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One of Italy’s most beautiful cities, Verona, is often overlooked for super popular destinations such as Florence, Milan, and Venice! Lucky for you Verona is less than 2 hours away from some of these major cities. When I visited Bologna last summer, I made a quick trip to this hidden gem in Northern Italy! Use this itinerary for the best day trip to Verona in 2023!
You might have heard about Verona, Italy as the home of Romeo and Juliet! Quite possibly the most famous love story of all time, written by Shakespeare. But is that all there is to Verona? Absolutely not! The city of Verona is a Unesco World Heritage site and one of the most magical villages in Northern Italy.
The Best Day Trip to Verona Itinerary
Verona is fairly small, so it is possible to see a good chunk of the city in just one day! You will want to be strategic like I was and possibly join a day tour.
I visited Verona from Bologna, Italy, via train. The train was very efficient and took only an hour and a half.
If you are traveling from Florence to Verona the journey via train is 2 hours.
In my humble opinion, a day trip to Verona is better than a day trip to Florence. The reason being is that the city of Verona is a bit more intimate and far less crowded than Florence.
So if you are trying to decide whether Verona is worth visiting, I hope this helped.
Where is Verona located?
Verona, Italy is located in the Veneto Region of Northern Italy. It sits on the banks of the Adige River between Milan and Venice. A popular choice for a day trip for many tourists. Summer is often the busiest travel season in Verona.
Travel to Verona via train from Milan is approximately 2 hours. If you are in Venice you can reach Verona via train in 1 hour and 15 minutes!
Free Google Map of Verona
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What is Verona famous for?
Verona is most famously known for being the backdrop of the beloved play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare.
Verona is also home to the famous Roman amphitheater, the Arena di Verona, which hosts a variety of concerts and other events throughout the year.
As well as some of the most celebrated Roman monuments including Castelvecchio and Piazza delle Erbe.
Morning One Day Trip Verona Itinerary
10 am to Noon Walking Tour of Verona
You should plan to arrive in Verona early to ensure you see everything the city has to offer! There are a variety of day tours available in Verona that check off all the highlights in the city.
There is a beautiful 2-hour walking tour that starts at 10 am! That leaves you time to take the train to Verona from any of the nearby cities without having to get started too early.
This tour is perfect for anyone making a day trip to Verona as it still leaves a lot of time to explore.
On this 2-hour Verona highlights tour, you will pass by Ponte Scaligero, Museo di Castelvecchio, Arco dei Gavi, and Romeo’s House. And makes stops at Arena di Verona (Verona Arena), Casa di Giulietta (Juilet’s House), Piazza Bra, Arche Scaligere, Piazza delle Erbe, and Piazza dei Signori!
>> BOOK VERONA HIGHLIGHTS TOUR
Alternative Morning Itinerary
9 am to 1 pm Boat tour to Sirmione and Lake Garda
If you are not interested in a walking tour and you can arrive in Verona at 9 am check out the best day trip to Sirmione and Lake Garda!
This tour of Lake Garda and Sirmione is perfect for anyone just visiting Verona for one day!
The 4-hour tour starts out meeting in front of the Teatro Ristori theater in Verona and from there you will be off by boat to the medieval Castle of Sirmione!
You will spend one hour walking around this jaw-dropping palace full of flowers on Lake Garda!
Next, will explore the Centro Storico Sirmione, which is a quaint old town next to the castle. Your guide will take you along this historic peninsula town full of culture.
>> BOOK SIRMIONE AND LAKE GARDA TOUR
Afternoon One Day Trip to Verona Itinerary
1:45 pm to 2:30 pm Shakespeare Tour
If arriving for a group tour at 10 am is too early for you, I have another suggestion! This 1 and half hour tour starts at 1:45 pm and highlights the history of Romeo and Juliet!
On this historic walking tour, your guide will bring to life the story of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers. Visiting the famous landmarks such as the Scala tombs, Maddona fountain, and Juliet’s balcony. Get first-hand tales of the legends of the iconic feuding families!
