Visiting Verona in winter means discovering a city that slows its pace and dresses up in lights, creating an atmosphere more romantic than ever. The crisp air invites you to slow down, savor warm moments indoors, and explore the city’s coziest corners to escape the chill.

Here are our top recommendations for guests staying in the heart of Verona who want to experience the very best of the winter season.

The Must-See Museums

Winter is the perfect time to delve into Verona’s rich cultural heritage by visiting some of its most fascinating museums. First among them is Castelvecchio Museum, an architectural masterpiece redesigned by Carlo Scarpa. Also worth a visit is the Achille Forti Gallery of Modern Art, showcasing works from the 19th century to today. And for a cultural afternoon sheltered from the cold, the National Archaeological Museum offers an evocative escape.

To discover more, visit our dedicated page: Verona’s Museums.

Hunting for Frescoes

For centuries, Verona has been known as the “painted city.” To truly experience its artistic heritage, start at the G.B. Cavalcaselle Fresco Museum, which houses decorative cycles originally found on palaces, churches, and façades throughout the city. This captivating collection showcases artworks preserved from time and decay, revealing the depth of Verona’s fresco tradition. Continue your journey at the Maffeiano Museum and be sure to visit the many churches in the historic center, where frescoes await to delight enthusiasts of Medieval and Renaissance art.

To learn more, we recommend reading the article: Frescoes and paintings in Verona: the hidden treasures.

Historic Shops and Cafés

No winter itinerary is complete without a delicious break in one of Verona’s historic shops and cafés. Caffè Borsari, intimate and rich in vintage charm, invites you to take a restorative pause, perhaps with a hot chocolate or a perfectly crafted artisanal espresso.

Other historic businesses, some operating for decades or even more than a century, are also worth a visit. These include traditional hardware stores and pharmacies that preserved their original interiors. Discover our recommendations in the article: Discovering Verona’s historical shops.

The Biblioteca Capitolare

Among Verona’s most extraordinary landmarks is the Biblioteca Capitolare. Considered one of the oldest still-active libraries in the world, it holds manuscripts, illuminated codices, and millennia-old documents. Wandering through its halls means travelling across fifteen centuries of history. A unique experience, made even more suggestive by the intimate atmosphere of winter.

Concerts

Winter in Verona offers plenty of opportunities for live music enthusiasts. The Concert Season – curated by Amici della Musica, the oldest among the city’s concert associations – presents performances by internationally renowned artists every year. The Teatro Filarmonico hosts the symphonic season by Fondazione Arena, as well as the traditional New Year’s Concert, while Candlelight Concerts promise magical candlelit evenings dedicated to iconic film soundtracks.

Verona at Christmas

During the Christmas season, Verona transforms into a fairy-tale city. The squares of the historic centre host the traditional Christmas Markets, offering handcrafted goods, local products, and festive treats. A must-see is the International Exhibition Nativity Scenes from the World, held at Palazzo del Capitanio: a remarkable collection of crèches from every continent, perfect for families and tradition lovers. The festive lights, scents, and decorations enhance the city’s romantic charm, inviting you to take an evening stroll and savor Verona’s beauty at the hour when everything slows down.