From ancient Roman ruins to pastel streets made for evening strolls, Verona feels like stepping into a storybook. Here are the best things to do in Verona, plus how to plan the perfect one-day visit.
Have you ever visited a new place and instantly fallen in love with it? For us, that was Verona.
On our first visit, we only had a few hours here, a quick stop between Cervia and Venice, but it was enough to know we’d return. With its Roman arena, elegant piazzas, scenic river views, and compact historic center, Verona feels like a smaller, more relaxed version of Venice. It has the history, the beauty, and the atmosphere, just without the overwhelming crowds.
If you’re planning a trip to Italy, Verona is one of the most underrated cities in Northern Italy. It’s perfectly positioned near Venice, Lake Garda, and the Dolomites, making it an easy addition to a larger itinerary. For a complete overview of the country, start with our Italy Travel Guide, or see how Verona fits into our Northern Italy Itinerary, which connects Venice, Lake Garda, and the Dolomites into one unforgettable trip.
In this guide, we share the best things to do in Verona, how much time you need, and a simple one-day Verona itinerary to help you plan your visit.
The Essentials
LOCATION | Northern Italy, Veneto region
TIME NEEDED | 1 full day (add a night if you can)
EASY DAY TRIP FROM | Venice, Lake Garda, Milan
DON’T MISS | Verona Arena, Torre dei Lamberti, Juliet’s House, Castel San Pietro
MONEY-SAVING TIP | Consider the Verona Card if visiting multiple attractions
GOOD TO KNOW | Timed entry reservations may be required for popular sites like the Arena and Juliet’s House
March 2026 Update: Added a one-day itinerary, day trip ideas from Verona, and a Where to Stay section. All prices and links confirmed, plus new photos added.
Is Verona Worth Visiting?
Yes, that are beautiful, walkable, and manageable in a day.
Verona offers Roman ruins, medieval bridges, Renaissance architecture, scenic viewpoints, and world-class food and wine, all within a compact historic center. You can climb a tower for panoramic views in the morning, explore piazzas and churches in the afternoon, and join the evening passeggiata as locals stroll through the city dressed for dinner.
If you enjoy Florence or Venice but prefer something smaller and less crowded, Verona is an excellent choice.
12 Best Things to Do in Verona
1. Get Lost in the Magic of Centro Storico
The best way to experience Verona is simply to wander its historic center.
Verona’s centro storico is compact, walkable, and filled with layers of history. Medieval streets open into elegant piazzas, pastel buildings line narrow lanes, and nearly every turn reveals a church, fountain, or hidden courtyard. This is where you’ll find many of the top things to do in Verona, including Piazza Bra, Piazza delle Erbe, Juliet’s House, and Torre dei Lamberti.
Take your time here. Stop for an espresso in a small café, browse local boutiques, and let yourself get a little lost. Verona rewards slow travel.
If you only have one day in Verona, this is where you’ll spend most of your time.




2. Piazza Bra: The Grand Entrance to the City
Piazza Bra is Verona’s largest and most impressive square and the perfect place to begin your visit.
This wide, open piazza sits at the edge of the historic center and is lined with cafés, restaurants, and historic buildings. In the warmer months, outdoor tables spill into the square, creating a lively atmosphere from morning through late evening.
From here, you can admire the grand façade of the Palazzo Barbieri, relax with a spritz, or simply people-watch as locals and visitors move through the heart of the city. Piazza Bra also serves as the gateway to Verona’s most iconic landmark: the Verona Arena.


Piazza Bra
3. The Verona Arena: A Roman Masterpiece Still in Action
The Verona Arena sits adjacent to Piazza Bra. One of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, the Verona Arena is the city’s most famous landmark.
Built in the 1st century AD, this massive stone arena once hosted gladiator battles and public spectacles. Today, it remains in active use and is internationally known for its summer opera festival, concerts, and performances, an unforgettable experience if your visit coincides with an event.

