What to see in Verona in one day: the eight most interesting places to visit plus two unmissable unusual destinations. Discover Italo’s mini-guide to Verona.
Arrange a short holiday or a business trip with a one-day round-trip, leave with Italo to discover Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage city in the Veneto region. Our one-day mini-guide offers a truly unique itinerary! Did you know that the main monuments are all located within the historic center? And in addition to the city’s top attractions, you will have a chance to discover two unusual destinations. Verona is the perfect city to enjoy a relaxing day without stress, and you won’t need transportation to get around. However, if you’re traveling with little ones, here’s our guide to what to do in Verona with kids. Are you ready for your one-day discovery on Verona?
Top ten things to do in Verona
Verona, Italy, a city where history and romance intertwine, offers visitors a captivating journey through time. Known worldwide as the setting for Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” Verona captivates with its ancient Roman ruins, including the well-preserved Arena, an amphitheater that hosts concerts and operas, creating a link between the past and the present. Stroll through the charming streets, explore the medieval castles, and marvel at the stunning architecture of the Romanesque churches. Verona’s vibrant piazzas, such as Piazza delle Erbe, offer a glimpse into the city’s bustling life, surrounded by historic buildings and lively cafes. Whether you’re drawn by the lure of literary romance or the allure of historic exploration, Verona promises an unforgettable adventure.
Arena of Verona
In Piazza Bra, enjoy a glass of wine and succumb to the enchantment of the Arena, the world-famous amphitheater, the splendid icon of this Venetian city along with the figures of Romeo and Juliet. In Roman times, it was the site of gladiator fights; in the Middle Ages and until the mid-18th century, the site of jousts and tournaments. In 1913, it also became the location of the world’s largest open-air opera season, and today it is a symbol of the city and host to major events and concerts. The cost of a full ticket to visit the Arena of Verona is €10, and reduced tickets cost €7.50 for groups and over-60s. The site is open Monday through Sunday from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm.
Piazza Bra
Piazza Bra is the city’s main square and one of the largest in Europe. It is embellished by the splendid pink marble you walk on, the majestic Arena, the Palazzo Barbieri, the Grande Guardia, the Fountain of the Alps, the statue of King Victor Emmanuel II, and the Pentagon Tower. In addition, the square is home to numerous wine bars and wine stores where you can taste Verona’s best wines.
Castelvecchio
Castelvecchio is little more than a 1 km away, and you will reach it in ten minutes. Visit the castle and the museum to admire works by Mantegna, Veronese, Tiepolo and then climb the walls for a truly unique view. Finally, after your visit to the museum, take a walk over the Castelvecchio Bridge, which crosses the River Adige. The cost of the full ticket for admission to the Museum of Castelvecchio is €6; reduced admission for eligible categories is €4.50 The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm. Admission to the castle alone, on the other hand, is free. If you’re a museum enthusiast traveling with little ones, don’t miss our tips for a night with kids at Verona’s Museum of Natural History.
Shopping in via Mazzini
Walk down Via Mazzini, Verona’s shopping street. This street is an ideal destination to indulge in shopping. You will find many elegant clothing stores, perfumery stores, vintage books, and fine fabrics. Walking around and admiring the shop windows, you can also see the beautiful neoclassical Arvedi Loggia. Before you get to your fourth destination, however, take a lunch break and enjoy typical Verona dishes at the city’s best restaurants; here are our eatery tips.
Juliet’s House, Balcony and Statue
After shopping, and once you have reached the end of Via Mazzini, you reach Via Cappello 23, Juliet’s house with its garden, balcony and statue. It’s a must, especially if you have organized a romantic weekend in Verona with your sweetheart including five places not to be missed! Juliet’s house is a medieval palazzo that became famous all over the world thanks to William Shakespeare’s celebrated play Romeo and Juliet. Published in 1597, it tells the story of two rival families, the Montagues and the Capulets.
Did you know that, according to popular belief, touching the statue of Shakespeare’s heroine brings luck, especially in love? The statue of Juliet is said to represent the guardian of true love, capable of assuring lovers the good fortune that to her was denied. Admission to the courtyard of Juliet’s House is free, the cost of the ticket to visit the House itself is €6, reduced by €1 for children aged 8 to 14. Admission is free for over-65s, children under 7 years old and people with disabilities and carers. Reservations are required.
Piazza delle Erbe
A few meters from Juliet’s house, you reach Piazza delle Erbe, the oldest square in Verona and the beating heart of the city’s business district. In the square, you can admire the Casa dei Mercanti, the colorful facades of the Casa Mazzanti and the fountain of Madonna Verona. Here, in addition to the fruit and vegetable market (on weekends), you can enjoy an excellent apéritif experiencing truly unique terraces and cocktail bars. Here is our guide. Not far from Piazza delle Erbe, visit the Torre dei Lamberti, which rises to a height of 84 meters. From here, you will enjoy a splendid view of the square and the city’s rooftops.
Piazza dei Signori
From Piazza delle Erbe, a minute’s walk away, you reach Piazza dei Signori, also known as Piazza Dante. In this square, the Verona’s administrative hub, you can admire the Loggia del Consiglio with its portico, Palazzo Cansignorio and the Palazzo della Regione. On the other hand, if you’re travelling on business, check out our guide on the Verona’s five best coworking facilities.
