7 Things to Do in Verona, Italy
There's something special about Verona that makes it unique among Italy's other cities. Maybe it's the fact that it was once the setting of one of Shakespeare's most famous plays, Romeo and Juliet. Or maybe it's because it's home to some of Italy's best-preserved Roman ruins. Whatever the reason, there's no denying that Verona is a city that's definitely worth exploring.
Wander the Streets of Verona
One of the best ways to experience all that Verona has to offer is simply by wandering its streets. Start off in the Piazza delle Erbe, which is located in the heart of the city's historic center. This picturesque square is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it the perfect place to people watch or grab a bite to eat.
From there, make your way to the Piazza dei Signori, another one of Verona's main squares. This is where you'll find the Palazzo del Governo, which now houses the city's museum.
Explore Museo di Castelvecchio
If you're looking to explore a little bit of Italian history during your stay in Verona, be sure to check out the Museo di Castelvecchio. This museum is housed in a 14th-century castle that was once the home of the powerful Scaligeri family. Inside, you'll find a collection of art and artifacts that date back to the Roman era. You can also take a peek into the castle's secret passageways and see how the Scaligeri family used to defend themselves from invaders. The Museo di Castelvecchio is a great way to spend an afternoon learning about Verona's past. Plus, who doesn't love climbing around a castle?
Visit Basilica di Santa Anastasia
One of the most beautiful churches in Verona, Italy, is the Basilica di Santa Anastasia. This 14th-century church is a must-see for any visitor to the city. The exterior of the church is adorned with Gothic architecture, while the interior is decorated with Renaissance artwork. It costs just a couple of Euros to go inside if you're interested.
Walk Across The Ponte Pietra
The Ponte Pietra, or Stone Bridge, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Verona, Italy. This ancient bridge spans the Adige River and has been a symbol of the city for centuries. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Verona. The Ponte Pietra was built during the 1st century BC. It was originally constructed of wood and stone but was later rebuilt using only stone. The bridge is approximately 120 meters long. The Ponte Pietra is one of the most well-preserved Roman bridges in Italy.
Walking across the Ponte Pietra is a popular activity for tourists and locals alike. The views from the bridge are stunning, and it is a great place to take photos. Many shops and restaurants are also located nearby, making it a perfect place to take a break from sightseeing.
Visit Juliette’s House
Juliette's House (Casa di Giulietta) is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience a taste of true love. The house is said to be the place where Juliette Capulet, the famous heroine of Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet", lived. Visitors can explore the different rooms of the house and even stand on Juliette's balcony, which is said to be the place where Romeo first declared his love for her. There is also a statue of Juliette outside the house, which visitors can touch for good luck in finding their own true love.
The courtyard is free to enter. Here you can snap photos of the balcony and drop off a letter to Juliette. To enter Juliette's four-story home is just a handful of Euros.
If you've ever seen the film Letters to Juliette, the secretaries of Juliette are real! You can write a letter lamenting your troubles in love, and the secretaries will actually reply to you!
Visit Verona’s Ancient Arena
Verona's Arena is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. The Arena was built around 30 AD and could seat up to 30,000 spectators (15,500 today). It is still used today for operas, concerts, and other events. Visiting the inside during the day was okay – I don't know if it is worth the 10 Euros. But the outside was pretty darn cool to look at. I suggest snagging a ticket if you're here during opera season. I could hear the concert from outside, and it sounded incredible.
Eat Dinner or Grab at Drink at Piazza dei Signori
Piazza dei Signori is one of the most popular squares in Verona. It is a great place to have dinner or grab a drink. There are many restaurants and cafes to choose from. You can also find some shops and boutiques around the square. Piazza dei Signori is a great place to people-watch and enjoy the Verona nightlife.
I enjoyed eating here more than at the main plaza near the Area because it was more intimate. The food was good at all of the places I tried (and I was there for ten days!). If you want a more local feel, choose Piazza dei Signori over the main plaza.
