Verona in 1 Day — Senior-Friendly Spring Itinerary (May)
A relaxed, accessible one-day plan through Verona for seniors: short walks, regular rests, calm dining, and easy transfers. Designed for comfort in mild May weather with frequent seating, step-free options, and quiet moments.
Highlights
- Piazza Bra & Arena di Verona (accessible viewing)
- Historic Piazza delle Erbe market
- Casa di Giulietta (exterior visit)
- Museo di Castelvecchio (accessible museum)
- Panoramic Belvedere at Castel San Pietro
Itinerary
Day 1
Gentle, comfortable exploration of central Verona with frequent rests and short transfers. May brings mild temperatures and flowering trees — plan light layers and a sun hat.
Hotel check-in and short orientation (meet at a central, accessible hotel)
Settle in, use the lift if needed, confirm a ground-floor or low-floor room if mobility is a concern, and review the day's plan with the group or concierge.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask reception for a ground-floor or elevator-accessible room and a room close to the lift to reduce corridor walking.
- Request a quiet table area if you want to sit in reception while waiting — useful if mobility needs a short rest.
- Confirm accessible restroom locations and whether the hotel provides wheelchairs or walking-aid storage.
Short transfer (easy walk) to Piazza Bra
A brief, flat walk or a short taxi up to Verona's main square to start the day. This keeps walking distances minimal.
Tips from local experts:
- If anyone prefers to avoid cobbles, ask the hotel for a short taxi — it's a 5–10 minute ride from most central hotels.
- Keep walking sticks or a lightweight folding chair in reach for anyone who needs to pause en route.
- Piazza Bra is mostly flat; wear comfortable shoes with good grip for the short cobbled sections.
Relaxed viewing: Arena di Verona and Piazza Bra
Enjoy the Arena's exterior and the broad square at a relaxed pace. Option to use the accessible viewing points rather than climbing the steps into the amphitheatre.
Tips from local experts:
- There are seating areas around Piazza Bra; sit and enjoy the atmosphere if steps into the Arena feel taxing.
- Arena di Verona has accessible routes and reserved seating for visitors with reduced mobility — ask staff at the main entrance for the nearest ramp/entrance.
- Morning light is gentle in May; sit on the shaded side of the square to avoid direct sun and have water handy.
Short taxi to Piazza delle Erbe (market and historic square)
A quick transfer to the historic market square — we recommend a taxi for comfort to minimize time on cobbles.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the taxi driver to drop you at the square edge (Via Cappello side) to avoid crossing the busiest cobbles.
- If traveling with a mobility device, ask the driver to help with a gentle ramp or curb-side drop-off.
- Carry a small umbrella or hat — though May is mild, market stalls are in open sun areas.
Stroll and rest at Piazza delle Erbe (market atmosphere)
Slow-paced time to enjoy the market stalls, architecture, and a coffee at a seated café. Avoid long standing in queues; choose cafes with seating inside.
Tips from local experts:
- Pick a café with indoor seating (many have steps; ask for ground-level tables) to avoid standing at counters.
- The square has uneven cobbles — stay near the perimeter where paving is flatter and benches are available.
- If the market is busy, enjoy people-watching from a quieter side street (Via della Costa) with bench seating nearby.
Lunch at a calm, accessible restaurant near the square — Ristorante Maffei
A relaxed lunch with table service, moderate noise level, and options for requesting accessible seating.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table in advance specifying mobility needs (avoid narrow corridors or stairs) and ask for a quieter corner table.
- Choose dishes that are easy to eat and share small plates to keep the pace comfortable.
- Confirm restroom access before sitting down — Ristorante staff can direct you to the nearest accessible facilities.
Short visit outside Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House) — exterior and courtyard only
A culturally iconic stop for photos and the courtyard atmosphere. For seniors we suggest enjoying the exterior and avoiding long queues or steep steps inside.
Tips from local experts:
- The site can be crowded; visit briefly and stand to one side or use the bench near Piazza dei Signori to avoid the thickest crowds.
- The courtyard has uneven stones; proceed slowly and ask staff about a step-free path if you wish to enter the museum area.
