Whether you’re craving a relaxed city break or a high-energy weekend escape, Verona’s got you covered. The Italian city is best known as the birthplace of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, but there’s more to fair Verona. Swoon over the mouthwatering cuisine, fall head over heels for the Roman architecture that earned Verona its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site or savour the scenery at Piazzale Castel San Pietro. Ready to be romanced by this seriously seductive city? Read on for our shortlist of the best things to do in Verona…
- Feel the love at Juliet’s House
- Stroll through Piazza delle Erbe
- Walk across Ponte Pietra
- Marvel at Arena di Verona
- Wander through Giusti Gardens
- Savour the scenery at Piazzale Castel San Pietro
Feel the love at Juliet's House
Ah, the house where it all began. Tucked away in Via Cappello and said to be the inspiration for the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet, Casa di Giulietta is one of the most visited cultural monuments in Italy. History lovers can test their Shakespeare knowledge in the museum inside the house, while hopeless romantics can venture onto Juliet’s famous balcony and look over the courtyard. Here, vines snake around the taupe-brick walls that provide a backdrop for Juliet’s shining bronze statuette. While Constantini’s original 1968 statue of Juliet has now been moved inside the house to avoid damage, the replica that replaced her still gives visitors the chance to touch her right breast (it’s said to bring you luck with your romantic endeavours). Just make sure to visit bright and early – the square quickly fills with throngs of hopeful travellers eager to find their Romeo.
Stroll through Piazza delle Erbe
The next stop on our list of the top things to do in Verona just has to be Piazza delle Erbe. This central square in historic Verona – home to dramatic marble statues and the regal Madonna Verona fountain – buzzes with life day and night. When the sun is shining, you’ll struggle to find a more perfect pitstop for your morning cappuccino. And, lucky for you, the square is lined with plenty of caffès and ristorantes where you can sit back and admire the Renaissance architecture in all its glory. There’s also a lively produce market, with sand-coloured coverings sheltering rows of fruit and vegetables. Treat yourself to a punnet of juicy strawberries or a plump peach – the perfect mid-morning pick-me-up.
Walk across Ponte Pietra
Ponte Pietra is a true testament to the architectural skills of the Romans. Spanning the River Adige, this beloved bridge is said to have begun construction before the first century, making it the oldest monument in Verona. The engineering expertise continued long after the bridge was completed, with remarkable restoration works following German bombing in 1945 which saw architects fishing in the river for the original bricks. Ponte Pietra is only accessible by foot, so wander over the stone path, listen to the trickling water below, and take in the historical significance of the stone walls.
Marvel at Arena di Verona
Arena di Verona may not be as widely known as Rome’s famed Colosseum, but step into this towering amphitheatre and you’ll instantly be transported back to the times of mighty Roman Emperors draped in white cloth and glory-seeking gladiators coated in golden armour. Built in the first century, a visit to the awe-inspiring arena is definitely one of the best things to do in Verona, allowing youngsters and adults alike to climb the vast stone steps and imagine the vicious battles that took place here. Nowadays the dangers of the arena have been replaced by the dramatics of opera and theatrical performances and, if you’re lucky enough to visit in summer, you might just catch the Arena di Verona Opera Festival. Once you’ve explored the arena, head out into Piazza Bra and grab a table at one of the restaurants that encircle the square. This is the perfect place to lean back, let the condensation of an ice-cold Aperol Spritz trickle onto the tablecloth, and indulge in a spot of people-watching.
Wander through Giusti Gardens
Verona might be a city of cobblestones, but it also has its fair share of green spaces. The Giusti Gardens are the perfect place to pause your city sightseeing and enter a natural haven filled with evergreen trees and grandiose busts of mythological figures. Low-lying hedges form mazes around the gardens, and there are plenty of quiet spots where you can appreciate the lovely landscaping. During the 17th century, the gardens were a popular stopping point for upper-class aristocrats, scholars and artists undertaking ‘the Grand Tour’ of Europe so you might even leave a little more enlightened.
Savour the scenery at Piazzale Castel San Pietro
Situated at the top of Saint Peter’s Hill, Piazzale Castel San Pietro is the perfect place to drink in the panorama of the city from above. If you’re feeling sprightly, make the lung-busting climb from Ponte Pietra up the 200 steps to the Piazzale, a short hike which provides stellar views (and an excuse to eat more pasta, right?). Alternatively, you can jump aboard the Funicolare di Castel San Pietro, a mountain cable car that’ll whizz you up 500ft in just over a minute. Once you’ve reached the top, lean against the grey brick walls that encase the viewing platform and admire how the glittering River Adige curls around the terracotta-hued city. Once you’ve snapped enough pictures (and a few obligatory selfies), wander over to Re Teodorico and grab a table on the terrace. Here, you can enjoy Italian cured meats, risotto, and more, accompanied by a crisp glass of Soave and a perfect view of the sunset over the city. Buon appetito!
Written by Emma Begley
