Verona is one of the most popular cities in northern Italy. It has everything you expect from an Italian city – rich history, beautiful monuments, a lively atmosphere, delicious cuisine and winding streets where you are constantly getting lost. The centre of Verona is compact and easy to walk around in 1 day. Today we will show you the itinerary if you are planning to spend a day in Verona.
Is it possible to visit Verona in one day?
Yes, the historic centre of Verona can be walked around in a couple of hours. But if you want to soak up more of the city’s atmosphere and visit some of the most beautiful sights in Italy, I recommend staying in Verona for at least a day.
At a slower pace you can enjoy the city much more or visit other beautiful places around Verona.
Tip: Would you like to save money on admission to the sights? Verona Card is the official tourist card of Verona, which gives you free entry to the Arena di Verona, Castelvecchio, Casa di Giulietta, Torre dei Lamberti or the 4 main churches in Verona. It also includes unlimited free local bus transport.
Verona in 1 day – route map
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map with an itinerary of what to see in Verona in one day. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places that in the itinerary for a day in Verona, Italy. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.
Verona in one day – itinerary
Piazza Bra
We start in Piazza Bra, where most visitors start. It’s on the edge of the historic centre and within walking distance of the train station and nearby parking garages (see where to park in Verona in our Verona guide).
One of the gateways to Piazza Bra is the Portoni della Bra. A beautiful medieval gate with a battlements and a clock, which used to be part of the medieval walls.
Piazza Bra is a large square full of people with a small green park in the middle. It is surrounded by beautiful buildings and restaurants with outdoor gardens from where you can observe the impressive Arena di Verona.
If you start your itinerary for 1 day in Verona here, you have the chance to enjoy the square without the crowds.
Tip: If you’ve purchased a Verona Card, you can pick one up at the tourist information desk right here in Piazza Bra. These are located to the right of the Portoni della Bra in the Palazzo Bra building with the battlements. They open at 9am (Sundays until 10am). More information here.
Arena di Verona
We cross Piazza Bra and continue to Arena di Verona, which attracts visitors from all over the world. It is the third largest amphitheatre of its kind in Italy (after the Colosseum in Rome and the amphitheatre near Naples).
It is also the best preserved amphitheatre, where various performances are held in the summer (see the current programme at Arena di Verona).
The Roman amphitheatre in Verona was built in the first century AD (like the Colosseum) and originally had 3 rows of arches, of which 2 rows are still preserved. It was used as a place for gladiator fights, animal hunting and probably also for Christian martyrdom. With the advent of Christianity, the arena then became a quarry for a time. The turning point came in 1913, when Verdi’s Aida was performed here for the first time.
If you love ancient architecture, you shouldn’t miss a visit to Arena di Verona. Especially in high season, however, there can be queues for tickets. There are 2 ways to avoid them – get a Verona Card, which gives you priority entry, or buy tickets in advance.
Before visiting, I also recommend checking if there are any events taking place in the amphitheatre and if Arena di Verona is closed for tours.
Admission and opening hours Arena di Verona
Admission: full admission to Arena di Verona is €12, for seniors over 65 €9, for students 18-25 €3. Children up to 18 years of age and disabled persons with an escort are admitted free of charge.
Opening hours: the opening hours of the Arena di Verona vary according to the season: from October to May it is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00-19:00 and from June to September it is open on Mondays from 9:00-19:00 (last entry at 18:30) and from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:00). Box offices close one hour before closing time.
Part of the Verona Card: yes, the tour of the Arena di Verona is free with the Verona Card.
Castelvecchio and Ponte Scaligero
Castelvecchio
Castelvecchio and Ponte Scaligero are just a 5-minute walk from Piazza Bra. An iconic place that you will see in many photos of Verona.
Castelvecchio is one of the largest and most famous castles in Italy, located right on the banks of the Adige River. The castle was built in 14th century and is a masterpiece of medieval architecture.
Inside, the museum houses an extensive collection of Renaissance art and ancient artefacts including weapons, sculptures, paintings and books. Guests can stroll around the terraces and enjoy views of the city.
