Things to See in Verona: The 21 Best Attractions and Activities

A Veneto city known worldwide for the great love between Romeo and Juliet and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Verona is not only a romantic and fascinating place but also offers many historical and cultural attractions, foremost the Arena, famous for its concerts and operas.
It is an ideal destination to discover in a weekend. Here are the places to visit and explore, including squares, churches, palaces, and bridges that cross the Adige.

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An icon and symbol of Verona, the Arena is an ancient Roman amphitheater in elliptical shape built in the 1st century AD with the characteristic pink and red stones of Valpolicella.
It can host up to 20,000 spectators and while once gladiator battles and fierce animal fights were held here, today it is used for events and concerts.
Perhaps not everyone knows that the Arena, like the Colosseum in Rome, was used for entertaining performances that took place in the center of the amphitheater in the area called harena due to the presence of sand, which served to absorb the blood of men and animals.
Such bloody spectacles, highly favored by the Romans, are recounted in the verses of Pliny the Younger.

Every summer, the Arena hosts the Opera Festival. The best way to admire the beauty of this Roman theater is to attend an opera evening during this world-renowned event.

Plan your visit and avoid the lines: if you want to visit the Arena from the inside (consider that it is not the Colosseum!) without attending a show, do so through a guided tour with priority access, to avoid being stuck in line for too long. Alternatively, you can consider purchasing the VeronaCard, which includes free transportation and entry to various museums and attractions such as Juliet's House, Torre dei Lamberti, and the Arena itself.

Located inside a medieval palace in the historic center of Verona, just a few meters from Piazza Erbe, you will find what has been designated as the birthplace of Juliet Capulet.
On the outer walls, you can notice hundreds of love letters and notes left by lovers from all over the world, and inside the courtyard you can admire the balcony where, as legend has it, the beloved leaned out.

Inside, there is a collection of engravings (donated to the house by Giovanni Rana), medieval household items in ceramics, and the famous bed of Juliet created for Franco Zeffirelli's film (1968) along with two costumes that even earned an Oscar, in addition to a 2.0 room from which you can send an email to Juliet. There is also a bronze statue depicting her: before you leave, remember to touch her left breast, it is said to bring good luck, especially in love.

Discover the city and the story of Romeo and Juliet with a themed tour: explore the romanticism and theatrical character of the city accompanied by a friendly local guide. Follow in the footsteps of Romeo and Juliet and uncover the truth and anecdotes about their story and iconic places in the guided walking tour on Romeo and Juliet.

Towering close to Piazza Erbe, the Torre dei Lamberti stands at 84 meters high overlooking the historic center of Verona and offering a stunning panoramic view. It is possible to reach the panoramic terraces via a comfortable panoramic elevator or by climbing a steep 368 steps.

By day, this tower is a historic monument that is visited and appreciated, while by night it transforms into a magical and romantic location that hosts exclusive events. From the bell chamber, there is an unparalleled view stretching from the city center to the surrounding mountains and even Lake Garda.

Inside the tower, there are two bells that, by tolling the hours, regulated the rhythms of city life: the Rengo and the Marangona. The Rengo was the largest bell and was used to summon people during the most important moments of civic life or to warn in case of danger and attack. The Marangona, on the other hand, was used to mark the working hours of craftsmen and merchants in the city center, as well as to raise the alarm in case of fire.

In the courtyard of the Church of Santa Maria Antica, the Arche Scaligere rise, a funerary complex that houses the tombs of the most important members of the Della Scala family. For their monumentality and lavishness, those of Mastino II, Cansignorio, and Cangrande I stand out, to whom Dante dedicated the Paradise of his Comedy. An imposing iron gate protects the monument, but from June to September, it is possible to visit the interior.

The Arche Scaligere are one of the most unique monuments in Verona and perhaps not everyone knows that a part of the wrought iron gate, which bears the family's symbol, is movable. This is the original part because the more recently made ones are fixed: try to move them!

Also known as Piazza Dante, for the presence of a statue depicting the supreme poet, this place in the historic center of Verona is located near Piazza Erbe.

On the sides, there are several historic palaces such as Palazzo della Regione, Palazzo di Cansignorio, Palazzo Podestà, the Loggia del Consiglio, and the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria Antica. During the Christmas period, a large illuminated tree and several typical stalls are set up in this square.

