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one day in verona

One Day in Verona (Walking Itinerary + Map)

  • December 26, 2023

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!

Pasticceria Camesco

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.

Arena di Verona

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.

Castelvecchio

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.

Ponte Scaligero

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

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.

Lamberti Tower

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.

Juliet's statue

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.

Juliet's House mailbox

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!

L'Arte del Gelato

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).

Basilica of Santa Anastasia

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).

Piazzale Castel San Pietro view

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.

Il Punto Rosa

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!

Gelateria La Romana Verona

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.

Scaliger Tombs

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 .

Castelvecchio

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.

Adige River

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!

Adige River

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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About the author

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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Fearlessly Italy

One Day in Verona – Epic 1-Day Verona Itinerary (With Map)

With so much to see and do, exploring Verona in one day is not an easy task.

One day in Verona is not enough to see everything the city has to offer, but being the city center quite compact and the main attractions easy to reach on foot or by public transport, you can dare to plan such a short trip. And we are here to help.

But if you are based in Trento , Bolzano , Milan , or Venice, you might as well plan a day trip to Verona to visit the most important landmarks. The city center is quite compact and walkable to day trips from other cities like this one from Venice or this one from Milan are very popular if you intend to stay only one day in Verona.

Our 1-day Verona itinerary is pretty packed because we feel the city has so much to offer that every minute counts. However, feel free to skip whichever landmark you think is too much if you are exploring Verona in a day only.

To make things easier for you, we are attaching a handy map to give you a better idea of the places and distances.

Table of Contents

Is a day trip to Verona worth it?

My visit to Verona has been a day trip from Trento one year when we decided to spend three weeks in Trentino-Alto Adige . We have managed to see and do quite a lot in one day in Verona so, yes, I think a day trip to this beautiful city in the Veneto region is totally worth it.

If you have only one day in Verona, you are obviously going to focus on the places you can’t miss. This is what our guide is about: the most iconic and famous landmarks anyone visiting Verona for the first time needs to see. And if you are planning a romantic trip, don’t forget that Verona is one of the best places to propose in Italy !

How much time do you need in Verona?

I think the perfect amount of time to devote to Verona is two days. Even though there are plenty of things to squeeze in a day in Verona, if you can stretch your trip one more day, you can enjoy a more relaxed experience.

If you have two days, you can even visit the same number of places but you will have more time to enjoy a traditional meal more often, you will have the chance to relax and take your time visiting the city’s highlights instead of rushing from one to another.

What to do in Verona for a day – Itinerary + Map

Enter the verona arena.

1.5 km/1 mile or 20 minutes walk from Verona train station/10 minutes by bus

Easy to reach by bus from the train station, the Arena is likely one of the first things to see if you are exploring Verona in a day. An iconic symbol of the city, it will remind you of the Roman Colosseum .

Verona’s Arena is hands down the most famous monument in the city and one of Italy’s largest amphitheaters built by the Romans in the 1st century. Just like Rome’s Colosseum, also the Arena of Verona was used as a place for entertainment. Here, citizens could attend gladiator fights and wild and exotic animal hunts.

Elliptical in shape, it had a capacity of 30.000 spectators and was built outside of the city’s walls to avoid large crowds in the city center.

You can visit the Arena with a private tour like this one that includes also skip-the-line entrance, or in the evening to enjoy an opera show .

  • Where: Piazza Bra 1.
  • When: Tuesday to Sunday 9 am-7 pm (last entrance 6.30 pm). It closes earlier when there are shows, check out here the calendar . Closed on Monday.
  • How much: 10€, free for children up to 7 years old.

Take a coffee in Piazza Bra

1 minute on foot from the Arena

Right in front of the Arena is the large Piazza Bra you can hardly miss. After visiting the Arena, you can grab a table in one of the surrounding cafes of Piazza Bra and enjoy a coffee with a view of the archaeological site.

This is one of the most tourist-packed squares in Verona so bars and cafes will also be tourist quality. However, since the place is really beautiful, that’s OK to make an exception. When I went to Verona, I did just that.

After visiting the Arena, we went to sit in the bar in front and had a coffee. We didn’t order a full meal because we knew we would prefer more traditional places so we just had a coffee break and it wasn’t even too expensive.

Duck into San Fermo Maggiore Church

750 mt/2500 ft – around 10 minutes on foot from Piazza Bra

Of the four most important churches to visit in Verona in a day, San Fermo is the closest to the Arena, so I suggest you start from here. Located close to the Ponte Navi bridge, the church of San Fermo Maggiore was built in the Italian Gothic style even though the roof are visible elements typical of French architecture such as spires and pinnacles.

Fans of history and architecture will find this a very interesting building to explore because inside there are actually two churches to visit, the bottom and upper one. The bottom, known as “Chiesa Inferiore” features four naves and three apses. The cross vault, the decoration, the stairs, the windows, and the general structure are remnants of the original Benedictine building.

The upper part, known as “Chiesa Superiore” has a single Latin-cross nave and features five apses, several side chapels ad altars, and a beautiful wooden ceiling.

As little as 30 minutes will be enough to visit San Fermo church, so definitely something you can include in your 1-day Verona itinerary.

  • Where: Via Dogana 2.
  • When: Monday to Saturday 10 am-6 pm, Sunday 1-6 pm.
  • How much: Free for praying, 4€ for tourist visits. If you are visiting all the main four churches of Verona (the Duomo, San Zeno, Sant’Anastasia, and San Fermo), the cumulative ticket costs 8€.

Relax in Piazza delle Erbe

550 mt/1800 ft – 7 minutes on foot from San Fermo Church

Known also as Piazza Erbe, this is the city’s oldest square so without a doubt one of the most fascinating and unmissable places to visit in one day in Verona. This lovely piazza is located where the ancient Roman Forum was and is quintessential to the city’s style. The lovely collaboration and perfect blend of artistic, historical and architectural feats skilfully assembled and extremely well-preserved that you can see in Piazza delle Erbe is recurring all across Verona.

Piazza Erbe can be considered the open-air parlor of the city. Its walls are the frescoed and imposing facades of the local notable palaces and bars and cafes that animate the spirit. From here, you can see important buildings such as the Lamberti Tower, Casa dei Giudici (Judges’ House), Mazzantis’ houses, Baroque-style Palazzo Maffei, and the medieval Merchants’ House (Casa dei Mercanti).

In fact, if you decide to skip your coffee in Piazza Bra, you can enjoy it here surrounded by the buildings that made the city’s history.

Climb Torre dei Lamberti

1 minute on foot from Piazza delle Erbe

For an incredible 360° view, climb the Lamberti Tower, a stone’s throw from Piazza delle Erbe. Dating back to the 12th century, its construction officially started in 1172, Torre dei Lamberti is 84 meters (275 feet) tall and is the city’s tallest building.

The tower was started by the Lamberti family of which there is no other historical trace. The initial building was in Romanesque style and measured only 37 meters. At the beginning of the 15th century, lightning damaged the upper part and restoration started more than 40 years later.

This is when it was added the white belfry we still see today and the tower reached its current height. The clock was added in 1779.

If you are into photography or simply sensitive to beauty, this is a fantastic place to climb even if you are visiting Verona in one day. You can easily book your entry online and it will be included also the elevator if you don’t feel like climbing all the stairs.

  • Where: Via della Costa 2.
  • When: Monday to Friday 10 am-6 pm, Saturday and Sunday 11 am-7 pm.
  • How much: 6€.

Pose from Juliet’s balcony

180 mt/ 600 ft- 2 minutes on foot from the Lamberti Tower

This is possibly the most touristy thing in the city and likely what most visitors do even if they are only for a day in Verona. It’s not even sure it’s the actual Juliet’s house but you will find more people here than in the ancient Roman amphitheater.

This is a 13th-century building that Verona residents identified as the Capuletis’ house following the descriptions in Shakespeare’s tragedy.

Given the huge crowd, it’s hard to miss it. If you have only one day in Verona, you probably won’t have time to queue just to snap a picture from the balcony of Shakespeare’s unlucky lover. If you choose to do this, you might need to skip something else, depending on the line.

  • Where: Via Cappello 23.
  • When: Monday 1.30-7.30 pm, Tuesday to Sunday 8.30 am-7.30 pm.

See Romeo’s house

260 mt/850 ft – less than 5 minutes on foot from Juliet’s house

Just like Juliet’s house, also the mansion of the Montecchi family, a 14th-century building, has been identified by the locals according to the descriptions in Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet . Located close to her lover’s dwelling, unlike Juliet’s house, Romeo’s residence is not that busy so easy to see in Verona in one day.

The Montecchis were a very rich and powerful clan in medieval Verona, and their opulent greatly-kept mansion is now a private house. The brick walls surround the whole building that you can see only from outside.

  • Where: Via Arche Scaligere 4.
  • When: Anytime.
  • How much: Free.

Try the local food for lunch

One of the most common Italian foods like polenta is also a typical dish in Verona. In fact, this is what I had when I visited, polenta with codfish ( baccalà ).

Since your last stops before lunch were the houses of Romeo and Juliet, you can find a restaurant in the area. We ate at the Ristorante Arche in Via Arche Scaligere 6, so basically next to Romeo’s house, and we were very happy about our choice.

A great way to know more about the local food is to join a food tour like this one if you think you can squeeze it in or if you are a true foodie!

Need help at the restaurant? Check out our guides to ordering food in Italy and more words for foods and drinks in Italian !

Pay a visit to Sant’Anastasia Basilica

250 mt/820 ft – 3 minutes on foot from Via Arche Scaligere where is Romeo’s house or the Arche restaurant

This is the city’s largest church so if you are seeing Verona in a day and can only do one church, this is a great choice. The Basilica devoted to Sant’Anastasia is a wonderful example of the Italian Gothic style.

It’s located on the site of a former church from the Longobard times that was devoted to 4th-century martyr Anastasia. In 1290, the Dominican friars settled here and started the Gothic construction they will devote to Saint Peter, a Christian martyr native from Verona who, together with San Zeno, is the patron saint of the city. This is why this basilica is also known as “Chiesa di San Pietro da Verona in Sant’Anastasia”.

Beautiful inside out, the interior of Sant’Anastasia Basilica features three naves supported by 12 large red marble pillars while across the transept are five chapels.

  • Where: Piazza di Sant’Anastasia.
  • When: Monday to Friday 9.30 am-6.30 pm, Saturday until 6 pm, Sunday 1-6 pm.

The complex of Verona’s Duomo

400 mt/1300 ft – 5 minutes on foot from Sant’Anastasia Basilica

In one day in Verona, you can’t skip one of its most important and famous churches, its Duomo, also known as Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta and Santa Maria Matricolare. Rather than a single church, here you will visit a whole complex of religious buildings, the church of Sant’Elena, of San Giovanni in Fonte, and a cloister, along with early-Christian basilicas of which we can visit the ruins.

On the site where is the current Cathedral, in Roman times, were villas with private bathrooms and, likely, also sacred temples. The first early-Christian basilica was built in the area currently occupied by the church of Sant’Elena. In fact, under the church of Sant’Elena, you can still see the mosaic floors of both the early-Christian churches.

This is a very fascinating site that will take slightly longer to visit than the rest of the churches. I would carve out at least one hour of your time, so you need to see if you can make it in your 1-day Verona trip or if you need to skip other sights.

  • Where: Piazza Duomo.
  • When: Monday to Friday 11 am-5.30 pm, Saturday until 3.30 pm, Sunday and holidays 1.30-5.30 pm.

Visit San Zeno Maggiore Basilica

1.8 km/1.1 miles – around 25 minutes on foot from the Duomo

San Zeno Basilica is also a very important church but it needs a bit of a longer walk or a bus to reach. However, if you are bound to explore the local history, San Zeno Maggiore is quite of a big highlight to see in one day in Verona that cultural travelers won’t want to miss.

One of the highest examples of churches in Romanesque style in Italy, its facade enshrined between the beautiful 12th-century bell tower and the 13th-century tower of the Abbey, immediately catches the eye of the visitor and shows the influence of the Lombard-Emilian architecture in the Veneto region.

The church was originally built around the burial place of Zeno Bishop of Verona. Today, under the central staircase is the crypt where the remains of Saint Zeno are kept. From the main square, on the left side of the cathedral, you can access the beautiful 10th-century cloister that, together with the tower, is the only remaining structure of the Benedictine Abbey demolished in the 19th century.

Among the artistic masterpieces you can see in the complex is the Triptych of the great 15th-century Italian painter and engraver Andrea Mantegna.

  • Where: Piazza San Zeno 2.
  • When: Monday to Friday 9 am-6.30 pm, Saturday until 6 pm, Sunday and holidays 1-6.30 pm.

Stroll around Verona bridges

Walking by the Adige River and admiring the city’s bridges is one of the most suggestive things you can do in a day in Verona.

From the most ancient Ponte Pietra bridge dating back to Roman times and erected in the 1st century BC to the modern 19th-century Ponte Garibaldi through the beautiful Ponte di Castelvecchio, a stroll along the river is a fantastic way to explore the city and its highlights.

