best city visit in italy

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Best places to visit in italy.

Tourists and travel experts have long agreed that Italy is a special place, so much so that the country has become a de facto bucket list destination for just about everyone. Famous for its incredible food, rich historical sites, highly regarded art, charming small towns and picturesque cities, countrysides and coastlines, Italy and its offerings are unmatched. U.S. News rounded up the best places to visit in Italy considering a number of factors, from affordability and seasonality to sights and crowds, to help you decide exactly where to go. Have a favorite destination in Italy? Cast your vote below to influence next year's ranking.

Cinque Terre

Amalfi coast, tuscany, italy, the dolomites.

A standard stop on many European vacation itineraries , Rome is not to be missed. Italy's capital city is a globally renowned cultural and historical powerhouse, boasting everything from ancient ruins and tranquil parks to Michelin-starred restaurants. Here, you'll find the most important relic from the Roman Empire (the Colosseum), some of Michelangelo's greatest works (in the Sistine Chapel), an 18th century Baroque-style fountain (the Trevi Fountain) and, of course, the center of Catholicism (Vatican City). Other can't-miss tourist attractions in the Eternal City include the Pantheon, the Roman Forum and St. Peter's Basilica, the world's largest church.

Situated in the scenic Tuscan valley, Florence woos travelers with old-world avenues leading to lovely piazzas big and small. While you're soaking up the splendor, make sure to stop by the Piazza del Duomo, where the breathtaking Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral is located, and the romantic Ponte Vecchio, a 14th century bridge overlooking the Arno River. Once central to the Renaissance movement, Florence also offers art aficionados the opportunity to see famous pieces by Michelangelo and other iconic artists of that period. As a bonus, Florence is not too far from the Chianti wine region, which makes for a good day trip.

There are few destinations in the world that are quite like Venice. Its uniqueness can largely be attributed to the canals that run through this northern Italian city like roads, carrying water taxis and buses in addition to its fleet of famous gondolas. As such, there is a palpable bustle here that may surprise some first-timers. For a relaxing Venice vacation, seek out the smaller streets and canals away from the busy Grand Canal and St. Mark's Square. Just be sure to stroll across Rialto Bridge and tour the grand St. Mark's Basilica at least once.

Cinque Terre, located on Italy's northern Ligurian coast, is made up of five idyllic towns – Manarola, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia and Riomaggiore. Manarola, the region's oldest town, boasts scenic vineyards, olive groves and a centuries-old bell tower. Meanwhile, Vernazza, often considered one of Italy's most beautiful villages, is well-known for its picture-perfect houses and grand medieval castle. The region offers an abundance of exciting activities, from boat tours and hiking to cooking classes and wine tastings. While here, don't forget to save time for exploring the cliffside trail that leads from  Monterosso to Vernazza.

The journey to the cliffside Amalfi Coast involves heart-stopping, hairpin turns on narrow roads, but travelers agree this is part of the fun. The region covers more than 30 miles of coastline and is home to 13 colorful seaside towns, each with its own story. Positano and Amalfi are the most popular, housing numerous hotels and sights. While here, hike, relax on the beach and eat to your heart's content (there are multiple Michelin-starred restaurants along the Amalfi Coast). For something more off-the-beaten-path, set your sights on Atrani. This humble fishing village boasts medieval whitewashed architecture, winding alleys and authentic Italian charm.

As the location of several ancient Greek legends, Sicily has an almost mythical quality. Once you visit for yourself, you'll see why so many writers were inspired by this island, which happens to be the largest in the Mediterranean. Be enchanted by Sicily's crystal-clear waters and golden beaches. Marvel at Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, or try hiking up it in summer or skiing down it in winter. Also save time for taking in the many cultures that have called this island home at its various cathedrals and archaeological sites.

If you're looking for jaw-dropping scenery, Tuscany is really all it's cracked up to be. Italy's famous countryside offers travelers spectacular landscapes dotted with romantic villas and castles equipped with wineries and superb restaurants. Don't miss out on a visit to the walled city of San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its medieval towers. What's more, Tuscan locales like Pisa (which offers much more than its leaning tower) and Siena are an easy drive from top destinations such as Bologna and Cinque Terre, perfect for daytrippers who don't want to stay in one place for too long.

Sardinia provides the best of both worlds. Costa Smeralda is all about luxury, with its lush beaches and coves overlooking yacht-filled waters. And away from all of the glitz and glamour of Costa Smeralda, you'll find a more laid-back side of the island, including small medieval towns where Sardinians still practice sheepherding and wear traditional clothing. What's more, Sardinia features several ancient ruins, such as UNESCO World Heritage-listed Su Nuraxi di Barumini.

For centuries, this small island off the coast of southern Italy has attracted plenty of famous faces, from emperors to movie stars, due to its gorgeous scenery. Some of Capri's most amazing sights are best seen by boat, including the Faraglioni rock formations and the Blue Grotto, where sunlight turns the water into an unbelievably vivid shade of blue. On land, the Gardens of Augustus and Villa Jovis, an imperial palace, also provide spectacular views. Meanwhile, in the town center, visitors will find high-end shops and restaurants where they can relax after a long day of sightseeing.

If you really want to treat yourself on your next vacation, Lake Como is where you want to be. Here, opulent villas and hotels line the shores and serene beaches beckon to sun seekers. You'll see sleek sailboats and speedboats coasting in the middle of the lake, which is the perfect place to admire the region's surrounding hills. Meanwhile, for a lesson in luxury, tour one of the region's grand villas; top picks among travelers include Villa Melzi d'Eril, Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello. Later, check out the Como Cathedral, a magnificent structure boasting Gothic, Renaissance, Romanesque and Baroque elements.

Italy's second-largest city is best known for its high fashion, playing host to Milan Fashion Week each year and home to iconic fashion houses including Giorgio Armani, Prada and Versace. Visitors can peruse such high-end brands at the dazzling Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade. But Milan's architecture (including the Gothic Milan Cathedral and grand Teatro alla Scala opera house) and sites like Castello Sforzesco (which holds nearly 10 museums and several other exhibitions) are worth a visit on their own. What's more, the city is incredibly walkable, so feel free to explore on foot – with or without designer stilettos.  

This mountain range in northern Italy, a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site, was made for adventurous travelers who want to spend time convening in nature (350,000 acres of nature, to be exact). Explore on foot by traversing one of the region's many hiking trails, or visit in winter to hit the slopes. Other top sights include the Three Peaks, one of the Dolomites' most recognizable features, and Alpe Di Siusi, the highest alpine meadow in Europe. To make the most of your experience, stay in charming locales like Ortisei, Bolzano or Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Located about 30 miles from Verona, Lake Garda tends to be more approachable and wallet-friendly (if a bit more touristy) than Lake Como. Activities in this recreational hot spot include swimming and windsurfing, as well as hiking and taking a funicular to Mount Baldo. Lake Garda also attracts families with Gardaland Resort, which includes themed hotels as well as an amusement park, water park and aquarium. If you're looking to get away from the crowds, go beyond the main tourist sites to the quieter northern side of the lake, where you'll find the highest mountains and tucked-away towns.

Occupying the toe of Italy's boot, Calabria is a postcard-worthy vacation destination that offers something for everyone, from verdant national parks and sun-soaked shorelines to delicious local cuisine and enchanting medieval villages. The small town of Tropea welcomes travelers with glittering beaches bordered by dramatic rock formations and the iconic Santa Maria dell'Isola Monastery. Meanwhile, Reggio Calabria is home to the famed Riace Bronzes, on display at the National Archaeological Museum, and the waterfront Lungomare Falcomatà walking path. For incomparable views, take a boat tour of the surrounding Aeolian Islands.

Considered the land of the sirens in Greek mythology, Sorrento continues to lure people with its charm and stunning views. Here, vacationers can explore enchanting piazzas or relax near the water before watching the sun set behind the cliffs. Plus, lemons are big in Sorrento – both in size and in popularity – and the area is known as one of the best places in the world to taste authentic limoncello, a lemon-flavored liquor. It's also the perfect base for day trips and boat tours to nearby Capri, the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii and other popular Italian locales.

This rustic region in the heel of Italy's boot is well known among locals as a go-to vacation spot, but tourists are starting to catch on. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the area's more crowded cities, Puglia has it all – some of the country's best beaches for swimming, an array of restaurants serving fresh Italian fare, plus castles, caves and forests for exploring. The region is also famous for its unique whitewashed trulli houses with conical roofs.

Located in the northwest corner of Italy, Turin is the perfect city break brimming with grand architecture, museums and delightful cuisine. Must-visit attractions include Mole Antonelliana (a former synagogue turned into a cinema museum), the 16th-century Royal Palace of Turin and the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum). Once you've toured the top sights, settle into local life by enjoying the city's riverside parks, street markets, football games and historic cafes. At the latter, you'll find unique coffee blends and decadent chocolate, as well as elaborate aperitif hours. On the long list of things Turin does right, you can find these three items at the top.  

The small, crescent-shaped village of Portofino is known as a vacation hot spot for the rich and famous. The water surrounding Portofino is often filled with yachts and is great for swimming and diving. Plus, the area's beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it an excellent place to unwind. When travelers need a break from relaxing, they can check out historical sites like Castello Brown, an ancient military fortress with incredible views of the Marina di Portofino, and Abbazia di San Fruttuoso, a 10th century monastery that can only be reached by foot or ferry.

Assisi, a medieval town with religious connections, sits on a hilltop in the lush landscapes of Umbria, just more than 100 miles north of Rome. This peaceful town's biggest draws are its sights dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, one of Italy's patron saints, including the Basilica of San Francesco, which houses his tomb as well as colorful frescos, and the Bosco di San Francesco. Beyond its religious heritage, Assisi is worth a visit for its picturesque streets and sweeping views, while its location also makes it ideal for a truffle hunting excursion or wine tasting tour.

Best known for its Shakespeare ties, Verona appeals to fans of "Romeo and Juliet" with themed tours of the sights that allegedly inspired the play. But there is more to this city than its literary link. Verona, located less than 20 miles east of Lake Garda, is also home to several impressive attractions and historic buildings (the whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, after all). Travelers won't want to miss the Arena di Verona, a first-century Roman amphitheater that is still in use, and Giardino Giusti, a beautifully sculpted Renaissance garden.

10 Day Tour of Southern Italy

Seductive Southern Italy

Adventure from the Amalfi Coast to Puglia on the ultimate Southern Italy tour.

Starts at: Naples

Ends at: Lecce

Duration: 10 days

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Naples, Italy

Burano Island

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12 of the best cities to visit in Italy

By Jaclyn DeGiorgio

Paring Italy down to 12 cities isn’t easy. There are hundreds, and each is as distinctive as it is enthralling, embodying its singular sense of place through its territory, history, architecture, culture, surroundings, cuisine and wine. This list of the best cities in Italy combines some classics with under-appreciated gems. It shouldn’t be considered exhaustive; it’s more of a starting point for the uninitiated, a helpful guidance for anyone looking to expand their Italian horizons.

Bologna, Emilia-Romagna

Bologna isn’t nicknamed “the red, the fat and the learned” for nothing. With red-brick medieval architecture, the soaring Due Torri (two towers), 60 kilometres of 13th-century porticos, the world’s oldest university and sprawling piazzas, the capital of Emilia-Romagna doesn’t need to do much else to impress you – but it delivers. Take in sweeping city views from Piazza Maggiore’s 87-metre-high clock tower, then duck into the Quadrilatero medieval market tucked into the piazza’s side streets. The Pinacoteca Nazionale’s collection includes works by Raphael, Giotto and Titian, while MamBO, the modern art museum, has a wing dedicated to 20th-century Bolognese painter Giorgio Morandi. Italy’s Motor Valley stretches from Bologna to Modena, so automotive diehards can race off to the Ducati and Lamborghini museums. The local cuisine is a strong contender for Italy’s best – enjoy classics at old-timers Diana and Trattoria Serghei, contemporary riffs at Ahimè and Oltre or a meal that couples both at CasaMerlò.

