History, ice cream and romance: what you should see in Verona
Verona is certainly a Veneto beauty that should not be overlooked, but rather discovered and appreciated. Although it is not a large city (it has around 250,000 inhabitants), it can hold its own when it comes to history, culture, art, wine and – dare I say it – romance. Whether it’s a weekend getaway with your loved one, a trip with friends or a visit on the way to Venice, you’ll be enamoured by the charm of this Venetian gem. Below you will find a list of places to visit in Verona so that you don’t arrive unprepared and can enjoy this UNESCO World Heritage Site to the full.
1. Explore Julia’s house and leave her a message
Julia’s balcony 📸:@vise_a
What is there to see in Verona? Let’s start with one of the destinations that all romantics in the world dream of: the building that is said to have housed one of the most tragic figures in Anglo-Saxon literature is located in Via Cappello, which, by the way, is a very beautiful street that we recommend you visit.
Juliet’s house is easily recognisable by the countless flowers and other heart-shaped objects that lovers from all over the world have left in front of the entrance. It’s worth paying a visit to the house and admiring the infamous balcony from which Romeo is said to have declared his love to the Capulets. If you’re still searching for your soul mate, try running your hand over the right breast of Juliet’s statue: They say this will help you find love. To increase your chances, you can also leave her a letter at the entrance to the house. This tradition has even inspired a film: Letters to Juliet… A real guarantee!
The entrance ticket to visit the house and the balcony costs €6 and only €1 on the first Sunday of every month between October and May!
Opening hours:
Mondays: 13:30-19:30
Tuesday to Sunday: 8:30-19:30 (last visit at 18:45)
2. Visit a performance at the ArenadiVerona
Arena of Verona 📸:@albertobigoni
It’s impossible not to include this wonderful Roman amphitheatre, the city’s landmark, on the list of Verona’s sights. The first pink stones were laid in the first half of the 1st century AD. It is the third largest Roman amphitheatre in Italy after the Colosseum and the amphitheatre of Capua and, thanks to its elliptical shape, offers excellent acoustics for the 20,000 spectators it can hold.
Tickets for the arena cost €10 (concessions €7.50). Here too, the first Sunday of the month between October and May costs just €1.
Opening hours:
Mondays: 13:30-19:30 (last visit at 18:30)
Tuesday to Sunday: 8.30-19.30 (last visit at 18.30)
3. Visit to Piazza Bra
Piazza Bra is the beating heart of Verona, full of restaurants and shops. You will be immediately struck by the imposing presence of the famous Arena di Verona, which is located in the centre of the square and hosts rock concerts and opera festivals, especially in summer.
The square is surrounded by beautiful old buildings such as the Gran Guardia, a 17th-century palace, or the majestic 19th-century Palazzo Barbieri, which today houses the offices of the Verona City Council. In the centre of the square stands the Alpine Fountain, which was erected in 1975 as a symbol of the city’s partnership with Munich. The people of Verona affectionately call it “struca limoni” (lemon squeezer) because its shape is reminiscent of a citrus squeezer.
Depending on when you pass by, you can enjoy a coffee or an aperitif in one of the many bars on the square. But watch out for the prices!
4. Eating ice cream at Venchi 1878
Who doesn’t know the wonderful Venchi chocolate factory? Okay, it’s not from Veneto, but it has Nordic roots. Especially if you visit Verona in the hot months, Venchi is a way to escape the heat. Isn’t it too hot? Honestly, any excuse is fine to enjoy a wide selection of creamy flavours just a few steps away from Juliet’s House.
5. Explore the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore
The Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore is a must-see for two main reasons. Firstly, because of its Roman architecture, which rests on the remains of buildings from the 8th to 9th centuries: You can admire large arches resting on strong marble columns, ancient mosaics on part of the floors and the large rose window on the façade, which the locals call the “wheel of fortune”. The second reason has to do with one of Shakespeare’s most important plays: The wedding between Romeo and Juliet takes place in this basilica. In the crypt, to be precise.
The entrance ticket costs just €3!
Opening hours:
March to October:
- Monday to Friday: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm (6:30 pm in July and August)
- Saturdays: 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
- Sundays (and religious holidays): 12:30-18:00
November to February:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00-13:00
- Saturdays: 9:00 – 18:00
- Sundays (and religious holidays): 12:30-17:00
6. Admire the Scaligere Ark
Just a few steps away from Piazza delle Erbe is this tomb complex dedicated to the princes and nobles of the Della Scala family, who ruled Verona for a long time. These monuments are really interesting and can be visited in more detail between June and September, as the gates are open during the summer months. This small private cemetery is really impressive and worth a visit to immerse yourself in a Gothic atmosphere among the equestrian statues that symbolise the prestige of the Scaligeri family – and for just €1!
7. Be inspired in the house of Romeo
Leave the crowds outside Juliet’s balcony and make your way to her lover’s lesser-known house. Legend has it that the house once belonged to the Montecchi family and that the person who inspired Shakespeare to create the character of Romeo also lived here. The house is privately owned, so it can only be visited from the outside. It is located in Via Arche Scaligere and can be recognised by the passage from the play that can be read next to the Gothic entrance.
