Verona

Piazza Brà is the biggest square in Verona and a natural starting point for exploring the city. Yes, it’s touristy—but also a good place to sit with a coffee and take it all in. You've got the Arena on one side, cafés and grand buildings on the other, and a small park in the middle with benches, trees, and a fountain. Handy spot to pause, especially if you're heading to the Arena or have just arrived in town.

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.

Once the Roman forum, this square has always been at the centre of local life. It’s still busy, surrounded by old buildings, cafés, and market stalls selling souvenirs and snacks. A good place to pause and take in the mix of history and noise, especially if you grab a cup of coffee and just watch the flow.

Ponte Pietra is Verona’s oldest bridge, built by the Romans and still standing—well, mostly. Parts of it were rebuilt after WWII, but you can still see the original stonework. The bridge crosses the Adige River near the Roman theatre and offers one of the best views back toward the old town, especially at sunset.

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 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.

The Basilica of San Zeno is one of Verona’s key medieval landmarks, and a favourite for many locals. The church you see now was rebuilt in the 12th century after an earthquake, but it sits on a much older site from the 5th century. Inside, don’t miss the bronze doors—covered in strange and detailed scenes—and the altarpiece by Mantegna, one of the best in town.

Via Mazzini connects Piazza Brà to Piazza delle Erbe and is Verona’s main shopping street. Lined with high-street and designer brands, it’s usually busy, especially in the afternoon. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s part of the flow through the city—quick to walk, hard to miss.