“In fair Verona, where we lay our scene…” Verona may be the most well known because of Shakespeare’s famous missive, but it has many delights to draw visitors to the city. The incredible Roman amphitheatre, still used for opera performances in the summer, a vibrant market square, and many cultural sites. While 24 hours in Verona isn’t long enough in my opinion, a one day guide to the city is beneficial to those on a tight schedule.
Verona is very compact and easy to walk around, so that is a distinct advantage for a short stay.
Things to do in Verona in one day
Verona Arena
This 1st century Roman arena isn’t the scale of the Colosseum in Rome, but remains a functional arena, which is kinda more impressive. Built in 30AD it can hold over 20,000 for large scale opera productions that run throughout the summer. You can take a tour of the arena during the day to see the history and construction of this ancient venue.
If you are visiting in summer (the opera festival runs mid-June to early-September), and are staying the night, seeing a performance at the arena is an incredible experience.
The surrounding Piazza Bra and gardens are lovely for sitting out and people-watching too.
Castelvecchio Museum + Ponte Scaligero
A couple of blocks away from the Verona Arena is the Castelvecchio Museum and Scaligero Bridge. This imposing red brick castle was built in the Middle Ages by the ruling family of the time, the Scaliger dynasty. If you’ve been to northern Italy before, you may’ve heard the name before in places like Scaligero Castle in Sirmione, on Lake Garda. The castle now houses a museum, showcasing a lot of Romanesque statues.
Ponte Scaligero runs behind Castelvecchio, over the Adige River that winds its way through Verona. You can tell it is part of the military fortification, as the walls are high, and there are lots of gaps from which to shoot arrows through and the like!
Arco dei Gavi
This ancient arch is some 2000 years old, although it has had a tumultuous past. Having survived since Roman reign, it was destroyed by Napoleon. It was then reconstructed based on drawings. It sits not far from Castelvecchio, and used to be part of the Verona city walls.
Juliet Balcony
Heading further into the centre of old town Verona, we take in the old winding streets and famous history. Juliet’s Balcony is the most popular tourist attraction in town, and in the high season the queues can be around the block. There are two parts to this attraction – the courtyard, Juliet statue, and view up to the balcony. And then you can go inside the house and have your photo taken on the balcony.
However, I hate to break it to you, but there are two parts to this shrine that are more myth than magic. One, the house itself belonged to the Dal Capello – perhaps the inspiration for the Capulets, but who knows? And the balcony – it was added in the 20th century. Sorry to burst any bubbles!
It is free to visit the courtyard, and a small fee to go inside and up to the balcony. The Juliet statue in the courtyard has a ‘please don’t touch’ sign on it, but at some point it became tradition to touch her right breast for luck. Can I just say – can we not? Restoring bronze is an expensive business, so can we stop this silliness?
Piazza delle Erbe
Pizza delle Erbe is a fantastic place to have lunch or dinner, with wall-to-wall restaurants overlooking the market stalls and wonky buildings. Statues and fountains punctuate the stalls, and the rooflines and varying architectural styles are endlessly interesting.
People-watching is a favourite pastime of ours, so this kind of set up is our heaven. We enjoyed many Aperol Spritz’s on this square.
Old Town Verona
The winding streets off Piazza delle Erbe and up to the river are a delightful maze of higgledy-piggledy buildings, cute little shops and boutiques. Our favourite find was the Salumeria G. Albertini, a delicatessen full of salami, cheese, local pasta and nibbles. It also had some great liqueurs, which we just had to purchase and take home!
Ponte Pietra + Castel San Pietro
At the tip of the biggest bend in the river, in the northern part of the old town, is the Ponte Pietra Bridge. It is the oldest bridge in Verona, finished in 100 BC. Another one of the reconstructions in Verona, it was rebuilt with original materials in 1957, after the retreating Germans blew it up! Poor Verona, it has been amidst the chaos often! Take a talking tour of Verona to learn more about its history.
Over the river and to the east is a large hill, once referred to as Rooster Mountain. It is home to a Roman amphitheatre, a monastery, and the impressive Castel San Pietro. You can get up to the castle gardens via a funicular or by walking, and the views are the best in Verona. The castle is not open to visitors, but the grounds are, and there is a cafe to stop for a drink and watch the sunset.
Where to stay in Verona
If you are staying overnight in Verona, here are some hotel options for varying budgets and travel styles:
- Hotel Leopardi – Just outside the old city walls (2.2kms from centre), the Hotel Leopardi is a good option for those travelling by car or with pets. The rooms are simple, but it is clean and convenient.
- Hotel Indigo Verona (Grand Hotel Des Arts, an IHG Hotel) – If you’re looking for a reliable name brand option in the thick of the action, the Hotel Indigo Verona is a good, if not pricey option.
- Hotel NH Collection Palazzo Verona – If you want a bit of luxury for your visit to Verona, my pick is the NH Palazzo Verona. I love the NH brand in general, but this location in particular.
- Residence Antico San Zeno – For a good mid-range or longer term rental, try the Antico San Zeno aparthotel. Located about 1.2km from the centre, but very walkable.
If you have more time in the area, consider a tour of the Amarone Wine Region
24 Hours in Verona : One Day Guide
I hope you get to spend more than one day in Verona – while it is a compact city, it has joie de vivre is spades. Seating spills out on terraces and pavements, aperitivo time is revered and the river winds through the city bringing freshness and life. Verona is delicious, even if you don’t visit Juliet’s balcony!
Italy is one of our favourite European destinations…
From the photogenic Cinque Terre to the vibrance of Naples!
All photos & content © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!). Images shot with a Canon DSLR T3i Rebel + Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM; and an iPhone.
Believe it or not, I’ve never heard of Verona. It looks like an incredibly quaint town. I’d love to visit. The architecture looks just as charming as in other areas of Italy. Thank you so much for sharing. I’m saving this for later.
Verona has never been on my bucket list, but you’ve inspired me! Thanks for sharing your photos and helpful info 🙂
So many great photos. I love the market. That’s one of the places you would find me. And then I’d be taking pictures.
Italy is so rich in culture, art and history everywhere you turn! Verona has been on my list for ages but I haven’t got round to it yet. Thanks for this reminder. Lovely photos by the way!
Your insights on “fair Verona” are very helpful. I would love to return to Italy and visit this idyllic city.