Lively piazzas, a Roman amphitheater that’s still in use today, gorgeous viewpoints, and vibrant colors bursting from every angle are just a few of the enchanting things you’ll find when looking for the best things to do in Verona!
As the home of the most famous pair of star-crossed lovers of all time, Verona definitely plays into its (legendary-and-probably-exaggerated) history to great effect… but Romeo and Juliet are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to making the most of visiting Verona.
It sounds silly to say, given our Italy obsession, but Verona took us a bit by surprise: often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors of Venice and Milan, Verona deserves more than a passing glance between the more common stops on northern Italy itineraries.
The city is colorful and delightful, and as we worked our way through the best things to do in Verona, one thought kept coming back to us: this is a city that we would love to settle into and stay in for a month or more.
Looking to discover the charms of Verona for yourself?
Go well beyond Romeo and Juliet with this detailed guide to what to do in Verona!
Table of Contents
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The Best Things to Do in Verona, Italy
- Make your way to Piazza Bra.
- Step inside the Verona Arena.
- Indulge in some Romeo and Juliet tourism.
- Stroll across the Ponte Pietra.
- Soak in beautiful views from the Castel San Pietro.
- Check out the Teatro Romano ruins.
- Enjoy some risotto for dinner.
- … and for more adventurous eaters, horse meat.
- Visit Piazza delle Erbe.
- Climb the Torre dei Lamberti.
- Try your hand at a cooking class.
- Wander the streets of Centro Storico.
- Learn some history at the Piazza dei Signori.
- Relax in the Giusti Palace and Garden.
- Pay a visit to Castelvecchio and its bridge.
- Go see the Arco dei Gavi.
- Duck into the Verona Cathedral.
- Check out the Scaliger tombs.
- Where to Stay When Visiting Verona
- Is the Verona Card worth it?
- Getting Around Verona, Itay
- How many days should you spend in Verona?
- Read More About Visiting Northern Italy
The Best Things to Do in Verona, Italy
Make your way to Piazza Bra.
As Verona’s largest piazza and the home of its arena, Piazza Bra is an excellent and popular place to start working through the best things to do in Verona.
While you’re there, be sure to take a look at the imposing Palazzo Barbieri, which now serves as Verona’s town hall.
Even more striking to us, though, is the Portoni della Bra.
This beautiful 14th-century gate sits on the edge of Piazza Bra and is a clear combination of the old and the new: this ancient gate still stands above a road, which holds modern cars instead of horses these days!
Like with most central piazzas that now serve as tourism centers, it’s best to avoid eating and drinking in Piazza Bra, as you’ll likely pay inflated prices for substandard cuisine… but it’s the perfect place for a stroll and some people-watching.
Step inside the Verona Arena.
Two thousand years is a long time to entertain a city–but the Verona Arena has risen to the challenge.
During the day, you can tour the arena either independently or with a guide and admire its long history dating back to the Roman Empire.
… But at night, the Verona Arena is still being used for its original purpose!
Concerts and plays often fill the arena in the evenings and draw locals and visitors alike to Piazza Bra (you can browse event dates and tickets here).
Today, the arena can still hold a whopping 22,000 visitors, down from its original volume of 30,000.
Indulge in some Romeo and Juliet tourism.
If there’s one thing that Verona is known for, it’s the city’s role as the setting of Romeo and Juliet… and no guide to the best things to do in Verona would be complete without a dive into the attractions centered on Shakespeare’s iconic couple.
The lore of Shakespeare’s tragic star-crossed lovers still lives on in Verona today through plenty of historical sights said to be locations of the legend as well as through Romeo-and-Juliet-themed tours.
But, because this is Italy and not literature class, it’s worth mentioning that while Shakespeare’s tragedy is obviously what propelled the story to global icon status, the tale of Romeo e Giulietta predates Shakespeare’s play.
In fact, legend has it that there was a true example of star-crossed lovers in Verona in the 13th century!
Though the details of their story have mostly been lost to time, writers continued to borrow the legend for poems and stories, and eventually, the legend hit the big time when it caught the eye of William Shakespeare.
