Itineraries for Your Trip to Verona
2 Days in Verona for First Timers
Known as the setting for Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”, this city of lovers lives up to its romantic hype. I visited Verona for the first time years ago on a last-minute couple’s getaway, and spent the weekend strolling through its cobblestone streets and cafè-lined squares hand-in-hand with my sweetheart. On later trips, we planned ahead to book tickets to the opera at the ancient Arena, catch a special exhibit at the Castelvecchio Museum, and pedal through the Valpollicella wine country north of the city. You don’t need to make multiple trips to experience all the city has to offer, however. With this guide to two days in Verona, you’ll cover the central highlights and nearby gems in just 48 hours.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a performance at the Arena.
Dress for the weather in Verona, where even the opera is performed outdoors.
Grab a cappuccino near bustling Piazza delle Erbe, then head to Juliet’s House to see the home of one of Shakespeare's heroines and the famous statue of Juliet before it gets crowded. Then, cover more city highlights on a walking tour or sightseeing e-bike ride through old town that touches on must-see attractions in Verona, from Piazza Bra and Basilica of Santa Anastasia to the Della Scala Family’s Scaliger Tombs.
Head across the Adige River along Ponte Pietra and up the hillside to Castel San Pietro, which overlooks Verona’s old town. Reach the castle on foot, hop on the public transportation funicular that makes the climb in about a minute, or book a hop-on hop-off bus tour that includes a stop at the historic fortress, plus other city attractions. For equally heady views within the city, scale the Lamberti Tower.
Now that you’ve checked off the top cultural sights in the city, end your day by exploring Verona’s cuisine with a hands-on cooking class followed by dinner. Learn how to make fresh pasta from scratch, creamy tiramisù, and other classic dishes, then enjoy the fruits of your labor over dinner with free-flowing wine.
Now that you’ve checked off the top cultural sights in the city, end your day by exploring Verona’s cuisine with a hands-on cooking class followed by dinner. Learn how to make fresh pasta from scratch, creamy tiramisù, and other classic dishes, then enjoy the fruits of your labor over dinner with free-flowing wine.
Once you’re back in Verona, continue your cuisine-themed day with a foodie walk through the old town. Sample some of the city’s most beloved local savory and sweet specialties with a local insider who can take you directly to the top gourmet spots, plus offer recommendations for exploring other eateries on your own.
One of the best things to do in Verona for first timers is catching an evening performance at the city’s ancient Roman theater, the Arena. The annual summer opera festival (June to September) hosts a variety of operas, ballets, and classical music concerts. Tickets sell out far in advance, so if you can’t see a show in the Arena, attend an opera in a historic villa in the city center.
