My First Day in Verona: Walking Through the City of Romeo and Juliet

My First Day in Verona: Walking Through the City of Romeo and Juliet

1. My First Day in Verona: Walking Through the City of Romeo and Juliet
2. First Steps in Verona: My First Encounter with the City

• Getting to Verona: the ease of traveling by train
• First look at the city center: historic charm and atmosphere
• First impressions: calmness, romance, and the Italian spirit

3. Piazza Bra and Arena di Verona: Walking in the Heart of History

• The size and lively atmosphere of Piazza Bra
• The impressive history of the Arena di Verona and its concerts
• Walking and photo spots around the square

4. Juliet’s House and Balcony: Is It Really Worth Seeing?

• The tourist appeal of Casa di Giulietta
• Juliet’s statue and visitors’ fascination
• Balcony experience: expectations vs. reality

5. Piazza delle Erbe and Torre dei Lamberti: A Journey to City Views

• The market and cafés of Piazza delle Erbe
• Climbing Torre dei Lamberti for panoramic city views
• How the historic square blends with daily life

6. Along the Adige River in the Afternoon: Bridges and Sunset

• Views from Ponte Pietra
• Riverside walking routes
• Best sunset viewpoints in Verona

7. Aperitivo and Local Flavors: My First Tastes in Verona

• Aperitivo culture: drinks with small bites
• Amarone and Valpolicella wine experience
• Traditional dishes tasted on the first day

8. After a Day in Verona: The Desire to Return

• A short summary of highlights and memories
• Verona’s soul: where romance and history intertwine

1. My First Day in Verona: Walking Through the City of Romeo and Juliet

Verona… The moment I stepped off the train, I could already feel the romance that comes to mind whenever you hear this city’s name. Verona is not just the backdrop of Shakespeare’s legendary love story; it’s also a place where Italy’s charm, calmness, and historical atmosphere all come together. On my first day, as I explored step by step, the city both fascinated me and made me think at every corner: “I’m so glad I’m here.”

With my very first steps, I felt the serenity of the stone streets, the flowers hanging from windows, and the peaceful pace of people strolling around. All of it reflected the unique rhythm of Italian life. In this article, I’ll share the route of my first day in Verona, blended with my personal impressions and experiences.

2. First Steps in Verona: My Arrival in the City

I arrived in Verona by train from Bologna in the morning. The journey was short and comfortable—Italy’s railway system makes city-to-city travel so easy. But stepping out of the station, my first impression was a bit mixed. The area around the train station felt slightly uneasy, with groups of migrants and a rather chaotic atmosphere. Honestly, I wondered for a moment: “Will Verona really live up to my expectations?”

As I walked closer to the city center, everything quickly changed. The wide streets turned into cobblestone alleys, the buildings took on warm pastel colors, and the overall atmosphere shifted completely. Suddenly, that unmistakable Italian romance appeared: laughter from narrow streets, locals chatting in cafés, bicycles passing by, and flower-filled balconies above my head. That was the moment I realized Verona was ready to charm me.

The deeper I went into the center, the safer and more inviting the city felt. Unlike Rome or Florence, Verona didn’t overwhelm me with crowds; it offered a calmer, more intimate vibe. Within just a few minutes, my initial hesitation faded into pure admiration. Verona isn’t a city that tries to impress you all at once—it’s a place that reveals its beauty step by step.

3. Piazza Bra and Arena di Verona: Walking in the Heart of History

When you finally reach the center, one of the first grand sights to welcome you is Piazza Bra. This huge square feels like the heart of Verona. It’s so spacious that simply sitting at one of the cafés and watching the flow of people becomes an experience in itself. Colorful façades, flower-filled terraces, and the lively atmosphere make this your first real “wow” moment in the city.

At the very center stands the magnificent Arena di Verona. This Roman amphitheater, built in the 1st century, looks like the little brother of the Colosseum in Rome. The thought that it’s still standing after nearly two thousand years is mind-blowing. Even more impressive: it’s still in use today. Opera festivals and concerts bring this arena back to life every summer, turning history into a living stage. While I was there, I could hear rehearsals echoing from inside—an unforgettable reminder that Verona is a city where the past and present coexist.

Walking around Piazza Bra also offers plenty of photo spots. From the Arena’s stone arches to statues and wide cobblestone paths, every corner invites you to pause for a picture. If you want to slow down, order an espresso at one of the cafés around the square. It’s the perfect way to soak up Verona’s energy and start feeling like part of the city.

Piazza Bra truly felt like the right starting point for exploring Verona—because it shows you both the historical depth and the lively soul of the city at once.

4. Juliet’s House and Balcony: Is It Really Worth Seeing?

When people think of Verona, the first image that usually comes to mind is Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta). Did Shakespeare’s Juliet really live here? No. But this spot has become one of the city’s most visited attractions, almost like the stage of the legendary love story itself. I couldn’t leave without seeing it for myself, so I followed the crowds into the small courtyard.

