31 Awesome Things to do in Verona
Visiting Verona but wondering what to do? No worries. I have you covered. In this post, you shall find the 31 best things to do in Verona, in Northern Italy.
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Timeless Travel Steps BEST TIPS:
1 | Want to learn all about the city that drips in old time romance? Discover its history at every turn – hear it first-hand from a local and you are sure to want to delve deeper.
2 | Why not go a little further? Discover Verona Food and Wine while seeing all the Highlights and Landmarks of the city, in half-a-day or so led by an expert.
Discover the incredible city that is more than the tale of the star-crossed lovers. The heritage of this city is rich. Home to a Roman open air amphitheatre, studded by bell towers, beautifully paved Piazza in pink marble liston, and layers upon layers of history still being unearthed, it is a city that offers something for everyone.
There are a range of dynamic restaurants offering the best local cuisines you can find in northern Italy. Along with this, there are a growing number of designer boutiques opening up between the frescoed churches which you wouldn’t want to miss. One thing to note though, is that when the lights go down, the city awakens. It becomes something of a haven for the young and old, especially the young lovers. So, it is worth bearing in mind that Verona is a city best enjoyed at night as well.
31 Very Best Things to do in Verona
Here are some of the remarkable things to do in Verona that includes best of the beaten track as well as some off-beat experiences. All suggested sites are easily reached, as Verona is compact and walkable. You don’t really have to go too far from the city squares but some sites may require about 20 to 30 minutes walk and are worth exploring. Most of the museums are centred around the piazzas. We have also included visits to vineyards, and exciting day trips as part of things to do in Verona, curated just for you.
Let’s get started:
1 | Juliet House
The story of Romeo and Juliet, though a myth has spurred the creation of the famous balcony and a soul-touching legend that keeps attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The most popular visitor’s attraction in Verona has also inspired several movies. Learn more about the inspiration to Juliet House, the legends associated to this destination and take a sneak peek into this famous house before your visit. A complete guide to this popular visitor attraction, and as part of things to do in Verona awaits your perusal via the link below.
Read: The Story of Romeo & Juliet in Fair Verona.
Piazzas in Verona
Both piazzas, Piazza Bra and Piazza delle Erbe form the heartbeat of the city of Verona and you will surely experience them on your visit.
2 | Piazza Bra
Piazza Bra is the largest square in the city and is one of the best things to do in Verona. You can’t miss it. Everyone has to go here! However, there are 7 ‘spots’ in Piazza Bra which often goes unnoticed and you shall find the complete guide to these via the link below.
You may want to stay at the heart of the city, and if so, select one of the places to stay near this iconic landmark for a perfect sunset experience.
3 | Verona Arena
The Verona Arena is a monument of 2000 years of history. An unmissable attraction when in Verona, this ancient marvel sits adoringly in Bra, enticing all visitors to explore its ancient history. Explore one or two of the many ways to experience this ancient site as one your best things to do in Verona itinerary — a medieval marvel not to miss.
Read the complete guide to Verona Arena which includes an overview of its history
Timeless Travel Steps Best Tips:
With the Verona City Card, you will gain Priority Entry to the Verona Arena and the Lamberti Tower along with free local transportation – these and so many other benefits. Explore more and pre-purchase before travelling to Verona > Verona City Card.
Things to do in Verona around PIAZZA ERBE
4 | Piazza Erbe
The vibrant Piazza Erbe is home to some amazing sights such as the colourful houses of the middle ages, the Merchant’s House, the whale bone, and the most interesting features of La Berlina! Given its historic importance as the place where the Roman forum once stood, Piazza Erbe along with all of the surrounding features makes it a top attraction in best things to do in Verona.
Read: The Complete Guide to Piazza delle Erbe
5 | Piazza dei Signori
A charming and an elegant square, with the statue of Dante standing tall in the centre. Also known as Piazza Dante, the square encompasses diverse architectural styles — Gothic, Romanesque and Renaissance. Piazza dei Signori sits right next to Piazza Erbe and the Lamberti Tower. The Square is said to date back to 1330 at least, and it is an important part of the city worth seeing.
