Verona is well known for Shakespeare’s story of Romeo and Juliet, the Adige River, and its ancient Roman architecture. However, it wasn’t long before we found so many more fun things to do Verona Italy! Even if you only have one day in Verona, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy its historic sites and delicious food.
How to Get to Verona Italy
Verona is extremely accessible from everywhere in Italy. Its location nearby to major cities such as Milan, Bergamo, Venice, and Bologna, makes it the perfect place to add to a northern Italy itinerary. In fact, you can get from most of the places we just mentioned to Verona Italy in under 1.5 hours by train!
Don’t worry if you’re not a train or bus person. It’s just as easy to fly into Valerio Catullo Airport domestically and internationally. You can even rent a car to see some of the amazing smaller towns around it.
Get Your Verona Card
Before we get into all the best things to do in Verona, we have an important tip for you! If you’re planning on visiting the many attractions in museums, you should consider buying the Verona Card.
With the Verona Card you’ll have the option of a 24 or 48 hour pass. Entrance to the Verona Arena and Torre dei Lamberti alone is 8 Euros each, so that almost equals the amount for the card right there!
Only Have One Day in Verona?
We know what you’re thinking. How can you explore an entire Italian city in one day? While it would be impossible to see everything, we quickly found out Verona is built for walking.
It has a small-town feel compared to other cities in Italy, but with enough going on to keep you up and running around for hours. For this reason, our one day in Verona was some of the most fun we had on our whole trip to Italy.
Oh, and we should probably mention something else. The Verona food is amazing!!
We recommend using this guide loosely to give yourself an idea of what to see and eat in the city. We had an awesome visit, but it’s essential to leave extra time to roam and discover things on your own.
Anyway, if you only have one day there’s no time to waste! Here are our favorite restaurants, cafes, and things to do in Verona Italy.
Where To Stay In Verona Italy
Ultra Luxury – Hotel Milano & SPA***S – There are plenty of ways to see a Roman Amphitheater, but how about from a rooftop jacuzzi?? This luxury hotel has it all and more, right in the city!
Fun Vacation – Marconi Rooms and Apartments – Fun medieval-style vibe in the heart of the city center. Spacious rooms and a unique rooftop terrace.
Hostel Life – Posada Verona Hostel – Just outside the main city, but still within walking distance of all the great restaurants and attractions. Private rooms and dorm beds are available.
16 Best Things to do in Verona Italy
1. Get Lost in the Colorful Backstreets
The best way to see any European city is to explore by foot, and that’s especially true in Verona. You’ll find yourself walking the bright-colored streets for hours and stopping in at cafes, all while seeing the beauty of authentic Italy.
You’ll see that we tried to put these things to do in Verona in an order that makes sense. Just know that we were crisscrossing our way through the backstreets, and getting lost like we were in a maze. It was so much fun!
2. Caffe Borsari for Breakfast
It’s time for our first Verona food stop before you start your adventure around the city. The small quirky Caffè Borsari right in the heart of Verona is the perfect start to power you up for the day.
Grab one of their delicious espressos and treat to enjoy. Not used to sweet pastries for breakfast? Well, when in Italy!
3. Stop by Juliet’s House
Did you know Verona is the home of Romeo and Juliet? Shakespeare’s famous love story has origins in this magical Italian city, and you can even visit Juliet’s house and the famous balcony where she preached down to Romeo.
In all reality, the story is fictional and the balcony was not added until the 20th century. Still, it’s a fun way to experience the story of Romeo and Juliet.
It should be no surprise that this is the biggest tourist draw in Verona so be prepared for big crowds. Also, be aware that touching the breasts of the Juliet statue is an old Italian tradition for good luck. Just so you’re not caught off guard when you see this!
4. Visit the Verona Arena
After arriving in Verona, you’ll immediately see the massive Roman amphitheater sitting in the center. Witnessing something so remarkable as your introduction to a new city is such a crazy feeling!
The 2,000 year old arena which once played host to great warriors is still a source of entertainment for locals. We didn’t get a chance to see a performance but thought it was unbelievable that they still have concerts at this historic venue.
If you’d like to take a tour of the Verona Area, we recommend doing so in the morning. Entering this magnificent structure feels so different when you feel like you’re the only one there. One of the perks of the Verona Card is you get priority access to the arena!
5. Climb the Torre dei Lamberti
You will be able to see this epic tower looking up from almost anywhere in Verona. The important historical monument was built in 1172, and it still stands tall over the city to this day.
To get to the top of the 275 foot tower, you’ll need to climb up a mere 368 number of steps up. No big deal right?
While there are many views to take in Verona from afar, the Torre dei Lamberti is unique being right above the very heart of the city. Book your Lamberti Tower Entry here before your visit.
6. Lunch to-go From Bigoi Verona
Hungry for some Verona food yet? How about pasta to-go!? There are countless great restaurants to taste pasta in Verona. However, we were surprised to find out one of the best is also the cheapest.
Bigoi Verona makes their pasta fresh from scratch with your choice of sauce in cups to go. Honestly, if this is Italian fast food, we’re all in!
If you’re the type that would rather sit down for a long meal we completely understand. Just know that a cup of delicious pasta is there if you need it for five Euros.
7. Walk Under the Porta dei Borsari Arch
As we sat and ate our cup of pasta, we couldn’t help but look up in awe. There was a 2,000 year old arch sitting right there!
Like the Verona Arena, this stone arch has been around since first-century Roman times. Something that consistently blows our minds in Italy is the stuff you’re regularly seeing would probably be in a museum in most places in the world.
