Top 15 Things to See and Fun Activities to Do in Verona, Italy

December 2, 2024 Mustafa Natalwala 90 Views

Verona is a city in the Vetano region of Italy. The city sits on the edge of the Adige River. Some of the best things to do in Verona revolve around exploring its history and culture. The city dates back to the Roman era.

It used to be a hustling bustling Roman metropolis with numerous monuments. Some of these have survived and become the best places to visit in Verona, Italy. You will get to see monuments dating as far back as 1st century BCE. The most popular ones are the arena and market. These were busy places in their heyday and are still the hotspots for activities in Verona.

The city also saw great prosperity during 13th and 14th centuries under the reign of della Scala family. Many of the best places to visit in Verona were built during this period. This includes castles, churches, bridges, fountains, and public monuments. Many of the top things to see in Verona were also revived during these times.

The city is also best known as the setting for two great plays by Shakespeare, namely Two Gentlemen of Verona and Romeo and Juliet. Many of the Verona tourist attractions are locations mentioned in these plays. The most popular among these is the stone balcony from Romeo and Juliet. It is one of the best places to go in Verona for couples. You can also take walking tours to explore all the places from the plays during Verona sightseeing.

Another important period in the history of this city was during the Napoleonic wars. Many of the must-see sights in Verona were destroyed. However, they were revived, remodeled, and rebuilt. These Verona attractions have a dual layer of history in the bricks. Some of them have also been turned into museums. The city was also visited by Napoleon during the wars. He even stayed in the city’s castle and left behind a few artifacts. These sights as well as those revived after world wars are also popular places of interest in Verona.

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Table of Contents

Top 15 Tourist Places to Visit in Verona, Italy

1. Santa Maria in Organo

This church was built in the 8th century as a Benedictine monastery. The original structure was damaged during the Napoleonic wars and later in an earthquake in 1117. It was rebuilt several times. Owing to this kaleidoscope of style, the church is among the top things to see in Verona, Italy.

The facade you see today dates back to the 16th century and was designed by Michele Sanmicheli. It was built with white marble to resemble the Roman Triumphal arch. The interiors are adorned with frescoes by masters from the Renaissance like Giolfino, Caroto, and Marone. You will need about 2 hours to explore the church when you visit Verona, Italy.

2. Teatro Romano

This amphitheatre dates back to the 1st century BCE. It used to be a marvelous structure with statues, stone seating, and an elaborate facade. However, only parts of it remain to be seen today. It is one among the best things to do in Verona for those fascinated by ancient history.

The venue still hosts performances and events. It is a blend of past and present, the stone seats are lined alongside modern seating. It is the cultural lineage that continues regardless of the time. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore the place.

3. Verona Cathedral

The Dumo Santa Maria Maticolare Cathedral dates back to 380 AD. It was the first cathedral of the city and one of the best places to visit in Verona, Italy. The church was concecrated by revered St. Zeno.

The church was built several times and carries marks of each stage. You can see the original mosaics of the original church and elements of various iterations. The interior houses works of renowned artists such as Master Nicolo and Sanmicheli. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this cathedral.

4. Sant’Anastasia

This church was built between 1200 and 1400 on the site of a former Roman temple. It is the largest church of the city. It is interesting that the facade of this church was never completed. However, you can see what the architect intended in a painting above the Centrego altar.

It is one of the most important Verona tourist attractions in its history. It was rebuilt in stages and you will see evolution of styles. The bell tower features beautiful frescoes and sculptures that reflect the 13th century ethos. On the other hand, the frescoes inside will take you to 15th and 16th century. You will need about an hour from Verona travel to thoroughly explore and admire this church.

5. Arche Scaligere

Also known as the Scaligeri Cemetery, this site is the final resting place for many of the noble family’s members. This is one of the interesting places to go in Verona to see the status and influence of the noble families on the society at the time.

The cemetery has gothic burial monuments and elaborate sarcophagi. The gates feature the family’s crest and the sculptures depict biblical figures. It is also among the artistic Verona attractions. These tombs were created by important artists of the time. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore the cemetery.

6. Piazza dei Signori

Also known as the Lords’s square, this place was the throbbing heart of the city during the Middle Ages. You will see great influence of Scaligeri family in the buildings around the place.

