The Perfect One Day Verona Itinerary + Map

 

If you have only one day in Verona and you want to spend a busy day exploring the main attraction, then below is the perfect itinerary on what to see in Verona in 1 day.

 

The guide below includes map snippets to help you navigate your way around the city. This route includes top sights close to each other and easily accessible if you are on your feet, have a car or want to travel on local bus service.

 

You can also take advantage of the many tours in Verona that will help you explore and make the most of your day, hitting up all the highlights of the city.

  

 

How To See Verona In A Day

Whether you are travelling from Venice to Verona for a day trip or even any of the Lake Garda towns nearby, Verona has so much more to offer in history, culture, and architecture.

 

No trip to Verona whether exploring for one day or even 2 days in Verona is complete without checking off many of the places below.

 

Of course, I would recommend staying longer than a day in Verona but if that is all you have then these are the places to visit.

 

If you are staying overnight make sure you check out my tips on the best areas to stay in Verona. In addition to my extensive list of things to do in Verona. 

 

 

 

1- Start Your Trip by Visiting the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore

To see most of Verona in one day, aim to start as early as 8 or 9am if possible. Head to the Basilica, you can spend 50 minutes to explore the large 12th century Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, a Romanesque building in northern Italy Veneto region.

 

The interior has an unusual 14th-century timber roof and beautiful Romanesque capitals.

This is one of the most attractive and better-preserved examples of Romanesque architecture in Northern Italy, with several art masterpieces on display. This a quiet place to relax and has a perfect atmosphere.

 

 

 

2- Walk across the Ponte di Castelvecchio

This bridge is just 15 minute walk away from Basilica di San Zeno and you can easily spend 30 minutes on this location.

Enjoy walking across the bridge and you can see a city from a river’s perspective.

The Castelvecchio Bridge shows off the world’s largest period at the time of its building in the 14th century and this is also known as Ponte di Castel Vecchio.

 

 

3- Short Visit of Castelvecchio Museum

You can reach to Castelvecchio museum by just 5 to 7-minute walk from Castelvecchio Bridge.  This museum has a great collection of sculpture, statues, paintings, ancient weapons & more within a restored palace Sculptures from the 12th to the 15th century are displayed in the galleries on the ground floor.

The museum showcases a compelling collection of arms and armors. You can explore this place in about 40 to 45 minutes.

The Castelvecchio museum also hosts short-term exhibitions, educational programs, and conferences.

To explore more in art and history or want to know more about the best museums in Verona you can view my recent post on the Best Museums In Verona.

 

 

4- Spend Some Time at Verona Cathedral

Another beautiful attraction is the Verona Cathedral, officially called Duomo Cattedrale di Santa Maria Matricolare.

Verona Cathedral is on 10 minute drive from Castelvecchio museum. You can also take the local bus in Verona.

The cathedral is a 12th-century Romanesque basilica with a 15th-century Gothic nave. Certainly one of the highlights to any visit to Verona.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption has some pretty impressive works of art. The Duomo Santa Maria Matricolare is a three-aisled church with nicely decorated aisles and numerous chapels.

 

 

5- Cross the bridge of Ponte Pietra

The Ponte Pietra, once known as the Pons Marmoreus, is a Roman arch bridge crossing the Adige River in Verona, Italy.

 

The bridge was completed in 100 BC, It is the oldest bridge in Verona. This Bridge is just a 5 minute walk away from the Verona Cathedral and you can spend 25 to 30 minutes there. 

The old bridge sports a tunic of plantlife growing out of its sidewalls while the bridge deck, pedestrian-only, given ample opportunity for photos of Verona in the distance with the river as background.

Across the Roman bridge of Ponte Pietra, on the hillside below Castel San Pietro, the Roman Theater was constructed in the first century during the reign of Augustus.

 

 

6- Reach to Castel San Pietro

Verona has some of the most ancient castles in the world and San Pietro is one of them. This Castel is 10 minutes by feet from Ponte Pietra you can enjoy 40 to 45 minutes there.

