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Home » Travel Guides » Italy » 15 Best Things to Do in Verona (Italy)

15 Best Things to Do in Verona (Italy)

Nestled on a U bend on the Adige River, Verona is one of the most important cities in the Veneto region of Italy and is famed for its historical centre and myriad of stunning buildings and architecture.

Verona is the second largest city in the region behind Venice and has a population of 269,000. In 89 BC, Verona became a Roman settlement and held an important position in Northern Italy as it was located at the intersection of two important roads.

As time progressed and the Roman Empire collapsed, other factions and ruling parties exercised control over Verona including Alboin of the Lombards, Mastino II, and Maximilian I. Today, Verona attracts a huge number of tourist due to its rich history and significance, and its myriad of ancient buildings such as the Arena and the Ponte Scaligero.

Lets explore the best things to do in Verona :

1. Arena di Verona

Forget about the Colosseum in Rome; Verona has its own version that is just as spectacular and possibly better preserved.

This national landmark is unknown to many, but it stands as a triumph of Roman engineering and is a true wonder.

Located in the middle of the historic town centre, the Arena is an immense Colosseum that contains literally of its original seating and exterior arches.

Constructed in 30 AD, it is remarkable that this structure has stood in such a fine condition for thousands of years.

Various shows and games would have been held here such as the Roman Ludi and at its peak, the amphitheatre would have held 30,000 spectators.

Today you can walk inside the Arena and admire its architecture; furthermore, concerts and musical shows are still held here which is a true spectacle.

2. Castle Vecchio

Sitting on the banks of the River Adige, the Castle Vecchio is a hugely important structure and has stood since its initial construction in 1354. Serving as a primary mode of defence for the city, this castle was the greatest achievement of engineering for the Scaliger dynasty.

The front gatehouse of the castle is quit imposing and features a series of crenulated battlements and two guard towers.

Inside there is a museum dedicated to the history of the castle that contains a myriad of artefacts and factual displays.

Furthermore, there is the fantastic Castle Vecchio Bridge that is attached to the main complex and provides fantastic views down the river.

3. Ponte di Castle Vecchio

At the time of its construction, the bridge was the longest of its kind in the world.

Connected to the Castle Vecchio, the bridge is decorated in the same style as the walls of the castle and features a fantastic series of crenulated battlements that you can see through down the River Adige.

As with most of the historic buildings of Verona created during this era, the bridge is made from red brick which makes it stand out against the landscape of the city.

Furthermore, there is several series of stairs that you can climb in the towers of the bridge to gain an elevated viewpoint.

Aside from walking across the bridge, ensure that you walk along the river bank to view it and photography it from the side.

4. Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore

The Basilica of San Zeno is one of the most important religious buildings in Verona, mainly for its stunning architecture, but also because it was the fictional place of the marriage of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

Located on the west side of the River Adige, the Basilica sits at the far end of the Piazza San Zeno.

The front façade of this church is quite simple and has a large central circular window and a beautiful ornate wooden door.

Inside the Basilica is truly beautiful however – the floor is covered with peach and grey tiles, marble columns hold up the arches and the ceiling has a series of decorative tile-work.

Additionally, an Abbey is also attached to the church with a wonderful arched courtyard and cloister.

5. Piazza Delle Erbe

Verona has a wonderful amount of charming squares and the Piazza Delle Erbe is one of the finest examples.

This diamond shaped piazza lies in the heart of the historic centre of the city and serves as one of the main points of activity.

During the Roman Empire, this piazza would have served as the main forum for the settlement.

Various important buildings line the square including the Torre Lamberti, the Palazzo Maffeia and the Case dei Giudici.

Furthermore, there is a selection of cafes and restaurants and also several fountains and marble statues.

The architecture, building facades and character of this beautiful piazza is undeniable.

6. Giardino Giusti

The Giusti Gardens are located in the grounds of the palace of the same name on the eastern bank of the river Adige.

The palace itself is a Neo-Classical structure and the gardens can be found at the back of the building.

Designed in an Italian Renaissance style, the gardens are some of the finest in Verona and provide a beautiful contrast to the waves of architecture that is present in the city.

Separated into 8 different squares, each part contains a different design and a central fountain or decoration.

Maintained to a beautiful standard, it is easy to see the care and attention that is put into this garden.

Furthermore, there is also an exciting hedge maze and a small wooded area to walk through.

7. Piazza Bra

As the largest piazza in Verona, the Piazza Bra is one of the main tourist areas of the city and contains a great amount of historic buildings, public amenities and eateries.

Undoubtedly the main attraction of the piazza is the colossal Arena di Verona and the open space surrounding this monument offers some fantastic photographic opportunities.

Furthermore, there is the Gran Guardia and the Palazzo Beriberi which are two fabulous buildings in their own right.

Aside from the main buildings, there are many quaint shopping and residential structures that are painted in various colour and have beautifully decorated shutters and balconies.

The Piazza Bra is definitely one of the best places to start your tour of Verona.

8. Torre dei Lamberti

Standing proudly on the Piazza Delle Erbe, the Torre dei Lamberti is the tallest tower in Verona standing at 84m high.

Construction originally started in the 1100’s however the tower stood in a state of disrepair and it was not until the 15th century that the tower was enlarged and clad.

Different time periods can be seen when looking at the tower as it is split into several distinct different sections.

A huge clock face adorns the wall that faces into the piazza, and the tower is topped with an octagonal dome containing a series of marble arches.

If you want to see Verona from a different angle, you can climb to the top of the tower and see the whole of the city spread out before you.

9. Verona Cathedral

Created in a similar style to the Basilica of San Zeno, Verona Cathedral presents a building that is grander, larger and more decorative.

The front facade features a similar shape and composition, but contains a great deal more decoration and some fantastic artwork and stained glass windows.

Consecrated in 1187, the Cathedral is one of the oldest religious buildings in Verona and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Whilst the exterior is marvellous in its own right, the interior is just as opulent and decorative.

At the main altar, there is a stunning fresco depicting the a religious scene, and more Renaissance frescos can be seen in the main chapels.

Furthermore, a huge gold organ stands to the right of the altar and red Verona marble columns line the main knave.

10. Castel San Pietro

Holding a strategic position on the eastern bank of the Adige, the Castle of Saint Peter sits on a slightly elevated hill and has been inhabited since Roman times.

Originally, a church dedicated to Saint Peter stood here which gives the castle its name.

During the 1300’s the actual castle was built as a means of fortification for the city and stood firm for over 400 years.

Although the castle is no longer open to the public, you can still walk through its grounds, admire the amazing architecture, and experience fantastic views across to the historic centre of Verona.

11. Scaliger Tombs

Located next to the Piazza dei Signori, the Scaliger Tombs are a series of gothic funerary monuments dedicated to the influential Scaliger family.

This family rule Verona for many years and the heads of the house sat as the Lords of Verona.

Enclosed within a series or ornate Iron grills, the tombs have a Gothic design and feature a central arched structure with many pointed towers and stone sculptured decoration.

Five tombs in total sit in the enclosure dedicated to Cangrande I, Mastino II, Cansignorio, Alberto II and Giovanni.

The last monument is actually built into the wall of the adjoining chapel and features an ornate coffin and death mask.

12. Arco dei Gavi

Reminiscent of the Arch of Constantine in Rome, the Arco dei Gavi was constructed during the first century AD and would have originally served as part of the city defences and been a major gate into what is now the historic city centre.

The original inscription of the pediment on the arch read “Lucius Vitruvius Libertus”. During the Napoleonic era, the arch was actually demolished and it was not properly rebuilt using original designs until the 20th century.

You can now marvel at the arch in all its glory next to the Castle Vecchio – It is also worth seeing at night when it is beautifully lit up.

13. Casa di Giulietta

Verona is famous for having an associated with William Shakespeare; several of his plays are set in this city including the epic Romeo and Juliet.

Located on the Via Cappello, the Casa di Giulietta is the supposed building from the famous scene in Shakespeare’s play where Romeo Hails Juliet and she speaks to him from the balcony.

Although this building has been added too and any truth has be embellished, it nonetheless provides an important attraction and is a great place to visit if you are in that part of the city.

You can see the fabled balcony and inside the house there is a selection of informative displays about the play and the building.

14. Lake Garda

There are many great lakes in Italy, but non is as impressive as the mighty Lake Garda.

Lake Garda covers a surface area of 369 squared KM and has a water volume of 50.35km cubed.

It is one of the largest lakes in Italy, and also a popular holiday location due to its favourable climate, beautiful scenery and the amount of attractions available.

If you are staying in Verona for a length of time, consider taking a day trip to Lake Garda to explore this beautiful area of natural beauty – Consider a boat ride on the lake, or visiting one of the charming towns that sit on its shores such as Sermione or Bardolino.

15. Piazza dei Signori

Another of Verona’s fine Piazza’s, the Piazza dei Signori actually sits in close proximity to the Piazza delle Erbe but is just as interesting and popular.

Many historical and architecturally beautiful buildings line the square including the Palazzo del Capitano, the Loggia del Consiglio and the Case della Pieta.

Each building offers a slightly different style and the square is a miss-match of different time periods that creates a pleasant contrast.

Music performances are often held here and there is also several cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating.

15 Best Things to Do in Verona (Italy):

• Arena di Verona
• Castle Vecchio
• Ponte di Castle Vecchio
• Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore
• Piazza Delle Erbe
• Giardino Giusti
• Torre dei Lamberti
• Verona Cathedral
• Castel San Pietro
• Scaliger Tombs
• Arco dei Gavi
• Casa di Giulietta
• Piazza dei Signori

64 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Verona, Italy

• 13 Pinterest

Eternalized in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona is, without doubt, one of Italy’s most romantic destinations. Though full of ancient history it is still brimming with vitality in its bustling piazzas, restaurants and bars.

This city’s roots extend back at least 2,000 years and eagle-eyed visitors can encounter Roman-era amphitheaters rubbing back-to-back with medieval churches and 19th-century townhouses. The open-air opera festival that takes place each summer in the Arena di Verona is the cultural highlight of the year.

And in between all of these cultural treasures, you can take your youngsters to an interactive museum, cheer for the local sports teams, or get some thrills in at the nearby water parks and amusement parks.

From its enchanting architecture to dreamy gardens to the doable day trips from this part of Italy, it’s easy to understand why Verona has inspired literary geniuses and creatives for centuries.

It is just a short distance from Venice and Lake Garda and is surrounded by lush valleys that produce some of the world’s finest wines. Let’s discover the best things to do in Verona and why it should be top of the list for your next Italian city break.

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• Verona tours

1 – Walk in the footsteps of Roman gladiators at the ancient Arena of Verona

The ancient Arena di Verona is still at the heart of the city’s celebrations after almost two millennia.

It hosts a yearly summer opera festival as well as occasional touring artists and has welcomed the likes of Pink Floyd, Bjork and Radiohead to its stage.

The arena was first constructed in 30AD outside of the city walls and originally had a capacity for 30,000 guests.

It is Italy’s third-largest Roman Amphitheater and in ancient times would have hosted all kinds of spectacles including circuses and savage gladiator battles.

Whether you’re hoping to soak up some history or catch the latest epic concert, this venue is a must-see spot in town!

• Arena tickets

2 – Explore the beautiful Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore

One of the finest and best-preserved Romanesque Cathedrals in the country, The Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore should be high on the to-see list of all travelers to Verona.

The facade of the building has an unusual warm hue to it due to the alternating brick and tufa stone used in its construction.

One of the most beautiful architectural features of the church’s interior is its arched wooden ceiling which dates from the 14th century.

It is a popular belief that the crypt of San Zeno was the setting for Romeo and Juliet’s wedding in Shakespeare’s famous play.

3 – See Piazza delle Erbe on a walking tour

The Piazza delle Erbe sits at the center of Verona life and is one of its oldest and most beautiful squares.

In Roman times the piazza was the location for the city forum and is named after the market which still takes place here throughout the week.

There are lots of things to see in the Piazza including the statue of the Verona Madonna which dates to the year 380.

The city’s tallest tower, the Torre dei Lamberti, is located here which visitors can climb up inside for excellent views of the city.

It is worth a trip just to see the fantastic frescoes which decorate many of the buildings around the square.

• walking tours in Verona

4 – Overlooking the Adige River, see the fortress and other landmarks from the Castelvecchio Bridge

The Ponte di Castel Vecchio (or Ponte Scaligero) was built in the mid 14th century by Cangrande II della Scala, the city’s tyrannical lord at the time.

Visitors can stroll across this very old bridge that was once accessible only to the Cangrande and his family.

The original bridge was damaged by French troops in the 1700s and then completely destroyed by retreating German forces at the end of World War II.

It was rebuilt in 1949 without the left tower.

Today, you can stroll along the restored structure, whose mixture of white marble and red brick hearken back to its many centuries of construction and rebuilding.

Directions in Google Maps

5 – Check out the views from Castel San Pietro

Located on top of San Pietro Hill at a site that has been an ancient Roman temple, church, palace, fortress, and army barracks, Castel San Pietro is steeped in history.

The castle’s strategic position on top of the hill means it has stunning views across the city.

Visitors can walk up the hill or ride on the funicular that runs regularly, taking just over a minute to reach the top.

From there you can see the sights of the historic center and the Adige River. Visitors shouldn’t miss these unparalleled views of Verona.

6 – Sample the best local wines on a wine tour and tasting

You’ve tried the food, now how about the wine! The area surrounding Verona is home to some outstanding varieties. World-renowned yet varied wines such as Soave and Amarone are both produced in the regions surrounding the city.

Why not take a wine tour to discover what makes the region’s wines so special. Tour the vineyards where the grapes are grown and learn about the process of producing the finest grapes. Sample the wines in the place where they a grown for a really unforgettable experience.

The picturesque Villa Mosconi Bertani is worth a visit. It is known to be the birthplace of Amarone wine, one of the best wine regions in Italy .

There’s something spectacular about vino when paired with cheese tastings , the two flavor profiles working like a match made in heaven. In an ideal country for it, don’t miss out!

• wine tastings in Verona

7 – Glimpse rescued treasures at the Museum of Castelvecchio

After you’ve crossed the bridge you should definitely take the time to look around the Museum of Castelvecchio .

Castelvecchio, or old castle, houses some interesting artifacts including 200 pieces of ancient religious and civic artworks saved during the Napoleonic occupation of the city.

Visitors can check out the collection of old sculptures, paintings, weaponry and trinkets.

The museum also features paintings by the famed Venetian painter Gentile Bellini as well as his father Jacopo Bellini and brother-in-law Andrea Mantegna.

Between the treasures inside and the building itself, you’ll have no shortage of historical treats to explore!

8 – Cycle the Ponte Pietra on a bike tour

Why not take a fun and freewheeling bike tour during your time in Verona. Visit all the major landmarks and get some local history from your professional guide.

Visit sites like the super-historic Ponte Pietra, a Roman bridge that is over 2,000 years old.

Strap on your helmet and cruise through the city streets as you see all Verona’s must-see sights including the Arena, Castel San Pietro and Juliet’s Balcony.

You can even venture further out into the countryside, and explore the beautiful scenery and rich wine culture.

These casual tours are a seriously fun way to get to know the city.

• bike tours in Verona

9 – Photograph frescoes and sculptures inside the Verona Cathedral, exploring Piazza Duomo

Verona is absolutely packed with historic buildings, especially churches. The Verona Cathedral is an attractive Romanesque church that sits at the center of a complex of religious buildings. It dates from the 1100s but sits on the site of a much older church.

The cathedral complex includes the Capitular Library and Saint Elena and the Canons Cloister, the latter of which has remnants of mosaic floor that are well over 1,500 years old.

As you walk across its floors and gaze up at its towering designs, you’ll have a whole new appreciation for religious architecture!

10 – Preserved in time, amble beneath the 16th century Medieval Gates

The city of Verona is surrounded by a large series of defensive walls and has a number of gateways into the historic part of the city.

Some of these are from medieval times but some are much older. The Porta Borsari and Porta dei Leoni are two gateways that date back to Roman times.

Three of the city’s gateways, Porta Palio, Porta Nuova and Porta San Zeno were designed by Michele Sanmicheli in the 1500s with a unified renaissance flair.

There are many more gateways dotted about the city so keep your eyes peeled as you explore.

11 – Cool off at Parco delle Cascate

Just to the north of Verona near the small hamlet of Molina, the Parco delle Cascate is waiting to enthrall you.

This small slice of paradise is dotted throughout with tumbling waterfalls and cascades, cavernous grottos and glorious nature trails.

As you amble along, keep an eye out for the diverse plants and animals that call the area home, such as badgers, yellow-bellied toads, and peregrine falcons.

The park has three different walking routes to choose from depending on your ability and handrails and walkways throughout.

This stunning natural park is well worth the trip from Verona. Bring a picnic and make an afternoon of it.

12 – Uncover local delicacies on a food tour

Sampling some of the amazing local food is one of the best things to do in Verona. Where to eat is a priority on most people’s trips to any Italian city.

Why not take a food tour and discover the best of the city restaurants and eateries with a knowledgeable local guide.

Discover some history on the way as you sample ice creams and pastries and local delicacies like Monte Veronese cheese and the salami known as sopressa.

Wash it all down with a taste of Valpolicella wine and an invigorating espresso. Buon appetito!

• food tours in Verona

13 – Climb the Torre dei Lamberti

The Torre dei Lamberti is the tallest building in Verona and it looms over the ancient Piazza delle Erbe in which it is located.

Construction of the tower began in 1172 but it wasn’t fitted with bells for over 100 years. The tower has been damaged and renovated a number of times.

This happened most notably in 1408 when it was struck by lightning, after which it received its iconic octagonal bell chamber.

Visitors can climb to the first level of the tower to grab some spectacular views of the city.

14 – For a whopping of outdoor experiences, day trip to Lake Garda

If you’ve never visited Lake Garda before you have to go see this iconic Italian destination. The lake is home to a number of small islands including Isola del Garda, where St. Francis of Assisi built a monastery in 1220.

Some of the islands can be viewed by boat tours which run from the town of Sirmione There are also many captivating towns, villages and landmarks dotted around the perimeter of the lake.

Some of the most impressive buildings include Castello Scaligeri, the ruins of a Roman villa at the Grotte di Catullo and the town of Torre del Benaco.

A bicycle route runs partway around the lake offering one of the nicest ways to explore the area.

This area is also very popular for adventure outdoor sports … Conquer the landscapes near Lake Garda and go rock climbing, or if you prefer a protected climb, opt for the via ferrata routes. Combine climbing with a few waterslides and test out the canyoning experiences.

• Lake Garda day trips from Verona

15 – Go a little wild at Parco Natura Viva

If the birds and the beasts are high on your list, take some time to enjoy the delights of Parco Natura !

With more than 1,500 critters representing five different continents, it’s a great place to check out your favorite animals – and maybe meet some new ones!

Red pandas, flamingos, chimps, and lemurs are just some of the many fascinating species you’ll encounter here, each in a wonderfully reconstructed habitat that feels like the wild.

And if you really want to get a closer look, head over to the Safari Park and cruise around in search of antelope, lions, and more!

16 – Visit Italy’s most beautiful town: Soave (fact!)

Enchanting those with the type of landscape that inspires authors of fairytales, cue the castles on the hillsides, ancient trees with twisty curving branches, cobble roads and colorful houses … Soave is a dream!

Owning the honorary title of the ‘most beautiful town in Italy’ (go figure), this village at the foothills of the Lessini Mountains will instantly win over your hearts.

A medieval destination painstakingly preserved in time, one of the first things you’ll notice approaching the town is its 13th-century Scaligero Castle with its towering fortified stone walls (erected in 1379).

The area is also famed for its Blanco (white) wine, particularly those bottled from Garganega grapes — and you can best believe there are vineyards to tour!

• Soave day trips from Verona

17 – Grab a coffee and people-watch at Piazza dei Signori

One of Verona’s most beautiful squares, Piazza dei Signori is tucked away just behind Piazza delle Erbe.

While the first version of the space started taking shape in the Middle Ages, it has evolved several times since then, as different political structures rose up over the years.

Some highlights of the square include a statue of the renowned Italian poet Dante and the Palladio-designed Loggia del Capitanato and Palazzo della Ragione, which was the former town hall.

There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the square and it is a great place to grab a drink and watch the world go by.

Don’t miss the magnificent gothic staircase just off the main square.

18 – Discover the city on a hop-on hop-off bus tour

One of the easiest and best ways to tour any city is on a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus. Climb aboard to explore the city in depth.

Listen to commentary and pick up some local history as you pass by the city’s most important landmarks.

Get on and off as many times as you like or just relax and take in the sights as you cruise through the city streets.

It’s a great way to see all of the coolest spots at your own pace!

Take the stress out of getting about and try one of these great bus tours.

• hop-on hop-off bus tours in Verona

19 – Head to Arco dei Gavi in the evening for a different perspective of this historic arch

Once part of the Roman walls of Verona, the Arco Dei Gavi was the main gateway to the city for people traveling on the ancient Via Postumia.

The arch was commissioned by the wealthy Gavi family and built in the first century. It was demolished in the Napoleonic period and moved to the Arena.

It was reconstructed in the 1930s using some of the original materials and the position that it stands in now is near to its original site near the Castelvecchio.

Take a couple laps under the impressive arch, and feel the impressive scope of history!

20 – Perfectly manicured hedges, mazes and more – stroll through Giardino Giusti

Italy has always been renowned for its formal gardens and the Palazzo Giusti has one of the finest gardens in the country.

The gardens were designed and laid out in the late 1500s when they were owned by wealthy wool merchants, The Giusti Family.

The garden and palazzo were wool factories and dyeing areas until the 16th century when the factory buildings were incorporated into the Palazzo Giusti design.

Today, you can enjoy the splendid greenery just as centuries of tourists have before, as well as the beautiful art and buildings throughout the grounds.

Don’t miss this world-famous garden while in Verona.

• Giusti Garden tickets

21 – Touch the hump for good luck at Basilica of Santa Anastasia

The largest of Verona’s churches, the Basilica of Saint Anastasia is a wonder of Italian Gothic design.

The interior features 12 large pillars, a grand entryway and flooring all crafted from local Verona marble.

The church dates back to the 1200s and contains a number of chapels to some of the most well-known families and personalities of the city’s history.

As you enter the basilica, there are two marble hunchbacks that support holy water basins on their backs. It is said to bring good luck to those who touch the hump of the statues’ back.

22 – Go truffle hunting like a local and enjoy the fruits of your labor

Fun fact: In these parts of Italy, Black Truffles (known as Bagnoli Truffle) grow tenfold in the forested, damp areas near Verona, and truffle season is usually from September to January in the cooler months.

So, for a tasting of the highly-prized fungi, get involved in trufficulture and go truffle hunting like a pro, led by the experts in the field — literally and figuratively.

These private tours are assisted by truffle-sniffing dogs, who make foraging a whole lot easier, and many conclude with lunch or even wine tastings (and yup , truffles are included in the menu)!

Experiences are approximately four hours long.

• truffle hunting in Verona

23 – Careful you don’t fall off the edge at Santuario Madonna della Corona

Just under an hour’s drive from the city is one of Italy’s construction marvels, the Santuario Madonna della Corona .

The cliffside site has been home to a church for about 800 years offering a secluded place for pilgrims to contemplate their faith.

The church and pathway were renovated in the 1900s but the previous route to the sanctuary was a treacherous and dangerous trail fit only for the truest of devotees.

Visitors can now reach the sanctuary more easily and it is definitely worth the trip during your time in Verona.

24 – Romeo, Romeo … Pretend to be the heroine on her famous balcony during a Romeo and Juliet Tour

Could you go to the fair city of Verona and not visit the house of Shakespeare’s star-crossed heroine Juliet?

There are a number of guided tours visitors can take through the city to see some of Verona’s most popular Romeo and Juliet locations.

Visit the house thought to be the home of Juliet, with its famous balcony overlooking the street.

See the palatial home of Romeo from the outside and visit the tomb of Juliet in the crypt of San Francesco al Corso Church. These spots are a must-see on a tour of Verona.

• Romeo and Juliet tours

25 – Put your detective skills to work with some scavenger games

Another great way to explore the city’s layers of history, scavenger games combine the fun of a tour with some good old-fashioned puzzle solving!

Download the app and embark on a self-guided adventure, using clues and riddles to navigate your way through the beautiful neighborhoods.

Along the way, you’ll get a great glimpse of iconic attractions such as the Verona Arena and the Castelvecchio Bridge, as well as some of the smaller sites that often go unnoticed.

It’s a cool, quirky way to explore town at your own pace, while also practicing those detective skills!

• scavenger games in Verona

26 – Burial chambers or art? Decide for yourself when visiting the extravagant Scaliger Tombs

Considered to be some of the finest gothic artworks in the world, The Scaliger tombs are an opulent memorial to the city’s former rulers, the Scaligeri Family.

The five memorials are located by the Church of Santa Maria Antica and each features a statue of the deceased on top.

The Scaligers ruled Verona from the 13th to the 14th-century during one of the city’s most prosperous eras and were one of its most powerful political dynasties.

Infighting amongst the Scaligeri, including several generations murdering each other to retain power, led to their eventual downfall.

27 – Explore the modern city at Galleria d’Arte Moderna Achille Forti

We know that Verona is packed with historic art and architecture but it also has cutting-edge modern and contemporary art too.

The Galleria d’Arte Moderna Achille Forti is housed in the Palazzo della Ragione, once the seat of government in the city, which lends a deeper significance to the works on display.

It endeavors to bring together the most important local works from the last two centuries and make the Verona culture accessible to everyone.

Expect traditional and modern exhibitions side by side in this unique and vital art space.

28 – Make it out of an enchanted forest at a Magic School, i.e., an escape room

How good are your problem-solving skills? Using everything you’ve got and with 60 minutes on the clock, do you have what it takes to make it out of an escape room? Dum, dum, dummmm .

Okay, it’s not as daunting as it sounds, although you are locked inside of a themed space, and the whole ordeal is exciting, especially racing time!

Not for the faint-hearted, Game Over Escape Room has three main options: Walking Death, The Cursed Temple and The Maze of the Minataur.

Favored for their rooms using innovative technology, The Key Escape is another fantastic option.

Or, test out Cronos Escape Room , where games boast multiple settings. Try the likes of Area 51, Psycho Hospital, Dante’s Inferno, Tutankhamun’s Tomb and more!

29 – Sample all the city’s best gelato

It’s true that there’s always room for ice cream, so there’s no excuse not to sample all the flavors on offer in the city’s best gelaterias.

Whether you’re a straight-up stracciatella (chocolate chip) kind of person or like to explore the weird world of fruit and wine combinations, Verona is heaven for ice cream lovers.

For some of the best gelatos in the city check out Gelateria Ponte Pietra for ice cream and brioche sandwiches and Zeno Gelato e Cioccolato for Amarone wine ices.

For the real enthusiast why not consider taking part in a gelato-making workshop during your time in Verona.

• gelato making workshop in Verona

30 – Go Window Shopping in via Mazzini

If you’re on the hunt for luxury shopping and eateries in the center of the city, Via Mazzini is it.

The narrow pedestrian street is lined on both sides with upmarket shops, unique boutiques and enticing cafes and restaurants.

The street runs between two of the city’s biggest squares, Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza Bra.

Here you can find the best-dressed members of Verona society alongside casual tourists window shopping at Gucci while enjoying an ice cream.

Grab a drink and some high-end souvenirs, then mingle with the locals!

31 – See classic Italian cars at Nicolis Museum

Founded to exhibit engineering genius, The Nicolis Museum is definitely one of the most fun places to visit in Verona.

Be overawed by the museum’s collection of historic vehicles, including classic Italian cars from Alpha Romeo, Fiat and Lamborghini as well as motorcycles, planes and bicycles.

The collection also includes other engineering marvels such as cameras, typewriters and musical instruments including a self-playing grand piano, built in the 1920s.

As you explore the different exhibits, you can also see how each of these brilliant inventions factored into the larger story of inventions in the region.

Visit this museum to modern ingenuity while exploring the ancient city.

• Nicolis Museum tickets

32 – Explore the layered history of the Church of San Fermo

Featuring prominent gothic spires, the church of San Fermo cuts a unique silhouette in the city skyline. The church is actually more like three stacked on top of each other.

The oldest lower floor holds the remains of martyred saints Firmus and Rusticus and dates to the 5th century.

There are two other churches above, known as the upper church and lower church built between the 11th and 15th centuries by the Benedictine monks.

The upper church features an ornate wooden ceiling from the 1300s as well as one of the earliest works by Pisanello.

33 – Catch an exhibition at Palazzo della Gran Guardia

The Palazzo della Gran Guardia is located in Verona’s vibrant Piazza Bra. The palazzo’s construction was begun in the early 1600s but was abandoned and finally completed in 1853.

It has been used for various military purposes and served as barracks for the Austrian Army in 1848.

The palazzo hosts regular traveling art exhibitions featuring some of the world’s most renowned painters as well as Vinitaly, the Verona wine conference.

From elegant glass pieces to jewelry and paintings, there’s no telling what kind of artworks you’ll see!

34 – Enjoy playing golf … in the vineyards!

Heading out of the city center, if you’re missing your playtime back home, make way for the Golf Club Verona — and not to fear if you haven’t got your kit or clubs (you’re on vacation after all), you can rent out equipment here.

Founded in 1960, by 1971, its original nine-hole course had been improved to 18, and the golf course is officially part of the IAGTO (The Global Golf Tourism Organization).

What’s today’s course like? Expect quite a few hills, and the first nine holes are the shortest and most narrow, with a par 72.

Afterward, enjoy drinks from the Club House — dubbed one of the finest in Italia. If you haven’t played in a while, work on your backswing at the Driving Range. It boasts a two-level putting green, pitching and chipping greens, and bunkers.

35 – Learn the secrets of local cuisine in cooking classes

After your trip to Verona, you’re sure to want to recreate some of the dishes you’ve enjoyed. Why not take a class and learn the secrets of cooking all’Italiana.

Discover the “correct” way to make pasta and simple traditional methods to create the best dishes.

Visit a local market to pick up some fresh ingredients then hit the kitchen for a fun and casual cooking class.

Enjoy the fruits of your labor over a glass of wine. For foodies, these classes could be the most fun thing you do in Verona.

• cooking classes in Verona

36 – Experience the peace at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes

On San Leonardo Hill, The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes looks down over the city. The original sanctuary was built in the 12th-century as a church and monastery.

The site became a fortress in the 1800s and then a prison for political detainees during the Second World War.

The fort was destroyed at the end of WWII by a bomb and in the following years, the sanctuary was rebuilt.

Check out the sanctuary during your time in the city and discover the history of this amazing site.

Along with its illustrious past, you can enjoy the beautiful designs and breathtaking views from the hilltop – a truly comprehensive experience!

37 – See amazing fossils at the Natural History Museum

For a glimpse into the natural wonders of the world, Verona’s Natural History Museum is a worthwhile stop.

The museum is quite old-fashioned in style with many items in glass cabinets and its collection is very extensive.

See the huge collection of fossils, including full-size fossilized sharks, alligators, and other creatures. It has many preserved animals, insects, and rocks to discover.

You can even see some of the substances that helped form the beginnings of our planet!

Admission is free with the VeronaCard.

38 – See jaw-dropping scenery on a Dolomites day trip

It would be hard to find a landscape more enchanting than the Dolomites anywhere in Europe. The mountain range extends from the Adige river to the Piave Valley and is a popular destination for outdoor sports enthusiasts.

The dolomites are a great place to hike, cycle, and climb during the warmer months and in winter become a center for all kinds of snow sports.

Take a day trip through these stunning peaks and see some of the most popular spots including the picturesque Val di Fassa, Pordoi Pass and take a ride on the Piz Boè funicular.

• Dolomites day trips from Verona

39 – Visit the market at Arsenale Franz Josef I

Constructed by the Austrian military during the mid-1800s, the Arsenale Franz Josef was part of a much larger military complex.

The building was used for military purposes up until the end of World War II. The grounds of the arsenal are now a much more fun place and have been turned into a playpark.

The building hosts exhibitions as well as food and wine fairs. It also has a market Each Thursday selling locally grown and produced products.

Take some time to browse, and enjoy the cheery communal atmosphere!

 Directions in Google Maps

40 – Feel like Lewis Hamilton when karting

How many times have you gone karting … on a double-storey track?! Affi Indoor Kart is for adrenaline junkies or anyone wanting to experience the thrills of professional racing, but you don’t need to be a pro to drive the karts here!

The asphalt ground floor track totals 370 meters, with curves and uphills; then, the first floor, with its resin-coated concrete track, is 180 meters long and is full of technical bends.

There are a few kart options to choose from: the 12 SODI RT10, the 8 SODIKART LR5 200CC, the 1 SODIKART GT4 with steering wheel controls and the 1 SUPERKART is for drivers after a mega rush! The SODI LR5 karts are for kids aged eight years and up.

41 – See roman artifacts at Archaeological Museum Teatro Romano

The Archeological Museum located at the Roman Theatre is a must-visit for fans of Roman-era history.

It contains a fascinating collection of artifacts from the period and includes many objects found locally as well as a few from outside of the region.

The collection includes stone tablets, sculptures and artworks, including a section of original mosaic flooring. The museum also has great views across the city’s Old Town.

Stop by to get a feel for one of history’s greatest empires!

42 – Treat yourself at Aquardens Thermal Baths

20 minutes outside of town, you can take relaxation to the next level at Aquardens Thermal Baths , a spa for all seasons and moods.

The natural waters at this complex sound like a dream; naturally warm and wonderfully pure, they offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of town.

And once you dive in, the possibilities are endless!

Unwind with a comprehensive hydromassage, dunk yourself in the waterfalls, or try out all of the different pools throughout the day.

And if you prefer a more natural approach, you can easily spend the whole day floating, swimming, and luxuriating in the main river – a truly replenishing experience!

43 – Discover the unique Church of San Lorenzo

There are many churches in Verona but San Lorenzo is unique in its design and layout. The church is on the ancient Via Postumia route and parts of it are over 1,000 years old.

The original church was damaged in a major earthquake in the 1100s and it was rebuilt with layers of brick and marble, giving it a distinctive striped appearance.

The Church of San Lorenzo is one of the only churches in Europe to have two circular towers on its facade. These towers lead up to a gallery level above the doorway.

44 – Cruise the streets on a segway tour

One of the most fun things to do on a trip to Verona is to take a Segway sightseeing tour of the city.

