Discover Verona in 48 hours: a charming getaway
Some cities don’t demand anything. Verona, tucked into northern Italy without much fuss, belongs to that category. Not loud, not trying too hard—just layered. There’s the history, of course, stitched into the old stones. And the romance, yes, forever attached to a certain balcony. But there’s also something else. Something slower. A texture to the days that doesn’t show up in guidebooks.
For those asking “What to do in Verona” or searching for how to “Visit Verona in 2 days”, the answer is less about ticking boxes and more about letting the place unfold. There are monuments—some grand, some quietly fading. Streets that loop and narrow and open again. Food that doesn’t shout, just comforts. Two days might not be enough, but it’s a start. Long enough to catch the rhythm. Not quite long enough to want to leave.
Day 1: Between history and romance
Morning: Diving into historical heritage
Verona Arena
Start early. When the light still slants softly against the stones, the Arena di Verona feels almost quiet—despite its colossal frame. Built back in the 1st century, this Roman amphitheater doesn’t try to compete with the Colosseum in Rome. It just stands, intact, worn in places, but still used. Operas echo here now, not the roar of crowds or clashing swords, though that echo still lingers somehow.
It held thirty thousand once. Now, it holds memories and music. Walk the steps, pause under the arches, try to picture what it meant to sit there two thousand years ago. It’s easier than you might think.
- Entrance fee: €10 (full price), €7.50 (reduced price).
- Opening hours: Open every day from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm (last entry at 6:30 pm).
Hoping for more than a self-guided wander? Take a look at the Verona tour guides. Some stories are better heard than read.
Piazza Bra: the vibrant heart of Verona
Just steps away, Piazza Bra opens wide. It’s not modest—one of the biggest squares in Italy—but it doesn’t overwhelm. Locals drift across it without hurry, gelato in hand. Tourists lean into the view of the Arena. There’s a lot of space, which somehow feels like an invitation to slow down.
The buildings add a different rhythm. Neoclassical facades, soft stone, unexpected details if you take the time. Somewhere between the bustle and the stillness, the square holds its own pace.
- Palazzo Barbieri: A 19th-century neoclassical building, now the town hall.
- Gran Guardia: Built between the 16th and 17th centuries, it now hosts exhibitions and cultural events.
- Fontana delle Alpi: A modern fountain donated by Munich, Verona’s twin city, placed at the center.
Piazza Bra also works well as a crossroads. From here, streets splinter off—to the Arena again, toward Via Mazzini’s storefronts, or deeper into the historic maze.
Noon: Italian flavors
Midday brings appetite. And in Verona, that means wine and rice, or maybe stuffed pasta with sauces that linger. Around Piazza Bra, it’s easy to find a table. Harder to choose. Amarone makes its way into the dishes. So does local olive oil. The food feels familiar, even if it isn’t.
- Osteria del Bugiardo: Small plates, good wine, casual noise. Perfect before the afternoon heat.
- Trattoria al Pompiere: More traditional, known for risotto all’Amarone. Worth the wait.
- Caffè Dante Bistrot: Slightly more polished, tucked near Piazza dei Signori.
- Enoteca Segreta: Intimate, dim lighting, a list of wines that stretches beyond memory.
Afternoon: In the footsteps of Romeo and Juliet
Juliet's House
It’s impossible to skip, even if the balcony isn’t exactly original. Juliet’s House—13th-century bricks, weathered shutters, a courtyard full of hopeful notes—is crowded for a reason. The story still works. Even if it’s not true, people want it to be.
The name Cappello, etched in stone, may have inspired Shakespeare’s Capulets. And the balcony, added much later, now draws the eyes of every phone in the square. But above the cameras, if you look closely, the faded walls carry their own script.
- Address: Via Cappello, 23, Verona.
- Entrance fee: €6 (full price), €1 on the first Sundays of the month.
- Opening hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (closed Mondays).
