Verona is located in northern Italy, in the region of Veneto. It is best known for its rich historical and cultural heritage, as well as its association with the famous works of Shakespeare, notably “Romeo and Juliet.”
Located just an hour from Lake Garda, it would be a shame to miss it if you spend a few days in the lake region.
Verona is like an Italian postcard with everything you imagine when talking about visiting Italy: colorful houses with balconies, mural frescoes, grand richly decorated squares, Roman ruins...
What to do in Verona in one day: the must-sees
The Verona Arena
This Roman amphitheater, built in the 1st century AD, is one of the best-preserved in the world. It hosts numerous shows, including operas and open-air concerts. When we visited, an opera festival was taking place, and they were setting up impressive sets! We regretted not being able to stay longer to attend. The arena remains the most visited monument in Verona, with crowds regardless of the time or day! To enjoy it better, visit it at the end of the day, as the light will be much better for your photos! Its location on Piazza Brà is quite impressive when you arrive in the city center. Don’t miss walking around the square; you will mainly find tourist restaurants, but its architecture is magnificent.
Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta)
One of the most visited sites in Verona, famous for the balcony associated with the scene from Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” You can also see Juliet’s statue in the courtyard. However, make sure to be there right at opening time! The queue is unimaginably long! Unfortunately, we gave up on this visit due to the waiting time. We filmed this moment, which you can find on our Instagram in the highlights stories 😉
Piazza delle Erbe
This square is the heart of Verona, surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, restaurants, and a bustling market in the middle. It also features the Madonna Verona fountain and the Torre dei Lamberti. The square is stunning, clearly! But we were slightly disappointed by the “market” in the middle, which spoils the landscape a bit, especially since you’ll only find trinkets made in China there, with no real interest in wasting your time, in our opinion, of course!
Piazza dei Signori
Located as an extension of Piazza delle Erbe, this square is surrounded by historic buildings, such as the Palazzo della Ragione and the Palazzo del Capitano. The statue of Dante Alighieri stands in the center of the square. Less touristy than its neighbor and yet just a few meters away, it is just as beautiful. Don’t miss the Scaliger Tombs, which are quite fascinating.
Also worth discovering
- Castelvecchio: A medieval castle built in the 14th century, which today houses the Castelvecchio Museum. The museum displays an impressive collection of art and historical artifacts.
- Scaliger Bridge (Ponte Scaligero): A fortified bridge built by the Scaliger family, offering a magnificent view of the Adige River and leading to Castelvecchio.
- Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore: A masterpiece of architecture, this basilica is dedicated to Saint Zeno, the patron saint of Verona. It houses notable works of art.
- Duomo di Verona (Verona Cathedral): An architectural complex that includes several religious buildings, among them the cathedral itself.
What to do in Verona with children
- Natural History Museum (Museo di Storia Naturale): Located outside the old town in an old building, the museum is quite authentic but large, and the kids loved it. The downside: everything is in Italian! You’ll see animals, fossils, and geology exhibits. Plan for a good hour-long visit.
- The arena, of course! Who wouldn’t want to pretend to be a gladiator?
- A boat ride on the Adige River: A boat ride on the river is a relaxing and enjoyable way to see Verona from a different perspective. The kids will enjoy the experience of navigating the water and getting some fresh air!
Where to park and stay in a motorhome to visit Verona
We recommend parking at Area di sosta Porta Palio, about a 25-minute walk from the arena. Note that this area has only about thirty spots and fills up quickly if you arrive in the middle of the day or in the evening.
You can refill your water, empty your tanks, and stay overnight there. The setting is not picturesque—it’s just a simple parking lot—but it’s very convenient!
Our tips for visiting Verona
Verona is our favorite stop on this road trip through Northern Italy. We spent an entire day there, and if possible, we strongly recommend dedicating at least 2 days to explore, allowing you to see more at a more relaxed pace, especially if you are traveling with children.
If you are in a camper van, the easiest option is to park in the city’s paid area. It might not be the most picturesque spot, but it is conveniently located for walking into the city.
If possible, buy your tickets online! Especially for the Arena! This will save you several hours of waiting in line under the sun!
Get the Verona Card! There are two versions available at the tourist office: a 24-hour card for €27 and a 48-hour card for €32, depending on how long you plan to stay in Verona. With the Verona Card, you can travel for free on city buses. The card is very advantageous and gives you access to many attractions. Some visits are even free with the card.
Upon arrival, stop by the Verona Tourist Information Office near the Arena to get information on things to do and a city map. You will find numerous brochures for your visits as well as a map of the attractions included with the Verona Card.
