Skip Juliet’s Balcony: Romantic Things to Do in Verona That Aren’t Overdone

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Looking for truly romantic things to do in Verona without the crowds? Skip the packed selfie spots at Juliet’s Balcony and discover the intimate side of Italy’s City of Love. From garden picnics with wine to riverside sunsets and secret churches, Verona is full of hidden corners made for couples. After spending multiple trips exploring this enchanting city with my partner, I’ve gathered our favorite off-the-beaten-path experiences into this guide.

These are the moments that felt private, authentic, and unforgettable, exactly what romantic travel should be.

For couples planning a longer visit, don’t miss our 3-Day Verona Itinerary. And if you’re short on time, check out our 2-Day Romantic Verona Escape.

Romantic Things to Do in Verona (Beyond Juliet’s Balcony)

1. Picnic at Giardino Giusti – Verona’s Secret Garden Escape

Far from the tourist crush, Giardino Giusti is a 16th-century garden filled with sculpted hedges, cypress trees, and panoramic views over Verona. It’s often blissfully quiet and perfect for a relaxed picnic or a slow walk among fountains and statuary.

❤️Romantic Tip: Bring some local Amarone wine, fresh bread, and olives from a neighborhood market. Climb to the top of the garden for sweeping sunset views over the rooftops. It’s also featured in our 2-Day Romantic Verona Escape.

2. Sunset Along Ponte Pietra

While everyone crowds the Arena at dusk, you and your partner can walk hand-in-hand across the Ponte Pietra, Verona’s oldest Roman bridge. With the soft glow of golden hour and the Adige River beneath you, this spot feels like it belongs in a painting.

❤️Romantic Tip: Head to the nearby Castel San Pietro terrace after your stroll for even better panoramic views. This was one of our favorite moments. We brought a tiny bottle of prosecco and toasted the view.

3. Wine Tasting in Valpolicella—Without Leaving Verona

Skip the group wine tours and book a private tasting at a boutique enoteca in Verona’s historic center.

Try Enoteca Segreta, tucked away on a side street, or Antica Bottega del Vino, one of Verona’s oldest wine bars. You’ll sample local Valpolicella, Amarone, and Recioto wines in a candlelit, cellar-like setting.

❤️Romantic Tip: Ask the sommelier for a custom tasting flight and toast to your love story, Venetian-style.

4. Discover the Hidden Cloisters of San Zeno

The Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore is famous for weddings, but few visitors take the time to explore its serene cloisters. Surrounded by Romanesque arches and carved columns, it’s the perfect place to sit in silence or share quiet thoughts.

❤️Romantic Tip: Come early in the morning or just before closing for peaceful moments alone.

5. Romantic Bike Ride Along the Adige

Verona is incredibly bike-friendly. Rent a tandem or two individual bikes and ride the riverside paths that loop around the old town. You’ll pass willow trees, little cafes, and locals walking dogs or rowing on the river. If you’d rather get a guided bike tour, try Highlights and hidden gems Verona Bike Tour.

❤️Romantic Tip: Stop at Piazzale Castel San Pietro and lock your bikes before climbing up for a romantic view.

6. Dine Like Locals in the Veronetta District

Cross the river to Veronetta, Verona’s hip, artsy neighborhood. Here, you’ll find intimate trattorias, vintage shops, and local art galleries. Try Locanda Lo Speziale for a candlelit dinner with natural wines and seasonal ingredients.

❤️Romantic Tip: End your meal with a shared gelato and a walk through the nearby Piazza Isolo. The owner at Lo Speziale insisted we try their Amarone reduction and we’re still dreaming about it, months after our trip.

7. Secret Churches & Frescoes

Verona is filled with hidden churches, many of which are quiet and rich in atmosphere. Visit Chiesa di San Fermo, where you’ll find layered architecture and haunting frescoes that most tourists miss.

❤️Romantic Tip: Light a candle together in a quiet chapel and leave a whispered wish.

8. Take a Day Trip to Borghetto sul Mincio

Just 30 minutes away, Borghetto sul Mincio is a fairytale village of medieval fortifications, ivy-covered bridges, and flower-decked alleys. It’s an idyllic spot for a romantic escape.

9. Stay in a Historic Palazzo

Skip the chain hotels and stay in a restored palazzo or boutique B&B. Try Relais Fra’ Lorenzo or Il Relais dell’Abbazia, both offering charm, gardens, and intimate ambiance.

❤️Romantic Tip: Choose a room with a balcony view or a soaking tub to unwind after a day of exploring.

Best Accommodations for a Romantic 2-Day Stay in Verona

Budget Pick: Hotel Aurora (⭐⭐⭐ Boutique)

Hotel Aurora is a charming, affordable gem right on Piazza delle Erbe and in the heart of Verona’s old town.

Mid-Range Pick: Hotel Giulietta e Romeo (⭐⭐⭐ Superior)

Hotel Giulietta e Romeo hits the sweet spot for romance and value, it’s steps away from Arena di Verona and Piazza Brà and places you right in the heart of all the historic sights and cafés in the center of town.

Luxury Pick: Due Torri Hotel (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Luxury)

The historic Due Torri Hotel is known for its old-world elegance and romantic allure. Additionally, it has an unbeatable location in the historic center next to the Gothic Sant’Anastasia Church, just a few minutes’ walk from Juliet’s Balcony, Piazza Bra, and the Arena.

FAQs: Romantic Travel in Verona

What are the most romantic spots in Verona that aren’t crowded?

Giardino Giusti, Castel San Pietro at sunset, and the Veronetta district are peaceful, atmospheric places that offer privacy and charm for couples.

Is Juliet’s Balcony worth seeing at all?

If you have never seen it before, the balcony made famous by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is worth seeing. Early morning visits before 9 a.m. can be quiet and enjoyable

Is this itinerary suitable for first-time visitors?

Absolutely. These suggestions give first-timers a fresh, immersive way to experience the city beyond the tourist checklists.

Wrapping Things Up: Final Thoughts on Romantic Travel in Verona

Verona’s true charm lies not in its busiest attractions but in its quiet corners—the rustle of leaves in Giardino Giusti, a shared bottle of wine in an ancient cellar, a slow walk by the river at dusk. By choosing romantic things to do in Verona that aren’t overdone, you’ll not only avoid the crowds, but you’ll create memories that feel private, personal, and utterly timeless.

For additional reading, see these other blog posts about Verona:
👉The Ultimate 3-Day Verona Travel Itinerary: Exploring the Heart of Northern Italy
👉Verona for Lovers: A 2-Day Itinerary for a Dreamy Italian Escape