Explore the best things to see in Verona with our ultimate guide, featuring top attractions, hidden gems, unique activities and local tips. From Juliet’s Balcony to Roman ruins, here’s what to do in Verona in 1-3 days.
🗺️Includes Google Map Links.
Contents
- Introduction to Things to See in Verona
- About Verona
- Getting About Verona
- Top Attractions to See in Verona
- Enjoy an Apertivo in a Piazza
- Astounding View Points in Verona
- Unique Things to Do in Verona
- Splurge on Souvenir Shopping
- Eat Delicious Italian Cuisine at Recommended Restaurants
- More Things to Do in Verona
- Final Thoughts: Is Verona Worth Visiting?
- Useful Links
Introduction to Things to See in Verona
Before our trip to Verona, we didn’t know much about it beyond that it was the backdrop to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and the hit movie ‘Letters to Juliet’. On the big screen the city looks gorgeous and in real life it did not disappoint.
💗 We fell in love with Verona – It’s historic centre captures your heart with its cobbled streets, beautiful architecture and character.
Some of my content may contain affiliate links for companies I use and love and recommend to awesome readers like yourself. If you take action, (i.e. subscribe, make a purchase) after clicking one of these links, I’ll earn a small amount of pocket money (at no extra cost to you), so I can buy a coffee while creating more helpful content like this.
From watching an opera in the Roman Arena to learning how to make pasta like a pro, in this guide you will find creative suggestions to enhance your stay in Verona, beyond Juliet’s House and the Arena.
If you’re visiting for a day or more and want to see all the main sights it’s worth buying the Verona City Card. I love the way that the card is inexpensive and gets you into all the main places that you will want to see in Verona.
| ⌛In a Hurry? Our Top Recommendations: 🌟Buy the 'Verona City Card‘ for free entry to all the top attractions (from £23)🌟Learn about Verona with a local – Book a Free Walking Tour with GuruWalk🌟Take an I talian Cookery Class👉 Download this blog as a GPS - powered App!! |
Verona is a unique gem and to really experience it, I would recommend staying at least 2 nights.
🔗 Blogs to read: See my review of the place we stayed here 🔗 Where to Stay in Verona, Italy: 8 Best Hotels in the Historic Old Town
About Verona
Verona is a charming city, nestled along the River Adige, in north eastern Italy. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its unique and historic architecture.
Verona has something to offer for everyone – history, literature, culture and cuisine. Within its many visible historic layers, you will find a Roman Amphitheatre, Medieval walls and beautiful architecture.
Literature buffs will enjoy learning about famous writers, such as Shakespeare and the Italian poet Barbarani.
And of course food and wine lovers will delight in Verona’s amazing selection of restaurants and wine bars.
Getting About Verona
🚶Verona’s centre is fairly small and walkable. You can reach all the main sites by foot.
🚌 Traffic is restricted in the historic centre but you can take a bus from the train station to just outside of the restricted area and taxis are available too.
We walked from the train station to our stay (20 minutes) and we took the bus back.
Top Attractions to See in Verona
1. Visit Juliet’s House and Balcony (Casa di Giulietta)
Situated off Piazza delle Erbe, along Via Cappello, Juliet’s House is one of the most popular attractions in Verona. Juliet’s bronze statue stands in a small courtyard below the famous balcony.
Visitors can enter the courtyard for free to see the replica statue. Or, if you would like to go in the house and stand on Juliet’s balcony, entrance is free with the Verona City Card but you still need to pre-book your visit on their website.
🌟 It is tradition to place your hand on Juliet’s right breast and this will bring you luck in love!
Inside the house, you can see the real statue, stand on the balcony and post a letter to the Secretaries of Juliet.
🔗 Blog to read: For more details about Romeo and Juliet sites, read my Romeo and Juliet self guided walking tour blog
2. Explore the Verona Arena
This well preserved Roman Arena was once the largest Roman arena in Italy. Sadly, long ago, the very outer wall was damaged by a huge earthquake.
The rubble was taken by locals for building materials but there is a huge amphitheatre remaining. A small part of the outer wall is still standing and you can imagine how massive it was in Roman times.
🌟 Nowadays, as well as being a tourist attraction, the theatre hosts many outdoor events, including opera shows, in the summer months – and the upcoming Winter Olympics closing ceremony in 2026.
While we were there, it was closed for refurbishment. Again, entry is free with the Verona City Card.
👉 See website for opening times.
3. Check Out Castelvecchio and its Bridge
Great for history lovers, this Medieval Castle, like many of Verona’s historic attractions was constructed by the Scaliger family. The castle was ordered to be built by Lord Cangrande, to protect Verona from its neighbours and the bridge as an escape route to Tyrol.
Unfortunately, for Lord Cangrande, he was killed by his own brother before it was completed. The castle is a fantastic example of Medieval architecture. The original bridge was destroyed in World War II but thankfully restored in 1963-65.
Inside the castle, are Medieval, Renaissance and Modern art collections.
🌟 You can visit Castelvecchio and the wall walkway with the Verona City Card.
Enjoy an Apertivo in a Piazza
4. Soak up the Atmosphere at Piazza Bra
Piazza Bra is the largest public square and where you will find the Roman Arena and Verona’s city hall.
🍽️ There are many cafes and restaurants, and is the main meeting point for walking tours.
5. Try Out the Cafes in Piazza delle Erbe
This lively historic square has many cafes and a bustling market. It is decorated by statues of Greek gods and there is the beautiful Madonna Fountain in the centre, which features a Roman sculpture.
🌟 It is also home to Torre dei Lamberti, a tower worth climbing for the views.