Cruise through the ancient streets of the city on one of these unusual electric scooters.

Even first-timers can get the hang of using a Segway in a very short time. Get a quick introduction and before you know it you’ll be rambling through Verona’s streets like a pro.

Segway tours are suitable for ages 16 and above and all fitness levels.

Hop aboard and enjoy a unique side of the city – with an equally unique vehicle!

• segway tours in Verona

45 – Learn and play at the CMV – Children’s Museum Verona

If you’re looking for places to take younger kids, the Children’s Museum of Verona is one of the most fun things to visit in the city.

This unique and vibrant museum where play and learning go hand in hand is sure to be a highlight for both kids and adults.

Explore this huge museum and its many interactive zones which encourage children to explore, build, touch and play.

Discover the many uses for gears, sound and light as well as the fundamental forces of water and air. The Children’s Museum is a must-visit for younger kids.

46 – Equestrians and horse lovers join in the Fieracavalli festivities

Since 1898, the annual international Fieracavalli show has taken place in Verona, and it’s a celebration of horses and all things for horse lovers.

Hosted at the exhibition center, the four-day event is filled with shops selling riding clothes and accessories, there’s a horse riding competition and a horse trade area — a Verona tradition since the 18th century.

From 2001 onwards, the festival also hosts the Rolex FEI World Cup and the Italian jumping stage is set up here.

There are various thematic spaces to explore: Show Jumping, the Breeding Show arena, the Golden Gala equestrian art show, the Western show, the Riding in the Blue project (horse therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder) and more!

47 – Take a trip to Hollywood at Movieland Studios & Caneva Aquapark

Take a trip to Tinseltown at Movieland Studios , Canevaworld. See outrageous stunt shows and ride epic roller coasters at this glitzy Lake Garda amusement resort.

Take a trip back to prehistoric times on the Expedition Pangea dinosaur safari or play Sherlock as you track a notorious Serial Killer through the Horror Hotel.

Canevaworld is also home to the Caribbean-themed Caneva Aquapark which has five pools, and many slides and attractions. You could spend a full day in the Aquapark alone.

Even the restaurants are themed; choose between medieval times, the wild savanna, or the world of rock stars as you tuck into your meals!

48 – Conquer some climbs near Lake Garda

Whether you’re a boulder novice or a longtime scrambler, this is a superb area to do some rock climbing !

Ridges, crevices, and pitches of all sorts await you, and with great instructors on hand for every level, you can be sure that your adventure will be safe and utterly thrilling!

49 – Hold onto your seats and feel the rush at Gardaland Park

Looking for fun things to do in Verona with kids? Visit the Gardaland theme park.

Italy’s top amusement park since 1975, Gardaland has white knuckle rollercoasters, exciting rides for younger kids and a whole heap of attractions all in one place.

Ride the terror-inducing Oblivion with its 100-foot vertical drop or experience the thrill of flight on the Raptor.

Gardaland is also home to LEGOLAND Waterpark and the SEA LIFE Aquarium. You could spend the whole day here and not see it all.

It’s a wonderful way to inject some adrenaline into your vacation!

50 – Indulge in some horseback riding

For such a romantic and picturesque area, there are few better sightseeing activities than horseback riding!

Saddle up with your friendly steed, and enjoy a leisurely tour through the surrounding countryside, where every turn yields stunning views and unique cultural opportunities.

Amble through rolling vineyards and take in the sights and smells – and tastes, of course! – of the local wineries.

Or head out to Val di Ronchi, a gorgeous area near town filled with riverside trails, and stunning groves of trees.

It’s an unforgettable way to experience nature, with a pretty cool animal friend as part of the bargain!

• horse riding in Verona

51 – See Shakespeare on the city streets at Teatro Nuovo

For a really unique theatrical experience while in Verona, check out the Teatro Stabile .

The company performs Shakespearean classics, most notably Romeo and Juliet and leads its audience on a literal tour of the city.

See the much-loved scenes brought to life on the real-life streets of Verona, including Juliet’s balcony, the Piazza delle Erbe and finishing off at the Teatro Nuovo.

These productions will be great fun for everyone, especially lovers of the theatre.

If you want a little break from the Bard, they also offer more modern productions, with their own unique style and sensibility.

52 – Venture along some via ferratas

Via ferrata routes offer the best of both worlds!

Sure, you’ll be out in the most rugged parts of the nearby hills and mountains, inching along various formations like a proper mountain goat.

But thanks to the carefully constructed routes, you’ll be able to enjoy a whole different style of outdoor playground, filled with bridges, ropes, and exciting challenges.

This is one activity that really “rocks”!

53 – Discover treasure at Piazza San Zeno Flea Market

A trip to a local flea market is as much an educational experience as the museums when visiting a new city.

Piazza San Zeno hosts a great Sunday flea market bursting with treasures and trash in equal proportion.

Sift through the stalls of vintage clothing, antiques, art and furniture to see if you can find the perfect souvenir of your trip to Verona. Really, who doesn’t love a good flea market?

Be sure to make some extra room in your suitcase, and leave plenty of time to navigate the massive web of booths – after all, you never know what you might find in between the nooks and crannies!

54 – Tackle bridges, suspended cages and swings at supersized Park Jungle Adventure

Do you think you could survive out in the wild? Test your endurance levels at Park Jungle Adventure — an outdoor playground for all ages that’s equipped with seven adventure trails and 150 platforms!

Each of the seven routes is designed for different ages and with varying levels of difficulty.

The Baby Route is for children between three and six years old, designed as a preparatory course. Its highest platform is 1.4 meters off the ground. The “Acrobatic” Purple Route has 22 stations; the “Discovery” Green Route has a Tibetan Bridge and descending cableways; the Orange Route (Exploration) is the longest with 32 platforms.

Anyone eleven years and older can attempt the “Adventure” Blue Route with its Tarzan jump; the Red Route is for experts, and the Black Route is the fastest and most adrenaline-filled of them all!

55 – Dine in luxury at the best traditional restaurants

One of the best-loved restaurants in the city by locals and visitors alike has to be L’Evangelista Ristorante and Enoteca .

They serve up traditional Italian and Mediterranean dishes with a gourmet twist and modern flair.

Dari Ristorante provides excellent food in unique and beautiful surroundings that are sure to make the evening an unforgettable one.

Trattoria dal Taio and La Bottega della Gina should also not be missed by those in search of the best traditional restaurants in Verona.

With an unbeatable combination of history and delicious cuisine, every meal here will be an adventure!

• dinners in Verona

56 – See the oldest library, The Biblioteca Capitolare

Thought to be the oldest library in the world still in operation, The Biblioteca Capitulare has withstood the test of time and numerous natural and man-made disasters.

It even contains manuscripts featuring some of the earliest examples of the modern Italian language!

It has welcomed the greats of Italian poetry to study in its halls including Dante Alighieri and Francesco Petrarca.

The library is home to a huge treasure trove of ancient books, manuscripts, artworks, musical instruments and more. The library is available to visit by guided tour only.

57 – Go to the Opera at Teatro Filarmonico

The Teatro Filarmonico is Verona’s main opera house and is considered to be one of the finest in Europe.

First opened in 1732 the theatre has been rebuilt a number of times after fire damage in the 1750s and heavy bombing in World War II.

It was rebuilt in the spirit of the previous design but with modern conveniences.

Nowadays, it serves as one of the cultural hubs of the city, with a wonderful variety of programs to sample.

The theatre hosts opera, ballet and concerts throughout the year. A night out at the Teatro Filarmonico is sure to be a world-class event.

58 – Go Shopping in Centro Commerciale Adigeo

Verona’s indoor shopping mall, Centro Commerciale Adigeo , has enough top high street brands to please the most enthusiastic shopaholic.

The newly opened center has a wide mix of stores specializing in fashion, health and beauty, electronics and homewares, groceries and a number of restaurants.

If you’re looking for a fancier take on your day out, this is the spot!

Major brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Vans and Timberland as well as Primark and H&M can all be found here. Check it out while you’re in the city.

59 – Marvel at the sun setting over the lake on a kayaking venture

Canoes and kayaks make the perfect vehicles for a mellow journey around the lakes. Just grab a paddle and set out across the calm, clear waters!

And if you want a truly magical experience, book a sunset tour, and watch the shifting colors of the sky and the changes in the landscape as evening comes.

60 – Make a splash with some rafting

Sure, looking at the river from the shore is great… but how about riding along it?

While the rafting here may not be as high-octane as other places, it offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the scenery and kick back with friends, as you drift along the calming currents.

Throughout your trip, your guide will point out various historical and cultural sites, while you enjoy the experience of the water itself.

But don’t worry, you’ll still get some fun; with plenty of paddle breaks and a lively atmosphere, it’s a party and educational jaunt all in one!

• rafting in Verona

61 – Relax under the stars at Verona’s best rooftop bars

Where better to spend those balmy summer nights than at one of the city’s rooftop bars. Enjoy a ‘spritz’ and take in the sights and sounds of the city as you look down on charming Verona.

The deck-like Terrazza Bar al Ponte opens late into the night and is the ideal spot to visit after a night at the opera or theatre.

Terrazza Arena Sky Lounge serves up fantastic cocktails with spectacular views of the Arena.

If you are in the mood for a garden atmosphere and modern Italian food, Re Teodorico is the place to be.

62 – Catch a Hellas match at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi

Verona’s multipurpose sports stadium, Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi, is the place to be for football fans in Verona.

Home to the city’s two very old clubs, Hellas Verona FC as well as their cross-town rivals A.C. ChievoVerona until 2021, match days are always a loud and passionate affair.

The stadium also hosts Bardolino Verona C.F. women’s football club matches as well as occasional rugby and athletics events.

Cheer on your favorite team – or find a new one! – alongside the locals.

63 – Dine at the best Michelin restaurants

Home to no less than 18 restaurants that have made it into the MICHELIN guide, you are really spoiled for choice when it comes to fine dining in Verona.

Many of the city’s best eateries serve modernized versions of regional traditional foods. There are also a few that offer international flavors.

Casa Perbellini is the city’s only two-star restaurant and offers an informal atmosphere to enjoy creative dishes.

The single-starred 12 Apostoli serves up dishes rooted in local flavors but with a modern flair.

And if seafood is more your style, be sure to stop by Al Capitan della Cittadella , where you can pair one of the renowned fish courses with a wine from their extensive selection.

Choices, choices!

64 – Discover the city’s nightlife at Verona’s best bars

The best nights out often have no clear destination in mind. Verona is a great place to ramble around and discover cozy bars to sip a drink or two in.

If your time in the city is limited though here are some of the best bars for you to check out. One of the city’s oldest bars is Antica Bottega del Vino which has a ridiculously extensive wine list.

For the poets and artists among us, Osteria a la Carega is a favorite meeting place. If beer and a casual pub vibe are your thing it’s worth a trip to Birreria Iter .

The tiny bar, Archivio , on Via Rosa has a menu packed full of mouthwatering cocktails and craft brews.

How to get to Verona?

Start your magical trip off right with an airport transfer from one of the many nearby hubs, each offering their own benefits and conveniences.

While you can easily arrange a service to and from Verona Airport, you can also easily travel from other nearby hubs, including Bologna Airport and Marco Polo Airport in Venice.

Wherever you’re coming and going from, these services will keep you comfortable!

Airport transfers in Verona guarantee a quick, efficient and stress-free way to get from A to B, with your private driver awaiting your arrival outside the gates. Planning on traveling elsewhere afterward? There are shore excursions in Verona to Venice, for example.

Where to stay in Verona?

At Hotel Firenze , the attractions of town are just a short walk away, while the property itself offers a charming traditional aesthetic and attentive staff prepared to help you navigate the city.

Hotel Maxim provides the best of the big resort experience with plenty of friendly touches; when you’re not relaxing in your room or indulging in the buffet, you can borrow one of the facility’s bikes and go for a spin.

And at Leonardo Hotel Verona , you can indulge in a drink at the bar or a bite at the snack bar, then head straight over to the nearby transit hubs to start exploring the town further.

Meanwhile, Hotel Milano is the perfect place to try a little bit of everything; with the Verona Cathedral and the Verona Arena practically outside the door, you’ll really be in the thick of it all!

Looking for a more old-school option? To really get the best experience while in Verona there are many beautiful historic hotels to stay at.

The NH Collection Palazzo Verona is in the very center of the historic city just a few minutes walk from Juliet’s house and the Arena. Just outside the city is the medieval castle, Relais Castello Bevilacqua which offers unique accommodation in one of its converted chambers.

• best hotels in Verona

Visiting Verona on a budget?

Want to see more and spend less? Free walking tours in Verona are the perfect option!

While these fun-filled excursions are perfect for seeing the biggest sites in town, they’re also a great way to get acquainted with some different aspects of the city, and stories you might not always hear.

Have fun, learn lots, and bring cash to tip your guide!

Then, there are also Verona Passes to consider. Get more bang for your buck when you purchase this city pass, automatically gaining you skip-the-line access to the city’s famous landmarks, monuments and even tours. Valid for 24 hours or 48, you decide when buying it.

Where to go next?

Lovely Verona is in good company; there are many other things to do in northern Italy!

Practically up the road, you can enjoy the iconic beauty and all the romantic things to do in Venice, where the picturesque canals perfectly frame the palatial residences and gorgeous glass galleries.

Or head over to Bologna, where you can gorge on renowned food and admire the artifacts in various museums. From Michelin-starred restaurants to farms to wine tastings, the things to do in Bologna are foodie paradise on earth!

Milan offers great sports teams and unique outdoor adventures alongside its famous fashion scene. Much like the whole of Italy, there are endless cultural things to do in Milan .

Florence is bursting with different flavors of architecture, history… and food, of course! Not-to-miss things to do in Florence include gallery visits to the Uffizi or the Accademia, hire a Vespa for the day and cruise up the Michaelangelo viewpoint for the best views in the house.

For those seeking more of a nature-focused getaway, Lake Como beckons, with charming villages and gorgeous waters perfect for relaxing, among plenty more outdoorsy things to do in Lake Como .

Three hours from Verona, discover the things to do in Genoa; the birthplace of Christopher Columbus! You could easily spend a lifetime exploring the best places to visit in Italy ! From its rich history and flourishing arts scene to its fantastic cuisine and beautiful scenery, it’s little wonder that this is among the most popular countries in Europe!

Final thoughts

While it often has more of a literary reputation, this charming Italian burg is certainly well-rounded!

With every step, you can soak up the rich history and the friendly vibes of the locals; and as you continue adventuring, you’ll be even more enchanted by its winding streets and lovely countryside.

As you try the amazing things to do in Verona, pace yourself… it’s a place well worth revisiting!

One Day in Verona, Italy: The Ultimate 24-Hour Itinerary

From the first cobbled step I took in Verona , I was spellbound. This city, with its melange of love tales , architectural wonders, and tantalizing bites, etched a special place in my heart. My days exploring its alleyways , coupled with detours to the serene Lake Garda , have inspired this guide. Drawing from firsthand insights and tips, I’ve crafted a 24-hour itinerary to help you make the most of one day in Verona.

Now, if you’re reading this, you’re likely pressed for time, wanting to extract the essence of Verona within the constraints of a day. Believe me, 24 hours, if planned right, with the appropriate city pass, staying at a centrally located hotel , can let you delve deep into this Italian marvel.

Verona, with its intimate charm and rich tapestry of history, strikes a perfect balance between scale and grandeur. It’s a comfortably walkable city, neither overwhelmingly large nor confiningly small. This compact layout makes it an ideal destination for a whirlwind visit, allowing you to meander through its storied streets, discovering its hidden gems without feeling rushed or lost. In essence, Verona offers the best of both worlds: the vibrancy of a city and the intimacy of a town, making every step of your journey an experience in itself.

Embark on this 24-hour Veronese adventure, not just as a checklist of sites but as a day brimming with potential stories. Verona will linger in your thoughts, beckoning a return.

‘Verona in One Day’ was first published by Timeless Travel Steps in October, 2023. The last update was on August 26, 2024, by Georgina .

TOP PICKS FOR VERONA

For the best experience of Verona, consider these tips:

STAY at Due Torri Hotel , overlooking the historic centre and enjoy breakfast over sunrise or dinner over sunset from its large roof terrace.

BOOK Food Walking Tour : Eat your way through Verona, taste their famous wines and see the city’s highlights with a local guide; An all-round experience in one 3.5-hour tour.

See More! Go to the Dolomites or Sirmione + Lake Garda for a day and be completely awestruck by the scenic views. Transportation is provided so, just sit back, relax, and enjoy. After all, you’re on vacation.

Download the VERONA CITY PASS for free local transport, including entry to the Arena, Lamberti Tower and museums

What to See in Verona in One Day: An Overview of 24-hour Itinerary in the Italian Medieval City

If you’re wondering what to see in Verona in one day, this itinerary has it all laid out for you. In one day, you can see the city’s landmarks, historic sites, Roman bridges, San Pietro Hill, renowned as the perfect place for best views of the city, and off-beat gems such as ‘whale-bone’ also. Here is a general overview:

In this one day in Verona itinerary, your journey commences with a 9 AM start, ideally from the bustling Porta Nuova station. Here’s my first tip: arm yourself with the Verona Card . Not only does it provide free transportation from Porta Nuova and around the city, but it also grants access to many of Verona’s iconic landmarks, like the Arena, Juliet’s House and Castelvecchio. It’s a gamechanger, especially when time is of the essence.

During your sojourn, you’ll encounter ancient arenas, romantic balconies, and riverside promenades. To ensure you maximize your time, I can’t emphasize enough the value of pre-booking ‘skip-the-line’ tickets. Having used them myself, they often meant more time soaking in the ambiance rather than waiting in queues.

Staying central was another decision I cherish from my time in Verona. The city unfurls differently when you’re nestled in its heart, with every landmark a short stroll away. This guide, inspired by my journey, is tailored for those who choose a centrally-located base.

Amidst this whirlwind exploration, let’s not forget the magic of serendipity . A surprise street performer, an unplanned cafe stop, or a gelato’s cooling embrace on a sunlit piazza, these spontaneous moments often become the most treasured memories.

Verona, Italy

Verona, Italy, a city deeply rooted in history and romance, has been a coveted travel destination for centuries. From the moment you step off the train at the Porta Nuova Station, or perhaps even fly into the Valerio Catullo Airport, you’re thrust into a UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with architectural splendour and age-old tales.

Begin your one day journey in Verona in the heart of the city at Piazza Bra , where the Roman Arena stands as a testament to Verona’s ancient roots. This arena isn’t just a relic of the past; it’s a living monument, often echoing with the melodies of the Verona Arena Opera.

As you continue, the cobblestone paths might lead you to Juliet’s house, where you’ll undoubtedly ponder, “Art thou Romeo?” A love story for the ages , this is one of the many tales that make Verona iconic.

Wander over to Piazza delle Erbe , a bustling square where you can soak in the local atmosphere and marvel at landmarks like the Palazzo della Ragione and the Arco della Costa. Adjacent to it is the Piazza dei Signori, overlooked by the towering Torre dei Lamberti and the historic Santa Maria Antica.

For those armed with a handy Verona card , you’ll find tips pointing to the 14th-century Bridge of San Pietro, offering panoramic views of the River Adige.

While some might be on a day trip from nearby Venice, a stay in a central hotel allows more time to explore and delve deeper into Verona’s allure.

Whether it’s the magnificent Santa Maria Matricolare (Verona Cathedral) or the scenic vistas from the hill of San Pietro, this beautiful city promises a plethora of things to see and experiences to cherish.

Your Verona itinerary for one day might be fleeting, but the memories and the love for this city will undoubtedly last a lifetime.

Here’s How You Might Spend One Day in Verona, Italy: Itinerary Overview

Arrival in Verona Morning:

• Porta Nuova Station: Beginning Your Adventure.
• Drop your bags off at your hotel in a central location.
• Verona Arena: Ancient Roman Legacy.
• Piazza Bra: The City’s Living Room.
• Juliet’s House: Echoes of a Timeless Love Story.
• Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, Verona’s Romanesque Marvel.

Mid-Day-Early Afternoon:

• Strolling to Piazza delle Erbe: Heartbeat of Verona.
• Palazzo della Ragione & Torre dei Lamberti: A Historical Climb.
• Arco della Costa: The Legend and the View.
• Piazza dei Signori: Verona’s Aristocratic Square.
• Santa Maria Antica: A Church Steeped in History.
• Verona Cathedral.

Late Afternoon-Early Evening:

• A Stroll along the Adige River and Castelvecchio + Castelvecchio Bridge.
• Ponte Pietra & River Adige: Picturesque Moments.
• San Pietro Hill: Sunset.

Evening-Night:

• Return to Hotel
• Dinner at a Traditional Osteria.

Optional: Verona Arena Opera Experience in the summer.

Night (post dinner):

• Strolling through the city.
• Explore Local Wine Bars & Nightcaps.

Overnight Stay: At a Central Hotel

Next Morning:

• If you stay at the Due Torii Hotel , you can enjoy a fabulous breakfast at its furnished roof terrace and watch the sun rise over the Arena + city.
• Breakfast in Piazza Bra: Savouring Espresso and Fresh Pastries at a Traditional Café: Start your second day in Verona with an authentic breakfast experience, setting the tone for a relaxed morning before departure.

VERONA CARD

Immerse yourself in the ambiance of the city of Verona that inspired the timeless tale of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ at your own pace with the flexibility of the 24-hour (Euro 27.00) or 48-hour (Euro 32.00) Verona Card.

With the Verona Card, you get Free use of the ATV Transport system within Verona city. The Card offers Free Entry to 15 top attractions including Verona Arena, Lamberti Tower, Juliet’s Balcony, Castlevecchio and San Zeno.

Three Quick Tips for Your One-Day Verona Itinerary:

Comfort is Key: Verona’s charming streets are paved with cobblestones. Ensure you wear comfortable shoes to make the most of your exploration without any discomfort.

Stay Hydrated: Verona can be quite warm, especially during the summer months. Always have a bottle of water on hand to keep yourself refreshed throughout the day.

Beware of Tourist Traps: While the allure of Romeo and Juliet’s tale is enticing, be cautious of overpriced souvenirs and eateries, particularly around the main tourist sites.

The Ultimate 24-Hour Itinerary in Verona

Morning arrival in verona, porto nuovo station (9:00 am – 9:30 am).

Starting at 9:00 AM at Porta Nuova Station, your 24-hour exploration of Verona begins. One of the main gateways to the city, this bustling station serves as the central hub for all transportation , seamlessly connecting Verona to its surrounding regions and beyond.

After a swift trip via ATV with your Verona Card, or taxi to your hotel to drop off bags, make your way to Piazza Bra, the vibrant heart of the city. From this central square, you’ll commence your splendid day, diving deep into Verona’s grand Roman legacy and timeless Shakespearean tales.

Verona Arena: Ancient Roman Legacy

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM

If you are located in the centre of the city , a short walk leads you to one of Italy’s grandest Roman arenas. The Verona Arena, with its imposing stone arches, is a testament to the architectural marvels of ancient Rome. As you stand in this amphitheater, imagine the roaring crowds from millennia past, captivated by gladiatorial combats or, in more recent times, the melodious strains of operas during the famed Verona Arena Opera festival.

Visiting the Verona Arena requires a ticket. You can purchase a stand alone ticket which includes priority entrance (recommended) or purchase the city pass which includes skip-the-line access to the Arena.

PRO TIP: The Arena stands as the city’s most frequented attraction. While tour groups typically begin to pour in around 10 AM, arriving slightly earlier offers a quieter experience. So, aim to visit first thing in the morning to enjoy those initial moments of tranquility before the crowds.

READ: Verona Arena: A Helpful Guide into History + Little Known Facts of a Medieval Marvel

Piazza Bra: The City’s Living Room

10:45 AM – 11:15 AM

Adjacent to the Verona Arena is Piazza Bra, often described as Verona’s living room. Lined with vibrant cafes and punctuated by the serene presence of the Palazzo della Gran Guardia, this piazza is where both locals and visitors congregate. It’s a perfect spot to indulge in an Italian espresso, absorb the city vibes, and maybe catch sight of an impromptu street performance.

READ: Piazza Bra: Discover 10 Must-Do Activities, Mostly Free.

Porta Borsari:

Porta Borsari is situated at the end of Corso Porta Borsari, which leads directly into the city center. If you’re walking from Piazza Bra (where the Arena is) towards Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta) or continuing on to San Zeno, you’d very likely pass by or near Porta Borsari.

This striking entrance is one of the ancient gateways to Verona, built in the 1st century BC and gives a glimpse into the city’s Roman history. Given its location, it’s a sightseeing spot in your walking itinerary. Even if it’s just a brief pause to admire its architecture and significance, it’s worth acknowledging as you pass by.

Juliet’s House: Echoes of a Timeless Love Story

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM

From Piazza Bra, wander through Verona’s alleyways to Juliet’s House, a testament to the undying love story penned by Shakespeare.

Stroll through Via Mazzini, Verona’s main shopping street, filled with boutiques, cafes, and stores. It’s a good place to get a feel for the city’s vibe and maybe pick up a souvenir or two.

At Juliet’s House, the famous balcony beckons, symbolizing the romantic rendezvous of Juliet and her Romeo. While the tale is fictional, the sentiments it evokes are genuine. Many travellers pen love notes or promises on the walls, hoping for a bit of that Veronese romantic magic.

PRO TIP: For Verona Card holders, admission to Juliet House is Free. However, you need to book a time slot for your visit.

READ: Romeo and Juliet in Fair Verona.

Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore: Verona’s Romanesque Marvel

12:30 – 1:00 PM

To cap off the morning, head west to the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore. Renowned as one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy, this basilica’s stunning facade, intricate bronze doors, and the tranquility of its cloisters showcase Verona’s ecclesiastical legacy. The interiors, adorned with masterful artworks, narrate tales from both Christian scriptures and local legends.

These destinations promise a morning steeped in history, romance, and the vibrant culture that makes Verona a must-visit on any Italian travel itinerary.

Mid-Day and Early Afternoon in Verona

Strolling to piazza delle erbe and lunch.

1:00 PM – 2:15 PM

After the tranquility of San Zeno, meander through Verona’s charming cobblestone streets, a beautiful journey that gradually unfolds the city’s character.

As you stroll, the bustling Piazza delle Erbe, the city’s historic market square, welcomes you. This square, a vital part of any one day in Verona itinerary, is an ideal spot for a relaxing quick lunch. Sample the local flavours, and let the ambiance of the square wash over you.

PRO TIP: The Italians have lunch between 1 PM and 2:30 PM but restaurants do cater for their tourists customers and serve lunch from 12:30 PM.

• Piazza delle Erbe, Verona: An Unmissable Bustling Historic Market Square
• The Best 19 Veronese Traditional Dishes You Must Try When Visiting this City;
• Verona Wine: A Helpful Guide to 11 Fine Garda Wines + Food Pairings;
• You might also like: 3 Best Food Tours in Verona.

Palazzo della Ragione & Torre dei Lamberti: A Historical Climb

2:20 PM – 2:55 PM

Re-energized from your lunch at Piazza delle Erbe, make your way to Palazzo della Ragione. This grand edifice is an emblem of Verona’s civic pride.

Then, for a truly unparalleled view of the city, climb the adjacent Torre dei Lamberti. As you ascend, the sprawling panorama of Verona unfolds, with terracotta rooftops stretching out towards the horizon, a sight that exemplifies the city’s “24-hour in Verona” charm.

READ: The Lamberti Tower, Verona: A Storied History and Vista Point.

Arco della Costa: The Legend and the View

3:00 pm – 3:20 pm

A stone’s throw away, you’ll come across the mysterious Arco della Costa, a gateway holding a curious whale rib. Legends swirl around this oddity, making it a point of intrigue on any what to see and do in Verona’s list. It’s also a great vantage point to admire the city’s bustle and architectural blend.

Piazza dei Signori: Verona’s Aristocratic Square

3:25 PM – 3:40 pm

Concluding this leg of your journey, the aristocratic Piazza dei Signori awaits. Enclosed by historic buildings and marked by statues, this square is a veritable trip back in time. Every stone and facade here speaks of Verona’s storied past. It’s a serene oasis, perfect for reflecting on the myriad impressions that this one day in Verona itinerary offers. Take a moment to sit, perhaps near Dante’s statue, and imagine the lively discussions and events that once graced this space.

Santa Maria Antica: A Church Steeped in History

3:45 PM – 4:05 PM

Tucked amidst Verona’s architectural marvels, the Santa Maria Antica stands as a quiet testament to the city’s spiritual history. Its elegant carvings are a testament to the craftsmanship of yesteryears.

As you step inside, the gentle play of light through the stained glass paints a story of faith and artistry. The church’s intimate size and ancient ambiance make it a peaceful retreat from the city’s bustle.

How far is Piazza dei Signori to Santa Maria Antica?:

Piazza dei Signori and Santa Maria Antica are very close to each other, located in the historic heart of Verona.

The distance is only a few minutes on foot, approximately 100-150 meters or so, depending on the exact starting and ending points within the piazza and the church area. It’s a very short and scenic walk amidst the historic buildings of Verona.

Verona Cathedral (Duomo di Verona): Architectural Splendour

4:10 PM – 4:50 PM

A stone’s throw from Santa Maria Antica, the Verona Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Matricolare, stands as a monumental highlight on any one day in Verona itinerary. As you step inside, you’ll be enveloped by its rich blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements.

The cathedral’s intricate facade, combined with its breathtaking interior artworks, serves as a testament to Verona’s storied past and the city’s deep-rooted religious and artistic traditions. Exploring its grandeur and absorbing its historical tales is a must-do experience that adds depth to your 24-hour Verona journey.

How far is Santa Maria Antica from Verona Cathedral?

The walk from Santa Maria Antica to Verona Cathedral (Duomo di Verona) is very short. The two landmarks are located quite close to each other in Verona’s historic center.

It would typically take less than 5 minutes to walk between them, via Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, covering a distance of roughly 200-300 meters. The proximity of these sites makes it easy to move from one to the other during a day of exploration in Verona.

Late Afternoon and Early Evening of Your One Day in Verona Itinerary

Stroll along the adige river + castelvecchio & castelvecchio bridge: medieval fortress & views.

5:00 PM – 5:45 PM

After absorbing the architectural grandeur of Verona Cathedral, head towards Castelvecchio. A brief, scenic walk of about 8-10 minutes will lead you to this medieval fortress, standing as a testament to Verona’s turbulent past.

If you prefer not to walk, consider hopping onto the local ATV buses. With your Verona Card in hand, you can easily access these buses for a comfortable ride between the city’s attractions.

Castelvecchio, with its crenelated walls and robust towers, offers a glimpse into the city’s defensive history. Don’t miss crossing the adjoining Castelvecchio Bridge, offering panoramic views of the River Adige and the cityscape.

Although your visit is brief due to closing times (usually at 6:00 pm), the fortress and its surroundings offer rich insights into Verona’s medieval era, making it a key stop in your 24-hour itinerary.

Following your historical immersion at Castelvecchio, trace your steps to the iconic Ponte Pietra, Verona’s testament to resilience. Castelvecchio and Ponte Pietra are about a 15-minute walk apart, depending on your pace.

The distance is roughly 1.2 kilometers or 0.75 miles. The route takes you through some of Verona’s scenic areas and along the River Adige, making it a pleasant stroll, especially if the weather is good.

For those seeking a more relaxed journey, the ATV bus, accessible with your 24 hour Verona Card , provides a convenient alternative to this picturesque destination.

Early Evening of Your 24-Hour in Verona

Ponte pietra and san pietro hill.

5:45 PM – 6:45 PM

Ponte Pietra, often referred to as the “Stone Bridge,” stands as one of Verona’s most iconic landmarks. This historic bridge spans the River Adige and, despite the damages it endured during World War II, was meticulously restored using its original stones.

As the golden hour approaches, Ponte Pietra radiates with warmth, its age-old stones bathed in a mellow luminescence. This moment offers breathtaking panoramic views of Verona, framed by undulating hills and the distant embrace of the Adige Valley. The River Adige’s serene reflection of the historic bridge presents an idyllic snapshot, capturing the spirit of a one-day Verona journey.

When visiting Ponte Pietra, here are a few things to do and appreciate:

Historical Appreciation: Ponte Pietra dates back to Roman times, having been constructed in the 1st century B.C. Several of its arches have been rebuilt over the centuries due to war damage, yet the bridge remains an enduring symbol of Verona’s layered history.

Photography: The bridge offers fantastic views of the River Adige and the surrounding city, making it a favourite spot for photographers. Sunset and sunrise are particularly magical times to capture its beauty.

Riverside Stroll: Adjacent to the bridge are pathways along the River Adige. It’s a calm spot to enjoy a leisurely walk, taking in the river’s reflections and the city’s historic backdrop.

Contemplation: Given its history and setting, the bridge is also a wonderful place to pause, reflect, and simply soak in the ambiance of Verona.

In essence, while Ponte Pietra might be a simple bridge, its historical context and stunning surroundings make it a must-visit when exploring the city.

San Pietro Hill

If you cross the bridge heading north, you’ll reach the base of San Pietro Hill. A steep climb or a funicular ride will take you up to the Roman Theatre and Archaeological Museum, where you get panoramic views of Verona.

San Pietro Hill, or “Colle San Pietro”, is one of Verona’s most iconic spots and offers a myriad of reasons why it’s so special:

Panoramic Views: The hill provides a vantage point for some of the most panoramic views of Verona. From here, visitors can see the River Adige winding its way through the city, the famous red rooftops, and several prominent landmarks.

Historical Significance: Atop the hill sits the Roman Theatre, an ancient structure that dates back to the 1st century BC. This theatre is a testament to Verona’s rich history and its Roman past.

Castel San Pietro: Though the original medieval castle was destroyed, the current structure still stands tall and is a reminder of the city’s strategic importance throughout history. The castle’s terraces and grounds are perfect for leisurely strolls.

Peaceful Escape: While Verona bustles with activity, San Pietro Hill offers a quieter, more serene environment. The hill and its surroundings are ideal for those looking to escape the city’s hustle and bustle for a moment of tranquility.

Nature’s Cradle: Apart from historical structures, the hill is also dotted with greenery. It’s a spot where nature and history converge, offering visitors a unique experience.

In essence, San Pietro Hill encapsulates what Verona is all about: a harmonious blend of history, beauty, and nature. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to truly understand the heart and soul of Verona.

