Do you want to visit one of Italy’s underrated destinations during your trip in 2025? Then spending a day in the charming city of Ancona is a a great start! Same as Rimini, Ancona nestles along the breathtaking Adriatic Coast in the east of Italy.

Ancona is the capital of the Province of Ancona. The Picentes tribe (ancient Italic people) first settled here from the 9th to 3rd century BC before the Greek took over around 387 BC. Later the Romans occupied Ancona as a naval station during the Illyrian War in 178 BC.

Today this city offers a mix of historic attractions, culture, stunning sea views, yummy food, and unique accommodations. This travel guide will show you how to make the most of your time during One Day in Ancona, Italy.

Ancona is also a popular port city, where you can easily hop on a cruise ship or ferry to Croatia or Albania.

Disclosure: I only recommend products that I’ve used in the past, and all opinions expressed in this post are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you use one of the links throughout the page to buy something, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

Walk along Spaggia del Passetto (Passetto Beach)

Address: Via Panoramica, 60123 Ancona AN, Italy

Without a doubt, one of Ancona’s most picturesque spots is Spaggia del Passetto. While there’s just a small sandy beach area, many locals come here for sunbathing, swimming, and the beautiful scenery. In fact, Passetto Beach is in the Top Ten of the most Beautiful City Beaches in Italy!

You can’t miss the rugged cliffs and Passetto Caves with their colourful doors here. They were built by local fishermen from the mid 19th century to the 1960’s to store fishing equipment and boats. Another highlight of Passetto Beach is an amazing rock formation called Seggiola del Papa (the Pope’s Chair).

You can either take an elevator or walk down a bunch of steps down to the scenic beach. If you’re walking, watch out for cute little lizards, who often like to run around on the rocks. If you’re lucky, they may even pose for a picture for a few seconds! 😀

Monumento ai Caduti (World War I Monument)

Address: Piazza IV Novembre, 60123 Ancona AN, Italy

The impressive World War I Monument is only a few steps from Passetto Beach. It was completed by the local architect Guido Cirilli in 1930 and was unveiled in 1932. The monument honours the soldiers who lost their lives during World War I.

The World War I Monument was built out of Istrian stone and has eight fluted columns. Its base features helmets and swords, which are symbols for defense and attack. A small altar lies in the middle of the monument as well.

If you look closely, you’ll find verses of the poem “All’Italia” by Giacomo Leopardi written on the monument. It’s a patriotic poem representing the Italian soul from the 1800s.

Finally, many people come here to celebrate the most important Italian holidays, such as Liberation Day (April 25) and Republic Day (June 2).

Hike Up to Cattedrale di San Ciriaco (Ancona Cathedral)

Address: Piazzale del Duomo, 9, 60121 Ancona AN, Italy

If you can’t get enough of historic landmarks, there’s no way to miss the beautiful Cattedrale di San Ciriaco. It sits proudly on Monte Guasco (Guasco Hill) and overlooks Ancona’s Old Town and port district. Its origins date back to the 6th century, but a new church was built here between 995 and 1015.

Bombings damaged Cattedrale di San Ciriaco during World War I and II, but it was rebuilt right after. It also had to be restored after an earthquake happened here in 1972.

Two marble lions guard this stunning Roman Catholic church that is known for its Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic elements. Besides, Cattedrale di San Ciriaco was built to honour Saint Cyriacus and is the seat of the Archbishop of Ancona.

While I worked up quite a sweat during the 20-minute hike up to Cattedrale di San Ciriaco, it was so rewarding to finally arrive at the top! I highly recommend wearing sturdy shoes and bringing a water bottle and sunscreen. Alternatively, you can take bus #11 from the city centre up to the cathedral.

Check out the Anfiteatro Romano ruins (Roman Amphitheatre)

Address: Via Birarelli Giuseppe, 3, 60121 Ancona AN, Italy

Another historical attraction of Ancona are the remains of the Roman Amphitheatre only a few minutes from Cattedrale di San Ciriaco. It was built between the 1st century BCE and the 1st century CE during the rule of Emperor Augustus.

Although not as well preserved as the Colosseum in Rome or the Verona Arena, the Roman Amphitheatre in Ancona is worth visiting. Back in Roman times, it was a place of the arts, but also a gladiatorial school.

The Roman amphitheatre was first discovered in 1810 and more parts of the theatre appeared during excavations in the 1930’s and after the Ancona earthquake in 1972.

As of February 2025, the Roman amphitheatre in Ancona is currently closed because of restorations. But you can still see it from the outside.

Stay at the Charming B&B Arts and Music

Address: Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi, 110, 60121 Ancona AN, Italy

If you’re an art lover spending the night in Ancona, staying at the B&B Arts and Music is a must! Pretty much everywhere you look, you’ll find some cool artsy or musical decor (I had to look twice sometimes to find them all 😉 )

For example, there’s a piano in the lobby, a gramophone, violin, paint tubes and drumsticks in a bowl in the breakfast room, and music-themed mugs! Each of the three rooms has a different art theme. Mine was the paint room with crayon-shaped bedside lamps, crayon clock, and a pillow with crayons on it!

I loved staying at the cozy B&B Arts and Music. It’s right in the city centre and I would have loved to meet the owners in person to compliment them on the effort they put into this place. They quickly responded to any questions though and the B&B was super quiet and clean.

I just wasn’t a fan of the packaged up breakfast in the morning, because it felt less personal. This didn’t match with the warm vibe of this place, in my opinion. But this wouldn’t stop me from staying at the B&B Arts and Music again! 😀

Try out Ancona’s versatile Restaurant scene

Ancona has tons of awesome restaurants and cafés to offer to locals and visitors.

Here are two places I ate meals during my time in Ancona:

Rosa Cremeria Food

Address: Corso Giuseppe Mazzini, 61, 60100 Ancona AN, Italy

Rosa Cremeria Food is right in Ancona’s city centre. While they are known in town for their ice cream, the menu also offers homemade pizza, pasta, seafood dishes, sandwiches, and burgers! They have some vegan and gluten-free options, too.

I really loved their Pizza Margarita Super (with buffalo cheese) and the service was quick and friendly. The prices were also very reasonable (many pizzas are less than 10 EUR)! Unfortunately, I was too full to try their ice cream this time!

Rosa Cremeria Food is open daily from 7 am to 12 am.

Zucchero a Velò Café

Address: Via Mario Torresi, 18, 60127 Ancona AN, Italy

If you’re into cycling and yummy veggie food, stop by Zucchero a Velò Café! The first thing I noticed was the awesome bike-themed decor inside this cute café!

It has a cafeteria with homemade sweet pastries and they serve savory dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! There’s a brunch on Saturdays and Sundays as well. Zucchero a Velò Café is open daily (except Mondays) from 10 am to 11 pm.

The menu features international cuisine, such as New York Cheesecake, Buddha bowls, vegan Chicken Nuggets, tapas, and more! I tried their vegan burrito, which is filled with broccoli, leeks, walnut cream, and chickpeas. While the fillings were quite unusual, it was very good and kept me full for a long time!

Wrap Up: One Day in Ancona, Italy

Whether you’re visiting Ancona for a day or spending the night, this charming city along the Adriatic Coast will surely knock your socks off on your Italy trip in 2025! It’s a great spot to escape tourist crowds and Ancona has many stunning and unique attractions to offer.

My favourite thing to do in Ancona is Passetto Beach, where I hung out for several hours, just walking around, sitting on the rocks, and watching the ocean. Climbing up one of small cliffs was a great workout and it was fun watching locals spending their free time here.

