12 Things To Do In Verona Italy For Affordable Luxury Lovers
Last Updated on September 28, 2025 by spritzience
It started with an aperitivo—golden hour, a chilled glass of Franciacorta in hand, and the soft hum of church bells echoing through the piazza. That was the moment Verona got me. Now that I live in Milan, I’ve come to love Verona as the ultimate escape: walkable, romantic, endlessly photogenic. I can confidently say that the best things to do in Verona Italy blend timeless history, romantic flair, and affordable luxury in a way few cities can.
I’ve visited five times: first as a broke grad student with stars in my eyes for Juliet’s Balcony, once to celebrate my husband’s 40th with a Michelin-starred dinner, a few times en route to Lake Garda, and most recently for a weekend of opera under the stars. Each time I notice new things to take in and appreciate, this last trip – it was the beauty of the many balconies around town.
In this post, I’ll take you through the 12 best things to do in Verona Italy on a day trip—for those who want affordable luxury. From golden-hour photo ops and aperitivo with a view to boutique shopping, Roman ruins, and peaceful gardens that feel like a secret. Ready to toast with a spritz beneath a medieval tower? Let’s explore what to do in Verona Italy—in one magical, well-spent day.
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1. Wander Juliet’s Balcony Early in the Morning (Or After Dark)
Let’s start with the most iconic—and the most overrated—sight in Verona. Yes, I paid to enter Juliet’s House once, and no, I didn’t think it was worth the admission price. The balcony is charming from the courtyard, but the inside is fairly sparse, and the experience doesn’t quite live up to the hype.
Instead, arrive early before 9 a.m. or swing by after dark when the crowds are gone. The courtyard takes on a quiet, romantic glow, and you can soak in the Italy vibes without elbowing for photos.
Spritzience insider tip: If it’s packed, step into the linen shop facing the square and head to the second floor. There’s a little window that gives you a great bird’s-eye photo of the balcony—minus the mob. This spot is a classic for any Verona Italy photography lover.
2. Buy a Hand Fan at Cado Ventagli—Because Italy in Summer is Hot
Cado Ventagli at Via Stella 12g, is a hidden gem for one of the most useful souvenirs in Italy: a fan. They stock everything from budget-friendly mass-made fans to exquisitely handcrafted Italian ventagli, so there’s something for every price point and style.
And trust me—you’ll use it. Many shops and restaurants in Italy don’t have air conditioning, and when they do, it’s often not as strong as we’re used to in the U.S. I’ve also found myself on a few trains where the AC simply… stopped working. A fan quickly went from a cute accessory to an absolute necessity.
Affordable luxury tip: A beautifully made fan fits in your bag, saves you from melting, and makes you look fantastically put-together. If you’re visiting during the Italy summer months, this is a smart and stylish essential.
3. Climb Torre dei Lamberti For Sky-High Views Without Sky-High Prices
For one of the best views in Verona Italy, head up the 84-meter Torre dei Lamberti. Built in 1172 by the powerful Lamberti family, this medieval tower has stood through earthquakes, lightning strikes, and centuries of city history. The octagonal bell chamber, added in the 15th century, still houses two bells: one for emergencies, the other to mark the workday.
You can walk or take the elevator (we choose comfort when we can). Entry is around €8 and includes access to the adjacent modern art gallery.
Spritzience tip: Go mid-morning or just before lunch to avoid crowds and catch the rooftops bathed in that soft Veneto Italy light. It’s one of the best things to do in Verona Italy if you’re into photography or panoramic views.
4. Get Lost in Piazza delle Erbe’s Market and Sip Espresso at Mazzanti
Piazza delle Erbe has been the heart of Verona’s social life since Roman times. Today, it’s a swirl of history, color, and charm—fresco-covered palazzi, ornate fountains, and bustling market stalls. The faded Renaissance frescoes on the Mazzanti Houses are especially mesmerizing. I once sat under them with a macchiato at Caffè Mazzanti, just to soak it all in.
The market here is a one-stop shop for souvenirs: leather purses, linen scarves, sun hats, hand-painted ceramics, and even a pasta stall with more than 100 varieties.
Verona is very walkable and generally safe, but do keep an eye on your bag in crowded markets like Piazza delle Erbe. This square is a central hub for anyone building their own Verona Italy travel guide.
5. Savor a Wine Tasting Lunch at a Cozy Enoteca
Verona’s cuisine is rich, hearty, and full of flavor—perfect for pairing with the local wine. Grab lunch at an enoteca like Osteria del Bugiardo, where you can order a glass of Valpolicella, Ripasso, or Soave with a plate of gnochi or bigoli (a thick, spaghetti-like pasta made with duck ragu or sardines).
Polenta and risotto all’Amarone, made with the region’s famous red wine, are other must-tries on Verona menus.
