Verona is a city in northern Italy that wears the badge of love proudly, thanks to Shakespeare’s timeless duo, Romeo and Juliet, who happened to call this place home. However, I dare to say that Romeo and Juliet are just the tip of the romantic iceberg of the interesting things to do in Verona. I will tell you the best things to see in this passionate affair waiting to sweep you off your feet. If you are preparing your Italy travel to do list make sure to check Verona.
Find out below how to spent two days in Verona and what to do:
5. Arco Dei Gavi And River Ádige
6. Lunch at Osteria il Bertoldo
7. Ponte Pietra – Journey to the Heights
9. Crafting Italian Memories Over Dinner
Day 1
1. Russian Cake For Breakfast
Hold on a second – Russian Cake for breakfast in Italy? Yes! Believe it or not, that’s a delicious sweet typical of Verona. This sweet treat gets its name from its shape, which resembles the Russian furry hat called ‘Ushanka’. The best place to try this delight is Pasticceria Barini, just a few steps from…
2. Piazza Bra
The grandest square in Verona where the iconic Arena is located. On the southern side, the piazza is surrounded by the Portoni della Brà – 14th-century stone arches that link the old town to the southern fortifications. Once you step through these arches, get ready for a mesmerizing journey into the historic town.
3. Colosseum? More Like Arena
Depending on which corner of Piazza Bra you step into, this might be your initial ‘whoa’ moment. Although the name “Colosseum” may come to your mind at first glance, the building is called Arena. It is in fact a Roman amphitheater from the 1st century.
Opening hours: – October to May: Tuesday to Sunday from 9.00am to 7.00pm (Monday closed).
– June to September: Monday 9.00am to 7.00pm; Tuesday to Sunday from 9.00am to 5.00pm.
Ticket Prices: 10€ for adults (+1€ if you buy online), 7,5€ for people over 60 and students (+0.75€ if you buy online) and 1€ (+0.10€ if you buy online) for visitors from 8 to 14 years old.
Pro Tip: I highly recommend buying your tickets in advance, you can do it here.
4. Old Castle
Castelvecchio, the Italian word for old castle, it’s a majestic 14th-century structure standing by the river edge. The best part of the castle is ascending its towers and walking along its ancient walls to embrace a view that paints Verona. If you are a history and art fan, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the castle museum. Here you will find archeological marvels, medieval artifacts, sacred art, and even Flemish paintings. As you wander, you’ll unravel the castle’s many rooms and stories.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00am to 6.00pm (Monday closed).
Ticket Prices: 6€ for adults, 4,5€ for people over 60, 1€ for visitors from 8 to 14 years old,, and free for children under 7.
Usually there is no need to buy tickets online, yet if you want to be 100% sure you visit the castle buy your tickets here.
5. Arco Dei Gavi And River Adige
As you wander around the old castle’s right side, your eyes will lock onto a grand arch that seems to strike a pose over the flowing Ádige river. This masterpiece is nothing less than a Roman arch crafted in the 1st century by the Gavia family and later, in medieval times, used as a part of the Verona walls.
Go under the arch and keep walking in the river direction to get to one of Verona’s best panoramic views. How romantic!?
6. Lunch at Osteria il Bertoldo
All this running around and numerous things to see in Verona must have made you hungry! During our lunch break, we are going to Osteria Il Bertoldo. At this very typical and cozy nook, you can try delicacies such as polenta, risotto, and gnocchi, traditional in Veneto (the region where Verona is located, as well as Venice).
Osteria il Bertoldo is popular amongst tourists as well as locals, so don’t forget to make a reservation to guarantee this culinary top-notch experience. Book here.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, from 11.30am to 3.00pm and from 6.30pm to 11.00pm.
7. Ponte Pietra - Journey to the Heights
Let’s cross Verona’s old flat town and explore the city’s upper reaches. As you pass beneath the small clock tower, Stone Bridge comes into view, gracefully connecting the center to the hill where Verona’s new castle lays. This bridge is another testament to Verona’s Roman legacy. It used to be the oldest bridge in the city, however, during World War II bombings destroyed it almost completely.
8. Roman Theater
Although you can only see Verona’s new castle on the hill, a hidden treasure lies nearby. Behold the Roman Theater, birthed in the late 1st century BC, offering you one of the most breathtaking panoramas of Verona to this day. You can visit these amazing Roman ruins, as well as the museum with Roman artifacts and other Italian artworks from the 18th century.
Timetable: Tuesday and Wednesday from 2.00pm to 6.00pm. Thursday to Sunday, from 10.00am to 6.00pm. Closed on Monday
Ticket Prices: 4,5€ for adults, 3€ for people over 60, 1€ for visitors from 8 to 14 years old, and free for children under 7.
You can book your tickets here
9. Crafting Italian Memories Over Dinner
Planning a trip to Italy without savoring its culinary treasures is like leaving a story half-told. For dinner let me share with you my treasured dining spot: Hostaria Vecchia Fontanina. Located in the city’s heart, you will find a rustic and welcoming environment crowned by delicious food and precious ingredients. From Verona’s classics, like pasta with ground horse meat (Bigoli al ragù di cavallo), to Veneto pride such as shrimp pasta (Bigoli alla Busara), whenever you choose it is guaranteed to be one of the best meals of your trip.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, from 12.00am to 2.30pm and from 7.00pm to 12.00am.
Make sure to make a reservation here
Day 2
10. Bar Caffetteria al Duomo
Start your day on a dolce note in café Bar Caffeteria al Duomo: the most charming bakery with a treasure trove of pastries and cakes that’ll make your taste buds say “Mamma Mia”! Imagine sipping your morning coffee in the little garden hidden in the back, paired with an exquisite cornetto (croissant) as a true Italian.