I also had a blast while hiking up the path to Ancona Cathedral and watching the city from the top of Monte Guasco. Staying at the cozy B&B Arts and Music and feasting on some tasty food at Rosa Cremeria and Zucchero a Velò Café were just another bonus.

Need more inspiration for your Italy trip? Then check out these posts:

The Ultimate Guide to 48 Hours in Venice, Italy

Why Joining a Cooking Class in Italy should be on your Travel Bucket List

Rome (Roma in Italian) is Italy’s capital and largest city. It’s in the Lazio region in central Italy. It’s one of the most historic cities in the world and the second most popular city to visit in Europe (after Paris). Rome is well liked by history buffs, couples, families, friend groups, and backpackers alike.

Rome was founded in 753 BC, but there’s archaeological proof that people had settled here since c. 1200 – 1000 BC. That’s why Rome is one of the oldest continuously occupied cities in Europe! Besides, Rome has been the home of the Catholic Church since The Middle Ages.

Rome is often called The Eternal City, and for good reason! Just think of the epic Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, but also a few hidden gems, like Curia di Pompeo (Curia of Pompey) and Terme di Caracalla (Baths of Caracalla), that have been here for centuries!

But Rome is also known for its art scene, museums, mouthwatering food, nightlife, and great shopping. In this 3 Days in Rome Travel Guide, I’ll share famous attractions and hidden gems to visit, as well as where to stay and great restaurants, so you can make the most out of your time!

Disclosure: I only recommend products that I’ve used in the past, and all opinions expressed in this post are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you use one of the links throughout the page to buy something, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

The Best Things to See and Do in Rome

Explore the Colosseum

Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

For many tourists, visiting Rome’s famous symbol, the Colosseum, is at the top of their to-do list. This epic landmark was completed in 80 AD, so it’s almost 2,000 years old! It could host more than 50,000 spectators, so it was the biggest amphitheatre in ancient Roman times.

Entertaining events back then were exotic animal shows, executions, dramatic plays, and gladiator fights (similar to the Arena in Verona)! The Colosseum was open for more than 500 years, with the last games happening in the 6th century.

The Colosseum from the outside and interior. Photo #2 is by Ben Lee on Unsplash.

With time, the Colosseum fell victim to lootings, earthquakes, and bomb attacks during World War II. But it still stands proudly today! Besides, it was used as a storehouse, church, cemetery, and even a castle in the past.

In 2007, the Colosseum was added to the list of The Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

While the lines to see the inside of the Colosseum are often crazy long, I heard it’s worth the wait! Admission for a self-guided tour into the Colosseum is 18 EUR and guided tours are available as well.

In the winter months, the Colosseum is open daily (except December 25th and January 1st) from 8:30 to 4:30 pm. In the spring and summer, it’s open until 7:15 pm.

Check Out Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain)

Address: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

Just a short walk further, you can’t miss another Rome landmark: The baroque Trevi Fountain, which is also Rome’s oldest fountain! It was designed by the Roman architect Nicola Salvi, and Giuseppe Pannini and others completed it in 1762.

Trevi Fountain stands for Rome’s important relationship with water. It was the ending spot of the aqueduct that brought water to ancient Rome from the countryside.

The beautifully carved sculptures include characters from Greek mythology and Roman history, e.g. the gods Oceanus and Triton, Agrippa, and Trivia. Besides, there’s a myth that if you throw a coin over your left shoulder in the fountain, you’re supposed to find your way back to Rome someday!

Trevi Fountain is very popular with tourists, especially couples, who often take a romantic photo in front of it. So similar to the Colosseum, it’s best to visit in the early morning for less crowds. There’s no charge to visit Trevi Fountain.

Get Lost in Trastevere

Looking for a more authentic Roman experience? Then spending time in vibrant Trastevere is a must! This former working-class, now artsy and alternative neighbourhood is known for its nightlife and restaurant scene. You can also book food and wine tours and not as many tourists come here.

While strolling on Trastevere’s cobblestone streets, I stumbled upon a bunch of cool things that I didn’t see anywhere else in Rome. For example, there was graffiti on pretty much every building, the awesome Radiation Records store, and tons of cool stickers on the door of a local bar!

If you like churches, Trastevere won’t let you down, either. You can’t miss the stunning Basilica di Santa Maria (Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, 00153 Roma RM, Italy), which was built in the 4th century AD. It is said to be the oldest Christian church in Rome.

Only a few minutes away, you can stock up at the Fresh Food market on Piazza di San Cosimato, which has been around since 900. It’s open Monday to Saturday from 6 am – 1:30 pm. Lastly, there are lots of performances on the streets of Trastevere in the warmer months and great shops!

Basilica di Santa Maria and a street in Trastevere. Photo #2 is courtesy of Alessandro Cossu on Wikimedia Commons.

Terme di Caracalla (Baths of Caracalla)

Address: Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

When I googled less touristy spots in Rome, Terme di Caracalla was one of the top recommended places. These are the ruins of ancient Rome’s largest public bathhouse complex, which was built in the 3rd century AD. It covered 11 hectares and could accommodate more than 2,500 guests!

The bathhouse was decorated with stunning mosaics, frescos and marble cladding, that still partially exist today. Terme di Caracalla had cold, warm and hot baths, sauna, pools, massage rooms, change rooms, receptions, and even libraries and brothels!

Sadly, the bathhouse couldn’t be used anymore in the 530’s after the Goths attacked Rome. This brought severe damage to the aqueducts that transported water to Terme di Caracalla. Afterwards, the bathhouse complex was left in ruins.

When I visited Terme di Caracalla in May 2024, there was a nice photography exhibit of the 35 most important photographers from the 20th and 21st century. What a great contrast to the Roman ruins! Italian operas happen here often in the summer as well.

Terme di Caracalla is open year-round (except Mondays, December 25th and January 1st) from 9 am to 4:30 pm (last entry at 3:30 pm). Admission for a self-guided tour is 10 EUR.

The Pantheon

Address: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Another Rome highlight you shouldn’t miss is The Pantheon. Built between 25 and 27 BC as a temple for 12 Roman gods, it’s the only building from Ancient Roman times that has never been affected by natural or man-made disasters.

Pope Boniface IV turned the Pantheon into a Christian church in 608 AD. Its exterior and interior are equally impressive. For example, inside the building, you’ll see the largest unreinforced dome ever built. 

The Pantheon from the outside and inside. Photo #2 is by Nicholas Martinelli on Unsplash.

The Renaissance painter and architect Raphael was so impressed by The Pantheon that he asked for his remains to be buried here after his passing in 1520.

Admission to get inside the Pantheon (plus an audio guide) is 15 EUR and a guided tour is 25.50 EUR. On every first Sunday of the month, entry to The Pantheon is free!

The Pantheon is open daily (except January 1st, August 15th, and December 25th) from 9 am to 7 pm (last entry at 6:45 pm).

The Spanish Steps

Address: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

The iconic Spanish Steps in Rome were built in Rococo style between 1723 and 1726. The 135 steps start at Piazza di Spagna square and take you up to the French monastery church Trinita dei Monti (completed in 1587). There are three terraces referring to the Holy Trinity.

Before climbing up the steps, check out the Fontana della Barcaccia (Fountain of the Ugly Boat). Its sculptor, Pietro Bernini, chose this unusual name because the Tiber river flooded this area in 1598 and an ugly little boat stranded here.

Once you arrive at the top of the stairs, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful view of Rome!

The Spanish Steps (Photo credit: Mike McBey on Wikimedia Commons) and the stunning Rome view!

