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The 38 Best Things to Do in Verona
👉 Jump to: Best Things to Do | Sites & Attractions | Food & Drink | Night Out | Unique Activities | Day Trips
Verona is Italy’s most romantic city. That Shakespeare chose it as the setting for his Romeo & Juliet is unsurprising. Its mix of Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance architecture is undeniably enchanting.
With such a rich history, there is so much to experience and see that it can feel overwhelming to decide what to do during your trip. But don’t worry. Having experienced the city as a tourist and a digital nomad, I will help you find the best things to do in Verona.
Verona has something for everyone whether you travel for history, music, art, or food. Once you’ve figured out what to do, check out my guide to where to stay in Verona to plan the rest of your travels.
38 Best Things to Do in Verona
Castel San Pietro
Nothing sets the tone of your trip better than seeing the sun set over Verona from a 19th-century castle.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: free | 👉 Book Guided Walking Tour on Verona Hillside on Viator
You will find the Castel San Pietro perched upon its namesake hill, amidst cypress trees and Roman ruins. As you cannot enter the castle, it is primarily known for its unmatched vantage point. From here, you can see the city’s skyline and the Dolomites in the distance.
In a city known for romance, experiencing the castle during sunset is the way to go. You can reach the top by taking a ride on the funicular. The hill is not that steep nor high, though, so I recommend climbing the steps yourself to enjoy its magical alleyways.
For those looking for romance, book a table at Re Teodorico. Their terrace has unobstructed views, and they make great Aperol spritzes. If you’re more interested in the history of the hill, you can also book a guided tour during the day.
👉 Pro Tip: Buy some Italian cheese, charcuterie, and wine, and get cozy on a picnic blanket well before sunset. This way, you’ll get unobstructed views with the crowds at your back.
Giardino Giusti
Dating back to the 16th century, these gardens are the most beautiful Renaissance gardens on earth.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +39 045 803 4029 | Website | Hours: winter 10 am – 6 pm daily, summer 9 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance: €13 adults, €9 students
Giardino Giusti is often overlooked by tourists, even though it’s been written about by Goethe and visited by the likes of Mozart. A shame, as it is said to be the most beautiful Renaissance garden in existence.
Built by the wealthy Giusti family, the garden sports the neatly trimmed hedges, mythological statues, and grottoes popular at the time. The lawns atop the city wall’s terraces are the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring.
Entrance to the corresponding palazzo, the Giusti family’s home until the 20th century, is also included within the ticket. Here, you can see how the family used to live. Art lovers will appreciate the paintings and statues scattered around.
Arena di Verona
Explore what it was like to be a gladiator-fight spectator, without the gore, but with the history.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +39 045 8005151 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 7 pm daily, Closed Mondays | Entrance: €12 adults, €9 ages 65+, €3 ages 18-25, free under 17 | 👉 Book Verona Arena Skip-the-line tour on Viator
Want to know what it was like to be entertained Roman style? Skip the Colosseum in Rome and come straight to the Arena di Verona. As one of the best-preserved amphitheaters in Europe, the Arena is a must-visit for all travelers.
The Arena di Verona was built over two millennia ago and has dominated the cityscape since the time of the great Roman emperors. Now located on Piazza Brà, you can see much of the place while wandering the square. Those interested in ancient history, however, will prefer booking a historical tour of its interior.
The best way to experience the complex, though, is in summer, when the Arena transforms into an opera stage.
Adige River
Follow the Adige’s sharp bends to see the city from a whole different perspective.
The Adige River does not merely flow through Verona: it has shaped the city. Being the second-longest river in Italy, it has been a vital waterway for trade and transport since Roman times.
Now, the river’s sharp bends offer extraordinary views of the opposite banks and its hills. Walking the length of it through the city, especially during golden hour, is one of the best ways to get a feel of the town. Plus, it’s free!
