How to Spend One Day in Verona: The Perfect Verona Itinerary

Verona is one of the most charming cities in northern Italy, attracting millions of tourists each year with its history, culture, and romantic atmosphere.

It is located in the Veneto region, on the banks of the Adige River. Verona is easy to reach from popular Italian cities like Venice, Milan, or Bologna, which makes it a perfect choice for a one-day trip.

Because of this, many travelers wonder how to make the most of their time in Verona. Is one day enough to see the city? Is it worth coming for just one day?

Many people visit Verona for a short time, often stopping to explore the main sights before moving on to other parts of Italy. This itinerary is made for them.

So, in this one-day Verona itinerary, you’ll discover what to do in just one day, how to see the best parts of the city, which places to visit, the top things to do, and where to eat or relax.

This way, you’ll have a full guide to help you enjoy your day in Verona and plan your trip more easily.

Detailed Verona itinerary: How to spend one day in Verona

Let’s look at a detailed one-day itinerary for Verona, broken down by time of day. This is how I think you can make the most of your day in the city:

Morning: Verona Arena, Juliet’s House

Start your day in the southern part of the old town. It’s the easiest place to find parking, so it makes sense to begin your walking tour from here.

On your way into the city, you might see the Porta Nuova in a roundabout. It’s a historical gate and a nice first impression of Verona.

After parking, head toward the city center and walk through I Portoni della Bra, a beautiful gate leading into the old town.

From here, you’ll arrive at Piazza Bra, one of Verona’s most important squares. It’s lined with colorful buildings and right next to the famous Verona Arena.

Take some time to stroll around the square. If you feel like it, sit down for a coffee and enjoy the views of the buildings and the atmosphere.

Verona Arena

One of the highlights of your day will be the Verona Arena or Arena di Verona, a Roman amphitheater located right in the heart of the city. It was built in the 1st century AD and is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world.

The Arena is known for its impressive size, beautiful stone architecture, and its role as a venue for cultural events.

Originally, it was used for gladiator games and public shows. It could hold around 30,000 people. Today, you can enjoy operas, concerts, and other live performances here, especially in the summer during the Verona Opera Festival. The sound in the Arena is amazing, which makes it a perfect place for music.

If you’re interested, you can take a guided tour of the Arena to learn more about its long history. Or, for a truly unforgettable experience, you can book a ticket to an opera or concert inside.

If you don’t feel like going inside, don’t worry, even just seeing it from the outside is impressive enough!

Next, walk to another one of Verona’s most famous landmarks: Juliet’s House.

It’s about a 10-minute walk from Piazza Bra. The streets can get busy, but along the way, you’ll see interesting shops and beautiful old buildings.

Juliet’s House

Juliet’s House, or Casa di Giulietta, is known for inspiring Shakespeare’s love story Romeo and Juliet. The building was originally built in Gothic style. Its most famous feature is the balcony above the courtyard. This balcony was added in the 20th century to look like the one described in the play.

You can step onto the balcony and take photos. Inside the house, there is a small museum with Renaissance paintings, sculptures, and furniture.

In the courtyard, you’ll find a statue of Juliet. Many people touch it because it’s believed to bring good luck.

Juliet’s House is a romantic and popular place that attracts many visitors. It’s a meaningful part of Verona’s history and a symbol of love.

Going inside the house is optional. If you don’t want to wait in line or are short on time, just visiting the courtyard can be enough for a quicker look around.

Midday: Have lunch in the old town

After some walking, it’s a good idea to take a break and enjoy lunch in the old town.

Keep in mind that most Italian restaurants close in the afternoon around 2 or 3 PM and reopen only for dinner.

Here are two Italian restaurants nearby that we recommend:

• Greppia: Located close to Juliet’s House, this is a pleasant and traditional Italian restaurant
• Il Mastino Bistrot: On Piazza delle Erbe, it’s a cozy place with a nice atmosphere and great Italian food

Both are good choices for a relaxing and tasty lunch during your day in Verona.

Afternoon: Piazza delle Erbe, Torre dei Lamberti, Castel San Pietro, Castelvecchio Museum

After lunch, continue your afternoon at Piazza delle Erbe, one of the most famous and lively squares in Verona.

The square is full of market stalls, statues, fountains, and beautiful historic buildings.