The first thing you’ll notice is the statue of Juliet. Visitors line up to take photos, and many touch the statue’s right breast for “good luck”—a quirky tradition that feels a bit odd, but it’s part of the experience. The walls are covered in love notes, scribbles, and even chewing gum—an attempt by visitors to leave their mark on Verona’s most famous love story.

Of course, the highlight is the balcony. To step onto it, you need a ticket to enter the house. Once upstairs, you can lean over the small stone balcony and imagine Juliet calling out to Romeo. But here’s the honest truth: it’s smaller than you expect, and the courtyard below is always packed with tourists waiting for their turn. That dreamy Shakespearean moment? Hard to find among selfie sticks and chatter.

Still, Casa di Giulietta is worth a visit. Not because it’s deeply romantic or historically accurate, but because it’s part of Verona’s cultural heartbeat. It’s where you feel the contrast between expectation and reality—and sometimes, that’s exactly what makes travel memorable.

5. Piazza delle Erbe and Torre dei Lamberti: A Journey to City Views

Just a short walk from Juliet’s House, you’ll find yourself in Piazza delle Erbe, one of Verona’s oldest and most beautiful squares. This place feels like an open-air museum: historic palaces, colorful frescoes, and a lively market with stalls selling everything from souvenirs to fresh fruit. Yet it’s not just about history—the square is full of life, with cafés spilling out onto the pavement and locals mixing with tourists in a vibrant daily scene.

Rising above the square is the Torre dei Lamberti, an 84-meter-high tower that gives you the best panoramic views of Verona. You can take the elevator or climb the stairs if you want a bit of adventure. Once at the top, the view is breathtaking: terracotta rooftops stretching in every direction, the Adige River winding through the city, and green hills rolling in the distance. It’s the kind of view that makes you stop, breathe, and truly appreciate where you are.

For me, Piazza delle Erbe is where Verona’s historic charm meets its modern rhythm. It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee, people-watch, and then head up the tower for that unforgettable skyline moment.

6. Along the Adige River at Sunset: Bridges and Golden Views

Leaving the busy squares behind, walking down to the banks of the Adige River shows you a quieter side of Verona. In the late afternoon, the city slows down, the air cools, and the light softens into a golden glow.

One of the highlights is Ponte Pietra, a Roman bridge that has stood here for centuries. From the middle of the bridge, you get a perfect view: historic buildings on one side, green hills on the other, and the river reflecting the colors of the sky. Standing there, just watching the flow of the water, was one of the most peaceful moments of my trip.

The riverfront paths are also perfect for a relaxed stroll. You’ll pass cyclists, locals walking their dogs, and families enjoying the evening air. It’s a refreshing contrast to the crowded tourist spots, giving you a glimpse of everyday life in Verona.

As the sun sets, the city becomes even more magical. The best viewpoints are from Ponte Pietra and Ponte della Vittoria, where the sky turns orange and pink and the river mirrors the colors. With a gelato or an Aperol Spritz in hand, this riverside sunset walk was the perfect way to end my first day in Verona.

7. Aperitivo and Local Flavors: My First Tastes in Verona

In Italy, nothing captures the evening spirit better than aperitivo. Verona embraces this tradition wholeheartedly. Order an Aperol Spritz or a Campari in the early evening, and it comes with a tray of small bites—olives, chips, mini sandwiches. It’s not just a drink; it’s a ritual that blends socializing with a light pre-dinner snack.

Verona is also world-famous for its wines. Just outside the city lies the Valpolicella wine region, home to the rich and full-bodied Amarone della Valpolicella. One sip is enough to understand why it’s so highly praised—deep, intense, and unforgettable. For something lighter, the Valpolicella Classico offers a smoother option. Tasting both during my first aperitivo felt like the perfect way to connect with Verona’s local culture.

When it comes to food, Verona’s cuisine is deliciously tied to its wines. One of the signature dishes is Risotto all’Amarone, cooked with the very wine that made the city famous. On my first night, I tried fresh pasta and a simple meat dish, leaving the risotto for another day. Even so, every plate had that comforting Italian touch that makes you want to linger at the table a little longer.

For me, my first evening in Verona ended with a perfect mix of flavors—local wine, traditional food, and the slow-living Italian lifestyle.

8. After a Day in Verona: The Desire to Return

As the day came to an end, I looked back at everything I had experienced and realized that Verona is truly where romance and history intertwine. What started as a slightly uncertain arrival from Bologna turned into a golden sunset by the Adige River that made me think: “I’m so glad I came.”

From the grandeur of Piazza Bra and the Arena, to the curious mix of expectation and reality at Juliet’s Balcony, to the vibrant life of Piazza delle Erbe and the panoramic views from Torre dei Lamberti—all these moments fit into one single day, yet left memories that will last for years.

What makes Verona special is its pace. It doesn’t overwhelm you like Rome or Florence. Instead, it invites you to slow down, wander its cobblestone streets, pause on its bridges, and simply enjoy being present.

For me, Verona isn’t just a city to visit—it’s a city to experience. And as I left, I felt it whispering: “You’ll come back again.”