Admission: full admission to the Castelvecchio Castle Museum is €9, €6 for seniors over 65 and €2 for students 18-25. From November to March, on the first Sunday of the month, admission is only €1. Persons with disabilities and children under 18 years of age are admitted free of charge.
Opening hours: the Castelvecchio is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00-18:00 (last entry at 17:15).
Part of the Verona Card: yes, free entry with Verona Card
Ponte Scaligero
You can walk through Castelvecchio to the Ponte Scaligero bridge (free – you don’t need to buy a ticket to Castelvecchio unless you plan to visit the castle).
Ponte Scaligero is a distinctive red-brick bridge with a battlement built in the 14th century.
In the middle of the bridge there are stairs on both sides, which you can climb and enjoy the view of the surroundings from a greater height.
Behind Castelvecchio is the Arco dei Gavi, a Roman arch made of white Verona stone that was part of the Roman walls as early as the 1st century. It is a part of the castle that was part of the Roman wall in the 16th century AD. During the Napoleonic reign it was demolished by the French army and at the beginning of the 20th century was renovated and placed in the small Piazzetta Castelvecchio.
Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore
The Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore is one of the most important religious buildings in Verona. For lovers of the story of Romeo and Juliet, it is perhaps the most important one ever, because it was here, in the crypt of the basilica, that their marriage is said to have taken place.
The basilica lies outside the historic centre. If you’re planning a visit (which is definitely worth it, as it’s one of the most beautiful Romanesque basilicas in Italy), now is the perfect time.
From Castelvecchio you are at the Basilica in 15 minutes (most of the way is along the river). Or take the bus (lines 30, 31 and 32) which stop just outside Castelvecchio and get off at the Basilica in a few minutes ( with Verona Card card, bus transport around Verona is free).
From the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, return to the centre.
Tip: An alternative route could look like this: If you plan to visit the Basilica of San Zeno, visit it first on your itinerary. Then move on to Castelvecchio and from there to Piazza Bra with Arena di Verona.
Accommodation in Verona 😴
Porta Borsari
From the Arco dei Gavi, continue along the wide street lined with colourful houses of Corso Cavour, which after a few minutes will lead you to Porta Borsari.
Porta Borsari is another gateway to the historic centre, which was formerly part of the city walls. In this case, however, it is a gate from 1st century, when Verona was a Roman settlement.
The two-storey Porta Borsari gate is built of local limestone and is richly decorated with Corinthian columns.
Tip: On the way, you can try the homemade cuisine at Hosteria Il Punto Rosa.
Piazza delle Erbe
From Porta Borsari, the UNESCO-listed cobbled streets take a few minutes to reach the bustling Piazza delle Erbe (translated as the Square of Herbs).
Piazza delle Erbe is lined with beautiful houses, cafés and restaurants. In the middle stands a fountain with a Roman statue of the Madonna Verona.
Tip: Right on Piazza delle Erve is the excellent Tuscan restaurant La Prosciutteria Verona.
Torre dei Lamberti
Where can you experience one of the best views of Verona? The Torre dei Lamberti is an 82-metre high tower (the tallest in Verona) located right on Piazza delle Erbe. It was formerly used for defence purposes and partly as a prison.
The top is reached by 368 steps or by a transparent elevator (two-thirds of the way up and the rest must be done by stairs).
Admission: full admission is 6 € and reduced admission is 4,5 € (seniors over 60 years and children 8-14 years). The ticket also includes admission to the Gallery of Modern Art. Click to purchase tickets in advance (and skip the line at the door).
Opening hours: Torre dei Lamberti is open Monday to Friday 10:00-18:00 and Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 11:00-19:00. The last entry is always 45 minutes before the end of opening hours.
Part of the Verona Card: yes, free entry with Verona Card
Check out the best places to visit in Verona (including useful information on entrance fees and opening times). Also included is a guide with additional tips (transport, accommodation, food, Verona Card).
Piazza dei Signori
From the bustling and spacious Piazza delle Erbe, continue under the Arco della Costa arch to the smaller and more intimate Piazza dei Signori. As you pass under the arch, look up to see a whale rib hanging. Legend has it that the rib will fall on a truly righteous man who passes under it.
