Only have one day in Verona? Don’t stress—I’ve got you.
Whether you’re squeezing in a quick escape from Venice or you’ve been dreaming of this romantic city for years, this one-day itinerary will make every minute count.
I planned this exact itinerary for a friend visiting Italy for the first time—and she left raving about the views, the wine, and that pistachio tiramisu (just wait).
You’ll walk through history, eat like a local, and even get a view that’ll stop you mid-step. So lace up your walking shoes—this is how to experience Verona in a day.
Psst—New here?
➡️ Start with my Ultimate First-Timers Guide to Verona, Italy? if you haven’t already. It covers how to get around, what to skip, and how to avoid the dreaded ZTL fines.
➡️Need help figuring out how to get here? I’ve broken down the easiest ways to travel from Venice to Verona—train, car, or tour.
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Table of Contents
Quick Look: What You’ll Cover in This Itinerary
Where to Stay:
Where to Eat & Drink:
- Osteria al Duca
- Terrazza Arena Sky Lounge Bar & Restaurant
- Impasti4.1
- Osteria Ponte Pietra Ristorante
- Re Teodorico
- Café Carducci
- Malga Veronetta
What to See:
Travel Style: Walkable, solo-friendly, scenic, with time to sip wine and pause for views.
Verona by Map
Walking from Verona Porta Nuova Train Station to the City Center
Verona’s city center is just a 15-minute walk from the train station, and it’s an easy, flat route. Follow the Google Map below to reach Piazza Bra, home to the iconic Arena di Verona.
Key landmarks on the way:
- Exit the station and walk straight down Viale Girolamo Cardinale toward the large stone gate, Porta Nuova.
- Continue along Corso Porta Nuova, a lively boulevard lined with shops and cafés.
- When you reach the grand Portoni della Brà (the medieval arch with a clock), walk through it, and you’ll arrive in Piazza Bra—the heart of Verona!
Keep an eye out for small bakeries along the way—grabbing a fresh pastry before sightseeing is always a good idea!
Arriving by Train or Car to Verona?
Verona is an incredibly walkable city, making it perfect for exploring on foot. If you’re arriving by train, I recommend using Google Maps for navigation—just set your destination to Arena di Verona, and enjoy a pleasant 15-minute stroll into the heart of the city. Along the way, you’ll pass charming streets lined with cafés and shops, giving you an immediate taste of Verona’s atmosphere.
Prefer not to walk? Several city buses run from Verona Porta Nuova Train Station to the center. Look for bus lines 11, 12, or 13, which stop near Piazza Bra, right by the Arena. Tickets are available at the station or via the ATV app.
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.
Best Time to Arrive:
If you’re visiting for the day, try to arrive by 9 AM to beat the crowds at the Arena and Juliet’s Balcony. Many cafés in Piazza Bra open early, making it a perfect spot for a quick espresso before sightseeing.
Quick Tips for First-Timers:
✅ Public restrooms are available near Piazza Bra and Piazza delle Erbe (small fee required).
✅ A great meeting point if you’re with friends is the Arena di Verona—easy to find and central.
✅ Need help? The Tourist Information Office is right in Piazza Bra, offering maps and guidance.
Morning: Get Your Bearings + Grab Breakfast
Assuming you are arriving in the morning or starting your day fresh:
Start: Verona Porta Nuova Train Station
Walk straight from the station to Piazza Bra in about 15 minutes. It’s an easy, flat walk—no hill training required. Along the way, you’ll pass Corso Porta Nuova (think window shopping and people-watching) before reaching the Arena.
Stop at Pasticceria Barini
Order like a local: espresso at the counter and a fresh “Risini” (a pastry filled with rice and custard) to kick off your Verona adventure. You’ll thank me later
Late Morning: Explore with a Food & History Walking Tour
If you only do one paid activity in Verona, make it this one:
Verona Local Food Tasting and Walking Tour with Cable Car, and I can’t recommend it enough.
What you’ll get:
- Tastings of local cheese, salumi, Amarone wine, and even gelato
- Stops at key sights like the Arena, Piazza delle Erbe, and Juliet’s Balcony
- Cable car ride to Castel San Pietro for panoramic city views
💬 Why I loved it: I booked this for a friend’s first time in Italy, and she said it made Verona “make sense”—the culture, the food, the views. Also? Wine before noon. No regrets.
Check out these other tours of Verona:
Afternoon: Solo Wandering + Iconic Views
After your tour, take your time at the top of Castel San Pietro. The view over the Adige River and rooftops is jaw-dropping.
Enjoy an Aperol Spritz with a View at ReTeodorico a fantastic spot to grab an Aperol Spritz and relax.
The views here are breathtaking, and you might just decide to stay until sunset. Walk down the Passeggiata a Castel San Pietro into Verona
Evening: Local Dinner Done Right in Verona
Dinner at Locandina Cappello
For dinner, head to Locandina Cappello, one of my Favorite 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: Bigoli Pasta and 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 Valpolicella wine. Any Valpolicella 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: Can You See Verona in a Day?
Yes. If you follow this itinerary, you’ll hit Verona’s cultural, historical, and culinary highs—all in 12 hours or less. You’ll leave feeling like you didn’t just “check it off,” but actually experienced the city.
Want More? Check out my other blog posts about Verona
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!
Have you heard of Verona’s Botteghe Storiche—historic shops that have been part of the city’s story for decades? Every Italian City has them, SO look out for them. Check out my Instagram Post below!