Surprisingly, the French (under King Louis XII) commissioned the construction of the Spanish Steps. Besides, since the Spanish embassy was at Piazza di Spagna square in the 17th century, it was decided to call them the Spanish Steps.

In late April, Rome celebrates its anniversary, so the Spanish Steps are decorated with beautiful azalea flowers! There’s no fee to visit and climb up the Spanish Steps.

If you feel like going for a shopping tour after, there are plenty of stores in this area!

Curia di Pompeo (Curia of Pompey)

Address: Largo di Torre Argentina, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Another less touristy, but historically significant attraction in Rome is Curia di Pompeo. Opened in 55 BC, it was one of the a meeting halls for the Senate members of Rome. What makes this place so important? Well, this is where Julius Caesar was stabbed 23 times by a group of senators on March 15, 44 BC!

But that’s not all. Curia di Pompeo is also the home of four Roman temples and an old theatre, all dating back to the Roman Republic. After Caesar’s death, the site was closed and walled up, and some say it was set on fire later!

Fast forward to the 1930’s, Italian dictator Benito Mussolini ordered for Curia di Pompeo to be excavated. Soon after, many of Rome’s stray cats chose this abandoned, but safe spot for laying around, strolling, and enjoying the sun!

From 1930 to 1993, so-called gattare (cat ladies) took care of the stray cats at Curia di Pompeo. In 1993, Lia Dequel and Silvia Viviani decided to help one of these ladies who fed, spayed, and neutered the cats. It didn’t take too long until Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary was born!

Today this place is run by people taking care of the 130 cats and it’s the oldest cat shelter in Rome! Cat lovers are welcome to donate or adopt a cat at a distance, but it’s not allowed to feed them. Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary is open daily from 12 pm to 4:30 pm.

One of the cats enjoying the shade of one of the ruins of Curia di Pompeo.

Last but not least, who knows what Julius Caesar, who was scared of cats, would say that a cat sanctuary now stands where he died all these years ago? I guess we’ll never find out! 😛

Visit Basilica di San Pietro (St. Peter’s Basilica)

Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City

The last attraction in this guide is St. Peter’s Basilica in the independent state of Vatican City. The city of Rome surrounds the smallest city-state in the world, which gained its independence in 1929.

The current St. Peter’s Basilica was completed in 1626 to replace the Old St. Peter’s Basilica, which stood here from the 4th century and was torn down in the 16th century. As the home of the Pope, St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the holiest temples for Christendom and it’s one of the largest churches in the world!

Up to 20,000 people can be accommodated inside the Basilica. If you’d like to see St. Peter’s Basilica from the inside, please cover your shoulders and knees. There’s stunning art in here, too, e.g. The Pietà, a sculpture by Michelangelo.

St. Peter’s Basilica from the outside and inside. Photo #2 is credit of Gary Todd at Wikimedia Commons.

Visitors can also climb to the top of the dome, that inspired the design of other buildings, like the Capitol in Washington D.C. Besides, there’s a great view of St. Peter’s Square from the dome, as well as a part of Rome if it’s a clear day!

St. Peter’s Basilica is open year-round from 7 am to 7:10 pm and it’s free to visit. There’s a fee to visit the dome though, which is open from 7:30 to 5 pm (in winter) or 6 pm (in summer). You can climb up all 551 steps to the top (at 8 EUR) or take an elevator to the terrace and go up the remaining 320 steps (at 10 EUR).

Where to Stay in Rome

Same as other big European cities, Rome has accommodation options for any kind of budget.

I booked a dorm bed at Alessandro Palace & Bar Hostel (Via Vicenza, 42, 00185 Roma RM, Italy), which is pretty close to public transit, restaurants, bars, etc.

The dorm room was very clean and spacious and the staff was helpful as well. I also liked that it’s only 10 minutes walk from Rome’s Termini Station (the main train station). The bar sounds pretty cool, too, with karaoke, Italian Pizza Nights, Happy Hour, and Beer Pong!

But I didn’t like that there was no breakfast at the hostel and that I had to pay a fee for leaving my luggage in their storage room after check out. This was the only place in Italy where this happened though, so I’d give Alessandro Palace & Bar Hostel another chance. 🙂

Where to Eat & Drink in Rome

Of course, Rome also has tons of restaurants to choose from, and there are great vegan and vegetarian options! Here are my favourites:

Aromaticus Bistro Trastevere

Address: Via Natale del Grande, 6/7, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Looking for a great vegan lunch spot while wandering around Trastevere? Then I suggest checking out the rather small, but very cozy and stylish Aromaticus Bistro. The vibe is super nice, with green painted walls, and healthy food, fresh juices, smoothies, and dessert on the menu.

A few examples are vegan burgers, tempeh wrap, cheesecake, rice bowls, and soba noodles. I tried their Red Velvet Smoothie, Falafel Plate with lettuce and hummus, and an Oat Cookie. It was quite busy, so the food took a bit to arrive, but it was so yummy! Especially the falafel were super crispy!

Aromaticus Bistro Trastevere is open daily (except Mondays) from 12 pm to 11 pm.

Flower Burger Roma

Address: Via dei Gracchi, 87, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Only a short walk from Vatican City, trendy Flower Burger is perfect for travelers looking to try something different on their trip! There are two other locations of this restaurant chain in Rome.

They’re famous for their many colourful vegan burgers (green, purple, pink, yellow, grey, etc.)! The decor is very unique as well, and it’s obvious that lots of love and passion was put into this place! I went for the Cherry Bomb Burger with edamame beans on the side, and it was great!

This Flower Burger location is open daily from 12 pm to 3 pm and 7 pm to 10 pm (until 10:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays).

Romeow Cat Bistrot

Address: Via Francesco Negri, 15, 00154 Roma RM, Italy

For a yummy vegan breakfast and making friends with a few cats (la dolce vita, literally!) check out Romeow Cat Bistrot. This is Rome’s first cat café and the vibe is super cozy and chill, with Jazz music playing in the background!

The cats have tons of hiding spots at this rather minimalist café. There’s also a second floor for the guests and cats to relax with couches, pillows, and books. Besides, you can let off steam by adding some colour to the colouring books on the tables. What a great pastime while waiting for your food!

I tried their Chocolate Smoothie and Pancakes, which were a perfect start to my day! Most of the kitties were sleeping, but it was nice watching them snooze and spending time at this place for a bit.

Romeow Cat Bistrot is open Wednesdays from 10 am to 11:45 am and 1 pm to 2:30 pm, and 10 am to 11:30 and 1 pm to 2:30 pm from Thursday-Sunday. It’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Strada Romana Restaurant

Address: Via Vicenza, 19, 00185 Roma RM, Italy

Right across from Alessandro Palace & Bar Hostel, Strada Romana is a traditional Roman restaurant and super convenient to go to after a long day of exploring Rome!

Their menu features meat and fish dishes, but also salads, vegetarian pasta, desserts, and local wines! I tried their homemade ravioli filled with ricotta cheese and spinach in tomato sauce. It was very tasty and they have an English menu as well.

Strada Romana is open daily from 5 pm to 10:30 pm.

How to Get to and Around Rome

As one of Europe’s top tourist destinations, Rome has a great public transit network. You can choose between buses, metro (subway), urban railways, and trams that go all over the city. The metro is the fastest option and it stops very close to many attractions (e.g. the Colosseum).

Buses go to areas not covered by the metro, but are slower because of constant traffic jams in Rome. Trams are good, but carry less passengers than the metro. Besides, there’s the Rome Sightseeing Bus, taxis and Ubers, but taxis are insanely expensive, so I’d avoid them.