6 | Loggia del Consiglio
This Renaissance style open arched space is a pretty spot at Piazza dei Signori, just next to the historic Piazza Erbe. Built between 1476 and 1493, the Loggia del Consiglio presently houses the Provincial Council of Verona and is one of the best things to do in Verona.
7 | Climb the Tower
Get the best views of the rustic roofs from above – the Lamberti Tower is the tallest tower in Verona and offers 360 degree views of the city. It’s unique location just off Piazza Erbe attracts visitors both during the day and evening. It is fair to say that the Lamberti Tower tops most itineraries as one of the unmissable things to do in Verona. Read the complete guide to visiting the iconic tower by navigating the link below.
TTS Best Tip > Verona City Card includes entry to the Lamberti Tower
8 | ‘Painted City’
Once known as the ‘Painted City’, take pleasure in admiring the dwellings that stands testament to what Verona was in the Middle Ages. The colourful images painted by Cavalli tells a story and worth exploring.
Navigate to Mazzanti Houses in Verona for an overview of its history and where to find it
9 | The Baroque Palazzo Maffei
Standing gallantly overlooking the Piazza Erbe is Palazzo Maffei. This magnificent building was once a palace and a private residence belonging to the Veronese aristocrats, the Maffei family. Palazzo Maffei is presently a museum housing sculptures, paintings and furnitures.
If you are not into visiting the museum, perhaps you may wish to enjoy a wonderful evening, dining in their renowned restaurant which is tucked away from the main square. Prior reservation (well in advance) is highly recommended as getting a last-minute reservation is almost impossible!
Read the full guide to Palazzo Maffei and what to do here
10 | Majestic Gran Guardia
Visit this very large (86 metres in length) historic building that was built for military purposes but now, it is home to exhibitions and cultural events.
11 | Scaliger Tombs
There is not very much to see here except that the tombs comprise a group of funerary monuments that were built by the powerful Della Scala family who ruled Verona in the Middle Ages. The monuments are regarded as the finest Gothic architecture in Italy today.
Unmissable Ancient Landmarks
12 | Porta Borsari Gate
The Porta Borsari is an ancient gate believed to originate in 1st century BC. It is a significant piece of Verona’s history as it was the main entrance to the city. Built from Valpolicella white stone, Porta Borsari has two arches flanked by semi-columns, and an upper floor with twelve arched windows. See it as you walk through the city, and cross it off your list on things to do in Verona.
13 | Arco dei Gavi
Once an ancient gate to the medieval city, the Arco dei Gavi was built by the influential noble Gavia family around the 1st century AD. It was demolished by the French in 1805 to make way for their military mule trains. The Arch stones were stored safely at the Citadella Square for over a century. Using the original stones, the Arch was later rebuilt to stand where it does now, next to Castelvecchio. It faces the Adige River and not far from its original position. Just 1 minute walk from Castle Vecchio, an item worth listing on your unmissable things to do in Verona.
Address: Corso Cavour, 37121 Verona VR, Italy
14 | Castelvecchio
Castle Vecchio is a magnificent structure that dates back to the 14th century. It is quite an expansive site and lies within the city’s perimeters. This old castle is worth exploring unhurriedly and best to set aside some time when you visit. If you could, get an audio guide to fully appreciate the relevance, context and the particular areas in this vast site when you visit. When here, don’t miss looking out to the bridge nextdoor.
Address: 2 Corso Castelvecchio
Verona, 37121
Italy
15 | Ponte di Castelvecchio
Next to Castle Vecchio is the famous Ponte di Castelvecchio. Also known as Scaliger Bridge, it is often regarded as the most romantic bridge in Verona. It is a pretty bridge, best viewed when the sun slowly sets over the horizon.