Looking for Romeo-and-Juliet-inspired things to do in Verona? Here’s where to look.
Step inside Juliet’s house.
The theoretical home of the Capulet family, usually simply referred to as “Juliet’s house” is the most well-known feature of Romeo and Juliet tourism in Verona.
At Juliet’s House you can climb up a staircase and take photos on Juliet’s balcony, admire a bronze statue of Juliet, and even–in response to the 2010 movie Letters To Juliet
Pay a visit to Juliet’s tomb.
Located in the San Francesco al Corso monastery, Juliet’s (empty) tomb sits in the crypt, where visitors can come and observe where the final moments of Shakespeare’s play are thought to take place.
The monastery is now a museum, and if you’re feeling particularly morbid, you can even get married there!
Sailko, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Stroll past Romeo’s house.
Though the home that is thought to belong to the Montague family is now private, Romeo and Juliet fans still flock to the building to admire the home from the outside.
As it is just a short walk from the Capulet home, it’s an easy addition when you’re deciding what to do in Verona!
If you’re a big Shakespeare fan and simply have to get inside, the ground floor of the home is now a restaurant.
Visit the Crypt of the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore.
While Verona’s Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore is beautiful and worth visiting in its own right, today it is best known for its crypt.
The crypt is thought to be where Romeo and Juliet got married and is open to visitors hoping to take a peek at the real-life location of the legendary wedding!
Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Stroll across the Ponte Pietra.
The oldest bridge in Verona (it dates back to 100 BC!) is also one of my favorite spots in the city, simply because the views are just so beautiful in every direction.
Down the Adige River? Gorgeous view.
The buildings lining the river, bursting with spring flowers? Gorgeous view.
Looking back toward the Castel San Pietro in the hills above the bridge? Also a gorgeous view!
And sure, having great weather and visiting during the spring helped, but whenever you visit, don’t miss visiting the Ponte Pietra time or six when you’re in Verona!
Soak in beautiful views from the Castel San Pietro.
The lawn of the Castel San Pietro is easily the most famous viewpoint in Verona, and once you experience if for yourself, you’ll immediately understand why!
From here the Adige River, the city’s many bridges, towers, and steeples, plus its array of terracotta rooftops, are all visible.
We spent far longer than we originally intended to up here, perched on the walls and admiring the view–and if you’re looking for a great place for a picnic in Verona, this is it.
If you only have time for a few of the very best things to do in Verona, make sure that a visit to Castel San Pietro is one of them.
Check out the Teatro Romano ruins.
When walking up to Castel San Pietro, be sure to leave enough time to explore the nearby Roman Theatre ruins!
Not to be confused with the Verona Arena, this 2,000-year-old theatre is beautiful and in remarkably good shape for its age.
And, thanks to its location across the river from most of Verona’s top attractions and the fact that it is (a bit) under the radar compared to the more famous Verona Arena, the Theatre Romano is generally much less crowded to visit–and the views are lovely, too.
Enjoy some risotto for dinner.
Every city in Italy has its iconic dishes, and in Verona, the best-known among them is risotto.
This creamy rice dish is very tasty, and tasting some is an absolute must on your list of things to do in Verona!
… and for more adventurous eaters, horse meat.
While eating horse meat isn’t common for many of us today, it’s part of a prized traditional dish in Verona: pastissada de caval, or horse meat stew made with meat, vegetables, and wine.
Verona isn’t the only place in Italy where you’ll find horse on the menu (in Parma, it’s even traditionally served raw), but the city is well-known for it!
Visit Piazza delle Erbe.
Piazza Bra may be the biggest square in Verona, but Piazza delle Erbe is arguably just as well known.
It’s also one of my favorite places in Verona!
Often known as Market Square, Piazza delle Erbe is regularly overflowing with market stalls selling everything from touristy trinkets to fruit and is almost always bustling with activity.
Whether you drop by when the market is hopping or at a quieter moment when the stalls are shut down and the large space of the piazza stretches out in front of you, be sure to spend a few moments sitting in the shade and watching the city go by in Piazza delle Erbe.
