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17 Places to See & Best Things to Do in Verona, Italy (+Map & Travel Tips)

17 Places to See & Best Things to Do in Verona, Italy (+Map & Travel Tips)

Visiting Verona in Italy and wondering what to expect and what to see and do in the city? In this guide, we cover all the musts – the best places to see and things to do in Verona for first-time visitors. Take a look!

Verona lies in the Veneto region in the north of the country and is one of the prettiest cities in Italy. Known as a romantic destination because of its association with Romeo and Juliet, the city is still much quieter than the major tourist destinations like Rome, Venice, Florence, or Milan.

Yet there are many good reasons to visit Verona beyond the famous Juliet’s Balcony… From its historic amphitheater and the beautifully preserved churches and ancient bridges to the beautiful wine region just near the city, Verona has more to offer than it looks at first glance.

In this guide, you can read about the VERY BEST things to see and do in Verona. We cover all the musts for first-time visitors, but also a few of the nicest sights and attractions for those of you who have a bit more time in the area. It’s well worth planning a bit more time in Verona and exploring deeper!

We also created a map of the main landmarks of Verona and included some helpful tips for visiting each attraction. You can find all this information at the bottom of this article.

Take a look!

Verona city and arena aerial view
Verona aerial view
 

PRO TIP: As you’ll see below, almost all the main landmarks in Verona require a ticket. But pretty much all of them are also included with the Verona Card. You can get this card for 1 or 2 days and it offers exceptional value for those who want to visit all the best places in Verona.

Verona Card pays off even if you just visit 3-4 of the most popular attractions in Verona, not even to mention the use of public transport, etc.

Since most of the main sights in Verona don’t require lots of time, you’ll likely cover most of them during your visit. So this city pass is a really good value. We hardly ever get city passes for a short city visit, but in Verona, it really makes sense.

Verona old town
Verona old town
 

These are the main attractions and best things to do in Verona, Italy:

1. Arena di Verona

Dating all the way back to 30 AD, Arena di Verona is a splendid amphitheater and definitely #1 of the best places to see in Verona!

Verona Arena can easily rival the famous Colosseum in Rome (which was built a few decennia later, around 70-80 AD). In a way, it’s even more impressive since it’s so perfectly preserved. Arena di Verona is still used for live opera performances today!

Built to hold 30,000 spectators, this architectural marvel is located at Piazza Bra in the heart of the historic town. Citizens from all over the Roman Empire would have come here to watch ‘ludi’ (Roman games and shows).

Containing all of its original arches and seating, the Arena is absolutely fascinating to visit, either during an opera performance or as part of a sightseeing tour. From the upper levels, you have a great overview of the Arena itself, but also a nice high-angle view of the city center.

We explain all the best ticket options for visiting Arena di Verona below.

Verona Arena - must do in Verona Italy
Verona Arena is older than the famous Colosseum in Rome!
Arena di Verona - must see in Verona Italy
Arena di Verona
Verona Piazza Bra as seen from the top of Verona Arena
Piazza Bra as seen from the top of the Arena
 

Tickets and tours: You can opt for a single ticket or visit Verona Arena with Verona Card that gives you skip-the-line access. Alternatively, if you want to get a bit more background information, you can also book a skip-the-line Arena guided tour. A popular option is also this guided city tour that – among other sights – includes a visit to the Arena as well.

Either way, getting skip-the-line tickets/ booking a tour in advance is well worth it; especially if visiting Verona in the high season (+-April to October) or on the weekends.

Good to know: In addition to visiting the Arena for sightseeing, it’s really worth trying to attend an opera performance here at night. The sight of the Arena all lit up and the magic of listening to such music in a real ancient amphitheater makes for an unforgettable evening!

If you are visiting Verona on a weekend (Thursday-Sunday) during the summer months, don’t miss this bucket list experience!

You can see the calendar and reserve your ticket for the opera performance in advance on their website or on GetYourGuide. The latter has a special deal that includes tickets for the opera performance, plus a guided city tour, public transport in the area, reservation fees, etc. And – the main advantage – you can cancel for free up to 24hrs before the date of the event.

