What to Do in Verona? 8 Places You Should Not Miss

1. Arena di Verona

The majestic Arena di Verona might be the most stunning building in this beautiful city.

It’s situated in the city center, on Piazza Bra (Square). The amphitheater was built in the first century a.d. and it is the third-largest amphitheater in Italy after the Colosseum and the Arena di Capua (history related TV show fanatic Me: have you seen the Spartacus series?).

The Piazza Bra itself is a nice place to spend some time, but its greatest beauty is this building.

Nowadays the amphitheater can be visited, daytime the entry fee is around €10,00 for adults, in the evenings there are organized cultural events, like concerts, operas, and many others. 

2. Casa di Giulietta

This famous house was built in the 13th century and features the courtyard and the balcony where Romeo promised eternal love to his love, Juliet in the well-known Shakespeare tragedy.

Unmarried people when to visit this place touch Juliet’s statue (it’s like a ritual or superstition) in the hope of finding their one true love. I don’t know if this really works, but who knows?

Try it, and if you do find your one true love after your visit to Verona, return to this post and share it in comment with us! When I first was here, I didn’t know why people keep touching the statue’s (Juliet’s) breast… then I heard about this belief. 🙂

The house can be visited, there is an exhibition of beautiful furniture and costumes from the famous Romeo and Juliet movie by  Metro Goldwyn Meyer’s. The entry fee costs €6,00, and you can also stand out on Juliet’s balcony to re-live the heart-warming balcony scene.

3. Castelvecchio Bridge

A rare beauty rising above the river Adige, built in the 14th century. If your first thought was that this is the North Gate to the city, well…. it wasn’t. I admit this was my first thought when I saw the bridge. It was built by the lord Cangrande II della Scala as a chance of a safe escape in Tyrol’s direction in case if they lost their hold on Verona after a potential popular revolt or an attack.

It’s an amazing place. We’ve spent here more than an hour sitting and enjoying the sunset and the peace surrounded with ducks in the meantime.

4. Piazza delle Erbe

The Piazza delle Erbe (square) in the ancient times was the Forum of Verona.

The square is filled with life. In the daytime a market is functioning here, in the evening it’s full with people sitting in the restaurants’ terraces.

This beautiful Piazza is surrounded by beautiful buildings like the ancient Torre Lamberti (tower), Judges Hall, the Mazzanti House, the baroque Maffei palace, House of Merchants and many other frescoed beauties.

In the middle of the square, you’ll find the ancient fountain Madonna Verona, which was built in 1368.

5. Lamberti tower

On Piazza Delle Erbe you can find the Lamberti tower, whose building started in 1172.

After an accident, the top of the tower was rebuilt in the 15th century, and that’s why the top and the body are composed of different materials, and also you can see how the architectural styles don’t resemble. The tower has two bells, one is used to signal the fire, work time and the hours of the day, and the other one was used to call the people to arms.

6. Ponte Pietro

The Ponte Pietro (bridge) is the oldest bridge in Verona. It was first built in 100 b.c. and then rebuilt in the 13th century. Unfortunately, the bridge became a victim of the Second World War, as 4 arches were blown up by the retreating German army, and it was rebuilt again in 1957 partly with original materials.

The II World War was the main profile in my senior year at university, so when I heard first about this bridge, it magically came to the second place I wanted to see as soon as possible in Verona.

7. Piazza Bra

The Piazza Bra (square) is the largest square in Verona, aligned with many bars and restaurants. The square is surrounded by numerous important buildings like the Arena di Verona, the town hall, called Palazzo Barbieri, and the Gran Guardia, which was the first building on the Bra square.

8. Castel San Pietro

On the hill originally were barracks, which now are closed, but it is still worth to visit! Why?

Crossing the Ponte Pietro bridge, you’ll find a little alley leading up to the top of the hill. The alley itself is very beautiful, aligned with old buildings, but the most beautiful part is when you arrive at the top and you first see the panoramic view above the whole city.

In my opinion, Verona is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. As it’s not big at all, with a population of 260 thousand people, it still has many things to offer and many beautiful places to visit. If you didn’t decide where to go next, consider Verona as an option too. Especially in the summer, because the beautiful Garda Lake is very close to the city, and who doesn’t want to spend some time swimming and relaxing at a lake like this, between the mountains? 🙂