Driving in Rome is also not recommended because of crazy traffic. Instead, some people like to rent bikes (there are bike lanes) or explore Rome on foot, either independently or as part of a walking tour.

Rome Fiumicino “Leonardo da Vinci” International Airport is the busiest airport in Italy. Of course, Trenitalia trains go to/from Rome as well (Termini Station is the main station). I booked Flixbus from Pescara to Rome, which was quite cheap and it only took about 2.5 hours!

How to Stay Safe in Rome

Overall, Rome is considered a safe city. Still, I’d recommend to keep your valuables out of sight, as pickpocketing is quite common. Thieves are often active around tourist attractions, like the Colosseum and St. Peter’s Square.

Scammers can be found in Rome as well. So make sure to not buy skip-the-line tickets from unofficial tickets offices. I also saw tons of street vendors trying to sell packages to tourists near the Colosseum, as well as others trying to sell roses by the Spanish Steps. Just ignore them and they won’t chase you.

As a female solo traveler, I felt generally safe in Rome. But to be on the safe side, I wore a money belt when visiting crowded spots.

The Best Time to Visit Rome

Similar to other destinations in Italy, the most popular time to visit Rome is in the summer months (June to August). While this is when the weather is mostly great, it can get incredibly hot. So it’s best to get up early to visit Rome’s hotspots to avoid the heat and crowds.

In my opinion, it’s better to visit Rome in the shoulder season (April-May and September-October). While it was busy at famous tourist attractions when I was there in late May 2024, I think it’s much worse in the summer. I also liked the warm, but not hot temperatures (20 to 25C/68 to 77F).

Although winter (November-March) is the quieter time of the year, there are still fun events going on in Rome, like Carnival in February and Epiphany in January. So whenever you decide to visit Rome, you can be sure to have a blast! 🙂

Is Rome an Expensive City?

Yes, Rome is known as one of the most expensive cities in Southern Europe. That being said, it’s not difficult to visit on a budget!

While staying at Alessandro Palace & Bar Hostel was more expensive than other hostels in Italy, it was still cheaper than many hostels in Vancouver or Toronto, lol! It also has a kitchen for cooking your own meals. Accommodation costs go up in the summer months though.

Costs for public transit and restaurant meals were affordable (a 72-hour ticket is 18 EUR), although I noticed that fish or meat entrées are often more expensive than vegetarian or vegan dishes.

Many of the attractions I visited were free as well. But if you plan on entering some, like the Colosseum or Pantheon, there’s an entrance fee.

Conclusion: Is Visiting Rome for 3 Days enough?

Well, if it’s your first time visiting Rome, then yes, 3 days is a good timeframe. You’ll have time to cover many of its highlights, including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps, but also a few lesser known spots, like Curia of Pompey and the Baths of Caracalla.

But of course, it’s impossible to visit all of Rome’s amazing sites in such a short time. So if you’d like to see more of this charming city, it’s always a good idea to go back someday. I mean, the saying “All roads lead to Rome” does exist for a reason, lol! 😉

Spending more time in Italy? Then check out these posts:

The Ultimate Guide to 48 Hours in Venice, Italy

The 11 Best Things to Do in Verona, Italy in One Day

Why Joining a Cooking Class in Italy should be on your Travel Bucket List

One reason why many travelers come to Italy is the food, and I’m no exception. Ever since reading “Eat, Pray, Love” by Liz Gilbert, I had been dreaming of stuffing my face with yummy food at an authentic Italian restaurant in Italy.

This dream came true when I finally traveled around Italy in May 2024. As I’d hoped, the food at all the restaurants in Italy I went to was really good!

Soon, as a passionate amateur chef, I decided to dive even deeper into Italian cuisine. That’s why I booked a cooking class in Italy through Get Your Guide at Pastamania Culinary School in Rome. 

So if you’re thinking about Joining a Cooking Class in Italy to make your trip even more unforgettable, I’d say “Go for it!” Especially in Rome, Venice, or Florence, where crowds are in lots of places, this fun adventure is different from typical tourist activities!

Whether your favourite Italian food is pasta, pizza, tiramisu, or gelato, the many cooking classes all over Italy surely won’t disappoint you. You may learn some new skills to use at home and impress your loved ones! So without further ado, let’s get started!

Disclosure: I only recommend products that I’ve used in the past, and all opinions expressed in this post are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you use one of the links throughout the page to buy something, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

Step 1: Welcome to Pastamania Culinary School

Address: Via della Gatta, 14, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Our group of eleven people met in front of the Pastamania Culinary School about ten minutes before the cooking class. Then we followed Chef Ricardo, our instructor, upstairs, and everyone grabbed a seat at a long table.

After putting on a red apron and introducing ourselves, it was time to start making homemade pasta!

Step 2: Kneading and Rolling the Pasta dough

First we prepared the pasta dough by beating one medium egg and 3/4 cup (100 grams) of Italian 00 wheat flour with a fork in a metal bowl until well combined.

Next, we used our fingers to knead the dough for about 10 minutes. This “workout” is necessary to develop the gluten in the flour. It makes sure that the pasta comes out springy and al dente instead of flabby and soft when cooked!

Then we cut the dough in half and rolled the pasta dough with a rolling pin into a paper thin circular shape.

Step 3: Making fresh Fettuccine

Now it was time to prepare our first kind of pasta: Fettuccine. While there are different ways to make pasta strands, we used a traditional Italian pasta cutter called Chitarra (Pasta guitar). What’s special about this tool?

Well, it’s a frame strung with music wire where you put the pasta dough to be separated into thin strands. Then roll across the dough with a rolling pin, which pushes the pasta through the strings! Or if not all of them go through, just play a chord on the strings, and the pasta will fall down! 😀

Finally, Chef Ricardo reminded us to proudly show our finished fettuccine by holding them on the rolling pin!

Then we covered and set the finished fettuccine pasta aside.

Step 4: Cutting and filling Ravioli & Cappelletti

Next, we rolled out the rest of the dough to make Ravioli and Cappelletti pasta. Cappelletti is a ring-shaped filled pasta that looks a bit similar to tortellini, but it’s bigger and the dough is thicker.

We cut out the pasta with a ravioli cutter and filled them with a prepared mixture of fresh ricotta, Italian Parmigiano cheese, nutmeg, and truffle oil. Doing this was a lot easier while chatting with each other and enjoying some organic Dalle Nostre Mani wine from Tuscany, lol!

Although my ravioli and cappelletti were not the prettiest, I was quite happy with the result!

Step 5: Chef Ricardo is Cooking the Pasta

Now the fettuccine, ravioli, and cappelletti were ready to be cooked! Unlike dry pasta, fresh pasta is often al dente after just three or four minutes.

We eagerly watched Chef Ricardo as he mixed the cooked fettuccine with a tomato sauce (which took two hours to cook beforehand) and the ravioli and cappelletti with a simple sauce of butter and fresh sage.

Soon after, our instructor made everyone’s pasta dish look fancy (after all, food is supposed to be a treat for the palate and the eyes), and set the plates in front of us!

Step 6: Buon Appetito!

After all this work, it felt great to finally dig into the pasta we made! Man, it was so yummy, especially after topping it with more Parmigiano cheese!

While the fettuccine with tomato sauce was good, my favourite was the Ravioli and Cappelletti in the butter and sage sauce. The blend of ingredients matched perfectly and I was amazed how simple it is to create such a tasty Italian meal!

Last but not Least: Dessert and Limoncello

Of course, you can’t finish a traditional Italian meal without a dessert and a digestif!

