Have you ever visited a new place and instantly fallen in love with it? For us, that was Verona.
Verona may not be as popular as other Italian cities like Florence and Venice, but don’t let that fool you. Verona is underrated as an Italian destination, as we just discovered.
Tim and I only had a few hours to tour Verona. We visited this city as a quick side trip while traveling between Cervia (for Ironman Italy) and Venice.
Verona is gorgeous, similar to Venice but without the canals, the decay, and the huge numbers of tourists. We were pleasantly surprised, and we were here just long enough to know that we can’t wait to return again someday.
If you have plans to visit Italy and are not sure if Verona should be included in your itinerary, keep reading. In this post are lots of photos and ideas of things to do. I have a hunch that if you include Verona in your travel plans, you will be thrilled you did so.
12 Best Things to do in Verona
Wander through Centro Storico
Centro storico is the historic center of Verona. This is where you will find many of the main sights in the city, like the wide piazzas, Juliette’s house, and churches galore. This part of the city is made for wandering (and for taking tons of photographs). Wander the side streets, have lunch in an outdoor café, and have fun exploring Verona.
Piazza Bra
This is main piazza in Verona. It’s a huge open square lined on one side with outdoor cafes. Many people start their tour of Verona in Piazza Bra, as this square sits on the edge of centro storico.
The Verona Arena
The Verona Arena sits adjacent to Piazza Bra. This is one of the best preserved Roman ampitheaters and it is still is use today. You can purchase tickets to tour the inside of the arena or, if your timing is right, see a performance here.
For the performance schedule, visit the Arena’s official website.
Take in the View from Torre dei Lamberti
For one of the best views of the city, visit Torre dei Lamberti. The quickest way to the top is via the elevator, but if you want to eat more gelato, take the steps to the top.
The tower is open everyday of the year except December 25th. Ticket prices are €8 and the hours of operation are 10 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday and 11 am to 7 pm Saturday and Sunday. It is located next to Piazza delle Erbe.
Piazza delle Erbe
This is another scenic spot in Verona. It’s also a great place for people watching, to go shopping, or to dine at an outdoor café if the weather is nice.
Join the Crowds at Juliette’s House
Touristy? Yes.
Overcrowded? Very.
Worth it? Maybe.
Verona is home to Shakespeare’s legendary love story, Romeo and Juliette. While in this city, you have the chance to see the famous balcony of Juliette’s house. Thousands of people cram into this small square everyday to see this balcony and to have their picture taken with the statue of Juliette. Just be aware that the balcony was built in the 20th century and this really is nothing more than a tourist trap.
But if you know to expect the crowds and the tacky stores that sit all around the square, it can be a short but entertaining visit. Tim and I had fun watching people eagerly waiting in line to have their photo taken with Juliette.
You can pay to tour the museum and stand on the balcony, if you want the full experience.
Walk across Ponte Pietra
This is one of the prettiest bridges in the city. Ponte Pietra connects the old city of Verona with Teatro Romano and Castel San Pietro.
Piazzale Castel San Pietro
For another great view, climb up the stairs or take the funicular to Piazzale Castel San Pietro. This is nothing more than a viewpoint since the castle is currently closed.
Just down the hill, sitting near Ponte Pietra, is Teatro Romano, an ancient Roman theater and museum you can tour.
Basilica of St. Anastasia
Also located near Ponte Pietra is Santa Anastasia church. This is a 13th century Gothic church featuring famous frescoes and a stunning interior.
Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore
Remember when I said that Tim and I had just a few hours in Verona? With our limited time, we did not get to see everything on this list. This Basilica is one of those places that we missed, but I wanted to include it in this post simply because other visitors to Verona rave about this place.
Why is this basilica worth a visit? For one thing, the crypt is the location of the wedding in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. This basilica was also recently renovated and is home to stunning frescoes and ornate bronze doors.
The Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore is located a little outside of the main city center, which is why we missed it with our limited time. But if you enjoy visiting churches, this may be the best one in Verona.
Arco dei Gavi
This Roman gate was constructed in the 1st century over the Roman road leading into Verona. It stood for centuries until French engineers destroyed it during Napoleonic rule. It was reassemble in 1932.
Ponte Scaligero and Castelvecchio
This old, medieval bridge is one of Verona’s iconic spots to visit. This is also a great spot for a photo-op.
You can also tour Castelvecchio, a medieval castle that was constructed in 1354. The castle is open daily and tickets cost €7.
Should You Buy the Verona Card?
The Verona Card covers most of the main sites in the city. The Card can be purchased for 24 hours (€20) or for 48 hours (€25). If you plan on visiting many of the sites that have an entrance fee (such as the Arena, Castelvecchio, Torre dei Lamberti, the museum at Juliette’s house, Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore, Teatro Romano, etc.) then buying the card is worth it. Once you purchase the Verona Card, it allows you to enter these sites for free.
The Verona Card can be purchased online, at the sites in Verona that accept the Card, and at several hotels in the city.
