3 Days in Verona: Everything You Should Know

Nestled in the beautiful Veneto region in Northern Italy, Verona is a charming city filled with art, culture, rich history, romantic places, and many hidden gems left to be discovered. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 and it's no wonder it's packed with tourists year-round.

Planning to spend 3 days in Verona? When we mention Verona, the first thing that comes to mind is Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" and naturally, the top attraction is Juliet's House, a 14th-century house that people like to believe is where Juliet lived. But there are tons of other must-see attractions in Verona. From Verona Arena, the Verona cathedral (Duomo Santa Maria Matricolare) and San Zeno Basilica to Arco della Costa and Giusti Palace and Gardens, your visit to Verona, Italy will be a trip to remember.

The city is easy to explore on foot or via public transport, and luckily small enough to cover it over a weekend. If you are planning to visit Verona soon and you've only got 3 days to see the city's main attractions, this itinerary will help you make the most out of your visit. Keep this guide handy and you will know exactly what to do, the best places to see, and where to eat.

But first things first, drop off your extra bags and unneeded items at one of our luggage storage lockers here in Verona. This way, you can plan your day knowing your bags are safe and sound.

Verona itinerary - Day 1

Morning: Tour Casa di Giulietta

Juliet's House is undoubtedly the most visited attraction in Verona. As such, it is the first place to visit on your 3 day Verona itinerary. Although fictional, visitors like to believe that the story of Romeo and Juliet happened right here in this 14th-century gothic-style house and the famous words were spoken right here, on Juliet's balcony.

You can either book a tour or visit Casa di Giulietta on your own. Entrance is free with the Verona card, or with a small admission charge if you don't own one. However, the courtyard where the famous bronze statue of Juliet stands is free to explore.

The original statue dates back to 1969, but it was moved to a museum. Today, there is a copy of Juliet's statue in the courtyard. It is believed that touching Juliet's right breast brings love, fertility, and good luck. So don't be shocked if you see tourists rubbing their hands over Juliet's breasts.

The famous balcony overlooking the courtyard was added in the 20th century, centuries after the story took place. Located on Via Cappello, Juliet's House is open on Mondays from 1.30 pm to 7.30 pm and on Tuesdays to Sundays from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm. To avoid the crowds, get there early morning.

When you are done exploring La Casa di Giulietta, head up north to Piazza delle Erbe and inside Casa Mazzanti Caffe for the best Italian breakfast in town and a cup of strong espresso to keep you going, as you have a lot more to explore.

Afternoon: Explore the city center

Continue exploring Verona city center by foot. The busy historic city square of Piazza delle Erbe dates back to the Roman Empire when it served as a forum. Centuries later, it is still a center of all activities.

Packed with historic buildings, sculptures, eateries, and the largest farmer's market in Verona, you could easily spend a few hours here and head over to Piazza dei Signori and Piazza Bra for more attractions later. In winter, the square is beautifully lit with Christmas lights and there are tons of stalls selling toys and Christmas gifts. For the Verona in Love Festival, the stalls are arranged in the shape of a giant heart.

Piazza Erbe is home to Torre dei Lamberti, the tallest tower in Verona. On the square, you will also find Palazzo Maffei and the column of St. Mark's Lion. The frescoed Mazzanti houses (Case Mazzanti), one of the oldest buildings in Verona can also be spotted on the northern side of Piazza delle Erbe.

On the south side is the Domus Mercatorum (Casa dei Mercanti), which served as a guild of Verona's merchants during the Middle Ages. Today, the building is home to the Banca Popolare di Verona. In the center of Piazza delle Erbe, you will see the symbol of Verona, the Madonna Verona fountain.

Finish touring Piazza delle Erbe with a slice of pizza and a glass of cold beer at the Trattoria Pizzeria Impero Verona in the center of Piazza delle Erbe.

Evening: Walk to Castel San Pietro

When the sun sets, why not take a walk up to St. Peter's Castle for the most stunning views of the city? Piazzale Castel San Pietro is a 19th-century castle set on a hill just above the Roman theatre so be prepared for a somewhat challenging climb. Bring a flashlight!

Once you get to the top, make your way to the panoramic terrace facing the river and capture the beautiful Verona sky illuminated in lights. Continue your romantic evening with dinner at the La Funicolare di Castel San Pietro.

Verona itinerary - Day 2

Morning: Take a trip to Lake Garda

Verona is close to many dreamy lakes set in the foothill of the Alps. One such wonderful scenery destination is Lake Garda. Though not as popular as the neighboring Lake Como, Lake Garda is the biggest lake in Italy, and a day trip to see this beauty is a must during your stay in Verona.

If you want to plan this trip on your own, you can go to Verona Porta Nuova train station where trains from Verona to Lake Garda operate every half an hour. Driving to Lake Garda is a better option, but expect traffic and crowds in the summer season. Or you can book a tour with a guide.