The square is within walking distance from any point in the center, being adjacent to Piazza Erbe; it is also connected to the station by bus 110 (Get directions).

Visit time: 30 min

The oldest square in Verona, which stands over the area of the Roman Forum, is Piazza Erbe, also considered one of the most loved in the world. In Roman times, it was the center of the city's political and economic life, and over time the Roman buildings have been replaced by medieval ones.

On the northern side are the Town Hall, the Torre dei Lamberti, the House of Judges, and those of Mazzanti; on the western side, there is Palazzo Maffei adorned with several statues; the northwestern side rests on the Capitol while on the southern side is the House of Merchants. Today it is the hub of Verona's nightlife due to the presence of places to enjoy aperitifs, bars, and eateries.

Piazza delle Erbe is located in the heart of Verona, reachable on foot in a few minutes from any central area (Get directions).

Visit time: 30 min

Considered the ultimate shopping street, Via Mazzini is an important pedestrian path linking the two most important squares: Piazza Bra and Piazza Erbe. Established in the 1300s, the first part of the street has several points of interest from Roman times, while the second part opened after the demolition of some medieval buildings.

Between prestigious shops, you can also see the Church of San Tommaso Apostolo, the Loggia Arvedi, and the Civic Library (Get directions).

Visit time: 30 min

Shopping among historical treasures: if you want to see something you would never expect, enter the Benetton store on Via Mazzini and go down to the basement, where you can admire some remains from Roman times!

The largest square in Verona is what its citizens call "La Bra," located in the historic center and adorned with monuments and palaces such as the Gran Guardia which hosts conferences and exhibitions, Palazzo Barbieri, home to the Municipality and the Maffeiano Lapidary Museum.

At the center is the Arena, surrounded by cafes and restaurants that bring it to life at all hours of the day and night. Treat yourself to a good coffee while sitting and admiring the bustling activity of people and tourists. Interestingly, the name "Bra" comes from a corruption of the term "braida," which in turn derives from the Lombard word breit, meaning "wide".

The square is reachable on foot from any point in the center in just a few minutes; it is also connected to the station by buses 11, 12, 13, 51, and 52 (Get directions).

Visit time: 30 min

Events and celebrations: In this square during the weekend of Santa Lucia (December 13), characteristic stalls are set up, while throughout the Christmas period you can admire the beautiful comet standing 70 meters tall that lights up every evening.

Known in antiquity as Porta Iovia for the presence of the nearby temple dedicated to Jupiter, it was once the main access to the city dating back to the 1st century AD, located along the Postumia Way, the main connection between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Adriatic Sea. Today, it is one of the access points to the central area leading to Corso Cavour.

Its representative function is emphasized by the presence of ornaments and the façade in white stone with two arches and a lintel with an inscription ordered by Emperor Gallienus. The current name refers to the Borsari, or the soldiers who in medieval times controlled the city entrances and collected ecclesiastical dues.

You can reach Porta Borsari on foot from anywhere in the center or by buses 24, 32, 93, and 94, all of which make stops in the area (Get directions).

Visit time: 15 min

Built in the 1300s as a military fortress and later converted, in the 14th century, into a residence for the Scaliger family, the Castelvecchio complex is divided into two parts. One houses the main courtyard and parade ground, while the other is the palace where the lords resided. Today, Castelvecchio is home to the Civic Museum exhibiting collections of medieval, Renaissance, and modern art.

Don't miss the bridge that crosses the Adige, which is always open, reconstructed in the 1950s with the original stones and bricks taken from the riverbed. Stroll along the path, stopping to take magnificent photographs, especially at sunset. Castelvecchio is one of the most beautiful medieval castles in Italy, thanks also to the view that you can enjoy from its external walkways.

In a small and austere square in the medieval part of the city lies the Cathedral of Verona, or Duomo, a beautiful and precious church built on the remains of an earlier Paleochristian basilica. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is part of an architectural complex that also includes the Bishop's Palace, the Canons' Cloister, the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Fonte, the Capitular Library, and the Church of San Elena.

The basilica, built in the 12th century and later restored, has a façade that combines Romanesque style, observed in the tufo masonry, and Gothic style. Once inside the cathedral, you can admire the famous altarpiece with the Assumption by Titian located on the altar, while on the counter facade, to the left of the entrance, is the Nichesola Monument, a fine work by Iacopo Sansovino.

