Things to Do in Verona

 

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Although the Italian city of Verona certainly gets its share of tourists, it doesn't compare to cities like Florence and Venice when it comes to overseas visitors. That's partly because this town is a lot smaller than the major Italian cities and, therefore, has less to see and do.

However, Verona manages to pack a lot of great attractions into a small area. Plus, the more laid-back atmosphere of the town might be just what you are looking for in an Italian vacation. If you're considering a visit to Verona, you'll find plenty to do here. Plus, the city makes a great gateway to other destinations nearby.

Drop off your bags at a Verona luggage storage and check out some of these top attractions. It won't take long to see why Verona is often considered an underrated gem of Italian tourism.

Verona Arena

The first thing most visitors want to see in Verona is the famous arena. This Roman amphitheater was built over 2,000 years ago and is still in excellent condition.

Although it no longer hosts gladiator battles or public executions, the arena does host a major opera festival every summer. If you're visiting during this time, you might be able to snag tickets to a world-renowned performance.

If not, you can still explore the interior and exterior of this incredible ancient structure. It's free to enter, making it a great activity for budget travelers.

Ponte Scaligero

No visit to Verona would be complete without seeing the Ponte Scaligero, one of the town's most iconic landmarks.

This bridge was built in the 13th century and spans the Adige River. It's a beautiful example of medieval architecture, with six arches and statues of lions on either side.

You can cross the bridge for free, making it the perfect spot to snap some photos of Verona's riverfront.

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Juliet's House

Romeo and Juliet may have been invented by the English writer William Shakespeare. But that hasn't stopped Verona, the setting of the famous play, from capitalizing on the story.

The house, the inspiration for where Juliet supposedly lived, is now a museum dedicated to the star-crossed lovers. You can explore Juliet's bedroom, balcony, and tomb, as well as see some interesting Shakespearean artifacts.

Even if you're not a huge fan of the play, this museum is worth a visit for the beautiful medieval building alone.

Castelvecchio Museum

If you're interested in seeing some of Verona's most important art and artifacts, head to the Castelvecchio Museum.

This museum is housed in a 14th-century castle that has been beautifully preserved. In addition to art, the museum contains weapons, armor, and other objects from Verona's history.

A visit to the Castelvecchio Museum is a great way to learn more about the city's past. Plus, the views from the castle are incredible.

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Torre dei Lamberti

For even more amazing views of Verona, climb to the top of the Torre dei Lamberti.

This tower is 84 meters tall and offers panoramic views of the city below. You can see all of Verona's major landmarks from the top, making it the perfect spot for photos. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the mountains beyond.

There is an elevator that goes to the top of the tower, but you can also choose to walk up the stairs for a small fee. Either way, it's a great activity for visitors of all ages.

Piazza Bra

No trip to Verona would be complete without spending some time in the city's main square, Piazza Bra.

This large piazza is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops. It's the perfect place to people-watch or do some souvenir shopping.

If you're visiting on a Sunday, you'll also find a large open-air market in the square. You can browse for clothes, jewelry, and other local goods.

Verona Cathedral

The Verona Cathedral is one of the city's most important religious landmarks. This Gothic cathedral was built in the 14th century and contains many beautiful works of art. The ornate ceiling will have you craning your neck to see it all, yet you won’t want to avert your eyes from the intricate carvings and frescoes.

You can explore the interior of the cathedral for free, so that will help your euros stretch further.

If you're interested in learning more about the history of the cathedral, there is also a small museum inside.

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Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore

The Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore is another important religious landmark in Verona. This basilica was built between the 10th and 14th centuries and contains lots of beautiful art and impressive Romanesque architecture.

In line with the blurring of fiction and reality, this basilica is alleged to be the place where the real Romeo and Juliet got married. Whether that's true or not, this impressive church is worth visiting for its long history and the notable art inside.

Scaliger Tombs

The Scaliger Tombs are a must-see for history lovers visiting Verona. These 14th-century tombs are ornate and well-preserved. They're a great example of the city's medieval architecture.

The tombs are located in the courtyard of the Church of Santa Maria Antica. 

If you're interested in learning more about the history of the tombs, the church has lots of interesting information.

Conclusion

Although relatively small, Verona is rich in history, architecture, and historical interest. But it's also a fun and lively place to visit today, with lots of great food to enjoy. Although it still draws quite a few tourists, it will generally be less busy than the juggernauts like Rome and Florence, which can be a nice change if you’re on an extended Italian vacation. Drop off your bags at a Verona luggage storage, and you'll soon see just how much this small Italian city has to offer.