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.

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.

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.

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.

Near Piazza dei Signori, exploring the old Palazzo della Ragione 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.

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.

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 Sant’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 Maggiore 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.

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?

Discover the treasures of the Valpolicella Valley

Just a short drive from Verona, the Valpolicella valley is a top destination for wine lovers. Famous for its Amarone della Valpolicella, crafted using the traditional appassimento method, Valpolicella offers rich, elegant reds with intense character.

Visitors can explore family-run wineries, enjoy guided tastings, and learn the secrets behind Amarone, Ripasso, and Valpolicella Classico. Between rolling hills, charming villages, and exceptional wines, the Valpolicella Valley delivers an unforgettable oenotourism experience just outside Verona.

Recharge at Lake Garda

Less than an hour from Verona, Lake Garda is the perfect escape for relaxation, nature, and Italian charm. Wander through picturesque towns like Lazise, Garda, and Bardolino, stroll along the waterfront, or take a scenic boat ride. Don’t miss the chance to savor local specialties paired with a glass of Valpolicella or Lugana. Ideal for a day trip from Verona, Lake Garda offers stunning views, medieval streets, and peaceful moments to recharge.

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