Casa di Giulietta
While still a work of fiction, the Casa di Giulietta transports you straight into Shakespeare’s tragic love story.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +39 045 8034303 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 7 pm daily, Closed Mondays | Entrance: €12 adults, €9 ages 65+, €3 ages 18-25, free under 17 | 👉 Book Juliet’s House Fast-Track Entry Ticket & Audio Guide on Viator
At the start of the 20th century, Verona’s municipality used Shakespeare’s world-famous love story, Romeo & Juliet, to attract more tourists. They bought a home from a family named Cappello, which resembled Juliet’s surname Capulet, and added a balcony to complete it. Thus, Casa di Giulietta was born.
Despite being a fantasy, the place is worth a visit. If not for Shakespeare, then for the greatest romcom of all time: Letters to Juliet. You can find the wall with letters from people seeking love, and a statue of the tragic beloved in the courtyard.
The interior of the house is a museum showcasing merchant life in Medieval times and movie costumes. But as the place is more cult than historical, I suggest visiting the courtyard and skipping the house itself.
💌 Fun Fact: You can actually leave your own lovelorn letters in the wall at Casa di Giulietta, and Juliet’s “secretaries” (yes, just like in Letters to Juliet!) will reply. You can learn more on the Juliet Club website.
Ponte di Castelvecchio
Verona’s iconic bridge will escort you back to Medieval times.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: free
Also known as the Scaliger Bridge, the Ponte di Castelvecchio was built as an escape route for the ruler of Verona in the 14th century. Now, it is the most impressive way to enter the Città Antica.
As it connects to Castelvecchio itself, the bridge is a fortress. Visitors can climb parts of its walls for views of the Adige River, or just peek through the artillery slits. Walk across it during late afternoon to hear street artists singing their tunes.
Castelvecchio Museum
Showcasing over 1800 years of history and art, this museum tells the tale of Verona like no other.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +39 045 8062611 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily, Closed Mondays | Entrance: €9 adults, €6 ages 65+, €2 ages 18-25, free under 17
Verona’s largest Gothic castle is also its most impressive museum. Castelvecchio was built along with the bridge in the 14th century to protect Verona’s rulers from Venice.
After ages of war and conquest, the castle was restored and transformed into a museum in the 1920s. Currently, it has one of the largest art collections in Italy, showcasing works from Roman to Napoleonic times.
Castelvecchio is perfect for history and art lovers. Especially if you’re only visiting one museum. Budget travelers can still visit one of the courtyards displaying multiple statues, free of charge.
👉 Pro Tip: Visiting multiple attractions and museums? Then buy the Verona Pass, which grants you free access to over 15 attractions and discounts on many more. Buy it at the Tourist Information Office to avoid online scams.
Torre dei Lamberti
Blending three architectural styles, the Torre dei Lamberti embodies Verona’s diverse cityscape.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +39 045 9273027 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Monday to Friday, 11 am – 7 pm Saturday and Sunday | Entrance: €6 adults, €4,50 students, ages 8-14 and 60+, free under 8
You can’t ignore the Torre dei Lamberti, even if you tried. The 84-meter-tall tower can best be seen from the Piazza delle Erbe and was initially built in 1172. Its top, however, was destroyed by lightning and rebuilt 300 years later. With the addition of a clock in the 18th century, it is an eclectic piece of Veronese history.
Admiring the tower from afar is great, but a better way to experience it is by climbing its winding staircase. The views from the top rival those of the Castel Ponte Pietro. If you are visiting in summer, though, head up early in the morning to avoid the heat.
Verona Sites & Attractions
Scaliger Tombs
Members of the Gothic rulers of Verona have rested here for over seven centuries and left a wealth of art to be admired.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +39 045 8062611
The Scaliger family ruled Verona in the 13th and 14th centuries, and their tombs are a special sight.
These Gothic graves are adorned with statues of saints and gargoyles meant to ward off evil spirits. A fence has been fashioned to protect the family’s peace, but travelers can still see most of the art from a distance.
The Scaliger Tombs are free to visit and are located in the center of the city. Even though they are amidst the action, be mindful that it is still a graveyard, and that respect is paramount.
Piazza delle Erbe
Enjoy an aperitivo under the watch of ancient frescoes and statues on Verona’s liveliest square.
Piazza delle Erbe has been Verona’s center of trade and social life for centuries. What started as a Roman Forum transformed into a Medieval market and is now filled with restaurants, shops, and stalls.