Also known as Ponte Scaligero, Ponte di Castelvecchio bridge was built in the 14th century and is a fantastic example of military engineering and served the defensive purpose of the stronghold of the medieval Castelvecchio complex.

How to reach Verona

Our very favorite way to reach Verona is certainly by train because it’s well connected to other big cities. Especially if you are staying only a day in Verona, the places you need to visit are easy to reach on foot or by public transport, and the car will only give you the headache of traffic and parking.

However, if you are spending one day in Verona as a part of a longer 2-week or 10-day Italy itinerary and have been renting a car, we are also going to give you some suggestions on how to reach driving.

There are several trains that reach Verona. You can find high-speed Frecciarossa trains from Rome, some involving one change or some direct. The direct Frecciarossa from Rome to Verona takes 3 hours and 20 minutes.

In one hour and 15 minutes you can reach from Milan, while from Venice, it takes an hour with the Frecciarossa, an hour and a half with the Regionale Veloce train and a little more than 2 hours with the slower Regionale train. In about an hour, you can reach even from Trento without the need to change train.

This was our choice when we spent one day in Verona.

Check out Omio for train and bus schedules

Verona has also an airport, Valerio Catullo, that connects the city to other Italian cities such as Rome, Catania, Cagliari, Palermo, Brindisi, or European hubs including Frankfurt, Munich, Amsterdam, Dublin, and London.

You can also get there by car. If you are coming from Rome or the south in general, you will need to take the A1 highway, while from Milan, you will take the A4 highway.

If you are driving and spending only one day in Verona, I suggest you park out of the ZTL (limited traffic zone) and use public transport to get around to avoid hefty fines. See the municipality site for info on the ZTL .

Check out Discover Cars to rent your car in Italy.

Top tips to optimize your time in a day in Verona

  • Arrive early. This is very important. If you reach Verona early, you can be at the Arena as soon as it opens, you can enjoy a coffee before you start sightseeing or you can even take a walk before the landmarks open and save much time afterward. Check out Omio for trains and bus schedules .
  • Buy a Verona Card. A Verona Card is very handy because you will have access to the Arena and other museums and landmarks, and all entrances are skip-the-line. You can opt for a 24 or 48-hour card in case you want to stay longer in the city.
  • Use public transport. Don’t even think about renting a car. First of all, the places you are going to visit in one day in Verona are easy to reach on foot. Second, if you have purchased the Verona Card, public transport is included.
  • Plan your itinerary beforehand. Having an itinerary before arriving in Verona will help you save time during the day, especially because you have limited time in the city.
  • Consider Hop-on Hop-off buses. If you are really short on time and want to see as much as you can, a good solution can be joining one of the Hop-on Hop-off buses that take you around the city and from where you can get off at the landmarks you want to visit and see the other ones only from outside.

Where to eat in one day in Verona

If you are staying only one day in Verona or even if you want to add a few more days, I don’t recommend heading too far from the city center to eat. There are plenty of restaurants around the main landmarks so you don’t necessarily need to fall for a tourist trap. Apart from the already mentioned Ristorante Arche, here are a few more suggestions in the city center perfect for your lunch break if you are only one day in Venice.

  • Hostaria Vecchia Fontanina (Piazzetta Chiavica 5). Typical local osteria serving traditional dishes in the city center not far from Piazza delle Erbe and Sant’Anastasia Basilica.
  • Vecio Macello (Via Macello 8). Good fish and seafood restaurant located some 10 minutes walk from the Arena.
  • Terrazza Bar Al Ponte (Via Ponte Pietra 26). Bar and cafe for casual meals, aperitif, or coffee break with a beautiful view of the river.

Where to stay in Verona

Let’s say you have fallen in love with Verona and you want to stretch your trip further and add a night or two. Definitely try to find a stay around the city center. Check out some of our suggestions.

  • Hotel Giulietta e Romeo – Cool hotel near the Arena equipped with all comforts and a gym.
  • Hotel Accademia – Luxury 4-star hotel in the city center.
  • Ai Ponti Verona – Modern apartments fully furnished and featuring a well-fitted kitchen and all the necessary facilities.

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The Geographical Cure

One Day In Verona Itinerary, 24 Hours In The City Of Romance

Fair Verona is simply alluring, a captivating city of history and culture set on the Adige River and nestled against a backdrop of cypress covered hills. I’ve fallen for the city hard on each visit.

Verona was made famous by Shakespeare’s plays  Romeo and Juliet  and  The Two Men of Verona . The city’s identity is linked to the tragic romantic tale of the star crossed couple.

Verona is sometimes called the “little Rome.” It’s full of red and peach colored Medieval and Renaissance buildings, Roman ruins, and stunning churches.

But there is more than one love story to encounter in Verona. Aside from the stunning monuments, you can happily feast on exquisite meals in inventive new eateries, taste velvety wine at quaint bars, or shop in small boutiques hidden away in side streets.

cityscape of Verona

It’s hard to imagine anyone not falling in love with Verona. (Insert heart eye emoji.) Shakespeare , who never visited in real life, missed a charmer.

Here’s a snapshot glance of what you can see with this one day in Verona itinerary:

  • Roman Arena
  • Piazza delle Erbe
  • Lamberti Tower
  • Piazza dei Signori
  • Verona Cathedral
  • Juliet’s House
  • Basilica of San Zeno
  • Scaliger Bridge
  • Scaliger Castle
  • San Pietro Castle

A Short History of Verona

Verona has been around for over 2,000 years.

The Romans founded Verona in the 1st century B.C. In the 5th century, after the fall of Rome, Verona was ruled by the Ostrogoths and the Lombards.

Pinterest pin for one day in Verona itinerary

Because of its intersection along major medieval routes, Verona was a prized possession for many kingdom’s looking to expand their territories.

Over the centuries, the city became part of the regimes of Theodoric the Great, Charlemagne, Emperor Maximilian I, and even Napoleon.

In the 13th and 14th centuries, it flourished under rule of the Scaliger (Scaligeri) family. The vicious feuds between the dominant families in this period were the real life basis for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet .

Piazza delle Erbe

In 1405, Verona fell to the Venetian army. From the 15th to 18th centuries, it was part of the Republic of Venice.

READ : Nutshell History of Venice

In 1866, Verona joined the Kingdom of Italy. During World War II, Verona was bombed 30 times. Many of its buildings were destroyed or damaged, but they were painstakingly restored.

In 2000, Verona was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage site list for its well preserved monuments from antiquity through the Renaissance.

Ponte Pietra, a must see with one day in Verona

One Day In Verona Itinerary

Here is my itinerary to help you have the most efficient 1 day in Verona. It covers all of the top attractions and best things to do in Verona in a day. I also give you tips on where to eat, where to stay, transportation, tours, and tickets.

As with all of my suggested itineraries, I recommend that you use this Verona itinerary as a guide. You can tailor it to suit your individual interests, needs, and pace of travel. 

If you have extra time in Verona, you can easily turn this 1 day itinerary into a 2 day itinerary by moving at a slower pace.

If you need a caffeine injection to begin your day in Verona, head to Caffe Borsari for coffee and pastries.

>>> Click here to book a guided walking tour of Verona

Piazza Bra and Verona Arena

1. Piazza Bra

Your first point of call on your one day in Verona itinerary is Verona’s largest square, Piazza Bra. If you’re visiting Verona by train, it’s about a 15 minute walk from the train station.

You enter the grand square through the Portoni della Bra, an ancient Roman gate. The gate has a pentagonal tower with Romanesque arches.

The square is home to Verona Arena, an ancient Roman Amphitheater dating from 1st century A.D. It’s the most visited attraction in the city.

You’ll also find Gran Guardia Palace, the Lapidary Inscriptions Museum, and the Barberini Palace. The latter serves as Verona’s Town Hall.

With only one day in Verona, I’d admire the beautiful facades and move on.

But if you are a fan of Etruscan and Greco-Roman artifacts, you should pop into the museum. It’s one of the oldest in Europe. From the top floor, you’ll have a bird’s eye view of the piazza.

Verona's Roman Arena

2. Roman Arena

The doughty Roman Arena, the Arena di Verona, is Verona’s top tourist magnet. It’s located in the Piazza Bra. If you’re visiting in high season, you should pre-book a skip the line ticket .

It’s the third largest classical arena in Italy, after  Rome’s Colosseum  and Capua’s Colosseum. And one of Italy’s best preserved Roman monuments. Click  here  to book a skip the line ticket and tour. 

Built in A.D. 30, the open air amphitheater first served as a stage for brutal gladiatorial games, jousts, circuses, and tournaments. It originally seated 30,000 people. 

The arena is made of pink and white stone from Valpolicella. It originally had 3 tiers of arches, but only 2 tiers survived.

interior of Verona Arena showing seating

After an earthquake destroyed part of the arena, it was left as a mere attraction. But in the second half of the 19th century, it was reinvented as an opera venue seating over 20,000.

Instead of gory gladiator fights, you can watch lavish opera performances. The acoustics are wonderful, benefitting the arena’s elliptical shape. 

Verona’s opera tradition dates to 1913. Today, half a million people flock to Verona in the summer for its three month long Opera Season.

If you are planning to attend an opera, line up early for the show. There will be a line around the block for entry.

Address : Piazza Bra, 1

Piazza delle Erbe, Verona's lively main square and a must visit on a one day in Verona itinerary

3. Piazza dell Erbe

From Piazza Bra, head down the pedestrian-only Via Mazzini to Piazza delle Erbe. It’s Verona’s most picturesque square with breathtaking and well preserved architecture.

The piazza lies above what was formerly the Roman Forum. Today, it serves as the setting for Verona’s daily market.

The piazza is like a treasure chest from the medieval era. It’s home to the Torre dei Lamberti (which you can climb), the Madonna Fountain, Palazzo Maffei, the and the painted Mazzanti houses.

The 14th century Madonna fountain was built with marble from the ancient Roman Forum and thermal baths. The Roman statue of the Madonna is much older than the fountain, dating from 380.

view of Palazzo Maffei in Piazza delle Erbe

Palazzo Maffei is a beautiful three story Baroque building. At the top of the facade are a row of statues of Greek gods.

The palace houses a small museum and, on its ground floor, a Michelin starred restaurant. In front of it stands a column with the Lion of St. Mark, a symbol of Venice .

The Mazzanti house is a group of Renaissance homes. It has a beautiful frescoed facade created by Alberto Cavalli. He was a pupil of Giulio Romano. Romano had just worked on the frescos at Te Palace in Mantua and brought his bold designs here.

Frescoed facades were all the rage in 16th and 17th century Verona, but few survive today. Some crumbled away; others were detached and placed in museums. The one on the piazza is the best preserved example.

Piazza Erbe also has plenty of good restaurants. If you want to plonk down, try Caffe Filippini or Osteria Verona.

Torre dei Lamberti in Piazza delle Erbe

4. Torre dei Lamberti

The 800 year old Tower dei Lamberti is popularly known as the Tower of Love. At 275 feet high, it’s the tallest building in Verona.

The Lamberti family began construction of the tower in 1172. Like the towers in San Gimignano , it was intended to show off the family’s wealth and power.

The tower has two bells, Marnagona (smaller bell) and Rengo (larger bell). Nowadays, the bells are only rung for funerals. It also has an 18th century clock.

For great views of Verona, you can hoof it up 368 steps to the tower’s viewing terrace. You can also take an elevator.

It’s open from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm daily. It’s one of the best things to do with one day in Verona.

Click here to book a skip the line ticket for the tower.

Address : Via della Costa, 1

Piazza della Signoria and the monument to Dante

5. Piazza dei Signori

From Piazza delle Erbe, pass under the Arco della Costa to reach the Piazza dei Signori. It’s a quieter and more somber square that seems almost like a courtyard.

In the center is a large marble statue of the poet Dante, installed in 1863. He lived in Verona as a guest of the Scaliger family when he was exiled from Florence for his political beliefs.

The square is also home to the 13th century Scaligeri Palace. It’s a 15th century masterpiece of Venetian architecture.

Opposite that building is the red and white striped Palazzo della Ragione. It’s a 12th century Romanesque palace with a stunning gothic staircase and a small museum of modern art.

The 15th century Loggia dei Consiglia is next to the town hall. It’s a beautiful arched loggia adorned with bas relief sculptures and pictorial decorations.

Tomb of Cansignorio

6. Scaliger Tombs

Just off Piazza dei Signoria are the Scaliger tombs, enclosed in a wrought iron grilled fence. These ornate Gothic tombs are worth a quick look. They contain the tombs of the three most important Scaligeri.

Cangrande I was the founder of the Scaliger dynasty, a nobleman and warlord known for his military conquests of Vicenza, Padua, and Treviso. To cement his legacy, he decided to build himself a stunning funerary monument.

On his death, his body was encased in a marble tomb topped with an equestrian statue of himself. The original is now inside a museum.

Tombs of his heirs are there as well. The most richly decorated tomb belongs to Cansignorio, the last of the Scaligeri to rule Verona.

Address : Via S. Maria Antica, 4

restaurants and Cafes on Piazza Bra

When hunger calls, break for lunch. You should probably avoid the touristy restaurants in Piazza Bra, though I’ve enjoyed a perfectly good pizza there before.

