Are you looking for the best things to do in Verona?
Verona is a city full of history and romance. While it is famed for being the place where Romeo and Juliet met, there is so much more to this beautiful Italian city.
We fell in love with Verona so much on our first trip that we decided to stay for a month the next time we went there! During our 4-weeks in Verona, we explored not only the city’s highlights but also discovered some of the best hidden gems.
With all of this time spent exploring the city, we feel like this is the most comprehensive Verona travel guide that you will find.
Once you’ve read our list of the best things to do in Verona, you’ll find an easy-to-follow map that you can download right to your phone.
Additionally, you’ll find a guide to the best restaurants in Verona, a list of our top hotel picks, and other practical information to help you plan your trip.
Ready to explore Verona? Let’s dive in.
31 Best Things to do in Verona, Italy
1. Verona Arena (Arena di Verona)
The Verona Arena is an amazing example of the Roman influence that has been left on the city. This arena was built in the time of the emperor Tiberius in 30 AD. Remarkably, the arena survived the centuries so well that it is still used for performances to this day.
Built with pink and white limestone and originally made to hold up to 30,000 people, this is considered to be one of the most well preserved Roman arenas in the world.
If you go for a visit during the day, you can walk around the seating areas and take in the vastness of the space where gladiators once fought.
We recommend walking all the way to the top floor of the Verona Arena for spectacular views overlooking the Piazza Bra and of this ancient structure.
Summer opera performances: During the summer, from June to September, the Verona Arena hosts the annual Verona Opera Festival. Every week, they put on different performances for visitors to choose from. You can get information on the 2024 schedule and the performance schedule on the arena website.
There are a number of ticket levels, and it’s important to note that tickets do sell out. If you are planning on visiting Verona during the summer, we highly recommend booking well in advance.
Tip: Start your day by visiting the Verona arena in order to avoid the lines, especially during the high season (summer). You can sign up for this guided tour with skip the line access, or alternatively, we recommended getting the Verona Card, which includes priority access to the arena.
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 9:00am – 7:00pm
Verona Arena ticket price: €10
Included in the Verona Card? Yes
2. Piazza Bra
Piazza Bra, just outside of the Verona Arena, is the largest square in Verona and is one of the largest across Italy too. As such, this is the center of life in Verona and is consistently abuzz with people and events.
Around the edges of the square you can find loads of cafes and restaurants. Setting up at one for a casual drink is a great way to enjoy a bit of la dolce vita.
As well as the arena, you’ll also find other important buildings here such as the Verona city hall and the Gran Guardia Palace.
At the center of the Piazza Bra, you’ll find the Giardini Vittorio Emanuele II. Shaded with trees and covered in grass, this is a wonderful place to relax for a bit, especially during the hotter months. We spent many afternoons sitting by the fountain and people watching.
3. Castelvecchio Museum
The Castelvecchio Museum is housed in the imposing and unmissable 14th century medieval castle of the same name. The castle was built by the then incredibly powerful Veronese della Scala family.
The space was brought back to life when it was renovated in the mid 20th century by Carlo Scarpa. Now, the castle houses hundreds of pieces across many exhibits.
You can see sculptures, pictures, jewelry, and ancient artifacts from across Veronese history. These pieces span the ages with works from the Medieval, Renaissance, and Modern art periods.
In addition to the museum, the castle itself is an interesting attraction. Many of its original features remain and you can explore the grounds, the ramparts, and make your way across the castle’s bridge.
Make sure to have enough time to wander along the castle walls. There is a nice view of the Adige river and the Castelvecchio bridge from here.
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm | More info on the official website
Ticket price: € 6.60 online | €6 at the museum
Included in the Verona Card? Yes
4. Castelvecchio Bridge
The Castelvecchio Bridge (also known as the Scaliger Bridge) is a pedestrian bridge that is connected to the castle and is free to visit. Walking across the bridge provides nice views along the Adige river in both directions.
The bridge was originally built in the Middle Ages, around the mid 14th century, and stood for hundreds of years before being destroyed partially in the 19th century and then fully in the 20th century during World War II.
The bridge that stands today is a reconstruction and an exact replica of the original.
5. Piazza delle Erbe
The Piazza delle Erbe is at the heart of Verona, Italy. This square has been important to the city of Verona since the first century BC when it was used as a Roman public forum.
Now, the Piazza delle Erbe — translated in English to Herb Square, is a lively market square. You can come here any day of the week to experience the permanent outdoor market.