If you didn’t reserve in advance, you may still try to get a ticket on the day itself. Also, the cheapest tickets are for the stone steps and the seats are unreserved. So if you get one of those, make sure you arrive early to get a good spot. You can also rent a cushion for a couple of euros, which I would definitely recommend doing. The alternative is to sit on the hard stone for the duration of the performance!

TIP: As you enter the Arena for a performance, make sure you pick up a candle from the large unmarked box by the gate. These are free and given to honor ‘the tradition of the candles’, which is apparently how the stage was illuminated in the past. These days, everyone is asked to light their candle right before the performance begins, which is an awesome sight!

Verona Arena exterior close-up
Arena di Verona
Arena of Verona
Arena di Verona
 

2. Piazza Bra

Piazza Bra is Verona’s largest town square and the place where most tourists to begin their visit to the city. You’ll likely come here through I Portoni della Brà, the impressive Verona city gates. Under the gate, you can see a small statue of William Shakespeare.

Located on the edge of the city center, Piazza Bra is home to the Arena di Verona. It has lots of open space around the arena too, offering plenty of opportunities to take nice pictures of the amphitheater.

You’ll find many other historic buildings here too including the Palazzo Beriberi and the Gran Guardia Palace. In the center of the square stands the statue of the Italian King Vittorio Emanuele II on horseback. Whereas the southern end of the piazza is enclosed by part of Verona’s medieval city walls and the above-mentioned city gate.

Piazza Bra is lined with lots of colorful shops and homes, with pretty balconies and decorated shutters. It’s also filled with terraces and cafes, making it a great place for a cup of coffee and some people-watching.

If you’re here before dinner, you’ll likely see groups of friends and families walking around as they take part in their daily passeggiata. This is the Italian ritual of taking a stroll before eating.

Good to know: There is a pretty little park in the piazza – Giardini Vittorio Emanuele II – that offers some shade and has a few benches. It’s a great place to take a little rest from sightseeing. There is a fountain in the middle called Fontana delle Alpi or Fontana di Piazza Brà. The locals call it ‘lemon squeezer’ because that’s exactly what it looks like!

Portoni della Brà city gates in Verona Italy
I Portoni della Brà city gates
Colorful buildings on Piazza Bra in Verona
Piazza Bra
Fountain on Piazza Bra in Verona
Fountain and the gardens on Piazza Bra
 

3. Piazza delle Erbe

There are lots of lovely squares to visit in Verona. Piazza delle Erbe in the middle of the historic old town is probably my personal favorite. Diamond-shaped and lined with important buildings, it was Verona’s principal Forum.

This is where you’ll find the beautiful Baroque Palazzo Maffei and the Torre Lamberti, along with lots of charming cafes to enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Take the time to admire all the buildings here – many of them have colorful mural paintings.

Look out for the ‘Capitello’ in the center of the square. This columned canopy dates back to the 16th century and was the place where punishment sentences were announced. You can also see a 14th-century Madonna di Verona fountain, with the statue itself dating back to 380 AD.

You can’t really miss the Lion of St. Mark located on the column in front of Gardello Tower and Maffei Palace. This winged statue symbolizes Venetian rule and you can find a number of depictions throughout the city.

There are usually lots of market stalls on Piazza delle Erbe. Nowadays, they tend to sell a lot more souvenirs than the handmade goods they were originally used for. The umbrellas cover the view somewhat and might detract a bit from the beauty of the square, but the bustling atmosphere in the historic setting makes this unique square one of the best places to see in Verona!

Piazza delle Erbe in Verona
Piazza delle Erbe
Lion of St Mark on Piazza delle Erbe in Verona
Lion of St Mark on Piazza delle Erbe
Colorful buildings on Piazza delle Erbe in Verona
Colorful buildings on Piazza delle Erbe
Piazza delle Erbe in Verona as seen from Lamberti Tower
Piazza delle Erbe as seen from the Lamberti Tower
Madonna di Verona fountain on Piazza delle Erbe in Verona
Madonna di Verona fountain on Piazza delle Erbe
 

4. Torre dei Lamberti

Located on the Piazza delle Erbe, the Lamberti Tower stands at an impressive 84m high. Although work on the tower originally began in the 12th century, the octagonal tower floor with its marble arches was only added until 1464.

