Verona in 3 Days for Friends - Arena di Verona under the evening lights
A lively, social 3-day plan for a group of friends in Verona in May (spring): active riverside biking, iconic sights, friendly wine bars, group-ready meals, and playful evenings with live music and escape-room thrills. Pacing balances daytime exploring with energetic nightlife options.
Highlights
- Arena di Verona under the evening lights
- Giardino Giusti's secret terraces
- Group bike ride along the Adige River
- Aperitivo & wine tasting at Antica Bottega del Vino
- Playful escape room challenge and lively pub evenings
Itinerary
Day 1
Historic centre highlights, relaxed garden escape, evening aperitivo and group dinner to kick off the trip.
Arena di Verona — Quick orientation tour
Start at Verona's iconic Roman arena for a 360° walkthrough and orientation to the historic core. Great photos and a feel for the city's scale.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy timed-entry tickets in advance if you want to sit inside — groups of 4+ can sometimes be seated together in the arena steps.
- Bring a light layer: May mornings can be cool inside the stone arena and breezy on the outer steps.
- After the visit, cut through Piazza Bra toward the river for a quieter introduction to the city and easy group photos of the arena façade.
Piazza delle Erbe & Scaliger Tombs — Market vibes and people-watching
Stroll through the lively medieval market square, admire the frescoed buildings, and pop by the Scaliger Tombs nearby.
Tips from local experts:
- Aim for mid-morning to avoid the busiest crowds and get a prime table for coffee at an outdoor café.
- Split small purchases (souvenirs, snacks) between people to keep the group moving and to try multiple local treats.
- Ask vendors for recommendations — they often point out lesser-known local producers nearby (great for shared tasting).
Lunch at Mercato Coperto (covered market) — Casual group-friendly food stalls
Choose between fresh pasta, cured meats, pizza by the slice and regional specialties at a covered market — easy to share plates and sample widely.
Tips from local experts:
- Look for counters with 'porchetta' or 'tortellini in brodo' for an authentic, budget-friendly group lunch.
- Ask vendors if they’ll plate a few items together—most are happy to serve family-style for 4–6 people.
- Keep cash handy for smaller stalls; split the bill by assigning one person to pay and others to Venmo/transfer afterward.
Giardino Giusti — Renaissance gardens and hidden viewpoints
Wander the famous terraced garden for quiet corners, statues, and a viewpoint with sweeping city views — a peaceful contrast to the market bustle.
Tips from local experts:
- Take the quieter back staircases for photo spots with fewer tourists — perfect for group portraits.
- Wear comfortable shoes: paths and terraces have stone steps and narrow walkways that are fun but uneven.
- Buy combined-entry tickets (if available) to save time; the gardens reward a relaxed pace so plan to linger over bonsai and hedges.
Ponte Pietra & Riverside Stroll — Picturesque river walk
Cross the Roman Ponte Pietra and walk a stretch of the Adige for golden-hour photos and a relaxed group stroll.
Tips from local experts:
- Head toward the Ponte Pietra side for the best sunset colors; arrive 20–30 minutes early to secure a group photo spot on the bridge parapet.
- If anyone wants a short active option, propose a 10–15 minute extra riverside dash or group selfie hop from rock to rock.
- Keep an eye on the tide/flow after heavy spring rains — the riverside paths can be damp; choose shoes that dry quickly.
Aperitivo & wine tasting at Antica Bottega del Vino
Experience a lively wine bar famous in Verona; order sharable plates and local wines — great for groups who love tasting different labels.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table for 4–6 in advance — Antica Bottega del Vino is popular and loves groups who want to share flights of local Valpolicella and Amarone.
- Ask the staff for a mixed platter recommendation to let the group sample cheeses, salumi, and local preserves.
- Split larger bottles (1–2 per 4 people) rather than individual glasses to keep costs down and the vibe sociable.
Dinner on the riverbank — Osteria Sottoriva
Relaxed riverside osteria with group-friendly dishes and a cheerful atmosphere — perfect for a longer, lively dinner to kick off the trip.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a long table (4–6) and request a slightly later seating (7:30–8:00) to enjoy post-aperitivo energy.
- Order multiple primi and secondi to share family-style; it keeps the conversation flowing and costs reasonable.
- Round out the meal with a shared dessert and Limoncello to toast the first night — servers are used to groups and will help pace courses.
Evening stroll at Piazza Bra — Arena lit at night
Finish with a short, lively night stroll to see the Arena illuminated — an easy post-dinner experience with great photo ops.
Tips from local experts:
- The arena lighting is best at full-dark; a quick 15–25 minute stop gives the perfect photo without dragging the evening.
- Grab an espresso or gelato from nearby cafés and walk the square — staff often keep outdoor seating for later hours.
- If the group wants to keep going, scan the piazza perimeter for bars with live music — many stay lively into late night.
Day 2
Active group morning on bikes, playful afternoon challenge (escape room), cultural museum time, then lively aperitivo and music-filled evening.
Group bike rental & guided ride along the Adige (Verona by Bike meeting point)
Pick up bikes and cycle a scenic route along the Adige River to Ponte Pietra and beyond — a social, easy-paced active start to the day.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve 4–6 bikes in advance; many rental shops offer group discounts and locks/helmets included.
- Bring a small daypack and water bottle; plan a 10–15 minute coffee stop halfway to stretch legs and regroup.
- Agree on signal cues (left/right, slow) before starting so the group stays together on narrow riverside stretches.
