How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Verona, Italy (2024)

Verona is known as the city of the Capulets and the Montagues, the home of Romeo and Juliet. And while that is very true, and you can go stand beneath Juliet’s balcony, there is a lot more to this city.

It is, after all, more than 2,000 years old. The layers of history you’ll uncover on your one day in Verona are unparalleled. 

While we spent an entire month in Verona exploring all of its hidden gems, seeing the highlights in one day is definitely doable. We’re sharing all of the must-see attractions, plus some of our favorite local restaurants to help you easily plan your time in Verona.

From ancient Roman ruins to present day gastronomic wonders, you’ll walk across bridges that were destroyed during World War II, and visit powerful families of a Verona past.

Without a doubt there are a lot of things to see in Verona in one day, so let’s get started. 

The 24-Hour Verona Card: Is it worth it?

Yes, based on our experience, the 24-hour Verona Card is very much worth it. Not only does the card give you access to a whole host of attractions but it also allows you to save money on most of the main sights.

Many of the itinerary items we’ve listed here are included on the Verona card. Throughout this one day in Verona itinerary we’ve listed the individual prices of each of the attractions.

If you paid for each of them individually you would total around €40. At €20 for the 24-hour card, it’s easy to show that it provides a huge amount of savings!

Once you’ve purchased the card, make sure to go to the Verona Tourist Office to pick up your physical card before starting your day.

Here are some of the main sights included in the Verona card: 

• Verona Arena
• Arche Scaligere tombs (only open in the summer)
• Church of Sant’Anastasia
• Church of San Zeno
• Juliet’s House (must book in advance)
• San Fermo Church
• Verona Cathedral
• Archeological Museum at the Roman Theatre
• Castelvecchio Museum
• Juliet’s Tomb and Frescoes museum
• Lamberti Tower

For more information and a complete list of everything included in the Verona card, check out the official website.

One Day in Verona Itinerary

This Verona itinerary will walk you through what to see in Verona in one day. We’ve picked out the top sights which we think should be prioritized to give you the best possible experience. 

Breakfast at Flego

Start your day off with a visit to Pasticceria Flego for a stuffed brioche with cream and a coffee. The aesthetic little cafe has been around since the 70s and serves a lot of Veronese specialty sweets and treats.

If you’re in Verona around the holiday season try a Pandoro cake. Flego has three locations around the city, two of which are in the city center.

Addresses: Corso Porta Borsari, 9 & Via Stella, 13 (we prefer this location)
Hours: Both locations are open 7 days a week 7:30 am – 7:30 pm

Arena di Verona & Piazza Bra

Piazza Bra is a beautiful plaza which encompasses a green space, a load of cafes, shops, restaurants, as well as the ancient Verona Arena. The piazza is an active place and a meeting point for Veronese residents.

This is a great place to start your day off and get a taste for the liveliness throughout the city. 

The Verona Arena was built in 30 AD with pink and white limestone. It has stood through time as a performance stage since then. It is now known as one of the most well preserved ancient Roman arenas.

You can visit during the day and experience all the history in it by wandering the open seating space and the interior walkways. 

Even more remarkable though is watching the space come alive in the way it was intended. During the summer, you can attend operas, theater performances, and more and enjoy the remarkable acoustics that fill in the ancient space during operas, theater performances, and more.

Check the calendar of events to see what is on while you are in town.

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 9:00am – 7:00pm
Ticket price: €10
Included in the Verona Card? Yes

Castelvecchio Museum & Bridge

The Castelvecchio museum is housed in a castle of the same name which was first built in the 1300s. It now contains an array of historic artwork from throughout Medieval and Renaissance Italy as well as artifacts like swords, jewels, and detached frescoes.

Guided tours of the museum artworks are available — make sure to book in advance not to be disappointed.

Connected to the museum and castle is the Castelvecchio bridge. The bridge can be visited independently from the museum and is free to access.

It was also built in the mid-1300s and at that time it had the largest span in the world. While the bridge was rebuilt after its destruction in World War II, the current iteration is made with the same bricks and design as the original.

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 10:00am – 6:00pm | More info on official website
Ticket price: €6.60 online | €6 at the museum
Included in the Verona Card? Yes

Piazza delle Erbe

Your next stop is known in English as Market Square — Piazza delle Erbe — and is the oldest square in Verona. It has been vital to the city since the time of the Roman Empire when it acted as the city’s forum. 

Still to this day the square is full of life. Around it you can find an array of monuments and attractions, including the Torre Lamberti (outlined next), Volto Barbaro — a famous alleyway in Romeo & Juliet, and the Palazzo Maffei Casa museum. This square has been voted the most beautiful square in the world so no doubt is worth a visit.

