24hrs Verona

Verona is the city of love, and there is no doubt about it: the famous balcony of Juliet, from which, as the story by Luigi da Porto recounts – later immortalized in William Shakespeare’s The Most Excellent and Lamentable Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet – the young Giulietta Capelletti gazed upon her beloved Romeo Montecchi. And although legend has it that only the tragic death of the two lovers brought (partial) peace to their warring families, Verona in 2025 proudly embraces its reputation as the “city of love.” Yet Verona is so much more, and for this reason we have crafted a short guide on what to do in Verona in 24 hours, or at most during a brief weekend, to discover not only the city of romance but also a destination of history, art, culture, shopping, and refined gastronomy.

To experience Verona at its best, choosing the right hotel is essential, and the newly opened VISTA Verona, a five-star Luxury jewel of the LarioHotels group, represents the perfect choice. Created by Bianca and Luigi Passera, respectively President and CEO, VISTA was designed to bring luxury to locations rich in charm but still underserved in terms of high-end hospitality. After the success of VISTA Como, the brand chose Verona as its second destination, recognizing the city’s extraordinary cultural heritage and its growing international appeal. Situated in Corticella Leoni, just steps from the ancient Porta Leoni and the city’s main monuments, VISTA Verona is an intimate and refined boutique hotel with 16 unique suites, each combining Italian design icons, bespoke furnishings, and fine marble details. The panoramic rooftop terrace, offering a 360-degree view over the city and surrounding hills, is a true highlight, an ideal place to admire Verona from above.

The hotel also features the only indoor swimming pool in the city and an exclusive 50 sqm SPA Suite that can be reserved by the hour or for an entire day, complete with sauna, hydro-massage, and personalized treatments. The Spa also includes beauty cabins with BIOLOGIQUE RECHERCHE, a globally renowned skincare methodology offering highly tailored treatments based on advanced cosmetic science. Every detail, from the fabrics to the architecture, is designed to create an atmosphere of understated luxury and timeless elegance.

After a leisurely breakfast at VISTA Verona, the day can begin at Piazza Bra, dominated by the Arena di Verona, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world and today a symbol of the city. In the soft morning light, the Arena reveals an intimate charm, away from the energy of grand performances. Just beside it begins Via Mazzini, Verona’s vibrant shopping street, lined with elegant boutiques and international fashion brands, making it the perfect stop for those who love style as much as culture. From here, it is just a short walk to Juliet’s House, an inevitable stop for those wishing to immerse themselves in the myth of Romeo and Juliet. While often crowded, it retains a sense of romance and magic. Continuing on leads to Piazza delle Erbe, the medieval heart of Verona, alive with colorful market stalls, frescoed palazzi, and a vibrancy that tells the story of centuries intertwined. Close by, Piazza dei Signori showcases the solemn side of Verona, with its noble palaces and the statue of Dante, who found refuge here during his exile.

For lunch, a stop at a traditional trattoria such as Osteria Caffè Monte Baldo is the perfect way to taste the city’s authentic culinary traditions. A risotto or a plate of local specialties captures the soul of Verona’s cuisine. After lunch, a walk along the Adige River leads to the Ponte Pietra, one of the city’s most picturesque Roman bridges, opening the way to the Roman Theater. A short climb then takes visitors to Castel San Pietro, a panoramic viewpoint offering breathtaking vistas of Verona’s rooftops, bell towers, and the winding curves of the river. Art lovers should not miss the Castelvecchio Museum, a masterpiece not only for its collections but also for the visionary restoration by Carlo Scarpa, blending medieval architecture with modern design. Finally, the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy, offers a moment of peace and spirituality, rounding off a journey through centuries of history.