Verona Italy

Verona is situated in northern Italy’s Veneto region, with a medieval old town built between the meandering Adige River. Often described as a “Little Rome,” it offers world-class Roman ruins and Renaissance architecture but with a more relaxed, pedestrian-friendly vibe and fewer tourist crowds than neighboring cities like Venice or Florence.

It’s famous for being the setting of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” A 14th-century residence with a tiny balcony overlooking a courtyard is said to be “Juliet’s House.”

The Verona Arena is a huge 1st-century Roman amphitheater, which currently hosts concerts and large-scale opera performances. The 2027 season at the Verona Arena features a historic return of full-length ballet after 34 years with Romeo and Juliet, alongside major opera productions like Aida (in both the 1913 historical staging and Stefano Poda’s crystal edition), La Traviata, Carmen, Nabucco, special galas, and immersive orchestral concert events. If your appetite for magnificent musical performances needs replenishment, Verona’s offerings are a veritable feast.

Verona’s must-see spots:

• Verona Arena: This remarkably preserved 1st-century Roman amphitheater is the city’s crown jewel. It originally hosted gladiator fights and now serves as the world’s largest open-air opera theater. Book tickets ahead of time if you plan to catch a summer performance.

• Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta): Dive into Shakespearean lore at this 13th-century home. While the balcony is a major photo-op and heavily trafficked, it remains a quintessential Verona experience.

• Piazza delle Erbe: Originally the ancient Roman forum, this bustling square is now the perfect place to enjoy an espresso, snap photos of frescoed buildings, or browse the daily market stalls.

• Castel San Pietro Viewpoint: Perched high on a hill, this vantage point offers the best panoramic views of the city’s red rooftops and the Adige River. You can hike up the stairs in 10 minutes or ride the funicular in 5 minutes.

• Sirmione is very close to Verona and well worth a visit. The town sits on a peninsula jutting into Lake Garda. Getting there is easy and takes about 30 minutes by car, bus or train.

Restaurants in Verona that have a consistently high rating: Osteria il Ciottolo; Osteria il Bertoldo and La Griglia.