Verona, the setting for Romeo and Juliet, has to be one of my favourite European cities. I’m quite biased; we chose to come here for our mini-moon, but there is so much to see and do here. Not only that, but the location is ideal. There are many day trips from Verona that you can choose to do ranging from idyllic Italian villages to incredible scenery. Whatever your preference, this post has you covered to help you plan ahead. Enjoy!
1. Lake Garda – Sirmione, Borghetto, Bardolino 🏞️
When I’m in Verona, the obvious day trip has to be Lake Garda. If you are travelling by train (via Peschiera del Garda) or car, the journey is simple and is little under 30 minutes. There are tonnes of options here; you can hire a boat, take a tour, or just explore a handful of places. In my opinion, the top place to go are Sirmione and Borghetto.
Sirmione is arguably the most popular destination on the lake’s southern shore and is easy to get to by train. I love walking through the narrow streets and visiting the different shops, cafes and gelato stores (there are many!). There is also the iconic medieval Scaligero Castle and the nearby Roman ruins of Grotte di Catullo. It does get very busy here so I would arrive as early as possible to avoid the rush.
Borghetto is a bit more off the beaten-track but has some of the most picturesque Italian views in the country. It is like stepping back in time and is perfect for a (albeit expensive) light lunch. To get here, I’d recommend the bus service from Peschiera del Garda or a taxi.
More Information – check out my blog posts on a day trip to Lake Garda from Verona, Sirmione from Verona, and a day trip to Borghetto.
2. Vicenza – The City of Palladio 🏛️
Just an hour’s drive from Verona (or half that, by train) is Vicenza. This city is famous for the iconic Renaissance architecture, mostly designed by Andrea Palladio. Perhaps the main attractions here are the Palazzo Chiericati, Teatro Olympico and Villa La Rotonda. As well as the gorgeous architecture you have everything else you could want from an Italian City; good food, stunning views and plenty of opportunities for shopping. If you are after one of the lesser-known day trips from Verona, this could be for you.
3. Padua – A Vibrant University City 🎓
Padua is one of those cities which is criminally underrated. I’ve been coming here since I was little and, to be honest, I love it. You have some impressive architecture here to see and the city is filled with plenty of restaurants and cafes. There is also the Prato della Valle, one of the grandest squares in Europe along with the city’s botanical garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Despite all this, my favourite thing about Padua has to be the simplicity and charm. As it is only a 45 minute train ride from Verona, I would recommend spending time here with a glass of wine and a pizza, enjoying the yellow hue only found in the best Italian spots.
4. Mantua – Renaissance Splendor 🏰
The city of Mantua (Mantova) is just a 45 minute train journey from Verona. What I love about this place is the setting; it is surrounded by three man-made lakes in the middle of the Italian countryside. Not only that, but the buildings are classically Renaissance. This has earned Mantua the title of Culture Capital of Italy in the past and when you visit, it won’t take long to see why. If that wasn’t enough to tempt you, the city has also been awarded culinary awards too! Make sure you try their local speciality; Tortellini di Zucca
4. Venice – The Floating City 🚤
Venice is a possible day trip from Verona and, to be honest, you’ll save a lot of money! I’ve often found Venice to be super-pricey for what it is and usually would stay in Padua to explore. However, you can also enjoy the iconic scenery such as St. Marks and the Rialto Bridge as one of your day trips from Verona. If you’ve not been before make sure that you fully indulge yourself. Take a gondola ride, explore the historic piazzas and enjoy an Aperol at one of the cafes by the shore.
6. Trento – Alpine Charm 🏔️
Trento is one of those further-afield day trips from Verona. Here you won’t find typically Italian architecture, but instead will be transported to the Alpine region. It is right on the Austrian border and has quite a similar vibe to towns in this country. There is plenty to do here and the views are spectacular. If you are after something a little different, this could be the perfect day trip for you.
7. Cologna Veneta – A Hidden Gem 🏙️
Cologna Veneta is one of those places that won’t get a lot of tourist traffic. It is small and is quite off of the main tourist trails of Italy. However, if you are after exploring the authentic Venetian countryside and surrounding villages, this could be just what you are after. The town itself has a rich history and you’ll love walking through the historic centre. Like I said, it isn’t a place many tourists end up and you can really experience life as a local. If you want to escape the crowds and dive into the culture, give this one a go.
8. Soave – Wine and Castles 🍇🏰
For fans of the wine regions of France, Soave could be just your calling. Similar to the Loire Valley, this part of Italy offers plenty of wine and many castles that overlook the vineyards. You have multiple options to get here. If you have rented a car, the journey is only 30 minutes from Verona. There are also frequent bus services which run here. However, many tours run from the centre of Verona and include drink and food. If you want to experience this region to its fullest, I’d definitely recommend taking a tour and enjoying your time.
9. Asolo – A Fairytale Hilltop Town 🏰🌳
Known as the “Venetian Dolce Vita,” the small town of Asolo is just 90 minutes from Verona. It is on the foothills of the Dolomites and is home to some unique medieval architecture. There is also a large art scene here with plenty of art museums dotted throughout the town. I see Asolo as a cultural gem of this region. It is not very well-known and you’ll once more be away from the tourists. It is also something a little different from your typical Verona day trip!
Final Thoughts | Day Trips from Verona
I’ve only scratched the surface of the many day trips from Verona which you could take, but I hope I’ve captured the rich variety. Many of these can be expanded into multiple trips (Lake Garda for instance could keep you busy for a week!) and the city itself has plenty to see. For more inspiration, check out my short guide to Verona and all there is to see. Like me, I’m sure it won’t take long for you to fall in love with this romantic city.