It’s a great place to walk around, explore, and enjoy the local atmosphere.

Piazza delle Erbe

As mentioned, the square is surrounded by stunning buildings, many of them hundreds of years old.

The most impressive ones include Palazzo Maffei, Case dei Mazzanti, Torre dei Lamberti, and Palazzo della Ragione.

Torre dei Lamberti

After walking around the square, it’s a good idea to go up the Torre dei Lamberti, the tallest medieval tower in Verona.

From the top, you’ll get an amazing view of the whole city.

The entrance ticket only costs a few euros, and it’s included in the Verona Card if you have one.

You can either take the stairs or use the elevator if needed.

Next, continue your afternoon in a different part of the city: the area around the famous Castel San Pietro.

You can walk there from Piazza delle Erbe. It’s only about 1 kilometer, which takes around 15 minutes on foot. The walk is pleasant and gives you a chance to see more of the city.

When we visited, we drove instead, so if you prefer that option, there are parking spots near the castle that we can recommend.

Before or after going up to Castel San Pietro, you can walk across the famous Ponte Pietra. This is one of Verona’s most iconic bridges.

Castel San Pietro

Castel San Pietro is a historic castle located on a hill overlooking Verona. From the top, you’ll get some of the best views of the city and the Adige River. It’s a more peaceful and scenic place that feels a bit away from the busy city center.

You can reach the castle by walking up a steep path from the bottom of the hill. Along the way, you can also see beautiful views. If you prefer not to climb, there is also a lift called the Funicolare di Castel San Pietro, which takes you up to the top easily.

One of the best moments to visit is in the late afternoon or early evening, when you can watch the sunset over Verona from the viewpoint.

There is also a restaurant near the castle where you can enjoy local food while looking out over the city.

Castel San Pietro is definitely worth visiting. The unique atmosphere and amazing views make it one of the most special spots in Verona.

These were the must-see places for a one-day visit to Verona. But if you still have time and energy, there are a few more interesting places you can explore.

Optional sights in Verona for the afternoon

We consider these optional, but definitely worth visiting if you’re interested.

Castelvecchio Museum

Castelvecchio is a medieval fortress built by the Scala family to protect Verona from attacks. Today, it’s home to the Castelvecchio Museum, one of the city’s most important museums of history and art.

If you’re interested in Verona’s past, this is a great place to visit. If not, you can still enjoy the view of the castle from the outside.

Nearby, don’t miss the Castelvecchio Bridge and the Arco dei Gavi, two more historical sights.

Cattedrale di Santa Maria Matricolare

You can see this beautiful cathedral near Ponte Pietra as you walk around. It’s worth a short stop to admire its impressive architecture.

Piazza dei Signori

Located right next to Piazza delle Erbe, this is a smaller and quieter square with elegant buildings and a statue of Dante Alighieri in the center.

Porta Borsari

You can find this ancient Roman gate between Piazza delle Erbe and the Arena. It’s a small detour but a nice spot to take a photo and see a piece of Roman history.

Giusti Garden

Located a bit outside the main walking area, Giusti Garden is a peaceful 16th-century garden. There is an entrance fee, but if you enjoy gardens and a quiet walk, it’s a lovely place to end your day.

All the main sights listed above, along with some of the optional ones, will easily fill your whole day in Verona.

Evening: Take a break at an Italian restaurant

In the evening, take some time to rest after a full day of walking.

Sit down at a local Italian restaurant, enjoy a good meal, and try a drink like an Aperol Spritz or a glass of Amarone, the local red wine.

The evening marks the end of your one-day itinerary in Verona.

From historic landmarks and scenic viewpoints to peaceful parks and delicious local food, this Verona itinerary is made to help you experience the very best the city has to offer, all in just one day.

Whether you’re here for a quick visit or including Verona in a longer trip around Italy, we hope this guide helps you make the most of your time in this charming city.

General questions about a trip to Verona

Now let’s look at some common questions that come up if you’re planning a trip to Verona:

Is one day enough in Verona?

Yes, one day is enough in Verona. In one day, you can see the main sights of the city, walk around the whole old town, and still have some time to relax.

I only recommend staying longer if you also want to explore the surrounding area, like Lake Garda.