The Piazza dei Signori has stood in Verona since 12th century, when it was the centre of political life. It is surrounded by beautiful buildings and in the middle stands a statue of the poet Dante. He lived in Verona for 7 years after being expelled from Florence. Piazza dei Signori is therefore sometimes called Piazza Dante.
Behind the statue of Dante, you will see a statue of astronomer Girolamo Fracastor holding an orb. It is supposed to symbolize the world. According to legend, the ball falls on the head of a true gentleman who passes under it.
A short walk from Piazza dei Signori are the Scaliger Tombs. These are the ornate Gothic tombs of the most important members of the Scaliger family, which lived in Verona around the 13th century.
Casa di Giulietta
If you are a fan of Romeo and Juliet, we continue from Piazza dei Signori to Juliet’s house. We return to Piazza delle Erbe, where we continue on Via Cappello, which is lined with many shops.
After a few metres you will see the sign for Casa di Giulietta on the left. You can tell for sure by the walls full of bubblegum on which people stick their messages. Yes, it’s not a pretty sight.
In the courtyard of the Casa di Giuelietta you will see Juliet’s balcony and a bronze statue of Juliet (a copy, the original is inside the museum). The balcony is only fictitious, it is not the original balcony. It was built as an afterthought for fans of Shakespeare’s plays.
The courtyard is free, but you can visit the museum in the Casa di Giulietta, which was once the home of the Montecchi family. At the museum, you can learn more about the story of Romeo and Juliet and see how the family once lived here. From the museum you can also step out onto the balcony.
Admission: full admission to Juliet’s House is 12 €, for people over 65 years 9 € and for students 18-25 years 3 €. Children under 18 years of age and persons with disabilities and accompanying persons are admitted free of charge. Advance booking required.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-19:00 (last entry at 18:30), closed on Mondays
Part of the Verona Card: yes, free entry with the Verona Card – but advance booking is required based on the instructions you receive in your email.
Tip: If you are looking for restaurants with excellent home cooking near Casa di Giulietta, I recommend La Taverna di Via Stella or the famous Ristorante Greppia.
Accommodation in Verona 😴
Basilica of Santa Anastasia or Cathedral of Santa Matia Matricolare
The Basilica of Santa Anastasia is 5 minutes from Juliet’s house. Santa Maria Matricolare Cathedral is a 5-minute walk from the basilica. You probably won’t be able to visit both places if you plan to visit Verona in one day.
The Basilica of Santa Anastasia is a perfect example of a Veronese Gothic cathedral with Renaissance elements and frescoes by Pisanello. Of all the churches in Verona, it is the most solemn.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Matricolare has a striped facade of pink marble and houses an altar by Titian. Together with the Baptistery and the neighbouring Church of St. Helena, they form a complex that you can visit in one ticket.
Admission is €4 in both cases or free with Verona Card.
On the way, you can stop for a meal at one of the following restaurants (depending on the time of day – they are usually closed for siestas and only reopen in the evening):
We continue on to the highlight of the itinerary for a day in Verona – the Ponte Pietra Bridge, from where we will go to the best viewpoint in the city.
Read: The most beautiful places to visit on Lago di Garda.
Ponte Pietra
Ponte Pietra is an ancient Roman bridge that spans the Adige River and is one of the oldest bridges in Italy.
Visiting the Ponte Pietra feels like being transported back to Roman times. If you are lucky enough to have a beautiful sunset, the warm light will reflect into the red bricks of the bridge.
Castel San Pietro
Via Ponte Pietra you reach the lively Veroneta district, full of medieval architecture, narrow streets and restaurants. Directly opposite the bridge, you’ll see steps that take you up to Castel San Pietro in 10 minutes for one of the best views of Verona.
The fortress can also be reached by a very popular cable car – from the bridge, follow the signpost to Funicolare di Castel San Pietro, after which you turn left. You will reach a small courtyard with a restaurant, where you will see the entrance to the cable car. You’re up in 1.5 minutes.
There is a panoramic terrace where locals also come to enjoy the view of the city. The sun reflects off the buildings to your right, creating a beautiful play of shadows, lights and colours.
