Last Updated on 19th August 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
Fair Verona is the lovers’ city: a veritable paradise for foodies, history buffs, and fans of stunning architecture alike. It’s a place which demands to be savoured, but even if you only have a short time in the city, you’ll soon swoon at its many charms and delights. Here’s how to spend the perfect one day in Verona itinerary.
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Introducing Verona
If you’ve ever read any Shakespeare, then no doubt you’ll know that this is where the famous English playwright set his work about fated lovers, Romeo and Juliet. Now, millions of those in love flock to the Italian city in the Veneto region each year in the hope of experiencing a little of the city’s magic for themselves.
I first fell in love with the city of Verona on a trip to Italy aged just 19. Young and fresh faced, I soon indulged in the delightful pasta in town and fell in love with the cobbled streets that make for a trip to rival a visit to Florence or Rome.
The history of Verona dates back as far as the Romans, though there is no clear record as to what name Verona was actually known as to the Romans. Following the fall of Rome, the city was occupied by the Ostrogoths and the Lombards.
Lying on the banks of the Adige River and surrounded by Cypress tree studded hills, the city is now one of the most romantic places in Italy. If you’re planning to visit Italy, be sure to check out our guide on how to spend two weeks in Italy and the best Italy travel tips.
Is one day enough in Verona?
Thanks to its small and compact size, not to mention that the city is one of the most walkable cities in Europe, Verona’s main attractions and highlights can easily be seen over the course of a day.
With this being said, if you want to dive deeper into Verona’s hidden gems and get a feel for the city without the day trippers (i.e. by spending the night), then you’ll want to plan to spend two or three days in Verona.
Suggested itinerary for one day in Verona
Casa di Giulietta
Of course, no itinerary for Verona would be complete without mentioning Juliet’s House and accompanying balcony. This is easily the most popular site to visit in Verona and so I recommend heading here first thing to avoid having to see the spot with too many crowds around.
Juliet’s House is a bit of a misnomer because Shakespeare probably never visited this specific house in Verona and Juliet, of course, never existed. Nevertheless, you can check out the balcony (or go inside for a fee), see the real life postbox for letters to the secretaries to Juliet, and touch the bust of Juliet’s statue for good luck.
Torre dei Lamberti
If you’re the kind of person who enjoys getting to know a city from above, then you simply must scale the Lamberti Tower, which is situated just a few minutes walk from Juliet’s House. This torre, as it is so-called in Italian, dates back to the latter half of the 12th-century.
With this being said, the tower suffered an extremely damaging lightning strike in 1403 and was only repaired in 1448. The repairs took a staggering 16 years. Today, you can climb the tower for a fee. There is both elevator access and access via staircase to reach the top of the medieval tower. Purchase your ticket here in advance.
Piazza delle Erbe
You won’t have to go far to get to the Piazza delle Erbe as it’s quite literally just below the Torre dei Lamberti. The city’s main shopping square around which many other locations and attractions in town are focused is that of the main market square.
Scaliger Tombs
One of the more morbid curiosities of Verona are the Scaliger Tombs, which find their roots in the Middle Ages and are a group of five Gothic funerary monuments.
They were constructed to honour the Scaliger family, who ruled Verona in the 13th and 14th-centuries. The monuments only cost €1 to see so be sure to have some change on hand!
Verona Cathedral
It wouldn’t be a trip to an Italian city without at least a quick wander around the Duomo. Verona’s Cathedral is as beautiful and imposing as you would imagine. Unlike in some other cities such as Milan, the cathedral is actually free to visit.
Known locally as Catedral de Verona, the ecclesiastical building is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and was constructed during the 12th-century to replace former churches on site which had been destroyed during an earthquake.
Grab lunch
Verona is undoubtedly a foodie city and so you should have no problem finding a delicious meal to indulge in. If visiting during a busy period such as during a school holiday, around Valentine’s Day or in the summer, be sure to reserve ahead of time as the best restaurants fill up fast.
Roman Arena
Juliet’s House aside, if there’s one Verona attraction you should make it you mission to visit while in the city, it’s the Roman Arena. This mammoth of a structure is one of the best-preserved Roman arenas surviving from antiquity and so is a must-see for all the history buffs out there.
Situated in Piazza Bra, once upon a time, this Roman amphitheatre would have seated up to 30,000 spectators and was constructed in 30 CE. In ancient times, the Verona arena would have shown ludi (shows and games) that spectators from all over the Roman Empire would have travelled to go and watch.
Today, the amphitheatre has been adapted for modern times and opera concerts and the likes are often held in the space, albeit with a spectator capacity of around 15,000.
Enjoying a concert in the largest open air amphitheatre in the world is a must-have experience in Verona and you can find more details about how to book tickets here.
Piazza Bra
Verona’s largest square is its best appointed, and the sides of the square are lined with little cafés spilling out into the streets. You can grab a coffee here if you so wish, or perhaps a gelato (a kind of Italian ice cream that is actually made out of whole milk as opposed to cream, which is what ice cream is made out of) if the weather calls for it.
Museo di Castelvecchio
If you still have time after enjoying nearly a full day in Verona, then be sure to head to the Museo di Castelvecchio. The former castle was constructed to serve as a military fortification for the Scaliger dynasty and is now a museum. As well as getting a feel for the castle, you can enjoy several art collections within its fortified walls.
Enjoy an aperitivo
End your day the Italian way by heading to one of the many piazzas in the heart of the town and indulging in an Italian passtime: aperitivo hour. This popular tradition typically sees friends and family gather pre dinner to share a drink, snacks, and simply enjoy a little bit of time together.
Normally you’ll order some sort of aperitif drink (typically an Aperol Spritz) and it usually comes with a small snack such as crisps, nuts, or taralli biscuits. Some of the best places to check out for an Aperitivo in Verona include L’Osteria del Bugiardo, Terrazza Bar al Ponte, and Scapin – Osteria e Cucina.
Map of one day in Verona
Where to stay in Verona
Thanks to its status as one of the more popular cities to visit in Italy, there’s no shortage of accommodation in and around Verona to suit almost any budget. From budget hostels to luxurious hotel stays, here’s our pick of the best places to stay in Verona based on location and web-reviews.
Budget: Those in search of a budget place to stay in Verona should check out this hostel which offers mixed-gender and female-only dorms. Amenities include Wi-Fi, a shared kitchen, and towels and linens. Check prices and availability here.
Mid-range: This bed and breakfast offers cosy laid back rooms in a convenient location just a few minutes walk from the city centre. Check prices and availability here.
Luxury: If you’re looking for a five-star experience while in Verona, then be sure to check out this luxurious hotel which boasts amenities such as a restaurant onsite and proximity to the historic city centre. Check prices and availability here.
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Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.