- If queues are long, enjoy a gelato or sit at a nearby café — the experience from outside is still meaningful and less tiring.
Taxi to Museo di Castelvecchio (Castelvecchio Museum)
A short taxi keeps walking minimal and drops you close to the castle entrance with accessible routes into the museum.
Tips from local experts:
- Request the taxi to drop you at the museum's main entrance to minimize cobbled walking.
- Museo di Castelvecchio has ramps and an elevator; mention mobility needs at the ticket desk for guided, accessible routing.
- Bring a lightweight cushion if you prefer softer seating while touring galleries with bench breaks.
Visit Museo di Castelvecchio — accessible museum visit
Enjoy the medieval fortress and art collections at a gentle pace. The museum offers lifts and benches in galleries for frequent rests.
Tips from local experts:
- Entrance staff can advise the most level route; request the elevator and accessible restrooms when you buy tickets.
- Take the ground-floor galleries first and return to seating areas as needed — guided tours can be requested at a slower pace.
- If outdoor bridge access seems tiring, skip the long walk across the bridge and enjoy the castle courtyard benches.
Rest break by the Adige at Ponte Pietra (short riverside pause)
A gentle riverside stop with benches, shade, and calm views — perfect to relax feet and enjoy the river breeze.
Tips from local experts:
- There are bench spots on the river embankment; sit and enjoy the view instead of attempting longer bridge walks if anyone is tired.
- The riverbanks can be cooler; bring a light wrap for comfort during May afternoons.
- Public restrooms are nearby but can be small; ask staff at cafés for the nearest accessible facilities.
Short taxi to Castel San Pietro (Belvedere viewpoint)
A brief transfer up to the hill viewpoint — you gain a panoramic view of Verona without a strenuous climb.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the driver to stop at the Belvedere area so you avoid steep stair sections — there's a parking area close to benches.
- Early evening light in May is ideal for photos; pick a shady bench and avoid standing for long periods.
- If anyone prefers not to go up, they can enjoy the riverside stroll while others take the short taxi ride up and return.
Enjoy the Belvedere at Castel San Pietro (panoramic view)
Sit on the terraces and take in a wide view of Verona's rooftops and the Adige — a restful highlight of the day.
Tips from local experts:
- The Belvedere has benches and shade — sit rather than stand for photos to conserve energy.
- Avoid edges and uneven ground; stick to paved viewing platforms which are flat and have railing support.
- Bring water and a light jacket; the hill can be breezier than the city below in May evenings.
Return taxi to the historic centre (gentle transfer back toward dinner)
Short transfer back to central Verona for an early, relaxed dinner. Taxi reduces walking on uneven paving at the end of the day.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the driver to drop you close to the restaurant entrance to avoid cobbled approaches.
- If energy levels are low, confirm with the driver about waiting or a nearby return time to the hotel after dinner.
- Carry small change for short taxis and confirm the vehicle has adequate space for walking aids.
Early, calm dinner at Antica Bottega del Vino
Enjoy a soothing evening meal in one of Verona’s storied wine shops-turned-restaurants — request a quiet table and accessible seating.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve well in advance and request a ground-floor table away from the bustling bar area for a quieter meal.
- Ask staff to suggest milder dishes if appetite is lighter after a day of sightseeing; portions can be shared.
- Confirm accessible restroom location when seated and ask for assistance with any steps to the entrance.
Short transfer back to hotel
Return to the hotel by taxi to rest after a full but relaxed day.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask staff at dinner to call a taxi for door-to-door service and to request a low-step vehicle if needed.
- If anyone uses a mobility aid, request the taxi driver to help with loading and unloading to the hotel door.
- Keep a small list of emergency contacts and the hotel's address card handy for the return trip.
Evening rest at hotel — optional tea or quiet reflection
Relax, have a warm drink, and review the day's photos. A calm end to a comfortable itinerary.
Tips from local experts:
- If you prefer, request a tea tray in your room so you can rest fully without moving again.
- Use this time to stretch gently (simple, seated leg and ankle rotations) to ease circulation after the day.
- Confirm wake-up and any next-day transport arrangements with reception while you're relaxed to avoid morning stress.