Torre Lamberti

Within the city of Verona, the Torre Lamberti is the highest viewpoint, standing 84 meters (over 275 feet) high. This makes the tower an amazing place from which to catch beautiful, 360° birds-eye views of the city.

You can reach the top by climbing up 368 steps or paying a little extra to ride the elevator to the top. Both ways will give you a perspective on the interior architecture of the tower.

The Torre Lamberti was originally built in the 12th century but after damage from a direct lightning hit, it was expanded upon during restoration works. The clock was an even later addition. 

Hours: Monday – Friday from 10:00am – 6:00pm & Saturday – Sunday from 11:00am – 7:00pm
Ticket price: €6 | Reservations are highly recommended by emailing in advance on the official website
Included in the Verona Card? Yes — but advanced booking is recommended

Piazza dei Signori

Piazza dei Signori is a beautiful square in Verona surrounded by stunning, palatial buildings. These buildings date back as early as the 12th century and were largely used as private residences for powerful Veronese families such as the Scaligeri family.

This family ran the city throughout the 13th and 14th centuries. You can also discover other beautiful landmarks here such as the marble statue of Girolamo Fracastoro by the sculptor Danese Cattaneo and the famous statue of Dante which stands in the center of the square.

Interestingly, after Dante was banished from Florence he was welcomed to Verona as a guest and friend of the Scaglieri family. 

Scaliger Tombs

That same Scaliger family who ran Verona for over a century are buried in these elaborate tombs. Visiting the tombs will give you an idea of how much power and influence — along with riches — the family held.

The Gothic grave monuments have incredible detail, from the decorations on the wrought iron fencing that surrounds the complex, all the way to the large adornments surrounding each individual tomb the attention to detail and opulence in death is impressive. 

The tombs are only open to enter during the summer months; otherwise, you can walk past them and see them through the iron fence the rest of the year. We have never actually entered inside because we’ve only visited during the months they are closed.

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 7:30am – 12:30pm & 13:30pm to 17:00 pm (only open during the summer months)
Ticket price: Free with ticket to other Verona museums & monuments
Included in the Verona Card? Yes

Juliet’s House

Julet’s House may be one of the most well known and sought out attractions in Verona thanks to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

While the home where the balcony can now be found is believed to have been the home of the Dal Cappello family, legend says it is there that Giulietta Capuleti was born. Whether or not that is true, it is a fact that the balcony you can now see was only very recently added on to the building.

You can enter the courtyard in front of the house for free and look up at the famous balcony. There is also a statue of ‘Juliet’ in the courtyard — it is believed that if you rub the statue’s right breast you will gain luck in love.

Inside the house you can see Veronese frescoes, 19th-century paintings, as well as modern day costumes from the 1968 movie version of Romeo & Juliet.

In our opinion, the home is pretty basic compared to other Italian villas and castles. If you have the Verona Card, it’s worth a quick stop; however, we don’t feel like it’s worth paying extra to go inside.

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 9:00am – 7:00pm
Ticket price: €6
Included in the Verona Card? Yes — but advanced booking of a time for your visit is mandatory. Book online at the official website.

Basilica di Santa Anastasia

The Basilica di Santa Anastasia is Verona’s largest church with architecture that is a blend of both Gothic and Romanesque styles. The interior is an amazing blend of marbles from around the country.

Construction of the basilica took over 100 years and was mostly completed in 1400. The building is full of impressive frescoes as well as a great collection of statues and artworks from the last 600 years.  

Hours: Monday – Friday from 10:00am – 5:00pm & Saturday from 9:30am – 6:00pm & Sundays 1:00pm – 5:30pm
Ticket price: €4
Included in the Verona Card? Yes

Ponte Pietra

Ponte Pietra means “stone bridge”. This one is a Roman arch style bridge which was completed in 100 BC. It is the first structure the Romans completed after they arrived in Verona.

Unfortunately, the structure was partially destroyed during World War II. It does stand though now as it originally was, rebuilt with entirely original materials. Views of the bridge from points along the river are stunning, but a walk across the bridge is also not to be missed on your one day in Verona.

Piazzale Castel San Pietro

The biggest reason to include the Piazzale Castel San Pietro in your 1 day in Verona is for the epic views from its exterior. You actually can’t currently enter the castle (which is more technically a fort), but there is a restaurant at the top of the hill where you can enjoy a drink and panoramic views out across the city of Verona.

Those views include the Torre di Lamberti, the river, and the various peeks and steeples of the churches and towers in the city. 

If you’re looking for an amazing spot to enjoy the sunset in Verona, this is definitely the spot to choose. While there is a pathway of stone steps up, if you’re not into that level of exercise, you can use the funicular to access the hill during daytime hours. 

