Things to Do in Verona Italy

1. Verona Arena

The Verona Arena is without a doubt the most famous tourist attraction of the city and one of the best preserved Roman amphitheaters in Europe. This enormous structure was already built in the 1st century AD and still forms the setting for concerts, operas and other performances. Especially during the summer months, an evening with an opera in the Arena is a special experience (view the program and book tickets for the opera performances here). Also during the day a visit is recommended, because from the stands you get a good idea of the impressive dimensions and the history of this iconic monument of Verona (included in the Verona Card).

📌 Recommendation: During the summer months (Thursday to Friday) attending an opera in the arena is one of the most popular activities in Verona. The shows vary per evening from La Traviatia, Aida to Nabucco (view the program or book your opera tickets online).

2. House of Juliet (Casa di Giulietta)

The House of Juliet, or Casa di Giulietta, is one of the most popular places in Verona and especially famous because of the romantic story of Romeo and Juliet. In the courtyard you see the well-known balcony that worldwide stands as a symbol for Shakespeare’s love story. Although it is mainly a tourist attraction, it remains a nice place to look around for a while and experience the atmosphere. Visitors take many photos here at the bronze statue of Juliet and in the narrow passage to the courtyard you see walls full of notes and love messages. It may be touristy, but a must see during a city trip Verona (included in the affordable Verona Card or book a separate skip-the-line ticket).

📌 Recommendation: Verona Card

When you are going to visit Verona, the official Verona Card is actually a must have. For 24 or 48 hours you have a card that gives access to the main attractions of Verona, such as:

• Priority access Verona Arena
• Juliet's balcony at Casa di Giulietta
• Torre dei Lamberti, Verona Cathedral, Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, Church of Santa Anastasia, Castelvecchio Museum, Arche Scaligere, San Fermo Maggiore, Arche Scaligere and archaeological museum (this covers almost all highlights from this list of top 20 Verona attractions!)
• Public transport (bus) in Verona
• More info and reservation Verona Card

3. Piazza delle Erbe

Piazza delle Erbe is the lively heart of the historic center of Verona Italy and one of the most beautiful squares of the city. Where the Roman forum used to be, you will now find an atmospheric square full of historic facades, colorful market stalls, fountains and cozy terraces. It is a wonderful place to walk around, drink a coffee or simply sit on a bench and observe the daily life of Verona. Around the square you will see beautiful old houses with frescoes, elegant towers and stately buildings. Especially in the morning and at the end of the afternoon there is a lively and typically Italian atmosphere here.

4. Piazza dei Signori

Right next to Piazza delle Erbe lies the more stately and quiet Piazza dei Signori, a square that is surrounded by Verona attractions such as elegant palaces and historic administrative buildings. This square immediately feels different from the busier market square further on and mainly breathes an aristocratic, almost solemn atmosphere. In the middle stands a statue of the famous poet Dante Alighieri, who stayed in Verona for some time. Around the square you will see beautiful arcades, courtyards and facades that show how important Verona was in the Middle Ages. Especially in combination with Piazza delle Erbe this square forms a nice introduction to old Verona.

5. Torre dei Lamberti

Those who would like to do Verona sightseeing from above should not miss the Torre dei Lamberti. This tall medieval tower rises above the city and offers a beautiful view over the red roofs, church towers and the Adige river. You can climb the tower via stairs, but there is also an elevator available for those who want to take it a bit easier. Once at the top you really see how compact and atmospheric the historic center of Verona is built. Especially in clear weather you can see far across the city and the surrounding hills. The tower itself is already an attraction, but the panoramic view makes this one of the nicest activities (included in the Verona Card).

6. Castelvecchio & Ponte Scaligero

Castelvecchio is an imposing medieval castle on the Adige river and one of the most important historical monuments of Verona. The castle was built by the powerful Scaligeri family and has a tough, defensive character with robust walls, battlements and courtyards. Inside there is now a museum with art, sculptures and historical objects, but even without visiting the museum Castelvecchio is very worthwhile. Especially remarkable is the Ponte Scaligero, the adjacent bridge with its red bricks and fortified towers. From the bridge you have a beautiful view over the river and the city. Together the castle and the bridge form one of the most photogenic places of Verona (included in the Verona Card).

