Verona, the City of Love, is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway. You’ll have the chance to visit its most iconic landmarks, such as the Arena di Verona or Juliet’s House, as well as explore lesser-known spots and nearby locations. For example, you might find time for a fun day at Gardaland or a wine tour in the Valpolicella vineyards. Here are all our tips on what to see in Verona over a weekend.
Start your first day in Verona by visiting its most iconic symbol, the grand and majestic Arena di Verona (Tue-Sun 8:30 AM-7:30 PM, Mon 1:30 PM-7:30 PM; admission €10, reduced €1). Located in Piazza Bra, the largest square in the city, it is surrounded by stunning buildings. The Arena is just 2 km on foot from the Hotel San Marco, or you can take a bus that stops directly in the square.
Take the chance to explore this piece of history: once a stage for gladiatorial combat and wild beasts, today it hosts events, festivals, and theatrical performances, with a capacity of up to 20,000 people. During your visit, you can climb the steps, walk through the surrounding galleries, and uncover its long history.
Spend some time exploring Verona’s historic center. Walk through the streets to reach Porta Borsari, once the main entrance to the city, and still perfectly preserved today.
Enjoy a stroll along Via Mazzini, Verona’s shopping street, filled with shops, cafes, and luxury boutiques. Don’t miss a stop at the Benetton store and head to the basement to see the ancient Roman ruins, now seamlessly integrated into the shop—a truly surreal experience!
Finally, arrive at another of Verona’s symbols: Juliet’s House (Tue-Sun 9:00 AM-6:00 PM, Mon closed; full €6, reduced €1). Verona is world-famous for Shakespeare’s tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet. Don’t miss the chance to visit the house and step onto the famous balcony. The visit takes about an hour.
Head to the nearby Piazza delle Erbe, the oldest square in Verona. In Roman times, it was the center of commerce and political life, and today it’s a vibrant meeting point for locals and tourists alike. Enjoy an aperitivo at one of the many bars here. Don’t miss climbing Torre dei Lamberti, an ancient tower of the Lamberti family (Mon-Fri 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, Sat-Sun 11:00 AM-7:00 PM; admission €6). You can reach the top by climbing 368 steps or taking a convenient glass elevator. The view from the top is breathtaking.
Cross through the Arco della Costa, named after the whale rib hanging there. According to legend, the rib will fall only when a pure-hearted person passes underneath. You’ll find yourself in Piazza dei Signori, framed by stunning buildings such as the Loggia del Consiglio and Palazzo del Podestà. At the center stands a statue dedicated to Dante.
Foto di Ugo franchini. A short walk from Piazza dei Signori, you can visit Verona Cathedral, officially named Santa Maria Matricolare, the city’s most important church (generally 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, Sun and holidays 1:00 PM-5:00 PM; admission €3).
Inside the Cathedral, admire the frescoes and stunning works of art, including masterpieces by Titian. Don’t stop at the Cathedral itself—dedicate some time to the entire complex, which includes the Bishop’s Palace, Canonical Cloister, Baptistery of San Giovanni in Fonte, Capitolare Library, and Sant’Elena Church. The Capitolare Library, considered the oldest active library in the world, is a must-see (Fri 2:30 PM-6:00 PM, Sat-Sun 10:00 AM-1:00 PM and 2:30 PM-6:00 PM; admission €5, guided tour €15).
End your first day by heading to Ponte Pietra, one of Verona’s most famous bridges, which connects the city center to the Veronetta district on the opposite bank of the Adige River. Enjoy the view from the bridge before heading to Castel San Pietro.
Castel San Pietro is one of the best panoramic spots in Verona, ideal for visiting at sunset. To reach the top, you have two options: walk up the Castel San Pietro staircase, offering scenic views of the historic center, or take the convenient funicular (operates April-October 10:00 AM-9:00 PM, November-March 10:00 AM-5:00 PM; single ride €1.50, round trip €2.50).
Foto di Ввласенко. Start your second day by visiting one of the most important museums in the city, Castelvecchio, located just a short walk from the Arena di Verona (Tue-Sun 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, Mon closed; full ticket €6, reduced €4.50). Castelvecchio is an ancient military fortress in Verona, built in the 14th century. Over the centuries, it transitioned from a military stronghold to the residence of the Scaliger family. Today, it houses a museum featuring collections of medieval, Renaissance, and modern art. The visit typically takes about 2 hours.