While people-watching from one of the many terraces is a must-do, don’t forget to admire the statues, fountains, and intricate frescoes around the square. The Case dei Mazzanti, Domus Mercatorum, Palazzo del Comune, and Palazzo Maffei display impressive art and architectural details.
The best time to visit Piazza delle Erbe is for an aperitivo. Grab a glass of wine at Signorvino or Il Mastino Bistrot and take in the many sights around the square.
Piazza Brà
Verona’s largest square showcases some of the best classical architecture in the city.
Piazza Brà is Verona’s most touristy square, with salesmen selling plastic wares and restaurants handing out menus in all languages. Still, its grandeur and wide cobblestoned boulevard make it worth a visit.
There are many more palazzos and stately buildings besides the Arena di Verona at the center of the square. While strolling around, visit Verona’s city hall, Palazzo Barbieri, and the Teatro Filarmonico, which both complement the arena’s classical style.
The Palazzo della Gran Guardia and the former city gate, I Portoni della Bra, cannot be missed on a trip to Piazza Brà. Sit down at one of the many restaurants for a coffee or an Aperol once you’ve had enough of walking.
Piazza dei Signori
Filled with silent history and few tourists, Verona’s most relaxed square is the perfect place to prop your feet up after a day of walking.
Piazza dei Signori is relatively unknown to tourists unlike Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza Brà. Even though it is right around the corner of the first square, it only has three restaurants and a statue of Dante Alighieri to keep you company.
Thus, Piazza dei Signori is the perfect respite after a day of sightseeing. Sit down on the terraces of either Gelateria Impero or Trattoria Pizzeria Impero. From there, marvel at the Loggia del Consiglio and Palazzo del Podestà, without leaving your seat for a while.
Arco dei Gavi
Moved, broken down, and reassembled: this Roman archway has an intriguing history.
The Arco dei Gavi has experienced many transformations. It started as a symbolic archway in Roman times and merged into the city walls in the Middle Ages. As the city grew and the walls moved outwards, the arch blocked the main road and was removed.
Disassembled, its stones waited until the last century to be restored next to the Castelvecchio, where they can be admired today. Like many architectural sights in Verona, the Arco dei Gavi is a treat for history buffs.
While you can walk under the arch, free of charge, the best way to see it is from the opposite bank of the Adige River. This way, you’ll stay clear of the crowds and get an unobstructed view.
Porta Borsari
Feel like a Roman citizen, and walk through the old city entrance like they did two millennia ago.
The Porta Borsari was the Roman Empire’s main entrance to Verona. As a major trade center, this gate welcomed many merchants, travelers, and nobility. The city has grown since, and the gateway is now in the city center. Still, thousands of people pass it daily.
The Porta Borsari is the best-preserved Roman heritage site in the city besides the Arena di Verona. Any traveler should walk under its arches, if only to imagine what it was like as a Roman citizen. And if you decide to skip it, you will likely still pass it, due to its central location.
Verona Cathedral
Verona’s most important Catholic church has known four different versions and is a must-visit for history buffs.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +39 045 592813 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday (from November to February open until 5:30), 11 am – 3:30 pm on Saturday and pre-holidays, Sundays and religious holidays 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm | Entrance: €4, free for children under 11 and religious people
The Verona Cathedral’s tower dominates the city’s skyline, second only to the Torre dei Lamberti. Having housed four previous places of worship, the current Roman Catholic church dates back to the 12th century. But like most monuments in the city, it’s an amalgamation of architectural styles, with baroque decorations being the clearest addition.
The cathedral is part of a complex that encompasses the Chapter Library of Verona, the Bisdom’s palace, and a monastery. If you love history and architecture, this place cannot be missed.
👉 Pro Tip: Buy a combined ticket for the cathedral, Basilica of San Zeno, Basilica of Saint Anastasia, and Church of Saint Fermo for only €8.
Ponte Pietra
Dating back to 100 BC, Ponte Pietra is Verona’s oldest bridge.
Verona’s oldest bridge, Ponte Pietra, dates back to 100 BC and survived a tumultuous history. Multiple floods destroyed it during the Middle Ages, and if you look closely, you can see that only the left arch survived German bombs in WWII.
