Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is the most famous love story of all time, and arguably one of the most romantic if you ignore the family feuds and bloodshed.
So it only makes sense that the place it is set has come to be known as the ‘City of Love.’
We are talking, of course, about Verona, in Italy’s Veneto region. And with medieval architecture, pretty piazzas, and layers upon layers of history, it’s the perfect choice for a romantic getaway.
Flights start from as little as £15 in early 2026, so there’s never been a better time to take a trip. A late Christmas present for someone you love, perhaps?
Things to do in Verona
There’s a lot to do and see in Verona; it is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, after all. But if you’ve only got time for a weekend visit, it’s best to hit the spots below:
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First and foremost, for a love-themed break, Casa di Giulietta (otherwise known as ‘Juliet’s Balcony’) is a must-see.
The Gothic-style 14th-century house in Verona’s Old Town features a stone balcony that is said to have inspired Shakespeare.
Inside Juliet’s House Museum, you’ll find rooms with medieval furnishings, paintings and costumes from the film version of Romeo and Juliet, worn by Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting.
In the courtyard, visitors leave notes and messages for Juliet on the Lover’s Wall. Until earlier this month, tourists could check out the balcony for free.
But that all changed on December 6, when new rules were enforced, preventing visitors from walking into the courtyard to snap pictures unless they had purchased a ticket to the museum inside the house.
Until January 6, access to the space will only be permitted with a ticket for the museum, costing adults €12 (£10.50) to enter. Meanwhile, the number of tourists allowed in Juliet’s House at any one time will be reduced from 130 to 100.
You have been warned.
Elsewhere, the Verona Arena is worth a visit. The Roman amphitheatre first opened in 30 AD, and is located in Piazza Bra, the city’s main square.
Today, it hosts operas, ballets, and concerts all year round.
For more history, visit the Castelvecchio, a medieval castle and museum, and the most important military monument of the Scaliger dynasty in the Middle Ages.
If you want to kick back and relax, the bustling Piazza delle Erbe is a great people-watching perch.
With relics of the Roman Empire everywhere (check out the Madonna Verona statue in the fountain in the centre), it’s one of the most picturesque and historic squares in all of Italy.
Here, you’ll also find the Baroque Palazzo Maffei and the medieval Palazzo della Ragione. Plus, the tallest tower in Verona: the Gothic Torre dei Lamberti, which you can climb for views of the area.
From 8am to 6pm, Piazza delle Erbe is home to the daily market, where local vendors sell fresh fruit, veg, clothing and souvenirs.
Don’t forget to wander the pedestrianised Old Town, a labyrinth of narrow streets filled with outdoor cafes. Or, splash the cash on Via Mazzini, Verona’s busy shopping street.
Hand in hand with your lover, you could also stroll in the Italian Renaissance garden Giardino Giusti (€12/£10.50), or along the Adige River, where you’ll find Ponte Pietra, Verona’s oldest bridge.
After working up an appetite, it’s only right to indulge in Verona’s cuisine.
The food scene here is all about rich and hearty dishes, including polenta, risotto, and Bigoli, a traditional, thick, tube-shaped pasta.
TripAdvisor rates the Michelin-starred Ristorante Vecio Macello as one of the best eateries in the city — an affordable, rustic seafood spot that serves up meals like Fritto Misto del Mercato (mixed market seafood) (€2/£23) and catch of the day (€8.00/£7).
How to get to Verona
Verona is easily reached from the UK. On Tuesday, February 24, Ryanair is flying from London Stansted to Verona International for just £15. The journey time is two hours.
Edging into spring, it’s just as cheap. On Monday, March 23, easyJet has a direct flight to Verona for £27.
Heading into the peak months of June and July, fares cost around £47 on average. Slightly more expensive, but not bank-breaking.
Best time to go to Verona
The best time to visit Verona depends on what type of traveller you are.
Want the city to yourself, without the crowds? Go during the shoulder seasons, from January to March, when temperatures average around 7°C to 14°C.
October, April and May are usually a more pleasant 18°C to 23°C, perfect for sightseeing, while the summer months of June, July and August jump up to 28°C and 30°C. If you travel in peak season, be prepared to share the streets with hordes of other couples.
Thinking of visiting next Christmas? November and December peak at around 7°C to 12°C.
Honestly? Catch us in Verona with or without a partner.
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