Weekend in Verona: the complete itinerary from Friday to Sunday

Verona is a city whose historical roots stretch back even before the Roman era, when the area was inhabited by the Reti and Euganei, indigenous peoples of northern Italy.

With the arrival of the Romans, Verona became a strategic center in the Po Valley. It was during this period that some of the city's most iconic structures, such as the Arena, were built. The Arena still dominates the beautiful Piazza Brà today, hosting shows and concerts.

Throughout Verona’s old town, you can sense the imprint of centuries past: from elegant squares like Piazza delle Erbe to the remarkable medieval and Renaissance buildings that reflect the city’s eras of splendor and transformation. 

From Juliet's balcony, a symbol of romantic love, to the imposing shape of Castelvecchio and the equally impressive complex of the Duomo, the heart of the center reveals pieces of the incredible artistic mosaic that makes Verona the perfect place to spend unforgettable days.

But Verona’s experience doesn’t stop within its walls: the surrounding areas offer unique experiences, such as exploring the hills of Valpolicella, renowned for vineyards, historic villas and the atmosphere of pure relaxation.

A weekend in Verona, then, means exploring a magical place where history, art and nature coexist in perfect harmony, where you can immerse yourself in the charm of a wonderful city and its enchanting surroundings.

Verona is easy to reach by public transport: departing from Milan, you’ll be in the city in under an hour and a half by train. If you're driving, you'll have no trouble finding parking just outside the historic center, thanks to the numerous parking lots available.

Once you arrive, head to the south side of the city, where you’ll find Piazza Brà. Here, in the shadow of the Arena, the ancient and majestic Roman amphitheater, your weekend in Verona can officially begin.

If you have the chance to arrive in the Scaliger city by Friday afternoon, the first attraction you can visit is Castelvecchio, the medieval castle overlooking the Adige River, just a few minutes' walk from Piazza Brà through Via Roma.

Inside the castle, you can discover collections of medieval and Renaissance sculptures, visit an art gallery, admire historical relics, and stroll along the walls to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

Cross the picturesque Ponte Scaligero to reach the other side of the Adige, and follow the riverside to another historic bridge, the Ponte della Vittoria, also known to locals as Ponte degli Stracchi. "Stracchi" in the local dialect means "tired": in the past, farmers and merchants would often stop here for a brief rest after long days of work before heading home.

Even today, as the sun sets and Verona is bathed in a magical light, it's the perfect moment to end the day at a restaurant in the center, enjoying traditional dishes like bigoli with duck, a thick, fresh pasta served with a rich duck ragù, paired with a good Valpolicella wine that enhances the flavors of Verona's cuisine.

On Saturday morning, you can begin exploring the city from one of its most iconic symbols: the Arena, a fascinating Roman amphitheater from the 1st century AD, located in Piazza Brà. A true architectural masterpiece, the Arena is famous for its history and for the vibrant opera season and the events it continues to host today, a testament of the extraordinary artistic legacy passed down by the Romans.

After leaving the Arena, head into the heart of the old town by walking down the pedestrianized Via Mazzini to the splendid Piazza delle Erbe. 

Walk through the spectacular elegance of the surrounding historic palaces and, in just a few minutes, reach the courtyard where the famous Juliet’s balcony stands. A place that, despite the crowds of visitors, still embodies the most authentic form of romance, where you can breathe in the atmosphere of the famous Shakespearean tragedy.

In the afternoon, there are more splendid sites to explore. From Piazza delle Erbe, continue north to the Duomo of Verona's complex, a place that gathers centuries of history, art, and religion. Between the Cathedral of Santa Maria Matricolare and the adjacent churches of Sant’Elena and San Giovanni in Fonte, you can enjoy fascinating glimpses of art and archaeological remains.

Speaking of archaeology, go past the Duomo and head toward the Ponte Pietra, a pedestrian bridge with enchanting views over the Adige River. Cross the river to reach the Archaeological Museum at the Roman Theater, situated in the spectacular location of the ancient city theater, where you can uncover the most intriguing secrets of Roman Verona.

If you still have time and energy, you can end the day by visiting the Basilica of Santa Anastasia, another remarkable example of Veronese Gothic art, or by climbing the medieval Torre dei Lamberti, returning to Piazza delle Erbe.

After all that walking, it’s time to enjoy a hearty dinner with pastissada de caval, a legendary Veronese specialty.

This dish, made with horse meat, is said to have originated after the Battle of Verona in 489 AD, when the city found itself with an abundance of horse meat. To make the tough meat tender and flavorful, the Veronese marinated it with wine and spices, creating a tasty dish that still today reflects the city’s history and resilience.

Sunday morning is the perfect time to step away from the bustling city center and head out into the Verona countryside to discover the landscapes and hidden treasures that surround the city. If you don't have a car, you can easily rent one near the train station and begin your journey into the area.

Are you passionate about wines? Then, visit one of the many wineries in the region and savor the prized local wines, like Amarone. If instead, you’d like to immerse yourself in the greenery and tranquility of the Verona countryside, you can visit one of the nearby historic villas, such as the extraordinary Villa Arvedi.

Villa Arvedi, a historic 15th-century residence, stands out for its timeless beauty and luxurious, refined atmosphere. This perfect example of Renaissance architecture is located less than 20 minutes north of Verona, just before the town of Grezzana, in an exclusive and spectacular setting enriched by elegant gardens.

Inside, its stunning frescoed halls tell the story of the region and offer an ideal venue for private events, weddings, and ceremonies.

Villa Arvedi is also a wonderful destination for those seeking a blend of nature, culture, and serenity. In fact, you can join a fascinating guided tour, available only by reservation, to experience a special exploration of every corner of the villa and its beautiful Italian garden, discovering a side of Verona imbued with care, passion, excellence and prestige.

From the villa, you can continue eastward through the Valpolicella hills, reaching the western shore of Lake Garda in about an hour. Enjoy the splendid lake view from Bardolino's lakeside promenade, and stop for a leisurely Sunday lunch.

In the afternoon, if you need to return the rental car near Verona's station, take the opportunity for a final stroll in the city center—perhaps to do some shopping and pick up a souvenir as a memento of your experience.

Don’t miss a final aperitivo to end your Verona weekend: try one of the many variations of the traditional Venetian spritz, or savor a cicchetto, a local finger food that perfectly accompanies a glass of wine. This is the best way to wrap up your weekend in Verona, with a heart full of unforgettable memories and the promise of one day returning to this magical city to discover even more.