Unfortunately, these days, the local market is mainly a tourist attraction where vendors sell souvenirs instead of a typical Italian market that sells fresh produce and goods.
The square is lined with gorgeous historic buildings like the Mazzanti Houses which are adorned with stunning, colorful frescoes. In the middle of the square is a sculpture of Madonna which was constructed during Roman times.
If you need a bit of a refresher during your busy day, then sit down at one of the many restaurants at the Piazza delle Erbe and grab an Aperol Spritz.
We wouldn’t recommend eating here, as there are much better restaurants for food that we’ve listed out in our Verona food guide.
6. Torre dei Lamberti
Climbing the Torre dei Lamberti is one of our favorite things to do in Verona as it provides unmissable views across the city. It was constructed in the Romanesque style in the 12th century by the Lamberti family.
The tower stands at 84 meters (275 feet) tall making it the tallest building in the city. You can make your way to the top either by stairs (there are 368) or by elevator.
The elevator is see-through so you can admire the architecture of the interior of the building all the way up.
Do note though that if you take the elevator there are still a few steps when you get out to reach the true top of the tower.
Tip: We highly suggest reserving your time slot in advance. To book your time slot, you need to send an email to the ticket office, and they will get back to you with your confirmed reservation. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to reserve online on your own.
Hours: Monday – Friday from 10:00am – 6:00pm & Saturday – Sunday from 11:00am – 7:00pm
Ticket price: €6 | Reservations are highly recommended by emailing in advance on the official website
Included in the Verona Card? Yes — but advanced booking is highly recommended
7. Piazza dei Signori
This square was developed in the middle ages. Back then it was surrounded by buildings of great importance — mansions of the powerful Veronese families, as well as buildings of political importance.
Today, you can still see those grand buildings though now they are used only as landmarks and attractions. Around the edges of the square you’ll find the Palazzo della Raggione — a former palace built in the 1100s, and the Loggia del Capitanato — one of many designated UNESCO world heritage sites around the city.
In the middle of the square is a statue of Dante — giving the space its alternate name: Piazza Dante. It is said that when Dante was given safe haven here in Verona it was in this square that he found safety and inspiration for his further works.
8. Scaliger tombs
In an effort to make sure they would not be forgotten, the powerful Scaliger family built themselves a burial place. The Scaliger family ruled Verona throughout the 13th and 14th centuries.
This complex is made of five gothic funerary monuments that are lavishly decorated with a sarcophagus, extensive statues, and other details showing off — to this day — the power the family held.
The tombs take up an entire city block and are protected by an ornately decorated wrought iron fence.
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 7:30 am – 12:30 pm & 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm (only open during the summer months)
Ticket price: Free with ticket to other Verona museums & monuments
Included in the Verona Card? Yes
9. Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta)
While there was never a real Juliet, it is believed that Shakespeare may have found inspiration for his timeless love story Romeo & Juliet from this house in the fair city of Verona, and the family who once lived here.
This is the home where the Dal Cappello family (Capuleti family) lived in the medieval ages. It is a tower house built in the 13th century, and today you can visit it in pursuit of the love story.
The courtyard in front is free to visit and from there you can look up at the famous balcony. While it may not matter in this world of fantasy, that balcony was only added in the last century — so neither Juliet nor Shakespeare ever would have seen it.
In the courtyard you can also find a bronze statue of Juliet. It is believed that if you rub her right breast you will gain luck in love, which is why it’s much shinier than the other.
Entering the house you’ll be able to see artifacts from the building and the family who once lived there, along with items from the much more recent screen adaptation of the story.
There is also a spot on the grounds where people write and leave behind their love letters.
Our personal opinion: While it is neat to see “Juliet’s home”, this is definitely a super touristy destination. Safe to say – we were a bit disappointed with the inside of the house. If you’re in a hurry, just visit the courtyard. The interior of the house is okay and not really worth visiting.
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Ticket price: €6
Included in the Verona Card? Yes — but advanced booking of a time for your visit is mandatory. Book online at the official website.
10. Basilica di Santa Anastasia
This beautiful Gothic church was constructed in the 13th century. The church is the largest in Verona and is considered to be one of the most important places of Catholic worship in the city. Interestingly, despite its importance to the city, the facade of the church has remained unfinished.
That importance is, though, reflected inside with the grandeur of the decor. Make sure to look up as you enter and admire the beautiful frescoes adorning the ceiling as well as the many statues all throughout the basilica.
One particular statute to look out for is the hunchback who is eternally crouched below the holy water — representative of the people’s support of the church.