There are two bells in the belfry. The largest – The Rengo – is a 1557 replacement for the original. It was used to call meetings of the city council. The smaller Marangona was used to alert citizens to fire.

Admiring the 360-degree views from the top of the Lamberti Tower is something you really must do during a visit to Verona! You can see across the whole city, the hills nearby, and even the mountains to the north.

Good to know: You have two options to get to the top of the tower. You can either to walk up the 368 steps or take the elevator (there are still a few steps to climb at the very top, though). The walls of the elevator are transparent so you still get to enjoy the amazing architecture on the way up!

Practical info: Torre dei Lamberti is open daily (except Christmas Day) and you can get a ticket on the spot. The same ticket also gives you access to the adjacent Gallery of Modern Art as well. The Lamberti Tower – just as most other Verona attractions – is also included with the Verona Card.

TIP: Just at the bottom of the tower, there’s a small museum called Galleria d’Arte Moderna Achille Forti. Even if you are not visiting the art gallery inside, it’s worth seeing the building. On the other hand, this museum is also included with the city card and doesn’t take much time, so you may want to check it out as well.

Torre dei Lamberti in Verona Italy
Torre dei Lamberti
Verona skyline view from Torre dei Lamberti
View from Torre dei Lamberti
Castelvecchio and Verona skyline view from Lamberti Tower
Castelvecchio and Verona skyline view from Torre dei Lamberti
Verona city aerial view from Lamberti Tower
View from Torre dei Lamberti
 

5. Casa di Giulietta & Juliet’s Balcony

Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta) is one of the most popular places to see in Verona. It’s world famous as the setting of Shakespeare’s play ‘Romeo and Juliet’. And yes, you can see the famous Juliet’s Balcony here – even if you decide not don’t visit the inside of the house itself.

Despite the fact that Shakespeare never actually visited Italy, this 14th-century building and its balcony are synonymous with one of the most romantic stories of all times. For that reason, Casa di Giulietta attracts visitors from all over the world.

Here you can pose for photos with a statue of Juliet and see the bed inside the house that appeared in the Zeffirelli film version of ‘Romeo & Juliet’. More recently, Juliet’s House also featured in the blockbuster movie ‘Letters to Juliet’.

Located on 23 Via Capello in the very heart of Verona, Casa di Giulietta is reached by a covered pathway. Here you will see all manner of romantic graffiti, handwritten letters, and post-it notes with love messages left by visitors. Don’t try adding one yourself, though, as this is no longer allowed.

The main attraction, of course, is the balcony where Romeo professed his love to Juliet. Sadly, this balcony isn’t quite as authentic as it seems and was actually added in the 1930s to bring life to Shakespeare’s play and encourage even more tourists!

Good to know: You can see the house, the famous balcony, and the bronze statue of Juliet for free, but you will need a ticket to visit the museum inside the house. It’s also included with the earlier-mentioned Verona Card, which offers really good value if you plan to visit several Verona attractions and museums inside.

Practical information: Juliet’s House is open daily except for Mondays (unless it’s a public holiday like e.g. Easter Monday, when it’s open as well – this counts for most other Verona attractions too).

Casa di Giulietta in Verona Italy
Casa di Giulietta
Juliet's House and Balcony in Verona Italy
Juliet’s House and Balcony
Graffiti on the covered pathway to Juliet's House in Verona
Graffiti on the covered pathway to Juliet’s House
 

6. Piazza dei Signori

Piazza dei Signori is one of Verona’s lesser-known piazzas, mostly visited by tourists when it hosts its annual Christmas and Easter markets. But it’s a really nice town square, just steps away from the above-mentioned places and well worth visiting for its historical interest!

Located beside Piazza della Erbe, Piazza dei Signori was once the center of Verona’s public institutions. The square houses the 15th-century Loggia del Consiglio, which was originally the city hall. You can also see several palazzos here, such as the Palazzo del Comune and the Palazzo del Podestà, once the residence of the Scaligeri family, and now the state government office.

Piazza dei Signori is often referred to as Piazza Dante. This is because it contains a monument to “The Divine Comedy” author Dante Alighieri, who lived in Verona from 1312 to 1318, after which he moved to Ravenna where he spent the last years of his life.