Piazza delle Erbe
From Juliet’s balcony, it’s a short walk to one of Verona’s oldest spaces. Piazza delle Erbe doesn’t try to impress. It just is—layered with old commerce, voices, a splash of color from the market stalls. Frescoes still cling to the buildings. A tower looms quietly above it all.
This was once a Roman forum. Now, it sells postcards and fruit. The transformation feels natural somehow. At the edge, the Palazzo Maffei leans into the square with baroque flair. The Torre dei Lamberti watches everything from above. In the middle, the Fountain of Madonna Verona—half statue, half symbol—keeps its gaze low and steady.
Evening: A romantic dinner on the banks of the Adige
As the sun drops, the river catches its light. The Adige moves slowly, curling past bridges and restaurants with candlelit terraces. Dinner here isn’t just about food. It’s about letting the day settle in. Watching the water. Sitting quietly with a second glass of wine.
There’s no rush. Choose a place that fits the mood, not the menu. Maybe order bigoli con le sarde, slightly rustic, slightly perfect. Let the city hum in the background.
- Ristorante Il Desco: Sophisticated, yet relaxed—more for lingering than impressing.
- Trattoria alla Torre: Straightforward, warm, dependable. Nothing complicated.
- Ponte Pietra Ristorante: Views that ask you to stay a bit longer.
- Locanda 4 Cuochi: Modern kitchen, local roots. Something quiet lingers.
Day 2: Nature, culture and panoramas
Morning: Cultural exploration
Basilica of San Zeno: a Romanesque masterpiece
Start the morning in a place where time clings to the stone walls. The Basilica of San Zeno, solemn and slightly removed from the busy center, holds something quietly powerful. More than just a church, it stands as one of Italy’s most complete examples of Romanesque architecture, rebuilt after an earthquake, though its roots trace back to the 9th century. Inside, dim light brushes the medieval frescoes, and the triptych by Mantegna—majestic, slightly faded—still commands attention. Some say this is where Romeo and Juliet exchanged vows. Whether that’s true or not matters less than how the space feels: weighty, serene, full of centuries.
- Address: Piazza San Zeno, Verona.
- Entrance fee: €3.
- Opening hours: Open Monday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sunday, 12:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The Castelvecchio fortress
Castelvecchio. Heavy red brick, uneven shadows, towers that have watched centuries pass. Built by Cangrande II della Scala in the 14th century, the fortress wasn’t just for show—it was meant to keep threats out, and maybe keep power in. There’s something stark in its design, defensive yet precise. The Ponte Scaligero, its fortified bridge, stretches across the river like an arm frozen mid-motion. Within the walls, silence lingers. It’s less about spectacle, more about presence. Verona’s past laid bare.
- Address: Corso Castelvecchio, Verona.
- Entrance price: €6 (full price), €1 on the first Sunday of the month.
- Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Afternoon: Walk and panoramas
Ponte Pietra: the charm of an ancient bridge
There’s a quiet rhythm to crossing Ponte Pietra. Uneven stones underfoot, the Adige moving slowly below. It’s the oldest bridge in Verona, and though parts of it collapsed during the war, it was rebuilt with its own original fragments. Somehow, it still feels whole. From the middle, the hills soften in the distance, the city falls into a hush. People pause here—not for anything grand. Just to look. Just to stand still.
Teatro Romano
Tucked between river and hillside, the Teatro Romano has survived more than two millennia. Built in the 1st century BC, it once echoed with voices from tragedies and festivals, applause under open skies. The slope of the San Pietro hill made the acoustics near perfect. Even now, the stone tiers hold a certain resonance, like something’s still waiting to be heard.
- Address: Rigaste Redentore, 2, Verona.
- Entrance fee: €4.50 for the theatre alone, or a combined ticket with the museum for €6.
- Opening hours: Open every day from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm. Last entry at 6:30 pm.
- Tip: Visit the theatre in the late afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy ideal light for photos.
