Hello travel companions, we’ve heard many times about Romeo and Juliet, the novel by Shakespeare’s novelthe love story and its tragic ending. Since the story is set in this city, when we think of visiting Verona, it is surely the first thing that comes to mind. That is why we recognize Verona as the city of Romeo and Juliet.
But is it worth visiting Verona to see Juliet’s balcony? If we were only attracted to see the balcony maybe not, but … read on and discover with us, everything you have to do in Verona, it is a beautiful city, which attracts and has a lot to see.
Join us for a tour of the must-see places in Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet.
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Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet
Verona is in the Veneto region of northern Italy, built on the banks of the Adige River.
It was our second time in the city, and we had come back to enjoy it, because we had wonderful memories of the first contact.
You can go to Verona during the day, a full day is very good to see the main attractions of the city. But if you have one night you will enjoy it in a quieter way, because during the day the number of tourists is a lot and this decreases in the evening.
How to get there
First of all let’s see how to get to this charming Italian city. Although, of course, you can move from wherever you want, Verona is only 120 km away from Venice, and 160 km from Milan(let’s say it is in the middle of both), so from any of these two points is a good idea to arrive by train to spend the day, or to stay one or more nights.
If you are with a car instead, it is very likely that you will be touring the area, places like Lago Di Garda are very close, or cities like TrentoPadova, or the previously mentioned Milan or Venice, so it is a very good option to make a stop in this city.
Lodging
Staying in Verona can be a little expensive, we chose the Hotel Milanowhich is very well located, just a few steps away from the Arena of Verona, the service is excellent, but if you want to take care of your pocket it is perhaps a good idea to look for a hotel not so central, on the other side of the Adige, it can be a very good option.
In the city you can do almost everything on foot, so when choosing a hotel look for price and a medium good location. A charming b&b is a nice romantic option to enjoy Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet.
Booking.com
What to see?
As we said in the introduction, Verona has many things to see, of course going to see Juliet’s balcony is a must, but as we said it is not the only thing. Shall we start?
A very good option, which we always do when we arrive in a new city, is to take a free walking tour, the well known free walking tours are a very good way to have the first contact with the city. Book your place in the Free Tour of Verona
1- Verona Arena
With a capacity of 25ooo spectators, the Arena of Verona is one of the most important amphitheaters of the Roman era, nowadays it hosts concerts, and during the summer the renowned opera season.
Built in the middle of the first century A.D., it was used for different types of spectacles, such as gladiatorial combats and fierce and exotic animal hunts.
After having been used for a long time for different purposes, in 1913 Verdi’s Aida was presented for the first time, and since then this monument became, as we were saying, the venue for the summer lyric season.
Even if you don’t attend a concert, you can still visit inside.
ENTRANCE FEE: € 10
HOURS: Monday from 1.30 pm to 7.30 pm / Tuesday to Sunday from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm.
Or if you prefer, you can book a guided tour of the Arena. Guided Tour of the Arena of Verona.
2- Piazza delle Erbe
Located in the ancient Roman forum, Piazza delle Erbe is the oldest square in the city.
In Roman times it was the center of the political and economic life of the city. With the fountain of the Madonna at its center, built in 1368, the square is very lively. Surrounded by cafes and restaurants, it has been the center of the local market for many years, and you will find crafts, souvenirs, and many other things of interest to tourists in its stores.
The surrounding buildings are of particular beauty, some with painted facades. Do not miss any of the details of this square, we will find many and varied. We can highlight the Palazzo de la Ragione of the thirteenth century, dominated by the Torre del Lamberti. The tower of the Lamberti can be climbed to get a beautiful view. Admission fee: €8. Hours: Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm / Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 11 am to 7 pm.
It also highlights the curious L’Arco della Costa from which hangs a gigantic rib. Legend has it that it is a rib lost by the devil, but in reality it is a whale bone used as a sign for one of the spice and merchandise stores that existed in the Middle Ages.
3- Piazza dei Signori
If we cross under the Arco della Costa we will reach another square, this is the Piazza Dei Signori, we will see in the center of it the statue of Dante.
4- Juliet’s House
A few steps from Piazza delle Erbe we find Juliet’s house. This is the place where fantasy and popular tradition places the protagonist of Shakespeare‘s famous play Romeo and Juliet.
It is a medieval palace on whose balcony of the facade is developed one of the famous scenes of the play. As we said at the beginning, it is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist attractions of Verona, which is why it is called the city of Romeo and Juliet.
You will find it very easily because of two things, one because of the number of tourists concentrated at the entrance, and the other because the entrance, a wide passage, is covered with graffiti and letters to Juliet. Letters where lovers swear eternal love, or tell their love sorrows, as we saw in the American movie Letters to Juliet. There are actually two large billboards that are changed twice a year, one of them is on Valentine’s Day, so that lovers have space for their letters.
Making your way through the crowd, you will arrive at a courtyard where you will find, besides many people, the famous balcony, a statue of Juliet, and thousands of letters stuck with…chewing gum, yes, you read that right….
If you want, you can enter the interior of the house, where you will find period furniture and paintings that recreate the story of Romeo and Juliet.
Hours: Monday from 1.30 pm to 7.30 pm / Tuesday to Sunday 8 am to 7.30 pm.
Price: €6 (as we said the entrance is to enter the interior of the house, to access the courtyard, and see the balcony and the statue is free).
5- Piazza Bra
Located next to the Arena of Verona, it is surely one of the first things you will see of the city upon arrival.
It is a very lively place, with many restaurants around, and a great variety of architectural styles in its buildings. From here you can take guided tours around the city, as well as the classic small train that we find in many cities.
Tours and activities in Verona
6- Stone Bridge
The stone bridge is the oldest Roman bridge in the city, it was built over the Adige River to replace a previous wooden bridge. A long and beautiful walk starting in the center of the city can lead us to cross it and enjoy on the other side of the river places like the Roman Theater or the Castel San Pietro.
7- Castel San Pietro, the best viewpoint in Verona
Crossing the Adige river, as we said, we have the option to go up to Castel San Pietro, and not really to visit the castle (although you can do it if you want), but to get what I think are the best views of Verona. From here you can take the typical picture where you can see the whole city, its river and its bridges. This is a recommended place!
You can access by funicular for €3 ►moreinfo, or if you have taken a ticket on the hop on hop off bus, take advantage of it as it has a stop here.
8- Castelvecchio
It is a medieval castle with its arched bridge over the Adige river. It is a museum and you can access it on Mondays from 1.30 pm to 7.30 pm or from Tuesday to Sunday from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm. Entrance fee €6.
9- Churches of Verona
If you still have time left in this beautiful city after this tour, it is a good tip to visit one of the many beautiful churches in Verona.
Thus we find the Cathedral Santa Maria Matricolare, Santa Anastasia Church, Santa Maria Antica, San Lorenzo, San Giovani in foro, San Fermo, San Giorgio in Braida, Santa Maria in órgano, San Giovanni in Valle or San Zeno Magiore. As you can see there are many options.
10- Roman Theater
Built in the first century B.C. on the banks of the Adige River, it is one of the most important monuments of the city. Currently during the summer months it is used as a theatrical stage.
What did we think of Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet?
In our case we discovered it a few years ago and we have returned attracted by this charming city. It is true that in our first visit we were only taken by Juliet’s balcony, but it is also true that there we learned to enjoy this city that has a lot to offer to the tourist. In our case we will keep coming back when we are in Italy, it has conquered us. I invite you to watch the video below, because I think these images are worth it.
EXTRAS: map and video
NOTE: the information in this article is based on our own experience, being totally objective. This article contains affiliate links.