Majority of the surrounding structures were built during the 14th century. These are connected by elegant arches and logos. It is one of the must see sights in Verona, Italy. You will see amazing examples of venetian renaissance style and architects paying homage to their patrons. People can easily spend an hour or so exploring this square.

7. Torre dei Lamberti

Built-in 1172, this tower is the only one standing from the 4 towers of Palazzo del Commune. The tower represents a lost part of the city’s history. The octagonal structure atop the tower was added later during the 1400s.

This vantage point gives you one of the best views for Verona sightseeing. It also houses the Rengo and Marangona bells. The Rengo bell was used to alert the residences of an imminent attack. Marangona was used for more civil matters such as fire breakout or end of a workday. The tower is one of the must see places in Verona and you will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore it.

I suggest you should get your Entry Ticket to the Lamberti Tower in advance.

8. Casa di Giulietta

This 14th-century house is popularly known as the home of Juliet of Romeo and Juliet. It was famously depicted in the movie Letters to Juliet and is well known for the balcony scene. It is a must-do in Verona for couples.

The house has a very romantic design and the balcony is especially a popular sight. Many lovers or singles seeking to find someone leave notes on the stone balcony. If couples are looking for top things to do in Verona in one day this should definitely be on the list. Legend says that notes left here bound lovers forever and bring love in people’s life. You will need about an hour to tour this place.

I suggest you should book your Entry Ticket to the Case di Giulietta in advance.

9. Arena di Verona

This arena dates back to the 30 AD and is one of the best places to see near Verona, Italy. It was built by Romans in the Piazza Bra. In its heyday, the arena hosted games, events, performances, and sports. It was the center of entertainment for the city.

The original structure was built with Valpolicella limestone. It was revived during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The venue still hosts great shows including opera and musical performances. The performance at night is among the best activities to do in Verona. The audience is given candles to hoist creating a magical atmosphere. You will need about 2 hours to tour this arena.

I suggest you should book your Guided Tour and Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket to the Arena di Verona in advance.

10. Piazza delle Erbe

This is the market square of Verona and is a wonderful place to roam around. The history of this place goes back to the Roman era. It used to be a public forum for markets, events, and races.

This is one of the most famous places in Verona for its architecture, monuments, shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is a great place to explore local products and cuisine. You can easily spend a couple of hours here.

11. Teatro Filarmonico

Built in 1716, this philharmonic theatre was designed by Francesco Galli Bibbiena. It has a long and storied history of hosting great performances and famous artists. The theatre is also renowned for its interiors and architecture.

The theatre is also one of the top places of interest in Verona for hosting the Maffei Lapidary Museum. The collection exhibits showcase the collection of Scipione Maffei, who gave the opening performance for this theatre. You will need about an hour for this theatre.

12. Arco dei Gavi

Standing in Corso Cavour, this 1st-century triumphal arch is one of the best things to see in Verona, Italy. It was built to honor the Roman Gavia family. It used to be the entrance for the city. The gate was then destroyed during the Napoleonic Wars and its parts were put into the arena. It was reassembled in 1932 with original white Veronese marble. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to admire the arch.

13. Castelvecchio Bridge / Scaliger Bridge

This bridge was built in 1354 under the rule of the Della Scala family to protect the family in drastic events. It was an escaping route for them across river Adige. Later in 1945 this bridge was almost demolished by German tanks and rebuilt in 1951. It is also one of the best places to see in Verona as it houses the civic museum. You will need about an hour to tour the bridge and the museum.

14. Castelvecchio

The bridge leads to Castle Vecchio, the home of the Della Scala family. It was built under Cangrande II during the Middle Ages. The Gothic architecture and compact military structures make it unique. It is one of the best things to see in Verona.

The castle hosts a collection of its history and artifacts of its residents. This includes Napoleon during the wars. The artifacts in the castle hail from the Roman era, the gothic period, the middle ages, and the Renaissance. You will need about 2 hours to tour the castle.

15. San Zeno Maggiore

Also known as Basilica di San Zeno, this church is famous as the setting for the marriage of Romeo and Juliet in Shakespeare’s famous play. This has made it one of the most famous places in Verona.

It also has great historical significance. It is dedicated to St. Zeno, who is said to have brought Christianity to the city. As for its architecture, it is one of the finest works of medieval church designs. You will need about an hour to tour the church.