Some options are Trattoria Tre Marchetti near the Roman Arena, Caffe Dante Bistro in the Piazza dei Signori, or La Taverna di Via Stella near Piazza Eebe.

For a wonderful salumi and prosciutto plate, head to Trattoria Pane e Vino . Pizza lovers should head to Sapore DownTown for inventive pizzas.

If you need a post lunch gelato, head to Gelateria Ponte Pietra.

Verona Cathedral, a must visit attraction with one day in Verona

8. Verona Cathedral

After lunch, continue your one day in Verona with a leisurely stroll along the Adige River and visit the 12th century Verona Cathedral complex.

It’s a magnificent red and white striped cathedral. It’s Romanesque on the lower part and becomes more Gothic as it ascends. The church includes a cloister, the Bishop’s House, a museum, and a 17th century library.

The cathedral’s interior is from the 15th century. The nave is quite beautiful, with high vaults supported by massive red columns. The first chapel on the left holds an  Assumption  by Titian.

interior of Verona Cathedral

At the end of the central nave is a particularly striking, unusual architectural element. It’s a semi-circular space enclosed with columns, designed by Michele Sammicheli in 1534.

The high altar is surrounded with late Renaissance frescos by Giulio Romano, a student of Raphael .

The small 12th century cloisters are also well worth a peek. It’s home to the Canonical Museum.

Address : Piazza Duomo, 21

Casa de Giulietta

9. Juliet’s House

Your next stop is Juliet’s House , Casa de Giulietta, which is a 10 minute walk from the cathedral. It’s one of Verona’s most famous addresses.

Verona is awash in the legend of Romeo and Juliet, the ill fated lovers. It’s identify is so bound up with Shakespeare’s tale that the city has identified Juliet’s House, Romeo’s House, Juliet’s grave, and even turns out Juliet branded candy kisses.

Juliet’s House is the most popular pilgrimage site. The casa is a gorgeous 14th Gothic building in Verona. It was restored and the balcony added in 1936-40.

But, like the fictional love story, Juliet’s House is itself a fiction. It wasn’t really owned by the Capulets.

It’s a rather Disneyfied place intended to bring Shakespeare’s play to life. If you don’t like tourist traps or are short on time with only one day in Verona, you may want to skip this attraction.

Juliet's wall covered with love messages near Juliet House

If, on the other hand, you are in love with love or Shakespeare, you may want to stop by (or take a self guided Romeo & Juliet audio tour ). My daughter demanded a visit, wanting to stand on the balcony and belt out “Wherefore art thou Romeo?” So, I acquiesced.

If you don’t need to declare your true love in public, you can still see the balcony without paying the 6 euro entry fee.

There’s not much inside the museum itself. You’ll find some faded period costumes and furnishings from the 1936 movie Romeo and Juliet .

A bronze statue of Juliet by Nero Constantini stands in the courtyard. Legend holds that you’ll be lucky in love if you touch her right breast. Juliet’s Wall, at the entrance, is covered with notes, scribbles, and love letters.

If you have a tale of Shakespearean-style mistreatment to relate, you can drop a letter in the mailbox to get advice. You’ll get a response from the Juliet Club scribes.

Each year, there’s a prize for the Most Beautiful Love Letter. Naturally, the winner gets a trip to Verona.

Address : Via Cappello, 23

Basilica of San Zeno, a must see with one day in Verona

10. Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore

The Basilica of San Zeno is one of the finest Romanesque churches in Italy. It’s the loveliest one in Verona and a must see with one day in Verona.

It’s set between two medieval bell towers. Building began in the 12th century, but the church wasn’t completed until the late 14th century.

The ivory-pink hued church has a 12th century portal. Its bronze doors have 48 panels depicting tales from the life of San Zeno, Verona’s patron saint. The Gothic rose window is dubbed the “Wheel of Fortune.”

Inside, you’ll find Andrea Mantegna’s famous triptych the  Madonna and Saints  over the main altar. San Zeno is buried in the crypt, and a peaceful cloister lies off the left nave. 

Romantics will want to know that the church’s crypt is where Romeo and Juliet secretly married in Shakespeare’s play.

Piazza San Zeno is the setting for many celebrations and festivals in Verona, such as San Zeno Day and the Verona Carnival.

Address : Piazza San Zeno, 2

tour a verona

11. Scaliger Bridge

It’s time to cross one of Verona’s romantic bridges, the Scaliger Bridge, also known as the Ponte di Castelvecchio.

The bridge is an audacious example of medieval architecture. Congrande Scaliger ordered construction and it was built in 1354-56.

It’s made of marble and red brick. In style, the bridge matches the adjoining castle. It’s 3 arches are joined by mini towers.

The bridge is almost 500 feet across. It was originally built as a defensive fortification. But today it’s a bridge for pedestrians and cyclists.

Address : Corso Castelvecchio, 2

Castelvecchio fortress

12. Scaliger Castle | Castelvecchio

Castelvecchio is a 14th century fortress. It’s an eye catching crenellated, russet brick building with massive walls, towers, turrets, and a vast courtyard.

Like the bridge, it has swallow tailed battlements atop its walls that almost look like horns. The castle presides over a street lined with attractive old buildings and palaces of the nobility.

An earthquake almost completely destroyed the castle in 1117. Only the 10th century Round Tower survived.

In 1285, the Lords of Verona, called the Scaligeri, rebuilt and fortified the castle to better defend their borders. The rest of the castle was constructed in the 14th century.

Inside, there’s a small civic museum, the  Museo di Castelvecchio . It gives you a good look at the castle’s vaulted halls.

You can admire detached frescos, jewels, and sculptures. There are paintings by some of Verona’s greatest artists — Veronese, Mantegna, Titian, Tintoretto, and Tiepolo.

Castel San Pietro overlooking River Adige

13. San Pietro Castle

At sunset, end your one day in Verona with a calorie-burning climb of 100,000 steps to the viewing platform at Piazzale Castel San Pietro. Legend holds that this is where the city was founded.

The castle is just over the Ponte Pietra on a hill crowned by cypresses. There’s also a funicular to get you there.

The castle is now in ruins and isn’t open to the public. But it’s worth the climb if you can’t resist a good view. The stairs start from the Roman Theater.

San Pietro offer up the best views of Verona, and it’s particularly spectacular at sunset. You can admire the candy colored houses and beautiful architecture of the city.

Not surprisingly, in a city that exudes romance, this is a popular spot for wedding proposals and wedding photos.

ruins and buildings in Castle San Pietro

14. Dinner in Verona

If you’re staying for dinner on your one day in Verona, I have some restaurant recommendations.

Romantics, or anyone with an eye for a view, will want to book a meal at the Osteria Ponte Pietra , a cozy restaurant with two outdoor terraces near the Ponte Pietra. For almost the same view, but a simpler menu, try the adjacent Terrazza al Ponte .

Since you ended your day at the San Pietro Castle, there’s also a good restaurant there with a terrace for al fresco dining and views called Teodorico Re .

tour a verona

Other good options for dinner in Verona are:

  • Ristorante Il Desco (2 Michelin stars in a patrician mansion)
  • Ristorante 12 Apostoli (Michelin star with contemporary and vegetarian cuisine)
  • Antico Bottega del Vino (traditional Italian with excellent wine list)
  • Locanda 4 Cuochi (modern Italian)
  • Alcova Del Frate (chef knows his wine)

Before or after dinner, you might consider going on a moonlight walking tour , another romantic thing to do in the city of romance.

view from the Torre dei Lamberti in Piaza Bra

More Than One Day In Verona?

If you have more than 1 day in Verona, there are some other attractions in Verona you should check out.

1. Roman Theater

Just off the river is the Roman Theater . The theater and its archaeological museum will appeal to architecture and history buffs. You can appreciate one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in northern Italy.

There are treasures like mosaic floor fragments from the 3rd century, Etruscan bronzes, and Roman sculptures.

From the top, there’s a great photo op of Verona’s most famous landmarks and beautiful houses.

Address : Via Regaste Redentore, 2

San Giorgio in Braida

2. Verona’s Churches

Verona is packed with churches from different periods. Right behind the Roman Theater, you’ll find the 10th century Church of Santi Siro and Libera.

Sant’Anastasia is known for its fine Italian Gothic architecture. The facade has 12 grand arches in the city’s signature red marble.

Santa Maria in Organo houses what the Florentine artist and art historian Giorgio Vasari called the finest choir stall in Italy.

San Giorgio in Braida is right on the banks of the Adige River and is a must see. It has a towering dome, beautiful interior decor, and art works by Tintoretto and other artists. The most famous piece is the Martyrdom of St. George above the altar.

Giusti Palace garden

3. Verona’s Green Spaces

With more than one day in Verona, you can relax in some of the city’s pretty green spaces.

South Adige Park is referred to as the “green lung” of Verona. It stretches from Ca del Bue to Porto San Pancrazio.

North Adige Park is located close to the historic center in the Corte Molon district.

Giusti Palace has one of the most beautiful gardens in northern Italy. You can admire a Neo-Classical Palace and a 16th century Neo-Classical garden.

aerial view of Verona and the Ponte Pietra

Tips For Visiting Verona

Here are some must know tips for day tripping to Verona or spending one day in Verona.

1. How To Get To Verona

Verona is located in the Veneto region of Italy. Verona is the perfect mid way stop between Venice and Milan. It’s the perfect day trip from either city.

Verona is 1:10 minutes on the high speed train from Venice or 1:20 from Milan.

Venice’s Santa Lucia train station is near the foot of the Grand Canal, just behind the Ferrovia vaporetto platform. Milan’s Central train station is located in Piazza Duca d’Aosta, which you can get to on the M3 metro line.

There are also direct connections to Verona from Rome, Padua, and Bologna.

You’ll arrive at Verona’s Porta Nuova Station. You can pick up a map at the station’s tourist office. It’s a 15 minute walk from the train station to Piazza Bra.

pretty street in Verona

Verona is served by Catullo Airport. Direct connections are possible from many European cities.

From the airport, you can take a bus that connects to the train station, which then takes you to Verona’s city center. You can also hop in a taxi or book a private transfer .

You can aldodrive to Verona. But the historic center is a no auto zone except for residents. So you’ll need to park in a lot on the outskirts of the city.

In high season, you should arrive early lot to ensure you get a spot. The biggest (and free) parking lot is Piazzale Olimpia Parking, which is not far from the Roman Arena.

By Guided Tour :

If you’re staying somewhere else in Italy, you can visit Verona on a guided day trip from Milan , a day tour from Bergamo , and (of course) on a day tour from Venice .

cityscape of Verona

2. How To Get Around Verona

Verona has a compact historic center. You can get everywhere on foot and see all the main attractions in one day.

Verona is also a bike friendly city. You can rent bikes in Verona, go on a guided bike tour , or take the hop on hop off bus .

Apart from these options, your only alternative is the city’s bus network. Buses run throughout the city and can help save time if you’re traveling longer distances.

Tickets are sold at bus stations, as well as newsagents and tobacconists. They are also included in the Verona Card, which I discuss next.

view of central Verona from San Pietro

3. Verona Card

I’m not usually a fan of city cards. But the Verona Card is a pretty good deal, if you’re spending 24 hours in Verona.

It gives you one free skip the line entry to Verona’s major attractions: the Roman Arena, all four churches in Verona’s center, the Torre dei Lamberti , the Museo degli Affreschi, and the Roman Theater. 

Plus, you get free public transportation.

Click here to book the card online in advance. You can also buy the card at the tourist offices.

Porta Bra, the entry to Piazza Bra

4. Guided Tours Of Verona

I often find it helpful to book a walking tour of a city, especially if I haven’t visited before. And you have some good options.

You can check out a 2 hour small group guided walking tour , a 3 hour walking tour , or a 3.5 hour food and wine tour . My first time in Verona, I took this 4 hour private tour and enjoyed it.

Naturally, you can also take a Romeo and Juliet themed tour .

5. Where To Stay In Verona

Verona makes an ideal base for touring northern Italy and it’s less expensive than Venice. If you’d like to stay overnight or more than one day in Verona, there are plenty of great (and romantic) hotels you can check out.

Delser Manor House Hotel

Palazzo Victoria is a luxury boutique hotel right near Piazza Bra and Via Mazzini. Hotel Milano & Spa is a modern luxe hotel with a rooftop bar and restaurant.

Hotel Aurora is near Juliet’s House and has a terrace for breakfast with breathtaking views. The ARK Hotel is a 4 star hotel near the historic center.

Another great option is  Due Torri Hotel , a modern luxury hotel with a vintage feel. The  Grand Hotel Des Arts  is a beautiful understated hotel also near the Piazza Bra.

Just outside the city hidden away in the hills is the romantic Delser Manor House Hotel . Over time, the hotel was transformed from a monastery to a Palladian villa, to an elegant luxury hotel perfect for couples.

Byblos Art Hotel is another luxury hotel just outside the city housed in a splendid Renaissance villa. It has a unique design that marries Italian Baroque style with contemporary art.  

