2 Days in Verona, Italy: The Perfect Itinerary
As the sweetheart of Northern Italy, you can’t miss spending two days in Verona! From Verona’s romantic cobblestone streets and bustling piazzas to the vineyards of Valpolicella, this two-day Verona itinerary will have you falling head over heels for the “City of Love.”
Come to unravel Shakespeare’s famous love story, Romeo and Juliet, and snap a photo on Juliet’s balcony. But stay to explore a 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater, drink premium Amarone wine, devour local Veronese cuisine (like gnocchi!), and discover centuries-old castles and churches.
Whether you’re a romantic, a foodie, a wine-lover, or an ancient history aficionado, Verona is well worth a two-day stay. It’s not even a question!
And, as an obvious waypoint between popular destinations like Venice, Bologna, Milan, Lake Garda, and Florence, Verona is an easy addition to your Northern Italy itinerary.
I’ve spent a lot of time here, so I can vouch that this is the ultimate two-day Verona itinerary! Between my favorite hotels, can’t-miss restaurants, top guided tours, and transportation tips, this guide includes everything you need to know.
2-Day Verona Itinerary Summary
How to Get to Verona:
Direct trains reach Verona Porta Nuova station from Venice, Milan, Bologna, Florence, and beyond. Book directly through Trenitalia.
Where to Stay in Verona:
Stay in Verona’s ancient city center, Città Antica. I recommend Hotel Gabbia D’Oro, Hotel Milano & Spa, and Hotel Indigo Verona.
Day 1 in Verona:
- Go on this small-group guided walking tour to see Verona’s highlights, including Juliet’s House, Scaliger Tombs, Verona Arena, and Piazza Brà (or explore solo!)
- Climb Lamberti Tower for amazing views
- Savor traditional Veronese cuisine at La Griglia or Torcolo
- Shop and stroll along Via Mazzini
- For dinner, go on this historical walking food and wine tour – a must-do!
- Cross the Adige River via Ponte Pietra
- Take the funicular up to Piazzale Castel San Pietro for sunset
Day 2 in Verona:
Fun Things to Do in Verona:
Must-Know Tips for verona:
- Purchase a Verona Card to save money on attraction entry fees and public transportation.
- Many top attractions are closed on Mondays. Plan accordingly.
- Verona will be busy due to the 2025 Jubilee and 2026 Olympics. Book your hotel well in advance!
- Install an eSIM on your phone for easy access to mobile data.
Have extra time in verona?
You can take a guided day trip to Lake Garda and Sirmione from Verona!
48-Hour Verona Card: Is it Worth it?
To cut down on travel costs, you can purchase a discount/bundled-entry Verona Card. It includes unlimited use of Verona’s bus network and “free” or discounted entry to many must-see attractions.
In 2025, the Verona Card costs €27 for 24 hours or €32 for 48 hours.
It offers great value if you plan to visit all (or most) of these attractions: Juliet’s House, Verona Arena, Castelvecchio Museum, Lamberti Tower, The Four Churches, and Giusti Garden.
If you follow my two-day Verona itinerary, buying the two-day card will save you roughly €13/person.
Click here to purchase your Verona Card!
2-Day Verona Itinerary Map
I made this handy Verona map just for you! To save it in your Google Maps app and use it as you explore:
- Click the star (in the heading) to save this map to your Google account.
- Open your Google Maps app, select “Saved” and go to “Maps.” Find the Verona map listed there.
- Click the tab in the top left corner to see my pinned locations and turn on/off map layers and walking routes.
Day 1 in Verona, Italy
On your first day in Verona, you’ll see the highlights of the historic center on a guided walking tour or on your own. You’ll enjoy handmade Veronese-style pasta, shop and stroll, and go on a food and wine tour for dinner. Finally, you’ll watch the sunset over an incredible view from Castel San Pietro!
Coffee at Caffè Borsari
Open since 1969, Caffè Borsari is famous in Verona for its house-roasted beans and warm hospitality. Pair your chocolate-topped cappuccino with a cornetto di pistacchio and you have the perfect start to your two days in Verona!
Once caffeinated, head to the meeting point for your Verona walking tour – or follow the self-guided itinerary below.
