Verona is a charming city in northern Italy’s beautiful Veneto region. It is often called the City of Romance, largely because of its association with Shakespeare’s tragic love story Romeo and Juliet. However, Verona has much more to offer than romance.
Rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture, Verona is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to explore Italy’s beauty beyond the usual tourist routes.
During a recent trip where I explored various cities and regions in Italy and Europe, I couldn’t resist dedicating at least one day to discovering the wonders of Verona.
While the city deserves more time to be fully appreciated, here’s how to make the most of a short visit.
In this blog post, I will outline Verona’s must-see attractions for a one-day itinerary and explain why this city should be on your travel list when visiting northeastern Italy.
Check out my video on Verona for footage and extra tips about this beautiful and captivating city:
A Brief Introduction to Verona
Verona is a medieval city located on the banks of the Adige River. With its historic streets, impressive Roman monuments, vibrant squares, and breathtaking architecture, Verona is an unmissable stop to visit in northern Italy.
While many people recognize it as the setting for Romeo and Juliet, after a day of exploring the city, I can attest that there is so much more to discover in its winding streets than just romance.
During my travels, I was staying in Venice and decided to dedicate a day to visiting Verona. Though it wasn’t part of my original itinerary, it had always been on my travel bucket list.
Verona’s proximity to Venice made it incredibly convenient. I hopped on a train for a little over an hour and quickly immersed myself in the history of this fascinating city.
How to Get to Verona
Verona is easily accessible from several major Italian cities, including Venice, Milan, and Rome:
- From Venice: About 1 hour and 10 minutes by train.
- From Milan: Similar travel time as from Venice, as Verona lies roughly midway between the two cities.
- From Rome: Approximately 3 hours by train.
For cruise passengers docked in Venice (or the port of Ravenna), Verona is an excellent option for a day trip, especially if you’ve already explored Venice and are looking for something different.
Joining a guided tour is a fantastic idea, especially if you have limited time or it’s your first visit. During my trip, I participated in a group tour, which was a great way to meet fellow travelers and gain insights into local tips and hidden gems that I wouldn’t have discovered on my own.
What to Do in Verona in One Day: 5 Must-See Attractions
Here’s a journey through some of my favorite spots in Verona, which I had the opportunity to explore during my visit. Each corner of this city has something special to offer.
1. Portale della Brà and Piazza Bra
Your first stop in Verona’s historic center will likely be the majestic Portale della Brà, an imposing gateway composed of two arches connected by a section of the city’s original wall, complete with a clock at its center. This structure marks the entrance to Piazza Bra, Verona’s largest and most popular square.
Piazza Bra is the heart of Verona, surrounded by historic buildings, restaurants, and open-air cafés. It’s the perfect spot to sit, people-watch, and soak in the Italian charm. Most importantly, it’s where you’ll find one of Verona’s main attractions: the Arena di Verona.
2. Arena di Verona
The Arena di Verona, or Verona Arena, is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. Often compared to the Colosseum in Rome, the Arena is actually older, built in 30 A.D. — about 50 years before the Colosseum.
Originally accommodating up to 30,000 spectators, the Arena once hosted gladiatorial battles. Today, it’s famous for its open-air opera performances during summer. Watching an opera under the stars in such a historic setting is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Fun fact: The Arena survived a devastating earthquake in 1117, which destroyed its outer facade. However, its interior remains incredibly well-preserved.
3. Castel San Pietro and Its Funicular
For the best panoramic views of Verona, head to Castel San Pietro. To reach the top, take the Funicolare di Castel San Pietro, a modern funicular ride that lasts about 90 seconds and costs €2 per trip or €3 return. Alternatively, you can hike up on foot if you’re feeling adventurous.
Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Adige River winding through the city, framed by terracotta rooftops. While the castle isn’t open to visitors, the surrounding area and nearby Roman ruins are worth exploring.
Pro tip: Visit the lookout at sunset for a magical experience.
4. Piazza Delle Erbe
The Piazza Delle Erbe is Verona’s vibrant heart. Once the city’s Roman forum, it remains one of Verona’s liveliest and most historic spots. The square is surrounded by impressive buildings like the Palazzo Maffei and the Torre Dei Lamberti, and it hosts a daily market selling everything from fresh produce to souvenirs.
At the center of the square is the Fountain of Madonna Verona, a statue dating back to the 4th century and a symbol of the city. Take a moment to relax at one of the many cafés and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
5. Juliet’s House and the Statue's Superstition
Of course, no trip to Verona would be complete without visiting Juliet’s House, famous for its iconic balcony. In the courtyard, you’ll find a bronze statue of Juliet, where many tourists follow the tradition of touching her right breast to bring good luck in love. I’m not certain if it works, but it certainly makes for a memorable photo opportunity!
If you’ve already found your soulmate, you can leave a romantic note on the courtyard wall—a tradition that adds to the charm of this romantic landmark.
Best Time to Visit Verona
The best times to visit Verona are during the Spring (April to June) and early Autumn (September to October), when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller.
If you plan to attend an opera at the Arena, you will have only one option: Summer (July to September). However, be prepared for higher temperatures and larger crowds of tourists.
I created the interactive map below for the must-see attractions and landmarks in Verona mentioned in this post and in my YouTube video at the top of the page (you can also watch it on my YouTube channel using this link), indicating their exact locations to help you navigate the city during your visit:
Plan Your Trip to Verona
Verona is much more than just the setting of a famous love story. Its rich history, culture, and natural beauty offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
Best of all, It’s easily accessible from other major cities in Italy, making it a perfect addition to any travel itinerary.
Want to explore more of my experiences in Verona? Check out the full video and many others on my YouTube channel, “Cruising the World with Horton Novak.” There, I share exclusive tips and stunning footage from Verona, along with other amazing cities and cruises! So, pack your bags and let’s embark on adventures of a lifetime together… See you soon for our next adventure!
Until our next adventure!
