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Top Tips for Exploring Verona in One Day
Verona, a delightful destination during our road trip, captivated me in under a day. From the renowned Arena di Verona to the vibrant Piazza delle Erbe, each location exuded its own enchantment. We explored aimlessly, enjoyed gelato near Juliet’s Balcony, and admired the stunning vistas from Ponte Pietra. Though our visit was brief, this city demonstrated that one does not require an extensive period to forge lasting memories.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned during road trips, it’s that sometimes even the shortest stops can leave a lasting impression. Verona was one of those places for me. My sister, sister-in-law, and I were driving from Italy to Serbia and back when we decided to make a quick detour to this enchanting city. Although we were there for less than 24 hours (arriving after lunch and leaving the next morning), we packed a lot into our short visit. Here’s a little about what we saw, where we stayed, and what I’d recommend if you’re planning a similar stop.

Where We Stayed

We booked an apartment through Booking.com right in the centre of Verona, which made everything super convenient. A little tip: If you’re driving, be prepared to pay extra for parking when staying in the city centre. Most accommodations don’t include it for free, but we used the EasyPark app, which lets you pay for parking by the hour or day. It’s a handy option and often cheaper than pre-booking a spot.

Exploring Verona Without a Plan

We didn’t have much of an itinerary, but that turned out to be a blessing. Sometimes wandering is the best way to experience a city. Of course, we couldn’t skip Juliet’s Balcony (Casa di Giulietta), but beyond that, we let our feet guide us. Here’s what we managed to see:

  • Arena di Verona: This iconic Roman amphitheatre dominates the city centre, and you can’t miss it. You can go inside to explore or, if you’re lucky, catch a concert, opera, or theatre performance. When we visited, they were setting up for a play, and the stage decorations were amazing—like stepping into a mini theatre production.
  • Piazza delle Erbe: This vibrant square was one of my favourite spots! It’s home to a charming market selling everything from fresh produce and street food to artisan souvenirs. We also saw the Torre dei Lamberti here, which adds to the square's charm.
  • Piazza dei Signori: A quieter square but worth a stroll to see the statue of Dante Alighieri, which stands proudly in the middle.
  • Scaliger Tombs: These gothic monuments immediately caught our attention. They’re unique, with such intricate designs that it’s impossible not to stop and stare for a moment.
  • Ponte Pietra and the Adige River: We walked to this picturesque bridge and took in the stunning views toward Parco Scalone Castel S. Pietro. If you have time, cross the bridge and head to Punto Panoramico for breathtaking views of the city—it’s only a 7-minute walk.

The Famous Juliet’s Balcony

Of course, no trip to Verona is complete without visiting Juliet’s Balcony. The balcony is free to see, but tickets to tour the house are €12. Be prepared for crowds; this spot is a magnet for visitors. While waiting, we enjoyed a delicious gelato from one of the nearby shops—highly recommend!

Dinner Deals and Saving Money

For dinner, we tried TheFork app to book a table. It’s a fantastic way to save money on meals, and we scored 50% off our dinner menu. The app works in many countries, so it’s worth downloading if you’re traveling around Europe. And don’t worry—every meal we’ve booked through TheFork has been delicious!

What We Missed

With more time, I would have loved to visit Giardino Giusti, a beautiful garden known for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning views.

If you have a day to spare, I highly recommend making a quick trip to Peschiera del Garda, the nearest city to Lake Garda. It’s just a 30-minute drive or a 15-minute train ride from Verona, and it offers breath-taking views of the lake, charming streets, and opportunities for hiking or simply relaxing by the water.

Final Tips

  • Transport: You don’t need a car in Verona’s centre; everything is within walking distance. If you’re heading further distant, public transport works great. I usually check Google Maps or ask at an InfoPoint.
  • Nightlife: While we didn’t explore the nightlife much, the streets were lively even late into the evening. And in true Italian style, gelato shops stay open until 1 or 2 AM—perfect for a late-night treat.
  • Payments: Most places in Verona accept credit cards and cash, so you have flexibility in how you pay. If you’re parking or booking last-minute activities, make sure to have both options handy.

Verona might be small, but it’s packed with charm, history, and unforgettable views. If you’ve been or are planning to visit, I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment or send me a message!

I hope you love Verona as much as I did.

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