Hours: Monday – Friday: 10.00 am – 5.00 pm & Saturday: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm & Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Ticket price: €4
Included in the Verona Card? Yes
11. San Fermo Maggiore
The most interesting thing about San Fermo Maggiore is that it is actually two churches in one. When the Francsicans decided to build here in the 13th century, they built it over an already existing church but left that one totally untouched. So now, you can visit both the upper and the lower churches.
The upper church is built in the French Gothic style, while the lower church is in the Romanesque style. In the Gothic church, make sure to look to the ceiling which has 416 busts of saints and incredible wooden details.
Hours: Monday – Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm & Saturday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm & Sunday: 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Ticket price: €4
Included in the Verona Card? Yes
12. Basilica di San Zeno
The San Zeno Basilica was originally built in the 5th century, but the structure that we see today mainly evolved between the 10th and 14th centuries in the Romanesque style. The exterior is warmly colored and the interior is grand and opulent.
The interior of the basilica is one of our favorites in all of Italy. Make sure to look up at the ceiling to admire the delicate wooden paneling and unique details.
The other major draw is the massive crypt of the church where the remains of Saint Zeno are housed. That, though, is not what visitors find most interesting, it is instead the fact that the crypt is where the marriage of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet took place. And of course, you can visit the space.
While it is a bit of a walk to get here, if you have the time, we highly recommend visiting this basilica. It truly is a hidden gem in Verona.
Hours: Monday – Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm & Saturday: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm & Sunday: 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Ticket price: €4
Include in the Verona Card: Yes
13. The Verona Cathedral Complex (Cathedral of Santa Maria Matricolare)
As well as the cathedral itself, the complex houses the Chiesa Rettoria di Sant’Elena and Battistero di San Giovanni in Fonte — both Catholic churches, the Canons’ Cloister, the Capitular Library of Verona, and more.
In Roman days there were more buildings such as private villas and baths here. You can still see the remains of some of those structures.
The cathedral was first built in the 4th century but it underwent many expansions to accommodate the growing community in Verona as well as a large reconstruction after a 12th century earthquake.
The cathedral is built largely in the Romanesque architectural style — though with centuries of building it has many influences. The interior is nothing short of stunning with pink columns throughout the nave.
Of course, look to the altar for amazing artworks as well as up to the ceiling which is adorned with incredible frescoes.
Hours: Monday – Friday: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm & Saturday: 11:00 am – 3:30 pm & Sunday: 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Ticket price: €4
Included in the Verona Card? Yes
14. Civic Museum of Natural History
The Civic Museum of Natural History in Verona presents almost five centuries of amazing scientific artifacts and discoveries from across the Palaeolithic, Neolithic and Iron Ages.
Amazingly, there are almost three million different pieces to see in this museum. So, needless to say, you could spend a lot of time exploring and learning from it all.
Check out taxidermy bears, insect fossils, and explore the variety of birds on display.
Beyond the exhibits themselves, the museum is housed in Palazzo Pompei, a Renaissance palace built in the 1600s.
Hours: Tuesday – Wednesday: 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm & Thursday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Ticket price: €4.50
Included in the Verona Card? Yes
15. Ponte Pietra
Crossing over the Adige River on the Ponte Pietra gives you amazing views of Verona including of the Cathedral and of the Roman Theater. T
his Roman arch bridge is the oldest bridge in Verona and was first built by the Romans when they arrived to the city in 100 BC.
While parts of the original bridge still stand, you can notice a distinct difference in the building materials which were used later to repair damage caused by floods and war.
16. Piazzale Castel San Pietro
For the best panoramic views of the beautiful city of Verona, make your way to the Piazzale Castel San Pietro. Sitting atop the hill on the far side of the Adige River, the area surrounding the Castel San Pietro offers amazing views of the Veronese rooftops (views which include the Torre dei Lamberti).
The castle at the top is actually an Austrian fortress which was built in the 19th century. It was, though, built with the intention to blend in with the rest of the architecture of the city, thus giving it the name of castle.
You can’t enter the fortress, but you can visit its exterior and stop at the restaurant at the top. This is also an amazing place to stop for sunset views over Verona.
To reach the top you can walk up the stairs — there are about 250, or you can take a funicular up — be mindful, though, of the time for the funicular’s last trip, especially if you are going up for sunset.