Castel San Pietro
Up on San Pietro hill, past the rustling trees and the slope that makes legs slow, Castel San Pietro keeps watch. The site has seen Romans, Goths, Lombards, Austrians—all leaving their mark, most fading away. The current fortress dates mainly from the 19th century. Still, what draws people here isn’t the walls. It’s the view. From the top, Verona lies quiet and complete. Rooftops like sunlit scales, the river slicing through, the Arena a distant curve. All of it held together by a sense of place that’s hard to explain.
How to get there?
- On foot: From the Teatro Romano, climb the zigzag stairs that lead up the hill. The climb takes about 10–15 minutes and offers interesting viewpoints along the way.
- By funicular: A more comfortable option is to take the Funicolare di Castel San Pietro, which connects the base of the hill to the summit in a few minutes.
- Funicular fare: €2 one way or €4 return.
- Opening hours: From 10:00 to 19:00 (extended hours in summer).
How about you stay one more day?
If there’s a little room left in your itinerary, consider giving Verona an extra day. The city, yes, has plenty to offer—but the surroundings quietly tug at your sleeve, too. Not far beyond its streets, the landscape opens up to slower rhythms, soft hills, still water, and places that don’t ask for attention but stay with you all the same.
Valpolicella: A getaway to the heart of the vineyards
Barely 20 minutes outside Verona, Valpolicella drifts into view—gentle hills, stone villages, and the deep scent of old vines. The region is best known for Amarone, that layered red wine with notes that linger longer than expected. But even for those less taken by wine, something in the calm, in the palette of greens and earth tones, speaks quietly.
What to do in Valpolicella?
- Visit the wine cellars: Step into places like Allegrini or Tommasi, where tours usually come with stories—and tastings that change with the season.
- Explore the villages: Wander through San Giorgio di Valpolicella, a tiny hilltop village. A Romanesque church, a view over the valley. Not spectacular, but still—it holds you.
- Discover the Palladian Villas: The Villa Della Torre is a strange beauty. Renaissance lines, quiet gardens, a sense of order among the vineyards.
Lake Garda
About half an hour from Verona, the road begins to dip and shimmer—the mountains stretch wider, and suddenly there’s water. Lake Garda, the largest in Italy, doesn’t rush. It sprawls. On warm days, people lounge near its edges. Boats drift. There’s space to just stop.
What to do at Lake Garda?
- Discover Sirmione: The Rocca Scaligera, with its towers above the lake, feels almost theatrical. But the thermal waters, the quiet corners—that’s where the real appeal lies.
- Enjoy the beaches: Lazise, Bardolino… towns where people slow down. Grab a bite, walk barefoot, forget the time.
- Boat trips: Hop on a boat, not for speed but for the gentle movement, the changing angles of the villages along the shore.
Parco delle Cascate di Molina
Looking for something greener, cooler, quieter? The Parco delle Cascate di Molina is about 40 minutes from Verona, tucked into a fold of forest and stone. Trails wind under the trees, waterfalls surprise you around bends, and light filters through the canopy like it’s trying not to disturb the stillness.
What to do in the park?
- Hiking: Several trails—some gentle, some steeper—cut through the forest. Good shoes help. So does slowing your pace.
- Picnic in the great outdoors: Picnic tables wait in shaded spots. Simple food, fresh air, nothing fancy needed.
- Discovering the waterfalls: The Cascade de la Sirène, the Grande Cascade—names that echo, waters that fall in sheets or whispers depending on the day.
Practical advice:
- Entrance fee: €7 per adult.
- Opening hours: Open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (varies with the season).
- Bring solid shoes and a bottle of water. Maybe two, in summer.
Borghetto sul Mincio
Some places don’t try to impress. Borghetto sul Mincio just exists, quietly, beside the water. About 40 minutes from Verona, it feels tucked away, like it hasn’t changed much in decades. Narrow paths, slow turns of old watermills, reflections that barely move.
What to do in Borghetto?
- Romantic walks: Cross the Ponte Visconteo, an old fortified bridge that looks down over the roofs and river. Pause. The view doesn’t shout. It hums.