Go on a Guided Historic Tour
The charming cobblestone streets of Verona weave together 2,000+ years of rich and unique history. I highly recommend booking this small-group Verona highlights walking tour to see Verona through a local expert’s eyes.
Otherwise, you might look straight past Verona’s unique blend of Roman, Venetian, Renaissance, and Gothic architecture… Or miss out on the medieval history and cultural influence of the Della Scala Family, who ruled Verona for centuries (before the Venetian, Austrian, and Italian takeovers).
This walking tour covers the Verona Arena, Piazza Brà, Juliet’s House, the Scaliger Tombs, Piazza delle Erbe, and a whole lot more! It starts at 10 AM and is two hours long.
See Juliet’s House
Next up, take a short walk over to Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta).
Shakespeare penned the tragic story of Romeo and Juliet more than 400 years ago, making them the world’s most famous lovers… Even if they never actually existed!
Today, you can visit the famed Casa di Giulietta and stand on the famous balcony that inspired it all.
As you walk into the romantic courtyard, you’ll also see a bronze statue of Juliet, along with ~50,000 love letters covering the stone entryway. (Similar to the ones in the movie Letters to Juliet – though they’re stuck on with gum in real life… There’s lots of graffiti, too.)
MY TAKE: Juliet’s House is pretty gimmicky. Unless you’re a huge Romeo and Juliet fan, seeing the outside is probably enough.
JULIET’S HOUSE & Museum: MUST-KNOW DETAILS
- Hours: 9 AM – 7 PM Tuesday-Sunday. Closed on Monday.
- Tickets: €12 (general admission).
- Included in the Verona Card? Yes!
- Reservation required? Yes, book in advance here. If you have the Verona Card, select “Verona Card Owner” to make a €0 reservation.
- Want to see Romeo’s House too? Find the Casa di Romeo here. It’s a private residence, but you can snap a photo of the medieval façade.
See Piazza Delle Erbe
Piazza delle Erbe sits atop the ruins of the old Roman forum, making it the city’s oldest square. Surrounded by an eclectic, perfectly preserved mix of ancient buildings that hail from all different centuries, the history here is palpable!
You’ll notice the fresco-covered façades, the red and white brick, the ornate marble columns and statues, the arched entryways, and colorful shutters… But then, you’ll notice the vibrant energy, the music, the vibe!
This is the very heart of Verona – the place to relax, people-watch, enjoy live music, drink Aperol spritzes in the sunshine, and grab a bite to eat.
Climb Lamberti Tower
Torre dei Lamberti is the tallest medieval tower in Verona. In 1172, the Lamberti family constructed this 275-foot tower to show off their status and power.
You can climb up Lamberti Tower’s 368 steep steps (or take the elevator) to check out the tower’s unique brick and marble octagonal bell chamber and catch sweeping views over Verona’s historic center.
MY TAKE: Short on time? Forgot to make a reservation? Don’t worry if you have to skip Lamberti Tower. We’ll see an even more majestic view later in this Verona itinerary!
Lamberti Tower: MUST-KNOW DETAILS
- Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM Monday to Friday. 11 AM to 7 PM Saturday and Sunday.
- Tickets: €6 on weekdays. €4.50 on weekends.
- Included in the Verona Card? Yes!
- Reservation required? No, but I recommend booking a timeslot in advance to avoid waiting in line.
Stop by Piazza dei Signori
One of the main hangouts in central Verona, Piazza dei Signori hasn’t changed for centuries.
Lined with captivating Renaissance-style buildings, keep an eye out for the Verona’s iconic cream-colored limestone and red-brick layers; sawtooth-topped façades; and a whale bone hanging from the piazza’s main entrance. (Ask your guide to tell the legend behind the bone!)
In the center of the piazza, you’ll see a striking statue of renowned poet Dante Alighieri (A.K.A. the Father of the Italian Language), erected in 1865.
Make sure you step into the nearby Palazzo della Ragione’s courtyard to admire the magnificent staircase too!
See the Scaliger Tombs
Opposite Lamberti Tower in Piazza dei Signori are the Arche Scaligere (Scaliger Tombs). These elaborate ceremonial towers look like miniature churches made of marble; they’re actually funerary monuments for the House of Della Scala (Scaliger Family) – the dynastic rulers of Verona in the 13th and 14th centuries.