Climb the Torre dei Lamberti.
Verona’s tallest tower, the Torre dei Lamberti, dominates one side of the Piazza delle Erbe and boasts some stunning views of both the square and of Verona (the photo above is one angle of the view from the top).
Originally built in the 12th century (though it was expanded in later years), the Torre dei Lamberti is a fantastic viewpoint, and the climb up is easily one of the best things to do in Verona.
If stairs aren’t your thing, there is an elevator you can take up as well–though keep in mind you’ll still have to climb a few flights of stairs from where the elevator drops you off in order to reach the observation deck.
Try your hand at a cooking class.
Taking a cooking class in Italy is always a treat!
In Verona, consider taking a class based around local specialties from the region of Veneto! Think risotto and bigoli pasta, for example.
This popular cooking class is an excellent option and will ensure you bring a taste of Verona home with you after your trip.
Wander the streets of Centro Storico.
Verona’s historical center is not only the location of most of the best things to do in Verona, but it’s a sight worth exploring in its own right.
Colorful buildings, beautiful storefronts, gorgeous shutters, and narrow cobblestone streets all greet you in Centro Storico.
That’s especially true when you step off of the best-known thoroughfares to spend a little time exploring the small back streets of the neighborhood!
If you want to ensure that you see both the top sights and some hidden gems that you’re less likely to stumble across alone, this history and hidden gems walking tour gets rave reviews!
Learn some history at the Piazza dei Signori.
Just a few short steps from the busy Piazza delle Erbe sits the Piazza dei Signori.
Far quieter than its neighbor, Piazza dei Signori is the perfect place to relax, perhaps sit down for a drink or meal, and admire Verona’s beautiful architecture in a quieter setting.
Be sure to check out the Dante statue in the middle of the square!
Relax in the Giusti Palace and Garden.
Originally planted in 1580, the Giusti Garden is said to be both one of the most peaceful places in Verona and one of the prettiest gardens in all of Italy.
Add the Giusti Garden to your list of things to do in Verona and spend some time relaxing in the shade, wandering past the flowers, or even trying your hand at the hedge maze located in the garden.
While the garden is the main attraction, your ticket also includes a chance to tour the beautiful Apartment 900 where the Giusti family lived in the palace up until 1944 (the property remains in the family to this day).
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Garden tourist, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Pay a visit to Castelvecchio and its bridge.
Dating back to the Middle Ages and the time of the Scaliger family, Castelvecchio (which literally translates to “old castle”) is a castle in the most traditional of senses: it was built with defense, not beauty, in mind, and that’s apparent as you tour it.
Today, a museum holding everything from paintings to bells to weapons is located in the castle, and it makes for an interesting visit!
The castle connects directly to the Castelvecchio Bridge across the Adige River, pictured below.
Go see the Arco dei Gavi.
Dating back to the Romans themselves, this arch has had a long and busy life.
It first served as the entrance to Via Postumia, which led between Rome and Verona.
The Arco dei Gavi had another life in the Middle Ages as a gate to Verona during its time as a walled city.
Eventually, the arch was removed to the Arena until the rebuilding that took place in 1932–that rebuilt arch, made with the same stones as the original, can be viewed today next door to Castelvecchio!
Duck into the Verona Cathedral.
Boasting a more opulent interior than many Italian cathedrals, the 12th-century Verona Cathedral is definitely worth a step inside.
Be sure to look up–the artwork above the altar is absolutely beautiful!
Check out the Scaliger tombs.
Intricate and eye-catching, the tombs of the Scaliger family are an easy way to add a brief but interesting stop to your list of things to do in Verona.
The Scaliger family ruled Verona in the 13th and 14th centuries (you’ve no doubt noticed their names all over town and this blog post), and their tombs are one way that they made sure they wouldn’t be forgotten anytime soon.
Where to Stay When Visiting Verona
There’s no shortage of great places to stay in Verona!
While we recommend staying within Centro Storico or at least walking distance of it if possible, Verona’s size means that budget travelers may need to look further afield.
Here are a few excellent, well-reviewed, and well-located picks to consider using as your home base when visiting Verona!
