Verona is one of the most magical towns in northern Italy. A town filled with history, magic, and love. Verona is the home of the famous drama of Romeo and Juliet. The home of one of the largest standing amphitheaters from the Roman Empire, and a much stunning historic building around the center of Verona. With this post, I’ll present to you some of the best things to do in Verona Italy along with all the famous landmarks in the city! Let’s get into it, and explore together the magical Verona, Italy. Here come the 7 best things to see and do in Verona!
8 Things to do in Verona Italy
The first time I’ve been to Verona in 2017, I fall in love with the city, and I couldn’t wait to visit it again. Amazing vibes, stunning things to see and do in Verona, Italy… The food, the people… Everything was just magical. The second time I visited Verona in 2020, I fall in love with the city even more. I visited more than 40 places in Italy, and Verona is still among my favorite cities in Italy. See now all the best things to do in Verona Italy! Also, make sure you check our list of the best places to stay in Verona! And now, let’s see the list of the best things to see and do in Verona!
1. Arena di Verona
One of the top things to do in Verona is to visit the Arena di Verona! The Arena di Verona is definitely the most famous landmark in the town of Verona, Italy. The amphitheater is located in the heart of Verona, on the square of Piazza Bra. Arena di Verona is the third-largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire, right after the Colosseum in Rome and the Arena di Capua.
The amphitheater was built in the 1st-century a.d. and it’s also one of the most well-preserved existing arenas, which is still in use. Piazza Bra is the most important square in Verona, being home to many important buildings in the city. The Arena di Verona is the home of the most fantastic cultural events, such as operas and concerts in a truly historic setting.
One of the best things to do in Verona, Italy is definitely a quick visit to the Arena di Verona. But if you’re interested in operas and concerts, definitely check out the timetables, so you might have luck and attend an unforgettable show! Definitely one of the best things to see and do in Verona!
2. Casa di Giulietta, from Romeo and Juliet
Juliet’s house is definitely one of the best things to do in Verona, Italy! The famous house was built in the 13th century. Romeo and Juliet are probably one of the most famous plays written by William Shakespeare. Juliet’s house features the courtyard and the balcony where Romeo promised eternal love to his love, Juliet in the well-known tragedy.
Casa di Giulietta is steps away from Piazza delle Erbe. This square is the second most popular square in the city, right in the heart of Verona. The courtyard can be visited all around the year, for free. In the courtyard, you can see the balcony, the statue of Juliet, and the many love letters attached to the wall.
When you’re visiting the courtyard, make sure to touch Juliet’s breast! I know, I know it’s weird… But the belief is that this brings you luck in love! So why not give it a try, right? Also, the above-mentioned love letters come from the movie Letters to Juliet! A must-see romantic travel movie before visiting Verona, Italy!
While you’re visiting Juliet’s house, you can also visit the museum inside the house. First, you can explore the costumes from the Rome and Juliet movie by Metro Goldwyn Meyer’s. Then you can also see furniture and other items from the Romeo and Juliet movie, besides having the chance to step outside on Juliet’s balcony! You also have to get tickets for the museum, but it’s once in a lifetime experience to see all about Rome and Juliet, right?
3. Castelvecchio Bridge, Verona
Another of the top things to do in Verona Italy is to see the Castelvecchio! Castelvecchio is a rare beauty, a brick bridge that’s part of the castle itself near the river Adige. The complex was built in the 14th century by the lord Cangrande II della Scala. The bridge was built with the purpose of being a safe way out of the city of Verona. In case of a potential attack on Verona, or a revolution, Castelvecchio bridge would’ve been the safe escape to the mountains, to Tyrol.
The brick bridge can be freely visited to pass over it, climb up to its viewpoints and admire the city of Verona, and the Adige River from the top. If you’re looking to visit the castle, the museum functioning in it, that is possible with purchased tickets! Anyhow, the Castelvecchio bridge is definitely a bucket list item on your list of things to do in Verona, Italy!
More things to do in Verona, Italy
4. Piazza delle Erbe
The Piazza delle Erbe in ancient times was the Forum of Verona. Today, it’s still one of the busiest piazzas of the city, though the outlook somewhat is changed.
Piazza delle Erbe is always filled with life! It doesn’t matter what time of the day or evening you’d be visiting, this place is always filled with locals and visitors! During the day, you can explore the market functioning in the middle of the square. You can find many sweet little things here, decorations, pasta, souvenirs, and much more. In the evening, you’ll see the piazza’s restaurants will get filled up with people enjoying a great dinner, chatting, and listening to music in a great atmosphere.
Piazza delle Erbe is surrounded by stunning buildings as well, such as the ancient Torre Lamberti, Judges Hall, and the Mazzanti House. You’ll also find the Baroque-style Maffei Palace and the House of Merchants. While discovering the piazza, you must notice that facade of some buildings is covered with frescoes. This is something really popular, especially in the Veneto region, so just enjoy the unique view!
We can’t leave Piazza delle Erbe without noticing one of the most important landmarks on it, can we? In the middle of the square, you’ll find the ancient fountain called Madonna Verona, which was first built in 1368. The fountain was restored obviously, and it’s more stunning than ever! Exploring Piazza delle Erbe is one of the top things to do in Verona!
5. Lamberti tower
You can spot the Lamberti Tower on Piazza Delle Erbe, which is definitely one of the best things to see and do in Verona, Italy! One of the oldest buildings in the area, and one of the top landmarks in Verona. The building of Lamberti Tower started in 1172, and it has a really long and colorful history, as you can imagine. After an unfortunate accident, the top of the tower was burned down and had to be rebuilt in the 15th century.