Affordable luxury tip: A do it yourself wine flight and pasta dish will run around €25–35, and the experience is leagues above the usual tourist fare. This is one of the best things to do in Verona Italy if you want local flavor without the price tag.
Looking for more dining spots? Check out our guide to Verona Italy Restaurants for Spritzience-approved favorites.
6. Shop Artisan Leather, Jewelry, and Clothing Starting at Porta Borsari
Begin your retail stroll at Porta Borsari, a 1st-century Roman gate that once marked the city’s western entrance. From there, wander down Corso Porta Borsari, where old-world arches meet modern boutiques.
Continue to Via Mazzini, Verona’s glossy shopping street filled with Italian brands, then detour to Via Ponte Pietra for artisan finds like handmade leather bags, silk scarves, and local perfume.
Spritzience tip: I once found a hand-painted silk scarf here that still gets compliments back in Milan. It’s that kind of shopping magic and one of the best things to do in Verona Italy if you’re into fashion and craftsmanship.
7. Pause for a Pastry Break—Try Baci di Giulietta or Iginio Massari’s Masterpieces
Italian pasticcerie are on a whole different level from U.S. bakeries. These aren’t places for donuts and croissants—they’re temples of artful dessert. My father-in-law is a pasticcere, so I’ve seen firsthand the craftsmanship and training that goes into each bite.
Try Pasticceria Barini for Baci di Giulietta (Juliet’s kisses), hazelnut based cookies joined by chocolate cream. Or go bold at Iginio Massari Alta Pasticceria, the haute-couture pastry boutique from Italy’s most famous pastry chef.
Spritzience tip: Order a cappuccino, find a shady table, and take a moment to treat yourself—this is affordable indulgence at its finest and one of the sweet things to do in Verona Italy on a warm afternoon.
8. Take a Scenic Walk Along the Adige River—Ponte Pietra or Scaligero Bridge? Why Not Both?
After your pastry fix, stretch your legs with a walk following the Adige River for one of the most relaxing and beautiful ways to explore Verona. Head northeast to Ponte Pietra, Verona’s oldest Roman bridge, or west to Scaligero Bridge (Ponte di Castelvecchio), with its bold medieval arches and red brick grandeur.
Feeling the heat? Stop at Terrazza Bar al Ponte near Ponte Pietra for a cool drink and amazing view of St. Peter’s Castle. On extra hot days, it’s the perfect alternative to the hike.
Spritzience tip: Make a full loop—cross one bridge, stroll along the river, and return via the other for a peaceful golden-hour circuit.
9. Take the Funicular to St. Peter’s Castle and the Roman Theatre
Head to the Funicolare di Castel San Pietro and take the short ride up to St. Peter’s Castle (Castel San Pietro), where sweeping views await. This site has Roman origins but was turned into a castle in the Middle Ages and then into an Austrian military barracks. Now it’s mostly ruins, but the view alone is worth the trip.
On your way down, visit the Archaeological Museum and the beautifully preserved Roman Theatre nearby.
Spritzience tip: If you’ve made it this far, reward yourself with a drink or meal at Re Teodorico, a scenic spot for lunch, cocktails, or dinner. The views over Verona at sunset? Chef’s kiss.
10. Toast the City From the Rooftop of Hotel Due Torri
After descending from the castle, I always find myself craving a little shade and a celebratory drink. The rooftop terrace at Hotel Due Torri is my go-to. This elegant 5-star property is part of the Leading Hotels of the World, but you don’t have to be a guest to enjoy an aperitivo.
Affordable luxury tip: An aperitif here is surprisingly accessible, and the views over the old town make it one of the best things to do in Verona Italy to cap off your sightseeing. It’s the perfect place to unwind your feet—and raise a glass to la dolce vita.
11. Take In a Museum Like Palazzo Maffei Casa Museo or Museo Castelvecchio
Need a stylish cooldown or a hit of culture? Pop into Palazzo Maffei Casa Museo, a 17th-century mansion with a curated mix of Roman statues, Renaissance masterpieces, and 20th-century design. It’s eclectic, elegant, and refreshingly uncrowded.
Or visit Museo Castelvecchio, inside the 14th-century fortress built by the Scaliger family. The renovation by architect Carlo Scarpa is a design lover’s dream—and the ramparts offer one more stunning view over the river.
Spritzience tip: Tickets range from €8–12. These are ideal stops for midday when you need air conditioning, inspiration, or a moment of calm.
12. End Your Day With Opera or a Michelin-Starred Dinner
Verona is famous for its open-air Opera Festival, held inside the Roman Arena—a 1st-century amphitheater that rivals Rome’s Colosseum. Watching a performance here is truly unforgettable. I saw Carmen, and I couldn’t decide what amazed me more: the incredible singing, the real horses parading onstage, or the surreal feeling of sitting under the stars in a monument that’s nearly 2,000 years old.
