Verona is truly one of the most enchanting medieval cities in Italy which makes planning a Verona itinerary one of the best things to do when visiting Northern Italy.
The city is the home of Romeo and Juliet, has incredible landmarks, and is the beginning of a wonderful off-the-radar trip in the Veneto region. Many skip Verona and head to Venice instead, but spending time in Romantic Verona is a wonderfully pleasant experience in itself.
Verona itself is quite small, making 2 to 3 days in Verona sufficient to then make your way to explore the surrounding areas and region.
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How Many Days in Verona?
If you’re wondering how many days to spend in Verona but only have one day to allot for seeing the city, you’ll still have enough time to experience the main sights and enjoy the splendor that Verona has to offer.
If you have 2 days in Verona, you will be able to see the vast majority of the site the city has to offer at a fairly leisurely pace.
This way you’ll have enough time to explore the city center, acquaint yourself better with the city and local ways, and not be too tired to continue a trip.
For those who are able to budget 3 days to visit Verona, you will also be able to have some time to explore some highlights nearby, such as on a day trip to beautiful Lake Garda.
Getting To & Around Verona
Getting to the city center is quite convenient whether you’re flying in or taking a train, making it a perfect short trip or weekend destination.
If you’re flying into Verona, you’ll most likely be arriving at the Valerio Catullo Airport. The Verona airport is located 10 km southwest of the city center and offers a few international routes yearly, frequent Italian routes as well as many international summer routes.
If you prefer to skip the hefty cost of a taxi into the city, take the Verona Airport bus ATV that will bring you directly to the Verona Porta Nuova train station in just under 20 minutes.
From here it’s about a 15-minute walk into the city center but there are also plenty of local bus options as well. Tickets for the shuttle are €7 and can be purchased either online, at the airport, or on the bus.
For those taking the train into Verona from any other Italian city (or maybe even another country), the Verona Porta Nuova station is well-connected with the Trenitalia and Italo train lines.
You can reach Verona from Milan in under an hour and a half, Verona from Venice in an hour, and Rome to Verona in a little over 4 hours. Upon arrival at the train station, the magical city center is only about a 15-minute walk away. You can view train schedules here.
2 to 3-Day Verona Itinerary
On this itinerary you’ll fully experience everything that the city (and maybe outside) has to offer. From feeling the fairy-tale ambience at the home of Romeo and Juliet to the gorgeous gardens and nature the city boasts, you’ll be glad that you gave this city a chance.
If you want to learn more about the city with a guide consider taking a tour such as this history tour, this food tour or this winery tour depending on your interests.
Day 1 – The City Center
While the city center of Verona isn’t incredibly big, it has a grand feeling to it. Just walking along the Adige river and seeing the mountains that surround you makes you feel like you’re in a different time.
Day 1 will take you through the main sights of the city center and offer a wonderful first day and stroll through the city of Verona.
Torre dei Lamberti
Start your day with an incredible panoramic view from atop the Torre dei Lamberti – or the Lamberti Tower in English. Located in Piazza delle Erbe in the city center, this medieval tower provides incredible views of the adjacent Piazza dei Signori, the Verona Cathedral, the Verona Arena and more.
Built in the 12th century, this is the tallest tower in Verona and it is truly a focal point of the city’s skyline.
There is a small entry fee to get to the top of the tower, however, there is also an elevator so you don’t need to climb hundreds of rickety steps and can conserve your energy for your further Verona exploration. You can pre-book tickets here or they are included with a Verona Card which includes access to several attractions in the city.
There is no denying that starting your day with this kind of view is one of the best things to do in Verona.
Before making your way to the next stop, make a pit stop in Piazza dei Signori to take in the Scaliger Tombs, an above-ground mausoleum for the Scaligeri family dating back to the 14th Century.
Juliet’s House “Casa di Giulietta”
Directly in the center of the city on Via Cappello, you’ll find the Casa di Giulietta. While the story of Romeo and Juliet as we know it, written by Shakespeare is fictional, the house that he took inspiration from isn’t, as well as the sentiments people bring to it today.
Juliet’s House and most famously, her balcony, are easily one of the main attractions to see when visiting Verona. Ironically, the balcony itself wasn’t added to the house until the 20th century, whereas the house dates back to the 13th century. Just below the balcony is a golden statue of Juliet herself, and the fable has it that if you rub the statue, love is on its way!
