When a close friend asked us to accompany him to Italy for the month of January, we thought Italy in January – are you nuts?! Well, it was one of the best decisions that we have made. Imagine some of the most sacred and difficult to get into places in the world with few tourists and zero line ups?! Sounds dreamy right? And yeah, it was!
So we are sharing the top things to do in Verona Italy from that perspective. Few tourists, no crowds and the ability to be in some of the most interesting places all by ourselves. Funnily enough, we have visited Italy so many times and only drove past Verona. This was our first time taking a deep dive into this gorgeous city.
To figure out the most interesting things to do in Verona Italy we gathered some knowledgeable local experts that helped us really get to the gems of this town and help us enjoy this romantic and ancient place to it’s full potential. One of their top tips was to get the Verona Card if you plan to visit many attractions see below.
In this post we share what to do in Verona Italy, including the best walking streets, where to stay, where to eat and the like. Join us!
Things to Do in Verona Italy
Verona is a beautiful city in northern Italy, probably most famous for being the setting of Romeo and Juliet. But even if you’re not a Shakespeare fan, there’s tons of things to do in Verona Italy. For one, It has this incredible Roman amphitheater that’s still used today, plus lots of gorgeous churches, piazzas, and bridges.
It’s also a great jumping-off point for exploring the surrounding area, including nearby Lake Garda (which is the biggest lake in Italy). So, whether you’re into history, romance, or just soaking up the Italian atmosphere, Verona’s definitely worth a visit.
Arena di Verona
The Arena di Verona is a Roman amphitheater, built in the 1st century AD. It is remarkably well-preserved and still hosts opera performances today during the summer months. Performances traditionally begin at dusk and spectators on the stone seats of the arena bring small candles which are lit as darkness falls and the performances begin.
Famous bands that have played here include Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen, Roger Waters and Simple Minds just to name a few. We will definitely come back in the summer to see some of our favorite musicians play here. Wouldn’t it be great if Mumford and Sons or Ed Sheeran did a performance?! Count us in!
Admission (without a performance) is approximately €8 and is included in the Verona Card.
Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta)
Associated with Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” this 13th-century building features a balcony, museum and a bronze statue dedicated to Juliet. It probably belonged to the Dal Cappello family (which sounds a lot like “Capuleti,” right?), and even though the famous balcony wasn’t actually there in Shakespeare’s time (it was added much later), the house is still a super popular spot.
Inside, the rooms have exposed brick and a Gothic doorway, and in the courtyard, there’s a bronze statue of Juliet where people take pictures holding her breast. Turns out, there really were families named Montecchi and Capuleti in Verona, so the whole Romeo and Juliet story might have some roots in real life!
Entrance to the courtyard is free; access to the house and balcony costs around €12 and is included in the Verona Card.
Castelvecchio Museum
This 14th-century castle now serves as a museum showcasing medieval and Renaissance art, with a particular emphasis on Veronese paintings and sculptures. You’ll find works by Renaissance paiters like Pisanello, Mantegna, and Giovanni Bellini.
Beyond paintings, the museum also displays sculptures, weapons, ceramics, and even some of the original architectural elements from the actual castle. The fortress itself is an architectural highlight, reflecting Verona’s strategic importance in history.
Admission is about €9 and is included in the Verona Card.
Piazza delle Erbe
Once a Roman forum, this busy square is surrounded by historic buildings and features a lively market. It’s an ideal place to experience local life and admire architectural details.
You’ll see the impressive Palazzo Maffei with its Baroque facade and statues of Roman gods, and the Torre dei Lamberti, a tall medieval tower you can climb for great city views.
Beyond the buildings, the piazza itself is just a great place to hang out, grab a coffee or gelato, browse the market stalls, and soak up the atmosphere. It’s a central hub for the city, so you’ll get a real feel for Verona life.
Visiting the square is free (naturally).
Torre dei Lamberti
This medieval tower provides a 360-degree view of the city. It’s a bit of a climb (84 meter or 276 feet tall), but totally worth it to see the city from above. Construction of the tower began in 1172 in the Romanesque style. It was then rebuilt over the centuries and was completed in 1463 to take on it’s present day look.
