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.
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.
From watching opera in the Roman Arena to learning to make pasta like a pro, this guide goes beyond Juliet’s House to help you discover the very best of Verona – including a few corners most visitors never find.
🗺️Includes Google Map Links.
| ⌛In a Hurry? Our Top Recommendations: 🌟Wear comfortable shoes – the historic centre is cobbled. 🌟Learn about Verona with a local – Book a Free Walking Tour with GuruWalk🌟 Pre-book Juliet’s Balcony, if you want to go inside 🌟Take an I talian Cookery Class🌟 For quiet views, visit Castel San Pietro early morning 🌟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.👉 Download this blog as a GPS - powered App!! |
Contents
- Why Visit Verona, Italy? What to Know Before You Go
- About Verona: History, Character & What Makes It Special
- How to Get Around Verona
- Top Attractions in Verona, Italy
- Best Piazzas in Verona: Where to Eat, Drink & Soak Up the Atmosphere
- Best Viewpoints in Verona (Don’t Miss These!)
- Unique Things to Do in Verona, Italy
- Shopping in Verona: Markets, Designer Stores & Souvenirs
- 🍽️ Best Restaurants in Verona: Where to Eat Like a Local
- More Things to See in Verona: Churches, Museums & the Riverside
- Is Verona Worth Visiting? Final Verdict
- FAQ: Verona, Italy
- Useful Links
- Related Posts
- Further Reading About Italy
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Why Visit Verona, Italy? What to Know Before You Go
Verona wasn’t really on our radar before we visited – we knew it as the setting for Romeo and Juliet and had seen it looking impossibly pretty in Letters to Juliet, but that was about it. What we found when we arrived completely exceeded our expectations.
💗 It’s the kind of Italian city that you fall for. Every street has something beautiful on it – a crumbling Roman arch, a frescoed facade, a sun-drenched piazza just waiting to be sat in with a glass of Soave.
Verona has a real local character – residents going about their day, neighbourhood wine bars, market stalls that aren’t just for tourists. It felt like we’d discovered somewhere really special.
We arrived not knowing much and left already planning our return. If you’re on the fence about whether Verona is worth visiting – it absolutely is.
About Verona: History, Character & What Makes It Special
Verona is a charming city, nestled along the pretty River Adige, in north eastern Italy. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its unique and historic architecture. We found the city to be remarkably clean and picturesque with a local, cosy character.
Verona has something to offer for everyone – history, literature, culture and cuisine. Within its many visible historic layers, you’ll find a Roman Amphitheatre, Medieval walls, Renaissance frescoes, Baroque churches and beautiful architecture.
It’s about an hour by train from both Venice and Milan. We found it far less crowded than its famous neighbours.
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.
I loved it all!
Best Time to Visit:
Late spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer the most pleasant weather and smaller crowds.
Summer brings the famous opera season at the Arena, but also the biggest tourist numbers. The Verona Wine Festival in April is a brilliant reason to visit in spring.
How Long to Spend:
Two nights is perfect – enough to see all the main sights at a relaxed pace, enjoy an evening aperitivo and explore a few hidden corners. One day is doable but rushed.
Who is Verona Best For?
Couples, solo travellers and culture lovers. It also works well as a short add-on to Venice or Milan.
How to Get Around 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 in Verona, Italy
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’d 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!
There was quite a crowd of people when we visited, all eager to place their hand on Juliet’s breast!
Inside the house, you can see the real statue, stand on the balcony and post a letter to the Secretaries of Juliet.
We paid to go inside the house so we could get the balcony shot but to be honest, unless you really want the photo opportunity it’s not really worth it.
If you’re like me – a huge fan of the movie ‘Letters to Juliet’ and Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet – then a visit here is a must.
I visited all the Romeo and Juliet themed sites and wrote about it in detail, which you can read in the blog below.
🔗 Blog to read: For more details about Romeo and Juliet sites, read my Romeo and Juliet self guided walking tour blog
2. See the Verona Arena: One of Italy’s Best-Preserved Roman Amphitheatres
Dating from the 1st century AD, the Roman Arena is one of Italy’s best-preserved Roman arenas. It was once the largest Roman arena in Italy. Sadly, long ago, the very outer wall was damaged by a huge earthquake.
Our guide told us that the rubble was taken by locals for building materials over the years. Eventually, they realised if they carried on there would be nothing left and luckily for us, 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.
Unfortunately, while we were there, it was closed for refurbishment but it was very impressive from the outside.
Again, entry is free with the Verona City Card.
👉 See website for opening times.
3. Castelvecchio & the Scaliger Bridge
Great for history lovers, this Medieval Castle, like many of Verona’s historic attractions was constructed by the Scaliger family. Our guide told us that 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.
Best Piazzas in Verona: Where to Eat, Drink & Soak Up the Atmosphere
4. Piazza Bra: Verona’s Grandest Square
Piazza Bra is the largest public square and where you’ll find the Roman Arena and Verona’s city hall.
We found it perfect in the evening, when the Arena is beautifully lit, for an Aperol Spritz stop.
🍽️ There are many cafes and restaurants, and is it the main meeting point for walking tours.
5. Try Out the Cafes in Piazza delle Erbe
We stayed in apartment overlooking this lively historic square. It has many cafes and a bustling market. It’s decorated by statues of Greek gods and there’s the beautiful Madonna Fountain in the centre, which features a Roman sculpture. Our guide also pointed out hidden frescoes and sculptures visitors often miss.
🌟 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
Best Viewpoints in Verona (Don’t Miss These!)
