On our way back from Venice, we decided to extend the trip a little and head inland to explore Verona for at least a day – we didn’t know what to expect, but we ended up delighted.
The drive from Venice to Verona takes about an hour and is quite pleasant, without stress or traffic jams. It was a spontaneous choice – we planned only to stroll around, maybe have a coffee along the way, and move on. But, as is usually the case with Italian cities, Verona caught us off guard and charmed us at first sight.
The first thing that surprised us was – the silence. Compared to Venice, where crowds are the rule, Verona feels almost empty. The streets have just enough liveliness to keep the city from seeming sleepy, but at the same time, there’s space to breathe, to admire the beautiful architecture, to walk without pushing, and to take photos without waiting your turn.
Juliet’s House: The Most Romantic Stop in Verona
The biggest crowd – as expected – was in front of the famous Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta). Tourists clustered in front of the railing with the bronze statue, many trying to touch Juliet’s breast “for luck in love,” while others stood under the balcony posing for photos with their “Romeo” or “Juliet.” Although the whole scene has a touch of kitsch, its charm is undeniable. The balcony is small, stone, overlooking the courtyard, and the house itself can be visited inside. The walls of the passage are covered with love notes, chewing gum, and initials – a spontaneous gallery of emotions that reminds you how much people seek something to remind them they are loved.
If you’re drawn to old stories and symbols of love, be sure to bring a piece of paper and a pen – because in the courtyard under Juliet’s balcony there is a special mailbox. You can drop your own letter to Juliet in it, just as people from all over the world have done for decades.
Arena di Verona: Ancient History Still Alive
Walk just a few minutes away and you’ll find a completely different Verona. The Arena di Verona, a Roman amphitheater almost 2,000 years old, dominates the main square and is still used for cultural events. It’s impressive to stand within its stone circles and imagine everything that has taken place there through the centuries. The streets leading from the arena toward the Adige River are full of history – and best of all, without excessive commercialization.
It was on one such walk that we stumbled upon VeronAntiquaria, the largest antique fair in Verona, held on the first Sunday of every month. Located between Porta Leoni and Piazza San Zeno, this fair looks like an open-air museum. Tables full of porcelain, silverware, old clocks, books, vinyl, vintage posters, and unique items from all over Italy – all set in streets that themselves breathe antiquity. The vendors are warm, eager to chat and haggle, and every object carries a story. We didn’t buy anything because our car was already overloaded, but as flea market lovers, we were truly impressed here. The fair isn’t overcrowded, and it’s easy to spend an hour or two just browsing, listening to conversations, and soaking up the atmosphere.
Castelvecchio & Ponte Scaligero: Medieval Things to See
One of the most striking places we visited was Castelvecchio, whose monumental Gothic architecture and massive red walls bear witness to the military power of the Scaliger dynasty. Although today it serves as a museum, simply walking along its walls and across the Ponte Scaligero bridge is enough to feel the spirit of medieval Verona. The bridge is especially impressive – not only because of its structure but also because of the view of the Adige River it offers, making it a perfect spot for a break and a photo.
As we continued wandering, we discovered Piazza delle Erbe – a colorful square that was once a Roman forum and is today one of the liveliest spots in the city. Here, fruit and souvenir stalls mix with Renaissance facades and the dizzyingly tall Torre dei Lamberti, which offers panoramic views of the city. Climbing the tower gives perhaps the best sense of orientation – you can see the river, the arena, the squares, the narrow streets, and the perfect balance of history and modern life.
Our short trip to Verona was proof that sometimes cities you visit “on the way” can leave the deepest impression. Without loud hype, without inflated expectations – Verona won us over with its calmness, harmony, and genuine charm. And the antique fair? It gave us one more reason to plan a return to the city. Because true romance, as it turns out, isn’t in Juliet’s balcony – but in the everyday little things that here create a perfect blend of past and present.