Don’t worry, the bridge is still sturdy enough to lead thousands of pedestrians to the Città Antica, Castel San Pietro, and the Teatro Romano each day. As it is free to enter, visiting Ponte Pietra is a must for all travelers. Especially for the views you get of the city, river, and San Pietro.
Santuario della Madonna di Lourdes
While you won’t visit this sanctuary for its art or architecture, the views it offers will take your breath away.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +39 045 8344946 | Website | Hours: 7:30 am – 12 pm and 3 pm – 7 pm daily, 3 pm – 7 pm Mondays | Entrance: free
Due to their abundance, you never have to venture far to find a beautiful holy site in Verona. Santuario della Madonna, located on the San Leonardo hill, might thus not be on your radar. I can assure you that the incredible views of Verona and beyond from the church should not be missed.
To get to the Sanctuary, you can walk for 30 minutes from Ponte Pietra, or take bus 70 Oltreadige-Capolinea. The highlight will be the view and the hike, but the monument also has a chapel to admire.
Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore
More than the fictional wedding site of Romeo & Juliet, its impressive frescoes and courtyard will leave you awestruck.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +39 045 592813 | Website | Hours November to February: 10 am – 5 pm Mon to Fri, 9:30 am – 5:30 pm on Sat, 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm Sun and religious holidays | Hours March to October: 9 am – 6:30 pm Mon to Fri, 9 am – 6 pm on Sat, 1:00 pm – 6:30 pm Sun and religious holidays | Entrance: €4, free for children and religious people
The Basilica of San Zeno is Verona’s second-most-visited holy site, after Verona Cathedral. Named after Bishop Zeno, a 4th-century saint, this Romanesque church is a popular pilgrimage destination.
While its courtyard and frescoes are a good reason to visit the Basilica, most people know it as Romeo and Juliet’s wedding venue. In Shakespeare’s love story, the ill-fated couple got married in San Zeno’s crypt.
Shakespeare fans and travelers that love art and history must visit the Basilica of San Zeno. Do buy a combined ticket so you can visit the Verona Cathedral and two other churches as well.
Parrocchia di San Giorgio in Braida
This former Benedictine monastery is the jewel of the Adige River.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +39 045 834 0232 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 10 am and 5 pm – 7 pm Monday to Saturday, 8 am – 1 pm and 5 pm – 7:30 pm on Sunday | Entrance: free
Parrocchia di San Giorgio in Braida and its dome are the most magical section of the Adige River in Verona. The former Benedictine monastery is now a church showcasing splendid Renaissance art and paintings.
While you must visit its interior, the Parocchia is most magical when the sun dips behind its dome. Walk across the Ponte Pietra for the best view, and don’t forget to bring your camera.
Food & Drink
Elk Bakery
This un-Italian restaurant is the perfect brunch and lunch spot.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +39 045 8348880 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 11:45 pm daily
Although not typical Italian, Elk Bakery is Verona’s best brunch spot. With locations in Borgo Trento and Città Antica, this is the place to enjoy craft coffee and salmon avocado toast.
While everyone should experience a typical Italian lunch during their trip, freshly baked bread and pancakes hit different if you’ve had pasta daily. Go here for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, and don’t forget to try their cold brew on a hot day.
Romantic Adige River Dinner
As the city lights up when it gets dark, grab a table overlooking the river for a romantic dinner.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +39 045 8065146 | Website | Hours: noon – 2:30 and 7 pm – 10:30 pm Monday to Wednesday, noon – 10:30 pm Thursday to Sunday | 👉 Book Verona All in one: Food Walking Tour, Lunch & Wine on Viator
Along the eastern bank of the Città Antica, you will find many restaurants facing the Adige River. With checkered tablecloths and soft mood-lighting, this is the most romantic spot for dinner.
Trattoria Fluviale Vecio Mulin offers both indoor and outdoor seating beside the river. Their menu and cellar are filled with many traditional Veronese dishes and local wines. Make sure to book a table well in advance, though, as this is a popular spot.