It was built to allow their native to protect and defend themselves. It’s a hill located in a strategic position, which rises a few hundred meters above the Roman Theatre.

It is a place of great touristic interest. Stop at the Re Teodorico restaurant for cold drinks before leaving and enjoy the picture perfect scenery.

In 1801, when the Napoleonic army arrived, some of the ancient building gets destroyed.

 

7- Continue to Sant’Anastasia

A Gothic church from the late 13th century, Sant’Anastasia towers above a little piazza in the heart of Verona.

The important attractiveness in Sant’Anastasia is the famous fresco by Pisanello, “St. George & the Princess,” although its marvelous red Veronese marble pillars and the 72-meter bell tower are equally majestic. Its distance is just 15 minute walk away from the Castel San Pietro.

This church is called Verona’s largest church and a showcase for local art. You can spend 40 minutes of your time here.

If you are fond of architecture, this is definitely one to visit as it’s the most major Gothic-style religious monument in Verona.

 

 

8- Move on towards Piazza dei Signori

Piazza dei Signori is a city square in Verona, Italy and surrounded by palaces, and in the middle stands a monument to Dante erected in 1865.

Dante’s statue and interesting glimpses through its arches. And a quite brilliant pizza restaurant, Impero, which sprawls out in front of one of the loveliest buildings provides a good vantage point.

It considered the most beautiful squares in Verona. This is less than 5 minutes’ walk from the Sant’Anastasia.

About 60 minutes here will be enough to explore. This area is surrounded by notable buildings. Most of the piazza’s buildings are off-limits to the public, but you can explore the 12th-century Palazzo della Ragione.

 

 

9- Climb the Torre dei Lamberti

The Torre dei Lamberti is the tallest tower in Verona and its just 2 to 3 minutes’ walk from Piazza dei Signori. This 84m-high watchtower give the panoramic views of Verona and mountains and built by the Lamberti family in 1172.

Climb the 368 steps or take the elevator to the top of the 12th century tower on a clear day and get a chance to see the unforgettable great stunning views.

Again about 60 minutes will be suffice to explore this area. This tower is a must for those that love a good view, as you see almost everything in the center and then the countryside in the mist. Especially good view of the main squares.

 

 

10- Explore the Charming Piazza delle Erbe

One of the biggest and most lively squares in the city, Piazza Delle Erbe where you can find the fountain of Madonna Verona which obviously is the bodyguard of Verona.

This place is just 5 minute walk from the tower. The Piazza delle Erbe (“square of the herbs”) is the oldest square in the city and was once a Roman forum.

Now it’s a most busy fruit and vegetable market full of beautiful color and freshness. You can also enjoy the flower market to see vibrant colors which held on every Sunday. Juliet’s balcony is also a short walk from here too.

 

 

Where To Eat In Verona  – Treat Yourself with a Worthy Dinner

At the end of the journey, now it’s time to get some energy to have some delicious food. When it comes to food in Verona, it may be difficult to choose one restaurant, especially when you are short on time and don’t have time to think so now no need to worry. 

Also because many look so good. I have got you covered! At Piazza Delle Erbe you can find lot of food options but just to save your time.

I’ll suggest to try La Prosciutteria (Piazza delle Erbe 31, 37121, Verona Italy) in Piazza Delle Erbe.

 

This one is considered one of best restaurants in Verona including best Italian cuisine and warm, welcoming staff. And if you like meat and cheese you will definitely LOVE it.

It has fresh products, an excellent atmosphere, and tasteful plates. You can choose from a variety of different types of products for a big plate or you can take an affordable Panini, from 6€.

And if you are looking for some late-night pizza cravings then consider Bar Ristorante Della Ragione (Piazza delle Erbe 6, 37121, Verona Italy) for best pizza in Verona.

 

 

Pro Tip: With to limited time on 1 day tour of Verona, I would recommend asking your hotel for local recommendations for where dinner for a bit of local touch as this will save time by going from place to place to finalize the best food to eat.

 

If you have more time, as you explore you get to see which places you might want to head back to for dinner in the evening. With limited time, ask a local or do a little research online beforehand.

