Choose from 89 Fun Things to Do in Veneto
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Murano
Of Venice’s 100-plus outlying islands, the group that forms Murano is the most famous. This tight cluster of small islands has been the center of the Floating City’s historic glassmaking industry since 1291, when the city center’s glass factories were forcibly moved across the lagoon—just north of Venice proper—after a number of devastating fires. Today, travelers visit Murano to see how expertly trained artisans blow glass into exquisite stemware, chandeliers, vases, and sculptures. Those particularly interested in the history of glassmaking should stop by the Museo del Vetro, which traces the art back to ancient Egypt.
The Basics
The best way to visit Murano is on a boat tour of the Venice islands. These tours make stops on Murano to see traditional glassblowing the island of Burano, famous for its lace-making; and Torcello, believed to be the first populated island in the Venetian lagoon. Private tours let you enjoy a boat ride across the waters of the lagoon, visits to artisan workshops and factories accompanied by an expert tour guide, and a bit of free time for shopping and exploring without having to navigate Venice’s complex vaporetto (ferry) system between the islands.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Be sure to bring your camera, as Murano glassblowing and Burano lace-making demonstrations make for great photos.
- Murano glass and Burano lace are both famous for their impeccable craftsmanship and quality—and prices reflect that. Be wary of “bargain” prices, which often mean counterfeit goods.
- Murano’s glass shops are known for their hard-sell techniques, which can be uncomfortable. To avoid being strong-armed, always book your Venice islands tour through a reputable company.
How to Get There
From St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), take vaporetto (ferry) 4.1 from the San Zaccaria stop, or a private water taxi from the Grand Canal boat launch, just steps from St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.
When to Get There
The Venice islands are most crowded in summer. From November through February, Venice is relatively quiet, though the temperatures can make for a chilly boat trip across the lagoon.
There Be Dragons
Murano’s seventh-century Basilica di Santa Maria e San Donato, one of the oldest in Venice, is famous for its exquisite Byzantine mosaics. It’s also known for what’s on display behind the altar: four massive rib bones said to be from a dragon slain by St. Donatus in Greece.
Address: Venice, Italy
Admission: Free
From $ 23
Piazza dei Signori
Historically, Piazza dei Signori (also known as Piazza Dante in honor of the poet’s statue in the square center) was the civic and political heart of Verona, and is still home to the Loggia del Consiglio, the former city hall. Lined by medieval palaces and elegant arches, this square is a vibrant local gathering place.
The Basics
Piazza dei Signori is dominated by the historic city hall as well as a number of palaces that were built by Verona’s powerful Scaligeri family, alongside the family’s favored Santa Maria Assunta church. At the far end of the square, the Arche Scaligere (Scaliger Tombs) hold the remains of some of the family’s most prominent members.
Visit Verona’s bustling Piazza dei Signori on a city walking or Segway tour that also includes skip-the-line entrance to the city’s famous Roman arena in Piazza Bra, as well as other highlights like Piazza delle Erbe and Torre dei Lamberti, the Duomo, Castelvecchio, and the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore. Tours inspired by the tale of Romeo and Juliet are a popular option for exploring Verona, as are private tours that include a wine tasting.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Much of Piazza dei Signori is pedestrian, so it’s a perfect spot for families with young children to take a stroll.
- The square has a number of cafés and restaurants where you can have a snack or meal either al fresco or inside.
- If you join walking tour of Verona, choose comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
- The square is flat and well-paved, making it easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller.
How to Get There
Piazza dei Signori is in the heart of Verona’s historic center, and it’s an easy walk from the train station and most of the city’s most famous attractions. Verona is located about halfway between Venice and Milan in the Veneto region, and it’s an easy day trip from either city.
When to Get There
The square fills with students and locals each evening, and the families out for a stroll, street musicians, and overflowing sidewalk cafés and restaurants make for a particularly festive nighttime atmosphere.
The Rib Arch
The palaces around the square are joined by soaring arches; the neighboring Piazza delle Erbe market, on the other side of Arco della Costa, is said to contain a whale's rib that will fall on the first truly just person to pass beneath it. So far it remains firmly in place.
Address: Piazza dei Signori, Verona 37121, Italy
From $ 47
Grand Canal
Venice is a city built on water, and the Grand Canal (Canale Grande) is its bustling main street. Lined with sumptuous Venetian palaces and crowded with gondolas, water taxis, and vaporetti (public ferries), this thoroughfare is a feast for the senses. The Grand Canal winds its way through the central neighborhoods of Venice from the Santa Lucia train station to St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), passing under the iconic Rialto Bridge along the way, and functions as the scenic main artery for transporting both people and goods around the City of Canals.
