Things to Do in Verona, Italy
Verona is famous for being the city of Romeo and Juliet, but I discovered it is far more than that single story. Yes, the romance angle draws crowds, yet underneath sits a real city with an intact Roman arena, elegant piazzas, and a lively food scene. I came for a day and immediately wished I had booked two. Smaller and easier to manage than Venice, which is barely an hour away, it rewards slow wandering. Here is what I enjoyed most.
Stand Inside the Ancient Arena
Verona’s Roman amphitheater, the Arena, dominates the main square and is still used for major performances today. I paid to walk through the arches and climb partway up the stone tiers, imagining the crowds that have filled them for two thousand years. The building is remarkably intact. If you are lucky enough to visit during the opera season, catching a show in this ancient bowl must be one of the great experiences in Italy.
See Juliet’s Balcony and the House of the Capulets
No Verona list is complete without Juliet’s balcony, so I braced for the crowds and went anyway. The small courtyard off the main street is always busy, with visitors standing on the balcony and touching the bronze statue for good luck in love. It is touristy, but I found the courtyard charming, and it is a quick, fun stop rather than a full attraction. Go early or on a weekday to see it with fewer people.
Wander Piazza delle Erbe and the Squares
The center of Verona breathes around a chain of lovely squares. I started at Piazza delle Erbe, where a lively market fills the space among fountains and tall old buildings. From there I walked into Piazza dei Signori, quieter and ringed by palaces. Moving between these open spaces, with coffee stops and small shops along the way, made up the most pleasant part of my visit. It is an ideal area to simply sit and watch the city work.
Walk Up to the Castelvecchio and Its Museum
On the edge of the old town, the Castelvecchio castle stands beside its bridge over the river Adige. I crossed the red brick bridge, then toured the castle museum, which holds a solid collection of sculpture and painting. The sections of medieval wall that still guard parts of the city add to the sense of a place with serious history. The walk along the river afterward, past the views of the rooftops, was a highlight I did not plan.
Cross the River for a Hilltop View
For the best panorama of Verona, I crossed the river and climbed the road to the hilltop, where a church sits above the city. The view opened up over the red rooftops, the river, and the arena far below. It was worth the huff and puff of the climb. Coming back down in the late afternoon, when the light turned warm, gave me some of my favorite photos of the whole trip.
Eat and Drink Like a Local
The Veneto region is known for its food, and Verona is an excellent place to eat well. I tried the local rice and peas plate, a folded stuffed flatbread that is a regional specialty, and settled into a wine bar one evening for a glass of the local red. Verona sits at the edge of the Valpolicella wine area, one of the most respected in Italy. A short time with the delicious food and wine here goes a long way.
Make a Day Trip to Lake Garda or Soave
Because Verona is so well placed, I used it as a base for a side trip. One afternoon I took a short ride to the edge of Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, and walked its shore among cafes and clear water. Another option, the hilltop town of Soave, is famous for its wine and medieval walls. If you have a day to spare, these quick escapes add a whole other dimension to a Verona visit.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Verona is compact and easy on foot, so leave the car out of the center. It works well as a day trip from Venice, Milan, or Bologna by train, but I would recommend at least one night to see it at leisure. The Arena tickets are worth it, and booking opera ahead is essential if you want to go. Summer days are busy around Juliet’s courtyard, so plan around the crowds.
Verona turned out to be more than a love story. Between the ancient arena, the riverside walks, and the easy elegance of its squares, it held a place that felt both historic and completely lived in. Give it proper time, and it will quietly win you over the way it won me.