Where to stay in Bologna : Check into one of the modern eclectic suites at  Casa Conoscenti , a revamped 14th-century noble residence with a restaurant and cocktail bar.

Genoa, Liguria

Genoa is a city that everyone seems to know of, but nobody actually knows. It’s true – at first glance, the Ligurian capital’s Mediterranean seafront isn’t as postcard-perfect as the coast’s typical candy-hued villages like Portofino, Cinque Terre and Camogli. But what Genoa seemingly lacks in visual allure, it more than makes up for in substance. Laundry dangles over the timeworn medieval Carruggi district, a dense, twisty-turny warren of narrow, stone-paved viccole crammed with cafes, restaurants and shops. Its quintessential Italian charm is juxtaposed with stately landmarks from the city’s maritime trade heyday, like the sumptuous 17th-century Royal Palace Museum and the  UNESCO-listed Palazzi di Rolli , a single street of 42 noble palaces built between the 16th and 18th centuries. Beach seekers can flit over to Boccadasse, a colourful town on Genoa’s outskirts. On the food front, focaccia from Teobaldo and Al Forno di Albaro is always a good idea and La Forchetta Curiousa and Trattoria dell’Acciughetta prepare delicious local fare.

Where to stay in Genoa:  The glorious  Hotel Bristol Palace  preserves the integrity of its past by fusing 20th-century glamour with just the right amount of modernity.

Naples, Campania

Once you’ve had a taste of the gleefully infectious, beautiful chaos of  Naples , you’re hooked: the buzzing traffic, grand architectural heritage, a lived-in historic centre, enthralling culture and the guileless warmth of its people. Obligatory sights include Caravaggio’s whimsical  Seven Acts of Mercy  at the Church of Pio Monte della Misericordia, Giuseppe Sanmartino’s ethereal  Veiled Christ  at Cappella Sansevero Giuseppe and the extensive Archaeological Museum. Naples’ contemporary art profile is rising at a steady clip. Recent years have seen Gallerie d’Italia open with a dedicated wing and the arrival of an outpost of London’s Thomas Dane Gallery, both joining the ranks of decades-old mainstays like Pan and Madre. Mount Vesuvius rises dramatically over the gulf–hike to its crater or take part in a tasting of Lacryma Christi (Christ’s tears), a wine from grapes cultivated on its slopes. The Pompeii and Herculaneum archaeological sites are south of the city, but if you want to venture further afoot, hop on a ferry to Capri, Ischia or Procida. When you’re in town, digging into a Neapolitan pie at (at least) one of these pizzerias is compulsory: Concettina ai Tre Santi, anything by Gino Sorbillo, 50 Kalò, Diego Vitagliano and La Notizia. If you’re pining for more, two of the world’s best pizzerias can be found in Caserta, just under an hour by car: I Masanielli and Pepe in Grani. Locanda Gesù Vecchio Vesuvius serves excellent traditional Neapolitan cuisine back in the city.

Where to stay in Naples : The artsy  Atelier Inès  is a six-room B&B in the Rione Sanità neighbourhood with an onsite showroom and gallery.

Milan, Lombardy

Italy’s most international city is arguably its most misunderstood. Milan doesn’t fit the standard “Italy mould”, but it’s just as fetching as its more in-your-face counterparts. The Duomo, Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II, La Scala, Brera, Pinacoteca Ambrosiana and Leonardo da Vinci’s  The Last Supper  are all musts, but there’s more to the Lombard capital. Take in the local energy by strolling Porta Venezia, a district buzzing with boutiques, restaurants, cafes, bars, galleries and Art Nouveau facades, or Isola, a regenerated working-class neighbourhood that’s a stomping ground for hipsters and three-piecers alike. Fashion meets art at Fondazione Prada, Armani Silos and Palazzo Morando, whose permanent collection rotates 17th-21st century Milanese costumes, clothes, and accessories, and design devotees will relish Villa Necchi Campiglio and Triennale di Milano museum. An aperitivo at Bar Basso is a must, as is imbibing at one of the innovative mixology hubs that have shaken up the local cocktail scene, like Rita, Carico, Tripstillery, Unseen Bar and Drinc.

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Where to stay in Milan : The stupendous  Portrait Milano  occupies a converted 16th-century monastery that hides in plain sight.

Ravenna, Emilia-Romanga

The sublime UNESCO-protected Byzantine mosaics decorating the walls and ceilings of eight churches and baptistries in Ravenna should be on everyone’s bucket list, but the city remains curiously under wraps. After just a few hours in this former Roman and Byzantine capital, it’s easy to see why Dante Alighieri hightailed it there when he was banished from his native Florence. It’s no longer the 14th century, but the appeal of this city by the Adriatic endures. A sea breeze sweeps delicately through the city centre, a pastel pedestrian zone that’s at once tranquil and lively and even a bit romantic – though not cloyingly so. Drop into the refurbished covered market to observe the sfogline, or pasta makers, crafting typical shapes like cappelletti, tagliatelle, strozzapreti and maltagliati by hand. Browse the stalls, then head to Ca’ de Vèn to sip local Sangiovese and Albana wines alongside Romagnola specialities. If you’d like to pay your respects to the father of the Italian language, Dante’s tomb is less than a minute away.

Where to stay in Ravenna : With a rooftop solarium and quiet interior garden,  Palazzo Bezzi  is a pleasant respite in the heart of Ravenna’s historic centre. For more Milan hotels , see our guide to the city's very best places to stay.

Rome, Lazio

Rome  never gets old, but it’s having a moment. Treading the classic route that covers the historic centre, Colosseum, Forum, Vatican, Borghese Gallery, Trastevere and the recently opened Largo di Torre Argentina ruins will keep you busy. Still, the crowds can stifle the Italian capital’s newfangled energy. Head outside the Aurelian walls to the San Lorenzo quarter–an open-air street mural museum to soak it up. New and long-standing galleries, like Materia, Monitor and MLA, have thrust San Lorenzo’s contemporary art scene into the global spotlight–Soho House even chose the district for its first Italy outpost. It is Rome, after all, so you can temper all the modernity with a dose of nostalgia at San Lorenzo’s old-school institutions like Tram Tram osteria and Bar Merani. For a transportive change of scenery, the ornate Art Nouveau buildings of the Coppedè quarter are adorned with Gaudi-esque embellishments. As for eating, Al Moro, Armando al Pantheon and Da Cesare never fail to serve up stellar Roman staples.

Where to stay in Rome : Wellness stands front and centre at the spectacular  Six Senses Rome , which opened in a 15th-century palazzo last year. See our guide to the best hotels in Rome for more inspiration.

Turin, Piedmont

With stately Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture and elegant piazzas, it’s no surprise that Turin draws comparisons to Paris. The splendour of its past as the seat of the House of Savoy lives on in the UNESCO-protected Royal Palace and the loggia framing Piazza Castello. The panoramic terrace at the Mole Antonelliana, the landmark with the unusual square-shaped spired dome, is a must for a gorgeous view of the city’s sienna rooftops sprawling to the foot of snow-capped Alps. The Museo Egizio features one of the world’s largest collections of Egyptian artefacts, and Museo Casa Mollino is the former home of 20th-century architect and designer Carlo Mollino. Lodged in a former Fiat factory, Pinacoteca Agnelli displays the automotive family’s art collection, which includes works by Renoir, Matisse and Picasso, and incorporates the Pista 500, Fiat’s historic rooftop test track turned garden, into the experience. The Piedmontese capital is also the city of coffee and chocolate, two guilty pleasures that come together in the Bicerin, a hot drink born at the same-named café. Just 50 kilometres from Alba, Turin is an ideal jumping-off point for wine pilgrims and truffle hunters headed to Le Lange.

Where to stay in Turin:  The warm, modern, minimalist interior of the  Turin Palace Hotel  is enhanced with pops of colour and complete with a rooftop bar and spa.

Tropea, Calabria

Nothing prepares you for seeing Tropea for the first time. The Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea rests on one of Italy’s most mesmerising though little-known stretches of shoreline: Calabria’s Coast of the Gods. Weathered mediaeval facades soar over sandstone cliffs that drop onto white sand lapped by translucent turquoise water. In Tropea’s tangle of narrow streets, garlands of hot chilli peppers hang alongside batches of stringed oval-shaped sweet Tropea red onions–try a scoop of it in gelato form at Gelateria Tonini. The Norman cathedral is home to local treasures, including a 13th-century painting of Madonna di Romania, the city’s patron saint, and a rare 15th-century black wood crucifix. If you’re up for a challenge, ascend 33 metres of stone-hewn steps to the Santa Santa Maria dell’Isola promontory that punctuates the beach. For a change of scenery, explore the vineyards, oil mills, dairies and farms of the unspoiled hinterland or jaunt off to Sicily’s Aeolian islands by boat.

Where to stay in Tropea:  A converted 16th-century convent,  Villa Paola  has 12 elegant rooms and a vast terrace that looks over Tropea’s old town and the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea.

Florence, Tuscany

There’s no question that  Florence  lives up to its nickname: the cradle of the Renaissance. The Tuscan capital’s dense pedestrian historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, packs plenty to keep your days full: the Duomo Cathedral, the Uffizi Galleries, Piazza della Signoria, the Medici Chapels and Santa Croce. Michelangelo’s David broods confidently in the Accademia, while Donatello’s lesser-known bronze version of the Old Testament hero stands with one foot on Goliath’s severed head in the Museo Ormero. If the dozens of footwear shops don’t keep the whims of shoe lovers at bay, the Museo Salvatore Ferragamo celebrates the work of its pioneering namesake. Cross the Ponte Vecchio to reach the Oltrarno, literally “beyond the Arno”, home to Palazzo Pitti, Boboli Gardens and Piazzale Michelangelo. The artisan boutiques and shops of the vibrant Santo Spirito quarter include leather specialist Quoio and Giulio Giannino e Figlio, one of the city’s oldest stationery shops. Visible from just about anywhere in town, the encircling, cypress-tree-topped hills tease the undulating Tuscan landscape that extends outwards from the confines of the city.

Where to stay in Florence : In the city centre, just a short walk from the crowded cluster, the  St. Regis  is an ornate oasis on the Lungarno with frescoes, marble and gilding.

Venice, Veneto

There’s no place like  Venice . The compact floating city packs one unforgettable moving image after another: gondolas gliding over smooth, murky green canals, water gently lapping the stately Venetian gothic facades in shades of pink and orange, the boisterous Rialto fish market vendors peddling the lagoon’s finest and traversing the bridges as you drift from one sinuous  calla  to another. Saint Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace and the Gallerie dell’Accademia all warrant a visit, as do the galleries that have established Venice as a contemporary art mecca, like the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, the Pinault Collection, and an outpost of Milan’s Fondazione Prada. If the crowds overwhelm, sail off to one of the outer  islands . There’s a chance Murano, world-famous for its glass blowing, will be just as congested as the central hub. Burano might not be as under the radar as it used to be, but the jumbles of rainbow-hued homes and the risotto di gò, made from goby fish, are worth the 40-minute vaporetto ride. If you’re in that neck of the lagoon, dart off to Torcello for the exquisite byzantine mosaics at the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta. Back on the central islands, start your evening with a Venetian-style aperitivo: couple your cicchetti with an  ombra  (shadow) of wine at one of the beloved bacari like Cantinone già Schiavi or All’Arco.

Where to stay in Venice:  The  Gritti Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel , is an unrivalled timeless treasure with Murano chandeliers, plush fabrics, and splendid views of the Grand Canal.