In the center of the square, you will find the giant statue of Dante Alighieri, who found refuge in Verona during his exile from Florence. This monument to Dante was created by the young sculptor Ugo Zannoni in 1865 to celebrate the sixth centenary of the Supreme Poet’s death, and for more than 150 years, it has been on display in all its glory. If you’re fascinated by the art and history of Italy, do not miss our guide to the most beautiful Italian cities to visit in winter.
Arche Scaligere
After visiting Piazza dei Signori, head for Via di S. Maria Antica; it only takes a minute’s walk. Here you can admire the Arche Scaligere, the funerary complex of the ancient Lords of Verona. It is an imposing, monumental tomb that has housed the remains of the Princes of the Della Scala family for more than 700 years. It is one of the most distinctive vistas of the city.
Giardino Giusti
After finishing the classic tour of Verona, here is the first unusual destination you must not miss: the Giusti Garden. From Castelvecchio, it’s a ten-minute walk along the Lungadige Giacomo Matteotti. Visit this Italian-style garden, in which have walked legendary figures such as Mozart and Goethe. This garden was created in the late 15th century and today exhibits the layout commissioned by Agostino Giusti in 1570, designed as a backdrop for the Giusti Palace. The cost of the full ticket for admission to the Giusti Garden is €10; reduced admission for eligible categories is €7.It is open all year round from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm in winter and until 8.00 pm in summer.
Antique market in San Zeno
The second unusual destination of this tour is the antique market in San Zeno. Every Sunday, you’ll find the central square invaded with stalls selling books, records, clothing, and furniture, with the imposing Basilica of San Zeno, one of Lombardy’s Romanesque masterpieces, as a spectacular backdrop. If you love vintage, this market takes you back in time, where you and your kids can learn about games, customs, and objects from a bygone age.
How to get to Verona by train
Today you can reach Verona comfortably by train with incredible offers thanks to Italo Treno. Visit the specific page and check the offers and train schedules to and from Verona: buy your modifiable low-cost ticket in advance and you can reach Verona by high-speed train with unbeatable fares. Remember to always access your reserved area to take advantage of the Plus Offers, rates dedicated only to subscribers. If you haven’t already done so, you can sign up for the Italo Più Loyalty Program for free, get 5% off your first trip right away, and collect points with your trips to claim free award tickets.
When you arrive at Verona’s station, a very efficient and well-organized public transportation system provides several bus services to the city center. The price of a single ticket, valid for 90 minutes, is €1.30 and a day ticket costs €4.
Day trips from Verona
From Verona, you have a plethora of day trip options that showcase the rich tapestry of Northern Italy’s landscapes, culture, and cuisine. Here are some highlights:
Venice
A classic day trip destination from Verona, Venice offers a journey through its iconic canals, St. Mark’s Square, and the Doge’s Palace. A gondola ride is a must for a full Venetian experience. The journey with Italo takes 1 hour and 1 minute
Brescia
Less than an hour from Verona by train, Brescia offers a surprising amount of sights, including a well-preserved Roman forum, a medieval castle with panoramic views, and several museums and squares. Don’t miss trying the local Bagoss cheese, a dense and salty delight. The journey with Italo takes 34 minutes from Verona to Brescia.
Ferrara
A city rich in medieval history and art, Ferrara is known for its Renaissance walls, the splendid Palazzo dei Diamanti, and the Este Castle. The city’s historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Bologna
Dubbed the capital of Italian cuisine, Bologna is home to famous dishes like pasta al ragu and lasagna. Its university is the oldest in the world, and the city is recognized for its extensive porticoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Recommended are climbing the Asinelli tower for city views and visiting the Anatomic Theater. The high-speed train from Verona makes Bologna easily accessible in about 52 minutes to 3 hours.
Modena
Famous for its balsamic vinegar, Modena also offers the Modena Cathedral, showcasing exquisite Romanesque architecture, and the Enzo Ferrari Museum, perfect for automobile enthusiasts. Nearby Maranello hosts the Ferrari Factory and Museum.
Visit the beauties of Emilia Romagna with Italo
Bergamo
Known for its medieval charm and modern vitality, Bergamo’s upper town (Città Alta) is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore ancient streets, city walls, and stunning architecture before enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the lower town (Città Bassa). Traveling from Verona to Bergamo can be done conveniently by train. The journey Verona-Bergamo with Italo takes 1 hour and 21 minutes.
Prosecco Wine Region
Explore the scenic towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene in the Prosecco Wine Region. Enjoy vineyard tours, wine tastings, and the beautiful landscapes between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea.
Visit the beauties of Veneto with Italo
Valeggio sul Mincio and Borghetto
Valeggio sul Mincio is known for the Garden Park Sigurta, one of the most beautiful gardens in Italy, and Scaliger Castle, offering stunning views. Borghetto, a hamlet renowned as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, features old watermills and the Visconti Bridge, a medieval architectural marvel. The area is famous for its tortellini, known as ‘love knots’. Travel times from Verona are around 1 hour by bus or less if you take the train to Peschiera del Garda and then a bus.
Each destination offers a unique insight into Italy’s diverse heritage, from historical and architectural wonders to culinary delights. Whether you’re exploring medieval cities, enjoying the natural beauty of the lakes and vineyards, or indulging in world-renowned cuisine, these day trips from Verona are bound to enrich your Italian adventure.