Good to know: There have been recent excavations here that have unearthed Roman remains beneath the current street level. These include mosaics and a Roman street, which you can actually view from the Capitano Palace (Palazzo di Cansignorio) through the large glass ‘windows’ in the ground.

TIP: Check out Caffè Dante Bistrot, Verona’s oldest coffee house (1865). It is located in Casa della Pietà with a pretty coral-colored exterior and carved statue embellishments. Although, be aware of high prices and extra charges if you decide to eat here.

Piazza dei Signori in Verona Italy
Piazza dei Signori
Best things to do in Verona - Piazza dei Signori
Piazza dei Signori
Dante statue on Piazza dei Signori in Verona
Dante statue on Piazza dei Signori
 

7. Arche Scaligere

Scaligeri Tombs (Arche Scaligere) is another landmark to see in Verona city center.

Located next to the Church of Saint Mary ‘Antica’ and right next to the square of Piazza dei Signori, this is a group of five Gothic funerary monuments to the noble Della Scala family. Each tomb is dedicated to a different lord of Verona.

The family – also known as Scaligeri or Scaliger – ruled Verona in the 13th and 14th centuries and there are several monuments to them throughout the city.

Good to know: Scaligeri Tombs are separated from the street by a wall and iron bars. To get a better look at them, you’ll have to pay a small entrance fee. It’s open every day throughout the year and yes, the entrance here is also included with the Verona Card.

Arche Scaligere tombs in Verona Italy
Scaligeri Tombs
Scaligeri Tombs (Arche Scaligere) in Verona
Scaligeri Tombs
 

8. Castelvecchio Bridge & Museum

Castelvecchio is a magnificent building located on the banks of the River Adige, just outside of the medieval city walls. Constructed in 1354, it originally served as both a fortress and a residence. Nowadays, this is a museum dedicated to Verona’s past.

The artifacts on display inside the museum range from ceramics and sacred art to coins and weaponry. There are also some exceptional paintings from the early Renaissance period, along with elegant Romanesque sculptures.

The exterior is impressive too, featuring an imposing gatehouse with two guard towers and crenulated battlements. But the highlight is the 14th century arched stone bridge Ponte di Castelvecchio (aka Ponte Scaligero) attached to the main complex.

The longest of its kind in the world when it was originally built, the bridge is decorated in the same style as the castle walls. It features several sets of stairs in its towers which you climb for splendid views of the castle and down the River Adige.

Be sure to take a stroll along the riverbank, too, for some great photographs of the bridge itself.

Good to know: The Castelvecchio museum is undoubtedly the best in Verona and you should set aside at least an hour or two for a visit here. However, it’s just a few minutes walk from the main sights in Verona’s old town. So even if you don’t have time to visit inside, it’s still worth coming here to see the castle and the bridge!

Practical information: Castelvecchio Museum is open daily except on Mondays. It’s also included with the Verona Card.

Castelvecchio Bridge in Verona
Castelvecchio Bridge
Castelvecchio - best places to see in Verona
Castelvecchio
 

9. Ponte Pietra

Ponte Pietra (‘the stone bridge’) is the oldest bridge in Verona. Originally built around 89-100 BC, the bridge was also part of Via Postumia, an ancient Roman road connecting Genoa to Aquileia.

One of the most picturesque bridges in Verona, Ponte Pietra has collapsed due to floods many times throughout history. It was rebuilt time and again. Most recently, it was partially destroyed during WWII and was rebuilt in the 1950s using the original style and materials as much as possible.

Note the big round holes in the middle – these are ‘flood eyes’ that are supposed to help reduce the water pressure on the bridge in case of a flood. You can see a similar Roman bridge with an ‘oculus’ – Ponte Sisto – in Rome as well.

The views from this bridge are really nice too, with the hilltop church Santuario della Nostra Signora di Lourdes to one side and Verona old town to the other.

Good to know: Ponte Pietra is just a 10-15 min scenic walk from the main landmarks in the historic city center. The bridge connects this part of town to the Roman theater and the castle on the other side of the River Adige (more info about these landmarks below).

