arena di Verona at the end of the square.

Castelvecchio & Arco dei Gavi

Castelvechhio (Old Castle) is a medieval fortress with a connected bridge over the Adige River. You can walk through the courtyard and onto the super-cool bridge for free (which I highly recommend!), but entry into the castle’s interior will set you back €6. On the way to the castle from Piazza Bra, you’ll likely pass the large, white limestone Arco dei Gavi (Gavi Arc).

Any questions before your own trip to Verona, Italy? It’s an absolute gem, and once of several easy day trips from Milan or Venice. Let me know in the comments below if you need help planning your Italy itinerary . I could seriously talk about this stuff all day!

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16 comments.

Sarah Arnstein

I fell in LOVE with Italy when I was there in 2019, but we didn’t visit Verona! This city looks so cute! I’ll have to put it on my list for the next time I visit.

That Travelista

I love Italy too!!! I only made it to Verona on my third visit to the country – luckily Italy is a repeat-visit kind of place 🙂

Verona looks so cute, and I’ve never even thought about visiting before I read your blog. Love all the great tips and tricks about getting around this gorgeous Italian town!

Aw yay, I’m glad to have planted a Verona seed in your mind lol! 🙂

I haven’t been drawn to visit Verona before but after reading this, it sounds like such an interesting place. I do see the similarity with Venice. Very complete and useful information.

It’s definitely worth a visit in my opinion! Very pretty like Venice 🙂

Denise Macuk

Putting it on my list! Can’t believe I’ve never checked out this pretty city! I’d love to see a performance in that arena!

Viewing a performance in there would be so cool! Will definitely try to do that in the future 🙂

What a beautifully magical looking place. I can see why it’s such a literary inspiration. I’d love to explore more of Italy anyway, but this looks like a good place to visit. I especially like the tip about the pass for 20 EUR, that’s a pretty good deal from the looks of it

Such a good attraction pass deal, right?! And yes, Verona is perfectly located between Venice and Milan, so it’s really easy to squeeze into an Italy itinerary 🙂

I have never been to Verona, but this guide was so clear and well laid out! I can’t wait to explore and grab one of those daily passes.

Aw thanks for the feedback! Glad to hear it was easy to follow! 🙂

Laura Collis

This is really so helpful. I’m planning a 9/10 day trip with myself and 12 yr old son. A fun adventure! I’m working off your 7 day itinerary. Rome, Florence and Venice. But thinking maybe to go to Verona after Florence on the way to Venice. Is that simple to do? And if I wanted to do a day trip to Lake Garda from Verona, would you say its worth it? Should I have an extra night in Verona if so? Was thinking 2 nights originally. Thank you 🙂

I’m glad to know this guide has been helpful!

Florence to Verona, and then Verona to Venice afterwards, are both easy to do. For Florence to Verona, just make sure to get the fast/direct train from Firenze S. M. Novella to Verona Porta Nuova. Then to Venice, a direct train from Verona Porta Nuova to Venezia S. Lucia (can be the fast train, or also some regional trains are barely any different in travel time but are cheaper).

I can’t say whether Lake Garda from Verona is worth it or not, because I had planned to do a day trip myself, but got rained out! My plan was to visit Sirmione from Verona (so going to the Peschiera Del Garda train station from Verona). So I can tell you that it shouldn’t be a difficult trip, based on my research, but I can’t give first-hand tips, sadly!

I would recommend staying the extra night in Verona. Not only will it give you more time for the day trip (as opposed to rushing back to Verona to grab your luggage from wherever you left it, then transfer to Venice, and then navigate the Venice canals to get to your accommodation), but accommodation will be cheaper in Verona than in Venice.

I hope that helps!

Thank you so much, that’s really helpful :). I’ve decided to do it I’m the reverse order, so will spend the last part of the trip in Rome and fly home. I’m trying to work out what part of Rome to stay. Any suggestions on a area that’s handy to get around?

You’re welcome!

I liked staying in the area between the Repubblica and Viminale metro stops, because it’s flat walking distance from the main train station (I try to not use cabs since I tend to travel solo and have no one to split these costs with) but also reasonable walking distance to all the attractions, minus the Vatican.

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17 Top Attractions and Best Things to Do in Florence, Italy

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• The 10 unmissable things to do in Verona in 2024
• Places and Tours

Discover with Visit Italy the 10 best things you can do in Verona during your next trip!

Are you getting ready to discover the city sung about by Shakespeare ? Beyond the wonderful love story he told us, you probably know that the supreme poet has never been to Verona and especially never had the opportunity to do the amazing things we are about to describe to you.

In fact, in this article, we would like to be able to give you all the inspiration that this beautiful jewel of the Veneto region requires and really introduce you to Verona, beyond the familiar sights.

So, beyond the lovers' balcony, which are the best things to do in Verona in 2023 ?

The 10 best things to do in Verona you simply cannot miss

One of the most important cities in the Veneto region has certainly been made immortal by the story of the two lovers.