Funicular hours: Summer (April – October) 10:00am – 9:00pm & Winter (November – March) 10:00am – 5:00pm 
Funicular ticket price: €3 roundtrip | €2 one-way
Included in the Verona Card? No

Teatro Romano

This theater was built by the Romans in the first century BC. Its ruins were uncovered in the 1800s, and while they are partially visible today, much of the space has been revamped or covered with modern materials as it continues to be a working theater with events on throughout the year.

Regardless, the Roman theater is a sight to be seen in order to get a feel for what life was like in Verona during Roman times — the grandeur of the way the people lived then. 

And of course, don’t miss the attached museum with mosaics, Roman statues, tombs, as well as everyday items recovered from excavations of ancient Verona.

Hours: Tuesday – Wednesday from 2:00pm – 6:00pm & Thursday – Sunday 10:00am – 6:00pm
Ticket price: €6 | More info on the official website
Included in the Verona Card? Yes

Wander around the streets

By now you may have noticed how stunning the streets of Verona are, and how there is so much more to discover around every corner. The cobblestone paths tell stories of an ancient world and of all of the civilizations and peoples who have passed through it. 

As you take your time wandering and getting lost in the warmth of the city’s colors you might want to stop in at another church — check out the romanesque Battistero di San Giovanni in Fonte or the combined romanesque and gothic architecture of the Church of San Fermo Maggiore. 

Or maybe you’ll want to stop at another cafe for a bit and enjoy a Torta delle Rose (a rich sugar cake) — check out Pasticceria De Rossi. Or you could head down to the Adige River for a leisurely stroll along its banks — there are paths running along the far side near Parco Cesare Lombroso.

Map of Verona in One Day

To help you best navigate your way around during your day in Verona, here is a map of all of the sights and restaurants listed in this itinerary.

To save the map to Google Maps on your phone or computer, click on the star next to the title. Once you do this, you’ll be able to find the map in your “saved maps” list on your phone.

To see a list of all the items on the map, click the box with arrow on the left. To enlarge the map, click the box on the right.

How to get around Verona 

The easiest way to get around Verona is by walking! All of the sights in this itinerary are within walking distance, which means you won’t have to pay extra for any public transportation during your one day in Verona.

Is one day enough for Verona?

One day is a really nice amount of time for Verona, as you can see from this Verona in 1 day itinerary, you can fit a lot into that time.

That being said, if you can stretch your overall Italy itinerary to fit a full two days in Verona, that will allow you more time to really see everything this gorgeous Italian city has to offer, to take things a bit slower, and to stop in for a few more meals.

Best Verona Tour Options

If you’re wanting to learn more about the history of Verona, then taking a tour is an excellent choice. From historical walking tours to food and wine tours, these are the best options.

• Verona Food, Wine & History tour: This is the tour to take if you want a bit of history and a bit of food. You’ll wander through the streets of Verona with a guide learning about the main sights all while sipping and eating your way through the city.
• Verona Highlights Walking Tour: On this small-group tour, you’ll wander around the city with an expert guide seeing all of the highlights.

Where to eat in Verona

Speaking of food, there are plenty of amazing options for eating around the city. Here are a few we recommend. 

Quick eats: 

• La Bottega della Gina XXL – If you’re a pasta lover, this place can’t be skipped. Each day the small shop makes tortelloni, tortellini, tagliatelle, gnocchi, lasagna — all fresh. Their menu is small but full of flavor. If you want to try a bit of everything without popping, try the mixed tortellini option. 
• La Figaccia – While there are a few bar stools in the shop, La Figaccia mostly offers their amazing focaccia sandwiches to go. This is a perfect option for a delicious meal when you’re not super hungry, or if you’re in a bit of a hurry to get through all of your things to do in Verona in a day. Try the carpaccio — and don’t worry, the meat and cheese portions are generous.
• Dal Grano – For a  delicious square slice of pizza, Dal Grano is the best option in Verona. There is no seating, but you can stand at the counter and eat if you prefer that to a takeaway slice. All of the slices ready are on display in the case — they change throughout the day but can always be dependably delicious with a light, fluffy crust. 
• PanzeRé – Panzerotteria – For fresh fried bread made from raw ingredients this is a must-try. You can get the bread stuffed with tomatoes and mozzarella or a variety of other ingredients. This is also a good place to keep in mind for a late night snack as it’s open until 2 am. 