Click here to learn more about the Verona Card.
How Much Time Do You Need?
One day is just enough to visit all of these sites. We saw everything in just under four hours, only skipping the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore, Castelvecchio, and a walk across Ponte Scaligero. But we did move super 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. There is a tradition throughout Italy called the passeggiata, an evening stroll through the city, and it is quite popular in Verona. Italian families dress up for a leisurely walk through the city. Join the locals or have a glass of wine at an outdoor café and enjoy the view. It sounds like a wonderful way to spend an evening in Italy.
And if you have more time…
One Last Place to Visit: 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.
Again, we missed this, but we wanted you to know about it, just in case you have some extra time to spare and were looking for a unique but spectacular destination to visit near Verona.
Do you have any questions or comments about visiting Verona? Comment below!
More Information for Your Trip to Italy:
- 9 Must-Have Experiences in Venice
- The Perfect Day Trip to Milan
- San Marino: Europe’s Most Underrated Destination?
- 10 Gorgeous Views of Italy and Where to Photograph Them
- The Cinque Terre for Budget Travelers
- Hiking the Puez-Odle Altopiano in the Dolomites
- How to Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Lake Como
Planning a trip to Italy? Read all of our articles in our Italy Travel Guide.
You Might Also Like:
- Croatia: Rovinj, Our Favorite Town on the Istrian Peninsula
- The Netherlands: 2 Days in Amsterdam: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
- Israel: 30 Things to do in Jerusalem, Israel
- France: 10 Fairytale Towns to Visit on the Alsace Wine Route
- Austria: One Perfect Day in Salzburg, Austria
Comments 19
Hello,
is it possible to make a day trip to Venice and Lake Garda ??
We are going to Verona on 14th March
Author
Yes, you can day trip Lake Garda and Venice from Verona. If you can, do them on separate days. You will need all the time you can get for Venice. Cheers, Julie
if I am driving pass ( on route to Venice from Milan ), where should I park my car to visit those places you mentioned above ? At least the central area, Arena & some bridges… thanks in advance ! 🙂
Author
Hello Alan. We parked at the Parcheggio Multipiano Citadella parking garage. Here is a link so that you can see the location on Google Maps. From here, it’s a short walk into the old town. Cheers, Julie
We just added an overnight stay in Verona to our Rome/Venice/Florence trip next month. After reading your post, I’m even more excited to explore! 🙂
Author
Yay! I love Verona!! It’s so great that you are spending a night here. Have fun! Cheers, Julie
Hi, I’m considering visiting Verona in January for 4 days. Would I need a car to travel around and possibly to Lake Garda and Madonna della Corona?
I’m hoping it’s a nice place to visit all year round?
Thanks!
Author
It might be nice to see it in the snow…at least the mountains north of Verona…but I think that snow might be rare in the city of Verona. I don’t know much about using public transportation to get to the sites near Verona. Having a car might be more convenient. If you plan to head into the mountains, check the weather because I have heard the roads can close if it snows. Madonna della Corona is a popular place to visit so you can probably find a tour or public transportation to get you there. Good luck! Cheers, Julie
Julie, this is a fabulous post! We are traveling Venice – Dolomites – Lake Garda with another couple and thinking of spending our last night in Verona instead of Venice but we’ll need to get to Marco Polo airport for flights out the next day. Feasible, or crazy? Also, any recommendations on places to stay?
Author
Hello Jalaine. What a nice trip you have planned! It’s not crazy to get to Marco Polo airport the next day, depending upon what time your flight is. It’s about an hour and fifteen minute drive, so just allow enough time for the drive and all of the typical airport procedures. I don’t have any specific recommendations on where to stay but we use Booking.com when we make our reservations for Europe. Staying some where down in the heart of Verona would be wonderful. Have fun!! Cheers, Julie
Great post. Have you tried to go to Giardino Giusti? It’s totally worth it. There you can see a real Renaissance garden with statues and grottos. I would suggest to read this guide if you are looking for things to do outside town https://www.veronacitycard.com/best-day-trips-from-verona/
There’s also a nice trip to little villages you can reach by bus in 20 minutes from the city center
Author
Thanks for the tip! We will add to our list for the next time we visit Verona.
a week in verona too long?
Author
I think you only need 2 – 3 full days to see and do everything in the city. You could also use a few more days and take day trips to nearby spots. A week is a long time to spend in Verona, it’s not a big city with a ton of sites like Rome or even Florence. If there are other places you want to visit while in Italy, consider spending about 4 days in Verona and putting the rest of your time someplace else. Cheers, Julie
These are great tips! Heading there for one day next week, and will definitely try and go see the Madonna della Corona as we will be heading north after anyways! Good work!
Author
Thanks! Enjoy!
Thanks for the post. We are heading to Verona for the first time this summer! Your post helped me think about the highlights. We didn’t know about the Madonna Della Corona, so are adding that to our list 🙂
Author
Great. Have fun!
I fall in love with Verona too! Such a romantic city!