Chef Ricardo served us a dessert called Salame al Cioccolato. It means Chocolate Salami, because it looks like a salami sausage before you cut it! It’s a popular no-bake Italian dessert, which consists of eggs, white sugar, biscotti, butter, and cocoa!

Last but not least, we drank a shot of Limoncello, which is an Italian lemon liqueur from Southern Italy, especially around the Gulf of Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and Sicily. What a perfect and delicious end to this fun Italian cooking class!

Now it was time to say arrivederci to Chef Ricardo and my fellow cooking classmates. It looked like everyone was happy with what they learnt and their cooking results, so we all agreed that it was a successful class!

We also got a thin recipe booklet of the meals we cooked!

What Did I learn from this Pasta Cooking Class?

I learnt quite a few things from the Pasta cooking class at Pastamania. First of all, I had no idea that it takes so much effort to make homemade pasta, especially kneading the dough in the beginning! But of course, it was so worth it. 😛

I also learnt that Italians don’t break long pasta (like fettuccine) before cooking, because it’s disrespectful to the tradition and history of Italian food. Besides, breaking pasta might affect the way the sauce adheres to the pasta, which changes the texture and overall eating experience!

Who is this Cooking Class not Suitable for?

Unfortunately, this awesome cooking class at Pastamania Culinary School is not for everyone.

First of all, the recipes use butter and eggs, so it’s not for vegans. But there are vegan cooking classes available in Tuscany, just outside of Florence, for example.

Besides, wheat flour is used for the pasta dough, so this class is also not suitable for people with gluten intolerance.

Lastly, since we had to go up several stairs to the classroom, wheelchair users or people with limited mobility cannot join this class, unfortunately.

Final Thoughts on joining a Cooking Class in Italy

So why should Joining a Cooking Class in Italy be on your Travel Bucket list? Well, you’ll cook like a local Italian, and may learn some new skills that will surely impress your loved ones back home! 😀 Besides, not every tourist in Italy does this, so it’s a nice break from the crowds.

The Pasta Making class at Pastamania Culinary School was one of my favourite experiences in Italy. I still think about the workout for making the dough and the yummy Ravioli and Cappelletti with the butter and sage sauce after all this time!

It was also fun to get to know the people in our group and learn about their trip to Italy! Chef Ricardo was very knowledgeable and funny, too! For example, he promised that he won’t yell at us like Gordon Ramsey if we make a mistake, lol! So it was a very easy going vibe during the class.

This hands-on and enriching workshop took about three hours. I can’t wait to go back to Italy and join another Cooking Class someday (maybe for making Italian pizza?) 😀

Traveling around Italy for a while? Then check out these posts:

The Ultimate Guide to 48 Hours in Venice, Italy

The 11 Best Things to Do in Verona, Italy in One Day

Is Rimini, Italy Worth a Visit?

Venice (Venezia in Italian) is the capital of the Veneto region in the Northeast of Italy. It sits on an archipelago of 118 small islands inside the Venetian Lagoon. These are separated by 177 canals and connected by over 400 bridges.

The ancient Veneti people were the first to live in the Venice region from the 10th century BC. Venice has been a wealthy city for most of its existence, especially during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. It was an important centre for art, finance, and international trade. Venice was also the capital of the sovereign state of the Venetian Republic from 697 until 1797.

Today Venice is one of Italy’s hotspots because of its iconic canals, stunning architecture and culture, narrow streets, art, festivals, unique islands, and romantic atmosphere. Venice is popular with couples, cruise tourists, families, and solo travelers alike.

I visited this charismatic city in May 2024 and I’m psyched to share my experience on How to Spend 48 Hours in Venice, Italy with you!

Disclosure: I only recommend products that I’ve used in the past, and all opinions expressed in this post are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you use one of the links throughout the page to buy something, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

Things to See and Do in Venice

Visit Basilica di San Marco (St. Mark’s Basilica)

Address: Piazza San Marco, 328, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy

One of Venice’s most popular attractions, the legendary Basilica di San Marco was built to honour Saint Mark, the patron saint of Venice. His remains are here as well. It sits proudly on Piazza San Marco and the current basilica was completed in 1063.

Basilica di San Marco was also built to represent the power of the Venetian Republic. In fact, it’s One of the most Beautiful Cathedrals in Europe! Basilica di San Marco is famous for its domes and spires, as well as 11th-century mosaics, marble-covered walls, statues, and five gold-covered Byzantine domes.

West Façade of St. Mark’s Basilica at Night (Photo credit: Zairon on Wikimedia Commons) and the interior of St. Mark’s Basilica.

To see the cathedral from the inside, I recommend buying a Skip the line ticket starting at 6 EUR per person. Standard tickets are 3 EUR per person, but there’s a very good chance you’ll have to wait in line for a long time!

Basilica di San Marco is open daily from 9:30 am to 9:15 pm until November 11, 2024, and 9:30 am to 7:15 pm during the winter months.

Walk around Piazza di San Marco (St. Mark’s Square)

Stunning Piazza di San Marco is Venice’s largest and most famous public square. It has belonged to the city since the 9th century and is the lowest point of Venice. So if there’s Acqua Alta (flooding which occurs several times a year), Piazza di San Marco is the first spot to be flooded.

If this happens, authorities put up wooden foot bridges for everyone, so it’s still possible to visit!

Aside from Basilica di Marco and its iconic bell tower, this square is home to the Doge’s Palace, Museo Correr, St. Mark Column, the National Archaeological Museum, and Torre dell’ Orologio (Clock Tower). The St. Mark’s Square Museum Pass includes entry to some of these places.

Piazza di San Marco is also beautiful at nighttime in the warmer months, when there are tons of live music performances. Visitors can also take a break at one of the (expensive) cafés and restaurants here.

Spend a Few Hours on Murano Island

Another must visit attraction in Venice is Murano. It’s a series of islands in the Venetian Lagoon, about 1.5 km (0.93 miles) north of the city centre. Murano is famous for its Unique Glassware, which has been created here for many centuries (that’s why it’s also called The Glass Island).

If you’re visiting Murano, be sure to stop by at least one of the local Glassblowing Factories.

I walked around the Wave Murano Glass Factory (Fondamenta da Mula 152, 30141 Murano, Venezia VE, Italy) for a bit. I was amazed how quickly the workers turned the hot glass into unique artwork. Besides, you cannot miss the beautiful finished glassware inside the courtyard and gift shop!

Visitors can also book a Glassblowing Beginner Class or a Guided Factory Tour here.

Since Murano is so famous, the centre gets quite busy with tourists. You’ll find one souvenir shop next to the other, and sadly, many glass pieces are quite expensive.

But there are a few exceptions, like four tiny glass animals (a rat, bird, dog, and penguin) that I snatched at one of the stores for only 10 EUR!

My glass rat and view from one of Murano’s bridges.

Of course, Murano Island has lots of tasty gelato, restaurants and cozy cafés as well!

The best way to get from Venice to Murano is to take the vaporetto (waterbus) lines 41, 42, DM, or LN (about 50 minutes).

Wander around on Burano Island

If you’re on the vaporetto already, it’s a good idea to stop by Burano as well! The main attraction of this charming island are the many brightly coloured houses. But there’s the Museo del Merletto (lace museum), many seafood restaurants, and local art galleries and shops, too.

According to legend, fishermen lived on Burano and painted their houses in such bright colours so they could see them while being out on the water for fishing. Farmers and lace workers lived here as well. About 3,000 people live on Burano Island today.

