Planning a trip to the enchanting city of Verona?
Nestled in the heart of northern Italy, Verona is a city where history, romance, and culture come together in a breathtaking blend. Whether you’re strolling through ancient Roman ruins, tracing the footsteps of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, or indulging in delicious Italian cuisine, Verona offers something enjoyable for every traveler.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best things to do in Verona, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this charming city!
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10 Best Things to do in Verona:
1. Visit the Verona Arena (Arena di Verona)
The Verona Arena is a Roman amphitheater built in 30 AD. It’s actually older and more well-preserved than the more famous Colosseum in Rome! It once hosted gladiator battles and public spectacles, drawing crowds of up to 30,000 spectators.
Today, the arena is renowned for its world-famous opera performances, attracting music lovers from around the globe every summer. With its remarkable acoustics and stunning architecture, the amphitheater continues to be a symbol of Verona’s rich history and cultural heritage. If you want to attend an opera show inside, plan your trip during their summer opera season from June to September. Since we visited in mid-November, sadly, we couldn’t attend an opera show. But the photos of the concerts look absolutely magical! You can check out their 2025 Opera Festival schedule here.
If you’re not interested in attending an opera performance but still want to see it inside, you can take a self-guided tour of the ancient site during the day. We recommend booking a ticket online in advance. The entrance fee is € 12.00 per person for adults. An audio guide is included in the entry cost!
2. Wander through Piazza Bra & Piazza delle Erbe
Piazza Bra is the largest and most vibrant square in Verona, Italy, serving as a gateway to the city’s historic center. Lined with elegant cafés, restaurants, and notable landmarks, it is a bustling hub where locals and tourists gather. It’s home to the iconic Verona Arena, the 17th-century Palazzo Barbieri, Verona’s town hall, and the neoclassical Gran Guardia. Piazza Bra is the perfect place to start your day in Verona!
Another picturesque square you need to visit during your time in Verona is the Piazza delle Erbe. Stunning medieval and Renaissance buildings surround the square, including the frescoed Mazzanti Houses, the Lamberti Tower, and the Baroque Palazzo Maffei. The Madonna Verona fountain stands at its heart, a symbol of the city’s heritage. With its lively market stalls, bustling cafés, and vibrant atmosphere, it’s the ideal place to enjoy a meal or sip a cup of espresso.
As you explore the city of Verona and visit other popular tourist attractions, you will naturally wander through these squares!
3. Visit the Castelvecchio Museum (Museo di Castelvecchio)
The Castelvecchio Museum is a remarkable fortress-turned-museum that showcases the city’s rich artistic and architectural heritage. Originally built in the 14th century by the Scaliger dynasty, the medieval castle was later transformed into a museum by renowned architect Carlo Scarpa. The museum houses an impressive collection of medieval and Renaissance art. Including paintings, sculptures, weapons, and ceramics, with works by artists such as Pisanello and Mantegna.
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (last admission at 5:15 pm). Please note it’s closed on Mondays. We visited Verona on a Monday, so unfortunately, we could not visit inside. Entrance is € 9.00 per person for adults. For all the latest opening hours and entry fees, visit their website.
Even if you are not an avid art connoisseur, the museum building itself is absolutely beautiful. Definitely worth visiting and walking around!
4. Walk the Castelvecchio Bridge (Scaliger Bridge)
Either before or after visiting the Castelvecchio Museum, you need to walk over the Castelvecchio Bridge! The Castelvecchio Bridge, also known as Ponte Scaligero, is a striking medieval bridge renowned for its impressive red-brick architecture and fortified design. Like the Castelvecchio Museum, the Scaliger dynasty built it in the 14th century. Unfortunately, the original bridge was destroyed during World War II. However, they meticulously reconstructed it using original materials, preserving its historical integrity!
Take time to enjoy the views of the Adige River and the surrounding Verona “skyline” as you walk over the bridge. The bridge is free to visit and is open 24/7.
5. Stop by Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta)
Casa di Giulietta, or Juliet’s House, is one of Verona’s most famous attractions. It draws visitors from around the world who are enchanted by the legendary love story of Romeo and Juliet! The 13th-century Gothic-style house once belonging to the Capello family, is believed to have inspired the setting for Shakespeare’s tragic romance. The site’s highlight is the iconic balcony, where Juliet is imagined to have stood as Romeo professed his love (although it wasn’t added until the 20th century). In the courtyard, there’s a bronze statue of Juliet where people rub her right breast because it is believed to bring good luck in love.
