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Piazza Erbe in Verona, Italy

Is One Day Enough for Verona, Italy? Here’s How to Make It Work

ByKimberly Italy

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.

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Woman on a bridge in a pink coat and black shirt with italian style buildings in the background

VERONA AT A GLANCE

WHERE TO STAY

EAT AND DRINK: MY FAVORITES

Planning on Dinner in Verona? Make reservations. Note that typically Dinner is later in the evening around 7pm

Things to Do

Verona in a nutshell

So you need to know how to get from the train station to the city center of Verona?

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!

Tip: 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.

a traditional pastry sitting on a plate. The pastry is golden and filled with rice--it's called risini
A traditional Pastry of Verona, Risini

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. (it’s the picture above)

View of the quiet street in Verona with a moped in the background
The quiet streets of Verona, Italy

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!

  • Hillside view with buildings and forte in Verona Italy
  • Views of the Ponte Pietra in Verona Italy
  • The beautiful ancient ruins of Porta Borsari in Verona
  • An inscription on a wall in Verona, Italy. The Inscription talks about Romeo and Juliet in Italian
  • Piazza Erbe in Verona, Italy
  • Piazza dei Signori
  • Woman with pink coat and scarf standing in front of a scenic spot in Verona Italy

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!

Plate of food. Cheese, Fried Polenta and pickeled vegetables.
Regional Dish at Locandina Capello with cheese on it

Evening in Verona: A Delicious Local Dinner

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 (it’s pictured above)

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: 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 (Coming Soon) 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

Author

  • Kimberly

    Kimberly Kephart is a travel writer and content creator specializing in solo travel, hiking, and cultural experiences. With over 40 countries explored and years of living abroad as a military spouse, she brings firsthand knowledge and a global perspective to her work. Through her blog, she provides practical, experience-driven guides that inspire meaningful, immersive travel. Her writing is grounded in empathy, local insight, and a deep appreciation for slow, intentional journeys.

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