Located around 65 miles west of Venice, Verona, the second biggest city in Veneto, is nestled along the banks of the twisting Adige River in Northern Italy. Verona’s winding, cobblestone alleyways tumble into hidden squares centered around fountains and gardens, and its imposing castles still tower over the city.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the city centre is replete with structures dating back to antiquity, the medieval period, and the Renaissance, and its archaeological museum helps you make sense of what you are seeing. The spectacular Verona Arena was once the stomping grounds of Roman gladiators and now hosts world-famous musicians, and the adjacent Piazza Bra is just as vibrant now as it was in the days when the city served as an important trading crossroads. For sweeping views of the city, climb up the Torre dei Lamberti in the historic center or take a funicular up to the Piazzale Castel San Pietro just across the river, where you can look down on the city’s red terracotta roof and narrow streets.

Verona’s Valerio Catullo Airport (VRN), which connects to destinations all across Europe, is only a 20-minute drive away from the city centre. While it is possible to rent a car at the airport, it is not recommended for visitors to drive in the city as the narrow, crowded streets can be a bit overwhelming for those not used to driving in Italy. Instead, you can take either a taxi or a bus, which will take closer to 40 minutes, into the city.

Most regional and long-distance trains arrive at the Verona Porta Nuova, which is around a 15-minute walk to the city centre. Once in Verona, walking is the best way to explore most of the city’s main attractions, and the city’s frequent, reliable public bus system is available if needed.

With relatively mild winters and hot, sunny summers, there is no bad time to visit Verona. The city hosts an annual Shakespeare festival each summer, presenting productions of the famous writer’s most popular plays. While it is the most ideal season for heading to the shore for some beach day fun, take note that summer can be a very busy time, as it is also the high season for this part of Europe. Booking your apartment in Verona well in advance is a good idea, and you may also want to keep in mind that many businesses across Italy close during the month of August for summer holidays. The shoulder seasons of autumn and spring become a bit quieter as the temperature begins to drop, and by winter, you may find you have the narrow cobblestone streets all to yourself, as the frigid winds can leave you chilled. Make sure to pack plenty of layers, as you may find yourself wandering around in a T-shirt one day and needing a heavy jumper and a scarf the next.

Verona Arena

The Verona Arena, the city’s version of Rome’s Coliseum, would have held up to 30,000 visitors when it was built in 30 A.D. The arena is so well-preserved that most of its exterior arches and interior seating are still in place. Although the spectacles put on by the ancient Romans are long in the past, you can still catch a concert there if you time your visit right.

Casa di Giulietta

The House of Juliet played an important role in the classic play, and Shakespeare fans still gather to see the balcony where the fictional dialogue between the star-crossed lovers took place. While the truth behind the house and the balcony is still unclear, it is an interesting place to learn more about the play and its setting.

Piazza Bra

Adjacent to the Verona Arena, Piazza Bra is Verona’s biggest, busiest square. It is lined with colourful historical buildings that are now home to restaurants and cafes, and at its heart is a small park where you can relax under the shade of cedars. The cafe terraces are the perfect place to grab an espresso or a scoop of gelato and people-watch. Many of the buildings in the vicinity date back to the Roman era and pay homage to its roots, and a statue of King Victor Emmanuel II atop his horse stands guard over the hustle and bustle.