The courtyard is free to visit, but if you wish to go inside the House Museum, there is a €12 per person fee. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (last admission to the House at 6:30 pm, to the courtyard at 6:40 pm). You can purchase tickets online in advance on their website here.
All that being said, this site isn’t necessarily historical but rather symbolic. It’s not actually Juliet’s House since she is, of course, a fictional person. But if you’re a romantic, it’s still a fun place to visit! Before you go, you should watch the movie Letters to Juliet to make it even more fun. :)
6. Stroll through the Giusti Gardens
The Giusti Gardens are beautiful Renaissance-style gardens filled with lush greenery, statues, fountains, and a famous hedge maze. Created in the 16th century by the Giusti family, they offer a peaceful escape with scenic pathways and cypress trees. Over the centuries, famous figures like Goethe and Mozart have admired their beauty. But today, the Giusti Gardens remain a lovely spot for visitors to relax and enjoy nature in the heart of Verona!
It’s the perfect way to take a break from the busy tourist attractions and enjoy a peaceful moment in nature during your visit to Verona. The gardens are open year-round: 10:00 am-6:00 pm in the winter and 9:00 am-7:00 pm in the summer. The entry fee is €12 per person for adults. You can purchase tickets online in advance or onsite upon arrival. If you want to learn more about the history of the garden and the latest visiting information, visit their website here.
Pro Tip: Be sure to climb to the top of the gardens to see breathtaking views of Verona!
7. Watch the sunset from Piazzale Castel San Pietro Viewpoint
Piazzale Castel San Pietro is a popular viewpoint in Verona. Located on a hillside, it offers stunning panoramic views of the entire city! We highly recommend visiting at sunset for the dreamiest way to end your day in Verona. This was one of our favorite things we did in Verona!
To get to the top, you can either climb up a scenic path (which takes about 20 to 30 minutes) or ride the funicular (takes about 90 seconds). The funcilar costs € 3 round trip and € 2 one way. In the summer (April-October) it’s open daily 10:00 am – 9:00 pm. In the winter (November-March), it’s open daily 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. During our visit, we decided to take the funicular to the top and walk back down. We were averaging about 20,000 steps a day during our month-long trip exploring Italy, and we decided to treat ourselves – especially since I was 5 months pregnant at the time!
The viewpoint has one main platform, but if that area is too crowded, there are a few other viewpoints that are slightly lower but just as stunning! If you walk up, you’ll see them as you near the top. But if you take the funicular, you’ll need to walk down a ramp and a few steps down.
Watch our Verona Vlog to see us experience all the best things to do in Verona!
8. Climb the Torre dei Lamberti
The Torre dei Lamberti is a 12th-century tower in the heart of Verona that offers stunning 360-degree views over the city. It’s actually the tallest building in Verona!
Visitors can climb 368 steps up the tower or take an elevator to reach the top. It’s open Monday to Friday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, and Saturday to Sunday, 11:00 am-7:00 pm, with the last admission 45 minutes before closing. The entry fee is € 6 per person. It’s strongly recommended that you book your ticket online in advance on their website.
9. Walk along River Adige & over the many bridges
River Adige is a beautiful crystal blue river that flows through Verona. As you wander through Verona, walk over one of the many bridges that cross the river to explore the city in a unique way. Each bridge provides different views of Verona’s historic buildings and the surrounding landscapes. Maybe even grab a pastry from a local coffee shop to enjoy on a bench along the riverbank as a peaceful way to enjoy the city’s beauty!
10. Visit the Roman Theatre Archaeological Museum
The Roman Theatre Archaeological Museum in Verona is a fascinating place to explore the city’s ancient history. It is located near the Roman Theatre, which was built in the 1st century BC. The museum displays artifacts like statues, pottery, and tools that were used in Roman times, mainly in and around Verona. In addition to the artifacts, visitors will learn about ancient Verona’s culture and daily life.
It’s open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (last entry at 5:30 pm) and closed on Mondays. The entry fee is € 9 per person. You can purchase tickets online or upon onsite arrival. Note that if you do purchase online, there is a € 5 service fee.
Pro-tip: Visit on the first Sunday of every month for free entrance!
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Planning a trip to Italy? Read our other Italy blog posts: Best Things to do in Rome and Best Towns in Tuscany!
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