The Perfect 3-Day Verona Itinerary (With a Map)

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Verona is Italy’s most romantic city. As the backdrop of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, you’ll feel like the main character of a Medieval tale when exploring the town’s myriad things to do. 

But Verona isn’t just great for its historical sights. It’s also full of incredible Italian restaurants and bars where you’ll want to drag out your aperitivo. And don’t forget its stunning surroundings! Everything from vineyards and mountains to serene lakes is a stone’s throw away.

So, to help you discover the city’s every facet, I’ve written this complete 3-day Verona itinerary. With walking routes, the best places to eat, and activities you cannot miss, this plan will help you have the best Verona trip possible.

Where to Stay for 3 Days in Verona

For a 3 day visit to Verona, these are my top picks for where to stay: 

• 🏆 My #1 Overall Pick – NH Collection Palazzo Verona
• 🛏️ Budget – StraVagante Hostel & Rooms or La Nuova Corte Rooms
• 🏨 Mid-Range – Agriturismo Il Pianetto
• 💎 Luxury – Relais Villa dei Gelsi & Spa or Vista Verona
• ❤️ For Couples – Il Relais dell’Abbazia
• 📆Best for Long-Term Stays – Borgo Trento Residence (I loved staying here)
• 👪 Best for Families – Hotel Italia
• 🏠 Apartments – Browse rentals in Città Antica (my top suggested neighborhood) 

For more, check out my full guide to where to stay in Verona.

3 Day Verona Itinerary

Day 1 – Wander Through the Città Antica and Visit Verona’s Main Sights

Morning – Enter the Città Antica and Visit the Castelvecchio Museum

Your first day in Verona will be all about getting the lay of the city. You’ll discover most of Città Antica’s main sights while stopping at informative, delicious, and beautiful places along the way. 

While there is a huge breakfast and brunch scene in cities like Berlin, Italians tend to skip breakfast. Or, if they do eat something, it usually consists of a cappuccino and a small pastry. That’s why you’ll have breakfast at your hotel during this trip.

Residenza Ca’ degli Enzi is situated in an historic villa and serves a stellar breakfast. Its location also makes for the perfect starting point to your first day. 

After having discovered the extensive breakfast buffet, you’ll enter the Città Antica via the Ponte di Castelvecchio. Also known as the Scaliger Bridge, Verona’s 14th-century ruler used it as an escape route from his palace. Now, this fortress-like bridge is the most iconic way to enter the city. 

From there, head to the connected Castelvecchio Museum. Located in the palace itself, it covers Verona’s history and art of the past 1800 years. Visiting this museum first will help you understand the significance of the main sights you’ll see on the rest of your trip.

After having explored the museum, visit the nearby Arco dei Gavi. From there, walk along the Corso Cavour to the Porta Borsari. Both were Roman city gates, with the first being symbolic and the second an actual gate.

Pass through the Porta Borsari and keep walking until you’ve reached the Piazza delle Erbe. Verona’s old market square is surrounded by picturesque villas and palaces showcasing impressive frescoes. Take your time to discover all the tiny details around the piazza.

The most impressive sight, however, is the Torre dei Lamberti. At 84 meters (275 feet!) tall, it towers above the square and is one of Verona’s best viewpoints. End your morning by climbing the tower’s many stairs and enjoying the view of the city.

Afternoon – Scaliger Tombs, Cathedrals and Juliet’s House in the Città Antica

You can have lunch on the busy Piazza delle Erbe, or head to its quieter neighbor instead. Piazza dei Signori might be smaller, but it’s just as stunning! Sit down at Caffè Dante Bistrot, which serves wines and dishes from the area.

You’ll spend the rest of the afternoon discovering Città Antica’s remaining sights. You can follow my route below, or opt for a private guided walking tour instead. While doing it by yourself gives you more freedom, having a guide is invaluable if you want to learn more about the city.

If you’re doing it yourself, though, head to the Scaliger Tombs after lunch. Free to visit and situated in the center of the city, these Gothic tombs were the final resting place of Verona’s 13th- and 14th-century rulers. Their architecture is stunning, so don’t skip these on your tour!