Catania, Sicily

Selecting one city in  Sicily  is difficult as the entire island’s whimsical fantasia of art, culture and architecture reflects its tumultuous history and conquerings. But travellers tend to backburner Catania, setting out for Taormina immediately after descending on the island. Anchored in the shadows of Mount Etna on Sicily’s east coast, the city, equal parts gritty and elegant, has been obliterated and rebuilt several times over the centuries. Kick off the day local-style, with a  brioscia  (brioche) stuffed with lemon, almond, coffee and chocolate granita at a beloved mainstay like Bar Musumeci and Gran Cafe Salaire, then observe Catania dwellers in action at the historic fish market where glossy red shrimp, gleaming swordfish, and prickly sea urchin chill on beds of ice. The city is one of the UNESCO-listed eight late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto–its most notable architecture is on and around Via Croficeri. Mount Etna’s wines are among the world’s most respected, so look out for them at restaurants or sample some straight from the source at one of the wineries.

Where to stay in Catania :  Palazzo Sangiorgio  opened in a refurbished 17th-century building last fall. The decor incorporates pieces from Gio Ponti, Philippe Starck, and Flos lighting.

Merano, Trentino-Alto Adige

Mereno, the former capital of  South Tyrol , didn’t officially become part of Italy until 1919. The fairy-tale-like city exemplifies Italian charm without neglecting its Austrian roots. Cradled by the snow-capped peaks of the Dolomites, this historic spa town’s unusually mild climate keeps its indoor and outdoor natural therapeutic baths open year-round. The city centre is an assortment of architectural styles: Via dei Portici, a picture-perfect portico-lined street topped with mediaeval pastel facades, stands among the Gothic Duomo and neoclassical and Art Nouveau buildings. Outside the city, the plush gardens of Castello Trauttmansdorff flaunt flora from all over the world, and three tranquil promenades thread the city’s periphery–retreating to one of them might be just as healing as the baths. Austrian influences prevail in the atypically Italian cuisine. Expect assorted sweet and savoury canederli (bread dumplings), Schlutzkrapfen (half-moon-shaped stuffed pasta), and apple strudel. Six Michelin-starred restaurants are in the vicinity, including Ristorante Sissi and Ristorante Prezioso Fragsburg in the city itself.

Where to stay in Merano:  Soaring over the landscape at 1,230 metres, the exquisite  Miramonti  Boutique Hotel features floor-to-ceiling windows so guests can enjoy the view.

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The 15 Best Cities in Italy

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

If you're planning your first trip to Italy, you may be undecided as to which cities to visit. It's a tough decision, for good reason—Italy's cities offer an enticing mix of scenery, historic and ancient sites, museums and of course, great cuisine and ambiance. What's more, Italy's major cities can easily be visited by train .

The amount of time you have in Italy will likely dictate how many places you can visit there. Many travelers choose the classic itinerary of Rome, Florence, and Venice, perhaps with a side trip through Tuscany. Yet there are so many great places to discover in Italy, it's hard to narrow down any list of "best" cities. But try we must! These are our picks for the top ten Italian cities, each with its own special character and appeal.

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Rome is the capital of Italy and most likely, your first stop in the country. Rome offers a dazzling variety of sights and experiences. At every turn, you'll discover ancient monuments, ornate medieval and Baroque churches, beautiful fountains, art-filled museums, and Renaissance palaces. The ancient Colosseum is one of the most iconic sites in the world, and modern Rome is a bustling and lively city and has some excellent restaurants and nightlife. Saint Peter's Square and the Vatican City are also easily visited when in Rome.

Unlike anyplace else in the world, Venice is a unique city built over the water in the middle of a lagoon. Venice is one of Italy's most beautiful and romantic cities as well as one of the most popular for visitors to Italy. The heart of Venice is Piazza San Marco with its magnificent church, Saint Mark's Basilica . There are numerous museums, palaces, and churches to visit, and wandering along Venice's canals and getting lost in its maze of narrow streets is always enchanting. Venice is in the northeast of Italy and historically was a bridge between East and West—its architecture retains a Byzantine feel not really found elsewhere in Italy.

Florence is one of Italy's most important Renaissance architectural and art centers. Its Duomo and Baptistery are magnificent but crowded with tourists, as is the large piazza. Florence has several excellent museums with many famous paintings and sculptures, including Michelangelo's "David" and Botticelli's "Birth of Venus." There are also Medici palaces and gardens. Florence is in the region of Tuscany and is the gateway for exploring Tuscany's smaller cities and countryside.

Milan, one of Europe's wealthiest cities, is known for stylish shops, galleries, and restaurants and has a faster pace of life than most Italian cities. It also has a rich artistic and cultural heritage. Its Gothic Duomo, with its beautiful marble facade, is magnificent. Da Vinci's painting of  The Last Supper is one of Milan's top attractions and La Scala is one of the world's most famous opera houses.

Capri has charmed royalty, artists, and celebrities alike with its gorgeous beaches, many gardens, and restaurants. Situated in the Bay of Naples, Capri is a year-round destination that is bursting with tourists every summer. Be sure to get on the water to explore the sea caves (Blue Grotto is a must) and rock formations. On land, consider visiting the famed Villa San Michele before enjoying some high-end shopping, excellent pasta, and a limoncello. Or two.

Naples is one of Italy's most vibrant cities. It lies on the coast south of Rome and is the most important city in southern Italy. Naples retains much of its Baroque character and is a starting point for trips to Pompeii, Herculaneum , and the Amalfi Coast. It holds many historical and artistic treasures, and is famous for its pizza and desserts!

Bologna is known for its beauty, wealth, cuisine, and left-wing politics. Its flat streets are lined with arcades, making it a good walking city in every kind of weather. It has one of Europe's oldest universities. a nice medieval center, and several attractive squares, lined with buildings with porticoes. Bologna is the biggest city in northern Italy's Emilia-Romagna region and its Piazza Maggiore is one of the biggest squares in Europe. Even among Italians, it's considered the culinary capital of the country.

Verona is most recognized as the setting for "Romeo and Juliet" but it's also famous for its Roman Arena (the third-largest in Italy and the venue for a top opera festival. Verona has a good medieval center, Roman remains, an interesting castle complex, and lots of high-end shopping. It's the fourth most visited city in Italy and well worth a stop on a northern Italy train travel itinerary .

A popular day trip from Rome, Orvieto is a striking hill town in Umbria. It's built on volcanic plateau with near-vertical cliff faces and has a long, rich history. One of Orvieto's main highlights is the Duomo. It took close to 400 years to complete and is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. There's also a network of caves and tunnels underneath the city that have been in use for more than two millennia. Tours of Underground Orvieto are available; they leave daily and last for 45 minutes.

Built into a seaside cliff in the middle of Italy’s gorgeous Amalfi Coast, Positano is now a popular resort destination perfect for romance. Its mild climate make this a year-round destiantion but Positano most crowded from April to October. Beyond strolling through town admiring the colorful houses vistors can enjoy fresh seafood, do some shopping at boutiques, or relax at pebble and sand beaches. There are also several hiking options from Positano that follow the coast or go deeper inland.

Turin (Torino), in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy, is a major cultural hub with excellent museums, elegant shops, and good restaurants. There are also some very nice examples of Baroque architecture and historic palaces, famous coffee houses, artisan workshops, and streets with covered arcades.

Genoa is Italy's principal seaport, located in Liguria on the northwest coast of Italy. Genoa has a fascinating modern aquarium, an interesting port area, and a historic center said to be the largest medieval quarter in Europe, with a wealth of churches, palaces, and museums.

Perugia, in central Italy's Umbria region , is a very cosmopolitan city and home to two universities. It hosts a world-famous jazz festival in the summer and its University for Foreigners is a great place to learn Italian. It's a walled city on a hilltop with great views over the valley and has several important monuments and a good central square. Its history goes back to the 9th century B.C.

Cinque Terre

OK, the Cinque Terre is technically five villages but considering that the group as a whole is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, all of them are worth a visit. And they're so close to together that visitors can walk from one town into the next without much effort. This popular tourist destination is famous for the colorful buildings, fresh seafood, impressive hikes, and stunning views. Corniglia is smallest and one of the least crowded villages (it lacks sea access) while Monterosso is the largest and busiest.

Parma may not be on most tourists' radar but the Northern Italian city offers noteworthy food, architecture, and art. Foodies will delight in tasting Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Parma ham in addition to stuffed pasta. Meanwhile, architecture lovers will be spoiled by the wide-ranging styles on display here. Especially the pink marble Baptistery. That's in addition to a museum of artifacts from the Middle Ages and a national gallery of art with collections spanning 600 years.

Traveling by Train in Italy

Travel between big cities is best done by train as driving in Italian cities may be very difficult and the extensive Italian rail system is fairly inexpensive. Most city centers are well-suited to walking and parts of the city centers are closed to cars without permits. Large Italian cities generally have good public transportation, too.

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The 15 best places to visit in Italy, from Venice to the Cinque Terre

Nov 19, 2023 • 11 min read

Rome should be the centerpiece of your trip if you’re going to Italy for the first time © Kathrin Ziegler / Getty Images

Home to some of the greatest artworks, historical monuments and food on the planet, and with the kind of varied landscapes that you often have to cross continents to see, Italy elates, inspires and moves its visitors like few other countries.

From its art- and architecture-stuffed cities to its astonishing diversity of natural landscapes – dramatic coastlines, serene lakes, pristine mountains, and those famous rolling hills – picking just a handful of destinations to visit in this wonderful country is no easy task.

So how do you decide where to go? It all depends on what you’re looking for in your Italian odyssey, whether that’s history, art, beaches, hiking or even food. No matter your passion, our list of 15 must-see places in Italy should be your starting point.

Best for history

Once caput mundi (capital of the world), Rome was legendarily spawned by a wolf-suckled boy, developed into a vast empire, rooted itself as the home of the Catholic church, and is now the repository of more than two millennia of art and architecture.

Rome should definitely be the centerpiece of your trip if you’re going to Italy for the first time, but there's simply too much to see in one visit, from the Pantheon and the Colosseum to Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and countless works by Caravaggio. So do as countless others have done before you: toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and promise to return.

Planning tip: There’s an overwhelming amount to see here, and with limited public transport in the city center, your choice of hotel can be crucial. Map out the sights you’re most interested in before you book – if you want to be at the Vatican at opening time, for example, don't stay near the Colosseum.

Read more: Italians reveal their under-the-radar vacation spots in Italy

Best for a Renaissance fix

From Botticelli’s Venus , emerging coyly from the water in the Uffizi Gallery , to the mind-boggling dome of its cathedral, Florence is a feast for the eyes. This was, of course, the seat of the Renaissance, and there are knock-out names at every turn – Michelangelo in the Accademia, Donatello in the Bargello, Leonardo and Raphael in the Uffizi. 

Further afield in  Tuscany – Italy's most romanticized region – is an undulating landscape of sinuous cypress trees, olive groves and coveted regional treasures. Glory in the Gothic majesty of Siena and the Manhattan-esque skyline of medieval San Gimignano before exploring the vineyards of Italy's most famous wine region, Chianti , and the rolling, cypress-studded hills of the Val d’Orcia.

Planning tip: You’re best off without a car if you’re sticking to major towns and cities since Tuscany has a good rail network. But if you want to explore the countryside, you’ll definitely need a car. 

3. The Dolomites

Best for dramatic mountains

Scour the globe, and you'll find plenty of taller, bigger and more geologically volatile mountains, but few can match the romance of the pink-hued granite Dolomites .

Maybe it's their harsh, jagged summits, the vibrant skirts of spring wildflowers, or the rich cache of Ladin legends. Then again, it could just be the magnetic draw of money, style and glamor at Italy's most fabled ski resort, Cortina d'Ampezzo , or the linguistic curiosity of picture-postcard mountain village Sappada . Whatever the reason, this tiny pocket of northern Italy takes seductiveness to dizzying heights.

