Verona is a splendid city southeast of Lake Garda and a popular destination for day trips. The city has a lot to offer, and you can easily spend one to two days here. We've compiled the most important and beautiful sights for you so you know what to do.
If you prefer a compact guide, check out our Verona City Guide for the top 10 highlights.
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Start planning your next adventure!
Day 1: Start at the Arena di Verona
From the train station, your first destination will likely be . Here, you will be welcomed by
the city's landmark, the mighty Roman from the 1st century AD. Although less famous than the Colosseum, it is the third-largest Roman amphitheater in Italy and remarkably well-preserved. Thanks to its excellent acoustics, a famous opera festival takes place here every summer, attracting opera lovers from around the world.
If you are staying overnight in Verona, consider attending an opera performance or concert. Experiencing a show in such a unique venue is truly special. You can find the current schedule on the website of the Arena di Verona. Be sure to book your tickets in advance!
Piazza delle Erbe
From here, stroll through the historic center of Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, towards . Cozy cafés, charming boutiques, and picturesque squares invite you to linger at every corner. Piazza delle Erbe itself is the oldest square in Verona. Take a look at the and the impressive
frescoes of the Mazzanti Houses. Sit in one of the cafés for an espresso or a gelato, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the square.
Climb the Torre dei Lamberti
Next, climb the
84-meter-high for a breathtaking panoramic view over Verona. You can either take the elevator or climb the 368 steps to enjoy the 360-degree view of the city's rooftops and landmarks.
P.S.: While it's technically shorter to visit Juliet's House first, we recommend going up the tower earlier to avoid the midday sun and capture better photos.
Take a Look at Juliet's Balcony
Even though (Casa di Giulietta) is honestly overrated, a visit to Verona feels incomplete without a quick stop there. Established in the 1930s to attract tourists, the house has no real connection to Shakespeare's Juliet. Shakespeare never visited Italy, and Juliet is a fictional character. Nevertheless, the 13th-century building, with its famous balcony (added later), draws huge crowds of tourists eager to experience a touch of romance.
In the courtyard, thousands of visitors touch the for luck each year and attach padlocks to symbolize their love. (You can buy them at the nearby tourist shop.)
You can also visit the
small museum that displays Renaissance costumes, a bed from the 1968 film adaptation of "Romeo and Juliet," and other artworks inspired by the play. To avoid the crowds, visit the courtyard early in the morning. (However, you still won't be alone.)
Note: For the museum, you need to book an appointment in advance at Mida Ticket.
Scaliger Tombs
Continue your walk to the (Piazza Dante), surrounded by elegant medieval buildings. Nearby, you'll find the , a group of Gothic monuments dedicated to the powerful Scaliger family, rulers of Verona in the 13th and 14th centuries.
Discover Small Attractions
From the tombs, meander through the charming streets until you reach the , a lovely church worth a brief visit. Follow the peninsula along the river bend to the bridge. This oldest bridge in Verona (100 BC) is a popular photo spot.
Verona Cathedral
Not far from here is the Romanesque-Gothic ,
Cattedrale di Santa Maria Matricolare. Built in 1187 and later renovated, the cathedral impresses with its distinctive façade, beautiful frescoes, and red Verona marble columns. Inside, don't miss Titian's
"Assumption of the Virgin Mary" and the Canons' cloister. The entire complex also houses the old
Chapter Library, one of the oldest still-operating libraries in the world.
Day 2: Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore
The basilica is located west of Castelvecchio, a bit removed from other attractions. However, a visit to the is highly recommended. The church is one of the
best-preserved Romanesque structures in Northern Italy. Highlights include the
bronze doors with their intricate panels and the wonderful
altarpiece from the 15th century by Andrea Mantegna.
The basilica was consecrated in 807 and underwent extensive renovations until the 12th century. The beautiful church is dedicated to Saint Zeno, the patron saint of Verona, whose relics are kept in the crypt. The façade impresses with a striking mix of tuff and brick and a remarkable rose window known as the “Wheel of Fortune”. Inside, the basilica is divided into three levels: the crypt (where Romeo and Juliet met their tragic end), the main church, and the presbytery.
We also recommend visiting the peaceful cloister. It is adorned with beautiful arches and ancient tombs, offering a serene place to rest. For more details, visit Chiesaverona.
Discover Castelvecchio
If you're interested in art and the Middle Ages, be sure to visit . If not, you can still admire the fortress from the outside and take photos.
This impressive medieval castle now houses a museum with an extensive art collection. From the fortress walls and towers, you can enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the city. Built in the 14th century by the della Scala family, the castle served both as a defensive structure and a residence. Today, the museum showcases Romanesque and Gothic sculptures, Renaissance paintings, and medieval weapons. Highlights include the striking , a fortified bridge, as well as works by famous artists such as Pisanello, Veronese, Tintoretto, and Bellini.
Stroll Through the Giusti Gardens
If time permits, explore the
Renaissance garden with its cypress-lined paths. It is known for its perfectly manicured hedges, ancient statues, and panoramic views. If you climb to the
highest point of the garden, the Belvedere, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view over the city. This peaceful retreat is perfect for a relaxing walk away from the hustle and bustle.
Created in 1570 by Agostino Giusti, the garden offers not only mythological statues but also a labyrinth, designed by Luigi Trezza in 1786. Famous personalities like Goethe and Mozart have strolled here. Discover the hidden grottoes and the Mascherone, a grotesque stone mask from the 16th century.
Enjoy your stay in Verona!
