14 Amazing Things to do in Verona, Italy

Looking for the best things to do in Verona? This was the first place I ever visited in Italy and here are all my top recommendations.

Thinking back to my trip to Verona always brings back memories. Sitting in front of the magnificent arena with a glass of Aperol, being unable to choose between pasta or pizza, so ordering both, the beauty of the Ponte Pietra, and views from the top of the Torre dei Lamberti.

Nestled under the beautiful Lake Garda (also well worth a visit if you’re in the area), Verona is most famous for being the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

It certainly lives up to this legacy with the number of attractions dedicated to the ‘star-crossed lovers’. Besides that, Verona is simply a beautiful place, with so much history and gorgeous architecture.

So, if you’re wondering what to do in Verona, you’ve come to the right place!

Where To Stay In Verona

Whether you’re staying in the city for a few days or diving deep into Verona’s culture for a week, you’ll probably also be wondering about the best places to stay in Verona. Well, here are a few of my top picks, to suit any budget.

• £££ – Hotel Milano and SPA – located a short walk from Verona’s historic centre, this hotel has a luxurious spa and wellness centre, plush, comfortable rooms, and a fantastic breakfast.
• ££ – Oriana Homel Verona – gorgeous accommodation located in the centre of the city. It features stylish, modern rooms with fully equipped kitchens and coffee machines.
• ££ – Theatrum Rooms and Suites – fairly affordable, spacious, and stylish rooms, located just a short distance from the city centre.
• £ – Nuova Opera Rooms – a budget guest house located about a 20-minute walk from Verona city centre. It has cosy rooms, good bus connections, and a terrace with panoramic city views.

✅Discover more of the best places to stay in Verona

14 Amazing Things to Do in Verona, Italy

So, without further ado, here are the best things to do in Verona, Italy.

1. Verona arena

The city’s centrepiece, located smack bang in the middle of one of Verona’s busiest Piazzas, it’s pretty tricky to miss the Verona Arena.

The ancient Roman amphitheatre was used for plays, sports, and even gladiator fights for hundreds of years. Even today it’s still used as a concert venue and you could also watch a show whilst you’re there. The entrance fee is 10 euros and is also included in the Verona card.

✅ This is easily one of the best things to do in Verona.

2. piazza bra

The biggest and busiest Piazza in Verona, this place is always bustling with activity.

From street art to music there’s a bit of everything here. There’s a host of high street shops down all the alleyways snaking off the main Piazza -perfect if you’re a bit of a shopaholic.

There are also so many great restaurants here if you fancy a bite to eat. And let’s face it, who doesn’t love Italian food?

3. Juliet’s balcony

Even though I said Piazza Bra is the busiest square in Verona, the entrance to Juliet’s balcony is arguably one of the busiest places. We had to squeeze through about 100 tourists and a tiny alleyway to get to the entrance to Juliet’s house.

As such, I advise visiting early or later on in the day to give the crowds a chance to die down a bit. Despite the hustle and bustle though, this is certainly not somewhere you want to miss.

Known as the setting of the most famous works of Shakespeare in the world – Romeo and Juliet. This is the balcony where Juliet calls out to Romeo.

There’s a statue dedicated to Juliet which is worn down by people rubbing it for good luck. I personally find this a bit odd as I wouldn’t consider how Juliet’s story panned out to be particularly lucky, but there you go!

The walls leading into the little garden are covered in love letters that people have left over the years, which kind of reminds me of the padlock bridge in Paris. It’s also a great backdrop if you’re a keen photographer.

✅ Grab skip-the-lines tickets to avoid the queues here!

4. Juliet’s house

If you want to visit Juliet’s Balcony, you must first go to Juliet’s House. It’s free to get into the courtyard. But, if you want to get inside, there’s a small fee of 6 euros.

5. Verona Cathedral

Even though it doesn’t have the outward wow factor of the Milan Cathedral, the interior of the Verona Cathedral is pretty stunning.

Tucked away down a much quieter side street, the cathedral costs barely anything to enter. The intricate architecture and design are certainly a must-see in Verona.

6. Torre Dei Lamberti

A short walk from Piazza Bra you’ll find the Torre dei Lamberti.

Also included in the Verona card (and opposite a cute bakery if you fancy a snack), this will give you a great view of the city.

You can opt for the stairs or elevator option – to take the stairs it’s 8 euros but if you don’t fancy walking, the elevator will only cost you a little more.