>> BOOK VERONA ROMEO AND JULIET TOUR
Alternative Afternoon Itinerary
Midday Wine Tasting Tour
An alternative afternoon itinerary in Verona would be to go wine tasting! This 3 1/2-hour wine-tasting experience is the perfect way to spend one day in Verona!
The meeting time is 2 pm which gives you plenty of time to explore the highlight of Verona in the morning!
Once you meet your guide you will be off on a once-in-a-lifetime experience to visit the hamlet of San Giorgio di Valpolicella.
You will sample some wines paired with bread and cheese and learn all about the local harvesting.
>> BOOK WINE TASTING TOUR IN VERONA
Evening One Day Trip to Verona Itinerary
Evening Walking Tour
In the evening this is an exciting dark history tour of Verona! Meet your guide in the evening for a the horrors in Verona’s past.
Meet at the Aread di Verona to learn about what took place here on February 13th, 1278! Then you will move on to the Sinagoga di Verona to learn of what happened to a Jewish family during WWII.
Moving on to the Piazza delle Erbe to learn of Medieval life and the cruelties that took place in the sqaure!
Pass by the site of where the ruler of Verona was murdered in 1277, then on to the Scala family tombs and finishing at the site of the 2 star crossed lovers!
>> BOOK VERONA DARK HISTORY TOUR
Verona Day Trip Self-Guided Itinerary
Would you rather explore Verona on your own? Here is an itinerary on how to best spend your free time!
If you are visiting Verona on your own and not doing any organized tours, I highly suggest you get a VERONA card! It includes:
- Free entry to major tourist sites & reduced entry fees to most museums
- Skip the line privileges for the Arena
- Unlimited travel free on city bus lines
Morning in Verona
Start the morning in Verona by having a traditional Italian breakfast comprised of sweets! Visit Caffe Borsari and fall in love with the pastries!
After stuffing your face here, it is time to walk to the most famous balcony in the world. You guessed it, Juliet’s balcony! Casa di Giulietta is just a few blocks away from Caffe Borsari.
If you want to go inside the house and step out on the balcony yourself you must get tickets. All the tours I found didn’t include the admission ticket to Juliet’s House.
The Verona Card includes access to Juliet’s house and balcony among a list of other famous landmarks.
Afternoon in Verona
After spending the morning eating pastry and exploring Juliet’s house it’s time to move on to some of Verona’s most famous Piazzas!
Piazza delle Erbe, located in the center of the city is the heart of Verona. It is here where locals and tourists can come together for a bite to eat and aperitif.
It is here in Piazza delle Erbe where the Madonna Verona Fountain can be found, as well as many other monuments.
Make time to climb the tall tower of Torre dei Lamberti aka, the tower of love! There is an excellent viewpoint of 360 degrees of Verona! Tickets to the tower are included with the Verona Card!
After you work up an appetite climbing the tower, it’s time for lunch! Check out Yard Restaurant for a classic Italian menu served in a sleek and industrial-style restaurant. The pasta here is heaven!
If you saved room for dessert why not get some gelato on your walk to Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore?
The fastest route from Piazza delle Erbe is a 15-minute walk. But for a more scenic route, you can cross the Ponte della Vittoria bridge and Adige river reaching your destination in 20 minutes.
Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore was famously set for the marriage of Romeo and Juliet. There are beautiful buildings and neighborhoods to explore.
Hang out here for a while admiring the scenery and have a rest before heading off to the next stop.
Evening in Verona
Once you have explored all the great things to see at Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore, it is time to check out the Castle San Pietro!
The castle San Pietro has the best views of the city! The castle opening time varies by season, so be sure to check out the website.
From Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore to the Funicolare di Castel San Pietro, an incline lift to the viewpoint is a 35-minute walk.
Is Verona Safe for Solo Female Travel?
Some of you might hesitate about whether to go solo to Verona, but I assure you it is equally beautiful and worth the visit no matter whether you are single or in a couple.
Verona is a very safe city to visit as a solo female. I had no issues walking around and taking public transit by myself.