Verona arena
Even if you don’t attend a show, it’s worth stepping inside. You can walk through the ancient corridors, climb the stone seating, and imagine what this space looked like nearly 2,000 years ago. From the upper tiers, you also get great views over Piazza Bra.
You can also take a guided tour of the inside of the arena, which includes your entrance ticket and allows you to skip the line.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: If visiting during peak season, book your ticket in advance or consider the Verona Card for entry.
4. Climb Torre dei Lamberti for 360° Views
For the best panoramic view of Verona, head to Torre dei Lamberti.
Standing 84 meters (276 feet) tall, this medieval tower rises above Piazza delle Erbe and offers sweeping views over the red rooftops of the historic center, the Adige River, and the surrounding hills. It’s one of the top things to do in Verona, especially if you want a quick orientation of the city.
You can take the elevator most of the way up or climb the stairs if you’re feeling ambitious (and want to earn that next gelato). Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views and some of the best photos in Verona.

Torre dei Lamberti




Overlooking Piazza delle Erbe
5. Piazza delle Erbe: Verona’s Must-Visit Market Square
Once the site of the ancient Roman forum, this long, narrow piazza is now surrounded by frescoed buildings, market stalls, cafés, and historic palaces. In the center stands the ornate Madonna Verona fountain, a symbol of the city.
This is one of the best places in Verona to pause and soak in the atmosphere. Grab a cappuccino, browse the market stalls, or simply sit and admire the architecture. With Torre dei Lamberti towering overhead and elegant façades lining the square, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most photographed spots in the city.
If you’re following a one-day Verona itinerary, this square naturally connects several major sights and makes a perfect midday stop.

Piazza delle Erbe
6. Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta): Romance, Myths, and Crowds
Touristy? Yes.
Crowded? Very.
Worth it? Yes, it’s still worth a quick look.
Verona is the setting for Shakespeare’s famous love story, Romeo and Juliet. When visiting Verona, you can also see the renowned balcony of Juliet’s house. Thousands of people cram into this small square every day to see this balcony and to have their picture taken with the statue of Juliet.
It’s important to know that the balcony was added in the 20th century, and the connection to the Capulet family is largely symbolic. Still, for many visitors, standing beneath the balcony is part of the fun of being in Verona.





If you want the full experience, you can purchase a ticket to enter the house and step onto the balcony yourself. Otherwise, a quick visit to the courtyard is enough for most travelers.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: Arrive early in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds.
7. Ponte Pietra: The City’s Most Photogenic Bridge
Ponte Pietra is the most beautiful bridge in Verona and one of the most photogenic spots in the city.
Originally built in Roman times and later rebuilt after World War II, this stone bridge spans the Adige River and connects the historic center with the quieter northern hills. From the middle of the bridge, you get postcard-worthy views of pastel buildings lining the riverbanks and the hills rising behind the city.
Cross this bridge and walk uphill to visit the next stop on this list, Piazzale Castel San Pietro.

Ponte Pietra
8. Sunset at Piazzale Castel San Pietro: The Best View in Town
For another stunning view of Verona, climb up to Piazzale Castel San Pietro.
From this elevated terrace, you get sweeping views over the historic center, the Verona Arena in the distance, and the Adige River looping around the city. It’s especially beautiful at sunset, when the rooftops glow warm orange and the city lights begin to flicker on.
You can reach the viewpoint by climbing the stairs from Ponte Pietra (a short but steady uphill walk) or by taking the funicular partway up. Either way, it’s absolutely worth the effort.
If you only do one viewpoint in Verona, this is the one we recommend.

The view from Piazzale Castel San Pietro
Just down the hill, sitting near Ponte Pietra, is Teatro Romano, an ancient Roman theater and Archaeological Museum you can tour.
9. Visit the Basilica of St. Anastasia
Located near Ponte Pietra, the Basilica of Santa Anastasia is Verona’s largest church and one of its most impressive.
Built in the 13th century, this Gothic church is known for its soaring arches, colorful frescoes, and ornate chapels. Step inside and you’ll immediately notice the sense of quiet grandeur, a contrast to the lively piazzas outside.
Even if you’re not typically drawn to churches, this one stands out for its artwork and intricate details.