GROM
Of all the gelato shops in Verona, GROM’s flavors are the purest and most delicious.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +39 045 592794 | Website | Hours: 11 am – midnight daily | 👉 Book Homemade Gelato Making Class via Viator
You can’t go to Italy without having gelato. Head to GROM for the best gelato in Verona. This national brand is committed to sustainable practices and omits additives and gluten. Even their ice-cream cones are gluten-free!
While gelato is great any time of day, head there after a long dinner and stroll over the Piazza Brà, gelato cone in hand. As they’re open daily, you can get your favorite flavors any time of year.
Morning Espresso in Veronetta
Be Italian for a day and drink your espresso while standing at the bar among locals.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +39 045 8003537 | Hours: 7 am – 6 pm daily, Closed Sundays
Coffee culture is omnipresent in Italy, with espresso at its core. Dolciaria Cantonucci Verona is one of my favorite places to get coffee in Verona.
Most locals order a shot of espresso on their way to work, which is typically done while standing at the bar and leaving immediately after finishing it.
If you do want to sit down, order an espresso or cappuccino at Dolciaria Cantonucci Verona in the morning. Get one of their scrumptious pies with it for breakfast, and you’re all set to start your day.
Caffè Monte Baldo
Early-evening drinks and finger food at a local bar are the best way to end a day of exploration.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +39 045 8030579 | Website | Hours: 10:30 am – midnight on Monday, Closed Tuesdays, 10:30 am – midnight Wednesday & Thursday, 10:30 am – 12:30 am on Friday, 11 am – 12:30 am weekends | 👉 Book Wine and Aperitivo Food Tour by Do Eat Better on Viator
Sit down at a small bar like Caffè Monte Baldo to experience aperitivo in Verona. While you could just order a Negroni with complimentary snacks, the café also offers a wine tasting. With the Valpolicella wine region being so close, this is a must-do in Verona.
Where espresso kicks off the workday, aperitivo ends it. Friends and families flock to their kitchens or restaurant terraces for snacks and drinks before dinner, between 7 and 9 pm. As Sky explains in her guide to solo travel in Italy, an aperitivo is the perfect way to prepare for your next meal.
Costa in Bra
This restaurant makes some of the best pizza in Verona.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +39 045 597468 | Website | Hours: 8 am – midnight daily
While located on the touristy Piazza Brà, Costa in Bra’s (gluten-free) pizza is phenomenal. Its large terrace and translated menu might turn you away, but the view of the Arena and the thin, airy crust make up for it.
Verona has many more local dishes to offer, but when in Italy, you must eat pizza at least once. If you don’t like Costa in Bra’s vibe, then try Gemma Pizzeria or Saporè Downtown. Both are loved among locals.
Night Out
Arena di Verona
The Arena di Verona turns into the most impressive opera stage on the planet during the summer.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +39 045 8005151 | Website | June to September | Tickets: €25 to €300, depending on seat
The city has hosted the Arena di Verona Opera Festival every summer since 1913. Singers, dancers, and orchestras perform the world’s most phenomenal operas where gladiators once battled.
This iconic venue will turn you into an opera fan, even if just for the night. My friend and I saw Bizet’s Carmen and can say this is the best way to experience the Arena.
You can get tickets for the arena steps or the chairs on its floor. The best seats cost around €300, while the cheapest are €25. If you choose to sit on the arena stairs, bring a cushion to sit on, as the stones get uncomfortable after three hours. Also bring binoculars to enhance your stage views if you’re sitting in the top rows.
In doubt which seats to get? Then book them on row 19 on the Arena floor. Here you can still hear the music properly, and the chairs are much more comfortable.
Teatro Ristori
Whether you’re into jazz or Baroque music, Teatro Ristori has a concert for every musical taste.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +39 045 6930001 | Website
While Teatro Ristori does not have the same grandeur as Arena di Verona or Teatro Romano, this hidden gem is the perfect rainy day alternative. Unlike its ancient counterparts, this 19th-century theatre has a roof and seats 469 people, making it the coziest venue in Verona.
It also offers a diverse concert and dance program, making it a must-visit for music lovers, gigtrippers, and dance fans. Concerts range from Baroque to jazz and gospel, while the theatre’s dance performances are mainly in the style of modern ballet.
Teatro Romano
Whether you want to see Romeo and Juliet live or wander through history, Teatro Romano will make your heart beat faster.
