Spending 1 day in Verona is not just possible—it’s a perfect way to soak up the city’s utterly charming atmosphere.

Verona, the city of love, feels like you’ve stepped into a living postcard. The city moves at a gentle pace, with locals cycling past on vintage bikes through colourful piazzas and stopping for espresso at sidewalk cafes.

In just a day, you can experience Verona’s highlights, from the ancient Arena in Piazza Bra to the lively energy of Piazza delle Erbe.

I’ve curated a traveller-focused plan to help you maximize your day in Verona without feeling rushed and with no fear of missing out on any of the must-see sights.

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Your 1 Day in Verona Itinerary

piazza in verona with colourful buildings and person walking

Many of the stops on this list of what to see in Verona in one day are quick and the walking distance between them is short. I’ve created this as a walking tour to maximize your day.

Unlike other advice you might read, I don’t recommend purchasing the Verona Card, as most of the stops in this itinerary are free to visit, making it unnecessary for a single day.

Start: Caffè Borsari

I recommend you start your day at Caffè Borsari, a small, historic café tucked along Corso Porta Borsari. This charming spot is one of Verona’s oldest, and I simply adored its cozy interior and top-notch espresso (or so I’m told, I’m not a coffee drink). I did however grab a freshly baked cornetto, heavy on the cream, and it was delicious. 📍Corso Porta Borsari, 15 D

Stop 1: Pozzo dell’Amore (The Well of Love)

Nearby, I found Pozzo dell’Amore, a hidden gem yet romantic spot in Verona. Legend has it that this well was central to a tragic love story between Corrado and Isabella, two lovers torn apart. The well dates back to the medieval period and is now a quiet, hidden corner of the city. 📍 Vicoletto Cieco Pozzo San

Stop 2: Piazza delle Erbe

an elegant palazzo with a brick tower and stone statue on a busy piazza in verona

Next, go to Piazza delle Erbe, Verona’s central square. The piazza was once a Roman forum, making it one of the oldest spaces in the city. It’s lined with cafes, market stalls, and historic landmarks.

  • Madonna Fontana: At the center, is the Madonna Verona Fountain, featuring a Roman statue repurposed in the 14th century.
  • Palazzo Maffei Casa Museo: The Baroque architecture caught my eye with its statues of Greek gods lining the rooftop. Inside, the palazzo houses a private art collection, for hours and tickets visit their website.
  • Colonna di San Marco: A winged lion atop a marble column stands in front of the palazzo meant to remind us of Verona’s time under Venetian rule.

Stop 3: Torre dei Lamberti

overhead view of verona with colouful buildings by riverbank

I couldn’t resist climbing the 84-meter-tall Lamberti Tower for its amazing city views. Built in 1172 and later expanded, the tower combines Romanesque and Gothic styles. The 368-step climb was worth it as I took in Verona’s rooftops, the Adige River, and the surrounding hills.

Stop 4: Cortile del Mercato Vecchio

On my way down, I wandered into the Cortile del Mercato Vecchio, a quiet courtyard behind the tower. Once a medieval marketplace, it’s now a pretty spot where you can admire the elegant staircases and arcades. The contrast between the touristy Piazza Erbe and this serene space was a notable difference.

Optional Stop: Galleria d’Arte Moderna Achille Forti

For art lovers, the nearby Achille Forti Modern Art Gallery is a must. Located within the historic Palazzo della Ragione, the gallery showcases 19th and 20th-century Italian works. 📍Cortile del Mercato Vecchio (free admission)

Stop 5: Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House)

stone brick Juliet's House in Verona Italy with the famous balcony

From Piazza delle Erbe, walk to Casa di Giulietta, where the story of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet comes to life. The 14th-century building belonged to the Capello family and was later linked to Juliet.

A day in Verona is not complete without a visit here, so I joined the long line and very crowded courtyard to see the famous balcony and the bronze Juliet statue, where people were jostling to get the chance to rub her right breast for luck in love. It’s touristy and slightly claustrophobic, but the romantic energy here is undeniable.

