The 14 things to do in Verona

Visit Verona: what are the best things to do and see in the Italian music city?

Ah Italy, its dolce vita , its romantic, almost bucolic landscapes, its rich heritage and history. Come on. Milan , Como and Venice is another little gem, a jewel in a jewel called Verona, the famous city put forward by Shakespeare in his famous play Romeo and Juliet . For architecture enthusiasts, Verona is the northern city of the Italy It is absolutely necessary to visit: its arenas, its Roman amphitheatre are all a symbol. Located in the heart of a sublime region, Verona offers many activities to tourists as well as pepits to discover at every corner of its streets. In addition, Lake Garda is nearby. So, ready? Andiamo!

1. Juliette's house (Casa di Giulietta)

How to stay in Verona without seeing Juliette's famous balcony? This house was built in the 12th century and belonged to the Dal Cappello family (from which the connection with a certain Capulet family). This balcony is a real tourist attraction: all lovers rush to it and the walls are loaded with soft tickets to leave an impression of its passage. Access to the court is free but the visit to the house is paid. Note that you can touch Juliette’s statue in the courtyard, including her left breast (whose color has changed so much it has been polished by the millions of tourists) because it would be a sign of fertility and eternal love. A real romantic place to steal a kiss to your half, right?

2. The streets of Verona

Verona is also the discovery of the city through its streets and alleys, its central place, its old houses, its designer boutiques, its market. It is by walking and losing you in all these alleys, between shade and sun, that you will imitate the atmosphere of what is surely one of the most enchanting cities of Italy.

3. Le Duomo (Cathédrale Santa Maria Matricolare)

The Duomo de Verona is located in the historic centre of the city, near other attractions such as the Maison de Juliette or the Tour Lamberti. Its facade is beautiful and it is possible to visit its interior for 2.50 euros. A recommended discovery for art lovers and to see Verona in a different aspect.

4. The Piazza delle Erbe

This central square already existed the Roman period, making it the oldest place of Verona: a square square square square where there was a forum and which is today a place of relaxation, a meeting place for all the inhabitants and tourists. North of the square you can discover the Tower Lamberti, the oldest building in Verona, while in the center of the square you will be able to admire the majestic lion of Saint Mark ( Colonna di San Marco ). Whether you’re from day to night, there’s always agitation and animation on piazza delle Erbe . Not far from this square is the old Jewish quarter.

5. The cloister of the church San Zeno Maggiore (Basilique San Zeno)

If there was a place to rest, where one could sit a few hours away from the noise and fury of the city centre, if there was to be a peaceful place in Verona to choose, it would be the cloister of the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore. Most tourists don't know this place.

6. The Scaliger Bridge (Ponte Scaligero)

Even if a bridge does not seem a priori to a cultural place or a place to be discovered, the Scaligero Bridge is not like the others: it is a true work of art, a full-fledged historical monument that is now part of UNESCO’s world heritage. This bridge, which spans the Adige, built in the continuity of Castelvecchio Castle, is designed with the same red and ochre bricks, it is composed of crenates and guard posts. A fortified bridge as there is little in the world.

7. La Porta Borsari

It is one of the oldest gates of the city of Verona, it is said that it dates from the time of ancient Rome. Always in perfect condition, it is now one of the main accesses to the historic centre of the city.

8. Place Bra (Piazza Bra)

This place is in the heart of Verona and it is surely the largest square in the city. Here you will find restaurants, a small garden to rest and enjoy the air of time, but also a small Colosseum (Arena di Verona) to attend events of ancient battles. Not far from this square are beautiful luxury boutiques.

9. The Castelvecchio

This fortress of the 14th century is superbly preserved: you reach it by the Scaligero Bridge which crosses the Verona River, namely the Adige. The castle is located on the banks of the river and it is beautiful to observe its reflections on the clear waters of the river. By entering an imposing door, you enter a beautiful garden with small ponds. It should be noted that Castelvecchio is also a museum on the history of the city and the surrounding region.

The Castelvecchio houses the Municipal Museum . While with its exterior appearance, one would feel like discovering a small museum, it is enough to enter to admire many works. In the same place there are masterpieces of Veronese, Bellini, Pisanello and Tiepolo. The paintings but also the sculptures are all very well highlighted. To discover also the Hall of Arms and Armours of the Commune which retraces the history of these equipments. Today symbol of the city, you will also find the equestrian statue of Cangrande I ( Cangrande della Scala ), a politician who brought wealth and power to Verona. The author of the “Divine Comédie”, Dante Alighieri, dedicated the part to him Paradise .

10. The Roman amphitheatre

Verona's arenas are known worldwide to host many musical scenes throughout the year. These are very well preserved: it is said that the amphitheatre was built in 30 of our era and that it could then accommodate nearly 30,000 people. Today, it is also the venue for the Verona Festival, with many theatre performances thanks to a wonderful acoustic.

11. La Tour des Lamberti (Torre dei Lamberti)

The imposing Lamberti Tower with its 84 meters high stands from Piazza delle Erbe, it dominates all Verona. You will be able to visit the tower of the bell and have an incredible view of the city but also its surroundings. To be done in the late morning or late afternoon. Verona is a small town surrounded by the mountains and crossed by the river Adige, and it seems, from this height, that time has stopped within it. Possibility of climbing the steps for the bravest or taking the lift for the sum of 8 euros.

12. The Giardino Giusti

On the other side of the historic centre, these sculpted gardens, considered as a masterpiece of the landscape design of the Renaissance, are truly worth a visit. Named after the noble family who has taken care of it since their opening to the public in 1591, they have lost nothing of their charm. The vegetation is maintained in Italian and is natural, honored by beautiful cypresses, whose German poet Goethe has immortalized these in his travel writings.

13. The Church of Sant’Anastasia

Dating from the 13th to the 15th century, the Gothic church of Sant’Anastasia is the largest church in Verona and a showcase for local art. The multitude of frescoes is impressive; do not miss the fresco of Saint Georges and the Princess , from Pisanello or the blessed sculpted by Gabriele Caliari at the end of the 15th century.

14. A day at Lake Garda

If there is one thing to do in Verona, or in any case in its surroundings, it is visit Lake Garda . You can swim there, cruise, visit the villages around, cycling, hiking... In short, a real seaside resort at the foot of the Italian Alps!

How do I get to Verona?

Car, bus, carpooling, plane, train... Verona is accessible by all means of transport. The Verona Porta Nuova train station is located in the heart of the city. Halfway between Milan and Venice, Verona is easily reachable by the road, but also by the air with its international airport coupled to that of Brescia, nearby. Everything is therefore made to discover this beautiful city in a weekend or a few days. Search the cheapest flights to Verona from France on the Compare flights Ulysses .

Where to sleep in Verona?

Charming and romantic, Verona is the second city in the Veneto region for tourism, both Italian and international. The city and its region hosts a large number of tourists each year. Thus, Verona offers an ideal accommodation with many charming hotels, B✱B, and inns. You just need to choose the right neighborhood where to stay according to your personal needs and portfolio. To find a cheap hotel in Verona, search our website Compare hotels .

Have you visited Verona?