Instead, you can have an espresso, glass of wine, or even pasta before walking under a piece of Verona history.
8. Castelvecchio Castle & Museum
This Verona castle was built in the 1300’s by the ruling Scaliger family as a way to control the river and city. They’ve now turned it into a museum, with many outstanding art sculptures and paintings to see.
You could easily spend hours here, but we can’t blame you for moving on if you only have one day in Verona Italy. Not to worry though! There is another epic castle we’ll mention later in our things to do in Verona guide.
9. Cross Ponte di Castelvecchio
After your tour of the Castelvecchio Castle, it’s time to cross a famous bridge in Verona! Also known as the Scaliger Bridge, this fortified crossing was the world’s largest at the time it was built in the mid-14th Century.
The fact that it was destroyed in WWII and rebuilt doesn’t take away from its historic charm. We could easily still imagine Verona royalty crossing the river from the castle many years ago.
If you didn’t know, Verona Italy is full of many impressive bridges. We promise this won’t be the last you’ll cross during your time in Verona.
10. See the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore
Once you cross over Ponte di Castelvecchio, it will lead you through several beautiful public gardens on the other side. From there you can walk to your left and back over the Adige River across the Ponte Risorgimento bridge.
Now back on the same side as the Castelvecchio, make your way to the Basilica di San Zeno. The construction of this Romanesque architecture began over 1,000 years ago in the year 967. The interior of the Basilica is quite spectacular if you get a chance to go inside.
Another reason behind the Basilica di San Zeno’s claim to fame is that its crypt was where Romeo and Juliet got married in Shakespeare’s tragedy. If ancient churches are of interest to you, make sure to also visit the Verona Cathedral.
11. Stroll Along the Adige River
By now you can see that Verona has an amazing collection of bridges crossing the Adige River. This was the most notable and lovable feature of the city for us, as we were constantly strolling over them and gazing off at the buildings lining the water.
You may be impressed to know that the Adige is actually the 2nd longest river in Italy. It stretches from the north of the country all the way to the Adriatic Sea.
Simply walking along the Adige River and enjoying the views is one of the best things to do in Verona! It can also be fun to get something to eat or drink and grab a seat on the water.
12. Quick Snack at Focacceria Ponte Pietra
Speaking of Verona food… if you’re anything like us, all this walking and sightseeing will make you hungry. Luckily, there is a small bakery near Ponte Pietra that specializes in one thing: Focaccia bread!
We randomly passed by and it looked too good not to go in. For two Euros, it’s a great afternoon snack before you cross yet another famous bridge in Verona Italy.
13. Cross the Most Famous Bridge in Verona
Ready for one more beautiful bridge in Verona?? Not only is this Ponte Pietra Verona’s oldest bridge, but it also serves as the access point to Castel San Pietro across the river.
If you can believe it, the original structure was built in 100 BC. That makes this Roman Arch bridge over 2,000 years old!
Unfortunately, like Ponte di Castelvecchio, this was destroyed by the retreating German army in WWII. We found it interesting that they were still able to rebuild it with its original materials.
14. Short Hike to Castel San Pietro
The San Pietro Castle sits proudly above the city, and you won’t find a better viewpoint of Verona. By taking just a short 10 minute walk uphill, you’ll see the colors come to life with the bridges, Torre dei Lamberti, and the Adige River below.
Whether you’re a fan of Verona history, pretty views, or both, make it a point to climb to this castle! Castel San Pietro was built towards the end of the 14th century in a strategic position overlooking the city and Dolomites mountain range.
The view is absolutely breathtaking from atop. It will make you appreciate the streets you’ve been exploring all day so much more.
One of the best things to do in Verona Italy is hiking up here for sunset. This makes it a great activity to save until the end of your day.
15. Unique Dinner at Santa Felicita
Verona offers a dining experience unlike any other you’ll have in Italy. That’s because Santa Felicita is actually set inside an old church!
From 6 Euro pizzas to massive seafood platters, Santa Felicita has a meal to fit every level of hunger. Dinner service starts at 6:30pm if you’re planning on stopping by. Otherwise, there are so many amazing restaurants to enjoy elsewhere.
One of the things we liked most about the Verona food options is that there is such a diverse range of restaurants. Whether you’re on a budget or in the mood for some upscale dining, you’ll love eating out in Verona Italy.
16. Dessert Time in Verona Italy
We probably shouldn’t have saved this as the last of our things to do in Verona. After all, we were stopping multiple times for dessert!
This is a city where you can make your wildest foodie dreams come true in the form of gelato, cannoli, and tiramisu. Pretty much everywhere you look there will be some kind of chocolate store or incredible ice cream stand.
Remember, you’re in Italy! Stop by for a Gelato and end your day with something sweet.
More Things to do in Verona Italy
You can probably imagine that there are more than 16 things to do in Verona Italy. Hopefully, our guide gave you some fun ideas for your next trip!
If you have more than one day in Verona, check out a Verona Bike Tour. We highly recommend hopping on a Verona Food & Wine Tour or taking an authentic cooking class during your stay.
You can even visit the Verona Aquardens Thermal Baths or make a day trip on the Amarone Wine Trail. There’s clearly no shortage of activities, whether you have a week or just one day in Verona!
Have any questions or want to share your own favorite things to do in Verona Italy? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
I’m headed to Verona for 10 days in June and this guide is SO helpful. Thank You!
Author
You’re welcome! So glad it could be helpful. June is a great time to visit, too!
Verona is so charming! I preferred it over Venice for sure! 🇮🇹
Author
We really loved it! Such a fun and walkable city to enjoy