Is the Verona Card worth it?

The Verona Card is the city’s official tourist pass. It includes entry to most of Verona’s top attractions, such as the Arena and Juliet’s House.

It’s not cheap, so it’s only worth buying if you really want to visit at least 3 or 4 places from the inside.

Best time to visit Verona

Like many European cities, spring and autumn are the best times to visit.

The top months are April, May, June, September, and October.

The weather can be a bit rainy during these months, but the temperatures are perfect for walking around and sightseeing.

How to get to Verona

If you are coming from a neighboring country, like Austria, Slovenia, Switzerland, or southern France, it might be a good idea to travel by car. Verona is in a central location, near the A4 and A22 highways, so it’s very easy to reach by car from any direction.

If you are coming from farther away, it’s better to look for flights to Venice, Milan, or maybe Bologna, as these are the nearest international airports.

It’s important to know that Verona also has its own airport, though there’s only a small chance of finding a suitable international flight. Still, it might be worth a try.

You can also get to Verona easily by train. The city is well connected to most major Italian cities, with high-speed trains from Milan, Venice, and even Rome.

Getting around Verona

The old town is easy to explore on foot. It’s not small, but because of the ZTL (limited traffic zone), walking is basically the best – and often the only – way to get around in the center.

To reach the old town, you usually have two options: by car or by public transport.

If you’re traveling by car, it’s best to park near the Arena or Castel San Pietro. I recommend parking options for those areas below.

If you’re using public transport, you can take the local city buses. Tickets are available through a local app, or you can use the Verona Card, which includes public transport.

Parking in Verona

Parking in Verona is not so easy. As mentioned, the city has a strict ZTL (limited traffic zone). This means you cannot drive into the old town without special permission.

Here are the best places to try for parking:

Near the Arena:

• Parcheggio Verona: outdoor parking lot
• Parking Piazza Cittadella: underground garage
• Parcheggio Saba Arena: underground garage

Near Castel San Pietro:

• Street parking near Chiesa di Santo Stefano
• or near La Giarina, along the river

Try to arrive early in the day to find a good spot. And always check the parking signs!

Which other destinations are worth visiting?

Verona is in a very central location, so you can discover many interesting places with just a short drive.

Here are some places I think you would really enjoy:

Milan

Milan is one of Italy’s most vibrant and stylish cities. Known as the fashion capital of the world, it’s also a hub for design, art, and culture.

You can admire the stunning Duomo di Milano, stroll through the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, or explore the impressive Sforza Castle and its art collections.

Milan is also famous for its lively food scene, with numerous restaurants serving delicious local dishes, and boasts some of the best shopping in Europe.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, lies in the north, between Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige, and Veneto.

Surrounded by picturesque villages, olive groves, and vineyards, it’s famous for its stunning landscapes.

You can explore historic towns like Sirmione, Malcesine, and Riva del Garda, visit lakeside castles, or take a ferry to discover scenic views from the water.

The lake’s clear waters are ideal for swimming, sailing, and water sports, while the surrounding hills and mountains offer excellent hiking and biking trails.

Dolomites

The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northeastern Italy, are known for their stunning peaks and landscapes.

Key spots include Lago di Braies, with its crystal-clear waters, the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and the beautiful Lago di Carezza.

You can explore picturesque villages like Cortina d’Ampezzo and Ortisei, or enjoy activities like hiking, skiing, and climbing. The Seceda area offers breathtaking views too.

The region is also known for its rich nature and alpine cuisine, including spätzle and apple strudel.

Venice

Venice is one of the most unique and romantic cities in the world, built on a series of small islands in a lagoon in northeastern Italy.

Known for its beautiful canals, historic architecture, and stunning views, Venice is a popular destination for tourists from around the globe.

You can explore famous landmarks such as St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge, or simply wander the narrow streets and alleys to discover hidden squares and picturesque corners.

So, this was the detailed one-day Verona itinerary, broken down by time of day. You got to know the best places to visit in Verona, the best things to do, the top hotels, and restaurants — all personally recommended.

With all this info, it’ll be much easier to plan a short trip to Verona.

So if you’re feeling inspired to visit for a day — or for any kind of short trip — book your flight and hotel as soon as you can, and get ready to enjoy the beautiful city of Verona!