Expert Recommendations for Amazing Itineraries

The Arena di Verona is one of Italy’s most awe-inspiring Roman monuments and an unforgettable highlight of any visit to the city. Built in the 1st century AD, this remarkably preserved amphitheater once hosted gladiator battles and now serves as one of the world’s most atmospheric performance venues. Standing in Piazza Bra, the Arena’s massive stone arches and pink-hued limestone glow beautifully at sunset, offering a striking contrast to Verona’s elegant historic center. Today, the Arena is best known for its legendary open-air opera season, where world-class performances take place under the stars—an experience that feels both intimate and grand. Whether you step inside for a concert or a tour when concerts are not happening, or simply admire it from the piazza, the Arena di Verona is a powerful reminder of the city’s ancient roots and its enduring passion for art, music, and spectacle.

This great wine shop is very close to Piazza Bra. We enjoyed a wine tasting with Bruno – he taught us all about the regional Valpolicella red wine. We were happy to taste a variety of the lovely wines made of corvina grape while learning about this wine section of Italy. The Valpolicella wines come from the region just north of Verona, an area of rolling hills dotted with vineyards produce iconic wines like Amarone della Valpolicella, Ripasso, and Valpolicella Classico, each reflecting centuries of winemaking tradition. The wine tasting here gives you the opportunity to taste a variety of winemakers and types of this northern Italian classic.

Tucked into the walls of Verona’s historic buildings, the small carved faces that resemble mischievous gremlins are known as bocche della verità, or “mouths of truth.” These stone mail slots date back to the Medieval and Renaissance periods and once served an important civic purpose. Citizens used them to anonymously submit written complaints or accusations, reporting crimes, corruption, or moral offenses directly to local authorities. The expressive faces were designed with intention. Their open mouths symbolized speaking the truth, while their often stern or grotesque features were meant to discourage false accusations and remind citizens that honesty mattered. Originally installed in the walls of palazzi and government buildings, these discreet slots blended into everyday city life. Today, they no longer function as tools of justice, but they remain fascinating traces of how order and accountability were maintained centuries ago.

For visitors, spotting a bocca della verità adds a layer of intrigue to a walk through Verona. They offer a glimpse into the city’s lesser-known history—one that contrasts beautifully with Verona’s reputation for romance, revealing a past shaped by symbolism, secrecy, and community oversight.

Castelvecchio is one of Verona’s most important medieval landmarks, offering a powerful glimpse into the city’s past. Built in the 14th century as a fortified residence for the ruling Scaliger family, the castle’s red-brick towers and imposing walls still dominate the banks of the Adige River. Inside, the Castelvecchio Museum houses an impressive collection of medieval and Renaissance art, including sculptures, paintings, and architectural fragments that trace Verona’s artistic and political history. The iconic Ponte Scaligero—a dramatic fortified bridge—offers some of the best panoramic views in Verona. Together, Castelvecchio and its museum provide a rich, immersive experience that balances history, art, and architecture, making it an essential stop for visitors who want to understand Verona beyond its Roman roots.

The Statue of Virgil stands in Piazza dei Signori as a tribute to one of ancient Rome’s greatest poets and Verona’s most famous native son. Born in nearby Mantua, Virgil spent part of his life in the Verona region, and the city has long embraced him as a symbol of its classical heritage. Depicted in a contemplative pose atop a stone pedestal, the statue anchors one of Verona’s most elegant squares, surrounded by historic palaces and cafés. More than a monument, the Virgil statue reflects Verona’s deep connection to literature, learning, and the enduring legacy of the Roman world.

The Funicular to Castel San Pietro offers one of the most rewarding viewpoints in Verona, carrying visitors up the hillside above the Adige River. Originally built in the early 20th century and thoughtfully restored, the funicular provides a scenic and easy alternative to the steep climb on foot. At the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping panoramic views over Verona’s rooftops, bridges, and historic center—especially beautiful at sunset. It’s a simple, memorable experience that adds a fresh perspective to the city and pairs perfectly with a stroll or aperitivo overlooking Verona from above. You can buy a ticket in the lobby and then ride up the hill. We found it very easy to walk back down, so if you plan to do this, you only need a one-way ticket.

Heading up the hilltop area around Castel San Pietro, above Verona, is one of the best ways to truly appreciate the city. From this elevated viewpoint, the rooftops, bridges, and winding Adige River unfold below you, offering sweeping panoramic views you simply can’t get from street level. Whether you walk up or take the funicular, the climb is rewarded with a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere that feels worlds away from the busy historic center. It’s a perfect spot for photos, a peaceful stroll, or enjoying a drink as the city lights begin to glow at sunset.

