Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is one of the biggest reasons why Verona became a popular tourist destination. However, I have found that there is more to Verona than Juliet's balcony at Casa di Giulietta.

After uttering your own version of "O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?", you should don your walking shoes and check out the following sites:

The Arena (see picture) is a big Roman amphitheater where you can watch Operas or see a performance. During the day, tourists can visit.

The Piazza delle Erbe is the focal point of Verona. It's a big square surrounded by shops, bars and restaurants. Right in the middle of the piazza is the Madonna Verona fountain and on the left is the Gardello Tower.

The Golden Mile is perfect for the shopping fiend. From Gucci and Prada to Clark's and Lacoste, you have shops that would cater to every budget and taste.

Outside Verona are nearby attractions which are also worth seeing:

Head to Valpolicella to savor famous local wines like Amarone, Recioto and Valpolicella. Beautiful ancient villas can also be found all around.

Lago di Garda (Garda Lake) is where you can go for some sailing and mountain biking action.

Head back to Verona for a relaxing night out at one of the bars on Piazza delle Erbe.

Verona is actually the perfect place to visit, if you want to "rest" before or after touring nearby (around 100km away) Venice.