Funicular hours: Summer (April – October) 10:00 am – 9:00 pm & Winter (November – March) 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Funicular ticket price: €3 roundtrip
Included in the Verona Card? No
17. Roman Theater (Teatro romano)
The ancient Roman Theater in Verona was built in the 1st century BC and remarkably, is still in use as a theater to this day. This is thanks to excavations in the 19th century which recovered the remains that had been buried beneath later settlements.
While there is some of the seating from the original theater, much of the space has needed to be reconstructed, and many modern day seats have been added.
In addition to the theater, you can also visit the museum here which is full of Veronese and Roman history and artifacts including mosaics, sculptures, and more.
Hours: Tuesday – Wednesday from 2:00pm – 6:00pm & Thursday – Sunday 10:00am – 6:00pm
Ticket price: €6 | More info on the official website
Included in the Verona Card? Yes
18. Archeological Museum
A visit to the Archeological Museum is a part of your visit to the Roman Theater in Verona. The museum is housed above the theater in a monastery, and your ticket will allow you to see both spaces and all of the amazing architecture and artifacts within. You can explore what is left of the monastery.
In the museum you’ll see statues, sculptures, artifacts, and more from Verona’s past. You can also visit the cloisters of the monastery and see all of its gorgeous frescoes. Outside are the beautifully maintained gardens which you are free to explore.
If you’re interested in learning more about Roman times, especially in Verona, this is a stop not to be missed.
Hours: Tuesday – Wednesday from 2:00pm – 6:00pm & Thursday – Sunday 10:00am – 6:00pm
Ticket price: €6 | More info on the official website
Included in the Verona Card? Yes
19. Wander around the streets
There are definitely a lot of amazing things to do in Verona, but sometimes the best thing to do is to simply put away the guidebooks and all the information you have about Verona, Italy and just go get lost.
Verona is not a large city, and it is very pedestrian friendly, get out there and discover all of it. Centro storico is the name of the historic part of the city, and this is the ideal place to begin your wanderings.
Turn down those intriguing alleyways or stop in at a cafe or a bar if it takes your fancy. Make sure to go down Via Mazzini, the main shopping street of the city (also pedestrianized).
20. GAM Achille Forti Modern Art Gallery
This museum is dedicated to modern Italian art, housing 1,600 pieces in its collection spanning from the early 19th century to present day including realism, surrealism, expressionism, and more.
You can find works by renowned Veronese artists such as Renato Birolli as well as plenty of others from across the rest of Italy such as Filippo de Pisis or Arturo Tosi.
This gallery is a great way to spend some time in Verona, it lays out the history of the city beautifully through art.
We have visited many small art galleries in Italy and while some are okay, this one surprised us. We ended up spending a couple of hours here taking in all of the unique artworks.
Hours: Tuesday – Wednesday: 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm & Thursday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Ticket price: €4 in person | €4.40 online – No need to book in advance
Included in the Verona Card? Yes
21. Try the local cuisine
With a city that tells as much of a story as Verona does, a city that is over 2,000 years old, of course part of that story is the food.
There is so much of it to try on your visit to Verona, but start with these highlights.
- Pandoro: the famous Christmas cake from Verona was first documented in the 18th century when it was enjoyed by Venetian aristocracy. Today, you only need to imagine that you are a part of the aristocracy to enjoy this vanilla sweet bread.
- Risotto all’Amarone: this dish is a risotto in a red wine sauce and it’s easily found at restaurants around the city. The color may be a little bit off putting — but the black appearance comes from the intense flavor of the local dry, red wine that this dish is made with.
- Sopressa salami: this is a special type of salami which can only come only from the region. The salami is made from pork, lard, and an array of simple spices. It is soft and rich and often served on its own or with bread. Interestingly, this is a typical morning snack in Verona.
- Pastissada de caval: while this horse meat stew may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it has a long history originating in the 5th century when the flesh of horse’s killed in battle were collected and cooked. Now, the tradition continues (though the horses do not come from battlefields) and this dish is still popular. The meat is slowly stewed in wine along with an array of veggies. It may be possible to find this dish with beef instead of horse, but it won’t have the same rich flavor.
- Meat with pearà: Some say this dish of boiled meat in a sauce with breadcrumbs and pepper is one of the most Veronese things you can try. The meats used in this delicious dish often include beef, chicken, beef tongue, sausage, and cow trotters (feet).
- Tortellini: Though this delicious stuffed pasta is not in fact from Verona, but rather Bologna, it is very popular in the region. There is a special type of tortellini which originates nearby — Tortellini di Valeggio. This version of the pasta has extra thin dough giving it a very fine and delicate flavor.