The Basics
A sail down the Grand Canal is a trip through centuries of Venetian history, as historic palaces dating from the 13th to the 18th centuries rise out of the water along most of the route. Though stretches of the canal are lined with walkways, many of the important landmarks can be seen only from the water, so a small-group Grand Canal boat tour or combination walking-and-canal tour is by far the best way to go. For a historical tour of the canal, opt for a daytime sightseeing tour so you can see the ornate facades of Venice’s famous palaces. For a romantic journey, choose a moonlit gondola ride. And for a truly Venetian experience, opt for a gondola ride with a serenade!
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most Grand Canal gondola rides begin or end in St. Mark’s Square, home to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, and include a few picturesque minor canals along the way.
- Alongside Rome and Florence as one of the most popular destinations in Italy, Venice can get extremely crowded. To avoid a long wait at the motor launch, book your Venice tour tickets in advance.
- The palaces along the Grand Canal have architectural styles that span from the Byzantine to the Renaissance, and are best appreciated with an expert tour guide who can explain their history and importance.
- Note that Venice and the Grand Canal feature a great number of bridges, many of which are not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Grand Canal snakes its way through the center of Venice from the train station to St. Mark’s Square. All of Venice is pedestrian only, so to get from anywhere in the city to the Grand Canal, you must either walk or take a boat.
When to Get There
Venice is lovely all year round, and the Grand Canal is spectacular both by day and night.
The Islands of Venice
Venice is made up of over 100 small islands, so for a different perspective of this unique city on the water, take a boat tour to one of the quieter outlying islands such as Murano, famous for its glassblowing industry; Burano, known for its lace-making artisans; or Torcello, thought to be the first populated island the in Venetian lagoon.
Address: Venice, Italy
Hours: Open 24 hours every day
Admission: Free
From $ 18
Peggy Guggenheim Collection (Collezione Peggy Guggenheim)
One of the most popular and prestigious museums in Venice, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection of modern art provides a welcome contrast to Venice’s ornate Gothic and baroque art and architecture. A visit here is a must for any lover of 20th-century art.
The Basics
Peggy Guggenheim, an important New York art collector who spent the last 30 years of her life in Venice, amassed an important collection of early 20th-century European and American art. Upon her death in 1979, her home on the Grand Canal, Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, became the Peggy Guggenheim Collection museum. The palazzo and sculpture garden include works by such artists as Picasso, Kandinsky, Magritte, Dalí, Calder, Giacometti, Marini, and Pollock.
Because of the scope and importance of the collection, it’s best to visit as part of a Peggy Guggenheim Collection guided tour, or take an after-hours private tour to enjoy the art without the crowds.
Things to Know Before You Go
- In addition to the permanent collection, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and retrospectives.
- Photography (without flash) is allowed inside the museum and sculpture garden.
- Both the museum and garden are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- The museum has a shop and a café serving lunch and snacks.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is by water: take vaporetto 1 or 2 to the Accademia stop.
When to Get There
Palazzo Venier dei Leoni was retrofitted as a museum after Peggy Guggenheim's death, so the rooms are small and the collection is best viewed early in the day before the crowds arrive. The museum is open daily except Tuesdays.
The Guggenheim Museums
Before her death, Peggy Guggenheim donated her palazzo and art collection to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, created by her uncle in 1937. It was this same uncle who commissioned New York's famous spiral-shaped Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1950s.
Address: 704 Dorsoduro, Venice 30123, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 29
Mazzorbo
If you are looking to escape the crowds in Venice, Mazzorbo is the place to go. With only 350 residents and located far off the main tourist track, the small island is home to hundreds of artichoke fields, vineyards and fruit trees. Connected to larger Burano by a wooden bridge, Mazzorbo makes a great day trip from Venice combined with stops in Burano and the nearby island of Torcello. It has a rich history that dates to the year 640 and the most notable building on the island, the Santa Caterina Monastery, dates to 1283.
If visiting in the summer, you may want to time your visit to coincide with the annual fair held in the yard of the monastery. There, you can get a taste of life on the island by sampling local dishes and red wine and enjoying live music and games.
Also worth a visit is Venissa, an ancient estate that has been restored by a family of winemakers and converted into an excellent restaurant with a menu that changes daily.
