Verona, the city of love and timeless charm, is one of Italy’s most enticing destinations. With its perfect mix of history, culture, cuisine and stunning views, a well organised itinerary means that you can explore it all in one day.
We suggest a slightly different approach in this article: an hour-by-hour route combining the most famous sights with some hidden gems, for an unforgettable day in this beautiful city.
A morning in Verona: start the day off with some history and ambience
8:00 – Enjoy breakfast with a view of Castelvecchio
Start your day with breakfast at Caffè e Parole (Piazza Duomo, 1A). This welcoming bar is a short walk from the majestic Castelvecchio, a medieval castle that’s now home to one of the city’s most important museums. Order a cappuccino and a freshly baked brioche and enjoy the view of its ancient walls.
9:00 – Stroll over the Ponte Scaligero and visit the Castelvecchio Museum
Cross the Ponte Scaligero, one of the most iconic bridges in Verona, and step into history by visiting the Castelvecchio Museum (Corso Castelvecchio, 2). It’s open from 10:00 until 18:00 (closed on Mondays) and entry costs around €6. The collection on display includes paintings, sculptures and ancient weapons.
Ore 10:30 – Piazza Bra and the Verona Arena
Make your way to Piazza Bra, the city’s largest square, dominated by the impressive Verona Arena. One of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world, it’s also famous for hosting performances and concerts. If you’d like to go inside, entry costs €10 (open from 9:00 until 19:00).
Midday in Verona: art and flavours
12:00 – Via Mazzini and some local shopping
Take a walk along Via Mazzini, Verona’s main shopping street. Here you’ll find luxury boutiques, artisan shops and small local outlets. Enjoy some window shopping or buy a special souvenir.
13:00 – Lunch in Piazza delle Erbe
For lunch, pick an outside table in Piazza delle Erbe, once the city’s Roman forum. We recommend the Ristorante Maffei (Piazza Erbe, 38), renowned for its typical dishes such as risotto all’Amarone. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. The average price of a meal is around €25-30 per person.
An afternoon in Verona: culture and relaxation
14:30 – Juliet’s House: legend vs. reality
Continue on to Juliet’s House (Via Cappello, 23), a must for fans of literature and the love story of Romeo and Juliet. Entry to the courtyard is free, but you need a ticket, costing €6, to go inside the house. Don’t forget to take a photo under the famous balcony!
15:30 – The Achille Forti Gallery of Modern Art
If you’re an art lover, visit the Achille Forti Gallery of Modern Art, in the charming Palazzo della Ragione (Piazza dei Signori). Here you can admire contemporary works in a unique historical context. The gallery is open from 11:00 until 19:00 and entry costs around €8.
17:00 – Stroll along the Adige and relax in the Roman TheatrE
Finish off the afternoon with a stroll along the Adige River. Cross the Ponte Pietra, one of the city’s oldest bridges, and make your way to the Roman Theatre (Via Rigaste Redentore, 2). This archaeological site, dating back to the 1st century BC, offers stunning views of Verona below. Entry costs around €4.50.
An evening in Verona: Magic at sunset and a typical dinner
18:30 – Sunset at Castel San Pietro
o up to the viewpoint at Castel San Pietro to admire one of the most spectacular views of Verona at sunset. You can walk up with a short climb or take the funicular (cost: €2). From here, the views of the towers, rooftops and river are simply unforgettable.
20:00 – Dinner at Bugiardo
End your day with dinner at the Osteria del Bugiardo (Corso Porta Borsari, 17). This welcoming restaurant is famous for its traditional dishes and its excellent Valpolicella wine. Try the braised beef in Amarone or the selection of cold meats and local cheeses. Average cost per person: €30-35.
22:00 – An evening stroll through the Old Town
Finish your day off with an evening stroll. Verona’s Old Town is charmingly lit, and places such as the Piazza dei Signori and the Scaliger Tombs look even more magical in the evening glow.
Verona is for everyone: food and wine, culture and romance
Verona is a destination offering something special for every kind of traveller, at any time of year. Whether you’re a history lover, a foodie or someone who enjoys breathtaking views, this city is sure to win you over. To discover even more of its secrets and intriguing facts, don’t miss the other Volare articles.
