When most people think of Verona, they can’t help but think of Romeo and Juliet. Whether you believe that this real-life fairy tale was part of Verona’s history or not, you can not help but be swept up by this beautiful cities charm. For most Verona is a stopover to places like Venice, Lake Garda or even Trento. So here is the best of Verona in 1 day.

VERONA, ITALY

Things to know before you go to Verona

Where is Verona?

Verona is a historical city on the Adige river in Veneto, Italy. It is one of the seven provincial capitals of the region. Approximately 144km from Milan and 99kms from Trento.

Weather in Verona

Verona is a beautiful city all year round; however, the winters do get cold dipping as low as -1 degrees Celcius. Which means summers can be dry and hot, reaching up to 29 degrees Celcius or so.

Best Verona Transport

Plane

There is a small airport called Valerio Catullo, approximately 12kms from Verona city centre. I flew in from London on the budget airline Easy Jet, which took just over 2 hours in total.

Flix Bus

Flix bus service leaves from most major cities in Europe. Download the app, which gives you real-time updates on the bus services. It is an easy and efficient way to get around.

Train

Trains are plentiful in and around the region; they are also a cost-effective and efficient way to get to and from Verona.

Visa

Check ivisa regarding visa requirements. Ivisa’s quick and easy system is an efficient way to organise your required visa’s online. It is the best way to ensure you aren’t caught looking silly when you arrive at immigration.

Insurance

SafetyWing is the world’s first International Travel Medical Insurance developed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and remote workers travelling or living abroad worldwide. I can not recommend travel medical insurance enough! For those who are going to be away for long periods, live and work abroad or are a nomad traveller.

Hop on Hop Hop-Off Bus

You can purchase tickets for the Hop on Hop Off bus through the Get your Guide website; it is by far the best way to see Verona in a day. Pick up your tickets at the tourist office, and they will give you a map also, this will help with the planning before getting onto the bus. There are two bus routes to choose from: so you can ride them both in full or want to get on and off where and when you please.

Verona Card

VeronaCard offers free or reduced entry to the city museums, monuments and churches, along with free bus rides around the city. You can pick it up from the tourist office if you also choose to pick up the On and Off ticket as well.

Best Verona Accommodation

Best Western Armando

Do not expect 5-star luxury hotel, do expect excellent service, clean room and a great location. The Best Western Armando is walking distance to the city centre, and a continental breakfast is included. So unless you need a double dose espresso in the morning, you will find breakfast here is precisely what you need to enjoy a big day out in Verona.

Arena Di Verona

Late June is the start of Opera season, in which you can watch the art in itself transcend to life at this beautiful Arena. If you are lucky enough to be present at one of these events, well then it is one to tick off the bucket list for sure. During the day, you can enter the Arena for a small fee (or for free with your Get your guide ticket) and check out the interior.

Juliet’s Balcony

O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?
Deny thy father and refuse thy name;
Or if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love
And I’ll no longer be a Capulet.”
Oh Sorry! I got a little carried away, swept up in it all. So whether you believe in romance or not, this historic place is worth a visit. There will be loads of people lining up to touch (Yes, I am not kidding) the breast of Juliet’s statue. I know I did it, without even knowing why I did it (following the crowd of people like sheep, I guess). You can also pay a small fee to stand on Juliet’s balcony if you wish. There are loads of shops with Romeo and Juliet memorabilia to take home for the die-hard fans!

Duomo – Basilica Di S Anastasia

For a small entrance fee (or discounted with your tickets) you can go on a tour of the cathedral via headphone. The Duomo is beautiful (as is every Italian church), rich in history and architecture. You can spend as long as you want to roam around the Duomo, basking in its grandeur.

Castelvecchio Bridge

Coming from the Duomo and city centre it is a 15-minute walk, or you can cross it on the bus. Whether you choose to continue to the Castelvecchio Castle and Museum or would like to sit and observe the sunset, this bridge is a must-stop location on your one day trip of Verona.

Best Verona Shopping locations

Centro Storico

You can find everything from boutique-style shops, department stores and the markets—the streets in and around this area and a great way to walk off that substantial Italian meal. You can browse the shops strolling around these beautiful cobblestone streets or do some serious hardcore shopping (Yep, I know first hand), you make a choice!

Best Verona eateries and bars

Lunch

Caffe Lamberti Piazza Erbe

We decided to eat at the Caffe Lamberti Piazza Erbe after looking at the markets in the piazza Delle Erbe, and we were not disappointed. The Caprese salad was fresh, the pasta was al dente, and most of all, the Aperol Spritz was cold and delightful. It is probably a little more expensive for what it is, but it is in a perfect location, so worth the extra dollars.

Dinner

Ristorante Vittorio Emanuele

I am not too sure what Verona would be like during the colder months, but eating alfresco, directly in front of the Arena and listening to the concert (that I did not buy tickets for) from our seats in the restaurant will always be something to remember. Centrally located in the Piazza Bra, Ristorante Vittoria Emanuele is not only a great location but also everything we ate was delicious. So I would struggle to recommend just one thing. However, an Aperol spritz just before the sun goes down, is perfect with any meal.

Gelato

Amorino gelato al naturals

Okay, let’s face it, ice cream in Italy is always good, and I am sure if you try anywhere is will be delicious; but if you want to be sure than you must try Amorino. Although there were many unique, delicious flavours to choose from, I went safe and chose raspberries and lemon sorbet.

Aperol Spritz

You can enjoy this drink anywhere and everywhere!
1) Aperol – Aperol is a bright orange apéritif
2) Prosecco – Prosecco is an inexpensive Italian sparkling wine. Good choices range from 12 to 18 dollars.
3) soda – Any unflavoured sparkling water will work.
4) Slice of fresh orange – An orange slice is a classic garnish for an Aperol spritz.

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