Weekend in Verona

Verona's main square, a lively market in medieval buildings with a Roman forum beneath. Frescoed houses and the Lamberti Tower dominate, fruit and souvenir stalls fill the piazza.

Tip: Go early morning around 8am when the fruit sellers set up—far quieter, better photos. The market closes by 1pm.

Natural history museum in a former monastery, free on first Sunday of the month. Otherwise €6. Collections of fossils, minerals, and stuffed animals from the Veneto region.

Tip: The free-entry first Sunday is busy—arrive at 10am opening. Otherwise, they do a combo ticket with the cathedral for €8, better bang for your buck.

Verona's oldest Roman bridge, reconstructed after WWII with original stones. White marble arches across the Adige, connecting the city centre to the Teatro Romano hill.

Tip: Best at sunset; cross to the Teatro Romano side and climb the steps for a free view over the river and cathedral. It's only about 30 steps, proper viewpoint.

A red-brick Scaliger castle turned art museum on the Adige river. Free to enter the courtyard and ramparts—you see the bridge and river views without paying the gallery fee.

Tip: Skip the courtyard charge by walking through the Scaliger Bridge and ducking into the castle garden entrance, free. Gallery ticket is €6, worth it only if you love medieval sculpture.

A 16th-century Italian Renaissance garden with formal hedges, fountains, and a hedge maze. Cheap entry (€8) for the size—you can wander for hours. The cypress avenue leads to a grotto.

Tip: Bring water; no café inside. Go weekday morning for emptiness. The maze is tiny but free with entry. If you're near the basilica, it's a 5-min walk uphill.