Verona is not only art and history but also good food and wine; we recommend you stop at its restaurants and trattorias to taste typical dishes such as Risotto all'Amarone or "pastissada de caval".
Once you reach the historic centre of Verona, our advice is to go to the Arena di Verona, the symbol of the city. You will find yourself in Piazza Bra, one of the largest squares in Italy, surrounded by elegant palaces, cafés and restaurants. It is a good starting point to orient yourself and decide on your itinerary. From here, for example, you can walk to Via Mazzini, the shopping street, which leads you to Piazza delle Erbe, the beating heart of medieval Verona. Here, among stalls, historic buildings and ancient towers, you breathe in the lively atmosphere of the city.
Things to see in Verona
Here is a very short list of the main points of interest to visit in Verona.
- Arena of Verona.
- Piazza Bra, Via Mazzini and Piazza delle Erbe.
- Maffei Palace.
- Lamberti Tower.
- Juliet's House.
- Roman Theatre and Archaeological Museum.
- San Pietro Castle.
- Verona Cathedral.
- Castelvecchio and Ponte Scaligero.
Things to see in Verona? A stroll through the historic centre
There are many places in Verona, all famous and all worth seeing, besides the Arena. In Piazza delle Erbe you will find Palazzo Maffei and the Lamberti Tower from where you can enjoy a 360 degree view of the city: from up there, the red roofs, squares and surrounding hills appear in all their beauty. Not far away is Juliet's House, with its famous balcony inspired by Shakespeare's tragedy; although often crowded, it is worth stopping to observe the inner courtyard and the wall covered with love messages.
Another point of interest is the Verona Cathedral, with its mix of architectural styles and richly decorated interior. If you have time, you should also explore the Roman Theatre and the Archaeological Museum, located in the hillside area of Castel San Pietro. You can walk up or use the funicular to reach the hill, where some of the most beautiful panoramic views of Verona await you.
If you love history and art, you can visit Castelvecchio, a 14th-century fortress that today houses a museum with medieval, Renaissance and modern works of art. Crossing the nearby Ponte Scaligero, a fortified bridge overlooking the Adige River, you can take evocative photographs, especially at sunset. The river, which gently curves through the city, accompanies you on other scenic routes, also ideal for a relaxing stroll.
Verona has so much more to show you; surely the best way to visit it is to do so with a guide. Below are a few more useful tips.
Things to see with the Verona Card
If you are planning a visit to Verona, the Verona Card can be a useful tool for exploring the city in a practical and convenient way. It is a tourist card that allows you free or discounted access to many of the main attractions, as well as free use of public transport in the city.
With the Verona Card you can enter iconic sites such as the Arena of Verona, Juliet's House, the Lamberti Tower and the Roman Theatre at no extra cost. In addition, you also have access to civic museums and historic churches, including the Castelvecchio Museum and the Duomo. Thanks to the card, you can often avoid queues at ticket offices, saving valuable time during your visit.
The Verona Card gives you broad access to the city's artistic and cultural heritage without having to buy individual tickets; it is a great tool if you want to optimise the time and cost of your visit to Verona.
- The card is available in two versions: 24-hour or 48-hour, depending on the length of your stay. Activation occurs on first use, so you can plan your itinerary flexibly. If you want to get around the city easily, the included public transport is an additional advantage.
- With the Verona Card you have prority entrance to the Arena.
- This experience is offered and sold by a commercial partner of VivoVenetia.
- Click on the button below and book your Verona Card online.
What to see in Verona: Arena with priority entrance
When you arrive in front of the Arena di Verona, you are immediately struck by its grandeur. Built in the 1st century AD, it is one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. You only have to look at the pink Valpolicella stone, with which it was built, to perceive the deep connection with the territory.
Upon entering, you find yourself immersed in a vast space, designed to accommodate thousands of spectators even two thousand years ago. The amazing acoustics and the elliptical structure make you imagine the ancient gladiator shows, but also the vitality of contemporary events.
Today, the Arena is a lively place, where you can attend operas, concerts and popular shows, especially in the summer months. If you come during the Opera Festival, you have a unique experience: watching the sun set over the steps as the performance under the stars begins.
- Even without attending an event, you can visit the interior and climb up to the highest rings to enjoy a different view of the city.
- This experience is offered and sold by a commercial partner of VivoVenetia.
Things to see in Verona: Maffei Palace
If you want to delve into Verona's cultural identity in an original way, enriching your experience beyond the best-known destinations such as the Arena or Juliet's House, Palazzo Maffei is certainly the choice to include in your city itinerary. Located in Piazza delle Erbe, in the heart of the historical centre, this Baroque building houses an art museum that combines past and present in an original way.
Inside the building you can admire a private collection ranging from ancient to contemporary art, with works by artists such as Picasso, Magritte and de Chirico, alongside Roman sculptures, Renaissance pieces and period furniture. The layout is designed to stimulate dialogue between the eras, offering a visually stimulating tour even if you are not an art expert.
- The panoramic view from the palace terrace, overlooking the rooftops of Verona, is an additional reason to visit. The palace itself, with its richly decorated façade, is an important example of local Baroque architecture.
- This experience is offered and sold by a commercial partner of VivoVenetia.
- Click on the button below and book your entrance ticket to Maffeo Palace online at Tiqets.
Things to see in Verona with a guided tour
As we advised you before, the best way to get to know Verona is to visit it with a local guide. This will allow you to discover some hidden corners, away from the more touristy routes, and many curiosities. A local guide knows anecdotes and details that often go unnoticed, making the experience more engaging.
A local guide definitely gives you a more authentic view of the city. With the help of a guide, you optimise your time and make your visit more organised and content-rich.
- Verona is a UNESCO heritage city and deserves to be discovered through the expert eyes of those who know it and live it every day.
- This experience is offered and sold by a commercial partner of VivoVenetia.
One day in Verona
In our opinion, Verona is a truly ideal destination for a weekend getaway, thanks to its perfect balance of art, history and relaxation. In two days you can calmly explore the historic centre, enjoy a typical dinner, maybe catch a show at the Arena. Moreover, if you have a few more days at your disposal, we recommend that you also dedicate some time to the surrounding area, such as Valpolicella or Lake Garda.
However, Verona also lends itself very well to a one-day visit. If you have little time, you can concentrate on the main attractions: the Arena in Piazza Bra, the symbol of the city, Piazza delle Erbe with its liveliness, Juliet's House, and Castelvecchio with its scenic bridge. Don't miss the view from the Lamberti Tower and a walk along the Adige River. Even in just a few hours, Verona manages to convey all its elegance and charm, leaving you wanting to return.