After your visit, enjoy the view from Ponte Scaligero, also known as Castelvecchio Bridge, one of the most iconic bridges in the city. With its red bricks and crenellations, it’s also one of Verona’s most Instagrammable spots. Snap the perfect photo for your Instagram! Crossing the bridge will take you to the Arsenal, where you can enjoy a stroll through its park.
Next, head to Sottoriva, crossing through the historic center. This is Verona’s medieval quarter, stretching from Ponte Nuovo to the Church of Santa Anastasia. It’s a place where you can step back in time and, above all, enjoy lunch at one of the many traditional Veronese taverns, serving authentic local dishes.
Then, visit the stunning Basilica of Santa Anastasia, one of Verona’s most beautiful churches (Mon-Fri 9:30 AM-1:30 PM and 2:30 PM-6:00 PM, Sat 9:00 AM-6:00 PM, Sun 1:00 PM-6:00 PM; admission €3). With its red bricks and tall bell tower, make sure to look up as soon as you enter to admire its richly decorated ceiling. The church also houses remarkable artworks, such as the fresco Saint George and the Princess by Antonio Pisano.
Foto di Dependability. Spend your afternoon exploring Veronetta, the young and artistic soul of Verona. Take time to wander through its streets, soak in the lively atmosphere, and discover hidden corners and unique views. Veronetta is much less frequented compared to the historic center.
Most importantly, don’t miss visiting one of Verona’s hidden gems: the enchanting Giardino Giusti (open daily 10:00 AM-7:00 PM; full ticket €10, reduced €7). It’s the only Italian-style garden in Verona, dating back to the 16th century. Its beauty has captivated historical figures such as Goethe, Mozart, and Cosimo II de Medici. Spend time wandering through its gardens, hedge mazes, and admiring its beautiful fountains and statues hidden throughout the park.
On your third day in Verona, we suggest dedicating some time to exploring the surrounding area. There are many options, but if you’re traveling with family, friends, or simply want a fun-filled day, head to Gardaland, Italy’s most famous amusement park (opening hours vary by season, generally from 10:00 AM, with special openings for Magic Halloween and Magic Winter; full ticket €48, reduced €44, free for children under 1 meter tall). Gardaland is 25 km from Verona, reachable by car via SR11 (35 minutes) or a direct train from Verona to Peschiera del Garda (15 minutes), followed by a free shuttle to Gardaland.
Gardaland offers attractions for everyone: its many rides are divided into Adventure, Adrenaline, and Fantasy categories, so there’s something for every taste. There are also shows, musicals, restaurants, and numerous shops, plus additional services like stroller rental, first aid, and the option to buy a Gardaland Express pass to skip lines.
Foto di Aaron Epstein. Alternatively, if you’re a wine lover, spend your day exploring Valpolicella, a wine region just outside Verona, rich in nature, art, history, and flavors. The best option here is to have a car to freely move around the various villages in the area.
Valpolicella is known for producing the classic Valpolicella Superiore, a renowned DOC red wine from Veneto. Visiting this region means immersing yourself in beautiful vineyards, exploring famous wineries, and discovering the charm and traditions of local villages. A must-visit is San Giorgio di Valpolicella, listed among Italy’s most beautiful villages, and Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella, a key starting point to explore the area. Nature lovers should not miss Molina and its stunning waterfall park, while those interested in historical Venetian villas should head to Negrar di Valpolicella and include Villa Mosconi Bertani in their itinerary.
For your stay in Verona, consider Hotel San Marco, a 4-star hotel offering excellent amenities. After a day of sightseeing, you can relax in the wellness center with a pool or enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. For those who can’t skip a workout, there’s a spacious fitness room available.
Additionally, the hotel boasts a great location. Staying here means you’ll be just 2 km from the Arena di Verona, reachable on foot in about 30 minutes or conveniently by bus, with a stop right in front of the hotel. The location is also ideal for those arriving in Verona by car: being outside the city center, it allows for easy driving and offers private parking. Moreover, the hotel is close to a direct bus route to Gardaland and key towns in Valpolicella and Lake Garda.
Choose the room that best suits your needs and book your holiday in Verona now.
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