Staying at The Verona Stay means being in the heart of Verona, an ideal location to explore the city comfortably on foot. We suggest some recommended walking itineraries that start directly from our accommodation and will lead you to the discovery of the most beautiful and suggestive places of the Scaliger city. Wear comfortable shoes, take a map (available in the apartment) and prepare to walk through history, art and romantic views!
Itinerary 1 – Classic Verona (Historic Center):
- Castelvecchio and Ponte Scaligero: Leaving The Verona Stay, in just a few minutes you reach Castelvecchio, the medieval castle symbol of Scaliger Verona. It's worth entering the inner courtyard (free entrance) to admire the ancient walls and gun ports. Then cross the Ponte Scaligero, the iconic bridge of red bricks with crenellations: stop halfway across to enjoy a splendid view of the Adige river and take some photos.
2. Portals of Bra and Piazza Brà: Continue along Corso Castelvecchio (or through the lush Arco dei Gavi) to the monumental Portals of Bra, the ancient gates with clocks that lead to Verona's main square. After passing through the gates, you will find yourself in Piazza Brà, one of the largest squares in Europe, adorned with gardens, statues and historic cafes. Here stands the imposing Verona Arena, a Roman amphitheater from the 1st century AD that still hosts concerts and operatic performances today. You can visit the inside of the Arena during the day, or simply admire it from outside imagining the shows under the stars.
3. Via Mazzini – Shopping and gelato: From the Arena take Via Giuseppe Mazzini, the lively shopping street of Verona. Flanked by elegant shops and boutiques, it's perfect for a stroll. Along the way you will find excellent artisanal ice cream shops: treat yourself to an ice cream to cool off while admiring the shop windows and the architecture of the buildings. Via Mazzini will lead you directly to the next stage.
4. Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori: You will then arrive in Piazza delle Erbe, Verona's living room, an ancient Roman market square. You will be enchanted by the colors of the market (in the morning the stalls sell fruit, souvenirs and local products under picturesque umbrellas), by the frescoed buildings like Casa Mazzanti, by the fountain of Madonna Verona and by the Lamberti Tower that stands high. Just a few steps away, through the Arch of the Rib (famous for the whale rib hanging from it), you reach Piazza dei Signori, more intimate and elegant, surrounded by medieval and Renaissance buildings (Palace of Reason, Loggia of the Council) and the statue of Dante Alighieri in the center. These two adjacent squares are the beating heart of the city, perfect for taking photos and perhaps stopping for a coffee outdoors while enjoying the atmosphere.
5. Juliet House: From Piazza delle Erbe, in a few minutes along Via Cappello, you reach another iconic place: Juliet House. The entrance through the gate leads into the courtyard where you can see the famous balcony and the bronze statue of Juliet. Although often crowded, it's a mandatory stop to relive the romantic legend of Romeo and Juliet. You can leave a dedication on the wall at the entrance, as many lovers do, or simply watch the scenes that unfold on the balcony (sometimes theatrical reenactments are organized).
6. Arche Scaligere and Santa Maria Antica: Leaving Juliet House courtyard, turn right and reach the Arche Scaligere, a spectacular complex of Gothic tombs of the Lords of the Scala (the ancient lords of Verona) right next to the little church of Santa Maria Antica. The arches, with their stonework spires, are a hidden treasure that often surprises visitors. Stop to admire its historical details.
7. Lamberti Tower (optional): If you have time and energy left, you can climb the Lamberti Tower, which with its 84 meters offers the most beautiful panoramic view of Verona. The entrance is in Mercato Vecchio courtyard (between Piazza Erbe and Piazza Signori). You can climb on foot or by elevator. From above you will see the entire city, from the bend of the Adige river to the red roofs of the center, to the hills on the horizon. A highly recommended experience especially towards sunset!