This is one of the best things to do in Verona, and the views over the city are totally worth the climb.

7. Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore

If there’s one thing Italian cities aren’t short of its beautiful churches (and great pizza but that’s another story!). This Basilica has got to be one of the best churches in Italy.

What makes it more special is the fact that the crypt is the setting of Romeo and Juliet’s wedding in the play. Besides that, the interior is just beautiful.

8. Castelvecchio and Ponte di Castelvecchio

Another major historical artefact plonked right in the middle of the city. I love Castelvecchio. The sheer size of it, the russet colour, and the beautiful bridge across the river – which was built to help the Scaliger family escape if they were ever under attack.

Inside the castle, there are carefully manicured grounds and several museums. It’s a great place to explore if you’re keen on Italian art and history. It’s also the perfect place to go for a walk – we went for a stroll along the river as part of our final day in the city and it was just perfect.

9. Arco de Gavi

Round the corner from Castleveccio, this Arc used to be an entrance to the city of Verona. Built by the Gavi family it wasn’t actually built there and was moved to its current location. However, it certainly makes for a great view.

The arch leads to the river and from there Cactleveccio bridge is on one side and, a little further down, you can see the Ponte Pietra bridge too.

10. Piazza Delle Erbe

At the foot of the Torre de Lamberti lies the Piazza Delle Erbe. This is another great place to grab a snack or a sit-down meal with a line of great restaurants around the outside of the square.

If you catch it on the right day, there’s also a market here with a great selection of home-grown fruit and vegetables, fresh baked goods, handcrafted statues, clothes and homemade limoncello!

This is certainly a place to check out if you want a taste of the true Italian culture.

11. Ponte Pietra Bridge

Another beautiful bridge in Verona, be sure to talk a walk across this on your way to the Castle. Built in 1957, it’s a further example of great Italian craftsmanship.

You can also quite often see river rafters fighting the currents down below and spy Castlevecchio’s bridge in the distance.

12. Castle San Pietro

If you’re a fan of stunning views and pretty sunsets (who isn’t?), then be sure to come here for the best views in Verona.

Obviously, come up in the evening if you want to catch the sunset, but if you’re not too fussed, then any time of day works pretty well. It’s a great place to relax with a picnic and a cool drink.

13. Roman Theatre

Not to be confused with the much larger Amphitheatre, this theatre is right outside of Castle San Pietro.

There is also a museum before you enter, and a pretty little church at the top. There were works going on in the theatre when we were there, but it still gives you an idea of the scale and history of the Roman Empire.

The church is definitely worth checking out too. It was disused when we visited but there was a lovely little lady volunteering who told us all about its history.

14. Scaliger tombs

These are the tombs of the Scaliger family (as the name suggests!) and are another great architectural sight in Verona.

It’s a bit of a fly-by visit because you can’t actually get into the tombs. You can only see them through the gate, and there’s not a lot else to do there. Nevertheless, it remains one of Verona’s most impressive pieces of Gothic architecture.

And, if you like beautiful history, (and love stories and pizza), you’ll have a great time in Verona!

Is 2 Days Enough For Verona?

2 days in Verona is enough to see the highlights of the city. You’ll be able to explore the iconic Arena, visit Juliet’s House and Juliet’s Balcony, explore Castelvecchio and more.

But this city has a rich art and cultural history so, for a deep dive into Verona’s history, you may want to allocate 3-4 days. Particularly if you’re keen on museums and galleries.

Is Verona Worth Visiting?

Yes, Verona is 100% worth visiting. This was the first city I ever visited in Italy, and it was an utterly wonderful experience. It wasn’t nearly as crowded as Venice and not as expensive as Milan, plus with its walkable streets, and rich history, it was perfect.

It often gets overshadowed, but whether you’re interested in history, art, or simply soaking up the Italian atmosphere, Verona has much to offer.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Verona

Overall, Verona is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. There is so much wonderful history to see and there is such a gorgeous vibe. It’s much more affordable than many of the other destinations in Italy and also just a beautiful place.

Plus, it’s a great location just a short train ride from many of the other destinations in Northern Italy. You’re just a few hours away from Milan, Venice, and Lake Garda.

We spent 4 days in Verona when we visited and had the best time. I hope this list has provided you with plenty of tips and inspiration for your visit and that you have the best time.

👉 Planning a trip to Northern Italy? Check out my day itinerary for Milan, the perfect day trip from Verona.