Hungry for history and culture or a literal banquet of bigoli and vino? Verona’s got you covered. If you’re wondering what to see, eat and do, this is the guide for you! Let’s dive in…

Arena di Verona. Of all Verona’s landmarks, the Roman amphitheatre is the city’s cultural epicentre. It was built in the 1st century as a venue for gladiator battles and seated up to 30,000 people!

Bakeries. Feeling peckish? Follow your nose to one of the many bakeries for some fresh-out-of-the-oven treats. Look out for le sfogliatine di Villafranca, which are similar in shape and taste to donuts.

Castel San Pietro. The amazing views from this fairytale castle are a real highlight. Time it right for sunset and you’re in for a spectacle.

Duomo. The city’s cathedral has stood since 1187 and is bursting with historical treasures, including Renaissance paintings and medieval cloisters.

Exhibits. The Palazzo Della Gran Guardia regularly hosts exhibits from renowned artists, so be sure to check out what’s on when you’re visiting.

Festivals. Verona’s events calendar is jam-packed with celebrations. From music festivals to carnivals, and everything in between, there’s always something new to experience.

Giusti Garden. Escape the hustle and bustle at this green oasis, tucked away in the heart of the city. Flowers, fountains and statues are all part of the dazzling display.

House of Juliet. You can trace the tale of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers at this popular spot. There’s a statue of Juliet which you can rub for good luck, love notes covering every inch of wall space and of course, the iconic balcony.

Ice cream. No trip would be complete without sampling some ice cream, known in Italy as gelato. Opt for classic flavours like vanilla and strawberry or try a creative concoction like basil.

Jazz Festival. A staple on the summer scene since the 1980s, the Verona Jazz Festival attracts music fans from far and wide.

Kiss. Few places do romance quite like Verona. Head along the Adige River, hand in hand, for an evening passeggiata.

Lake Garda. Fancy a day trip? Lake Garda’s twinkling shores and mighty mountains are within easy reach, just 15 minutes by train. Take a walk along the lakeside or hop on a ferry to explore the storybook towns.

Markets. Whether you’re on the lookout for knick-knacks or street eats, you’ll find a market for it here. One of the most popular is the Piazza San Zeno flea market, which takes place on the third Saturday of every month.

Natural History Museum. Located in Palazzo Pompeii, this museum is full of fascinating displays, ranging from botany to zoology.

Opera. If it’s a truly enchanting evening you’re after, time your stay to coincide with the Verona Opera Festival. It usually runs from June to September and is celebrating its 100th year in 2023.

Piazza Bra. Verona’s largest piazza is located in front of the city gates. It’s lined with cafes, restaurants, bars and peaceful open spaces to relax in.

Queue-jumping. You can save both time and money when you purchase a Verona Card. Available for either 24 or 48 hours, the card offers free entrance to the main sights, so you’ll be able to skip those long ticket lines!

Risotto. You’ll find this delicious rice-based dish on most menus. Popular varieties include risotto all’Amarone, which is cooked in wine and risotto al tastasal, which is flavoured with pork sausage.

Shopping. When the clock chimes retail therapy o’clock, make a beeline for designer-studded Via Mazzini, the so-called ‘Golden Mile’ of shopping.

Torre dei Lamberti. You’ll be rewarded with eye-popping panoramas from the top of this 84m-high watchtower. There’s a lift for part of the climb, but you’ll have to do the last few floors under your own steam.

UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thousands of years of history can be uncovered in Verona, so it’s no surprise it’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.

Valpolicella. With vineyards aplenty, the tumbling hills surrounding Verona provide the city with some of the country’s finest drops. Valpolicella is a favourite, so keep an eye out for it.

Wine bars. Antica Bottega del Vino is one of the oldest wine bars in Verona. The wine list spans a whopping 200 pages, covering everything from house tipples to rare vintages.

X Ponte Pietra off your must-visit list. Arched over the Adige River, this is the oldest bridge in Verona, dating back to 100 BC.

Yummy food. There are restaurants to suit every style and budget, but for a taste of the traditional seek out an osteria. These welcoming eateries serve up the region’s specialities, often paired with local wines.

Zeno. Head to the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore to see the crypt containing the city’s patron saint, Zeno. This Roman Catholic Church is also famous as the place where Romeo and Juliet were married.