PRO TIP: Near Ponte Pietra, you’ll find several restaurants and cafes with terraces overlooking the river, ideal for a meal or drink with a scenic view.

Passeggiata

As you stand at Ponte Pietra, watching the sunset bathe the city in its golden embrace, you’ll notice locals and tourists alike partaking in the time-honored tradition of the ‘passeggiata.’ This leisurely evening stroll is not just a way to enjoy the beauty of Verona but a reflection of the Italian way of life.

Passeggiata is an opportunity to socialize, see and be seen, and immerse oneself in the rhythm and soul of the city. After soaking in the sunset views, why not join in? Meander along Verona’s ancient streets and become a part of this living tradition before heading to dinner.

READ: La Passeggiata in Italy: The Italian Cultural Tradition of Evening Strolls.

The Golden Hour from Atop San Pietro Hill

I’ve crafted this itinerary so that you find yourself atop San Pietro Hill during the golden hour, arguably the most enchanting time in Verona. My intent was for you to pause here and savour the twilight before the evening unfolds.

The tranquility of the hill, far removed from the city’s bustling core, offers a moment for introspection. As the sun gently casts its golden glow over Verona, it offers a poetic interlude in a day steeped in historical allure. This spot is among my most cherished places to truly soak in Verona’s magic.

Before delving into a delightful dinner and embarking on an evening stroll, take a moment to cherish the tranquility atop San Pietro Hill.

6:45 PM to 8:15 PM

After the enchanting sunset views from San Pietro Hill, head back to your hotel to freshen up and rejuvenate. With recharged spirits, step out into the evening and treat yourself to an authentic meal at a traditional Osteria.

PRO TIP: Consider a central stay in a boutique hotel or bed and breakfast to fully immerse yourself in Veronese charm. Popular areas to consider are the city center or near Piazza Bra . The Due Torii and the Indigo Hotel are excellent choices.

READ: Places to Stay in Verona: Top 7 Hotels for a Perfect Trip.

8:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Following dinner, indulge in a leisurely stroll through the city, witnessing Verona’s landmarks illuminated against the night sky. If the allure of performing arts beckons, consider capping off your night with the mesmerizing Verona Arena Opera Experience.

For an evening to remember, experience the city’s gastronomic heart at a cozy osteria, relish the acclaimed Amarone wine that Verona proudly offers, or elevate your evening with a sumptuous meal at the esteemed Maffei restaurant.

Here are three iconic dishes from Verona that you might consider trying for dinner, including the renowned risotto from Maffei:

• Risotto all’Amarone: A creamy risotto made using Amarone wine, which imparts a rich, distinctive flavour. The version at Maffei is especially sought after by both locals and visitors.
• Bigoli con l’anatra: A thick, coarse spaghetti-like pasta called bigoli, traditionally served with a rich duck sauce.
• Pastissada de Caval: A slow-cooked horse meat stew, seasoned with spices, red wine, and tenderized over hours to create a dish full of depth and flavour.

Pair these dishes with a glass of local Valpolicella or Soave wine, and you’ll have an authentic Veronese dining experience!

Here are some dining spots that encapsulate the true flavours of Verona:

Maffei Restaurant: Located in the heart of Piazza delle Erbe, this historic restaurant offers a blend of traditional and contemporary Italian dishes. Housed in a palace with elegant frescoes and a stunning terrace view, it’s an experience in itself.

Address: Piazza Erbe, 38, 37121 Verona VR, Italy

Osteria Del Bugiardo: A cozy spot offering classic Veronese dishes, accompanied by a wide selection of local wines. The rustic interiors and warm ambiance make it a favourite among locals and tourists alike.

Address: Corso Porta Borsari, 17/A, 37121 Verona VR, Italy

Antica Bottega del Vino: Renowned for its impressive wine list and rich culinary history, this establishment has been serving traditional Veronese dishes for centuries. It’s the perfect place to get a taste of Verona’s gastronomic heritage.

Address: Vicolo Scudo di Francia, 3, 37121 Verona VR, Italy

Both “Osteria Del Bugiardo” and “Antica Bottega del Vino” are located in Verona’s historic city center and is relatively close to Piazza delle Erbe, making it easily accessible for those exploring the heart of Verona.

PRO TIP: Italians traditionally dine between 8:30 PM and 10:30 PM. Yet, catering to the preferences of travellers, many restaurants start serving dinner as early as 7:00 PM.

After dinner, wander through Verona’s softly lit streets. The city’s evening glow adds a touch of magic, making your stroll feel like a leisurely journey through a nighttime fairy tale.

READ: A Comprehensive Helpful Guide to the Best 19 Traditional Veronese Dishes Which You Need To Know Before You Go.

Post-Dinner: Explore Local Wine Bars and Nightcaps

10:00 PM –

It is also a great time to wander into a local wine bar and immerse yourself in Verona’s rich vinicultural heritage. After all, Verona sits proudly in Italy’s Veneto wine region, home to the acclaimed Valpolicella wines. Treating yourself to a glass (or two) isn’t just about enjoying a drink — it’s about immersing in Verona’s rich wine culture.🍷

READ: Verona Wine: A Helpful Guide to 11 Fine Garda Wines + Food Pairings

Next Morning

Breakfast in piazza bra.

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Start your day in the heart of the city at Piazza Bra as the finale to your one day in Verona itinerary. As the city slowly awakens, treat yourself to a freshly brewed espresso and indulge in delicious pastries at one of the traditional cafes lining the square. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a tranquil morning, observing locals and tourists alike, before departing this enchanting city.

Alternatively, if you stay at the Due Torii Hotel , you can enjoy a delicious breakfast at its furnished roof terrace and watch the sun rise over the Arena.

Explore Deeper

Discover more of this charming city with these curated articles. Explore tales of colourful houses, age-old myths, cobbled pathways, and captivating romantic legends to ensure you capture every nuance of the city on your one day journey in Verona, adding depth to your itinerary.

Is Verona Worth Visiting?: 31 Absolute Things to Do Confirm It Is!

11 Best Day Trips from Verona: Car, Bus, Train, + Tour Options

Verona and Lake Garda: The Most Complete Itinerary for 3 or 4 Days

Getting Around Verona: Guide to Public Transport and Best Ways to Explore.

The Ultimate Guide to Verona City, Italy: Your Essential Pre-Trip Resource.

Places to Stay in Verona: 7 Nice Hotels for a Perfect Trip.

Food in Verona: Best 19 Traditional Veronese Dishes You Must Try.

Piazza delle Erbe, Verona: An Unmissable Bustling Historic Market Square.

Palazzo Maffei, Verona + Ristorante Maffei: A Baroque Brilliance & Culinary Haven.

Mazzanti Houses, Verona: A Frescoed Renaissance Gem in Piazza Delle Erbe.

The Lamberti Tower, Verona: A Storied History and Vista Point.

The Majestic Gran Guardia Palace, Verona.

Piazza Bra, Verona: Discover 10 Must-Do Activities, Mostly Free!

Verona Arena, Verona: A Helpful Guide into History + Little Known Facts of a Medieval Marvel.

Romeo and Juliet in Fair Verona, Italy.

People Also Ask

Here are some popular questions about a one-day itinerary in Verona that people have asked:

Is one day enough to see Verona?

While Verona has a lot to offer and you could spend several days exploring, a well-planned one-day itinerary can cover many of the city’s main highlights.

Where should I start my day in Verona?

Piazza Bra and the Verona Arena are popular starting points, being central and iconic spots in the city.

What’s the best way to get around Verona in one day?

Verona is a compact city, making it ideal for walking. However, there’s also a reliable bus system, and the Verona Card offers unlimited rides.

Where should I eat in Verona?

Consider dining at a traditional osteria for an authentic experience. Places like Maffei Restaurant or Osteria Del Bugiardo come highly recommended.

Is the Verona Card worth it for a one-day visit?

If you plan to visit multiple historical sites and museums, the Verona Card can offer significant savings and convenience.

Are reservations needed for popular attractions or restaurants?

For some popular spots and upscale restaurants such as Ristorante Maffei, making a reservation in advance is a good idea, especially during peak tourist seasons.

When is the best time to visit Juliet’s balcony?

To avoid large crowds, consider visiting Juliet’s House early in the morning, before 11:00 AM (before tour groups arrive) or later in the afternoon from 4:30 PM onwards (when tour groups have left).

Is there a specific walking route to follow for efficiency?

While there’s no strict route, starting from Piazza Bra and working your way through the city’s landmarks in a sequence can save time.

Are there any local events or festivals I should be aware of?

Depending on the time of year, Verona hosts events like the Verona Opera Festival. It’s always good to check local calendars in advance.

Where’s the best spot to end my day in Verona?

San Pietro Hill is a fantastic place to conclude the sightseeing portion of your day, offering breathtaking sunset views of the city.

And finally….

This UNESCO World Heritage gem serves as the romantic canvas for Romeo and Juliet’s legendary love story. Beyond its literary allure, Verona radiates with rich history, captivating art, delicious gastronomy, and soul-stirring opera. This is a city where elegance meets tradition, promising memories that linger long after you leave.

Important Tips for Your Verona Trip

Here are the seven important tips for you when exploring Verona: Book Accommodation in Advance : Verona is a popular destination, so it’s advisable to book your accommodation well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. This ensures you have a comfortable place to stay that suits your budget and preferences. Consider Peak Seasons: Be mindful of peak tourist seasons, such as summer and major holidays, when Verona can get crowded. If possible, plan your visit during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) to enjoy pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Join Guided Walking Tours: To make the most of your Verona experience, consider joining guided walking tours. Knowledgeable guides can provide historical insights and take you to hidden gems you might miss on your own. READ: The BEST 9 Charming Walking Tours in Verona and choose the one for you. Explore Surrounding Areas: While in Verona, take advantage of its strategic location to explore nearby attractions like Venice or Lake Garda . Day trips to these destinations can enhance your Italian adventure. Verona Card : Consider getting a Verona Card, which offers free or discounted entry to many of the city’s museums and attractions such as the Verona Arena and Lamberti Tower . It can save you money and provide convenient access to Verona’s cultural heritage. Verona Card includes free public transport which means you save on €€! Go to the largest theme park in Italy , a stone’s throw from Verona for a fun day for all the family. Ensure you have the correct plugs, and adapters. Take some Euro currency along and figure out a suitable eSim mobile data roaming for Verona . By following these tips, you can ensure a more enjoyable and memorable visit to Verona while making the most of your time and resources.

As a deliberate escapist & a mindful wanderer…

As a deliberate escapist and a mindful wanderer, I’ve designed this one day in Verona itinerary to give you a true taste of what this charming city has to offer. From its historic landmarks to its charming streets, there’s so much to see and experience. I hope this guide helps you make the most of your day in Verona, and leaves you with memories you’ll cherish for a long time.

Venturing beyond Verona? Let your wanderlust guide you to enchanting destinations like Barcelona, Bordeaux , Budapest , and London . Experience the serene landscapes of Inverness, the allure of Lake Como, the vibrancy of Milan, the spiritual aura of Montserrat , and the charm of Seville . Explore further on my Europe page for more inspiration, and be sure to check my dedicated pages for the UK , Japan , and North America to broaden your horizons.

Happy and Safe Travels Always, Wherever Travel Takes You, xx

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Best things to do in Verona, Italy

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Heading to the “City of Love” and looking for some itinerary inspiration? There are so many things to do in Verona that it can be hard to know what to prioritize. 

A charming city located in Northern Italy between Milan and Venice, Verona has a rich history dating back over two thousand years. Founded as a Roman colony in the 1st century BC, the city flourished as an important trade center in the middle ages thanks to its strategic position on the Adige River and witnessed the rule of various powers, including the Goths, Lombards, and Venetians. 

In 2000 Verona was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its well-preserved Medieval and Renaissance architecture. The city boasts many attractions like the 1st-century Verona Arena and the 14th-century Torre dei Lamberti in its historic center.

But perhaps most of all, Verona is known as being the setting of Shakespeare’s tragic tale of Romeo and Juliet. The play is said to have been inspired by the real-life rivalries of two noble families who lived in the city. 

So, with a history so extensive and exciting, let’s have a look at all the things to do Verona has to offer. 

TIP: While planning your trip, have a look at this guide on where to stay in Verona . 

Discover Verona’s Old Town

Verona’s historic center, also known as the Città Antica, is packed with many of the city’s top attractions. Here’s a look at some of the highlights. 

Arena di Verona

Built in the first century AD, the Verona Arena is one of the world’s best-preserved amphitheaters. It sits in the heart of the city’s old town next to the large Piazza Bra and is still in use today. 

What once served as the site of gladiator fights and medieval games, today is as an open-air theater where operas and concerts are held during summer. 

The ancient Roman arena was built with Veronese marble, a regional type of limestone with a distinctive reddish color and had capacity for up to 30,000 spectators. For safety reasons, the capacity is now reduced to around 15,000 people and remains an impressive venue to see a live show.

You can buy tickets online at the official ticket site or purchase a Verona Card , which grants you access to the arena as well as multiple attractions throughout the city. However, for the best experience and insight into the amphitheater’s history, consider a guided Verona Arena tour . 

Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta)

Casa di Giulietta is, of course, not the true house of Juliet, as Shakespeare’s tale is fiction. However, there’s no harm in enjoying a bit of fantasy, and this charming property offers the perfect opportunity to imagine yourself in the two lovers’ world.  

The house draws thousands of visitors yearly, who pose on Juliet’s famous balcony or admire the statue of Juliet in the courtyard. Others leave notes and graffiti on the walls, asking for guidance on matters of love. 

If you’d like to further immerse yourself in the city’s romantic side, consider this Romeo and Juliet guided tour . Your guide will take you to various historic points in the city, delving into the feuds and legends of Verona that inspired Shakespeare’s iconic tale. 

Piazza delle Erbe

Literally translating to “Herbs Square,” the Piazza delle Erbe is the bustling heart of Verona where the Roman Forum used to be. It has always served as an important political and economic center and a space of gathering for the Veronese people.  

The square is framed by various historical buildings, like the frescoed Case dei Mazzanti and the 17th-century Palazzo Maffei. In the center stands the beautiful 14th-century Madonna Verona Fountain. 

There are various restaurants and cafes where you can stop for a drink and to admire the surrounding architecture. The square also hosts a daily market where you can shop for some souvenirs, fruit and vegetables.

Piazza dei Signori

The Piazza dei Signori, also known as Piazza Dante, is steps away from the Piazza delle Erbe. The Medieval square is framed by stunning buildings, including the former town hall, Palazzo della Ragione. The beautiful 12th-century Santa Maria Antica church is also just around the corner.

In the center of the square stands a brooding statue of the influential poet Dante for which the piazza is best known.

To learn more about the history of Verona’s various squares and sights, consider taking a small-group city highlights walking tour with a knowledgeable guide. 

TIP: Get 5% off your booking with LivTours with our code UNTOLDITALY .

Castelvecchio

The Castelvecchio (Old Castle) is a 14th-century palace-turned-fortress built by the Della Scala (Scaliger) Family. The riverside castle suffered a lot of damage during the Second World War but received impressive renovations by the architect Carlo Scarpa in 1957.

Today, the castle hosts one of Verona’s most important museums, the Castelvecchio Museum. It houses Medieval, Renaissance, and Gothic sculptures, as well as a vast collection of paintings from Veronese and Venetian artists. These include works by names like Pisanello, Girolamo dai Libri, and Stefano da Verona. 

You’ll also see frescoes, Medieval jewelry, and ancient armor and weapons, like Cangrande’s sword. You’ll also come across the statue of Cangrande della Scala , one of Verona’s most influential lords who welcomed Dante during his exile. 

You can visit the vast and intriguing museum with your Verona Card or pay about €6.00 at the door. 

Torre dei Lamberti

Towering above the Piazza delle Erbe, the Medieval Torre dei Lamberti was built in the 12th century by the Lamberti Family — of whom little is known. The 276-foot (84-meter) tall clock tower is still functional today and offers some of the most breathtaking city views.

It boasts two original bells — named Marangona and Rengo. Marangona was used to signal the end of the work day and alert citizens of fire. Rengo was used to call city gatherings in case of danger or external threat. 

You can reach the top of the tower with an elevator which takes you about two-thirds of the way up. From there, you’ll climb roughly 300 steps to reach the top of the octagonal tower to enjoy sweeping vistas. 

Be sure to book your Lamberti Tower entry ticket early to avoid missing out. 

Explore Beyond the Old Town

While the Città Antica holds most of Verona’s popular attractions, there’s plenty more to see beyond the old town. 

Ponte Pietra

The Ponte Pietra (Stone Bridge) connects Verona’s Old Town with the lively university district of Veronetta. Spanning the Adige River, this bridge’s history dates back to the first century BC when the Romans built this impressive arch bridge. Archaeologists believe that the stone bridge was predated by a wooden version.  

The Roman bridge, unfortunately, suffered damage during wars and floods. Only the two white-stone arches on the left end of the bridge remain of the original Roman construction. The bridge had to be partially reconstructed during the 13th and 14th centuries and again during the 16th century.

After World War II, the Veronese fished fragments of the destroyed bridge out of the river and painstakingly reconstructed what they could with the remains. 

The result is a multi-colored bridge encompassing the Roman, Medieval, and Venetian eras and the Veronese’s dedication to preserving their incredible monuments. 

Castel San Pietro

The Romanesque Castel San Pietro is one of the best things to see in Verona city and sits just across the Ponte Pietra. The hill on which the fortress stands has always been a strategic and important site, starting with the Romans, who considered the hill sacred. 

The building you see today is actually a soldier barracks built during the Austrian occupation of Verona. You can’t enter the building, but you can ascend the hill — either via a stairway or (the more exciting way) by funicular. A trip on the Verona Funicular costs about €3.

At the top, you can enjoy sweeping views of Verona and beyond with a stroll along the scenic terrace. You can either go back down via the funicular or, if you’re looking for a calm walk, you can take the stairway down to the Roman Theatre. 

The Roman Theatre, not to be confused with the Arena di Verona, is a first-century BC theater at the foot of San Pietro Hill. It’s accompanied by an archaeological museum and hosts many events during the city’s summer theater season. 

Giardino Giusti

Also situated in the bustling Veronetta area, 16th-century Giardino Giusti offers the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

These tranquil public gardens were once a dye-boiling site. Wool dyeing was one of Verona’s main sources of economic wealth during the 13th century, and the wealthy Giusti Family took part in its success. 

By the 16th century, the factory buildings gave way to a beautiful palazzo and ornate gardens modeled after those of the powerful Medici family. The gardens are said to have drawn many influential guests, including Cosimo III De Medici, Carlo Felice di Sevoia, and Mozart. 

The property is full of unique features worth discovering, like the labyrinth, a grotto with remnants of old frescoes, and a tower with a secret staircase. 

Entry costs about €11, or €8 with the Verona Card . 

Walk along the Adige River

The second longest river in Italy, the Adige River, is lined with architectural wonders and spanned by various interesting bridges. Walking along the winding river offers the perfect opportunity to wind down and discover the unique local sights that make Verona so beautiful. 

Take a leisurely stroll along the river banks and bridges around sunset to see the city light up as the sun retreats. There are plenty of lovely riverside restaurants worth stopping at for a drink and a bite. 

Discover Verona’s Food Scene

Speaking of restaurants, Verona has a thriving food scene with authentic dishes of the Veneto region you don’t want to miss. 

Local Dishes to Try

Verona has various regional takes on classic Italian dishes and ingredients. Here are a few must-try meals. 

Risotto all’Amarone

This beloved Veronese dish combines the Veneto region’s popular Amarone della Valpolicella wine and Vialone Nano rice to create a decadent risotto dish. 

Pastissada de Cavàl

Pastissada de Cavàl (or horse meat stew) is an ancient recipe that has endured as a hearty meal especially served in winter. The slow-cooked dish is prepared with horse meat, onions, carrots, Valpolicella wine, and various warming spices like cloves and cinnamon. 

Polenta con Sopressa

This simple yet delicious dish consists of Polenta and sausage, most often Sopressa Veronese, a regional type of aged salami made from pork. When placed on the warm polenta, the lard in the Sopressa melts, adding richness to the dish. 

Best Restaurants and Cafes in Verona

Below are some of our hand-picked recommendations for the best restaurants Verona has on offer. Remember to look out for some of the regional dishes on the menus. 

• Pasticceria Flego – Quaint cake shop around the corner from the House of Juliet, serving excellent cappuccinos and delightful sweet treats. 
• Trattoria Pane e Vino – A short walk from Ponte Garibaldi, this restaurant focuses on highlighting regional cuisines, serving local cuisine like Risotto all’Amarone and Pastissada de Cavàl. 
• Osteria Caffè Monte Baldo – Established in 1909, this osteria serves excellent cicchetti (small-plate dishes) and boasts a wide variety of wines. It sits near Piazza delle Erbe and gets quite busy, so booking ahead is recommended. 

Experience Verona’s Culture

Wondering what to see in Verona to delve into its rich culture? Here are some enriching sights and activities to consider. 

Opera at the Verona Arena

The Roman amphitheater offers excellent acoustics, making it the ideal site for open-air opera performances during the Verona Arena Opera Festival in summer. Book a ticket to a Verona Arena opera show to enjoy the skillful art in a historic venue that has hosted the likes of Maria Callas and Luciano Pavarotti.  

Juliet’s Club

The Juliet Club is a group that receives and replies to every single letter sent to Juliet, whether by mail, email, or hand-delivered letter. You can drop your own letter to Juliet or browse through the archive (by prior appointment) and even answer a letter if you join the club.

It’s a wonderful stop whether you’re a fan of Shakespeare’s play or the 2010 film Letters to Juliet . You can even buy souvenirs like pendants or notebooks. The headquarters is located at Vicolo Santa Cecilia 9, Verona.

Museums and Art Galleries

There are various wonderful art galleries and museums in Verona. Stop by Galleria d’Arte Moderna Achille Forti near Piazza dei Signori or the Palazzo Maffei Casa Museo for sculptural and painted visual delights. The Shield Gallery , Studio la Città , and La Giarina Arte Contemporanea showcase more contemporary pieces. 

The Museo di Storia Naturale displays all sorts of preserved creatures and is free to enter with your Verona Card. The Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Verona is another museum well worth stopping by, with exhibits of prehistoric items found in the region. This museum is new and still expanding, so you may find more intriguing items with each visit. 

Verona Wine Festival

Each year Verona hosts one of the world’s largest wine festivals. The annual Vinitaly festival draws thousands of wine lovers to Verona around March and April to sample some of the best wines from Italy and beyond at the Fiera di Verona.

You don’t have to join the formal functions to enjoy the festival, however. Verona also hosts “Vinitaly and the City,” a four-day event scattered across the Verona city center for all to join and enjoy. 

Not visiting during March or April? Get to know the regional wine with this half-day Amarone wine trail tour in the Valpolicella valley. 

Christmas Markets in Verona

Immerse yourself in the festivities by exploring the Verona Christmas Market, which brings with it festive lights and decorations. The market is centered around the Piazza dei Signori and the courtyard of Mercato Vecchio. 

Be on the lookout for popular foods like pearà and meat or sausage and potatoes. You’ll also love delights like ricotta-stuffed doughnuts and pandoro cake — washed down with a cup of vin brulè, of course.  

How to Get to Verona

Below you’ll find how to get to Verona from Venice or Milan . 

How to Get to Verona from Venice

The easiest way to get to Verona from Venice is with a roughly 1.5-hour train ride from Venice Santa Lucia Station to Verona Porta Nuova. Tickets cost around €25 but can be cheaper if you opt for a slower, regional train. 

TIP: Use the Omio app to help you navigate transportation in Italy . 

How to Get to Verona from Milan

You can easily get to Verona from Milan with a train from Milan Centrale to Verona Porta Nuova in about 1.5 hours. Tickets cost around €30.

READ: Our guide to Traveling by train in Italy .

Where to stay in Verona

Below are our hand-picked suggestions for where to stay in Verona for every budget. 

Luxury – Vista Palazzo

This 5-star hotel sits a short walk from the River Adige and Juliet’s House in the heart of the historic city center. Rooms are opulent and spacious, and the hotel offers a rooftop terrace with dreamy city views >> Check Rates and Availability .

Mid-range – Hotel Accademia

Set in a historic building, this hotel offers 4-star luxury in the heart of the city. Enjoy roomy accommodation and a complimentary breakfast before heading out to explore Verona >> Check Rates and Availability .

Budget – Le Flaneur Vintage B&B

Located in the Veronetta neighborhood, this budget-friendly bed and breakfast offers a quiet and bright space to retreat to. You’ll be just a bridge crossing away from the historic center and just a few minutes from Castel San Pietro >> Check Rates and Availability .

READ: Our full guide on Where to stay in Verona – Area and hotel guide

Verona Things to Do – FAQ

Still have some burning questions before you visit Verona? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions. 

Is Verona Worth Visiting?

Visiting Verona is definitely worth it. With a vast history, rich culture, and incredible cuisine and wine, this small city has plenty to keep you busy. 

How Long Should We Spend in Verona?

While Verona is a relatively small city, you’ll need at least a day or two to visit its highlights, as the city has many exciting attractions.

Is Verona Worth a Day Trip?

Verona is definitely worth a day trip, but you may just wish you stayed longer. With everything from museums and galleries to wine-tasting tours and opera performances on offer, one day won’t give you enough time to savor it all. 

What to Do in Verona – Wrapped Up

As you can tell, Verona packs a punch with all it has to offer. Whether you’re a history buff, an art and architecture lover, a romantic, or an avid oenophile, Verona has something to pique your interest. 

If you’re looking for more dreamy destinations to add to your Italian itinerary , consider this guide on the most romantic cities in Italy .

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One Day in Verona (Walking Itinerary + Map)

• Milena Yordanova
• August 20, 2024

Located in the Veneto region of Italy, Verona is a small city right between Venice and the famous Lake Garda. Although it’s mostly known for its connection to Shakespeare’s tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, the city has so much more to offer!

Steeped in historic charm with ancient Roman ruins, a medieval fortress, breathtaking piazzas and river views, Verona has everything you can desire. Not to mention the delicious regional food and famous wines, Amarone and Recioto della Valpolicella!

Just an hour away by train, Verona is a very popular day trip from Venice. Besides this, if you plan a day trip to Lake Garda, this is the best location to base yourself.

Planning to spend a few days in Venice as well? Then take a look at my 3-day itinerary for Venice . It covers all the must-see sights, including how to skip all the lines and how to see Murano and Burano in just one day.

One day in Verona itinerary

It’s important to know what are the key sights, so you can make the most of your one day in Verona. You’ll find all the essential information in my guide, including what attractions to see, why to buy the Verona card and where to eat.

This guide is perfect for all staying 1-2 nights in Verona as well as for those planning to explore the city on a day trip from Venice.

At the end of this suggested itinerary for one day in Verona, you’ll find a map (with all attractions and restaurants’ websites).

Already have a hotel booked? Then take a look at my guide to the best area to stay in Verona and make sure your hotel has a convenient location for exploring the city.

1 Day in Verona (best day trip itinerary)

• Start the day with breakfast at Pasticceria Camesco

See the famous Arena di Verona

Tour the medieval castelvecchio, stroll along the ponte scaligero, climb the lamberti tower, see the iconic balcony of romeo and juliet, visit the impressive basilica of santa anastasia, cross ponte pietra.

• Enjoy the best views of Verona

Breakfast at Pasticceria Camesco

08:30 AM – 09:30 AM If you look for the best coffee and croissants in Verona, there is one place to go – Pasticceria Camesco .

Although it’s located a 10min walk from the historic centre, this pasticceria is totally worth the detour. The pistachio croissants were the best I’ve had in my life!

If you’re about to explore Verona on a day trip, you won’t find a better convenient place for breakfast. The pasticceria is right between the Verona Porta Nuova train station and the historic centre!

Yet, if you prefer something closer to the historic sights, Caffe Borsari is the place to go.

09:30 AM – 10:00 AM Located on Piazza Bra, Arena di Verona is one of the city’s key sights. Originally made of white and pink limestone, the famous amphitheatre dates back to the 1st century BC. In fact, it’s one of the best-preserved ancient Roman structures in the world.

You can visit the Arena and get a sense of how huge the amphitheatre is. To find out more about its centuries-old history, book this excellent guided tour with a knowledgeable guide .

In ancient times, Roman spectacles and gladiator games were attended here by up to 30,000 visitors. Nowadays, the amphitheatre is used for concerts, ballets and opera performances.

10:10 AM – 11:45 AM Castelvecchio (means Old Castle in Italian) stands on the south bank of the Adige River. It’s built in the 14th century by the Scaliger dynasty, which ruled the city in the Middle Ages.

Once used as an important military fortress, today the castle houses a museum. The exhibitions feature weapons from the Middle Ages, as well as art pieces from the Renaissance period.

Don’t miss the views from the castle’s ramparts towards the Ponte Scaligero, one of the city’s most beautiful bridges.

11:45 AM – 12:00 PM After a visit to the castle, walk across the adjacent Ponte Scaligero (aka Castelvecchio Bridge). It’s one of the most impressive bridges in Verona. Built in the 14th century, its main purpose was to facilitate the escape from the fortified castle.

Lunch at La Bottega della Gina

12:00 PM – 02:00 PM For the best pasta in Verona, go to La Bottega della Gina . It’s a small authentic pasta shop with a few seats available. All the pasta is freshly prepared and cooked on premise.

We ordered the tagliatelle with ragout and a sample of all the tortellini flavours. Both extremely delicious!

La Bottega della Gina is the perfect spot for a quick casual lunch. Yet, if you prefer to sit and rest before continuing with this Verona itinerary, go to La Vecia Mescola . It’s an excellent restaurant with a beautiful atmosphere and lovely food.

02:00 PM – 02:40 PM Lamberti Tower (Torre dei Lamberti) is the largest tower in Verona. Originally built in 1172 by the Lamberti family, the tower stood at 37 metres in height. However, in the following centuries, after the construction was integrated into the Palazzo del Consiglio, its height was increased to 84 metres.

To climb to the top of the tower you have to take the staircase (368 steps) or the lift. If you don’t have a Verona Card, buy a skip-the-line ticket for the tower , as lines can be long at certain times.

Note that the Verona Card holders have to pay €1 extra to use the lift. From the top, you can enjoy superb panoramic views over the city’s red rooftops and River Adige’s curves.

02:40 PM – 03:20 PM Verona is well known for its connections to Romeo and Juliet. Thus, you can’t visit the city, without seeing the iconic Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta).

You’ll find Juliet’s House tucked away in a little alley with walls covered in love notes. This 13th-century house features a little courtyard with a statue of Juliet. Yet, the most popular spot in the house is the famous balcony where Romeo promised his eternal love to Juliet.

It’s free to enter the courtyard, where you can touch Juliet’s bronze chest for luck and love. However, to visit the house and stand in the iconic balcony you have to pay €6. The entrance is free with Verona Card.

You can even send a letter (or email) to Juliet! And you’ll get an answer! The letters are actually handled by a group of volunteers from the Club di Giulietta in Verona.

Before visiting, be aware that the house has no actual connection to the fictional characters of Romeo and Juliet. In fact, the balcony was only added in the 20th century. Still, it’s worth it to take a quick look and see how noble families lived in Verona centuries ago.

L’Arte del Gelato

And while in the area, stop for some gelato at L’Arte del Gelato . It’s one of the best in Verona!

03:40 PM – 04:10 PM Even if you have only one day in Verona, the Basilica of Santa Anastasia is not to be missed. It was built in the period 1280-1400 by the friars of the Dominican order.

Basilica of Santa Anastasia is the largest church in the city (and the most beautiful one). Don’t let its plain exterior turn you away. The interior is truly remarkable, featuring frescoed ceilings and beautiful chapels.

There is an entrance fee of €3 to visit the church (you get a free audio guide as well).

04:20 PM – 04:30 PM To get to the last sight of this Verona itinerary, you’ll have to cross the Adige River. And the best spot to do is one of the city’s iconic bridges, Ponte Pietra. Dating back to the 1st century BC, this is the oldest bridge in Verona.

The best views of Verona

04:40 PM – 05:30 PM Piazzale Castel San Pietro offers the best panoramic views of the city and Adige River. So, even if you have only 1 day in Verona, make the effort to visit the place. It will be the highlight of your trip!

The easiest way to get to the viewing point is by taking the Funicolare di Castel San Pietro. In less than a 2min ride, you’ll reach the top of the hill. Of course, if you prefer walking, there are some steep steps you can take to the top.

Whatever you choose, the panoramic views will be worth it! Besides the spectacular views, you’ll find a 14th-century palace (sadly it’s not open to visitors).

Dinner at Il Punto Rosa

Finish this Verona itinerary with dinner at Il Punto Rosa . It’s a lovely little restaurant where you can try some local food.

Ready for a second gelato? Well, then head to Gelateria La Romana Verona . It’s a 10min walk from the historic centre, but it’s worth it the little detour. You’ll have one of the best gelato in Italy!

More ideas for your one day in Verona

Take a food tour.

There is no better way to discover Verona than taking a food tour with wine tasting . You’ll taste the local tortellini fresh pasta, try an Italian espresso and the famous Amarone wine.

Marvel at the Scaliger Tombs

Scaliger Tombs (Arche Scaligere) is a group of Gothic funeral monuments erected by the Scaliger family. For €1 you can enter inside the iron gates and see the tombs at close hand. They are just a step away from the Piazza dei Signori, so don’t miss to take a look.

Visit the Renaissance garden of Giusti Palace

The gardens of Giusti Palace (Palazzo Giusti) is considered one of the best Renaissance gardens in Europe. The earliest gardens were set up in the late 1400s. In the 16th century, they were improved to serve as a backdrop of the Giusti Palace. The garden is laid out on several levels, featuring 600-year-old cypress trees and a maze.

Visit Verona’s famous churches

Besides the Basilica of Santa Anastasia, the city is home to several more gorgeous churches. Thus, if you have enough time I urge you to discover the religious sights below.

• Verona Cathedral – 12th-century Romanesque cathedral with a striped façade and beautiful frescoes and paintings by Titian
• Basilica of San Zeno – features an impressive Romanesque design with detailed bronze doors, decorated with vivid biblical scenes
• Church of San Fermo Maggiore – a fusion of Romanesque and Gothic styles with a magnificent carved wood ceiling

All three churches are free with Verona Card. Another option is to buy this combined ticket . It gives you a free entrance to Verona Cathedral, the Basilica of San Zeno, the Church of San Fermo Maggiore and the Basilica of Santa Anastasia.