Piazza delle Erbe

6. When To Visit Verona

I don’t advise spending one day in Verona in high season, which is July and August. The Verona Arena Opera season draw in big crowds.

You’ll find dreadfully hot weather, long lines of tourists, and overpriced accommodations. If you love world class opera, however, you may want to brave it.

I last visited Verona in June and it was quite lovely and not overcrowded. But I would think May, September, and October are better months to visit.

Visiting Verona in winter isn’t the best time either. There are vastly fewer crowds. But, since you’re in northern Italy, the weather can be rainy and cold.

tour a verona

7. Shopping in Verona

Would you like to do some shopping during your one day in Verona?

Verona’s main shopping street is Via Mazzini. It’s a pedestrian only street lined with high end shops. It’s been dubbed the “golden shopping mile of Verona.”

You’ll find well known designer brands. But Verona is also loaded with smaller specialty shops on hidden lanes.

You can get your Romeo and Juliet kisses (baci chocolate) at De Rossi on Corso Portal Borsari. Another good chocolate shop is Art & Chocolate .

Stop in at Vivavino Wine Shop or Signorvino to get your Amarone or Valpolicella wine.

If you’re a bookworm, Il Gelso is full of good books, handmade stationery, and other curios. If you want to pick up some unique children’s toys, head to Citta del Sole .

If you like perfume, Carlotta’s Perfumery is one of the most beautiful perfumeries in Italy, with high end cult brands.

performance of Aida in the Roman Arena

8. Festivals And Events In Verona

Verona’s most famous festival its is open air opera season, the Arena di Verona Opera Festival . The Roman Arena where gladiators once fought is transformed into a venue for operas like Madame Butterfly , Carmen , and Aida .

Then, there’s the annual Carnival of Verona , which dates from 1615. There’s a lavish nighttime parade where sweets and candies are tossed into the crowd. Masked participants float through the street.

Because Verona is the city of romance, it also hosts the Sentimental Film Festival , which focuses only on romantic films. The Verona Film Festival follows with feature films from all over the world.

Verona is also a huge wine center. Each year, in late March to early April, Verona hosts one of the world’s most prestigious wine expos,  Vinitaly . Wine lovers flock to Verona for 5 days of wine tasting.

wine barrels at Le Bignele Winery

9. Places To Visit Near Verona

Do you have more than one day in Verona?

There are plenty of other places to visit near Verona, either as a day trip or combined visit. Here are a few attractions that are less than an hour from Verona.

Valpolicella Wineries

Verona’s vineyards, once renowned for churning out basic pizzeria swill, are now producing some of the country’s finest reds.

Valpolicella is a blend of native Veronese grape — Corvina, Corvione, Rondinella, and Molinara. Many different varieties are produced. But the biggest star is the velvety Amarone wine.

The vineyards of the Valpolicella region begin just outside Verona. To the west toward Lake Garda, you’ll find traditional wines. To the east, more modern winemakers are making their mark. 

Some wineries to visit include Le Bignele, Tezza, Massimago, and Masi Tenuta Canova. You can even book an Amarone wine tasting tour from Verona or an Amarone e-bike tour .

Piazza dei Signori in Vicenza

Vicenza is a 40 minute drive from Verona. You can also take the train, which takes a mere 25 minutes.

Vicenza is a city for architecture lovers. It was the crucible of Andrea Palladio, a renowned architect who produced graceful Renaissance buildings that look like Greek temples. The city is known as the “Pearl of the Renaissance,” the “Gold City,” and the “City of Palladio.”

In 1994, the entire historic center of Vicenza became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The designation was intended to preserve Palladio’s palaces, basilicas, and villas, which are the top attractions in Vicenza .

But Vicenza isn’t exclusively for architecture buffs. The city is lovely in and of itself.

Vicenza is one of  Italy’s most beautiful towns . Vicenza’s streets are a dense jumble of creamy pastel buildings, small canals, quaint churches, and cobbled alleys. To get the full scoop, book a guided walking tour .

Madonna della Corona Church

Madonna della Corona Sanctuary

Madonna della Corona is a beautiful salmon colored church carved into Mount Abado above the valley of the River Adige. It looks like it’s suspended in mid air.

The church has been a place of peace, prayer, and pilgrimage for over 1,000 years. And it’s only about 50 minutes from Verona.

In 1982, the church was classified as a minor basilica. In 1988, Pope John Paul II paid a visit to the church.

Today, pilgrims and tourists alike come for the stunning views, art and sculptures inside, and to see the replica of the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta).

Roman Catholic tradition holds that these are the 28 white marble stairs that Jesus climbed on his way to face trial before Pontius Pilate. They’re reputed to be stained with drops of Jesus’ blood. The originals are in Rome .

You can visit the sanctuary by hiking up, taking a shuttle bus from the village of Spiazi, or visiting on a guided tour from Lake Garda .

cityscape of the Renaissance town of Mantua

The Renaissance town of Mantua is also just 35 minutes from Verona by car or 45 minutes by train.

Mantua is a beautiful small town with big art. With its beauty and rich heritage of Renaissance treasures, Mantua is surely one of  Europe’s best kept secrets .

Mantua is known locally as a “sleeping beauty” that hasn’t changed since the Middle Ages. Aldous Huxley called it “the most romantic city in the world,” making it pair well with Verona.

In Mantua, you should visit the Ducal Palace, Te Palace, and the Basilica of Sant’Andrea. In the Ducal Palace, you’ll find Andrea Mantegna’s UNESCO-listed Camera degli Sposi .

Giulio Romano frescos in the Hall of Giants in Te Palace in Mantua

Here’s my guide to the best things to do in Mantua . You can also visit Mantua on a guided day tour from Verona .

I hope you’ve enjoyed my one day in Verona itinerary. You may enjoy these other Italy travel guides and resources:

  • Historic Landmarks in Italy
  • Most Beautiful Towns in Italy
  • 101+ Epic Experiences To Have in Italy
  • 11 Ways To Spend 1 Week In Italy
  • 10 Day Itinerary for Italy
  • 10 Day Itinerary for Tuscany
  • 3 Day Itinerary for Rome
  • 3 Day Itinerary for Florence
  • 2 Days in Venice Itinerary
  • 1 Day in Milan
  • One Week in Umbria Itinerary

If you want to spend 1 day in Verona, pin it for later.

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2 thoughts on “One Day In Verona Itinerary, 24 Hours In The City Of Romance”

This article was so well done. Thank you so much Verona is on my travel list. I was supposed to go to Italy last year But the trip got canceled because of covid. I’ll be 75 in February and want to go To that region in April of May. So much to learn including a little Italian.

Thank you. You’ll love it Kathleen!

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Last Updated on November 9, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

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tour a verona

Verona Itinerary – Best things to do in Verona in 1, 2 or 3 days

Zi @Craving Adventure

  • August 5, 2023
  • Italy , Europe

Celebrated as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the Verona’s storied past unfolds through its ancient Roman heritage, including the majestic Arena di Verona. Beyond its historical gems, Verona’s charming streets are lined with lively cafes, boutique shops, and bustling trattorias serving authentic Veronese cuisine.

Since my first visit to Verona and my recent one last month, the surge in visitors has been noteworthy, and all signs point to a further increase. If you’ve been pondering a Verona getaway, take this as your cue – seize the opportunity to discover Verona’s charm now!

Verona itinerary overview – the best of Verona, Italy

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Below I’m sharing crafted itineraries and recommendations on the best things to do (and eat) in Verona in 1, 2, and 3 days.

These itineraries include unmissable sights like the Areana di Verona and Juliette’s house, some off the beaten path attractions and I also made sure you get plenty of fun, delicious food, and the best aperitivos into your days.

tour a verona

In a hurry? Book your Verona essentials:

Verona walking tour Verona Card with priority Arena ticket Arena di Verona guided tour Daytrip to Sirmione & Lake Garda Valpolicella Wine Tour Hotel Milano & SPA

I’ve condensed all of the best things to do in Verona and the most amazing places to see into these 1, 2 and 3 day Verona itineraries.

These itineraries are designed to provide you with a diverse range of experiences in Verona, encouraging you to step out of your comfort zone and embrace new adventures.

Throughout the itineraries, I will provide ample information and include relevant links to articles about each attraction or activity when it is first mentioned. However, to avoid repetition, I have consolidated the repeated activities into a list and you can refer back up to where they’re first mentioned for additional information when needed.

Refer to this  map of Verona sights to find the attractions mentioned below , as well as a list of bars, restaurants and additional sights you might want to consider.

You can visit the majority of Verona landmarks in just one jampacked day. However, if you’d like to enjoy some of the museums, do a wine tasting, and take your time soaking in the beauty and delicious aperitivos, I’d recommend a day and a half or two days in Verona. If you have three days or more at your disposal, use them to do some day trips from Verona.

tour a verona

Staying in the heart of old Verona is the best choice and you’ll be within easy walking distance from all the major attractions in Verona.

If relying on public transport opt for accommodation near Piazza Bra, or if traveling light opt for accommodation within the pedestrian area and head into the heart of the city.

Vista Palazzo

OPULENT CHARM

A luxurious boutique hotel offering an exquisite blend of timeless elegance and modern comfort in the heart of Verona’s historic center.

CHECK PRICES

Hotel Milano & SPA

PANORAMIC VIEWS

Only steps away from the Arena it offers excellent service, beautiful design, and a rooftop bar & jacuzzi with unparalleled views.

Check prices

Residenza Bonifacio

ADULTS ONLY

Located in a historic building it combines historic architecture with modern furnishing and amenities for a sophisticated retreat.

3 days in Verona itinerary

With three days in Verona you’ll be able to explore all the highlights without rushing and you’ll also be able to do a cooking class and a day trip of choice. Or you can simply skip what doesn’t appeal to you in lieu of some more aperitivos and delicious bites.

tour a verona

Verona’s historic center is small and walkable so I highly recommend you join this walking tour  to get acquainted with the city and the main sights. A knowledgeable guide will tell you all about Verona’s history and culture.

I’d also suggest you get the Verona Card which includes entrance tickets to most attractions as well as discounts on other museums and sights. You can choose between the 24h or 48h options.

Book your tour of Verona Verona walking tour Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Verona Card

Juliet’s House and Balcony

Beat the crowds and start the day at Juliet’s house which is said to be the birthplace of Giulietta Capuleti, the beloved protagonist of Shakespeare’s tragic love story, Romeo and Juliet.

The renowned balcony scene, although commonly staged as Juliet on a balcony, is a pivotal moment in Romeo and Juliet, yet intriguingly, Shakespeare’s stage directions merely mention Juliet at a window above Romeo.

Once home to the Dal Cappello family, this medieval palace was restored in the 20th century. In the courtyard you’ll find a bronze Juliet statue and for an extra fee, you can peek through her famous balcony.

Book your Romeo & Juliet tour: Passionate Verona group tour Private Tour With Juliet’s House entrance Walking Tour with Skip-the-Line Juliet’s Balcony

Piazza delle Erbe

Piazza Erbe, Verona’s oldest square and a UNESCO World Heritage site, originated as the Roman forum. Renamed Piazza delle Erbe in the 14th century due to its fruit and vegetable market, it has transformed into a bustling gathering spot with markets, bars, and restaurants.

The square is surrounded by historic buildings with frescoes, featuring landmarks like Palazzo Maffei, the Roman Capitol, and the House of Merchants, showcasing Verona’s rich history.

The central fountain holds the Roman Madonna Verona statue, and the square also features the 13th-century Tribune, the lion of San Marco column, and poet Berto Barbarani’s statue.

Arco della Costa

A rib bone, believed to be a whale’s, has hung in Verona’s medieval Arco della Costa (Arch of the Rib) since at least the 1700s, possibly much longer.

The walkway above the arch also served as a passage for judges in the Middle Ages, keeping them safe from the common and corrupt people.

This gave rise to a myth that the bone will fall on the first innocent person passing beneath. Is this going to be you?

Piazza dei Signori

Passing through Costa Arch you’ll reach Piazza dei Signori, also Piazza Dante for the statue honoring the Italian language’s father.

The square is home to some of Verona’s most important buildings, including Domus Nova, Loggia del Consiglio, Palazzo del Podesta, Palace of Cansignorio, and Palazzo della Ragione with the unique Bocca di Leone complaint box.

Torre dei Lamberti

Walk through the arch on Palazzo della Ragione to the Old Market courtyard with the beautiful Gothic Scala della Ragione staircase. Here you can also commence your climb up the Lamberti Tower built by the Lamberti family in 1172.

From the top of the 84m tower you’ll get stunning panoramic views of Verona’s historic center, the Adige river, San Pietro hill, and the hinterlands. If you don’t want to do the 368-step climb to the viewing platform you can opt for the paid lift service.

Book your Ticket for the Lamberti Tower

Scaligeri Tombs

The Scaliger Tombs are a group of five Gothic funerary monuments, that honor the Scaliger family who ruled Verona from the 13th to the late 14th century.

Situated outside the Santa Maria Antica church, the tombs include the one of Cangrande I above the church portal and those of Alberto II, Mastino II, Cansignorio, and Giovanni in the courtyard.

Accessible during summer (June to October), these tombs are also partly visible from the street.