This small bar is open weekdays and was the perfect spot for me to stop on the way to school. In the morning, it is a busy Italian bar so make sure to have your order ready! In the afternoon and for apertivo, they have delicious panini and bruschette. My favorite was with potatoes and blue cheese – an absolutely yummy combination!

Juliet’s Balcony may be rooted more in Shakespearean literary legend than historical fact, but its magic is important to Verona. The medieval house known as Casa di Giulietta once belonged to the Dal Cappello family—whose name echoes Shakespeare’s Capulets—and over time became entwined with the story of Romeo and Juliet. Though the famous balcony was added later, the courtyard has evolved into a symbol of love, hope, and devotion, drawing visitors who happily suspend disbelief. Honest yet enchanting, Juliet’s Balcony captures Verona’s unique ability to blend history, storytelling, and romance into an experience that feels timeless.

This lovely trattoria is an ideal spot for a memorable dinner, whether you choose a table along the sidewalk or dine inside the cozy dining room. We enjoyed beautifully prepared pasta with a unique arugula cream sauce, a perfectly cooked steak, and an exceptional chocolate dessert. The service strikes a pleasant balance between friendly and refined, making this a wonderful choice for a special occasion or a relaxed evening out in Verona, very close to the Arena.

Unfortunately, we both caught a terrible cold while in Verona but still wanted to see the city. This Piazza Bra restaurant offered the most delicious and healthy tortellini en brodo which is a common dish in northern Italy. We enjoyed our soup and people watching while gathering the energy to get back out to walk around the city more.

This very quaint spot is a favorite with locals, offering a relaxed, authentic atmosphere and a menu focused primarily on cicchetti—small, flavorful bites meant for sharing. The bar features a thoughtfully curated wine list, making it an easy place to linger over a glass or two while sampling different dishes. With inviting outdoor seating, it’s a perfect stop for aperitivo or a casual evening, soaking up the neighborhood feel and enjoying Verona at a slower pace.

This pasticceria has the most beautiful cases full of chocolate, cream and berry concoctions.
They offer wonderful breads and other small bites. We stopped in for a coffee and a treat because it is located right next to the main Piazza delle Erbe.

Another lovely pasticceria in Verona which makes the Baci di Giulietta e Romeo, an authentic Veronese pastry, which pays homage to the famous Shakespearean couple, with two cookies that “kiss” each other to create a heart. They also sell delicious macarons and torta russa, another Veronese classic.

Piazza delle Erbe is the vibrant heart of Verona, where layers of history and daily life come together in one lively square. Once the site of the Roman forum, it’s now framed by colorful frescoed buildings, historic towers, and elegant palazzi, with a bustling open-air market filling the piazza each day. Locals and visitors alike gather here to shop for produce, browse souvenirs, or stop for a coffee or aperitivo at one of the surrounding cafés. Energetic, photogenic, and full of character, Piazza delle Erbe is an essential stop that captures the rhythm and spirit of Verona.

Up at the top of the funicular, you will find a small cafe with a few tables and food/drinks. But, if you go down the hill just a bit, there is a much nicer spot – a full restaurant — with an incredible view of the city of Verona. We stopped in for some tasty appetizers and a spritz and espresso martini, just in time for sunset!

Another terrific ristorante in Verona is La Quercia. Recommended by the staff at my school, our dinner here was so tasty. We tried the spaghetti aglio olio with bright tasty cherry tomatoes and the cottoletto with roasted potatoes. We also enjoyed the polenta with tartufo appetizer and a delicious apple cake for dessert. We enjoyed the meal and were thankful for the wonderful staff at this quaint spot.

This restaurant is specifically known for its extra large portions of cotolette — large, thin pieces of pork breaded and deep fried, then topped with traditional Italian toppings. I had fontina cheese and ham. I ordered a small one and was able to have it for lunch two additional days! We are talking HUGE portions. The food was terrific, the service was friendly and quick, and we really enjoyed this Verona spot.

We tried two different risotto dishes at this small, family run Trattoria. Risotti con Amarone, which is made with the famous red wine of the region and Risotto al Tastasal, which is made with sausage and spices. Both were very tasty. We also enjoyed a glass of Valpolicella Ripaso. The restaurant is small but offers a great meal at a very reasonable price.

The last weekend we were in Verona, we were happy to take part in the wonderful annual wine festival they hold called Hostaria. Wine shops and other vendors set up stalls all along the Piazza Bra and the other squares in town and sell tastes for a few tokens. The city is alive with visitors enjoying the festival, there are tours and talks and plenty of other fun activities. We loved getting to try tastes of wine from local vineyards and try some regional food specialties. Typically this event happens in Verona in October.