Top Things To Do In Verona | Best-Hidden Spots

Verona is a lovely city in northern Italy that is perhaps most famous for its play-by-play in William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet. But there is much more to see in Verona than Casa di Giulietta, although a movie lover would want to visit there.

Wander Through Piazza Bra

Piazza Bra is one of the main city’s squares where numerous cafés and restaurants are situated, having terraces open to the public. It results in arriving at the First Century Roman Arena, which is one of the biggest and the finest preserved Roman amphitheaters in the present world. Watch a performance of opera in the open air at Arena during summer; the place is beautifully designed with pink and white limestone. The local market on the south end that vends fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, and clothing/accessories should also not be missed.

Climb Torre dei Lamberti

To get a bird’s eye view of the red-tile roofs interspersed with spires of churches, there is the Torre dei Lamberti, an 84-meter-tall bell tower dating back to the 12th century. Have your camera on stand-by at the top for a breathtaking view that any postcard dealer would emulate. It has relatively cheap ticket prices and since it is located in the city center, people do not have to go out of their way to access the site.

Reflect on Castelvecchio Castle and Bridge

This impressive 14th-century red brick castle has a segmental archboard on one side and two white marble statues on the walls. Today, in Castelvecchio, there is an art gallery that contains pieces that are considered to be invaluable to Verona, such as paintings by Pisanello and Tiepolo. Cross the old fortified bridge to look back at the castle – a good place to take a photograph.

Relax in Giardino Giusti

These are beautiful Renaissance gardens that are located behind a wall, but this is a great place to escape the bustle of the city. It has an abundance of cypress trees, neat hedges, fountains, and sculptures making it feel like they have just opened the door to an enchanted garden. Continue up the slope by the narrow path to reach a terrace known as the Belvedere where one has the view of the entire garden below.

Stroll Along Via Sottoriva

This is a lovely cobbled street with beautiful buildings painted in different colors, where the houses have boxes with flowers and flowerpots on the windowsills. It exudes a certain allure as you walk past artisanal stores, retro osterias, elegant stores stocking genuine Italian leather products, or items crafted from Amarone wine. Aperol spritz and terrace with view on people passing by must visit.

Climb the Scaliger Tombs at Santa Maria Antica.

Located beside the Romanesque church of Santa Maria Antica, lie beneath these ornate Gothic side-by-side murals of the noble family of Scaligeri, who dominated Verona in the medieval ages. It is extremely well preserved and I have never seen tombs like these in the entire Italy featuring pointed arches, elaborate stairs, and balconies.

Tortellini Osteria Sottoriva

Head into a cobbled street that opens up into what has to be one of the most picturesque squares in Old Town, surrounded by houses with vines creeping up the walls. You should try the homemade specialty tortellini which is filled with various stuffing such as pumpkin, chestnut, or lamb and can be enjoyed at Osteria Sottoriva when you sit in the corner of the restaurant. They have an equally impressive collection of wines that complements the pasta meals.

San Zeno Maggiore Basilica

Verona boasts a Romanesque beauty of the twelfth century, it was designed in honor of the patron saint of the city. Look at the beautiful, engraved marble doorway that depicts scenes from the Bible and sculptures. Visit the interiors and explore the galleries of fascinating bronze doors with scenes of sin and virtue. Do not skip going for a walk through the tranquil Romanesque cloister with the double arcade with columns formed by a two-part wall with a garden in between.

Insider's Tip: Have a Ghostly Experience on an Evening Tour

Feel like having something eerie to do at night? Take a ghost tour that will tell you stories of ghosts, vampires, witches, and serial killers who haunted Verona. Tours depart at night from either Piazza Bra or Piazza Erbe, further enhancing the eerie experience that takes you through the old dark backstreets and alleyways. In that one, you will learn about headless spirits and creepy stories associated with some of the characters in Shakespeare’s books. It is rather mysterious in the evening as if Fair Verona is not a normal town but has a dark side that one cannot see in the daylight.

Verona is an easy day or even a weekend escape from Venice, Milan, or Lake Garda, unique in its medieval appeal and layered with history. Strolling past the architecture and byways, walking over the archaic bridges, and getting lost in the labyrinth-like, narrow, cobblestone trails best expresses the beauty of this romantic city. Here’s your insider’s guide to some of the best things to do in Verona with a bit more to see than the balcony scene and the Casa di Giulietta and fall in love with this beautiful part of Italy.

Read More:

12 Unforgettable Sights In Cancún: From Underwater Museums To Ancient Ruins

Best Tours & Unusual Places To Visit In Doha

‏Top 14 Places To Explore In Sharjah

10 Amazing Places You Must Visit In Rhodes Greece

12 Unmissable Things To Do In Bologna, Italy

14 Fun Things To Do In Thessaloniki In 2024