You will find the very famous balcony in Juliet's house , but also, perhaps less well known, the house of her Romeo , which can only be visited from the outside. You will see Juliet's statue , photographed every day by thousands of tourists, and also her tomb , a sarcophagus kept in the crypt of the former convent of San Francesco al Corso, now a museum.

In this ideal journey, however, we would like to take you to discover some lesser-known places and the most interesting and special things to do in Verona .

Our intent, in other words, is to lead you to discover a different way to explore this magnificent city and really learn about its culture and magnificent traditions.

So here are 10 things we think you should really do in Verona .

10. A guided tour of the historical center

This is definitely one of the most interesting things to do in Verona .

Even if you have already walked the streets and squares and observed the wonder of its monuments, we invite you to discover it again through an exciting guided walk. In fact, following an experienced guide, you will finally get to know the history on which every brick and pillar of the city is based. You will be able to really get to know the city beyond the veil of legend that marks it and savor all the deliciousness of its incredible culture.

It will be like seeing it for the first time.

9. A spectacular sunset at Colle San Pietro

After all, the romantic appeal of this city is undeniable. So, why not live it to the full by giving yourself a truly exceptional experience?

The ascent to Colle San Pietro is not too challenging, and it can be reached rather comfortably on foot, starting from Ponte di Pietra. Alternatively, the funicular railway is also available (at a cost of 2 euros).

On the top of the hill, where even the first nucleus of today's town is thought to have been formed, is the so-called Castello di San Pietro (Saint Peter's Castel, literally). It is actually an Austrian barracks built in the mid-19th century.

The view from up here is simply magnificent and definitely repays any effort!

8. The city on two wheels

One of the most fun things to do in Verona is certainly a bike tour . The city, except for the hilly area we have just seen, is fairly flat, so you can bike through it without too much effort.

Imagine booking your bike tour on a sunny day, and discovering the city in the company of an expert guide who will tell you about the wonders of its most important monuments from an alternative point of view.

A fun and truly sustainable way to discover the city, letting the pedals take you from Piazza Bra to Castelvecchio to Ponte Pietra!

7. The guided tour of the most important monument of Verona

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Arena di Verona (@arenadiverona)

Could we not include a tour of the amphitheater in this article? Absolutely not!

In fact, this symbol of Verona has flanked the city's history for more than two millennia . In fact, although it is best known for having served as the backdrop for gladiator fights, it has actually known several uses through the centuries. It has been the site of violent executions, bull-hunting, and also a concentration camp for Austrian prisoners during the Napoleonic period.

Learning about the past of Verona's splendid arena is actually a way to learn more about the history of the city itself .

6. Among the best things to do in Verona: the precious Carlon Collection

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Palazzo Maffei Casa Museo (@palazzomaffeiverona)

On the northwestern side of Piazza Erbe, towers a building with a splendid Baroque facade.

Not many people know that inside the 17th-century Palazzo Maffei is preserved a remarkable collection of modern and contemporary art : works by Kandinsky, Picasso and Warhol, as well as Magritte and De Chirico!

The extraordinary Carlon Collection today represents a temple of art in the heart of the Venetian city. Not to mention, even a visit to the palace's splendid interior is an exciting experience in itself.

5. Verona without attending the opera?

Can we say we have really known Verona if we have not attended a show inside the Arena?

During the summer you can attend grandiose performances under the stars and be swept away by the stories and music. Exceptional singers, dancers and wonderful sets burst into Verona's summer nights, providing indelible emotions. Carmen, Nabucco, La Traviata ... We really couldn't choose!

Remember that opera tickets are going fast: don't forget to book your dream experience on time!

4. An amazing museum: cars, cameras and technology of the past

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Museo Nicolis (@museonicolis)

You may not believe it, but in the province of Verona there is a truly outstanding collection. In fact, as many as 10 collections are housed inside the Nicolis Museum in Villafranca Veronese.

Everything that helped create our present, with its smartphones and computers, can be found here. Cameras, typewriters, jukeboxes and musical instruments ; model cars, bicycles and motorcycles, not to mention a very rare collection of touring and sports steering wheels. Even a collection of Formula 1 steering wheels !

In short, in 6,000 square meters, this museum manages to bring to life the design objects of our recent past and give its visitors unprecedented insights into our future as well.

3. A Safari inside the zoological park in Bussolengo

If a trip into nature is what you're in the mood for, we suggest the Bussolengo Zoological Park . It is called Natura Viva Park and is a huge garden home to more than 1,500 animals from as many as 280 different species , many of which are endangered.

The visit takes the form of two quite different experiences. On the one hand, you can drive the 5 kilometers that wind through the zoo; on the other hand, you can walk inside the oak forest that belongs to the park.

It's a truly exciting experience that you wouldn't expect to have in Verona: giraffes, ostriches, wildebeests, as well as cute lemurs, and animals that inhabit the world's coldest areas, such as reindeer and snowy owls.

2. The entrance to the Italian largest spa park

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aquardens - Terme Verona (@aquardens)

The Italian largest spa park is located just a few kilometers from the city and it is just one of the best things you can do in Verona.