PRO TRAVEL TIP: Dress modestly if visiting churches in Italy and check current opening hours before you go.
10. Visit the Crypt the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore
If you visit just one church outside the historic center, make it Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore.
Located slightly west of Verona’s main sights, this Romanesque masterpiece dates back to the 10th century and is considered one of the most important churches in Northern Italy. Its warm stone façade, rose window, and bronze doors make it striking even before you step inside.
The crypt beneath the church is traditionally believed to be the setting of Romeo and Juliet’s wedding. Inside, you’ll also find beautiful frescoes and the famous altarpiece by Andrea Mantegna.

We didn’t have time to visit on our first trip, but it’s high on our list for next time. If you enjoy architecture, art, or quieter corners of a city, this is well worth the short walk from the center.
11. Step Back in Time at the Arco dei Gavi
Originally built in the 1st century along an ancient Roman road, this arch once marked an important entrance into the city. It stood for centuries before being dismantled during the Napoleonic era and later reconstructed in the 20th century.
While it’s not a major attraction, it’s a reminder of Verona’s deep Roman roots. It’s an easy addition to your walk between Castelvecchio and the historic center.

Arco dei Gavi
12. Ponte Scaligero: Verona’s Stunning Medieval Fortress Bridge
Castelvecchio and its adjoining bridge, Ponte Scaligero, are two of the most iconic sights in Verona.
Built in the 14th century by the powerful Scaliger family, this red-brick medieval castle now houses an art museum featuring paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts. Even if you don’t enter the museum, it’s worth walking through the castle courtyard.
Step out onto Ponte Scaligero for one of the most dramatic views in the city. The fortified bridge spans the Adige River with impressive battlements and towers, a striking contrast to the Roman architecture elsewhere in Verona.
This area feels slightly less crowded than Piazza delle Erbe or Juliet’s House, making it a pleasant place to slow down before finishing your day in the city.

Ponte Scaligero
How Much Time Do You Need in Verona?
One full day is perfect for first-time visitors.
Verona is compact and extremely walkable, which makes it easy to see the highlights in a single day. With one day in Verona, you can visit the Arena, climb Torre dei Lamberti, explore Piazza delle Erbe, see Juliet’s House, walk across Ponte Pietra, and finish with sunset at Castel San Pietro, all at a comfortable pace.
That said, how long you spend in Verona depends on how you prefer to travel.
Verona in Half a Day
If you are short on time, you can see the major highlights in 4 to 5 hours. Focus on:
- Piazza Bra & Verona Arena
- Torre dei Lamberti
- Piazza delle Erbe
- Juliet’s House
- Ponte Pietra
Verona in One Full Day (Ideal)
One full day allows you to:
- Visit the Arena interior
- Climb Torre dei Lamberti
- Explore the historic center without rushing
- Visit at least one church (San Zeno or Santa Anastasia)
- Walk Castelvecchio and Ponte Scaligero
- Enjoy dinner and the evening passeggiata
This is the ideal amount of time for most travelers.
Should You Spend the Night in Verona?
If your schedule allows it, yes.
Verona becomes especially charming in the evening, when day-trippers leave and locals come out for the passeggiata, the traditional evening stroll through the city. Restaurants fill with conversation, piazzas glow under soft lighting, and the atmosphere feels distinctly Italian.
Spending the night also allows you to:
- Visit popular attractions early before crowds
- Enjoy a relaxed dinner and wine in Valpolicella country
- Use Verona as a base for Lake Garda or visiting Madonna della Corona
Our Experience
We spent about 4 hours in Verona, visiting almost everything on this list (we had to skip the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore and Castelvecchio). But we did move fast, quicker than we would have liked, but we had a plane to catch later in the day.
However, when we return to Verona (which we will someday…how we loved it here!), we will spend at least one night here.

