Verona wasn’t originally high on our list – we were basically looking for somewhere to spend a day between Bologna and Venice as part of our 10 night Italian train trip. But, after spending a day here, we wished we had more time. It’s a city that blends ancient history with charming streets, offering everything from Roman ruins to scenic hilltop views and fantastic food (Amarone Risotto!). Though often overshadowed by Venice or Milan, Verona has a lot to offer—so much so that we left already planning when we could return.
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Where We Stayed: Hotel Sanmicheli
For our brief stay in Verona, we opted for Hotel Sanmicheli, a budget-friendly option that was decent but not spectacular. The location was good, just a short walk from the Piazza Bra and the Arena di Verona, which made it convenient for exploring. While the staff were exceptionally kind, and the hotel was clean, the building itself felt a bit tired and dated. Given the affordable price, it served its purpose for the night, but next time, we might spring for something a little more polished. That said, it was a perfectly fine place to rest our heads after a busy day of sightseeing.
Exploring Verona’s Landmarks
Piazza Bra & Arena di Verona
We started our day at Piazza Bra, the city’s largest square, lined with cafés and restaurants and home to the famous Arena di Verona. This Roman amphitheatre, built in the 1st century AD, is still in use today, hosting concerts and opera performances in the summer. Walking around the outside, we were struck by how well-preserved it is—it’s the third-largest Roman amphitheatre in the world, yet somehow feels much more accessible than Rome’s Colosseum. You can buy tickets to explore the inside, but with limited time, we opted to save this for another visit.
Juliet’s Balcony
One of Verona’s most famous spots is Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta). The small courtyard is always packed with tourists, and we had to squeeze through the crowds to get a clear view of the balcony. While the house itself is a 13th-century building, its connection to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is mostly symbolic—the balcony was actually added in the 20th century! Still, it’s a fun stop, and while we skipped the ticketed house tour, we did take a few minutes to admire the courtyard and the statue of Juliet, which many visitors rub for luck (though the constant crowds make this tricky!).
Barbieri Palace & Porta dei Leoni
Walking through Verona’s historic centre, we stopped at Barbieri Palace, an 18th-century neoclassical building that houses the city’s municipal offices. From there, we headed to Porta dei Leoni, one of the ancient Roman gates that once marked the city’s entrance. Unlike some historical ruins, this one is blended into the modern streets, making it an interesting contrast between old and new Verona.
Hidden Gems & Best Views in Verona
Castel San Pietro & the Funicular
For a panoramic view of the city, we crossed the Adige River and took the Funicolare di Castel San Pietro, a short cable car ride that saves the steep uphill walk. At the top is Castel San Pietro, a fortress with sweeping views over Verona’s terracotta rooftops, the winding river, and the distant Arena. The view alone made it one of our favourite spots of the day. We spent some time just taking it all in before heading back down on foot, following a quiet path that led us through narrow, winding streets.
Giardino Giusti
Just outside the city centre, we visited Giardino Giusti, a Renaissance garden known for its manicured hedges, fountains, and peaceful atmosphere. Unlike some of the busier attractions, this was a quiet escape, and we enjoyed wandering through the hedge maze and climbing to the Torretta, a hidden tower with another great view over Verona. One unexpected highlight was the turtle fountain, a small but charming detail tucked away in the garden.
Dining and Drinks in Verona
Terrazza Bar al Ponte
After a morning of sightseeing, we stopped for a drink at Terrazza Bar al Ponte, a small riverside bar with outdoor seating overlooking the water. The view from the back tables was fantastic, and with reasonable prices, it was a perfect spot to relax for a bit. The drinks menu had a good selection of local wines and spritzes, and we appreciated the slower pace after a busy few hours of walking.
Dinner at Piazza Bra – Amarone Risotto
For dinner, we chose a restaurant in Piazza Bra, not far from the Arena. Tourist hotspots can sometimes mean overpriced meals, but this one was surprisingly affordable, and the food was excellent. The highlight was Amarone Risotto, a dish unique to Verona made with rich Amarone wine from the nearby Valpolicella region. It had a deep, intense flavour—somewhere between sweet and savoury—and quickly became one of the best meals of our trip.
More to See: Churches & Cultural Passes
If we had more time, we would have used the Verona Churches Pass more. This grants access to four historic churches around the city. We only managed to visit two, but even a quick stop revealed intricate frescoes and stunning architecture. For those interested in history, it’s a great way to explore beyond the main landmarks while following a natural route through the city.
Final Thoughts: We’ll Be Back
Even with just one day in Verona, we managed to see a lot—but it felt like we only scratched the surface. The city has a unique balance of ancient history, scenic views, and fantastic food, all in a walkable, compact setting. Next time, we’d love to explore more of the Roman ruins, visit the Arena properly, and take more time to enjoy Verona’s local food and wine – and possibly go out in to the hills and visit some prosecco vineyards or similar!
For anyone visiting northern Italy, Verona is well worth the stop—and if you can, give yourself at least a couple of days to enjoy it properly.
