Verona does not boast the number of children’s attractions as other cities in Italy, but there is a water park, many gardens, Lake Garda and a skate park. When the weather is nice (as it is most days of the year), a great option is to take a gentle stroll around the city, stopping off for ice cream along the way.

Altomincio Aquapark
This theme park is a great place to take kids for an adventurous day out. It combines natural attractions such as lakes and gardens with manmade attractions and rides. Popular water rides include the Kamikaze Banzai; the pools of the Niagara Run and the aquatic Bumper Boat. There are plenty of options for all ages, such as shallow pool for younger children, bowling greens, beach volleyball and foam football. Phone: +39 45 794 5131

Giusti Gardens
These stunning gardens are located a short walk from the city centre and are the ideal place to take children for a picnic. They date to the 16th century and were once used by Mozart and Goethe. The gardens have a footpath throughout and there’s even a manmade labyrinth which is sure to keep children occupied for hours. A walk to the highest point of the gardens allows for some beautiful vistas across the city. Phone: +39 45 803 4029

Lake Garda
Just outside Verona lies one of Italy’s most visited lakes; Lake Garda. This is a popular holiday destination with locals and tourists alike as there is an abundance of activities available for the whole family. There are many water sports and small hikes available. There’s also the option to have a picnic, play football or simply let your children run around until they tire.

Piazza delle Erbe
This is an excellent spot to teach children about the history of Verona without boring them. The fun-filled market which has taken over the square offers a number of local delights and toys. In Roman times, it was actually the site of a Roman forum where locals gathered to watch chariot racing in their thousands.

Roxy's Ring Skate Park
This is one of the best-known skate parks in Italy. It is an excellent place to take children if they like skates and skateboards. There are many tricks to try and obstacles to overcome, such as mini-pipes and a quarter-wall. There is also a video arcade for those who don’t want to skate.

Verona was the setting for Shakespeare’s much-loved Romeo and Juliet and because of this, there are many exhibits and activities surrounding this literary work. Popular museums include the Archaeological Museum and the Natural History Museum. Art lovers should not miss some of Verona’s galleries, where you will find local and international works by artists from medieval times up until the present day.

Canonicale Museum and Pinacoteca
A large number of paintings and sculptures make up the displays here. Many of the exhibits date to Roman times and many more to the 15th and 16th centuries. There is a lot of work by local artists which have never been exhibited outside of Verona and are worth viewing. The museum ranks as one of the best art museums in the country. Phone: +39 45 559 6516

Modern Art Museum
First opened in the 1920s, this museum boasts a number of displays by prominent local and international artists. There is also a medieval display which includes sculptures and canvases. The statue which once sat above the tomb of Cangrande I in the Scaglieri cemetery is now displayed here. Phone: +39 45 806 2611

Museum of Affreschi
Veronawas the setting for Shakespeare’s famous Romeo and Juliet and it is in this museum where Juliet's tomb is located. However, Juliet was a literary character so it is a symbolic gesture rather than an actual burial site. The museum is, however, still popular with tourists and houses many artefacts of artistic importance. Phone: +39 45 800 0361

Natural History Museum
Verona’s Natural History Museum is housed in a beautiful 16th century palace which is known as the Lavezzola Pompeii Palace. Many of the exhibits are finds from archaeological digs throughout the region and include plant and animal fossils from the Lessinian Mountains. Phone: +39 45 807 9400

Roman Theatre and Archaeological Museum
This impressive theatre and museum dates to the end of the first century BC. It is located on a hill overlooking the city and was discovered in the 19th century after centuries of disuse. Since its discovery, it has been used to host ballets and concerts as well as being transformed into an open-air theatre. Today it is home to Verona’s Archaeological Museum and houses a number of Roman artefacts, including vases, mosaics and sculptures. Phone: +39 45 800 0360

Dining out in Verona is a pastime enjoyed not only by tourists, but by locals as well. Many well-known Italian dishes originated in Verona and all of the local specialities are made with the freshest ingredients from the Veneto region.

One of the most popular dishes is gnocchi (a potato dumpling dish), while risotto (a rice dish) and tortellini (a pasta dish)are also favourites. However, it is wise to check the ingredients in some of these dishes as they may not all be to your taste. Braised horse meat is common while peara, a local speciality, is a dish made from bone marrow and bread. Due to the close proximity of Lake Garda, fresh fish is popular, with favourites including trout and pike.

There is plenty to choose from when it comes to restaurants in Verona. A gentle stroll through the streets of the historic heart of the city will provide you with many choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Many of the restaurants are atmospheric, offering romantic settings and traditional Italian delights.

Verona boasts a good number of shops, with the main shopping area being conveniently located close to many tourist attractions. If you are pushed for time, you can shop for souvenirs while you see the sights. The pedestrianised Via Mazzini boasts the greatest number of shops, although Via Roma, Via Cappello and Piazza delle Erbe are also home to a wide range.

There are a number of high street shops in Verona although the best shops are the individual boutiques and gift shops selling an eclectic range of items. It is also worth taking the time to visit Verona’s local markets. Here you will be able to experience daily Italian life while you sample the assorted cheeses, fish, sausages and sweets. The biggest market is found in Piazza delle Erbe, which is home to a number of permanent stalls selling clothing, gifts, antiques and souvenirs.