Self-guided Walking Tour of Verona (with maps!)

Self Guided Walking Tour Of Verona

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Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage city in Italy’s Veneto region, is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and romantic charm. Famed as the setting of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” Verona offers a captivating blend of ancient Roman structures, medieval buildings, and vibrant piazzas. Exploring Verona on foot allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in its enchanting atmosphere and historical significance.

Apart from “Romeo and Juliet” there is also another, lesser-known play by Shakespeare set in Verona, called “The Two Gentlemen of Verona”. Whilst there’s no evidence that the bard had ever set foot in Italy, let alone in this town, Verona’s presence in his work has inspired massive tourism here ever since – primarily to the 13th-century Juliet House with a tiny balcony upon which she supposedly once stood.

Whether you’re tracing Roman roads or leaning over Juliet’s balcony, Verona is a city that tells timeless stories through every stone and square.

How to Get to Verona

By Train: Verona Porta Nuova is the city’s main railway station, well connected to cities like Milan, Venice, and Florence. From the station, it’s a 15–20 minute walk to the historic centre.

By Car: Verona is easily accessible via the A4 and A22 motorways. If arriving by car – avoid the historic centre or you may well be fined. Try parking at Parcheggio Porta Palio – free parking and only 10-15 minutes to the main centre. If they are full there are more car parks if you head towards Porta Nuova (continue on outside the city walls.) Central parking is available at Parking Cittadella or Parking Arena.

Where to Stay in Verona

To enjoy a walking tour of Verona, stay in or near the historic centre. For classic elegance, Due Torri Hotel is a luxury choice. For boutique comfort, try Hotel Milano & Spa steps from the Arena. Budget-conscious travellers can opt for B&B Verona Maison.

A Brief History of Verona

Verona’s history spans over two millennia, beginning as a Roman settlement in the 1st century BC. The city flourished under Roman rule, evident in landmarks like the Arena di Verona, a remarkably preserved amphitheatre still in use today. Throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance, Verona became a cultural and political centre, with the ruling Scaliger family leaving a lasting architectural legacy.

Its strategic location and rich heritage made Verona a crossroads of art, faith, and trade—and today it remains one of northern Italy’s most picturesque cities.

Guided or Self-Guided Tour of Verona?

Verona’s compact layout makes it ideal for self-guided discovery, but for deeper insight into its layered past, consider a guided experience. The Verona Guided Small Group Walking Tour of the City of Love offers a two-hour journey through the city’s most iconic sites. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore Roman ruins, medieval towers, and hidden corners while learning about Verona’s cultural heritage and romantic legacy.

Should you get the Verona Card?

It is worth deciding at this point if you are going to purchase the Verona 24-hour city pass (€20). Here is a quick breakdown of costs for paying separately to visit the following attractions.

Arena di Verona – €10
Castelvecchio Museum – €6
Lamberti Tower – €6
Juliet’s House – €6
Juliet’s tomb – €4.5
Basilica di Santa Anastasia – €3
Cathedral Complex – €3
Total without the card – €38.5

You can buy the card at the city tourist office (from the square walk along the road with the  city walls to your right and the Arena and the Barbieri Palace (Verona Town Hall) on your left) or get hold of it online before your trip on sites such as GetYourGuide.

If you are arriving later in the day and were planning to see the outside of the Arena, the courtyard of Juliet’s House, to see the balcony, Lamberti Tower (€6), Teatro Romano (€4.50) and Castelvecchio Museum (€6).

Your Walking Tour of Verona

This guide highlights Verona’s key attractions, but depending on your pace and interest, you might linger longer in a quiet courtyard, visit more Roman ruins, or unwind with aperitivo in the golden evening light.

1. Piazza Brà (Verona)

Piazza Bra Verona
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Son of Groucho

The Bra Square is the largest city square in Verona. It is the location of Verona Amphitheater, City Hall, Palace of Gran Guardia, and many other historical buildings. The square is surrendered by many cafes and restaurants. A statue of Victor Emanuel II on horseback, the balcony of the Honori Palace where one of Italy’s founding fathers Garibaldi gave his famous speech “Rome or Death”, and stone carvings of saints are just a few of the sites you will see here.


Location: Piazza Bra, Verona, VR, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free
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2. Arena of Verona

Arena Di Verona
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Claconvr

Located on Piazza Bra, this Roman amphitheatre can seat up to 22,000 people and was built in 30 AD. It is home to the Verona Opera season each summer. The arena is known for its superb acoustics. Over 500,000 people visit this place each year.

Obviously one of the most iconic places to see in Verona. However after reading the reviews on trip advisor I did query whether it is worth the visit. Basically it feels like a music arena not a trip to 2000 years into the past! (If you want Roman remains that don’t miss out on Verona’s Roman Theatre & Museum, at the end of this itinerary. )  My take on it is, if you have the Verona Pass, you don’t queue and you aren’t  paying any extra to enter, then go for it. Pop in, if you are bored, leave and head straight to the Museo di Castelvecchio (Old Castle Museum), but at least when someone back home asks you if you have the Verona Arena you can look them in the sys and can say yes! If you don’t have the Verona pass, and you are facing a  €10 entrance and a 20 minute wait, then I would say, the best views are from the outside and head on.


