Located in northern Italy in the Veneto region, Verona is a beautiful and historic city that often gets overshadowed by other Italian destinations. After all, there’s nowhere quite like Venice, and since the city of canals is so close to Verona, most tourists head to La Serenissima instead.
That’s a shame because Verona has its own unique and laid-back charm that makes it worth exploring. And while the city may be best known for the fictional characters of Romeo and Juliet, there’s lots more to Verona than the obligatory photo of Juliet’s balcony.
Plus, Verona’s relatively central location, combined with Italy’s excellent rail network, makes it easy to head out on some incredible day trips while using Verona as a base.
Drop off your bags at a Verona luggage storage, and you can start exploring some of the highlights of Italy for yourself. Because it’s not as heavily touristic as nearby cities, Verona is often cheaper to stay in than places like Venice and Milan, so it makes a great place to start exploring the rest of the country.
Venice
About an hour away from Verona by train, Venice is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. And for good reason – this city built on water is unlike anywhere else in the world.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Venice, but some of the highlights include taking a gondola ride down one of the canals, visiting St. Mark’s Basilica, and exploring the Doge’s Palace.
If you’re not short on time, you can also take a day trip to Murano, one of the islands in the Venetian lagoon that’s known for its glassblowing factories.
In some ways, Venice is a victim of its own popularity. Tourists rule in this city, and no matter what time of year you visit, you can expect to encounter crowds. However, Venice remains surprisingly atmospheric, considering it’s technically the poster child for mass tourism. And it’s such a beautiful city that even the endless crowds of tourists can’t ruin its unique atmosphere.
Milan
If you’re looking for a day trip with a bit more of an edge, then head to Milan. Italy’s fashion and financial capital is always buzzing with energy, and there’s no shortage of things to see and do.
Some of the highlights in Milan include visiting the Duomo, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, taking in the art at the Pinacoteca di Brera, and exploring the castle complex known as Sforza Castle. You can also enjoy some world-class shopping on Via Montenapoleone or window shop at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
Just be warned that Milan can be quite overwhelming – it’s a big city with lots going on, and it definitely has a fast-paced feel. But if you’re looking for a day trip with a bit more action, then Milan is the perfect place to go.
Lake Garda
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, then head to Lake Garda for the day. This large lake in northern Italy is surrounded by picturesque towns, green hills, and vineyards, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Some of the highlights around Lake Garda include taking a cable car up Monte Baldor for stunning views, visiting the medieval town of Someone, or exploring one of the many vineyards in the area. You can also just enjoy some time swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing by the water.
Lake Garda is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, so it can get quite busy during peak season. However, it’s still a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
The Dolomites
If you love hiking and being in nature, then head to the Dolomites for a day trip from Verona. This mountainous region in northeast Italy is absolutely stunning, and it’s a great place to enjoy some time in the great outdoors.
There are plenty of hiking trails to explore in the Dolomites, and you can also go rock climbing, mountain biking, or even paragliding if you’re feeling adventurous. Or you can just admire the views from one of the many scenic lookout points.
The Dolomites are a great place to visit any time of year, but they’re especially beautiful in the winter when they’re covered in snow.
Bologna
Located about an hour and a half away from Verona by train, Bologna is another great option for a day trip. This lively city is known for its food (it’s often called “the food capital of Italy”), and it’s also home to one of the oldest universities in the world.
Some of the highlights in Bologna include exploring the historic center (which is full of medieval architecture), visiting the Church of San Petronius, and indulging in some delicious food. You can also enjoy some shopping on Via Zamboni or Via Rizzoli or take a walk through one of the many parks in the city.
Bologna is a great place to visit any time of year, but it’s especially nice in the spring when the weather is mild, and the flowers are in bloom.
Padua
Another great option for a day trip from Verona is Padua. This historic city is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, and it’s also full of beautiful Renaissance architecture.
Some can’t-miss experiences in Padua include visiting the Basilica of Sant’Antonio, exploring the Palazzo Della Region, and admiring the art at the Scrovegni Chapel. You can also take a walk through one of the many parks or gardens in the city or enjoy some shopping on Via Roma.
Conclusion
As impressive as this list of the best day trips from Verona is, it’s really only scratching the surface. The whole of northern Italy is waiting to be explored, with its beautiful historic cities, incredible scenery, and excellent food. So drop off your bags at a convenient luggage storage in Verona and see what this region offers.
