Verona in 2 Days for Friends - Arena di Verona — Roman amphitheater energy
A lively, social 2-day itinerary through Verona in spring (May) built for a group of friends: mix of iconic sights, tasty group meals, a playful active tour, an escape-room challenge, and upbeat nightlife. Pacing balances walking, breaks, and evening energy—perfect for a group of 4–6.
Highlights
- Arena di Verona — Roman amphitheater energy
- Piazza delle Erbe market & aperitivo culture
- Castelvecchio & Ponte Scaligero riverside stroll
- Giardino Giusti gardens for photos and chill time
- Active bike tour along the Adige + Ponte Pietra
- Escape room challenge for team laughs
- Live music night and lively wine bar farewell
Itinerary
Day 1
Classic Verona day: Arena & market, riverside museum, leafy gardens, group dinner and lively live-music bar.
Arena di Verona — Morning walk & quick inside visit
Start at the iconic Roman arena. Quick inside visit (if open) plus group photos on the steps and a relaxed stroll around Piazza Bra to get oriented.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy tickets in advance for the arena interior to avoid the morning queue—get a group ticket and split the cost.
- Best group photo spot: stand on the stone steps to capture the full semicircle; use a wide-angle phone lens if you have one.
- In May mornings can be cool; bring a light layer and meet at the steps so no one gets lost.
Piazza delle Erbe & market stroll + coffee
Wander Verona’s liveliest square: stalls, fresh produce, souvenir browsing, and grab coffee/Italian pastries at a café with outdoor seating where the group can sit together.
Tips from local experts:
- Aim for an outdoor table so your group can people-watch; call ahead if you want guaranteed seating for 4–6.
- Split small tastes (cured meats, cheeses) from different stalls to sample more without wasting money.
- Keep an eye on belongings in the busy market; slide phone and wallet into a front pocket or an interior bag compartment.
Lunch at Ristorante Maffei — Group-friendly historic dining
Classic Veronese dishes in an atmospheric spot in the heart of the old town—great for groups who want hearty food and local wine.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table for 4–6 in advance and ask for a communal table to keep the vibe lively.
- Order a few shared starters (antipasti) and a couple of pasta mains to share family-style—easier on the bill and more fun.
- Tell the host if you’re celebrating something; they often bring a small treat or suggest a local wine by the carafe to keep costs down.
Castelvecchio Museum & Ponte Scaligero riverside walk
Explore the medieval castle-turned-museum, then walk across the dramatic Ponte Scaligero for great river and city views.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy combined entry if available and split the ticket cost across the group—museums often offer small-group discounts.
- The bridge is narrow — if you want photos without crowds, pop across and wait on the far bank for 5–10 minutes for clearer shots.
- If anyone has limited mobility, the castle has ramps on some entrances—ask staff where to enter for easiest access.
Giardino Giusti — Garden escape and viewpoint
Head to these Renaissance gardens for calm, manicured hedges, topiary, and a hilltop panorama over Verona—perfect for a relaxed group pause.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy entry at once for your group so no one gets held up at the gate; the garden paths are narrow, so stay together and take turns exploring.
- Bring insect repellent in May—roses and hedges attract bees and midges at dusk.
- Split up for photos: one friend heads to the top terrace (best panorama) while others enjoy a bench; regroup at the fountain to share pics.
Group aperitivo & dinner in Piazza Bra — relaxed long meal
Return to Piazza Bra for an aperitivo followed by a group dinner—choose shareable plates and local wines for a cozy, lively evening.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a large table early (many restaurants in Piazza Bra can seat groups but fill quickly in May evenings).
- Start with aperitivo platters to keep the group moving between courses and to keep costs shareable.
- Ask for a single bottle or carafe of local Valpolicella or Soave and split the cost across the table for a more social experience.
Live-music night — jazz/blues club for late energy
Cap the night at a local live-music spot with relaxed tables, good drinks, and friendly crowds. Perfect for groups who want to keep the vibe going without a full club scene.
Tips from local experts:
- Check the club’s schedule in advance and reserve a table for your group—live nights can sell out in spring.
- Plan for a cover charge; rotate who covers it and settle up digitally to keep payments simple.
- If someone wants to leave early, arrange a WhatsApp check-in point so the rest of the group can continue worry-free.
Day 2
Active morning with a bike tour along the Adige, a scenic afternoon with an escape-room challenge, sunset viewpoint, and a convivial wine-centric farewell dinner.
Group e-bike/bike tour along the Adige to Ponte Pietra
Pick up bikes and ride along the river to Ponte Pietra with guided stops. Fun, light exercise and a great way to see different neighborhoods fast.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a group bike tour (e-bikes if anyone prefers less effort); request a single guide so you stay together.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring a small backpack with water—bottled water stations are limited on the river path.
- Confirm helmet availability for everyone and agree on a meeting point at the start to avoid split groups.
Teatro Romano & short Duomo visit — history with views
Wander the Roman theatre ruins and the nearby Duomo area — atmospheric ruins, great views over the river, and a calm cultural contrast after the ride.
Tips from local experts:
- Combine the theatre and Duomo visits—buy combined tickets if offered and split the cost among the group.
- The Roman theatre has terraced stone seating—bring a small picnic blanket if you want to sit and chat as a group.
- If anyone’s tired from the ride, the museum has benches and shaded spots for a short rest while others explore.
Lunch at Trattoria al Pompiere — convivial group meal
Classic Veronese trattoria lunch: pizzas, shared pastas, and family-style dishes that suit groups and keep the vibe energetic.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a large table and opt for a shared antipasti board to keep ordering simple for the group.
- Check portion sizes—order a few mains to share rather than individual big dishes to try more options and save money.
- Ask the staff for a local house wine by the carafe to keep the bill group-friendly.
Escape Room — team challenge and laughs
An energetic, playful escape-room experience for the whole group—perfect for testing teamwork and getting plenty of laughs.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a room sized for your group (rooms are often 4–6 people); if you’re 6+, ask for a larger scenario or split into two linked rooms.
- Lockers are often provided—store valuables there and bring only phones for photos after the game.
- Arrive 15 minutes early for the briefing so you can discuss strategy as a team (and pick roles: navigator, clue-checker, timer).
Sunset at Castel San Pietro viewpoint
Walk or take the funicular up to Castel San Pietro for the quintessential Verona sunset panorama—great place for group photos and a relaxed unwind.
Tips from local experts:
- Take the funicular (or walk up if you prefer exercise) and meet at the terrace—bring a light jacket as evenings can cool in May.
- Scout a bench early for the best view if you want a group photo at golden hour.
- If anyone wants snacks, grab gelato on the way up and enjoy it together at the overlook.
Farewell dinner & wine tasting at a local enoteca
End the trip with a relaxed enoteca-style dinner: small plates, regional wines, and a cozy setting perfect for toasts and trip photo-sharing.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a tasting menu for the table so everyone samples multiple wines without ordering many bottles.
- Ask for sharing platters (cheese, salumi) to keep costs down and encourage conversation.
- Use a split-pay app or agree who covers the bill—then settle up electronically to avoid awkward cash moments.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 7 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Total Activities | 13 |
| Total Places | 13 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Neighborhood, Restaurant, Culture, Outdoor, Meal, Nightlife, Experience |
