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?

 

Rimini is a small resort city on the Adriatic Coast in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. The ancient Romans first arrived here in 268 BC and turned Ariminum (Rimini) into a major commercial port. Rimini has also been known for arts and culture since the Renaissance. So is Rimini, Italy Worth a Visit?

After learning about Rimini’s unique architecture from ancient Roman times and the Renaissance, beautiful beaches, a vibrant culture and shopping opportunities, bustling restaurants, and green spaces, I knew I had to give it a shot on my Italy trip in May 2024!

Rimini has been popular with mostly domestic, but also foreign visitors since the first half of the 19th century.

But it’s not as busy as other cities in Italy (e.g. Venice, Rome, or Milan), which is another reason I decided to spend a Day in Rimini!

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 Greatest Things to See and Do in Rimini

Relax at one of Rimini’s Beaches

Rimini has a 15 km (9 miles) long coastline of white sandy beaches on the Adriatic Coast. There are private and public beach areas for locals and visitors to use. They usually have public washrooms, showers, lifeguards on site, locker rooms, and some have wheelchair ramps as well.

I hung out around Nettuno Beach (Lungomare Claudio Tintori, 34/a, 47921 Rimini RN, Italy) for a few hours and had a blast! You can swim or walk in the clear blue water, go surfing, build sand castles, soak up the sun, or play beach volleyball!

There were only a few people when I visited and you can grab food or drinks at the many bars and restaurants next to the beach. Besides, lots of people were rollerblading, cycling, or walking on the wooden pathway behind Nettuno Beach.

The Arco di Augusto (Arch of Augustus)

Address: Corso d’Augusto, 47923 Rimini RN, Italy

The Arco di Augusto is one of Rimini’s symbols that can’t be missed! This historical gate was completed in 27 BC to honour Caesar Octavian Augustus, the first Roman emperor. It’s the oldest surviving triumphal arch in all of Italy.

It was built from Istrian stone and is 10.4 meters (34.1 ft) high. If you look closely, you’ll spot four divinities between the arched lintel and the Corinthian capitals that were important to the Romans: Jupiter, Neptune, Minerva, and Apollo.

Besides, on both of the arch’s façades you can see two bull’s heads that are supposed to symbolize Rimini’s significance as a Roman settlement.

Go Shopping along Corso d’Augusto (Augustus Street)

After stepping through Arco di Augusto, wander along Corso d’Augusto, which is Rimini’s ancient main shopping street. Here you can find clothing stores, jewelry stores, beauty supply stores, bookstores, banks, and perfumeries on either side of the street!

If you’re in Rimini on a Wednesday or Saturday, stop at the street market at Piazza Malatesta and Piazza Cavour, that are only a few minutes from Corso d’Augusto.

There are also lots of cafés and restaurants on Corso d’Augusto if you need to take a break 😉

Check out the Torre dell’ Orologio (Clock Tower)

Address: Piazza Tre Martiri, 42, 47921 Rimini RN, Italy

If you like Renaissance architecture, don’t miss the iconic Torre dell’ Orologio! It was built in 1547, then rebuilt in 1759, and in 1875, an earthquake ruined the upper part. The Torre dell’ Orologio was last restored in 1933.

Aside from telling the current time, the Torre dell’ Orologio has shown a dial with a perpetual calendar, zodiac movements and moon phases since 1750.

On the façade of the tower is a large plaque that says Gloria ai Caduti per la Libertà (Glory to the Fallen for Freedom), a World War II memorial. Rimini was highly affected by Allied bombardments from November 1943 until its liberation in September 1944.

Admire the Statua di Giulio Cesare (Julius Caesar Statue)

Only a few steps further, also on Piazza Tre Martiri (Rimini’s main square) is the bronze Statue di Guilio Cesare. After he crossed the Rubicon river in 49 BC, Julius Caesar chose Rimini as his military base.

Besides, this is where he said the famous words “Alea iacta est” (The die has been cast) to his soldiers on January 10th of the same year.

Surprisingly, Benito Mussolini donated the Julius Caesar Statue to Rimini in 1933. But it’s not a symbol for fascism. Instead, it’s supposed to represent Rimini’s connection to its ancient Roman roots and rich history.

Walk Across Ponte di Tiberio (Tiberius Bridge)

Ponte di Tiberio is the other symbol of Rimini’s identity that has been standing here proudly since ancient Roman times.

Built between 14 and 21 AD, neither earthquakes nor destruction from several wars could bring it down! So it’s one of the most well preserved bridges from the powerful Roman empire.

The Ponte di Tiberio is an impressive example for the technical and engineering skills of the Romans. Moreover, Arco di Augusto and Ponte di Tiberio mark the start and end of Rimini’s city center.

