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Via Margutta
A tranquil oasis running between the teeming spaces of Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Spagna, Via Margutta is a short but charming cobbled street with narrow townhouses in hues of red and terracotta, decked with ivy and planted with shrubs. In ancient times an open sewer and today one of Rome’s prettiest streets, Margutta has attracted artists, stonemasons, poets, sculptors and composers to its three short blocks since medieval times. Today art stalls, workshops, galleries and studios abound among the terraced trattorias and the street’s Fontana delle Arti is topped by a carved stone bucket filled with artists’ brushes. Revered Italian film director Federico Fellini lived at number 110 and it has even starred in its own movie, when Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn take a cab to Via Margutta, 51, in Roman Holiday. Over the years the romantic little lane has also been home to Picasso, Stravinsky, Puccini and Debussy; it looks particularly lovely during April’s festival of ‘100 Pittori’ (100 Pictures), when artists set up stalls and exhibit their work for sale.
Practical Info
Via Margutta, Tridente, Rome. Take the Metro to Spagna.
Address: Via Margutta, Tridente, Rome, Lazio 00187, Italy
From $ 57
Versailles Fountains
Louis XIV, the Sun King, was not satisfied with ruling over the French people, or building the most magnificent palace in the world; at Versailles he was also determined to have mastery over water.
In 1666, building a fountain was not as easy as laying some pipes and turning on the tap – water was a scarce commodity in rural France and massive and expensive construction works were required to fulfill Louis’ dream of dancing water.
There are over 30 fountains at Versailles, the most famous being the Apollo fountain, with its horses pulling the god’s chariot, and the Neptune fountain featuring the god of the oceans with his wife, some dragons and a smattering of sea life. Neptune took over a century to complete and was therefore officially opened by the next generation, King Louis XV. Other fountains represent the four seasons: Saturn for winter, Flora for spring, Ceres for summer, and Bacchus for autumn.
During the weekends from April to October, the fountains run in full play to musical accompaniment. This Grandes Eaux fulfills Louis XIV’s ambitious dream of water at play, leading you through the expansive gardens and amazing you with the height of the jets and visionary scale of the themed fountains.
In July and August this water show also runs in the evenings with the fountains spectacularly lit. There are eight paths you can follow for different musical and visual experiences. The Sun King may finally have been satisfied.
In 1666, building a fountain was not as easy as laying some pipes and turning on the tap – water was a scarce commodity in rural France and massive and expensive construction works were required to fulfill Louis’ dream of dancing water.
There are over 30 fountains at Versailles, the most famous being the Apollo fountain, with its horses pulling the god’s chariot, and the Neptune fountain featuring the god of the oceans with his wife, some dragons and a smattering of sea life. Neptune took over a century to complete and was therefore officially opened by the next generation, King Louis XV. Other fountains represent the four seasons: Saturn for winter, Flora for spring, Ceres for summer, and Bacchus for autumn.
During the weekends from April to October, the fountains run in full play to musical accompaniment. This Grandes Eaux fulfills Louis XIV’s ambitious dream of water at play, leading you through the expansive gardens and amazing you with the height of the jets and visionary scale of the themed fountains.
In July and August this water show also runs in the evenings with the fountains spectacularly lit. There are eight paths you can follow for different musical and visual experiences. The Sun King may finally have been satisfied.
Address: Place d'Arm, Versailles, Ile-de-France, France
Admission: Varies
From $ 72
Via Fillungo
The main thoroughfare running through historic Lucca is Via Fillungo, one of the liveliest streets in town. It stretches from the Porta dei Borghi (one of the ancient gates in Lucca's pristine city walls) to Canto d'Arco. The street is lined with shops and cafes, making it a magnet for tourist activity as well as for locals.
Some of the attractions along this pretty street include the 11th-century Church of San Cristoforo and Palazzo Manzi. The famous clock tower is not far away, and from the top of that tower you get an excellent view down Via Fillungo.
Practical Info
Via Fillungo is less than a half-mile long, and intersects with Via Mordini and Piazza dei Mercanti along its route.
