Things to Do in Verona, Italy

For those who have visited Verona, it likely feels like a city of love and romance. It’s simply the vibes. During autumn, the weather is cool, although the morning breeze can be overwhelming,  further adding to the sense of love in the air. The stone buildings, still preserved from yesteryear, enhance that feeling (WHAT TO SEE IN VENICE ITALY).

Verona is a city in northern Italy, located in the Veneto region between the larger cities of Milan and Venice. Travelling from Venice to Verona takes around two hours by coach. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Verona has existed for over 2,000 years. No wonder it stands as one of the top tourist spots in the world and a must-visit destination in Italy.

Adige River

With Verona nestled by the Adige River and not far from Lake Garda, visiting the Adige River is part of the sightseeing experience in Verona. It offers a beautiful view from Via Ponte Pietra. The river runs through the heart of the city, dividing the historic centre from the hillside district of Veronetta. Lined with walking paths and centuries-old buildings, the Adige River offers clear views of both banks and the surrounding hills. You can spend around 20 minutes here enjoying the scenery (THINGS TO DO IN JOHANNESBURG SOUTH AFRICA).

Saint Anastasia Church
From the Adige River, a walk leads you to Sant’Anastasia Church, the largest in Verona. Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, it is a key example of Gothic architecture in Italy. The church has a tall brick front, high ceilings with arches, and several detailed wall paintings inside. A highlight is the Pellegrini Chapel, which includes a wall painting by Pisanello, a well-known artist from the 15th century. Near the entrance, you’ll also see holy water fonts held up by carved figures known as the “hunchbacks of Verona.”

 

Informational pamphlets are available at the entrance, and visitors are generally allowed to enter the church. However, it’s important to check the opening hours in advance. If a wedding or religious ceremony is taking place, entry may not be permitted, and visitors can still view and admire the church from the outside.

Scaliger Tombs
The Scaliger Tombs in Verona are easy to spot from the main road. Surrounded by iron fences, these above-ground graves belong to the powerful Scaliger family who ruled Verona in the 13th and 14th centuries. You can enter the small area to get a closer look. Inside, you’ll notice a staircase and a covered structure that looks like a well. The tombs are built in Gothic style and stand tall with pointed arches and detailed carvings.

The most famous tomb is that of Cangrande I della Scala, a well-known ruler who supported the poet Dante. Visiting the Scaliger Tombs is one of the meaningful things to do in Verona, especially if you enjoy history and unique architecture.

Casa di Romeo (Romeo’s House)
Along the same route from the Scaliger Tombs is Romeo’s House, located on Via Arche Scaligere, before heading to Juliet’s Balcony. The house once belonged to the Montecchi family, believed to be the inspiration for the Montagues in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

 

One of Verona’s best-preserved historic buildings, it’s a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architectural styles. Visitors are not allowed inside as it’s private property, but you can view it from the street. A meaningful stop that connects to the famous love story of Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare.

Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta)
Walk into the arched entrance along with other visitors, this is one of the most visited sights in Verona. Inside the courtyard, you’ll see Juliet’s bronze statue. Wait your turn to take a photo, and you might notice many touching the right breast for so-called luck in love, though it’s more legend than fact.

 

Across from the statue is the famed balcony, where you can go up for a picture, or photograph it from below, often with couples posing. The museum inside displays 14th- and 15th-century artworks, including images of Madonna and Child, “The Last Kiss” painting by Francesco Hayez, and costumes from Zeffirelli’s 1968 film.

Mazzanti Houses
The Mazzanti Houses began in the 14th century as a grain warehouse owned by the Scaligeri family, Verona’s rulers at the time. In 1527, the Mazzanti family took over and commissioned Alberto Cavalli to paint the façades with mythological and allegorical scenes. These colorful exterior artworks helped earn Verona the nickname Urbs Picta (painted city). Though you can’t go inside, the façade remains one of the best-preserved painted exteriors in the city.

Piazza delle Erbe
This lively square features the Lamberti Tower, frescoed buildings, and the Mazzanti Houses. In the center stands the 14th-century Madonna Verona Fountain, topped with a Roman-era statue holding a scroll symbolizing the city’s ancient past. It’s among the most photographed features here. Tourists often pause for a 360° look around,  and admire the architecture.

Porta Borsari
Porta Borsari is a Roman gate from the 1st century AD, once the city’s main southern entrance. Located at Corso Porta Borsari, the structure has two arched openings and an upper level with windows. While you can’t go inside, visitors often stop to photograph the well-preserved stonework and details. It’s a worthwhile stop for those interested in Roman history, and it's easy to view while walking through the historic center.