22. Walk along the ancient walls of Verona
Looking up at the Castel San Pietro you’re able to see a portion of the city walls already. There are in fact three sets of city walls in Verona which were each built by different cultures over the ages.
First came the Roman walls, then the walls of the Comune, and finally the Scaliger walls. The stretch of wall which you can still find standing behind the castle today is from the Scaliger family.
Make your way to Forte San Felice behind the castle and walk along the ancient walls until you reach the historic center again. You can actually walk all the way to the Giusti Gardens this way.
We did this walk early one morning and came across locals either running or going for a morning stroll as well.
23. Giusti Gardens
The Giusti Gardens are one of the most incredible hidden gems in Verona, Italy. We visited the gardens during the fall season, and even then, they were beautiful with all the fall foliage. I can only imagine what they look like during the spring and summer.
The Giusti Gardens are 16th century, Renaissance style gardens. Wander your way through the tall cyprus trees, fountains, hedges, mazes, and greenery. We spent a good couple of hours here taking it all in – it’s a nice escape from the busy city center.
The gardens were originally built and owned by the Giusti family, which made their wealth from the wool-dyeing trade in Verona. During your visit, you can also explore Apartment 900 – part of the original family home.
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm
Ticket price: €11
Included in the Verona Card? Discounted price of €8
24. Take in the views from Santuario della Madonna di Lourdes
For possibly the best views of Verona, the Santuario della Madonna di Lourdes is the place to visit. It is even higher than the Piazzale Castel San Pietro and it is also less visited.
You can walk up by road from the historic city center, it takes about 25 – 30 minutes and is a fairly trafficked walking route, but the views are also accessible by road.
While you don’t have to go past the parking lot for views of the city, there is also a church as well as gardens which are both very peaceful and worth visiting while you’re up there.
Hours: Church open Monday – Sunday 7:30 am – 12:00 pm & 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Ticket price: Free
25. Arco dei Gavi & Porta Borsari
Admire the city’s arches and gates – Arco dei Gavi & Porta Borsari. Thanks to the many influences, cultures, and powers in the city throughout history, Verona has unique architecture everywhere you turn. With three sets of walls there are a huge number of arches and gates to explore.
Arco dei Gavi was originally built as part of the Via Postumia, a Roman military road which ran across Northern Italy. Unfortunately, despite surviving several centuries, the original gate was destroyed during Napoleon’s reign and what is standing today is a reproduction of the original.
Another stunning gate is the Porta Borsari which has double arches on the ground level and above that, two levels of six arches each. The beautiful white limestone used makes the structure even more eye-catching.
26. Go rafting on the Adige River
The Adige river is vital to Verona — it gives the city its shape, both literally and figuratively. The river connected Verona throughout history, it provided protection and importance and routes in and out. Now, it is a beautiful aspect of Verona which you can enjoy on a rafting trip.
Adige Rafting Verona offers two hour rafting trips which bring you down the river, all the way through the city. This is a great way to get out in the sunshine (hopefully!), get a bit of physical exercise, and also learn more about the history and culture surrounding the river.
While much of the rafting trip is very laid back, there are a few spots where you’ll have the opportunity to navigate some soft white water. Life jackets are provided but you’re likely to get wet so a change of clothes is recommended! Kids as young as three years old are welcome on the tours.
Ticket price: Adults €25 & Kids under 12 €18
Where to buy tickets: Reserve online at the official site
27. Cimitero Monumentale
It may seem odd to recommend visiting a cemetary, but we really enjoy seeing historic cemetaries around Europe. The grounds of this 19th century cemetery are quite ornate and beautiful. The old cemetery is fully enclosed with long rows of columns in a neoclassical design.
At either end there are two pantheon structures, one of which is based on the famous Pantheon in Rome. Dissecting this space is a series of cyprus trees and hedges.
The tombstones here are arranged in order of importance and wealth, with those who held prestige in life, receiving cover from the elements, and those from poorer families being buried outside.
A few of the more notable Veronese buried here are the writer Emilio Salgari and the artist Umberto Boccioni.
Hours: Monday – Sunday from 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
28. Go on a history walking tour
As you’ve probably gathered from reading through this list of best things to do in Verona, the city is steeped in history. Founded in the first century BC, Verona has seen Romans, Ostrogoths, Lombards, Carolingians, Scaligers, and Austrians, before finally becoming a part of present day Italy.
You can definitely pick up lots of bits and pieces of these centuries in Verona by visiting various monuments, but the very best way to understand more of a full picture is on a history walking tour.