Aquardens, in fact, covers more than 5,000 square meters and is an inviting succession of waterfalls, caves, fountains and relaxing lagoons filled by springs located about 130 meters deep. The water bubbles to the surface at a temperature that is nothing short of perfect: 47°C/116°F .

In short, after traveling the length and breadth of Verona, isn't it time to relax?

The park is open year-round, and is a delight both in summer, when the air is scorching hot, and in winter, when pleasant swirls of fog and mist envelop the pools.

1. How could you best complete your stay in Verona?

We cannot let you leave Verona without first introducing you to one of the most famous areas of its province. Have you ever heard of Amarone? Or of the famous Ripasso?

They all come from the extraordinary Valpolicella, a hilly area of great beauty lapped by the course of the Adige River. Beautiful vineyards verdant here and, therefore, even the simple passage of time becomes a great pleasure.

We, however, wish to delight not only your spirit, but also to give refreshment to your palate. How can we not offer you a guided tasting of local wines and typical products ? This is nothing short of the quintessence of our being Italian!

Which other things would you do in Verona in 2023?

In this article, we hope we have best introduced you to the exploration of one of our country's most iconic cities. A city so important that it has appeared in some of the world's most important works of art and literature, achieving a starring role.

We hope that all the proposed activities will be a true inspiration to create more and more fascinating itineraries in the heart of Verona.

For our part, we can only tell you to start from the heart of everything , that is, from the magnificent area. From here, in fact, every discussion about the past and future of this city starts.

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• 20 Must Visit Attractions In...

Must-Visit Attractions in Verona, Italy

Wine country, gastronomic center and home to opera festivals, glorious art and ancient Roman ruins, Verona is a Northern Italian city with plenty to offer every kind of visitor. Yes, it was the setting for the Shakespearean tragedy Romeo and Juliet, because the city certainly doesn’t lack romantic charm. Sorting through the abundance of great restaurants, bars and museums can be a bit overwhelming, so we’ve compiled a list of the twenty best attractions that Verona has to offer.

L’osteria del bugiardo.

Though it might be called “the osteria of the liar,” this place is the genuine article. The owner of the restaurant, has a vineyard in Valpolicella, where the house wines are made. You can taste the true passion for Veronese gastronomic traditions in the cheeses and salumi , the primi of freshly made pasta, and the stick-to-the-ribs secondi of meat and polenta.

The Arena is a functional open-air amphitheater that goes back two thousand years to ancient Roman times. Now, it still plays host to all kinds of concerts and performances, including an excellent summer opera festival. It’s a great place to spend a summer evening.

Basilica di San Zeno

This gorgeous Romanesque basilica was built in the 12th century, but its core dates back to as much as 1,500 years ago. It’s a truly magical place with the stained glass rose window, elaborately crafted bronze doors, colorful early Renaissance frescoes and a breathtaking main triptych by Andrea Mantegna.

San Zeno Flea Market

There’s a lot of life in the piazza in front of the church with families coming and going, children playing and friends meeting up for a chat. Sundays will bring the lovely antiques market full of old furniture, books, jewelry and other delightful knick knacks.

Caffe Monte Baldo

Old-fashioned and cozy, Monte Baldo is packed to bursting at lunchtime and in the evenings with a diverse crowd of locals, students and visitors alike. They have a well-chosen, affordable wine list and great nibbles to go with your glass, like crunchy balls of fried eggplant and thin slices of mortadella on bread.

Galleria d’arte moderna Achille Forti

Italian art nerds will find plenty to marvel over at this museum in Verona’s historic center, where the collection has been curated for the former Palazzo della Ragione. Their extensive permanent collection goes through about two centuries of Italian art, from the 19th century Academicism to the furious energy of the 20th century Futurists.

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Pasticceria Barini

This little pastry shop is just the place for a classic Italian breakfast of a shot of coffee and a sweet, buttery baked treat. This bakery is the genuine article, its display stuffed lovingly with cream puffs and gleaming fruit tarts. It’s full of locals in the morning, who eat lined up at the counter elbow-to-elbow.

Antica Bottega del Vino

A real institution for wine lovers, this place has its roots in the 17th century and it’s currently owned by the Amarone family. Winner of many awards from Wine Spectator, it’s one of the best places in the city to taste wine from all over the world.

Entering through the all-white storefront, you’ll find yourself in an elegant living room full of gorgeous things. Cecile is a boutique run by three women passionate about vintage. You’ll find everything from the 40s right on through to the 80s, as well as more recent collections.

This incredible Romanesque church dates back to 1187. The gorgeously vaulted interior is made with pink Verona marble and you’ll find incredible medieval frescoes as well as paintings by Renaissance greats such as Titian.

Piazza delle Erbe

Surrounded by lovely medieval and Renaissance architecture, this is the heart of the city where vendors sell kitschy souvenirs by day and young people come to drink and party at night. Have a drink in one of the nearby cafes and watch the city go by.