Practical Info
The only way to get to Mazzorbo is by boat or by walking across the bridge from Burano. From Venice, take the Laguna Nord ferry from the Fondamente Nuove stop on the northern shore. It operates every 30 minutes and the trip from Venice to Mazzorbo will take just over half an hour. Alternatively, you might join a day tour that visits Torcello, Burano and Mazzorbo.
Address: Mazzorbo, Italy
From $ 229
Frari Church (Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari)
The modest Italian Gothic exterior of Venice’s Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (Frari Church) belies the wealth of Italian Renaissance masterpieces inside. Titian’s Assumption of the Virgin (1518) altarpiece is especially notable, its innovative emotional figures and bright colors marking the start of Venice’s High Renaissance.
The Basics
This plain brick church was built for the Franciscans between the 14th and 15th centuries, and the monks commissioned a number of renowned artists and sculptors of the time to decorate the interior—which became home to some of the city’s most important works of art. Significant works include Titian’s Pesaro Madonna; Giovanni Bellini’s Madonna and Child with Saints Nicholas of Bari, Peter, Mark, and Benedict; and Donatello’s St. John the Baptist, believed to be the Florentine artist’s first work in Venice. In addition to its glorious art and sculpture, be sure to admire the church’s ornately carved choir stalls by Marco Cozzi.
The Frari Church is located in Venice’s central San Polo district, home to the Rialto Bridge and market and one of the city’s most captivating neighborhoods to explore on a walking tour. Due to the scope and importance of the Titian painting behind the main altar—and other artworks inside the sacristy, nave, and side chapels—by far the best way to visit is under the guide of an expert. Join a private or small-group tour to fully appreciate these Venetian art masterpieces.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Frari Church is must-see for admirers of Italian Renaissance and religious art.
- This is a religious site, and proper attire and decorum are required to enter. Cover your shoulders and knees, and keep your voice low during your visit.
- The church is fully accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari is on the Campo dei Frari, which you can reach on foot along a series of twisting lanes skirting the neighborhood’s quiet canals. The nearest vaporetto (ferry) stop is S. Toma.
When to Get There
Venice is one of the most popular destinations in Italy, and all of its sights can be very crowded in the high-season summer months. If visiting from May to November, try to schedule a Frari Church visit in early morning or late afternoon, when you can enjoy the sumptuous art and sculpture in relative peace. The church is open daily from 9am to 6pm (Sundays and holidays from 1pm); last entrance is at 5:30pm.
Notable Tombs in Frari Church
The Frari contains the funerary monuments of a number of important and wealthy Venetian doges and religious figures, including members of the powerful Pesaro family. The artist Titian is interred here, as is the sculptor Antonio Canova’s heart, preserved inside a pyramid-shaped monument the artist had originally designed for the remains of Titian.
Address: Campo di Frari, 30125, Italy
Hours: Mon - Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 1-6pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 3
Palazzo Mocenigo
Palazzo Mocenigo in Venice was built in the late Renaissance period and was extensively rebuilt in a Gothic style in the early 17th century. It was once the home of the Mocenigo family, a prestigious family in Venice, and seven members of the family became doges between 1414 and 1778. The last descendent of the Mocenigo family left the palace to the city in order for it to become a museum, which opened in 1985 and became the Study Center of the History of Fabrics and Costumes.
Aside from large collections of ancient fabrics and clothes, the museum also has a library that houses books on the history of fabrics, costumes, and fashion. The exhibition area shows different aspects of the life and activities of a Venetian nobleman during the 17th and 18th centuries. There is also a new exhibit focusing on the history of perfumes and essences.
Practical Info
Palazzo Mocenigo is located at Santa Croce 1992. Entrance is 8 euros.
Address: Santa Croce 1992, Venice, Italy
Admission: Admission: 8 euros
From $ 9
Lake Misurina
Just over 106 miles north of Venice, high up in the Dolomites, sits a large natural lake that contributed to Olympic speed skating history. With its handful of hotels lining its shores, clear, fresh air and mountain backdrop, Lake Misurina is the spot to go to if you're looking for a scenic getaway from the canal city of Venice.
The lake is near the 1956 Winter Olympics host city of Cortina d'Ampezzo and served as the site of the last Olympic speed skating events that were held on natural ice. A 1.6-mile path runs around the lake, which has a maximum depth of 16 feet. Each of the several hotels on the lake offer views of the spectacular mountains. Behind each of the hotels on the lake are the spectacular mountain views.
