14 Best Things to Do in Verona for First-Timers
Verona might look like a small dot between Venice and Milan, but it was never short on Italian flair. In fact, it ended up being my favorite stop on our Northern Italy road trip.
Pink-hued buildings. Roman ruins without the crowds of Rome. Piazzas that make you fall in love with simply being alive.
Verona is compact but layered. Medieval lanes that open into elegant squares. A 2,000-year-old amphitheater still hosts opera under the stars.
And just when you think you’ve seen it all, you find yourself on a hill overlooking terracotta rooftops, not quite ready to leave.
This guide is for first-time visitors with one to two days in Verona who want to see the highlights without wasting time on overrated stops.
It is based on the exact path I followed, including what I would skip and add next time, how to time your visits to avoid crowds, and whether each attraction is actually worth it, especially if you are considering the Verona Card.
If you’re visiting Verona for the first time and want to experience the city properly, with time for gelato, these are the 15 best things to do in Verona.
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1. Arena di Verona
I started my day at the Arena di Verona, and I am glad I did.
Built in the 1st century AD, this is one of the few Roman amphitheaters that still functions as intended. You do not just look at history here. You sit inside it.
I arrived right at opening time; it opens at 9:00 AM. That decision mattered. Because while lines in Rome are generally shorter than in other places, waiting time can still be an issue.
By late morning, lines grow and the stone seating heats up fast. Early on, it felt calm and almost intimate. I used the Verona Card and entered through the fast-track gate. This is one of the advantages that the card can do; you can walk straight in. No more waiting time.
If you already plan to visit at least three major sights, it is worth checking availability now, especially in high season.
For me, sitting on the upper tiers was the emotional moment. This place still hosts opera and concerts for over 10,000 people. Most amphitheaters are ruins you pass through, but this one still lives.
If I could change one thing, I would return at night for an opera. It feels like the Arena’s true purpose.
Pro Tip: Put this as one of the first in your list; go as the place opens. Visit early morning so you can avoid lines and feel the space before it fills up. Plus, bring your own cushion. The stone seating looks charming, but it gets hard fast, especially if you sit and linger like I did.
verona card
If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions, I highly recommend getting the Verona Card.
It gives you free or priority access to major sites like the Arena di Verona and Juliet’s House, and it can save you both time and money.
I saved $20 during my visit to Verona just on the attractions I really wanted to see!
2. Attend an Opera at the Arena (Seasonal Bucket List)
If I could redo my trip, this is the one thing I would change. I would plan my visit around an opera at the Arena di Verona.
Seeing the Arena during the day is powerful. Seeing it at night is something else entirely. During summer opera season, the amphitheater fills with thousands of people. Candles light up the stone tiers. The sky turns deep blue. The acoustics feel unreal, even if you are not an opera expert. You do not need to understand every note to feel the atmosphere.
This is one of those experiences that stays with you. The Arena was built to hold crowds, and this is when it feels most alive.
Pro Tip: Book tickets 4 to 6 weeks in advance, especially for popular performances. Seats sell out quickly in high season. If you want help choosing seats or avoiding overpriced options, use a trusted ticket guide or tour.
3. Castel San Pietro Viewpoint
In my opinion, this is hands down the best view in the city!
Cross the river, then either walk up or take the funicular. It was a bit of a climb, but worth it. Arrive about 45 minutes before sunset. The Adige curves perfectly through the city. The hills fade into soft pastel tones.
We sat on the old brick walls and said nothing for a while. It was the perfect slow ending to a full day. Castel San Pietro is not about the castle itself. It is about seeing Verona all at once.
Pro Tip: If you plan to walk up, bring water. Otherwise, take the funicular. It requires a ticket and saves energy.
4. Ponte Pietra
This bridge has Roman origins and was rebuilt after WWII using original stones recovered from the river. That matters. You can feel the care taken to preserve it. Brick tones reflect on the water. Pastel buildings climb the hillside. Castel San Pietro rises above it all.
It connects two sides of Verona. The busy historic center and the quieter, more residential hills. Crossing it feels like stepping between eras. It is especially beautiful at golden hour, though the best sunset view is still from above.