11. The Surprising Duomo
As you step out of the bakery, a majestic white stone building stands. Behold Verona’s Cathedral, the Santa Maria Assunta, a complex composed of a paleocristian church (from the 4th century), a Romanesque Baptistery rebuilt in the 12th century, and one of the most breathtaking churches in Italy. If some cathedrals make you fall in love from the outside (as Florence Duomo), the absolute opposite happens with Verona Cathedral. Even if you are not a church enthusiast, I highly recommend that you open an exception for this one, it undoubtedly leaves an impression!
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 11.00am to 5.30pm. Saturday from 11.00am to 3.30pm. Sunday and holidays from 1.30pm to 5.30pm.
Ticket prices: 4€ for adults and free for children under 11.
Pro Tip: Enjoy the included audio guide downloadable on your smartphone!
12. Piazza delle Erbe
Erbe Square is the oldest piazza in Verona. It is so liked that in 2012 it was considered the most loved square in Italy. At its center, you can find a 4th-century Roman fountain (can you spot the hidden inscription?), topped with the statue of Lady Verona herself.
The square pulses with history, embraced by landmarks like the Town Hall, Lamberti’s Tower (which we will go to next!), baroque Maffei Palace (also on the list), and other medieval buildings where you can still see wall frescos, whispering tales of yesteryears.
Take your time in this lively piazza and capture the moment in your memory while you nibble on a cup of fresh fruit from the market’s charming little stands.
13. Torre Dei Lamberti
Right in Erbe Square stands an 84 meters tall tower, overlooking the historic city of Verona. On the top, a precious 360° view will make your heart sing, but don’t worry! Although Torre dei Lamberti was built in the 12th century, you can take the window-walled elevator to climb the tower.
Did You know? In the 13th century, Lamberti tower used to be a prison!
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 10.00am to 6.00pm. Saturday, Sunday and Holidays from 11.00am to 7.00pm.
Ticket Prices: 6€ for adults, 4,5€ for people over 60, students and visitors from 8 to 14 years old and free for children under 7.
To reserve tickets you may contact through email torredeilamberti@agec.it or by calling +39 045 9273027.
14. Piazza dei Signori and a Little Secret
As you transition from Piazza delle Erbe to Piazza dei Signori, something intriguing dangles from the gothic Arch of the Rib, linking these two squares. It’s an ancient whale rib bone, possibly from the 15th century. The legend says if an honest soul passes under this arch, the bone shall drop. Well… it’s still there to this day if you want to try your luck!
As the arch fades behind you, Piazza dei Signori opens its arms, revealing the statue of none other than the famous writer, Dante. You will be surrounded by stunning architecture in every direction. Grasp a coffee, take a seat, and enjoy the scenery that unfolds around you.
15. Scaliger Tombs
Just a stone’s throw away from Piazza dei Signori you’ll encounter five towering monuments in the midst of the street protected by a fence and surrounded by curious tourists. Believe it or not, these grand structures are not just architectural marvels – they are funerary monuments of the Scaliger family. These gothic tombs house the final resting place of the family who ruled Verona in the 13th and 14th centuries.
16. Eat With Romeo
While we might not be dining with Romeo himself, we’re coming pretty close! Our chosen spot for the day, Osteria al Duca, rests right beside Romeo’s legendary house. This restaurant isn’t your typical tourist spot, as you will discover from the concise and traditional menu as well as the typical Veneto bathrooms. If you are looking for an honest Verona experience, look no further— this is the place to be!
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, from 12.00am to 2.30pm and from 6.30pm to 22.30am.
17. Palazzo Maffei
To end our wonderful two days in Verona, we save a grand finale with a visit to the stunning Maffei Palace. In this Baroque building from the 15th century, you can wander through the corridors of the old palace while enjoying the great artworks exposed. The collection spans from classic Italian pieces from the 14th century to modern and contemporary art, creating unexpected breaks in the thematically arranged classical works. If you are an art lover don’t miss this unique experience.
Opening hours: Thursday to Monday from 10.00am to 6.00pm. Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Ticket Prices: 14€ (15€ with terrace) for adults, 12€ (13€ with terrace) for people over 65, 6€ (7€ with terrace) for students (between 11 and 26 years old), 3,5€ (4€ with terrace) for children (between 6 and 10 years old), and free for children under 5.
You can buy your tickets here.
Transport and Moving Around
The center of Verona is small enough that everything is at a walkable distance. If you are arriving in the city with a rental car, it is recommended to park outside the city center and move on foot.
You can reach Verona by train:
Milan – around 1 hour
Venice – around 1.5 hours
Rome – around 3 hours
Summary
While we enjoyed two days in Verona, there are additional attractions that we couldn’t explore due to time constraints. If you have more than 2 days to spare in Verona, I highly recommend extending your visit to this romantic city.
Now that you already know what to do in Verona, I hope that on your trip to Italy, you create memories filled with exquisite flavors, romantic sights, and historical monuments.
Seeking a day trip from Verona?
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Verona holds a special place in my heart! I recently visited this charming city and was captivated by its rich history, stunning architecture, and the romantic ambiance that seems to linger in the air. Walking through the cobblestone streets, exploring the magnificent Arena, and “felling” Juliet’s right breast for luck (:D) were unforgettable moments. The blend of culture, art, and delectable cuisine truly makes Verona a must-visit destination. I wasn’t planning to visit this city before coming across this blog, and it was amazing! Special thanks to the Russian Cake tip – totally worth it!