Built by the Scaligeri family between 1354 and 1356 as a means to escape should they be attacked. The bridge connects the castle to the left bank of the Adige River.
Where to go for Epic Sunset Views over the City of Verona
16 | Teatro Romano Verona
Built during the latter part of the 1st century B.C. the Roman Theatre (not the Roman Amphitheatre at Piazza Bra) is located next to Castel San Pietro. This theatre is still used today, albeit for smaller scale performances due to its size. It is worth visiting and is one of the things to do in Verona as it adds to understanding the history of this passionate medieval city. There is an Archaeological Museum that offers a fascinating insight into the city’s history also.
Address: Regaste Redentore, 2, 37129 Verona, Italy | Opens: 08:30 AM
17 | Piazzale Castel San Pietro
Though popular, this is not frequented by many who visit the city for a short break but it is one of the best things to do in Verona. Piazzale Castel San Pietro is a medieval fortress set on a hilltop and requires a climb. With best views over the many spires of the city, and the glistening Adige River flowing through the heart of the city, this is one destination to head to if you could make it. For some magnificent views, head here at dusk for epic sunset hues.
Address: Piazzale Castel S. Pietro37129 Verona VR, Italy
*It is free of charge.
18 | Palazzo Giusti and Giardino Giusti
A beautiful, perhaps one of the best in northern Italy, the Giardino Giusti was created at the end of the 15th century. The garden is said to be one of the best examples of Italian gardens and it is right next to the Giusti Palace. One of the things to do in Verona, this makes an easy destination to while-away some time in Verona’s afternoon sunshine.
Address: Via Giardino Giusti, 2, 37129 Verona VR, Italy | Opens: 10:00 AM
Cathedrals & Basillicas
19 | Verona Cathedral
Tucked away in a quiet street is Verona Cathedral (Piazza Duomo di Verona), a magnificent hidden gem which you must absolutely see when you are in the city.
An outwardly simple Romanesque architecture is pleasantly inviting, but once indoors, you shall be struck with an incredibly magnificent surprise. A 12th century apse, admirable biblical depictions, space and harmony. We particularly appreciated the Church of Sant’Elena and the archaeological excavations.
Verona Cathedral sits on the site of the very first Christian place of worship in Verona that was established here in the 4th century. Verona’s rich history continues to be unearthed here.
*Must top “things to do in Verona” list.
Address: Piazza Duomo, 21, 37121 Verona VR, Italy
20 | The Basillica of Sant’Anastasia Verona
This is another impressive church in Verona which must be seen! An outstanding Italian Gothic architecture, the Basillica of Santa Anastasia in Verona is the largest church in the city. The Basillica had its first stone laid in 1280 by the Dominican Order. The interior extends over three isles and twelve impressive pillars, all in red Veronese marble. An absolute unmissable things to do in Verona.
Address: Piazza S.Anastasia, 37121 Verona VR, Italy
21 | Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore
This beautiful church is a little out of the centre of Verona, about 15-minutes walk. San Zeno Maggiore is worth visiting as it is one of the better preserved of Romanesque architecture in Northern Italy. The Basillica is certainly a must-visit destination for fans of the star-crossed lovers. The crypt here is said to be the setting where Romeo and Juliet were married according to the book.
Address: Piazza San Zeno, 2, 37123 Verona VR, Italy
Museums
As an ancient city, Verona’s long history lingers on its Roman ruins sitting next to medieval fortresses with Renaissance architectural delights in the foreground. The city’s rich history is everywhere, and most of them are found in the many museums that is dotted around Verona. If you love the opera, an art lover, or a history buff, head to one or more of these museums in Verona.
22 | Roman Theatre Archaeological Museum
The Roman Theatre (mentioned above #16) has an Archaeological Museum which opened in 1924. It is one of the best archaeological museums in Verona and worth exploring. The Museum showcases about 600 pieces of art.