How to save money on your Verona itinerary

The best way to discover the city and save money is to use the Verona Card . The pass includes:

• free entry to all major tourist sites
• skip the line entry at the Arena
• reduced entry to several museums
• free unlimited travel on the ATV city bus lines

By using the pass on this Verona day trip itinerary you’ll save €13 .

• Arena di Verona – €10
• Castelvecchio Museum – €6
• Lamberti Tower – €8
• Juliet’s House – €6
• Basilica di Santa Anastasia – €3

Total without the card – €33 If you use the card – €20 Total savings – €13

And I didn’t even include the free use of public transport (one ticket costs €1.3). So, even if you’re exploring Verona on a day trip, you can save at least €13. You can find more in my detailed review why the Verona Card is worth it .

Getting around in Verona

Find here a map with all the key sights from this Verona day trip itinerary.

Verona is easily accessible by foot. Yet, if walking is not your thing, you can always take the hop-on-hop-off bus . The bus takes you from the central train station to the historic centre. It’s very useful for Piazzale Castel San Pietro, as the scenic viewpoint is on the top of the hill.

How to get to Verona

Verona Porta Nuova is the city’s central train station. It’s an easy 15min walk away from the historic centre. Another option is to take public transport (there is a large bus station outside the train station) or the hop-on-hop-off bus.

If you’re planning to travel by train through Italy, book tickets in advance (they are cheaper if you buy earlier). Check timetables and book train tickets online at Trenitalia official website .

Be careful not to get off at Verona Porta Vescovo station, which is not within a walking distance of the tourist sights. The station you need is Verona Porta Nuova. 

A big part of Verona’s historic centre is a limited traffic zone (ZTL). So, if you’re arriving by car, make sure your hotel has parking on-site. Another option is to use any of the numerous car parks .

The city’s main airport is known under two names – Villafranca Airport (VRN) and Valerio Catullo Airport. It’s just 10km away from the city and is connected to the train station via a shuttle. The shuttle Aerobus runs every 20min and it takes 15min to reach Porta Nuova station.

Best day trips from Verona

If you decide to spend a little more time in Verona, don’t miss to take a day trip and explore the region. See below the two most popular destinations for a day trip.

Sirmione and Lake Garda

If you have time for only one day trip, do this. Lake Garda is not only the largest lake in all of Italy, but the scenery is breathtaking!

Sirmione lies on the shores of the lake. It’s a picturesque little town that boasts a 12th-century water-surrounded fortress.

How to get to Sirmione and Lake Garda

• the easiest way is to take this Sirmione and Lake Garda guided tour . It includes not only a guided tour of the walled town of Sirmione but also a boat tour of the lake.
• another option is to take the bus line LN026 from Verona Porta Nuova bus station to Sirmione (1-hour journey) 

Amarone Wine Trail Tour

If you’re a wine lover, this Amarone Wine Trail Tour is just for you! You’ll discover the wine valley of Valpolicella and learn the secrets of the Amarone winemaking. The tour also includes two wine tasting at authentic wineries!

How many days in Verona

Is one day in verona enough.

1 day is more than enough to discover the city and visit Arena di Verona, Castelvecchio Museum, Lamberti Tower and Juliet’s House. In fact, Verona is an easy and popular day trip from Venice and Milan.

How to see Verona in half a day

It’s possible to see the city in only half a day if you’re short on time. You can still follow my Verona itinerary, but you’ll have to skip the visit of some key sights.

For example, skip the visit of the Basilica di Santa Anastasia and see only outside the Arena and Juliet’s House. You’ll lose precious time at Juliet’s House, plus you can see the famous balcony from the courtyard. For city views choose between Lamberti Tower and Piazzale Castel San Pietro.

Best time to visit Verona

The best time to visit Verona is late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October). The high season is the summer months of July and August. Avoid these months if possible, because the crowds are big and the weather is too hot.

The Opera Festival takes place every year in June, July and August. During this time you can attend a classical music concert at the Arena! It’s a unique experience, so don’t miss it if you’re in the city at that time.

Every winter from the middle of November till Christmas, you can enjoy the magical Christmas markets .

Venice is not the only city famous for its carnival in the Veneto region. The Verona Carnival takes place on the last Friday before Lent and it’s one of the oldest in Italy!

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I am looking to visit verona and would like to know where the best place for a spa and pool for 2 adults and child also how much for the for tour tickets for a 7 year old

Hi Kate, For Spa I’d recommend you to stay in Hotel Milano . However, if the pool is a priority for you, you’ll need to look for a place outside Verona.

Hello Miss Milena,

I was looking at a 1 day trip in Verona and found your blog. It’s so detailed and super helpful. I will definitely follow them all and I hope to be able to visit your beautiful country too. I am traveling Europe with my husband. Also, I just want to say that the Bigoi Verona is permanently closed. Have a nice day! 🙂

Hi Paula, Thank you for your comment. I updated the itinerary. Have a great trip to Verona! 🙂

Hi Miss Milena,

I am looking to visit Verona for 1 day with my daughter. Please recommend a few places we could see? We have about 5 hours. Many Thanks Esther

This itinerary could be easily done in less than a day (if you’re visiting Verona on a day trip), so 5 hours are almost enough to see everything. 🙂 Still, it depends on how much time you’ll spend at each attraction. You can skip the part “More ideas for your one day in Verona” and choose a few must-see attractions only from the itinerary according to your and your daughter’s interests.

I’ll be happy to help if you have any specific questions, or if you at least give me more info on your interests, what you’d prefer to see and how old is your daughter.

Thank you for the easy and lovely recommendations 🙌

Thank you for your comment, Irem! 🙂

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The ultimate free walking tour of Verona, Italy

Verona felt like a breath of fresh air. We were desperately seeking a destination in Italy that wasn't sighing under the enormous pressure of tourism. As an alternative to touristy and overcrowded but undoubtably romantic Venice, we settled upon Verona. Equally romantic in nature -it is the birthplace of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet after all- but far less crowded, Verona city is (luckily) a clearly underrated destination. Verona is a welcome sip of pure, easygoing Italy!

Our short stint in Verona lasted 2 nights and was an ideal romantic getaway in March. If you have plans to visit Italy and are not sure if you should include Verona in your itinerary, we're here to convinence you with some dazzling photography of Verona's city center. The best way for us to observe Verona was with our cameras in hand; wandering those quaint and winding streets, and admiring its romantic balconies (which seem to be everywhere apparently). It was only fitting then, that we share with you our Verona photo diary and our recommendation on things to do in Verona, Italy.

About the ultimate Free Walking Tour of Verona

As one of the most romantic cities of Europe, Verona old town just screams for romantic strolls. With this self-guided free walking tour of Verona, we’re sharing all of our secrets about the best things to do in Verona.

Our Verona walking tour is about 6,5 KM (about 4 miles) long , depending on your walking speed and on which optional detours you choose to explore. We recommend allowing yourself at least xx hours to complete the walking tour, but you can easily spend a full day if you include time for lunch, drinks, wander the colorful streets in Verona and include plenty of stops along the way to appreciate Verona's history and culture.

Travel Tip: To make your exploring easier, we’ve created a Google Map of the free walking tour Verona that you can download to your phone and use offline while you’re in Verona! We recommend bookmarking this post to refer to along with the map.

Ready to start your Verona walking tour? Here's what to do in Verona in a day on foot!

How to spend a day in Verona: things to do

What can you do in Verona in 1 day? Well, it happens to be plenty! While there are several free things to do in Verona, some attraction may require an entrance fee. In that case, you might want to purchase the Verona Card that offers reductions on plenty of them, before heading out. This free walking tour of Verona is perfect for anyone spending a weekend in Verona or planning a Verona day trip from nearby destinations like Venice or Lake Garda.

1. THE STUNNING VERONA ARENA

Start your tour at the iconic Verona Arena in Città Antica. The Verona Arena sits adjacent to Piazza Bra, one of Verona's main squares. This is one of the best preserved Roman ampitheaters and it is still in use today. In ancient times, nearly 30.000 people were able to witness the famous shows and games held there. Nowadays the Verona arena has featured many of world's most notable opera singers.

If you enjoy the opera, a night out might be the perfect occasion to enjoy the Verona arena. To us however, the permanent setup of the opera stage de-romanticized the site a bit. We never visited any other arena before and the sight must have been spectacular were it not for a huge stage and 15.000 folded chairs that are semi-permanently installed.

Though the setup might obstruct the view a bit, visiting the Verona arena is one of the top things to in Verona, Italy. You can purchase tickets to tour the inside of the arena or book a ticket to see a Verona opera performance here .

2. HAVE A CAPPUCCINO AT THE LARGEST SQUARE OF VERONA: PIAZZA BRA

What better way to spend your time in Verona than sipping on a cappuccino with spectacular views of the Verona Arena? Though it's the biggest market place in Verona and surrounded by plenty of restaurants and cafés, it's still one of the most tranquil places to visit in Verona, Italy. In March at least 😉. We came here frequently to enjoy the spaciousness of it.

3. JULIET'S HOUSE

Verona is undoubtedly most famous as the scene for Shakespeare’s legendary love story, Romeo and Juliet. While in Verona, try to take a quick peek at the famous balcony of Juliet house but do not sacrifice any more of your precious travel time at this tourist trap. Although it is considered as one of the top things to do in Verona, Italy - it just wasn't my thang .

I'm baffled that thousands of people desire to be crammed into this small square everyday just to see this balcony -which was added on in the 20th century nonetheless- and to have their picture taken with the statue of Juliet. Also, do not waste your precious funds to enter Juliet's House, it is 100% not worth it.

4. PIAZZA DELLE ERBE

Another lavish piazza surrounded by scenic façades and yet another dozen balconies. We couldn't seem to get enough of the views from Piazza delle Erbe and revisited this area numerous times during our time in Verona. If the weather is nice, flat your buttocks in one of the outdoor cafés chairs, order yourself an overpriced Aperol Spritz and amuse yourself people-watching. A must do in Verona!

5. TORRE DEI LAMBERTI

Located right next to Piazza delle Erbe is Torre dei Lamberti; one of the best ways to enjoy 360° Verona city views. The panoramic views over the City of Love's red rooftops are just incredible. The Torre dei Lamberti houses four bells that ring every half our. Visitors ye be warned ;-).

Entry prices include a ride up the elevator to the top (no discount if you want to take the stairs). The tower is open everyday of the year except December 25th. Ticket prices are €8 and the hours of operation are 10 am – 6 pm Monday through Friday and 11 am to 7 pm Saturday and Sunday.

6. MARVEL AT BALCONIES AND COLOURFUL STREETS IN VERONA'S HISTORIC CITY CENTER

The Centro Storico is the historic center of Verona. The atmosphere created by Verona's narrow streets, dreamy balconies with luscious plants and curious corners make it a great place to explore. This is where you will find many of the main sights and what to see in Verona: the many piazzas, Verona's Arena, Torre Dei Lamberti, Juliet’s House and some incredible churches. Brimming with enchanting outdoor eateries, fragrant alleyways of flower shops and bakeries, bars and cute shops, the streets of Verona are a wonderful place to wander around and explore.

7. BASILICA ST ANASTASIA

This beautiful basilica in Gothic style, is located in the most ancient part of the Verona, near the Ponte Pietra. You can opt for a single entrance ticket (€3,00 p.p.) or a cumulative ticket (€6,00 p.p.), the latter providing you access to the Basilica di San Zeno, the Cathedral Complex, the Basilica di Santa Anastasia, and San Fermo.

If you are in possession of the Verona Card , you can use it for free entrance to the Basilica St Anastasia.

8. PONTE PIETRA

Any Verona 1 day itinerary should include a walk over the Ponte Pietra bridge. This is imo the prettiest bridge in the city. Ponte Pietra connects Verona's Città Antica with the Teatro Romano and Castel San Pietro in the Valdonega neighbourhood. When low on cash, this is on of the best free things to do in Verona.

9. CLIMB THE STAIRS TO PIAZZALE CASTEL SAN PIETRO

Now you've crossed into Valdonega neighbourhood, climb up the stairs to Piazzale Castel San Pietro for another great view over Verona's red rooftops. Do note that this is only viewpoint, the castle is currently closed and not open for visitors. If you're looking for a beautiful viewpoint while in Verona for one day, make it this one!

10. TEATRO ROMANO

Unfortunately the beautiful theater wall was not preserved and there seems to be a permanent setup with a stage that obstructed a large part of it. 100% honesty here, I was not super impressed by the Verona Roman Theatre and would not put it on a 'Verona top thing to do' list, instead I would recommend you focus on the onsite museum.

The museum was pretty interesting though so if you're into museums I would definitely recommend you visit the one at the Teatro Romano. We spend about an hour here, admiring the beautiful sculptures, mosaics, fresco's and pottery.

11. PONTE SCALIGERO AND CASTELVECCHIO

From Valdonego you walk along the Adige river into the Borgo Trento neighbourhood, known for Castelvecchio. Castelvecchio is one of those places that we unfortunately missed on our one day in Verona. We included it in our Free Walking Tour Verona simply because other visitors to Verona rave about this place.

The beautiful medieval bridge is one of Verona’s iconic spots that makes it onto every 'What to see in Verona, Italy' list. Castelvecchio will certainty interest the history buffs: a medieval castle turned into a museum. The castle is open daily and tickets cost €7.

12. BASILICA DI SAN ZENO MAGGIORE

The Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore is not of the most popular things to see in Verona but is a nice stop on this walking tour nevertheless. It got its fame as the "Romeo and Juliet" church: the crypt is the location of the wedding in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

You can buy a ticket that provides entrance to the four major churches in Verona at each church. The major points of interest of San Zeno Maggiore are the incredibly well preserved massive wooden entrance doors, the gorgeous ceiling and the colonnade courtyard.

Map of Verona , Italy: the Verona Walking Tour map

To help you plan your walking tour route, we’ve created a Verona walking tour map with what to see in Verona, Italy in one day. I recommend saving our Verona tourist map to your phone so you can access it offline in Verona, and bookmarking this page to refer to as you go!

This tour is 6,5 KM (about 4 miles) long and can be done in about 4-6 hours, depending on how long you want to stroll the historic streets in Verona. This does not include the time you want to spend exploring the Verona Arena or time inside any of the museums.

Where to stay in Verona

Verona is a pretty small city with almost all must do attractions in Città Antica. This makes Città Antica the best area to stay in Verona. Here's a list of Verona hotels we were looking at for our stay in the City of Love.

Where we stayed: Escalus Luxury Suites Verona , which I can’t recommend enough. We stayed in a boutique luxury apartment suite, a two minute walk from Verona's Arena and Piazza Bra. Definitely the right call, as this is a pretty quiet area at night yet close to shops and restaurants. Definitely one of the best affordable boutique hotels in Verona.

Here are some other Verona hotels we adored:

• Corte Realdi Luxury Rooms : With only 6 rooms, Corte Realdi Verona is an intimate boutique hotel set in a 17th-century building. Located a mere 400 meters (1300 feet) from gorgeous Piazza delle Erbe. 
• Il Relais : this 4 bedroom boutique hotel is set in the 19th-century Palazzo Tommasi in the heart of Verona, opposite the Castelvecchio Castle. A bit further from the Centro Historico but the luxury totally makes up for it!

Relais Balcone di Giulietta ****

Price as from 173€ per night

Located right next to Juliet's balcony and just 400 meters from Via Mazzini in Verona, the hotel offers free WiFi, express check-in, and check-out services. This is the epitome of romance if you're looking for an intimate stay with your other half. Guests can enjoy a hot tub and bicycle rental. The selling point of this hotel is that some rooms have a view of Juliet's balcony!

Vista Palazzo Verona *****

Price as from 930€ per night

The hotel provides 5-star accommodations with a spa center. Ideally situated in the heart of Verona, Vista Palazzo offers air-conditioned rooms, a fitness center, free WiFi, and a shared lounge. With a restaurant, terrace, sauna, and hot tub, the property ensures a luxurious stay. Guests can also enjoy room service and a concierge service.

Hotel Aurora ***

Price as from 175€ per night

Located 150 meters from Juliet's Balcony, Hotel Aurora offers free Wi-Fi and classically furnished rooms with air conditioning, parquet floors, and a satellite LCD TV. The daily buffet breakfast on the city-view terrace is the absolute selling point of this hotel in our opinion. The Verona Arena is just 500 meters away, and Verona Cathedral is an 8-minute walk from the hotel.

Best places to eat in Verona

What to eat in verona.

What is worth your bucks though is Verona's exquisite food. The colourful streets in Verona's city center are the beating gourmet heart of Verona's traditional cuisine and definitely worth the calorie splurge.

Must-try Verona dishes are:

Risotto all’Amarone : the risotto gets its flavor and colour from the region’s most powerful wine: Amarone della Valpolicella. The wine has vibrant red colour and an intense palette with aromas of dried fruits, tobacco, and dried spices.

Bigoli : the signature pasta of the Veneto. A bit thicker than regular pasta and can come with several types of sauces.

Pandoro : a Veronese cake that is popular during the Christmas holiday season (imo tastes great whatever time of the year 🤷‍♀️) .

Where to eat in Verona

Is your mouth already watering thinking about these delicious Italian dishes? Enter Osteria Ponte Pietra : one of the best restaurants in Verona. And I'm not only talking about the food, the views of the Ponte Pietra from their romantic balcony terrace are to die for!

Osteria Ponte Pietra was where we tasted the best Bigoli during our trip. A Verona restaurant with a view and menu that's hard to beat!<

Craving for a tasty antipasti? Click your heals twice and get whisked away to Caffè Monte Baldo , one of the best authentic restaurants in Verona. Popular amongst locals for their incredible spread of appetizers at an incredibly reasonable price, we also credit them for a delicious Risotto all’Amarone. The courses are generous though, we never made it to secondi plati 😋.

Room for desert? Stroll the romantic streets of Verona's historic city center to Gelateria La Romana for the best gelato in Verona. Indulge in the sweet sweet flavours of probably the best gelato you'll ever have 🍦. Or why not try to make it yourself? No better way to shamelessly feast on gelato when attending a cooking class like this one , right?

The best day trips from Verona, Italy

Spending a weekend in Verona or more? Here are some lovely day trips from Verona that you could take!

From Verona to Lake Garda

Did you know for example it only takes slightly more than one hour to go from Verona to Lake Garda ? I mean, you can literally go from the most romantic "Romeo and Juliet" city in Italy, to the most romantic lake in Italy… all in one Verona weekend trip! You can book a private trip to Lake Garda with romantic boat trip from Verona right here .

Verona Wine Tasting

Or what about wine tasting ? The rolling fields surrounding Verona hosts vineyards that produce gallons of ridiculously good wine for you to sip on 🍷. You can book a private wine tasting tour in Soava from Verona here .

So there you have it, our recommendation on best things to do in Verona. Are you ready to strap on your favorite walking shoes and hit the streets of Verona? Which stop on this self-guided free walking tour of Verona are you most excited to visit? Drop us a comment below!

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A little DISAPPOINTED to read such bad reViews on the UK website about Osteria Ponte Pietra:restaurant that you have featured in your artIcLe. Obviously people go On recommendatiOns.

oh no, so sad to read that. We found it very good when there! Though it has been a few years since we’ve been so I can’t vouch for the current situation.

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48 Hours in Verona – 2 day Itinerary

Despite being the setting of the famously tragic Shakespearean play Romeo and Juliet , fair Verona is anything but miserable in reality. It’s a compact Italian city on the Adige River between Milan and Venice with the Dolomite Mountains only a few train stops north.

Verona is also the perfect base for a trip to Lake Garda. But with so many other amazing spots in Northern Italy, is Verona worth visiting? And is 48 hours in Verona enough time?

Absolutely! If you’re a romantic, you’ll love visiting attractions dedicated to the star-crossed lovers, sipping wine on outdoor terraces, and tasting gelato by the river. You’ll enjoy watching a concert in the Verona Arena and walking along the cobbled streets back to your boutique hotel. It’s an ideal place to jet away for a romantic weekend or spend 2 days in Verona on an Italian rail trip.

If you’re wondering how many days in Verona is ideal or how many days do you need in Verona? well it all depends on what your plans are? You could easily spend 2 weeks in Verona or 2 months and still not see or do everything.

Below is a great guide on what to do in Verona for 2 days because sometimes 2 days in Verona is all you have, especially if you’re going over on a cruise or you’re short on time and want to be able to tour some of the other areas within Verona.

This Verona travel guide will give you a complete 48 hours in Verona itinerary. It will also show you where to stay in Verona, how to get around, and the best time to visit. You’ll learn exactly what to see in Verona and the best things to do in Verona in two days.

Plan your trip?

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Table of Contents

The Best Time to Visit Verona

Like most of Northern Italy, Verona enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and cool winters. July is usually the hottest month of the year with highs of 31°C/87°F and 20°C/70°F is a rare low. January is often the coldest month with highs of 7°C-45°F and dips down to -2°C/30°F occasionally.

Spring (April-May) and autumn/fall (September) are the shoulder seasons where the weather is warm but there are fewer crowds. When everything is considered, these are the best months to visit Verona. The city is at its busiest during the peak summer months of July and August. 

Travel to Verona and accommodation prices are at their highest between April and September. If you want to spend a weekend in Verona on a budget, the best time to visit is between January-March and October-December, except near Christmas.

Verona isn’t a year-round city like Rome where everything stays open. Don’t be surprised if attractions have shorter opening hours and some eateries close down during the winter months.

One of the biggest festivals in Verona, Italy is the Opera Festival which takes place from mid-June to August. They schedule three to four evening shows a week in the Verona Roman Amphitheatre and it’s truly a spectacular occasion. 

How to Get Around Verona

All the top sights and attractions in this city are within walking distance of each other. That’s one reason why spending 48 hrs in Verona is the perfect amount of time!

Central Verona is a restricted traffic area, with only locals being able to drive around freely. You’ll find that many of the streets and main squares are pedestrianised.

If you have a disability, however, you can request a city pass from the council to drive around Verona at your leisure. Taxis are another option but Verona doesn’t have rideshare services like Uber.

Buses operate from 5:00 to midnight and you can buy tickets through the Ticket Bus Verona app . You can also buy tickets from newsagents and tobacconists, but these are often not conveniently located next to bus stops.

Single tickets last for 90 minutes or you can buy day passes. Verona also offers locals and visitors e-bikes with docking stations that you can pay for via a contactless credit card.

Where to Stay in Verona

The best neighbourhood to stay in during your trip to Verona is, by far, Città Antica. This is the historic centre of the city which connects to other Verona neighbourhoods across the River Adige via many bridges. At a push, you could consider staying in another neighbourhood if it’s close to one of these bridges.

The Hostello – This is the best hostel in Verona and the top accommodation option for budget travellers. It’s situated just outside of Città Antica in the ancient Veronetta neighbourhood near the Ponte delle Navi bridge.

The University of Verona is in this part of the city which means it has lots of budget-friendly bars, cafes, and restaurants nearby. The Hostello is a cosy independent hostel with small dorms, a secluded garden, and all the amenities you’ll need during your stay.

Hotel Giulietta e Romeo – If this guesthouse were in a more expensive Italian city like Venice or Florence, it would cost twice the price. But Hotel Giulietta e Romeo’s rates start from €80 per night and, for that, you can stay in a modern hotel with balconies in some of the rooms and clean, modern decor.

Their breakfast buffet includes pastries and pancakes and they offer various suites suitable for an intimate couples weekend away or a family break.

Palazzo Victoria – From €170 per night, this former palace turned 5-star hotel strikes the perfect balance between old-world opulence and modern amenities.

It’s in a phenomenal location next to the Porta Borsari and close to Juliet’s House and Piazza Delle Erbe. And it has a beautiful garden terrace and boasts luxury features like soaking baths in the rooms.

Things To Do in Verona

Witness the view from castel san pietro.

When you visit a place as beautiful as Verona, you have to seek out a viewpoint to really appreciate how stunning it is. One of the best things to do in Verona is to climb up Castel San Pietro to do exactly that.

It’s completely free to walk around the outside terrace of this Romanesque fortress. Unless you want to avoid walking up 231 steps in the heat, of course, then you can pay a small fee and head up via the funicular.

You’ll also get to cross the Ponte Pietra bridge to reach the castle which is a restored Roman arch.

Wander Around the Piazza Delle Erbe Markets

Piazza Delle Erbe is one of the main squares in Verona. It’s home to the striking Madonna Fountain, the Lamberti Bell Tower, Palazzo Della Ragione, and many restaurants.

Every morning from Monday to Saturday, you can stroll around the food and souvenir markets that take over this square.

Catch a Show at Verona Arena

Some visitors describe Verona as a smaller Rome. It’s easy to see why. Verona also has a Roman colosseum (though nowhere near as big), plenty of beautiful churches, and a river that runs through it. 

But it may surprise you to learn that Verona’s colosseum is well-preserved and in a much better state than the one in Rome. It’s a working building made to seat 20,000 and they host performances every summer.

If you aren’t visiting Verona during the summer months, you can still visit the arena during the day. It’s included in the Verona card which includes entrance to most of Verona’s top attractions, museums, and churches.

Taste the Local Cuisine 

Is there better cuisine than Italian cuisine ? Probably not. Gelato, pasta, pizza, risotto, and the list could continue. But there are 20 Italian regions and each has its own specialities. Verona is in the Veneto region (the same one as Venice) and their signature dishes are very different to, say, Naples in the south.

Veneto is one of Italy’s major wine-producing regions so you should sample as much wine and prosecco (responsibly!) as possible. Soave wine, in particular, is native to Verona. It’s made with Garganega grapes and it’s a dry, light, and fruity white wine.

One of Verona’s most popular exports is salami. Order a mezze platter from a trattoria in Verona with olives, bread, grapes, and a local cheese like Monte Veronese.

Still hungry? Follow it up with a plate of risotto all’amarone. This is a risotto cooked with red wine instead of the usual white wine which gives it a deep purple colour.

Though gelato is historically a Florentine or Sicilian treat (depending on who you ask!), it’s available everywhere.

Choose gelaterias that serve gelato from metal tins because their gelato is more likely to be homemade. And avoid gelato with bright, unnatural colours as this will have artificial ingredients.

Places to Visit in Verona

Juliet’s house.

If you’re able to suspend your grasp on reality for an hour or two , then you should visit Juliet’s House. Yes, Juliet Capulet is a fictional character from the Shakespearean play Romeo and Juliet which dates back to 1597 and she didn’t actually exist let alone live in this house.

The play is the reason why most people can answer the question, “Where is Verona?” so it’s understandable that the city would lean into this connection.

Juliet’s House features an exhibition of the character of Juliet, including some costumes from the 1968 Italian film adaptation of the play. You’ll be able to step onto “her” balcony and even send a letter to the Juliet Club.

This is an organisation of volunteers who respond to letters from around the world asking for advice on matters of the heart. 

Outside of the museum is a courtyard with a statue of Juliet and, apparently, if you rub her right breast you will become lucky in love! There’s also a wall of graffiti where lovers write messages to their partners or crushes.

Yes, it’s corny, but you haven’t really visited Verona if you haven’t visited any of the Romeo and Juliet sites. You can also visit Romeo’s house and Juliet’s tomb, too!

Castelvecchio Museum & Bridge

Castelvecchio is a former medieval castle built by the powerful Scaliger family in the 1300s. Today, it’s a museum housing a plethora of artefacts from different eras including paintings, sculptures, artillery, and statues.

It’s one of the most important museums in Verona and well worth visiting if you want an extra dose of culture on your trip.

Next door to the museum is the Castelvecchio or Scaligero Bridge. It also dates back to the 1300s as they were built at the same time though it needed to be reconstructed after WWII. 

Basilica di Santa Anastasia

You can’t say you’ve visited Italy without having tasted gelato or set foot in a church. They’re just too pretty. Verona has three main churches: Basilica di Santa Anastasia, Verona Duomo, and Church of San Fermo Maggiore.

If you have the time, you should visit all three! But the 13th-century Basilica di Santa Anastasia has the most impressive interiors.

As you walk around the church, you’ll spot a historic Gothic fresco by an artist named Pisanello. The church’s alcoves have gold-plated columns and every surface from the ceiling to the floor has an ornate design.

Tours To Do in Verona

Food and wine tour.

As already mentioned, the Veneto region is the biggest producer of wine in Italy and its food is amazing too. But that doesn’t mean it’s all good.

By joining a food and wine tour, an expert will take you to all the best cafes, restaurants and bars in the city so you can ensure you’re tasting Verona’s best culinary delights . On this tour, you’ll taste pastries, espressos, salami, cheese, wine, and more!

Verona is a small city, so you could join a walking tour and see a lot. But why not take advantage of Verona’s motorised traffic restrictions and zero hills?

This bike tour is perfect when you’re short on time and want to see as many sites in Verona as possible. You’ll ride along the banks of the Adige River all the way down to Porta Nuova and the 16th-century city gates.

Lake Garda and Sirmione Tour

You really cannot visit Verona without taking a half-day tour of Lake Garda . It’s Italy’s largest lake and has beautiful scenery.

This tour makes it easy to hop on a small bus to the quaint lakeside town of Sirmione, stroll through the streets and take a boat cruise before heading back to Verona. Easy peasy!

48 Hours in Verona

Day 1 in verona.

Start your first day in Verona as the locals do with a pastry and espresso at Pasticceria Flego. Beat the crowds by heading straight to Juliet’s House to learn all about Verona’s most famous fictional daughter.

This is one of the busiest attractions in the city so if you want to get good photographs, it’s worth being an early bird. Next, take a stroll around Piazza Delle Erbe and search for treasures to take back home. When you’re ready for lunch, head to Osteria Caffè Monte Baldo for a mezze platter.

It’s your duty to eat as much gelato as possible. So if you have some room left in your stomach, make your way to Gelateria Ponte Pietra.

Get the pistachio! Next, cross the Ponte Pietra to Castel San Pietro for panoramic vistas across the city. Take the funicular or walk the hundreds of steps to the top. Afterwards, explore the wonders hidden inside the beautiful Basilica di Santa Anastasia.

Get lost in Verona’s winding narrow streets to work up an appetite for dinner at Osteria Ponte Pietra, one of the best restaurants in the city with views of the river.

Day 2 in Verona

Start your day bright and early with a half-day trip to Lake Garda. It’s only a 90-minute drive to Sirmione, one of the closest lakeside towns to Verona.

While you’re there, you can take a lake cruise around Italy’s largest lake, explore Scaligero Castle, or relax on Jamaica Beach. Try gelato from Gelateria Mancini dal 1933 (avoid the other gelaterias with their bright blue bubblegum offerings!) and have lunch at Il Girasole.

When you’re back in Verona, you’ll have just enough time to check out the Castelvecchio museum and the Ponte Scaligero bridge. Enjoy traditional Veneto dishes in Greppia for dinner before heading out to catch a show at the Verona Arena at night.

Travelling outside of opera season? Head to the Romeo Bistrot & Cocktail Bar for drinks instead to squeeze in another reference to the star-crossed lovers before heading home or to your next stop on your trip in the morning.

Recommended tours in Verona

• Verona Food & Wine Walking Tour in Small-group
• Verona Small-Group Bike Tour
• Semi-private Sirmione and Lake Garda Tour from Verona
• Verona Moonlight Walking Tour
• Verona Arena Skip-the-line Tour
• Gelato Making Class in Verona
• Fascinating Verona: in the Footprints of Romeo and Juliet
• Dark Historical Verona Walking Tour
• Verona City Hop-on Hop-off Tour

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Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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17 Places to See & Best Things to Do in Verona, Italy (+Map & Travel Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: July 15, 2024

Visiting Verona in Italy and wondering what to expect and what to see and do in the city? In this guide, we cover all the musts – the best places to see and things to do in Verona for first-time visitors . Take a look!

Verona lies in the Veneto region in the north of the country and is one of the prettiest cities in Italy . Known as a romantic destination because of its association with Romeo and Juliet, the city is still much quieter than the major tourist destinations like Rome , Venice , Florence , or Milan .

Yet there are many good reasons to visit Verona beyond the famous Juliet’s Balcony… From its historic amphitheater and the beautifully preserved churches and ancient bridges to the beautiful wine region just near the city, Verona has more to offer than it looks at first glance.

In this guide, you can read about the VERY BEST things to see and do in Verona . We cover all the musts for first-time visitors, but also a few of the nicest sights and attractions for those of you who have a bit more time in the area. It’s well worth planning a bit more time in Verona and exploring deeper!

We also created a map of the main landmarks of Verona and included some helpful tips for visiting each attraction. You can find all this information at the bottom of this article.

Take a look!

PRO TIP: As you’ll see below, almost all the main landmarks in Verona require a ticket. But pretty much all of them are also included with the Verona Card . You can get this card for 1 or 2 days and it offers exceptional value for those who want to visit all the best places in Verona.

Verona Card pays off even if you just visit 3-4 of the most popular attractions in Verona, not even to mention the use of public transport, etc.

Since most of the main sights in Verona don’t require lots of time, you’ll likely cover most of them during your visit. So this city pass offers excellent value. We hardly ever get city passes for a short city visit, but in Verona, it really makes sense.

Top 4 Experiences in Verona:

• Verona Card with Arena Priority Entrance
• Wine Tasting Tours
• Countryside E-bike Tours

These are the main attractions and best things to do in Verona, Italy:

1. Arena di Verona

Dating all the way back to 30 AD, Arena di Verona is a splendid amphitheater and definitely #1 of the best places to see in Verona!

Verona Arena can easily rival the famous Colosseum in Rome (which was built a few decennia later, around 70-80 AD). In a way, it’s even more impressive since it’s so perfectly preserved. Arena di Verona is still used for live opera performances today!

Built to hold 30,000 spectators, this architectural marvel is located at Piazza Bra in the heart of the historic town. Citizens from all over the Roman Empire would have come here to watch ‘ludi’ (Roman games and shows).

Containing all of its original arches and seating, the Arena is absolutely fascinating to visit, either during an opera performance or as part of a sightseeing tour . From the upper levels, you have a great overview of the Arena itself, but also a nice high-angle view of the city center.

We explain all the best ticket options for visiting Arena di Verona below.