Osteria Carroarmato

This is one of the oldest osterie in all Verona and it’s got a wonderful, old-fashioned feel with wooden fixtures and communal tables. The owner-proprietor Signora Annalisa keeps a wine list of over 40 regional wines that you can order by the glass, and a menu full of hearty Veronese favorites like baccala alla vicentina and polenta with Asiago and mushrooms.

Museo di Castelvecchio

This imposing fortress with lovely views of the river Adige once belonged to the della Scala family, but now plays host to the civic art collection, with delightful historical artifacts and works by artists like Rubens, Mantegna and Tintoretto.

Giardino Giusti

This gorgeous 16th century garden behind a 15th century palace is an incredible piece of verdant paradise. Explore the weather-worn statues, greenhouses full of lemon trees, artificial caves and a 18th-century labyrinth of bushes.

Juliet’s House

This ultra-romantic, high-kitsch hotspot might or might not be the historic house of Shakespeare’s timeless heroine. One thing’s for sure though, it’s a huge draw, with crowds of people coming in every day to feel a bit closer to that lyrical story of all-consuming young love.

Osteria la Fontanina

This Michelin-starred osteria features good, traditional Veronese cooking, with just a slight modern twist. An interior full of beautiful old things is complemented by outdoor seating when there’s warm weather. Try the braised beef in an Amarone sauce, or the agnolotti pasta with Grana Padano and black truffles.

San Giorgio in Braida

This Renaissance-style church contains the only work of the master painter Paolo Veronese that’s on view in the city. The Martyrdom of St George that’s on view here is worth the trip, showing a divine scene as an exquisitely painted, colorful earthly carnival.

Malacarne is a bar and social center decked out in quirky bits and bobs taken from flea markets and vintage shops. Come for a taste of Italian craft beer and to hear great live music from local artists.

A magical place for readers, Il Gelso is crowded with good books, handmade stationery and other curios, making for a really warm and welcoming atmosphere. You can spend hours browsing here amid the well-curated displays, but it certainly won’t be long before this becomes one of your favorite places in the city.

Gelateria Savoia

This ice cream shop is a part of Veronese history, as it was first founded in 1939. You can get a simple cone, an ice cream sandwich, or a stick of vanilla gelato covered in chocolate. Best of all, they’re open until midnight, so you know where to satisfy that late-night craving.

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Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Verona

If Venice had not existed, Verona would probably have been the most beautiful city in northern Italy . But Venice exists, and Verona must settle for second place. However, when we talk about Italy, the second place is also a superlative.

Verona is built along the banks of the Adige river, at the point where it flows into the Po Valley, about 30 kilometers east of Lake Garda. The city is located at the foot of the Lessini mountains, represented by the San Pietro Hill.

In 2000, Verona became a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the value and importance of its many historical landmarks. Below, there are the most important 10 attractions of Verona. If you have a different opinion than us, be sure to tell us in a comment.

10. ARCO DEI GAVI

Arco dei Gavi is an ancient monument in Verona, located just outside the walls of the ancient Roman city. The arch was commissioned by the Gavia family to the architect Lucius Vitruvius Cerdo, and built around the middle of the 1st century.

In the 12th century, the arch was stripped of the decorative elements and incorporated into the new municipal walls, being used as a city gate. In 1805, during the Napoleonic occupation, the French architects dismantled the monument for reasons of military security. In 1931, the arch was rebuilt near the fortress of Castelvecchio by the historian Antonio Avena, the archaeologist Carlo Anti and the architect Ettore Fagiuoli. The monument was inaugurated on October 28, 1932.

Arco dei Gavi has a height of 12.69 meters, a length of 10.96 meters on the longer side and 6.02 meters on the shorter one. The main facades of the arch are divided into three zones by four Corinthian columns. The two central columns of each facade are connected by an entablature and a pediment above, and frame on both sides the main arch, which is characterized by a three-band archivolt resting on two Corinthian pillars.

9. CHURCH OF SAN FERMO MAGGIORE

The Church of San Fermo Maggiore is dedicated to Saint Fermus, a Christian martyr under Emperor Maximian. According to tradition, Saints Fermus and Rusticus were martyred in Verona in the year 304 AD, and the locals built a church in their honor in the 5th or 6th century.

Between 1065 and 1143, the Benedictines restructured the complex and built two churches in Romanesque style: the lower one to preserve the relics, and the upper one for the daily celebrations. In 1261, the Franciscans took the place of the Benedictines and rebuilt the upper church. The work was completed around 1350. Between 1905 and 1909, considerable restoration works were carried out.

The facade of the church, completed around 1350, is a fusion of Romanesque and Gothic style. The facade presents two loggias and a four-light window in the middle, surmounted by a smaller one with three lights and two round ones on the sides, as well as an imposing portal, built in the 14th century.

Time: Monday-Friday, from 10.00 am to 1.30 pm and from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm; Saturday, from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm; Sunday, from 1.00 pm to 6.00 pm. Tickets: 3.00€; Children 0-11 years: FREE Admission.