Practical Info
Lake Misurina is accessible via public transit from Venice, but the easiest (and fastest) way to get there is by renting a car or booking a private tour that includes direct transportation. While you're in the area, don't miss a stop in the ski resort town of Cortina d'Ampezzo to see how the town’s Germanic influences combine with Italian heritage.
Address: Venice, Italy
From $ 179
Marco Polo's House
In a quiet corner of Venice ,the Venetian palace (palazzo) believed to be explorer Marco Polo’s former residence is easy to miss. Stop by Corte Seconda del Milion, a square named for Marco Polo's travel memoirs, Il Milione, to honor Italy's most famous adventurer while visiting the Floating City.
The Basics
Marco Polo's House (Casa di Marco Polo), near San Giovanni Crisostomo Church and behind Teatro Malibran, isn’t open to the public, but there’s a small marble plaque on the wall commemorating its importance. The house, which faces a small triangular patch of sidewalk next to a canal in the Corte Seconda del Milion, can be quite difficult to find. Walk through a passageway (sottoportego) that cuts through what would be a building’s ground floor to reach it.
Marco Polo's House is best visited as part of a Venice walking tour or guided tour of nearby highlights, including Piazza San Marco and St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge. The building is set on one of Venice's quiet internal canals not far from the Grand Canal, so it can also be seen during a gondola ride through the city. Being near to the Rialto market, it’s an easy stop on Venice street food tours that include a walk through the market stalls and surrounding neighborhood.
Things to Know Before You Go
- If exploring Venice on a walking tour, wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen.
- The sidewalk facing the palace is accessible to wheelchairs, if approaching from the Cannaregio side; from the Castello side, there is a small bridge with stairs to cross the canal.
- Though you can’t tour inside the palace, its facade and surrounding neighborhood are particularly picturesque, so be sure to bring your camera.
- This is a memorable stop for history buffs.
How to Get There
Marco Polo's House is located on Calle Scaleta, on the border between the Castello and Cannaregio neighborhoods. Reach the building on foot from St. Mark's Square or the Rialto Bridge, or by water taxi from the Grand Canal.
When to Get There
Marco Polo’ house is one of Venice's quieter sights, located in a sleepy quarter of the city center. If you need a respite from the crowds during busy midday hours, this is a good spot to choose.
The Marco Polo House Plaque
The plaque marking is in Italian; the English translation reads: “Here was once the home of Marco Polo, who traveled to the furthest reaches of Asia and described his journeys. Placed by city decree in 1881.”
Address: Corte Prima del Milion, Venice 30100, Italy
From $ 3
Porta Borsari
Porta Borsari is a white limestone gate that once marked an entrance point into the Italian city of Verona. With two arched entrances and two sets of windows above, it’s a lasting example of the impressive scale of Roman monumental architecture.
The Basics
In Roman times, this city gate was part of a larger structure with fortified towers, one known as Porta Jovia in reference to a temple to the god Jupiter that stood nearby. The name changed to Porta Borsari when the gate became the main tax-collection point for goods heading in and out of Verona. Built in the first century AD by Emperor Gallieno, the gate stands at the top of Corso Porta Borsari, one of Verona’s best shopping streets. It’s a popular stop on guided walking tours and hop-on-hop-off bus tours of the city.
Things to Know Before You Go
- For the best view, approach the city gate from the pedestrianized Corso Porta Borsari for the best view.
- You’ll find numerous cafes nearby—they’re perfect for lunch or a snack.
- Wear comfortable footwear if you’re planning to join a walking tour of the city.
How to Get There
Porto Borsari is located at 59 Corso Porta Borsari in downtown Verona. It’s easy to access on foot from other points in the city center, and hop-on-hop-off tour buses stop nearby.
When to Get There
Porta Borsari is a public monument accessible 24 hours a day year-round. Located on a busy shopping street, if you’re planning to take photographs of the gate, try to visit early in the day when there are fewer people.
Visit Juliet’s Balcony
William Shakespeare set one of his most famous works in Verona—that’s right, Romeo and Juliet. Down a narrow street in the city center, you’ll find the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s house) and its romantic balcony that’s believed to be the inspiration behind the play’s most famous scene. Although Shakespeare never visited Verona, and the balcony was added in the last century, the house did once belong to the Capellos, a precursor of the Capulet family that’s immortalized in the tragic love story.