Once you get to the lake you will see numerous small charming towns surrounding the lake including Sirmione, Salo, and Riva. A highlight of the trip to Lake Garda is the Rocca Scaligera (Scaligero Castle) near the town of Sirmione. This Old Castle was built in the 13th century by the Scaliger Family of Verona, a dynasty that ruled over Verona in the 13th and 14th centuries. Inside the fort, there is a museum with medieval artifacts.

Round out your trip with a traditional breakfast at the Caffetteria Pasticceria La Fenice, which opens at 7.30 am. Coffee and pastries with a wonderful view of Lake Garda will kick off your day to a good start.

Afternoon: Enjoy a food and wine-walking tour

Spending an afternoon going from place to place, savoring local dishes and wine sounds like a dream come true. In Verona, there are many food and wine tours to choose from. Typically they last from 3 to 4 hours and in that time you get to learn about the local cuisine and culture and hop in and out of many restaurants to taste local delicacies.

For a more private experience, you can spend a little extra but it will be all worth it once you start eating your way through the city center.

Evening: Savor a treat at the Art&Chocolate Gallery Cafe

When the sun goes down, grab your partner and head down to the Art&Chocolate Gallery Cafe on Piazza delle Erbe. Whether you are looking to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate, want to look at some periodical art exhibits, or take on some courses on how to make chocolate, this is the place to be.

If you like your chocolate, you are in for a treat. This chocolate heaven serves over 32 different kinds of chocolates for drinking. But you can also go for artisanal beer or natural teas from Damman Freres.

A cozy atmosphere, reasonable prices, art, excellent food, and drinks are exactly what you need after a long day of sightseeing. The Art&Chocolate Gallery Cafe stays open until after midnight.

Verona itinerary - Day 3

Morning: Visit Verona's museums

Verona is all about art, history, and culture, and museum visits are fundamental for every tourist. One of the essential sights to cover is the Castelvecchio Museum. Located in the eponymous medieval fortress on the banks of the River Adige, the museum features 29 exhibition halls displaying paintings, sculptures, and artifacts from the medieval, renaissance, and modern art collections.

The museum was built by the Scala family in the 14th century, and today it is one of the main city attractions. Opening times are Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. Continue your museum hopping with the Maffeiano Inscriptions Museum (Lapidary Museum Maffeiano), one of the oldest public museums in the world and home to a rich collection of Greek-Roman inscriptions.

Not far away from the Maffeiano Inscriptions Museum, you will find the Fresco Museum or Juliet's tomb, inside the St. Francesco al Corso monastery. Legend says Juliet was buried here. But today this museum is home to frescoes salvaged from Verona's palaces.

When you've had enough of Verona's museums, find Dulcamara Vegan Bakery & Bistrot on Via Francesco Berni and enjoy fresh vegan cakes and muffins for breakfast. If vegan is not your thing, there are many eateries around Castelvecchio Museum to finish off a great experience.

Afternoon: See the Verona Cathedral

The Verona Cathedral (Duomo Cattedrale di Santa Maria Matricolare) is located on Piazza Vescovado on the banks of the Adige River. This Romanesque cathedral counts as one of the most sacred Catholic sites in Verona, and it is always packed with tourists. The cathedral you see today is the last out of three built on the same site.

The first one was built in 380 AD, while the second edifice was erected in the 8th century. On the outside, marvel at the beautiful facade and then walk inside to find many small chapels, frescoes, sculptures, arched ceilings, and wall paintings by Titian. If you want to attend a morning service you can do so, and it is highly recommended.

Opening times are from 11 am to 5 pm. Entrance is free with the Verona card or around $3 for those who don't have one. When your tour is over, find Ristorante Antica Torretta for a delicious Mediterranean lunch and wine, and enjoy your meal in a formal dining room with a terrace. The restaurant is open from 12.15 pm to 3 pm and reopens again from 7 pm to 11 pm.

Evening: Admire the enchanting Arena di Verona

Located in the historical center (Centro Storico) you will find the top attraction of Verona, Arena di Verona, the largest opera house in the world. This Roman theatre dates from the first century, and it is the place where the open-air opera festival takes place.

If you happen to be in Verona from June till September, the Roman amphitheatre is packed with opera lovers, 15,500 to be more precise. Make sure to book well in advance as the opera festival is the highlight of the season.

Any other time, you can stop by and admire this stunning Roman arena in the heart of Verona. A single entry ticket is around $13 and you can explore its grounds within an hour. Opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 7 pm except on days when performances are scheduled.

Visit Verona in 3 days

Verona, Italy is small enough to cover in a weekend, thus ideal for a city break. Tons of popular attractions will keep you busy day and night and the time will fly without you even noticing. Don't miss out on a food and wine tasting tour, an opera night out in Verona Arena, or a day trip to Lake Garda, but don't skip the museums either.

Stroll on Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori and eat pizza and gelato whenever you feel like it. Take a romantic walk along the Adige River and across the famous Ponte Pietra bridge.

There is a lot to do, see and learn in this city, which can make you feel rushed if you only have 3 days in Verona. Hopefully, this itinerary will help you make the most out of your visit, so you can go back home and tell only good stories.

Still planning your visit to Verona? Check out these guides for more ideas!

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