7. Ponte Pietra

The Ponte Pietra is the oldest bridge of Verona and one of the most characteristic places of the city. This bridge originally dates from Roman times and spans the Adige river at a particularly atmospheric location. Due to the combination of natural stone, the river and the hills in the background, this is a place where many visitors stop for a moment to enjoy the view. The bridge connects the historic center with the hill on the other side, where among others the Roman theater and Castel San Pietro are located. Those who want to experience Verona in a calm way would do well to walk across the Ponte Pietra and view the city from the water.

8. Verona Cathedral

The Verona Cathedral, officially the cathedral of Santa Maria Matricolare, is one of the most important religious buildings of the city. The church combines different architectural styles, including Romanesque and Gothic, which makes the building interesting both on the outside and inside. Inside the Duomo you will find beautiful frescoes, artworks and richly decorated chapels that show how important this cathedral has been through the centuries. Although the exterior may look somewhat more modest than some other Italian cathedrals, inside you will be surprised by the warm colors, decorations and historical details (included in the Verona Card).

9. Verona sightseeing by bike

A nice way to get to know the city better is via this sightseeing bike tour. With a local guide you not only discover the main Verona attractions, but you also hear interesting stories and background information that you might otherwise miss. During such a tour you pass well-known places such as the Arena, Piazza delle Erbe and the Adige river, but often also hidden streets and lesser-known locations. Especially for a first introduction to Verona this is recommended, because in a short time you get a good overview of the city. In addition, you often receive useful tips for restaurants and activities (more info and reservation bike tour).

10. Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore

The Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore is often mentioned as one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches of Northern Italy. This impressive basilica is dedicated to San Zeno, the patron saint of Verona, and immediately stands out because of its beautiful facade, round rose window and quiet location just outside the busiest part of the center. Inside awaits an atmospheric interior with old columns, religious art and a special crypt. The church also plays an important role in the history of Verona and is seen by many as one of the most characterful churches of the city. A visit to San Zeno shows a beautiful, more authentic side of Verona (included in the Verona Card).

11. Giardino Giusti

Those who want to escape the crowds of the city center during a city trip can go to the Giardino Giusti. This elegant Renaissance garden is one of the most beautiful gardens of Verona and is a wonderful place for those who enjoy peace, greenery and beautiful views. You walk here along cypress trees, statues, neatly laid out paths and terraces that slowly lead upwards. The higher you go, the more beautiful the view over the city and the surrounding area becomes. Especially on warm days this is a pleasant place to catch your breath. Giardino Giusti is therefore not only a beautiful garden, but also a surprisingly quiet attraction in Verona.

12. Archaeological Museum & Roman theater

On the other side of the river, against the hill, you will find the Roman theater of Verona and the adjacent archaeological museum. The theater dates from Roman times and clearly shows how important Verona already was in antiquity. Especially the location makes this place special: from the higher parts you have a beautiful view over the city, the river and the bridges. In the museum you learn more about the Roman past of Verona through statues, mosaics, inscriptions and other archaeological finds. This is a nice place for visitors who are looking for a bit more depth than just the most famous highlights in the center (included in the Verona Card).

13. Castel San Pietro

For one of the most beautiful panoramas over Verona you go to Castel San Pietro. This is located on a hill on the other side of the river and overlooks the historic center. The climb up is manageable, but those who prefer to save some energy can use the cable car. Once at the top you are rewarded with a magnificent view of the old city, the Adige river, bridges and church towers. Especially around sunset this is a popular place, when the warm light falls over Verona and the city is at its most beautiful. Although the building itself cannot always be visited inside, it is mainly about the location and the view.

14. Scala della Ragione

The Scala della Ragione may not be the most famous attraction of Verona, but it is an interesting place for those who have an eye for historical details. This elegant staircase is part of the medieval administrative heart of the city and connects different parts of the old center with each other. The structure still radiates the grandeur of earlier times and fits perfectly into the historical atmosphere of Verona. During a walk through the center you will almost automatically pass by here, especially when you explore Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori. Although it is not a major attraction where you will stay for a long time, it does add character to your route through the city. .

