For many tourists, the Italian city of Verona is best known for an ill-fated couple made famous by a British playwright.

But the city on the Adige River can offer a full day of activities for those who want nothing to do with Romeo and Juliet — or all those tourists trying to polish a bronzed breast.

There are several walks that cater to a variety of tastes. Following is one that should apply to shoppers, strollers, gawkers and climbers. If you’re heavy into shopping, it might be wise to walk this route in reverse.

Start at Piazza Bra, the heart of the city’s old downtown. The main highlight is the Arena, which looks a lot like a small version of the Colosseum in Rome. It served many of the same purposes over the years, but these days hosts Nativity scenes during the holiday period and a series of concerts and operas throughout the year.

Leaving the piazza, head northeast on Via Mazzini, where you can window-shop or fork over some euros in the posh clothing stores. Take a left on Via Capello or — if you can’t resist the call of Juliet’s reputed house — go right for a quick detour. The road runs into Piazza Erbe, a small but busy square often filled with wooden stands selling a variety of produce, crafts and souvenirs.

Then pass under the arch on the square’s eastern edge. It has a whalebone under it, and legend says the bone will crack when a truly virtuous person walks through. That apparently hasn’t happened, although those passing underneath have included several popes.

Next stop is the Piazza Dei Signori. It is framed by several interesting buildings, has a statue of the poet Dante in the center and is dominated by the Lamberti Tower, which can be climbed for a great view of the city.

At the eastern edge of the square is a small group of elaborate tombs. Check out one in a doorway of the building adjoining a small cemetery; it has dogs holding shields with ladders on them.

Continue past the tombs and take a left on Via Archie Scaligere, then the first right and continue straight to Santa Anastacia church, one of the city’s major churches. Via Abiamo Massalongo turns into Via Duomo and leads to the city’s cathedral; the entrance is right where the street ends. Though the church might not look impressive from the outside, there’s plenty to see inside.

After touring the cathedral, turn left on Via Pieta Vecchio and walk a few blocks before taking a left to traverse the Ponte Pietra (stone bridge). The Adige flows beneath it. Those up for a climb and a good view of the city should cross the bridge and ascend the hill via a series of steps that starts right across from the bridge.

Backtracking across the bridge, go left and then take the first right. Don’t take the kids into the shop with the cartoonish horse face — unless they like to dine on equine. Another left will have you standing in front of the Santa Anastacia church again. Retrace your steps toward Piazza Erbe by continuing along Corso Santa Anastacia, which will skirt the piazza and change names a few times until the Castelvecchio looms to the right. The former fortress and religious residence was built in the 14th century and is now an art gallery featuring works by Italian artists.

Head back to Piazza Bra on Via Roma, with more shopping opportunities and a few chances to grab a gelato for the trip back home.