Lunch at Ristorante Al Pompiere — Hearty local classics
A beloved local restaurant with generous portions and group-friendly seating; perfect to refuel after the morning ride.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for shared platters (antipasti misti) so everyone can taste local specialties without long waits.
- Reserve a table for your exact group size; they often hold longer tables for friends who like to linger.
- Try splitting large pasta/small-plates between two people rather than ordering individually to reduce waste and cost.
Escape room challenge — team puzzle time
Book an escape room session for the group (60–75 minutes) — a playful team-building experience and high energy afternoon activity.
Tips from local experts:
- Book the hardest room your group feels comfortable with for maximum laughs — 4–6 people is the sweet spot.
- Divide roles quickly (puzzle-scan, note-keeper, clue-checker) so everyone stays involved and the time flies.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes — some rooms include light movement or crouching; store valuables in provided lockers.
Castelvecchio Museum — medieval fortress & art
Explore the red-brick castle and its art collection; an atmospheric cultural stop with courtyards that handle groups well.
Tips from local experts:
- The castle courtyards are great for quick group photos — pause there first to avoid interior congestion.
- Audio guides and group rates exist; ask at the desk if a single group ticket for 4+ is available to save time.
- Combine the museum visit with a short walk across Ponte Scaligero for classic skyline group shots.
Aperitivo and small plates on Sottoriva — lively riverside bars
Choose from the bars along Via Sottoriva for an energetic aperitivo scene with music, sharing platters, and river views.
Tips from local experts:
- Aim for an aperitivo start between 19:00–20:00 when bars fill and the vibe is most social for groups.
- Order a few mixed plates to share instead of individual meals; it's cheaper and keeps the group sampling.
- If you want live music, ask the bar staff what nights have performers — many venues post weekly schedules.
Craft beers & live tunes — relaxed late-night hang
Finish day two at a casual venue with craft beer and occasional live music — a great low-pressure spot for friends.
Tips from local experts:
- Check if the venue has a reservation option for groups; otherwise arrive early to grab a table for 4–6.
- Ask bartenders for local craft beer recommendations — many spots have tasting flights that are perfect to share.
- Carry small change for cover charges on live-music nights; splitting the bill by rounds keeps things simple.
Day 3
A playful morning at Juliet’s house and market, a hands-on pizza-making class, afternoon river activity and relaxed farewell aperitivo with sunset views.
Casa di Giulietta & Piazza delle Erbe — iconic morning photos
Visit Juliet’s balcony for the classic Verona memory, then browse the nearby Piazza delle Erbe for last-minute shopping and coffee.
Tips from local experts:
- Go early (opening time) to avoid long queues at the Casa di Giulietta — perfect for group shots without crowds.
- Respect the site's rules (no graffiti) and consider a small donation to keep the place maintained; split the cost among the group.
- Pair the visit with a quick coffee at a nearby café and compare notes on the best local pastries to try.
Group pizza-making class — hands-on and delicious
Join a small-group pizza-making workshop: learn to stretch dough, top pizzas Veronese-style, and enjoy your creations together.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a private slot for your group if possible; many schools offer classes designed for 4–8 people.
- Ask to split ingredients or make half-and-half pizzas to sample multiple flavor combinations.
- Wear comfy clothes you don't mind a little flour on — the class is playful and photographed frequently by attendees.
Lunch and lazy riverside chill — gelato and snacks
Enjoy the pizzas you made, then stroll for gelato or an espresso by the river while planning an afternoon micro-adventure.
Tips from local experts:
- Split dessert choices (gelato flavors) so the group can try a wide range without big portions.
- Pick a shaded riverside bench if it's sunny — May has lovely weather but bring sun protection for longer sit-downs.
- If anyone wants to nap, suggest a 20–30 minute 'power rest' at a café before the afternoon activity to recharge.
Optional Adige riverside kayaking or scenic paddle (self-guided launch at Ponte Pietra)
For an active, playful finale—rent kayaks or paddleboards (seasonal) on the Adige. Launch from the Ponte Pietra riverside for a short guided or self-led loop.
Tips from local experts:
- Check rental availability in advance (spring is popular); book single kayaks or doubles to split costs and attention.
- Bring a waterproof phone pouch for group photos on the water and a small dry bag for essentials.
- Plan a 60–90 minute float with a clear turnaround point; pick calmer sections of the river and follow staff safety advice.
Farewell aperitivo & sunset view at Castel San Pietro Belvedere
Wrap up with a short funicular or walk up to the Castel San Pietro viewpoint for sunset over Verona and a final group toast.
Tips from local experts:
- Take the funicular up if the group prefers an easy ascent; it keeps everyone together and saves energy before the flight home.
- Bring a small picnic or grab takeaway Spritzes and shareables to enjoy the sunset as a casual last-group meal.
- Plan transport back into town ahead of time (walking or taxi) so you don’t rush — the view is best savored slowly.
Easy transfer to departure or last-minute shopping (flexible)
Use this short flexible block to return to your hotel, collect luggage, or squeeze in any final shopping or espresso.
Tips from local experts:
- Agree on who will handle taxis and receipts if you’re splitting costs; apps and cash both work well in Verona.
- If anyone has late departures, leave a buffer of 60–90 minutes from the Belvedere down to Piazza Bra for stress-free transit.
- For last-minute souvenirs, pick small local items (olive oil, balsamic, regional wines) that are easy to pack and share the final cost.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 3 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 1 |
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Total Activities | 19 |
| Total Places | 19 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Neighborhood, Meal, Outdoor, Restaurant, Break, Experience, Culture, Nightlife, Transfer |