To the left of the church, a narrow street leads to the Romanesque church of St. Elena, where Dante read his treatise "Quaestio de aqua et terra". The complex also includes a bell tower, open to the public only by reservation, and you can reach the top via steep stairs.

Save with the four churches route: there is a combined ticket available for €8.00 that includes the Cathedral Complex, the Church of San Fermo, the Basilica of Santa Anastasia, and the Basilica of San Zeno. If you are interested in visiting all four churches, we recommend purchasing it at the ticket office.

Dating back to the 1st century BC, the Ponte Pietra is the oldest Roman monument in Verona and is also one of the most picturesque places in the city. It once connected the route of the Postumia Way with the opposite hill and was built as a humpback bridge, with asymmetric arches that allow better outflow of water at this point where the river forms a wide bend.

Composed of five arches, the two built of white stone are original from the Roman period, while the central and the next ones, made of bricks, were reconstructed in 1520. The last one was rebuilt in medieval times by Alberto I della Scala in 1298 when the bridge was also fitted with a defensive tower.

Today it is the crossing that leads from the city center to the area of the Roman Theater. It is reachable on foot from the center or by buses 90, 91, 92, 52, 96, 97, 98 (Get directions).

Visit time: 15 min

Housed within Palazzo Pompei, a Renaissance masterpiece by the Veronese architect Michele Sammicheli, the Civic Museum of Natural History collects around 3 million specimens and is one of the most prestigious in Europe, founded in 1861.

Inside the 16 rooms, only a part of the material is exhibited for educational purposes, aimed at students and scholars of natural history. The exhibition sections are divided into botany, geology and paleontology, prehistory, and zoology.

In addition to the mysterious basilisk or fossil fish from Bolca, you can admire the exotic collar parakeets, habitual inhabitants of the city of Verona, or discover the rituals and beliefs of our oldest ancestors.
Interesting are the days organized for children, accompanied by their families during which free workshops, interactive visits, and games are arranged.

Inside the former convent of the Franciscan Sisters, the Fresco Museum preserves precious frescoes painted between the 10th and the 16th centuries, taken from the facades of religious and private buildings in the city of Verona.

In the underground crypt of the museum, you can also see the red marble sarcophagus that once held the remains of Juliet Capulet. Outside, on the other hand, inscriptions and sculptural elements are displayed.

Founded in the first half of the 18th century by Scipione Maffei, the Maffeiano Museum is one of the oldest public museum institutions in Europe. It was originally set up in a wing of the neoclassical complex of the Philharmonic Academy to which it is still linked, but in 1982 it was redesigned in a more modern way.

The epigraphic material and reliefs are divided chronologically in the courtyard, providing access to the foyer of the Philharmonic Theater. The museum and especially its courtyard with some milestone columns and the Pronaos with pillars and funerary monuments are suggestive places where you can let yourself be carried away by a tour guide who will illustrate in detail the various thematic rooms (Greek, Etruscan) containing statues and objects.

An important place of Catholic worship a bit outside the historic center is the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, a Romanesque-Lombard masterpiece. Dedicated to the eighth bishop of Verona, Saint Zeno, of African origins attributed with various miracles, it has a Latin cross shape with three naves, and the most valuable works, such as the splendid Triptych by Mantegna depicting the Madonna on the throne, and the large marble statue of Saint Zeno are found in the main apse.

While observing the façade, you will admire a large rose window, called the "Wheel of Fortune", a work by Brioloto dating back to the 13th century, and the Romanesque portal, adorned with two wooden doors, each decorated with twenty-four bronze panels. Don't miss the large cloister, very bright and rich with paired columns and capitals that seem to enclose the lawn.

The Giusti Garden is the only Italian garden in Verona dating back to the 16th century; it is a true green oasis with flowers, Roman relics, avenues, fountains, hedge mazes, and acoustic caves offering a splendid view over the city.

Divided into various zones, the most noteworthy are the western and eastern zones. In the first, there are four quadrangular flower beds bordered by a tree-lined avenue; in one, there is a basin with a fountain sculpted dolphins; in another there is a pagan statue depicting Minerva; in another one, the statue of Apollo, while in the fourth bed, there is a relevant statue.

In the eastern part, there are only two squares, one with four triangular flower beds featuring a small red marble fountain of Verona; the other is known for its hedge maze. The Giusti Garden has been celebrated by illustrious figures including Goethe, Emperor Joseph II, Cosimo III de'Medici, Mozart, and Tsar Alexander. Inside the garden, there is also a private palace that is opened on special occasions or rented for events and parties.