Address: Via Fillungo, Lucca, Tuscany 55100, Italy
From $ 174
Via Cavour Firenze
Via Cavour is one of the main roads in the historical center of Florence, Italy. It was named in 1861 when two ancient streets, Via Larga and Via San Leopoldo, were joined. Visitors walking down certain sections of the street should look closely for plaques commemorating well-known people who once lived here. At the south end of the street is the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, which was once home to the famous Medici family during the Renaissance. Today it is a museum of art and architecture covering more than 400 years of Florence's history.
Several other museums are located on Via Cavour, such as the Leonardo Da Vinci Museum and the Crime Museum. Along Via Cavour, you will find plenty of hotels, restaurants, and shops as well as apartment buildings. You'll also see the Museum and Convent of San Marco. The road passes through Piazza San Marco as it heads north, eventually meeting up with Piazza della Liberta.
Practical Info
Via Cavour runs from Piazza della Liberta in the north to Via Gori on the south. The southern end of the road changes to Via dei Martelli shortly before reaching the Duomo.
Address: Via Cavour, Florence, Italy
From $ 45
Via Crociferi
With its centuries-old baroque buildings, timeworn paving stones and elaborate stairways, Via Crociferi is unashamedly photogenic, so much so that a number of Italian films have shot scenes on its sidewalks. Walking the length of Via Crociferi is like taking a stroll through the city’s history, starting at the south end of the street, where the Parco Archeologico Greco-Romano di Catania is home to the city’s most notable Roman ruins and the medieval Castello Ursino towers in the distance.
Via Crociferi is most famous for its Sicilian Baroque architecture and its striking churches and 18th-century palazzi form an important part of Catania’s UNESCO World Heritage site. Highlights include the Arco di San Benedetto, the iconic archway which marks the start of the street and dates back to 1704; the Church of San Giuliano, designed by architect Giovan Battista Vaccarini; the dramatic portico of the Jesuit College; the magnificent Villa Cerami; and the Vincenzo Bellini house museum.
Practical Info
Via Crociferi runs from Convento dei Crociferi to Piazza San Francesco d’Assisi in central Catania.
Address: Catania, Italy
From $ 48
Via Condotti
Shopaholics in Rome, head for Via Condotti, where even the window-shopping is worth the trip.
Via Condotti (its complete name is Via dei Condotti) is a street in central Rome that dates back to the ancient Roman era. It was a fashionable address as far back as the 18th century, when the Caffe Greco opened and was frequented by the likes of Goethe, Byron, Liszt, and Keats. The cafe remains open – and popular with visitors – to this day.
Most of Via Condotti is known for its fashion boutiques. Major names in fashion have shops along the street, including Gucci, Valentino, Armani, Prada, Ferragamo, Dolce & Gabbana, as well as many other designers – Italian and otherwise.
Practical Info
Via Condotti is a relatively short street, running from the base of the Spanish Steps to the intersection with Via del Corso, where it takes on a different name.
Address: Via Condotti, Rome, Italy
From $ 44
Via Monte Napoleone
Milan is well-known as a major shopping destination, but some of the streets in its city center – including Via Monte Napoleone – are particularly famous for their designer boutiques.
Via Monte Napoleone (also spelled Montenapoleone) is Milan's foremost shopping street in the shopping zone called the Quadrilatero della Moda, or “fashion quarter.” It's lined with high-end boutiques bearing world-famous designer names – Armani, Ferragamo, Fratelli Rossi, Zegna, Louis Vitton, Gucci, Valentino, Prada, and more.
Many of the streets in this area are pedestrianized, making it easy – and pleasant – to simply window shop if your wallet won't stretch to accommodate the boutique prices. The window displays along Via Monte Napoleone are often elaborate, making window shopping well worth your while.
Practical Info
Via Monte Napoleone is in Milan's historic center, and it runs roughly between the San Babila and Montenapoleone Metro stations.
Address: Milan, Italy
From $ 68
Via Mazzini
Via Mazzini is Verona’s top shopping street. It’s lined with stores selling the latest fashions and chic cafes where you can sit and people watch over a creamy cappuccino. Leading from the central square Piazza Bra to the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s balcony) it connects some of the city’s main sights.
The Basics
The stylish street is named after Giuseppe Mazzini, a 19th-century politician and activist who was instrumental in bringing about the unification of Italy. A section of the street follows the original Roman road leading off from Verona Arena. It formed one of the city’s east-west streets, known as “decumanus” streets.