The fortress is closed, but the viewpoint is open to everyone for free.
Cable car to Castel San Pietro
Fares: return fare is €3 (one-way ticket €2). A reduced return fare of €2 applies for children under 10 and seniors over 65. Children up to 1 year and disabled children with an accompanying person are free of charge.
Opening hours: the cable car is open daily and the time varies according to the season – from April to October the cable car is open from 10:00-21:00 and the rest of the year from 10:00-17:00.
We ended one day in Verona with a view of the city. If you’re wondering what to do with your busy evening, I recommend stopping by Piazza Bra and enjoying the view of the beautifully lit square with the Roman amphitheatre. Some restaurants here also close after midnight, so you can enjoy good food and wine.
Where to stay in Verona?
- Hotel Milano: Fantastic hotel in the historic centre with roof terrace and city views
- Hotel Leopardi: 4* hotel with wellness, parking and walking distance to the centre
- Euromotel Croce Bianca: Cheap, clean accommodation on the edge of the centre with free parking
- Hotel Porta Palio: A pleasant hotel in a medium price range a short walk from the station and the centre
Accommodation in Verona 😴
How to enjoy a visit to Verona in one day
- Get yourself a Verona Card which gets you free entry to most places in Verona and unlimited local bus travel to boot. Read more about the Verona Card in our Verona guide.
- Visit the restaurant with local cuisine. The cooking in Verona is excellent and you rarely go wrong (just watch out around Piazza delle Erbe and similar, very touristy places).
- Restaurants have a siesta between 14:30 and 18:30 (this can vary slightly from restaurant to restaurant).
- If you plan to visit churches, be sure to cover your knees and shoulders.
- Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Verona. It’s worth it. You can choose from the Torre dei Lamberti in the historic centre or Castel San Pietro.
- The best time to visit Verona is spring and autumn. Summers are hot here and prices are at their highest. The winters are cold and rainy, but on the other hand there are the least people here.
- The typical informal greeting in Italy is ciao. We always try to learn a few basics in the language – in Italy’s case:
- Biongiorno – Hello
- Buona Sera – Good evening
- Grazie – Thank you
- Gelato – Ice cream
- Per favore – Please
- Dove si trova… – Where is…
Here ends our itinerary for one day in Verona. If you have more time, take a look at the list of all the places to visit in Verona.
Do you have a question? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. Have a safe journey!
More information about Italy
VERONA: Check out the best places to visit in Verona (including useful information on entrance fees and opening times). Also included is a guide with additional tips (transport, accommodation, food, Verona Card).
Here are more than 30 tips on what to visit at Lago di Garda, including other useful information.
ITALY: Get inspired by the most beautiful places in Italy.
VENICE: In the article What to visit in Venice we bring you tips on the most beautiful places and other useful tips.
ROME: Rome is one of the most popular cities in Europe. Here’s a list of the best things to see in Rome. Build your 3-day Rome itinerary and see how to save in Rome. Find out all about the Vatican Museums or the Colosseum.
LOMBARDY: Milan is the capital of Lombardy, famous for its magnificent cathedral. For more tips and practical information on where to stay in Milan, read our guide to accommodation in Milan (budget accommodation, airport and sightseeing connections, map).
Just outside Milan is Lago di Como, a beautiful alpine lake. Or check out our 15 tips on what to see in Bergamo.
TUSCANY: Tuscany is one of the most popular parts of Italy. You can’t miss Florence on your visit to Tuscany.
Pisa is another wonderful city to see in Tuscany.
Read even more tips on travelling in Italy.
Summary: Verona in one day
If you want to see the most beautiful and famous places in Verona, one day is all you need to visit. Preferably with an overnight stay to enjoy Verona in the evening, when some places become crowded and beautifully lit. Plus, the sunset from Castel San Pietro is worth it. If you want to explore Verona at a leisurely pace, two days is ideal.
Start at the Arena di Verona and continue past Castelvecchio to the historic centre past Piazza delle Erbe. Juliet’s house and beautiful churches are also nearby. From here, continue over Verona’s oldest bridge, the Ponte Pietra, to Castel San Pietro, one of the best viewpoints in the city.