I was amazed that rough-looking houses stood right next to newly painted houses and the outside décor (e.g. plants, bicycles, window shutters, and clothes lines) added even more charm! I also like that Burano has a leaning bell tower, so it was okay that Pisa wasn’t on my itinerary this time, lol!

Explore The Jewish Ghetto

Address: Campo del Ghetto Nuovo, C. del Magazzen, 2882, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy

During your Venice visit, be sure to save a few hours to explore The Jewish Ghetto. From 1516 to 1797, the Jews of Venice were forced to live here in separation from the rest of the city. It’s Italy’s oldest ghetto.

Mostly German and Italian Jews, but also some Levantine and Ponentine families lived in The Jewish Ghetto. They were only allowed to leave their houses during the day, and were locked up and strictly guarded at night. 1,626 inhabitants lived here when the Jewish Ghetto discrimination ended in 1797.

Today visitors can look at five synagogues and some are open to the public. Besides, watch out for Stolpersteine (stumbling blocks), small concrete cubes with a brass plate mentioning the name and life dates of victims of the Nazi regime who lived in this district.

Visitors need to pay a fee of 12 EUR at the Ticket Office to tour the Jewish Ghetto independently, which includes a free audio guide. Guided tours of the Jewish Ghetto (in Italian or English) can be booked several times a day as well.

The Jewish Ghetto Complex is open Sunday-Thursday from 10 am to 6 pm and Fridays from 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays) until November 4th, 2024.

There are art galleries, kosher restaurants, shops, and museums inside the Jewish Ghetto, too.

Walk along or Take a boat on The Grand Canal

While in Venice, it’s impossible to miss The Grand Canal. At 4 km (2.48 miles) long, it’s Venice longest and most famous canal. It also separates one half of the city centre from the other.

There are four bridges crossing The Grand Canal:

Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge): Venice’s most charming and oldest bridge that consists of Istrian stone. The current version of this bridge was completed in 1591.

Ponte dell’ Accademia (Accademia Bridge): Built in 1854, this used to be a steel bridge. It was turned into a wooden bridge later.

Ponte degli Scalzi (Bridge of the Barefoot) is the closest bridge to Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia, Venice’s central train station.

Ponte della Costituzione (Constitution Bridge). Venice’s most famous bridge was designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. It was only opened in 2008.

I walked across the last two bridges after first arriving at the train station and then moving on to the bus station to get to my accommodation.

Of course, you can also cross The Grand Canal via vaporetto or get comfortable inside one of the iconic traghetti (gondolas)! Visitors can book shared or private Gondola Tours on The Grand Canal through various tour operators.

Where to Stay in Venice

While on a trip, I think it’s a great idea to experience at least once how the locals live!

That’s why I decided to stay at Casa Giorgia (10 Via Passo del Giovo, 30173 Mestre, Italy)! If you like peace and quiet, this charming and bright 1-bedroom apartment will have you covered. It’s inside a beautiful and safe residential area, has laundry facilities, a full kitchen, and everything was spotless!

Besides, my host responded quickly to any questions, and the place was quite budget-friendly, too! Trams and buses take you to the city centre in 30-40 minutes. Casa Giorgia is in Mestre, one of Venice’s boroughs on the mainland.

Or if you prefer to live like a local close to Venice’s city centre, Casa Camilla (Corte Zappa, 2820, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy) is a great choice! This spacious 1-bedroom apartment inside an older Venetian house with a terrace and full kitchen is just a short walk from stores, cafés, restaurants, and Rialto Bridge.

Where to Eat & Drink in Venice

Like any other big Italian city, Venice has tons of restaurant options for every taste and budget.

Here are my favourites:

Movie Pizzeria Pub Spaghetteria

Address: Via S. Donà, 287/D, 30174 Venezia VE, Italy

While this restaurant doesn’t look super fancy from the outside, I decided to try it because of its great reviews on Google.

Not only was the staff super kind, the prices were quite reasonable and the portions were huge! I also loved the classic movie posters on the wall! Their Pesto alla Genovese was so creamy, OMG! So if Phoebe from Friends would ask me “Is their Pesto the Besto?” My answer would be “Hell yeah!”

So I’m glad that I gave Movie Pizzeria Pub Spaghetteria a chance. They also serve so-called movie pizzas, which I didn’t see anywhere else in Italy!

Pizzeria Ristorante Al Faro

Address: Cl. Ghetto Vecchio, 1181, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy

Getting hungry while exploring the Jewish Ghetto? Then I recommend checking out Pizzeria Ristorante Al Faro. They serve classic Italian food (antipasti, pasta dishes, pizza, seafood, etc.), and their multilingual menu is very handy!

I ordered their tasty and super fresh Pomodoro e Basilico Bruschetta (Tomato and Basil on toasted bread) and it kept me full for a long time! After the meal, the nice waiter even allowed me to sit on their covered outside chairs until the rain had stopped!

Aside from eating at these restaurants, I got groceries from Prix Quality (Via Ugo Vallenari, 31, 30173 Venezia VE, Italy), a large supermarket close to my apartment. Then I cooked a few yummy meals which saved me quite a bit of cash! 😀

How to Get to and Around Venice on Public Transit

For visitors who depend on public transit, getting to and around Venice is pretty easy.

International and domestic trains go to Venice’s Stazione Santa Lucia several times a day. It’s right inside the city centre, so it’s easy to get to your destination after you’ve arrived.

Venice also has two nearby airports that serve flights from/to domestic, European, and international destinations: Venice Marco Polo International Airport and Venice-Treviso Airport. The Alilaguna company offers waterbus transport from Marco Polo Airport to the city centre and vice-versa.

Some cruise ships still go to Venice as well.

In the city centre, the only options to get around are walking, taking a vaporetto, gondola, or an (expensive) private water taxi. Walking tours are available, too. Cars are not allowed here. Venice is also quite spread out, so it can take a bit of time on the boats to get to your destination.

If you need to get to the mainland, there are buses and trams available from the city centre. Many of them stop at Piazzale Roma, which is just a short walk from Santa Lucia train station.

Is Venice a Safe City?

In general, Venice is a mostly safe city to travel and walk around.

But same as in other popular European cities, it’s important to watch out for pickpockets and petty theft, which can happen in very touristy areas (e.g. at Piazza di San Marco). So keep an eye on your luggage and don’t flash your valuables, either.

As a solo female traveler, I didn’t have any issues during my Venice visit. I wore my valuables (e.g. phone, passport, and wallet) next to my body and hid them very well.

The Best Time to Go to Venice

Venice is packed with tourists and temperatures can get quite hot during the summer months. Besides, prices are its most expensive, so I’d avoid visiting Venice at this time.

Instead, visiting Venice in the spring is much better. It’s not as busy with tourist crowds and temperatures are more bearable. There are festivals as well, e.g. the Vogalonga in May, which is a 30 km (18 mile) rowing competition around the Venetian Lagoon. Participants can use kayaks, canoes, dragon boats, gondolas, stand-up paddleboards, etc.!

Venice is also nice and a bit less crowded in the fall and winter, but acqua alta (flooding) can happen during this time of the year. The only time when it’s crazy busy is in February/early March because of the colourful Carnival of Venice.

Pic #1: Rowers going around the Venice canals during Vogalonga. Pic #2: Venice Carnival. Photo credit: Norbert Ulrich on Pexels.

Other Things to Keep in Mind when Visiting Venice

As one of Italy’s most popular cities, Venice is quite expensive. For example, my jaw went slack when I saw the price for using public washrooms in the city centre: 1.50 EUR! That’s the highest I’d ever seen in Europe! So be prepared for high prices and remember to bring some coins, lol!

