Located in the Veneto region of northern Italy, the beautiful city of Verona is the ultimate destination for romantics everywhere.
A UNESCO World Heritage site dating back 2,500 years, it is filled with ancient bridges, elegant churches, and even has its own incredible amphitheater.
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The city is also famous for its artistic heritage and is strongly associated with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
In this guide, we will help you plan an itinerary to see the best of Verona in 2 days.
We’ve shared our recommendations for what to do each morning and afternoon of your stay, along with tips for some of the best places to dine.
Finally, we’ve listed our favorite places to stay in Verona, with suggestions for every budget.
Before we start, if you wish to save money during your 2 days in Verona, we recommend investing in the Verona Card.
You can buy the 48-hour version to last the duration of your stay, allowing you free or discounted entry to a range of attractions (and you often get to skip the line, too!)
Free public transportation is included for the duration of the card. This makes it great value for money, even if you only see a few of the sights.
Day 1
You’ll spend the first of your two days in Verona soaking up the history and culture at some of its most well-known attractions.
Morning – Torre dei Lamberti, Verona Arena, And Castelvecchio
Start your day with Italian coffee at one of the city’s cafes. The cappuccinos here are divine, especially when enjoyed with a cornetto (a traditional breakfast pastry).
After that, it’s time to see the sights! There’s no better way to start than with the captivating 360-degree views from the top of the 84m Lamberti Tower.
You’ll find it on the Piazza delle Erbe and can buy a ticket to take the elevator almost to the top. Its walls are transparent, so the views on the way up are incredible. Or you can choose to take the steps instead – all 368 of them!
However you get there, you’ll be glad you did! You can look right across the whole of Verona to the mountains to the north. Depending on when you visit, you’ll often see these capped with snow.
Whilst at the top of the Tower you may have spotted the Arena – and this is where we’re heading next!
The Arena di Verona dates back to 30 AD and rivals the Colosseum in Rome. It was once used by citizens of the Roman Empire for shows and games (known as ‘ludi’). Beautifully preserved, it is still used for live performances to this day.
Entry to the Arena is included with the Verona Card.
From the Arena, head down to the Adige River and you’ll arrive at the splendid fortress of Castelvecchio.
Dating back to 1354, this magnificent building is currently a museum dedicated to Verona’s past.
If you only have a weekend in Verona, you may not have time to fully appreciate the many artifacts on display. But it’s worth visiting anyway, just to see the arched-stone Castelvecchio Bridge.
It has several towers along its length containing sets of stairs. Be sure to climb them for some fantastic views of the castle and down the River Adige.
Afternoon – Piazza Delle Erbe, Piazza Dei Signori, And The Scaliger Tombs
Head back to the Piazza delle Erbe in the middle of town for lunch. The Caffè Dante Bistrot is a great choice, serving fine Veronese cuisine.
Then take a moment to appreciate the square itself. You can see a columned canopy called the Berlina at its center. Dating back to the 16th century, it would have originally been used for elections.
You can also see a 14th-century fountain featuring the statue of the Madonna di Verona, along with the Lion of St. Mark in front of Gardello Tower.
Next, pass through the Arco della Costa to the Piazza dei Signori. This is a much quieter square with lovely architecture to admire and a statue of Dante Alighieri – the Italian poet – at its center.
Just off Piazza dei Signori lie the Scaliger Tombs. These are a group of five Gothic funerary monuments to the noble Della Scala family.
The family – also known as Scaligeri – ruled Verona throughout the 13th and 14th centuries.
Each tomb is devoted to a different Veronese lord, with a wall and iron bars separating it from the street. They are very ornate and well worth seeing, which you can do for a small admission fee.
At the end of the afternoon, take the 3-minute walk to Casa do Giuletta (Juliet’s House & Balcony).
Even though Shakespeare never visited Italy, this building and its balcony are associated with his play ‘Romeo and Juliet’.
People from all over the world come to pose for photos with Juliet’s statue, admire the balcony, and see all the handwritten love letters in the covered walkway.
Evening – Enjoy Live Music
Verona’s musical heritage is strong, and many venues are hosting live performances. Depending on when you visit, you can catch an opera at the Arena, or visit the Teatro Filarmonico for a classical performance.
If contemporary music is more your thing, try Le Cantina del’Arena and enjoy a brasserie-style meal as you listen to the resident jazz band.