People-watch in Piazza brà
Piazza Brà, one of the few green spaces in the historic center, features historic statues, a central fountain, park benches, and leafy cedar trees. The piazza is surrounded by colorful cafés, bars, and restaurants – but of course, its front-row view of the Verona Arena steals the show!
Visit the Verona Arena
Verona isn’t known as “Little Rome” for nothing!
Built 2,000 years ago, the Arena di Verona is one of Italy’s best-preserved Roman amphitheaters. It’s the centerpiece of the bustling and beautiful Piazza Brà and the proud symbol of Verona.
Shows, performances, and music festivals are still held here, where you can sit in the original (read: not-so-comfortable) stone seating! Although the Arena can hold 30,000+ people, today’s safety standards max out the capacity at 15,000.
MY TAKE: If the Colosseum is included in your Rome itinerary, taking in the Arena’s grandeur from the outside may be enough for you!
Verona arena: MUST-KNOW DETAILS
- Hours: 9 AM – 7 PM Tuesday through Sunday, except when shows are scheduled. Closed on Monday.
- Important: Entry hours may change throughout 2025; renovations are underway for the 2026 Olympic Games. See updates here.
- Tickets: €12.
- Included in the Verona Card? Yes!
Enjoy Lunch near the Arena
Hungry? It’s time for a glass of local wine and some pasta or gnocchi! I recommend these Veronese restaurants near the Verona Arena:
- La Griglia: This homey restaurant serves fresh pasta and local meat grilled over an open, wood-burning fire in the middle of the restaurant. (Pictured above: my homemade tortelloni with local Monte Veronese cheese, porcini mushrooms, and nuts!)
- Torcolo: This whimsical and elegant restaurant features an extensive wine list, local dishes like risotto all’Amarone, and roasted Veronese meat.
- Ristorante Nastro Azzurro: This restaurant serves all the Italian classics – handmade pasta, pizza, grilled meats, and seafood – with the Arena in partial view.
Shop and Stroll through the Historic Center
Verona’s main shopping street, Via Giuseppe Mazzini, connects the Verona Arena and Piazza Brà to bustling Piazza delle Erbe.
Spend time strolling along Via Mazzini – and nearby streets – browsing the mix of local boutiques and high-end Italian shops. I love the local Veronese boutique called Paper Wardrobe!
Once your feet tire, find an outdoor patio to enjoy an Aperol spritz before your food tour starts at 4:30 PM!
Go on a Wine & Food Walking Tour
The best thing my husband and I did in Verona was this Food, Wine & Legends Walking Tour (with Funicular).
Over 3.5 hours, we strolled the city with our local guide, Laura, and stopped by historic bakeries, local eateries, wine bars, and gelaterias for tastings.
Along the way, Laura regaled us with tales of Veronese legends, culture, traditions, and history and showed us Roman ruins we’d have missed otherwise.
It’s hard to pick, but I think my favorite stop was Enoteca Baraldi. The friendly bar owner led us through a premium wine tasting of Amarone and other local DOC wines, alongside cheese from the local Dolomites and cold cuts from Lake Garda.
Finally, the Food, Wine & Legends Walking Tour ends on a high note, with a funicular ride up to Castel San Pietro Viewpoint for the most breathtaking view of Verona.
This tour starts at 4:30 PM, so this is dinner! Click here to book it!
Take the Funicular up to Castel San Pietro
From Verona’s downtown, cross the Adige River via the historic Ponte Pietra: Verona’s oldest bridge, originally built by the Romans in 100 B.C.
Then, hop on the funicular (Funicolare di Castel San Pietro) up to the medieval Castle San Pietro for jaw-dropping views over Verona’s colorful façades, terracotta rooftops, and lush green hills.
You’ll easily spot landmarks like the Torre dei Lamberti, Verona Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Matricolare), and Basilica di Santa Anastasia. Depending on the season of your visit, you might catch the sunset too!
As mentioned above, visiting the Castel San Pietro Viewpoint is included in your Food, Wine & Legends Walking Tour.
San Pietro Castle Funicular: MUST-KNOW DETAILS
- Hours: 10 AM – 9 PM daily (summer). 10 AM – 5 PM daily (winter).
- Tickets: €2 one-way. €3 round-trip.