Event calendar: if you want to have a different experience while admiring the garden, join one of the many events scheduled, including dance shows, concerts, and narrated walks. More info on the official website.

In a small square in the city center stands one of the largest churches in Verona, Santa Anastasia.
Of medieval origins and considered a Gothic monument of significant importance, this basilica houses very important works of art such as the fresco "Saint George and the Princess" by Antonio Pisano located in the Pellegrini Chapel. Also worth admiring is the magnificent portal and the interior with two solemn altars.

During the Scaliger period, it was the favorite place of worship among the powerful families of the lordship, embellished with noble chapels decorated by the leading artists of the time. An interesting fact: Saint Anastasia, to whom the church was dedicated, was a virgin martyred during the persecutions of Diocletian around 304 AD.
When, in the 13th century, the basilica was reconstructed, it was dedicated to St. Peter, the first Dominican martyr, but continues to carry the original name.

Sacred music concerts: this church is characterized by excellent acoustics, hence it often hosts sacred music concerts. You can find more info on the concerts scheduled on this website.

Built in the 1st century BC, at the foot of Colle San Pietro, on the left bank of the Adige, it is one of the best-preserved open-air theaters in Northern Italy, as it belongs to the exhibition route of the city's archaeological museum. Revealed only in the 1800s, today the cavea and the seating, many archways of galleries and important remains of the stage remain.

However, the recovered structure does not express the original grandeur of the construction; once the theater, seen from the front, presented itself as a closed building, without a roof, separated from the river by a large wall of the same height as the seating where the spectators sat. The seating, then, ended with two superimposed galleries from which access was granted to three successive terraces more than 120 meters long, which opened above the theater.

Verona Theater Summer: the old Roman Theater is still used as a theatrical space, hosting the Verona Theater Summer since 1948. If you visit the city in summer, check the festival program and enjoy at least one show in this wonderful historical setting.

Sunset stroll: We recommend visiting the bridge at dusk when the lights begin to illuminate and create a truly romantic atmosphere. While walking, look around, you will catch a glimpse of the Church of Santo Stefano and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, while once past the tower and reaching "Via Ponte Pietra," admire the original illuminations and choose one of the typical taverns for your dinner.

On Belvedere Hill in Verona, in a position overlooking the city, stands a very evocative sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes.

Built in 1908 and inaugurated in 1909 thanks to a miracle reputed to have been performed by the Immaculate Madonna, this place has seen various events caused by wars and rebirths. Today, those who come here can find a place of peace and serenity for prayer or simply contemplate the view.

Finally, we cannot conclude this list of things to see in Verona without mentioning its most beautiful and beloved viewpoint: the marvelous Castel San Pietro. The panoramic terrace can be reached either on foot, by taking the Castel S. Pietro Steps, or by the convenient and scenic funicular.

Once you arrive at the top, you will have Verona at your feet. Castel San Pietro is an ancient Romanesque fortress that over time underwent several transformations and changes of use. The last modification was made by the Austrians in the late 1800s, who turned it into a military barracks. Of course, the best time to climb here is at sunset, when you will witness a unique spectacle!

The itinerary we propose includes unmissable stops, excluding museums and attractions that would take too long! Here's how to organize your day:

Three days is more than enough time to appreciate the main beauties of the city and be dazzled by the timeless charm of Verona.

Verona can be visited all year round: in summer for the offer of festivals and concerts, during Christmas for stalls and nativity scenes, and in the other months of the year to enjoy the many attractions. It is easily reached by trains arriving at the Porta Nuova Station, by car exiting at the "Verona Fiera" toll booth or by planes landing at the Valerio Catullo Airport located 10 km from the center; and it is easily navigable on foot or by urban buses ATV (€1.30 the ticket, €11.70 for a carnet of 10 rides).

The best area to stay is the historic center, near Piazza Erbe, which is also the area where the city's nightlife is concentrated. For nightlife lovers, it should be noted that nightclubs are almost absent; the few nightclubs are mostly located around Lake Garda, opening during the pleasant season.

If you are traveling with children, the Verona Tourist Office often organizes themed visits suitable for younger ones, interactive workshops at the Natural History Museum, and treasure hunts around the city.