Day 2
On the second of your two days in Verona, you’ll visit its charming churches and then take a trip to the stunning Lake Garda nearby.
Morning – The Basilicas And The Cathedrale
Verona is famous for its churches; you’ll visit some of the best this morning. Be sure to dress appropriately – your knees and shoulders should always be covered.
First is The Basilica di Santa Anastasia near the Ponte Pietra, Verona’s largest church. You can find its entrance at the end of the Decumanus Maximus. This main Roman road connected Porta Borsari to the former Postumio Bridge.
It is famous for its lovely frescoes and its red pillars made of Veronese marble. It also has a breathtaking vaulted ceiling, and scenes carved from stone portray Saint Peter’s life.
Just a 5-minute walk north will take you to the city’s cathedral – Cattedrale di Santa Maria Matricolare.
Consecrated in 1187, it is one of the oldest religious buildings in Verona.
After admiring the 12th-century Romanesque architecture, head inside to see the 15th-century Gothic nave lined with marble columns.
The main chapels have decorative Renaissance frescoes, although the most impressive fresco is located at the altar.
Be sure to look through the glass panels on the floor beneath you – you can see the remains of the previous church!
Finally, take a 25-minute stroll over the bridge to the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore. This peaceful church is quite beautiful, with a stunning exterior and lots of marble columns and artwork inside.
But its main claim to fame is that the fictional marriage of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet took place in its crypt!
Afternoon – A Half-Day Trip From Verona To Lake Garda
Even if you only have two days in Verona, we recommend taking a half-day trip to see the picturesque landscapes of Lake Garda.
A guided tour is ideal when you only have a limited amount of time, and this 4-hour tour includes a visit to Sirmione, a beautiful town on the lake’s southern shore.
Filled with narrow lanes and shops, the town even has its own castle, giving you plenty to explore.
Best of all are the panoramic views of the Lake itself. Depending on the weather and availability of the tour boat, you may even be able to get out onto the water.
This allows you to view the peninsula from an entirely different perspective!
Evening – Try The Local Wines
Thanks to its location near the wine region of Veneto, the variety of local wines in Verona is extensive and affordable!
One of the most popular places in which to try them is Osteria ai Portegheti, a small, quirky bar on the Piazza S. Tomaso.
It has a whiteboard filled with delicious varieties to try and some excellent snacks at the bar. There’s also a great pizzeria right next door!
Are 2 Days In Verona Enough?
If you’ve been wondering what to do in Verona in 2 days, the answer is – quite a bit! Since many of its attractions are close together, it is possible to get a real feel for the city and its culture in a 2-day visit.
Remember, though, that this itinerary is for a full two days in Verona. If you arrive late in the day – or leave early on departure day – you might want to add an extra night to really make the most of your stay.
Where To Stay In Verona
No matter what your budget, there are some great places to stay in Verona. Here are some of our favorites!
Best Budget Accommodation
Rated ‘superb’ by visitors, the StraVagante Hostel & Rooms enjoys a fabulous location close to the city center and train station.
Bright and modern, it offers both private rooms and dorms, all of which have air conditioning and a desk. It also has an on-site restaurant, with a continental breakfast included with some reservations.
Best Mid-Range Accommodation
Palazzo Fracastoro is in an ideal location for exploring Verona, just 450 yards from Piazza Bra and with all the city’s main attractions within easy walking distance.
Each room is beautifully decorated, with a seating area, private bathroom, flat screen TV, and air conditioning. Some rooms even have a terrace – perfect for admiring the pretty garden area.
Best Luxury Accommodation
If you are feeling extravagant, then treat yourself to a stay at the beautiful Hotel Colomba d’Oro.
Located in a restored medieval convent in the historical center of Verona, this charming hotel close to the River Adige features classically decorated rooms.
Each has its own private marble bathroom and independent climate control for your comfort.
Despite its central location, the rooms are very peaceful, with soundproof windows to keep out the hustle and bustle of the city.
The highlight is the excellent breakfast, served in an original stone room decorated with mosaics.
Final Thoughts On Verona In Two Days
There is so much to see and do in this romantic city that it can be hard to work out how to fit everything in!
So I do hope that this guide to seeing Verona in 2 days has been useful and will help you enjoy a memorable trip.
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