- Included in the Verona Card? No.
Day 2 in Verona, Italy
Today, you’ll head into the revered wine region of Valpolicella – the cascading terraced vineyards here date back to the ancient Greeks. Then, back in the city, you’ll visit more must-see monuments, followed by an unforgettable, traditional dinner!
Go for Coffee & a Morning Walk
Italians invented espresso for a reason. Head to Caffè Coloniale for your morning pick-me-up and a traditional pastry. Or, make me proud and order the tiramisù di pistacchio for breakfast. It’s so good, it’s worth any amount of calories.
Then, enjoy a leisurely stroll through town without the regular tourist hum!
Go on An Organic Winery Tour in Valpolicella
My husband and I booked this Valpolicella Vineyards and Wine Tasting Experience and it enriched our two days in Verona tenfold!
This family-run winery grows heritage grape varieties using organic and biodynamic methods, and the wine is top-notch.
But the views from the terrace? Oh, my goodness… They are beyond gorgeous.
There, we toured the lush vineyards, the estate (including a room for drying grapes the traditional way), and the 17th-century wine cellar filled to the brim with French oak barrels.
Then, we drank a selection of fine Valpolicella, Ripasso, and Amarone wines (in abundance!) from the terrace – along with organic olive oil, local Monte Veronese cheese, Soppressa (local salami), and bread.
The winemaker was so friendly and passionate about their wine, I can say this is the best wine tour we’ve done in Northern Italy so far.
Including driving there/back, the tour is 3.5 hours long, so you’ll have plenty more time in the city. Click here to book your Valpolicella Vineyards and Wine Tasting Experience!
NOTE: Transportation is NOT included. If needed, the winery will arrange a round-trip, shared shuttle for an extra fee. We shared with four other guests and paid €17/person. Your other option is to take Bus 107 from Verona straight there/back.
Visit the Castelvecchio Museum & Scaliger Bridge
Back in Verona, it’s time to visit the Castelvecchio Museum and the adjoining Scaliger Bridge.
The House of Della Scala (A.K.A. the Scaliger Family) – the ruling dynasty of Verona in the 13th and 14th centuries – built the imposing Castelvecchio fortress in 1354 to defend against invaders and local rebellion.
Today, this medieval castle-turned-museum houses collections of medieval, Renaissance, and modern art. Wander its 29 rooms to enjoy paintings and sculptures, archaeological finds, statues, ancient weapons, ceramics, gold works, and more.
Meanwhile, the Scaliger Bridge (A.K.A. Castelvecchio Bridge), with its red brick, defensive towers, and three supportive arches, is a medieval marvel! It was destroyed by the Germans during World War II, but reconstructed in 1951. Make sure to walk across the bridge, even if you skip the museum. (It’s free!)
Castelvecchio Museum: MUST-KNOW DETAILS
- Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Monday.
- Tickets: €9 for general admission. €2 for ages 18-25. Free for ages 0-17.
- Included in the Verona Card? Yes.
Visit “The Four Churches“
There are dozens of churches in Verona, but four of them are famous for their standout architecture, artistic legacy, and all-around beauty:
- Verona Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Matricolare)
- Church of Saint Anastasia (Basilica di Santa Anastasia)
- Church of Saint Fermo (San Fermo Maggiore)
- Church of Saint Zeno (Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore)
From Romanesque to Gothic to Renaissance-style, each church features its own uniquely stunning architectural features. Intricate frescoes, Veronese marble columns and sculptures, bronze-tile mosaics, imposing bell towers, and many other masterpieces await.
If you have time, visit each one! All but the Church of Saint Zeno are located within Verona’s UNESCO-protected historic center.
Four Churches: MUST-KNOW DETAILS
- Tickets: €4 each. Free to enter for worship/religious purposes.
- Hours: Visiting hours differ by church; check them here.
- Included in the Verona Card? Yes.
Enjoy Dinner at Trattoria I Masenini
Trattoria I Masenini is my favorite restaurant in Verona!
I Masenini’s atmosphere is equally rustic, classic, charming, and elegant. (Think exposed wood beams, moody lighting, white tablecloths, fine glassware, dark wood, and crystal chandeliers, and an al fresco dining patio.)
