Is Verona Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion (2026)

On By saar.decosterIn Europe, Italy

So, is Verona worth visiting?

Okay, this is one of those articles where my answer is probably going to be a little different from what you usually see online.

Because honestly?

Personally, I probably wouldn’t go back to Verona.

And I know that sounds dramatic considering Verona is one of the most famous cities in Italy and is often described as one of the country’s most romantic destinations.

But I just didn’t really click with it.

I also had some genuinely uncomfortable experiences there, which obviously affected how I experienced the city. I was whistled at a lot, had unwanted attention from men and at one point someone even exposed himself to me in public.

So yeah.

Verona is probably the city in Italy where I’ve personally felt the most uncomfortable.

But I also want to separate that from the city itself, because there are some nice things to see and I can understand why people enjoy visiting.

So, is Verona worth visiting?

I think it can be, but personally, I wouldn’t spend more than a day there.

Here’s my completely honest opinion.

If you’re planning a bigger trip around the region, you can see how Verona fits into my Northern Italy Travel Guide.

So, Is Verona Worth Visiting?

My honest answer is: yes, for a day trip, but I wouldn’t personally stay much longer.

There are some beautiful and famous sights in Verona, including the Arena di Verona, Ponte Pietra, Piazza delle Erbe, Casa di Giulietta and Giardini Vittorio Emanuele II.

But compared with some of the other Italian cities I’ve visited, Verona just didn’t do that much for me.

I didn’t find the city particularly beautiful overall, and I didn’t feel like there was a huge amount to do beyond the main attractions.

That doesn’t mean you won’t love it.

Especially if you’re travelling with a partner, I can definitely see why Verona could feel romantic. There are pretty streets, historic buildings, little piazzas and plenty of places to have a drink or dinner together.

It just wasn’t really my vibe.

And that’s okay.

Not every city has to be your favourite.

My Experience in Verona

I think it’s important to explain why my opinion of Verona is quite negative, because some of it has nothing to do with the actual sights.

I had several uncomfortable experiences with men while I was there.

I was whistled at multiple times, received unwanted attention and, at one point, someone even exposed himself to me in public.

That obviously isn’t something I can separate completely from my experience of a place.

When you’re walking around a city and repeatedly feel uncomfortable because of unwanted attention, you’re not exactly thinking:

“Wow, what a romantic Italian city!”

You’re thinking:

“Can I please just walk somewhere without someone bothering me?”

So my experience of Verona was definitely influenced by that.

This is my personal experience and doesn’t mean every traveller will experience Verona in the same way. But because this is my blog and I always want to be honest about places I’ve visited, I don’t want to pretend that my trip was perfect when it wasn’t.

Verona Is It Romantic?

This is probably the biggest reason people visit Verona.

Romeo and Juliet.

Verona is strongly associated with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and the city definitely leans into that romantic reputation.

If you’re travelling with your partner, I can see how Verona could be really cute.

You can walk around the historic centre, have an Aperol in a piazza, visit Juliet’s House and watch the sunset somewhere overlooking the city.

It has all the ingredients for a romantic Italian city break.

Personally, though?

I think there are other Italian cities where I would rather spend a romantic weekend.

But that’s obviously completely personal.

If you’re travelling as a couple and Verona has been on your list for ages, I wouldn’t tell you not to go.

Just don’t expect me to be the person screaming that it’s the most romantic city in Italy.

If you’re deciding between Verona and Florence, I’ve also compared the two cities in Florence vs Verona.

Historic city centre of Verona Italy

5 Things to Do in Verona

Even though Verona wasn’t really my favourite, there are definitely some sights worth seeing.

1. Visit the Arena di Verona

The Arena di Verona is probably the city’s most famous landmark.

It’s a huge Roman amphitheatre right in the centre of Verona and is still used for performances today.

Even if you don’t go inside, it’s impressive to see from Piazza Bra.

If you’re only spending one day in Verona, this is definitely one of the places I’d include.

Arena di Verona in Piazza Bra, Italy

2. Walk Across Ponte Pietra

Ponte Pietra is one of the prettier spots in Verona.

The historic stone bridge crosses the Adige River and connects the city centre with the area around the Teatro Romano.

It’s a nice place to walk across and gives you some lovely views along the river.

This was one of the places in Verona that I actually really enjoyed.

It’s also a good reminder that even if a city isn’t completely your thing, there can still be individual places that you absolutely love.

3. Explore Piazza delle Erbe

Piazza delle Erbe is one of the main squares in Verona.