Keen shoppers will be in heaven here—Via Mazzini is home to all the top Italian and international brands and there’s enough to keep you browsing for hours. For visitors less inclined to window shop, the street itself is quite charming with classic Italian-style architecture painted in pastel colors and there are plenty of places to grab a bite. Walking tours taking in the city’s top sights often stroll down this major street.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Via Mazzini is wheelchair accessible.
- If you’re planning on taking part in a walking tour of the city make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- The street is closed to traffic.
How to Get There
Via Mazzini links Piazza Bra to Piazza delle Erbe through the center of Verona and is easily accessible on foot. Additionally, hop-on-hop-off tour buses, as well as city buses and taxis, stop nearby, although the street itself is pedestrian only.
When to Get There
The shops and cafés on Via Mazzini are open every day except major holidays. Weekends are the busiest days, especially Sunday afternoons when many people come to browse the stores and take a leisurely stroll.
Explore Piazza delle Erbe
At the bottom of Via Mazzini is Verona’s market square, Piazza delle Erbe (Place of the Herbs). A market is still held here every morning except Sunday, with vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, olive oil, flowers, and more. The square is also home to the Torre dei Lambert—worth the climb for a great view—and the Achille Forti Gallery of Modern Art.
Address: Via Giuseppe Mazzini, Verona, Veneto, Italy
From $ 54
Via Manzoni
Milan is world-famous for its fashion industry, much of which is located in one small section of the city – including along the Via Manzoni. The Quadrilatero della Moda, or “fashion quarter,” sits northeast of the Duomo, with Via Manzoni serving as its northwestern border. Unlike some of the other streets in the quarter, Via Manzoni is not pedestrianized – it's a relatively major street leading from the Teatro della Scala almost to the Giardini Pubblici in the northeast of the city.
In addition to the shops on Via Manzoni – Armani Casa and Paul Smith among them – this street is also home to the Armani Hotel, the Grand Hotel et de Milan (where Verdi died in 1901), and the Museo Poldi Pezzoli (with a collection of artists from northern Italy, the Netherlands, and Flanders).
Practical Info
Via Manzoni cuts through Milan's historic center, running southwest-to-northeast, from the Teatro della Scala nearly to the Giardini Pubblici. The Montenapoleone Metro stop is right in the middle of the street.
Address: Via Manzoni, Milan, Italy
From $ 41
Vesterbro
Copenhagen’s Vesterbro neighborhood was once a famous rough-and-tumble red-light district. After receiving a thorough makeover, the area is now known for its fashion-forward art scene, extensive restaurant selection, and vibrant nightlife.
The Basics
Walk along Vesterbrogade and Istedgade—the main streets of Copenhagen’s hippest quarter—and explore an eclectic selection of bars, restaurants, cafés, and shopping boutiques. A growing collection of brewpubs and Danish craft beer bars serve up frothy pints, while Vesterbro’s trendy Kodbyen area (a former meatpacking district) features some of the city’s coolest nightclubs, art galleries, tattoo shops, and music venues.
The streets of Vesterbro are better for walking than driving, so most tours take place on foot or include transportation via bike or Segway. Food tours are another option for exploring, and typically focus on the district’s vibrant food and drink scene as well as the city’s history. Most Copenhagen tours include a stop in Vesterbro and also visit highlights such as the 17th-century Nyhavn waterfront and the famous Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue) statue.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Vesterbro is a must-see for art, music, and food lovers.
- Vesterbro is also home to the amusement park Tivoli Gardens, a fun spot for kids in Copenhagen.
- The city’s official tourist office, Copenhagen Visitor Service, is located at Vesterbrogade street in Vesterbro, just a few minutes from Copenhagen Central Station.
How to Get There
Copenhagen Central Station and Vesterport are major stops for almost every train and bus line in the city. Vesterport is served by the S-train network, and train lines B, C, and H continue along the southern edge of the district with stops at Dybbolsbro, Carlsberg, and Valby stations. Buses 1A, 3A, and 6A also stop in Vesterbro.
