“Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene…” These were the famous opening lines from Romeo and Juliet and Shakespeare was right…fair Verona indeed! Verona is a beautiful city in northern Italy and it is such an underrated travel destination. It is one of the most charming towns in all of Europe and without the crowds too! Verona is known for its historical significance, architecture and landmarks, and of course its Shakespearean connection. I studied abroad in Verona and cannot recommend visiting this city enough. Find out what to do in Verona and the best places to eat from me! Here is how to best spend one day in Verona.
Where to Stay in Verona
Here are the best places to stay in Verona from luxury to budget! If you’re spending one day in Verona, it is a good idea to get a place near the historic center as everything is walkable from there.
Luxury Hotels in Verona
- Due Torri Hotel: This historic hotel is situated near the Arena di Verona and Piazza delle Erbe. Due Torri Hotel is known for its opulent decor, refined rooms, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. The rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of the city.
- Hotel Gabbia d’Oro: Housed in a 16th-century building, Hotel Gabbia d’Oro is a luxury boutique hotel located close to Juliet’s House. The hotel features beautifully decorated rooms, a garden, and a gourmet restaurant serving Italian cuisine.
- Relais Fra’ Lorenzo: Situated near the San Zeno Basilica, this elegant hotel combines historic charm with modern comforts. Relais Fra’ Lorenzo features stylish rooms, a garden, and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.
Midrange Hotels in Verona
- Hotel Giberti: Situated close to Verona Porta Nuova Station, Hotel Giberti is a midrange option with comfortable rooms and a convenient location. The historic center is easily accessible by public transport or on foot.
- Hotel Leon d’Oro: Located near Castelvecchio and the city center, Hotel Leon d’Oro features spacious rooms, a fitness center, and a garden. It’s a good choice for those wanting proximity to both historic sites and modern amenities.
- Hotel Europa: Situated near the Adige River, Hotel Europa provides comfortable accommodations and is within walking distance of the historic center. It offers a pleasant stay with modern amenities.
Budget Hotels in Verona
- B&B Hotel Verona: A budget chain hotel, B&B Hotel Verona provides simple and comfortable rooms at reasonable prices. It’s located near Verona Porta Nuova and offers a hassle-free stay.
- Hotel Martini: Located near Verona Porta Nuova Station, Hotel Martini offers affordable rooms and a convenient location for exploring the city. It provides basic amenities for budget-conscious travelers.
- Relais Empire: Located near Piazza Bra, Relais Empire is a new elegant and polished hotel within the city center. It is great for couples and those looking for an affordable accommodation.
How To Spend One Day in Verona
If you only have one day in Verona, here is how to best spend a day in this beautiful city!
Morning in Verona
8:00 AM: Breakfast at Cafe Carducci
Start your one day in Verona with breakfast at Cafe Carducci! Cafe Carducci is a historical restaurant in historic Verona that is a great breakfast place. The restaurant is cozy with a great ambiance. Be sure to grab some coffee, and brioche pastry here! You also have to try their omelets – they are divine.
9:00 AM: Visit Juliet’s House
After breakfast, head to Juliet’s House or Casa di Giulietta. This is the most popular attraction to visit so you want to get there at opening time! This is a must visit if you only have one day in Verona.
This house is traditionally believed to have belonged to the Capello family, who might have inspired William Shakespeare’s famous play “Romeo and Juliet.” Capello is a name similar to the Italian version of “Capulet” which is Capelletti. The house dates back to the 13th century but the famous balcony wasn’t added until the 20th century. While the historical connection to the Capello family is uncertain, the house has become a symbol of the tragic love story.
It was also made popular from the movie, Letters to Juliet, where an American woman travels to Verona and visits Juliet’s House and discovers a decades-old letter for Juliet that was unanswered. Of course, she reunites the lovers in the end and she ends up finding love herself, but the movie highlights the custom of leaving a letter for Juliet. People can drop off letters concerning love, heartbreak, advice, etc., and get a response from the secretaries of Juliet.
When you visit, you can drop off your very own letter to Juliet! I’ve actually done it twice and have gotten responses each time.
The attraction features a courtyard with a statue of Juliet and a museum with exhibits related to the play, including costumes and props from various stage productions of “Romeo and Juliet.” There is a tradition of rubbing the right breast of the statue in the courtyard for good luck in love.
The courtyard is free to visit but the museum and access to the balcony have an entrance fee. If you’re in Verona for a day, I suggest getting the 24-Hour Verona Card as it includes many of the attractions on this itinerary and public transport.
Note: Juliet’s House is closed on Mondays.
10:00 AM: Climb Torre dei Lamberti
After visiting Juliet’s House, head to Torre dei Lamberti which is a medieval tower located in the historic center of Verona, Italy. This tower is one of the highest structures in Verona and offers panoramic views of the city. You can climb to the top using the staircase or an elevator! The viewing platform on the tower offers breathtaking views of Verona and its surrounding landscape, including the Adige River and the historic architecture of the city.
Entrance to Torre dei Lamberti is also included in the 24-Hour Verona Card as mentioned earlier.
11:00 AM: Stroll and shop around Piazza del Erbe
After climbing Torre dei Lamberti, head down to the square the tower is located at which is the famous Piazza del Erbe.
The square is surrounded by historic buildings and colorful facades and is known for its vibrant market and lively atmosphere. Piazza del Erbe is known for its outdoor market, where vendors sell a variety of products such as fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs, and local crafts. The market is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a lively and colorful environment.
As you’re exploring Piazza del Erbe, make sure to snap a photo in front of the fountain in the center! This is the Madonna Verona Fountain which is a beautiful Renaissance fountain built in 1368 that features a statue of Madonna Verona, the symbolic protector of the city.