The tower has two bells. The smaller one, called the Marangona, used to ring to signal fires, work hours, and the time of day. The larger bell, the Rengo, was rung to call people to arms or to meetings of the city council. It was famously used for this purpose during the Veronese Easter uprising in 1797.
Admission is approximately €8 and is included in the Verona Card.
Teatro Romano
Dating back to the 1st century BC, this ancient Roman theater offers a glimpse into early performance spaces and hosts events during the summer. The adjacent archaeological museum provides additional context. It’s located next to the Piazzale Castel San Pietro and overlooks the Adige River. Parts of the original structure remain, including some of the seating and the stage area.
Entrance is approximately €4.50 and is included in the Verona Card.
Piazzale Castel San Pietro
For panoramic views of Verona’s river, bridges, and towers, walk up to Piazzale Castel San Pietro, especially in the morning or before sunset.
The site is accessible at all times and is free to visit.
Piazza dei Signori
Known as “Lords Square,” this historic square is surrounded by significant buildings, including the Palazzo della Ragione and Loggia del Consiglio.
It’s a public space, free to explore at any time.
Duomo di Verona (Verona Cathedral)
The Duomo, or Verona Cathedral, is the city’s main church. Its origins go back to the 12th century, but it has been rebuilt and renovated several times, resulting in a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. The facade is relatively simple, but the interior is rich with art and architectural details.
One of the highlights is Titian’s “Assumption of the Virgin,” a stunning Renaissance painting. The cathedral also houses a baptistery with an octagonal font. Be sure to check out the intricate choir stalls and the various chapels within the cathedral.
Admission is around €4, included in the Verona Card. You can also purchase all 4 cathedrals listed here for a combination price of €8.
Basilica di Santa Anastasia
This large Gothic church, where construction began in 1290 is a striking example of Veronese Gothic architecture, with its characteristic red brick facade. Inside, the basilica is just as impressive, featuring three naves divided by columns and pointed arches.
A notable feature is the presence of two “hunchback” holy water fonts near the entrance. Santa Anastasia is home to some important artworks, including frescoes by Pisanello (most notably his masterpiece, “St. George and the Princess”). Look for the intricate marble floor and the elaborate tombs of noble Veronese families.
Since our Airbnb was across the street from this church, we dropped our bags and immediately rushed over there. We were the only people inside and were able to take a look at the sculptures and frescoes on our own. Such a treat!
Admission is around €4, included in the Verona Card. You can also purchase all 4 cathedrals listed here for a combination price of €8.
San Fermo Maggiore
San Fermo is actually two churches in one! The lower church, Romanesque in style, dates back to the 11th century. Above it sits the upper church, built in the 13th century with a Gothic design. This unusual arrangement makes it architecturally fascinating.
Inside, the church contains some beautiful frescoes, particularly in the upper church, and several important paintings. The wooden ceiling of the upper church is a highlight with it’s little windows of art. It’s worth exploring both levels to see the different architectural styles and artworks.
Entrance fee is approximately €4, and it’s part of the Verona Card. You can also purchase all 4 cathedrals listed here for a combination price of €8.
Basilica di San Zeno
One of Verona’s most important Romanesque churches, San Zeno dates back to the 10th century, although it has been modified over the centuries. It’s known for its beautiful bronze doors, which are decorated with scenes from the life of St. Zeno, Verona’s patron saint.
Inside, the basilica has a spacious nave and two aisles, with columns supporting the roof. Look for the “Madonna della Pescheria” by Mantegna, a masterpiece of Renaissance art, and the tomb of St. Zeno himself. The cloisters next to the basilica are also worth a visit.
Admission is about €4, included in the Verona Card. You can also purchase all 4 cathedrals listed here for a combination price of €8.
Verona Card: Things To Do in Verona Italy
The Verona Card is a great way to save some money when visiting the top things to do in Verona Italy. Available in 24-hour (€27) and 48-hour (€32) versions, the Verona Card offers free entry to 15 attractions and reduced entry to numerous museums. In addition, you can ride the city buses for free.
Notable Walking Streets & Bridges – What To Do in Verona Italy
Via Mazzini: Connecting Piazza Bra and Piazza delle Erbe, Via Mazzini is Verona’s main shopping street, known for its marble pavement and array of boutiques. Historically, it has been a central thoroughfare since Roman times.