Tickets and tours: You can opt for a single ticket or visit Verona Arena with the Verona Card that gives you skip-the-line access. Alternatively, if you want to get a bit more background information, you can also book a skip-the-line Arena guided tour . A popular option is also this guided city tour that – among other sights – includes a visit to the Arena as well.

Either way, getting skip-the-line tickets/ booking a tour in advance is well worth it; especially if visiting Verona in the high season (+-April to October) or on the weekends.

Good to know: In addition to visiting the Arena for sightseeing, it’s really worth trying to attend an opera performance here at night. The sight of the Arena all lit up and the magic of listening to such music in a real ancient amphitheater makes for an unforgettable evening!

If you are visiting Verona on a weekend (Thursday-Sunday) during the summer months, don’t miss this bucket list experience!

You can see the calendar and reserve your ticket for the opera performance in advance on their website or – much simpler – on GetYourGuide .

If you didn’t reserve in advance, you may still try to get a ticket on the day itself. Also, the cheapest tickets are for the stone steps and the seats are unreserved . So if you get one of those, make sure you arrive early to get a good spot. You can also rent a cushion for a couple of euros, which I would definitely recommend doing. The alternative is to sit on the hard stone for the duration of the performance!

TIP: As you enter the Arena for a performance, make sure you pick up a candle from the large unmarked box by the gate. These are free and given to honor ‘the tradition of the candles’, which is apparently how the stage was illuminated in the past. These days, everyone is asked to light their candle right before the performance begins, which is an awesome sight!

2. Piazza Bra

Piazza Bra is Verona’s largest town square and the place where most tourists to begin their visit to the city. You’ll likely come here through I Portoni della Brà , the impressive Verona city gates. Under the gate, you can see a small statue of William Shakespeare.

Located on the edge of the city center, Piazza Bra is home to the Arena di Verona . It has lots of open space around the arena too, offering plenty of opportunities to take nice pictures of the amphitheater.

You’ll find many other historic buildings here, including the Palazzo Beriberi and the Gran Guardia Palace . In the center of the square stands the statue of the Italian King Vittorio Emanuele II on horseback. Whereas the southern end of the piazza is enclosed by part of Verona’s medieval city walls and the above-mentioned city gate.

Piazza Bra is lined with lots of colorful shops and homes, with pretty balconies and decorated shutters. It’s also filled with terraces and cafes, making it a great place for a cup of coffee and some people-watching.

If you’re here before dinner, you’ll likely see groups of friends and families walking around as they take part in their daily passeggiata . This is the Italian ritual of taking a stroll before eating.

Good to know: There is a pretty little park in the piazza – Giardini Vittorio Emanuele II – that offers some shade and has a few benches. It’s a great place to take a little rest from sightseeing. There is a fountain in the middle called Fontana delle Alpi or Fontana di Piazza Brà . The locals call it ‘lemon squeezer’ because that’s exactly what it looks like!

3. Piazza delle Erbe

There are lots of lovely squares to visit in Verona. Piazza delle Erbe in the middle of the historic old town is probably my personal favorite. Diamond-shaped and lined with important buildings, it was Verona’s principal Forum.

This is where you’ll find the beautiful Baroque Palazzo Maffei and the Torre Lamberti , along with lots of charming cafes to enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Take the time to admire all the buildings here – many of them have colorful mural paintings.

Look out for the ‘Capitello’ in the center of the square. This columned canopy dates back to the 16th century and was the place where punishment sentences were announced. You can also see a 14th-century Madonna di Verona fountain , with the statue itself dating back to 380 AD.

You can’t really miss the Lion of St. Mark located on the column in front of Gardello Tower and Maffei Palace. This winged statue symbolizes Venetian rule and you can find a number of depictions throughout the city.

There are usually lots of market stalls on Piazza delle Erbe. Nowadays, they tend to sell a lot more souvenirs than the handmade goods they were originally used for. The umbrellas cover the view somewhat and might detract a bit from the beauty of the square, but the bustling atmosphere in the historic setting makes this unique square one of the best places to see in Verona!

4. Torre dei Lamberti

Located on the Piazza delle Erbe, the Lamberti Tower stands at an impressive 84m high. Although work on the tower originally began in the 12th century, the octagonal tower floor with its marble arches was only added in 1464.

There are two bells in the belfry. The largest – The Rengo – is a 1557 replacement for the original. It was used to call meetings of the city council. The smaller Marangona was used to alert citizens to fire.

Admiring the 360-degree views from the top of the Lamberti Tower is something you really must do during a visit to Verona! You can see across the whole city, the hills nearby, and even the mountains to the north.

Good to know: You have two options to get to the top of the tower. You can either walk up the 368 steps or take the elevator (there are still a few steps to climb at the very top, though). The walls of the elevator are transparent so you still get to enjoy the amazing architecture on the way up!

Practical info: Torre dei Lamberti is open daily (except Christmas Day) and you can get a ticket on the spot. The same ticket also gives you access to the adjacent Gallery of Modern Art as well. The Lamberti Tower – just like most other Verona attractions – is also included with the Verona Card .

TIP: Just at the bottom of the tower, there’s a small museum called Galleria d’Arte Moderna Achille Forti. Even if you are not visiting the art gallery inside, it’s worth seeing the building. On the other hand, this museum is also included with the city card and doesn’t take much time, so you may want to check it out as well.

5. Casa di Giulietta & Juliet’s Balcony

Juliet’s House ( Casa di Giulietta ) is one of the most popular places to see in Verona. It’s world-famous as the setting of Shakespeare’s play ‘Romeo and Juliet’. And yes, you can see the famous Juliet’s Balcony here – even if you decide not don’t visit the inside of the house itself.

Despite the fact that Shakespeare never actually visited Italy, this 14th-century building and its balcony are synonymous with one of the most romantic stories of all time. For that reason, Casa di Giulietta attracts visitors from all over the world.

Here you can pose for photos with a statue of Juliet and see the bed inside the house that appeared in the Zeffirelli film version of ‘Romeo & Juliet’ . More recently, Juliet’s House also featured in the blockbuster movie ‘Letters to Juliet’ .

Located on 23 Via Capello in the very heart of Verona, Casa di Giulietta is reached by a covered pathway. Here you will see all manner of romantic graffiti, handwritten letters, and post-it notes with love messages left by visitors. Don’t try adding one yourself, though, as this is no longer allowed.

The main attraction, of course, is the balcony where Romeo professed his love to Juliet. Sadly, this balcony isn’t quite as authentic as it seems and was actually added in the 1930s to bring life to Shakespeare’s play and encourage even more tourists!

Good to know: You can see the house, the famous balcony, and the bronze statue of Juliet for free, but you will need a ticket to visit the museum inside the house. It’s also included with the earlier-mentioned Verona Card , which offers really good value if you plan to visit several Verona attractions and museums inside.

Practical information: Juliet’s House is open daily except for Mondays (unless it’s a public holiday like e.g. Easter Monday, when it’s open as well – this counts for most other Verona attractions too).

6. Piazza dei Signori

Piazza dei Signori i s one of Verona’s lesser-known piazzas, mostly visited by tourists when it hosts its annual Christmas and Easter markets. But it’s a really nice town square, just steps away from the above-mentioned places and well worth visiting for its historical interest!

Located beside Piazza della Erbe, Piazza dei Signori was once the center of Verona’s public institutions. The square houses the 15th-century Loggia del Consiglio , which was originally the city hall. You can also see several palazzos here, such as the Palazzo del Comune and the Palazzo del Podestà , once the residence of the Scaligeri family, and now the state government office.

Piazza dei Signori is often referred to as Piazza Dante. This is because it contains a monument to “The Divine Comedy” author Dante Alighieri , who lived in Verona from 1312 to 1318, after which he moved to Ravenna where he spent the last years of his life.

Good to know: There have been recent excavations here that have unearthed Roman remains beneath the current street level. These include mosaics and a Roman street, which you can actually view from the Capitano Palace (Palazzo di Cansignorio) through the large glass ‘windows’ in the ground.

TIP: Check out Caffè Dante Bistrot, Verona’s oldest coffee house (1865). It is located in Casa della Pietà with a pretty coral-colored exterior and carved statue embellishments. Although, be aware of high prices and extra charges if you decide to eat here.

Tour tip: If you want to see the best of Verona with a local and learn more about Dante at the same time, check out this highly-rated ‘Dante in Verona’ walking tour .

7. Arche Scaligere

Scaligeri Tombs ( Arche Scaligere ) is another landmark to see in Verona city center.

Located next to the Church of Saint Mary ‘Antica’ and right next to the square of Piazza dei Signori, this is a group of five Gothic funerary monuments to the noble Della Scala family. Each tomb is dedicated to a different lord of Verona.

The family – also known as Scaligeri or Scaliger – ruled Verona in the 13th and 14th centuries and there are several monuments to them throughout the city.

Good to know: Scaligeri Tombs are separated from the street by a wall and iron bars. To get a better look at them, you’ll have to pay a small entrance fee. It’s open every day throughout the year and yes, the entrance here is also included with the Verona Card .

8. Castelvecchio Bridge & Museum

Castelvecchio is a magnificent building located on the banks of the River Adige, just outside of the medieval city walls. Constructed in 1354, it originally served as both a fortress and a residence. Nowadays, this is a museum dedicated to Verona’s past.

The artifacts on display inside the museum range from ceramics and sacred art to coins and weaponry. There are also some exceptional paintings from the early Renaissance period, along with elegant Romanesque sculptures.

The exterior is impressive too, featuring an imposing gatehouse with two guard towers and crenulated battlements. But the highlight is the 14th century arched stone bridge Ponte di Castelvecchio (aka Ponte Scaligero) attached to the main complex.

The longest of its kind in the world when it was originally built, the bridge is decorated in the same style as the castle walls. It features several sets of stairs in its towers which you climb for splendid views of the castle and down the River Adige.

Be sure to take a stroll along the riverbank, too, for some great photographs of the bridge itself.

Good to know: The Castelvecchio museum is undoubtedly the best in Verona and you should set aside at least an hour or two for a visit here. However, it’s just a few minutes walk from the main sights in Verona’s old town. So even if you don’t have time to visit inside, it’s still worth coming here to see the castle and the bridge!

Practical information: Castelvecchio Museum is open daily except on Mondays. It’s also included with the Verona Card .

9. Ponte Pietra

Ponte Pietra (‘the stone bridge’) is the oldest bridge in Verona. Originally built around 89-100 BC, the bridge was also part of Via Postumia, an ancient Roman road connecting Genoa to Aquileia.

One of the most picturesque bridges in Verona, Ponte Pietra has collapsed due to floods many times throughout history. It was rebuilt time and again. Most recently, it was partially destroyed during WWII and was rebuilt in the 1950s using the original style and materials as much as possible.

Note the big round holes in the middle – these are ‘flood eyes’ that are supposed to help reduce the water pressure on the bridge in case of a flood. You can see a similar Roman bridge with an ‘oculus’ – Ponte Sisto – in Rome as well.

The views from this bridge are really nice too, with the hilltop church Santuario della Nostra Signora di Lourdes to one side and Verona old town to the other.

Good to know: Ponte Pietra is just a 10-15 min scenic walk from the main landmarks in the historic city center. The bridge connects this part of town to the Roman theater and the castle on the other side of the River Adige (more info about these landmarks below).

10. Roman Theater & Archeological Museum

The 1st-century Roman Theater and Archeological Museum (Museo Archeologico al Teatro Romano) is another ancient landmark worth seeing in Verona.

During the summer you can see live outdoor performances here, or simply enjoy the amazing view from the top of the theater looking over the River Adige. The museum filled with statues, bronzes, glasswork, and Roman mosaics is fascinating too. It’s housed in the former Convento dei Gesuiti .

TIP: The stonework here serves as a sun trap and it can get incredibly hot in the summer, so try to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Practical information: Just as pretty much any museum in Verona, the Roman Theater and Archeological Museum is open daily except on Mondays. It’s also included with the Verona Card .

11. Views from Castel San Pietro

The Castle of Saint Peter ( Castel San Pietro ) sits on a site on the eastern bank of the River Adige, where a church dedicated to the saint once stood. The castle itself was constructed in the 14th century to help bolster the city’s defenses.

Although the castle is not open to the public, its position on the top of a hill gives you breathtaking views across the red rooftops to the center of Verona.

Indeed, this is the highest viewpoint in the city and not to be missed! It’s also a popular place to watch the sunset in Verona.

Good to know: You can reach the top of the hill on foot, starting at the Ponte Pietra next to the Roman Theater. The walk is only mildly demanding and takes about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the one-way ride up on the funicular railway, enjoying the view as you ascend.

TIP: Visit in the early evening with a bottle of wine and join other visitors in watching the sun go down over the city – a truly memorable experience.

12. Duomo – Verona’s Cathedral

Cattedrale di Santa Maria Matricolare was consecrated in 1187 and is one of Verona’s oldest religious buildings. If you visit one church in Verona, make it the Duomo !

A beautiful example of 12th-century Romanesque architecture, the Cathedral is stunning both inside and out. Its 15th-century Gothic nave is lined with marble columns and the main chapels feature decorative Renaissance frescoes. The most impressive fresco is located at the altar, beside which you can also see an enormous gold organ.

Look through the glass panels on the glass floor and you can see the remains of the previous church that lie beneath.

Practical information: All the main churches in Verona are open daily, but the hours differ per church and per day. You can find all the practical info here .

TIP: If for whatever strange reason you opt not to get Verona Card, you can also buy one low-cost ticket for all four of Verona’s main churches (the Cathedral Complex, the Basilica di San Zeno, the Basilica di Santa Anastasia, and San Fermo). This ticket offers great value for those who want to visit all the best churches in Verona.

Good to know: Al the religious sights in Italy have a dress code for entry which requires that your knees and shoulders must be covered. This is also the case if you are visiting the churches in Verona.

13. Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore

Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore is one of Northern Italy’s best-preserved examples of Romanesque architecture. This beautiful 12th-century church is located on the west side of the River Adige. It’s a little outside of the main sightseeing routes in Verona and therefore relatively peaceful. However, as far as the best places to see in Verona go, this Basilica is well worth a detour!

The exterior is striking, made from a warmly colored combination of tufa stone and bricks. While the interior is adorned with marble columns and stunning artwork. The cloisters are really nice too! But perhaps the most noteworthy is the San Zeno Altarpiece . It’s considered to be Verona’s first major Renaissance piece and the inspiration for other local artists.

Yet despite its beauty and architectural importance, San Zeno Maggiore is famous for quite a different reason! It was in its crypt that the marriage of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet took place.

Good to know: You need to buy a ticket to enter the church, but you can see the beautifully restored cloisters and stunning bronze doors for free. You can also admire the beautiful rose window above them. And yes – you probably guessed it by now – the entrance here is also included with Verona Card .

TIP: If you are in Verona on a Sunday, you can combine your visit to San Zeno Maggiore with a trip to the flea market on Piazza San Zeno. This is more of a local market than a tourist one, so you can pick up some great Italian antiques and bric-a-brac. Just be aware that few stall-holders here speak English, so haggling might be a challenge!

14. Basilica di Santa Anastasia

Basilica di Santa Anastasia is another church that’s well worth seeing in Verona. It’s a lovely building designed by two Dominican friars in the 13th century.

The largest church in Verona, it’s located at the end of the Decumanus Maximus. This was the main Roman road in Verona connecting Porta Borsari to the former Postumio Bridge.

With its beautiful vaulted ceiling soaring to a great height, Sant’Anastasia is best known for its beautiful frescoes and impressive red Veronese marble pillars. The most famous is Pisanello’s fresco ‘St. George & the Princess’. You can also see carved stone scenes depicting the life of Saint Peter and a pair of fonts held by hunchbacked marble grotesques.

TIP: The cost of admission includes a very good audio tour which is both informative and easy to follow.

15. San Fermo Maggiore

Chiesa di San Fermo Maggiore is the lesser-visited of the four main churches in Verona. But it’s unique and well worth a look too!

The original church here dates from the 11-14th centuries and has been rebuilt later. Thus the mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Inside, you can see lots of stunning artworks and paintings, with images of over 400 saints. The wooden ceiling is very impressive!

But what makes San Fermo Maggiore more special is that it has two levels ; with a small older chapel located underneath the current church.

Good to know: Visit here is also free with Verona Card or the earlier-mentioned Churches Pass.

16. Il Giardino Giusti

Located on the grounds of the Giusti Palace located on the River Adige’s eastern bank, il Giardino Giusti are spectacular 16th-century gardens. These are the finest gardens in the city!

This park is a bit of a hidden gem in Verona, but it’s well worth a visit if you have more time to explore beyond the main sights and attractions.

Giardino Giusti gardens are divided into 8 sections and each one has a different theme, with its own decoration or fountain in the middle. This is typical of the Renaissance layout, which emphasizes beauty, perfection, and geometry.

A stroll amongst the cypress trees and grottoes makes a refreshing break from all the sightseeing in Verona. You’ll also find a hedge maze here which is fun for kids (the boxwood hedges are too low to present much of a challenge to adults). You can also visit Apartamento 900 , the apartments of the family to whom these gardens belonged.

TIP: Although quite steep, it’s worth climbing the steps and paths to the upper tiers of the gardens for the panoramic views of the city.

Good to know: Giardino Giusti entrance fee is quite high for a rather small park and it is not included in the city pass. However, there are discounts for the Verona Card holders and also special family tickets.

Practical information: Giardino Giusti is open daily throughout the year except on Christmas day. See their website for more info.

17. Food, Wine & Vineyards

In addition to all the main sights and attractions in Verona, the city has a lot to offer for food and wine lovers too.

One of the best ways to get to know the local cuisine and try some traditional regional dishes in Verona is by joining one of the organized food tours . Cooking classes are also available.

This is the best-rated Verona food & wine tour that takes you to the main landmarks in the city too. If you rather just focus on food, check out this great value food tour with wine tasting .

If you are looking for a more hands-on experience, you can also opt for this popular cooking lesson or a gelato-making class . And if you are mostly interested in local wines (such as the world-famous Prosecco), you’ll find various wine-tasting experiences .

But if you have more time, I highly recommend joining a winery tour of the beautiful Valpolicella Valley just outside the city. Valpolicella is best known for its Recioto, Ripasso, and Amarone wines.

You can visit the Amarone Wine Trail by minivan with this very popular and highly-rated tour , or you can opt to visit the Amarone countryside with an e-bike tour .

Whatever you choose, it’s a great addition to the ‘regular’ sightseeing in Verona and will make your visit much more memorable.

Map of Verona attractions

To help you get a better idea of where everything is located, we created a map indicating all the main sights in Verona mentioned in this article.

Below, you can find additional suggestions for places to see near Verona , and also some practical tips and information for your visit to the city.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Where to stay

While many tourists just visit Verona for a day, we highly recommend spending at least a night or two in the city. If you can attend an opera performance, staying here is a must-do! But also otherwise, there are plenty of things to do in Verona to make a longer stay worthwhile! ( See also our recommendations for the best things to do near Verona below! )

We recommend staying in the historic city center . In the high season, accommodation prices of most of the mid-range hotels in the old town tend to be quite similar. But, of course, a lot depends on your exact travel dates and any deals the hotels might be offering…

Check out the beautiful Hotel Milano & SPA***S with the best rooftop terrace in Verona. It’s one of the top picks in the heart of the old town and offers a great price/ quality/ location ratio.

Great value on a slightly lower budget is Hotel Firenze , about 10 minutes walk from the Arena.

Some of the best places to visit near Verona

In addition to the above-mentioned Valpolicella valley with vineyards and wineries just near Verona, there are many other amazing places to visit in this part of Italy.

Soave Castle is just about 30 min drive from Verona, and the famous Lake Garda as well. It’s well worth seeing, even if you only have time for one or two of the best places in Lake Garda . There’s a very popular day tour that takes you to the southern side of Lake Garda from Verona.

If you are visiting Verona with kids in summer and have a day to spare, you may want to visit Gardaland amusement park as well.

If you have a car, you could easily spend a few days touring around Lake Garda too. In that case, you may also want to visit Santuario Madonna della Corona . This picturesque hillside church is located just about 50 minutes drive from Verona. You could easily combine a visit here with a relaxing dip in the pools of Aquardens Thermal Baths overlooking Valpolicella hills, just about 20 minutes drive from Verona.

Other places to visit nearby include the beautiful Trentino region and the famous Dolomite mountains . If you are visiting Verona in summer, it’s well worth planning a few days extra to see these beautiful regions!

Also the most famous Italian cities like Venice , Milan , and Bologna are just a short trip from Verona. You can easily visit Venice for a day from Verona (by train or by car ). And don’t forget Lake Como , one of the most beautiful places in Northern Italy!

FAQ – Visit Verona

Verona is located in the Veneto region in northern Italy. It’s just a short drive from Lake Garda and about 1-1.5 hours by train from Venice, Bologna, or Milan. Located about halfway between Venice and Milan, Verona is a wonderful addition to any Italian trip itinerary.

Yes, absolutely, Verona is well worth a visit. It’s one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, offering a great mix of historic sites, cultural attractions, and a romantic, laid-back atmosphere. If visiting in summer, try to see an opera performance at the Arena di Verona, and it will become one of the most memorable trips ever!

Verona is world-known for its Arena, one of the largest ancient Roman amphitheaters built in 30 AD and still in use today! Verona is also famous as the city of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” and also as one of the towns where Italy’s greatest poet Dante Alighieri lived and worked on his masterpiece “The Divine Comedy”.

While you can see a few of the main landmarks of Verona in half a day, we recommend at least one full day for the city. If you want to actually visit (and not just see) all of Verona’s tourist attractions and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of this romantic city, plan 2 days for Verona. If you also want to visit Valpolicella Valley and/or take a day trip to Lake Garda, you can easily spend 3-4 days in Verona.

If you have limited time in Verona and can only see the absolute ‘musts’, be sure not to miss Arena di Verona, Piazza Bra, and Piazza delle Erbe. Torre dei Lamberti and Casa di Giulietta are also among the top landmarks that are well worth seeing, even if just from the outside.

Yes, you can easily visit Verona by car. There are several of convenient parking garages close to the old town, where you can leave your car for a day. We used and recommend the big underground parking garage Cittadella just outside the city gates and 5 minutes walk to the Arena. It’s also just outside the ZTL (limited traffic zone). I indicated this parking on our map above. You can also use this parking if you are staying in the city for a night or two.

So, this is our guide to some of the very best places to see and things to do in Verona, Italy.

Verona’s romantic atmosphere and ancient attractions make it a unique and special destination to visit, one of the best places in Italy .

I hope that this guide helps you plan a more memorable trip to Verona, and inspires you to spend more time here. (And yes, I know I say this for many places in Italy, but it’s so worth it!)

Have a great time in Verona and enjoy every moment in this beautiful city!

READ ALSO: Italy Itinerary (how to see the ‘musts’ – including Verona – in about 2 weeks)

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Photos: personal collection and Depositphotos.com

More travel inspiration for Italy:

• Hidden Gems of Rome
• Most Beautiful Towns of Lake Como
• Best Towns in Tuscany
• Amalfi Coast Itinerary
• Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast
• How to Visit Cinque Terre
• Bellagio, Lake Como
• Varenna, Lake Como
• Best Things to Do in Naples
• Best Day Trips from Naples
• Itinerary for Naples, Capri, and Amalfi Coast
• Best Hikes in the Italian Dolomites
• Traditional Italian Food by Region
• Mt Vesuvius Volcano
• Capri Island
• … For more inspiration and destination guides, please check our Italy travel blog .

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Luke Thomas

Sunday 17th of July 2022

Thank you for such a fantastic post this has been so useful for planning our trip this summer. When you say we can’t show knees in the churches in religious sites does that mean men can’t wear shorts and I have to wear trousers? given we are in Italy in August we weren’t planning on taking any trousers at all. Thanks for your help.

Tuesday 19th of July 2022

@Jurga, 😂 brilliant thank you 😊

Hi Luke, this is a common rule for visiting religious sites everywhere in Italy. Usually, big popular places have some covers for rent or to borrow available at the entrance, but this is won't be the case everywhere. In general, this rule is a bit flexible too and depends on the people working at each place. They just want to avoid people showing up there with clothing that hardly covers anything. If your shorts are almost up to your knees and you wear decent t-shirts and footwear, I think it should be ok for most places. Or you can get a pair of light linnen pants depening on what exactly you plan to visit. For women, I'd normally recommend to just pack a big light shawl or a sarong (something like this) and tight it around the waist when needed. Nobody says men can't do that as well ;). My husband once had to buy funny elephant pants in Thailand in order to visit some religious places there and it made for some fun pictures. :) Enjoy your trip!

Sunday 3rd of April 2022

🎉🎉🎉🎉🌟🌟🌟👏👏 i am totally convinced, i bookmarked this article 👍

Thursday 14th of April 2022

You'd love it, Michael!

Love the Verona article and the pictures. Thanks. P.S. Will you send me similar information about Modena.

Hi Mercedes, unfortunately, we have never been to Modena, so I can't help you with that one.

11 Things to Do in Verona, Italy + Useful Tips from a Local

Last Updated on Apr 30, 2024

Verona isn’t the most popular city in Italy, like Rome , Venice, or Milan, but you should definitely include it on your Italy itinerary as it is one of the best cities to visit in Italy .

I first came to Verona for 2 days back in 2014, then revisited the city in 2017, and moved to Verona in 2018 for 1.5 years . Clearly, my husband and I liked Verona a lot.

Mostly known to tourists from Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, there’s way more to do in the city than visiting Juliet’s house. While you can see Verona on a day trip from Venice or Milan as most tourists do, I highly recommend spending at least one night here as it’s much quieter and local than nearby big cities.

You could also treat Verona as a base for various day trips to Lake Garda or Dolomites . During the summer there’s also an option of seeing an opera or a concert at the Arena.

Verona is an easily walkable city , so there’s no need to take tourist buses or trams – unless you have some serious mobility issues.

If you’re planning on visiting a few spots in a day or two, get Verona Card which provides discounts. The Card can be purchased for 24 hours or for 48 hours and can be purchased online or at selected hotels or attractions.

1. Walk Through Centro Storico

Walking through Cento Storico you’ll be able to admire various sites, stop for coffee or drink, take photos, and let it all in. Coming from the train station to centro storico , right before Piazza Bra where the Arena is, you’ll first stumble upon a gate with a clock. It’s a beautiful place to photograph.

Points worth your attention at Piazza Bra :

• Palazzo della Gran Guardia – Beautiful building started in the 17th century and completed by Giuseppe Barberini. It’s now used for exhibitions and events, but it was used as barracks for soldiers during the revolutions of the Spring of Nations.
• Palazzo Barbieri – Neoclassical building from 1848, today a municipal place.
• Portoni della Bra – A gate with a clock on it, part of a Medieval city gate.

Other photo spots worth your attention would be:

• Arco dei Gavi – Roman gate from the 1st century next to the river. Repurposed as a gate multiple times, it’s now a monument.
• Ponte Scaligero – Iconic Medieval bridge connecting to Castelvecchio. Beautiful, yet functional and at the time of its construction the longest in the world.
• Porta Borsati – Arched limestone gate that served as the main entrance to the city.
• Porta Leoni – Another ancient gate, but also a unique opportunity to see ancient Verona under the streets.

If you want to get off the popular tourist path, try to find the well of Il Pozzo dell’Amore (Well of Love) just off Corso Porta Borsari. It’s linked to a tragic love story between the soldier Corrado of San Bonifazio and Isabella of Donati family.

The young Corrado had hopelessly fallen in love with the beautiful Isabella, but the woman refused his courtship. Corrado accused Isabella of being as cold as the water in the well that was next to them at that moment and, in response, she challenged him to throw himself into the well to feel if the water was truly so cold.

In full winter it was freezing, but Corrado, who was trying in every way to conquer his beloved, jumped in and unfortunately drowned. Isabella felt so terribly guilty about what had happened that she chose to die with him following him into the cold well.

Recommended Tours: Small Group Guided Walking Tour with Arena Tickets History and Hidden Gems Guided Walking Tour

2. Visit the Arena or Go for the Opera

The most well-known attraction of Verona is naturally its arena, located at Piazza Bra. Dating back to the 1st Century, this arena is one of a few that’s still functional and the best-preserved Roman amphitheater in the world , with frequent operas and concerts hosted inside in the summer.

If you’re in Verona during the day or off-opera season, you can get inside and admire it. The arena seats up to 30,000 spectators.

For the performance schedule, visit the  Arena’s official website . It’s totally fine to get the cheapest unnumbered seats, but you might want to get in a bit early . People begin to fill the arena a few hours before each show, so if you go last minute you’ll be sitting slightly on the side.

Cushions to rent are totally worth the 2 EUR, unless you actually like sitting on a hot stone for a few hours!

Recommended Tours: Verona Arena Skip-the-Line Guided Tour Arena di Verona Opera Ticket

3. Climb Torre dei Lamberti

When I first climbed Torre dei Lamberti I loved the view, but unfortunately, since my first and second visits things have changed and now there’s a net (I assume people were throwing things down). It’s still fun to go up if you have the time.

The tower is 83 meters high and in 1464 an octagonal tower floor was added. The tower has an elevator, but afterward you’ll still have to climb a few last steps yourself.

4. Visit Piazza della Erbe

Piazza della Erbe was once the town’s forum during the time of the Roman Empire . Nowadays the square is a great spot for a drink, lunch, people-watching, and buying trinkets from street vendors.

The masterpiece of the Piazza delle Erbe is a fountain built in 1368 by Cansignorio della Scala. It features a Roman statue called Madonna Verona, dating back to 380 AD.

When you’re at the square, take a look and find giant whalebone hanging from one of the surrounding arches leading to Piazza della Signori.

According to legend, the whalebone should fall on the first truthful and just person to walk through, but so far the old bone has stayed put. No one really knows why is the bone there or how did it get there back in the 17th century.

5. Admire Piazza dei Signori

Right next to Piazza della Erba is Piazza dei Signori, often overlooked by tourists. While on a daily basis it’s often used for Christmas, Easter and Valentine’s markets, it’s historically very important spot .

To start with, it’s often called Piazza Dante because of a monument of Dante Alighieri, the author of The Divine Comedy. Did you know that Dante actually lived in Verona from 1312 to 1318? Now you do.

Next to the Piazza you’ll find the Della Scala family tomb , one of the monumental funerary complex built in the Gothic style.

6. Castelvecchio Museum

Right next to Ponte Scaligero there’s a castle turned into a museum – Castelvecchio , constructed in 1354.

The castle had some unfortunate history after the fall of the Scaligeri family as it was used by the Venetians as a weapons depot and then became barracks during French and Austrian dominion. The restoration of 1926 removed the military elements and inserted late Gothic and Renaissance ones.

It’s a surprisingly big museum that I enjoyed a lot , as most tourists don’t realize the size of the collection and skip it – making it almost always empty for you to enjoy the art in peace.

7. See Juliet’s Balcony

Verona is home to Shakespeare’s legendary love story, Romeo and Juliette . Even though Shakespeare just adopted the story and no one is actually sure whether any of Romeo and Juliet’s stories were true, Verona surely adopted it well.

That said, Verona has Juliet’s balcony and while it has nothing to do with any of the original stories (it was built in the 20th century) it’s simply a photo opportunity to take a photo on the balcony or with Juliet’s statue. Many visitors have rubbed the foot and breast of the statue for good luck.

If you decide to spent a few Euros to go up to the balcony you’ll also be able to see a small collection of costumes and furniture from the movie Romeo and Juliet with Leonardo di Caprio.

There’s also Romeo’s house nearby , but it’s simply marked by a sign and isn’t open to the public as it’s a private home close to the Arche Scaligere. On its gothic façade you can read an inscription “ Oh! Where is Romeo? … I’m not myself. I’m not here. This isn’t Romeo – he’s somewhere else. “(Act 1, Scene 1).

Recommended Tours: Juliet’s House & Piazzas Skip-the-Line Private Tour Romeo and Juliet Guided Walking Tour

8. Climb to Piazzale Castel San Pietro

For a slightly different view of Verona climb up the stairs or take the funicular to Piazzale Castle San Pietro. The way is actually very picturesque – I walked my cat there a few times.

9. Visit Basilica di San Zeno

If you want a full Romeo and Juliet immersion tour, take a detour to Basilica di San Zeo. Its crypt is the location of the wedding in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet , but it’s also home to many stunning frescos and bronze doors.

This church is also one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy and its actual appearance seems to date back to the XII century. It’s also gorgeous!

10. Explore Verona Cathedral

Verona Cathedral, also known as Cattedrale di Santa Maria Matricolare, features different styles across centuries and it’s probably one of the most interesting churches in the area .

It’s fully accessible (I managed with a stroller) and costs only 3 EUR to visit, or free with the Verona Card .

11. Stroll through Giardino Giusti

While Verona is indeed a brick city, it’s not lacking some greenery. One of the most attention-worthy gardens is Giardino Giusti , the only sixteenth-century Italian-style garden in Verona that has attracted the attention of Goethe and Mozart.

The gardens are full of fountains, statues, beautifully trimmed mazes, and places to sit and relax for a bit. It costs 12 EUR to enter.

Personal tip: don’t try to go there in the afternoon of autumn. The gardens will be in the shade then which attracts way too many mosquitos. I got totally eaten..

How to Get to Verona?

Verona is located halfway through between Milan and Venice so getting to Verona couldn’t be easier. Verona also has an international airport as it’s the closest airport to the Dolomites (there aren’t any more airports in the mountains).

If you’re flying, you can fly to either Verona directly, or alternatively Venice or Milan and take a train. Verona Airport is small which means things move fast and there’s no need to be there hours before your departure.

You can take a bus from the airport that will drop you off at the central train station (Porta Nuova). There are also many taxis and while it does take 15 minutes, it’ll cost you around 35 Euros to the old town.

Check on  Skyscanner which airline is the cheapest to fly to Verona with from your destination.

If you’re taking a train, there are many options for regional and high-speed trains . Check TrenItalia for schedules and to pre-book your tickets. You can reach the town center within a 15-minute walk, take a bus, or a taxi.

And lastly, if you’re driving simply hop on a Milano-Venezia highway. As in any other Italian city, you cannot bring your car into the old town as it’s considered ‘zona trafico limitato’ , but there are many secure garages within a 5-minute walk.

When to Visit Verona, Italy?

Choosing the best time to go to Verona depends on whether you want to experience heat or cold. Verona gets very hot during the summer (up to +40 C) while winters are moderate as the city doesn’t really get snow (down to +5 C) .

