Verona is a charming city in northern Italy, famous for its rich history and its connection to the love story of Romeo and Juliet. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its beautifully preserved historic center, which showcases Roman, medieval, and Renaissance architecture.
Where is Verona
This city is located in Veneto, northern Italy, halfway between Milan and Venice. It’s a privileged location that also serves as a gateway to the stunning landscapes of the Italian Alps and the renowned Valpolicella vineyards.
Here are the driving distances from Verona to some key cities you may want to include in your itinerary:
- Milan: 2 h 5 min (157 km)
- Venice: 1 h 23 min (120 km)
- Dobbiaco (Dolomites): 3 h 12 min (253 km)
- Rome: 5 h 31 min (506 km)
- Florence (Tuscany): 2 h 47 min (245 km)
Top Things to Do in Verona
Before diving into the sights, it’s important to know about the Verona Card. This tourist pass gives you access to many attractions and public transportation in Verona. With it, you can visit historic sites like the Verona Arena and Juliet’s House at no extra cost. It also makes getting around easy since unlimited bus rides are included.
The Verona Card comes in two versions: one valid for 24 hours and another for 48 hours, offering flexibility depending on the length of your stay. You can buy it online (link below) or at various points of sale around the city, such as museums and tobacconists. It’s a smart way to explore Verona, especially if you plan to visit several attractions. Besides saving money, it also saves you time since you won’t have to wait in ticket lines.
Benefits of the Verona Card:
- Skip the long lines at Verona Arena
- Visit Juliet’s legendary balcony at Casa di Giulietta
- Enjoy free rides on ATV city buses (urban lines only, not including Aerobus service)
- Climb Torre dei Lamberti for panoramic city views
- Access several museums, including Museo di Castelvecchio
Here’s the link to purchase the Verona Card in advance:
👉 Verona Card with Priority Entrance to the Arena
Arena di Verona
The impressive Verona Arena, a Roman amphitheater built in the 1st century, still stands proudly intact. Today, it hosts incredible concerts and world-famous operas under the stars, filling Verona’s nights with pure magic.
Originally, the Arena was designed to hold up to 30,000 spectators who attended gladiator battles, animal hunts, and public executions.
Over the centuries, the Arena di Verona transformed many times. In the 18th century, it became a theater stage, and by the 19th century, it had established itself as an opera venue. Today, with a reduced capacity of 15,000, it continues to captivate audiences with grand productions, from operas to concerts by world-renowned artists.
We visited the Arena during the day, and the ticket costs €12. However, with the Verona Card, entry is included and you skip the lines.
Opera Festival at Arena di Verona
This is one of the most incredible events for anyone who loves music and theater. Just imagine: sitting in an ancient Roman amphitheater under the stars while listening to powerful opera voices. Goosebumps guaranteed! It’s one of the most unique places in the world to experience live opera.
Every year, usually from June to September, the Arena fills with people from all over the world. Although classical operas dominate, sometimes new productions are also staged.
The sets are huge and spectacular, designed to impress. Since the Arena is outdoors, the acoustics make the voices and instruments resonate in a magical way, completely different from an indoor theater.
If you have the chance to attend the Opera Festival in Verona, go for it! It’s an unforgettable experience.
Ticket prices vary depending on seat location, so book in advance as they often sell out:
👉Arena di Verona: Opera Tickets
Casa di Giulietta
Feel the romance at Juliet’s House, where you can step onto the famous balcony and relive Shakespeare’s timeless story. The courtyard and statue of Juliet attract countless visitors every day.
A fun curiosity: many people touch Juliet’s statue for good luck in love. This tradition became so popular that the bronze surface has worn away in certain spots. Of course, we joined the crowd and touched Juliet’s statue too — we couldn’t miss the chance! ❣️
Buy your ticket in advance, as the visit must be scheduled. Entry is also included with the Verona Card.
👉 Juliet’s House: Skip-the-Line Ticket with Audio Guide
Piazza delle Erbe
Once a Roman forum, today the bustling Piazza delle Erbe is Verona’s beating heart. Surrounded by colorful buildings and Renaissance monuments, this lively square hosts a vibrant market with souvenirs and local products.
Ponte Scaligero
This majestic bridge over the Adige River offers stunning views while linking the city center to Castelvecchio. It’s one of Verona’s most iconic medieval landmarks.
Torre dei Lamberti
Climb the 368 steps (or take the elevator) to the top of this tower for sweeping panoramic views of Verona and its surroundings. It’s one of the best photo spots in the city.
This attraction is also included with the Verona Card.
Museo di Castelvecchio
Housed inside a stunning medieval castle built by the Scaliger family, the Castelvecchio Museum showcases art from the Roman era to the Renaissance. Highlights include works by Mantegna and Bellini. Renovated by Carlo Scarpa, it blends ancient and modern design while offering views of the Adige River — a perfect mix of history, culture, and art.
This museum is also included with the Verona Card.
Best Time to Visit Verona
Spring (April to June) and fall (September and October) are the best times to visit Verona. The weather is pleasant, crowds are smaller, and the city is full of cultural events, including the world-famous opera festival at the Arena. We visited in July, and it was very hot!
How to Get to Verona
By Plane
Verona Villafranca Airport is the closest one, offering several domestic and international flights. From there, you can reach the city center easily by bus or taxi.
If you’re flying from Brazil, tickets directly to this airport tend to be more expensive and often include one or two layovers. We suggest flying into Rome or Milan first, exploring those cities, and then traveling to Verona.
By Car
Verona is well connected by highways A4 and A22, making it accessible by car from many major Italian cities.
If you plan to rent a car, we recommend DiscoverCars, where you can compare prices, read reviews, and find the best deals.
Valuable tips for drivers Driving in Italy: Essential Tips for Car Rental, Tolls, Parking, and ZTL Zones and How to Rent a Car in Italy: Complete Guide for Travelers
By Train
Verona Porta Nuova station is a major hub with regular connections to several Italian destinations, including high-speed train options.
We recommend Omio for booking train tickets in Italy. On this platform, you can compare companies, schedules, and prices easily.
By Bus
Several intercity bus lines connect Verona with nearby cities, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers.
Where to Stay in Verona
When staying in Verona, it’s worth choosing the right neighborhood to balance charm and convenience. For example, the Historic Center is perfect if you want to be within walking distance of the Verona Arena, Piazza delle Erbe, and Juliet’s House, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. On the other hand, Veronetta, across the Adige River, offers a more authentic experience with quiet streets, great restaurants, and stunning views from Castel San Pietro. Meanwhile, Borgo Trento combines a residential feel with easy access to both the city center and green areas.
We recommend Booking.com, which offers a wide range of accommodations and verified user reviews.
Other Useful Tips for Visiting Verona
- Check opening times and access rules on the Comune di Verona website.
- The Verona Card is a great choice if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
- Pets are not allowed in most museums (exceptions: Torre di Lamberti, Giardino Giusti, and Museo di Storia Naturale).
- Many museums are closed on Mondays, including the Arena and Juliet’s House.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as you’ll walk a lot.
For more Italy travel tips, check out:
Venice Travel Guide: What to See, When to Go & How to Visit
Milan, Italy: What to Do in 1 Day
For more travel tips like this, follow us on Instagram @beradatravel.
Did you know that when you book through the links on our blog, we earn a small commission, and you support us without paying anything extra? You get discounts and still help Berada Travel keep creating quality content about amazing destinations! Support us so we can keep inspiring travel lovers! ✈️ ❤️
