Verona, often associated with Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” has so much more to offer than its literary fame.
Spending 2 days in Verona allows you to explore its gorgeous architecture and charming streets at a leisurely pace as I did, or perhaps add a day trip to Lake Garda if that’s on your radar.
My itinerary goes beyond the usual highlights, sharing some of the unique finds I discovered and practical tips to make the most of your time, including answering the question of whether a Verona Card is worth it (spoiler alert: it’s not!).
Whether you’re going here for the history or just to soak in the atmosphere, I will provide you with a solid plan of how to spend your time and elevate your experience.
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How to Spend Two Days in Verona
If you’d prefer a broader experience, dedicate Day 1 to seeing Verona’s top things to do with quick stops (meaning no entrance tour), and this will be noted on the itinerary. Then, on Day 2, take a day trip to nearby places.
If a slower pace is what you’re after, spend two full days exploring this list. This gives you time to delve into the interiors of its museums, castles, and churches, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the UNESCO World Heritage city’s history and culture.
Whether you choose to zip through the sights or savour them over two days, this itinerary is designed to offer flexibility while ensuring you experience the very best of Verona.
Please follow in order as listed, as it has been mapped out for you to maximize your time.
Day 1 of your 2 Days in Verona
Piazza Bra
Begin at Piazza Bra, the city’s largest square. It’s the perfect spot to soak in the morning energy, with locals heading to work and visitors snapping photos of colourful facades and busy cafés.
I especially like the architecture of the Town Hall (formerly Barbieri Palace) and Gran Guardia Palace.
An Update from My Personal Experience: Enjoy an espresso at one of the square’s terraces, like Emanuel Cafe, with a direct view of the Verona Arena.
Verona Arena
Next, check out the Verona Arena, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. It’s incredible to think that this arena has stood here for nearly 2,000 years and is still used for summer opera festivals. Sadly, no performances were scheduled when I was there.
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm | Ticket price: €10 | Website: Verona Arena | Quick Stop (skip interior tour)
Ponte di Castelvecchio and Castelvecchio Museum
From the Arena, walk to the Ponte di Castelvecchio. It’s a red-brick medieval bridge spanning the Adige River. The bridge’s crenellated design and scenic views of the river make it a great photo spot.
Visit the connected Castelvecchio Museum, a former medieval castle built in the 1300s by the Della Scala family. The museum houses a mix of art, sculptures, and weapons.
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm | Ticket price: €9 | Website: Castelvecchio Museum | Quick Stop (skip interior tour)
Walk Along Via Giuseppe Mazzini to the Piazza Erbe Area
To make your way to the area near Piazza Erbe, walk along Via Giuseppe Mazzini, Verona’s main shopping street. The polished marble streets lined with high-end boutiques are very elegant and worth seeing as your very own walking tour.
Piazza della Erbe
Piazza Erbe is the hub of Verona. I found the amount of crowds and the touristy souvenir market stalls detracted from being able to admire some of the square’s beautiful historic buildings. Regardless, don’t miss it.
Some of the highlights include the Mazzanti houses with their eye-catching frescoes, a 12th-century Madonna fountain built by the Della Scala family in the 1300s, and Palazzo Maffei Casa Museo, a grand baroque palace turned museum.
My Personal Tip: Find the ancient well behind the hidden courtyard called Pozzo dell’Amore. It’s the site of Verona’s love legend of Corrado and Isabella. (Pozzo San, Vicoletto Cieco, Scalette S. Marco near Piazza Erbe).
Casa di Giulietta
Juliet’s House is one of those “check-the-box” stops in Verona, as much as I’m not that type of traveller, I had to experience it myself too.
The courtyard was crowded and claustrophobic and offered a quick view of the famous (but underwhelming) balcony and the statue of Juliet. If you go inside, expect the rooms to be a bit touristy and with little connection to Shakespeare’s fictional tale (the main reason why I skipped this).