Location: Arena di Verona, Piazza Bra, Verona, VR, Italy | Hours: 8.30am-7.30pm Tue-Sun, 1.30-7.30pm Mon | Price: adult/reduced €10/7.50 | Verona Card with Arena Priority Entrance
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Where to Stay in Verona: An Area by Area Guide!

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3. Casa de Giulietta (House of Juliet)

Casa Di Giulietta VERONA 1
CC BY-SA 4.0 / DilettaMaria

The House of Juliet, is a 13th-century structure situated on the remains of a Roman insula building on the Via Capello. It is located near well-known Juliet’s Tomb.

Although many dispute whether or not Romeo and Juliet actually existed, the house remains a popular attraction that thousands of tourists visit each year. In fact, the house was formerly owned by the Capello family. Many guests write notes on the wall and the doors of the courtyard. From the balcony, one can even imagine ill-fated lovers talking to each other.

The dwelling contains a museum that displays frescoes, paintings, and artwork from the 16th and 17th century. One treat not to be missed is the bronze statue of Juliet. It is said that good luck will come to those who rub the right breast of the sculpture.

Entrance into the courtyard is free, but entry into the house is not. While the house tour is pretty basic, you can upgrade your ticket to include the tomb as the grounds are lovely and have some nice frescoes.


Location: Casa di Giulietta, Via Cappello, Verona, VR, Italy | Hours: 1.30-7.30pm Mon, 8.30am-7.30pm Tue-Sun | Price: adult/reduced €6/4.50, free with VeronaCard
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4. Piazza delle Erbe (Market Square)

Piazza Delle Erbe Verona
CC BY-SA 4.0 / 66colpi

Market Square was originally the site of a Roman forum, or square, which hosted exciting chariot races. It is also known as the square of herbs. Historically, various aromatic spices, herbs, coffee beans, and textiles were shipped to Venice and imported to Verona’s Market Square.

In keeping with tradition, the square hosts a market from Monday to Saturday. This market features souvenir vendors as well as farm-fresh produce and flowers.


Location: Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza delle Erbe, Verona, VR, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free
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5. Torre dei Lamberti (Lamberti Tower)

Lamberti S Tower Verona
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Pietro Grassi

The Lamberti Tower is an ancient tower in the Market Square. Construction on the tower began in 1172. The tower underwent restoration after a 1403 lightning strike. Visitors can see the different restoration work over the centuries by noticing different materials. For example, the marble areas were added in 1779. The clock was also added during the 1779 renovation.

The Lamberti Tower has two bells. The largest bell named Rengo is used to call residents to arms or call a city council. The Marangona bell signals fires, hourly chimes, and work times.

The tower stands 84 meters high. Visitors can book tickets in advance, take the elevator, or walk the 368 stairs to the top of the tower. The elevator is transparent so visitors can admire the internal architecture. At the top of the tower, visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the terrace. At night, the terrace is available for events.


Location: Torre dei Lamberti, Via della Costa, Verona, VR, Italy | Hours: 10am-6pm Mon-Fri, 11am-7pm Sat & Sun | Price: adult/reduced incl Galleria d'Arte Moderna Achille Forti €8/5, with VeronaCard €1 | Lamberti Tower Entry
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6. Piazza dei Signori (Lords Square)

Verona Piazza Dei Signori E1714519209691
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Ernesto Sguotti

The Lords Square is packed with gorgeous architecture and is a fabulous place to soak up the history and culture of Verona.

This historic square has a strong connection with William Shakespear’s Romeo and Juliet, set in Verona. The Town Hall provided the setting where Bartolomeo della Scala banished Romeo and sentenced him to exile in Mantua.


Location: Piazza dei Signori, Piazza dei Signori, Verona, VR, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free
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7. Arche Scaligere (Scaligeri Tombs)

Arche Scaligere Verona
CC BY-SA 4.0 / MartinucciG92

The Scaligeri Tombs are known as the location of Juliet’s staged death. The Scaligeri Tombs are a group of five Gothic monuments. They were built to celebrate the della Scala family, 13th and 14th-century rulers of Verona.


Location: Scaliger Tombs, Via Santa Maria Antica, Verona, VR, Italy | Hours: 24 hours | Price: 24 hours
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8. Sant'Anastasia Church

Santa Anastasia Verona
CC BY-SA 2.5 / Fabio Becchelli

The Construction of the Sant’Anastasia Church began in 1280 and was completed in 1400. The church was named after a temple that once stood on the site. The Sant’Anastasia Church is the largest in Verona. The facade has three vertical brick sections and a simple rose window. A gorgeous facade panel shows St. Peter of Verona.


Location: Sant’Anastasia, Piazza S.Anastasia, Verona, VR, Italy
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9. Ponte Pietra (Pietra Bridge)

Ponte Pietra A Verona
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Andrea Bertozzi

The Ponte Pietra, or Stone Bridge, is the oldest bridge in Verona. It was completed in 100 BC by the Romans. The Ponte Pietra crosses the Adige River. In Roman times, the Via Postumia connecting Genoa to Aquileia passed over the bridge.