There’s also a beautiful green space where everyone is welcome to sit and relax after crossing Ponte di Tiberio and learning about its impressive history!

Visit the Castel Sismondo (Sismondo Castle)

Address: Piazza Malatesta, 47900 Rimini RN, Italy

Another reason why Rimini, Italy is Worth A Visit is Castel Sismondo. Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta (the Lord of Rimini) built it in the mid 15th century and lived here with his wealthy family until he died in 1468.

Castel Sismondo was used as a palace and fortress to protect Rimini from intruders. Originally, it had six tall towers, luxurious rooms, 160 windows, and was surrounded by a deep moat with four drawbridges. Sadly, only a small part of the original castle has survived with time.

Things changed in 1857 when Castel Sismondo was turned into a jail. Several Allied bombs hit it on December 28, 1943, and some exploded close to the main door. This enabled many prisoners to escape, including a Jewish family from Trieste, who the fascists planned to deport soon after.

After the fascist regime ended in Italy, the fascist leaders of Rimini were imprisoned here. The jail officially closed its doors in 1967.

Today Castel Sismondo is home to the Federico Fellini Museum that honours one of Italy’s most famous film directors who was born and raised in Rimini.

Wander Around Rimini’s Parks for a Bit

If you like nature, wander around one of Rimini’s beautiful green parks for a bit! I loved walking through Parco Cervi (Cervi Park), which takes you from the beach close to Piazza Kennedy to Arco di Augusto and the city center in only 25 minutes!

There’s also a cycle path, sculptures, playground, and of course, lots of trees!

Other Things to See & Do in and near Rimini

If you’re in this region for a bit longer, there are lots of other Things to See and Do in and near Rimini!

Here are a few more attractions that sound pretty cool:

Tempio Malatestiano (Malatesta Temple)

Address: Via IV Novembre, 35, 47900 Rimini RN, Italy

Tempio Malatestiano is a stunning cathedral in the city center. It’s another great example of Renaissance architecture in Rimini.

Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta commissioned this cathedral in 1447. Unfortunately, he started running out of money in 1460, so Tempio Malatestiano has remained unfinished until this day.

In1809, Tempio Malatestiano was dedicated to St. Columba and its status was changed to a cathedral. Besides, bombings heavily damaged it in 1943, but it was quickly restored in 1950.

These days, visitors can look at intricate mosaics, frescoes by Piero della Francesca, and Giotto’s Crucifix inside Tempio Malatestiano. It’s open daily and there’s no admission fee.

Enjoy a View of Rimini from La Ruota Panoramica (The Big Ferris Wheel)

Address: L.go Ruggero Boscovich, 47921 Rimini RN, Italy

For a special view of Rimini, go inside one of the “gondoles” on La Ruota Panoramica! It’s open from Easter to late September and since it’s right next to the beach, it offers a stunning view of the City of Rimini and the Adriatic coast!

The cabins are closed and see-through, so it’s a safe activity for everyone to enjoy! The ferris wheel is 55 meters (180 ft) high and the tour takes 4 to 6 minutes. La Ruota Panoramica is open daily from 3 pm to 12 am.

Visit Italia in Miniatura Theme Park

Address: Via Popilia, 239, 47922 Rimini RN, Italy

Italia in Miniatura is a fun theme park for grown ups and kids alike! Here you can see 273 of Italy’s and Europe’s attractions in miniature form. It opened in 1970 and attracts 400,000 visitors per year!

Italy’s highlights include the Piazza Bra and Arena in Verona, Palladian Basilica in Venice, and the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain in Rome.

European examples are St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, the Eiffel Tower, and Neuschwanstein Castle in South Germany.

Take a Day Trip to San Marino

Rimini is the closest city to the independent Republic of San Marino. This small country is famous for its stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, historic attractions (e.g. The Three Towers and castles), museums, San Marino Adventure Park, great restaurants, and shopping opportunities!

Check Out the Rimini Museo della Città (Rimini City Museum)

Address: Via Luigi Tonini, 1, 47921 Rimini RN, Italy

Wanna learn even more about Rimini’s rich history and culture? Then The Museo della Città is the right place! Built back in the 18th century as a Jesuit monastery, it later was a hospital (first military and then civil), before it became a museum.

The museum has many exhibits of local historical-artistic heritage of Rimini from ancient Roman times to the modern days. In fact, you can look at more than 1,500 works in 40 galleries inside the Museo della Città!

Highlights of the museum include the Archaeological Section, Medieval Section, Roman Lapidary, and the Pinacoteca, a picture gallery where artworks from the 12th century to 1900 are displayed.

Where to Stay in Rimini

As a popular tourist destination, Rimini has a great selection of accommodation options for any kind of traveler. Whether you prefer hostels, (budget) hotels, or luxury resorts, Rimini has you covered!

