Best Things to Do in Verona

Verona is a special place with a lot to see. You can visit some of the best museums in the city, but you can also hop on a tourist bus and go all over this cradle of romanticism knowing each of the most interesting corners in it.

Places like Juliet's House, the Arena of Verona and the Philharmonic Theatre are some of the stops you cannot miss during your visit to the city. And if you are looking for other plans, I recommend you to make some of the best excursions from Verona to other nearby places.

Obviously, to know and live Romeo and Juliet's love story, one of the main places you have to visit is Juliet's house, where you can see outside a statue of the woman on which, according to the Italian tradition, you have to touch one of Juliet's breasts.

Once you have touched Juliet's breast, you can continue towards the house and go up to the balcony. Although it is clear that the story of Romeo and Juliet is just a Shakespearean tale, many believe that it is real and Juliet really did live in this house, which is why there are so many visitors and queues to enter. But if you go with this belief, you may be a little disappointed, because it is a property that keeps the legend alive, not the real Juliet's house.

But this story is not only told on Juliet's balcony, but also in Romeo's house, where you will be able to learn a little more about this tragic love story. To get to know the whole story of Romeo and Juliet, the best way to do it is definitely to join one of the best tours of Verona, one of those that focus on the romantic story.

Details of interest

• Price: Taking a Verona city tour to learn the story of Romeo and Juliet can cost around 60 euros per person.
• Time: This tour is usually planned in the morning, however this is an arrangement that depends on the tour guide.
• How to get there: They are usually completed on foot, so you will have to make your own way to the tour location.

One of the first things you have to do as soon as you set foot in the city, even if you go to Verona for a day, is definitely to visit and tour one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world, which is none other than the Arena of Verona. Before visiting this monument, I recommend you to find out how to visit the Arena of Verona, in terms of ticket prices, guided tours and other important details.

One of the most special things about this place is that it has an impressive quality of conservation, considering that it has been built since the 1st century and since then it already had a capacity to hold about 30,000 people.

Nowadays it is used as one of the main venues for concerts and even opera festivals, the latter being one of the best things to do in Verona at night, especially if you are going as a couple.

Interesting details

• Price: Ticket prices vary according to each visitor, however, in general they can cost around 10 euros without the guided tour. In the case of concerts inside the venue, prices vary considerably.
• Opening hours: Visiting hours may vary, but usually run from 9:00 to 19:00 from Tuesday to Sunday. Mondays are generally closed. Closing times also vary according to the schedule of events and concerts at the Arena.
• How to get there: One of the best ways to get there is by private car. But if you are travelling by public transport, you can use bus line 90, which costs around one euro a ticket.

The city sightseeing bus is one of the best options if you travel to Verona at Christmas time, because you can see the whole city illuminated, but it is also a good way to see the whole city at any time of the year. The low cost of the ticket and the guided tour of the city is partly what you'll like most about this bus tour.

It's a non-stop transport that allows you to hop on and off as many times as you like for the duration of the ticket, which is usually 24 to 48 hours. This experience is one of the best things to do in Verona with kids because you can take them up to the top floor and enjoy incredible views of the city.

Besides, if you want to have an amazing experience during your ride around the city aboard this tourist bus, I recommend you to leave this activity to include among the things to do in Verona in summer, when the weather is more pleasant to visit the city.

Interesting details

• Price: The Verona bus ticket can cost around 25 euros per person.
• Timetable: The bus runs daily from 9:00 to 19:00. Closing time may be shortened to 18:00.
• How to get there: To get to this place you will have to use a private car or go to this place using public transport.

Without a doubt, you can't leave this Italian city without having taken one of the best gastronomic tours in Verona. In this kind of experiences you will be able to get to know a great part of the Italian cuisine, its typical dishes, the most exquisite desserts and taste how urban food tastes in the area.

Eating pizza in one of the best places in the city, tasting pandoro at Christmas time, or even participating in an Italian cooking class where they teach you how to prepare fresh pasta, gelato, tiramisu and other traditional dishes and desserts, is undoubtedly a magical and enriching experience.

This type of tour can be done either at night or during the day, it all depends on the type of activity you want to do, whether you want to stroll through the most popular bars and restaurants, or visit the Veronese kitchens to learn a little more about the Italian culinary art.

Interesting details

• Price: This type of tour can cost around 90 euros per person.
• Timetable: The timetable for this type of tour is determined by the tour guide and you will be told at the time of booking.
• How to get there: Gastronomic tours are generally conducted on foot, so you will have to make your own way to the meeting point with the tour guide.

Visiting the Castelvecchio is a very good plan to visit in Verona, especially because of the vast history and culture it represents. Nowadays, it houses a museum with a general archive, a photo library, a room for temporary exhibitions, craft workshops, as well as administrative and technical offices.

This place was built in the mid-14th century, and is located very close to the historic centre. One of the things you' ll love about this place is that you'll be able to see this imposing medieval military fortress up close.

Over the centuries, this site has been used for many things, so it's certainly an ideal historical place to visit if you're in Verona for three days. For a period of time it was used as an arsenal by the Venetians, it also functioned as a barracks under Austrian command.

Finally, in 1944, in the middle of the Second World War, it witnessed the famous Verona Trial, in which Galeazzo Ciano and other fascists were condemned to death. You will learn all about this history by touring the castle. But you will also have the opportunity to see Verona from the heights, and appreciate the Adige river.

Interesting details

• Price: Tickets can cost up to 7 euros per person without any discount. Taking into account discounts, these tickets can cost between 4 and 6 euros.
• Opening hours: Generally this museum is open between 13:00 and 19:00. But it is also open on Tuesdays and Sundays between 8.30am and 7.30pm.
• How to get there: You can get here by private car. You can also use rail transport and then take a bus to the museum.

