Verona is known around the world for being the setting of Shakespeare's tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, one of his most famous works and one of the most oft-performed and oft-referred to. So, for anyone who's a fan of this classic work, telling the tale of forbidden love, or simply wants a gorgeous day trip from nearby Garda, Verona is absolutely not to be missed.
→ Check out my complete guide to visiting Lake Garda!
I have to say, that in a country like Italy where it feels like literally every single town and city is gorgeous, Verona still steals the spotlight as one of the country's most photogenic. Every corner is a fairytale and every turn makes you swoon.
Along with Amelie, one of my best friends from Salzburg, who came to visit me for a week along my Italian travels in Lake Garda, we headed east for a day trip to discover what Verona had to offer:
By flight: The international airport in Verona is just outside the city. Verona Villafranca Airport is just 15 minutes away from the city centre by Aerobus or train.
By bus: We traveled to Verona by bus from Garda. Verona is considered one of the most popular day trips for anyone visiting Lake Garda and it features on almost every list of things to do during your Lake Garda trip. Buses in Verona arrive at the main Verona Porta Nuova train station, and from there you can walk into the city, or you can continue - depending on which bus line you're on - to a more central bus station. The 162, 164 and 165 buses all run direct from Garda bus station to Verona Porta Nuova in one hour.
By car: You can drive to Verona and park just outside the old town, making for easy access on foot into the city. This is the largest parking garage in Verona.
By train: The Verona Porta Nuova train station is about a 20-minute walk from the old town, also serviced by bus. Trains run regularly from all across Northern Italy including Venice, Milan, Bolzano, Bologna and more, by both TrenItalia and Trenord.
By day tour: There are day tours available to Verona from nearby Milan if you prefer a more hands-on guided approach.
We spent the day in Verona, so timed our late morning arrival from Garda perfectly with a delicious all-vegan, all-gluten free and all-delicious buffet lunch at the delightful family-run Flora. You choose whatever you want and then pay by weight, which is my favourite way to dine because then you can sample everything on the menu without having to pick just one meal!
Later in the afternoon, we stopped in at the organic gelateria, L'arte del Gelato, for handmade gelato.
Flora
L'arte del Gelato
We only had one day to explore Verona on foot and discover its enchanting streets and delve into some of what there is to do here. We both seriously felt it was one of the most beautiful and photogenic cities we'd seen so far in Italy.
While I definitely recommend staying in Verona for at least a night or two - check out Booking.com to find a place to stay in Verona - here is everything we saw during our day trip:
Wander through the Piazza Brà
This is Verona's central public square, often shortened to just "Bra" and is the largest in Verona - with some even claiming it's the largest public square in all of Italy. Regardless, there are loads of restaurants and cafes along the side, a big bus station on one end, a central park in the middle with a fountain and green space, and the tourism office and town hall off to one side. It's certainly a hub!
Visit the Arena di Verona
With seats for 20,000 people, this gorgeous preserved amphitheatre is like a mini colosseum of Rome. While it doesn't quite mirror Rome's grandiosity, it's still a beautiful structure to awe at and offering plenty of concerts and events to attend.
Cross the Ponte Scaligero
Possibly the most architecturally beautiful bridge in Verona, the Ponte Scaligero was built in the 14th century - although reconstructed after damage inflicted during the Second World War. It's built of marble and brick and features three archways. On one end you'll find the Alessandro Canestrari Gardens and, on the other, the Castelvecchio Museum.
Alessandro Canestrari Gardens
Cross the Ponte della Vittoria
Another detailed and stunning bridge crossing into the old town of Verona, the Ponte della Vittoria features horse statues to commemorate the Battle of Vittorio Veneto on 4 November 1918 during the First World War.
Enter the city through the main gate, Porta Borsari
We didn't actually get to spot this gate as it was under construction during our visit. However, dating to the 1st century, this limestone gate is the historical original entrance into Verona.
Just outside the Porta Borsari
Wander the streets of the old town
Verona's old town streets are truly a fairytale. Every corner was so photogenic, with colours and architectural shapes coming together so harmoniously. We spent a delightful few hours just getting lost in the old town, browsing the market in Piazza delle Erbe, window shopping at the many boutiques and catching the scent of freshly roasted coffeee in the air.
Walk along the Passeggiata Lungadige
This was one of our favourite spots in Verona, wandering along the Adige River, next to the bustling cafes and the idyllic little houses overlooking the water and up towards the Ponte Pietra.
Cross the Ponte Pietra
The Ponte Pietra was originally finished in 100 BC, so honours hundreds of years of history, although the bridge today was reconstructed after the Second World War.
Take in the panoramic views of Verona from Castel San Pietro
Take it from me - this free viewpoint is absolutely worth the trek up the steps. You'll get simply breathtaking views of every angle of Verona including the Ponte Pietra far below and the waterfront looking over the Adige River.
Spot the Casa di Giulietta
And best for last, of course you can't leave Verona without a visit to the balcony that was said to have inspired the balcony from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. It's a bit of a tourist gimmick, so be prepared - I mean, it is literally just a balcony on a building with a statue of Juliet below - but if you come with that expectation you can still take a few minutes to enjoy it. And, if you really want to, you can also pay to go inside the building and stand on the balcony.
→ Get fast-track entry tickets and an audio guide to visit Juliet's house and balcony.
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Hi! I’m Jana, a Dutch-German-British-Canadian with a dream of seeing every country in the world. I am a storyteller, photographer and adventurer passionate about documenting and sharing my travels.