4. Amalfi Coast

Best for classic beauty

Italy's most celebrated coastline is a gripping strip: coastal mountains plunge into the piercing blue sea in a prime-time vertical scene of precipitous crags, sun-bleached villages and cliffs rearing up behind. Between sea and sky, mountaintop hiking trails deliver Tyrrhenian panoramas fit for a god.

While some may argue that the peninsula's most beautiful coast is Liguria's Cinque Terre or Calabria's Costa Viola, it is the Amalfi Coast that has seduced and inspired countless greats, from Tennessee Williams and DH Lawrence to Elizabeth Taylor, Virginia Woolf and Jackie Kennedy. Of course, its staggeringly romantic looks also make it one of the best places in Italy for couples.

Planning tip: Yes, driving along the Amalfi Coast is one of the world’s most famous road trips, but often it feels like everyone else on the planet has the same idea as you. Traffic can be nose-to-tail, and parking is effectively nonexistent. Instead, take the ferry between towns or travel by public transport .

Best for stepping back in time

Frozen in its death throes, the time-warped ruins of Pompeii hurtle you 2000 years into the past. Wander through chariot-grooved Roman streets, lavishly frescoed villas and bathhouses, food stores and markets, theaters, and even an ancient brothel.

Then, in the eerie stillness, your eye on ominous Mt Vesuvius, ponder Pliny the Younger's terrifying account of the town's final hours: “Darkness came on again, again ashes, thick and heavy. We got up repeatedly to shake these off; otherwise, we would have been buried and crushed by the weight.”

Planning tip: If you have time, the other major city destroyed by the eruption, Herculaneum, is also worth a visit. Much smaller than Pompeii, its buildings are better preserved, and the location – surrounded by its modern descendant, Ercolano – makes the site even more piquant. Like Pompeii, it’s easily reached on the Circumvesuviana train.

6. Emilia-Romagna

Best for foodies

In a region as overwhelmingly foodie as Emilia-Romagna , it's only natural that its capital, Bologna , is dubbed “La Grassa” (the fat one). Many belt-busting Italian classics hail from here, including mortadella, tortellini and tagliatelle al ragù. Shop in the deli-packed Quadrilatero district – home to food stalls since medieval times – then hop on the train for an afternoon in Modena for world-famous aged balsamic vinegar.

Leave room for Parma , hometown of parmigiano reggiano cheese and the incomparable prosciutto di Parma. Wherever you plunge your fork, toast with a glass or three of Emilia-Romagna's renowned Lambrusco – a world away from the sickly sweet wine that was exported in the past.

7. Lago di Como

Best for a slice of luxury

If it's good enough for the Clooneys and vacationing Obamas, it's good enough for mere mortals. Nestled in the shadow of the Rhaetian Alps, dazzling Lago di Como is Lombardy's most spectacular lake. Its lavish Liberty-style villas are home to movie moguls, fashion royalty, and literal royalty, while the lake's siren calls include gardens at Villas Melzi d'Eril , Carlotta , and Balbianello that blush pink with camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons in April and May.

The city of Como itself is a hotbed of arresting architecture, from the Gothic cathedral to Palazzo Terragni – built by the Fascists as their party headquarters, it’s a classic example of Italian 1930s Rationalism and a striking reminder of the atrocities committed by the regime.  

Planning tip: Como is like the Amalfi Coast – the roads are clogged, and parking is a huge problem. Instead of driving, use public transport; there’s an excellent ferry and bus network, as well as a train line along the eastern edge of the lake.

8. Sardinia

Best for beaches and coastline

The English language cannot accurately describe the varied blue, green and – in the deepest shadows – purple colors of Sardinia’s seas. While models, ministers and perma-tanned celebrities wine, dine and sail along the glossy Costa Smeralda , much of the island – the Med’s second largest after Sicily – remains a wild, raw playground.

Explore its rugged coastal beauty, from the tumbledown boulders of Santa Teresa di Gallura and the wind-chiseled cliff face of the Golfo di Orosei to the windswept beauty of the Costa Verde's dune-backed beaches.

But spend time inland too, and you’ll find some of Europe’s finest prehistoric remains: mysterious nuraghi (megalithic buildings), burial sites so grand they’re known as “giants’ tombs,” and the mountain villages of Barbagia, where locals still practice centuries-old traditions.

Best for sheer italianità

Pompeii, pizza and a whole lot of panache – Naples is a city like no other. Layered like lasagna, each strip of history on top of the last, this is a place where (underground) you can walk along ancient Greek and Roman roads, while at street level there are sumptuous churches, baroque palaces and Maradona – Maradona everywhere .

Outside the city, Vesuvius looms over the time capsules of Pompeii and Herculaneum, while in town, living in the shadow of a volcano gives life a sense of urgency. All that makes for a place like nowhere else .

Planning tip: Naples becomes less chaotic from the water. Taking the ferry isn’t only an option if you’re going to islands like Ischia and Procida – you can also take a boat from the city to Sorrento , Positano and the Amalfi Coast.

Best for a fairytale city

“Unique” is an overused word, but in the case of Venice , there’s no better description. This really is a dreamscape of intricately carved palazzos, gilded churches and world-class museums, all floating on water and crisscrossed by quiet canals.

Avoid the temptation to do a quick drop-in visit to see the main sights – the real Venice is in the silent canals and narrow alleyways, which cast a spell on all who move through them. Tick off the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco , but then stay on to experience this most precious, and precarious, of cities.

Local tip: This is not the place to run a tight schedule. Leave time to wander the alleys , look inside the churches and artisan shops you pass, and hop on a vaporetto that’ll chug through the islands of the lagoon.

11. Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso

Best for hiking

If you're pining for a mind-clearing retreat, lace up your hiking boots and explore over 500km (310 miles) of marked trails and mule tracks traversing “Grand Paradise.”

Part of the Graian Alps and one of Italy's very first national parks, Gran Paradiso's pure, pristine spread encompasses 57 glaciers and alpine pastures awash with wild pansies, gentians and alpenroses, not to mention a healthy population of Alpine ibex, for whose protection the park was originally established. At 4061m (13,323ft), the eponymous Gran Paradiso is the park's only peak, accessed from tranquil Cogne.

12. Mount Etna

Best for thrill seekers

Known to the Greeks as the “column that holds up the sky,”  Mt Etna is not only Europe's largest volcano, it's one of the world's most active. The ancients believed the giant Tifone (Typhoon) lived in its crater and lit the sky with spectacular pyrotechnics; today they simply call it idda , or “her.”

At 3326m (10,912ft), she literally towers above Sicily's Ionian Coast . Tackle the climb on foot, on a guided 4WD tour, or stick to the lower slopes, where you’ll find some of Italy’s most exciting wines being grown in the uber-fertile volcanic soil. Sicily is one of the nicest places in Italy to visit, thanks to its extraordinary wealth of history and architecture, its jaw-dropping coastline and, of course, the ever-welcoming Sicilians.

13. Cinque Terre and the Liguria coast

Best for classic coastline

Liguria’s remote Cinque Terre area is coastal Italy at its most spectacular. Five seaside villages wedged between cliffs, encircled by a national park and connected by clifftop footpaths, this is a place where humanity has lived in symbiosis with nature for thousands of years. People have chiseled terraces into the steep cliffs and grown wine here since Roman times; until the 20th century, the locals got about by sea or footpath.

The villages themselves are gorgeous, but spare some time for a hike along the Sentiero Azzurro, the most popular of the paths connecting them. Cinque Terre may be the best known, but Liguria’s coastline is one showstopper coastal village after another – additional highlights include Portofino , Portovenere and Santa Margherita Ligure .  

Planning tip: This is another area where it’s not worth driving – there are ferry services, but our favorite option is the train, which runs along the coast and stops at each of the villages.

14. Valle d’Itria

Best for picture-perfect villages

They look like hobbit houses – small conical-roofed cottages, often stitched together to form a bigger home but always fairytale pretty, whatever the size. Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot, is famous for its trulli, but you won’t find them all over the region.

Head south of Bari, in from the coast and up onto the high karst plateau, and you’ll find the Valle d’Itria , where the green fields around towns like Cisternino and Locorotondo are dotted with trulli. Alberobello is the center of it all – the centro storico of the town is nothing but streets of them. This is one of the prettiest parts of Italy – truly.

Best for a real city break

Italy’s fashion capital  often gets a bad rap – too international, too organized, not chaotic enough. Don’t believe it. Where else can you go from a Gothic-style cathedral, started in the 14th century, to masterpieces by Leonardo (his Last Supper fresco in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is a showstopper, but so is the Sala delle Asse in the Castello Sforzesco , which he painted as a trompe l’oeil forest bower)?

Milan's restaurants pull together the best food from the Italian peninsula, it’s home to one of Italy’s rare cocktail scenes, and its fashion houses are transforming the city’s modern art scene with venues like Fondazione Prada , an old distillery now housing works by the likes of Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst, as well as putting on top-notch temporary exhibitions.

Planning tip: Milan doesn’t really have high and low seasons like the rest of Italy does; instead, its hotel rates rocket up and down depending on whether there’s a major event in town. Avoid Design and Fashion Weeks if you're traveling on a budget .

This article was first published Jun 3, 2021 and updated Nov 19, 2023.

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11 VERY BEST Cities to Visit in Italy (+ Map & Travel Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: October 23, 2023

Planning a trip to Italy and wondering which cities are worth your time the most? In this guide, you can learn about the VERY BEST, most beautiful cities in Italy – what makes them worthwhile, what not to miss, how much time you need, and how to plan your visit. Find out!

Italian cities are among the most beautiful and most visited in Europe. And rightly so! With a fascinating history, centuries-old architecture, a unique mix of old and new, and a lively, chaotic atmosphere, Italian towns and cities are just like nowhere else in the world!

But with so many beautiful cities, towns, and landmarks to choose from, it might be overwhelming to decide which Italian cities are worth visiting the most. Especially if this is your first trip and you want to make the best use of your time.

So to help you plan your trip, we selected only the most beautiful, the very best cities to visit in Italy.

My first intention was to make a list of just the top 10 cities in Italy. Because – in all honesty – you probably won’t have the time to properly see even ten of them in one trip… So I wanted to feature the very best ones only.

However, it was really hard to decide which cities to include and which ones to leave out. There are just so many beautiful places to see in Italy and the competition is fierce! In the end, some major cities in Italy like Turin or Genoa didn’t make this list. Still, we ended up with 11. I just couldn’t leave any of these out or make the list any shorter anymore because each of these cities is truly worth a visit!

To help you plan your trip and get a better idea of where all these places are located, we also created this map of the best cities to visit in Italy .

Further below, you can find our list of the Italian cities that we think are worth visiting the most. For each city, we included a short intro, the very best things to do, and some useful tips for your visit. Find out!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 2 Weeks in Italy – Ultimate Itinerary

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

These are the best cities to see in Italy:

Rome ( Roma ) is without a doubt the most beautiful city in Italy! The Eternal City is like one huge living museum where you’ll find ancient history and fascinating places behind every corner. It’s also a very lively city with lots of restaurants, cafés, and local markets that are heaving with activity.

If you visit just one city in Italy, make it Rome! Not because it’s the largest city with the biggest population or because it’s the capital city, but because of its history and architecture that has no equals in the entire world!

No matter which street or town square you turn into, which church or museum you visit, you’ll be fascinated by the incredibly rich history of Rome and awed by its impressive landmarks.

What to See & Do

Must-see: Colosseum , the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Also the Vatican with St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel, St. Angelo Bridge, and Castel Sant’Angelo.

Nice to see: Campo de’ Fiori market, Trastevere district, Circus Maximus, Piazza Venezia, view from Belvedere del Gianicolo, Piazza del Popolo, Borghese Gallery, and many more. Try to also see at least a few of the best viewpoints in Rome .