While it’s not the most impressive experience, the lines move quickly, and you’ll be in and out before you know it. For some, it’s worth the stop just to say you’ve been there—but for me, Verona has far more authentic and rewarding landmarks to explore.
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm | Ticket price: €6 | Website: book timeslot in advance for the interior at the official website | Quick Stop
Torre dei Lamberti
Time to climb the 12th-century Lamberti Tower, offering 360-degree views of Verona. The effort (or elevator ride) is well worth it for the panoramic sights of Piazza Erbe, Piazza dei Signori, and beyond.
Hours: Monday – Friday from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm & Saturday – Sunday from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm | Ticket price: €6 | Website: Reserve your timeslot by emailing in advance on the official website
Courtyard of the Old Market and Galleria d’Arte Moderna Achille Forti
I much preferred the Courtyard of the Old Market as it offers a quieter contrast to the lively Piazza Erbe. Inside the courtyard, you’ll find the Galleria d’Arte Moderna Achille Forti, which houses a neat collection of modern and contemporary art from the 19th century to the present day.
Hours: Tuesday – Wednesday: 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm & Thursday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm | Ticket price: €6 | Website: GAM or Gallery of Modern Art | Quick Stop: skip the gallery
Piazza dei Signori and Scaliger Tombs
From the tower, head to Piazza dei Signori, also known as the “Lords’ Square,” with its unique Loggia del Consiglio archways, a statue of Dante, and a small Romanesque church called Saint Mary Antica. It is easy to miss but worth a quick stop.
Visit the Scaliger Tombs of Verona’s powerful ruling family, Della Scala. These ornate resting places with their Gothic details are a striking sight. It’s only open during the summer months, I later found, but you can still see the tombs through the wrought iron fence.
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 7:30 am – 12:30 pm & 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm (only open during the summer months) | Ticket price: Free with a ticket to any other Verona attraction
Where I ate lunch (and recommend): Enjoy a light lunch with an amazing view on their riverbank terrace at Cappa Café.
Basilica di Santa Anastasia and Verona Cathedral
From there, head to Verona’s largest church, Basilica di Santa Anastasia, to admire its impressive frescoes. A short walk will lead you to Verona Cathedral, a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Both are must-sees.
Hours: Monday – Friday: 10.00 am – 5.00 pm & Saturday: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm & Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Ticket price: €4
Ponte Pietra and Castel San Pietro Piazzale
End the day crossing Ponte Pietra, Verona’s oldest bridge, with views of the Adige River. On the other side, I made the climb to Castel San Pietro Piazzale. The uphill walk is worth it for the gorgeous views of Verona, or you can always take the funicular (€3 round-trip).
Where I enjoyed an aperitif: Time your visit here in the late afternoon, when the light is softening and enjoy an aperitif as I did at Re Teodorico with one of the best views.
Day 2 of your Verona 2 Day Itinerary
If you’d rather venture beyond Verona on Day 2, there are fantastic day trips from Verona. Head to the charming shores of Lake Garda, which is exactly what I did. For a bigger adventure, consider the fashion streets of Milan, the romantic canals of Venice or the medieval allure of Padua.
If you decide to stay in Verona, follow my itinerary, which has been carefully mapped out.
A Café I recommend: Pop into the fabulous Café Carducci before you visit Giusti Garden for a coffee and pastry.
Giusti Garden
Begin your day with a serene visit to the real hidden gem of Verona, Giusti Garden, a beautiful Renaissance park filled with manicured hedges, statues, fountains, and more incredible views of the city from its terrace. You can’t help but slow down here.
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm | Ticket price: €12 (€9 with Verona Card)
Chiesa di San Fermo Maggiore
Next, cross Ponte delle Navi, another scenic viewpoint from this bridge, to visit the Chiesa di San Fermo Maggiore. This is two churches in one. The upper part is in Gothic style while the older section, from the 11th century, is Romanesque and on the bottom. I thought of all the churches, this one was the most unique and impressive to visit.
