24 Hours in Verona: A Curated Guide to the City’s Best (and Most Skippable) Spots

Where to Stay: Old Town

For a first-time visit, staying in Verona’s Old Town is the most practical choice.

Most of the city’s key sights, restaurants, and cafés are within walking distance, making it easy to explore without a rigid itinerary.

I stayed at Hotel Milano & SPA, which is ideally located for exploring the city.

Having a central base made it easy to dip in and out throughout the day without overplanning.

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A Strong Start: Focaccia at All’Antico Vinaio

For an informal first meal, All’Antico Vinaio is a reliable choice.

Originally from Florence, this well-known sandwich shop is famous for its generously filled focaccia.

I loved it when I first visited back in 2014 so I knew I'd love it again and I had to take my boyfriend for that Italian experience

The portions are substantial, the ingredients are high quality, and at around €10, it offers excellent value - ideal for a quick but satisfying lunch.

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Exploring Old Town

Verona’s Old Town is compact yet rich in character. Expect a mix of Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and lively squares filled with cafés and wine bars.

Rather than rushing between landmarks, it’s worth allowing time to explore at a slower pace, taking in the atmosphere as much as the sights themselves.

Some notable spots to look out for as you wander:

• Verona Cathedral (Duomo): A quieter but beautifully detailed cathedral, known for its intricate frescoes and layered architectural styles.
• Piazza delle Erbe: The heart of the Old Town, lined with colourful buildings, market stalls, and surrounded by historic landmarks.
• Piazza dei Signori: Just around the corner, this square feels more refined and less crowded, with elegant Renaissance buildings.
• Torre dei Lamberti: For another viewpoint, you can climb (or take a lift) up this tower for panoramic views over the city.
• Arco della Costa: A small but iconic detail - look up to spot the whale rib hanging beneath the arch.

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Coffee Stop: Caffè Borsari

A stop at Caffè Borsari offers a glimpse into local café culture.

Popular with residents, it serves an extensive menu of coffees and sweet treats.

For something slightly different, a combination of rich hot chocolate and iced coffee works surprisingly well - balancing bitterness with sweetness.

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A Notable Skip: Juliet’s House

I’ll be honest - Juliet’s House was probably the most underwhelming stop for me.

The area I saw was extremely crowded, and it mainly consisted of people queueing to take photos with the statue in the courtyard.

And I just found it a bit odd… especially considering Juliet, in Shakespeare’s original story, was meant to be 13? Yet everyone’s lining up to touch the statue’s boob because it’s supposedly good luck for your love life.

I don’t know - it just felt slightly bizarre.

That said, I later found out that what I saw is actually just the free-access courtyard. There’s also a museum inside, which might be more interesting if you’re keen to learn more about the history and context.

Personally, I found the rest of Verona - its streets, architecture, and atmosphere - far more compelling without trying quite so hard.

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The Highlight: Sunset at Castel San Pietro

For panoramic views of the city, head across the river to Castel San Pietro.

The walk up is manageable and offers scenic viewpoints along the way, though a funicular is also available.

At the top, visitors often gather with drinks and snacks to watch the sunset over Verona’s rooftops.

It’s a popular spot, but the atmosphere remains relaxed and wholesome - and the view itself is well worth it.

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Evening: Aperitivo and Dinner

For an aperitivo, Osteria del Bugiardo is a good option (we noticed it from visiting Caffe Borsari earlier), known for its wine selection and cicchetti (Italian-style small plates).

Verona’s evenings are best left slightly unstructured - one drink often leads to another, followed by a more substantial dinner.

If you’re planning ahead, these spots came highly recommended and are worth considering:

• Pizzeria Vesuvio …dal 1964
• Osteria il Ciottolo (reservation recommended)
• Antica Bottega del Vino (reservation recommended)

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Morning: Pastries at Bar Pasticceria Castelvecchio

Start the next day at Bar Pasticceria Castelvecchio, a local favourite known for its pastries.

The sfogliatella (lobster tail pastry) is particularly notable - light, crisp, and filled with a variety of creams including chantilly, chocolate, and pistachio.

The pistachio was my number 1, followed by the nutella one and then the cream.

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A Scenic Morning Walk: Castelvecchio Bridge

A walk across Castelvecchio Bridge offers a quieter moment to take in Verona’s historic surroundings.

The bridge itself is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, with beautiful views over the river and the city beyond.

We happened to be there on a Sunday morning, and there was a street performer playing classic, slightly nostalgic Sunday tunes, which made the whole experience feel even more special.

It’s one of those simple moments that just elevates everything - walking, taking in the views, and soaking up the atmosphere at a slower pace.

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One Last Stop: Sandwiches and Gelato

For a final bite, La Figaccia offers a more compact, toasted sandwich option - slightly different from the focaccia style but equally enjoyable.

This time the sandwiches were small enough that we got one each so I got to try more than one item on the menu, and that's a win in my eyes!

Before leaving, a visit to Gelateria Savoia is essential.

With a long-standing reputation, it’s an ideal place to end your trip on a classic Italian note.

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If You Have More Time

If you’re visiting outside of peak season - or planning a return trip - there are a few additional experiences worth adding.

Giardino Giusti offers beautifully landscaped gardens and another elevated viewpoint over the city.

During the summer months, the Verona Arena hosts open-air performances, which would be a memorable way to experience the city.

I visited in March, so there were no shows at the time, but the trade-off was a noticeably quieter, less crowded atmosphere.

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Final Thoughts

Verona rewards a more selective approach.

While some attractions are best skipped, the city excels in its food, atmosphere, and scenic viewpoints.

Prioritise quality over quantity, allow time to explore without structure, and plan your day around the sunset - it’s the defining experience of the city.

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