Address: Rigaste Redentore, 2, 37129 Verona VR, Italy | Opens: 10:00 AM
23 | Juliet’s Tomb and the Museum of Frescoes
The Museum of Frescoes stands within the complex of a convent, San Francesco al Corso Monastery that dates back to the 13th century. In here, sits the mythological ‘Tomb of Juliet‘, which has become a major tourist attraction.
Besides the tomb, the museum is home to beautiful frescoes that decorated Veronese buildings in the 16th century. The frescoes are placed in their original arrangement. The Museum of Frescoes also showcases canvas works from 16th to 18th along with 19th century sculptures.
In the garden, there is a collection of Verona’s original sculptures, inscriptions and lapidary along with a collection of Roman amphorae from the first century BC.
Address: Via Luigi Da Porto, 5
37121 Verona | Opens: 10:00 AM
24 | Maffeiano Lapidary Museum
Established around 1738, by the long and passionate works of Scipione Maffei, the Maffeiano Lapidary Museum is in the heart of Verona and is one of the oldest public museum in Europe. The Museum has two floors and a courtyard.
There is a wide collection of carvings and inscriptions, with mostly of Greek, Etruscan and Roman. Tombstones with inscriptions from ancient civilisations are found here as well, some with original paints on them.
Address: P.za Bra, 28, 37121 Verona VR, Italy
25 | Palazzo Della Ragione
Located in the Lamberti Tower, the Palazzo della Ragione is a public gallery and houses a vast collection of paintings and sculptures representing modern art.
The entry ticket to the Lamberti Tower includes entry to the museum also.
Address: Cortile Del Mercato Vecchio, 10, 37121 Verona VR, Italy | Opens: 10:00 AM
Experience Verona’s Cuisine, and Culinary History
26 | Visit an Osteria
Verona’s cuisine and its culinary history is unique! From simple quick comfort dishes such as risotto, polenta, gnocchi and tortellini to horse and donkey meat cooked for hours if not days. Recipes are uniquely preserved by families, that has been handed down through centuries.
For an authentic experience, visit Osteria Sottocosta, in Piazza Erbe. We visitied on a not so busy rainy evening, had plenty of Bordolino and an easy serving of Bigoli bolognese.
Address: Piazza Erbe, 16, 37121 Verona VR, Italy
27 | Dine at Ristorante Maffei
Set at the top end of the historical Piazza Erbe is Ristorante Maffei. Set within a former palace and residential home of the famous and influential Maffei family in Verona. (#9 above).
The Maffei Restaurant serves typical Veronese cuisine, refined, to bring the best Italian tradition with elegance and brilliance. They even have a special ‘Romeo and Juliet’ room for romantic couples, for that timeless moments.
Maffei is renowned for its risotto dishes and it is said to have a vast collection of wines, one of the best stocked in Italy. To dine at this fine restaurant, ensure you book well ahead of time.
Address: Ristorante Maffei
Piazza Erbe, 38
37121 Verona (VR)
Tel. +39 045 8010015
28 | An all-round experience of Veronese Food and its Culture
If you want to know all there is about traditional Veronese food and its history, join a group food tour. I know there are quite a number of food tours available and it may be a little daunting to select the one that may give the best experience. You may wish to sign-up to either of the following two:
Timeless Travel Steps Best Tips:
Recommended Read: 3 Flavoursome Food & Wine Tours in Verona
Wines of Verona
29 | Valpolicella Wines
Valpolicella is an area within the wider Veneto region in northern Italy. Its climate and geographical location has contributed to the production of quality wines in the world. The high-end Valpolicella Amarone, Reciotto and Soave DOC, amongst others, all comes from this Veneto region — the hills of Garda. An area in Northern Italy where varieties of grapes have been matched to the soil and weather to produce some of the world’s best wines for centuries. Visiting Verona, the ‘wine city of Europe’ must surely call for an experience of the wine trail or a visit to a winery and vineyard.
Timeless Travel Steps Best Tips:
You may find the following three tips to be useful.