You can buy tickets online for the opera (this season it runs from June 6th to September 6th. Prices generally range from €35 for stone seats to €300+ for prime cushion seating. Shows usually begin around 9 p.m. I’ve found it’s best to try to buy tickets at least 3 to 4 months in advance, if possible, for the best selection, and that the location was fine for the seats in the €130 to €150 range.
Not into opera? Book dinner at Ristorante Il Desco, a Michelin-starred favorite known for seasonal tasting menus and à la carte flexibility. I love that my husband can order seafood while I stick to meat-based dishes. Bonus: they offer a pre-opera dinner starting at 6:30 p.m., making it a fabulous way to start your evening.
How to Get to Verona by Train From Milan, Venice, or Lake Garda
One of the best things to do in Verona Italy is… arrive effortlessly! Whether you’re coming from Milan, Venice, or Lake Garda, the city is easy to reach by train.
- From Milan Centrale, high-speed trains via Trenitalia or Italo reach Verona Porta Nuova in about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- From Venice Santa Lucia, it’s about an 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- From Desenzano Del Garda-Sirmione (on Lake Garda), the ride is a quick 20 minutes.
Spritzience tip: Book tickets in advance online. From the train station, it’s about a 20-minute walk to the edge of historic center—or a 5-minute taxi ride.
Where to Stay: Affordable Luxury Hotels in Verona
If you’re staying overnight, here are my three favorite affordable luxury hotels in Verona Italy:
1. Hotel Due Torri – Classic Italian Elegance
Think chandeliers, frescoed ceilings, and velvet armchairs. This 5-star property feels like a private palace, and in summer, you can often find excellent deals. The rooftop bar is one of my favorite aperitivo spots in town.
2. Hotel Indigo Verona – Chic and Quirky Boutique
Perfect for design lovers. Part of IHG’s Indigo brand, it’s full of fun patterns, artistic details, and comfy modern rooms. It’s also close to the train station.
3. Hotel Trieste – Bold and Artsy With Parking Nearby
This one’s a little offbeat in the best way: modern art meets boutique stay. It’s close to a large public garage and the station, making it ideal if you’re road-tripping around Northern Italy or Lake Garda.
Spritzience tip: All three hotels are within walking distance of the city center and offer beautiful interiors, great service, and a stylish home base for exploring the best things to do in Verona Italy.
Using Verona as a Base – The Perfect Hub for Northern Italy Adventures
If you fall in love with Verona (and let’s be honest, you probably will), it makes a dreamy base for exploring more of Northern Italy. The city’s central location and excellent train connections make it easy to hop between cultural gems and lakeside escapes.
Here are a few easy day trips from Verona:
- Milan – About 1 hour and 15 minutes by train. Perfect for fashion, aperitivo, and world-class art (ciao, Last Supper!). If you’re a morning person, check out our guide offering unmissable breakfast spots in Milan. Don’t miss my complete guide to the best Milan Italy things to do — written from a local’s perspective after a decade in the city.
- Venice – About 1 hour and 15 minutes by train. Spend the day exploring the canals, sipping prosecco, and catching that Italy aesthetic magic. If you’re looking for authentic artisan souvenirs you’ll love, we have you covered with our guide to the best artisan shops in Venice.
- Lake Garda – The town of Desenzano is only 20 minutes away. Explore Desenzano or hop on a boat to explore other charming lake towns like Sirmione and Bardolino.
- Vicenza – A must for architecture lovers and Palladio fans. Just 25 minutes from Verona and filled with elegant villas and art museums. Check out our guide on the Basilica Vicenza Palladio: How to See the Best of Vicenza in One Gorgeous Day
Using Verona as your home base lets you savor the Verona Italy aesthetic every evening, while still ticking off bucket-list cities by day. Whether you’re planning a longer Italy vacation or just looking to slow down and explore at your own pace, it’s one of the smartest—and most stylish—ways to see the Veneto Italy region.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things To Do in Verona Italy
Whether you come for a day or stay for a week, Verona delivers elegance, charm, and affordable luxury in equal measure. From sipping cocktails on a 5-star rooftop to wandering ancient streets and tasting the region’s best wines, it’s a city that invites you to slow down and savor every sunlit moment.
It’s not just a stop between Venice and Milan. It’s a destination that deserves its own place on your Italy bucket list.
So pack your fan, grab your camera, and come see why experiencing the best things to do in Verona Italy might just be the highlight of your European summer.
By Chris Cavanaugh. I’m an American writer living in Milan. I created Spritzience to help travelers experience Italy through the lens of affordable luxury. From rooftop aperitivi to hidden artisan shops, I share the kind of stylish, story-rich tips you’d only get from a local who’s explored it all—spritz in hand.