Inside the house, you’ll find a museum that offers abundant information on the Romeo and Juliet tale as well as the building. The house itself is also decorated in an accurate 16th-17th century style to reflect what it was like in the era of Romeo and Juliet.
It’s quite an inspiring and touching place to be, witnessing lovers and hopeless lovers visit the statue, leave their notes, and ask Juliet for her love advice.
While it’s free to enter the courtyard and see the balcony, there is a fee to enter the museum. Keep in mind to arrive early and wait in queues as this is an extremely popular attraction with very little space.
Arena di Verona
It isn’t a trip to another Italian city without some sort of arena, is it? Located in the main square of central Verona, Piazza Bra, you’ll find the third-largest Roman amphitheater, with a maximum hold of 25,000 people.
Built in 30 CE and made of 44 levels, the Verona Arena truly encompasses the mass level that ancient Rome lived and built society. Just like any other ancient Roman arena, the Verona Arena was mainly used for gladiator games, and visiting the arena itself offers an unreal experience picturing the way things once were.
The arena itself is quite impressive just to look at from the outside but is also incredibly worth it to pay the admission fee to wander around the inside of it. With just 2 days in Verona or 3 days in Verona, the arena is somewhere that can’t be missed!
Tickets to enter the arena can be purchased on-site or alternatively, you can purchase a Verona Card that gives you priority access. It is also possible to organise a guided tour here.
Opening hours vary seasonally as well as the day of the week & whether or not a show is scheduled.
Verona Cathedral
After about a pleasant 15-minute walk from the Verona Arena and through the center, you’ll find yourself at the Verona Cathedral (or Duomo Santa Maria Matricolare). While this cathedral isn’t as immaculate as many of the others in Italy, it still holds many gems to be explored inside.
This Romanesque-style church was first built in 1187 and still proudly stands as an important part of the city of Verona. Inside you’ll find the pediment, as well as an interesting feature, the library. To this day, the library of the Verona Cathedral is known to be one of the oldest libraries still in rotation today, including various ancient texts!
Whether you’re someone keen on visiting churches or not, even just exploring for a quick walk around is a beautiful experience.
Osteria il Bertoldo
A great way to wrap up your first day in Verona is at the delicious Osteria il Bertoldo. Located just a few minutes away from the Verona Cathedral is a deliciously classic Italian meal.
From a cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and delicious local foods, you’ll likely want to return for more!
Day 2 – Dig Deeper in Verona
Castel San Pietro
After grabbing your morning coffee and pastry (Verona is known to have exquisite cornettos and pastries), the perfect place to start your second day is with another breathtaking view of the city – at the Castel San Pietro.
Located across the Ponte Pietra, this Romanesque fortress is an excellent place to visit. If you’re up for a bit of a hike, it takes about 20 minutes from the base of the fortress to reach the top. Alternatively, there is a cable car that you can ride for a small fee.
The fortress itself may not be that interesting, however, the views are absolutely unbeatable as you will be able to get a full view of the old town of Verona and get more of a panorama that you were from the Lamberti Tower.
Palazzo Giusti and Giardino Giusti
The next stop on your second day is the Palazzo and Giardino Giusti – or the Giusti Palace and Gardens in English.
The palace and gardens are located on the east end of Verona and are a beautiful component of the city. The palace was built in the 16th century and the garden was planted in 1580, and while they’re known to Verona quite well, they’re a hidden gem on a tourist radar.
The garden is known to be one of the best examples of a classic Italian garden and is also known as one of the best Renaissance gardens in all of Europe. Once entering and exploring the large gardens, you’ll feel as if you’ve fallen into a medieval fairytale.
As for the palace, the majority of it is closed off but one section is kept open for visitors and is included in the gardens admission ticket. Tickets include an audio guide for your visit.
Ponte Scaligero (Castelvecchio Bridge)
Just about a 25-minute walk away from the Giardino and Palazzo Giusti, you’ll arrive at the Ponte Scagliero. The Ponte Scagliero is a fortified bridge linking the Citadella neighborhood to the Borgo Trento.
Built in the 1350s, and at the time, had the largest span of any bridge in the world (it’s quite small, so imagine that!) The bridge was destroyed in 1945 by retreating German troops but was luckily rebuilt in 1951.
