Verona
Verona travel guides, practical tips and ideas for exploring the city and wider Veneto without a car.
Verona is one of my all time favourite cities in Italy. It’s got all the history and charm of bigger, more famous cities like Rome or Florence, but on a smaller, more manageable scale. The first time I visited Verona was completely unplanned, yet it ended up being the start of a very long love affair with the city.
If you’re travelling around Veneto, visiting places like Lake Garda or Venice, Verona is a great base. It’s more affordable than Venice, yet it’s only a 45 minute train ride away. As a destination in itself, Verona has plenty to offer, from the historic amphitheatre that’s older than the Colosseum to Juliet’s Balcony to the winding streets of the old town centre.
One Day in Verona: More Than Just a Balcony
Only have one day in Verona? This itinerary covers the city's must-see sights, historic streets, food and best viewpoints, with a practical route to help you make the most of your time.
Why visit Verona?
Need to Know
- Best for: History, food, wine and exploring the Veneto region.
- Best time to visit: Any time of year, but I particularly like the shoulder seasons of late Spring and early Autumn. The weather is still mild but you’ll miss the height of the crowds.
- How long to stay: Stay for a weekend if you just want an introduction to the city, go for a week if you plan to visit Lake Garda or Venice alongside it.
- Getting there: Direct flights to Verona Villafranca airport from other parts of Europe. Verona Porta Nuova has regular trains to Venice, Milan, Bologna and other Italian cities.
- Where to stay: The historic centre is best for first-time visitors; other neighbourhoods can offer better value. Check out my post here.
The historic centre is compact and wonderfully walkable, with Roman ruins, medieval streets, lively piazzas and plenty of places to eat and drink. It’s also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding Veneto without a car, with good rail connections and easy access to destinations including Lake Garda and Valpolicella. You’ll find all my Verona travel guides on this page, from where to stay and what to do to discovering the local wineries, and exploring the region by public transport.
Planning Your Verona Trip
How long do you need in Verona?
One day is enough for the main sights, but 2–3 days gives you time to explore at a slower pace and actually enjoy the city. If you’re using Verona as a base, I’d stay longer.
Where should you stay?
You can check out my where to stay in Verona post, but if it’s your first time visiting, I’d go for the old town.
Can you visit Verona without a car?
Absolutely. Verona is an incredibly walkable city, and parts of the historic centre are pedestrianised. I actually wouldn’t recommend renting a car for Verona unless you really like driving. Surrounding towns, and places like Lake Garda and Venice, are incredibly easy to access from the city, while the city’s public transport network makes it so easy to travel around within Verona. I’ve even got a no-car Valpolicella winery guide you can follow to make a day of visiting wineries, all without a car.
All posts about Verona
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- Verona on a Budget Verona , Northern Italy
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