📍 Google Maps | Summer Season: +39 045 8011154. Museum: +39 045 7110129 | Website
Built one century before Christ, the Teatro Romano is the Arena’s older sister. Where the amphitheater was built for gladiator fights, this theatre has put on plays for millennia. During the summer, this romantic spot on the banks of the Adige River still offers a diverse program.
The Teatro Romano is the place for theatre enthusiasts. You can catch Shakespeare’s iconic Romeo & Juliet and more modern plays. With an extensive list of jazz concerts, travelers who prefer music can groove to their heart’s delight here as well.
Visiting during the colder seasons? Then you can still enter the theatre with a ticket to the Archeological Museum.
Archivio
This unassuming bar serves some of Verona’s finest cocktails.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +39 345 8169663 | Website | Hours: 4 pm – 1 am daily
With just 10 seats, Archivio is Verona’s tiniest cocktail bar. But it’s also its best, serving both classic and craft cocktails. At-home bartenders and strong spirit connoisseurs will want to visit this place for a nightcap or two.
As the place is small, Archivio tends to be packed, which is perfect if you like to mingle with locals. Order your drink at the bar, and join the pack of Veronese drinking and chatting on the street.
Romeo Ristorante, Bar & Cocktail Bar
Offering aperitivo, cocktails, finger food, and scrumptious dishes, the luxurious Romeo will fill your entire evening with deliciousness.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +39 045 9787103 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 2 am Sunday to Thursday, 11 am – 3 am Friday and Saturday
If Archivio is dark academia, then Romeo Ristorante, Bar & Cocktail Bar is a polished James Bond set. Its fancy cocktails, shiny wallpaper, and quiet terrace make it the most glamorous place for a late-night drink.
Those looking for a culinary experience can also find it at Romeo. The restaurant has an extensive aperitivo menu including drinks and finger food, as well as an à la carte and tasting menu. With their cocktail bar open until late, you won’t have to leave for hours.
Unique Activities
Rafting on the Adige River
Seeing Verona from the water will put the city in a whole new perspective.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +39 347 8892498 | Website | Classic rafting: €30 adults, €20 kids. Rafting and wine: €40 | 👉 Book rafting at sunset and aperitif in Piazza Erbe on Viator
You will love rafting on the Adige River even if you detest adventure sports. Many will imagine white, churning waters when they think of rafting, but this section of the river is calm. With no rapids in sight, it is a unique way to see Verona.
Adige Rafting offers rafting tours for all ages. For those looking to combine it with an aperitivo, they also have raft & wine afternoons. During both tours, the guide will explain how the Adige has shaped the city, making it a great experience for both history buffs and watersports lovers.
Bike Tour
The ultimate opportunity to see as much as possible and pick your guide’s brain about all the best spots in the city.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +39 333 6315730 | Website | €39,00 for a 3-hour tour | 👉 Book Verona e-bike tour: city center and panoramic views on Viator
While you could do most sightseeing on foot, booking a bike tour is a fun and active way to see Verona. Especially when you’re short on time and wish to explore as much as possible, or if you cannot walk long distances.
Local guides also offer extra depth to a destination and knowledge and information you wouldn’t be able to find yourself. At the end of the tour, be sure to ask your guide about their favorite spots and restaurants to make the most of your time.
Italian Cooking Class
Learning how to make pasta, pizza, or tiramisu is the best souvenir you can give yourself in Verona.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Book Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class With Free Flowing Wine on Viator
Food is one of the best ways to get to know a culture. Italy takes that statement to a whole new level, though. Learning how to cook their recipes gives you a whole new appreciation for their strong food culture. Plus, you will be able to replicate it at home.
While there are many cooking schools in Verona, the most inclusive one is Valli Homemade. They offer pasta, gnocchi, and tiramisu classes, as well as vegan and gluten-free pasta and pizza classes. If you have a soft spot for food or are looking for a rainy day activity, this is a must-do.
Shopping from Local Shops and Artisans
Take home a new outfit as a keepsake while supporting local businesses.
Besides a wealth of historical buildings and art, Verona also possesses many concept stores, local boutiques, and artisan shops. Shopping is therefore a splendid way to spend a colder or cloudy day. Or any day if you love shopping.