Castelvecchio
Directly across from the Ponte Scagliero is the Castelvecchio, meaning old castle. The Castelvecchio is the most influential military building of the Scaliger dynasty and is also an important icon representing the history of Verona.
The castle was built in 1355 by the Della Scala family, the head of the Scaglier dynasty and the leading family of Verona in the middle ages. The castle was also damaged during World War 2 but was also renovated in the way we see it today.
In the Castelvecchio museum, you’ll find Romanesque and Gothic sculptures as well as old gothic paintings such as Pisanello with his Madonna of the quail, which are crucial to the history of Verona.
Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore
Not far at all from the Castelvecchio Bridge, you will find the imposing Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore. This gorgeous Romanesque-style church is well worth a visit if you’re spending 2 days exploring Verona.
The exterior of the church itself is gorgeous and beautiful to take in, however, it is known for its incredibly ornate frescoes within the interior of the church so definitely make sure you venture inside the building, as well.
For those visiting Verona because they’re Shakespeare fans, the basilica’s crypt is said to be the place the Bard set for Romeo and Juliet’s wedding.
Day 3 – Day Trip to Lake Garda
While Verona is a gorgeous city full of things to do, the Veneto region is rich in nature as well as culture. On day 3, we will head out to the famous Lake Garda for some fantastic views, and weather depending, maybe a swim.
Lake Garda (Lago di Garda) is Italy’s largest lake and should certainly be on your travel radar. From its picturesque villages to cobblestoned streets and wonderful food, Lake Garda is truly special.
To reach Lake Garda from Verona, you can easily take a train from Verona’s Porta Nuova station. Two of the towns on Lake Garda have train stations so you can take a direct train to either, these are; Desenzano del Garda and Peschiera del Garda.
They are just about 15 km away from each other as well as between 13-23 minutes away from the city center of Verona.
There are also many options for guided tours such as this full-day tour.
Desenzano del Garda
Desenzano del Garda is about a 25-minute train ride away from Verona with train tickets costing just 5 euros each way with trains just about every hour. The town has been a popular tourist location for thousands of years and offers lovely walks and views as well as food.
Take a walk along the harbor and maybe even visit the Bronze and Stone Age museum. A great way to wrap up your day is by enjoying a meal by the water at the wonderful La Taverna del Garda.
Peschiera del Garda
If you’re looking for a closer day trip, Peschiera del Garda is a great option. Just 13 minutes away by train, with tickets at just 3 euros and trains departing every 20 minutes, Peschiera del Garda is a delight.
Peschiera del Garda is a charming town with old winding alleys, beautiful flora, and colorful boats. The town has two parts; the new town, and the old town located within the fortified walls of the town.
I recommend visiting the Fortress of Peschiera del Garda, as it is its own UNESCO World Heritage Site truly worth the visit.
Where to Stay in Verona
Hotel Giulietta e Romeo – This 3-star hotel is an excellent choice for those looking for a mid-range option in Verona. They have a range of lovely rooms on offer and a great, central location for exploring the city.
Hotel Accademia – Those after a bit of luxury in Verona are sure to love this plush hotel. They have a number of beautiful, luxe rooms on offer, plenty of wonderful amenities and a perfect location for exploring all the city has to offer.
Opera Relais De Charme – If you’d like to have your own space while in Verona, then this aparthotel is a great option. It is centrally located and they have a range of apartments to choose from in varying sizes to suit all kinds of travellers.
The Hostello – If you’re travelling solo or are more budget-conscious, then this hostel is a great choice. They have a range of both dorms and private rooms available, a great location and plenty of common areas and self-catering facilities.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Verona hotels!
Whether you’re someone already with knowledge and desire to go to Verona, or it’s somewhere new on your travel list, it truly is the epitome of medieval Italy. Enjoy this Verona itinerary and make special memories in and around the city. The views, the food, and the city are undoubtedly going to make you want to come back for more.
Are you planning on visiting Verona? Have any questions about the city? Let us know in the comments!
Hi Olivia
Great article about 2-3 days in Verona.
Apart from the usual tourist sights that you mention,is there much else to do in the city…we simply enjoy walking cities and stumbling across things as we come upon them…in addition my wife really loves shopping….is there a main shopping area? Or other lesser known streets with more independent retailers?
Many Thanks
John