Wander around the northern part of the Città Antica for a bit until you’ve reached the Verona Cathedral. Rivaling the Torre dei Lamberti in stature, this is Verona’s most impressive church. Take in the interior’s art and statues, and don’t forget to circle its exterior as well.

From there, you’ll visit another church called Basilica di Sant’ Anastasia, but make sure to enjoy the journey as well! Every street in Verona is gorgeous, and the views are especially nice from those that follow the Adige River. 

Next, it’s time for Verona’s most touristy sight: Casa di Giulietta. Juliet and the Capulet family are fictional, of course. However, to promote tourism, the municipality purchased this house, converted it into a museum, and added a balcony. The courtyard is super pretty, though, and speaks to the imagination, so you can’t skip it on your Verona itinerary.

From Juliet’s, you’ll head over to Romeo’s next, at Romeo Ristorante, Bistrot & Cocktail Bar. This is one of the city’s best spots for an aperitivo. Its courtyard is somewhat hidden, which makes it the perfect place to escape the crowds. Order one of their craft cocktails and rest your feet after a full day of walking. 

Evening – Pizza and Opera in the Arena di Verona

After changing into something glamorous at your hotel for this evening’s activity, walk off your drink (or two) as you head towards the Piazza Bra. It’s not hard to see why this is Verona’s oldest square, as the Arena di Verona towers above it.

As one of Europe’s best-preserved amphitheaters, this place transports you back to Roman times. Stroll around the square to marvel at its exterior, or skip the walk and sit down at the nearby Ristorante Pizzeria La Costa in Bra. Besides serving amazing pizzas, its terrace serves great views of the arena. 

With your belly full, it’s time for the most iconic activity of the evening: watching an opera inside the arena. Every summer, Verona hosts the Arena di Verona Opera Festival. I saw Bizet’s Carmen here, which was one of the best nights of my life! But even non-opera lovers will find this a must-do. Reserve your tickets well in advance, though, as they’re likely to sell out.

Once the opera has ended, follow the stream of visitors and head back to your hotel. No need to book a taxi, though, as everything in Verona is walkable. 

Day 2 – Explore Lesser-Known Veronetta, Borgo Trento, and San Zeno

Morning – Explore Veronetta and the Giardino Giusti

While the Città Antica is gorgeous, Verona is significantly larger than its historic city center. This is why you’ll discover the city’s lesser-known neighborhoods and sights on your second day. 

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel. The B&B Verona Centro is not only the perfect base for your second day, but for your entire trip. Why? Because, besides offering a killer breakfast, it’s only a two-minute walk away from the Città Antica.

But you’re not going into the Old Town yet. Instead, you’re heading to my favorite hidden gem in Verona: the Giardino Giusti. These gardens, built by the Giusti family in the 16th century, are Verona’s most tranquil escape. Here, you’ll find grottoes, neatly trimmed hedges, statues, and hidden alcoves.

Take your time enjoying the gardens and the adjacent 20th-century apartment, which is included in your ticket. The artworks and design of this place give an exclusive peek into the lives of one of Italy’s wealthiest families.

After you’ve seen it all, wander through Veronetta’s streets for a bit until you reach the Adige River. Follow it towards the Museo Archeologico al Teatro Romano, where you can catch a play in summer. Architecture enthusiasts can visit the museum instead, which is open year-round. 

If you’re short on time, though, keep walking along the Adige River until you reach the Parrocchia di San Giorgio in Braida. While it’s not as tall as the Verona Cathedral, this former monastery is Verona’s most romantic church. You can enter the building or soak up the view from the Ponte Pietra bridge.

Afternoon – Explore San Zeno and Learn How to Make Pasta and Tiramisu

After you’re done exploring the Parrocchia, you’ll head into Borgo Trento for lunch. Elk Bakery might not be your typical Italian restaurant, but it’s the best place for brunch and lunch in the city. If you’ve booked a hotel without breakfast, then this is the place to be every morning! 

Once you’ve finished your light lunch (emphasis on light, as you’ll do a lot of eating later), it’s time to explore San Zeno. You’ll see fewer tourists here. Instead, you’ll spot many locals hanging around the Basilica di San Zeno’s square. And if you’re lucky, you’ll be there during the monthly flea market.