Ponte Pietra in Verona Italy
Ponte Pietra
Santuario della Nostra Signora di Lourdes in Verona
Santuario della Nostra Signora di Lourdes – view from Ponte Pietra
Verona old town as seen from Ponte Pietra
Verona old town as seen from Ponte Pietra
 

10. Roman Theater & Archeological Museum

The 1st-century Roman Theater and Archeological Museum (Museo Archeologico al Teatro Romano) is another ancient landmark worth seeing in Verona.

During the summer you can see live outdoor performances here, or simply enjoy the amazing view from the top of the theater looking over the River Adige. The museum filled with statues, bronzes, glasswork, and Roman mosaics is fascinating too. It’s housed in the former Convento dei Gesuiti.

TIP: The stonework here serves as a sun trap and it can get incredibly hot in the summer, so try to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Practical information: Just as pretty much any museum in Verona, the Roman Theater and Archeological Museum is open daily except on Mondays. It’s also included with the Verona Card.

Ancient Roman Theater in Verona
Ancient Roman Theater & Museum
Roman Theater and Archeological Museum in Verona
Roman Theater and Archeological Museum -Photo by ohmaymay/Depositphotos.com
 

11. Views from Castel San Pietro

The Castle of Saint Peter (Castel San Pietro) sits on a site on the eastern bank of the River Adige, where a church dedicated to the saint once stood. The castle itself was constructed in the 14th century to help bolster the city’s defenses.

Although the castle is not open to the public, its position on the top of a hill gives you breathtaking views across the red rooftops to the center of Verona.

Indeed, this is the highest viewpoint in the city and not to be missed! It’s also a popular place to watch the sunset in Verona.

Good to know: You can reach the top of the hill on foot, starting at the Ponte Pietra next to the Roman Theater. The walk is only mildly demanding and takes about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the one-way ride up on the funicular railway, enjoying the view as you ascend.

TIP: Visit in the early evening with a bottle of wine and join other visitors in watching the sun go down over the city – a truly memorable experience.

Views from Castel San Pietro in Verona
Views from Castel San Pietro
Verona views from Castel San Pietro
Views from Castel San Pietro
Verona sunset view from Castel San Pietro
Sunset views from Castel San Pietro
 

12. Duomo – Verona’s Cathedral

Cattedrale di Santa Maria Matricolare was consecrated in 1187 and is one of Verona’s oldest religious buildings. If you visit one church in Verona, make it the Duomo!

A beautiful example of 12th-century Romanesque architecture, the Cathedral is stunning both inside and out. Its 15th-century Gothic nave is lined with marble columns and the main chapels feature decorative Renaissance frescoes. The most impressive fresco is located at the altar, beside which you can also see an enormous gold organ.

Look through the glass panels on the glass floor and you can see the remains of the previous church that lie beneath.

Practical information: All the main churches in Verona are open daily, but the hours differ per church and per day. You can find all the practical info here.

TIP: If for whatever strange reason you opt not to get Verona Card, you can also buy one low-cost ticket for all four of Verona’s main churches (the Cathedral Complex, the Basilica di San Zeno, the Basilica di Santa Anastasia, and San Fermo). This ticket offers great value for those who want to visit all the best churches in Verona.

Good to know: Al the religious sights in Italy have a dress code for entry which requires that your knees and shoulders must be covered. This is also the case if you are visiting the churches in Verona.

Cattedrale di Santa Maria Matricolare - Duomo Verona
Cattedrale di Santa Maria Matricolare – Verona Cathedral
Angel sculpture at Duomo di Verona in Italy
Angel sculpture at Duomo di Verona
Verona Duomo Cattedrale di Santa Maria Matricolare
Inside the Cathedral
 

13. Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore

Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore is one of Northern Italy’s best-preserved examples of Romanesque architecture. This beautiful 12th-century church is located on the west side of the River Adige. It’s a little outside of the main sightseeing routes in Verona and therefore relatively peaceful. However, as far as the best places to see in Verona go, this Basilica is well worth a detour!

The exterior is striking, made from a warmly colored combination of tufa stone and bricks. While the interior is adorned with marble columns and stunning artwork. The cloisters are really nice too! But perhaps the most noteworthy is the San Zeno Altarpiece. It’s considered to be Verona’s first major Renaissance piece and the inspiration for other local artists.