Unfortunately, overtourism has been a big issue in Venice for several years. Only 50,000 locals live here permanently, but around 20 million tourists come to Venice each year! Many of them are daytrippers from a cruise ship, so the government banned many large ships from entering the city in 2017 and 2021.

Besides, property prices are crazy high, and many owners turn them into holiday accommodations, so there’s less room for locals. Some tourists also act disrespectful during their visit, such as by swimming in the canals or having a picnic on the bridges.

So a Tourist daytrip fee of 5 EUR was implemented for Venice’s city centre in late April 2024. It was valid during peak dates from late April to July 2024. Only time will tell if this helped control the tourist crowds, and who knows if it will be renewed in the future?

48 Hours in Venice, Italy: Wrap Up

So as you can see, there are tons of fun things to see and do in 48 Hours in Venice, Italy! My favourites were Burano and Murano Island, as well as the Jewish Ghetto, as they are such unique attractions!

While it was quite busy with tourists during my visit, I noticed that most people stick to certain areas. So it was relatively easy to escape the crowds and appreciate what makes Venice and its surroundings so special.

Empty side streets in Venice’s city centre and on Murano Island.

With Venice offering so many awesome attractions, I was only able to scratch the surface this time. But if you need more inspiration, Nomadic Matt’s Travel Guide tells you about many more cool things to see and do in Venice!

Traveling around Italy for a while? Then check out these posts:

The 11 Best Things to Do in Verona, Italy in One Day

Is Rimini, Italy Worth a Visit?

Verona is the second largest city in the Veneto region in northeastern Italy. Its nickname is “The City of Love”, thanks to Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”, which is set in this beautiful city.

The Romans first arrived in the Veneto region in 300 BC and Verona became a Roman colonia (settlement) in 89 BC. 

In this guide, I’ve picked out the 11 Best Things to Do in Verona, Italy in One Day. It features historic and literary hotspots, cobblestone streets and charming Mediterranean buildings, and of course, mouthwatering Italian food!

I believe that visiting these top sights will make you fall in love with Verona! So without further ado, let’s get started 😀

Disclosure: I only recommend products that I’ve used in the past, and all opinions expressed in this post are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you use one of the links throughout the page to buy something, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

Arena di Verona (Verona Arena)

Address: Piazza Brà, 1, 37121 Verona VR, Italy

Arena di Verona is a Roman amphitheater in the heart of the city which dates back to 30 AD. It consists of pink and white limestone. In ancient times, up to 30,000 visitors could watch gladiator fights and other events here! Besides, it’s one of the best preserved ancient structures and the third largest arena in Italy.

While smaller, Arena di Verona is less crowded, older, and more complete than the Colosseum in Rome, and just as breathtaking! It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

These days, Arena di Verona has a philharmonic theatre and often hosts concerts and opera performances under an open roof. The Arena di Verona Opera Festival lasts from 7th June to 7th September, 2024 and is supposed to be one of the best in the world!

The Arena di Verona. Photo #1 is by Claconvr and Photo #2 is by 66colpi on Wikimedia Commons.

Visitors can go inside Arena di Verona to see what life was like all those years ago. As one of Verona’s main landmarks, it’s highly recommended to buy tickets online before you visit. Guided tours are available as well.

Arena di Verona stands on Piazza Brà, where you can have a caffè or food at one of the outside cafés and restaurants! There’s also markets, shops, and a green space to relax in. Since this is a touristy area, be sure to expect higher prices than in other parts of Verona.

Left: Piazza Brà (Photo credit: dconvertini on Wikimedia Commons). Right: Green space and fountain by Piazza Brà.

Arena di Verona is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 9 am to 7 pm, unless a performance is scheduled that day. It’s partially accessible for visitors with reduced mobility. Visit Verona has more details on this.

Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House)

Address: Via Cappello, 23, 37121 Verona VR, Italy

Casa di Giulietta is the main reason why tourists come to Verona, as this is where Giulietta (Juliet) lived in William Shakespeare’s famous play. In fact, the Gothic-style house has been standing in Verona since the 13th century and was the home of the Dal Cappello family for a long time.

Visitors can enter the courtyard of the house and look at the Juliet Statue and Juliet’s balcony at no cost. There’s also a wall next to the courtyard where visitors can check out many love notes!

It’s possible to go inside, too (at a fee of 6 EUR), stand on the balcony and look at Veronese frescoes and 19th century paintings showing love moments of the iconic couple. There’s also a desk where you can write a love letter to Juliet and check out some costumes used in the Romeo and Juliet movie from 1968.

Juliet’s Balcony and the Juliet Statue. Photo #2 is by World of Magic on Unsplash.

If you decide to go into Juliet’s House, it’s mandatory to buy a ticket online before your visit. Juliet’s House and the courtyard are open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 7 pm. Only the courtyard area is accessible for wheelchair users.

Just a short walk from Casa Giulietta is Casa di Romeo (Romeo’s House) (Via Arche Scaligere, 3a, 37121 Verona VR, Italy), that was also built in the 13th century. Today the house is privately owned, so visitors are not allowed to enter. But you can marvel at its outside Gothic façade and read about the tragic end of Romeo and Juliet’s love story on the information board.

Castelvecchio & Castelvecchio Museum

Address: Corso Castelvecchio, 2, 37121 Verona VR, Italy

The breathtaking Castelvecchio (Italian: “Old Castle”) is a historic fortress that was completed in the 14th century by the ruling Della Scala family. It sits inside Verona’s Old Town district and consists mostly of red bricks. Castelvecchio was the most important military structure of the Della Scala dynasty.

The square castle complex has seven towers and a super elevated keep with four main buildings. Besides, it is one most significant examples of Gothic architecture of the Middle Ages. Another unique feature of Castelvecchio are the M-shaped merlons next to its walls.

In 1797, Verona was occupied by Napoleon and soon after by the Austrians, who turned Castelvecchio into a barracks. It was restored in 1923 and again between 1963 and 1965.

Later, in 1925, Castelvecchio was transformed into Castelvecchio Museum. Here visitors can admire an impressive medieval and Renaissance collection from the 14th to the 18th century. The highlight is the gorgeous artwork by Veronese, Italian, and international painters.

Moveover, you can look at fabrics and weapons from the Lombard era. Castelvecchio Museum also features sculptures, coins, medals, furniture, and drawings! But the most iconic artifact is the 14th century Cangrande I della Scala statue sitting on a horse.

Castelvecchio Museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 am to 6 pm (last entry is at 5:15 pm). It’s 6 EUR to enter the museum and walking around the castle complex, including Ponte Scaligero, is free of charge!

Here’s a video about Castelvecchio Museum by Inside Verona:

Walk across Ponte Scaligero & Adige River

Address: Corso Castelvecchio, 2, 37121 Verona VR, Italy

Next, keep walking to the picturesque Ponte Scaligero (Scaligero Bridge), which crosses the Adige River, and was also built in the 14th century. Cangrande II della Scala, the Lord of Verona, needed it as a safe escape way in case the local population would rebel against his tyrannical rule.

The upper part of Ponte Scaligero consists of red bricks and the lower part of white marble. It is 120 meters (393 ft) long and the best part, in my opinion, is that visitors can walk up the stairs and look at Adige river through the many M-shaped merlons!

Retreating German troops completely destroyed Ponte Scaligero on April 24, 1945. But fortunately, the bridge was quickly restored to its original look (except for the left tower) in 1951.