Here are a few Verona walking tours we recommend:
- Verona Highlights Walking Tour – This small group tour takes you around the city with an expert guide.
- Best of Verona Highlights Walking Tour with Arena – This 3-hour tour takes you to the city’s highlights and includes skip-the-line tickets to the Verona Arena.
29. Go on a food or wine tour
Italian food is always amazing, and Verona is no exception.
From meats and risottos to pastas and wines, there are a whole lot of local delicacies to try here.
You can sit down for a few meals, but especially if you’re short on time in Verona, a food or wine tour is a great way to knock it all out in one go.
Best Verona Food Tours:
- Verona Food, Wine & History tour: This is the tour to take if you want a bit of history and a bit of food. You’ll wander through the streets of Verona with a guide learning about the main sights all while sipping and eating your way through the city.
- 3-hour Verona Food Tour – On this food tour, you’ll get to taste five different dishes plus some local wine while wandering the historic streets of Verona.
Best Verona Wine Tours:
- Full-day wine tasting tour | On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy tastings at three wineries, learn about the local wine-making process, and have a sit-down lunch at a fantastic restaurant. This is our top pick!
- Amarone wine-tasting tour | During this 4-hour small group tour, you’ll taste local wines, tour vineyards, and learn about the process of making the local wines.
- E-bike wine experience | Explore the Valpolicella valley by e-bike while tasting local wines and learning about local winemaking with an expert sommelier.
30. Porta Leoni
Located in the historic city center, you’ll find an ancient Roman gate and ruins. Porta Leoni is a true hidden gem in Verona and is originally from the 1st century BC.
It used to stand at 13 meters (42.5 feet) high and was a main entrance into the Roman city.
We happened upon these Roman ruins while wandering the city. It’s always fascinating to experience modern times and ancient history simultaneously.
31. Take a day trip to nearby city
Verona sits in a prime and central location in Northern Italy for day trips. Once you’ve finished up your list of activities in Verona, don’t pack up your bags just yet.
During our month in Verona, we spent a large amount of our time exploring the nearby towns on day trips. Check out our list of the 15 best day trips from Verona, or see a few of our top choices below.
- Lake Garda: The largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda is an idyllic setting which is nothing short of picture-perfect. There are several destinations around the lakeshore, one of the easiest to get to from Verona is Peschiera del Garda which can be reached on a quick 15-20 minute train ride.
- Venice: Venice is the magical city of canals and iconic gondola rides where you can enjoy gelato and shop for carnival masks — no matter the time of year. The train trip from Verona to Venice is one hour.
- Padua: Padua is a small city known for its beautiful churches — Scrovegni Chapel and the Basilica of St. Anthony. The train trip from Verona to Padua is about 45 minutes each way.
- Bologna: Bologna is worth visiting if only for a bowl of fresh pasta and bolognese sauce! But actually, there is plenty else to do. You can get there on the train from Verona in just under an hour.
- Madonna della Corona Sanctuary: The 17th century church seems to defy reality in its perch on a cliffside in the Alps. It’s not easy to access the Madonna della Corona Sanctuary by train so you’re best to drive — the trip takes about an hour.
Don’t have time to see it all? Verona top 10
Here’s a list of the top 10 things to do in Verona if you don’t have time to see everything on this list.
- Verona Arena & Piazza Bra
- Castelvecchio Museum & Bridge
- Piazza delle Erbe & Piazza dei Signori
- Torre dei lamberti
- Giusti Gardens
- Basilica di Santa Anastasia
- Basilica di San Zeno
- Ponte Pietra & Piazzale San Pietro
- Juliet’s House
- Roman Theater
Map of things to do in Verona
To help you best navigate your way around, here is a map of all of the best things to do in Verona and restaurants listed in this itinerary.
To save the map to Google Maps on your phone or computer, click on the star next to the title. Once you do this, you’ll be able to find the map in your “saved maps” list on your phone.
To see a list of all the items on the map, click the box with arrow on the left. To enlarge the map, click the box on the right.
The Verona Card
The Verona Card is a great investment to make for your trip to the city. Based on our experience, you’ll come out saving a good bit of money — especially if you make your way through most of the best of Verona, Italy.
The card is offered as either a 24 or 48 hour card. Both versions include free access to about 16 different spots in the city.
It also gives you a reduced ticket price at a further six city attractions. With the Verona Card you’ll also get free bus rides for the duration of its validity.
We bought the 48-hour Verona card and saw all of the main sights listed in this post within two days. It definitely saved us a lot of money and was easy and convenient to use.