Address: Corso Porta Borsari, 59, Verona 37121, Italy
From $ 23
Ponte dell'Accademia
Spanning the southern end of the Grand Canal between the Galleria dell’Accademia in Dorsoduro and Campo San Vidal in San Marco, the Ponte dell’Accademia is one of only four bridges crossing the canal. It’s the perfect vantage point to view the church of Santa Maria della Salute and the canal or observe the city’s Carnival festivities.
The Basics
The Accademia Bridge has had several incarnations since the original steel structure was constructed in 1854. This was replaced by a wooden bridge designed by Eugenio Miozzi in 1933, later deemed unsafe and removed. Today’s version, erected in 1985, was crafted out of wood in a single arched span and is identical in construction to Miozzi’s but has additional steel supports.
The bridge is a highlight of skip-the-line walking tours that cover the Accademia Gallery and Dorsoduro district. For a unique view of the bridge, consider a Venice gondola ride or cruise by luxury motorboat along the Grand Canal.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The craze for lovers placing locks on bridges in European cities has taken hold on the Ponte dell’Accademia, but Venetian authorities fear for the structure and have imposed fines for attaching “love locks.”
- Though a pedestrian bridge, Ponte dell’Accademia has stairs on each side, so is not accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- The span offers sweeping views over the Grand Canal, so be sure to stop and snap a few pictures when crossing.
How to Get to There
The Ponte dell’Accademia crosses the Grand Canal between the San Marco and Dorsoduro districts. To get there, take vaporetto water bus line 1 or 2 to the Accademia stop.
When to Get There
Venice is crowded with tourists during the popular summer months, and it can be frustrating to navigate the crowds on the bridge. Between April and October, the best option is to take an early morning or late evening stroll over the bridge, or opt for a private gondola ride or boat tour along the Grand Canal. During the two weeks of Carnival, which ends 40 days before Easter, the bridge offers excellent views of costumed revelers in colorfully draped gondolas.
The Grand Canal Bridges
The Accademia Bridge is one of four bridges that span the Grand Canal. The other three are the iconic Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto), the modern Constitution Bridge (Ponte della Costituzione), and the marble Bridge of the Barefoot (Ponte degli Scalzi).
Address: Dorsoduro, Venice, Veneto 30123, Italy
From $ 29
Museo del Merletto (Lace Museum)
The island of Murano in the Venetian lagoon is famous for its glass-making, but nearby Burano has its own crafty claim to fame - lace-making. The ancient tradition of hand-made lace is not nearly as common as it once was, but you can still see some women in Burano making lace the old-fashioned way, and you can get your lace education at the island’s Museo del Merletto - the Lace Museum.
The Lace Museum on Burano contains more than 200 examples of Venetian lace-making dating from the 16th to the 20th centuries. The collection is organized in chronological order over two floors, including a section on the Burano Lace School, which existed on the island for nearly 100 years. There are also special exhibits that are on display periodically, so check at the museum ticket desk to find out what extra collections are there when you visit.
In addition to the exhibits in the Museo del Merletto, you can also see traditional lace-making being done by hand by people who still maintain and practice the art form.
The Lace Museum on Burano contains more than 200 examples of Venetian lace-making dating from the 16th to the 20th centuries. The collection is organized in chronological order over two floors, including a section on the Burano Lace School, which existed on the island for nearly 100 years. There are also special exhibits that are on display periodically, so check at the museum ticket desk to find out what extra collections are there when you visit.
In addition to the exhibits in the Museo del Merletto, you can also see traditional lace-making being done by hand by people who still maintain and practice the art form.
Practical Info:
The Lace Museum is open April 1-October 31 from 10am-6pm, and November
1-March 31 from 10am-5pm. It’s closed on Mondays, Christmas Day, New
Year’s Day, and May 1. Admission is €5. The Museo del Merletto is part
of the Venetian Civic Museums, so it’s on the cumulative Museum Pass
(which costs €24).
Address: Piazza Baldassare Galuppi, 187, Venice, Burano Province of Venice 30142, Italy
Hours: Apr 1 - Oct 31 from 10am - 6pm, and Nov 1 - Mar 31 from 10am - 5pm. It’s closed on Mondays, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and May 1
Admission: 5 EUR
From $ 8
Hard Rock Cafe Venice
Venice may look like it hasn't changed in hundreds of years, but wander behind St. Mark's Square and you'll find evidence to the contrary – the Hard Rock Cafe Venice.
This is the smallest Hard Rock Cafe in Europe, and it's located inside an historic Venetian building. One side of the restaurant overlooks a canal and what is typically a large gathering of gondolas – it's near one of the main pick-up points for visitors who want a gondola ride.