1 | Want an all-round experience of Verona — a touch of history, culture and all about Verona’s popular wines?
Be part of a Food & Wine Walking tour where you will learn about Verona’s local food, see the highlights of the city and sample some local wines.
2 | Visit a vineyard and a winery along with food tastings. Enjoy a serene stroll of the vineyards, learn about the wine-making process from grape to glass and visit a 17th century cellar >> Vineyard & Winery Tour
3 | Learn more about the Valpolicella wines — Join the Amarone Wine Trail
Day Trips from Verona
Verona’s ideal geographical location in northern Italy makes a great base for exploring other cities in the region. As well, with very good high-speed train links and road systems, these cities are easily reached within a couple of hours. Cities such as Milan, Venice , or Florence are highly doable destinations for a day-trip. However, if you are looking for something closer, Lake Garda, Sirmione and surrounds makes a perfect destination also.
30 | Lake Garda
Lake Garda is a picturesque area of the Veneto region and is one of Italy’s as well as Europe’s main tourist hub. With dramatic mountain backdrop, crystal clear waters and a collection of traditional villages, Lake Garda offers ample opportunities for a stroll, cruise, and to pick a spot on the lake front to sit and watch, over a gelato or spritz. While here, visit the nearby town of Sirmione also. Explore the medieval Scaligero Castle along with its narrow streets, and the serene Santa Maria Maggiore Church.
Don’t want to hire a car or take public transport to Lake Garda from Verona?
Timeless Travel Steps Best tips:
For a no-hassle, transport included trip, join a small group tour to Lake Garda and Sirmione. Tour includes a knowledgeable tour guide, plenty of time to explore, boat-trip and stops in nearby towns.
Book > Small group tour to Lake Garda and Sirmione from Verona.
*Georgina: We undertook this tour when we visited Verona and highly recommend it.
31 | Milan
Milan, the metropolis of fashion and design in the Lombardy region is easily reached by high-speed train from Verona Porta Nuova in a little over an hour. Make an early start and take the last train back. It is cheaper to prior purchase a point-to-point train ticket than on the day of travel.
Milan is a city that has so much to offer to its visitors and one day is by no means sufficient. If one day is all you have when visiting Verona, then visit the landmarks, such as the Milan Cathedral, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Piazza della Scala, Sforzesco Castle, Parco Sempione and dine at Biffi. No matter what you choose to do on one day in Milan, ensure that you visit the rooftop of Milan Cathedral at sunset (watch the video of the changing hues), enjoy a spritz at the Galleria and ride the historic wooden train.
Timeless Travel Steps Best Tips:
2 | Pre-book Skip-the-line Tickets to Milan Cathedral and the Terraces (highly recommended).
… finally
These wonderful things to do in Verona are by no means exhaustive and we are sure to have missed some attractions. It only gives us an opportunity to return when possible. Verona is certainly a city that makes one yearn for more.
I hope that you found this article helpful and found answers to your questions/research on Verona. If so, use the links to book your activities and trips. We earn a commission from qualified purchases/bookings at no costs to you at all. As always, we, at Timeless Travel Steps appreciate your continued support. However, if you have more questions, please do ask and we will do our best to answer them.
Have a great time in Verona!
Compiled by: Timeless Travel Steps Travellers
xoxo
ESSENTIALS FOR VERONA, ITALY
From Verona Airport (VRN) to Verona City Centre/hotel
City of Verona Guide — Your One-Stop Resource
Where to Stay in Verona — Best Places to Stay in Verona
An Incredible Valpolicella Winery Visit in Verona
Verona by Bike — 6 Fun Cycle Tours
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Regularly edited and updated. Last update: August 24, 2022
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Thank you always, for sharing your views and experiences of some of these wonderful places you visit.
Verona was probably my favourite place in Italy 30 years ago and I recommended it to someone staying where I did on Lake Garda. Excellent blog that I have forwarded to her.