Ahhh, Verona. The city of love. With its charming streets, beautiful palazzos, and Romeo and Juliet history, there is no surprise so many visitors flock to Verona. This gorgeous city makes for a perfect day trip if you’re staying in Northern Italy. Here is my itinerary on how to spend one day in Verona!

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If arriving by train, you’ll arrive at the Verona Porta Nuova station. From here, you can walk for about 15 minutes along Corso Porta Nuova before passing through the old city doors and arriving in Piazza Bra.

Visit the Verona Arena

While it is obviously not the Coloseum, I audibly gasped when I first saw the Arena. The Verona Arena, built in 30 A.D., is one of the best preserved ancient structures. Even from the outside you have a great perception on how well-maintained the arena has remained.

I think heading inside is worthwhile (although I do wish they had more information and signage to read inside regarding its history inside) and the tickets are €17 per adult. If you prefer having a guide provide more insight, you can book a guided, skip-the line area tour.

In fact, it is still used today as a theater venue for operas and other types of performances! I’ve added a new item to my bucket list – see a live performance here! I HIGHLY encourage you to book this ticket for the Verona Opera, especially if staying overnight in Verona. Of course, this is seasonal, but the setting alone makes this experience priceless.

Discover More Hidden Ruins

If your day trip in Verona lands on a weekend, you’re in luck! History buffs will be thrilled to have the option to visit the Archaeological Area of Corte Sgarzerie.

From the piazza, it looks like a plain and unassuming building. The average person might walk past it without a second thought. However, fate brought you to this blog and you are NOT the average person! Head to the doorway and follow the narrow, winding staircase downstairs for a special surprise.

Down here you’ll get to see the remnants of the Capitolium. There is an informative video that plays (don’t worry, it has English subtitles) that gives an immense amount of background to this site along with the overall history of Verona. This article is in Italian but gives a more thorough explanation about the site.

Access to this underground site can be difficult as it is only open to the public sporadically. Fortunately, you also have the option to book this guided underground visit where you can gain access while your guide provides helpful insights in English (if entering without this tour, you’ll likely only get Italian explanations).

Go to Juliet’s House

It is an unsaid rule that you can’t come to Verona and skip Juliet’s House. At the very least, you have to head to the courtyard and rub the statue of Juliet’s breast for good luck.

While the courtyard is free to enter, you must purchase a ticket to enter the museum/house. Entry is based on 15-minute time slots that you’ll choose when you purchase tickets. I recommend purchasing in advance because it is very difficult to predict if there will be a lot of slots available at the time you prefer.

I will say, the inside of the house wasn’t the most thrilling home I’ve ever seen, especially considering the €17 price tag… However, if you want to get a picture from THE balcony, then it may be worthwhile. You can purchase tickets in advance online here.

Oh Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou? Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about him. In fact, he’s actually just around the corner. You can find Romeo’s house down the block at Via Arche Scaligere, 3. However, the property is closed to the public and you’ll be only be able to recognize it due to the small plaque on the outside.

Visit the 4 Historic Churches

During your day in Verona, history, architecture, and religion lovers may want to complete the circuit of visiting four of the city’s very important churches. You can purchase a pass for €8 that allows access to all 4 churches, which you can purchase at any of the four locations.

Keep in mind, visiting all four churches will take more time than you may realize given all of the details to explore and view at each. At each entrance, you’ll receive a pamphlet with a detailed overview of the church and there is also plenty of signage at each location in both Italian and English. If you want to learn more or purchase tickets in advance, you can read more here.

The Cathedral Complex

Basilica of Saint Anastasia

Basilica of San Zeno

Church of Saint Fermo

Stroll the Piazzas

Piazza della Erbe

Piazza delle Erbe is one of the main, central piazzas of Verona. With one day in Verona, this is a great spot for an afternoon aperitivo or coffee break given the variety of restaurants with outdoor seating here. In the winter you’ll find an enormous Christmas market here.

One of the great nearby spots is the Minuto Bauli Cafe. Here you can get pandoro bread (pandoro is originally from Verona) and choose a flavor of cream to stuff it with ranging from pistacchio, hazelnut, fruit, and more.

Enjoy a Traditional Meal

I am a foodie through and through; the way to my heart is via my stomach. Food gives some incredible insight into a city’s culture, so I love to chow down on the local cuisine. Some of Verona’s famous dishes include horse meat, pasta or risotto with amarone, and pandoro (the rival of Milan’s panettone).

If you follow me closely, you know my #1 suggestion is always a food tour! It is the BEST way to immerse yourself with the perfect blend of the local food and culture. This food tour with dinner and wine ensures you’ll taste both the risotto all’Amarone and the Amarone wine!

In fact, wine lovers may want to book an Amarone Wine Tasting and Tour. You’ll visit two wineries (with transport included) for a full explanation and tasting of this regional specialty.

Shop Via Giuseppe Mazzini

This pedestrian-only shopping street gives you a look at the ritzy, more modern side of Verona. But, if you know exactly where to look, you can still find traces of the city’s ancient history. For instance, walk into The United Colors of Benetton on this street. No, we are not taking a shopping break (but you’re welcome to if you want). Instead, head downstairs into the basement for a fun surprise of combing the old and the new.

Did you enjoy your one day in Verona!? Let me know how you filled your days exploring this incredible city.

Looking for more One Day Guides in Italy? You may be interested in these guides as well:

• How to Spend One Day in Florence, Italy
• How to Spend One Day in Venice, Italy
• How to Spend One Day in Milan, Italy