Corso Porta Borsari: Lined with historic buildings, this cobblestone street leads to the ancient Porta Borsari gate, a remnant of Roman Verona. Many handicrafts are sold on this street. And if you walk the opposite way (north east) on this street, you will end up at the Basilica di Santa Anastasia.
Via Cappello: The street where the famous “Casa di Giulietta” (Juliet’s balcony) is located.
Ponte Scaligero (Castelvecchio Bridge): Constructed between 1354 and 1356 by Cangrande II della Scala, this bridge was part of the Castelvecchio fortress. It served as a strategic escape route and facilitated access to the northern parts of the city. The bridge’s design reflects medieval military architecture.
Ponte Pietra: Dating back to around 100 BC, Ponte Pietra is Verona’s oldest bridge. It connected the Roman city, then known as Verona Augusta, with the eastern bank of the Adige River.
Ponte della Vittoria: Built in the early 20th century, this bridge commemorates Italy’s victory in World War I. Its design reflects the architectural style of that period. Walking across offers views of the Adige River and the cityscape.
Top Restaurants in Verona
Osteria Il Bertoldo is a great find in Verona, especially if you’re looking for a meal outside of typical dining hours as they are open in the late afternoon. Our local friends recommended Il Bertoldo and we are so happy that they did!
Great dishes, a good wine list and impeccable service are what makes this restaurant so good. The standout dishes are anything pasta, but specifically the seafood spaghetti and the pasta “in the style of peasants”. The beef cheek with polenta is noted for its generous portion and tender meat.
Trattoria al Pompiere: This historic eatery is known for its authentic Veronese dishes and extensive selection of cured meats and cheeses. The cozy atmosphere makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
The duck ravioli and steak are the standouts. During truffle season, the pasta and risotto with white truffle are particularly noteworthy. The service is consistently top-notch and the warm and inviting atmosphere adds to the overall dining experience.
Pizzeria da Vincenzo: For a good pizza (and if eating on a budget), this pizzeria can’t be beat. The dough is made from wholemeal flour and olive oil making the crust absolutely delicious. Good ingredients top it off.
Top Hotels in Verona
Verona is a small town, yet it is still fun to be in the buzz of it – but away from the noise. This time around, we decided to be close to our friends and stayed in an Airbnb across the street from the Basilica di Santa Anastasia. Our apartment had giant ceilings that were decorated with frescoes and the place had the full Veronese charm.
However, if you want to be in a hotel, here are some lovely options where you will be super close to the top things to do in Verona Italy.
Luxury Option: Due Torri Hotel: Located in a historic building near the Church of Sant’Anastasia, this five-star hotel offers elegant rooms and top-notch service. Amenities include a rooftop terrace with panoramic city views. Price starts at €230 per night with breakfast buffet included.
Moderate Option: Hotel Milano & Spa: Located just steps from the Arena and Piazza Bra, this modern hotel provides comfortable rooms and a complimentary breakfast. Its central location makes it convenient for sightseeing. Price starts at €90 with breakfast included.
Budget Option: B&B Vicolo 22 8 Aug: This 3 star hotel is only a 5 minute walk from the Verona Arena. BB Vicolo 22 is set in a pretty detached house with bright and colorful rooms. Its air-conditioned rooms are set over 3 floors and include high-speed free WiFi and an LCD TV.
The B&B is 15 minutes’ walk from Verona Porta Nuova Train Station. It is easily reached by car as it is outside the restricted traffic area. Prices start at €50 for 2 with a shared bathroom.
Wrap Up – Things to Do in Verona Italy
At first when I started researching Verona Italy what to see, I thought we would just be overwhelmed by the many romantic things to see and do in the city. And yet, there is just so much more here than just the Romeo and Juliet Italy Verona attractions and fare.
First of all the small city is bigger than what we expected, and every day we discovered new things to do in Verona Italy. It is a super walk able town, as we meandered back and forth across the Adige River and it’s bridges. It’s just a great place to stay for a while and chill. Especially because of it’s proximity to Lake Garda, Venice and other small towns like Vicenzia – which is a great day trip.
Have you been to Verona? What were your favorite places to visit here? We would love to hear from you in the comments.
And if you are headed to either Rome or Florence, check out our favorite restaurants in these cities.