Once you visit for yourself, you will see that Verona is like no other Italian city. Its charm and charisma will lure you in right away. The smell of marinara sauce will intoxicate you!
Verona is far less crowded than most cities, especially if you are coming from Florence. You are free to really enjoy this city on your own terms.
I visited in August and it surprised me that there weren’t more people lining the streets.
Thoughts on solo travel
Visiting somewhere romantic by yourself doesn’t need to be sad. If you believe in the law of attraction, you know you should be surrounding yourself with the things you want.
Changing your mindset to a celebration and enjoy-life mode will most certainly bring you true joy. Promise! These moments you create for yourself now tells the universe you love yourself and are ready for love.
Now once you arrive, you might get so carried away by all the beauty around that you may forget to visit some important sites.
The best part doing this day trip from Verona is that it can all be seen in one day! If you have extra time, you might want to consider staying the night. I would highly recommend looking into the hotels I will list below.
Accommodations In Verona
You can certainly just make a day trip to Verona. However, you can’t go choosing to stay longer in the lovely Verona. My top priority for hotels is finding one in a central area that is both stylish and charming.
Below is a list that entails my suggestions for the best places to stay solo in the city of love.
Top Boutique Hotels in Verona
Another benefit of visiting Verona from any big city, like Florence, is the hotel price difference. You will get more for your money in Verona than you will in Florence.
- La Maison De Charme is an elegant hotel located 150 meters from the old town. This boutique hotel is rated very highly by guests! Free wifi and a community terrace where one could have a drink and talks.
- Hotel Accademia is a beautiful hotel in the heart of Verona. This historic old building converted into a charming boutique hotel that encompasses a fitness center, a bar, and it is also at a hand’s distance from the House of Julia (2 mins walk).
- Arte Nel Centro is a FUNKY hotel! It has uniquely decorated rooms, modern and traditional. Very close to the city center and the central train station.
Five Star Hotels in Verona
- Relais De Charme Il Sogno Di Giulietta– This might be the most romantic hotel in the world. Staying on the site of Juliet’s balcony is pretty hard to beat. Do you need someone special to stay here? Think again, maybe your Romeo or Juliet is just around the corner from this hotel.
- Due Torri Hotel is the crown jewel of Verona, located in the old town. Enjoy the rooftop terrace for breathtaking views and delicious wine.
- Hotel Gabbia d’Oro is a small hotel, only 27 rooms. Lots of character and charm, coupled with high-end touches. Centrally located and books up fast!
Verona Dining Guide
In every post, I always find a way to tell you how much I love food! I pride myself in listing the best restaurants. Even if you are just doing a day trip to Verona, I suggest you find time to eat!
If you are solo and the idea of sitting alone in a crowded restaurant doesn’t sound fun, just take a book or a journal to help pass the time.
Just imagine having that whole pizza and a bottle of exquisite Italian wine to yourself, taking your sweet time finishing it.
Better yet, take a sigh of relief when you hear that couple sitting two tables over bickering about what to do later. I can promise you if you pay attention, all these couples that you may envy, don’t have it better than you.
Traveling alone can be so incredibly exciting, and liberating. Italy is a safe and very friendly place for a woman exploring around. Maybe at times a little too friendly. Get ready for lots of “Sei Bella, sei Bellissima” compliments on the way, daily.
Bakery & Breakfast in Verona
- Elk Bakery has it all! If you are looking for a quick pastry or a sit down full breakfast with eggs, visit Elk Bakery! Delicious vegan options!
- Tosca Bistrot is perfect if you want to grab a breakfast sandwich and take it to go! The restaurant does have full-service dining and some killer pancakes!
Top Restaurants Lunch & Dinner
How much fun is it to eat like no one is watching?? When you travel alone, you can do this! I have been known to eat an entire pizza with no shame.
- Officina Verona is a hip and trendy restaurant with inventive and authentic Italian cuisine. You will find it is not overly priced and located centrally.