 

 

Is The Verona Card Worth It?

The VeronaCard offers a combined ticket that gives you access to free or reduced-price to attractions in the city and free travel on public transport. You can get in 24 hours and 48 hours running from the first time you use it.

 

How Many Days To Spend In Verona?

As I have said above, Verona is even more beautiful the longer you stay but if you can even visit for one day, you will no doubt be in awe and want to return to visit.

So how many days in Verona is enough? I would say at a minimum of 2 days would be ideal.

There stunning places to eat, views to enjoy from towers, beautiful museums, the walls around the city you will no doubt want to explore at leisure.

 

I have returned to Verona a few times now and discover something new each time. There are also even cuter and pretty towns to check on day trips from Verona so yes a few days in Verona to make the most of all the cool things to see and enjoy are well worth the long trip in my view.

 

 

Getting Around Verona

Train tour: There is a train tour that circles around the historic centre of Verona. You can catch this little train from Piazza Bra.

Sightseeing bus tour: This is a guided tour on a double-decker bus where you can get on and off the bus whenever you like. You need your day pass to hop on. The route and itineraries for the bus tours last anywhere from 1 to 2 hours and allow you to visit many of the Verona sites that are on the must-see list.

Walking: This is an amazing city to explore on foot. With only one day to tour Verona, you can visit many of the sites by walking the historical centre.

Local buses: There are local buses in Verona running local routes as well as summer bus timetables from Verona to Lake Garda towns. As I have mentioned, you don’t really need public transport in Verona as most of the sites are walking distance.

To reach places beyond the main tourist places or if you happen to stay near the suburbs in Verona, there is a bus station in front of the main train station at Porta Nuova on Piazzale 25 Aprile. From here you can catch buses to all the different neighbourhoods in Verona.

Train: Once you arrive in Verona the only time you really need to use the train is when visiting the next towns and other cities beyond Verona. You can get by walking on foot or using the local buses in Verona.

 

Getting To Verona

As I mainly travel from London, if you are traveling from the UK or anywhere in Europe, you will find plenty of flights via EasyJet, Wizz, RyanAir flying into Verona.

You can check what other airlines fly to Verona from your location via Expedia. If you are flying from London, majority of flights on budget airlines can be anywhere between £50 for a return if booked well in advance and during peak season can go all the way to about £150.

Once you arrive in Verona, the airport is only 20 minutes drive to the historical centre of Verona. There are shuttle buses from Verona Airport. You can get more info via the airport website.

 

Where To Stay In Verona

 

I would highly recommend staying in the Historic center aka the Città Antica.  This is Verona’s buzzing heart and home to major sights such as the Romanesque-style Cathedral and Juliet’s House, with its stone balcony.

There are plenty of cool cafes, upscale restaurants and laid-back trattorias dish up Italian classics. This is also where you will find the Verona Arena which hosts opera performances.

 

If you love shopping, you can also vind plenty of retail therapy opportunities, from Indie boutiques and designer fashion stores line pedestrianized Via Mazzini, and a daily market sells produce and trinkets on Piazza delle Erbe.

I have shared a comprehensive guide on where to stay in Verona with recommending places to stay in the city. Below are a couple of options from budget to luxury.

 

Budget: Protezione della Giovane – female only hostel

Mid-Range: Hotel Siena

Luxury: Hotel Accademia

 

Best Time To Visit Verona

 

Any time is great to see this amazing city but by far the best time to visit is between June and August when the weather is warm and pleasant with little rain

. Verona weather during this time is around 25ºC so pretty warm. Perfect weather to explore the city on foot.

March to May are also a great time to visit but you do still get spells of rain. I guess this is no different if visiting somewhere like London. 

 

Recommend Reading And Travel Guides

 

 

Heading To Italy? Also Read:

• How To Plan A Trip To Italy The Right Way
• The Closest Airport For Lake Garda
• The Best Restaurants In Sirmione
• Lake Garda Thermal Baths To Check Out

 

Found This Post Useful? Pin & Share!