If you are looking for more things to do in Verona, check out the sections below. We have compiled all the attractions and activities in the lists to explore.

Things to do in Verona, Italy

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Verona, Italy

Arena di Verona
Casa di Giulietta
Complesso del Duomo
Torre dei Lamberti
Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore
Basilica di Santa Anastasia
Castelvechhio Museum
Castel San Pietro
Chiesa di San Fermo Maggiore
Porta Borsari
Arco dei Garvi
Teatro Romano
Galleria d’Arte Moderna Achille Forti
Palazo Maffei Casa Museo
Tomba di Giulietta
Museo Archeoogico al Teatro
CMV – Children’s Museum Verona
Museo Lapidario Maffiano
Foundation Museum
Museo Africano
Museo di Storia Naturale

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Verona, Italy

Parco Natura Viva
Sanctuario della Madonna di Lourdes

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Verona, Italy

Giusti Garden
Gardaland Aquarium
Caneva Aquapark
Cantine Giacomo Montresor
Villa Mosconi Bertani
Amarone Brunelli
Cantina del Castelo

Shopping in Verona, Italy

Adigeo
Piazza San Zeno
Le Corti Venete
Centro Commerciale Verona Uno
Via Mazzini
Piazza Erbe
Corso Sant’Anastasia
Via Capello

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Verona, Italy

Hiking

Sightseeing in Verona, Italy

Piazza delle Erbe
Ponte Scaligero
Ponte Pietra
Piazza dei Signori
Piazza Bra
Piazzale Castel San Pietro

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Verona, Italy

Al Capitan della Cittadella
Re Teodorico
Locanda 4 Couchi
La Crescio del Tondo
Trattoria
Osteria del Bugiardo
L’Oste Scuro
Berbere
La Canonica
La Prosciutteria
Al Bersagliere
Ostregheteria Sottoriva 23
Osteria Mondo d’Oro
Nastro Azzuro
Vecio Macello
Osteria al Duca
Cescovo Moro
Tapasotto

Where to Stay in Verona?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range, and Budget Hotels in Verona. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Verona.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Verona

How to Reach Verona, Italy?

By Air

The city is served by Velona-Villafranca Airport. The airport sits about 12 km outside the city. You can get direct flights to visit Verona from several cities in Europe and Asia. This includes Dublin, Tirana, Belfast, Cairo, Munich, Paris, Riga, Tel Aviv, Frankfurt, Bucharest, London, Reykjavik, Manchester, Birmingham, Amritsar, Cagliari, Ibiza, Oslo, Rome, Naples, Amsterdam, Madrid, Copenhagen, and several others.

You can get buses, shuttle buses, and cabs from the airport to get to the city. The shuttle buses take you to the city’s railway station. This station offers better connectivity than the airport to Verona attractions.

By Road

You can get direct trains to reach Verona from several cities in Italy such as Milan, Venice, Rome, Turin, Florence, Bologna, Trieste, Bolzano, and several others. You can also get trains from international destinations such as Munich, Geneva, Paris, Dijon, Innsbruck, and Vienna. You can get direct buses from several cities in Europe to get to Verona.

If you are planning to travel to Verona, you should head for routes E70 or SR711.

By Water

There are no direct water routes to reach Verona.

Image Reference

Santa Maria in Organo – Geobia / Wikimedia Commons
Teatro Romano – Darren and Brad / Flickr
Verona Cathedral – barnyz / Flickr
Sant’Anastasia – Richard Mortel / Flickr
Arche Scaligere – Larry Koester / Flickr
Piazza dei Signori – Allie_Caulfield / Flickr
Torre dei Lamberti – Richard Mortel / Flickr
Casa di Giulietta – Andreas Lischka / PixaBay
Arena di Verona – Revol Web / Flickr
Piazza delle Erbe – Richard Mortel / Flickr
Teatro Filarmonico – Adert / Wikimedia Commons
Arco dei Gavi – Roger Ulrich / Flickr
Castelvecchio Bridge / Scaliger Bridge – Ruben Holthuijsen / Flickr
Castelvecchio – Richard Mortel / Flickr
San Zeno Maggiore – Tony Hisgett / Flickr