How much time do you need: While you can see the musts of Rome in a day , we recommend planning at least a few days in the city. If you want to see all the main landmarks without having to rush, you’ll need at least 2-3 days in Rome (see Rome 2-day itinerary) . If you want to explore deeper and get off the beaten path in Rome, see some underground sites , and the best viewpoints , you can easily spend 5-7 days here.

Here you can find our suggestions on how to see all the top landmarks and lots of amazing hidden gems of Rome in 4 days , plus some additional suggestions for a longer trip. Be sure to also read our tips for visiting Rome .

Where to stay: Our personal favorite area to stay in Rome is around Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. Here you can find more information about this best area to stay in Rome . And here are some highly-rated hotels in this neighborhood:

• 5* The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel, Autograph Collection (amazing rooftop terrace).
• 4* 9Hotel Cesari (we recently stayed here – the location can’t be better and their rooftop terrace is amazing).
• 3* Albergo Abruzzi .
• 2* Boutique Hotel Atelier ‘800 .

LEARN MORE What to See & Do in Rome (all the must-see sights & top attractions)

2. Florence

Surrounded by the hilly Tuscan countryside and set on the banks of the Arno River, Florence ( Firenze ) is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy! Known as the cradle of the Renaissance, Florence is world-famous for the masterpieces of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

Florence is the city of art where you’re surrounded by stunning Renaissance artworks, monuments, and the most impressive architecture.

It’s also a very lively city with music, dance, cinemas, and theaters. But Florence is also the city of food and wine, with various festivals taking place throughout the year.

Must-see: Duomo (Florence Cathedral) and everything around it ( book in advance if you want to do the dome climb!), Uffizi Gallery , Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria town square. Michelangelo’s statue ‘David’ at the Galleria dell’Accademia ( book in advance !!!). Also, the view over the city from Piazzale Michelangelo is incredible, especially around sunset!

Nice to see: Basilica of Santa Croce, Palazzo Pitti, San Lorenzo Market, Piazza Santo Spirito, and the views from Florence rooftop bars .

How much time do you need: One day is enough to quickly see some of the main landmarks of Florence (see our guide on what to see in Florence in one day ). Plan two days if you want to visit the main museums and explore the city at a more relaxed pace. With three days in the city, you could also take a tour of the Tuscan countryside and visit some of the best towns in Tuscany .

Where to stay: The Florence city center isn’t that big. As long as you stay in the center, it’s easy to explore everything on foot. Here are some of the most popular hotels:

• 4* Grand Hotel Cavour (rooftop terrace with the best views).
• 3* Hotel Machiavelli Palace (great value, nice views too).
• Plus Florence (a fantastic lower-budget option).

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Florence

No trip to Italy would be complete without visiting Venice ( Venezia ).

This ‘floating’ town is not just the most unique among the Italian cities, but it’s also one of the most beautiful cities in the world!

The city of Venice and its lagoon consists of 118 islands. Most of these islands are tiny and are connected by small bridges – you can explore them on foot. While some others are a bit further away and require a boat to get to.

Must-see and do: St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace (and its famous Bridge of Sighs), Rialto Bridge, and the waterfront promenade Riva degli Schiavoni. And, of course, Venice canals including the impressive Grand Canal. Don’t miss the bucket-list experience – a gondola ride in Venice !

Nice to see: Teatro La Fenice , Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, Libreria Acqua Alta, Jewish Ghetto, Campo San Polo, San Giorgio Maggiore Island, and many churches of Venice. Also an excursion to the nearby islands of Burano and Murano and the beaches of Lido di Venezia.

How much time do you need: One day is enough to quickly see the main landmarks, but it will be rushed (see here: one day in Venice – things to do & itinerary ). I recommend staying at least one night so that you can also experience Venice in the evening when most day-trippers have left. Plan at least two days if you also want to visit the nearby islands, and at least three days if you want to see all the top sights and attractions in Venice. See here some suggestions for a 3-day Venice itinerary with local’s tips.

Where to stay: If you are visiting Venice by car or arriving by train, you may want to stay close to Piazzale Roma. Otherwise, stay in the area between St. Mark’s Square and Rialto Bridge. Here are some hotel suggestions for this area:

• 5* Hotel Danieli – one of the most iconic hotels in Venice.
• 4* Hotel Casanova .
• 3* Hotel Montecarlo .
• 2* Hotel Rio .

READ ALSO: What to See & Do in Venice (all the best sights & attractions)

Bologna , nicknamed as ‘la dotta, la grassa, la rossa’ (the learned, the fat/rich, and the red) is a city that has it all! Bologna University is one of the oldest in Europe.

Bologna is also rich in agriculture and gastronomy and is often considered the culinary capital of Italy. And the red was originally referring to its architecture – the color of the buildings and the rooftops.

However, because it’s situated between such fine cities as Milan, Venice, and Florence, Bologna often gets overlooked by first-time visitors. Often, there’s simply not enough time to see it all… But if you do have a day to spare, definitely include Bologna in your itinerary!

Must-see: Piazza Maggiore, the Fountain of Neptune, and the two leaning Towers of Bologna (climb the Asinelli Tower and see Garisenda (cannot be climbed)). Also Basilica di San Petronio as well as Seven Churches at the Santo Stefano Complex. Bologna University with Teatro Anatomico is a must too.

Nice to see: Clock Tower (Torre dell’Orologio) and the Municipal Art Collections, Quadrilatero Neighborhood, former Jewish ghetto, Finestrella, National Gallery, and Archaeological Museum. The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca is also nice to see. It’s situated a bit outside the city and can be reached by tourist train .

How much time do you need: One full day is enough for the main landmarks (many people visit Bologna from Florence , often for just a day). But if you have more time, you can easily fill 2-3 days in this lively bustling student city.

Where to stay: Bologna city center isn’t that big, but it’s probably most convenient if you stay in the area between the railway station and the old town. Here are some popular options:

• 4* I Portici Hotel Bologna .
• 3* Hotel Cavour .
• 2* Hotel Centrale .

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Bologna

Milan ( Milano ) is one of the biggest and richest cities in Italy! It’s also very different from any other town on this list. Its unique blend of old history and modern-day life makes Milan one of the most fascinating cities I have ever visited.

It took many trips to Italy before I finally went to Milan. Somehow I had the impression that it’s a grey industrial city with not much more to offer to tourists than its impressive Duomo Cathedral. But I was so wrong! Milan has so, so much more to offer to any type of traveler!

Whether you are looking for art and history, shopping and dining, world-class museums, or modern architecture, you’ll find it all here! It’s a city of many facets and you’ll discover something new every time. But even if you just come here for a day and only see the main tourist sights, it’s still worth a visit!

Must-see: Duomo and Duomo Terraces , Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and ‘The Last Supper’ painting by Leonardo da Vinci (book tickets months in advance or take a tour !).

Nice to see: La Scala, Milan canals, Sforzesco Castle, Brera district, Braidense National Library, the modern architecture of the Porta Nuova district.

How much time do you need: One day is enough for the main landmarks of Milan (check out this guide for more info on how to see the best of Milan in one day) . If you have an extra day, we recommend a day tour to Lake Como . Be sure to visit Bellagio , Varenna , and a few other towns in Lake Como !

Where to stay: Milan is quite a big city, but if you stay not too dar from the Duomo, you can see most places on foot. For some other areas, use public transport, which is excellent and not too expensive. Here are some of the best centrally-located hotels in Milan:

• 5* NH Collection Milano President .
• 4+* Room Mate Giulia .
• 3* Hotel Milano Castello .
• 2* London Hotel .

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Milan

Ravenna is one of the smaller cities in this selection, but nevertheless absolutely worth a visit! Ravenna was the capital city of the Western Roman Empire from 402 until the empire collapsed in 476. It remained a very influential city in the region for a long period after that.

The main reason to visit Ravenna is to see its world-famous mosaics, some dating to the 5th and the 6th centuries. They are worth a trip even if you are coming from the other side of the world!

But there is more to Ravenna than that! You’ll also find centuries-old architecture, impressive museums, and a very cozy historic town center with colorful buildings and lively streets, but also really nice beaches nearby. And while the main attractions can get busy, the moment you leave the main streets, you find a really cozy city with a great vibe.

Must see: The famous Ravenna mosaics at Basilica di San Vitale, Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, and Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo. Also Piazza del Popolo and Ravenna old town.

Nice to see: Basilica di Sant’Apollinare in Classe, Battistero Neoniano, Battistero degli Ariani, Dante’s Tomb & Museum. The submerged crypt of Basilica San Francis. Also National Museum of Ravenna and Teodorico Mausoleum.

How much time do you need: Half a day is enough for just the main highlights of Ravenna, but staying a full day will make your visit more pleasant and more relaxing (if you can, plan at least one night in Ravenna). If you have some extra time in this area, we highly recommend visiting Rimini and San Marino as well!

Where to stay: Ravenna has many really nice boutique hotels and B&Bs, but also big hotels. The town center isn’t big and you can walk everywhere; still, it’s nice to stay in the heart of the city. Here are some nice hotels in Ravenna:

• Boutique hotel Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi .
• 4* Palazzo Bezzi Hotel .
• 3* Hotel Minerva .

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Ravenna

Siena is another really nice art city in Tuscany. It’s not as big as nearby Florence, but extremely popular with locals and tourists alike! Situated on three hills and surrounded by the beautiful Tuscan countryside, Siena has a cozy feel of a smaller town.

The entire historic center is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s just a very nice, pleasant city to visit. Also because it’s quite compact you can make a nice relaxing day trip without having to rush from one thing to another like in the bigger cities.

Must-see: Piazza del Campo and Palazzo Publico where you can also climb the tower for amazing views. Cathedral – Duomo di Siena with its Crypt, Baptistery, Piccolomini Library, and stunning views from the New Cathedral Façade. Also the Gate of Heaven (Cathedral tower and terraces).

Nice to see: Via di Citta, Via Banchi di Sopra, Piazza Salimbeni, Basilica di San Domenico, Pinacoteca Nazionale. Also, take a tour of the Tuscan countryside if you have an extra day!

How much time do you need: Plan at least one full day for Siena: half a day is enough for the main landmarks, plus you can also take a half-day tour to the nearby Chianti region or a dinner tour in the vineyards . If you can, spend two days here – one for a relaxing day exploring the city and one for the countryside and visit places like San Gimignano or Montepulciano . But you can easily spend at least a week in the region as well. See our Tuscany itinerary for some ideas.

Where to stay: If you can, stay in the historic city center in Siena! Here are some of the nicest hotels in the city center:

• 5* Grand Hotel Continental Siena.
• 3+* Palazzetto Rosso .
• 3* Hotel Duomo .
• 2* Albergo Cannon d’Oro .

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Siena

Naples ( Napoli ), located in the southern part of the country, is a very different city from the ones situated in northern Italy.

It’s a chaotic and busy town, but one that also has a rich history, arts, and culture. Dominated by the nearby Vesuvius volcano and surrounded by hills on one side and the sea on the other, Naples is also quite picturesque.

The historic town center is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site and there are so many landmarks in and near the city that you can easily spend 3 days in Naples alone.

Furthermore, just nearby, are the famous ancient Roman cities Pompeii and Herculaneum, as well as Mount Vesuvius volcano . The stunning coastline of the Amalfi Coast is worth a trip in itself, just as the islands of Capri and Ischia!

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Naples

Must-see: Spaccanapoli (the famous street that ‘splits’ historic Naples old town in two), Piazza del Plebiscito, National Archaeological Museum, views from Castel Sant’Elmo, Certosa di San Martino (former monastery, now a museum), Cappella Sansevero, and Naples Catacombs.

Nice to see: the Royal Palace of Naples, the Royal Palace of Caserta, Castel Nuovo, Castel Ovo, and the neighborhoods of Vomero, Mergellina, and Borgo Santa Lucia.