Basilica of Santa Anastasia

The grand Basilica of Saint Anastasia is Verona’s largest church. It showcases Italian Gothic architecture and inside, marble hunchbacks hold holy water basins, said to bring luck when touched.

Originally named after an earlier Lombard church, it was later rebuilt by the Dominicans in the 13th century, featuring three aisles supported by Veronese marble pillars and a remarkable marble entrance leading to the Giusti chapel.

Ponte Pietra

Ponte Pietra, Verona’s oldest bridge from the Roman era has endured centuries of history, floods, and war. It was meticulously restored after World War II using the original stones.

The bridge offers splendid views of colorful houses along the Adige River and landmarks like the Roman Theatre and Castel San Pietro. Walking along the river, you’ll notice circular openings on the bridge, designed to alleviate water pressure during floods.

Archaeological Museum Teatro Romano

The Archaeological Museum Teatro Romano is named after the 1st-century A.D. Teatro Romano, a smaller and less-preserved Roman theater overshadowed by the Arena. You can explore the visible remnants of the stage, orchestra, and cavea of the theater.

Entry is accessible with the Verona Card and includes access to the remains as well as the exhibition housed in the adjecent San Girolamo church.

The museum displays a diverse collection including Greek vases, mosaics, sculptures, and artifacts that provide captivating insights into Verona’s history and culture.

Castello San Pietro viewpoint

From the Teatro Romano take the stairs or funicular to Castel San Pietro. While the castle has a rich and interesting history, the highlight are the views from the platform in front.

Enjoy panoramic views of Verona’s red roofs, countless churches, the Adige river, and surrounding hills.

There is also a little bar at the top of the funicular where you can grab aperitivos at a very reasonable price considering the location.

Risotto all’Amarone

Risotto all’Amarone, harmoniously combines Amarone della Valpolicella wine and Vialone Nano rice. This sumptuous risotto is the flagship dish in the city’s renowned restaurants and a must-try when in Verona.

tour a verona

Arena of Verona

The Arena di Veron once hosted grand gladiator shows and popular events. Today, it remains an iconic venue for concerts, operas, and performances.

It is one of the main attractions in Verona so it’s best to beat the crowds with an early visit.

Experience the rich history of the Verona Arena on a guided tour and explore its Roman and medieval history, and learn about the captivating stories of emperors and gladiators.

Book your Arena visit: Historical tour of the Arena di Verona Skip the line tour of the Arena

Castelvecchio Bridge

The Castelvecchio Bridge, also known as Scaliger Bridge, connects the medieval Castelvecchio to the city.

Despite near-destruction during WWII, it was meticulously rebuilt to mirror its original design. It features tall walls, protective towers, and three arches, with the main spanning over 48 meters.

Museum of Castelvecchio

Castelvecchio, meaning Old Castle in Italian, was a pivotal military fortress constructed by Verona’s ruling Scaliger dynasty.

Restoration efforts in the late 1950s transformed it into the impressive Castelvecchio museum, home to extensive collections of medieval, Renaissance, and modern art spanning up to the 18th century.

The museum boasts 29 halls, exhibiting a diverse array of over 90,000 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, weaponry, coins, medals, and more.

Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore

Verona’s Basilica of San Zeno exemplifies exceptional Romanesque architecture. Its façade, resembling the Cathedral of St. Mary, showcases a captivating mosaic of colors through the use of tufa stone and bricks.

Situated between a monastery tower and a slender bell tower, this complex was erected atop an ancient Roman and early Christian burial site.

Porta Borsari

Porta Borsari was the main entrance during the Imperial Era. Dating to the 1st century AD, it was initially called Porta Iovia due to its proximity to a temple dedicated to Jupiter Lustrale.

It later became Porta San Zeno and finally Porta Borsari, honoring the Bursarii, the brave soldiers who collected the bishop’s duties.

Via Mazzini and Benetton

Nestled within the vibrant Via Mazzini, Verona’s trendiest shopping street, lies a hidden treasure like no other.

Amidst renovation efforts at the Benetton establishment on Via Mazzini, fragments of ancient Verona have been uncovered. Venture to the first level (Menswear) to witness a segment of a Roman domus and a unique geometric mosaic.

Verona Cathedral and Chiostro dei Canonici

The Cathedral in Verona, known as Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, serves as the central structure of a complex that also includes the churches of San Giovanni in Fonte and Sant’Elena, and the Cloister of the Canons.

The complex was built on the remnants of the city’s first paleo-Christian basilica. The current Cathedral was constructed between 1120 and 1187, boasting a blend of Gothic and Romanesque architecture. The interior houses invaluable artworks, including the recovered Assumption Altarpiece by Titian.

Tucked behind the Cathedral is the Chiostro dei Canonici, a serene 12th-century cloister with a beautiful garden and Romanesque columns. Here you’ll find numerous traces of the Christian churches that previously occupied this site.

Giardino Giusti or San Zeno in Monte

The Giardino Giusti, an exquisitely maintained garden, has welcomed historical luminaries like Goethe, Alexander I, and Mozart over the centuries.

Established in the late 1400s, it complements the Giusti palace with terraces offering gradual city views and a belvedere atop for panoramic Verona vistas.

Alongside its flowers, the garden showcases Roman relics, the grand Cypress of Goethe, and well-preserved 16th-century features including fountains, labyrinths, and mythological statues.

If you’re not interested in the gardens but would still like to enjoy a breathtaking view of Verona, head over to the viewing platform infront of the Church of San Zeno in Monte

tour a verona

Verona is the perfect base to discover more of the Veneto region from and there is so much beauty within easy reach that it’d be a shame not to go on a day trip! There are plenty of day trip options from Verona and if you have more days in Verona you could certainly fill them with fun day trips.

Book your day trip from Verona: Daytrip to Sirmione & Lake Garda from Verona Lake Garda Sunset Cruise Lake Garda Full-Day Tour Gardaland Entry Ticket Gardaland Private Transfer Valpolicella wine tour Amarone Wine e-Bike

Sirmione and Lake Garda are just a short drive away and perfect for nature lovers. Gardaland theme park makes for a day filled with fun and excitement. And if you love wine, don’t miss the opportunity to tour Valpolicella on this Valpolicella wine tour.

And if you haven’t already, you must visit Venice or the Dolomites on a day trip from Verona (altho, I’d recommend spending more than just a day here).

Read next: Things to do in Venice Venice Itinerary

tour a verona

2 days in Verona itinerary

If you have two days in Verona you can either follow the first two days of the above itinerary (and skip the day trips) for a super relaxed visit, or you can slightly pick up the tempo by following the adjusted 48h Verona itinerary below which allows time for a wine tour on your second day.

The historic center of Bologna is fairly small and walkable so I highly recommend you  join this walking tour to get acquainted with the city and the main sights. You’ll learn so much about Verona history and culture.

Juliet’s House and Balcony | Passionate Verona tour | Walking Tour with Juliet’s Balcony

Scaligeri Tombs | Verona Card

Torre dei Lamberti | Verona Card | Lamberti Tower ticket

Verona Cathedral and Chiostro dei Canonici | Verona Card

Basilica of Santa Anastasia | Verona Card

Archaeological Museum Teatro Romano | Verona Card

tour a verona

Arena of Verona | Verona Card with priority Arena ticket | Arena di Verona guided tour

Museum of Castelvecchio | Verona Card

Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore | Verona Card

Wine tour | Wine tasting with views

tour a verona

If you only have one day in Verona it’s gonna have to be a jam-packed one so grab some comfy shoes and get ready to do your steps! I highly recommend you book this walking tour so you can avoid getting lost and wasting precious time.

tour a verona

Verona is well-connected by various transportation options, making it easily accessible from different parts of Italy and neighboring countries.

By Air: Verona is serviced by Verona’s Valerio Catullo Airport (VRN) operated by several major airlines and offers both domestic and international flights. From the airport, you can take a shuttle, taxi, or public bus to reach the city center.

By Train: Verona is well-connected to Italy’s extensive rail network. It’s easily accessible by high-speed trains (Frecciarossa) from major cities like Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, and others. The Verona Porta Nuova railway station is the city’s main station and only a short bus or taxi ride from the old city center.

By Car: If you prefer a more flexible and scenic journey, driving to Verona is an option. The city is well-connected to the Italian highway system, and you can reach it via the A4 motorway from cities like Milan or Venice. However, keep in mind that driving in the city center might be challenging due to traffic restrictions in some areas.

By Bus: Several long-distance bus companies operate routes to Verona from various cities in Italy and Europe. While this option may take longer than a train or flight, it can be more economical and suitable for budget travelers.

The best way to get around in Verona, especially in the old city center, is on foot. Verona’s historic center is relatively compact and pedestrian-friendly, making it ideal for exploring by walking. Many of the city’s main attractions, such as Piazza Bra, Juliet’s House, the Arena di Verona, and Piazza delle Erbe, are within a short walking distance from each other.

If you need to cover longer distances within the city or want to visit sights located outside the historic center check out this Hop-on, Hop-off Bus.

Verona also has a reliable public bus system. Make sure to convalidate your ticket as you board the bus, download the ATV bus ap or purchase the Verona Card which includes public transport as well as entrance tickets to most attractions.

tour a verona

Verona is absolutely worth visiting and you should visit it sooner rather than later before it becomes overly touristic as we’ve seen happen with some other Italian destinations.

Verona offers the perfect blend of beautiful architecture, rich history, romance and legend, while also offering incredible events, a lively bar scene, great food, fabulous shopping opportunities and so much more!

Verona is beautiful any time of the year and can be visited year-round, even in winter. In fact, Verona is the perfect destination for a Valentine’s Day getaway.

Spring and autumn are especially beautiful when the surrounding hills and Verona’s parks take on a new layer of color. In summer you can enjoy many events in Verona but it can get quite hot.

Italy is such a stunning country that packs beautiful nature, astonishing architecture, rich history, interesting culture, loads of hand gestures, and delicious food. Oh, don’t even get me started on Italian food!

I’ve prepared a whole plethora of articles to help you  plan your Italian adventure  and if you’re planning a trip to Venice make sure to check out the relevant resources below:

Verona: Best things to do in Verona

Venice:   Best things to do in Venice Best things to do in Venice in winter Venice itinerary – 1, 2, 3 and 5 days

Bologna: Best things to do in Bologna Best hotels in Bologna Where to stay in Bologna

Milan: Things to do in Milan Milano itinerary – 1, 2 & 3 days Where to stay in Milan

Travel Insurance

Good travel insurance is an absolute must when traveling abroad, and I’ve learned that the hard way!

Now I always get insured before we leave and  Travel Insurance Masters  is my go-to platform to find the best insurance options for the specific trip.

The TIM platform works as a search engine and suggests the best insurance company and insurance plan for your criteria so you don’t end up paying more for things you don’t need! It also takes into account your age, nationality, destination etc. which can greatly impact the final price.

You can get your quote & provider recommendations  here.

Zi @Craving Adventure

Zi @Craving Adventure

Zi is the Founder and Editor in Chief behind Craving Adventure.

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The ultimate free walking tour of Verona, Italy

tour a verona

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.

Street in Verona's historic centre with beautiful balconies

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

Inside the Verona Arena admiring remnants of the outer arena wall

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

Colourful cafés and restaurants at 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

The balcony of Juliet's House that gave fame to Verona as the City of Love

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

Beautiful houses and fountain at 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!

Beautiful houses with balconies surrounding Piazza delle Erbe

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 ;-).

Exterior of Torre Dei Lamberti as seen from Piazza delle Erbe

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

Pastel facades of beautifully preserved houses in Verona Old Town

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.

Verona Old Town facades with balconies

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.

Basilica St Anastacia: stop on the free Verona walking tour

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.

Verona free walking tour: Ponte Pietra as seen from Piazzale Castle San Pietro

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!

Valdonega neighborhood Verona

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.

Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore

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!

tour a verona

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!

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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!<

Verona: Osteria Ponte Pietra

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 😋.

A spread of incredibly delicious antipasti at Caffè Monte Baldo

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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tour a verona

Self Drive geyser del Tatio: the best tour in San Pedro De Atacama

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Sipping wine in the Holland countryside – a romantic weekend getaway

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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The Creative Adventurer

The Ultimate Self-Guided Walking Tour to the Enchanting Streets of Verona Italy

tour a verona

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!

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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. 

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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!

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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. 

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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?

tour a verona

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!

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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 .

tour a verona

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. 

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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 .”

tour a verona

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.

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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. 

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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. 

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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. 

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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.

tour a 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.

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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.

tour a verona

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

tour a verona

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The World Was Here First

Venice to Verona Day Trip: How to Spend One Day in Verona

Last Updated on February 8, 2024

by Daniella Lynn Theis

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.

Envoking scenes from Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, the Northern Italian city of Verona is one of the best places to travel to in the country. Packed with centuries of history, today the city is visited by thousands each year with many opting for a Venice to Verona day trip.

Many people visiting Venice focus solely on the city itself, rather than the surrounding Veneto region of Northern Italy in general. While Venice is a truly astonishing place to visit, it is definitely worth considering exploring the Veneto region.