5. Roman Theatre
I missed this because it was closed by the time we came down from Castel San Pietro, and I regret it.
Do not make my mistake. This theater is quieter than the Arena and blends into the landscape. Stone seating rises gently along the slope, with views over the river.
It pairs perfectly with Ponte Pietra and Castel San Pietro. If the Arena shows Verona’s scale, the Roman Theatre shows its intimacy.
6. Piazza Brà
This was my emotional turning point. The colors, the movement, locals and tourists mixing.
If there is one thing you must do, it is slow down and spend time in them. Unlike the grand, open piazzas of Rome or Florence, Verona’s feel intimate.
They are smaller, enclosed, wrapped in pink and terracotta buildings, with mountains quietly framing the background. They invite you to stay, not rush through.
Start with Piazza Brà. It sits just steps from the Arena di Verona, which is why it fits perfectly after an early morning Arena visit.
This is Verona’s largest square, and the first place where the city truly clicked for me. The colors, the architecture, the mix of locals and visitors moving through the space, it all feels alive without being overwhelming.
If you visit in December, this is where the Christmas markets take over, with lights, seasonal food, and a festive atmosphere. Come back again at golden hour. The square takes on a soft pink glow that feels almost unreal.
7. Castelvecchio and Scaliger Bridge
The art is interesting, but the real highlight is walking along the walls and stepping onto Scaliger Bridge. It is one of the most photogenic spots in the city.
Calm. Striking. Unforgettable.
It never felt as crowded as the Arena, which made the visit more enjoyable. Even if you are not into museums, the bridge alone makes this stop worth it.
8. Piazza delle Erbe
Grab a slice from Cruncheria. It was some of the best pizza I had in Italy, and that is saying a lot. I am not even a pizza person, but my partner Mat is.
He makes his own pizza at home and is very picky. This one earned a spot among his favorites. The crust is crunchy, the toppings are balanced, and everything tastes fresh and light.
After that, walk a few steps to Gelateria Impero and order the salted pistachio. I take ice cream seriously. I eat gelato in almost every country I visit, and during our six days in Italy, I had it daily. This one easily ranks in my top three, not just in Italy, but overall. The flavor is rich, smooth, and perfectly salty.
Find a spot around the piazza, sit down, and enjoy both. I accidentally sat at the base of Dante’s statue while eating, only realizing it when I looked up and saw him right there.
Pro Tip: Look up while you sit. The Renaissance fresco details are easy to miss and worth noticing.
9. Torre dei Lamberti
Torre dei Lamberti is Verona’s tallest tower at 84 meters and offers a full panoramic view over the historic center. You can climb the stairs or take the elevator. The stairs are included with the Verona Card, while the elevator requires a small extra fee. If you enjoy city views and have the energy, it is a solid stop.
From the top, you can spot the Arena, Castelvecchio, and the surrounding hills. That said, there is a clear safety barrier around the viewing platform, which slightly limits photos. If photography is your priority, this can be frustrating.
To be honest, if you are short on time, this is an easy skip.
Pro Tip: The view from Castel San Pietro is more open and more memorable, especially near sunset. If you do plan to go up, reserve a time slot in advance during high season to avoid waiting.
10. Piazza dei Signori
This square feels like Verona’s living room. Elegant. Symmetrical. Quiet. Dante’s statue stands in the center. He actually lived in Verona during exile, which adds weight to his presence here.
It sits just behind Piazza delle Erbe, yet many people rush through. Do not. Sit for a moment. The architecture feels cohesive and intentional.
11. Scaliger Tombs
Right next to Piazza dei Signori, the Scaliger Tombs are easy to walk past if you are not looking for them. But once they catch your eye, you naturally stop. There is no ticket and no queue. You simply walk up and take it in.
These Gothic tombs were built for the Scaliger, also called the Della Scala family, who ruled Verona in the 13th and 14th centuries. Unlike most medieval tombs tucked quietly inside churches, these were designed to stand out. They rise high above you, freestanding and dramatic, covered in detailed carvings.
Look up and you will see armored rulers on horseback sitting proudly on top. The message feels very clear. This family held power, and they wanted the city to remember it.