Piazza Brà
One Day in Verona Itinerary
Morning
- Start at Piazza Bra
- Tour the Verona Arena
- Walk through Centro Storico to Piazza delle Erbe
- Climb Torre dei Lamberti for panoramic views
Midday
- Visit Juliet’s House
- Lunch in the historic center
- Walk across Ponte Pietra
Afternoon
- Visit Santa Anastasia or Basilica di San Zeno
- Explore Castelvecchio & Ponte Scaligero
Sunset
Head up to Piazzale Castel San Pietro for the best view in Verona
Should You Buy the Verona Card?
The Verona Card covers most of the main sites in the city. If you plan on visiting many of the sites that have an entrance fee, then buying the card is worth it. Once you purchase the Verona Card, it allows you to enter these sites for free.
The card includes entry to most of the top things to do in Verona, including:
- Verona Arena
- Torre dei Lamberti
- Juliet’s House (museum access)
- Castelvecchio Museum
- Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore
- Teatro Romano
It is available in two versions:
- 48 hours
- 24 hours
The Verona Card can also be purchased through GetYourGuide. The advantage of purchasing it through GetYourGuide is that it can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance and still receive a full refund (as of the last we checked).
Timed Entry Reservations
Some of the more popular sites (such as the Arena, Juliette’s House, etc.) have a limited number of entries. Therefore, it is advisable to reserve a specific date and time for entry to these busier sites in advance. You can do this by clicking here.
You should do this even if you purchase the Verona Card. During the timed entry reservation process, deselect the default option to purchase the entry ticket and select the Verona Card option since your entry is free with the Verona Card.
If you don’t plan on purchasing the Verona Card then you can purchase your entry to the individual sites at the same time you are making your timed entry reservation.


With More Time in Verona
Take a break from exploring the historic sites of Verona to learn Italian cooking tips and techniques, to learn how to make Italy’s famous gelato, or to indulge in a wine tour of the nearby Valpolicella Valley.
Take a Cooking Class
In this hands-on cooking class you will make fresh pasta and tiramisu. Yum!
Learn how to make Gelato
In this family friendly cooking class you will learn how to make gelato from scratch. If only I could sample your creations!
Take a Wine Tour of Valpolicella Valley
In this guided tour you will visit two wine cellars of the Valpolicella wine region. Just make sure you save some Ripasso and Amarone wine for me!
Tours of Verona
Best Day Trips from Verona
Madonna della Corona
Madonna della Corona is not located within the city of Verona. It is one hour north of Verona, just over 45 kilometers away. This church literally clings to the side of a mountain. It is quite the sight to see.

