Is One Day Enough for Verona, Italy? Here’s How to Make It Work
Have one day to see the beautiful city of Verona? I get it—you’re crunched for time, but you still want to experience this romantic gem in northern Italy. Maybe you’re staying in Venice and need a break from the crowds, or perhaps Verona has always been on your bucket list. Either way, I’ve got the perfect one-day itinerary for Verona, Italy!
This itinerary is based on what I planned for a friend’s visit. It covers all the must-see sights, delicious local food, and stunning views—all while being totally doable in a single day.
But before we dive in, have you checked out my Ultimate First-Timers Guide to Verona, Italy? It includes everything you need to know about getting around, must-visit spots. You might also want to check out:
- Best Places to Stay in Verona
- Three-Day Verona Itinerary
- Best Restaurants in Verona: Cafes, Bars, and Local Eats
- Italy by Train How to travel by train in Italy for First Timers
- The Perfect One-Day Verona Itinerary
- How to Take a Day Trip from Venice to Verona (Train, Car & Tours)
Now, let’s get started with your Perfect One-Day Verona itinerary!
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Arriving by Train or Car to Verona?
If you are taking the train, put in Arena di Verona in Google Maps (I prefer Google Maps for navigation), and take the 15-minute walk to the city center.
Driving? Park at:
⚠️ Beware of the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone)—driving inside the historic center without permission results in hefty fines! Verona is super walkable, so ditch the car and explore on foot.
Coffee & Breakfast at Pasticceria Barini
Before diving into sightseeing, grab a quick Italian breakfast at Pasticceria Barini. This local spot is perfect for experiencing true café culture—order an espresso or cappuccino and drink it at the bar like the locals do.
Want a sweet treat? Try Risini—a delicious pastry filled with rice and custard, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Take a Guided Walking & Food Tour
The best way to see Verona in a short amount of time? A walking and food tour! I took the Verona Local Food Tasting and Walking Tour with Cable Car, and I can’t recommend it enough.
Here’s why:
Wine & Food Tastings – Sample local cheeses, cured meats, and wines (yes, before noon—this is Italy!).
Historical Highlights – Visit the Arena di Verona, Juliet’s Balcony (yes, it’s wildly touristy, but still fun), and wander through Piazza delle Erbe.
Cable Car to Castel San Pietro – End the tour with a ride up to Castel San Pietro, where you’ll get the best panoramic view of Verona. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Pro tip: The tour includes a fair amount of walking, so wear comfortable shoes!
Afternoon in Verona: Stunning Views & Relaxing Aperitivo
Enjoy an Aperol Spritz with a View at ReTeodorico
After soaking in the views at Castel San Pietro, walk over to Re Teodorico, a fantastic spot to grab an Aperol Spritz and relax. The views here are breathtaking, and you might just decide to stay until sunset.
Short on time? Have a quick drink and head back to town for more exploring!
Evening in Verona: A Delicious Local Dinner
Dinner at Locandina Cappello
For dinner, head to Locandina Cappello, one of my Top Restaurants in Verona. Their Amarone Risotto and Bigoli pasta are absolute must-tries as these are local dishes that Verona is known for.
My favorite dish: Tubettone di pasta fresca con speck, crema di patate e polvere di rosmarino (Fresh pasta with bacon, potato cream, and rosemary powder).
Wine pairing: The waitstaff knows their stuff—let them suggest the perfect local wine. I paired my dish with Valpollicella wine. Any Valpollicella is high on my list of must try wines!
Dessert: Pistachio Tiramisu. Trust me, you won’t regret it. The waiter recommended it and my friend and I immediately jumped on the opportunity to try it! I am not sure if this is seasonal but if you happen to be there and try it, let me know.
Final Thoughts: Is One Day in Verona Enough?
Yes! While Verona deserves more than a day, this itinerary ensures you hit the highlights without feeling rushed. You’ll walk away having experienced its history, food, and stunning views—all in a single day.
Need More Time?
Check out my Three-Day Verona Itinerary for a deeper dive into this enchanting city.
Coming from Venice? Here’s my guide on How to Take a Day Trip from Venice to Verona.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend planning a trip to Italy! And if you’ve been to Verona, drop a comment below—what was your favorite part?
Check out my Instagram posts on Verona here