8. PIAZZA DEI SIGNORI

Piazza dei Signori , also known as Piazza Dante , is a beautiful square located in the historical center of Verona, adjacent to Piazza delle Erbe.

The square was formed in the Middle Ages, and was gradually defined by the palaces that were built around it. In the southern corner of the square, we can find Palazzo della Ragione, which was built at the end of the 12th century and was partly modified in the 19th century. In ancient times, the palace had four towers, of which only one remains today, the imposing Torre dei Lamberti.

Near the Palazzo della Ragione, on the eastern side of the square, there is Palazzo di Cansignorio, also known as Palazzo del Capitanio , the seat of the Scaligeri and, later, of the Venetian administration. To the northwest, we can find the Palazzo del Podesta , built also by the Della Scala family. Loggia del Consiglio , traditionally called Loggia of Fra’ Giocondo , located in the northern part of the square, was commissioned by the Municipality of Verona for the meetings of the Patrician Council, and built beginning with 1476.

7. BASILICA OF SANTA ANASTASIA

Basilica of Santa Anastasia is a Catholic church in Verona, located in Piazza Santa Anastasia. Although the church is named after the Dominican Saint Peter Martyr, it is better known as Santa Anastasia due to an ancient Arian cult building which stood on this place, dedicated to Anastasia of Sirmium.

The Dominican friars arrived in Verona in 1220, and in 1290 they began building the church. Although the basilica was solemnly consecrated on October 22, 1471, by the cardinal and bishop of Verona Giovanni Michiel, the works continued for over two centuries. On March 19, 1807, at the behest of Napoleon Bonaparte, the Dominican order was suppressed. Subsequently, the church was entrusted to the diocesan clergy and it became a parish.

The exterior of the Basilica of Santa Anastasia represents a fine example of Veronese Gothic architecture. The facade, unfinished, is characterized by the large portal framed by a marble arch, a central rose window, two mullioned windows corresponding to the aisles and buttresses that rise above the eaves line on the sides.

Time: Monday-Saturday, from 8.30 am to 6.00 pm; Sunday, from 1.00 pm to 6.00 pm. Tickets: 3.00€; Children 0-11 years: FREE Admission.

6. TORRE DEI LAMBERTI

Torre dei Lamberti is a medieval tower in Verona, 84 meters high, located in Piazza delle Erbe, in the historical center of the city. The tower was built by the powerful Lamberti family starting with the 11th century.

In May 1403, the lightning struck the top of the tower, and the restoration work began only in 1448, and lasted until 1464. About the same time, the tower was elevated to 84 meters. In 1798, the count Giovanni Sagramoso placed, at his own expense, a clock on the tower.

The tower is now open to the public and it is possible to climb up to the top, thus enjoying the panoramic view of the city.

Time: Monday-Friday, from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm; Saturday & Sunday, from 11.00 am to 7.00 am. Tickets: Full price: 8.00€; Reduced price: 5.00€; Children (0-7 years): FREE Admission.

5. PIAZZA BRA

Piazza Bra is the main square of Verona. The area began to take the shape of a square only in the first half of the 16th century, when the architect Michele Sanmicheli completed the Honorij Palace, which delimited the western side of the future square.

In 1770, Alvise Mocenigo inaugurated the first part of the Liston, the paved sidewalk that flanks Piazza Bra. On March 13, 1782, Francesco Menegatti presented a project for the definitive paving of the Liston and, after his intervention, Piazza Bra became the favorite place for afternoon walks.

In the 19th century, Palazzo della Gran Guardia delimited the southern side of the square, and around the same time the architect Giuseppe Barbieri build Palazzo Barbieri in the eastern part of the square. In 1873, the central garden of the square was created, with a fountain in the center.

4. CATHEDRAL OF SANTA MARIA MATRICOLARE

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Matricolare , also known as the Duomo di Verona , is the cathedral of Verona. The first Christian church in Verona was built in the 4th century on the site of the current cathedral. In the 5th century, the primitive church was flanked by a second, larger. Both of these structures were razed to the ground by the earthquake of 1117.

The construction of a new cathedral was begun in 1120, and was completed in the year 1187. Over the centuries, especially in the 15th and 16th centuries, the church undergone several alterations.

The facade of the cathedral is divided into three parts. In the center, there is a porch with the lower part in white and pink marble, and the upper part in tuff. On the facade, there are two large double-arched windows and a central rose window surrounded by a blind loggia. The side chapels of the church are enriched by numerous sculptures and paintings, the most famous being the painting of the Assumption of the Virgin by Tiziano Vecellio.

Time: Monday-Friday, from 11.00 am to 5.00 pm; Saturday, from 11.00 am to 3.30 pm; Sunday, from 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm. Tickets: 3.00€; Children 0-11 years: FREE Admission.

3. CASTELVECCHIO

Castelvecchio (Old Castle) is a medieval castle located in the historical center of Verona. The castle is the most important military construction of the Scaliger dynasty, the family that ruled the city in the Middle Ages.