When to Get There
Opening hours for Vesterbro’s shops and galleries vary by season, while many of the district’s bars and clubs stay open until the early morning. Summer is the most popular season to visit, when bars, restaurants, and sidewalk cafés can be packed with people.
Vesterbro History
While Vesterbro was once known for its red-light activities and bustling meatpacking industry, the city of Copenhagen has worked hard to make the district a desirable place to live close to the city center. The famous red-light district is no more, and the area’s former meatpacking industry has been replaced with hip bars, nightclubs, and restaurants.
Address: Copenhagen, Denmark
From $ 23
Versailles Chateau Gardens
Louis XIV’s Palace of Versailles takes the award for the most visited château in France, and the magnificent Versailles Château Gardens are world renowned. A series of beautifully landscaped gardens, show-stopping fountains, and tree-lined pathways covering 800 hectares (1,976 acres), the gardens center on the cross-shaped Grand Canal.
The Basics
The gardens of Versailles are famous for their spectacular musical fountain shows and evening fireworks displays, held throughout the summer months.
Most visitors opt to discover Versailles on a half-day tour from Paris. With wait times lasting up to two hours, it’s worth booking skip-the-line entrance tickets if you plan to visit both the palace and gardens. You can explore the gardens on a self-guided tour, but visiting with a tour guide can be helpful if you have limited time or want to learn more about their history.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Plan at least two hours to explore the gardens.
- Access to the gardens is free of charge, except on the days when Musical Fountains Shows take place.
- Electric golf carts are available to rent, and a mini-train runs between the palace, the Trianon palaces, the Queen’s Hamlet, and the Grand Canal.
- The Versailles Château Gardens contain a selection of restaurants and cafés, but picnics are not permitted.
- It can be breezy in the gardens even in summer, so bring a jacket.
- Free Wi-Fi points are located in the Main Courtyard and at the garden entrance, and a free Gardens of Versailles app is available to download.
- All visitors to the gardens must pass through security checks, and no large bags or suitcases are permitted.
How To Get There
The Palace of Versailles, 13 miles (21 kilometers) outside Paris, is easy to reach by train. RER C trains run from central Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche, a 10-minute walk from the palace. SNCF trains run from Paris Montparnasse station to Versailles Chantiers or from Paris Saint Lazare to Versailles Rive Droite station. On arrival at the palace, direct entrance to the gardens is through the Courtyard of the Princes.
When to Get There
The Versailles Château Gardens are open year-round, but by far the most popular time to visit is in high season (April to October) when Musical Fountains Shows, Musical Gardens, and Fountains Night Shows take place. On show days an admission fee is charged, and it’s best to visit early in the morning or just before closing to avoid the busiest periods. Visiting in low season means smaller crowds, but for conservation purposes the fountains are switched off, the groves are closed, and many of the statues are covered.
A Walking Tour of the Versailles Château Gardens
The masterpiece of landscape architect André Le Nôtre, the stunning gardens of Versailles offer scenic walks through groves, around formal parterres, and past spectacular fountains. Stride down the Royal Walk, gaze out across the Great Lawn, stroll around the Orangerie, and admire Marie Antoinette’s Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon palaces. Additional highlights include Apollo’s Baths Grove, the Mirror Pool, Ballroom Grove, the Neptune Fountain, and Apollo’s Fountain, which looks out across the Grand Canal.
Address: Place d'Armes, Versailles 78000, France
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Via della Spiga
Milan's fashion sense is world famous, and one of the streets to visit to see where the locals buy their designer brands is Via della Spiga. Along with other nearby streets such as Via Monte Napoleone, Via della Spiga is considered to be part of the Quadrilatero della Moda, or “fashion quarter.” Via della Spiga forms the northeastern border of the quarter.
Some of the designer names you'll see along Via della Spiga are Prada, Bulgari, Tod's, Armani, Hermes, Tiffany, Dolce & Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli, and Moschino. It's a pedestrianized street, making it a pleasure to wander – even if you're not planning to buy.
Practical Info
Via della Spiga is parallel to Via Monte Napoleone, further to the northeast of that street. It also runs roughly between the San Babila and Montenapoleone Metro stops, although a few blocks northeast of the stops.
