Best things to do in Verona: Admire Juliet’s balcony

Verona isn’t just a city, it’s a feeling. Set in the heart of Veneto, this romantic gem wraps you in stories of ancient Rome, whispered love letters, and wine that tastes like sunshine. Walk its cobblestone streets where Shakespeare once found inspiration, sip a glass of Valpolicella at a cozy Veneto winery, and watch the city glow pink at sunset over the Adige River. From grand piazzas to tucked-away courtyards, Verona charms at every turn. And the best part? There are endless things to do in Verona, each one a new chapter in a story you won’t want to end.

What are the best things to do in Verona

Marvel at the Arena di Verona

The Arena di Verona is where time stands still and magic takes the stage. Imagine sitting beneath the stars, music floating through the air in the same stone amphitheatre where Romans once cheered centuries ago. By day, its arches glow in soft Verona sunlight, by night, it becomes pure theatre. Step outside and you’re in Piazza Bra, alive with café chatter and clinking glasses, the perfect place to toast to history, love, and the city’s effortless charm.

Wander through Piazza delle Erbe

Piazza delle Erbe is Verona at its most alive, a swirl of colors, chatter, and centuries of stories layered in stone. Once the city’s Roman Forum, it’s now where locals sip espresso under frescoed façades and market stalls burst with flowers and fruit. Grab a seat by the Madonna Verona fountain, watch life unfold, and let the rhythm of the square pull you in.

Climb the Torre dei Lamberti

Torre dei Lamberti isn’t just a tower, it’s Verona’s front-row seat to the sky. Rising high above the old town, this medieval beauty gives you a breathtaking 360° view of terracotta rooftops, elegant piazzas, and the silver curve of the Adige River. Take the stairs if you’re feeling energetic (or the elevator if you’re not) and watch the city unfold beneath you. It’s pure magic at sunset, and one of those moments that makes you fall for Verona all over again

Visit Juliet’s house and balcony

You can’t say you’ve been to Verona without stopping by Juliet’s House, the city’s most romantic (and probably most photographed) spot. Step into the little courtyard, scribble a love note on the wall, and grab a picture with the bronze statue of Juliet for good luck. Then look up at that famous balcony, yes, the one. It’s a mix of Shakespearean charm, timeless romance, and just the right amount of cheesy magic that makes Verona unforgettable.

Explore Castelvecchio and its museum

Perched right on the Adige River, Castelvecchio is one of the must-see stops when exploring the best things to do in Verona. With its red-brick towers, sweeping arches, and that picture-perfect bridge, it feels like you’ve wandered into a medieval painting. Once home to the mighty Scaliger family, the castle brims with stories from Verona’s golden age. Cross the Ponte Scaligero for postcard-worthy views, then dive into the museum’s collection of Roman sculptures, armor, and Gothic masterpieces.

Get lost in the courtyards of Piazza dei Signori

Just steps from Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza dei Signori is one of the most elegant spots to add to your list of things to do in Verona. Surrounded by grand arches, marble facades, and a statue of Dante Alighieri watching over it all, the square feels like a quiet escape from the city’s bustle. Once the heart of Verona’s political life, it now invites you to wander, linger at a café, and soak up the timeless beauty that makes Verona so unforgettable.

Discover the Duomo di Verona

Tucked away on a quiet street, the Duomo di Verona catches you off guard with its quiet grandeur. One minute you’re wandering cobblestone alleys, and the next, you’re standing before its elegant facade. Step inside and it’s all hushed beauty, marble columns, golden light, and centuries of faith layered into every fresco. It’s a place that makes you slow down, breathe, and just take it all in.

Admire frescoes at Basilica di Santa Anastasia

Step inside the Basilica di Santa Anastasia and prepare to look up, way up. This Gothic masterpiece is all height and harmony, with ribbed arches, painted ceilings, and enough frescoes to make your neck ache (in the best way). Don’t miss the quirky hunchback holy water fonts near the entrance, they’re a local favorite. It’s the kind of place that turns quiet admiration into pure awe.

Stroll along the Ponte Pietra

The Ponte Pietra, Verona’s oldest bridge, feels like stepping straight into a painting. Built by the Romans and lovingly restored through time, it arches gracefully over the Adige, catching the light just right at sunset. Stroll across its worn stones toward Castel San Pietro, and you’ll see why this spot steals every photographer’s heart. The view is pure Verona magic.

Bask in quietude at the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore

Among the best things to do in Verona, the Basilica di San Zeno stands out for its quiet elegance and centuries-old charm. Its massive bronze doors, peaceful cloisters, and warm light create a timeless atmosphere. Step inside to admire the frescoes, the marble floor patterns, and the beauty that inspired Romeo and Juliet’s legendary wedding.