The construction of the castle was commissioned by Cangrande II della Scala in 1354, and the works were completed in 1376 by Antonio and Bartolomeo II della Scala. At the same time, Ponte di Castelvecchio , the fortified bridge over the Adige, was built.

The aerial bombardments of 1945 severely damaged the eastern wing of the castle, while the retreating German troops destroyed the Castelvecchio Bridge. The reconstruction of the wing was completed in 1947, under the direction of the architect Alberto Avesani, while the bridge was reconstructed by Piero Gazzola between 1948 and 1951.

The layout of the castle is the result of several construction phases, and of the transformations and restorations that have taken place over the centuries.

Time: Every day, from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm. Tickets: Museum: 6.00€.

2. BASILICA OF SAN ZENO MAGGIORE

Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore is a magnificent church in Verona, dedicated to Saint Zeno, an early Christian Bishop of the city. One of the Romanesque masterpieces in Italy, the church develops on three levels, and the current structure dates back to the 11th century.

The facade of the church, built of tuff, is divided into three vertical parts. The central one is surmounted by a triangular pediment in white marble, which creates a contrast with the rest of the facade. The two lateral parts have sloping rooflines, with small blind arcades under.

The rose window, known also as the Wheel of Fortune , the work of Brioloto de Balneo, is decorated with six statues depicting the alternating phases of human life. The portal of the church is decorated with 24 square bronze tiles for each door leaf.

The interior of the church has three levels: the crypt, the central part, also called the plebeian church, and the presbytery, which contains the high altar.

Time: Monday-Friday, from 9.30 am to 1.00 pm and from 2.30 pm to 6.00 pm; Saturday, from 9.30 am to 6.00 pm; Sunday, from 1.00 pm to 6.00 pm. Tickets: 3.00€; Children 0-11 years: FREE Admission.

1. ARENA DI VERONA

Arena di Verona is an impressive Roman amphitheater located in the historical center of Verona, in Piazza Bra. The Arena, built around the year 30 AD, is one of the best preserved amphitheaters in the world, thanks to the systematic restorations carried out since the 16th century.

During the 16th century, the amphitheater became more and more important for the city, and Verona decided to restore the ancient monument. The restoration began in 1568 and the works were completed in 1586.

The outer dimensions of the amphitheater are 152.43 meters in lenght and 123.23 meters in width. These dimensions make the Arena the eighth Roman amphitheater in the world by size, and the fourth among those located in Italy.

The interior of the amphitheater consists of two main parts: in the center, the arena, where the shows were held, and the cavea, with tiers for the public. The arena measures 75.68 meters in lenght and 44.43 meters in width. The cavea is 39.40 meters wide.

Time: Monday, from 1.30 pm to 7.30 pm; Tuesday-Sunday, from 1.30 pm to 7.30 pm. Tickets: Full price: 10.00€; Reduced price: 7.50€; Children (8-14 years): 1.00€; Children (0-7 years): FREE Admission.

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12 Best Things to do in Verona, Italy

By Carl Austin · Last updated on May 4, 2024

Verona is for lovers, especially for lovers of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Here, travelers can see the house where the Juliet who inspired the play was born; they can see the tomb where she is buried and in-between they can visit the church where Shakespeare married off the ill-fated couple. But Verona is much more than a play about star-crossed lovers.

Things to do in Verona include exploring majestic churches, important palazzos, castles, ancient Roman bridge and one of the most magnificent Italian Renaissance gardens in Italy. This northern Italian town is, indeed, a charmer filled with Roman ruins and Gothic buildings. As the Bard himself might have said, “hie thee to Verona.”

Map of Verona

12. Porta Borsari

In the days of the ancient Romans, Porta Borsari was the gate through which travelers entered the city of Verona. It also was the point where these travelers paid a tax to enter and leave the city. Since it was the city’s main entrance on Via Postumia, it was ornately decorated with columns and arched windows.

Today, this first century gate, which also served as a fort with look-out towers, is somewhat in ruins today. There’s still enough left of it, however, for visitors to imagine how grand it must have been. Only the limestone façade is visible today since visitors aren’t allowed inside.

11. Giardino Giusti

Low hedges neatly trimmed into symmetrical shapes are interspersed with tall slender trees, fountains, grottoes that echo and statues at the Giardino Giusti. This 16th century garden is an awesome sight to behold. It’s so awesome, in fact, that Giardino Giusti is considered one of the best examples of an Italian Renaissance garden in the country.

It’s a reason why the garden, built by the Giusti family for their palazzo, is one of the city’s top attractions. Even visitors who don’t have green thumbs can appreciate that some of the original plants are still flourishing.

10. Piazza dei Signori

Piazza dei Signori is a key square in Verona’s historic center that is surrounded by notable buildings, including the palazzos of Ragione and Consignorio, and the Church of Santa Maria Antica. In the beginning, it served as Verona’s political and administrative hub.

The square is also known as Piazza Dante because of the statue of the great Italian author Dante, who lived in Verona for awhile. Piazza dei Signori also is the main place to see and be seen in Verona, especially on Wednesday nights. A flurry of activities such as guitar playing and flamenco dancing takes place then.

