The Best Things to do in Verona Italy
Verona is a magical city in Italy that offers something special for every traveler. Its streets are filled with history, romance, and incredible experiences. As you explore, you'll quickly discover the best things to do in Verona Italy that make this destination truly unforgettable.
From stunning ancient buildings to charming cafes and beautiful squares, Verona welcomes you with open arms. Shakespeare made the city famous through Romeo and Juliet, but there's so much more to explore beyond the legendary love story. History buffs will love the ancient Roman amphitheater, art lovers can wander through medieval streets, and food enthusiasts can enjoy delicious Italian cuisine in cozy restaurants.
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| The best thing to do in Verona | The top thing to do in Verona is visit Juliets house |
| Top free thing to do in Verona | The top free thing to do in Verona is go to Piazza delle Erbe |
| Best thing to do in Verona for great photos | For incredible photos, go to Castel San Pietro. There were many places I stopped and took beautiful photos of the whole of Verona from high up. |
| The best unique thing to do in Verona | If your looking for something a bit different visit the nearby wine region of Valpolicella |
How I selected the top things to do in Verona Italy
Writing about the best things to do in Verona Italy comes straight from my own adventures exploring this incredible city. I've walked these streets with local friends, not as a tourist, but as someone who truly wanted to understand Verona.
Local tours revealed hidden stories - like the secret windows in medieval buildings and the best spots for authentic aperitivo that aren't in any guidebook. I've spent time chatting with local families learning about the city's history from people who've lived here for generations.
My recommendations aren't just lists of attractions; they're personal experiences. From the bustling market in Piazza delle Erbe to the quiet backstreets most tourists never see, these suggestions come from real, lived moments in this stunning Italian city.
Here are the top things to do in Verona Italy
Visit the Arena di Verona: Ancient Roman Amphitheater and Summer Opera Performances
This is the first visit when walking into Verona centre. The Arena di Verona, a stunning architectural masterpiece dating back to the 1st century AD. Explore its ancient passageways and marvel at the tiered seating, vast central stage, and marble façade. Learn from an expert guide about its construction, survival through a 12th-century earthquake, and its transformation into a venue for the world-renowned Verona Opera Festival, which takes place under the stars each summer.
My tip would be to join a small-group tour, limited to 12 people, to enjoy a personalized experience and skip the long lines with priority access using your prepaid tickets. If you don't you may face lines up to an hour. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts, allowing you to secure your spot with flexibility.
View prices & availability for the Arena di Verona skip the line tour.
Visit Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta)
Juliet’s House is a 13th-century medieval home that inspired the world’s most famous love story, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. While the connection to the play is symbolic, the romantic courtyard, complete with the iconic balcony and a bronze statue of Juliet, captures the hearts of everyone from around the globe.
You can leave love notes on the courtyard walls or pose for photos on the legendary balcony. A popular tradition is rubbing Juliet’s bronze statue’s right breast, believed to bring good luck in love—though this can lead to longer lines as people snap photos with the statue.
Entering the courtyard is free and a quick tip is, consider visiting later in the day when the crowds ease. I went there around midday and it was packed so came back a bit later. Juliet’s House is a must-see and one of the best free things to do in Verona.
Go to Piazza delle Erbe: Heart of Verona's Historic Center
This market square has been the city's social and commercial center for centuries. This is about 5 minutes walk away from the Arena and a couple of minutes away from Juliets House. Surrounded by magnificent medieval buildings and featuring a stunning fountain, Piazza delle Erbe buzzes with energy. Local vendors sell fresh produce, souvenirs, and traditional crafts, while cafes offer perfect spots to people-watch and absorb the authentic Italian atmosphere.
When I went to Piazza delle Erbe I grabbed a panino on the way, from a fantastic shop called Brusco Panini. Here's a link to Brusco Panini on google maps. From there you walk a few seconds and you can sit down, eat and view all the market stalls.