My partner and I never planned to head to Verona originally. The reason we decided to leave Venice and visit Verona was that the city was suffering its highest Acqua Alta in fifty years . After being recommended to refrain from our planned day trip to Venice’s outer islands, we decided to opt for Verona instead…and I am so glad we did!

Table of Contents

Getting from Venice to Verona

How far is Verona from Venice? The good news is that Verona is only approximately an hour away from Venice and can be reached by car, bus, train, or through organised tours.

Venice Grand Canal

By Organised Tour

If all the independent planning is not for you, or you are looking for a more immersive experience, then a Verona tour from Venice might be something for you. These tours do not only offer organised transport but also include several extra pitstops so that you can really soak in the sights of Northern Italy.

Tours often are still run with small groups of people, which is especially great if you are a solo traveller looking to share your experience of one day in Verona with some people.

This full-day tour of Verona, the countryside, and Lake Garda Tour gives you the chance to explore Verona city centre at your leisure as well as enjoy stops at Lake Garda, Sirmione and a winery in Amarone. It’s also possible to book a similar private tour if you prefer to have your own transport.

If you are looking for a more wine-based experience, this organised day trip lets you wander the streets of Verona as well as allowing you to explore a Valpolicella winery and sample a selection of the famous, local Amarone red wine.

Venice’s Santa Lucia train station is in the area of Santa Croce (next to Cannaregio) and beside the Grand Canal. Even from neighbourhoods further away such as San Marco, you can walk to the train station within about half an hour. Otherwise, some vaporettos will go along the Grand Canal.

Several train companies and lines run between the two cities and trains are as frequent as five times per hour. The journey from Venice to Verona by train is very pleasant. Some of the trains take longer than others, but the average journey time is about one hour. Ticket prices can vary but are typically less expensive if booked in advance. View the latest schedules here .

The best thing is to check beforehand what time you are thinking of going and then check which provider offers the cheapest journey or – if money is not the issue – the best travel times for your day trip from Venice to Verona.

One thing to remember is that your train needs to be validated at one of the designated machines before you board the train. Otherwise, even if you purchased a ticket, you could be subject to a fine. Some tickets purchased online, however, are pre-validated. Just be sure to check the terms and conditions.

Once in Verona, you can either walk the 20 to 30 minutes needed from the train station to the centre, or you can take a bus. These buses leave just outside the main entrance of the train station and tickets can be purchased from the driver.

Buses offer a great (and cheap) way to get from one city to the other on your Venice to Verona day trip. FlixBus provides bus tickets and there are several other bus companies to choose from, as well. Buses run very frequently – often more than 10 times a day. View schedules here .

However, be sure to check where your bus is leaving from. Some of the coaches leave from Venice Tronchetto (an artificial island in the Venetian lagoon that is situated behind Venice’s train station) while others go from Venice Mestre (which is outside the main city of Venice and the main lagoon). 

The distance from Venice to Verona is only approximately 120km. It is therefore definitely possible to do your Verona day trip from Venice by car quite easily.

The drive can take about 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic. However, if you are going by car, it is essential to remember that Italy’s roads have tolls. Likely you will have to plan an additional 10€ for tolls and around 5€ for an all-day parking ticket in Verona.

Verona’s inner city has a pedestrianised area through which only license holders can drive, so ensure to park beforehand to avoid fines!

If you’re planning on renting a car in Venice, there are plenty of options on Rentalcars.com which aggregates deals from many different providers.

The beautiful Verona Skyline

Venice to Verona Day Trip Itinerary

There are plenty of things to do in Verona that can easily be accessed withing the confines of one day. The good news is that the inner city of Verona is very compact and most sights are within walking distance from one another.

There is the option to partake in a free walking tour should you be looking for a guided experience. There are also paid walking tours available if the timing of the free tours doesn’t work for you. However, should you want to discover the city at your own pace, here are some suggestions for stops to take.

Before I continue, I do want to mention that if you are a fan of cultural sites and museums, it is worth looking into a Verona Card – especially if you are planning to stay longer than one day.

The card offers free or reduced entry to the city leading museums, monuments and churches as well as letting you travel on the ATV city bus which is great if trying to reduce your overall Venice trip cost.

Roman Arena

You will be standing in Verona’s largest piazza – Piazza Bra. The Roman Arena is right in the centre of the piazza and is surrounded by several cafes, restaurants and museums. Stroll along the piazza and take in the city’s first charming vibes before visiting the Roman Arena.

The amphitheatre used to be outside the city’s walls in Roman times and has lasted for centuries as the city expanded around it. While the entertainment program is very different from that of the Roman era, the arena still functions as an entertainment venue today, and it is possible to see operas and plays there.

There is an entry fee for the arena, but it is worth it! Once you are inside, you will notice how well-preserved the arena is so that spending the entry fee feels worth it. The views from up top are pretty amazing, too. Standing in the arena, it is easy to imagine the role it played in the past.

The Verona Card gives you skip-the-line entry to the Roman Arena and it is also possible to take a guided tour which includes a skip-the-line ticket.

Inside of the Roman Arena in Verona

Casa di Giulietta & Casa di Romeo

Next to the Roman Arena, you will find signposts leading you towards the town centre and Romeo and Juliet’s house – or rather the houses that are said to have inspired the play.

We heard that one of the houses was actually built after the play was written, but nonetheless, if you are a fan of the tale, both houses are worth the stop.

What you will notice is that these places are very popular with tourists. We visited Verona off-season in November and Juliet’s house was still packed. It is noticeable that the sight has significance for lovers.

The walls are filled with names of loved ones – spread across the paper, on locks and lockets and anything else that enshrines the permanent gesture. Also, rumour has it that rubbing the breast of the statue of Juliet in front of ‘Juliet’s house’ brings good luck.

Should this not be something you fancy, or should you want to just explore a little more of the city, you are in luck in Verona. The city centre has plenty of beautiful hidden alleyways with some great places to eat, drink and shop. Our favourite spot was a rustic-looking bar/ restaurant near the Roman Arena called La Tradision , which served up some excellent local cuisine!

Inscriptions on the wall of Romeo's House

Explore the Historic Centre

The Piazza Delle Erbe is not far from Juliet’s house in the centre of Verona. This piazza is bustling, and it again is surrounded by some great bars and restaurants. Depending on when you plan to make your day trip to Verona, you might even see a Christmas market here!

Near the Piazza Delle Erbe, you will find some great architecture including the Torre dei Lamberti or the beautiful little church Chiesa di Santa Maria Antica. Walk along, and you will find more piazzas (albeit smaller than Piazza Delle Erbe) but just as impressive. One of the smaller piazzas houses a statue of the famous, Italian poet Dante.

We had no set plans as to how and where to walk around the inner city and just strolled along. Verona has a magical feel to it, and I am sure if you stroll along yourself from the main piazza, you will not be disappointed.

Teatro Romano & Castel San Pietro

Walking along the Adige River, you can gaze across the banks and get a glimpse of some of the great architecture that awaits on the other side. Cross over the Ponte Pietra, and you will be able to directly immerse yourself. You already got a glimpse of Verona’s Roman history when you visited the Roman Arena at the start of your trip.

The Roman theatre was built in Verona at about the same time as the Roman arena. If you walk up the steps, you will also find the archaeological museum, which is a great way to educate yourself about the city’s history. Do note that an entry fee is applicable again.

Behind the theatre, you will also find the Castel San Pietro. There is also the option to take the Funicolare di Castel San Pietro –  a short gondola ride –  up the mountain. Once you are on top of the hill, you will be rewarded with some absolutely breathtaking views of Verona – especially at sunset. Can you ask for a better end to your day trip?

Verona River Bank

Verona’s Culinary Scene

Okay, I already mentioned restaurants quite frequently in the other pitstops, but seriously: Do not end your time in Verona without eating some of its cuisine. Everything I ate in Verona was 100% delicious, and I wish I had known about all the local delights I could have tried beforehand.

A sweet dish I was recommended to try after our visit to Verona was Baci di Giulietta (Juliet’s Kiss) which are small cakes with chocolate filling, and they sound heavenly!

If you did eat along the way, why not kick back and sip an aperitivo or two at the Piazza Delle Erbe or the Piazza Bra before making your way back to Venice?

Have more time in Verona?

If you have 2 or 3 days in Verona or plan to see more of the region after your day trip, then there are definitely plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of my personal suggestions:

Watch a show at the Teatro Romana or the Roman Arena

Both these amazing places actually offer an extensive program of theatre plays, musicals and concerts. You can find more information about shows in the Roman Arena here.

Camp at Castel San Pietro

If you liked what you saw after taking a gondola ride up the mountain, it is possible to camp at this beautiful location. The Camping Castel San Pietro offers some fantastic views for when you wake up in the morning to explore Verona some more. 

Visit Lake Garda

Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and is known for its beautiful lakeside towns and stunning scenery. The lake is only approximately 50km away from Verona and therefore provides an excellent chance for an additional day trip if you haven’t already visited it through the tour mentioned above.

This full-day tour from Verona is a great way to explore Lake Garda if you prefer not to go independently.

Visit Milan, Bologna or Padua

Verona’s location provides an excellent stepping stone to visit other cities in Northern Italy. Padua actually is an excellent option for an additional city to visit on or after your day trip as it is right between the two cities.

Other cities you could visit include Bologna , the seventh most populous city in Italy. It is only approximately 150km from Verona and can be reached by several forms of transport.

The famous city of Milan can also be reached by train within about an hour as it is about 160km away from Verona.  

Main square in Bologna, Italy

Where to Stay in Venice

Riva del Vin Boutique Hotel – This boutique hotel is situated within a couple hundred metres of the iconic Rialto Bridge and it is the perfect place to stay for those looking for a bit of luxury and romance on their trip to Venice. They have a number of plush rooms available and a great breakfast included in the room rate.

Ca’ Angeli – This small hotel centrally located in the San Polo neighbourhood is a great option if your budget allows for a bit more than a hostel. There are a handful of clean and cosy rooms available, it’s within walking distance of most of Venice’s main attractions and there is breakfast included in the nightly rate.

Combo Venezia – This small hostel located in the Cannaregio neighbourhood is the ideal place to stay for budget and solo travellers. Locally owned and operated, they have both dorm beds and private rooms available and it is one of the highest-rated hostels in the city.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Venice hotels!

Outside the Roman Arena in Verona

Hopefully, this itinerary has inspired you to spend one day in Verona (or maybe even more). I will definitely be returning again to try out all that food I missed out on and to top up on some Amarone wine.

Are you wondering what to do in Verona in one day? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

tour a verona

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About Daniella Lynn Theis

Daniella is a writer for The World Was Here First. Based in in Glasgow, Scotland, she has lived in several different countries and is always on the hunt for adventures, trying to find even the most hidden secrets for any destination. In her spare time, she loves photography and finding new eateries and things to do in or around Glasgow.

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A guided tour of the Verona Arena - ITALY MUSEUM

A guided tour of the Verona Arena

A guided tour to discover Verona's most famous monument.

  • E-voucher accepted
  • Reserved entrance
  • Confirmation by email
  • Duration: about 30 minutes
  • Discover the millenary Arena of Verona
  • Listen to the explanations of your guide
  • Visit the world famous monument of Verona

The Arena is Verona's most important attraction, a perfectly preserved monument dating back to the 1st century AD. This Roman-era building is still in use and during the summer season hosts numerous performances, open-air concerts and the world-famous Opera Festival. Your guide will be waiting for you in front of the entrance of the Arena and during this 30-minute tour he will explain how this magnificent amphitheatre was used in Roman times, during the Middle Ages and during the Renaissance. You will also have time to take some pictures and admire the Piazza Bra from the top.

tour a verona

Visitare Verona in un giorno a piedi: itinerario e mappa

Oh Romeo, Romeo… perché sei tu Romeo? Quante volte avrai sentito queste dolci parole immaginando la scena fra i due innamorati o guardato dei film che li vede come protagonisti? Quel balcone dal quale si affacciava Giulietta è così famoso che merita davvero di essere visto almeno una volta nella vita, insieme a tante altre bellezze di Verona . Dopo aver raccontato il mio viaggio di San Valentino a Verona in Love , vorrei illustrarti un utilissimo itinerario per visitare Verona in un giorno a piedi con mappa, costi, luoghi di interesse e info utili. Ho preparato e seguito anch’io l’itinerario di Verona perché, durante i miei viaggi, non voglio perdermi niente e amo sfruttare al massimo il tempo a disposizione. Buona lettura!

INDICE DEI CONTENUTI

Visitare Verona in un giorno: itinerario con mappa

Arena di verona, palazzo della gran guardia, palazzo barbieri, porta dei leoni, casa di giulietta, piazza dei signori, arche scaligere, piazza delle erbe e torre dei lamberti, castelvecchio o castello scaligero, verona: cosa visitare in un giorno ancora (o in 2-3 giorni), dove dormire a verona.