Budget
Hotel Gardenia — Hotel Gardenia offers clean and comfortable rooms, an included breakfast, good reviews, and a location near a bus stop to reach the center of Verona.
The catch? For budget prices, you’ll need to break out that bus pass regularly–Hotel Gardenia (nor most hotels in its price range) are within walking distance of Centro Storico.
Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Gardenia!
Mid-range
Relais Empire — With a fantastic location just a short walk from Piazza Bra, beautifully decorated rooms, and incredibly good reviews, it’s hard to imagine a better place to stay in Verona on a midrange budget than the Relais Empire!
Check rates & book your stay at the Relais Empire!
Luxury
Hotel Milano & Spa — Want to spend your time in Verona in the lap of luxury?
Consider a stay at the Hotel Milano, where spa services and a jacuzzi overlooking the Verona Arena are just a few of the amenities!
Located in the heart of Verona and boasting near-perfect reviews, you couldn’t ask for a better spot to relax in Verona.
Check rates & book your stay at the Hotel Milano & Spa!
Is the Verona Card worth it?
If you’ve been reading Our Escape Clause for a bit, you may have noticed that we’re often hesitant to recommend city cards, as when you do the math, many of them aren’t worth the money.
In Verona, however, that is absolutely not the case, and we highly recommend one to most travelers.
The Verona Card is very inexpensive compared to many city cards and comes with the benefits of skip-the-line access to the Verona Arena (12 Euro), as well as entrance to Juliet’s House (12 Euro), Castelvecchio (9 Euro), and Torre dei Lamberti (6 Euro), and several more attractions (here’s the list of inclusions).
The card also includes access to Verona’s City Bus system.
If you’re planning on hitting most of the major things to do in Verona, definitely consider purchasing the Verona Card to save time and money during your trip!
Buy the Verona City Card today!
Getting Around Verona, Itay
Centro Storico and the neighborhoods surrounding it are fairly walkable, though we did find that attractions were further apart than in extremely compact Italian cities like Florence, Venice, and Bologna.
We walked everywhere in Verona, with the exception of taking the city bus to the train station when we arrived in and left the city.
However, if you prefer not to walk long distances or you book a hotel more than a short walk outside of the Centro Storico, you may end up using the bus system more.
You’ll also likely be heading to the train station if you take any independent day trips from Verona (many regional buses leave from there as well).
You can purchase tickets onboard the city buses using tap-to-pay, making transport fairly seamless.
If you choose to purchase a Verona City Card, rides on the city bus are included for the duration of the card’s validity.
How many days should you spend in Verona?
Verona is a beautiful and laid-back city that lends itself to mornings spent meandering side streets and long afternoons at outdoor cafes.
In other words, it would be hard to spend too much time in Verona if you’re looking for a quiet Italian getaway, and we personally hope to base ourselves there for a month or more one day!
If you have limited time and are hoping to hit the highlights of the city, we’d recommend allotting at least two days to check out the best things to do in Verona.
If you only have one day, it’s still definitely worth visiting Verona, but you’ll likely have to cut some stops from your itinerary.
If you have three or more days to spend in the city, start looking at adding some day trips to your list of things to do in Verona!
Read More About Visiting Northern Italy
If you found this blog post helpful for planning a trip to Verona, we’d love to continue assisting your Italy travel plans here on Our Escape Clause!
You can browse our 100+ Italy blog posts here, or check out these guides:
- Secret Venice: 21 Off the Beaten Path Spots + Hidden Gems
- How to Visit the Mesmerizing Ravenna Mosaics
- Italy’s Coperto Explained: A Quick Guide to the Coperto in Italy
- 101 Important Travel Tips for Italy
- What You Need to Know Before Taking a Gondola Ride in Venice (+ Tips!)
The Romeo and Juliet tour sounds so interesting! Would love to do that!
Thanks, Juan!
Walking around Verona is the best thing morning and night time. Make sure not to miss the Scaliger Castle of Villafranca next time you pay a visit to Verona. Enjoy your travels!
Thanks, Andrea! We’ll add it to the list. 🙂