Arena di Verona

Arena di Verona is a Roman amphitheatre from the 1st century, right on Piazza Brà. Still used today, mostly for opera in the summer, which draws big crowds and makes the whole thing feel surprisingly alive for something nearly 2,000 years old.

• Web:

  www.arena.it/en

• Address:

  Piazza Bra 1, Verona

• Phone:

  +39 045 800 5151

Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore

The Basilica of San Zeno is one of Verona’s key medieval landmarks, and a favourite for many locals. The church you see now was rebuilt in the 12th century after an earthquake, but it sits on a much older site from the 5th century. Inside, don’t miss the bronze doors—covered in strange and detailed scenes—and the altarpiece by Mantegna, one of the best in town.

• Web:

  www.chieseverona.it/en

• E-mail:

  info@chieseverona.it

• Address:

  Piazza San Zeno 2, Verona

• Phone:

  +39 045 592813

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 9am–6:30pm, Sun 1pm–6:30pm

Biblioteca Capitolare (Chapter Library of Verona)

Tucked behind Verona's Cathedral, the Biblioteca Capitolare is one of the oldest libraries still running anywhere in the world. Some of the manuscripts here are from the early Middle Ages, and you can usually visit with a short guided tour.

• Web:

  www.bibliotecacapitolare.it

• E-mail:

  info@bibliotecacapitolare.it

• Address:

  Piazza Duomo 19, Verona

• Phone:

  +39 331 594 6961

Castelvecchio

Castelvecchio, which means 'Old Castle', dates back to the mid-1300s and was built by Cangrande II della Scala as both a residence and fortress. Today, it houses the Castelvecchio Museum, with a good collection of medieval and Renaissance art. The castle’s walls and towers give a solid sense of Verona’s history, and the walk along the river from here is worth adding to your route.

• Address:

  Corso Castelvecchio 2, Verona

• Phone:

  +39 045 806 2611

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sun 10am–6pm, Mon closed

Fossils Museum of Bolca

A bit outside Verona, but worth the trip if you’re into natural history. This small two-floor museum focuses on fossils from the nearby hills, which used to be a tropical sea. You’ll see fish, insects, plants, even reptiles—some surprisingly well-preserved. The collection isn’t huge, but it’s solid and well curated.

• Web:

  https://museodeifossili.it

• E-mail:

  info@museodeifossili.it

• Address:

  Via San Giovanni Battista, Bolca

• Phone:

  +39 333 465 3861

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–12:30pm / 2pm–6:30pm

Gardaland

Just outside Lake Garda, Gardaland is Italy’s biggest theme park. Over 30 rides, shows, and Italy’s first fully themed aquarium make it a solid choice if you’re travelling with kids or just want a day away from the usual sightseeing. The resort also includes a Sea-Life centre and a hotel if you want to make a full day or overnight trip of it.

• Web:

  www.gardaland.it

• E-mail:

  infobox@gardaland.it

• Address:

  Via Derna, 4, Castelnuovo del Garda

• Phone:

  +39 045 644 9777

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 10am–6pm, Sat & Sun 10am–8pm