Cosa vedere a Verona in un giorno: le attrazioni  imperdibili

Verona, Piazza Bra

Piazza Bra, Verona

Situata in centro storico, Piazza Bra è la più grande piazza di Verona ed ha quattro vie d’accesso: da Ovest via Roma, da Est via Pallone, da Sud Corso Porta Nuova e via Mazzini da Nord. Su questa piazza si affacciano opere architettoniche favolose e palazzi storici, come ad esempio la famosa Arena di Verona , il Palazzo della Gran Guardia e Palazzo Barbieri (Municipio). Inoltre, è da sempre luogo di svago e di vita notturna: in particolare il Liston (termine veneto per indicare un luogo di passeggio) è il marciapiede che circonda la piazza e dove, appunto, si ritrovano i veronesi nel weekend, per una piacevole passeggiata. Come dicono loro: “ far do vasche sul liston! ”

arena di Verona

Arena di Verona, Verona

Diciamolo, insieme a Romeo e Giulietta, l’ Arena di Verona è il simbolo della città. È un imponente anfiteatro Romano che risale al I sec d.C. e la sua capienza è di 12.500 posti (originariamente poteva ospitarne fino a 30.000!). Qui hanno luogo molti eventi, tra cui il festival lirico in estate e i concerti dei cantanti internazionali (e non) più famosi al mondo. Tra gli altri, hanno suonato la loro musica nell’affascinante atmosfera dell’Arena, Elton John, Duran Duran, Deep Purple, Muse, De Gregori e Celentano .

Orari : da martedì a domenica 9:00 – 19:00 (lunedì chiuso) Costo : € 12,00 Valutazione : 4.8 Visualizza sulla mappa

palazzo granguardia-cosa vedere a verona

Palazzo della Gran Guardia, Verona

Il Palazzo della Gran Guardia a Verona è un maestoso edificio tardo-rinascimentale e sorge su un lato di piazza Bra. Deve il nome alla sua posizione che sembra “faccia la guardia” all’Arena e a tutta la città. Il palazzo è utilizzato soprattutto per ospitare mostre e congressi: nel 2007 ad esempio, c’è stata la mostra del famoso pittore Mantegna.

Orari : 9:30 – 22:30 (variabile in base alle mostre presenti) Costo : dipende dalle mostre ed eventi ospitati Valutazione : 4.4 Visualizza sulla mappa

palazzo Barbieri-Verona

Palazzo Barbieri, Verona

In stile neoclassico, Palazzo Barbieri è l’edificio in cui ha sede il comune. Ispirato agli antichi templi romani, in pianta ha una forma che definirei “a lucchetto”. Girandoci attorno impressiona per il suo frontone e la sua architettura maestosa . All’interno, nonostante l’apparenza data dalle sue grandi colonne e dall’importante scalinata, ci sono dei semplici uffici amministrativi. Solo in alcune sale ci sono delle opere d’arte, affreschi e tele che meritano una visita.

Orari : dal lunedì al sabato 9:00–13:00 / Martedì e giovedì 15:00-17:00 Costi: gratuito Valutazione : 4.3 Visualizza sulla mappa

Porta dei Leoni, Verona

Porta dei Leoni, Verona (Photo Credits Wikimedia Commons )

Parliamo ora dell’antico accesso alla città di Verona, una porta antica di epoca romana che risale al I sec. d.C., ovvero Porta dei Leoni . Deve il suo nome ad un ritrovamento avvenuto nelle sue vicinanze più di 500 anni fa , un sarcofago chiuso da un coperchio scolpito raffigurante, appunto, due leoni. Di questa porta romana rimangono ad est, dei resti inglobati nel muro di un palazzo, mentre ad ovest altri resti visibili nell’area archeologica sub-stradale. Alcune parti sono state sempre visibili, altre riportate alla luce alcuni decenni fa. Un posto davvero particolare e suggestivo, che mi ha fatto un po’ riflettere su come alcune volte la modernità ed il progresso sovrastino brutalmente le eredità del passato.

Valutazione : 4.1 Visualizza sulla mappa

Balcone della casa di Giulietta - Verona

Balcone della Casa di Giulietta, Verona

Non si può visitare Verona in un giorno senza fare un salto al balcone e alla casa di Giulietta ! Il cortile che lo ospita è interamente ricoperto di lucchetti, biglietti e graffiti d’amore e ospita la celebre statua in bronzo di Giulietta . Preparati a lunghe file per poter fare una foto con lei, ma soprattutto per poter visitare la casa di Giulietta ed avere l’opportunità di affacciarti dal suo balcone.

interno casa di giulietta-verona

Interno della Casa di Giulietta, Verona

Qualche nozione interessante: la casa fu restaurata verso la fine del XIX sec . e si riportarono alla luce dettagli medievali, coronati dalle cornici gotiche già presenti e altri elementi decorativi. Inoltre, nell’arco di volta dell’arco di accesso si trova un cappello da Pellegrino , stemma della famiglia Capuleti. L’interno della casa di Giulietta è stato ricostruito ispirandosi all’epoca medievale e, oltre ai dipinti, ospita un letto e due costumi utilizzati nel film di Zeffirelli “Romeo e Giulietta” . Insomma, da non perdere!

Orari : da martedì a domenica 9:00 – 19:00 (lunedì chiuso) Costo : € 12,00 Valutazione : 4.2 Visualizza sulla mappa

piazza dei Signori-Verona

Piazza dei Signori, Verona

Nel mio itinerario per visitare Verona in un giorno non poteva mancare Piazza dei Signori:  conosciuta anche come Piazza Dante è circondata da molti edifici collegati da splendide arcate e, al suo centro, sorge la grande statua dedicata proprio a Dante , alta tre metri, in marmo bianco di Carrara. Quando si entra nella piazza, passando da sotto l’ Arco della Costa , si possono ammirare:

  • Domus Nova dove risiedevano i giudici veneziani;
  • Loggia del Consiglio ;
  • Palazzo degli Scaligeri , con le suggestive cornici merlate;
  • Palazzo del Capitanio (sempre scaligero) dalla caratteristica torre angolare;
  • Palazzo della Ragione , a cui si arriva attraverso un arco collegato alla piazza.

scala della ragione-verona

Scala e Palazzo della Ragione, Verona

Il Palazzo della Ragione è un affascinante edificio a pianta quadrangolare, con cortile interno, impreziosito dalla Scala della Ragione , un gioiello tardogotico in marmo rosso veronese. All’interno è ospitata la Galleria di Arte Moderna Achille Forti , dove puoi osservare opere come “Meditazione” di Hayez ed altre di Guttuso, Molmenti, Birolli e Casarini. Insomma, Piazza dei Signori, con i suoi Palazzi e altri meravigliosi monumenti che la circondano, è imperdibile!

Orari GAM A. Forti : da martedì a domenica 10:00-18:00 Costi GAM A. Forti: €6,00 Valutazione : 4.3 Visualizza sulla mappa

Arche Scaligere, Verona

Arche Scaligere, Verona

Da Piazza dei Signori si intravede la cappella di Santa Maria Antica e, proprio dal suo cortile, si innalzano le Arche Scaligere , splendide tombe monumentali gotiche a baldacchino con tre mausolei che si stagliano in cielo: Cangrande I, Mastino II e Cansignorio. Oltre a queste tre tombe marmoree, nel decoratissimo recinto di ferro battuto sono racchiusi altri sarcofagi. A pochi metri, affacciata sulla via Arche Scaligere, sorge anche la Casa di Romeo , un edificio medievale oggi adibito a uso privato, quindi non visitabile all’interno.

Orari : da martedì a domenica 10:00 – 13:00 / 14:00 – 18:00 (Lunedì chiuso) Costo : € 1,00 / Gratis con biglietto di uno dei Musei Civici di Verona Valutazione : 4.5 Visualizza sulla mappa

piazza delle erbe-verona

Piazza delle Erbe, Verona

È la più antica di Verona ed è circondata da edifici che hanno fatto la storia della città: parliamo di Piazza delle Erbe . Qui troviamo l’antico Palazzo del Comune , la Casa dei Giudici e le Case Mazzanti , con bellissimi affreschi sulle facciate. Ancora, Palazzo Maffei con il suo stile barocco e la Casa dei Mercanti , dove oggi ha sede la Banca Popolare di Verona.

Torre dei Lamberti, Verona

Torre dei Lamberti, Verona

Fino ad arrivare alla medievale Torre dei Lamberti , visibile anche da Piazza dei Signori, essendo quest’ultima praticamente adiacente a quella delle Erbe. Fatta di tufo e cotto, la Torre dei Lamberti è alta 84 metri e fu voluta dall’omonima potente famiglia nel 1172. Verso la fine del 1700 poi, le fu applicato un grande orologio. Sulla torre si può salire in ascensore o a piedi (io l’ho fatto a piedi!), per poter ammirare lo splendido panorama offerto su Verona.

Orari : da lunedì a venerdì 10:00 – 18:00 / Sabato, domenica e festivi 11:00 – 19:00 Costo Torre dei Lamberti : €6,00 Valutazione : 4.5 Visualizza sulla mappa

Castello Scaligero-Verona

Castello Scaligero, Verona

Il Castello Scaligero ( Castelvecchio ) è il più importante monumento militare di Verona risalente al XIV secolo. Il suo colore rosso mattone e le mura merlate gli conferiscono un tono davvero maestoso, completato dalle imponenti torri ai suoi quattro angoli. Chiude l’opera in bellezza lo splendido Ponte Scaligero a tre arcate che si slancia sul fiume Adige , per circa 120 metri. Il ponte fortificato è stato costruito per essere ad uso esclusivo della famiglia della Scala e della sua guarnigione, così come l’intero castello nacque dalle volontà della famiglia di proteggere la propria città.

Castelvecchio-verona

Castelvecchio, Verona

Castelvecchio ospita il museo civico con importanti opere di Pisanello, Veronese, Tintoretto, Mantegna ed altri grandi artisti. Proprio accanto a Castelvecchio, degno di nota è l’ Arco dei Gavi, costruito da Romani nel I sec d.C. con pesanti blocchi di pietra bianca, disposti in filari. Una foto qui è d’obbligo!

Orari : da martedì a domenica 10:00 – 18:00 / Lunedì chiuso Costo museo di Castelvecchio : € 9,00 Valutazione : 4.8 Visualizza sulla mappa

♥ Fai un walking tour di Verona audioguidato!

Un modo alternativo per visitare Verona è quello di fare un tour a piedi con audio guida . Non parlo delle solite audio guide, ma di tour creati da esperti locali che ti spiegano la città come farebbe un tuo amico o un veronese. Il tour che ti consiglio è Verona full immersion di Around , una piattaforma di self-guided walking tour. Ti consentirà, in circa 2h30m, di scoprire tutto ciò che ha da offrire Verona e troverai altre tappe oltre a quelle del mio itinerario a piedi. I vantaggi dei walking tour di Around sono l’ autonomia , perché potrai fare un tour guidato seguendo i tuoi tempi, fermarti quando vuoi e riprenderlo anche il giorno dopo. La facilità di utilizzo, considerato che per ascoltarlo basta selezionare il tour e avviarlo dal tuo smartphone senza bisogno di scaricare App e prenotare nulla. Infine, il risparmio : i tour di Around vanno dai €3.99 ai 4.99, molto più economici rispetto ai normali tour guidati!

Chiesa di San Zeno-Verona

Basilica di San Zeno, Verona

Verona offre tante bellezze e quindi, oltre alle attrazioni che ti ho suggerito , vorrei segnalarti altre che, se hai abbastanza tempo o meglio ancora 2-3 giorni, meritano di essere aggiunte all’itinerario per visitare Verona in un giorno:

  • Basilica di San Zeno , capolavoro romanico che custodisce un prezioso trittico del Mantegna. Orari : da lunedì a venerdì da marzo a ottobre 9:00-18:30 / Sabato 9:00-18:00 / Domenica 13:00-18:30. Da novembre a febbraio da lunedì a venerdì 10:00-17:00 / Sabato 9:30-18:00 / Domenica e festivi 13:00-17:30. Costi : €4,00 / Cumulativo 4 chiese (Basilica di San Zeno, Complesso della Cattedrale, Basilica di Santa Anastasia e Chiesa di San Fermo) €8,00;
  • Duomo di Verona , la chiesa più bella e preziosa della città, con all’interno una stupenda pala dell’Assunta realizzata dal noto pittore Tiziano. Orari:  da marzo a ottobre, da lunedì a venerdì 11:00-17:30 / Sabato 11:00-15:30 / Domenica 13:30-17:30. Da novembre a febbraio da lunedì a venerdì 11:00-17:00 / Sabato 11:00-15:30 / Domenica e festivi 13:30-17:30 Costi : €4,00 / Cumulativo 4 chiese (Basilica di San Zeno, Complesso della Cattedrale, Basilica di Santa Anastasia e Chiesa di San Fermo) €8,00;
  • Basilica di Santa Anastasia e Chiesa di San Fermo , entrambe ospitano un affresco del Pisanello. Orari S. Anastasia da marzo a ottobre da lunedì a venerdì 10:00-17:00 / Sabato 9:30-18:00 / Domenica 13:00-17:30. Da novembre a febbraio da lunedì a venerdì 10:00-17:00 / Sabato 9:30-18:00 / Domenica 13:00-17:30. Orari S. Fermo da marzo a ottobre da lunedì al sabato 9:30-18:00 / Domenica 13:00-18:00. Da novembre a febbraio da lunedì a venerdì 10:00-17:00 / Sabato 10:00-17:30 / Domenica e festivi 13:00-17:30. Costi : €4,00 una chiesa / Cumulativo 4 chiese (Basilica di San Zeno, Complesso della Cattedrale, Basilica di Santa Anastasia e Chiesa di San Fermo) €8,00;
  • Giardino Giusti : giardino del ‘500 con reperti romani, fiori, labirinto di siepi, fontane e tanto altro. Orari : da lunedì a domenica 10:00-18:00. Costi : €12,00 / Ingresso + visita guidata €15,00;
  • Museo Archeologico al Teatro Romano , l’edificio più antico di Verona costruito a ridosso di Colle San Pietro. Qui si svolgono eventi come il Festival Shakespeariano e il Verona Jazz Festival. Orari : da martedì a domenica 10:00-18:00 (lunedì chiuso). Costi : €9,00;
  • Museo degli affreschi e Tomba di Giulietta : affreschi del Medioevo, sculture romane e la Tomba di Giulietta. Orari : da martedì a domenica 10:00-18:00 (Lunedì chiuso). Costi : €6,00

interno Basilica Santa Anastasia-Verona

Interno Basilica di Santa Anastasia, Verona

♦ Ecco l’ itinerario per visitare Verona in due giorni

♥Se vuoi fare felici i più piccini, a soli 30 minuti da Verona , ti ricordo che sorge uno dei parchi divertimenti più importanti e grandi d’Italia, Gardaland , con 3 hotel a tema, l’Acquario SEA LIFE, che apre in occasione delle feste, Legoland e tanto altro. A Natale la magia si accende ancor di più con Gardaland Magic Winter e le sue luci, decorazioni festive ed esibizioni a tema. Puoi acquistare i biglietti , nonché guardare tutte le offerte e informazioni qui → Biglietti e offerte per Gardaland 

Se sei arrivato fin qui, ti regalo un’ ultima chicca: se vuoi fare un bel pranzo o una cena durante la visita di Verona e assaggiare i piatti della tradizione, ecco i piatti tipici di Verona e migliori ristoranti in cui mangiare!

Booking.com

Spero che il mio itinerario per visitare Verona in un giorno a piedi ti sia utile per il tuo viaggio in questa città tutta da scoprire! Se hai qualcosa da chiedere o vuoi lasciare un pensiero, ti aspetto nei commenti!

Per orari e tariffe aggiornati fare sempre riferimento al sito MuseiVerona.com

About The Author

tour a verona

Lucia Nuzzaci

Mamma, sociologa per formazione, copywriter per lavoro, travel blogger per passione e fondatrice di souvenirdiviaggio.it. per dare spazio e vita ai miei viaggi. Amo scrivere, parlare, leggere, viaggiare e fissare gli istanti di un viaggio in mille scatti.

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tour a verona

Buongiorno Lucia, vorrei visitare Verona in una giornata e trovo molto interessante la tua guida. Cortesemente mi puoi dire come faccio a scaricarla sul mio cellulare? Per quanto riguarda la guida non è un problema stamparla dal computer ma non riesco a stampare la mappa. Ti ringrazio in anticipo. Cordiali saluti.

tour a verona

Buongiorno Emanuel e grazie per il tuo commento! Ho modificato la mappa e credo di averla resa stampabile ora. Penso potrai anche inviarla tramite email! Provaci e dimmi se funziona 😉

tour a verona

Guida ben fatta! L’ho girata ad un’amica romana che verrà a trovarmi. Un solo appunto: la Gran Guardia non si chiama così perchè fa la guardia all’Arena… E’ il nome che le è stato dato durante la dominazione austriaca perchè era la sede del comando militare (come la Gran Guardia di Padova, dove abito). Ti consiglio di correggere, perchè la tua bella guida non merita svarioni 🙂

Ciao e grazie per il commento! Onestamente non trovo da nessuna parte l’informazione che mi hai dato, invece quanto ho scritto io era su più sti. Sapresti darmi una fonte attendibile?

tour a verona

Ottima guida per visitare la città di Verona. Per me che ho a disposizione meno di 24 ore è veramente l’ideale! Un ringraziamento particolare all’autrice.

Ciao Anna Maria, grazie mille per il tuo commento! Sono felice che il mio itinerario possa aiutarti a visitare al meglio Verona 😉

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Dolomites Day Tour from Verona

Breathtaking and memorable landscapes of one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. This is what you’ll live during this day tour at the UNESCO Dolomites. A magical place where natural beauty is the key point. A lifetime experience in just one memorable day.

  • One day lifetime experience to see the UNESCO Dolomites
  • See Marmolada, Pordoi and Sassolungo in just one day
  • Savor the traditional dishes during a typical lunch
  • Visit a picturesque village with your local guide
  • All inclusive relaxing tour

Meet your local guide and expert driver in Verona city center and get ready to discover the Dolomites , the UNESCO World Heritage site during one day . First you’ll leave Verona and you’ll enter Valdadige , a wide valley dug by the Adige river that flows from the north. Admire the beautiful castles along the valley such as Avio or Beseno and after a couple of hours you will reach Val di Fassa , a wide-open valley surrounded by mountain walls.

This is the heart of the UNESCO Dolomites, pass by picturesque villages and admire the mountains all around you. You’ll see the Catinaccio and Sassolungo groups until arriving at Passo Pordoi , a 7345-feet-high pass. Next is an exciting cable car ride to reach the top of the mountain (depending on the season and weather - 10,341 feet): a stunning and one-of-a-kind destination for a spectacular panoramic view.

Next stop is a typical lunch in a selected restaurant or rifugio (a mountain refuge that usually offers traditional food). Here you can taste the local dishes like canederli, polenta and Apfelstrudel. Finally, reach a charming little village like Ortisei or Canazei and stop for a relaxing stroll in the city center and some free time before going back to Verona.

  • Private transportation
  • Funicular ticket (depending on the weather conditions and on the season)

Not included

  • Hotel pick up and drop-off
  • We suggest to wear weather appropriate clothes (winter shoes and a jacket). It could be very cold or snowing.
  • In case of delay : contact the emergency number +39-327-4674179
  • Cancellation Policy : full refund for cancellation received at least within 24 hours in advance ( read more )
  • 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.
  • In case of rain : this tour will never be cancelled due to rain. In case of rain the funicular ride may not be available. The guide will decide the best alternative. Please be aware that refunds will not be guaranteed to those who won’t accept the offered alternative.

Important info

  • Minors must be accompanied by an adult
  • Mobility impairments and disabilities : please note that some parts of the tour may not be 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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COMMENTS

  1. The BEST Verona Tours and Things to Do in 2024

    8. Verona: History and Hidden Gems Guided Walking Tour. Stroll through Verona on a guided walking tour with a local. Learn about fascinating hidden details that are usually overlooked and admire the main landmarks of the city such as well as the Arena, Piazza Erbe, and Piazza Dante. Meet your guide in the main square of Piazza Bra.

  2. THE TOP 10 Verona Tours & Excursions (UPDATED 2024)

    Verona Small Group Walking Tour with Cable Car and Arena Tickets. 14. Join a small group tour to discover the best of Verona, and explore the city's iconic sites, including the Roman Amphitheater, Romeo's House, and Juliet's Balcony. Immerse yourself in Verona's rich history as you stroll through medieval lanes and relish breathtaking views ...

  3. VisitVerona.it

    Verona: a UNESCO world heritage city and the home of Romeo and Juliet, a place of history, culture, music, architecture and high society. A land of great traditions, from opera to fine food and wine.

  4. Verona, Italy: the Ultimate Guide for the City of Love

    Walking Tours: Verona's great on foot. Many guided tours to historical sites. Bus Tickets: €1.50 for 90 minutes. Cheaper on Ticket Bus Verona app than onboard. Verona Card: For short stays, it offers free entry to places like the Arena di Verona. Available for 24 or 48 hours.

  5. One Day in Verona (Walking Itinerary + Map)

    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.

  6. One Day in Verona, Italy: The Ultimate Itinerary for Your First Visit!

    Book a bike tour of Verona now! The entrance to the Basilica d'Sant Anastasia. Where to Stay in Verona Hotels in Verona. The Due Torri Hotel is located in the historic center, by the Basilica d' Sant Anastasia. Housed in a 14th century palace, the hotel features elegant furnishings and a rooftop restaurant. The terrace looks out over the ...

  7. City Sightseeing Verona Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour 2024

    Your ticket is valid for 24 hours. Discover the best of Verona with ease on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour. Explore 16 combined stops on two bus routes to see more of the city. See the main attractions of Verona, including the Basilica San Zeno and Teatro Romano. Go sightseeing at your own pace.

  8. Tour to discover the Unique History of Verona, the City of Art

    Verona Small Group Walking Tour with Cable Car and Arena Tickets. 14. from $73.68. Verona, Veneto. Private Verona Tour with Local Guide & Arabic Interpreter. from $329.89. Per group. Verona, Veneto. The Amarone Chateau guided tour and tasting in Valpolicella.

  9. One Day in Verona

    When: Monday to Friday 9.30 am-6.30 pm, Saturday until 6 pm, Sunday 1-6 pm. How much: Free for praying, 4€ for tourist visits. If you are visiting all the main four churches of Verona (the Duomo, San Zeno, Sant'Anastasia, and San Fermo), the cumulative ticket costs 8€. Entrance to Sant'Anastasia Basilica in Verona.

  10. One Day In Verona Itinerary, 24 Hours In The City Of Romance

    4. Guided Tours Of Verona. I often find it helpful to book a walking tour of a city, especially if I haven't visited before. And you have some good options. You can check out a 2 hour small group guided walking tour, a 3 hour walking tour, or a 3.5 hour food and wine tour. My first time in Verona, I took this 4 hour private tour and enjoyed it.

  11. The Perfect 2 or 3 Days in Verona Itinerary

    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.

  12. Verona Itinerary

    Passionate Verona group tour Private Tour With Juliet's House entrance Walking Tour with Skip-the-Line Juliet's Balcony. Piazza delle Erbe. Piazza Erbe, Verona's oldest square and a UNESCO World Heritage site, originated as the Roman forum. Renamed Piazza delle Erbe in the 14th century due to its fruit and vegetable market, it has ...

  13. 10 Things To Know Before visiting Verona

    Verona at A Glance. The Verona Card | We highly recommend buying the Verona Card, which entitles you to free access to the city's major tourist attractions (including the Arena) and transport on the local buses.A 24-hour card costs €20, a 48-hour card costs €25 - get yours here.. Top Things to Do in Verona | There is more than enough to occupy you in Verona for a long weekend, or even a ...

  14. The ultimate free walking tour of Verona, Italy

    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.

  15. Free Tours in Verona, Italy

    The Best Free Tour in Verona. Provided by El verdadero freetour de Verona. Rating: 9.2. (Reviews: 1253) from €0 Tip based. Our exciting tour consists of a visit to the city of Verona on foot, the most important monuments of the city, and our culture heritage & history with authorized local friendly tourist guides. Languages.

  16. The Ultimate Self-Guided Walking Tour to the Enchanting Streets of

    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 ...

  17. Venice to Verona Day Trip: How to Spend One Day in Verona

    The distance from Venice to Verona is only approximately 120km. It is therefore definitely possible to do your Verona day trip from Venice by car quite easily. The drive can take about 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic. However, if you are going by car, it is essential to remember that Italy's roads have tolls.

  18. A guided tour of the Verona Arena

    The Arena is Verona's most important attraction, a perfectly preserved monument dating back to the 1st century AD. This Roman-era building is still in use and during the summer season hosts numerous performances, open-air concerts and the world-famous Opera Festival. Your guide will be waiting for you in front of the entrance of the Arena and ...

  19. Visitare Verona in un giorno a piedi: itinerario e mappa

    Un modo alternativo per visitare Verona è quello di fare un tour a piedi con audio guida. Non parlo delle solite audio guide, ma di tour creati da esperti locali che ti spiegano la città come farebbe un tuo amico o un veronese. Il tour che ti consiglio è Verona full immersion di Around, una piattaforma di self-guided walking tour. Ti ...

  20. Dolomites Day Tour from Verona

    All inclusive relaxing tour. Meet your local guide and expert driver in Verona city center and get ready to discover the Dolomites, the UNESCO World Heritage site during one day. First you'll leave Verona and you'll enter Valdadige, a wide valley dug by the Adige river that flows from the north. Admire the beautiful castles along the valley ...

  21. Dominica Spring Plan, Verona Woods 55+, Dover, DE 19901

    For Sale. MLS ID #DEKT2027004, Caitlin Rainer, Keller Williams Realty Central-Delaware. from $399,990. 3 bd|2 ba|1.5ksqft. Grand Cayman Plan, Verona Woods 55+, Dover, DE 19901. New Construction. Skip to the beginning of the carousel. Zillow has 9 photos of this $409,990 3 beds, 2 baths, 1,720 Square Feet single family home located at Dominica ...