How much time do you need: You can see some of the musts in Naples in 1 day , but you can easily spend 2-3 days in the city. Add a day extra for the villages of the Amalfi Coast ( day tours available ), a day for Pompeii and Mt Vesuvius ( tours available ), and also for Capri Island (boat tours available ). If you can, try to plan at least 4-5 days in this area!

READ ALSO: Best Day Trips from Naples & How to Get to Amalfi Coast from Naples

Where to stay: One of the most convenient locations to stay in Naples is the historic town center, west of Central Station and north of the Ferry Terminal. Here are some nicest hotels in that area:

• 4* Decumani Hotel De Charme .
• 3* Hotel Piazza Bellini & Apartments .

If you want to stay close to the sea (but still very central), the waterfront in the Santa Lucia area has several really nice hotels, such as Eurostars Hotel Excelsior . For more details, please see our guide to the best neighborhoods to stay in Naples .

READ ALSO: Amalfi Coast Itinerary & Naples, Amalfi Coast, Capri Itinerary for 10 Days

World-famous as the setting of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, Verona is probably Italy’s most romantic city. Set on the Adige River, this medieval town in Northern Italy is a bit like a mini version of Rome.

Just like the Colosseum in Rome , the Roman amphitheater Arena di Verona was built in the 1st century. In a way, it’s even more impressive because it’s better preserved and it’s not as crowded as the Colosseum.

Furthermore, they organize incredible concerts here – don’t miss it if you get the chance (see the calendar of performances here )!

Must-see: Verona Arena and Piazza delle Erbe. Also Juliet’s Statue and a 13th-century house with the famous Juliet’s Balcony that’s believed to have inspired Shakespeare. The views from Torre dei Lamberti.

Nice to see: Castelvecchio, Ponte Scaligero, Piazza delle Erbe, Arche Scaligere.

How much time do you need: Half a day to a day is enough for the main highlights of Verona, but to see all the top places, plan two days. We recommend staying at least one night and attending a concert at the Arena as well. Ideally, you combine a visit to Verona with that of Lake Garda , just nearby.

Where to stay: Verona isn’t big, but for the best experience, stay in the old town! Here are some of the nicest hotels in the historic center of Verona:

• 4* Hotel Accademia .
• 3* Hotel Milano & SPA***S .
• 2* Hotel Siena .

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Verona

Lucca is one of our own personal favorite towns in Italy. It’s hard to give one reason and say what makes it special. I guess it’s a unique mix of old and new and a really cozy atmosphere that we haven’t found anywhere else. The city feels very ‘local’, has a lot to offer, and it’s also beautifully located in northern Tuscany.

One of the smaller cities in this selection, Lucca’s old town is best explored on foot or by bike. The historic town is surrounded by impressive city walls, the origins of which date to 180 BC! The walls are easily accessible and you can walk or even bike on them.

Make sure to also climb at least one of the two towers in Lucca. The Guinigi Tower is famous for having trees on top, but it’s actually from Torre Delle Ore that you have a better view of the Torre Guinigi. If you can, do both – the views of the city and its surroundings are spectacular!

Things to Do & Tips

Must-see: Duomo, San Michele in Foro church, Torre Guinigi (the one with the trees) and Torre Delle Ore (the one with a clock), and the city walls. Also the medieval town square Piazza dell’Anfiteatro.

Nice to see: Walk around the city exploring its many streets and town squares and San Frediano church. Nearby, you can visit several impressive Villas and their gardens – Villa Torrigiani, Villa Reale di Marlia, Villa Grabau, and Villa Mansi.

How much time do you need: Half a day is enough for the main landmarks of the city of Lucca. If you have a car and extra time to spare, also visit (one or several of) the nearby villas.

Where to stay: If you are traveling without a car, stay in the historic city center, within the city walls. If you have a car, try Hotel San Marco or others nearby. Here are some of the best hotels in the old town:

• 4* Hotel Alla Corte degli Angeli .
• 3* Albergo San Martino .
• 2* Hotel Diana .

Pisa town is often overlooked by visitors – everyone flocks to the famous Pisa Tower, completely forgetting about the city itself. The old town isn’t overrun by tourists and has a nice local feel that many other popular cities in Italy often lack.

Of course, the main reason to come here is the famous leaning tower and the incredibly impressive Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) where it stands.

But if you have a few hours to spare, head to the town center as well! It’s just 15-20 minutes walk away but feels like an oasis in the desert after the hustle and the bustle of Miracles Square.

What to See & Tips

Must-see: Piazza dei Miracoli: Duomo, Baptistery the leaning tower of Pisa, and the graveyard.

Nice to see and do: Piazza dei Cavalieri with several impressive buildings including Palazzo della Carovana. Arno Promenade, Ponte di Mezzo, Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina, and a stroll around the city center.

How much time do you need: Half a day is enough for the main highlights of Pisa including a visit to the city center. You can easily combine Pisa with a visit to Lucca town or the nearby Cinque Terre for a day . Here you can find more practical information for visiting Cinque Terre .

Where to stay: Most tourists don’t stay in Pisa and travel either to Cinque Terre (see our guide on where to stay in Cinque Terre ) or Lucca, or Florence. But Pisa also has some nice hotels (and more affordable) and it might be magical to stay here the night and see the Miracles Square in the late afternoon when most day tourists have left. Here are some of the best-rated hotels in Pisa:

• 4* Hotel Bologna .
• Palazzo Feroci .

So, this is our guide to the best, most beautiful cities in Italy. But there’s so much more to Italy than just its cities!

If you are looking for more ideas for where to go and what to see in Italy , make sure to take a look at our guide to the best places to visit in Italy . In addition to the most beautiful towns, this guide also features the best destinations of the Italian lakes, stunning coastal areas like Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast, and so much more!

Check it out!

If you only have time to visit a few cities in Italy and have to pick the very best ones, don’t miss Rome, Venice, and Florence (in that order). These three cities are the most beautiful ones and worth the trip the most.

Without any doubt, Rome is the most beautiful city in Italy. It’s a real city-museum with stunning landmarks, centuries-old monuments, fascinating history, and countless hidden gems behind every corner. If you visit just one city in Italy, make it Rome.

The best months to visit Italian cities are from March to May and from mid-September to early November. That’s when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing but is not too hot. It’s also less busy than in the peak summer season. Italian cities are therefore great for a spring break in Europe ! If you don’t mind somewhat more unpredictable weather, visit Italy in November . Also Rome is great in November – cooler weather and fewer crowds mean that you can see a lot more than in the warmer months.

Rome and Venice are very different cities, but both extremely beautiful, unique, and both worth visiting. If you only have the time for one of them and have at least 2-3 days, visit Rome. If you only have 1 day, visit Venice. But if you can, definitely try to visit both!

Both, Venice and Florence, are very beautiful cities with so many nice places to see and interesting things to do. However, if you only have a day and have to choose just one of the two, I’d go for Venice. With its canals, it’s one of the most unique cities in the world. But if you can make it happen, definitely visit both!

READ ALSO: Italy Itinerary – how to see the best cities and other amazing places in 2 weeks

For more practical information and tips for a big variety of Italian destinations, take a look at our Italy travel guide . It contains links to all our articles from all over Italy.

TIP: If you are in the planning stage of your trip, you may want to also check the first-timers’ guide to traveling to Europe . It’s a step-by-step guide with useful tips to help you plan an unforgettable vacation in Europe.

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

More travel inspiration for the nicest cities all over Europe:

If you are visiting other European cities and are looking for in-depth information for your trip, take a look at some of our city guides:

• Barcelona, Spain
• Paris, France
• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Brussels, Belgium
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Salzburg, Austria
• Edinburgh, UK
• Madrid, Spain
• Reykjavik, Iceland
• Lucerne, Switzerland
• Bruges, Belgium
• Bern, Switzerland
• Krakow, Poland
• Bucharest, Romania
• Manchester, UK
• Geneva, Switzerland
• Antwerp, Belgium
• Colmar, France
• Liverpool, UK
• For more destinations, please see our destinations page.

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Saturday 2nd of December 2023

HI, Can you recommend best Italian cities for handicapped (wheelchairs). Ones close to train stations and ones that offer bikes or electric scooters. Short walking tours under 1 hour would be best.

Thanks, Quin

Monday 4th of December 2023

Hi Quin, it's really hard for me to recommend much - some places in every city can be doable in a wheelchair and others might be impossible. There are bike tours in most bigger cities, but don't underestimate biking in a busy unfamiliar city with cobbled stones and crazy traffic. It can be fun but is definitely not for everyone. That being said, in Florence you could probably do quite a lot within a short walking distance from the station. Rome - the historic center is rather flat too, but is a bit further from the station (but you can easily take a taxi). In any case, there are cobbled stones everywhere. In Venice, it's a bit more difficult because most of the bridges have stairs. But you could take a boat from the station to St Mark's Square and then explore that area without having to walk much or far, and a big part is rather flat that could be done in a wheelchair. Gondola tours can also be nice if you are able to get in and out of the gondola. If you rather not walk too much, there are some nice tours that you could consider: Rome golf cart tours. Florence golf car tours. Venice wheelchair-accessible tour. I'm sure there are many more options in other cities too, but these are the main ones. Hope this helps.

John Signorelli

Sunday 15th of October 2023

My wife and I recently completed a 22 day trip across Italy. We chose to not use the services of a travel agent nor any big tour groups; we'd been "working" on doing this trip for many years. In actuality, we only put it together in 2 months!

I wanted to share a heart-felt thank you for your work in your blog. The articles and advice Jurga provided in her articles were consistently spot on and extremely helpful! There are so many things we may have missed or time we may have wasted without her advice. The various articles you see referenced describing options in cities were the most helpful (Rome in 4 days, Best things to do in Bologna, for example). You provided enough detailed information where we could easily review an article and decide what things we wanted to go do and which we didn't, as well as good efficient flow paths to follow for an enjoyable day (without killing ourselves since we are 59-60).

We didn't go to a single restaurant recommended in an article that we didn't love. Every tour we booked with a link in an article (we used about 7-8) were great values with spot on descriptions.

I know that I won't plan a trip of any significance without starting with Full Suitcase.

Monday 16th of October 2023

Thank you so much for your kind feedback, John. I really appreciate it! It's great to hear that you and your wife had such an enjoyable trip to Italy. Happy travels!

Wednesday 20th of September 2023

Hi Jurga, Thank you for all the amazing information! My husband and I are planning to visit Italy and were also thinking of spending time in Greece after Italy. Have you ever been to Greece? I didn't see any posts for Greece, but I LOVE your style of presenting information-- it's very helpful and effective. Would love your input if you've ever been.

Thanks! Michele

Thursday 21st of September 2023

Hi Michele, thank you for your kind feedback. We have been to Greece, but a long time ago - before I had this blog. So we have no articles about it, unfortunately. Hope you find some other useful guides. Enjoy your trip!

Mattia Russo

Thursday 10th of August 2023

Napoli (Naples) is in top 3 in my opinion

Friday 11th of August 2023

Napoli is a wonderful city for sure. So diverse; we love it too. It's practically impossible to rank Italian cities as they are all worth a visit :).

Wednesday 26th of July 2023

Nice write-up.

I've lived in Italy for a few years. Now there's no wrong answer, everyone has a different opinion. I personally wouldn't say Rome is the most beautiful city. Without a doubt full of some of the best mix of historical sites and amazing churches. If the Vatican, At Peter's, trevi fountain, colosseum, etc are must do bucket lists, then I'd also say for sure hit up Rome with your time.

Personally, I find Venice and Florence to be much "prettier" cities themselves and my family and I go back to visit those places. I just didn't find the city itself to be as charming. Felt very busy and dirty. But I'm also not as big a fan of the archeological sites. My 2 cents.

Friday 28th of July 2023

As you say, everyone has different opinion and it's also quite impossible to compare different places. Let's just say that Italian cities are among the most pleasant cities to visit in the world and you can't really go wrong with any of them ;). Happy travels!