8. Return via Porta Borsari: To return to The Verona Stay, a picturesque route is to head from Piazza Erbe along Corso Porta Borsari. You will pass under the ancient Porta Borsari, a well-preserved white Roman arch, which in Roman times was one of the city's accesses. From there, continue straight along Corso Cavour, among elegant boutiques and noble buildings, and in about 10 minutes you will be back in the Castelvecchio area. Before heading home, if you like, you can stop for a final evening spritz in one of the typical restaurants in the area, toasting to the wonderful day you've spent!
Duration of Itinerary 1: approximately 3-4 hours, including stops for visits and photos. Route almost entirely flat.
Itinerary 2 – Panoramic and Romantic Verona:
This second route is perfect for those who want to discover panoramic views and romantic corners of Verona, perhaps in the sunset hours.
Lungadige and Ponte Pietra: From your accommodation head towards the Adige river and walk along the Lungadige (the road that runs along the river). You can start heading northeast, following the course of the Adige until you reach Ponte Pietra, the only surviving Roman bridge in Verona, composed of stone and brick arches. Cross Ponte Pietra enjoying the view of the water and hills. This is one of the most photographed points, with the river and the Cathedral bell tower in the background.
Roman Theater and Archaeological Museum: Just after the bridge, on the left you will see the steps of the Roman Theater (1st century AD). If interested, you can visit the remains of the theater and the adjacent Archaeological Museum, rich in Roman and medieval artifacts, which already offers some nice views of the city from the internal terraces.
Castel San Pietro (viewpoint): Then climb to Castel San Pietro, the hill that dominates Verona. You can climb on foot via a panoramic staircase (Scala del Teatro Romano) or more comfortably with Verona's funicular, which in a couple of minutes takes you to the top. At the summit awaits one of the most spectacular viewpoints: the terrace of Castel San Pietro offers a postcard view of all Verona, with the towers, churches and the bend of the river. It is the ideal place to take memorable photos, especially at sunset when the city is tinged with pink and gold. You can sit on the wall to enjoy the view hand in hand if you're in good company.
Descent and osteria stop: After admiring Verona from above, descend again towards the center. In the area at the foot of Castel San Pietro (Veronetta district) and then crossing the river again, you will find several characteristic osterias and wine bars. An excellent idea is to stop for a typical aperitif: a glass of Valpolicella wine or an Aperol Spritz accompanied by meatballs, olives and local snacks. The area around Ponte Pietra and Via Sottoriva (returning towards Piazza Erbe) is full of places with outdoor tables where you can relax after the walk.
Ponte Scaligero at night: Returning to The Verona Stay after dinner or late evening, make one last detour passing again through Castelvecchio. The Ponte Scaligero and castle, illuminated in the evening hours, offer a truly romantic and evocative atmosphere. The lights reflected in the Adige and the quiet of the night will make you fall even more in love with Verona. It's the perfect grand finale for your panoramic walk.
Duration of Itinerary 2: approximately 2-3 hours, depending on stops (plus time for aperitif/dinner). There are some uphill stretches (to Castel San Pietro) but the experience is worth the little effort; alternatively use the funicular.
Itinerary 3 – Hidden Verona and Local Neighborhoods (optional):
If you stay in Verona for several days and want to explore less touristy areas, we can suggest further walks in the neighborhoods adjacent to the center, such as San Zeno (with the wonderful San Zeno Basilica and its quiet little squares, reachable in 15 minutes on foot from The Verona Stay) or Borgo Trento beyond the Adige (with the lush Liberty neighborhood of Ponte Garibaldi and the green of Castel San Pietro). Inside your apartment you will find a small Welcome Book with maps and suggestions for alternative itineraries, jogging routes along the Austrian walls in the early morning, and much more. Don't hesitate to ask us for advice: we'll be happy to point out the less beaten paths where you can discover the most authentic Verona.
Happy exploring on foot! Verona is a human-sized city that offers unforgettable views around every corner. From our accommodation you will have the perfect base to set off on adventure every day, returning home comfortably with all the wonders of the city in your memories (and your camera).