- Osteria Mondodoro has a menu with descriptive photos on its website. Osteria is a traditional Italian restaurant that usually has a three-meal set menu for a reasonable price. Don’t forget to take your cafe ristretto at the end of your food indulgence. They are closed on Sundays nights and Mondays.
- Brest Ostricheria – OYSTERS! This place is a fantastic oyster and champagne bar! The menu focuses on shellfish, but does offer some incredible pasta dishes!
- Flora is an amazing vegan restaurant located in the heart of Verona. Impressive main courses and decadent desserts!
Best Cocktail Bars in Verona
If you are making this just a day trip to Verona, you might not have time for a full meal, but want to enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine. This list below might just be the perfect list for a quick drink and snack.
- Enoteca Segreta Di Poliluigi – a lovely wine bar that serves up perfectly paired treats to its wide selection of wines. A great place to start the evening in Verona!
- The Soda Jerk is a sleek and modern bar. So much style and so many cocktails, a great place for after dinner.
- Signorvino for a popular wine shop/wine bar. Knowledgeable staff and delicious snacks!
Best Day Trip to Verona Transportation Info
Coming from Florence to Verona is a quick journey via train. Depending on the time of day you choose, the trip should be less than 2 hours.
Visiting other cities from Verona, it is quite doable. Look into visiting Bologna as well! It is very famous for its columns, red-colored buildings, San Pietro piazza, and of course, the Bologna University!
The Verona main train station is located approx. 25 mins by walking from the old town. To get to Bologna you can buy tickets online or at the station.
Alternative Italian Cities to Visit
Italy has so much to offer for solo females traveling. I want to recommend another region of Italy, not suitable for a day trip from Verona, but your next destination. The east coast of Italy, Bari, to be precise, is another city that gets fewer tourists.
Bari is also a surprisingly affordable city to stay for a few days. The hotel prices were extremely reasonable for being on the coast. If you rent a car in Bari, it’s possible to visit the Amalfi Coast on a day trip.
Even without a car, it is possible to visit by train. The Amalfi coast is magnificent, so I do suggest going. But if you are on a budget, then I advise you to stay in Bari!
To get a taste of authentic Italy, stay in the city center. If you venture out in the evenings, you will see the city come to life! I can recommend that you stay here for a few days, enjoying the coastal life!
FAQs
Ideally you want would to stay 2 nights in Verona, but can easily see all the main attractions in one day. If you visit for the day be sure to plan out your itineray well to ensure you see all the hot spots!
Verona is a very safe place to visit for solo female travelers! I have felt very safe walking alone in Verona. Taking the public transport was very easy by myself.
The best time to visit Verona is in the summer months. Even though visiting Verona is winter is still lovely, the summer is better. The weather is better for walking around and exploring.
The major tourist attractions also stay open later in the summer months which is better if you are visitng for just the day
Verona is great place for solo travel! It is a very safe place to visit, and there is so much you can see by foot.
Verona is also well connected by public transit making it very easy to get around and travel to the next destination!
Stay in Touch!
Mapped by Megan says
Verona sounds like such an amazing and romantic city! Thanks for sharing!
Retha the Roaming Nanny says
I didn’t know there was a Roman Amphitheater in Verona! I’ll have to add that to my list of things to do when I get there. Thanks!
shafinah.neville says
Super enjoyed all your Solo Travel Inspiration articles! Have only ever travelled solo and don’t know how to do so otherwise – so glad to have a sister on board that train! 😀
Patti says
Oh romeo, oh romeo! One day I will visit Italy. One day. ::::sigh::::
Miranda says
Traveling in big cities can be overwhelming but it’s good to know Verona is a great place to travel solo to! I would actually prefer it over big cities in Italy like Rome!
homeroomtravel says
I love Verona! It’s such an adorable Italian town. Juliets statue cracks me up. I agree with you about how cool it is seeing the balcony as well!
Nelly says
In this small, cozy town, the passions of Romeo and Juliet blazed, in many respects it was to them that the sights of Verona owe their world fame.