Don’t linger too long, though, as you’ll spend the rest of your afternoon preparing Italian food. During this Italian cooking class, you’ll learn how to cook pasta and tiramisu, all the while enjoying an unlimited supply of wine! In my opinion, learning local recipes is the best souvenir you can give yourself.

After class, you’ll head to your final stop of the afternoon, which will require some exercise. Walk back to Veronetta and climb the steps up to Castel San Pietro. While the castle itself is no longer open for visitors, the views from here are unmatched.

Lie down in the grass or get an aperitivo at either the fancy Re Teodorico or the low-key Sunset bar Della Funicolare. Whatever you choose, don’t forget to enjoy the sunset.

Evening – A Romantic Riverside Dinner and Craft Cocktails

Once it’s dark, it’s time for dinner. If you’re staying at the B&B Verona Centro, you can quickly change into something fancier. Otherwise, head straight to Trattoria Fluviale Vecio Mulin. This restaurant features a terrace overlooking the Adige River and offers traditional Veronese food. If you want a proper date night during your holiday, this is the place to be.

You can’t come to Italy, though, and not have gelato! So if you still have room for dessert, get dessert at Grom. And if not, go to Archivio for a nightcap, a tiny cocktail bar popular among locals. Order a craft cocktail, mingle, and mull over the day.

Day 3 – Bicycle Trip Around Nearby Lake Garda, Peschiera del Garda, and Sirmione

Morning – Wander Around Peschiera del Garda and Cycle to Sirmione

On your final day, you’ll swap Verona for Lake Garda. You’ll find the quaint town of Peschiera del Garda just 15 minutes away by train. This town and its neighbor Sirmione were once Venetian settlements. Both are thus a must-visit for their history, architecture, and lakeside views.

Start your last day with breakfast at your hotel. Stay at Relais Empire, a classically designed hotel, if you wish to stay close to the train station.

To get to Peschiera del Garda, you can either buy a train ticket online or at the train station. The cheapest direct train usually runs hourly, and ticket sales stop five minutes before departure. This makes booking tickets in advance paramount.

Once you’ve arrived, explore Peschiera del Garda. You’ll enter the town through one of two old Venetian city gates, the Porta Verona. Unsurprisingly, this former Venetian Work of Defence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So take your time wandering around the tiny streets and canals.

Once you’ve seen most of the town, sit down for a quick coffee at Dallazia before picking up some bikes at the bicycle rental. You’ll use these bikes to explore the Lake and nearby towns. 

👉 Pro Tip: If you’re not into cycling, you can also go on a self-drive Vespa tour for the day. This will allow you to travel a lot further. A larger tour can even include a wine tasting in the nearby Valpolicella region.

Bikes secured, you’ll cycle for 30 minutes towards Sirmione. This town is Lake Garda’s prettiest and busiest. So, don’t be surprised if you have to wait in line to get in during the high season!

Before entering the city, though, you’ll visit the impressive Castello Scaligero di Sirmione. You might recognize that name from the Scaliger Tombs you visited two days ago. Which isn’t a coincidence: Sirmione used to be ruled by the same family as Verona. Now, this castle can be visited by tourists and offers splendid views of Lake Garda. 

Afternoon – Marvel at Sirmione’s Beauty and Relax on Jamaica Beach

After having seen the castle, head to Osteria Al Torcol for lunch. Located in Sirmione’s center, it offers a typical Italian menu and outdoor seating. It’s thus the perfect spot to get to know the town’s atmosphere.

Once you’ve finished your pasta, fish, gnocchi, or tiramisu, wander around the town for a bit. You’ll quickly notice that, although small, the town is quite long. This is because Sirmione is located on a thin peninsula in Lake Garda.

While this used to make it the perfect defensive outpost, now it means Sirmione’s got great views. So, once you’re done exploring, you’ll walk past the Chiesa di San Pietro in Mavino towards the Grotte di Catullo e Museo Archeologico di Sirmione. This archaeological park, featuring Roman ruins, offers the best panoramic view of Lake Garda.

If you’re not that into archaeology, though, head straight to your next stop. Jamaica Beach is located on the very tip of the peninsula. And while its view might not be panoramic, it is still very pretty. 

