What to See in Verona
Explore 12 landmarks, monuments, and attractions in Verona, Italy. From iconic sights to hidden gems — curated from real traveler experiences.
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Casa di Giulietta
Official websiteSupposedly the location of the famous balcony love scene from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the house is a major destination for tourist pilgrimage, as the tiny courtyard is normally packed with lovestruck teenagers photographing each other on the famous balcony.…
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In fact, the house has no connection with Shakespeare's fictional characters - although the house is old, the balcony was added in 1936 and declared to be "Juliet's house" to attract tourists. You can visit the house itself - it contains a sparse collection of Renaissance frescos rescued from other demolished palaces, and the bed from Zeffirelli's 1968 movie, but not a lot more.The balcony overlooks a tiny courtyard containing a statue of Juliet. There is an unbelievable amount of graffiti and general scrawling on the walls, floor, seats, anything that will hold ink - there is a tradition of writing love messages to Juliet, and visitors leave notes, trinkets and bits of chewing gum fashioned into love hearts. Juliet's house is a popular romantic shrine, but its popularity belies its value; compared to some of the treasures around Verona, Juliet's house has very little to offer.
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Basilica of St Zeno
located slightly outside the centre. A 10-15 minute walk from the Castellvecchio, but well worth the walk, as it is possibly the richest in devotional artwork and historical preservation in Verona. The church is dedicated to Verona's patron saint, Zeno, a 4th-century North African and a keen fisherman who was ordained Bishop of Verona in 363.…
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Zeno's tomb lies in an atmospheric shrine in the church undercroft, and he is also commemorated with a grinning medieval statue of Zeno in full episcopal robes, dangling a golden fish on the end of a fishing rod. The entrance to the church is graced with an ornate Romanesque façade by Nicolò; like the cathedral, this church was erected after the earthquake of 1117. The church itself was a centre of European pilgrimage for centuries; pilgrims were greeted by huge 10-metre frescoes of St Peter, patron saint of pilgrims. Visitors across the centuries have left their mark - pilgrims happily inscribed graffiti in the frescoes, and signatures dating from 1390 survive to this day. There is also graffiti left by the invading Austrians in 1865.
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Castelvecchio
Official websiteA 14th-century, red brick, fortified castle on the banks of the river Adige. The main castle buildings house the city art museum which is packed with a rich collection of medieval sculpture and Renaissance paintings. As well as the museum, the extensive castle ramparts are great for exploring - ideal for families with children who enjoy running around castle fortifications.…
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The Castelvecchio has an adjoining bridge over the river which is open all the time - walk over the bridge for some fantastic views of the castle on the river. Castelvecchio hosts the Circolo Ufficiali, which is reserved to people who joined the army as officers. Sometimes is used even to perform musical attractions or to show up paintings from various artists.
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Arena
Official websiteAn enormous, spectacular Roman amphitheatre, crumbling on the outside but still functioning today. It was erected in the 1st Century AD in an elliptical shape, and is the world's third-largest amphitheatre to survive from antiquity. Much of the outer ring was damaged during the earthquake of 1117 but the inner part is still intact.…
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Houses on the back are made of stones ruined during this earthquake. The only piece of the outer ring is called "Ala" (wing) from the citizens of Verona. If you can, plan your trip during the Opera season and see a performance in the Arena. Outside the opera season you can visit it during the day. During the opera season, the closing time for non-opera visitors is about 2 hours earlier.
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Verona Cathedral
was built to replace an 8th-century church which was destroyed in the earthquake of 1117. Consecrated in 1187, the church features an ornate marble Romanesque façade by the Veronese architect Nicolò; its pillars are supported by two griffins. Stone reliefs around the door include Biblical scenes.…
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The smaller side door is also worth a look - medieval carvings include Jonah being swallowed by a whale. Inside, the nave has many Gothic alterations, and oil paintings around the side chapels include an Assumption by Titian. The Romanesque baptistery adjoining the chapel of Sant'Elena is preserved, with its exquisite marble font and collection of medieval paintings.
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Piazza delle Erbe
Home of the Forum in Roman times this is still a focal point of the city. Contains the 'Britney Verona' fountain, 14th century 'Gardello Tower', and a market that, while picturesque, seems to have become another tourist cliche during its recent refurbishment.
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Lamberti Tower
completed in 1463, this is the tallest of Verona's towers. The unmistakable clock tower looms over the Piazza delle Erbe, and you enter via the palace courtyard. Although there are 238 steps to the top, there is a lift! Views from the top are breathtaking.
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Castel San Pietro
This former Austrian barracks dates back to the Austrian occupation of the left bank, and while the building is not open to the public, the views from the hill over Verona are spectacular. Go up in the early evening and enjoy a romantic sunset for free!
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Casa di Romeo
So, if Juliet lived there, what about Romeo? A couple of streets away another house has been designated as his home. It is private, so other than a sign on the wall there is nothing much to see.
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Chiesa di San Giorgietto
A tiny chapel immediately next to San'Anastasia. Easily overlooked, this church s richly decorated with early Renaissance frescoes depicting the walled garden of the Virgin Mary.