It's the place to go in Venice if you're craving classic American food and the only place to get those signature Hard Rock Cafe souvenirs. There's also a “Rock Shop” at the Rialto Bridge, if you just want to go shopping without eating at the restaurant.
Practical Info
The Hard Rock Cafe Venice is open daily from 11am-11:30pm, and the bar is open Sunday-Friday from 11am-12:30pm and Saturdays from 11am-1:30am. The shop at the restaurant is open daily from 10am-11pm, and the shop at the Rialto Bridge is open from 9:30am-11pm.
Address: Bacino Orseolo, Venezia 30124, Italy
Hours: Sun-Fri 11am-12:30pm, Fri 11am-1:30am
From $ 27
Frari Church
Frari Church, whose official name is Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, is one of the grandest churches in Venice. It sits in the San Polo district on the Campo dei Frari and is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. The church contains many Renaissance masterpieces and monuments to Renaissance artists and sculptors. It was built in an Italian Gothic style, and visitors will notice the plain exterior. This was intentional as it emphasizes the Franciscan values of poverty and austerity.
Inside you can see Titian's Madonna di Ca' Pesaro in the left aisle, which was modeled after his wife who died in childbirth. Over the main alter is Titian's Assumption of the Virgin. This piece is famous for its innovative style and bright colors, though at the time, the church was hesitant to accept the piece because of these features. Titian's tomb is in the church. Other notable artwork that can be seen in Frari Church includes Giovanni Bellini's Madonna and Child with Saints, Bartolomeo Vivarini's altarpiece St. Mark Enthroned and Saints John the Baptist, Jerome, Peter, and Nicholas, and Donatello's John the Baptist.
Practical Info
Frari Church is located at Campo dei Frari. Opening hours are 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 1pm to 6pm on Sunday.
Address: San Polo, Venice, Italy
From $ 80
Lamberti Tower (Torre dei Lamberti)
Piercing the sky high above Verona’s historic Piazza delle Erbe, the 12th-century Torre dei Lamberti is one of the most eye-catching landmarks in this UNESCO-listed city. Climb 84 meters (275 feet) to the panoramic terraces and belfry at the top for 360-degree views over Verona’s historic center.
The Basics
The original tower was built by the powerful Lamberti family in 1172, but the top was damaged by lightning in 1403. Forty years later, the tower was restored and expanded into the tallest in Verona. Today, the Lamberti Tower is one of the most popular attractions in the Piazza delle Erbe—home to the Baroque Palazzo Maffei, crenellated Casa dei Mercanti, and frescoed Mazzanti houses—and is included in walking tours of Verona along with the Roman arena in Piazza Bra, the Castelvecchio bridge and museum, and the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The views from the top of the tower are the best in Verona, so be sure to bring your camera.
- You can reach the top via the 368 steps inside of the tower, or the glass-sided elevator.
- Kids especially love the vertiginous climb up to the scenic platform.
- The tower is accessible to wheelchair users via the elevator.
How to Get There
Verona is located in Italy’s Veneto region, halfway between Venice and Milan and just west of Padua. Piazza delle Erbe and the Lamberti Tower are in the historic center of Verona, about a 30-minute walk from the train station or 15 minutes by bus.
When to Get There
The best time to visit the tower is morning or late afternoon, when the light is perfect for taking photos of the view. Verona is known as the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and the city holds its Verona in Love festival each year around Valentine’s Day, with special events and exhibitions.
The Bells of Torre dei Lamberti
The Lamberti Tower was originally built as a city watchtower to warn the citizens of impending disasters such as fire or attacks by the Venetians. Two bells were installed in the tower: the smaller, the Marangona, was used for fire alerts; the larger, the Rengo, was used to call citizens to arms or to call city council to meetings.
Address: Via della Costa, 1, Piazza delle Erbe, Verona 37121, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 21
Dolomites
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dolomites mountain range comprises almost 20 spectacular peaks topping 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) in the Alpine region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, which straddles the Italian-Austrian border. The scenery is staggering in both summer and winter, and includes the dramatic Tre Cime di Lavaredo pinnacles, the emerald-green Lake Misurina and Lake Santa Caterina, the elegant Cortina d'Ampezzo ski resort, and idyllic mountain villages such as Pieve di Cadore.