It’s surrounded by historic buildings, cafés, restaurants and market stalls, so it’s a good place to sit down for a drink and watch people for a while.

If you’re doing Verona as a day trip, you’ll almost definitely pass through here.

And honestly, this is the kind of place where I would slow down rather than just walk through, especially if you’re travelling with someone.

Grab an Aperol.

Sit outside.

People-watch.

Very Italian.

4. Visit Casa di Giulietta

Yes, the famous Casa di Giulietta.

This is the house associated with Juliet from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

You can visit the courtyard and see the famous balcony, although it is very much a tourist attraction.

And by very much, I mean:

VERY MUCH.

If you’re a huge Romeo and Juliet fan, you’ll probably enjoy it.

If you’re not particularly interested in the story, you might find yourself wondering why there are approximately 400 people standing around a balcony.

Still, it’s one of Verona’s most famous sights, so if you’re visiting for the first time, you might as well have a look.

5. Visit Giardini Vittorio Emanuele II

If you want a little break from the busy centre, head towards Giardini Vittorio Emanuele II.

It’s a nice green space where you can escape the streets for a while and just relax.

For me, this kind of stop is especially nice when you’re doing Verona in one day because you don’t want your entire itinerary to be walking between tourist attractions.

Sometimes you just need to sit down.

Preferably with an Aperol.

Obviously.

How Long Do You Need in Verona?

One day is enough for me.

If you’re travelling around Northern Italy and Verona is on your route, I think it’s perfectly reasonable to stop for a day, see the main sights and then continue travelling.

You can see:

  • Arena di Verona
  • Piazza Bra
  • Piazza delle Erbe
  • Casa di Giulietta
  • Ponte Pietra
  • Giardini Vittorio Emanuele II

without needing to spend several days in the city.

If you’re a huge fan of history, architecture, museums or romantic city breaks, you might want longer.

But personally, I wouldn’t plan a whole week around Verona.

Verona as a Day Trip

I actually think Verona works really well as a day trip.

Especially if you’re already travelling through Northern Italy.

You can easily combine it with a bigger itinerary and spend one day exploring before moving on to your next destination.

For example, if you’re backpacking around Northern Italy like I was, Verona fits quite nicely into a route between other major Italian cities.

And because you don’t need loads of time to see the main sights, you don’t have to dedicate a huge chunk of your trip to it.

This is probably how I’d recommend visiting Verona based on my own experience:

Come for the day. See the highlights. Have lunch. Walk around. Maybe have an Aperol. Then move on.

That sounds much more appealing to me than spending four or five days there.

Is Verona Expensive?

Like most popular Italian tourist destinations, Verona can get expensive.

Especially around the most famous attractions and in the main tourist areas.

If you’re travelling on a budget, I’d recommend doing what I normally do in Italy:

Get some food from a local shop or bakery, grab a cheap coffee, use supermarkets when needed and save your money for the things you actually care about.

You really don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy Verona for one day.

And honestly, if you’re only there for a day, that’s even easier.

Is Verona Safe?

This is a difficult one for me because my personal experience was not particularly comfortable.

As I mentioned earlier, I experienced repeated unwanted attention from men while I was in Verona, including catcalling and an incident where someone exposed himself to me.

That made me feel uncomfortable walking around the city.

However, my personal experiences shouldn’t be treated as a general statement about every traveller’s experience of Verona.

If you’re visiting, especially if you’re travelling alone, I’d recommend using the same common-sense precautions you’d use in any busy tourist city:

  • Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • If somewhere makes you uncomfortable, leave.
  • Avoid walking through unfamiliar areas alone late at night if you don’t feel comfortable.
  • Trust your instincts.

And if you’re travelling with a partner or friends, you’ll obviously experience the city differently than I did travelling on my own.

The Biggest Problem for Me: I Just Didn’t Click With Verona

And honestly?

This is probably the biggest thing.

Even if I completely remove the uncomfortable experiences from the equation, Verona just didn’t really wow me.

There are beautiful places.

There are historic sights.

There are nice squares.

There are things to do.

But I didn’t have that feeling I had in Florence.

Or Turin.

Or Rome.

Or Genoa.

You know when you arrive somewhere and immediately think:

“Ohhh, I like this place.”

I didn’t really have that in Verona.

And I think that’s completely okay.

Travel is so personal.

A place can be objectively interesting and still just not be your thing.

So Who Would I Recommend Verona To?