9. Duomo di Verona

Simple is in the eye of the beholder, but simple can get complicated when it is applied to the Duomo di Verona. The white and rose marble exterior is Romanesque, so it is simpler than many other major cathedrals.

It features a clock over the front entrance. The interior, with its five bays, three naves, and white and rose marble floors, seems cavernous and ornate, but, again, not as ornate as some cathedrals. Still, it has its fair share of frescoes and paintings in the chapels. The Duomo di Verona, formally known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Matricolare, was consecrated in 1187.

8. Lamberti Tower

Who could ever have imagined that something built in 1172 would continue to today to be the tallest structure in Verona. That honor goes to the Lamberti Tower, which, at 84 meters (275 feet) tall, provides panoramic views of the city. Only the height of the tower was unique when it was built as towers were common additions to the medieval homes.

Lamberti Tower is famous for its two bells: Matangona, which rang when the work day was over and also served as a fire alarm, and Rengo, which rang in times of war. Visitors today have two ways to ascend the tower: traditional steps or an elevator.

7. Castelvecchio

Designers of the Castelvecchio built it with three purposes in mind. First, it was to be a fortress to protect the people of Verona. Secondly, it was a palazzo for a wealthy family and, finally, since it was built on a river, it was to provide an escape route if the fortress fell. Castelvecchio is a massive red brick symmetrical structure with seven towers and crenellated roofs situated on the Adige River.

The connecting bridge over the river was destroyed in WWII, but later rebuilt. It’s a museum today, with 29 rooms filled with paintings, weapons and sculptures from 1300 to 1700.

6. Casa di Giulietta

In a country known for romance, romance is what draws most visitors to Casa di Giulietta, the 13th century house where Shakespeare’s Juliet reportedly was born. There is some speculation as to whether the real-life Juliet lived in the house, though it did once belong to a Cappello family.

This doesn’t deter tourists from flocking to the house where they’ve made the balcony where Shakespeare’s Romeo pledged undying love to Juliet undoubtedly the most photographed balcony on earth. The fact that the balcony was added in the 20th century also doesn’t bother tourists. Inside the house, visitors will find the bed and costumes from Franco Zeffirelli’s lavish 1968 Romeo and Juliet, but not much else.

5. Ponte Pietra

Florence has its Ponte Vecchio and Venice, the Rialto Bridge. In Verona, the not-to-be-missed bridge is Ponte Pietra across the Adige River. Built around 100 BC, this bridge is considered one of the most important Roman monuments in Verona.

The bridge is colorfully made with red brick and white stones, and reflects various architectural styles depending on when it was worked on. It has several arches, but only one of its towers stands today. Original arches can be seen today on the river’s left bank. Some of the bridge was destroyed by Germans during World War II, but later restored using original materials.

4. Chiesa di Sant’Anastasia

Not too far away from the Ponte Pietra is the most famous and important religious Gothic building in Verona: Chiesa di Sant’Anastasia. Construction took 100 years, beginning in 1280, but the exterior façade remains unfinished today. The inside of the basilica is nothing short of majestic with 12 huge marble columns supporting the ceiling.

Works by some of Verona’s best painters grace the interior, which features 16 altars and chapels. Be sure to look for the famous Pisanello fresco, “St. George and the Princess” in the Pellegrini chapel. A bell tower started with four bells, it has nine pealing today.

3. Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore

Basilica di San Zeno Maggior isn’t the biggest or the most important Catholic church in Verona, but it may be the most visited. Its crypt is where, according to Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet were married. This Romanesque church, the model for later Veronese Romanesque churches, also does well on its own.

Its bronze doors are famous in Verona, and has a large rose window dubbed the “wheel of fortune.” Inside, visitors will find 13th and 14th century frescoes and a crypt containing the remains of San Zeno, the fourth century saint for whom the basilica is named.

2. Piazza delle Erbe

Piazza delle Erbe has been around since the days of the ancient Romans when it served as a forum complete with chariot races. Then it became a market that specialized in selling herbs. Today it’s a bustling market where shoppers can buy not only herbs but other produce fresh from the farm.

It’s a good place for travelers to put together a picnic lunch before visiting nearby Lamberti Tower. Visitors will find a medieval fountain in the middle of the square; it is topped by a statue of the Virgin of Verona. Some buildings have frescoes on their facades.

1. Verona Arena

Not too many travelers can say they attended an event at a 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater, but visitors to Verona can. This open-air amphitheater, the third largest in Italy, has been a venue for events since the year 30. It was originally built to hold 30,000 spectators at gladiator contests, but now only 15,000 are allowed at events.

Its elliptical shape enhances acoustics, making it ideal for music events from pop concerts to Puccini operas. Every summer, the arena hosts a world-famous opera festival where opera aficionados light up the arena with small candles.

Best Time to Visit Verona

If you want to avoid the heaving crowds and unpredictable summer weather, both spring and autumn are the ideal times to visit Verona. From April to June and September to October, visitors can enjoy lower prices, fewer queues and daytime temperatures ranging between 18 and 26°C (64 – 79°F).

