What to see in Verona in 2 days: itinerary through the Arena, Adige and secret quarters

Why visit Verona in 2 days

Verona is far more than the city of Romeo and Juliet. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, it holds one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world, extraordinary Romanesque churches and a relationship with the River Adige that makes it unique. Two days let you go beyond the tourist surface and discover a cultured, surprising city.

Day 1: the monumental historic centre

Morning (3-4 hours)

Start at the Arena di Verona in Piazza Bra, the third-largest Roman amphitheatre (44 outer arches surviving the earthquake of 1117). Visit early morning to avoid the crowds (entry about 10 euro, 45 minutes). From here, walk along Via Mazzini, the shopping street, to Piazza delle Erbe, the ancient Roman forum now a daily market surrounded by frescoed palaces.

From Piazza delle Erbe pass under the Arco della Costa (notice the whale rib hanging from the vault) to Piazza dei Signori, more elegant and less hectic. Climb the Torre dei Lamberti (84 metres, lift available) for the city's finest panorama: red rooftops, hills and the bend of the Adige.

• Arena: 45 minutes
• Piazza delle Erbe and market: 30 minutes
• Piazza dei Signori and Torre dei Lamberti: 45 minutes
• Scaliger Tombs (Gothic tombs): 20 minutes

Afternoon (3 hours)

Visit Juliet's House on Via Cappello (the courtyard is free; the balcony and museum charge admission). Then head to the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, Verona's Romanesque masterpiece: the medieval bronze doors and Mantegna's triptych are worth the 15-minute walk from the centre.

Hidden gem: the Giardino Giusti, one of the oldest Italian-style gardens in Europe (1580). Climb the path through centuries-old cypresses to the belvedere: the view of Verona from here is the one that enchanted Goethe during his Italian journey.

Evening

Aperitivo in Piazza delle Erbe as the stalls close and the palaces light up. Dinner in the Veronetta quarter, across the Ponte Pietra: authentic trattorias serving bigoli al tasto with donkey ragu and risotto all'Amarone. Better prices and fewer tourists.

Day 2: beyond the Adige and the hills

Morning (3 hours)

Cross the Ponte Pietra, Verona's oldest Roman bridge (rebuilt stone by stone after the war). Climb to the Roman Theatre and the Archaeological Museum: the 1st-century BC theatre, carved into the hillside, hosts open-air performances in summer.

From here, climb to Castel San Pietro for the definitive postcard view of Verona: the entire city at your feet with the Adige tracing its perfect loop. The walk from the theatre takes 15 minutes.

Hidden gem: on the way down, explore the Veronetta quarter, a former working-class area now enlivened by artisan workshops, murals and the charm of a less polished Verona.

Afternoon (3 hours)

Back in the centre, visit Castelvecchio and its museum, Carlo Scarpa's restoration masterpiece. The fortified Scaliger bridge spanning the Adige is one of the city's most evocative monuments. The museum houses works by Pisanello, Bellini and Mantegna.

Then stroll along the magistral walls by Sanmicheli, the Renaissance fortifications embracing the centre: a little-trodden route offering unexpected views.

• Castelvecchio and museum: 1.5 hours
• Scaliger Bridge: 20 minutes
• Wall walk: 45 minutes

Evening

End your trip in the San Zeno area, Verona's most authentic quarter. The osterias here still serve pastissada de caval and peara with bollito. A glass of Valpolicella Classico is the perfect way to bid the city farewell.

Practical tips

Verona is easily walkable in two days. The Verona Card (20 euro/24h or 25 euro/48h) covers all museums and churches. If arriving by car, park at the Arena (underground) or at the station (cheaper). The station is a 15-minute walk from the centre.

• Where to stay in Verona
• Where to eat in Verona
• How to get to Verona