Verona is a city you must visit. A haven for lovers, a city of parks and the unique atmosphere of old Italy, you will be completely captivated. There are at least 7 things to do in Verona and we are going to tell you what they are.
Verona doesn’t have a sea (although William Shakespeare claims otherwise in The Two Gentlemen of Verona) and that puts a bit of a damper on its attendance. After all, only Italy attracts most tourists to water fun. In the capital of the province, Verona, we find something different. No giant bright neon lights, just amazing decorations on the facades of houses that breathe the spirit of long-gone times. The greatness of the masters of Italian architecture stands out here.
Romeo’s Juliet’s balcony – soak up the romantic atmosphere
Yes, every tourist goes there, but you simply cannot see this. This monument has a special charm, especially when we know that no Juliet Capulet ever really lived. Many lovers even wrote her messages. But that’s over now. The councilors did not like the mess created by the pieces of paper flying around the courtyard under the balcony. That’s why they banned this custom. In addition, the writers attached some messages to the wall with chewing gum, which greatly spoiled the appearance of Casa di Giulietta.
So you can’t write messages here, but you can say “yes” on the balcony and thus confirm your marriage vows. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s absolutely ideal for romantic souls. And those who don’t want to waste money can at least take a picture with Julia cast in bronze. She looks just as wonderful as Shakespeare describes her in the novel, although her breasts are already considerably palpated.
Plan your romantic stay in Verona >>
The amphitheater of Verona – a breathtaking monument
The third largest amphitheater in the world stands a short distance from the lovers’ balcony. After the Roman Coliseum and the arena in Capua near Naples, Verona boasts the third largest building of this type. It looks well-preserved and has great acoustics. That is why it still hosts many musical performances.
The visitor already wants to close his eyes and dream that in the middle of the arena actors are playing the premiere of an ancient play and armed legionnaires stand guard at the entrance, but there is nothing to be done, the reality of the twenty-first century immediately sets in. It has many forms. Large posters on the wall of the amphitheater promoting upcoming cultural events, a man standing nearby shouting into his mobile phone or the ubiquitous vendors. Packs of African traders who impose “guaranteedly genuine” branded watches and handbags are especially annoying and persistent. He doesn’t have a license to sell, so as soon as a police officer comes around the corner, he disappears like steam over a pot.
Plan your romantic stay in Verona >>
Giardino Giusti Park – romantic oase of peace
Sooner or later, everyone longs for a bit of silence and rest in a city full of tourists and annoying salesmen. The best way to recharge your batteries for further travel trips is probably to visit one of the city’s parks. In Verona, we can find a lot of beautifully designed ones, the Giardino Giusti is worth mentioning. It is located not far from the center, so unlike most similar oases of peace, we don’t have to trudge across half the city to get here.
Giardino Giusti does not lose its unique charm even in winter. Only the closing time changes from the usual 20:00 to the time of the current sunset. The gardeners in Verona’s most beautiful park shape the greenery with the precision of engineers into an artistic form. No wonder Mozart or Goethe fell under the spell of this garden.
Plan your romantic stay in Verona >>
Porta Borsari – a gateway to the past
Although in January 1117 a massive earthquake shook Verona, which destroyed many of the buildings of that time, one, or rather a part of one of them, survived until our time. It slightly disturbs the early medieval atmosphere, but thanks to its beauty and refreshing breath of antiquity, it does not matter at all. Ancient Roman gate Porta Borsari.
Some visitors to Verona take a picture of the gate, turn around and go to other sights. They are making a mistake. Behind Porta Borsari opens a maze of narrow magical streets with beautiful old houses. Here he just wants to hide the camera and just enjoy the real Italy.
Plan your romantic stay in Verona >>
Torre dei Lamberti – see Verona from a height
A historic lookout tower towering over the city. In addition to specific monuments, the historical core of the city as a whole is also very beautiful. The ancient and romantic atmosphere of Verona has earned it a place on the UNESCO list. Walk through the city center and find out for yourself! Or even better: see the city from above.
This possibility is provided by the Torre dei Lamberti, an 84 meter high clock tower. The tower was built in 1172 by the Lamberti family, but historians do not know much about it. Even today, you can safely visit the inside and the top of the tower, so the tower functions as an observation tower. You can walk up the stairs or pay extra for the elevator.
Discover flavors and aromas of Verona in Cafe Mazzanti
The official name is Caffé delle Erbe, but locals call it Mazzanti. It is one of the most famous cafes in Verona. It stands on Piazza delle Erbe, which has a strategic location. It is the natural center of the city, from where you can quickly reach all the important tourist attractions of Verona.
In addition to the convenient location, the main advantage of Mazzanti is its unique color. Its basic element is live music. With the sound of musicians’ instruments, the delicacies of Italian cuisine and fragrant colorful cocktails taste even better.
Plan your romantic stay in Verona >>
Taste Italian gelato
Did you know that you can recognize good gelato at first sight? You just have to look at the color and it’s clear! If the gelato flashes artificially screaming hues, then you know you’re not in the right place and run away before it’s your turn. On the other hand, pastel, matte colors may not appeal to you much at first, but they guarantee you one hundred percent the great taste of gelato. A tip for “beginners” – it is best to orient yourself according to the color of the pistacchio flavor.
Try Gelateria Ponte Pietra, for example. You definitely won’t regret it. This gelateria is exceptional for three reasons – it’s simply absolutely delicious, the menu always offers only seasonal flavors and it’s located in the most beautiful part of Verona, where tourists don’t go much anymore. Enjoying this delicacy under a tree-lined avenue with a view of the Castel San Pietro castle, the old Romanesque theater and the romantic bridge under which the Adige River flows is an experience even for the greatest connoisseurs!