Throw down your towel here and dive into its crystal clear waters. If you’re visiting in fall or winter, the water will be very cold. However, the beach is still a great place for a stroll or picnic. 

👉 Pro Tip: Prefer to sit and relax instead of cycling? Then book a full-day boat tour of Lake Garda instead. This one will take you past Sirmione and Jamaica Beach, multiple islands, and numerous quaint towns.

Head to Barracuda for an aperitivo next. It’s located just outside the old town and offers a waterfront terrace. Do keep an eye on the time, though, as you’ll have to return your bicycles around 6:30 pm. 

Evening – A Locally Sourced Dinner at one of Lake Garda’s Best Restaurants

As evening sets in, you’ll cycle back to Peschiera del Garda, where you’ll have dinner at Osteria Rivelin. The food is as rustic as the 17th-century building, and every ingredient is locally sourced. This restaurant makes for a very special final night in Italy, so indulge yourself in wine, cheese, and pasta. 

With your belly full, take the train back to Verona Porta Nuova. From here, you can walk or take a bus to your hotel, where you can rest after a fulfilling last day.

Verona Itinerary Map

Here is a Google Map with all the stops, attractions, and hotels mentioned in this post.

How to Get Around in Verona

Verona is a small city. This means renting a car or taking public transportation isn’t necessary in most cases. What’s more, the entire Città Antica is a Zona Traffico Limitato (ZTL). This means you cannot drive or park in the center without a permit. Renting a car really only makes sense when going on a day trip that can’t be reached by train, or on a road trip.

🚗 Ready to Hit the Italian Roads? Check out Betty’s complete guide to renting a car in Italy, where you’ll learn everything you need for an unforgettable adventure behind the wheel. 

Getting around on foot or by Uber’s Lime bikes is often the best course of action. Be aware that Lime bikes cannot cross multiple bridges to the Città Antica, like the Ponte di Castelvecchio. So only rent those if you’re taking a different route.

And if your luggage is too heavy to lug around, you can always take the bus or a taxi to your hotel.

Itinerary Planning Tips

Tip #1 – Pack for All Occasions

During your Verona trip, you’ll do a lot of different things: sightseeing, swimming, cycling, eating out, and seeing an opera. All these things require different types of clothing and accessories. You’ll want to bring comfortable shoes, but you’ll also want to dress up for your night at the opera. So, think ahead and pack for all occasions.

Tip #2 – Buy a Verona Card

As you’ll be visiting and paying for multiple sights around Verona, it can be worthwhile to purchase a Verona Card. This card will grant you free access to 14 sights within the city, free public transportation, and a discount on many other attractions. Buy it in person at the Tourist Information Office to avoid a scam.

Tip #3 – Visit in Summer

Although it will be hot and busy, the best time to visit Verona is during the summer. This will allow you to visit the Opera Festival in the Arena di Verona and explore Lake Garda with the best possible weather. If you want to skip the crowds, though, I recommend visiting in spring or fall instead. 

FAQ About Itinerary Planning for Verona

How many days is enough for Verona? 

Three days in Verona is plenty of time to see most of the city. If you follow this itinerary, you’ll see most of the major attractions on the first day and have plenty of time to explore. I stayed in Verona for a week while working remotely, which was lovely but a bit too long. If you’re staying longer, I’d combine it with a couple of day trips to either Venice, the Dolomites, or the Valpolicella region.

What other places should I visit in Northern Italy?

Northern Italy is truly beautiful, with a wealth of things to discover! The iconic canals and gondolas in Venice are a must-see, as are romantic Lake Como, metropolitan Milan, quaint Bergamo, and the towering Dolomites. If you need more inspiration on how to extend your time in Northern Italy, check out Sky’s 9-day Northern Italy itinerary.

Is a week too much in Verona?

In most cases, a week in Verona is too much. The city is relatively small, so you’ll be able to see both major sights and hidden gems in three days. If you plan to stay longer, either work remotely as I did, or pair it with some day trips.

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And there you have it: the perfect 3-day itinerary in Verona, Italy’s most romantic city. If this trip has made you want to see more of Italy’s romance, check out Giorgia’s Where to Stay in Tuscany guide next!