I think Verona could be a good choice if:

  • You’re travelling as a couple
  • You love romantic city breaks
  • You’re interested in Romeo and Juliet
  • You love Roman history
  • You’re travelling around Northern Italy
  • You want a pretty one-day stop
  • You prefer smaller cities over huge Italian cities

I’d be less likely to recommend spending several days there if your main goal is to see lots of different sights and experience a city with a really strong atmosphere.

For me, there are other Italian destinations I’d rather give that time to.

Is Verona Worth Visiting for Couples?

I can definitely see the appeal.

If you’re travelling with your partner, Verona could be really cute.

Walking around the old centre, having dinner in a little piazza, visiting the Arena, crossing Ponte Pietra and watching the sunset together?

I get it.

I really do.

The city has the history and atmosphere that can make a short romantic trip work.

So if your partner really wants to go to Verona, I’m not going to tell you to cancel the trip.

Just personally, I would choose somewhere else for my own romantic Italian getaway.

My Honest Verdict: Is Verona Worth Visiting?

So…

Is Verona worth visiting?

I think yes, for a day.

But personally, I wouldn’t go back.

There are definitely some beautiful and interesting places to see, especially the Arena di Verona, Ponte Pietra, Piazza delle Erbe, Casa di Giulietta and Giardini Vittorio Emanuele II.

And if you’re travelling with a partner, I can absolutely understand why you might find Verona romantic and charming.

But for me, the city didn’t really click.

I didn’t find it particularly beautiful overall, I didn’t feel like there was a huge amount to do beyond the main attractions, and unfortunately I also had several uncomfortable experiences with unwanted male attention that affected my trip.

So if Verona is already on your Northern Italy itinerary?

Go.

Spend a day there.

See the highlights.

Have your Aperol.

Take your photos.

Then continue your trip.

But if you’re asking me whether I’d specifically travel back to Verona?

Probably not.

There are simply too many other places in Italy that I personally enjoyed more.

And that’s exactly why I write these Is It Worth Visiting? articles.

Because sometimes a place can be famous, beautiful and popular…

and still just not be your place.

Final Thoughts

Verona wasn’t my favourite Italian city.

And honestly, I think that’s okay to say.

There are some genuinely nice places to see, and I completely understand why people love the romantic side of Verona.

But personally, I didn’t have that connection with the city.

Add in the uncomfortable experiences I had while I was there, and it just wasn’t somewhere I particularly enjoyed.

Would I say don’t go?

No.

If you’re curious about Verona, go for a day and make your own opinion.

Maybe you’ll absolutely love it.

Maybe you’ll be like me and be ready to catch the next train.

Either way, at least you’ll know.

And that’s kind of the whole point of travelling, isn’t it?

Planning Your Trip to Italy?

Planning a trip to Italy can be surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re choosing between huge historic cities, beautiful coastlines, charming smaller towns, mountains, lakes and islands.

That’s why I’ve created my Italy Travel Guide, where I share destination guides, things to do, local tips and my personal experiences from travelling around Italy.

→ START HERE: Italy Travel Guides

OR

START BY AREA

→ Northern Italy Travel guide
→ Rome Travel guide
→ Sicily Travel guide

Related Posts

You May Also Like

More Italy Travel Guides

FAQs About Visiting Verona

Is Verona worth visiting?

Yes, Verona can be worth visiting for a day, especially if you’re interested in Roman history, Romeo and Juliet, historic architecture or romantic city breaks. Personally, however, Verona wasn’t one of my favourite Italian cities and I wouldn’t return.

How many days do you need in Verona?

I recommend one day in Verona if you’re mainly interested in seeing the city’s highlights. You can visit the Arena, Piazza delle Erbe, Casa di Giulietta, Ponte Pietra and Giardini Vittorio Emanuele II in a day.

Is Verona good for couples?

Yes. Verona’s historic centre, romantic atmosphere and connection with Romeo and Juliet make it a popular choice for couples. Personally, I can see the appeal, although I would choose other Italian destinations for my own romantic trip.

What is Verona famous for?

Verona is famous for its Roman Arena, its connection to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, historic squares such as Piazza delle Erbe and landmarks including Ponte Pietra and Casa di Giulietta.

Is Verona better as a day trip or overnight stay?

Personally, I think Verona works very well as a day trip. If you want to take things slowly or you’re travelling as a couple, staying one or two nights could also work.

Is Verona very touristy?

Yes. The main attractions, particularly the Arena and Casa di Giulietta, can be very busy. Visiting early in the day can help you avoid some of the crowds.

Leave a Reply