Verona, Italy, is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and romantic cities we’ve ever visited. The atmosphere is full of ways to spend your time with so many options it can be hard to choose. The city is relatively compact, making it easy to experience a lot of the highlights even on a short visit. But there are also some wonderful ways to savor the romance and excitement of Verona if you have the time to dig deeper and explore.
Verona is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it incorporates artistic elements from each period of its history: Roman, Romanesque, medieval, and Renaissance. If all of that history is not enough, Verona also has a world-famous opera festival and numerous cafés and restaurants.
Whatever interests you may have, Verona likely has something that will please you. There are fabulous cultural and historical features, museums, architectural attractions, theatrical arts, and musical performances that make the city come alive. Known also as the city of love closely associated with William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona offers a lot of options for memorable romantic experiences as well.
To spark a few ideas for any visit, here are what we think are some of the most exciting things to do in Verona, Italy.
1. Verona Arena
One of the most exciting things about Verona is the Verona Arena. This massive amphitheater was built by the Romans in the first century AD and is one of the best preserved of such amphitheaters in the world. Originally used to watch gladiator fights during Medieval times, it was home to many live tournaments and events. Today, it holds over 20,000 spectators and is used for live concerts, operas, and performances. The Verona Arena is an enduring piece of architecture that embodies the living history of the city and has become its signature monument.
Pro Tip: If you have the opportunity to be out in Verona at night, take a stroll around the perimeter of the Arena. It is an architectural wonder, and at night, you can imagine all the people who have passed through its gates, sat in its seats, or participated in its events. There’s something quite special about being immersed in that history.
2. Piazza Delle Erbe
The oldest public square in Verona, Piazza delle Erba was the cornerstone of Veronese life and still exerts a significant presence in everyday activities. The market square was traditionally the place where textiles, coffee beans, herbs, spices, and other imported items were sold. Today, there is a farmers produce market Monday through Saturday as well as fresh flowers and souvenirs. There are many architectural features in the square including the old town hall, frescoed houses, the famous Lamberti Tower (take in a view from the tallest building in Verona), and the Madonna Verona fountain. Exploring the square provides insight into Verona’s past as well as its present.
Verona Christmas Markets
If you are able to visit Verona around mid-November through the Christmas holiday, the Verona Christmas Markets take over Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza dei Signori (also called Piazza Dante), Piazza Bra, Cortile del Mercato Vecchio, and other spots around the city in glittering holiday cheer. Wooden stalls offer locally made gifts, handcrafts, art, holiday décor, food, cheese, chocolate, mulled wine, and sweet treats of all kinds. It’s fun to stroll around each piazza and take in the bright lights, festive decorations, and holiday cheer. Try a bit of the famous Pandoro, a simple sweet cake in the shape of a star that is synonymous with the Verona Christmas season.
3. Palazzo Maffei House Museum
As part of exploring Piazza delle Erbe, pay a visit to the extraordinary Palazzo Maffei House Museum. This former private home of a notable businessman and art collector has been turned into a spectacular museum containing works of art in various mediums. The interplay between paintings, sculptures, applied arts, and the home itself results in a uniquely intimate and impressive experience. Works appear thematically arranged in one part of the museum, while another space has a more traditional gallery with pieces from famed modern and contemporary artists such as Pablo Picasso, René Magritte, Amedeo Modigliani, Max Ernst, Marcel Duchamp, and others. The museum is a real treat for the senses and a unique way to enjoy the pleasures of art.
4. Hotel Gabbia D’Oro
There are several options for exciting places to stay in Verona. But one splurge-worthy choice in the heart of the old city took our breath away. The exquisite Hotel Gabbia D’oro is an adventure unto itself. This converted 14th-century palazzo is cozy but opulent, charming, and elegant, with gracious service and luxurious accommodations that make guests feel like long-awaited VIPs. The beautiful breakfast room offers a quiet, personalized experience that is indulgently satisfying. A special treat is the back sunroom, where a pair of beautifully colored parrots — appropriately named Romeo and Juliet — keep company with those who might like to have tea or take an afternoon break in the lovely, nature-inspired environment.
5. Pasticceria De Rossi
Love is all around in Verona, and one of our truest loves is Pasticceria De Rossi, where every delicious carbohydrate-filled dream comes true. Located on the beautiful Corso Porta Borsari, the bakery is in its third generation of De Rossi family operations. Beautiful loaves of bread, gorgeous pastries, cookies, cakes, tarts, pasta, and sweet and savory treats of all sorts are created every day. Since 1974, this iconic establishment has been thrilling Veronese tastebuds. One look through the window will ensure that you walk through the door. Get a treat for yourself then stroll along the pedestrian-only ancient Roman road, one of the loveliest shopping streets in Verona.
6. Trattoria Tre Marchetti
Of course, dining in Verona is an absolute delight. Whether enjoying a morning espresso, sipping on a spritz, or tasting fresh pasta, the culinary offerings of the city are divine. But for those who want a little surprising entertainment with a phenomenal dinner, Trattoria Tre Marchetti is a hidden gem that will leave a lasting impression. Chef Matteo Barca is also a passionate opera singer. He came into the dining room to sing an aria during our dinner. The restaurant now offers an immersive visual experience incorporating images, sound, music, and color to enhance the meal. The menus themselves are works of art. A la carte options join tasting menus of meat, seafood, or a combination. Our tasting menu included handmade pasta with freshly shaved truffles and wine-braised beef topped with gold leaf. Yes, it’s that kind of place, but more reasonably priced than you would imagine.
7. Arena Opera Festival
Every summer to fall, Verona has hosted a fabulous festival of opera using the famous Roman arena as its venue for the past 100 years. The Arena Opera Festival offers spectacular sets, costumes, lighting, and performers in each and every show. Stars like Placido Domingo perform and there are opera as well as ballet performances. Favorites like Carmen, Rigoletto, La Traviata, Madame Butterfly, and The Barber of Seville are given the grand treatment in every sense. The productions are larger-than-life feasts for the eyes as well as the ears. With illustrious artisans and talented performers, the entertainment that takes place in the arena is unforgettable.
Romeo And Juliet In Verona
It’s true that Shakespeare set the eternal story of star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet in beautiful Verona. There are tickets to visit Juliet’s home, which contains a small museum of costumes and memorabilia from Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film version. Though the characters and story are fictional, romantics line up to tour the home and rub the right breast of Juliet’s statue for luck in love. Our tip is that the courtyard is free and you can see the famed balcony there. Go early to avoid the biggest crowds. You can skip the wait altogether and sneak a side peak of the balcony by walking around the block where you can get a glimpse through an archway on the street.
Verona is filled with history, romance, and Italian culture galore. With palaces and architecture, literature and music, artistic and culinary delights, we’ve just scratched the surface of exciting things to do in Verona, Italy.
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