Go luxury shopping in Verona
Something that surprised me in Verona compared to all the other towns I have been to in Italy is the shopping scene. There is one long road all the way from the Arena full of shops that connect you to the Piazza delle Erbe. The shops range from casual wear, jewellers, all the way to high end. Shopping is one of the best things to do in Verona Italy.
Popular shops in Verona include:
This is just to name a few I don't want to give you all shops, go and explore Verona next time your in Italy! Try and save a couple of hours for this either on the way to the attractions or going back home. The shear volume of shops landed on my list of things to do in Verona Italy in one day.
P.s.The road is called Via Giuseppe Mazzini.
Walk up to Castel San Pietro
One of the highlights of my trip to Verona was visiting Castel San Pietro. To reach this viewpoint, you first cross the historic Ponte Pietra and then either climb the long staircase or take a more relaxing ride up. The panoramic view of the city and its surroundings makes this spot a must-visit on any Verona itinerary.
We opted for the cable car, which costs €2 one way or €3 for a round trip. I took the ride up and enjoyed a leisurely walk back down, taking in the scenery along the way. The last time I checked, the opening hours of the Funicolare were:
Summer Hours (Monday – Sunday): 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Winter Hours (Monday – Sunday): 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
A quick stop at the bar Sunset bar Della Funicolare
at the top made the experience even more enjoyable, offering a perfect spot to soak in the views.
Climb to the top of Torre dei Lamberti
Another place for great photos is the Torre dei Lambert. Standing 84 meters tall, this historic tower, built in 1172, is the tallest in Verona and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city's red rooftops, iconic landmarks, and distant mountains.
Tickets tend to sell out quickly, so it’s best to call or email a few days in advance to secure your spot.
Opening Hours:
Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The last time I checked, entry cost €6. Here’s the link to the Torre dei Lamberti ticket office for more details.
Visit Castelvecchio and its museum
Castelvecchio stands as one of the best things to do in Verona, Italy - a stunning medieval fortress that tells stories through every brick. The castle's red brick walls and distinctive M-shaped battlements transport you straight back to medieval times, while the Ponte Scaligero bridge offers breathtaking views over the Adige River that'll make your Instagram followers jealous.
Inside the castle, you'll find the Castelvecchio Museum, which surprised me with its incredible collection of medieval and Renaissance art. I spent hours wandering through ancient stairways and hidden balconies, discovering new treasures in each room.
Here's an insider tip: join a local walking tour (they're a steal at under 10 euros) to really understand what you're seeing. These guides share fascinating stories you won't find in guidebooks, and you can access the castle's courtyard and garden for free. The tour just stops there but doesn't go into the Museum so do this separately.
Walking tour tickets can be purchased here.
Go wine tasting in the Valpolicella region
If you love wine and have a few extra days in Verona, you absolutely must visit Valpolicella, one of the best things to do in Verona. This beautiful wine region is famous for its amazing red wines, especially the rich Amarone. The area is full of rolling hills, family-run vineyards, and stunning views that make for perfect day trips.
I spent a wonderful afternoon here, tasting different wines like the light and fresh Valpolicella Classico, the more complex Ripasso, and the special Amarone - made from dried grapes in a unique traditional process.
I would advise booking a tour as you learn so much more and the tour guides know the top wineries to go to in Valpolicella. They can also act as a translator for some winemakers that don't speak English that well.
Based on popular reviews this winery tour seems to be one of the best.
Visit one or all of the 4 churches in Verona
Verona Cathedral (Duomo di Verona) is a very old and beautiful church in Verona, Italy. It was built a long time ago, in the year 1187, after an earthquake destroyed two old churches on the same place. The cathedral is in Romanesque style and has changed a little over time, but the main shape is still the same. Inside the tower, there are nine big bells that ring in a special way only found in Verona. I recommend this as one of the things to see in Verona in one day.