Yet despite its beauty and architectural importance, San Zeno Maggiore is famous for quite a different reason! It was in its crypt that the marriage of Shakespeare’s Rome and Juliet took place.

Good to know: You need to buy a ticket to enter the church, but you can see the beautifully restored cloisters and stunning bronze doors for free. You can also admire the beautiful rose window above them. And yes – you probably guessed it by now – the entrance here is also included with Verona Card.

TIP: If you are in Verona on a Sunday, you can combine your visit to San Zeno Maggiore with a trip to the flea market on Piazza San Zeno. This is more of a local market than a tourist one, so you can pick up some great Italian antiques and bric-a-brac. Just be aware that few stall-holders here speak English, so haggling might be a challenge!

Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore in Verona
Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore
Cloisters of Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore in Verona
Cloisters of Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore
Cloisters of San Zeno Maggiore in Verona
Cloisters of San Zeno Maggiore
 

14. Basilica di Santa Anastasia

Basilica di Santa Anastasia is another church that’s well worth seeing in Verona. It’s a lovely building designed by two Dominican friars in the 13th century.

The largest church in Verona, it’s located at the end of the Decumanus Maximus. This was the main Roman road in Verona connecting Porta Borsari to the former Postumio Bridge.

With its beautiful vaulted ceiling soaring to a great height, Sant’Anastasia is best known for its beautiful frescoes and impressive red Veronese marble pillars. The most famous is Pisanello’s fresco ‘St. George & the Princess’. You can also see carved stone scenes depicting the life of Saint Peter and a pair of fonts held by hunchbacked marble grotesques.

TIP: The cost of admission includes a very good audio tour which is both informative and easy to follow.

Basilica di Santa Anastasia in Verona
Basilica di Santa Anastasia
The hunchback at Basilica di Santa Anastasia in Verona
The hunchback at Basilica di Santa Anastasia
 

15. San Fermo Maggiore

Chiesa di San Fermo Maggiore is the lesser-visited of the four main churches in Verona. But it’s unique and well worth a look too!

The original church here dates from the 11-14th centuries and has been rebuilt later. Thus the mix of romanesque and gothic styles. Inside, you can see lots of stunning artworks and paintings, with images of over 400 saints. The wooden ceiling is very impressive!

But what makes San Fermo Maggiore more special is that it has two levels; with a small older chapel located underneath the current church.

Good to know: Visit here is also free with Verona Card or the earlier-mentioned Churches Pass.

Chiesa di San Fermo Maggiore in Verona
Chiesa di San Fermo Maggiore
Interior of San Fermo Maggiore church in Verona
Upper church of San Fermo Maggiore
Lower church at San Fermo Maggiore in Verona
Lower church at San Fermo Maggiore
 

16. Il Giardino Giusti

Located on the grounds of the Giusti Palace located on the River Adige’s eastern bank, il Giardino Giusti are spectacular 16th-century gardens. These are the finest gardens in the city!

This park is a bit of a hidden gem in Verona, but it’s well worth a visit if you have more time to explore beyond the main sights and attractions.

Giardino Giusti gardens are divided into 8 sections and each one has a different theme, with its own decoration or fountain in the middle. This is typical of the Renaissance layout, which emphasizes beauty, perfection, and geometry.

A stroll amongst the cypress trees and grottoes makes a refreshing break from all the sightseeing in Verona. You’ll also find a hedge maze here which is fun for kids (the boxwood hedges are too low to present much of a challenge to adults). You can also visit Apartamento 900, the apartments of the family to whom these gardens belonged.

TIP: Although quite steep, it’s worth climbing the steps and paths to the upper tiers of the gardens for the panoramic views of the city.

Good to know: Giardino Giusti entrance fee is quite high for a rather small park and it is not included in the city pass. However, there are discounts for the Verona Card holders and also special family tickets.

Practical information: Giardino Giusti is open daily throughout the year except on Christmas day. See their website for more info.