Winter visits open up possibilities to take a trip to the mountains for skiing, while summer is the only time that will allow you to see an opera at the Arena. However, the city does get incredibly busy then.

Where to Stay in Verona

There are plenty of amazing and centrally located hotels in Verona, here are some I recommend.

Vista Palazzo – Stunning 5 star hotel in a beautiful building with a great spa and top-of-the-range facilities.

Hotel Milano – Located right next to the arena, this hotel has the best rooftop bar with a jacuzzi in the city. It’s my personal favorite place to stay!

Hotel Colomba d’Oro – Set in a restored Medieval convent near many restaurants, and bars and within walking distance of all the attractions.

B&B Hotel Verona Sud – Near the highway and very easy to reach any destination in town.

Best Restaurants in Verona

You might not be aware but Verona is famous for gnocchi . It has been around for five centuries as a significant part of the Verona carnival, whose origin dates back to 1531 (yes, it’s older than the Venezian Carnival).

However, you can eat more than just gnocchi in Verona. There is also risotto all’Amarone (with red wine), bigoli (thick spaghetti) and in this region, a horse meat stew is very common.

You’ll also discover that many dishes contain beef cheek or veal liver, which I’m personally not a fan of.

• La Griglia – While this spot is known for its steaks I actually go there for a truffle fettuccini served in a bowl made of cheese. What more can I say…
• Bella Napoli -This spot isn’t particularly fancy, as it feels more like a casual old Italian bar, but their pizza is delicious. I’ve eaten there multiple times and need to say that my favorite pizza is the one with white asparagus and egg.
• Nastro Azzurro – While it is a touristy restaurant just off Piazza Bra, I keep enjoying the place and return. They have amazing homemade heart-shaped ravioli and their pizzas are delicious.
• Hotel Milano & Spa – Even if you decide not to stay there, you could just visit their rooftop for a drink. While as a non-hotel guest, you’ll have no access to the rooftop jacuzzi, you could enjoy an aperitivo with a view from 15:00 to 21:00.
• La Lanterna – Whether you’re actually vegan or not I highly recommend a dinner at La Lanterna. Their menu is fully vegan and changes every month. When I brought my non-vegetarian friends there they still loved it! Reservation is highly recommended, otherwise, you can try to get a table but only after 9:30 PM.
• Re Teodorico – Once you climb to the viewpoint you can also stop by for a drink or snack. Their menu is simple but good. If you’re into steaks you won’t regret it.
• Cafe Wallner – Great cafe with a huge selection of brioches, cookies, cakes, and savory dishes as well. You can opt for inside or outside seating. Closed on Mondays.

For more activities and organized tours check Viator here .

Did I miss something? Do you want to ask me anything about Verona? Post your question in the comment section below 🙂

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Anna Karsten is a travel blogger, journalist and psoriasis advocate. She has been traveling the world for the last 15 years - visiting over 100 countries and living on 5 continents. Anna has been featured in The New York Times, The Daily Mail, Forbes and more.

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20 Comments

Hey Anna! Nice post to read. This place is really very beautiful. I will surely plan to visit Verona soon. Thanks for sharing this. Keep blogging 🙂

Hey Anna! Thanks for the very informative and detailed blog! You’ve just reaffirmed my decision to rent a car is the best way to go re: my trip(family of 4) from Milan-Lake Como-Verona-Venice-Tuscany-Rome-Florence-Milan.

My question, though, is about Verona & Lake Garda since currently, you live in Verona. We’ll be there on Christmas Day 2019. Do you know if anything is open like restaurants, stores, gas stations, etc. on this holiday? I kinda know the answer since Christmas is one of Italy’s most important holidays, but I still want some advice from you (maybe you have another blog about this?). We might push our trip to Bolzano if we’re feeling courageous, but worry about the amount of snow since we’re planning to rent an automatic. Your thoughts? Thanks in advance and God bless!

Actually, most restaurants are open on the 25th. It’s actually their busy day and good for business. However, many places might require a reservation. Shops will be closed, but so they are on Sundays. Last year there was a Christmas Market on the square as well (not the biggest one I’ve ever been to, but it was decent).

Can you give advice on how to do a symbolic wedding. Juliet castle way too much $. Just want short service for a memory

Any suggestions

I definitely wouldn’t do a wedding there, the place is constantly covered with chewing gum and graffiti. There are so many nice restaurants with better places and prices 🙂 For the service itself maybe the gardens?

I‘m currently in Verona and enjoying the city so much. Your tips are really helpful. Just a side note: The Juliet house museum only shows some costumes and a bed from an old Romeo and Juliet movie in the 60s, not the one with Leo 😉 Anyway, I was really disappointed by the museum, because it doesn‘t show a lot and there‘s no explanation about the history or the story of Shakespeare‘s drama.

Hi, Anna, thank you for your sharing. Am really looking forward to our day trip to Verona.

Can I check, are there any reliable or recommended taxi companies from Verona? I have been researching but I can’t seem to find any. As we are only doing a day trip to Verona, I was hoping to book a transport to the Madonna della Corona.

Best regards, Judith

I was always calling the taxi from https://radiotaxiverona.it/ . They also have an app but I honestly never used it, because calling worked fine 🙂

Thank you very much Anna for an informative post about gorgeous Verona. Your post inspired our wanderlust and now all I want to do is to book flights for us to Verona. Do you think a long weekend will be enough to cover everything? Martina x x.

For Verona and surrounding areas I believe a long weekend will be enough 🙂

We (5 adults and four kids ages 3 to 10) will be in Verona in late July and are trying to choose between Ostaria Bertoldo and Vescovo Moro. Which do you recommend?

You can’t go wrong with either but depends on how much of picky eaters the kids are and their patience. Mine are active so I don’t think they’d sit through a whole degustation menu, but Vescovo Moro tends to have more options and various simpler stuff that kids might like as well.

Hi. I’d like to rent a car in Pienza and return it in Verona. Is this possible? Are there extra expenses for one way rental? Thank you.

There’s always a fee for one-way rental and it varies depending on the rental agency, but you cannot rent a car in Pienza. You would have to rent in Siena or other bigger place.

Hello Anna, thank you for this informative post. Can you recommend any day trips to vineyards? Looking to go end of September for my honeymoon 😊 Thank you.

Can Madonna Corona and Lake Garuda be done in the same day?

Yes, totally 🙂

Hi Anna, are you offering day tours in Verona yourself or might recommend someone? My husband and I are planning to be in the area beginning of Sept.

I’m afraid I’m not, but there are various reliable tours on Viator !

Thank you very much for this beautiful post about Verona, I am going with my bestie for the weekend and I hope to love it like you do. 😍😍

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Verona – What to Visit: 1 day Itinerary (map included)

• August 19, 2022

Home > Italy > Verona – What to Visit: 1 day Itinerary (map included)

Table of contents

Verona is a romantic city since its best-known characters are Romeo and Juliet. A visit to Verona was never at the top of my travel plans, but now I can say that it might well be one of the most amazing Italian cities.

Despite being a relatively small city, it is full of beautiful places and we easily fell in love with it 😊

What is the best time of the year to visit Verona?

Visiting Verona is a good idea at any time of the year. However, the winters are a bit cold and the thermometers reach negative temperatures sometimes. Summers, on the other hand, are very hot.

So, like many European cities, I recommend visiting Verona in spring or autumn, especially from April to June and September to October. You already know that in addition to the milder weather at these times, you will be able to escape a bit more from the summer crowds.

How many days do you need to visit Verona?

Verona is the perfect weekend getaway! The city is quite compact and you can easily walk from one place to another. If you have 2 days available, don’t hesitate. You will be able to enjoy the city at a slower pace and experience its spirit in a better way.

However, if you don’t have 2 days available ( it was my case!), you can still perfectly visit Verona. One day in Verona is more than enough to visit the main points of interest in the city and be delighted 🥰 Of course your day will be more packed, but it’s perfectly doable!

How to get to Verona?

Verona has an airport – Valerio Catullo – where several direct flights arrive from other countries. Here are some destinations with direct connections to Verona:

• Portugal (Porto)
• Belgium (Brussels)
• Spain (Palma Majorca, Barcelona, Ibiza, Menorca)
• United Kingdom (London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh)
• France (Paris)
• Ireland (Dublin)

However, it is also possible to travel by train from other Italian cities with airports. For example:

• Venice : train journey takes at least 1 hour
• Milan : train journey takes at least 1h10
• Bologna : train journey takes at least 50 minutes

You can check the available journeys, as well as their prices directly on the websites of Trenitalia and Italo .

How to get from the airport to Verona’s city centre?

There is no public transport option that takes us directly from Verona airport to the historic city centre. However, there is an option that involves a transfer.

First of all, you should take the Airlink shuttle bus right outside the airport. The ticket costs 6€ (price in May 2022) and can be purchased from the machines at the airport exit. The trips take place every 20 minutes and the final destination of this shuttle service is the Verona Porta Nuova train station.

Depending on where you are staying, you can walk, take a taxi or a bus from Porta Nuova station. There are several buses available at this location and tickets can be purchased directly at the bus terminal or alternatively from the bus driver.

💡 EXTRA TIP: In my case, the bus ticket to the centre cost only 1.3€. Buying the ticket was easy. However, figuring out in which of the bus stations I wanted was more complicated. I saw which bus I needed on Google Maps and then went to each of the bus terminals to check the buses that passed there. I didn’t find it very simple and unfortunately, I don’t have any tips to make this process easier. Simply look for your bus number and if you can, ask someone else 😉

💼 TRAVEL INSURANCE: Unexpected events happen anywhere in the world, so I always recommend getting travel insurance. I regularly use Heymondo , which offers some of the highest coverages on the market at very competitive prices. As well as covering medical expenses, Heymondo’s insurance also covers the loss or theft of luggage, electronic equipment and more. They also have a 24/7 customer service through their App. As A Ticket to Take Off reader, you get a 5% discount when purchasing Heymondo insurance . The purchase must be made using this link , and the price shown on the website already includes the discount.

Accommodation in Verona

I ended up choosing accommodation slightly outside the historical centre, but still within reasonable walking distance from the centre (15/20 minutes). StraVagante Hostel & Rooms surprised me in a good way. Although it is a hostel, we stayed in a double room with private bathroom.

The conditions were excellent, the cleaning was impeccable and the room was very modern. Although we did not opt to include breakfast initially, we did so on arrival as it only cost 5€.

The breakfast was disappointing, quite honestly, but it was pretty convenient as we didn’t find many cafes nearby.

Anyway, while researching accommodation for Verona I saw other options that seemed equally good:

• SALUS Locazione Turistica : despite being located 2km from the centre, it is still relatively close and has a very modern space and good value for money
• Residenza Borgo Trento : also slightly out of the centre, but well-rated and with a nice price
• La Nuova Corte Rooms: very central location, nice flats and a price still quite low for Verona’s “normal” prices
• Residence Antico San Zeno : excellent location with a more rustic atmosphere. The price is higher than the previous options.
• Hotel Leon d’Oro : located next to the train station, this option is for those seeking the comfort of a hotel without going too overboard.

How to save some money in Verona?

Many of the places to visit in Verona require a paid entrance fee. If we add up the price of each ticket, we quickly end up with a huge expense to visit the city.

However, there is the Verona Card which gives “free” access to most points of interest in the city and also allows us unlimited access to the bus service in the city (the airport bus is not included!). This card costs 20€ for 24h or 25€ for 48h.

The Verona Card can be bought at the ticket office of most monuments and museums or at newsstands around the city. At first I had some trouble finding the card because it was sold out in many places, but I finally got it at the Arena 😉

💡 EXTRA TIP: Depending on the monuments you are interested in visiting in Verona, there is a combined option to visit 4 churches (Basilica of San Zeno, Cathedral, Basilica of Santa Anastasia and Church of San Fermo) for 8€.

Activities & tours in Verona

What to visit in verona.

Before we start the itinerary with what to visit in one day in Verona, I leave you a short map that you can download:

» Arena di Verona

We started at what is one of the most majestic points of this itinerary. Verona’s Arena is an ancient Roman amphitheatre still very well preserved! It is still used today for various concerts. I suggest you buy your Verona Card here!

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: The Arena is generally open for visits at the following times: October to May (Tuesday to Sunday 9 am to 7 pm) and June to September (Monday 9 am to 7 pm; Tuesday to Sunday 9 am to 5 pm). Please note that these times are subject to change if there are concerts. The ticket to visit costs 10€, but is free with the Verona Card.

» Piazza Bra

I suggest you then explore the square where the Arena is located – Piazza Bra. This colourful square is the main square of the city and one of the most touristy.

Apart from the various restaurants and bars you can find here, don’t miss the Gran Guardia or the Beriberi palaces – two of the most important monuments in this square, besides Verona’s  Arena.

Additionally, right next door, stop to observe the Portoni della Bra . This is an ancient accessway in the city walls that connected the more cosmopolitan area with Verona’s countryside.

» Museum CastelVecchio and Bridge

The CastelVecchio bridge is also one of the most special places in Verona. The bridge is named after the Vecchio Castle which is right next to it, on one of the banks of the Adige River. Built in the 14th century, the old castle now houses a museum about the history of the castle.

💡 EXTRA TIP: The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm and the ticket costs 6€, but is free with the Verona Card. You can consult the most up-to-date information here .

I chose not to visit the inside of the museum as I didn’t find it very interesting, but I didn’t miss crossing the bridge from one bank of the river to the other. That is well worth it 😊

💡 EXTRA TIP: Although crossing the bridge is very cute on its own, I suggest you walk a bit along one side of the river to get the perfect picture of the bridge seen from a distance.

» Gavi Arch

Right next to the Vecchio Castle, it is impossible not to notice the Gavi Arch. This arch was built during the 1st century AD and is said to have been included in the defensive system of the city, being one of the entrances to the city at the time.

» San Zeno Maggiore Basilica

Next is the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore – the first religious monument we will visit in Verona and also one of the most important in the city. This basilica was built in the 2nd century AD and has Romanesque architecture. Supposedly, it was in its crypt that Romeo and Juliet got married.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: The opening times of the basilica depend on the day of the week, so I recommend you check the most up-to-date information here . The entrance ticket costs 4€, but it is free with the Verona Card.

» Via Giuseppe Mazzini and Borsari Gate

It’s time to go back! Via Giuseppe Mazzini is one of the most important pedestrian streets in the historic centre of Verona as it connects two of the city’s most important squares.

Also, take the opportunity for a short diversion to Porta Borsari (gate) – one of the ancient gates of the wall that once surrounded Verona.

» Piazza della Erbe

Follow the famous street Corso Porta Borsari until you reach another of the most important squares in the city – Piazza della Erbe . This square is one of the oldest in the city and where there used to be a Roman Forum.

Spend some time admiring some of the buildings around the square, such as Palazzo Maffeia , Casa dei Giudic i or even the Lamberti Tower (where we’ll be going next!). If you are lucky, you can even enjoy the small market that takes place in this square quite often.

» Lamberti Tower

It’s time to visit one of the most amazing places in Verona. At 84 metres high, I suggest you climb to its top to see one of the best views of the historic centre of Verona.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: The ticket to climb to the top of the tower costs 6€, but is free with the Verona Card. However, the Verona Card does not include the lift ride. The tower can be visited Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm. For more information, click here .

» Juliet’s House

Verona is the city associated with the love story between Romeo and Juliet. This way, it is possible to visit the supposed building where the famous scene from Shakespeare’s play in which Juliet speaks to Romeo from her balcony took place.

It is possible to visit Juliet’s house inside and the famous balcony. The ticket costs 6€, but is free with the Verona Card. Quite honestly, the house is not that interesting inside and I would say to only enter if you have bought the Verona Card as you won’t pay extra for it.

In any case, a visit to the house’s outdoor patio (and from where the balcony is visible) is free. This is also where you will find the famous statue of Juliet. Don’t be surprised if you see people taking pictures with their hands on Juliet’s breast. After all, legend has it that such a gesture brings luck in love 😂

» San Fermo Maggiore Church

San Fermo Maggiore Church is a very peculiar church as it actually has two distinct zones, built at different moments in time. This difference in the construction period is clearly noticeable when visiting the church!

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: You can check the opening hours of the church here . Entry to this church also costs 4€, but is free if you have the pass for the 4 churches of Verona or the Verona Card.

» Piazza dei Signori

Walking slightly backwards, we reach Piazza dei Signori, where we can find some buildings that deserve our attention, such as Palazzo del Capitano , Loggia del Consiglio and Casa della Pieta.

» Scaliger Tombs

A few meters from Piazza dei Signori, we find the Scaliger Tombs. These tombs are Gothic funerary monuments dedicated to the Scaliger family, which was of enormous importance in the area between the 13th and 14th centuries.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: It is possible to visit these tombs up close, although they are visible from outside the fences that surround them. The visit is paid but free for Verona Card holders.

» Santa Anastasia Basilica

Taking another of the city’s most famous arteries ( Corso Sant’Anastasia ), we come to another of the religious monuments that you should visit in Verona. Gothic in style, this church has kept the name of another church that once existed there. Although it is not the most important church in the city, it is the largest.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: The opening hours of the church vary depending on the day of the week so I recommend you check the most up-to-date version here . As with the other churches, the entrance ticket costs 4€, but is included in the Verona Card.

» Verona’s Cathedral

The last religious monument on this itinerary through Verona is its Cathedral. This is one of the oldest religious buildings in Verona, dating back to the 12th century. Be sure to visit its interior, especially to admire the frescoes in the dome over the main altar.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: You can check the opening times of the Cathedral here . The entrance fee is included in the Verona Card, but is 4€ if you do not choose to purchase the Verona pass.

» Pietra Bridge

This Verona itinerary may be ending, but I think I managed to save the best for last. Pietra bridge is one of the cutest bridges in town, with unbeatable photo opportunities over the city (especially at sunset).

» San Leonardo Fortress

But, before heading to the last point of this itinerary, let’s still make a diversion for one of the best views over the city 😁 For that, just go to the San Leonardo Fortress which is in an elevated area of the city that offers us the best panorama of the city.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: The only disadvantage is that getting to this viewpoint can be an arduous task. I don’t know of any transport that takes you directly to the fort. Although it is only half an hour walk from Pietra Bridge, the problem is that much of that 30 minutes walk is uphill. If you are brave, walk up. Otherwise, try to find a bus that will save you as much as possible the uphill part or take a taxi.

» San Pietro Castle

Finally, it’s time for another view over Verona (this one especially magical at sunset). The San Pietro Castle has absurdly beautiful views over the historic centre of Verona. I think a picture is worth a thousand words, right? 🥰

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: It is possible to climb to San Pietro Castle from Pietra Bridge by funicular. The trip costs only 2.5€ (return trip) and the funicular runs from 10 am to 9 pm.

💡 EXTRA TIP: If you are short of time to cover all the points of this itinerary, I suggest you remove San Leonardo Fortress and opt to visit only the San Pietro Castle instead, which is much more central. Both views are beautiful, the big difference being that from the fortress we have a wider view as it is on a higher and more distant level.

Restaurants in Verona

• La Bottega della Gina XXL (€): a very affordable pasta option for take-away. The pasta was marvellous! The restaurant has a small outdoor terrace for those who want to have lunch/dinner there.
• Enoteca Segreta (€€): a nice place with interesting options at a reasonable price for Italy. We tried a pasta and meatballs and I liked the taste of both.

💡 EXTRA TIP: The city of Verona is also an excellent gateway to reach one of the most beautiful areas of Italy – the Dolomites . If you also want to visit this Italian region, check out this detailed 4-day itinerary in the Dolomites.

Disclaimer : this post may contain some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you buy something through my links. This doesn’t represent any additional cost to you and you’ll be supporting my work here on the blog😊

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I am Mariana from Porto, Portugal . I am truly passionate about traveling and all things travel related. And that’s exactly what led me to create this page: so I can inspire others to travel and help plan all those trips with my tips and itineraries.

Click here to find out more about me.

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Lake Garda Day Tour from Verona

Experience the enchanting beauty of Lake Garda on a full-day guided tour ! Meet your local expert in the morning and start this amazing experience in the charming and world-famous Lake Garda. Leave Verona behind and see the landscape changing. Pass by Valpolicella, a beautiful wine region boasting luxuriant vineyards and farmlands.

Your first stop will be Punta San Vigilio , a charming paradise located near Garda, surrounded by greenery and the clear waters of the lake.

Read more…

Head to the village of Bardolino for a relaxing stroll in the beautiful streets of this picturesque village. Bardolino is a fascinating hamlet with colored boats along the shore and nice fashion shops. After a walk you’ll enjoy a typical lunch by the lake.

After lunch, you will continue your tour driving by the lake until Sirmione , a charming little village in the south of the lake. Get on board on a private boat and with a local boatman admire beautiful villas and a part of the archaeological site of Grotte di Catullo , on the top of Sirmione peninsula .  Stroll in the tiny and picturesque streets of this wonderful village, see Maria Callas’ house and explore the medieval center .

After this beautiful and relaxing day tour you’ll go back to Verona.

Duration 8 hours

Verona, in front of Ristori Theater, Via Ristori 7

Language English

Private Tour only for you

Group Size 8 people

Full Refund Full refund for cancellations received at least within 7 days in advance

More Details  ↓

• Visit Sirmione, Punta San Vigilio and Bardolino during a one day tour
• Boat tour to see the landscape and the villas in Sirmione
• Comfortable air-conditioning van transport from Verona
• Local insider for a very authentic and effortless experience

Tour Includes

• English speaking Driver
• Private transportation
• Sirmione Boat Tour

Sites Visited

• Punta San Vigilio

How to Book

Would you like to book this tour? Or change something? Feel free to get in touch!

• Availability From April to October
• Timing From Monday to Saturday at 9:00 AM
• Important notes – Minors must be accompanied by an adult; – This tour is guaranteed with a minimum number of 2 participants; – Please let us know if you have food allergies or dietary requirements.
• Meeting point – The guide will be in front of the theater holding a yellow sign with “TOUR” written; – Please arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes in advance.
• Adverse conditions/unforeseen circumstances Please note that in case of adverse weather conditions (eg. bad storms, unexpected extreme events), or unforeseen circumstances (eg. monuments sudden closures, train/flight cancellations or delays) we do not guarantee a full refund. The company will examine each case and act accordingly.
• Mobility impairments and disabilities Please note that some parts of the tour may not be easily accessible for people with reduced mobility (or any kind of disability), if you are unsure of the details, feel free to contact us at [email protected] .
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• Rain Policy Please note that in case of adverse weather conditions, the boat tour might not be possible. In that case, the guide will decide the best alternative for the whole group with the understanding that refunds will not be guaranteed to those who won’t accept the alternative offered.

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The Perfect 2 or 3 Days in Verona Itinerary

Last Updated on January 22, 2024

by Olivia Ellis

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Verona is truly one of the most enchanting medieval cities in Italy which makes planning a Verona itinerary one of the best things to do when visiting Northern Italy. 

The city is the home of Romeo and Juliet, has incredible landmarks, and is the beginning of a wonderful off-the-radar trip in the Veneto region. Many skip Verona and head to Venice instead, but spending time in Romantic Verona is a wonderfully pleasant experience in itself. 

Verona itself is quite small, making 2 to 3 days in Verona sufficient to then make your way to explore the surrounding areas and region.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Verona?

If you’re wondering how many days to spend in Verona but only have one day to allot for seeing the city, you’ll still have enough time to experience the main sights and enjoy the splendor that Verona has to offer.

If you have 2 days in Verona, you will be able to see the vast majority of the site the city has to offer at a fairly leisurely pace.

This way you’ll have enough time to explore the city center, acquaint yourself better with the city and local ways, and not be too tired to continue a trip. 

For those who are able to budget 3 days to visit Verona, you will also be able to have some time to explore some highlights nearby, such as on a day trip to beautiful Lake Garda.

Getting To & Around Verona

Getting to the city center is quite convenient whether you’re flying in or taking a train, making it a perfect short trip or weekend destination.

If you’re flying into Verona, you’ll most likely be arriving at the Valerio Catullo Airport. The Verona airport is located 10 km southwest of the city center and offers a few international routes yearly, frequent Italian routes as well as many international summer routes. 

If you prefer to skip the hefty cost of a taxi into the city, take the Verona Airport bus ATV that will bring you directly to the Verona Porta Nuova train station in just under 20 minutes.

From here it’s about a 15-minute walk into the city center but there are also plenty of local bus options as well. Tickets for the shuttle are €7 and can be purchased either online , at the airport, or on the bus. 

For those taking the train into Verona from any other Italian city (or maybe even another country), the Verona Porta Nuova station is well-connected with the Trenitalia and Italo train lines.

You can reach Verona from Milan in under an hour and a half, Verona from Venice in an hour, and Rome to Verona in a little over 4 hours. Upon arrival at the train station, the magical city center is only about a 15-minute walk away. You can view train schedules here.

2 to 3-Day Verona Itinerary

On this itinerary you’ll fully experience everything that the city (and maybe outside) has to offer. From feeling the fairy-tale ambience at the home of Romeo and Juliet to the gorgeous gardens and nature the city boasts, you’ll be glad that you gave this city a chance.

If you want to learn more about the city with a guide consider taking a tour such as this history tour , this food tour or this winery tour depending on your interests.

Day 1 – The City Center

While the city center of Verona isn’t incredibly big, it has a grand feeling to it. Just walking along the Adige river and seeing the mountains that surround you makes you feel like you’re in a different time. 

Day 1 will take you through the main sights of the city center and offer a wonderful first day and stroll through the city of Verona.

Torre dei Lamberti

Start your day with an incredible panoramic view from atop the Torre dei Lamberti – or the Lamberti Tower in English. Located in Piazza delle Erbe in the city center, this medieval tower provides incredible views of the adjacent Piazza dei Signori, the Verona Cathedral, the Verona Arena and more.

Built in the 12th century, this is the tallest tower in Verona and it is truly a focal point of the city’s skyline.

There is a small entry fee to get to the top of the tower, however, there is also an elevator so you don’t need to climb hundreds of rickety steps and can conserve your energy for your further Verona exploration. You can pre-book tickets here or they are included with a Verona Card which includes access to several attractions in the city.

There is no denying that starting your day with this kind of view is one of the best things to do in Verona.

Before making your way to the next stop, make a pit stop in Piazza dei Signori to take in the Scaliger Tombs, an above-ground mausoleum for the Scaligeri family dating back to the 14th Century.

Juliet’s House “Casa di Giulietta”

Directly in the center of the city on Via Cappello, you’ll find the Casa di Giulietta. While the story of Romeo and Juliet as we know it, written by Shakespeare is fictional, the house that he took inspiration from isn’t, as well as the sentiments people bring to it today. 

Juliet’s House and most famously, her balcony, are easily one of the main attractions to see when visiting Verona. Ironically, the balcony itself wasn’t added to the house until the 20th century, whereas the house dates back to the 13th century. Just below the balcony is a golden statue of Juliet herself, and the fable has it that if you rub the statue, love is on its way!

Inside the house, you’ll find a museum that offers abundant information on the Romeo and Juliet tale as well as the building. The house itself is also decorated in an accurate 16th-17th century style to reflect what it was like in the era of Romeo and Juliet.

It’s quite an inspiring and touching place to be, witnessing lovers and hopeless lovers visit the statue, leave their notes, and ask Juliet for her love advice.

While it’s free to enter the courtyard and see the balcony, there is a fee to enter the museum. Keep in mind to arrive early and wait in queues as this is an extremely popular attraction with very little space.

Arena di Verona

It isn’t a trip to another Italian city without some sort of arena, is it? Located in the main square of central Verona, Piazza Bra, you’ll find the third-largest Roman amphitheater, with a maximum hold of 25,000 people. 

Built in 30 CE and made of 44 levels, the Verona Arena truly encompasses the mass level that ancient Rome lived and built society. Just like any other ancient Roman arena, the Verona Arena was mainly used for gladiator games, and visiting the arena itself offers an unreal experience picturing the way things once were.

The arena itself is quite impressive just to look at from the outside but is also incredibly worth it to pay the admission fee to wander around the inside of it. With just 2 days in Verona or 3 days in Verona, the arena is somewhere that can’t be missed! 

Tickets to enter the arena can be purchased on-site or alternatively, you can purchase a Verona Card that gives you priority access. It is also possible to organise a guided tour here.

Opening hours vary seasonally as well as the day of the week & whether or not a show is scheduled.

Verona Cathedral

After about a pleasant 15-minute walk from the Verona Arena and through the center, you’ll find yourself at the Verona Cathedral (or Duomo Santa Maria Matricolare). While this cathedral isn’t as immaculate as many of the others in Italy, it still holds many gems to be explored inside. 

This Romanesque-style church was first built in 1187 and still proudly stands as an important part of the city of Verona. Inside you’ll find the pediment, as well as an interesting feature, the library. To this day, the library of the Verona Cathedral is known to be one of the oldest libraries still in rotation today, including various ancient texts! 

Whether you’re someone keen on visiting churches or not, even just exploring for a quick walk around is a beautiful experience.

Osteria il Bertoldo 

A great way to wrap up your first day in Verona is at the delicious Osteria il Bertoldo. Located just a few minutes away from the Verona Cathedral is a deliciously classic Italian meal.

From a cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and delicious local foods, you’ll likely want to return for more!

Day 2 – Dig Deeper in Verona

Castel san pietro.

After grabbing your morning coffee and pastry (Verona is known to have exquisite cornettos and pastries), the perfect place to start your second day is with another breathtaking view of the city – at the Castel San Pietro.

Located across the Ponte Pietra, this Romanesque fortress is an excellent place to visit. If you’re up for a bit of a hike, it takes about 20 minutes from the base of the fortress to reach the top. Alternatively, there is a cable car that you can ride for a small fee.

The fortress itself may not be that interesting, however, the views are absolutely unbeatable as you will be able to get a full view of the old town of Verona and get more of a panorama that you were from the Lamberti Tower.

Palazzo Giusti and Giardino Giusti

The next stop on your second day is the Palazzo and Giardino Giusti – or the Giusti Palace and Gardens in English.

The palace and gardens are located on the east end of Verona and are a beautiful component of the city. The palace was built in the 16th century and the garden was planted in 1580, and while they’re known to Verona quite well, they’re a hidden gem on a tourist radar.

The garden is known to be one of the best examples of a classic Italian garden and is also known as one of the best Renaissance gardens in all of Europe. Once entering and exploring the large gardens, you’ll feel as if you’ve fallen into a medieval fairytale.

As for the palace, the majority of it is closed off but one section is kept open for visitors and is included in the gardens admission ticket. Tickets include an audio guide for your visit.

Ponte Scaligero (Castelvecchio Bridge)

Just about a 25-minute walk away from the Giardino and Palazzo Giusti, you’ll arrive at the Ponte Scagliero. The Ponte Scagliero is a fortified bridge linking the Citadella neighborhood to the Borgo Trento. 

Built in the 1350s, and at the time, had the largest span of any bridge in the world (it’s quite small, so imagine that!) The bridge was destroyed in 1945 by retreating German troops but was luckily rebuilt in 1951.

Castelvecchio

Directly across from the Ponte Scagliero is the Castelvecchio, meaning old castle. The Castelvecchio is the most influential military building of the Scaliger dynasty and is also an important icon representing the history of Verona. 

The castle was built in 1355 by the Della Scala family, the head of the Scaglier dynasty and the leading family of Verona in the middle ages. The castle was also damaged during World War 2 but was also renovated in the way we see it today. 

In the Castelvecchio museum, you’ll find Romanesque and Gothic sculptures as well as old gothic paintings such as Pisanello with his Madonna of the quail, which are crucial to the history of Verona. 

Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore

Not far at all from the Castelvecchio Bridge, you will find the imposing Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore. This gorgeous Romanesque-style church is well worth a visit if you’re spending 2 days exploring Verona.

The exterior of the church itself is gorgeous and beautiful to take in, however, it is known for its incredibly ornate frescoes within the interior of the church so definitely make sure you venture inside the building, as well.

For those visiting Verona because they’re Shakespeare fans, the basilica’s crypt is said to be the place the Bard set for Romeo and Juliet’s wedding.

Day 3 – Day Trip to Lake Garda

While Verona is a gorgeous city full of things to do, the Veneto region is rich in nature as well as culture. On day 3, we will head out to the famous Lake Garda for some fantastic views, and weather depending, maybe a swim. 

Lake Garda (Lago di Garda) is Italy’s largest lake and should certainly be on your travel radar. From its picturesque villages to cobblestoned streets and wonderful food, Lake Garda is truly special.

To reach Lake Garda from Verona, you can easily take a train from Verona’s Porta Nuova station. Two of the towns on Lake Garda have train stations so you can take a direct train to either, these are; Desenzano del Garda and Peschiera del Garda. 

They are just about 15 km away from each other as well as between 13-23 minutes away from the city center of Verona. 

There are also many options for guided tours such as this full-day tour.

Desenzano del Garda

Desenzano del Garda is about a 25-minute train ride away from Verona with train tickets costing just 5 euros each way with trains just about every hour. The town has been a popular tourist location for thousands of years and offers lovely walks and views as well as food. 

Take a walk along the harbor and maybe even visit the Bronze and Stone Age museum. A great way to wrap up your day is by enjoying a meal by the water at the wonderful La Taverna del Garda. 

Peschiera del Garda

If you’re looking for a closer day trip, Peschiera del Garda is a great option. Just 13 minutes away by train, with tickets at just 3 euros and trains departing every 20 minutes, Peschiera del Garda is a delight. 

Peschiera del Garda is a charming town with old winding alleys, beautiful flora, and colorful boats. The town has two parts; the new town, and the old town located within the fortified walls of the town. 

I recommend visiting the Fortress of Peschiera del Garda, as it is its own UNESCO World Heritage Site truly worth the visit. 

Where to Stay in Verona

Hotel Giulietta e Romeo – This 3-star hotel is an excellent choice for those looking for a mid-range option in Verona. They have a range of lovely rooms on offer and a great, central location for exploring the city.

Hotel Accademia – Those after a bit of luxury in Verona are sure to love this plush hotel. They have a number of beautiful, luxe rooms on offer, plenty of wonderful amenities and a perfect location for exploring all the city has to offer.

Opera Relais De Charme – If you’d like to have your own space while in Verona, then this aparthotel is a great option. It is centrally located and they have a range of apartments to choose from in varying sizes to suit all kinds of travellers.

