Verona is a compact historic city in northern Italy where Roman engineering, medieval architecture, and everyday Italian life exist side by side. Travelers exploring things to do in Verona encounter the Piazza delle Erbe, centuries-old landmarks like the Verona Arena, and riverfront paths along the Adige. The city is known for walkable distances, preserved heritage zones, and cultural venues that remain functional rather than museum-like.
Many experiences here revolve around participation rather than observation.
You can attend an opera inside a first-century Roman amphitheatre, climb medieval towers for city views, join wine tastings linked to the Valpolicella region, or take cooking classes focused on regional Veneto cuisine. Churches such as Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore and civic structures like Castelvecchio explain Verona’s role in Roman, Scaliger, and Venetian history through architecture and artwork that remain intact.
Because of this depth, Verona is frequently included in Thrillophilia’s Europe tour packages and Italy tour packages, which focus on culture, food, and heritage rather than fast-paced sightseeing. Verona rewards travellers who prefer meaningful experiences, local food culture, and cities that can be understood on foot rather than through rushed itineraries.
1. Visit Juliet’s House and Balcony (Casa di Giulietta)
Casa di Giulietta is one of Verona’s most visited literary landmarks, closely linked to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Visitors enter through a passageway filled with handwritten notes and plaques before reaching the courtyard below the balcony. Inside the house museum, you can see period furniture, Renaissance-style interiors, historical documents, and theatrical costumes connected to the legend. The balcony itself overlooks the courtyard and is accessed through the upper rooms. The site explains the history of the Cappello family, believed to have inspired the story, and offers insight into how Verona became a global symbol of romance. Exploring Casa di Giulietta is listed among the top things to do in Verona, Italy, for first-time travellers.
2. Explore the Verona Arena
The Verona Arena is a Roman amphitheatre built in the 1st century AD and remains one of the best-preserved structures of its kind. You can walk through ancient entrances, climb stone steps, and stand on the arena floor where gladiator contests once took place. Informational panels explain Roman engineering, acoustics, and public entertainment traditions. Exploring the Verona Arena ranks among Verona’s best things to do for history and culture enthusiasts. Today, the arena hosts international opera festivals, concerts, and cultural events, especially during summer evenings. Seeing rehearsals or attending a performance offers a rare chance to experience live art in a historic setting.
3. Check Out Castelvecchio and its Bridge
Castelvecchio is a medieval fortress constructed by the Scaliger dynasty to defend Verona during the 14th century. You can explore fortified walls, courtyards, and museum galleries housing sculptures, paintings, weapons, and religious art from different eras. The museum layout allows close viewing of artworks against historic stone backdrops. The adjoining Castelvecchio Bridge crosses the Adige River and offers panoramic views of the old city, riverbanks, and surrounding hills. Walking across the bridge reveals Verona’s strategic geography and military past. The viewpoints of Castelvecchio make visiting the fort one of the best things to do in Verona Italy for travellers interested in heritage.
4. Enjoy an Aperitivo in a Piazza
Sharing an aperitivo in a public square is one of the most authentic things to do in Verona, Italy for cultural immersion. In the early evening, cafés across historic squares serve drinks such as local Valpolicella wine, Aperol Spritz, or prosecco, paired with small snacks. You can sit outdoors, watch locals gather after work, and admire surrounding architecture. Popular piazzas offer a lively yet relaxed atmosphere where conversation and people-watching are central. This experience goes beyond sightseeing and helps travellers understand Italian dining rhythms and social culture.
5. Soak in the Lively Atmosphere at Piazza Bra
Enjoying Piazza Bra’s energy is among the top things to do in Verona for understanding local urban life. Piazza Bra, Verona’s largest and most active public square, located directly in front of the Verona Arena, is among the top places to visit in Verona. You can stroll across wide open spaces, relax near fountains, and observe street performers and local gatherings. Cafés and restaurants line the square, offering views of historic façades and evening crowds. The square hosts seasonal markets, public events, and festival activity throughout the year. Spending time here allows travellers to experience the city’s daily rhythm rather than focusing only on monuments.
6. Try Out the Cafés in Piazza delle Erbe
Spending time in Piazza delle Erbe gives you a real sense of the city’s rhythm and is one of the most relaxed things to do in Verona. This Piazza is Verona’s oldest public square and a lively spot surrounded by Roman and medieval architecture such as Palazzo Maffei and Casa dei Giudici. Sitting at cafés like Caffè Dante, Caffè Vittorio Emanuele, or Pasticceria Filippi allows you to enjoy espresso, aperitivo drinks, or pastries while watching local life unfold. Market stalls selling fruits, souvenirs, and spices line the square during the day.