The menu of elevated Veronese and Italian classics changes seasonally, but high-quality ingredients and spit-roasted meats, seafood, and vegetables are constants.
Expect mouthwatering dishes like seared scampi with peas, tomato confit, and bisque with squid ink; potato gnocchi with Caciocavallo cheese fondue, mussels, and almonds; and lamb chops cooked on the spit with morel mushrooms. The wine list is equally fabulous!
HOT TIPS: If Trattoria I Masenini is fully booked, then Locanda 4 Cuochi is another amazing dinner option. And, in case you can’t resist an after-dinner artisanal cocktail, FRZ LAB is my favorite spot.
See a Show at the Verona Arena
Now’s your chance to see a concert or opera show in an ancient Roman amphitheater!
Opera shows, concerts, and other events are held at the Arena di Verona almost every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night between May and August. In July and August, there are up to six nights per week.
Shows usually start around 9:15 or 9:30 PM, making this the perfect after-dinner activity! Click here to see the event calendar and buy tickets.
Where to Stay in Verona
I recommend staying in Verona’s charming ancient city center, Città Antica. This neighborhood sits on the inside elbow of the meandering Adige River, which naturally fortifies the city.
Best Hotels in Verona
- Hotel Gabbia D’Oro: This affordable luxury hotel’s elegant rooms, frescoes, and antiques pay homage to the building’s 18th-century heritage. You can’t beat this hotel’s location in the heart of Verona’s Città Antica, steps from Piazza Erbe. Click here to book it.
- Hotel Milano & Spa: This modern hotel offers breathtaking views of Verona’s Roman amphitheater, the Arena di Verona. Plus, the gorgeous rooftop features a restaurant and bar, along with a jacuzzi area! Click here to book it.
- Hotel Indigo Verona: Austrian nobility used to call this splendid 20th-century building home. Now, it’s a stylish boutique hotel, conveniently located between the train station and Piazza Brà. Click here to book it.
How to Get to Verona
Catching the Train to Verona
The main train station in Verona is Verona Porta Nuova, located a 20-minute walk (10-minute taxi) from downtown Verona. Taxis are always available from the main gate. It costs €10-15 to get to any of the downtown hotels. See this site for Verona’s fixed taxi rates.
Trains From Popular Cities Nearby
You can easily reach Verona Porta Nuova by high-speed/direct train from these popular hubs:
- Bologna Centrale: 55min
- Venezia Santa Lucia: 1h 15min
- Milano Centrale: 1h 15min
- Firenze S. M. Novella: 1h 30min
- Roma Termini: 3h 20min
These routes depart frequently, roughly every hour. You can typically reserve a ticket via Trenitalia up to six months in advance. The sooner you book, the lower the price.
Flying into Verona
Most travelers reach Verona by train. But if you’re flying in, the international Valerio Catullo Airport is only six miles from the city center. This airport connects to dozens of airports throughout Europe and beyond.
The fixed taxi fare from Valerio Catullo Airport to downtown Verona costs €30 on weekdays and €35 on weekends and nights. But remember, you should always discuss the fare with your driver before loading your luggage!
Verona Travel FAQs
Yes, Verona is well worth visiting for two days! Visiting Juliet’s House is the most popular (and overrated!) thing to do in Verona. But there’s so much more to love. Verona is romantic, peaceful, and steeped in ancient history. The local food is great. And the wine? Well, it’s even better.
While in Verona, you’ll explore the first-century Roman amphitheater, take the funicular up to the Castel San Pietro, stroll the old town, and see medieval monuments like the Castelvecchio and Scaliger Bridge. You’ll also sip your way through Valpolicella, try regional food (like risotto all’Amarone and potato gnocchi!), and even take a historical walking food tour.
As a waypoint between many popular places, it’s easy to squeeze in two days in Verona after spending two days in Venice or three days in Florence. Plus, you can escape the crowds here! About 30 million people visit neighboring Venice annually, while Verona receives roughly 5.5 million visitors. That’s a huge difference – and you’ll relish it!
While you can easily see the highlights of Verona in one day, I highly recommend spending two full days in the “City of Love.” An extra day will allow you to visit an organic winery in Valpolicella (one of Italy’s finest wine regions!) and deep-dive into Verona’s ancient history, medieval monuments, and underrated foodie scene.
