Piazza delle Erbe
Verona's historic heart, a Roman forum turned vibrant market square with stunning frescoes and lively cafes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, fresh market goods
Piazza delle Erbe
Best Time
Fewer crowds, fresh market goods
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Verona's historic heart, a Roman forum turned vibrant market square with stunning frescoes and lively cafes.
"A beautiful square that feels big but still quite cozy. The atmosphere is fantastic – you could wander here all day."
☕ Grab a coffee & people-watch
Settle into a cafe, order a drink, and soak in the lively atmosphere. It's the perfect way to experience the piazza's energy.
🚶♀️ Explore side streets
Don't just stay in the main square; wander into the narrow alleys for hidden gems and a more local feel.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Frescoed Facades
Surrounding buildings
Admire the vibrant, ancient frescoes adorning the historic buildings, a visual feast of Verona's past.
Market Stalls
Center of the piazza
Browse a colorful array of local produce, souvenirs, and crafts at this bustling daily market.
Torre dei Lamberti
Adjacent to the piazza
Climb this medieval tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Verona and its charming rooftops.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Bustle
Beyond the Market Stalls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☕ Grab a coffee & people-watch
Settle into a cafe, order a drink, and soak in the lively atmosphere. It's the perfect way to experience the piazza's energy.
🚶♀️ Explore side streets
Don't just stay in the main square; wander into the narrow alleys for hidden gems and a more local feel.
🛍️ Souvenir shopping
The market offers a variety of souvenirs, from local crafts to typical Italian goods. Haggle politely!
📸 Capture the frescoes
Take time to admire and photograph the beautifully preserved frescoes on the surrounding buildings.
Tips
from all over the internet
☕ Grab a coffee & people-watch
Settle into a cafe, order a drink, and soak in the lively atmosphere. It's the perfect way to experience the piazza's energy.
🚶♀️ Explore side streets
Don't just stay in the main square; wander into the narrow alleys for hidden gems and a more local feel.
🛍️ Souvenir shopping
The market offers a variety of souvenirs, from local crafts to typical Italian goods. Haggle politely!
📸 Capture the frescoes
Take time to admire and photograph the beautifully preserved frescoes on the surrounding buildings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Piazza delle Erbe is a vibrant and historically rich square in Verona, praised for its lively atmosphere, stunning frescoed buildings, and bustling market. Visitors enjoy people-watching from cafes and exploring the surrounding architecture. Some find the market overly touristy and chaotic, detracting from the historical romance.
"Piazza delle Erbe is a truly beautiful square. It's lined with a row of stunning buildings, with the most magnificent of all—Palazzo Maffei—standing proudly at one end. In the center, you'll find the impressive Madonna Fountain of Verona and a bustling bazaar full of life.
The edges of the square are dotted with charming-looking restaurants, shops and cafés. We didn’t eat there ourselves, though, as the square was quite crowded with fellow tourists. That said, we did find a few quieter corners along the edges, perfect for sitting back and watching people pass by—it was quite entertaining!"
Heikki Kegg
"📍 Piazza delle Erbe – Verona, Italy 🇮🇹
One of Verona’s most vibrant squares 🌟, surrounded by historic buildings, frescoed facades 🎨, and lively cafés ☕. Once a Roman forum, today it’s full of market stalls 🛍️ selling souvenirs, fruits, and local goods. The square is always bustling 🚶♂️🚶♀️ with both locals and tourists, giving it a lively atmosphere day and night. A great place to sit with a drink 🍹, people-watch, and soak in the heart of Verona’s old town. 🙌"
Quing_刘妈妈
"A beautiful square that feels big but still quite cozy. In my opinion, it’s definitely more interesting than the large one by the Arena. From here you’ve got direct access to Juliet’s house, plus plenty of nice restaurants, narrow streets, and cafés all around. The atmosphere is fantastic – you could wander here all day."
Karol Kamiński
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Piazza delle Erbe is located in the heart of Verona's historic center, making it easily accessible on foot from most accommodations. If arriving by car, park at the Citadella parking lot and enjoy a scenic walk through the city, passing shops and the Arena.