You can visit the cathedral with a single ticket for €4.00. This ticket includes an audio guide in different languages to help you learn about the church. If you want to see more churches in Verona, you can buy the Four Churches Ticket, which lets you visit San Zeno, the Cathedral, Santa Anastasia, and San Fermo. This ticket is good for 90 days and you can buy it online or at the church.
For more information and tickets go on the official website here.
A Map of the best things to do in Verona Italy
More things to do in Verona
How long do you need in Verona?
Having explored Verona thoroughly myself, I can tell you that the ideal length of stay really depends on your travel style and what you want to experience. From my time there, I'd recommend 2-3 days to truly appreciate everything this romantic city has to offer.
Here's why: On my first day, I covered the main attractions like the Arena di Verona (which took about 2 hours with the tour), Juliet's House, and Piazza delle Erbe. While this gave me a good overview, I found myself rushing and missing out on those special moments that make Verona magical – like enjoying a leisurely aperitivo in the piazza or discovering hidden corners in the medieval streets.
My second day allowed me to explore at a more relaxed pace. I took the cable car up to Castel San Pietro for sunset (trust me, it's worth it!), visited some of the historic churches, and had time to actually sit and soak in the atmosphere. Plus, I could properly enjoy shopping along Via Giuseppe Mazzini without feeling rushed.
If you can stretch to a third day, I highly recommend it for a wine tasting tour in the Valpolicella region. This was one of my trip highlights, and it's something you really can't squeeze into a shorter stay. I also found that having this extra time meant I could revisit some favorite spots at different times of day – the Arena, for instance, has a completely different character at sunset than in the morning.
While you can see the main sights in one day if you're tight on time, I found that the real charm of Verona reveals itself when you slow down and allow yourself those extra days to wander, discover, and experience the city like a local rather than just checking off attractions.
FAQ's about the top things to do in Verona
Is one day in Verona enough to see the main attractions?
One day allows you to experience Verona's major highlights if you plan efficiently. You can cover the Arena di Verona, Juliet's House, and Piazza delle Erbe in a single day by following a strategic route. However, to fully appreciate the city's rich history and culture, including experiences like wine tasting and exploring all four historic churches, consider staying for 2-3 days. For a one-day visit, start at the Arena and work your way through the historic center.
What are the best things to do in Verona for first-time visitors?
The essential attractions include the Arena di Verona, an ancient Roman amphitheater that hosts summer opera performances. Visit Juliet's House with its iconic balcony, explore the bustling Piazza delle Erbe with its market, and tour the medieval Castelvecchio fortress. For panoramic city views, choose either Torre dei Lamberti or Castel San Pietro, with the latter being particularly beautiful at sunset.
What free things to do in Verona should I add to my itinerary?
Verona offers several free experiences, including visiting Juliet's House's courtyard (though expect crowds) and exploring Piazza delle Erbe's atmosphere and architecture. Walking across Ponte Pietra bridge, wandering through historic streets, and window shopping along Via Giuseppe Mazzini provide authentic experiences without spending money. You can also admire the exteriors of Verona's four major churches at no cost.
How can I avoid crowds when seeing what to see in Verona in one day?
Start your day early at the Arena di Verona with a skip-the-line tour. Visit Juliet's House in late afternoon when crowds diminish. For the best Piazza delle Erbe experience, arrive early morning or during lunch hours. During summer, plan indoor activities like the Castelvecchio Museum during peak heat hours to maximize comfort and minimize waiting times.
When is the best time to visit Verona?
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer pleasant weather and moderate crowds. Summer (June-August) brings the Opera Festival but also more tourists and higher temperatures. Winter provides a more authentic experience with fewer visitors, though temperatures can be chilly.
For detailed information about traveling to Verona, including transportation options from major Italian cities, check out our Verona travel guide.
Are there good day trips from Verona?
The nearby Valpolicella wine region offers excellent wine tasting experiences at family-run vineyards, famous for Amarone wine. Lake Garda is also easily accessible, making it perfect for a day trip if you have extra time in your schedule.