Santuario Madonna della Corona
How to Visit Santuario Madonna della Corona
The walking path to Santuario Madonna della Corona begins at the intersection of Strada Provinciale 8 (SP8) and Localita Gabbiola. SP8 is the main road leading to this area and Localita Gabbiola is a paved pedestrian track you follow to Santuario Madonna della Corona. This walking path is about 0.8 km (0.5 miles) long with about 90 m (300 feet) of elevation change each way. All of the elevation change will be down on the way to the sanctuary and then up on the return.
There is also a bus that runs from Spiazzi to the church.
Hotel Corona serves as a good landmark for GPS devices when driving to this area as it is near the above-mentioned intersection and there are several parking lots along SP8 between Hotel Corona and Residence Stella Alpina Hotel. There is also a track that leads to Santuario Madonna della Corona from Residence Stella Alpina Hotel but just note that it is a steeper track.
If you don’t feel like organizing this on your own, this day trip tour from Verona gets great reviews:
Lake Garda
Lake Garda is just a short drive or a short train ride from Verona. The easiest place to visit is Sirmione, a tiny, fun to explore town that is located at the end of a peninsula jutting into the southern end of the lake. From Sirmione, Peschiera, or Desenzano, you can take a boat tour of Lake Garda or explore the lake using the ferries.
You can visit Lake Garda independently or take this tour from Verona.
How to Visit Lake Garda from Verona
The easiest option is to take a train from Verona to:
- Peschiera del Garda (about 15 minutes)
- Desenzano del Garda (about 20–25 minutes)
From either town, you can explore the lakeside promenades, take a boat tour on Lake Garda, and use the ferries to visit other towns on the lake.
Sirmione, located on a narrow peninsula, is especially popular for its medieval castle, Roman ruins (Grotte di Catullo), and scenic views over the lake.
You do not need a car to visit the southern part of Lake Garda from Verona. However, if you plan to explore the northern lake (Riva del Garda, Limone sul Garda) or combine it with the Dolomites, having a car offers more flexibility.
For more ideas, read our articles about the Best Things to Do in Lake Garda, How Plan a Lake Garda Itinerary, and Things to do in Sirimione.
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Where to Stay in Verona
Mid-Range Hotels:
- Hotel Milano & SPA – excellent location next to the Arena
- Hotel Giulietta e Romeo – boutique hotel near Piazza Brà
- Albergo Mazzanti – located near Juliet’s House and Piazza delle Erbe
Budget Hotels:
- Calcirelli Suites – apartments that can accommodate up to 4 people
- Albergo Trento – single, double, and quadruple rooms just outside the historic city center
Upscale & Luxury Hotels:
- Hotel Accademia – very highly rated hotel set in a historic building
- VISTA Verona – 5-star hotel in the city center with a rooftop bar, spa, and wellness center
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Verona
Is Verona worth visiting?
Yes. Verona is one of the most underrated cities in Northern Italy. With its Roman Arena, medieval bridges, scenic viewpoints, and compact historic center, it’s easy to explore in a day while still feeling rich in history and atmosphere. If you enjoy Florence but prefer something smaller and less crowded, Verona is an excellent choice.
Can you visit Verona as a day trip?
Yes. Verona is an easy day trip from Venice (1 hour by train) and Lake Garda (15–25 minutes by train). The city is compact and walkable, making it perfect for a half-day or full-day visit.
Is Verona very touristy?
Verona attracts visitors, especially around Juliet’s House and the Arena, but it feels far less crowded than Venice or Florence. Early mornings and evenings are particularly enjoyable once day-trippers leave.
What is the best time of year to visit Verona?
The best months to visit Verona are April through June and September through October, when temperatures are pleasant and crowds are moderate. July and August are hotter and busier, especially during the Arena opera season.
Is Verona good for families?
Yes. Verona is compact, safe, and easy to explore with kids. Climbing towers, walking across bridges, and visiting the Arena are especially engaging for younger travelers.
Planning a Trip to Italy?
Verona fits beautifully into a Northern Italy itinerary, whether you’re road-tripping between Venice and Lake Garda or building a larger trip that includes the Dolomites.
If you’re continuing your travels, these guides will help you plan the next stop:
- Italy Travel Guide – Everything you need to know to plan your trip
- Northern Italy Itinerary – A step-by-step route connecting Venice, the Dolomites, Verona, Milan, and Lake Como
- Things to Do in Lake Garda – Boat tours, scenic towns, and must-see highlights
- Dolomites Itinerary – How to plan your time in the Dolomites, from just a few days to a full week
- 2 Days in Venice Itinerary – A perfectly paced plan for first-time visitors
- Milan Day Trip Guide – How to see the highlights in one day
Whether you’re planning a quick stop in Verona or a full Northern Italy adventure, this region offers an incredible mix of Roman history, medieval towns, dramatic mountain scenery, and unforgettable food and wine.
Do you have any questions or comments about the best things to do in Verona? Comment below!
Explore More of Italy
We have TONS more information about Italy in our Italy Travel Guide, including Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, the Dolomites, the Amalfi Coast, the Cinque Terre, Sicily, and Puglia.




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