Address: Via Della Spiga, Milan, Italy
From $ 203
Via Cola di Rienzo
Via Cola di Rienzo is a long, straight avenue connecting one corner of Vatican City with the Tiber River at the Regina Margherita Bridge. The street was built and named after 14th-century politician Cola di Rienzo in the late 19th century, just after Italy was unified, and was one of the main streets in the Prati neighborhood. Today, it is primarily a shopping destination, with clothing chain stores, department stores, and Italian shoe stores lining the street. While best known for its retail, you'll also find casual restaurants, hotels, and gourmet food items.
Brands along Via Cola di Rienzo include Guess Jeans, The Body Shop, and Benetton, as well as popular European brands, such as Max Mara, Zara, Liu Jo, Stefanel, Sisley, Falconieri, and the Coin department store. Some shopping tours include stops on the Via Cola di Rienzo, and it’s also easy to browse on your own before or after a visit to the Vatican.
Practical Info
The irregularly-shaped Piazza del Risorgimento anchors one end of the Via Cola di Rienzo right next to the Vatican. It’s a transportation hub, with a tram stop right in the piazza and several bus stops nearby serving St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican Museums. The nearest metro stations are Ottaviano and Lepanto, and the nearest bus stop is the Risorgimento-San Pietro: 11 bus lines stop along this street.
Address: Via Cola di Renzo, Rome, Lazio, Italy
From $ 49
Via del Corso
In an Italian neighborhood known for its winding streets and narrow back alleys, Via del Corso has become well known as the only perfectly straight lane in the historic center of Rome. The iconic stretch of narrow roadway extends from Porta del Popolo to Capitoline Hill and grants travelers access to Baroque churches and other local landmarks.
Visitors will find the picturesque street that once served as the racetrack for Roman Carnival to be the perfect place for people watching, as locals and travelers alike stroll along the sidewalks as part of a traditional passeggiata—a casual, leisurely stroll. In addition to being an ideal spot to see and be seen, Via del Corso also offers plenty of shops, restaurants and boutiques.
Practical Info
Via del Corso is located in the historical center of Rome and runs north to south. Although most of the street has narrow sidewalks for pedestrians, the northern mile (1.5 kilometers) of Via del Corso is for walkers only.
Address: Via del Corso, Rome, Italy
From $ 31
Vernazza
Arguably the most picturesque—and steepest—of all the Cinque Terre villages, Vernazza is indeed a striking sight: snaking narrow lanes and a crescent-shaped harbor are framed by forested peaks and glittering Mediterranean waters. Visitors can stroll the scenic waterfront, snap photos of the charming pastel-colored buildings, and explore a medieval castle before heading down to the sandy beach for a refreshing swim in the sea.
The Basics
Vernazza makes a good base for exploring Cinque Terre National Park, which encompasses all five Cinque Terre towns, and for enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and paragliding along the Italian Riviera. Day tours to Vernazza run from La Spezia, Siena, Lucca, and Florence, and typically include visits to the neighboring villages of Monterosso al Mare, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, and Manarola, as well as a stop in nearby Portovenere. Cruise ship passengers can opt for a shore excursion from Genoa.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Vernazza can get busy in peak summer season, so book tours and accommodations in advance.
- Bring comfortable, sturdy walking shoes, as the village roads are steep and often uneven.
- While many hotels and tourist attractions in Vernazza are wheelchair and stroller accessible, the village’s steep and narrow lanes can be challenging for those with mobility issues to navigate.
How to Get There
Located in Cinque Terre National Park, between Corniglia and Monterosso al Mare along the Italian Riviera, Vernazza is a 2.5-hour drive from Florence or a 45-minute drive from La Spezia. Parking is limited in Vernazza, so unless you are staying in town overnight, it’s best to join a tour or arrive by train from La Spezia (a 20-minute ride). Alternatively, from mid-April through October, ferries connect Vernazza with La Spezia, Monterosso al Mare, Riomaggiore, and Manarola.
When to Get There
Vernazza and the rest of the Cinque Terre see the most visitors and highest temperatures—upwards of 100°F (40°C)—in summer. Hikers should aim to visit in May or September to avoid the peak heat, while budget-minded travelers might want to skip August, when hotel prices skyrocket. Visiting in winter is possible, but some hiking trails may be inaccessible in heavy rain or icy conditions.