I stayed at Hotel Bellevue (Piazzale John Fitzgerald Kennedy 12,47921 Rimini RN, Italy), a clean and budget-friendly hotel only 5 minutes from Nettuno Beach. I’m so glad I stayed here, as the receptionists were super friendly (they actually upgraded me to a room with a balcony, yay!).

Moreover, the free breakfast buffet was amazing! There were so many options, e.g. bread, pastries, cheese, eggs, fruit, veggies, cold cuts, juice, coffee, and tea, and the vibe in the breakfast room was so warm and cozy. So it’s perfect to fill yourself up before you spend a Day in Rimini!

There are many bars and restaurants just a few minutes of a walk from Hotel Bellevue as well.

Where to Eat & Drink in Rimini

As you’d expect from any Italian town or city, Rimini has an awesome selection of Italian restaurants to offer, such as pizzerias, trattorias, and gelaterias!

Well, after devouring on lots of tasty Italian food in Verona and Venice, I was in the mood for something different in Rimini. So I ended up having dinner at Poke Scuse (Corso d’Augusto, 54, 47921 Rimini RN, Italy), a Hawaiian restaurant!

I ordered the Piovono Polpette bowl (couscous, hummus, soy meatballs, cherry tomatoes, feta, cucumbers, yoghurt dressing, and sesame seeds). It was super yummy as well!

But of course, I had to try different flavours of gelato while in Rimini! So I grabbed a Nutella and cheesecake gelato at Gelateria La Scintilla (Corso d’Augusto, 148, 47921 Rimini RN, Italy). It was one of the best gelato I had on my trip and they also have vegan options!

How to Get to Rimini on Public Transportation

Rimini is quite easy to reach via public transportation. I took the local train from Venice (via Bologna) to Rimini, which took about four hours. Faster connections can be booked as well, but are often more expensive.

Trenitalia is Italy’s major train company and the prices were quite cheap and the trains were mostly on time!

Another budget-friendly option to travel to Rimini is Flixbus. It takes about 6 hours from Venice to Rimini (via Padua) and there’s free Wi-Fi and the buses are clean and safe.

The local buses in Rimini can take you wherever you need to go, even to places outside of the city, like San Marino.

The closest airport to Rimini is Federico Fellini International Airport, which is only a short drive to the city center via car, taxi, or bus. It offers flights from/to domestic and international destinations.

The Best Time to Visit Rimini

Many people visit Rimini during the summer months (July and August), but I recommend going during the shoulder season (April-June or September-October). Why? Well, it often gets very hot in the summer and prices are the most expensive.

Also, while there were some tourists around when I visited in May 2024, it wasn’t overwhelming at all. The average temperature was 25 C (77 F), which was perfect for walking around and exploring Rimini’s stunning tourist attractions.

The quietest time of the year in Rimini is from November to March, which is when prices are at its lowest, but some attractions may be closed. So I suggest doing your research before you visit Rimini during these months.

How Many Days Should I Spend in Rimini, Italy?

I’d recommend to spend at least a Day in Rimini. You’ll have time to see the hotspots, like Arco di Augusto, Ponte di Tiberio, and Castel Sismondo, and try out a few of Rimini’s restaurants.

But if you’d like to dig deeper in Rimini’s history and culture, and see places outside of the city, it’d be better to stay for two days. You’ll have a lot of time time to check out Italia in Miniatura, San Marino, Museo della Città, and other places.

Is Rimini a Safe City for Walking or Biking?

Yes, Rimini is very walkable and safe! Most attractions are in the city centre, so it’s easy to visit one after the other. Moreover, since it’s a smaller city, I didn’t have to worry about crazy traffic when crossing the street or pickpockets (which is common in bigger Italian cities!).

Rimini is also very bike friendly, because there are many bike lanes around (such as in Parco Cervi), as well as several bike rental companies. In fact, Rimini is where I saw the most cyclists on my Italy trip, so it seems like it’s a big part of the city’s culture!

Wrap Up: Is Rimini, Italy Worth A Visit?

As you can probably tell by now, the answer to this question is Sì, naturalmente (Yes, of course), Rimini is Worth a Visit!

Although Rimini is not on everyone’s Italy itinerary, I think it’s worth giving it a chance. It’s less crowded than other places, charming, affordable, clean, and safe (no need to worry about crazy traffic and pickpockets!). I also liked its green spaces and the locals were friendly and easy going.

My favourite Things to Do and See in Rimini are Nettuno Beach, Arco di Augusto, and Ponte di Tiberio. It’s a perfect spot to relax and it’s amazing that these iconic landmarks still stand proudly after all these years, after winning against several earthquakes and war destructions!

Have you visited Rimini before? If so, feel free to share some insider tips with me! Grazie 😀

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

The 11 Best Things to Do in Verona in One Day