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Things to Do in Verona, Italy
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Verona, Italy
Things to do in Verona, Italy include exploring the ancient Arena di Verona, a Roman amphitheater hosting operas just 150 meters from Piazza Bra. Visit Juliet's House to see the legendary balcony. Stroll through Piazza delle Erbe for lively markets and charming cafés, or explore the medieval Castelvecchio museum on the Adige River.
1. Arena di Verona
Iconic Roman arena where history and opera unite. Experience the wonder of timeless performances in a beautiful open-air venue.
Quick facts: Step into an outdoor amphitheater seating over 15,000 people, resonating with the echoes of ancient Roman crowds. Its flawlessly maintained elliptical shape hosts some of the grandest opera performances under the Italian night sky.
Highlights: Enjoy incredible acoustics where even soft whispers on stage can be heard from the highest seats. Every summer, a famous opera festival fills the venue with passion, turning the stone tiers into a lively gathering of culture and music enthusiasts.
2. Piazza delle Erbe
Enter a bustling marketplace with centuries of tradition. Enjoy the rich colors, aromas, and sounds of a local food and craft center.
Quick facts: This bustling square has been a market hub for more than 2,000 years since Roman times. Around the vibrant marketplace stand a dozen historic buildings in various architectural styles, including a beautiful Baroque fountain topped by Madonna Verona.
Highlights: At the center is a fresh food market full of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and local specialties, alive with vendors' lively chatter and fragrant herbs. Beneath your feet lies an ancient Roman mosaic floor telling stories from centuries past, blending daily life with rich history.
3. Piazza Bra
Immerse yourself in vibrant culture in a spacious lively square. Explore historic ruins, lively cafes, and breathtaking views at sunset.
Quick facts: You can wander through the largest square in Verona, covering over 25,000 square meters. The area buzzes with energy from cafes, street performers, and open-air markets that operate throughout the year.
Highlights: At the center rises the Arena, a Roman amphitheater where operas echo under a star-filled sky. The square is adorned with orange trees and elegant palaces that change color as the sun sets, casting a magical evening glow.
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4. Castelvecchio
A cultural fortress by the river where history comes alive. Discover medieval artworks and unique riverside scenery all in one place.
Quick facts: A striking red brick fortress stretches along the Adige river, once a defensive stronghold and now a lively art museum. Inside, vast halls hold masterpieces including paintings by Pisanello and local medieval sculptures.
Highlights: Walk across the castle's broad stone bridge for sweeping river views that sparkle at sunset. An ancient well lies hidden beneath the courtyard, adding a touch of mystery. Inside, the collection includes the famous 'Madonna and Child' sculpture carved from a single marble block by a 14th-century artist.
5. Giardino Giusti
Explore charming paths and panoramic city views. Visit a thriving Renaissance garden full of history and the bright colors of nature.
Quick facts: The garden includes a maze of hedge paths with towering cypress trees that test visitors' sense of direction. Its panoramic terrace offers one of the finest views over Verona's red rooftops and the distant hills beyond.
Highlights: A 16th-century frescoed rotunda hidden among colorful flowerbeds offers a breathtaking surprise, like stepping into a Renaissance painting. Vibrant peacocks roam freely, adding bursts of color and unexpected wildlife charm to the formal gardens.
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Traditional Sweet Dishes
Pandoro
Pandoro is a star-shaped sweet bread from Verona, traditionally enjoyed at Christmas, known for its light, fluffy texture and dusting of vanilla-scented powdered sugar that resembles snowy peaks.
Torta Russa
Torta Russa is a beloved Veronese cake made with almonds, pine nuts, and candied fruits, symbolizing the fusion of local tradition and exotic influences brought by ancient trade routes.
Zaeti
Zaeti are traditional yellow cornmeal cookies studded with raisins, reflecting Verona's agricultural heritage and often enjoyed with a glass of sweet wine.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Risotto all'Amarone
Risotto all'Amarone showcases Verona's famous Amarone wine, imparting deep flavor and a rich, velvety texture to this iconic rice dish.
Pastissada de Caval
Pastissada de Caval is a historic horse meat stew from Verona, slow-cooked with red wine and aromatic herbs, treasured for its robust and hearty taste.
Gnocchi di Malga
Gnocchi di Malga are potato dumplings typical of the Verona mountains, often served with local cheese and speck, representing rustic alpine flavors.
Traditional Beverages
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella is a prestigious red wine from the Verona region, made from partially dried grapes, known for its rich, full-bodied character and aging potential.
Recioto della Valpolicella
Recioto della Valpolicella is a sweet red wine made from dried grapes, prized for its luscious, fruity sweetness and historic roots in Verona's winemaking tradition.
Opera
Opera is a traditional hot drink from Verona, often served during festivities, made with coffee, chocolate, and a touch of spirits for warming flavor.
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Getting there
Train stations
Milan-Venice, Verona-Brenner
From Verona Airport, take the shuttle bus to the city center; the train station is central and well connected.
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Comments (10)
Honestly, Verona felt a bit touristy but that Piazza Bra at night has a magical vibe. Early morning is the best time to wander to avoid crowds.
Buy tickets for Romeo and Juliet's balcony and Arena shows online. They sell out fast and prices go up at the door.
Try taking the bus from the train station to the old town during rush hours, it's quicker than walking and saves your energy.
Skip the guided tours at Juliet's House. Just peek inside quickly if you're curious and then explore nearby for cheaper souvenirs.
Verona is charming but can get crowded in summer. Loved the local wines and cozy vibe in smaller cafes. Worth 3 days for sure.