You can purchase the pass online below and then pick it up at the Verona Tourist Office in Piazza Bra.
It’s important to note that there are a couple of activities you need to reserve a time slot for in advance even with the pass, such as Juliet’s House and the Torre dei Lamberti.
Where to eat in Verona
There are so many great places to eat in Verona. Luckily, we spent a month here taste testing the best for you. Here are some of our favorites.
Cafes in Verona:
- Pasticceria Flego – For both a scrumptious and Instagram swoon-worthy snack, this is the perfect little place. Try the delicious stuffed brioche and have a coffee.
- Dolciaria Cantonucci Verona – Breakfast lovers will delight here in this fun cafe and sandwich shop which serves classics like an omelet as well as loads of fresh pastries.
- Café Carducci – This beautiful classic vintage cafe has breakfast options like omelets, brioche, coffee, stunning cheese and charcuterie boards, and more.
- Caffe Borsari – One of the best places to get coffee in Verona. Their cappuccino is amazing!
Quick eats in Verona:
- La Bottega della Gina XXL – Order your bowl of fresh tortellini totally customized to your tastes and watch as it’s all prepped right there in front of you. If you’re overwhelmed by choice, get the mixed option.
- La Figaccia – If you’re looking for an amazingly delicious focaccia sandwich that is properly stuffed with a good portion of fillings, you’re in for a treat.
- Dal Grano – If you’re after a quick meal to go, these delicious square pizza slices are considered to be the best in the city.
- PanzeRé – Panzerotteria – These stuffed breads are a must-try — especially if you’re ever in need of a late night snack, order the one stuffed with tomatoes and mozzarella
Restaurants in Verona:
- Caffè Monte Baldo – Osteria con cucina – This classic Italian restaurant has a great selection of small plates and cicchetti and serves all of the Veronese classics.
- Trattoria alla Colonna – This is a great place to go if you’re craving a good solid meat dish as it’s best known for the amazing fried veal cutlets.
- Locanda di Castelvecchio – If you’re really feeling your meat — this is the spot (and probably not a great choice for vegetarians), there’s a cart of boiled meats that goes around which you can choose from, plus they serve amazing pastas.
- Trattoria al Pompiere – You can’t go wrong with basically anything off the menu here as everything is delicious, plus the wine list is top tier and the knowledgeable staff can recommend a pairing for anything.
Healthier options:
- Zazie Verona – In addition to beautiful coffees, here you can get all sorts of vegetarian dishes like noodle bowls, set lunches, and a huge variety of toasts. There is a definite international influence on the menu.
Gelato in Verona:
- Zeno Ice Cream And Chocolate – For slightly quirkier flavor options, this is the spot… have you ever tried a beer-flavored gelato?
- Gelateria La Romana – If you’re really committed, this is the best gelato shop in Verona with beautiful fluffy choices, but it is located outside of the historic city center so it’ll take a bit more effort to get to
Where to stay in Verona
These are our top picks for the best hotels in Verona that accommodate every type of budget.
Luxury: Vista Palazzo | This 5-star hotel features gorgeous modern rooms, rooftop views, and top amenities like a spa and gym.
Boutique: Hotel Accademia | A wonderful hotel located in the heart of the old town with amenities like a gym and breakfast.
Budget: Casa Esvael | This charming b&b is located just a 5-minute walk from the center of Verona and offers a lovely rustic Italian stay.
How much time to spend in Verona?
Verona isn’t a huge city geographically, but, as you can see from this list of 31 things to do in Verona there is a lot to fill up your time with! To make sure you hit all that you must do in Verona, you’ll want to book for a minimum of two days in the city.
If you want to add in a day trip to one of the nearby destinations, give yourself a well-rounded three days (at least). Adding in extra time will only add to your relaxation and ability to fit more in more.
Whether that be more Verona attractions, day trips, meals, or time spent wandering aimlessly.
On the other end, if you only have one day to fit Verona in your Italy itinerary, it’s not impossible, and if you follow this one day Verona itinerary you’ll still be able to see a lot.
How to get to Verona
Getting to Verona by plane
There’s one airport in Verona which receives domestic and international flights. The airport’s name is Valerio Catullo Airport, it’s about 10 km (around 6 miles) from the center of Verona.
There are quite a few airlines which use the airport such as Lufthansa, KLM, and Easyjet. The airlines service around 80 destinations direct from Verona — mostly in Europe.
How to get from the Verona airport to the city center
To get from the airport into the center of Verona you can get the 199 bus. A one way ticket costs €6 per person.