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

17 Best Cities to Visit in Italy

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 4, 2024

Nowhere on earth can compare with Italy’s astounding cities. Drenched in history, their ancient streets are lined with fantastic palaces, churches, museums and more, and the range of sumptuous architecture on show is simply dazzling.

With iconic landmarks wherever you look, each of the best cities in Italy has something spectacular to offer, whether it is fabulous art collections, renowned cuisine, beautiful landscapes or great nightlife. Dreamy and divine, enchanting and enticing – wandering these fantastic Italian city streets will live long in the memory.

17. Perugia

Set on a hill surrounded by lush fields, this small and picturesque city’s historic center is a delightful mix of cobbled streets, steep staircases and hidden piazzas that tumble down the hillside. The capital of Umbria , Perugia is a fantastic university town, full of life and verve.

With great nightlife, lots of bars, and cheap yet delicious food options, Perugia ‘s historic buildings make a beautiful backdrop to all the life surging through its streets. Head here during the summer for one of the best jazz festivals in Europe.

Simply divine. It is not without reason that Lecce has been nicknamed ‘the Florence of the South’. Set in Puglia, its gorgeous baroque buildings and uniform architecture makes it a charming, sun-soaked city to visit.

Wandering along its streets is enchanting, as beauty abounds from every angle and there is a relaxed vibe. With a large student body, there are some fantastic bars and restaurants to check out. From here, you can easily explore the surrounding region with its multitude of beautiful, secluded beaches.

15. Syracuse

This beautiful Sicilian city houses ancient Greek ruins which are interspersed among verdant, sprawling orchards. Lively, cafe-lined piazzas and small alleys dot the center of town. Once the largest city in the world, Syracuse’s heyday has long gone, although the fantastic Parco Archeologico documents much of its fascinating history.

Looking out over the beautiful blue sea to the main island, Ortygia is the city’s delightful center. Lovely to wander around, it has a laid back vibe and chic nature, and its buildings look even better as the sun sets over the sea.

14. Trieste

Bordering the Adriatic and almost surrounded by Slovenia , for much of its history Trieste was controlled by different powers and was formerly ruled by the Hapsburgs. Due to its location at a cultural crossroads, there is an intoxicating mix of Slavic, Germanic, Greek and Italian influences.

There is also a little bit of Vienna about its beautiful cafes. Although there are no particular landmarks to visit, it’s a pretty city to stop by – from here you can easily head to the nearby wine regions.

Lying not far from Venice , Padua is lovely to explore; its beautiful medieval marketplaces and extraordinary frescoes are dazzling to behold. In sharp contrast is the architecture dating back to the dark days of Mussolini, who made many speeches here and used it as a military and industrial center.

Thanks to its ancient and prestigious university, Padua was home to a large resistance movement and the city still attracts large numbers of students every year – hence the great nightlife scene.

12. Cagliari

The historic capital of Sardinia , Cagliari is actually closer to Tunisia than Rome. Taking the boat here is mesmerizing, as you sail across the beautiful blue waters before seeing the city impressively rise up ahead. With imperious domes and lovely facades surrounding it, Il Castello is the centerpiece of Cagliari.

The peaceful streets around it are lined with cafes and restaurants. The seafront marina is lovely to walk along and history is literally everywhere you look – Roman ruins, museums and churches jostle for space. If it is sun and sea you are after, then head to the nearby Poetto Beach with its vibrant party scene.

Lying on the border with the Alps, Turin is an elegant and wealthy city that has delightful leafy boulevards, beautiful palaces, and numerous fine art collections. The home of Fiat, the suburbs with their factories are not the prettiest places but the center more than makes up for it with a lively music scene, cafe culture, and innovative gastronomy – making it well worth a visit.

Its fine piazzas have fantastic local chocolate shops and upmarket boutiques lining them, as well as some great museums.

10. Bologna

With beautiful colonnades weaving their way around the city, Bologna is a fusion of elegance and charm that contrasts with the grit and graffiti of its alternative side. While there is a rich and posh part of the city where you can visit world class restaurants and the opera, Bologna has the world’s oldest university and a large, down-to-earth student population.

Full of beautiful architecture, lively bars and cafes, it is a fun city to visit and live in.

The famed home of Romeo and Juliet, Verona is romantic and gorgeous. Its lovely piazzas are connected by delightful, cobbled streets that pass by beautiful old palaces, churches and monuments. Weaving its way around the city is the Adige River, with picturesque bridges crisscrossing over it.

With a spectacular Roman amphitheater at its heart, sumptuous cuisine and fantastic wines – plus its proximity to the lovely Lake Garda – Verona is a place that just must be visited.

The largest port in the country, Genoa is full of grand old buildings that are slightly falling apart. While it does appear charming, the city is a bit squalid in places. Having ruled the Mediterranean in the 12th and 13th Centuries, history is everywhere you look and the old city is a fantastic labyrinth of streets for you to explore.

The Palazzi dei Rolli is beautiful and there are lots of museums, restaurants and bars to visit. Nowadays, many people stop by Genoa on their way to the nearby Cinque Terre .

Capital of Sicily , Palermo’s location has long meant that different civilizations and cultures have left their mark on the city. Nowadays, you can fine Byzantine mosaics and beautiful Arab influenced buildings lying alongside Gothic palaces and Renaissance mansions.

With some fantastic markets to explore, as well the largest opera house in the country, this vibrant city has a lot to offer – the decaying grandeur about its streets is enthralling.

Much more than just the iconic Learning Tower, the former maritime power of Pisa now relies on tourists to fuel its economy. Beautiful to wander around, architectural styles from throughout the ages are delightfully shown off, as Renaissance piazzas and Gothic churches jostle for space among the other fantastic buildings on show.

More authentic than many Italian cities which have become inundated by tourists, Pisa’s prestigious university means the city has a large student population – this manifests itself in the lively atmosphere evident in its bars and cafes.

A large city, Milan is home to Italy’s fashion industry. Numerous other big businesses are based in the stylish metropolis. With innovative and creative designs emanating from its workshops, there are an endless array of shopping options to explore.

Home to numerous breathtaking art collections, the city’s museums are captivating and its streets are lined with beautiful art-deco architecture, among other styles. At the heart of Milan is the gorgeous Duomo, which is simply spectacular. Throughout the city, you will find fantastic dining wherever you turn; Milan has the most Michelin Star establishments in all of Italy.

See also: Where to Stay in Milan

Lying on the Gulf of Naples, this energetic city is full of life and vigor, with a wealth of cultural and historic sites to visit. There are two royal palaces to explore, as well as three castles and numerous ruins dating back over the ages – not to mention the vast array of architectural marvels on offer.

Its fantastic museums showcase stunning frescoes and masterpieces by Caravaggio and others, while its gastronomic scene is the stuff of legends. Do a bit rough around the edges and much less popular as some other big Italian cities, Naples is a joy to visit.

See also: Where to Stay in Naples

A simply magical city, Venice is like no other place on earth. Located in the middle of a lagoon, its beautiful canals and waterways are lined with stunning buildings, palaces and churches. The winding alleys between them lead you on to yet more delights. While the Grand Canal and Piazza San Marco are two of the must-see tourist attractions, simply wandering around this charming city is a dream.

Although it is very crowded with tourists, you can still find deserted back streets, atmospheric restaurants and bars hidden away here and there. The food here is divine, with awe-inspiring views often accompanying your meal. Take a gondola along the canals to see interesting boutiques and upmarket stores as well as souvenir shops. Aim to visit during February for its amazing costume-filled carnival.

See also: Where to Stay in Venice

2. Florence

The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is mesmerizing to walk around and its historic center is full of beautiful art and stunning architecture. This enchanting city is located alongside the Arno River. The Ponte Vecchio bridge spanning it is one of Florence’s most famous sights , along with the incredible Duomo at its heart. Its delightful piazzas are marvelous to stroll through, with heavenly churches and impressive statues lining them. Masterpieces by Botticcelli and Michelangelo are generously shown off to the world in its fantastic museums.

Delightful cafes and restaurants look out over the ancient cobbles, and with fantastic shopping on offer, as well as sumptuous Tuscan cuisine and delicious wines, Florence will never disappoint.

While Rome’s iconic landmarks – such as the Colosseum and Roman Forum – need no introduction, with over three-thousand years of history, the city is saturated with fantastic historical monuments, piazzas, churches , mansions and more for visitors to explore. Wandering around its ancient streets is a heavenly experience; amazing architecture and beautiful ruins are everywhere you look. In the center of the city you can find the Vatican – the heart of the Catholic Church. Here, the impressive St. Peter’s Basilica is just one of the must-see sights.

See also: Where to Stay in Rome

While incredible art is found everywhere in the city, the breathtaking Vatican Museums are unrivaled when it comes to the stupendous array of paintings, sculptures and frescoes that they have on offer. The Sistine Chapel ceiling is the highlight of this divine collection of art.

Although the art, history and culture is why people visit Rome, it is a bustling city with loads of fantastic restaurants, bars and cafes lining its streets, with many locals and tourists heading to the lively Trastevere in the evening.

Map of Italian Cities

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25 Best Places to Visit in Italy (+ Map to Find Them!)

Brainstorming the best places to visit in Italy before planning a big trip?

We have you covered: despite our temptation to list a hundred places to go in Italy on this list, we’ve narrowed it down to the top Italy travel destinations… plus thrown in just a few curveballs for good measure.

Italy has long been one of our absolute favorite places to travel, and despite cumulatively spending months exploring, we’ll be returning to enjoy the most beautiful places in Italy again and again for the rest of our lives.

Here are the best places to visit in Italy, from iconic cities to charming small towns to colorful islands!

Table of Contents

How to Choose Where to Go in Italy

The best cities to visit in italy, incredible small towns to visit in italy, nature-focused beautiful places in italy, map of the best places to visit in italy.

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It’s downright impossible to visit all the best places to visit in Italy on one trip–so once you’ve compiled your personal bucket list, you’ll need to narrow it down!

We have almost 100 blog posts about Italy here on Our Escape Clause, covering everything from detailed breakdowns of what to do in certain cities, to the best day trips, to food guides for cities like Rome and Florence .

I’ll link many of our Italy blog posts throughout this guide to the most beautiful places in Italy, but to find additional posts on a specific place (some places, like Rome, have over a dozen), use the search bar in the top-right corner of the screen (or if you’re browsing on mobile, on the pop-out menu).

You can use these posts to help put the backbone of your Italy trip together, as well as plan the more detailed aspects of your vacation.

After reading this guide to where to go in Italy, we recommend reading our suggested 2-week Italy itinerary (with classic suggestions for first-time visitors), our guide to spending a week in Italy that provides several options for structuring your trip, and our step-by-step-guide to planning an Italy trip .

You may also want to check out our Italy road trip guide , our 101 top Italy travel tips , and our suggested Italy packing list .

Nicknamed the Eternal City, Rome is a sprawling, complex city dotted with 2,000+ years of ruins, relics, and memories–and in our opinion, it’s one of the most captivating places to visit in Italy… and also in the world overall.

No trip to Rome is complete without visiting the Colosseum and Roman Forum, strolling up the Spanish Steps, stopping by Vatican City , eating a plate (or several) of carbonara, and tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain to ensure you return to Rome.

We also highly recommend exploring a couple of Rome’s magnificent art museums, whether that’s the iconic Borghese Gallery or quieter options like Palazzo Spada .

Beautiful, walkable Florence is known primarily for two things: its art, and its food.

As both the Cradle of the Renaissance and the capital of Tuscany, neither of these is surprising!

Touring the famous Uffizi Gallery and visiting Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia is a must-do for art lovers in Florence. 

Be sure to also stop by the Duomo, stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, watch the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo, and eat plenty of delicious Tuscan food ! 