Tour the lavish Palazzo della Ragione

Among the top things to do in Verona, exploring the old Palazzo del Governo is a must. Once home to the city’s rulers, it now surprises visitors with a dynamic modern art museum inside its ancient walls. Wander through grand halls filled with contemporary works, then head up the tower for panoramic views that blend Verona’s historic rooftops with its creative present.

Cross the Roman Ruins at Arco dei Gavi

Standing proudly near the Arena, the Arco dei Gavi feels like Verona’s timeless welcome sign. Built in the 1st century AD, this graceful marble arch once greeted travelers arriving along the old Roman road. Today, it’s a quiet yet striking reminder that Verona has been impressing visitors for over two millennia.

Take a walking tour of the old town

One of the best things to do in Verona is to just get lost on purpose. Stroll from the Arena to Piazza Bra, drift into narrow alleys where frescoed walls meet tiny wine bars, and follow the Adige until you stumble upon hidden courtyards and sunlit cafés. Every corner of Verona feels like a scene waiting to be discovered, no map required, just curiosity and a good pair of shoes.

What are the best things to do around Verona?

Experience elegance in the countryside

Just 20 minutes from Verona, this charming estate is surrounded by rolling vineyards and peaceful countryside. You can explore the cellars, learn about sustainable winemaking, and enjoy tastings of refined organic wines in a warm, intimate setting. With its elegant rooms, serene views, and authentic Venetian charm, it’s the perfect escape for those seeking both relaxation and a true taste of Veneto’s wine heritage.

Immerse yourself in the Amarone tradition

Nestled about 8 miles from Verona, Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani is a historic estate rooted deeply in Amarone lore. The property’s elegant villa and sprawling vineyards offer a refined backdrop for tours that take you through old cellars, barrel rooms, and amphorae-lined halls. Tastings often include their Amarone, Valpolicella, and occasionally rare vintages reserved for local tables. It’s a perfect blend of heritage, flavor, and countryside serenity, just outside Verona’s lively center.

Step into the legacy of Valpolicella

Located in Pedemonte (7 miles from Verona), Tedeschi Wines carries centuries of Valpolicella tradition into each bottle. From guided tours of their fermenting rooms to tastings of bold Amarone and expressive Valpolicella wines, the estate offers immersive experiences for wine lovers. Their “First Step” tour introduces you to the winery and a five-wine tasting, while deeper excursions explore the family’s historic vineyards and unique aging techniques.

Taste fabric & terroir

Situated in Monticelli-Fontana, 26 minutes away from Verona, Cantina Veronese Beatrice is run by three sisters who intertwine their family’s passion for wine and fabrics. Their vineyards, spread across 15 hectares of eco-sustainable terrain, feed a cellar set in an old farmhouse dating to the late 19th century. During your visit, stroll among the vines, peek into fermentation rooms, and enjoy a tasting of their expressive reds and whites paired with local snacks. Every bottle wears the name of a fabric, a nod to the Beatrice family’s heritage and artistic vision.

Journey into Valpolicella heritage

Just 25 minutes from Verona, Farina Wines sits in the heart of Valpolicella Classica, surrounded by rolling vineyards and olive groves. With over a century of winemaking tradition, the Farina family perfectly balances innovation with respect for the land. Visitors can stroll through the vine-covered hills, explore the historic fruttaio where grapes dry for Amarone, and end with a tasting of their most iconic wines in a warm, elegant cellar.

Savor quiet vineyards near Verona

About 11 miles from Verona, roughly a 25-minute drive, La Giuva is a serene estate tucked into the rolling hills of the Valpolicella zone. Its vineyards slope gently, and the cellar welcomes guests for guided tastings of refined Valpolicella classics like Ripasso and Amarone. Meander the vine rows, learn the art of appassimento in their aging rooms, then enjoy a glass on the terrace while soaking in the calm countryside. It’s a taste of Veneto that feels far from the crowds.

Visit the fairytale town of Sirmione on Lake Garda

For a peaceful escape from Verona, head to Sirmione, a stunning peninsula town on Lake Garda, just 26 miles away. Walk through its medieval gates, climb the towers of Rocca Scaligera for sweeping lake views, and explore the ancient Roman ruins of Grotte di Catullo. After sightseeing, unwind at a lakeside café or enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear water. Between its history, atmosphere, and easy-going rhythm, Sirmione is the perfect day trip to balance Verona’s lively energy with lakeside serenity.

Stroll through the canals of Venice

Combine your trip to Verona with a classic day trip to Venice, just over an hour away by train. Wander through its maze of canals, glide beneath romantic bridges on a gondola, and marvel at the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica. Between floating palaces and hidden bacari (wine bars), you’ll find endless things to do in Venice, from people-watching in Piazza San Marco to discovering quiet corners where time seems to pause. And if you love good wine, make time for an unforgettable wine tasting in Venice, the perfect way to toast a day spent exploring one of the world’s most magical cities.

Good to know before visiting Verona