7. Climb the Torre dei Lamberti (Tower of Love)
The Torre dei Lamberti dominates Piazza delle Erbe and dates back to the 12th century. You can climb 368 steps or take a lift most of the way up to reach the observation deck. This climb helps you understand Verona’s layout from above and ranks among the top things to do in Verona for first-time visitors. From the top, you can see Verona’s red rooftops, church domes, the Adige River, and distant hills. The tower also houses historic bells that once marked time and emergencies in the city. It is among the most chosen inclusions in Verona Tour Packages.
8. Take Part in the Verona Wine Festival or a Food and Wine Tasting Tour
Verona lies close to renowned wine regions such as Valpolicella, Soave, and Bardolino, making wine culture central to the city. You can attend Vinitaly at Veronafiere, one of Europe’s largest wine exhibitions, or join smaller guided tasting tours within the city. These experiences usually include Amarone, Ripasso, and Soave wines paired with local cheeses and cured meats. Guides explain grape varieties, production techniques, and regional differences. This experience is ideal for travellers interested in Italian gastronomy and local traditions.
9. Take an Italian Cooking Class in Verona
Italian cooking classes in Verona are hosted by local chefs, private kitchens, and countryside farmhouses near the city. Experiences often include preparing fresh pasta, risotto, gnocchi, and classic desserts like tiramisu using seasonal ingredients. Instructors explain traditional techniques, ingredient selection, and regional recipes passed down through generations. Most classes end with a shared meal featuring the dishes you prepared, paired with local wine. This hands-on experience offers insight into everyday Italian food culture and is among the best things to do in Verona for culinary enthusiasts.
10. Go for a Day Trip to Lake Garda
Lake Garda is located about 30 to 40 minutes from Verona and is easily accessible by train or car. Popular towns such as Sirmione, Lazise, and Bardolino offer lakeside promenades, ferry rides, and historic landmarks. You can explore Scaliger Castle in Sirmione, relax near thermal springs, or enjoy boat trips across the lake. The calm waters and mountain views provide a scenic contrast to city sightseeing, making Lake Garda a rewarding and convenient extension to a Verona stay.
11. Explore the Beautiful Giardino Giusti
Giardino Giusti is one of Italy’s finest Renaissance gardens, created in the late 16th century by the Giusti family. The garden features manicured hedges, stone staircases, mythological statues, and hidden viewpoints overlooking Verona’s historic centre. As you walk through cypress-lined paths and ornamental fountains, you gain insight into aristocratic garden design of the Renaissance period. The upper terraces offer quiet corners and panoramic city views, often missed by casual visitors. Exploring Giardino Giusti suits travellers who enjoy history, landscape design, and peaceful walking experiences rather than crowded attractions.
12. Wander Through the Veronetta District
Veronetta is a residential neighbourhood east of the Adige River, known for its student life, street art, and everyday local culture. Walking through streets like Via Venti Settembre and Via San Vitale introduces you to small bakeries, bookstores, neighbourhood cafés, and contemporary galleries. The area also hosts parts of the University of Verona, giving it a youthful energy. Veronetta offers a contrast to the historic centre and ranks among the things to do in Verona if you want to see daily life beyond monuments and museums.
13. Enjoy Views from Castel San Pietro
Castel San Pietro sits on a hill above the Adige River and offers one of the most expansive viewpoints in the city. You can reach the site by climbing the stone steps from Ponte Pietra or using the funicular. From the terrace, you can see Verona’s rooftops, bell towers, bridges, and surrounding hills in one sweeping view. The location was historically used for defensive purposes due to its elevation. Visiting Castel San Pietro is especially rewarding at sunset and is considered one of the top things to do in Verona for photography lovers.
14. Visit Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore
Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture and one of Verona’s most significant churches. Dedicated to the city’s patron saint, the basilica features a detailed bronze doorway, a striped stone façade, and a spacious interior with frescoes. Inside, you can see Mantegna’s San Zeno Altarpiece, an important Renaissance artwork. The crypt, supported by stone columns, creates a calm and atmospheric space beneath the altar. The basilica’s artistic and religious importance makes it essential for travellers interested in Verona’s cultural heritage.
15. Explore the Magnificent Porta Borsari
Porta Borsari, well-preserved Roman gate that once marked the main entrance to ancient Verona, is a popular inclusion in many Italy Tour Packages. Built in the 1st century AD, it features decorative arches, inscriptions, and limestone detailing that reveal the city’s Roman origins. Today, the gate stands along Corso Porta Borsari, a lively shopping street filled with boutiques and cafés. Stopping here allows you to imagine how Roman traders and soldiers entered the city centuries ago. Exploring Porta Borsari is one of the best things to do in Verona for history-focused travellers.