The Hostello – If you’re travelling solo or are more budget-conscious, then this hostel is a great choice. They have a range of both dorms and private rooms available, a great location and plenty of common areas and self-catering facilities.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Verona hotels!

Whether you’re someone already with knowledge and desire to go to Verona, or it’s somewhere new on your travel list, it truly is the epitome of medieval Italy. Enjoy this Verona itinerary and make special memories in and around the city. The views, the food, and the city are undoubtedly going to make you want to come back for more.

Are you planning on visiting Verona? Have any questions about the city? Let us know in the comments!

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About Olivia Ellis

Olivia is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Michigan, USA, she is currently living in Athens, Greece exploring Europe and filmmaking. When she’s not travelling or writing, Olivia can be found cooking delicious new recipes from around the world, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Hi Olivia Great article about 2-3 days in Verona. Apart from the usual tourist sights that you mention,is there much else to do in the city…we simply enjoy walking cities and stumbling across things as we come upon them…in addition my wife really loves shopping….is there a main shopping area? Or other lesser known streets with more independent retailers? Many Thanks John

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10 Charming Stops On Your Walking Tour of Verona (with Map)

We arrived in Verona, Italy after a few hours drive from Milan . We were ready to stretch our legs, but most of all we were eager to experience this symbol of Italian charm and romance . We kept using the promise of Italian ice cream as a bribe for our kids as we started exploring this beautiful medieval city. Read on to experience my charming walking tour of Verona, Italy.

After our intense walking through Milan , Verona felt much smaller and charming. Since we were a bit tired from our drive from Milan, we were eager to stretch our legs and enjoy this beautiful medieval city. So let’s put on some comfortable shoes and start our charming walking tour of Verona.

In this article:

What to Expect when Visiting Verona Italy?

Based on our research we expected a medieval town with old walls and buildings. This is what we actually found, but Verona gave us much more than what we expected. So come along with me on a charming walking tour of Verona, Italy. We were surprised somewhat that Verona’s old town was a much larger  medieval town with a lot more historical attractions, shopping and restaurants.

What is there to see in Verona? Verona has it all: lots of history, medieval and Roman history, rivers, beautiful views, bridges and shopping. We really wished we would have had a lot more time than the few hours we were able to spend in Verona. However, Verona is very busy and full of tourists. So, if you are looking for small medieval towns and quaint villages then you need to look elsewhere like Monteriggioni or San Gimignano.

Favorite Places on My Walking Tour of Verona

After lots of research prior to coming to Verona, I had a short list of things to see. Over the years I have developed, a very efficient trip planning strategy . This way I make sure our expectations match what our destination can offer. Our visit to Verona was more difficult because we only had a few hours available on our way to Venice . So we had to have a precise list and efficient logistics so that we won’t waste any of our limited time.

Fortunately, we did have a good plan and we enjoyed our time in Verona, Italy. Piazza Bra and the Roman amphitheater are the first attractions you will most likely see in Verona if you enter the town through Porta Nova. They are both worthwhile attractions and it’s worth your time to not rush through them. Castelvecchio is a beautiful medieval castle on your left as you look at the Roman Amphitheater.

It’s worth walking over the old bridge and walls and enjoy the beautiful views of the Adige River.

Via Mazzini and Piazza Dele Erbe are usually filled with tourists because Via Mazzini is the main shopping area in Verona and it leads to the beautiful medieval Piazza Dele Erbe. Walk on Ponte Pietra and enjoy the the beautiful views of the town and surrounding Hills. With the list of tourist attractions and a map in our hands we started exploring Verona on foot . So, come along with me on my walking tour of Verona, Italy.

1. Piazza Bra

Street actors dressed in medieval clothes are passing through Piazza Bra in front of beautiful buildings and restaurants

Piazza Bra is a beautiful place to start our walking tour of Verona, Italy. After parking our car, we walked from the direction of Porta Nuova through the arched Portoni della Bra  right into the large Piazza Bra with the large Roman Amphitheater dominating the square.

2. Castelvecchio

The second stop on our walking tour of Verona is Castelvecchio which simply means the Old Castle. It is located immediately to the left as you enter Piazza Bra. A short side street takes us to the imposing Castelvecchio which currently houses the History Museum of the Verona region .

3. Roman Arena of Verona

Walking back to Piazza Bra, we will stop at the imposing Roman Arena. This is the second largest Roman Amphitheater after the Colloseum in Rome. During the summer, the Roman Arena in Verona hosts many opera and music performances . So, if you have time to attend in the evening, these concerts are amazing not only because of the great historical setting but also because of amazing performers.

4. Juliet’s House

At the end of Via Mazzini we come across Via Capello, and we go right and follow the crowds to our fourth stop on our walking tour of Verona. We come to the place that made Verona famous. Verona is most famous for being the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet play .

Juliet’s House is such a popular attraction that it is very difficult to actually go in the small courtyard and visit the place. During the summer, when we visited Verona there was an impossible number of tourists inside the small courtyard at Juliet’s house . Unfortunately we were only able to look around a little bit during our first visit to Verona.

During my last visit in 2024, Juliet’s House courtyard is not reachable from the street anymore as it has become only the exit for visitors to Juliet’s House . I found this place super busy and impossible to visit without having a ticket bought way in advance.

How do you buy tickets to visit Juliet’s House in Verona? Well, things have changed and it looks like you can only buy tickets to Juliet’s House on the official Verona Museum website . You can also book this local Verona tour which includes tickets to Juliet’s House and a beautiful walking tour.

5. Piazza dele Erbe

From Juliet’s House we go back on Via Capello we arrive shortly in Piazza dele Erbe where everything seemed to be moving. This is my favorite stop on our walking tour of Verona. There were so many people resting at small cafes and restaurants or browsing the small market in the middle of the square. Piazza dele Erbe is great longer stop where you can rest a little and have a yummy snack at one of the many cafes.

Lamberti Tower is the tall building that dominates the square. It is an impressive tower, with very complex and beautiful ornaments, which you can also visit by climbing the stairs. However, like most tourist attractions in Verona, you need to get your ticket in advance in order to climb Lamberti Tower.

6. Piazza dei Signori

Tucked away right next to the busy Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza dei Signori provides a bit of a break as most people remain in the larger square. During medieval Verona, when Venice was dominating the area, the powerful Scala family was building an administrative center for the affairs of Verona. Piazza dei Signori is flanked by important historical buildings and give the tourist some sitting space on the old stairs. Families with small children love Piazza dei Signori as it provides lots of space for running around and playing for the kids, while the parents can rest or enjoy a local restaurant overlooking Piazza dei Signori.

In addition, Piazza dei Signori is connected to the elaborate tombs of the Scala family and the ancient Santa Maria Antica church. From here you can continue your walking tour of Verona by walking towards Il Duomo di Verona and the ancient Ponte Pietra bridge.

7. Il Duomo di Verona

8. Ponte Pietra

From Duomo di Verona we followed some of the larger streets and came out from the old city on Ponte Pietra . This is one beautiful and old bridge that gives you great views of the city and surrounding hills. Take your time to walk on Ponte Pietra and take in the views on both sides of the bridge. This is also a great place for pictures of Verona’s old town. Ponte Pietra simply means the Stone Bridge, and it boasts arches built during the Roman times.

9. San Pietro Castle

San Pietro Castle overlooks the entire Verona old town and provides gorgeous views in every direction.  We climbed the narrow stairs leading to the viewing platform in front of the castle, but you can also take the fast tramway that will take you up in a couple of minutes for a cost. Climbing the stairs gives you more opportunities for views as you climb higher and higher and you also get to see some of the ruins of the old Roman Amphiteatre.

Is it worth climbing to San Pietro Castle in Verona? Yes it is worth your time and effort.  The views from the top are just gorgeous and you can see almost 360 degrees around. We loved it.

10. Porta dei Borsari

Old medieval towns like Verona had their defenses split between the various regions on the town. Each region had their own entrance gate and they were responsible for defending it. Borsari were the old bag makers who were skilled leather workers.

Our last stop on our walking tour of Verona is Porta dei Borsari  which is a charming part of Verona’s old town. Porta dei Borsari area of Verona is filled with restaurants, shops and lots of medieval buildings which quickly take you back in time. If you stray from the crowds of tourists and wonder the small narrow streets you will find architectural gems and much Italian charm.

Plan Your Trip to Verona

• Watch my video about planning your trip to Verona . My video gives you the essential things you need for planning your trip to Verona.
• Find budget hotels in Verona . If you planning to visit this beautiful area and you want to spend more time in Verona, you can find plenty of budget accommodations for every budget.
• Book a charming local walking tour of Verona . This is a great tour led by local guide which will take you to most sights.
• We found the Verona Card to be very useful as it allowed us to skip the line and enter the Verona Arena without waiting at all. It also includes admission to the San Pietro Castle tramway which takes you quickly to the best vista point in Verona. The Verona Card also includes admission to 4 of the largest and most beautiful churches in Verona.
• Capital One Venture is my favorite travel credit card for Europe. Comes with a generous $750 sign up bonus and the simplest way to use rewards as you can book your travel anywhere . Compare it !
• Finding parking in Verona was tricky for us because our navigation system led us to enter the town the wrong way. We arrived in Verona from Milan with our Italian rental car . After asking for directions in my broken Italian, we had to come all the way around the city to Porta Nova where a modern, large and multi-leveled Verona Cittadella parking structure waited for us. However, on our second visit, we found the Cittadella parking structure way too busy with a long line to actually go in. Only one block further south we found the Arena parking structure which had plenty of parking.

Is Verona Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! I have visited Verona twice during our tours in Italy, and Verona has become my favorite town in Italy. Verona is full of Italian charm, history and you can easily walk everywhere in old town Verona. While you can easily visit Verona in one day, you can also spend two full days taking your time to enjoy this beautiful old town. So, yes, Verona is definitely worth visiting! How about you? Have you visited Verona, Italy? What was your own experience visiting this city? Leave a comment below.

• Charming Northern Italy Itinerary
• Walking tour of Milan
• Charming walking tour of Verona
• Venice Main Island walking tour
• Walking tour of Murano Island
• A colorful walking tour of Burano Island
• In the Dolomites at Barcis
• Treviso is a surprising destination
• In-depth walking tour of Padua
• Short tour of quaint Soave
• In-depth walking tour of Sirmione
• In-depth walking tour of Genoa

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11 Comments

Thanks so much for your post, it was very helpful while I was visiting Verona.

Tova…glad to hear you used my walking tour of Verona. We also loved visiting.

Thanks for this. Your guide is very helpful. Make sure to not miss the Scaliger Castle in Villafranca di Verona next time. Enjoy your travels!

Martina…thank you for the tip. Villa Franca is not far from Verona so it looks interesting if people have more time in the Verona area.

Thanks for this very helpful guide. I took most of these tips to plan my 4 hour stopover in Verona today. Such a charming place.

Suhaasi…really glad to hear that my walking tour of Verona was very helpful for your short visit to this beautiful city.

Thanks for this. I will be using it to plan a day in Verona. We are taking the train from Venice after a cruise and looking for a day trip. I think this is the one!

Kathleen…Verona is a great day trip from Venice. You will love it! It’s about 20 minutes walk from the train station to the Roman Arena which is right in Piazza Bra. Make sure you also go left from there to see Castelvecchio and River Adige. Let me know how it went!

Thanks! We go in October but I will let you know!

thanks for this – I used your guide as a template for a wonderful afternoon in Verona. We took in most of your sights and loved it.

Great to hear my article on Verona was helpful to you!

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Self-guided Walking Tour of Verona (with maps!)

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A trip to Verona is a plunge into the emotions of bygone times, of a city that conserves values and forms related to an ancient past of medieval and renaissance splendour, albeit it is in constant expansion in our own day. According to the poet, Shakespeare, “There is no world outside these walls…” but this also expresses the impression that strikes tourists when they enter the ancient walls that surround the city.

The city of Verona has been immortalized by William Shakespeare in his famous “Romeo and Juliet”. There is also another, lesser-known play by Shakespeare set in Verona, called “The Two Gentlemen of Verona”. Whilst there’s no evidence that the bard had ever set foot in Italy, let alone in this town, Verona’s presence in his work has inspired massive tourism here ever since – primarily to the 13th-century Juliet House with a tiny balcony upon which she supposedly once stood.

Parking in Verona

If arriving by car – avoid the historic centre or you may well be fined. Try parking at Parcheggio Porta Palio – free parking and only 10-15 minutes to the main centre. If they are full there are more car parks if you head towards Porta Nuova (continue on outside the city walls.) The San Bernardino Bastion, Porta Palio and Porta Nuova and all port of the early 16th century city defences. 

Should you get the Verona Card?

It is worth deciding at this point if you are going to purchase the Verona 24-hour city pass (€20). Here is a quick breakdown of costs for paying separately to visit the following attractions.

Arena di Verona – €10 Castelvecchio Museum – €6 Lamberti Tower – €6 Juliet’s House – €6 Juliet’s tomb – €4.5 Basilica di Santa Anastasia – €3 Cathedral Complex – €3 Total without the card – €38.5

You can buy the card at the city tourist office (from the square walk along the road with the  city walls to your right and the Arena and the Barbieri Palace (Verona Town Hall) on your left) or get hold of it online before your trip on sites such as GetYourGuide .

If you are arriving later in the day and were planning to see the outside of the Arena, the courtyard of Juliet’s House, to see the balcony, Lamberti Tower (€6), Teatro Romano (€4.50) and Castelvecchio Museum (€6).

Piazza Brà (Verona)

The Bra Square is the largest city square in Verona. It is the location of Verona Amphitheater, City Hall, Palace of Gran Guardia, and many other historical buildings. The square is surrendered by many cafes and restaurants. A statue of Victor Emanuel II on horseback, the balcony of the Honori Palace where one of Italy’s founding fathers Garibaldi gave his famous speech “Rome or Death”, and stone carvings of saints are just a few of the sites you will see here.

Arena of Verona

Located on Piazza Bra, this Roman amphitheatre can seat up to 22,000 people and was built in 30 AD. It is home to the Verona Opera season each summer. The arena is known for its superb acoustics. Over 500,000 people visit this place each year.

Obviously one of the most iconic places to see in Verona. However after reading the reviews on trip advisor I did query whether it is worth the visit. Basically it feels like a music arena not a trip to 2000 years into the past! (If you want Roman remains that don’t miss out on Verona’s Roman Theatre & Museum, at the end of this itinerary. )  My take on it is, if you have the Verona Pass, you don’t queue and you aren’t  paying any extra to enter, then go for it. Pop in, if you are bored, leave and head straight to the Museo di Castelvecchio (Old Castle Museum), but at least when someone back home asks you if you have the Verona Arena you can look them in the sys and can say yes! If you don’t have the Verona pass, and you are facing a  €10 entrance and a 20 minute wait, then I would say, the best views are from the outside and head on.

Casa de Giulietta (House of Juliet)

The House of Juliet, is a 13th-century structure situated on the remains of a Roman insula building on the Via Capello. It is located near well-known Juliet’s Tomb.

Although many dispute whether or not Romeo and Juliet actually existed, the house remains a popular attraction that thousands of tourists visit each year. In fact, the house was formerly owned by the Capello family. Many guests write notes on the wall and the doors of the courtyard. From the balcony, one can even imagine ill-fated lovers talking to each other.

The dwelling contains a museum that displays frescoes, paintings, and artwork from the 16th and 17th century. One treat not to be missed is the bronze statue of Juliet. It is said that good luck will come to those who rub the right breast of the sculpture.

Entrance into the courtyard is free, but entry into the house is not. While the house tour is pretty basic, you can upgrade your ticket to include the tomb as the grounds are lovely and have some nice frescoes.

Piazza delle Erbe (Market Square)

Market Square was originally the site of a Roman forum, or square, which hosted exciting chariot races. It is also known as the square of herbs. Historically, various aromatic spices, herbs, coffee beans, and textiles were shipped to Venice and imported to Verona’s Market Square.

In keeping with tradition, the square hosts a market from Monday to Saturday. This market features souvenir vendors as well as farm-fresh produce and flowers.

Torre dei Lamberti (Lamberti Tower)

The Lamberti Tower is an ancient tower in the Market Square. Construction on the tower began in 1172. The tower underwent restoration after a 1403 lightning strike. Visitors can see the different restoration work over the centuries by noticing different materials. For example, the marble areas were added in 1779. The clock was also added during the 1779 renovation.

The Lamberti Tower has two bells. The largest bell named Rengo is used to call residents to arms or call a city council. The Marangona bell signals fires, hourly chimes, and work times.

The tower stands 84 meters high. Visitors can book tickets in advance, take the elevator, or walk the 368 stairs to the top of the tower. The elevator is transparent so visitors can admire the internal architecture. At the top of the tower, visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the terrace. At night, the terrace is available for events.

Piazza dei Signori (Lords Square)

The Lords Square is packed with gorgeous architecture and is a fabulous place to soak up the history and culture of Verona.

This historic square has a strong connection with William Shakespear’s Romeo and Juliet, set in Verona. The Town Hall provided the setting where Bartolomeo della Scala banished Romeo and sentenced him to exile in Mantua.

Arche Scaligere (Scaligeri Tombs)

The Scaligeri Tombs are known as the location of Juliet’s staged death. The Scaligeri Tombs are a group of five Gothic monuments. They were built to celebrate the della Scala family, 13th and 14th-century rulers of Verona.

Sant'Anastasia Church

The Construction of the Sant’Anastasia Church began in 1280 and was completed in 1400. The church was named after a temple that once stood on the site. The Sant’Anastasia Church is the largest in Verona. The facade has three vertical brick sections and a simple rose window. A gorgeous facade panel shows St. Peter of Verona.

Ponte Pietra (Pietra Bridge)

The Ponte Pietra, or Stone Bridge, is the oldest bridge in Verona. It was completed in 100 BC by the Romans. The Ponte Pietra crosses the Adige River. In Roman times, the Via Postumia connecting Genoa to Aquileia passed over the bridge.

Teatro Romano (Roman Theatre)

Well-known for its many concerts, music performances, and ballets, the Roman Theatre seats 25,000 people. Having actually been built during the 1st century AD, it is one of the oldest monuments in Verona.

For centuries, the ruins of the theater were buried underneath residences constructed on the property. In 1834, a Veronese named Andrea Monga bought all the houses built on the property, then demolished them and began the renovation process. It is because of his efforts that the structure was saved.

In 1904, the city purchased the property and continued renovations until the 1970s. Although most of the structure was lost due to the ravages of time, the cavea, tier of seats, several arches of loggias, and parts of the stage and the old theater were recovered. One can truly take a step back in time when visiting the Roman Theatre.

The theater is well-known for its Shakespeare Festival held from June to August each year. Jazz concerts in May, plays in June, and ballets in August are just some of the treats to enjoy. Admission is free on the first Sunday of each month.

Piazzale Castel San Pietro (San Pietro Fortress)

This medieval fortress is set high on a hilltop above Verona. The hilltop location was chosen as the ideal location to protect the city against intruders. The Romans used this hilltop as a defensive position.

During Roman times, the hill was known as Monte Gallo, or Rooster Mountain. The Romans also revered this location as a religious site and built a temple and theater here.

The hill was later named Colle San Pietro when a Medieval church dedicated to St. Peter was built on the site. The area was next fortified with battlements typical of medieval fortresses. Between the 14th and 15th centuries, the Castello Visconteo (the Castel of the Viscount) was built.

In 1801, the Napoleanic army destroyed most of the buildings on this historic site. Later, Austrian soldiers arrived and destroyed St. Peter’s Church. The Austrians built barracks that are still in place.

Today, visitors can climb the switchback stone steps to the top or take a funicular cable car to the top of the hill. This hilltop location is a beautiful place to view the city of Verona, take pictures, and watch the sunset. There’s also a restaurant at the top of the hill so you can relax and enjoy a meal or drinks.

Verona Cathedral

The Verona Cathedral is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was built after the previous churches on this site were destroyed. The Romanesque style Verona Cathedral was consecrated in 1187. The west facade features a double porch, Lombard bands, and small pinnacles.

Porta Borsari, Verona

The Borsari Gate is an ancient Roman gate that was built in the first century AD. It was previously called the Lovia Gate and then the San Zeno Gate before receiving its current name. The original structure was brick and contained an inner court. It was rebuilt in 265 and given a limestone facade. The upper part of the gate features 12 arched windows.

Arco dei Gavi, Verona

Arco dei Gavi is a monument in Verona, located just outside the walls of the ancient Roman city. The arch was built in the 1st century to celebrate the gens Gavia, an important Roman family of Verona.

Museo di Castelvecchio (Old Castle Museum)

The Old Castle Museum is a museum located in the eponymous medieval castle. The castle was built between 1354 and 1356 to protect the family of Lord of Verona from enemies and to give them ample time to escape. The palace was used to house military weapons and munitions in the 1400s and eventually became the seat of the Venetian military academy in the 1700s. In 1925, it was made a museum.

Ponte Scaligero (Scaligero Bridge)

Scaligero Bridge is a three-arch bridge that spans the Adige River. It was built in 1375 for the Scaliger family who wanted to use the bridge as an escape route from the Old Castle to the river.

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Verona is one of those cities which I feel like everyone has heard of but few people know anything more about it passed its a famous name. It’s known as the city of love , made famous by William Shakespeare ‘s Romeo and Juliet . Verona serves as the setting for the play about forbidden love. Possibly Shakespeare’s most prolific work. Outside of its theatrical notoriety, the city is an architectural gem in the middle of Italy. It’s small enough that you can easily explore it on foot and see all the must-see sights in one day.

But if you decide to stay a few nights you’ll be treated to one of the most charming towns where you can take more time to dig into the history and secrets of this lovely city. There are lots of amazing museums to explore so don’t be shy about deciding to extend your stay. Verona is also an art lovers’ dream. The city is constantly featuring a revolving door of art exhibitions. There are heritage fairs, food festivals, operas and music galas as well as near-constant performances in their ancient arena. Truly something for everyone!

How To Get There

If you’re visiting Venice, Milan or Florence, Verona is only a short train ride away. Most of the major high-speed trains stop in Verona if you’re coming in from a big city. But if you are taking the train from a small town along the way, Versona station is also serviced by many local, regional trains.

If you’d instead like to take the bus, there are plenty of options that even run internationally, making stops in Verona.

If you have rented a car, you can reach Verona’s from highway A4 or A22. There are free parking areas in the Porta Palio Parking lot and the Guardini Parking Lot to park. You can also park your car at the tourist bus terminal for free. Paid parking areas can be found along Via M. Bentegodi . It’s always best to avoid driving right into the city unless you have a hotel stay booked and can park in the hotel. Not only is driving in the city’s inner centre difficult, often tourist cars are banned from entering certain parts of the city. So be warned. I always find it’s much less stressful to park away from the city center and enjoy a leisurely walk into town.

History of Verona Italy

What might surprise some people about their visit to Verona is how ancient the city is. Verona became a Roman colony in 89 BC. Verona was one of the more famous cities in the empire. Located at the intersections of various main trade routes and roads, it was a hub for business. Verona was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the ancient Roman monuments in the city centre. The city suffered a massive earthquake in 1117, which destroyed much of the city’s original Medieval architecture. It was replaced by Romanesque buildings, many of which you can still see today.

Shakespeare in Verona

Shakespeare set two of his plays in the city of Verona;  Romeo and Juliet  and  The Two Gentlemen of Verona . One can only imagine that the writer had an affinity for the town as it features so heavily in his plays. Walking the streets, it’s impossible not to imagine Shakespeare himself walking on these very cobblestones. No doubt daydreaming in his head of his next grand production.

Map of Walking Tour

About this Self-Guided Walking Tour of Verona

This walk takes you across the city of Verona, from the west bridge to the east hillside. The tour is doable in one full day. But if you want to take it at a more leisurely pace, and allow yourself time for shopping or popping inside some of the museums, you can easily split it up into two days. Staying overnight in Verona, or just outside the city in one of their charming B&Bs is an excellent idea since the city clears out of the day-trippers and feels more laidback and quiet at night.

Accessibility

Like many places in Italy, the sidewalks in Verona are mostly narrow and made of uneven cobblestones. Scooters will frequently whip around corners out of nowhere, something all travellers need to be aware of. If you’re travelling in a wheelchair, this walk is still relatively doable. The only issue is the staircase at the end of the tour. In this case, you can finish the walk one step ahead of the itinerary. If you have a mobility aid or are someone who needs to take things at a more leisurely pace, seek the advice from above. It’s great to split the tour into different bits to break up the day. There is nothing better than taking a break at a cafe for an espresso, or a refreshing Aperol spritz to sip on while sitting in the Piazza.

Castelvecchio Bridge

Our tour starts on the  Castelvecchio Bridge , which spans the great  Adige River . This bridge looks so unique, due to its exceptional design. Unlike most bridges that have low barriers to allow unobstructed views across the city, this bridge has large, imposing walls. It was built in 1354 by  Cangrande II della Scala . Cangrande II della Scala was the brutal Lord of Verona from 1351 until he died in 1359. He had the bridge explicitly constructed to escape the city in the event of a rebellion. And with the nickname, “Raging Dog,” Scala wasn’t particularly popular with his people or court. The thick brick walls he had hoped would protect him from assassins on his escape from the city.

History of the Castelvecchio Bridge

The original bridge stood for hundreds of years untouched by wars or attacks. It remained steadfast until 1945 when it was destroyed by retreating German troops. Thankfully it was restored to its original appearance in 1949. 

The red-bricked crenellated parapets are iconic of the city of Verona. You can see this design element all over town. This design was called the  Ghibelline  or the  swallowtail battlement.  The name comes from the V-shaped notches in the merlon’s tops, which give it the appearance of a bird’s tail. But the shape wasn’t just an aesthetic choice. The crenellations were used to protect the archer in battle. The archer would have a clear shot at the attackers outside the battlements while he remained protected. Stop inside the various lookout points along the bridge as they not only provide beautiful views, but the old keystones on the arches have lovely carvings, and some are from the original 14th-century bridge.

Castelvecchio

Continue along the bridge till you reach the  Corso Cavour . Turn left and walk along the Corso. On the left-hand side, you’ll side the exterior of the  Castelvecchio . This is the old Medieval fortress built in 1354. The fort was used to house the military and their arsenal from the 1400s to the 1700s. In the 1700s, it was used as the Venetian military academy. There it remained until 1925 when the building was transformed into a museum. Note the same brickwork seen here along the fortress walls, which is continued from the design of the Vecchio bridge.

Arco dei Gavi

Just past the fortress, take a minute to walk towards the river on your left, where you’ll find the imposing white limestone  Arco dei Gavi.  The Arco dei Gavi is a   triumphal arch commissioned to architect  L. Vitruvius Cerdo  in the 1st century AD. It was built likely during the reign of Tiberius. This large archway once served as the original entrance to the city. Triumphal arches are synonymous with the Roman period. They marked not only the door to the city but were also built in honour of an important event. This could be the death or birth of a significant person or the construction of an essential trade route, which was highly celebrated by the Romans. 

The original archway wasn’t located in this exact spot. In 1805 the original arch was severely damaged due to structural problems and needed to be demolished. Thankfully, enough of the stone was preserved so that in 1932 it could be rebuilt. It was then moved to this more secure location where it can be admired by modern by tourists.

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Palazzo Canossa

Continuing along the Corso, we shortly come upon the Romanquesue  Palazzo Canossa . The Palazzo was designed in 1527 by  Michele Sanmicheli  in the Mannerist style. Mannerism went against the idea of symmetry and balance, which were the primary characteristics of the previous Renaissance era. Mannerists love to play with space and its relationship with buildings. On the ground floor, there are two sets of windows on either side, centred around a dark portico, which runs parallel to the street. The upper floors of the manor have three different sets of windows and varying heights. Study the roof as it features a gallery of mythological creatures craning their heads over the side, to look at the people below.

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Basilica di San Lorenzo

Hidden through a small, almost unassuming archway along the street is the  Basilica of San Lorenzo . The pointed-arched doorway is topped with a statue of San Lorenzo. On either side of the columns are carvings of climbing flowers. This Romanesque church dates all the way back to 1177. The striped bands of alternating brick and stone along the columns create a mesmerizing pattern. They almost seem to swallow you up as you walk inside. Since the church is so hidden away, this place is often tremendously sombre and a great spot to come for a moment of solitude away from the crowds.

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Porta Borsari

At the end of the Corso Cavour, just beyond the intersection of V ia Antoni Cantore , is the ancient  Porta Borsari . This is another one of Verona’s Roman monuments. The gate was used to protect the city and was built in the first century AD. Twelve simple windows carved into the limestone, atop the double-arched gateway, mark the entry into this district of Verona. The original name of the gate was  Porta Iovia,  as it was located near a small temple dedicated to  Jupiter lustralis . “Borsari” refers to the  bursarii , which were the duties collected from goods that entered and exited the city. 

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Via Antonio Cantore

From here, we’re heading back down towards the centre of town. While the most direct and accessible route to the  Roman Amphiteatre  is along  Via Guglielmo Oberdan , I prefer to take the scenic route. Walk along  Via Antonio Cantore  and turn down  Via Alberto Mario . These two streets are much more quaint and made up mostly of small houses and apartment complexes. They feel like the Verona of days long past, without as many tourist shops. Take a moment to study the window boxes, which are almost always overflowing in flowers in the spring and summertime.

As you come out of the side streets, you’ll exit on the  Piazza Bra . If you follow my instructions and started this tour early in the morning, you’ll have a chance to walk into the square without being mobbed with tourists. The  Piazza Bra  is the largest square in Verona and features some of the most iconic sights in the city. Surrounding the plaza are dozens of cafes and restaurants, but look above them to study the elegant windows and buildings they are located inside—each one a different colour and slightly different design. The square is a beautiful place to stop and have a cup of coffee. Although you pay a premium for the location, its well worth it for the view.

If you’re a tourist on a budget, this is a magnificent place to stop. Bring a little picnic and sit in the large park located in the Piazza. There are many benches to relax on and soak in the scenery. The park is decorated with cedar and pine trees surrounding the  Alps’ fountains.  In the center of the basin, which dominates the park, is a bronze statue of  Victor Emmanuel II,  the first king of Italy. 

Verona Arena

The most imposing structure on the square is the ancient  Roman Arena . If you’ve been to Rome and seen their arena, you’ll be surprised at how well preserved the one in Verona actually is. The arena in Rome no longer has a foundation and therefore is unusable. But the stadium here in Verona is almost immaculately preserved and still in use today! It serves as the venue for local and international opera performances, concerts and plays. This makes the Verona Arena feel more alive and not just a relic of the past.

History of the Verona Arena

This Roman amphitheatre was built in 30 A.D. using white and pink limestone from  Valpolicella . Originally it was used to host gladiator games, jousts, and trials. Gladiators were generally slaves, who were trained to fight for the entertainment of locals and nobles alike. They would face-off inside the arena, and competitions included everything from fights to the death, battles against ferocious animals to simple displays of athletic skills.

There are over 25,000 seats throughout the arena up the 44 tiers of marbled benches. Operas started to be performed here in the 20th century when the famous opera tenor Giovanni Zenatello used the stage to practice with friends and realized how amazing the acoustics were! If there is a performance on while you’re visiting, don’t miss seeing it as the acoustics inside this ancient building are surprisingly amazing!

Palazzo Barbieri

Just in front of the arena is the cream yellow collanades of the  Palazzo Barbieri . The Palazzo Barbieri is home to Verona’s city council. It was initially built in 1836 as a military base by engineer  Guiseppe Barbieri  (for whom the building is named after). The palazzo is made in a neo-classical style. During WWII, the Austrian used the building as one of their bases of operations. Because of this, it was severely damaged in the war, and reconstruction wasn’t completed until 1950.

Portoni della Brà

Past the Palazzo, head west along  Via degli Alpini  until you reach the  Portoni della Bra.  This grandiose gate is from the 3rd-century AD and was one another Roman gateway to Verona. There is an inscription on the brickworks, which dates to 245 AD with the name ‘ Colonia Verona Augusta ‘ carved onto the placard. This would have been the entry ancient visitors would also have travelled through to arrive inside this great city. The materials used to create the great gate were Veronese marble and red brick. Once more, we see that crenellated walkway at the top of the archway. A clock sits in the center of the two arches, but this was added in 1872. 

Via Giuseppe Mazzini

Walking back northwards, head up the  Via Giuseppe Mazzini.  Via Giuseppe Mazzini is the most prestigious shopping street in Verona. This narrow passageway is where you’ll find some of the biggest international brands. Even though they aren’t very unique stores, it’s exciting to see these modern labels crowded into this rather small, ancient space.

Casa de Giulietta

Make your way east along the  Via Anfiteatro  and  Via Stella  until you reach  Via Giuseppe Mazzini . Turn left and walk until you find the fabled  Casa de Giulietta or  House of Juliet . This 13th-century house once belonged to the Capello family (which sounds an awful lot like  Capulet  family). The dwelling is one of the oldest in Verona.  Juliet Capulet,  along with her lover  Romeo,  were fictional characters.

Still, this residence is an excellent representation of wealthy families’ living quarters during the time in which Shakespeare set the play. But there is mounting evidence that two rival families did, in fact, perhaps exist here in Verona. Writer Dante himself wrote a poem about the fabled Ghibelline and Guelph feuding families.

On the way into the house, you’ll see the walls of the arched passageway covered in notes. There are so many pieces of paper, the brick wall almost disappears. These are romantic wishes, left by visitors wishing for their own star crossed love.

The building on its own is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture from the 1300s. Once more here, we see the walls topped with those Ghibelline battlements in red brickwork.

Juliet Balcony

Walking into the courtyard, one of the first things people will look at is the famed balcony. This is where the star crossed sweethearts could have indeed fallen in love. But, this balcony is not a part of the original structure. It was added in the 20th century to jump on the Romeo and Juliet tourist train. The balcony was created by piecing together elements of a 17th-century sarcophagus and attaching it to the wall! Rather morbid for one of the romantic icons of the city, don’t you think?

In the center of the courtyard is a bronze statue of Juliette. While the sculpture was added in the 20th century in honour of the famous play set in Verona, she is still a favourite for visitors. Locals claim that if you rub her right breast, you’ll find love and gain fertility! So obviously the right breast is rather more shiny than the left!