🏩 Want to stay near these lively piazzas? Check out my guide to the best hotels in Verona’s historic centre
Astounding View Points in Verona
6. Climb the Torre dei Lamberti (Tower of Love)
Torre dei Lamberti has 360 degree views from 84 metres up. It was built by the Lamberti family and at the end of the 18th century, a large clockface was added. Visitors can choose whether to take the stairs or elevator to the top.
7. Capture Panoramic Views at Castel San Pietro
📸 This medieval fortress is the perfect place to take panoramic photos of Verona.
To get there, you walk over the Medieval bridge and can either climb the steps or take the funicular up (only 2-3 Euros).
🍽️ There is a small cafe or if you prefer a restaurant – Reteodorico that is open 12 till midnight.
Unique Things to Do in Verona
8. Take a Free Walking Tour with a Local
The best way to see all of the wonderful sights and learn about Verona’s history is to take a walking tour with a local guide. We booked the ‘First and Historic Free Walking Tour of Verona’, on GuruWalk. With GuruWalk you book the tour for free and ‘pay-what-you-choose’ at the end of the walk.
Our guide was fun and enthusiastic and showed us all the main sights as well as hidden gems like the ‘Well of Love’ and ‘Gavi Arch’. She told us lots about Verona’s culture and gave us great recommendations for our stay.
👉 Explore Free Walking Tours with GuruWalk Here
9. Follow My Romeo and Juliet Self Guided Tour
For Romeo and Juliet fans, I have written a self-guided walking tour with a pdf download. It takes you to all the Romeo and Juliet spots including Juliette’s House, Romeo’s House and Juliet’s Tomb – plus film locations from the movie ‘Letters to Juliet’.
🔗 Blog to read: You can read the blog and download the PDF here!
10. Join in an Italian Cookery Class
A different way to spend an evening – learn to make pasta and tiramisu with an expert. We loved this fun class, which took place in an elegant restaurant just off Piazza Bra.
Complemented with glasses of Prosecco and wine – you get to eat your creations and give your verdict.
Your teacher sends you the recipes so you can try it at home too.
👉 Book Your Italian Cookery Class with Complimentary Prosecco Here
11. Watch the Opera at the Arena
This would be a dream come true for me. An experience everyone should have at least once in a lifetime. Imagine watching a classic operatic performance in the immense Roman Amphitheater.
🌟 Performances are throughout the summer, with ticket prices starting from 35 Euros.
12. Take Part in the Verona Wine Festival
🍷 The wine festival in Verona will be held 12-15th April 2026. If you are considering going to Verona in the Spring – the wine festival is a fantastic event to attend. The city welcomes 150,000 wine lovers to taste wines.
Visitors walk around with their wine glass around their necks inside a wine glass bib(!), tasting different varieties. The city is buzzing and there is entertainment and fun until the small hours.
Splurge on Souvenir Shopping
13. Enjoy the Bustle at Piazza delle Erbe Market
This colourful market is open every day and sells everything from fresh fruits to leather goods.
14. Stroll Down Via Mazzini
Via Mazzini connects Piazza delle Erbe with Piazza Bra. This is where you will find the luxury stores and designer shops.
🍽️ Eat Delicious Italian Cuisine at Recommended Restaurants
15. Eat Pizza at Pizzeria Impero
Situated in the Piazza dei Signori square. This busy restaurant might look a bit touristic but if you pay close attention, you will notice that other customers are Italian.
🌟 This place was recommended to us by a local and we were very impressed with our pizzas and wine.
16. Indulge in Fine Wine and Cuisine at Osteria Le Vecete
Fairly pricey but ‘oh wow!’ – it was worth it. This upscale restaurant offers typical local specialities and an extensive selection of wine. We were both in heaven with our choices.
Please note: they do not sell cocktails and there isn’t a children’s menu.
17. Drink Cocktails at Romeo Bistrot & Cocktail Bar
🍸 This trendy cocktail bar is situated close to Piazza delle Erbe and the ‘Well of Love’. For an ambient atmosphere and signature cocktails, try Romeo’s.
🍷 There is also a cute traditional wine bar just a little further down, which also serves cocktails and hundreds of varieties of wine.
More Things to Do in Verona
18. Admire Churches and Museums
There are many museums to choose – from Archaeological and Natural History to Art museums. Also beautiful churches such as Santa Maria Antica and the Basilica di San Zen Maggiore.
19. Relax on a Riverside Walk
The Adige River is very picturesque and has paths suitable for walking or cycling.
🌟 We were told by our guide that there is a magnificent church along the river side called Basilica di Santa Anastasia with an outstanding Gothic fresco inside.
20. Watch Theatre and Concerts
There are plenty of choices when it comes to shows in Verona. From concerts and opera in the Arena, to Romeo and Juliet street theatre, there is plenty going on.
See the ‘Verona Tourist Information’ website in ‘Useful Links’ below.
Final Thoughts: Is Verona Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Verona is perfect for a romantic getaway, culture lovers or as an add-on to a visit to Venice and Milan.
Verona is just over an hour away by train from Venice and 1 1/2 hours from Milan.
👉If you’re also visiting Venice, don’t miss my Venice Hidden Gems guide – it pairs perfectly with a Verona trip.
👉And remember to buy your Verona City Card for free entry into all the top attractions!
We are looking forward to going back to watch an opera in the summer time.
Have you been to Verona? Where was your favourite spot? Let me know in the comments.
Useful Links
This article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Verona on GPSmyCity
👉 Download this blog as a GPS - powered App!!
Verona Tourist Information website
Further Reading About Italy
👉 Venice Hidden Gems: 12 Unique Things to Do in the City
👉 Experiencing an Opera in Venice: Our Magical Night at La Fenice
Leave a Reply