Two of the best shops I have found were Paper Wardrobe and Fil Good. Lab, located in the heart of the city, was a surprising hairdresser and clothing store combo. Other stores you must try are CLM Concept Store, Verone Block Market, and Sempre Concept Store.
Shopping in itself is a great pastime, but shopping at locally-owned stores is even better. This way, you not only bring home a cute souvenir but also support the Veronese community.
Day Trips
Peschiera del Garda
Only a 15-minute train ride away, Peschiera del Garda is the door to one of Italy’s greatest lakes.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book Full-Day Self-Guided Scooter Tour from Peschiera del Garda on Viator
Did you know Verona is incredibly close to Italy’s largest lake? A 15-minute train ride will take you to Lago di Garda. Surrounded by lush hills and mountains, spending a day there is a treat, whatever the season.
Peschiera del Garda is the closest lake town. As a former Venetian Work of Defence, this city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even though you might be there for a beach day at the lake, do not skip the fortress, Porta Verona, and Porta Brescia.
Probably due to many Dutch and German tourists visiting the region each year, the entire lake is surrounded by cycling paths. Renting a bike and cycling to nearby towns like Sirmione and Bardolino is a fun way to explore. Especially if you’d like to see more of Garda!
🚗 How to Get There: The easiest way to book train tickets from Verona Porto Nuova to Peschiare del Garda is via the Trenitalia website, but you could also book them at the train station. The cheapest option is to take the hourly Trenord train, which costs around €4 one-way.
Sirmione
As one of the most beautiful cities on Lake Garda, Sirmione has something for both history buffs and beach bums.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book Lake Garda and Sirmione Tour on Viator
Sirmione is one of the most popular destinations on Lago di Garda and has a strong connection to Verona. Most of the town has been built around Rocca Scaligera Castle, which housed the same Medieval ruler as the Castelvecchio. The castle still draws millions of visitors to the city each year.
Besides its historical sights, Sirmione is a must-visit for its natural beauty. At the very tip of the peninsula, you will find Grotte di Catullo. This archeological site is surrounded by tranquil beaches offering amazing views of the lake.
You can reach the town by bicycle or bus from Peschiera del Garda, or rent a car in Verona. Another option is to book this tour with transportation directly from Verona. The city gets so crowded during the summer, though, that the police occasionally have to close it off to tourists. So, if you want a more unique experience, visit it during the shoulder or off-season.
Bergamo
In just under two hours by train from Verona and nestled in the mountains of Lombardy, you will reach this medieval city of many layers.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book Bergamo: Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide on Viator
Most travelers know Bergamo for the nearby Milano-Bergamo budget airport. But the city itself is worth a visit. Located in the mountains of Lombardy, a train ride from Verona will take you there in 1.5 to 2 hours.
The historical center, also known as the upper city, is the place to be if you’re there for just a day. Located on a hill, just walking up the road to the city gates will take your breath away. Once inside the impeccably kept Venetian city walls, Piazza Vecchia, with its numerous sights, must be your first stop.
For the best view of the city, hike up or take the funicular to Castello San Vigilio. The best food can be found at Il Fornaio, which serves extravagant focaccias, and Pizzeria Assaje, which has some of Italy’s best pizza.
Venice
The city of canals, gondolas, and bridges is just a short train ride away from Verona.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book Tour of The Real Hidden Venice on Viator
Italy’s most popular destination needs no introduction. Venice’s canals, covered in gondolas, are widely known and a bucket list destination for many. But due to its year-round overflow of tourists, staying in the city can be overwhelming.
This is why visiting Venice from Verona is a great option. A direct train takes you right to the heart of the city, meaning you can get to exploring straight away. My top tip is to book a tour to cover as much ground as possible, or skip most of the main sights and visit the likes of Murano instead. If Venice really captures your heart and you want to explore longer, follow Taylor’s perfectly planned 3-day Venice itinerary.
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With so many things to do in Verona, you will easily fill up your days, no matter the type of traveler you are. Be sure to read Lea Rose’s picks for the top places to visit in Italy to discover more sights to see!