The Basics
In addition to being one of the most popular ski destinations in Europe, the Dolomites are also known for summer activities such as mountain climbing, Alpine hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, and hang gliding. Visitors can join a small-group driving tour from Venice to explore the many gorgeous drives through the Dolomites without the stress of having to navigate the winding mountain roads. Upon arrival in the region, small-group and private walking and hiking tours are also excellent ways to explore in summer, with plenty of photo opportunities and a tour guide who can pick a trail suited to individual skill levels. Cable cars transport travelers up to the trailheads, ski slopes, and lodges year-round.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Many top trails in the Dolomites are for advanced hikers, though there are also easier routes. Wear clothing and footwear suitable for the weather, and bring water.
- For train buffs, the historic narrow-gauge Renon railway and the Brennero railway are considered the most scenic in Italy.
- To sample traditional cuisine, stop for a meal at a rifugio, or refuge mountain lodge.
How to Get There
Most visitors depart from Venice for a day trip or a longer stay in this part of the Italian Alps. The nearest airports are in Venice or Treviso, and there are airport shuttles directly to the ski resorts in winter. You can drive or take the train from Venice too.
When to Get There
The Dolomites are spectacular year-round. In winter, you can ski, snowshoe, or hike the winter trails. In summer, visitors hike, tour the countryside, and explore the area’s many villages.
The Multicultural Dolomites
The Dolomite mountains were part of Austria until after the World War I, and residents here still identify with Germanic history. In addition, the ancient Ladin people, who have their own separate culture and language, have been living among these mountains for centuries.
Address: Italy
From $ 179
Duomo di Verona
Had Shakespeare’s tale of star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet ended happily ever after, the two may have wed in Verona’s beautiful 12th-century cathedral; and, in fact, travelers flock to the duomo on Romeo and Juliet-themed tours. The mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance elements make this one of the most beautiful churches in Verona.
The Basics
The Duomo di Verona, in the historic city center, is built on top of an older proto-Christian church that was destroyed by an earthquake in 1117. The cathedral is dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta and is part of a complex that also includes the baptistery, the churches of San Giovanni in Fonte and Sant’Elena, the Canons’ cloister, and the Chapter Library of Verona Cathedral (Biblioteca Capitolare della Cattedrale di Verona).
Visit the Duomo di Verona on a city walking or hop-on hop-off bus tour that also includes skip-the-line entrance to the city’s famous Roman arena in Piazza Bra and other highlights. Popular themed tours in Verona include itineraries based on the plot of Romeo and Juliet, and a mystery tour exploring the murder of Veronese lord Cangrande della Scala, which remains unsolved after 700 years.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The cathedral is closed to tours during Mass.
- There is wheelchair access to the main church; the baptistery and secondary churches have steps at the entrances.
- Visitors are required to cover their shoulders and knees to enter the church.
How to Get There
The Duomo is on Piazza Vescovado in the historic center of Verona, about a 25-minute walk from the Porto Vescovo train station, or 15 minutes on bus 31.Verona is located about halfway between Venice and Milan in Italy’s Veneto region, an easy day trip from Venice or Lake Garda.
When to Get There
The Duomo is open all day from March to November, but it closes briefly at midday the rest of the year. Tourists are not allowed to visit during Mass, so check the schedule in advance.
Art and Sculpture in the Cathedral
Duomo highlights include the portal sculptures in the western doorway by Maestro Nicolo dating from 1139 (they are conveniently signed and dated); at the south door are sculptures depicting the story of Jonah, a lion, an angel, and the Virgin Mary. Two sculpted holy warriors, Oliver and Uliviero, guard the entrance. The interiors are decorated with frescoes by a number of artists from the first Veronese Renaissance and Titian's Assumption of the Virgin.
Address: Piazza Duomo, 21, Verona 37121, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 21
Ponte Pietra
With a history dating back more than 2,000 years, the Ponte Pietra (Stone Bridge) is deserving of its status as one of Verona’s most memorable landmarks. The striking stone-brick footbridge is the city’s oldest Roman bridge, originally a wooden bridge erected in 89BC and rebuilt in stone in the 1st century BC.
Today, the arched bridge is a mélange of construction from different eras, with parts of the original Roman bridge augmented by medieval pillars and at least two of its arches reconstructed after damage in WWII. Crossing the Adige River, the monumental bridge is set against a romantic backdrop of the riverfront and historic center, with the Roman theater perched on the east bank, and the eponymous Ponte Pietra Restaurant overlooking its west bank.
Practical Info
The Ponte Pietra crosses the Adige River in the historic center of Verona.