I quickly drew a heart with the initial M in the centre (for my husband Michael) before I got told to vito, vito by a security guard. 📍Via Cappello, 23

Stop 6: Piazza dei Signori

Make your way to the nearby Piazza dei Signori, this square is surrounded by stunning historical buildings:

  • Statua di Dante Alighieri: At the center, Dante’s marble statue reflects his connection to Verona, where he found refuge during his exile.
  • Loggia del Consiglio: A Renaissance masterpiece with statues of Roman emperors adorning its rooftop.
  • Palazzo del Podesta: Once home to Verona’s rulers, it’s such an elegant building. Nearby, I peeked at the Scaliger Tombs, elaborately Gothic resting places of Verona’s ruling family.
  • Church of Saint Mary ‘Antica’: Right next to the Scaliger Tombs lies a modest yet historically significant Romanesque chapel that was private to the Scaliger family.

Stop 7: Basilica di Santa Anastasia

an elaborate frescoed ceiling in the Basilica di Santa Anastasia in Verona Italy

A short walk brings you to Santa Anastasia, Verona’s largest church, an impressive Gothic structure completed in the 15th century. Inside, I admired the vibrant frescoes and the famous hunchback holy water font sculptures. 📍Piazza S.Anastasia

Lunch Stop: Cappa Café

By midday, I was ready for lunch. I chose Cappa Café, because it was close. The menu is mostly made up of sandwiches and pizza, the food is decent, but stunning views of the Adige River from its riverbank terrace are the best part.📍Piazzetta Brà Molinari, Via Ponte Pietra, 1/a

Stop 8: Duomo di Verona

view of the Doumo Verona with entrance and clock and blue sky

After lunch, I visited the Duomo di Verona, a beautiful mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Built in the 12th century, it is most famous for the Titian’s Assumption of the Virgin. 📍Piazza Vescovado

Stop 9: Ponte Pietra

Crossing Ponte Pietra, Verona’s oldest bridge dating back to Roman times, was a highlight. The views of the Adige River, framed by the surrounding hills and colourful buildings of the UNESCO-listed Old Town are the perfect photo stop.

Optional Stop: Museo Archeologico al Teatro Romano

Explore the Archaeological Museum, housed in a former monastery above the Roman Theater. The museum’s artifacts will give you insights into Verona’s ancient history, and the views from its terraces were worth the visit alone. 📍Rigaste Redentore, 2

Stop 10: Castel San Pietro

view of city of verona italy with buildings, river and tower

Instead of taking the funicular, I climbed the stairs to Castel San Pietro. The walk was well worth it because it allowed me to stop and admire those views. The panoramic view of Verona from the top was unparalleled, and that’s when I silently declared to myself that this was a city worth visiting. The castle itself isn’t open, but the hilltop vista is the main attraction.

Aperitif Stop: Re Teodorico

Before I headed back down, I stopped and enjoyed an aperitif at Re Teodorico, a hillside bar with stunning views over Verona. A refreshing spritz and light snacks made it the perfect late-afternoon pause. 📍Piazzale Castel S. Pietro, 1

Stop 11: Via Sottoriva, Via Giuseppe Mazzini and Arena di Verona

verona arena with two level archways

Crossing back over the bridge, wander along Via Sottoriva, a charming, quiet street lined with arcades and small eateries. Its medieval atmosphere is worth a stroll along here.

Make your way down Via Giuseppe Mazzini, Verona’s main shopping street. For shoppers maybe this is where you would like to spend some time. At the end lies Verona Arena in Piazza Bra, an impressive Roman amphitheatre that still hosts operas and concerts. If you are lucky enough to time your visit with a concert, I highly recommend it.

Last Stop: Verona Restaurant

After a full day exploring Verona, end the night with a late dinner at one of the city’s cozy trattorias. Verona is famous for its Valpolicella wines and local specialties like risotto all’Amarone, made with the region’s prized red wine.

I had several restaurants I researched before my trip, and almost all of them were closed (Sunday to Tuesday). And, the open one, Antica Bottega del Vino, was full for the evening, but they recommended I try Osteria Scudo di Francia, which turned out to be amazing. Great food, wine selection, service and design.

Final Thoughts

Exploring Verona in a day will be a highlight of your northern Italy trip. From ancient landmarks to romantic legends, this itinerary ensures you make the most of your time.

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staircase up to a hill with brick buildings on either side with text overlay that reads "1 Day in Verona"
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Founder, Creator of Dream Plan Experience

Renee Hannes is a European travel specialist with over 35 years of experience exploring France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Having lived in Germany twice, she combines her deep knowledge and passion for slow travel to craft tailored itineraries and destination guides that uncover hidden gems and authentic cultural experiences. She also offers personalized trip planning services and hosts retreats, helping travellers savour the art of slow, immersive European travel.