You can see from far, how the composition of the body and the top of the building differs. Obviously, the architectural styles do differ as well due to this. Lamberti Tower is one of the highlights of Piazza delle Erbe, but it can be seen from many sides of the city. It’s a true beauty of Verona, Italy!
When you visit the Lamberti tower, you will learn about the two bells it has. One was used to signal fire, work time, and the hours of the day. The second one was used in case of war, to call people to arms. You can visit the tower, and climb up to the top of it, for an exquisite view over Verona! To do this, you’ll need to purchase tickets as well, which can be done online, to skip the line!
6. Ponte Pietra
Another of the best things to see and do in Verona, Italy is the Ponte Pietra! The Ponte Pietra is the oldest bridge in Verona (and my personal favorite). It was first built in 100 b.c. and then it was rebuilt in the 13th century. Unfortunately, the bridge was a victim of World War II, when 4 arches were blown up by the retreating German army. Thankfully, it was rebuilt again in 1957 partly with original materials. If you walk down on the north shore of the Adige River, you’ll notice from the side the difference!
Another reason to add Ponte Pietra to your list of things to do in Verona, Italy is that this bridge will lead you to one of the most amazing spots in the town. On the north shore of the river, you can climb up to Castel San Pietro, for the most amazing panoramic view! But we’ll discuss this further on!
7. Piazza Bra
The Piazza Bra is the largest square in Verona, aligned with plenty of restaurants under colorful buildings on its northwest side. This spot on Piazza Bra is great for taking a morning coffee or stopping by for lunch, or dinner. However, you must know, that at dinner time, the restaurants will get really busy! To avoid being left without a table at your chosen place, you should arrive before 8 pm, or book a table in advance!
Piazza Bra is surrounded by numerous essential buildings, such as the Arena di Verona, one of the biggest intact amphitheaters still standing. You’ll also find the town hall, called Palazzo Barbieri, and the building of Gran Guardia, which was the first building on the piazza. You can also notice a lovely park right in the middle of the square, where you can sit and watch the Veronese life. Spending time on Piazza Bra is definitely one of the best things to do in Verona, Italy!
8. Castel San Pietro
As I have mentioned, you can reach the Castel San Pietro by crossing the Ponte Pietra bridge. The above picture was taken from the bridge itself. On the hill, centuries ago barracks were placed, which now are closed, but this place is still a must-visit in Verona, Italy!
From the top of the hill at Castel San Pietro you can gain the most beautiful panorama over Verona. There is no other place that would offer a view like this over the city! All it takes is a few minutes to climb the stairs, and you can soak it all in!
As you pass the Ponte Pietra bridge, there’s a pedestrian crossing, and right near it, you’ll see a tiny alleyway facing the bridge. The stairs of that alleyway will lead you to the top of the hill. It’s safe and allowed to use the stairs, but there are private residences so don’t make noise! However, visiting the hilltop is definitely one of the best things to do in Verona, Italy!
How to get to Verona, Italy?
The town of Romeo and Juliet, Verona, is a smaller town in the North of Italy, the region of Veneto. Verona has a population of just around 260 thousand people. This makes it easily walkable, but you can always take public transport or use electric scooters to get around. You can reach the city either by plane, as Verona has an airport. On the other hand, you can travel to Verona by bus, such as Flixbus. Or, you can get to the town with the trains of Trenitalia. Verona is located between Venice and Milan, with a 15 minutes train ride from Lake Garda!
When to visit Verona?
Verona is always best to be visited in the warm months, such as spring – summer-early autumn. This is when you can really enjoy and soak up the beauty of the town of Verona. When you can experience to the fullest the town of Romeo and Juliet. It’s also great if you’d add in addition a visit to either Venice or a few days near Lake Garda on your trip! I really do suggest if you’re visiting Verona to calculate at least one day at the beautiful Lake Garda, that being one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy!
Where to stay in Verona?
When it comes to the question of where to stay in Verona, it all really depends on budget and expectations! If you’re looking for a place in the historic center of Verona, definitely check out the Hotel Milano & SPA***S for a luxury experience, right near the Arena di Verona. Near Piazza delle Erbe, you can check Corte Realdi Suites Piazza Erbe. Alternatively, you can also check Hotel Colomba d’Oro right near Piazza Bra.
If you’re looking for a place more outside the city center, quiet, on a lower budget, I really recommend Residenza Vittoria City Center, Scaligero Rooms, or Posada Verona Hedge.
Booking.comBeyond the best things to see and do in Verona, Italy
We’ve seen now the 7 best things to do in Verona Italy, And with this list, we’re not over. If you want to learn more about the area of this stunning city, and find out what other things are beyond the best things to see and do in Verona, see the below list!
7 reasons to visit Verona, Italy
Personal story: North of Italy in 4 days
Sirmione, a charming town at Lake Garda
Three towns on the South shore of Lake Garda
My camera gear
Sony Alpha a6000, Sony – FE 24-105mm lens, PHOPIK 79 inches Carbon Fiber Tripod
Pin me: Best things to do in Verona, Italy, the town of Romeo and Juliet
Nice blog, it brings back memory of Verona…, at the Opera Arena , almost every day in summer, different opera performances are shown, so that we can enjoy different famous opera every night. From “Aida” to “Carmen”, “Nabucco”, “Turandot” and “Madame Butterfly” we can see the most famous operas in the world.
I tried to write a blog about is, hope you like it: https://stenote.blogspot.com/2019/03/verona-at-opera-arena.html