Verona in a Day: A Fairytale Escape from Venice

Kimberly·March 16, 2025·0 comments

After a rough week in Venice, I eagerly board the hour-and-a-half train to Verona, craving a fresh start. As a longtime fan of Letters to Juliet, I can’t wait to visit Juliet’s House—Casa di Giulietta—and see the famous letters left behind by hopeful romantics.

This image showcases a historic arched gateway with a clock, attached to a fortified tower in Verona, Italy. The street is lined with classic buildings, some featuring shops with signage. Pedestrians walk along the sidewalk, and cars are visible on the road. The sky is clear and bright blue.

The moment I arrive, I feel my energy shift. Verona is wonderful! The streets are wider, easier to navigate, and lined with vendors selling clothing and trinkets. In the heart of the city, a stunning colosseum stands tall, adding to the undeniable charm of this quintessential Italian destination.

Veronas colosseum, a mini version of Romes. A round ancient building with arches all across the facade. It is surrounded by stone walkways, a blue sky, and pedestrians walking and riding bike.

I make my way to Juliet’s House, which, unsurprisingly, is packed with tourists. The tiny courtyard looks just like the scene from the movie, except instead of letters wedged into the cobblestones, there’s now a designated mailbox for love notes to Juliet. Though I don’t have anything to ask her, I love knowing that the “Secretaries of Juliet” are real—volunteers who read and respond to the letters left behind.

The side of Juliets hours. A stone and brick building all in beige colors. Arches are around the doorway and windows that point up are along the facade. the main focal point is the famous Juliet balcony that sits on the second floor overlooking the courtyard. A top of a tree is visible next to the balcony. A clear blue sky is above.
A red rectangle wooden box is mounted to a brick wall. The top of the box opens where guests can drop letters to Juliet. The front has a mini white balcony on it and there is writing all over the mailbox from past visitors.

Toward the back of the courtyard, beneath Juliet’s iconic balcony, stands a bronze statue of her. Legend has it that touching Juliet’s right breast brings luck in love. Let’s hope she works her magic!

Kimberly in a blue and white sundress, her brown hair is braided back. She is standing next to a bronze statue of Juliet and is holding her boob. Behind them is a brick wall with ivy growing up it.

I hadn’t originally planned to tour the house, but standing in front of it, I know I can’t pass up the opportunity. Stepping inside feels like walking through history. The house is filled with charming details, including set pieces from the 1968 Romeo and Juliet film. But the highlight? Standing on Juliet’s balcony, looking down at the bustling courtyard below. It’s the perfect photo-op and a surreal moment for any romantic at heart.

A display case showing Romeos clothes from the 1968 film. It is short pants with a stripped vest over a white fluffy top.
Kimberly in a blue and white dress with her hair braided back is standing behind a long wooden table with two chairs. Behind her are the display cases with Romeo and Juliets clothes from the 1968 film.
A case displaying one of Juliets dresses from the 1968 film. It is long sleeve and to the floor in all light olive green with white trim on the skirt and sleeves.
Kimberly in a blue and white dress with black sandals and her hair braided back. She is standing on Juliets balcony with her back against the back of the stone balcony. Behind her head is shrubbery and in the background you can see red and stone buildings in Verona.
A view from Juliets balcony overlooking the courtyard below. It has people milling around on a stone walkway and the far wall is covered in ivy.

After the tour, I pop into a small embroidery shop in the courtyard. The friendly shopkeeper asks for my name and embroiders it onto a piece of paper—a sweet, unexpected (and free!) memento of this enchanting place.

Just around the corner, I stumble upon a lively market brimming with local vendors. I sip on freshly pressed juice while browsing the colorful stalls, soaking in the atmosphere.

A fresh juice that is orange in color and a black straw sticking out sits on a green mat. Behind it are jars with various cut up fruits inside. There are mellones, watermelons, strawberries, and pineapple.

With my main mission accomplished, I wander through Verona’s charming streets and discover a gelato shop that has been in business since 1939! I indulge in two scoops—Rose and Grappa. The latter is boozy and bold, while the former is delicate and floral, making for a dreamy combination.

The door and window of the gelato shop. There is a sign stating 80 years in Verona thank you! The sign is above the open door and below a window. In front is a hand holding a cup of gelato with a spoon sticking out of the top.

On my way back to the train station, I decide to stop at a hotel bar for an Aperol Spritz. To my surprise, the menu is adorned with images from The Thin Man, one of my favorite old Hollywood films. Though the movie is set in New York, I take this as a small, serendipitous sign that my trip is finally turning around. The bartender is incredibly kind, serving me a plate of nuts and chips to snack on while I savor my drink and reflect on the day.

An aperol spritz in a wine glass with a black stray sits on a wood table. Behind the drink is a menu with a large black and white photo from the film, The Thin Man. It shows a man standing in a bar looking at a menu and the woman in front of him pouring a drink from a shaker into a glass.

Verona is pure magic. If I could do my trip over again, I’d spend more time here and take a day trip to Venice instead. You live and learn.

This image features a historic fountain with a statue of a robed figure at its center, located in a lively Verona square. The fountain has water cascading from the upper basin into a large circular lower basin. Surrounding the square are old buildings with classic architecture, and market stalls with white umbrellas line the area, suggesting a bustling marketplace. The background showcases a richly decorated building with statues on its rooftop, adding to the historical charm of the location. The sky is clear and bright blue.
A large metal heart outline is standing on a metal base on a brick sidewalk. Through and behind the heart you can see the Verona Coliseum.
This image captures a scenic view of Verona, Italy, featuring the Adige River flowing through the city. On the hillside in the background, the prominent building with a domed roof is the Santuario della Madonna di Lourdes, surrounded by lush greenery and cypress trees. The foreground showcases colorful buildings along the riverbank, and a charming bridge spans the water, connecting different parts of the city. The bright blue sky and calm river enhance the picturesque atmosphere of this historic Italian destination.

Today’s Helpful Tips

Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta) – You do not have to purchase tickets to enter the courtyard and take pictures with the statue of up to the balcony. The courtyard is also where you can leave a letter to Juliet. However, I highly recommend purchasing a ticket and touring the house. Juliet’s House is located at: Via Cappello, 23, 37121 Verona VR, Italy

Purchase your ticket

Gelateria Savoia Verona – Some of the best gelato I had in Italy was here! The boozy gelato is amazing! Located at Via Roma, 1/B, 37121 Verona VR, Italy

Kimberly

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