Location: Ponte Pietra, Verona, VR, Italy | Hours: 24 hours | Price: Free
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10. Teatro Romano (Roman Theatre)

Museo Archeologico Al Teatro Romano
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Andrea Bertozzi

Well-known for its many concerts, music performances, and ballets, the Roman Theatre seats 25,000 people. Having actually been built during the 1st century AD, it is one of the oldest monuments in Verona.

For centuries, the ruins of the theater were buried underneath residences constructed on the property. In 1834, a Veronese named Andrea Monga bought all the houses built on the property, then demolished them and began the renovation process. It is because of his efforts that the structure was saved.

In 1904, the city purchased the property and continued renovations until the 1970s. Although most of the structure was lost due to the ravages of time, the cavea, tier of seats, several arches of loggias, and parts of the stage and the old theater were recovered. One can truly take a step back in time when visiting the Roman Theatre.

The theater is well-known for its Shakespeare Festival held from June to August each year. Jazz concerts in May, plays in June, and ballets in August are just some of the treats to enjoy. Admission is free on the first Sunday of each month.


Location: Teatro Romano, Rigaste Redentore, Verona, VR, Italy | Hours: 8.30am-7.30pm Tue-Sun, 1.30-7.30pm Mon | Price: adult/reduced €4.50/3, with VeronaCard free | Website
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11. Piazzale Castel San Pietro (San Pietro Fortress)

Vista Verso Caste San Pietro
CC BY-SA 4.0 / ApXc

This medieval fortress is set high on a hilltop above Verona. The hilltop location was chosen as the ideal location to protect the city against intruders. The Romans used this hilltop as a defensive position.

During Roman times, the hill was known as Monte Gallo, or Rooster Mountain. The Romans also revered this location as a religious site and built a temple and theater here.

The hill was later named Colle San Pietro when a Medieval church dedicated to St. Peter was built on the site. The area was next fortified with battlements typical of medieval fortresses. Between the 14th and 15th centuries, the Castello Visconteo (the Castel of the Viscount) was built.

In 1801, the Napoleanic army destroyed most of the buildings on this historic site. Later, Austrian soldiers arrived and destroyed St. Peter’s Church. The Austrians built barracks that are still in place.

Today, visitors can climb the switchback stone steps to the top or take a funicular cable car to the top of the hill. This hilltop location is a beautiful place to view the city of Verona, take pictures, and watch the sunset. There’s also a restaurant at the top of the hill so you can relax and enjoy a meal or drinks.


Location: Castel San Pietro, Piazzale Castel San Pietro, Verona, VR, Italy | Hours: You can only visit from the outside.
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12. Verona Cathedral

Italy   Verona   Cathedral
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Arne Müseler

The Verona Cathedral is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was built after the previous churches on this site were destroyed. The Romanesque style Verona Cathedral was consecrated in 1187. The west facade features a double porch, Lombard bands, and small pinnacles.


Location: Verona Cathedral, Piazza Duomo, Verona, VR, Italy | Hours: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Price: Adult €3,00
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13. Porta Borsari, Verona

Verona   Porta Borsari E1714475144621
CC BY-SA 2.5 / Rinina25

The Borsari Gate is an ancient Roman gate that was built in the first century AD. It was previously called the Lovia Gate and then the San Zeno Gate before receiving its current name. The original structure was brick and contained an inner court. It was rebuilt in 265 and given a limestone facade. The upper part of the gate features 12 arched windows.


Location: Porta Borsari, Corso Porta Borsari, Verona, VR, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free
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14. Arco dei Gavi, Verona

Arco Dei Gavi
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Claconvr

Arco dei Gavi is a monument in Verona, located just outside the walls of the ancient Roman city. The arch was built in the 1st century to celebrate the gens Gavia, an important Roman family of Verona.


Location: Arco dei Gavi, Corso Cavour, Verona, VR, Italy | Hours: 24 hours | Price: Free
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15. Museo di Castelvecchio (Old Castle Museum)

Castelvecchio Verona
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Federico Bruni

The Old Castle Museum is a museum located in the eponymous medieval castle. The castle was built between 1354 and 1356 to protect the family of Lord of Verona from enemies and to give them ample time to escape. The palace was used to house military weapons and munitions in the 1400s and eventually became the seat of the Venetian military academy in the 1700s. In 1925, it was made a museum.


Location: Castelvecchio, Corso Castelvecchio, Verona, VR, Italy | Hours: 1.30-7.30pm Mon, 8.30am-7.30pm Tue-Sun | Price: adult/reduced €6/4.50, free with VeronaCard
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16. Ponte Scaligero (Scaligero Bridge)

Italy   Verona   Ponte Scaligero
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Arne Müseler

Scaligero Bridge is a three-arch bridge that spans the Adige River. It was built in 1375 for the Scaliger family who wanted to use the bridge as an escape route from the Old Castle to the river.


Location: Ponte Scaligero, Corso Castelvecchio, Verona, VR, Italy | Hours: 24 hours | Price: Free
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