Discover Verona: A 24-Hour Love Story

"The lovers' haven," — this is how my friend described Verona when he invited me to visit this enchanting city, chosen among all the tourist destinations in the world. Here, love flows through the rivers and beauty embraces the towering walls. This is the city that inspired Shakespeare to write one of his timeless tales, "Romeo and Juliet,"

a story still celebrated by lovers to this day. Our choice of Verona for a special family trip, accompanied by a group of friends, their spouses, and children, was only natural. This northern Italian city offers a variety of plans and activities suitable for every taste and age. In Verona, fantasy and reality intertwine, blending charming nature, old cafés, and historic landmarks — most notably Juliet's House, which welcomes half a million visitors each year, all seeking to relive beautiful memories with their loved on.

 A City with a Special Spirit

Verona’s unique charm isn’t only because of its ancient churches and historic landmarks. Its real magic lies in the eternal story of Romeo and Juliet that unfolded here. Despite its serene beauty, the city sparks visitors' curiosity to explore even more. In just 24 hours, you can embark on an unforgettable tour through the enchanting streets of Verona

 Weather in Verona

Choosing the right time to visit was crucial to enjoy the warmth of Verona’s weather. The ideal months span from September onward, but our visit in mid-May turned out wonderful — sunny, breezy, and delightful. Verona remains a unique experience all year round, even during the summer showers. However, if you are not fond of winter chills, you might prefer postponing your trip from January to March. On average, Verona enjoys a pleasant annual temperature of 13°C — perfect for lovers of distinct, mild climates.

The Natural Beauty of Verona

 Upon arrival, we were astonished by Verona’s breathtaking scenery and captured countless beautiful photos amid its unique architecture. Strategically located between Italy's iconic cities, Verona rests on the banks of the Adige River atop San Pietro Hill, with stunning mountain ranges visible to the south — a true paradise for photography enthusiasts. The city's buildings, adorned with red terracotta roofs, add a distinctive charm that blends harmoniously with the natural landscape. Beyond its natural wonders and historical sites, another advantage awaits travelers — the Verona Card. This thoughtful offering from Juliet’s town allowed us free entry into many historical landmarks and free rides on selected city buses. The card comes in two options: a 24-hour pass for €20 and a 48-hour pass for €25 (prices subject to change).

 Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta)

Our curiosity peaked upon seeing the crowds gathering at the gates of Juliet’s House. Reaching the famous balcony was challenging, but simply being there wasn't enough. Besides admiring the historic house and taking photos with Juliet’s statue, many activities add to the magic: From lively wedding ceremonies to Shakespearean gatherings filled with music, dance, and poetry. Paper hearts and love notes cling to the ancient walls, dating back to 1200 AD when the house belonged to the Cappelletti family — whose name closely resembles Juliet's family name in Shakespeare's play.

 A Stroll for Tender Hearts (Cuori Delicati)

 Verona is a paradise for tender, romantic hearts — ideal for honeymooners and family travelers alike. Lovers embrace amid poetic and festive atmospheres alongside Juliet’s maids. One of our friends, honeymooning with his wife, joined the charming experience of writing heartfelt messages to one of Juliet’s maids, who, through a mystical tradition, revealed their deepest feelings to each other. Legend says that Juliet’s spirit blesses these confessions. Visiting Juliet’s bedroom, her clothes, and personal belongings also offered a deeply emotional and unforgettable experience. Spending two hours at Juliet’s House was enough to create memories that will last a lifetime.

 Piazza delle Erbe

 Following the romantic tour, we headed to Piazza delle Erbe — one of Verona's most historic squares. Although Veronese people are proud of their Italian language, it wasn’t surprising when a waiter warmly greeted us in our native language. This rectangular square, surrounded by ancient Roman-era buildings, evokes a profound sense of history. In its center lies a beautiful 14th-century fountain. The square also branches into important streets, bustling with shops where we purchased souvenirs infused with the scents of old Verona. We also enjoyed authentic Italian coffee at one of the lively cafés lining the square.

Arena di Verona (The Roman Amphitheater)

 One of Verona’s must-visit sites is the Arena — a remarkably preserved Roman amphitheater built in the 1st century AD. Once hosting gladiator battles and grand games, the arena boasts 44 tiers and can accommodate up to 22,000 spectators. Visiting at lunchtime is ideal (open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM). In the evenings, the arena transforms into a majestic open-air opera house — a mesmerizing experience not to be missed. Nearby, we enjoyed a delicious light meal of traditional Italian street food.

 Torre dei Lamberti (Lamberti Tower)

Our journey continued with a climb up the Torre dei Lamberti in the city center. Standing at 84 meters high, the tower offers panoramic views over the vibrant yet tranquil cityscape of Verona. Originally built in the 12th century, the tower's octagonal bells, once used to warn against Venetian invasions, now seem to chime with love instead of fear. It was truly an enchanting experience.

Castelvecchio: Museum and Bridge

No visit would be complete without stepping back into the medieval world at Castelvecchio Museum and Bridge. The museum displays a rich collection of medieval, Renaissance, and modern Italian art across 29 rooms, including sculptures, frescoes, jewelry, and paintings by Italy’s greatest masters. Castelvecchio: Museum and Bridge No visit would be complete without stepping back into the medieval world at Castelvecchio Museum and Bridge. The museum displays a rich collection of medieval, Renaissance, and modern Italian art across 29 rooms, including sculptures, frescoes, jewelry, and paintings by Italy’s greatest masters.

 Porta Leoni (Gate of the Lions)

 If you love classic Roman films, you will find Porta Leoni fascinating. Named after a stone sarcophagus carved with lions nearby, the ancient Roman gate features majestic double facades and towering structures. Walking through the narrow, historic streets of Verona and marveling at its charming architecture felt like stepping into a living painting.

Cycling Tour through Verona’s Hidden Gems

 As sunset approached, we realized we hadn’t yet seen all of Verona’s hidden treasures. Thus, we joined a cycling tour led by a friendly Italian guide fluent in English. She warmly welcomed us and guided us through secret passageways known only to locals, showing us parts of Verona we would never have discovered on foot or from above.

 Verona’s Culinary Delights

To conclude our journey, we indulged in authentic Italian cuisine. After much deliberation, we chose Casa Perbellini.

a charming restaurant near the Verona Arena. It was a culinary experience like no other, reflecting the city’s rich gastronomic culture. Dishes like Risotto all'Amarone, Gnocchetti di Susine, and Osso Buco Veronese — local favorites — offered a genuine taste of Verona’s heritage.

A Farewell to the City of Dreams

We didn't realize we had reached the end of our journey in this magical capital of love and fantasy. Truly, whoever named Verona the city of love and dreams was absolutely right. The heart of Verona gifts you entire cities made of imagination, and by morning, it fills your life with renewed energy and joy. One day, you will thank yourself for choosing Lady Verona — no matter where life takes you