Visiting Verona in one day and seeing its top attractions is entirely possible.
The sights in Verona are close together, and you can explore the city at your own pace.
We’ll show you what you can experience in Verona in one day.
Plus, we’ll reveal the best-located hotel if you want to stay overnight, where to find the rooftop bar with the best view, and what you shouldn’t miss.
What To See In Verona In One Day – Tips And Highlights For Your Perfect City Trip
Verona offers fascinating sights and is one of the most beautiful cities in North Italy. Here are the highlights you can see in one day:
Top 3 Highlights in Verona
Here are our personal favorites that you shouldn’t miss if you only spend one day in Verona:
Below, you’ll find more information about each attraction in one of the best cities of Northern Italy.
Tips for Things To Do In Verona In One Day
Before we get to the best things to do in Verona in one day, here are our tips to make your vacation in the medieval city on the River Adige easier:
The Verona Card
The Verona Card offers free access to most attractions, including museums and other sites. Public transportation is also included.
With this tourist card, you’ll also get discounts on additional activities and attractions.
The Verona Card is available for 24 or 48 hours. You can buy it online in advance, saving time and money. We purchased our Verona Card online beforehand here:
Guided Tours and Activities in Verona
Especially if you have little time for a visit and are interested in the city’s history, we recommend taking a guided tour of Verona’s history or a food tour.
This guided city tour offers a good overview of Verona’s main attractions, hidden gems and includes tasting local produce.
Hotel Recommendation Near The Verona Arena with Parking
If you’re on an Italy road trip and arriving by car, the Hotel Milano & Spa is perfect for you.
Located right next to the Arena di Verona, you can park directly at the hotel and start exploring the day’s highlights just a few feet away.
The rooftop bar with a direct view of the Verona Arena is also a special highlight.
Suggested Itinerary for Your Day Trip To Verona
Verona is one of the best cities to visit in Italy for first-timers. It’s a relatively small town that offers many impressive, historical buildings.
It’s one of our personal favorites in northern Italy.
1. Piazza Bra
Start your day at Piazza Bra, the largest square in Verona.
You’ll immediately feel the lively atmosphere in the city of love.
Many cafes and restaurants invite you to start your day with an espresso and soak in the Italian flair.
Piazza Bra is also the perfect starting point for visiting the Arena di Verona.
2. Arena di Verona
A visit to the Arena di Verona is a must on a day trip to Verona.
It was built in the 1st century and is the third-largest Roman amphitheater in the world and impresses with its imposing architecture.
Originally used for gladiator fights, it’s now the venue for the famous Verona Summer Opera Festival.
With the Verona Card, you save time and money as the entry is included, allowing you to skip the long lines.
3. Casa di Giulietta – Juliet’s House
Next, head to Casa di Giulietta, the house of Shakespeare’s Juliet (although the fictional Juliet never lived here).
The courtyard with the statue of Juliet and the famous balcony are popular photo spots and can be quite crowded.
The entry to the house is also included in the Verona Card, but you need to book a time slot online in advance.
Here, you’ll learn more about the story of Romeo and Juliet and see costumes from one of the most famous performances.
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4. Torre dei Lamberti – Best View of Verona
Torre dei Lamberti offers the best view of Verona.
At 84 meters high, you get a great 360-degree view of the old town and surrounding attractions.
Access is included in the Verona Card.
For a small extra fee, you can use the elevator to avoid climbing more than 240 steps.
5. Palazzo della Ragione
Next to the Torre dei Lamberti is Palazzo della Ragione, an impressive building that today houses the Galleria d’Arte Moderna Achille Forti.
Here, you can see works by Italian artists and visit the beautiful Cappella dei Notai with frescoes and paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries.
It’s a great idea if you experience Verona in the rain.
6. Piazza delle Erbe
Piazza delle Erbe is one of the busiest squares in Verona.
You can explore the market here and watch the colorful hustle and bustle.
The square is surrounded by historic buildings and cafes, making it an ideal spot for a break.
7. Castelvecchio and Ponte di Castelvecchio
Another highlight in Verona is Castelvecchio, an impressive 14th-century fortress.
Today, it houses the Museum of Fine Arts, featuring medieval artworks and an exhibition on knight armor.
From Castelvecchio, you have a beautiful view of the Adige River and the Ponte di Castelvecchio.
Eating and Drinking in Verona – Personal Recommendations
Aperitivo in Verona
In Verona, an aperitif is enjoyed before dinner, which is often late.
Snacks like olives or chips are usually served with it.
For the best view and good drinks, although a bit pricier, head to the rooftop bar of Hotel Milano & Spa, overlooking the Arena di Verona.
We also enjoyed great aperitifs at Via Fama Cafè in Via Fama, at the intersection with Corso di Porta Borsari.
Dinner
For an authentic Veronese dinner, we recommend Hosteria La Vecchia Fontanina in Via Trota.
They serve local dishes like Veronese risotto. Upon request, vegetarian options are also available.
Planning Your Trip to Verona – Travel and Hotel Tips
✈️ Getting to Verona by Plane
Verona has a small airport on the outskirts, the Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN). You can check if there are flights from your area on comparison portals like Omio.
The next larger airports are in Florence and Milan.
🚂 Getting to Verona by Train
There are connections from the main cities to Verona. You can take the fast train from cities like Rome, Florence, or Milan, to name a few, and get to Verona.
There are also connections from Venice and other cities in Italy.
For the cheapest train tickets to Verona, check comparison portals like Trainline.
🚘 Getting to Verona by Car and Parking in Verona
If you’re on a road trip in Italy and traveling to Verona by car, there are parking garages outside Verona’s old town.
We booked a hotel with a parking garage, the Hotel Milano & Spa. They offer a valet service and secure parking for about 25 to 30 euros per day.
Alternatively, you can do a day trip from Venice. Verona is close to Venice and you can get there by train, bus, or join a guided tour.
Where To Stay in Verona
For the best experience, choose a hotel in Verona’s old town. Here are some recommendations:
🏨Hotel Milano & Spa: Located next to the Arena di Verona with a beautiful rooftop bar
🏨 Hotel Accademia: Near Piazza delle Erbe, where opera singer Maria Callas once stayed
🏨 Hotel Colomba d’Oro: An elegant hotel in a restored medieval monastery
🏨 Hotel Vista Palazzo: Luxurious rooms with a pool in the heart of the old town
Alternatively, you can find affordable B&Bs, hostels, and selected hotels on Hostelworld.
Conclusion for One Day in Verona
Verona offers a wealth of attractions you can discover in one day. With the Verona Card and good planning, you can visit the city’s main highlights and enjoy its unique charm.
Whether you explore the Verona Arena, Juliet’s house, or Torre dei Lamberti, Verona will enchant you with its special charm.
And if you want to end the day with a beautiful view, enjoy an aperitif on the rooftop bar of Hotel Milano & Spa overlooking the Arena di Verona.
Hopefully, our article helps you enjoy your perfect day in Verona. Feel free to share your experiences in the comments and let us know which attractions you liked best!