Afternoon in Verona
12:00 PM: Lunch at Osteria Giulietta e Romeo
Now it is time for lunch! Head to Osteria Giulietta e Romeo for traditional Veronese cuisine. Osteria Giulietta e Romeo is located in the heart of Verona and offers Veronese cuisine dishes such as pasta e fasoi, bigoli all’asino, pappardelle all’anitra, gnocchi al ragù, and pastisada de caval con polenta.
They serve a wide variety of first and second courses and over 150 wine choices. I ordered a pumpkin tortellini as the first course and a chicken with roasted potatoes dish for the second and both were delicious! I’ve been here multiple times and highly recommend it as a lunch spot.
1:00 PM Arena di Verona
After lunch, it is time to tour Arena di Verona!
The Arena di Verona is a Roman amphitheater located in Verona and it is one of the best-preserved ancient amphitheaters in the world! It is known for its stunning architecture and cultural significance. This is a must-visit for your one day in Verona.
It was built around 30 AD during the Roman Empire and it is believed to have been used for gladiator contests and public spectacles such as animal hunts and mock sea battles.
Today, the Arena di Verona is best known for its opera performances. The first opera was performed there in 1913, and since then, the arena has become a world-famous venue for opera productions. The open-air setting and acoustics of the arena create a unique and enchanting experience. If you’re visiting during the summer months from June to September, be sure to look into attending a performance at the arena!
You can get priority entrance to the Arena di Verona with the 24-Hour Verona Card which is another reason to get the travel pass!
2:30 PM: Walk across Ponte di Castelvecchio
Ponte di Castelvecchio is a historic and notable bridge in Verona that is just a 5-minute walk from Arena di Verona. It spans the Adige River in Verona, connecting the eastern and western parts of the city. It is free to visit and it is a beautiful walk on the bridge!
3:00 PM Visit the Verona Cathedral
The Verona Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Matricolare, is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in the historic city of Verona, Italy. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is the seat of the bishop of Verona. The cathedral is a significant religious and architectural landmark, showcasing a mix of different styles due to its long construction history.
The inside of the church is lavish and features frescoed interiors and artwork. The cathedral is open to visitors.
3:30 PM Mid-day Break
Take a mid-day break and grab a drink or bite at the Bar at the Cathedral Cafe. It is located just across from the Verona Cathedral and features coffees and pastries in a quaint garden setting.
4:00 PM: Stroll across Ponte Pietra
The Ponte Pietra is a Roman arch bridge that spans the Adige River and is one of the oldest and most iconic bridges in Verona. It offers stunning views of the Adige River, the city of Verona, and the surrounding hills. The picturesque setting makes it a popular spot to take photos as well!
4:30 PM: Visit Giusti Garden
During your one day in Verona, you have to visit the beautiful Giusti Garden! It is a historic Renaissance garden located in the heart of Verona, Italy. Established in the 16th century, the garden is renowned for its architectural features, statues and sculptures, meticulously designed layout, and scenic beauty. It is one of the oldest gardens of its kind in Italy and has been well-preserved over the centuries.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers visitors a peaceful retreat within the bustling city of Verona.
Tip: You can get a reduced rate with the 24-Hour Verona Card.
Evening in Verona
5:30 PM: Watch sunset at Castel San Pietro
Castel San Pietro provides the best views in all of Verona. You want to head up to this hilltop fortress before sunset to watch the city transform from day to night. It is free to visit and truly has a beautiful view! You need to witness the sunset here during your one day in Verona!
7:00 PM: Dinner at Osteria il Ciottolo
After watching sunset at Castel San Pietro, grab dinner at Osteria il Ciottolo. This spot is a local favorite thus you won’t find a tourist menu here! This restaurant serves traditional Veronese pasta and game dishes. It interior of the restaurant is cozy and has a charming atmosphere.
8:30 PM: Gelato at Gelateria La Romana
End your one day in Verona with gelato at one of the best gelato shops in Italy! I’ve had my fair share of gelato and Gelateria La Romana is one of the best. Gelateria La Roman was born in the heart of the historic center of Rimini in 1947, receiving the name of the founder’s daughter. It opened its doors in Verona in 2013 and has now quickly expanded to other locations.
I love that they fill the bottom of their cones with melted chocolate and this is my favorite gelato shop in Verona!
Hope you enjoyed this one day in Verona travel itinerary! Verona has a very special place in my heart and I hope you end up falling in love with this charming town as much as I did.
Sights Near Verona To Visit
If you’re visiting Verona, here are some nearby sights and day trips you can take from Verona! You could spend one day in Verona and do day trips to these nearby places.
Lake Garda
Located just about an hour from Verona is Lake Garda. It is actually the largest lake in Italy! It is less crowded than the popular Lake Como but just as beautiful! Colorful towns dot Lake Garda and some to check out include Sirmione, Desenzano del Garda, Riva del Garda, Malcesine, and Limone sul Garda.
You can take a tour of Lake Garda from Verona!
Santuario Madonna della Corona
The Santuario Madonna della Corona is a spectacular sanctuary perched on a cliff in the Monte Baldo mountain range, overlooking the Adige Valley and Lake Garda in northern Italy. It is about 40 minutes from Verona which makes it great for a half-day trip.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Santuario Madonna della Corona is its breathtaking location. It is built into the side of a sheer rock face, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the valley below. The sanctuary seems to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape.
Padua
Located only 45 minutes by train from Verona, Padua is another charming Italian town to check out! It is also the setting for another Shakespeare play, The Taming of the Shrew. It has a rich history, beautiful architecture, and is known for its cultural and academic heritage.
Some sites you cannot miss include Basilica di Sant’Antonio, Scrovegni Chapel, Palazzo della Ragione, University of Padua, Prato della Valle, Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico), Padua’s Markets, and Caffè Pedrocchi.
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