Italian Restaurants: 

• Caffè Monte Baldo – Osteria con cucina – This is a gorgeous and typical little Italian restaurant serving up small plates and cicchetti made with fresh ingredients. There’s an amazing menu of pastas, but make sure also to save room for dessert (try the cheesecake). Also, if you’re a wine drinker, allow the servers to guide you through the perfect pairings for each stage of your meal.
• Trattoria alla Colonna – It was an accident of the wrong dish served about 30 years ago which first put this trattoria on the map for its incredible fried veal cutlets (schnitzel) — the dish it is still most well known for today. The delicious schnitzel sits alongside classics like pastas and a variety of other meat dishes. 
• Locanda di Castelvecchio – This restaurant is strongly recommended for the dedicated carnivores out there. Take a seat and a cart of boiled meats will make its way around to you. You can then point and choose which ones you want to try (we recommend going all out and trying them all!). Of course, in addition to the superb meat selection there are also amazing pasta dishes on the menu. 
• Trattoria al Pompiere – This cozy trattoria serves up a menu on which everything is dependly delicious. This of course makes it a no-brainer as an addition to your things to do in Verona in one day. In addition to the amazing food, the service is excellent and the wine list is very impressive. 

Where to stay in Verona

We love finding the best hotels in every city that we visit. Verona has a wonderful selection of hotels that accommodate every type of budget. Here are our top picks:

Luxury: Vista Palazzo | This 5-star hotel features gorgeous modern rooms, rooftop views, and top amenities like a spa and gym.

Boutique: Hotel Accademia | A wonderful hotel located in the heart of the old town with amenities like a gym and breakfast.

Budget: Casa Esvael | This charming b&b is located just a 5-minute walk from the center of Verona and offers a lovely rustic Italian stay.

How to get to Verona

Getting to Verona by plane

If you are flying into Verona you will arrive at the Verona Villafranca Airport, also known as Valerio Catullo Airport, which is about 10 km (around 6 miles) out of the city.

A huge number of airlines have flights arriving into the airport from around 80 destinations. You can get direct to Verona from cities like Frankfurt, London, or Munich.

After you arrive at the airport you have several options to get you into the city. You can get the 199 bus for €6, grab a taxi for around €25, or you could pick up a car rental at the airport. The drive in is about 15 minutes into town. 

Getting to Verona by train

The main train station in Verona is Verona Porta Nuova, but there is also a second one called Verona Porta Vescovo. The Porta Nuova station is located to the west of Verona.

You can catch the train on a direct journey from cities around Italy like Milan, Venice, and Trieste. 

If you don’t have a lot of luggage you could walk easily into the city center in about 20 minutes. Alternatively, there are several bus options which will get you there in a matter of minutes. 

We recommend purchasing your train tickets in Italy online at the official Trenitalia website or via the app. For the best prices, buy your tickets at least 3 weeks in advance.

Getting to Verona by car

Verona is in a great location, more or less equidistant from Venice, Bologna, and Milan with drive times of around 90 minutes to two hours.

A trip by car from any of these other cities offers a fantastic opportunity to see more of the Italian countryside.

That being said, you probably won’t need the car while you are exploring this 1 day in Verona itinerary — so either find a good place to park it or return it to the rental company until you’re ready to head to your next stop.

When is the best time to visit Verona? 

Verona is a very popular tourist destination, which means it’s pretty packed all year round. 

For the best weather and a less crowded experience, we suggest visiting during the shoulder seasons. April to June and September to October are great times to visit. 

Alternatively, if you want to experience Italy during the holiday season, the Verona Christmas market is one of the best in Italy. The best time to visit the market is in December up until Christmas.

Best Verona Day Trips

Spending an extra day in the city and planning to do a day trip from Verona? During our month in Verona, we took a ton of day trips. These are our top 5 recommendations.

• Venice: A day trip from Verona to Venice is a great idea, especially considering accommodation is much cheaper in Verona! With the train only taking 1-1.5 hours, you’ll have the entire day to traverse the canals of Venice and explore this magical city.
• Padua (Padova): The train from Verona to Padua only takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. This city is filled with historical charm and has plenty of unique sights to keep you busy for the day, such as the Scrovegni Chapel and Prato della Valle.
• Mantua (Mantova): One of our favorite cities in northern Italy, Mantua is only a 45 minute train ride from Verona. The Palazzo Ducale and Palazzo Te are both must-sees.
• Bologna: If you’re looking to visit Italy’s food capital, then a day trip to Bologna is a must! The train takes between 1-1.5 hours and so many wonderful things to do in Bologna, such as climbing the two towers and hiking up the world’s longest portico.
• Madonna della Corona Sanctuary: This is an incredible 17th century church that is built into a rocky cliffside. It’s more tricky to get here, but the best way to do it is by renting a car from Verona for the day.

More information for your trip to northern Italy

• Bologna to Verona day trip
• Milan to Verona day trip
• 20 Reasons to visit Bologna, Italy