Absolutely! Piazza delle Erbe is centrally located and a short walk from Juliet's House, Piazza dei Signori, and the Arena di Verona.
From Verona Porta Nuova station, you can take a local bus (lines 11, 12, or 13) towards the city center, which will drop you a short walk away. Alternatively, a taxi or a pleasant 20-30 minute walk is also an option.
Parking directly at the piazza is not possible due to its pedestrian nature. The closest convenient parking is the Citadella parking garage, from which you can walk to the piazza.
While cycling is possible in Verona, the historic center, including Piazza delle Erbe, is best explored on foot. There are bike racks available in the vicinity if needed.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Piazza delle Erbe is a public square and is free to enter and explore at any time.
The piazza is always open, but the market stalls typically operate from morning until early evening. Cafes and restaurants have their own operating hours.
There is no entrance fee for the market itself. You only pay for any items you choose to purchase from the vendors.
Yes, many guided walking tours of Verona include a stop at Piazza delle Erbe, offering historical context and insights into its past.
Yes, the piazza is accessible at night and offers a different, often more romantic, ambiance with its illuminated buildings and open cafes.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant market stalls, the historic buildings with their frescoes, the central fountain, and the Torre dei Lamberti. The surrounding narrow streets also offer great photo opportunities.
It can be challenging during peak hours. Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help you get clearer shots.
Early morning offers soft light and fewer people. Late afternoon provides beautiful golden hour light, perfect for capturing the warm tones of the buildings.
Generally, there are no restrictions on photography for personal use in the public square. However, always be mindful of private businesses and individuals.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is ideal for capturing both the wide piazza and details of the architecture. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the square.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The piazza is lined with cafes and restaurants offering everything from quick snacks and gelato to full meals. Many have outdoor seating perfect for people-watching.
Yes, the market often features stalls selling fresh fruit, local snacks, and sometimes prepared foods. It's a great place to grab a quick bite.
While many options exist directly on the piazza, exploring the side streets can lead to more authentic and less touristy trattorias. Look for places with local patrons.
Definitely! The cafes and bars in Piazza delle Erbe are popular spots for aperitivo, offering a lively atmosphere as the day winds down.
You can find traditional dishes in some of the restaurants surrounding the piazza, though some establishments cater more to tourists. It's worth checking menus and reviews.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the piazza can get crowded, so holding hands is advisable. The surrounding cafes offer a good spot for parents to rest while kids can observe the activity. The proximity to other attractions like Juliet's House also makes it a convenient stop for families exploring Verona.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Instead of dining at the pricier restaurants directly on the piazza, explore the side streets for more reasonably priced trattorias and pizzerias. Enjoying an aperitivo at a cafe can also be a cost-effective way to experience the piazza's ambiance, especially if you opt for a less central spot.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
The fountain of Madonna Verona at the center, dating back to the 14th century, is a focal point, often surrounded by market stalls. Adjacent to the piazza is the Torre dei Lamberti, a medieval tower offering panoramic views that allow you to truly appreciate the piazza's layout and its place within the city's historical fabric. The blend of Roman, medieval, and Renaissance influences makes Piazza delle Erbe a living museum, a place where history is not just read about but experienced.
While the piazza retains its historical grandeur, it also embraces modern life. The daily market is a continuation of its long tradition as a place of commerce. However, some visitors note a contrast between the historical beauty and the sometimes chaotic reality of a busy tourist market, with stalls selling souvenirs alongside fresh produce. This juxtaposition is part of the piazza's unique character, offering a glimpse into both Verona's storied past and its lively present.
Experiencing the Market Vibe
Many visitors enjoy the lively atmosphere, describing it as a quintessential Italian market experience. It's a place to practice your bargaining skills (politely, of course!) and immerse yourself in the local culture. The energy of the market is infectious, with vendors calling out to potential customers and shoppers browsing the diverse offerings.
However, it's worth noting that some reviews mention the market can feel quite tourist-oriented, with prices sometimes reflecting this. While you can find genuine local products, be discerning. The real charm often lies in the experience itself – the bustling crowds, the vibrant displays, and the opportunity to interact with local vendors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit