This One Day Adventure Started With a Bargain Flight

Only one day in Verona, Italy? Absolutely doable.

We grabbed £10 Ryanair flights and never expected to fall as in love with Verona as we did.

While we were in the region, we just had to go to Venice, which meant just one full day here—but it turned out to be one of our favourite stops ever.

Roman ruins, Shakespeare legends, and gelato on every corner.

You can see the big sights, eat ridiculously well, and still fit in some people-watching with an espresso. Verona is easy to get around and impossible to forget.

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Short on Time?
Why Verona is Ideal for a Day Trip

Verona is compact, walkable, and easy to reach from Venice or Milan by train.
You can tick off the big sights, eat well, and still have time for a coffee break or two—all in one day.

💡 Top Tip:
If you’re visiting on the first Sunday of the month, most major attractions drop to just €1 entry. We did this on our trip and saved a lot of money. It’s a great little bonus if your dates line up.

One Day In Verona Itinerary

Here’s exactly how we spent our day in Verona, with plenty of food stops and zero stress about missing out

Morning: Start at Arena di Verona and Piazza Bra

Start your day at the Arena di Verona.

This Roman amphitheatre has been standing since the 1st century, and somehow still manages to host big concerts and operas.
Even if you’re not usually into “old stones,” trust me, this place is worth a wander.

Once you’ve snapped a few photos, head out to Piazza Bra—Verona’s main square and the ideal spot to settle in with your first cappuccino of the day.

Pick a café with outdoor tables, watch the city wake up, and soak up that morning Italian buzz.
This is where we properly woke up, too!

Mid-Morning: Juliet’s Balcony & Piazza delle Erbe

No visit to Verona would be complete without a stop at Juliet’s Balcony
Yes, it’s a bit touristy, but it’s also fun, especially if you secretly love a bit of Shakespeare (or you’ve seen Letters to Juliet too many times, like me).

Snap a photo under the famous balcony, read some of the love notes on the walls, and just enjoy the slightly chaotic, romantic energy.

Afterwards, wander over to Piazza delle Erbe. This square is always buzzing, with colourful market stalls, busy cafés, and plenty to see in every direction.

It’s the perfect place to grab a quick snack, people-watch, or pick up a souvenir that’ll probably end up at the back of a drawer, but hey, it’s tradition.

Afternoon: Castelvecchio & Ponte Scaligero

After, , stretch your legs with a wander over to Castelvecchio. This medieval fortress looks seriously impressive from the outside and doubles as an art museum if you’re up for a bit more culture.

Make sure you walk across Ponte Scaligero, the castle’s red-brick bridge.

It’s got some of the best views in the city and makes for excellent photos—especially if you’re partial to a dramatic holiday snap.

If you’ve got a bit more time or just want somewhere quieter, Giardino Giusti is a lovely little garden just outside the main tourist area. It’s a little off the main tourist path, but a relaxing spot after a day of sightseeing.

Evening: Sunset at Torre dei Lamberti or Ponte Pietra

As the day winds down, it’s time for some sunset views. If you’re feeling energetic (or just want a cracking photo for your Instagram), climb up Torre dei Lamberti in Piazza delle Erbe. There’s a lift if your legs need a break, and the views over Verona are absolutely worth it.

If you’d rather stay on ground level, head over to Ponte Pietra, Verona’s oldest bridge.

This spot is perfect for a riverside stroll and catching the city as it glows in the evening light.
We ended our day here, just sitting by the river with gelato in hand, not quite ready to leave.

Is the 24-Hour Verona Card Worth It?

As you can probably see, most of what we’ve recommended is included in the Verona Card.

The pass is genuinely worth it if you plan to visit a few main sights like the Arena, Torre dei Lamberti, and Castelvecchio—it pays for itself pretty quickly.

You also get unlimited local bus rides, which comes in handy if your feet need a break later in the day.

The card usually lets you skip some queues as well, so you can spend less time waiting and more time exploring or, in my case, tracking down another Aperol Spritz.

Where to Eat in Verona: Quick Bites

If you’re in need of a snack or just want something fast, Billy Paletta for some grab-and-go options.

The prices are super reasonable (we paid about €6 for this snack), and it’s the ideal option when you’re trying to squeeze in as many sights as possible without sitting down for a full meal.

For dessert, don’t skip Gelateria Ponte Pietra— the gelato here is next level.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Pasticceria Flego is also worth a visit for cakes and pastries.

Basically, if you leave Verona without trying at least one local dessert, you’re missing out.

FAQs About Visiting Verona in 1 Day

Here are a few questions you might have on the brain!

Is one day enough in Verona?

Yes! You can see all the main sights—Arena di Verona, Juliet’s Balcony, Castelvecchio, and the piazzas—without rushing.

Everything’s walkable and close together, so one day works perfectly for a first visit.

What is the best time of year to visit Verona?

Spring or autumn is ideal. We went in April and loved it.

You’ll skip the summer crowds and heat, and the city feels extra pretty in the mild weather.

Is Verona a walkable city?

Absolutely. The city centre is compact, the main sights are close, and it’s easy to get around on foot.

Just bring comfy shoes. If you want to save your legs, there’s also a hop-on-hop-off bus.

Can you do Verona and Venice in one day?

You could, but I wouldn’t.

Both cities deserve their own day if you want to do them justice.

If you have extra time, Lake Garda and the Valpolicella wine region are easy side trips from Verona.

We have many more Italy posts if exploring more of the country interests you!

Conclusion: One Day In Verona, Italy

One day in Verona, Italy is more than enough to fall in love with the city.

It’s easy to get around, full of incredible sights, and perfect for a quick trip, especially if you’re already in the region.

We only planned one day, but left wanting more.
If you’re considering it, I say go for it.