Historic Landmarks in Vernazza
Vernazza is best known for its colorfully painted houses, but the cliffside village is also home to some impressive historic monuments. Get a panoramic perspective from medieval Doria Castle, built to protect the town from pirates; admire the Church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia, which dates back to the 14th century; or hike into the mountains to take in the views from the Sanctuary of Madonna di Reggio.
Address: Vernazza, Italy
From $ 92
Via Giulia
Commissioned by Pope Julius II in 1508, the grand Via Giulia is one of Rome’s most elegant thoroughfares, running for almost 1km between the Piazza dell'Oro and Piazza San Vincenzo Palloti. It’s a picturesque walkway, with its timeworn cobblestones framed by monumental arches, historic churches and Renaissance-era buildings, and the smattering of cafés and restaurants offer ample opportunities for people watching.
Highlights of Via Giulia include the ivy-covered Arco Farnese, designed by Michelangelo; the adjoining Palazzo Farnese; and the 17th-century Fontana del Mascherone. Other architectural gems include the Palazzo Falconieri, the baroque Santa Maria dell'Orazione Church; and the Palazzo Sacchetti, while the street has also earned a reputation for its quality antique shops.
Practical Info
Via Giulia runs parallel to the Tiber River, between Piazza dell'Oro and Piazza San Vincenzo Palloti, in central Rome.
Address: Via Giulia, Rome, Italy
From $ 58
Via Etnea
Taking its name from Mt Etna, the famous volcano that looms over the city, Via Etnea is one of Catania’s most important thoroughfares, running for 3 km through the heart of the city. Lined with shops, department stores, restaurants and bars, Via Etnea is equally popular with locals and tourists, making it a lively destination both day and night, as well as a strategic starting point for a walking tour.
At the southern end of Via Etnea is Piazza Duomo, with its iconic Elephant fountain, grand City Hall and series of Baroque palaces, set against a backdrop of the imposing Catania Cathedral. Heading north up Via Etnea, you’ll pass through Piazza Università and Piazza Stesicoro, home to the ruins of a Roman amphitheater and a monument to local composer Vincenzo Bellini. From here, it’s a short walk to the busy central market in Piazza Carlo Alberto or the Villa Bellini, the city’s main park.
Practical Info
Via Etnea runs through central Catania from Piazza Duomo to the northern of the city.
Address: Catania, Italy
From $ 115
Verona Arena
Feel like part of history as you attend an event in the Verona Arena (Arena di Verona), a spectacular Roman amphitheater that has dominated Piazza Bra since the first century. Once a venue for sporting events, games, and gladiatorial battles, today audiences of up to 15,000 gather to watch opera, music concerts, and dance performances.
The Basics
Verona’s Roman Arena is the symbol of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed city center and one of its most popular sights. Though much of the original pink-and-white limestone outer facade was pilfered at the end of the Roman Empire and a catastrophic earthquake in 1117 destroyed the rest, the interior and outstanding acoustics remain remarkably intact. In the 19th century, the city began using the arena once again to hold performances, and a staging of Verdi’s Aida in 1913 to celebrate the composer’s 100th birthday marked its reincarnation as one of Italy’s most important outdoor theaters.
By day, you can book a Verona Arena tour with skip-the-line entrance to the amphitheater or join a small-group walking tour of the city’s highlights, including the arena as well as Piazza delle Erbe, Castelvecchio, Torre dei Lamberti, and the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore. On summer evenings, you can book a ticket for the annual opera festival or other event, and enjoy the arena decked out for a performance.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is seating on the amphitheater floor (stalls) or on the stone steps around the perimeter. There is wheelchair access to stall seating.
- Audience members can check large bags and backpacks in the cloakroom.
- There is no food or drink allowed inside the amphitheater during performances.
How to Get There
Verona is located in Italy’s Veneto region, about halfway between Venice and Milan, and you can easily take a Lake Garda day trip from here. The arena is on Piazza Bra in the historic center of Verona, about a 20-minute walk from the train station or eight minutes by bus.
When to Get There
The arena is open from 8:30am to 7:30pm daily, and from 1:30pm on Mondays. These hours may change on performance days. While you can visit the arena year-round, it is especially memorable in the evening during scheduled performances from June to September. Opera seasons runs during this time; performances begin after sunset (usually around 9pm), and the amphitheater is lit by hundreds of small candles.