Il Giardino Giusti in Verona
Il Giardino Giusti
Verona view from the pavilion at il Giardino Giusti
Views from the pavilion at il Giardino Giusti
Views from Giardino Giusti in Verona
Views from Giardino Giusti
 

17. Food, Wine & Vineyards

In addition to all the main sights and attractions in Verona, the city has a lot to offer for food and wine lovers too.

One of the best ways to get to know the local cuisine and try some traditional regional dishes in Verona is by joining one of the organized food tours. Cooking classes are also available.

This is the best-rated Verona food & wine tour that takes you to the main landmarks in the city too. If you rather just focus on the food, you can opt for this popular cooking lesson or a gelato-making class. And if you are mostly interested in local wines (such as the world-famous Prosecco), you’ll find various wine-tasting experiences.

But if you have more time, I highly recommend joining a winery tour of the beautiful Valpolicella Valley just outside the city. Valpolicella is best known for its Recioto, Ripasso, and Amarone wines.

You can visit the Amarone Wine Trail by minivan with this very popular and highly-rated tour, or you can opt to visit the Amarone countryside with an e-bike tour.

Whatever you choose, it’s a great addition to the ‘regular’ sightseeing in Verona and will make your visit much more memorable.

Valpolicella valley vineyards near Verona in Italy
Valpolicella Valley vineyards near Verona
Amarone wine barrels at a winery near Verona Italy
Amarone wine barrels
 

Map of Verona attractions

To help you get a better idea of where everything is located, we created a map indicating all the main sights in Verona mentioned in this article.

Below, you can find additional suggestions for places to see near Verona, and also some practical tips and information for your visit to the city.

How to use this map: Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

 

Where to stay

While many tourists just visit Verona for a day, we highly recommend spending at least a night or two in the city. If you can attend an opera performance, staying here is a must-do! But also otherwise, there are plenty of things to do in Verona to make a longer stay worthwhile! (See also our recommendations for the best things to do near Verona below!)

We recommend staying in the historic city center. In the high season, accommodation prices of most of the mid-range hotels in the old town tend to be quite similar. But, of course, a lot depends on your exact travel dates and any deals the hotels might be offering…

Check out the beautiful Hotel Milano & SPA***S with the best rooftop terrace in Verona. It’s one of the top picks in the heart of the old town, and offers a great price/ quality/ location ratio.

Great value on a slightly lower budget is Hotel Firenze, about 10 minutes walk from the Arena.

Piazza Bra in Verona Italy
Piazza Bra
Dante statue Verona
Dante statue in Verona
 

Some of the best places to visit near Verona

In addition to the above-mentioned Valpolicella valley with vineyards and wineries just near Verona, there are many other amazing places to visit in this part of Italy.

Soave Castle is just about 30 min drive from Verona, and the famous Lake Garda as well. It’s well worth seeing, even if you only have time for one or two of the best places in Lake Garda. There’s a very popular day tour that takes you to the southern side of Lake Garda from Verona.

If you are visiting Verona with kids in summer and have a day to spare, you may want to visit Gardaland amusement park as well.

If you have a car, you could easily spend a few days touring around Lake Garda too. In that case, you may also want to visit Santuario Madonna della Corona. This picturesque hillside church is located just about 50 minutes drive from Verona. You could easily combine a visit here with a relaxing dip in the pools of Aquardens Thermal Baths overlooking Valpolicella hills, just about 20 minutes drive from Verona.

Other places to visit nearby include the beautiful Trentino region and the famous Dolomite mountains. If you are visiting Verona in summer, it’s well worth planning a few days extra to see these beautiful regions!

Also the most famous Italian cities like Venice, Milan, and Bologna are just a short trip from Verona. You can easily visit Venice for a day from Verona (by train or by car). And don’t forget Lake Como, one of the most beautiful places in Northern Italy!

Places to see near Verona - Soave Castle
Soave Castle
Places to see near Verona - Santuario Madonna della Corona
Santuario Madonna della Corona
Places to see near Verona - Malcesine at Lake Garda
Malcesine at Lake Garda
 

FAQ – Visit Verona

Where is Verona located?

Verona is located in the Veneto region in northern Italy. It’s just a short drive from Lake Garda and about 1-1.5 hours by train from Venice, Bologna, or Milan. Located about halfway between Venice and Milan, Verona is a wonderful addition to any Italian trip itinerary.