You only need a few minutes here, but it adds a lot of context to Verona’s history. It is free, quick, and surprisingly memorable.
12. Juliet’s House
Go early or skip it. You can see the balcony from the courtyard without a ticket. Touching Juliet’s statue is a long-standing tradition for luck in love. During peak periods, access is restricted to ticket holders only.
Unless you are a big fan or traveling as a couple, this is not a must. With the Verona Card, it is easy to pop in quickly. Kids on a field trip asked if I was Juliet. That alone made it memorable.
13. Basilica di Sant’Anastasia
This was my favorite church in Verona.
Striped columns. Soft light. Incredible frescoes. The hunchback statues holding holy water at the entrance are unforgettable.
The audio guide, included with the Verona Card, added so much context. It made the art feel accessible, not overwhelming. If you visit only one church, make it this one.
14. Experience Verona’s Cuisine
I missed eating at a proper osteria, and that is on me. After 13 years of travel, I know the best meals come from locally run places. We were too full from pizza and gelato. Next time, I would book an osteria and try Amarone wine. Locanda 4 Cuochi for truffle carbonara is high on my list.
See Most of it with the Exact 1–Day Itinerary I Followed
Start your day early by picking up your Verona Card at the Tourist Information Office on Via Leoncino. Even if you booked online, you need the physical card.
From there, walk straight to the Arena di Verona. Arrive at opening time and use Gate 5 to skip the line. Spend about 45 minutes walking around, sitting on the stone seats, and taking in the scale of the amphitheater.
Step outside into Piazza Brà and slow down. Walk the square, enjoy the atmosphere, but save eating for later. Head next to Castelvecchio and cross the Scaliger Bridge. Even if you skip the museum, the bridge is worth it. Plan about one hour here.
For lunch, go to Piazza delle Erbe. Grab pizza at Cruncheria and gelato at Gelateria Impero. Sit anywhere in the square and relax.
In the afternoon, walk past Torre dei Lamberti if you are short on time, then visit Piazza dei Signori and the Scaliger Tombs. Stop by Juliet’s House only if you are curious.
End the day at Basilica di Sant’Anastasia, then cross Ponte Pietra and head up to Castel San Pietro for sunset. Finish with dinner near the center or an opera if you are visiting in summer.
If you want more detail, including exact walking times, food stops, and booking tips, you can read the full one day in Verona guide here.
Where to Stay in Verona
Choosing the right area makes a short stay in Verona much easier and more enjoyable.
- Historic Centre—Best choice for first-time visitors. You can walk to almost every major site, piazza, and restaurant without relying on transport.
- Porta Nuova—Ideal if you arrive by train or plan day trips to places like Lake Garda or Venice. It is practical, well connected, and still close enough to the center.
- Veronetta—A quieter area across the river with a more local feel. Great if you want fewer crowds and do not mind a bit of walking.
- Borgo Trento —A calm residential neighborhood just outside the historic center. It feels relaxed and well connected and is a good option if you want space and comfort without being far from the action. You can find full details on this area on my page.
If you are not sure which neighborhood suits your trip, I walk through each area in detail, including pros, cons, and hotel picks, in my full guide on where to stay in Verona.
Make the Most of Your Time in Verona
Verona surprised me. I expected a quick stop, but it ended up being one of the places I think about most from our Northern Italy road trip.
It’s compact but layered. You can walk from Roman ruins to medieval castles to quiet piazzas in minutes. But what makes Verona special isn’t just the attractions—it’s the feeling of slowing down enough to enjoy them.
If you only have one or two days here, the key is planning smartly. Start early at the Arena. Time your sunset at Castel San Pietro. Skip what doesn’t excite you. Linger where it does.
And if you’re planning to visit multiple paid attractions, I genuinely recommend getting the Verona Card. It saved us over €20 in one day and helped us skip lines at the Arena and Juliet’s House, which made a big difference during busy hours.
If you want to follow the exact route I used, including food stops and timing tips, you can grab the Verona Card through the link below, and I’ll send you my free Google Map and printable itinerary so you can explore Verona without overthinking it.
Plan smart. Leave room for gelato. And don’t be surprised if Verona becomes your favorite stop too.