8. Take the perfect photo at Castel San Pietro
View from Castel San Pietro 📸:@rickpsd
There’s nothing better than ending a day of exploring with a marvellous panoramic view as the sun sets. Are your feet begging for mercy? No problem: the €2 funicular railway will take you from the Roman Theatre to Castel San Pietro in just a few minutes, and you’ll finally understand what Shakespeare saw there. Paris off, Verona has all the romance you need.
9. Eating in the Piazza delle Erbe
Right in the centre you will find another stunning square: Piazza delle Erbe is very old and was used as a forum and business centre in Roman times, but today we recommend you come here to relax, have a coffee or eat in one of the many restaurants and people watch. Note that prices here are slightly higher than in the rest of the city… but with a view like this, you won’t regret it! Berbere Verona, for example, offers excellent pizza at affordable prices.
10. San Francesco al Corso and the tomb of Juliet
📸: @marcelheil
In this modest monastery, you can visit nothing other than the tomb of Juliet, whose existence we know thanks to the account of the writer Girolamo del Conte from 1594, which describes the true events from 1303 in Verona that inspired Shakespeare. This place receives quite a large influx of admirers and onlookers, which is further enhanced by the statue of the bust of the English writer that has been there since 1910.
If you don’t mind visiting graves, you can visit the tomb of our heroine for €4.50. You can also buy a double ticket for Julia’s tomb online for €7.
Opening hours:
Mondays: 13:30-19:30
Tuesday to Sunday: 8:30-19:30 (last visit at 18:30)
11. Walks in Castelvecchio
Puente Pietra 📸:@rickpsd
Just outside the city walls lies this beautiful square castle, whose origins date back to the Middle Ages. At the time of its construction, it was considered one of the most important buildings in the region and the unique Scaligero bridge that connects them was one of the longest in the world. The red bricks that make up the castle and the bridge form a harmonious contrast to the Veronese panorama, which is not to be missed, especially if you are there at sunset. To immerse yourself in the Middle Ages, you can also visit the Castelvecchio Museum inside the building or climb one of the towers to admire the town from above.
The entrance ticket costs €6 and only €1 on the first Sunday of every month between October and May.
Opening hours:
Mondays: 13:30-19:30
Tuesday to Sunday: 8:30-19:30 (last visit at 18:30)
12. Admire the Basilica of St Anastasia
The largest church in Verona has kept its original name, which dates back to the Lombard era and is in honour of the martyr Anastasia. This basilica is definitely worth a visit: you can look up and be amazed by the beauty of the decorated and frescoed ceilings or look down and marvel at the multi-coloured stone floor. There is another reason to visit the Anastasia Basilica: The two columns have two humps that support the vessels. Don’t forget to run your hand over the hump of these two figures: It’s said to bring good luck!
Opening hours:
November to February:
- Weekdays: 10 am – 4 pm
- Public holidays: 1 – 5 pm
March to October:
- Weekdays: 10.00-18.00
- Public holidays: 13.00-18.00
- Free admission.
13. Climb the Lamberti Tower
The Torre dei Lamberti is very central and is one of the oldest towers in Verona. The construction was begun in the 12th century on behalf of the Scaligeri family, but was only completed much later. This also explains the variety of materials used: the base is decorated with a row motif made of tuff and brick, while the large clock dates from the 18th century. Don’t miss the spectacular view of the historic centre! You can reach the top of the tower (a good 84 metres high) on foot or by lift… The choice is yours, we won’t judge you.
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 11:00-19:00
14. Walk through the Giusti Garden
Giardino Giusti 📸: Esther Westerveld
For a romantic experience or to escape the heat in summer, take a walk through the atmospheric Giardino Giusti, which has been owned by the Giusti family since 1591. It is said that lovers who find each other in this labyrinth will stay together forever! The care of the garden is truly impeccable and has attracted nobles, poets and artists (including Mozart) for centuries. We highly recommend a visit.
Admission costs €10 for adults and €7 for students.
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday: 9.00 am to 7.00 pm
15. Stay at The Hostello
Need a place to rest after all those visits? We’ve got it: The Hostello is the hostel of your dreams, near the University of Verona, in the trendy Veronetta district, full of bars, galleries and discos, very close to the historic centre. Take advantage of the free breakfast, meet up with other travellers in the common room and make your trip unforgettable!
The atmosphere here is calm and vintage… it makes you want to grab a pen and inkwell and vent your heartache by penning a sonnet!
Highlights of the hostel:
- Breakfast included
- Towels included
- Terrace
- Book exchange
- Common area
- Playroom
🏠 Address: Street Venti Settembre 80
🏘District: Veronetta
🚍 Nearest railway station: Via Venti Settembre 89 I bus station and Verona Porta Vescovo railway station
You don’t have to be a poet or a cursed lover to visit Verona. This list will not only give you ideas of what to do in Verona, but also how to make the most of your days!
Have you ever been to Verona? How was your experience? Do you think we’ve left out any important details? Let us know in the comments!
Read more:
🌟 Not just Venice: discover the Veneto
🌟 The 10 most beautiful places in Italy that you don’t know yet
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