Although the popular summer months of July and August bring oppressive heat and high prices, the fabulous Verona Arena Opera season also takes place then.

As well as watching one of their performances, incredible concerts, plays and dance shows are held as part of the Verona Summer Theatre season. July is usually unbearably hot, however, and August often has sudden thunderstorms.

Outside of all the months mentioned, November to March are the quietest yet coldest times to visit. While prices are more affordable, both rain and fog can make exploring the historic centre less pleasant. Some fine skiing can be had however in the mountains nearby.

In March, one of Europe’s oldest carnivals – the Bacanal del Gnoco – also takes place. Loads of fun, it has plenty of parades, parties and traditional pastries for you to enjoy.

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January 20, 2020 at 6:10 pm

I have been to Verona last summer and Torre dei Lamberti was my favorite place.

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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!

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🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

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✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

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🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

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The top 10 most visited tourist attractions in the USA

T ravel and tourism have make a strong comeback in the US after the pandemic, and the country continues to be one of the top destinations in the world .

According to finance website Insider Monkey, revenue from the travel sector is expected to reach $190 billion this year, while the country’s tourism industry is worth over $1.2 trillion .

The website has compiled a list of top tourist sites in the US , and New York was shown to be home to two of the most visited tourist attractions- Times Square and Central Park .

Here are the places that made it to the top ten list .

Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois- 20 million annual visitors

Lincoln Park is one of Chicago’s l argest and most attractive green spaces , featuring lush landscapes, gardens, and tree-lined paths. It houses the Lincoln Park Zoo , one of the oldest zoos in the country. It has a wide variety of animals and offers free admission .

Magic Kingdom, Disney World, Florida- 20 million annual visitors

Magic Kingdom offers the classic Disney experience , featuring Cinderella Castle as its centerpiece. The theme park offers a range of well-known attractions, including Pirates of the Caribbean , Space Mountain, It’s a Small World , Haunted Mansion, and the Jungle Cruise.

Niagara Falls, New York- 20 million annual visitors

Niagara Falls, New York, is a popular tourist destination primarily because of the natural wonder it hosts: Niagara Falls, one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. Viewing the falls is easily accessible from multiple vantage points, including observation decks, walking paths, and boat tours .

Grand Central Terminal, New York City- 21.6 annual visitors

Grand Central Terminal, which opened in 1913, has a rich history and has played a pivotal role in the development of transportation and commerce in New York City. The terminal is an architectural masterpiece known for its Beaux-Arts style, ornate details, and grandeur. The main concourse’s celestial-themed ceiling with a depiction of the zodiac is particularly famous.

Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California- 24 million annual visitors

The park covers more than 1,000 acres and offers a green oasis within the urban environment of San Francisco. Its meadows, gardens, lakes, and tree-lined paths provide an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Golden Gate Park offers views of the surrounding landscape , including that of the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge , and the Marin Headlands. These viewpoints provide excellent photo opportunities .

Mall of America, Minnesota- 40 million annual visitors

The Mall of America is one of the largest shopping malls in the world , with over 5.6 million square feet of retail space. Its sheer size alone attracts tourists, but that’s not its only draw. Minnesota does not have a sales tax on clothing and shoes , making the Mall of America an appealing shopping destination for both locals and out-of-state visitors.

READ ALSO: What is the origin of Labor Day and why is it celebrated today?

Union Station, Los Angeles, California - 40 million annual visitors

Los Angeles Union Station, opened in 1939, is an example of Mission Revival and Art Deco architecture . Its historical significance as a transportation hub and architecture make it a sought-after attraction. The station has a variety of dining options , including restaurants and cafes, where visitors can enjoy a meal while taking in the station’s ambience. There are also some retail shops offering souvenirs and gifts.

Las Vegas Strip, Nevada- 42 million annual visitors

The Las Vegas Strip is renowned for its world-class entertainment options . Visitors can enjoy a wide range of performances, from legendary musical residencies and Broadway-style productions to magic shows, comedy acts, and concerts featuring top-tier artists. The Strip is also a gambler’s paradise , offering a wide variety of table games, slot machines, poker rooms, and sports betting venues in hotels and casinos .

READ ALSO: What caused the flooding and the mud at Burning Man festival in Nevada?

Central Park, New York- 42 million annual visitors

Central Park is home to numerous recognizable landmarks, including Bethesda Terrace, Central Park Zoo , Strawberry Fields (a tribute to John Lennon), Bow Bridge, Belvedere Castle, and the Central Park Conservatory Garden. Central Park has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows (including Friends), and literature, further enhancing its recognition and appeal to tourists worldwide .

Times Square, New York- 50 million annual visitors

At number one is Times Square, one of the most iconic locations in the world . Its bright lights, towering skyscrapers, and electronic billboards have made it a symbol of New York City. The Square is famous for its annual New Year’s Eve celebration, including the ball drop . People from around the globe flock to Times Square to ring in the new year, making it a bucket-list destination for many.