Next, take a break in the beautiful gardens and park areas along Adige river for a while. This is a great spot to recover from the hoards of tourists as well. Or if you need more excitement, check out one of the nice walking/hiking trails next to the riverbanks!

Walk Through Arco dei Gavi

Address: Corso Cavour, 2, 37121 Verona VR, Italy

Just a few steps from Castelvecchio, you can’t miss Arco dei Gavi. This stunning Roman arch consists of white marble and was commissioned by the wealthy Gavi family and the architect L. Vitruvius Cerdo built it in the 1st century AD.

In the beginning, Arco dei Gavi stood on Via Postumia, just outside of Verona. It used to be one of the major gateways to the city.

Sadly, in 1805, French military engineers tore down the arch, but it was reassembled (true to the original) in 1932 and has been standing next to Castelvecchio ever since.

Indulge in an Authentic Italian Meal

After all this walking around Verona, you now deserve a delicious and authentic Italian meal!

The Veneto region is famous for several local dishes, e.g. gnocchi, risotto, horse meat, polenta, and Sfogliatelle (a shell-shaped sweet pastry). This area is also known for their wine and of course, there are tons of choices for pizza and pasta dishes!

I had a super yummy Pizza Caprese and Aperol Spritz at Pizza e Caffe (Via Scala, 2, 37121 Verona VR, Italy), which is not far from Juliet’s House and other attractions. In fact, it was the best pizza I ate during my Italy trip!

They have a nice outdoor area to sit and even though it was busy, the food arrived very quickly. Besides, the servers were very attentive and the total price was affordable (under 20 EUR). The pizza was large as well, so it kept my belly full for a long time!

Get Lost around Verona’s Cobblestone Streets & Admire Colourful Italian Houses

Walking on Verona’s cobblestone streets is a great way to get lost around the city. Everywhere you go, there’s something new to see! Some of these streets are a bit uneven though, so it’s crucial to bring good walking shoes!

Also, if you look up while wandering around Verona, you’ll spot many warm-coloured Italian residential buildings! Some have frescoes on the walls, colourful window shutters on the left and right, and balconies with plants or flowers on them.

These buildings fit in perfectly with Verona’s romantic and positive vibe as “The City of Love”! Also, if you see an Italian nonna (grandma) looking out the window, don’t forget to wave and say “Buongiorno, signora!”

Piazza delle Erbe (Market Square)

Vibrant Piazza delle Erbe is the oldest square in Verona and has been around since Roman times, when it acted as the city’s forum. It was even voted the most beautiful square in the world! Besides, it’s a popular meeting spot for locals and visitors alike.

Piazza delle Erbe is home to Volto Barbaro (a famous street in Romeo & Juliet) and the Palazzo Maffei Casa museum. There are also street cafés and the gorgeous Fontana Madonna Verona (Madonna Verona Fountain), that has been standing here since 1368.

Moreover, buzzing Piazza delle Erbe has tons of market stalls, where you can get pretty much anything, and an arch with a whalebone!

Visit Torre dei Lamberti (Lamberti Tower)

Here’s another great thing to do in Verona: Torre dei Lamberti (Via della Costa, 1, 37121 Verona VR, Italy). This medieval clocktower dates back to 1172 and was built by the Lamberti family. It’s 84 meters (275 ft) high, which makes it Verona’s tallest building!

The two bells were later added to the tower in 1295. Sadly, the top of Torre dei Lamberti was struck by lightning in 1403 and wasn’t repaired until 1463!

Today visitors are welcome to climb all 368 steps to the top (or take an elevator) and will be rewarded with an amazing 360° birds-eye view of Verona and its surroundings!

Torre dei Lamberti is open daily (except December 25th): Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and 11 am to 7 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is 6 EUR per person.

Visit Cattedrale Santa Maria Matricolare (Duomo) di Verona (Verona Cathedral)

Address: Piazza Vescovado, 37121 Verona VR, Italy

The impressive Cattedrale Santa Maria Matricolare is a Roman Catholic cathedral worth visiting on your Verona trip as well! It is the episcopal seat of the Diocese of Verona, which makes it one of the most important religious buildings in the city.

Aside from the Verona Cathedral, you can also find the Church of Sant’Elena, the Church of San Giovanni in Fonte, the Cloister of the Canons, the Capitoline Library, a bell tower, and the Bishopric here.

In Roman times, villas with a swimming pool, public bathrooms, and temples stood in this area. The first Christian basilica was built in the 4th century and a second one was added soon after. With time, fires and earthquakes damaged both basilicas, which led to their collapse in 1117.

But only 70 years later, the Romanesque-style cathedral as we know it today was added to the complex. Besides, visitors can see traces of the two early basilicas underneath the Church of Sant’Elena and in the Canonicale Cloister.

Cattedrale Santa Maria Matricolare is open Monday-Friday from 11 am to 5:30 pm, Saturdays from 11 am to 3:30 pm, and 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm on Sundays and religious holidays. Admission is 3 EUR for only the cathedral and 6 EUR for the four churches inside the complex.

A few Unique Punk Rock attractions in Verona

If you’re an antifascist Punk Rocker always looking for something unusual, Verona has you covered as well! For example, I stumbled upon Al Buso Rock Store (Via Leoni, 4/a, 37121 Verona VR, Italy), as I walked to the Old Town district.

From punk/rock/metal band merch (t-shirts, socks, buttons, patches, hats, stickers, etc.), studded belts, posters, bracelets, to official movie and TV merch (e.g. Stranger Things, Harry Potter, A Nightmare Before Christmas, and superhero movies), you’ll find whatever your heart desires here!

Lastly, I was psyched to find a sticker of the antifascist action group in Verona. Italy has been ruled by a far right-wing party since 2022, so it’s a huge relief that a counter movement group exists here (and in other places in Italy I visited)!

Bonus Tip: Get the 24-Hour Verona Card

If you’re in Verona for One Day, are on a budget, and want to see as much as possible, getting the 24-Hour Verona Card is a great idea! For 27 EUR, you can access all tourist attractions mentioned in this guide, plus ride the local bus in Verona for free!

As a Verona Card holder, you also get a discount when visiting other museums and historic and cultural hotspots, such as the Arena di Verona Opera Festival, and you can ride the tourist train around the city centre for a cheaper price as well!

The Verona Card is also available for 48 hours if you decide to extend your stay (for 32 EUR).

Also, on the first Sunday of the month, admission to every Verona attraction is only 1 EUR!

Final Thoughts on the 11 Best Things to Do in Verona in One Day

So, this is a wrap on the 11 Best Things to Do in Verona in One Day! As you can see, Verona offers a great mix of breathtaking Roman and medieval architecture, culture, food, unique stores, and so much more! So it’s perfect for history buffs, art lovers, Shakespeare fans, foodies, and cultural travelers.

Besides, whether you’re visiting Verona with your significant other, family, friends, or by yourself, its rich cultural and historic heritage and picturesque attractions will surely leave a lasting impression on you! So without a doubt, Verona is worth a visit for at least one day!

While Verona is quite busy with tourists (especially during the summer months), it’s not as crowded as other Italian cities, like Rome, Florence, or Milan. This contributes to its friendly vibe and slower pace. Moreover, once you step away from the main attractions (The Arena and Juliet’s House), there’s way less people around!

Verona is also very walkable and most attractions are not far away from each other. If you prefer to have a guide with you, Guided Walking Tours are also available.

Here’s a Map of the 11 Best Things to Do in Verona in One Day:

Spending more time in Italy? Then check out this post:

Is Rimini, Italy Worth a Visit?