Verona

Casa di Giulietta is a 14th-century Gothic house linked (mostly by myth) to Juliet from Shakespeare’s play. The name similarity between the real Dal Cappello family and the fictional Capulets kicked off the connection. Inside, there’s a small museum and a stone balcony—added long after Shakespeare's time—which draws a steady stream of visitors. The courtyard gets packed, but there’s something fun about the whole scene—even if you know it’s more story than history.

Castelvecchio, which means 'Old Castle', dates back to the mid-1300s and was built by Cangrande II della Scala as both a residence and fortress. Today, it houses the Castelvecchio Museum, with a good collection of medieval and Renaissance art. The castle’s walls and towers give a solid sense of Verona’s history, and the walk along the river from here is worth adding to your route.

The story of Romeo and Juliet will always be tied to the city of Verona, and if you’re following the trail of the legend, this is part of it. The stone sarcophagus here is said to be the final resting place of Juliet. It’s set in the crypt of a former monastery—quieter than Juliet’s House, with a small museum above that gives a bit more context to the story.

Right in the centre, this Romanesque palace was Verona’s city hall for centuries. Inside, there’s a small modern art museum and the impressive staircase in the courtyard. The highlight, though, is the Lamberti Tower—climb it (or take the lift) for one of the best views over the city.

Built into the hillside at the end of the 1st century BC, this Roman theatre was restored in the 1800s. The ruins give a sense of how grand it once was. Nearby, there’s a small museum with local artefacts and statues. Don’t miss the view from up here—it’s one of the nicer spots to look out over Verona.

Just southeast of Molina, this popular park offers waterfalls, walking trails, and plenty of spots to pause and enjoy the scenery. It’s a nice place for a picnic or an easy stroll, whether you’re with family, friends, or on your own. Not far from Verona, it’s a good option if you want to get out of the city for a couple of hours.

A bit outside Verona, but worth the trip if you’re into natural history. This small two-floor museum focuses on fossils from the nearby hills, which used to be a tropical sea. You’ll see fish, insects, plants, even reptiles—some surprisingly well-preserved. The collection isn’t huge, but it’s solid and well curated.

A quiet spot just outside the city centre, Giusti Garden dates back to the late 1500s and was once part of a private villa owned by Count Agostino Giusti. Mozart and Goethe passed through here, but now it’s mostly a peaceful place to wander. Tall cypress trees, statues, and views over Verona if you climb to the top. There’s also a small hedge maze—local legend says if a couple finds each other inside, they’re meant to stay together.

Just off Piazza dei Signori, these five Gothic tombs belong to the Scaliger family, who ruled Verona in the 13th and 14th centuries. The tombs are tall, ornate, and shaped like mini stone canopies—hard to miss once you spot them.

Tucked behind Verona's Cathedral, the Biblioteca Capitolare is one of the oldest libraries still running anywhere in the world. Some of the manuscripts here are from the early Middle Ages, and you can usually visit with a short guided tour.

Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake and an easy day trip from Verona. Different towns along the shore offer different things—Sirmione is popular for its castle and thermal baths, while Garda and Bardolino are more laid-back. You’ll find swimming spots, ferries between towns, and plenty of places to eat by the water. In summer, it gets quite busy, but it’s still a good escape from the city.