Verona

Located in northern Italy, the beautiful city of Verona is the second-largest city in the region (behind Venice), and attracts a huge number of tourists, attracted to the rich history and diversity of its ancient buildings, such as the Arena and the Ponte Scaligero. Verona may not be as opulent as other cities, like Florence and Venice, but it’s definitely worth the discovery, at least for one relaxed day.

We had more than a full day to visit the town of Verona, as we decided to stay in the city to sleep as we traveled from Florence to Venice, and we think it’s quite enough to visit the main attractions.

“There is no world without Verona walls (…)”

Romeo, in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

Where to go? What to see? What to eat? In this city guide, we present you the route we did in the Summer of 2019, a trip we absolutely loved and think it's a must for young couples.

1. Piazza Bra

€: Free| Time: 60 min | ★★★★★

The Piazza Bra is definitely one of the best places to start your tour of Verona! It is the largest piazza in Verona, right on the edge of Centro Storico. The square contains a fair amount of historic buildings and eateries that are painted in various colors. Some of the buildings you can find there are the Gran Guardia and Palazzo Barbieri.

2. Arena di Verona

€: Paid Entrance | Time: 120 min | ★★★★✩

No trip to Verona would be complete without visiting this iconic monument, the ancient Roman Arena. Located in the middle of the Piazza Bra, this Roman amphitheater hosts the biggest names in the music and opera. You can walk inside the Arena and admire its architecture.

Tip 1: Try to admire the Arena when the sun is setting.

3. Castelvecchio & Ponte di Castelvecchio

€: Paid Entrance | Time: 120 min | ★★★★✩

Located on the banks of the River Adige, just outside of the city walls, you have a square-shaped fort, Castelvecchio. It was built in 1354, but today is the home to the Castelvecchio Museum and Gallery. You can visit the castle (but remember it is not a particularly decorative place, as it was designed to be functional), and enjoy the excellent views of the city and river from the two guard towers.

Extending out from the fort is the Castelvecchio bridge (or Ponte Scaligero). At the time of its construction, it was the longest of its kind in the world. When crossing the bridge, you have a view of the Adige River.

4. Arco dei Gavi

€: Free| Time: 15 min | ★★★✩✩

Next to Castelvecchio, you have this white limestone monument, built in the 1st century AD.

5. Piazza Delle Erbe

€: Free| Time: 60 min | ★★★★✩

There is almost no need to talk about this square: right at the heart of Verona's historic center, there is absolutely no excuse not to wander through. This is the home of several shops, cafés, restaurants, and the city market. Today, Piazza delle Erbe is surrounded by important buildings, so take your time to walk around the square to investigate all the wonders it has to offer. The masterpiece of the square is its fountain, called Madonna Verona, dating back to 380 AD.

6. Torre dei Lamberti

€: Paid Entrance | Time: 120 min | ★★★★✩

The Torre dei Lamberti is the tallest tower in Verona, standing at 84 meters high. It offers gorgeous panoramic views from its bell tower.

7. Piazza dei Signori

€: Free | Time: 30 min | ★★★✩✩

Piazza dei Signori sits in close proximity to the Piazza delle Erbe. Although considerably small, it is just as popular and interesting. This square is also known as Piazza Dante because of the statue of Dante, standing at its center.

8. Scaliger Tombs

€: Free | Time: 30 min | ★★★★✩

Scaliger Tombs is a Gothic style monumental funerary complex dedicated to the influential Scaliger family, where five Lords of Verona that ruled over the territory of Verona until 1387 rest: Cangrande I, Mastino II, Cansignorio, Alberto II, and Giovanni. The tombs are located outside the church of Santa Maria Antica.

9. Casa di Giulietta

€: Paid Entrance | Time: 120 min | ★★★★✩

Verona is the home of Shakespeare's legendary love story, Romeo and Juliet. Although Shakespeare's play wasn't based on a true story, The Casa di Giulietta is the supposed building from the famous scene where Romeo calls to Juliet and she speaks to him from the balcony.

One of the things tourists most like to see (and touch) is Juliet’s statue. Take your time in the long lines to get the photo everybody wants. You can also take a visit to the Casa di Giulietta museum, which includes Juliet’s balcony where you can pose dramatically.

10. Verona Cathedral

€: Paid Entrance | Time: 30 min | ★★★✩✩

Verona Cathedral, or Cattedrale di Santa Maria Matricolare, is the most decorative (and beautiful) of all the religious buildings in Verona, and also one of the oldest religious buildings in Verona. The complex is made up of the Chapter Library, the Cloister of the Canons, the Baptistery, the Church of St Helena, and the Bishop’s Palace.

11. Castel San Pietro

€: Free | Time: 30 min | ★★★★★

There is no excuse for missing what is arguably the best view in Verona, from Castel San Pietro.

Although no longer open to the public, you can still walk through its grounds and experience the fantastic views of the enchanting city of Verona. This will be your final place to visit, so make sure you grab some wine, cheese, and bread and enjoy your dinner sitting on the castle walls, with your legs dangling a few meters up, with a magnificent and romantic view across Verona.