Alternatively, if you want to get a taxi from the airport, it’ll be around €25 one way. As with anywhere, it’s a good idea to make sure you watch the route your taxi driver takes to ensure you’re not being overcharged.
If you’re going to get a rental car in Verona, the easiest option is to pick it up at the airport — the drive from there is about 15 minutes. But keep in mind that you really won’t need the car during your time in Verona so depending on costs it may be best to wait until you’re headed off again to pick it up.
Getting to Verona by train
You can easily access Verona by train from many destinations around Italy. Cities like Milan, Venice, and Trieste are all close to Verona and the train journeys are easy and convenient with each taking somewhere around 60 to 90 minutes.
There are two train stations in the city — the main being Verona Porta Nuova, and the secondary being Verona Porta Vescovo. Porta Nuova is just to the west of the city center, the walk into town is pretty easy and if you don’t have too much luggage and are happy to do it, it should only take around 20 minutes.
If you do have a lot of luggage, a bus may be better, there are several bus routes which will get you downtown quickly.
Getting to Verona by car
Driving in to Verona is a great opportunity to take a day to explore the nearby countryside. Trips from the close cities such as Venice, Bologna, and Milan only take around 90 minutes so you could easily take it slow and spend the whole day making your way to the city by car.
Remember though, if you come by car you’d be wise to either return it on arrival or find a safe parking place where you won’t need to worry about or move it for the duration of your stay.
Planning on renting a car in Italy? When we book a rental car in Italy, we use Discover Cars. We always find the best deals here, plus the insurance is affordable.
How to get around Verona?
Verona is a very walkable city and everything on this list of places to go in Verona, Italy is close together. It would likely take more time to drive or to wait for public transportation to get from place to place than to simply walk.
That being said, there are buses in the city which can get you around quite quickly — this is especially useful for any trips to the outskirts.
You can buy tickets for cheap online or on the bus, but keep in mind that if you purchase the Verona card all of your bus travel is included for the duration of its validity.
Best Time to Visit Verona
Summer in Verona is definitely nice, but shoulder seasons — spring and autumn, are the best choice. Not only will the weather be more mild, but the crowds will be thinner and the prices for things like accommodation and flights will be more affordable.
In both the spring and the autumn you can expect day time temperatures in the mid 60s F with minimal rainfall. The best shoulder season month is September, the crowds (and school kids) have left but the temperatures remain in the mid to high 70s F with very minimal rainfall.
In addition to the warm months, Christmas is a wonderful time to visit. The city has one of the best Christmas markets in Northern Italy, plus you can enjoy mulled wine and see the city all lit up and decked out for the holidays!
FAQ: Things to do in Verona
What is Verona, Italy best known for?
Verona, Italy is best known as the home of Shakespeare’s star crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. Though the story is fictional, you can find many spots which inspired, and were inspired by, the famous tale.
In addition to the fictional romance, Verona is known for its history — dating as far back as the first century BC when the Romans first founded the city.
Is it worth visiting Verona?
Yes! It is very much worth visiting Verona. The city is full of fascinating things to see and do. You can explore Roman ruins and discover the ancient history of the city.
You can see art and sample gelato, you can raft down the river and climb towers. You won’t need to wonder what to do in Verona because there is simply plenty to do!
Is Verona a walkable city?
Yes, Verona is a very walkable city. The central area of Verona is compact and much of it is pedestrianized, making it both easy and safe to navigate on foot.
The city is also largely flat so you won’t need to be climbing up and down hills for much of your Verona sightseeing.
More information for your trip to Italy
ITALY TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE
Italy Travel Insurance – Should you get travel insurance for Italy? YES! We always get travel insurance before all of our trips for peace of mind. Check out Safety Wing to find the best plan for you.
Italy Rental Cars – Is it safe to rent a car in Italy? Yes! We’ve rented a car in Italy too many times to count, and it’s definitely the most convenient way to get around the countryside. We rented our car through Discover Cars (our go-to rental agency), which helps you find the best rates no matter where you are traveling.
Italy Phone Plans – If your phone plan does not offer free coverage in Italy, then we suggest getting an eSIM. We used Airalo during our trip to Italy, and we had fantastic coverage the entire time. It’s easy to download and you can even top up via the app if needed.
Italy Hotels – Wondering where to book your accommodations for Italy? We’ve been reserving all of our hotels through Booking for years. Their messaging tool makes it easy to communicate with the hotels, and there are endless options to choose from.