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Giardino Giusti
One of Italy's most important renaissance/mannerist gardens, with grottoes, fire-breathing masks carved into the hillside etc.
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Porta Borsari
The remains of a Roman gate, dates to at least the 2nd Century AD, but is almost certainly older.
Exploring Verona: A Guide for Solo Travelers
Verona is one of Italy's most rewarding cities to explore on foot. With 12 documented sightseeing spots — from grand monuments and historic churches to hidden squares and local museums — the city rewards curiosity at every turn. This guide covers everything you need to plan a great sightseeing day in Verona, whether you have a single afternoon or an entire week.
How to See Verona Like a Traveler, Not a Tourist
The best way to discover Verona is on foot, moving between neighborhoods rather than rushing between landmarks on a tour bus. Start your day early — most major sights in Verona are significantly less crowded before 9am. Many iconic spots, such as Casa di Giulietta and Basilica of St Zeno, look entirely different at dawn versus midday, and you'll get far better photographs without the crowds.
Budget at least 30–45 minutes for each major attraction in Verona, and don't underestimate walking distances between them. The city's neighborhoods are best experienced by wandering rather than following a rigid itinerary. If something unexpected catches your eye — a courtyard, a street market, a viewpoint — follow it. The most memorable moments in Verona rarely appear on any official list.
Planning Your Sightseeing in Verona
Before you visit major paid attractions in Verona, check whether they offer discounts for students, young travelers, or EU residents. Many museums and monuments have free admission on the first Sunday of the month, or offer combined tickets with nearby sites that save significant money. Some of Verona's best sights are entirely free — outdoor landmarks, historic streets, and public spaces cost nothing to explore and can be more atmospheric than ticketed attractions.
If you're visiting Verona as a solo traveler, consider joining a free walking tour. They typically depart from main squares in the morning and cover the city's most important sights in 2–3 hours with a knowledgeable local guide. These tours are also excellent for meeting other travelers — you'll often find the group ends up exploring Verona together for the rest of the day.
Sightseeing in Verona with Fellow Travelers
Solo sightseeing in Verona is perfectly enjoyable, but exploring with others can transform the experience. When you share a landmark with a fellow traveler, you see it through their eyes — their questions, their stories, their cultural context. A French traveler will notice different things about Verona's architecture than a Japanese one. That exchange of perspectives is what makes travel memorable.
Nomax is a free travel companion app that helps solo travelers in Verona find each other and plan sightseeing together. Browse profiles of travelers currently in Verona, join group activities like city walks and museum visits, or post your own sightseeing plan and invite others to join. Many travelers in Verona use Nomax to find companions for specific attractions — someone to split a taxi to an outlying monument, or a walking partner for the old town.
What Makes Verona Worth Seeing
Verona offers 12 documented sights in this guide alone — and that's only the beginning. Casa di Giulietta, Basilica of St Zeno, Castelvecchio are among the most visited, but the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and viewpoints are equally rewarding for the traveler willing to explore beyond the main itinerary. Italy's history, culture, and architecture are all visible in Verona's streets and buildings, making it one of the best cities in the region for sightseeing.
Whether you're spending a single day or a full week in Verona, this guide gives you a starting point for building your own itinerary. The sights are ordered by the richness of their documentation, with the most detailed descriptions at the top. Use the coordinates to navigate with any map app, and check the hours and entry prices before visiting to avoid disappointment.
Sightseeing in other Italy cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-see attractions in Verona?
Verona has 12 notable sights including Casa di Giulietta, Basilica of St Zeno, Castelvecchio. This guide covers landmarks, monuments, churches, museums, and hidden gems curated from traveler experiences and editorial sources.
How many days do you need to see Verona?
Most travelers spend 3–5 days exploring Verona to cover the major sights comfortably. A focused itinerary can cover the top 10–15 highlights in 2 days. Download Nomax to connect with other travelers and plan a shared sightseeing itinerary for Verona.
Are there free things to see in Verona?
Yes — many of Verona's best sights are free or low-cost. Outdoor landmarks, public squares, parks, and certain museums offer free admission or free exterior visits. Check individual entries above for price information.
What is the best time to visit Verona's sightseeing spots?
Early mornings (before 9am) are the best time to visit popular sights in Verona to avoid crowds. Many monuments and outdoor attractions are also magical at dusk. Use Nomax to find fellow travelers who can share timing tips and join you for a sightseeing day.
How do I meet other travelers to explore Verona with?
Download Nomax — the free travel companion app — to instantly see solo travelers near you in Verona. Join sightseeing activities, meet travelers at the same landmarks, and chat before you meet up. It's the easiest way to explore Verona with company.
Is Verona good for solo travelers?
Verona is popular with solo travelers for its rich sightseeing, accessible public transport, and welcoming atmosphere. The Nomax app helps solo travelers find companions in Verona so you never have to explore alone — from guided walks to museum visits to spontaneous meetups.
Explore Verona with fellow travelers
Download Nomax to find travel companions in Verona, join sightseeing activities, and make your trip unforgettable.
Download Nomax — FreeAvailable on iOS and Android. Free forever.
Travel tips from Wikivoyage contributors, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.