One day in Verona: It is More than Romeo and Juliet’s City
Many of us associate Verona with the tragic love affair in Shakespeare’s play. However, the city is much more than that. Spending at least one day in Verona is mandatory, especially if you find yourself on an Italy itinerary.
I visited Verona a few years ago with my mother and mother-in-law.
Even though we spent a few days in Verona and its surroundings, a one-day itinerary would cover most of the important sights.
This post contains affiliate links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you. Read more about this on our disclosure page here.
Table of Contents
- One Day in Verona
- Other City Break Options
One Day in Verona
How to get to Verona
The fastest and cheapest way to get to Verona is by flying to Verona Villafranca Airport.
From there, you can take the bus to the city center, which will take around 15 minutes.
For various reasons, we landed in Bologna and left from Verona airport. We took the train from Bologna train station to Verona Porta Nuova. It was a one-hour trip.
Depending on the available connections, you should also consider landing in Bologna.
Moreover, if you land in Bologna, book your train ticket in advance and save on the price. You can do it online on omio.com or ItaliaRail.com.
What to do and see in one day in Verona
We spent more days in town, and I really enjoyed the laid-back vibe and charming narrow streets, colorful piazzas, and delicious food.
That said, one day is enough time to see the most popular attractions.
Castelvecchio
As we arrived in town, the imposing Castelvecchio with its big walls was the first thing we saw. Because of its location, I would suggest you should as well start your trip here.
The old castle, dating from the Middle Ages, was the most important military construction in town. Although it doesn’t have fascinating architecture, it is still a place to see.
Built with red brick in the Gothic style, the castle now hosts a museum. From its walls, you can see Verona from above.
Piazza Bra and Arena di Verona
Stroll on Corso Cavour and pass by the marble arch known as Arco dei Gavi. Better yet, cross the street and take Via Roma to Piazza Bra.
The wide square had the famous Arena di Verona in the middle and many colorful old buildings lined up overlooking it.
Then, stop here for a coffee, gelato, panino, or lunch, depending on the time of day.
I absolutely loved the atmosphere here and I think it is the perfect place for a get-together with friends or eating out.
Once hosting various shows and games, the Roman amphitheater dating from back in 30 AD, now is a concert hall where many famous artists from all over the world held concerts in recent times.
Go window shopping in Via Giuseppe Mazzini
Additionally, you should explore one of the main shopping streets in town.
I can’t promise you’ll do a lot of shopping, but you will at least have some time to look around at some of the most luxurious stores.
Casa di Giulietta
Allow yourself to stroll through the narrow streets, admire terraces and restaurants under the arches as you pass them by, and head all the way to Juliet’s house.
Before you get there, I think you should know that Shakespeare’s character was made up and never existed in real life. That’s why, the house has nothing to do with Juliet, especially the one in love with Romeo.
As you reach the house and its famous balcony, you’ll find plenty of people around – taking pictures on the balcony or touching the famous statue of the so-called Giulietta (Juliet).
Piazza delle Erbe
Your next stop on your walk through Verona should be the Piazza delle Erbe.
Surrounded by buzzing cafes and restaurants, with a fountain and a marble statue in the middle, this might be one of the most picturesque places in town.
While we were there, the piazza was home to a flea market, filled with various local products from delicious food, to handmade Murano glass jewelry or Italian leather goods.
Climb the Torre dei Lamberti
The ancient town hall, flanking the northern side of the Piazza delle Erbe, is known as the Torre dei Lamberti.
85 m high, dating from 1172, the tower is the place to go when you want to have an overall view over Verona. You’ll have to climb the many spiral stairs, but the view from the top will be rewarding for sure.
Ponte Pietra
Continue your stroll and cross over on the other side of the Adige river, on the Ponte Pietra – the stone bridge.
Sitting just in front of the San Pietro Castle, the Roman arch bridge is the oldest in town, offering a great view over both sides of the river. It dates back to 100 BC when it was part of the road linking Genoa to Aquileia.
San Pietro Castle
An ancient fortress, built on the hills, on the banks of the Adige river, Castel San Pietro is for sure a place you won’t want to miss in Verona.
Even though people aren’t allowed inside the castle, it is all about the views you’ll have from here.
Head to St. Peter’s Lookout and have your camera ready for some stunning pictures. You’ll get to see Verona’s old town, the beautiful Ponte Pietra, and some stunning scenery.
Go on a walking tour
When you want to learn more about the city’s history, discover some hidden corners, and you don’t have a lot of time to get lost on your own, booking a walking tour is a great idea.
You’ll have 3 hours to be guided by a local and shown some of the best places in town, showing you the most important sights and telling you all about the city’s history.
Taste the local wine and food
Italy is all about food and wine, nobody can disagree with that.
With every region and town boasting its particular wine and local dishes, you will want to try everything, especially if you are on a longer Italy itinerary.
Take one hour of your one day in Verona to try the white wine they produce here or learn about the production steps of the extra virgin olive oil they have.
Book your wine tasting experience or your olive oil tasting!
Where to stay in Verona
If you are planning to spend a bit more time in Verona or have a base for discovering Northern Italy, I suggest choosing a charming place in the old town area.
We stayed in a small two-bedroom apartment with a rooftop terrace from which we could see the red ceilings of the old buildings around.
I absolutely loved the place, and as we left the building, we were a few steps away from most of the important sights in town.
In addition, it had a small kitchen where we could make coffee and something for breakfast, which we could enjoy on the terrace.
Lastly, a small supermarket was just around the corner.
Check out availability and prices here!
Hotel Milano & SPA is another great option for when you want to have access to a stunning rooftop terrace with a jacuzzi overlooking the famous Arena di Verona. You won’t have to worry about breakfast, and you’ll be in the heart of the old town as well.
See prices and room options here!
Booking.comGetting around Verona
Even though the city has a great public transportation system, I would recommend getting around on foot. Especially if you only plan to stay in town.
Walking around the old town of Verona can be easily done in one day, and you’ll get to see the best of it like that.
Have more time?
When you have more time to spend here, you can easily opt for day trips to some of the most famous destinations in Italy, and not only.
From Verona, you can:
- Go on a day trip to Verona from Venice. The journey can be as short as 1 hour if you take the fast train.
- Go on a day trip to Lake Garda
- Visit Parco Sigurta, a stunning hidden gem any nature lover adores.
- Discover Bologna for a day.
Other City Break Options
- Spend 4 days and discover Hong Kong
- The Ultimate 4 days in London
- 2 days in Vienna
- 3 days in Budapest
- Ho Chi Minh Itinerary: Discover Vietnam’s largest city.
- 2 days in Berlin
- One day in Nuremberg
- One day in Frankfurt
- 3 days in Seoul: A Complete Itinerary
- One day in Bruge
- 2 days in Lisbon
- Unusual things to do in Amsterdam
- Love at first sight: 3 days in Stockholm
- Things to do in Barcelona
- 3 days in Thessaloniki
- Your perfect 2 days in Rome
- 2 days in Athens
9 Comments