Casa Di Giulietta Museum

You can walk into the courtyard for free, but to get inside the house, you must pay admission. This is because the house itself is a small museum featuring images and objects from the time of Romeo and Juliet. The museum can get really crowded, but if you’re a massive fan of this play, it’s an exciting place to explore. You get a sense of the kind of interiors that Roman and Juliet would have lived in. Since this museum gets so busy during the busy summer months, if you can’t get inside, don’t press yourself and simply come back later in the day or early the next morning. It’s not worth getting stressed out over.

Piazza delle Erbe

Continuing along the street outside the Casa di Giulietta until you come upon the gorgeous  Piazza Delle Erbe . Piazza Delle Erbe means  Square of the Herbs . On the southern side, you’ll see the  Casa de Mercanti  or  House of the Merchants .

This area was once occupied by the original Roman forum. Here, Romans would gather to sell goods, like herbs well as fruits, vegetables and more. Even today, you can still find the square busy with merchants selling everything from food to souvenirs. 

The square now features merchants selling mainly souvenirs for the many tourists who frequent the area. But despite the samey items being sold, the sellers still bring a lively atmosphere to the ancient plaza.

The Torre dei Lamberti

Overlooking the square is the  Tower Lamberti , the tallest building in Verona. The Torre Lamberti was built in 1172. However, the structure had to be rebuilt in the 15th century after being hit by lightning. You can see the newer materials on the exterior marked by the variations in the brickwork. The massive clock on the surface was also added in 1779.

Inside the tower are two large bells; the ‘ Marangona ‘ signals the various hours of the day. There is also a larger bell, called the ‘ Rengo ‘ used to call the population to arms or summon the city council. Skip the ride up the tower as it’s pretty expensive, and we’ll get another view across the city later in the tour.

Domus Mercatorum

Across from the tower is the  Domus Mercatorum  or  Casa dei Mercanti . This was the old home of the merchants guild, built in 1210. It was initially made out of nothing but wood. In 1301 it was reconstructed by a wealthy wool trader,  Alberto I della Scala , who remade it in stone, which was much more long-lasting. The Scala family eventually became one of Verona’s most powerful families. The Scala acted as judges and presiding over legal issues relating to merchants and manufacturers of Verona. I love the exterior of this building. The red brick is inlaid with limestone carvings and beautiful mullioned windows and crenellated parapets.

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Fontana Madonna Verona

In the center of this long square is a beautiful and delicate fountain topped with Verona’s  Madonna . This 14th-century fountain’s sculpture on top actually dates all the way back to 380 AD! The Madonna holds a scroll in her hands. On this, the ancient seal of Verona is written, “ est iusti latrix urbs hec et laudis ” or “ this city is the bearer of justice and lover of praise .”

Mazzanti Houses

Behind the Madonna fountain, is the gorgeous frescoed exterior of the  Mazzanti houses . These residences were built in the 13th century for the Scala family. Later in the 1500s, when they sold to new owners, they were renovated for the modern era. It was right here, in front of his own house, that  Mastino della Scala  was ambushed and murdered in 1277. After this attack, the family decided to move and sold their homes to the wealthy Mazzanti family, another group of merchants.

Mazzanti Frescos

The frescos on the exterior were made in the 16th century by painted  Alberto Cavalli . Cavalli has studied under  Giulio Roman,  who used the same techniques as  Michelangelo.  All these artists share in the use of Mannerism in their artworks. The frescoes depict mythological and allegorical scenes. Each painting is still surprisingly vibrant after being exposed to the elements outdoors for over 500 years. 

In the 16th century, houses in Verona were painted like this as decorating the exterior with paint cost much less than architectural sculpture. But frescoes were nonetheless as impressive. Visitors to Verona called the city “ urbs picta ” which meant the  painted city . Although very little of these frescoes remain, this gives you an idea of what it once looked like.

Take a Break

The Piazza de Erbe is one of Verona’s most picturesque places to stop and grab a drink. An Aperol Spritz is the drink of choice for most diners. Grab a table outside and soak in the views of the multicoloured buildings and balconies overlooking the square.

Column of San Marco

At the end of the square, you’ll find the large  Column of San Marco.  The marble column features the winged lion of San Marco, the symbol of Venice. Verona was once under the imperial rule of Venice. As such, there are still symbols of this around Verona today. The Colonna di San Marco was erected in 1523, and sculpted in immaculate white marble. The carving of a lion on the top is a 19th-century addition. The original sculpture which stood here was destroyed in 1797 when the Venetian Republic was dismantled. A new lion was added back in 1866 once tensions around the entire event died down.

Palazzo Maffei

Facing onto the square is the luxurious  Palazzo Maffei . This baroque building is covered in statues of Roman gods looking out at the pedestrians on the plaza. The top of the building is host to six statues of divinities: Hercules, Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, Apollo and Minerva. Hercules’ statuette looks slightly different from the rest. This is because Hercules was stolen from the Roman Capitoline Hill and placed onto the facade of the house! It hundreds of years older than the other baroque statues and is easily identifiable from the others.

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Arco della Costa

In the middle of the Piazza, there is a large archway leading to the alleyway along the Via della Costa. Hanging in the middle of the arch is a huge whale’s rib suspended from two thin wire hangers which has been named the  Arco della Costa . This passageway connected the old judge’s residence to the tribunal hall. During the Venetian republic, when the rule of law was harsh and swift, judges were often the target of the people’s hatred. So it was important for the government to protect these nobles. They did so by constructing this walkway, which would allow them to get around their workplaces and residences without having to walk in the public streets. 

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Ancient Whale Rib

The whale rib hanging over the entrance was once thought to belong to an ancient aquatic dinosaur. Although recent investigations have proven that it is indeed merely a whale’s rib. The earliest documentation of when the bone was placed here was in the 18th century, but the rib’s age makes it more probable that it has been here for much longer than that. 

Myth of the Giant Whale

There are several theories as to why the rib was placed in the arch, but no one has any concrete proof of either of these hypotheses. One says that it was a relic brought back by the Venetians republic from the holy lands during the crusades. Another legend goes that it was a fossil found in the mountains of Verona. They thought the fossil might have been from ancient monsters, not a whale, and placed it here to ward off evil spirits. But the most likely cause of its installation is perhaps the dullest, and that was an advertisement.

The Piazza de Erbe was a busy place. To catch the public’s attention, an old apothecary shop placed this rib here to mark their location so people could easily find their way to their store. This is the most probable answer because the bone still belongs to the family who owns a pharmacy located here to this day. So more than like was something passed down to their families after many generations.

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Piazza dei Signori

Passing through the  Arco della Costa , and walking along the  Via della Costa  you’ll exit out onto the  Piazza dei Signori . This square is home to so many incredible well-known buildings. The square’s name, “ Signore ” in Italian, means “ minister ,” which was the name used for influential political figures who shaped Verona’s history. Many powerful and wealthy families lived in this area, who, despite not being technical royalty, held the real power over the city of Verona. As this area was near the old Roman forum and marketplace, it was one of the hottest real estate location in Verona that only the most influential people could afford. 

The buildings around the square represent a range of Verona’s architectural designs throughout the ages. It almost feels like an open-air museum. Each of the individual structures is gracefully adjoined by a series of arches. Atop each arch is a statue of a famous Veronese personality.

Palazzo della Ragione

The  Palazzo della Ragione  is one of the oldest buildings in Italy, with construction starting in 1193. It is one of the best examples of Veronese Romanesque architecture. The alternating layers of beige stone and red brick display the typical design of Romanesque Veronese architecture.

History of the Palazzo del Comune

Initially, the building was called the  Palazzo del Comune . It served as a public plaza and warehouse for the city’s residents. The entire ground floor was open, and there was a large room in the center where the city council would meet. This allowed members of the public to always have eyes on their city council to see what was going on.

But when the Venetian Republic took control of the city in 1405, they turned the building into a courthouse. It became the seat of judicial offices, prisons, professional colleges and even the health office. The closest tower you can see while standing in the square was where prisoners would be set before their trials. The other tower attached to the building is the Lamberti tower we studied previously in the Piazza del Erbe. The building would have initially had four towers, one located on each of the Palazzo corners, but there are only two which remain.

In the center of the courtyard is a large staircase, called the “staircase of reason.” Prisoners would be lead up the stairs were the accusations against them would be read out in front of the public.

Palazzo as Grain Warehouse

Later in the 16th century, the inner courtyard was used as a warehouse for grain. The grain and flour were sold to Verona’s most impoverished families, almost like the food stamp programs some countries have today. With the fall of the Republic, the ownership of the Palazzo’s upper floors was turned over to a private family while the lowers levels remained state-owned. The exterior of the building facing the Piazza dei Signori features a neoclassical design that was made after one of the many fires that ravaged the building. In the early 2000s, the building was converted into the Achille Forti Gallery of Modern Art.

Dante Alighieri

In the centre of the square is a marble column topped with the figure of Italian poet  Dante Alighieri,  made in 1865 by  Ugo Zannoni . Dante spent seven years living in Verona and is much beloved by Veronese citizens. Dante had supported the Emperor in his war against the Pope. But when the Emperor’s army lost, Dante was cast out of Florence. He took up residence in Verona inside the  Palace of the Podesta , which is just across from his statue. 

The Divine Comedy

In the Palace of the Podesta ,  it is said that he wrote the “ Divine Comedy. “During his time in Verona, he often stayed at the Scala family court when Bartolomeo Scala was in power. During Dante’s stay, it is said that he witnessed the real-life inspiration for Rome and Juliette with the tragedy of the two lovers Montecchi and Cappelletti.

Palace of the Podestà

The  Palace of the Podestà  (or the Palazzo del Governo) was a famous residence for local celebrities. It was initially built for the Scaligeri family in 1277. The Scaligeri were the ruling family of Verona from the 13th to 14th centuries. The word  Podestà  was a name given to high officials in Italy in the later Middle Ages. It was here that the Podesta had their offices but also where they held residence. The house hosted such famous guests as Dante and artists Giotto. Giotto was once commissioned to cover the exterior of the palace in frescoes. Due to the fact they were located outdoors, this meant deterioration was more severe. As they were not well maintained, they have been lost to the ages.

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Verona’s Renaissance

Once more, we see the iconic Ghibelline crenellations on the top of the building. The entrance structure is a beautiful example of the Veronese medieval style. Highlighted by the semi-circular vaults on the lower level. The incredible marble portal was added in the 16th century by Michele Sanmicheli. He was inspired by the arch of Gavi (which we saw earlier in the tour.) On either side of the archway are two winged victories that lay languidly in the corners. Around this time, Verona’s artists were obsessed with the Roman are and were drawing inspiration for the part to include in their modern  Renaissance.  On the top of the portal is a statue of the Lion of Venice. This was there to show off the fact that this building was under the control of the Republic of Venice.

The archway that connects the Palace of the Podestà to the Palace of Cansignorio is known as the  Arco della Tortura . Since this area of town was where all the judges lived and worked, it was also where the judgement was carried out. Torture instruments were strung up along the arch to put fear into the citizens of Verona.

Palace of Cansignorio

On the southeast side of the square, we find the  Palace of Cansignorio .   Cansignorio  della Scala was Lord of Verona from 1359 until 1375. The Palace, also called the  Palazzo del Capitanio,  was built in 1363 for the protection of the Captain of the City of Verona under the scrutiny of the  Serenissima  (the name for the sovereign state of Venice). The palace once featured three towers on top quipped with armed guards. This was where Cansignorio della Scala lived along with the rest of his administration.

The exterior of the building is divided into the brick tower on the right and the classical white facade on the left. The brick dates back from the original construction whereas the white structure was designed during renovations made in the 16th century. One of the most notable parts of the classical building is the large Corinthian archway which leads guests into the inner courtyard. The coats of arms that are carved into the facade are another iconic feature of the building. All of these works were completed by famed Venetian architect   Michele Sanmicheli . 

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Loggia del Consiglio

The Loggia del Consiglio is a stunning piece of Renaissance architecture located in Verona, Italy. Built in the 16th century, this loggia (an open-air gallery) served as the meeting place for the city council and is now considered one of the most significant landmarks in the city. The loggia is made up of a large central arched opening, surrounded by smaller arches, and supported by a series of Corinthian columns. The detailed carvings and frescoes that adorn the loggia walls are breathtaking, showcasing the skill of the artists of that era.

Church of Saint Mary Antica

The Church of Saint Mary ‘Antica’ in Verona, Italy is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. This medieval church, built in the 12th century, is one of the oldest in the city and is renowned for its intricate carvings, stained glass windows, and beautiful frescoes. The church’s exterior is equally impressive, with its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and tall spires that create a dramatic silhouette against the sky.

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But the most important sight of the church can be found right above the doors to the side entrance. Atop the trefoil archway is the stone sarcophagus of Can Grande I Della Scala. Cangrande della Scala ruled over Verona from 1308 to 1387 and was notable for being a devoted patron of Dante. Above the arch, look up and on top of the pointed tower is an equestrian statue of the prince.

Scaliger Tombs

Peeking between the iron bars just off to the left of the side entrance to the church is a grandiose series of tombs. These are the Scaliers Tombs, the ornate resting places of the members of the powerful Della Scala family. The Della Scala family ruled over Verona during their golden age in the 14th century. Throughout their reign, they made several large impacts on the development of the city. But perhaps their most impressive and lasting monument was their five decorated Gothic tombs.

Each one of their eternal resting places had been placed atop a tall stone plinth, perhaps meant to keep them looking down on the citizens of Veroa for eternity. Each one of their tombs is richly decorated with religious motifs, reflecting the personality of the deceased. For instance, the tomb of Cangrande della Scala, the greatest lord of Verona, is adorned with sculptures of dogs, as “Cangrande” means “big dog” in Italian.

The entire complex is surrounded by a beautifully decorated wrought iron fence with a stair pattern, symbolizing the family’s coat of arms. The stair pattern was used throughout the Arche Scaligere, as “Della Scala” means “of the stairs” in Italian.

Casa di Romeo

Walking along the Via Arche Scaligere, you will pass #4, which contains a plaque stating it is the “ Casa di Romeo .” The old brick walls hid behind what is said to have been the house that once belonged to the Montecchi family. Looking up along the roofline, you can see these classic Ghibelline swallowtail battlements. This symbolic piece of architecture really exemplifies the struggles for power that the Ghibellines and the Guelphs were having. Considering that even their architecture was odd and competing for prevalence. Like Coca-cola vs Pepsi. Today, the building is privately owned but can still be seen from the outside.

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Basilica of Santa Anastasia

Heading towards the river, make a quick stop at the  Basilica of Santa Anastasia . The Basilica of Santa Anastasia in Verona, Italy, is a magnificent church that dates back to the 14th century. It is one of the largest and most important Gothic churches in Verona. The basilica’s grand facade, featuring pointed arches and elaborate sculptures, sets the tone for the breathtaking interior. 

But entering inside, you’ll see why this stop is worth taking some time to visit. The nave is lined with elegant columns and stained-glass windows that cast a warm glow over the entire space. The highlight of the basilica is the stunning frescoes that adorn the walls and ceilings, depicting scenes from the life of St. Anastasia and other saints. Visitors will also be impressed by the church’s impressive organ, which is one of the largest in Italy, and its beautiful choir stalls.

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Piazzetta Bra Molinari

To finish off your walking tour, head to the Piazzetta Bra Molinari, where you have a beautiful view over the Adige River. You also have a gorgeous view across to the eastern side of the river and the ancient buildings that crawl up the hillside. This includes the Castel San Pietro, the Museo Archeologico al Teatro Romano, the Chiesa dei Santi Siro e Libera and the old convent of Saint Girolamo. Many of these are fantastic places to visit if you have more time in the city. So take a moment to relax and watch the world pass you by from this romantic river side viewpoint.

I truly hope you enjoyed coming with me on this self-guided walking tour of Verona, Italy. Verona was one of my favourite cities in Italy and one I think people know the name of but don’t take enough time to explore! There is so much history and drama to this place, and I hope you find your hidden treasures along the way.

Happy Travels, Adventurers

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How to Spend Three Days in Verona: An In-Depth Itinerary

Benvenuto to fair Verona, where we lay our scene. Long associated in the minds of literature lovers with romance thanks to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, this is a city that is filled with seductive charm and understated beauty.

There are few places as romantic for canoodling lovers as St Peter’s Hill, just as the sun is setting over Verona. From this perch, the city glows with a rosy hue as the red roofs light up in the dying rays of the sun. And forget Roman holidays, Audrey Hepburn wouldn’t look out of place pouting over an Aperol Spritz at one of the cafes lining the Piazza delle Erbe.

Of course, Verona has much more to offer than just a picturesque background for honeymooners and lovey-dovey double acts. Some of the most stunning Romanesque architecture in all of Italy is located in Verona, whether you’re marveling at the unique structures of churches like San Zeno and San Fermo or ascending the steps of the Palazzo della Ragione. 

Verona, after all, is a city with a good deal of history. It first came to prominence under the Ancient Roman Empire, whose influence continues to remain visible thanks to the remarkable endurance of the 2,000-year-old Verona Arena. Even more of the city’s character today is defined by the civilization that came in its wake, during the ambitious edifices of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

It’s true, Verona isn’t as famous as other regions in the Veneto region or neighboring Emilia-Romagna for its cuisine, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find delicious bowls of bigoli pasta on every street corner. Or, perhaps more aptly for summer, little gelaterias with bountiful selections of creamy treats to take the edge off the heat.

For many people, Verona is a bit of an afterthought, but if you peep beyond the city’s low-key rep, there’s a lot more than Shakespeare and Juliet’s balcony to attract visitors seeking the spirit of Italia.

How Many Days to Spend in Verona

Three days is a good amount of time to spend in Verona because it gives you a bit of flexibility. We packed in a lot of sightseeing into two days, in order to have enough time left over to embark on a day trip out of town. For the more leisurely traveler, however, you could easily plan a Verona itinerary that fully occupies three days without leaving the city at all. Just think, even more opportunities to enjoy aperitivo time!

Whatever you decide, you should spend your first day in the historic center of town. The Ancient Romans may have laid the foundations of Verona here, but it is the influence of the Medieval Italians who have really turned the Citta Antica into a gem. Taking your time to examine all the palazzos and architectural secrets surrounding the two major piazzas can easily fill up a whole day, leaving just enough time to explore the city’s greatest remaining Roman monument, the Verona Arena, which lies a short walk outside the old area.

Day two is essentially devoted to exploring everything else that Verona’s downtown area has to offer. This will be a slightly more spread-out route with more walking between sights, but it’s still just 10 minutes between each spot, from the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore, via Castelvecchio, to Castel San Pietro.

If you’ve been taking it easy, you could spend your last day in Verona exploring parts of the city you didn’t get around to on days one and two. Alternatively, you could plan a day trip out of town. There are a couple of great options nearby, such as visiting the local wine country or hopping on the half-hour train to Vicenza, which is filled with the glorious buildings of seminal architect Andrea Palladio.

Our recommendation, however, is to visit one of Lake Garda’s most beautiful towns, Simiorne, which just so happens to be a short bus ride away from Verona.

Day One: A Deep Dive into the Citta Antica

Begin your exploration of Verona at the Piazza Bra, the city’s largest square. This open space is overseen by a statue of Victor Emmanuel II, who was crowned as the first king of a unified Italy in 1861. It’s here you’ll find the neoclassical façade of the Palazzo Barbieri (now the town hall), the Palazzo Gran Guardia (now an occasional exhibition space), and – most impressively of all – the Verona Arena.

This ancient masterpiece is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, despite having had some of its stones pillaged to build a number of Verona’s subsequent Medieval edifices. Completed in 30 AD, it was once able to hold 30,000 spectators, though modern safety constraints now limit its capacity to a more comfortable 15,000. 

Admittedly, that’s just a fraction of the capacity of Rome’s Colosseum, and nobody could seriously argue that the Verona Arena is quite as grandiose in style as Italy’s most iconic monument. For starters, what you see in Verona is decidedly plainer than Rome’s slightly newer (by a couple of decades) construction. However, unlike the Colosseum, you can clamber all over the different areas of the site, which enables you to get more of a feel for what it must have been like to crowd into the stands as a pleb back in the early 1st century. 

In fact, you can still experience a show today in the Verona Arena, albeit not the bloody gladiatorial combat these stone walls once contained. Instead, the venue hosts a rather more genteel form of entertainment: a world-renowned opera festival, which takes place every year during the summer. It’s an experience we heartily recommend, even if you don’t stay for the full show, as there’s no theatrical experience quite like hearing the superhuman voices of the sopranos and tenors echoing off the tiered auditorium. If you just want to opt for a normal visitor ticket, however, bear in mind that during the festival, general admittance to the site is more restricted during the day.

Once you’ve soaked up the ambiance of the amphitheater, head northeast along the Via Mazzini. Considering the narrowness of the street, we were surprised to discover this has become Verona’s premier shopping destination. Nevertheless, today it’s filled with chic boutiques and international luxury brands. You will have to jostle with a mixture of fellow tourists and domestic fashionistas as you make your way along, but it’s worth taking a stroll down the pedestrianized route for some harmless window shopping amid picturesque old buildings.

The other benefit of walking along the Via Mazzini is it connects Piazza Bra with the Piazza delle Erbe, the beating heart of Verona’s historic center. Once upon a time, this was the site of a Roman forum, but the current ‘Square of Herbs’ was built more than a millennium later upon the ruins. Take the load off here at one of the many cafes, where you can order a coffee accompanied by a light pastry or a big bowl of bigoli pasta. We were particularly partial to the Aperol Spritz at Caffe Barbarani.

In addition to a fairly standard Italian fountain and a couple of columns, Piazza delle Erbe is blessed with some gorgeous buildings, including the Domus Mercatorum, a striking brick building with restored Medieval mullioned windows and merlons that once housed a merchants’ association. Appropriately, it’s now a bank.

Our personal favorite, however, is the Palazzo Maffei, a Baroque beauty with a showy façade that is summited with statues of the principal Roman gods. Inside, there’s an eclectic art collection spanning the Renaissance to the Modern, but arguably the greatest attraction is the original spiral staircase and other parts of the interior that have been carefully restored to their original grandeur.

Don’t dilly-dally too long, however, as there’s a lot to see in the Citta Antica! Hovering above the Piazza delle Erbe is the Torre dei Lamberti, Verona’s tallest structure. The tower has an interesting history that begins with its original construction in 1172. After being struck with lighting at the beginning of the 15th century, it was enlarged and topped off with the octagonal marble bell chamber. Finally, in 1779, it was equipped with a clock. Even without knowing this convoluted past, you’ll probably notice that it doesn’t all appear to be of one era, which only adds to its intrigue.

Ascend to the belfry of the Torre dei Lamberti and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic, unobstructed views of the entire cityscape from the relatively modest height of 84 meters. As an added bonus, it’s one of the few towers in Europe we’ve seen that offers a glass elevator as an alternative to the stairs. No need to make those legs work overtime if you don’t have to!

The Torre dei Lamberti forms one corner of the Palazzo della Ragione, a Romanesque palace that now houses a small art collection. The principal reason to visit, however, is not the art but the building itself, including the Renaissance-era Cappella dei Notai (Chapel of the Notaries) with its fabulously frescoed ceilings. 

The Palazzo della Ragione is sandwiched between two of Verona’s most important squares: the Piazza delle Erbe, which we’ve already mentioned, and the Piazza dei Signiori (Square of the Gentleman). This latter area is also known as the Piazza de Dante, due to the statue of Italy’s most distinguished poet that has been erected in the center of the space. Around the literary genius are arrayed more beautiful old buildings, several commissioned by the Scaligeri family, who ruled Verona from 1262 to 1387. 

We’re going to briefly mention Juliet’s Balcony, which is a short walk away. Yes, it does sound like a tempting prospect, but the reality is a bit of a nightmare, as people push and shove to fit into a small courtyard. Go only if you really can’t resist the selfie or are a Shakespeare buff who needs to recite Romeo’s speech to feel complete in your life goals. Otherwise, just remember to tell yourself that the balcony was only constructed recently to lure in tourists, and move on with your life.

After reading all this, you might be thinking, wow, there’s a lot to take in and absorb. If it all seems a little overwhelming, it might be worth investing in a professional tour guide to whisk you through the 2,000 years of history. You’ll get a deeper level of detail but also be able to zone out when things become too niche.

Day Two: Just Around the River Bend

We recommend spending most of day two hugging the banks of the Adige, Italy’s second-longest river after the Po. Kick things off at the Basilica of San Zeno, a church dedicated to Verona’s patron saint. Note that if you are going to follow this itinerary, it’s worth getting a joint ticket for all four of Verona’s most important religious edifices (San Zeno, Verona Cathedral Complex, Sant’Anastasia, and San Fermo), as this is cheaper than paying individual entry.

The Romanesque façade of San Zeno, topped with a rose window, looks understated from afar, but it’s actually got tons of rich detail, including the fabulous sculptures around the porticoed main entrance. Behind the outer doors, the inner doors are mounted with a series of intricately made bronze plates that we spent a good 20 minutes examining (with the aid of the phone camera zoom function to see some of the higher-up ones).

The brick-and-stone stripes of the exterior continue into the interior, which has an unusual structure across three levels. From the main floor with its wooden ceiling painted with stars, you can descend to the chilly crypt, which as local folklore has it, is where Romeo and Juliet were married. If they ever existed. Which they probably didn’t. Anyway, it makes for a good yarn.

Above the crypt on the upper floor is the altar space, decorated with a restored polyptych by master painter Mantegna. 

The Basilica of San Zeno doesn’t necessarily impress with size, but it definitely wows with the incredible layers of detail. Before leaving, make sure you set aside a moment for contemplation in the pretty cloisters outside, which are bursting with blooms in the early summer season.

Head towards the River Adige and stroll east along the tree-lined walkway. You’ll immediately see the bright red bricks of the Ponte Scaligero, built by (you guessed it) the Scaligeri family. Aside from the Verona Arena, this is probably the most striking structure the city has to offer. Originally erected in the mid-14th century by Cangrande II, it was designed to act as a sneaky escape route from the nearby castle, Castelvecchio, in the event of a revolt. You may notice that it looks remarkably well preserved, which is down to the fact it was blown up by German troops during World War II but rebuilt soon after.

We highly recommend grabbing a sandwich stuffed with local meats and cheese from Focacceria La Figaccia, then heading onto the Ponte Scaligero to devour it atop the ramparts. If you want your Veronese trip immortalized, there’s usually a portrait artist here eagerly plying his trade. 

Once you’ve finished your focaccia, head inside Castelvecchio, which houses a so-so museum that’s worth paying to enter just so you can get into the castle courtyard and up onto the battlements.

Keep heading along the Adige and past the marble Arco dei Gavi, a rather insignificant, reconstructed Roman arch. Pop your head briefly into the Basilica di San Lorenzo, which has another fantastically striped Romanesque interior and seems to be often overlooked (mistakenly, in our opinion). 

You’ll know you’ve once more reached the historic center of Verona after you pass beneath the magnificent Porta Borsari. This tiered gate once formed part of the Roman walls that enclosed the Citta Antica and is now pretty much all that’s left of the former defensive structure.

Continue your tour of the city’s religious institutions with a visit to Verona Cathedral. Believe us when we say that by the end of this trip, you’ll be an expert in Romanesque architecture, as the exterior of this building is another beautiful example of the style. The deceptive simplicity of the outside gives way to red Veronese marble, black-and-white checkered floors, and an ostentatious pillared choir screen, which is arguably the most unique part of the building. 

A city’s cathedral is often easily the highlight when it comes to its religious edifices. Not so in Verona, which has a splendid array of smaller, more unique churches that really enchanted us. Sant’Anastasia is one of these. The frontal façade is actually rather uninteresting, though on other sides you can see several extensions that speak to the steady accretion of chapels through the years. Inside, the ceilings are covered in garlands of floral paintings designed to complement the red Veronese marble of the floor.

At this point, you’ll probably want a break from the religious architecture, even if it is absolutely fantastic. So head across the Ponte Pietro (St. Peter’s Bridge) to the foot of Colle San Pietro (St. Peter’s Hill). Now you’re faced with a choice: whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of having to climb the hill on foot (sorry, another Shakespeare reference) OR if you’re just going to cop out and take the funicular up the top – admittedly a pretty fun alternative. Either way, you’ll end up at the castle that commands the high ground. 

As with so much in Verona, the Ancient Romans set the trend by building a fortress here a long time back. Several hundred years on (and a few destroyed buildings later), the current castle was built in the mid-1800s. 

Before you get too excited, the castle itself is out of bounds due to structural issues. The point of making the ascent is for the sweeping views of Verona and its uniform array of terracotta-colored roof tiles. In our opinion, this is the best place to see the city in all its glory. If you’re feeling peckish, Re Teodorico serves up some pretty good pizzas – admittedly at some punchy prices, but hey, you’re paying for a gorgeous view from the terrace.

Back at the bottom of the hill, you can visit a Roman theater with an attached museum containing an assortment of ancient artifacts, like sculptures and mosaics. At the risk of being overly dismissive, the theater is mightily underwhelming after the arena, and you can see better exhibits of antiquities in Rome or (even better) Naples. 

Take our advice and skip it in favor of the Giardino Giusti, a 16th-century garden designed along classic Italian lines. Few places give such a concrete idea of the overall schema favored by horticulturists of the period, which is what makes the overall experience of wandering along the cypress-lined avenues and through parterres so interesting. Part of the palazzo that accompanies the gardens is also open to the public, displaying the fabulous luxury of the early 20th-century lifestyle available to well-to-do Italians.

Cross back across the Adige via the Ponte Navi for the last church (and final stop) of the day, San Fermo Maggiore. The uniqueness of this spot lies in the fact that it is actually two churches built one on top of the other. The lower church is the older section, with wonderfully preserved frescoes from the 12th and 13th centuries. The upper church is a far grander affair of marble sculpture, extensive tempera paintings, and a stunning wooden ceiling.

Day Three: Lake Garda’s Prettiest Town

Lake Garda is where Italians go to escape the heat of the city. After two days of plodding the streets of Verona, it’s a fantastic place to cool off if with a refreshing bit of country air.

There are several lovely little towns lining Lake Garda’s shores, and you can be sure that every local you meet will have their own favorites that they will vociferously vouch for. In terms of combining beauty and convenience from Verona, Sirmione is our pick of the lot, even if it is incredibly popular during the summer season.

Several tour companies will take you from Verona to Sirmione and arrange for a boat ride onto the azure waters. However, it’s also very easy to make it there yourself using public transport. We caught a direct bus from beside the Verona Arena that took just under an hour to get us to Colombare. It’s then a 20-minute walk, past a series of hotels and car parks, to reach the town proper.

Sirmione is uniquely situated on a narrow spit of land that juts out into Lake Garda. Entrance to the town is guarded by the Scaligero Castle, another construction project of Verona’s former first family. Clambering up onto the ramparts gives you wonderful views out onto Sirmione, as well as a glimpse at one of the few fortified ports from the Medieval era that still survives today. Legend has it the ghost of a former resident haunts its halls, searching for his murdered wife, but the scariest thing we saw was a very fat bird.

We would say feel free to get lost amidst the adorable narrow streets and houses, but realistically the town is so small you won’t be able to lose your way even if you try. As with most places popular with the tourist crowd, the majority of the buildings here are now restaurants and shops. Grab a scoop of gelato or a colorful ice lolly from Cremeria Bulian and take your time perusing the streets.

Another experience you can try in Sirmione is to take a plunge in the thermal baths. We haven’t done this ourselves – Garda was right there! – but if this piques your interest, there are several pools that claim to rejuvenate the skin through the sulfurous waters that rise up from the depths of the lake. 

At the very end of the Sirmione peninsula is the Grotte di Catullo, the ruins of what was once a grand villa. It’s a fabulous location, even if the bits of masonry that remain aren’t all that impressive. From this vantage point, you’ll see Sirmione’s famous Jamaica Beach, so named because the waters here are said to be as beautiful as those found in the Caribbean. We’re not sure about that, but it’s certainly a picturesque bathing spot. Snag a spot on the rocks that abut the waters and enjoy a refreshing paddle to bring your Veronese vacation to a soothing close.

Where to Stay in Verona

Located in a gorgeous 17th-century building, B&B al 19 is like a pensione straight out of E. M. Forster’s Room with a View – except with more modern furnishings and amenities. Each room or suite is color-coordinated throughout and comes with a simple continental breakfast of cold cuts, spreads, and coffee. Incredibly convenient for sightseeing, it’s less than 10 minutes from both the Piazza delle Erbe and Verona Arena.

If you want to get even closer to the Verona Arena, the Romantic Verona is a collection of apartments just down the road from the Roman relic. Designed with couples in mind, each room includes a kitchenette with a fridge, microwave, and kettle, a small seating area with a flat-screen TV, and (our favorite addition) a hot tub where you can decompress at the end of the day. All of these features are in the main area, while a smaller separate room contains the shower, toilet, and washstand.

The Best Time of Year to Visit Verona 

Overall, the best time of year to visit Verona in our opinion is June or September, when you’ll have a nice balance of sunny, mostly rainless days without the full brunt of the tourist high season. Think average temperatures of around 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius). 

Having said that, the hottest time of the year in Verona is a perfectly decent temperature for city explorations, and definitely the best time to take advantage of some swimming in a local lake outside the city. For hardcore sunseekers, July and August average a balmy 77 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 25 degrees Celsius), with peaks of 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius). That’s good enough to get you a glorious golden tan. 

July also has some of the least rainfall in the city. Only December and January are drier, though they’re also the coldest month, with a chilly average temperature of 37 degrees Fahrenheit (3 degrees Celsius). 

If you can, time your visit to coincide with Verona’s opera festival, which takes place every year over the summer. Not only is it one of the city’s most famous cultural treasures, but it’s also one of the most cherished opera events anywhere in the world. Even if you’re not a big opera fan, it’s worth buying some cheap seats to a dramatic work like Aida or Carmen, just so you can sit on the ancient stone seats and hear the powerful voices of the singers fill a space capable of containing 15,000 people. Just remember to bring something to sit on if you have a delicate bum – even the Ancient Romans must have used cushioning of some sort!

How to Get Around Verona

All of the main attractions are within at most half an hour’s walking distance of one another. In other words, it’s easiest to just cross the city on foot. There is a very efficient public bus system, but it’s only very marginally useful for tourists since the routes are predominantly designed for people coming in from the outskirts of town. 

Instead, if you don’t want to do more walking then you can help, the city does have a branch of the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus company that covers all the main attractions.

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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