15. Porta Borsari

The Porta Borsari is an impressive Roman city gate and one of the tangible reminders of old Verona. This gate once formed an important entrance to the city and nowadays stands in the middle of a lively street, where old and new come together beautifully. Especially the well-preserved façade with arches and stone details makes Porta Borsari special. It may not be a place where you spend hours, but it is a beautiful historical landmark to pause at during your walk through the center. The gate clearly shows how rich the Roman past of Verona is and how much of it is still visible in the cityscape.

16. Sant’Anastasia church

The Sant’Anastasia is the largest church of Verona and is often mentioned as one of the most beautiful religious buildings of the city. On the outside the Gothic style is especially noticeable, while inside you are surprised by a spacious interior with high vaults, frescoes and beautiful artworks. The church is known for its special details, including the famous holy water fonts that are carried by sculpted figures. Thanks to the calm atmosphere this is a pleasant place to pause for a moment and take in the rich decoration. Sant’Anastasia is also within walking distance of other important Verona attractions, making it easy to include this church in a walk through the center (included in the Verona Card).

17. Piazza Bra

Piazza Bra is the largest square of Verona and forms for many visitors the starting point of their exploration of the city. On this wide and lively square lies the Verona Arena, which immediately gives an impressive first impression. Around the square you will find terraces, restaurants, stately buildings and shaded areas where you can rest for a while. During the day it is a busy meeting place, while in the evening the square becomes extra atmospheric when the lights turn on and visitors settle down on a terrace. Just because of the cozy atmosphere, Piazza Bra is a place you will probably return to several times during your stay.

Extra. Day trips from Verona

Verona in Italy is also an ideal base for nice day trips in the surroundings. At a short distance you will find various special destinations that perfectly complement your city trip. For example, the popular Lake Garda is only half an hour away, where you can enjoy atmospheric places such as Sirmione. This charming village is known for its narrow streets, the castle by the water and the thermal baths (more info day trip Lake Garda).

There is also plenty to discover for wine lovers. In the hills around Verona lies the famous wine region Valpolicella, where you can do a wine tasting and get acquainted with well-known wines such as Amarone. During a visit to a local vineyard you learn more about the production process and you taste different regional wines, often combined with small snacks (more info wine tours).

Another special destination is the Madonna della Corona, a spectacular monastery that is built against a rock wall. This impressive place is located about an hour’s drive from Verona and not only offers a unique experience, but also beautiful views over the surroundings. Whether you choose nature, culture or gastronomy: with these day trips you get even more out of your visit to Verona (more info day trip Madonna della Corona).

18. Arche Scaligere (tombs of the Scaligeri)

The Arche Scaligere are an impressive series of Gothic funerary monuments in the center of Verona. These richly decorated tombs belong to the graves of the powerful della Scala family, who ruled Verona in the Middle Ages. The monuments immediately stand out because of their detailed decorations, pointed arches and statues placed on top of the structures. Although the site itself is closed, you can admire the monuments well from the outside. It is a relatively small attraction, but a special piece of history that you can easily include during a walk through the center (included in the Verona Card).

19. Via Mazzini (shopping)

The Via Mazzini is the most famous shopping street of Verona and connects Piazza Bra with Piazza delle Erbe. This wide, atmospheric street is car-free and therefore ideal to walk through in a relaxed way. You will find many well-known fashion brands, shoe shops, boutiques and other stores here, making it a popular place for an afternoon of shopping. Even if you do not want to buy anything, it is a pleasant street to soak up the lively atmosphere of the city. The combination of historic buildings and modern shops makes Via Mazzini attractive for many visitors.

20. San Fermo Maggiore church

The San Fermo Maggiore is a lesser-known but very special church in Verona. What makes this church unique is that it consists of two levels: a lower, sober Romanesque church and an upper church with a richly decorated wooden ceiling and Gothic elements. This combination of styles creates a surprising contrast and makes a visit extra interesting. Inside you will also find various artworks and historical details that tell the story of the church and the city. Because this church is less visited than for example the Cathedral or Sant’Anastasia, you can look around here in peace. A recommendation for those who want to look beyond the most famous highlights of Verona (included in the Verona Card).