Is Verona worth visiting?

Yes, absolutely, Verona is well worth a visit. It’s one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, offering a great mix of historic sites, cultural attractions, and a romantic, laid-back atmosphere. If visiting in summer, try to see an opera performance at the Arena di Verona, and it will become one of the most memorable trips ever!

What is Verona famous for?

Verona is world-known for its Arena, one of the largest ancient Roman amphitheaters built in 30 AD and still in use today! Verona is also famous as the city of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” and also as one of the towns where Italy’s greatest poet Dante Alighieri lived and worked on his masterpiece “The Divine Comedy”.

How much time do you need in Verona?

While you can see a few of the main landmarks of Verona in half a day, we recommend at least one full day for the city. If you want to actually visit all of Verona’s tourist attractions and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of this romantic city, plan two days for Verona. If you also want to visit Valpolicella valley and/or take a day trip to Lake Garda, you can easily spend 3-4 days in Verona.

What are the must-sees in Verona?

If you have limited time in Verona and can only see the absolute ‘musts’, be sure not to miss Arena di Verona, Piazza Bra, and Piazza delle Erbe. Torre dei Lamberti and Casa di Giulietta are also among the top landmarks that are well worth seeing, even if just from the outside.

Can you visit Verona by car?

Yes, you can easily visit Verona by car. There are several of convenient parking garages close to the old town, where you can leave your car for a day. We used and recommend the big underground parking garage Cittadella just outside the city gates and 5 minutes walk to the Arena. It’s also just outside the ZTL (limited traffic zone) where you can’t drive as a tourist. I indicated this parking on our map above. You can also use this parking if you are staying in the city for a night or two.

Tourist guide to Verona, Italy
Views from Torre dei Lamberti
 

So, this is our guide to some of the very best places to see and things to do in Verona, Italy.

Verona’s romantic atmosphere and ancient attractions make it a unique and special destination to visit, one of the best places in Italy.

I hope that this guide helps you plan a more memorable trip to Verona, and inspires you to spend more time here. (And yes, I know I say this for many places in Italy, but it’s so worth it!)

Have a great time in Verona and enjoy every moment in this beautiful city!

READ ALSO: Italy Itinerary (how to see the ‘musts’ – including Verona – in about 2 weeks)

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Places to see and things to do in Verona Italy
What to see and do when visiting Verona Italy
 

Photos: personal collection and Depositphotos.com

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Luke Thomas

Sunday 17th of July 2022

Thank you for such a fantastic post this has been so useful for planning our trip this summer. When you say we can’t show knees in the churches in religious sites does that mean men can’t wear shorts and I have to wear trousers? given we are in Italy in August we weren’t planning on taking any trousers at all. Thanks for your help.

Luke Thomas

Tuesday 19th of July 2022

@Jurga, 😂 brilliant thank you 😊

Jurga

Tuesday 19th of July 2022

Hi Luke, this is a common rule for visiting religious sites everywhere in Italy. Usually, big popular places have some covers for rent or to borrow available at the entrance, but this is won't be the case everywhere. In general, this rule is a bit flexible too and depends on the people working at each place. They just want to avoid people showing up there with clothing that hardly covers anything. If your shorts are almost up to your knees and you wear decent t-shirts and footwear, I think it should be ok for most places. Or you can get a pair of light linnen pants depening on what exactly you plan to visit. For women, I'd normally recommend to just pack a big light shawl or a sarong (something like this) and tight it around the waist when needed. Nobody says men can't do that as well ;). My husband once had to buy funny elephant pants in Thailand in order to visit some religious places there and it made for some fun pictures. :) Enjoy your trip!

Michael

Sunday 3rd of April 2022

🎉🎉🎉🎉🌟🌟🌟👏👏 i am totally convinced, i bookmarked this article 👍

Jurga

Thursday 14th of April 2022

You'd love it, Michael!

Mercedes

Sunday 3rd of April 2022

Love the Verona article and the pictures. Thanks. P.S. Will you send me similar information about Modena.

Jurga

Thursday 14th of April 2022

Hi Mercedes, unfortunately, we have never been to Modena, so I can't help you with that one.

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