Why We Love Verona
Verona is a city you get to know by bike, following a river that wraps around it in a great bend. Here, a Roman amphitheatre watches over the main square, the pink facades of Verona marble glow at sunset, and the Adige slips beneath bridges two thousand years old. You come for Romeo and Juliet and leave won over by everything else: the terraces of Piazza delle Erbe, open-air opera under the stars in summer, and the Valpolicella hills just a pedal stroke away.
The Must-Sees (and How to Really Enjoy Them)
The Verona Arena
The 1st-century Roman amphitheatre, one of the best preserved in the world, stands at the heart of Piazza Bra. In summer it becomes an open-air opera stage for a legendary festival.
The Lokki tip: book your opera seats several weeks ahead and bring a cushion, the stone tiers are hard but the acoustics are magical.
Juliet's House and Its Balcony
Juliet's house and its famous balcony, in a courtyard that's always buzzing. A must, even if the legend came before the stones.
Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori
The former Roman forum turned market, lined with palaces and frescoes, and right next door the more solemn Piazza dei Signori, with its arcades and statue of Dante.
The Lokki tip: come early to Piazza delle Erbe, as the stalls are setting up and the light slides across the facades, before the tour groups arrive.
Castelvecchio and Its Fortified Bridge
The medieval Scaliger fortress, now a museum, extended by the crenellated Ponte Scaligero spanning the Adige. One of the finest sights in the city.
Verona's Neighbourhoods Not to Miss
Verona reveals itself neighbourhood by neighbourhood, each with its own mood:
- The historic centre (Bra, Erbe, Signori): monumental and pedestrian, best explored early before the crowds.
- The Duomo quarter to the north, quieter, around the cathedral and its lanes.
- The left bank of the Adige (Veronetta), at the foot of the hills, more local and student-filled.
- The San Zeno area to the west, around the magnificent Romanesque basilica and its quiet square.
The Lokki tip: cross the bridge and head up to Veronetta, away from the crowds in the centre, to see everyday Verona.
By Bike, Through Verona and Along the Adige
The historic centre is compact and mostly flat: perfect for linking up the monuments by bike without ever straining. The finest paths follow the Adige, and above all, Verona is the starting point of the great cycle path that runs up towards Lake Garda. For the hills and the Valpolicella vineyards, an electric bike changes everything.
The Lokki tip: follow the Adige north to pick up the Lake Garda cycle path, one of the most beautiful bike escapes in the region.
Outdoor Sports in Verona, at a Glance
| Activity | Where in Verona | Best for | The Lokki tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cycling and e-bikes | Historic centre and Adige banks | Urban rides and heritage | Link up the squares early, the city is still quiet |
| Long-distance cycling | Cycle path to Lake Garda | Cyclists after an escape | Set off early and plan half a day to Peschiera |
| E-bikes in the hills | Valpolicella vineyards | Nature and wine lovers | Combine the climb with an Amarone tasting |
| Urban hiking | Castel San Pietro hill | Panorama lovers | Head up late in the day for sunset over the city |
Culture and Heritage: Verona's Monuments
Verona packs twenty centuries of history into a tiny space:
- The Arena: the Roman amphitheatre and its summer opera stage.
- Castelvecchio: the Scaliger fortress and its art museum.
- The Basilica of San Zeno: a Romanesque masterpiece, with its bronze doors.
- The Duomo and the Ponte Pietra: the cathedral and the city's oldest bridge, of Roman origin.
The Lokki tip: get the VeronaCard if you're doing several sites, it covers most monuments and lets you skip the queues.
What to Do in Verona for Free?
- Wander Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori.
- Cross the Ponte Pietra and admire the Adige and the hills.
- See the courtyard of Juliet's House and its balcony (access to the courtyard is free).
- Admire the exterior of the Arena from Piazza Bra.
- Step inside the Basilica of San Zeno during free opening hours.
- Walk up to Castel San Pietro for the panorama.
The Lokki tip: climb to Castel San Pietro in late afternoon, it's the best free view over the rooftops, the river and the arena.
What to Do in Verona When It Rains?
- The Castelvecchio museum and its art collections.
- The Basilica of San Zeno and the Duomo, under cover.
- The palaces and frescoes around Piazza dei Signori.
- A tasty break under the arcades of Piazza delle Erbe.
The Lokki tip: on a rainy day, take your time at Castelvecchio, then take refuge in an osteria for a glass of Valpolicella.
With Kids
Piazza Bra for running in front of the Arena, the ride along the Adige by bike, the climb to Castel San Pietro like a little adventure, and discovering the Roman bridges, which kids always love.
The Lokki tip: rent bikes for the whole family and follow the Adige, a flat, safe route away from the traffic of the centre.
Eating (Very) Well in Verona
You can't leave without tasting Veronese food. On the menu: risotto all'Amarone, pastissada de caval (a slow-cooked wine stew), tortellini di Valeggio, and of course the great local wines, Valpolicella and Amarone in red, Soave in white, to enjoy in an osteria in the centre.
The Lokki tip: look for an osteria away from the touristy squares, over towards the Duomo or San Zeno, to eat like a local.
Going Out at Night
The terraces of Piazza delle Erbe come alive at aperitivo time over a Spritz, the lanes of the centre slowly fill up, and in summer the opera at the Arena gives the evening a unique flavour. Some hillside terraces offer beautiful sunsets over the city.
The Most Beautiful Day Trips Around Verona
| Destination | Distance | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Garda (east shore) | 30-40 min | Bardolino, Lazise and Garda, waterside villages |
| Valpolicella | 20-30 min | Amarone vineyards, tastings, hills |
| Sirmione | 45 min | The peninsula, the Scaliger castle and the thermal baths |
| Vicenza | 40 min | The Palladian villas and the Renaissance centre |
| Mantua | 50 min | The city of the Gonzaga, its squares and ducal palace |
Our Tips for Planning Your Trip
Allow 2 to 3 days for Verona, a week to also explore Lake Garda and Valpolicella. The best time to visit is April to June and September to October: mild weather and beautiful light, without the crushing summer heat. If you're coming for the opera, aim for June to August, but book early.
The Lokki tip: in high season, book your opera tickets and bike rental in advance, the best slots go fast.
FAQ: What to Do in Verona
What to do in Verona for free?
Piazza delle Erbe, the Ponte Pietra, the courtyard of Juliet's House and the climb to Castel San Pietro cost nothing (see our dedicated section above).
What to do in Verona when it rains?
The Castelvecchio museum, the Basilica of San Zeno, the Duomo and a break under the arcades of Piazza delle Erbe.
What to do in Verona with kids?
Piazza Bra in front of the Arena, the bike ride along the Adige, and the climb to Castel San Pietro.
How many days do you need to visit Verona?
2 to 3 days for the city, a week to also explore Lake Garda and Valpolicella.
What's the best time to visit?
April to June and September to October, for mild weather; summer if you're coming for the opera festival at the Arena.
Verona, at Your Own Pace
Whether you come for the opera, the legend of Juliet, or simply to wander, Verona is best savoured on foot and by bike, between Roman bridges and the bend of the Adige. Take the time to follow the river and climb the hills, that's often where the city truly reveals itself.