- Taste tortellini: This place is known for tortellini di Valeggio. Thin dough, rich filling. Eat slowly. It deserves that.
- Discover the water mills: A few still work. Others just spin, catching the light and the rhythm of the current.
Practical tips:
- Half a day here is enough—but you might wish you’d stayed longer.
- Easily reached by car or bike from Verona.
Where to eat in Verona?
Italian cuisine rarely disappoints, and Verona carries its own weight in that tradition. Whether it’s a quick bite between visits or a dinner that stretches into the night, the city has a wide range of places—some tucked in narrow streets, others with linen-covered tables and long menus. From local favorites to fine-dining escapes, here’s a selection broken down by budget, not by trend.
Cheap restaurants
For those after something quick, honest, and unpretentious, these spots offer good food without the frills. Local ingredients, straightforward recipes, and a feeling that what matters is on the plate.
- Osteria Sottoriva
- Description: Tucked under the old arcades of Via Sottoriva, this little place keeps things simple. Plates of bigoli or creamy polenta arrive quickly, the atmosphere is loose, and it’s clear many of the regulars come back out of habit.
- Address: Via Sottoriva, 10.
- Average budget: €10–15 per person.
- Pizzeria Da Salvatore
- Description: The pizzas here come straight from a wood-fired oven. Dough that feels light but holds its own, toppings that aren’t overdone. No fuss, just good pizza—often packed, but rarely stressful.
- Address: Via Luigi Pasteur, 15.
- Mid-Budget: €8–12 per person.
- Ristorante Vecio Macello
- Description: Set in what used to be a slaughterhouse, this place now serves comfort food with character. The risotto all’Amarone is a favorite. Rustic setting, nothing too polished, and that works in its favor.
- Address: Via Macello, 8.
- Average budget: €15–20 per person.
Mid-range restaurants
If there’s a bit more room in the budget, these addresses offer thoughtful food in spaces that feel welcoming. Not over-designed, not over-priced. Just a good balance of atmosphere and flavor.
- Trattoria al Pompiere
- Description: It’s the kind of place where the cured meats are displayed like trophies, and the service is relaxed but attentive. Traditional plates done well. Locals bring family here for a reason.
- Address: Vicolo Regina d’Ungheria, 5.
- Average budget: €25–35 per person.
- Enoteca Segreta
- Description: Small, quiet, and a bit hidden. Known for its wine list and the care taken in pairing dishes like gnocchi or risotto with local bottles. A soft-spoken spot—better for a conversation than a celebration.
- Address: Vicolo Samaritana, 10.
- Mid-range budget: €30–40 per person.
- Osteria Casa Vino
- Description: A family-run place, slightly off the radar. Dishes come out at their own rhythm, and that’s fine. Their tiramisu has a reputation—order it early, it sometimes runs out.
- Address: Piazza Erbe, 16.
- Average budget: €20–30 per person.
High-end restaurants
For those planning a long dinner, or marking an occasion, these places turn food into something more precise. Refined, curated, sometimes surprising—but not always what you’d call casual.
- Ristorante Il Desco
- Description: A Michelin-starred space where dishes are composed more like compositions. Local roots, modern notes. Elegant but never cold. Wines arrive in crystal glasses, flavors come in layers.
- Address: Via Dietro San Sebastiano, 7.
- Average budget: €100–150 per person.
- Ristorante Oseleta
- Description: Outside the city, among the vines, this Michelin-starred restaurant feels almost detached from Verona. A quiet terrace, a view over green rows of grapes, and plates that blend local ingredients with careful innovation.
- Address: Località Cordevigo, Cavaion Veronese.
- Mid-range budget: €120–180 per person.
- Casa Perbellini
- Description: Chef Giancarlo Perbellini doesn’t overcomplicate things—he refines them. This Michelin-starred spot is an invitation into something delicate. Service is impeccable, dishes are near silent in their confidence. Not casual, not meant to be.
- Address: Piazza San Zeno, 16.
- Mid-range budget: €150–200 per person.
