Verona★★
Verona is much more than Romeo and Juliet. The city on the Adige is a jewel of Roman monuments, medieval towers, and Renaissance palaces — all in pink Verona marble. And then there's the Arena, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world.
Arena di Verona ★★★
The Roman amphitheater (30 AD, 30,000 seats) is the venue for the most famous open-air opera in the world every summer (June–September). Aida under the starry sky, Nabucco by candlelight, Carmen against an ancient backdrop — an unforgettable experience. Tickets from €30 (unreserved stone steps) to €250 (stalls). Book early! The arena can be visited during the day (€10).
Casa di Giulietta ★
Juliet's balcony is a clever marketing trick (the balcony was added in 1936, Shakespeare was never in Verona), but the atmosphere in the courtyard with the love messages on the walls has its charm. Courtyard free, museum €6. More interesting: The Piazza delle Erbe (one of the most beautiful market squares in Italy) just around the corner and the Piazza dei Signori with the Scaliger tombs.
Culinary Delights
Verona is located in the wine region of Valpolicella: The Amarone della Valpolicella is one of the most powerful and expensive red wines in Italy (€20–100+ per bottle). Also: Risotto all'Amarone, Pastissada de Caval (horse goulash, a local specialty), and Pandoro — Verona's Christmas yeast cake, known worldwide.
💡 Tipp
An opera in the Arena di Verona belongs on the bucket list. Take the cheapest seats on the stone steps (Gradinata, from €30) — the atmosphere is best there, and you're sitting among the Italians. Bring a cushion (the marble is hard) and a light jacket (it gets cool). Candles are distributed to everyone.