The Giardino Giusti is a garden that is considered to be a real hidden gem within the city. It is a very romantic, special and above all timeless place, which allows you to appreciate beautiful views of Verona. It is very close to the historical centre of Verona, and it is a place of communion with nature that inspires you to enter into meditation.

In terms of structure and history, the Giardino Giusti is a living example of the green spaces of 16th century Italy. Inside the complex you will be able to see many floral collections, an avenue full of cypresses, Roman remains, acoustic caves, mythological and Renaissance statues.

But there is also a hedge labyrinth with a beautiful legend, which tells that if a couple manages to find the exit and not get lost inside, it is an omen that their love will last forever. So it's definitely a good place to visit with your partner if you're in Verona for two days or less.

Details of interest

• Price: Entrance to these gardens can cost around 10 euros per person.
• Opening hours: Generally, the opening hours of this place are from 10:00 to 18:00 from Monday to Friday, although it may vary according to dates or holidays.
• How to get there: To get to this place you have to go by private car or you can also use public transport.

This is one of the most important ecclesiastical temples in Verona, as well as being one of the most famous and visited annually. During your visit to the church of San Zeno you will be able to see the impressive architectural features of this place.

Inside, you will see the statue of San Procolo, as well as a marble statue of San Zeno, whose history dates back to the 12th century. The crypt was restored in 1938, and visits inside are now free of charge.

The church of San Zeno is a must-see when you visit Verona in October or at any other time of the year because it gives you an insight into the cultural and religious history of this Italian city.

Details of interest

• Price: You can visit this church at an approximate price of 14 euros per person.
• Timetable: To visit the basilica you have to go between 9.30am and 5pm.
• How to get there: You can get there on foot, by private car, taxi or public transport.

This is one of the most interesting places to visit in Verona, it is a religious place that was built thanks to the contribution of the Della Scala family. This family was present in the government of Verona from the end of the 13th century until almost the end of the 14th century.

In terms of its architecture and internal layout, the basilica has three large naves that are supported by enormous red marble columns from Verona. Inside the church you can see five chapels, as well as the space that served as the convent's oratory, the Cappella Giusti.

From its construction to the present day, this monument dedicated to the virgin Anastasia, who was a martyr in the 4th century, is considered to be the largest church in all of Verona. A visit to this place is an activity you should include in your list of best things to see in Verona in June and at any time of the year.

Details of interest

• Price: Admission to this place is always free, except for the guided tours to various churches in the complex which can have different prices, from 3 to 8 euros per person. It is not expressly necessary to book admission.
• Opening hours: Visiting hours from Monday to Friday are from 10:00 to 18:00, while Saturday and Sunday opening hours may vary slightly.
• How to get there: You can get there on foot if you are near this place. You can also travel by private or rented car. You can also get there by public transport, train, bus or taxi.

The Scaligere Arches are considered one of the most famous monuments representing the influence of Gothic art in the city. Since the end of the 16th century this monument began to present serious conservation problems, so it underwent a complete restoration in the area of the mastiff's chest towards the end of the 1700s.

Then, around 1839, it underwent a general restoration plan. A visit to these arches will give you a glimpse of what building activity was like in Scaligers' time. You will also learn how the grace of construction was reserved for churches and other temples, and not for the rest of the common people.

On the other hand, another monument that you cannot miss is the Porta Borsari, a great Roman gate, which in imperial times served as the main entrance to the city. Initially this place was called Porta Lovia, because it was very close to the Temple of Jupiter.

Later, in the Middle Ages it was known as Porta San Zero, until it was finally given the name by which it is known today, which is Porta Borsari. Here you will be able to take many beautiful photos.

Interesting details

• Price: Visiting both monuments on your own is free, although if you include the visit to these places in a city tour, it can cost between 30 and 60 euros per person.
• Opening hours: The Porta Borsari is open 24 hours a day, while the Arche Scaligere is open for visits between 10:00 and 13:00. And then between 15:00 and 18:00.
• How to get there: The best way to get to and visit both sites is on foot. You can also get there by private car, taxi, public transport or any other means of transport, bearing in mind that you will have to walk a little to get to these monuments.

It won't take you more than half an hour's drive from Verona to reach Lake Garda. This is one of the experiences I would recommend on a trip to Verona of 4 days or more. It's a good excursion, fun to do with kids and great to do as a couple, with friends or with the family.

Lake Garda is a glacial spring at the foot of the Alps and is surrounded by many picturesque medieval villages. You can also discover several small, warm beaches where you can swim and walk along the shore. The scenery here is worthy of thousands of photographs.

One activity I recommend when you visit this place is a boat trip on the lake that will take you to Sirmione, a small town with a famous white castle. Something curious about this place is that it is located right inside the lake, which makes it a truly peculiar and original place.

Inside the town of Sirmione you will be able to walk through each of its streets, and if you go on a guided experience with a local, you will most likely be able to learn about different historical curiosities of the town. Sirmione is also an ideal place for shopping and even tasting some of the Italian cuisine delicacies that Sirmione and Verona are famous for.

Interesting details

• Price: The excursion to Lake Garda can cost approximately 90 euros per person, if you include the tour of the town of Sirmione. If you go on your own, the cost can be considerably lower.
• Timetable: If you go on a guided experience, the timetable is set by the tour guide, although these types of excursions generally take place in the morning.
• How to get there: You can get to Lake Garda by private car or by public transport. Although if you go as part of a guided tour, the transport would be by bus with all comforts. Once you are on the side, the transfer to the town of Sirmione is by boat.