10 things to do in Verona

If you’re ever in Italy, and especially if you’re based in Venice, you’ve got to make a trip to Verona. It’s up there in the country’s five most visited cities – indeed, how could anyone resist the temptation of visiting its spectacular Roman arena or going to see Juliet’s balcony? – and yet it has a much less touristy vibe than many of its counterparts. Whether you’re crossing famous bridges or climbing steep hills, you’ll have plenty to keep you occupied. However, below are the ten activities I deem unmissable if you’re ever in this Italian city of love.

Visit the Verona Arena

Verona’s first-century amphitheatre is one of those buildings that’s invisible from a distance, but unmissable once you’re in Piazza Bra. Queues may be long, but they tend to go down pretty fast, and it’s definitely worth waiting to see this magnificent structure from the inside. Once you’ve bought your ticket, climb to the top row of seats for breath taking views of the surrounding area, and, if you’re feeling brave, have a sing-song to test the amazing acoustics of the place. Still not got enough of the place? Book a ticket to see an opera performance there!

Go to Juliet’s house

The Casa di Giulietta is one of Verona’s most popular tourist attractions, and unsurprisingly, given the renown of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. If you have time to spare, head into the museum, where you’ll be able to see props from some of the film adaptations of the play, write to Juliet with all your love-related woes, and even stand on her balcony! Got too much on your plate already? Skip the museum, and push, instead, to the front of the crowd surrounding the bronze statue of Juliet. Rub her right breast, and you'll supposedly have good luck in love!

See Verona’s churches

Like most Italian cities, Verona is full of gorgeous churches, many of which are free to enter. A particular favourite of mine is the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Giustizia Vecchia, a fourteenth-century church which had been converted into a modern art gallery, but still had some of its original frescoes lining the walls.

Some of the more architecturally impressive houses of worship charge a small entry fee, but it’s always one worth paying! Head into the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore, and buy a €6 Verona Churches Card. This will save you a bit of money overall, and grant you access to the basilica and three other amazing monuments of this kind.

See some of Verona’s piazzas

Another thing Verona has a lot of is piazzas! I’ve already mentioned Piazza Bra, where the amphitheatre is located, but two others worth seeing are the Piazza delle Erbe – the Roman town forum, which is still, to this day, often filled with market stalls – and the Piazza Signori, where you'll find a statue of the famous Italian poet, Dante Alighieri. Head to the easternmost corner of this square to admire the Scaliger Tombs (see middle picture), a group of five intricate monuments built in honour of the Scaliger family, who ruled Verona in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries.

Word of warning: try to resist the temptation to eat at the restaurants in any of these squares: most will be tourist traps, and you’ll find other cheaper places just around the corner!

Visit the Castelvecchio

If you’re a bit of a history buff, a must-see monument is the Castelvecchio (literally, the ‘Old Castle’). Located just a short walk from the city centre, this medieval castle is one of Verona’s most prominent landmarks, with its red brick walls and tall towers. Head inside the Castelvecchio Museum to see some gorgeous Romanesque sculptures, as well as various paintings and old weapons.

Make sure, while you’re in the area, also to pay a quick visit to the Arco dei Gavi, an ancient Roman arch, which was used as a gate in the city’s medieval walls.

Wander round the Giardino Giusti

More of a nature lover? Spend an hour or two wandering round the Giardino Giusti, a gorgeous Renaissance garden, complete with cypress trees, hedge mazes, and secret lookouts. Climb a small tower to the garden’s top terrace for amazing views over Verona. This is a great place to rest your legs, too, if you’re worn out from walking!

Also included in your ticket is a tour of the Palazzo Giusti, a magnificent sixteenth-century palace filled with beautiful furniture and wall decorations.

Cross Verona’s bridges

Verona has two main bridges worth crossing, both of which are built over the River Adige. The first of these is the Castelvecchio Bridge, whose red bricks nicely complement those of the castle beside it. Peep through small holes in the walls for gorgeous views of the riverside buildings, or, if you’re feeling extra brave, climb a tiny staircase and get up close to the structure’s turrets.

The other bridge I’d recommend crossing – the oldest in the city – is the Ponte Pietra. Here, you’ll often find street musicians: when I walked along it, there was a man playing on a grand piano! Look up as you go for amazing views of the ancient Castel San Pietro hill.

Watch the sunset from the Piazzale Castel San Pietro

The highlight of my recent trip to Verona was watching the sunset from the piazza at the top of said hill (the Piazzale Castel San Pietro). It was difficult to find space on the walls, since so many other people had had the same idea as us, but when we did eventually find a spot, we agreed that the arduous climb up had been well worth the effort. Just look at our extraordinary view! The piazza had a very romantic atmosphere, and was clearly a popular destination for lovebirds. If only I’d had my own Romeo to enjoy the experience with!

Shop till you drop

Need to get a bit of retail therapy in? Head to Via Giuseppe Mazzini, Verona’s main shopping street, where you’ll find all your favourite brands. Alternatively, seek out a market. You’ll see stalls dotted all over the city: my friends and I enjoyed perusing some just outside the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore.

Eat, drink, and be merry

A trip to any Italian city would not be complete without of a taste of the country’s fine cuisine. My favourite dining spot in Verona has got to be the quirky Ristorante Pizzeria San Matteo Church, a pizza parlour located in a former house of worship. (Look down at the glass windows on the floor, and you may see parts of the church’s former crypt through them!) My friends and I were all most impressed by our orders – I went for a pizza topped with smoked salmon and rocket – as well as the friendliness of the staff. They gave us some free lemon sorbet to enjoy after our meal!

If you’re more in the mood for drinks, order a round of Moscow mules at Accademia Caffè, then finish your night with cocktails at The Soda Jerk, a fabulous, dimly-lit bar. Make sure to book a table in advance at the second venue: it tends to fill up quickly, especially on Saturday nights.

That’s all, folks!

So there we have it: ten things to do in Verona! It truly is a magical city, so if you do get the chance to go there any time soon, jump at it. Just make sure you don't get yourself into a sticky Romeo and Juliet situation.

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