Hours: Monday – Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm & Saturday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm & Sunday: 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm | Ticket price: €4 (there was no entrance fee when I visited in Sept)
If you are keen to visit another connection to the Romeo and Juliet love story, you may wish to add the Tomba di Giulietta. The tomb was made in honour of this legendary character; however, the highlight is seeing the frescos and learning how they are preserved (10-minute walk from San Fermo Chuch).
Porta Leoni
From there, make your way to Porta Leoni, one of Verona’s ancient Roman gates. Seeing it reminded me of Rome, how an ancient ruin and archeological site is found amongst more modern buildings.
Book lovers may want to pop into the nearby Civic Library of Verona and visit the older section of the library to see the beautifully preserved rooms and books (Via Cappello, 43).
Museo Archeologico al Teatro Romano
Take a scenic walk along Via Sottoriva, a picturesque street with archways and quaint cafes, before crossing Ponte Pietra, Verona’s oldest bridge.
On the other side, visit the Museo Archeologico al Teatro Romano, where you can explore the Roman ruins of the amphitheatre from the first century BC and a museum full of Roman statues, tombs and mosaics.
Hours: Tuesday – Wednesday 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm & Thursday – Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm | Ticket price: €9 | Website: Roman Arena
Where I enjoyed a meal: Enjoy a delicious lunch in the super cozy Trattoria Pane e Vino, their wine list is as good as their homemade pasta (close to Ponte della Vittoria).
Riverfront Walk Ponte Garibaldi and Ponte della Vittoria
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Adige River, passing Ponte Garibaldi and Ponte della Vittoria. The river views, combined with the architectural beauty of the bridges, and the nearby monastery of Parrocchia di San Giorgio in Braida, make for a lovely mid-day break.
Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore
End your day at the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore, one of four of Verona’s most impressive churches. Its Romanesque design, stunning bronze doors, and the legendary site of Romeo and Juliet’s wedding make this worth a visit.
Hours: Monday – Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm & Saturday: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm & Sunday: 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm | Ticket price: €4
Here’s Why the 48 Hour Verona Card Is Not Worth Buying
The top Verona attractions included in the Verona card include:
- Archeological Museum at the Roman Theatre
- Arche Scaligere tombs (only open in the summer)
- Castelvecchio Museum
- Church of Sant’Anastasia
- Church of San Zeno
- Church of San Fermo
- Verona Cathedral
- GAM Achille Forti Modern Art Gallery
- Juliet’s House (must book your timeslot on the website)
- Juliet’s Tomb and Frescoes Museum
- Lamberti Tower
- Verona Arena
Review this list against your interests and see which ones interest you the most. The cost of the:
- 48-hour Verona Card is €32
- 24-hour Verona Card is €27
Travel Tip: Even though each of the four main churches – Sant’Anastasia, San Zeno, San Fermo, and Verona Cathedral – states the entrance fee is €4 (for one) or €8 (to visit all four), I entered all four for free when I visited in September. A donation was encouraged, which I did by lighting a candle.
Although the cost comparison wasn’t worth it for me, if it is for you, reserve yours with Get Your Guide or directly with the Verona Tourist Office.
Practical Tips for Spending 48 Hours in Verona
Planning ahead can make your 48 hours in Verona even more enjoyable. If you’re visiting between November and March, take advantage of €1 museum entry on the first Sunday of the month.
During the busy summer months, consider booking skip-the-line tickets for popular attractions like Lamberti Tower and Juliet’s House, as the Verona Card doesn’t cover this perk.
Verona is an ideal weekend getaway, offering just the right balance of exploration and relaxation, ensuring you won’t feel rushed or overwhelmed. However, if you’re short on time, check out my one-day Verona itinerary for a condensed version of this trip.
My Travel Take
I think you’re going to love this curated Verona 2-day itinerary I’ve designed with a perfect mix of history, culture, and scenic charm, whether you spend both days exploring the city or opt for a day trip to nearby gems.
For more slow travel inspiration, download my free guide with 15 practical tips for slow travel and start making the most of your trips to Europe.
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