Guide to the Best Things to Do in Verona Italy

1. Arena di Verona

The Roman amphitheatre is the crown jewel of Verona. Built in the 1st century, this well-preserved structure is still used today for operas and concerts.

Even if you’re not attending a performance at the Verona arena, walking through its grand arches from Piazza Bra and imagining the gladiators who once fought there is a must. Its sheer size and history make it one of the most iconic spots in the city.

3. Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House)

Whether or not you’re a fan of Shakespeare, visiting Juliet’s balcony is a rite of passage in Verona. While the connection to Romeo and Juliet is more legend than fact, the house’s Gothic architecture and romantic courtyard draw visitors worldwide.

You’ll also find love notes stuck to the walls and a bronze statue of Juliet said to bring luck in love.

• Climb Torre dei Lamberti: Head to the top of this 84-meter medieval tower for incredible views of Verona. Whether you take the stairs or the elevator (which stops about a 1/3 from the top), the panoramic sight of red-tiled rooftops and surrounding hills is worth it.

• Walk Across Verona’s Bridges: Explore the city by crossing its iconic bridges. The ancient Ponte Pietra offers stunning views of the Adige River, while the Ponte Scaligero, part of Castelvecchio, has medieval charm with a striking design.

• Learn from the National Archaeological Museum: On the former grounds of a military prison and a court, this museum showcases ancient Roman ruins with a collection of artifacts.

• Discover Galleria d’Arte Moderna Achille Forti: Peruse modern and contemporary art at this gallery housed in the Palazzo della Ragione. The collection features works from Italian and European artists.

• Wander Through Giardino Giusti: Stroll through this 16th-century Italian garden, known for its perfectly manicured hedges, fountains, and sculptures. Climbing to the top terrace rewards you with stunning views of Verona’s skyline. This is where I fell in love with the city.

• Explore Museo di Castelvecchio: Learn about Verona’s history at this museum housed in a restored castle. Its impressive collection of medieval art, sculptures, and weapons is as fascinating as the fortress itself, with its moats and drawbridges.

• Relax at Piazza dei Signori: Known as Verona’s “living room,” this elegant square is framed by historical buildings and a statue of Dante. Come here and admire the blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture while soaking up the atmosphere.

• Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore: Admire the remarkable Romanesque architecture and intricate bronze doors of this basilica, famously featured in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

• Duomo di Verona: Step into Verona’s cathedral to see a mix of Romanesque and Gothic designs, along with works by renowned artists like Titian.

• Basilica di Sant’Anastasia: Marvel at the largest church in Verona, known for its stunning frescoes, elaborate Gothic details, and the iconic hunchback statues at the holy water fonts.

• Chiesa di San Fermo: Discover the unique dual structure of this church, combining a Romanesque lower level and a Gothic upper church, one of the firsts of this architectural evolution.

• Loggia del Consiglio: Take in the elegance of this Renaissance-era loggia, a former meeting place for Verona’s council, adorned with sculptures of prominent figures from Roman history.

• Porta Nuova, Porta Leoni, and Porta Palio: Explore the historic gateways to Verona’s city center like Porta Borsari. Porta Nuova with its grand 16th-century architecture, Porta Leoni from its Roman-era origins, and Porta Palio showcases Renaissance military design.

• Scaligeri Tombs: These elaborately carved Gothic tombs honour Verona’s powerful and noble Scaliger family, tucked into a quiet corner near Piazza dei Signori.

• Sottoriva Street: This narrow, covered street along the Adige River has a wonderful old-world charm, perfect for a much quieter stroll away from the crowds.

• Well of Love (Pozzo dell’Amore): This quiet spot tucked away in a small, hidden courtyard tells a romantic legend (the real Romeo and Juliet) of Corrado and Isabella who fell (and plunged) to their death in this well.

• Biblioteca Capitolare: The architecture drew me to explore it but then to find out it’s the oldest library (that’s still in use) in the world I knew I found something special. The original works by Dante can be found here.

• Dante Statue: There are a few locations where you can find the legacy of Dante, the great Italian poet, being honoured. Go to Piazza dei Signori, also known as Piazza Dante, the church of Santa Maria della Scala and Sant’Elena chapel. 

• Piazza San Zeno: On Sundays, this square comes alive with a local market where you can browse antiques and unique finds under the shadow of the stunning basilica.

• Verona Vecchia: Uncover the former remains of an underground city on Via Leoni where you will also see the Porta Leoni. Wander into the nearby alleyways for great photo ops.

• Piazzetta S. Pietro Incarnario: is a photogenic quiet street where at the end leads you to a hidden restaurant called Ristorante Darì. This feels like a local secret spot.