Verona is a hidden gem and somewhat goes under the radar compared to other Italian cities. But Verona offers a truly authentic taste of Italy that you may not get elsewhere.
Read on to discover some of the best things to do in Verona.
10 Best Things To Do In Verona
1. Visit The Verona Arena
The Verona Arena dates back to around 30AD. Built by the Romans, the amphitheater would host various shows and games and had a capacity of 30,000.
Today, the arena is famous for its unique opera shows that take place during the summer months. The arena will also host the closing ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
If you aren’t visiting for a concert, then you can take a tour of the arena for just €10, where you can take in the spectacular Roman architecture and get some amazing pictures.
Please note: Arena tours aren’t available when concerts or events are on
2. Juliet’s Balcony
Verona was the setting for William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and whilst the play wasn’t based on real people, and this specific house had nothing to do with the play, a specific balcony in Verona has been dubbed ‘Juliet’s Balcony’.
The ‘Casa di Giulietta’, as it’s now known, attracts thousands of visitors per day as people flock to get a photo of the ‘famous balcony’.
Be warned, the courtyard below the balcony can get extremely busy at times, so we would recommend visiting as early as possible to avoid the crowds.
Access to the courtyard (where you can see the balcony) is free, but there is a small charge for the attached museum.
3. Castelvecchio Museum
Castelvecchio dates back to the 1300s and was one of the most important castles for the Scaliger dynasty when they ruled the city in the Middle Ages.
Inside the museum, you will find magnificent sculptures and paintings from the above era. Entry costs a reasonable €6.
The castle also has its own stone bridge which crosses the river Adige which you can also walk across. It almost feels like you are walking on castle walls when crossing the bridge, and it offers stunning views of Verona from both sides.
The castle is roughly a 5-minute walk from central Verona, so it’s easily accessible and somewhere we would definitely recommend visiting.
4. Verona Cathedral (Catedral de Verona)
The Verona Cathedral was built all the way back in 1187, which makes visiting the cathedral a must. There have been multiple renovation works since, but only to conserve the building.
The cathedral is situated in central Verona and costs €4 to enter.
5. Castel San Pietro
Castel San Pietro is a hilltop fortress that offers stunning panoramic views of Verona. It’s situated a 25-minute walk from central Verona, and there’s a funicular railway that costs €1 return to get you to the top. We’d say this is one of the best things to do in Verona, and a must if you have a full day in the city.
6. Explore Verona’s Restaurants
As we all know, Italian food is world-famous, and in terms of offering world-class authentic food, Verona is no different from other cities in Italy.
You will find plenty of authentic Italian restaurants in central Verona, where you can sample pizzas, pasta, and potato gnocchi – which the locals of Verona love.
@pernillemyrvang All we ate in Verona, Italy, as vegetarians🍝 #fyp #whatieatinaday #italy #foodtok ♬ Che La Luna – Louis Prima
7. Enjoy An Ice Cream Whilst Window Shopping
The stroll from the Arena di Verona and Juliet’s Balcony is a pleasant one. We’d recommend heading down Via Giuseppe Mazzini, a pedestrianised road lined with shops, like Gucci and Saint Lauren, and small cafes and eateries.
There are also some great gelato shops down here, so we would urge anyone to get an ice cream and enjoy the stroll down a lively city street.
8. Giusti Gardens
Palazzo Giusti, or Giusti Gardens, are Italian Renaissance gardens situated just outside of central Verona (roughly a 20-minute walk).
The garden dates all the way back to 1580, as well as some structures that were added in the 17th century.
9. Piazza Delle Erbe
The Piazza Delle Erbe is a square in central Verona, with shops, bars, and restaurants. The square dates back to the 1300s and is lined with historical buildings and ancient statues.
There is also a market which is open from Monday – Saturday.
10. Scaliger Tombs
The Scaliger family ruled Verona (as well as the surrounding area) from the 13th century to the 14th century. The tombs house 5 of the Scaliger family, and they are all impressive Gothic monuments.
The monuments are all enclosed behind wrought iron, but you can enter for a reasonable €1 to take a closer look.