Address: Via Ponte Pietra, Verona, Italy
From $ 41
Dorsoduro
Most visitors to Venice head directly to the San Marco district, but if you want to enjoy the quieter side of the city, don’t miss Dorsoduro. Home to important art collections, excellent restaurants, beautiful churches, and impressive architecture, the neighborhood has it all—with a fraction of the crowds.
The Basics
Dorsoduro, one of the six Venetian districts (sestieri) in the city center, is located just across the Grand Canal from the more touristy San Marco. Walk across the wooden Accademia Bridge and along the canal to the Gallerie dell’Accademia—home to masterpieces by Titian, Tiepolo, and Veronese—and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, famous for its modern art. The 18th-century Ca' Rezzonico museum is one of the most sumptuous in the city, and the Church of San Sebastiano and Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute are among the most ornate.
To really get a feel for Dorsoduro, join a walking tour led by a local guide who’s familiar with the district’s big-name landmarks and secret corners. Pair a Dorsoduro tour with a gondola ride or a Venice highlights tour that includes St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tours of Dorsoduro require a bit of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
- Because of the thinner crowds and outdoor spaces, the Dorsoduro district is easier to manage with kids.
- This district is known for its excellent restaurants serving traditional Venetian cuisine and cafés serving cicchetti, or Venetian-style tapas.
- If you’re looking to take an evening stroll, Fondamento della Zattere (along the Giudecca Canal) and the Campo Santa Margherita square are both great destinations at night.
How to Get There
Dorsoduro, just across the Grand Canal from San Marco, is easily reached by walking over the Accademia Bridge.
When to Get There
With views of San Marco to one side and the island of Giudecca to the other, Dorsoduro is particularly beautiful at night, just as the sun is setting. Plan to tour its sights by day and then linger at its restaurants and cafés after dark.
Venice's Six Sestieri
Venice has six districts—Castello, Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, San Marco, Santa Croce, and San Polo—in addition to the outlying districts of Lido and Giudecca and Lido and the islands of Torcello, Murano, and Burano.
Address: Sestiere di Dorsoduro, Venezia 30100, Italy
From $ 35
Juliet's House (Casa di Giulietta)
William Shakespeare put Verona on the map for the English-speaking world, setting his tale of the star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet in this northern Italian city. The Bard’s timeless story has inspired a steady flow of romantics to visit Juliet’s House, or Casa di Giulietta, as Verona’s 13th-century palazzo of the Dal Cappello family is now known. Though Romeo and Juliet were almost certainly figments of Shakespeare’s imagination and the famous balcony where Juliet is said to have gazed down at Romeo was added centuries after the love story was written, the romance of Juliet’s House transcends fact or fiction.
The Basics
Juliet’s House is among the most popular attractions in the city of Verona, along with Piazza delle Erbe and the Arena di Verona. It’s a common stop on Verona walking tours and is the highlight on private and group themed “Romeo and Juliet” tours. The site includes a small museum with a collection of paintings, prints, and ceramics, as well as Juliet’s balcony overlooking the courtyard, home to a bronze statue of Juliet dating from 2014—a replica of the original from 1969 that now stands in the museum’s atrium.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Juliet’s house is the perfect romantic stop for everyone from love-struck teens to couples celebrating their honeymoon.
- Prepare love notes to leave at the house, a long-standing tradition for visitors.
- Haven’t found your true love yet? Pause in the courtyard to rub the right breast of Juliet’s statue for good luck.
- For a truly romantic day, you can also walk by Romeo’s House nearby, which once belonged to the Montecchi family though was probably never home to Shakespeare’s hero.
How to Get There
Juliet’s House is located on Via Cappello in Verona’s historic center, a relatively compact area that can be visited on a walking tour, by Segway with a local guide, or as part of a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Verona makes an easy day trip from Venice, Milan, and Lake Garda by bus, train, or car.
When to Get There
A popular destination year-round, Juliet’s House is particularly crowded around Valentine’s Day. Most tourists visit during the summer months, when the weather is conducive to lingering on the balcony and in the courtyard.
The Juliet Club
About 50,000 letters addressed to Juliet arrive each year in Verona, written by lovelorn from around the globe who are seeking advice from Shakespeare’s romantic heroine. Juliet Club volunteers, known as the “secretaries of Juliet,” take turns responding to these letters, keeping alive the magic and romance of one of the most powerful love stories in history.
Address: Via Cappello, 23, Verona 37121, Italy
Hours: Tue-Sun: 8:30am-7:30pm , Mon: 1:30pm-7:30pm
Admission: €6
From $ 21