Verona in Italy - The city of romance

Discover Romantic Verona in Italy things to do where to stay accommodation options must see places and activities

So why do we call Verona the City of Romance?  The answer is easy.  It’s the setting of the famous love story of Shakespeare’s’ Romeo and Juliet.

If ever there was a romantic place to ask your loved one to marry you, it is Verona and in particularly, at Juliet’s balcony.  (Ever seen the movie ‘Letters to Juliet’?  I think you need to watch the movie:  So romantic.)

OK so while we are on the subject of romance in Verona, let’s have a closer look.

The Romantic Side of Verona

Shakespeare never actually visited Verona and his characters in Romeo & Juliet never really existed.  But Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House) is one of Verona’s main tourist attractions. The balcony overlooking the small courtyard is a famous Instagram spot and everyone in love, stops here.

During the week of Valentine’s Day, the Verona in Love festival is held in the heart of the historic center of the Scaligero capital.   As they say “If you love him, bring him to Verona”.

So if you’re planning to propose, a visit to Verona might be an awesome idea.  But if you’re planning a wedding, why not do it in Italy?  I’m not going to say anything else.  Just visit Sposami A Verona for everything you need to arrange the perfect wedding in Italy.

Things you must know before you go

How much time do you need

I think 2 to 3 days would be enough.  However should you wish to explore further, book 4 days.  This will allow you enough time to do things at a relaxed pace and not in a hurry.  Also take the time to experience the local cuisine (and taste real Risotto) at the local restaurants. In my opinion attending an opera in Italy is a special must-do experience for all opera lovers.

Travel Tip - Book this ahead of time - Before you go (you will say thank you aferwards)

Verona Arena guided Tour with Fast Track entrance

Skip-the-line entrance, and explore inside the ancient wonder. Arena di Verona – This Roman amphitheatre in Piazza Bra is internationally famous for the large-scale opera and philharmonic performances given there.

Lake Garda: 2-Hour Guided Trike Tour

'The three-wheeled motorcycle is guaranteed to turn heads as you travel into the hillside villages, away from the tourist crowds. Following a guide, you’ll stop at little-known vantage points where vistas of the lake await and have chance to take photos that will wow friends back home.' - Viator

Verona Segway Tour

Explore Verona in a fun way. Book your Segway tour with Viator and see the city with the guidance of someone who knows all the 'secrets'.
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Things to do and see in Verona

  • Piazza delle Erbe – Is a beautiful town square where you can enjoy your cappuccino.
  • Piazza Brà – a place to have lunch at one of the numerous restaurants or deli and enjoy the views (more about this below).
Verona Castelvecchio
  • Ponte Scaligero:  The Castel Vecchio Bridge or Scaliger Bridge over the Adige River – the perfect romantic sunset venue.  Your visit can include the Castelvecchio Museum.  There are a few places where you can climb the stairs to the top of the ‘open towers or alcoves’ on the bridge from where you’ll have beautiful views and perfect photo opportunities across the river.
  • Visit Castle Vecchio:  Take the time to walk around this ancient building next to the Scaliger Bridge.  A peaceful and sheltered  setting.
Piazza Verona
  • Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House) – Visit Romeo and Juliet’s balcony and the courtyard for your Instagram photos.  (Travel tip:  Go early in the morning before all the tour groups as this is one of the most popular stops in Verona, but it’s a tiny courtyard.  You want to get there early if you want to take a nice photo.)
Verona Italy
  • Piazzale Castel San Pietro
  • Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore
  • Wine tour and tasting (The Villa Mosconi Bertani – Wine Estate – is beautiful)
  • Attend a traditional Verona Cooking Class
  • Learn to make Risotto & Gelato
  • Go on a Vintage Vespa Tour
  • Do a Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
  • Do an olive oil tasting tour
  • Explore the beautiful Lake Garda with an afternoon guided tour
  • Discover Valpolicella  and do a wine tour and tasting
  • Book a romantic Verona Moonlight Walking Tour

You can book all these activities easily online in advance:

 Book via Viator or  Book via GetYourGuide

Valpolicella

A beautiful Basilica

Sant’Anastasia is a very beautiful church of the Dominican Order, which opened it’s doors in 1290, and was built in Italian Gothic style.  It is located near the Ponte Pietra.  Walking inside is a real jaw-dropping moment.

Where:  Piazza S.Anastasia, 37121 Verona VR, Italy

ALSO DISCOVER:

  • The Basilica of San Zeno -one of the most beautiful examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy.
  • The Church of Saint Fermo – A monastic architecture: from the Benedictines to the Franciscans.

Visit Verona Must see places in Verona SantAnastasia
Top Places to see in Verona Italy
  • Take a walk down Via Roma and stop for a while at one of the beautiful outdoor restaurants along the way or ar the piaza, and just watch the people go by.
  • From here stroll to the Portoni della Brà (the two big stone wall arches leading to the very beautiful and impressive Piaza  Brà which is definitely word a visit.
Top things to do in Verona Italy
  • Explore the Piaza Brà by scooter.  The colorful buildings are just beautiful.
  • Walk through the beautiful Giardini (Garden) Vittorio Emanuele II with it’s cool fountain and shade trees.
  • Then enter the Verona Arena – BUT (travel tip) book your tickets beforehand with Viator (See quick near the top of this article), or you’ll have to stand in a very very long line to buy tickets.  If you plan your trip well, you can attend an Opera show right here in the arena in Verona Italy.  That is something to tell your grandchildren…
Visit Verona Italy Things to do and see

Stop to shop | Architecture and shopping combined

If you love shopping and exploring shops, you have to stroll down Via Giuseppe Mazzini, but beware it is a very busy street at times.  However it has some beautiful architecture, so take the time to stop and look up at the buildings just above the shop windows. 

The streets of Verona gets busy around here, but it is worth strolling through the markets and just exploring all the places. 

Piazza delle Erbe is another place worth visiting with its outdoor market and restaurants.

Our Travel Tip would be to STOP.  Stop every now and then and just have a gelato or some fresh summer fruit in the heat of the summertime.  Stop to take in the surroundings.  Stop to rest your feet and enjoy the day.  Don’t rush everything and don’t expect to see everything in one day.

Why visit Verona? Is there more to do?

Apart from the connection to Romeo and Juliet’s story, the roman architecture and the beauty of the city, it is also close to Lake Garda.  Lago di Garda (Lake Garda) is only 35 km from Verona and it is stunningly beautiful. 

This is also the reason why we recommend hiring a car while you’re there.  You need to explore the surrounding areas and places like Lake Garda.  (If you’re depending on public transport and transfers, the travel to only one destination from Verona can take up to 3 hours.  Depending on where you are going.  But by car it is just so much faster and easier.)   

Where to stay in Verona

Dimore Verona

Visit Verona and stay in budget friendly places best places to stay in Verona Italy

SELF CATERING OPTION

Dimore Verona offers self-catering apartments in different parts of the city Verona, which can be a more affordable option and is ideal for couples or small families.

Each apartment is equipped with a flat-screen TV and washing machine, plus free Wi-Fi and a bathroom including a shower, bidet and hairdryer. Some apartments are air conditioned.

Stay in the best

Find the best place for you. Here are more than 1 000 places you can stay in Verona. Some with beautiful views and perfect locations. Like Hotel Firenze featured in the photo above.

However if you want to compare price first , here are a few of the popular booking options:

While you’re in the area, also visit Desenzano del Garda and Sirmione.