Casa di Giulietta
Verona is also famous for being the setting for Shakespeare’s timeless tale of star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. Today you can tour what is known as Juliet’s house, Casa di Giulietta, with its romantic balcony.
Address: Piazza Bra, 1, Verona 37121, Italy
Hours: Tue-Sun: 8:30am-7:30pm , Mon: 1:30pm-7:30pm. Opera season is June through August. Check web site or visit ticket office for times and ticketing.
Admission: €10 to enter arena when not in use for opera performances
From $ 21
Via Sacra
Leading from the Capitoline Hill to the Colosseum via the first-century AD Arch of Titus as it traverses the Forum from west to east, the Via Sacra (Sacred Way) was once the main thoroughfare of Ancient Rome. With its origins stretching back to at least the fifth century BC, it was later paved and later still, in the times of Nero, lined with colonnades. The street was backed by Ancient Rome’s temples, civic buildings and the palaces of the wealthy; it was here that festivals were held, where prostitutes came to solicit clients and where crowds gathered to gossip and gamble along its route. Via Sacra was also scene of triumphal processions to celebrate military victories, when slaves and prisoners were dragged to market. Today the road forms part of the open-air museum that is the Forum; over the centuries this has been ravaged by fire, plundered for its stone and used as cow pasture but still retains something of its ancient majesty among scattered boulders, shattered arches and broken columns.
Practical Info
Via Dei Fori Imperiali, Campitelli, Rome. Admission to the Forum complex: adults €12; students €7.50; free for over 65 and under 18. Open daily 8.30am–one hour before sunset. Much of this area of Ancient Rome is
pedestrianized, so Via Sacra is best approached on foot; the entrance to the Forum is at the junction of Via Dei Fori Imperiali with Via Cavour. Taxis stop outside the Colosseum, where there is also a metro station.
Address: Via Dei Fori Imperiali, Campitelli, Rome, Lazio 00186, Italy
Hours: Daily 8.30am–one hour before sunset
Admission: Adults €12; Students €7.50; free for over 65 and under 18
From $ 70
Verona Centro Storico
With ancient Roman ruins, church crypts that inspired Shakespeare, and grand Austrian-style buildings from the 19th century, Verona’s Historic Center (Centro Storico) is an architectural treasure trove. Highlights include the 2nd-century Verona Arena, the Casa di Giulietta, and the 14th-century Scaliger Tombs.
The Basics
The historic city of Verona was first settled by the Romans over 2,000 years ago. Several city sights—including the Roman theater and the Ponte Pietra (Stone Bridge) over the Adige river—still remain from this early period, while many city streets, such as the Via Mazzini, follow the routes of ancient Roman roads with many ruins to visit.
There are also many buildings dating from the Medieval and Renaissance eras, including the Casa di Giulietta, where the family said to have inspired Shakespeare’s Capulets in Romeo & Juliet once lived. Many people interested in the architectural history of the city choose to take part in a guided tour to learn more about the significance of the different buildings.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Verona’s Centro Storico is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- If you’re planning to take part in a walking or bike tour make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- The Centro Storico is wheelchair accessible, although many streets are lined with cobbles.
How to Get There
Verona’s Centro Storico cover the central district of the city, lying roughly between Via Roma in the south and the riverbank in the north, east, and west. It is best explored on foot, either self-guided or as part of a walking, bike, or Segway tour. Additionally, hop-on-hop-off buses stop at many of the major tourist attractions making the city easy to navigate.
When to Get There
The streets in the Centro Storico are open 24 hours a day year-round. Many of the individual sights have separate opening hours so check before you visit. The city is busiest in the summer months when visitors come from all over the world to enjoy opera performances at the Verona Arena.
Climb Up to Castel San Pietro
For a bird’s-eye view of the city before you start exploring in earnest, head up the steep hill to Castel San Pietro—or save your legs and take the funicular railway. From the top you’ll be able to see the Roman roads cutting through the center, the river winding its way through the buildings, and make out the 30,000 seat Verona Arena.
Address: Verona, Veneto, Italy
From $ 23