6. Climb the Torre dei Lamberti (Tower of Love)
Torre dei Lamberti has 360 degree views from 84 metres up. Our guide explained that 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. Castel San Pietro: The Best Viewpoint in Verona
📸 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).
This view point was my absolute favourite – the sweeping views across Verona are spectacular. As we were short on time, we took the funicular up and walked down.
🍽️ There’s a small cafe or if you prefer a restaurant – Reteodorico that’s open 12 till midnight.
Unique Things to Do in Verona, Italy
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. We’ve even bought the pasta machine that our teacher recommended!
👉 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. The Verona Wine Festival: Everything You Need to Know
🍷 The wine festival is held in April. 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’s entertainment and fun until the small hours.
We loved trying out all the wines and the wonderful atmosphere but as the night goes on, the party gets very loud. We were kept awake until 3am so if you’re not a wine lover – it’s best to avoid the city during the festival.
Shopping in Verona: Markets, Designer Stores & Souvenirs
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’ll find the luxury stores and designer shops.
🍽️ Best Restaurants in Verona: Where to Eat Like a Local
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’ll 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 specialties and an extensive selection of wine. We were both in heaven with our choices.
Please note: they don’t 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 See in Verona: Churches, Museums & the Riverside
18. Best Churches & Museums in Verona
Verona punches well above its weight when it comes to churches and museums, and most are included with the Verona City Card.
For churches, don’t miss the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore – one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy, with a stunning carved bronze door and a beautiful cloister.
Santa Maria Antica is smaller but striking, and is the burial site of the powerful Scaligeri family whose tombs sit dramatically outside the church walls.
If you have time for a museum, the Castelvecchio Museum inside the medieval castle houses an impressive collection of medieval and Renaissance art.
For something more unusual, the Archaeological Museum sits inside a former monastery above the Roman Theatre and offers panoramic views across the city.
19. Walk or Cycle Along the River Adige
One of Verona’s most underrated pleasures is simply following the River Adige. The riverside paths are peaceful, well-maintained and largely free of tourist crowds – a lovely contrast to the bustle of the historic centre.
Heading north from Ponte Pietra, you’ll pass the Roman Theatre and, above it, the Archaeological Museum carved into the hillside. Continue a little further and you’ll reach the magnificent Basilica di Santa Anastasia – Verona’s largest church, with soaring Gothic arches and remarkable medieval frescoes inside. It’s often overlooked by visitors in a hurry, which makes it even more rewarding to discover.
The walk is easy and flat, and the reflections of the medieval buildings in the river make for some of the best photos of your trip. If you’d rather cycle, bikes can be hired cheaply near the train station.
🌟 Tip: Walk this route early morning for golden light on the water and almost no other tourists.
20. Watch Theatre and Concerts
Verona has a year-round live entertainment scene, but summer is when it truly comes alive.
The headline act is the opera season at the Roman Arena (June–September), which must be one of the great experiences in travel – watching a full-scale operatic performance under the stars in a 2,000-year-old amphitheatre! Tickets start from around €35 and sell out fast, so book well in advance. Bring a cushion for the stone seating.
Beyond opera, look out for Romeo and Juliet street theatre performances near Juliet’s House, classical concerts in Verona’s historic churches, and seasonal festivals throughout the year. The city’s tourist information website (visitverona.it) keeps an up-to-date events calendar.
🌟 Tip: Even if you don’t attend a performance, visiting the Arena in the evening when it’s lit up is magical – grab an Aperol Spritz at a Piazza Bra cafe and take it all in.
Is Verona Worth Visiting? Final Verdict
Verona stole our hearts – and we have a feeling it’ll steal yours too. If this guide has inspired you, save it to Pinterest so you can come back to it when you’re planning your trip. And if you have any questions about visiting Verona, drop them in the comments below – I’d love to help!
👉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!
Verona exceeded our expectations – from romantic piazzas to spectacular viewpoints and authentic local experiences, every corner revealed something memorable. We can’t wait to go back and watch an opera in the Arena and eat more delicious food!
FAQ: Verona, Italy
Is Verona worth visiting?
Absolutely. Verona is one of Italy’s most underrated cities – historic, beautiful, walkable and far less hectic than Venice or Rome. Whether you’re after romance, culture, food or simply a gorgeous Italian city to explore, Verona delivers. Most visitors wish they’d stayed longer. It’s probably my favourite European city.
How many days do you need in Verona?
Two nights is ideal. You can see all the main sights comfortably in two full days, with time left over for an evening aperitivo, a restaurant dinner and a relaxed morning stroll. One day is possible but you’ll feel rushed.
Is the Verona City Card worth it?
Yes, especially if you plan to visit more than two or three attractions. The card covers entry to the Arena, Juliet’s House, Castelvecchio, Torre dei Lamberti and more. It starts from around €23 and quickly pays for itself.
When is the best time to visit Verona?
Late spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) are ideal for pleasant weather and manageable crowds. Visit in summer for the opera season at the Arena. The Verona Wine Festival in April is a brilliant bonus if you’re a wine lover – just be warned, it gets lively at night!
Is Verona easy to get to?
Very. Verona has its own international airport (Verona Villafranca), and the city centre is just a short bus ride away. By train, it’s around 70 minutes from Venice and 90 minutes from Milan, making it an easy add-on to a wider northern Italy trip.
Is Verona good for a romantic break?
It’s one of the most romantic cities in Europe. The Shakespeare connection, candlelit piazzas, excellent wine and beautiful architecture make it a perfect couples’ destination. For a special occasion, book a table at Osteria Le Vecete and finish the evening with a walk along the Adige.
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
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