Of all the best places to go in Italy, Venice is arguably the most unique: there is simply nowhere else on the planet like the regal city of canals, with its iconic gondolas and architecture hinting at the history of the wealthy empire that once ruled from it.

The best things to do in Venice include visiting Piazza San Marco, marveling at St. Mark’s Basilica, taking a classic Venetian gondola ride, and wandering aimlessly through the less-crowded (but still stunning) corners of the city.

When looking for the best places to visit in Lombardy , you can’t start with anywhere except Milan.

The fashion and business capital of Italy is known for its luxury brands, beautiful architecture, and more modern vibe as compared to many Italian cities–but it still has plenty of history behind it, too, and belongs on any list detailing where to go in Italy.

Visiting Milan’s incredible Duomo (and especially its epic rooftop) belongs at the top of any list of things to do in Milan, followed by getting a peek at Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper.

Other sights include the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Castello Sforzesco, and of course Milan’s famous La Scala Opera House.

The capital of Emilia-Romagna is known, above all else, for its food, which just might be the best in Italy. 

Its charms don’t end there, though. Bologna boasts 3 nicknames: la dotta (the educated, for its history university), la rossa (the red, for its unique architecture), and la grassa (the fat, for the aforementioned epic food). It lives up to all of them.

While in Bologna, be sure to climb the Asinelli Tower for incredible views of the city, hunt down the city’s hidden canals, and visit the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.

Plus, of course, enjoy plenty of food: tagliatelle al ragu, mortadella, and traditional balsamic vinegar are just a few of the delicacies that the region is known for.

The bustling port city of Naples isn’t everyone’s cup of tea–some would even argue that it doesn’t belong on a list of where to go in Italy. We disagree, though.

Naples has a very, very different vibe than Italian cities located further north, but its unique history, interesting things to do, and of course, pizza, make it well worth a visit.

In Naples, be sure to visit the Piazza del Plebiscito, get underground at the Bourbon Tunnel, San Gennaro Catacombs, or Naples Underground, and visit the magnificent archaeological museum, which is one of the best in Italy and where many of the most impressive artifacts from Pompeii ended up!

Plus, of course, visiting Naples means eating at least a couple of classic Napoli-style pizzas –they truly are better there than anywhere else.

Sicily’s stunning capital city is certainly a bit rougher around the edges than many of the best places to visit in Italy, but that’s no reason to stay away.

With a long and storied history impacted by half a dozen empires or so, plenty of palm trees, and even catacombs filled with mummies, Palermo is an unforgettable place, and utterly captivating if you give it the chance to be.

A trip to Palermo should definitely include a visit to the Palermo Cathedral, a food tour through the city ( Sicilian food is distinctly different from what many foreigners associate with Italian food–plus, you get to eat cannoli), and a stop to check out the Quattro Canti.

The city of Romeo and Juliet is located along the Adige River in Veneto and is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in Italy.

Packed with gorgeous views, colorful architecture, and interesting sights, Verona gets far fewer international visitors than, say, Venice or Florence–but it is easy to add onto a typical Italy vacation and well worth the effort!

While in Verona, be sure to enjoy the view from Castel San Pietro, visit Juliet’s House, and walk across the Ponte Pietra.

Tuscany’s second city was once the military rival of Florence–today, it is better known for its oval-shaped central piazza, its excellent food, and the Palio di Siena, a bi-annual horse race that takes place in the Piazza del Campo, and is a tradition that dates back around 800 years!

Visiting Siena’s Duomo (considered by some to be even more beautiful than Florence’s!) is a must-do when visiting the city, as is strolling around the oval-shaped Piazza del Campo and enjoying the view from the top of the Opera della Metropolitana.

Located on the eastern coast of Sicily, the beautiful city of Siracusa is home to beautiful views and history that dates back to the ancient Greeks (fun fact: the famous Greek mathematician Archimedes was from Siracusa!).

The best things to do in Siracusa include wandering the island of Ortigia (home to Siracusa’s old town), stopping by the many baroque churches (especially the Duomo), visiting the ancient Greek and Roman ruins scattered around, and seeing the Fort of San Giovannello.

Alberobello

With its distinct white-washed trulli (round buildings with cone-shaped roofs), Alberobello is one of the most unique places to visit in Italy and Puglia’s most famous inland sight.

The trulli are absolutely the biggest draw of Alberobello, so the most important thing to do in town is stroll through the Rione Monti, where you will find the biggest concentration of them! However, the quieter part of town, Aia Piccola, also has plenty of trulli and is well worth a visit.

Cinque Terre

Technically, I could list each of the five villages of Cinque Terre separately here (in order: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore), but even though they are technically separate places, Cinque Terre as a whole is one of the best travel destinations in Italy.

These five traditional fishing villages are known for their colorful buildings, their location right on the sea, and of course, their seafood.

When in Cinque Terre, hike from Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza (if you have limited time for hiking, this is the one to do!), enjoy a meal featuring seafood and/or pesto, and watch the sunset over Manarola.

If you have time, consider making it a point to visit all five villages and choose your favorite–ours are Vernazza and Riomaggiore, but ask me again tomorrow. It’s nearly impossible to choose!

Located in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, Matera is known for its ancient “sassi” cave dwellings, which were forcibly emptied by Mussolini in 1952.

Today, the city has reopened and been given new life, and its remarkable beauty has made it one of the most unique places on this guide of where to go in Italy.

In Matera, be sure to visit the Church of Saint Peter and its incredible viewpoint, see the city’s rock churches, and take a walking tour through the maze-like city center in order to learn about complex history dating back 10,000 years while also seeking out incredible views along the way!

Polignano a Mare

As one of the most picturesque beach towns in Italy , Polignano a Mare is primarily known for its visually stunning Cala Porto beach–but like other places in Puglia, the whitewashed architecture, historical buildings, and seafood also shine.

Visiting Cala Porto is at the top of everyone’s Polignano al Mare bucket list–be sure to also enjoy the view of it from above at Balconata sul Mare!

Montepulciano

Truthfully, there are many hilltop towns in Tuscany that are worthy of being considered among the most beautiful places in Italy, but I chose Montepulciano to include here because it is such a delightful example of an idyllic Tuscan town.

With its winding cobblestone streets, beautiful churches, fantastic views of the countryside, and excellent local wine, Montepulciano is not to be missed!

When in Montepulciano, sample the delicious Vino di Montepulciano (ideally at the wine cellar in the center of town), seek out views of the beautiful Church of San Biagio and snap photos at Piazza Grande.

Val di Noto’s Baroque Towns

The Baroque towns of Sicily’s Val di Noto are known for their remarkable architecture, excellent food (especially Modica’s chocolate), and incredible natural setting. They’re also, collectively, a UNESCO World Heritage site!

Siracusa, also included in this guide to beautiful spots in Italy, is technically among these towns, as is the city of Catania. However, the grouping of Ragusa (home to stunning views), Scilici, and Modica (home to incredibly unique chocolate) are a popular and worthy collection of villages to visit in their own right!

Pompeii isn’t exactly a small town, of course, but this incredibly famous archaeological site doesn’t quite fit into any of our categories on this guide to the best places to see in Italy, so I’ll include it here.

In 79 AD, Pompeii (as well as other nearby cities like Herculaneum) was buried by an enormous volcanic eruption from Mount Vesuvius… and it wasn’t seen again until the 18th century.

For this reason, Pompeii offers a positively incredible look into daily life in the ancient Roman empire.

Tour the city on foot (we highly recommend a guided tour), see the haunting plaster casts of victims who were buried alive, and marvel at the small details of life 2,000 years ago that are on display in Pompeii.

Glamorous Lake Como has long been considered one of the most beautiful places in Italy, and the resort-style feel of the gorgeous villas and villages that dot the lake is a testament to its overwhelming beauty.

While visiting Lake Como, be sure to sample a few of the different villages on the lake ( Bellagio , Varenna, and Como are all popular), tour a villa or two, take a hike above the lake for stunning views, and hit the water in a boat!

The stunning island of Capri has been captivating visitors with its gorgeous vistas and otherworldly grottos since the time of Roman Emperors–and 2,000 or so years later, it’s still just as captivating.

When visiting Capri, be sure to take a boat tour around the island, admire the views from the Garden of Augustus (don’t miss the view of Via Krupp looking straight down), ride the chairlift up Monte Solaro, and if you have enough time, tour the magical Blue Grotto.

The magnificent Dolomites are arguably one of the most dramatically beautiful mountain ranges in all of Europe, and whether you’d like to visit for a summer hike or a winter ski session, they are absolutely among the best places to visit in Italy.

The best things to do in the Dolomites include visiting the charming small cities of Bolzano and Cortina d’Ampezzo, hiking to stunning mountain lakes, taking funicular rides to small mountainside towns, and road-tripping the Great Dolomites Road.

Lago di Braies

Instagram-famous Lago di Braies is known as one of the most beautiful places in Italy. 

Framed by the Dolomites and populated by picturesque wooden rowboats, it’s truly a sight to behold.

Renting a rowboat to admire the lake from the water and hiking the circumference of the lake (it takes about 1.5 hours) are among the best things to do at Lago di Braies.

Tuscan Countryside

Known for its rolling hills, golden light, beautiful vineyards, charming villages, and even its hot springs, Tuscany has long been one of the most popular places to visit in Italy–for a very good reason.

In addition to touring its cities and small towns (Florence, Siena, and Montepulciano are also included on this list and are in Tuscany), consider visiting a hot spring, taking a cooking class, going for a hike, and of course enjoying several wine tastings while in the Tuscan countryside.

The Amalfi Coast

Of course, no list of the most beautiful places in Italy would be complete without mentioning the utterly magical Amalfi Coast, which is home to quite possibly some of the best coastal views on the planet.

When visiting the Amalfi Coast, be sure to village-hop a bit–Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello are among the most popular–enjoy views of the coast from the water with a boat tour or rental, and for some of the best views of all, hike the aptly-named Path of the Gods.

The gorgeous island of Sardinia gets far fewer non-Italian–and especially non-European–visitors than coastal retreats like the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, or even Sicily, but that’s too bad… because it is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places in Italy.

Sardinia’s beaches are known for being some of the best in Italy (and in Europe overall) , so be sure to add several to your list of things to do on the island! 

Visiting ancient ruins, sailing around the island (either yourself or on a tour), visiting the charming city of Cagliari, and checking out the many unique castles and caves all also belong on your list of what to do in Sardinia.

Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius, primarily known for the 79 AD eruption that buried Pompeii and Herculaneum, is the most famous volcano in Italy and an incredible place to visit.

Visit the crater of Mount Vesuvius (it’s about a 25-minute walk up, you can drive most of the way) to marvel at the smoldering volcano crater and to soak in magnificent views of the Bay of Naples.

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

6 thoughts on “25 Best Places to Visit in Italy (+ Map to Find Them!)”

Kind of glad you didn’t mention my favorite place in Italy, Luca. Let’s keep it under the radar.?

Ah, if I included everywhere amazing in Tuscany, the post would never end! Lucca is my grandmother’s favorite too, we’ve spent some lovely trips there. 🙂

You’re welcome! 🙂

I will be visiting Italy in Sept 2023 for 8 days. Is it reasonable to spend time in Rome, Florence and Cinque Terre in that time period? If so, how would you recommend I break up the trip?

It’s a tight squeeze, but doable, especially if you visit Cinque Terre on an organized day trip from Florence.

Assuming the 2 days on either end of the trip are travel days, I’d recommend 3 full days in Rome, 1 day in Cinque Terre, and 2 days in Florence.

We talk a lot more about planning a week in Italy here: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/7-days-in-italy-in-a-week/

And we talk about visiting Cinque Terre from Florence here: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/florence-to-cinque-terre/

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The 20 Best Cities To Visit in Italy For the First Time

If you’re looking for the best cities to visit in Italy for the first time, you may be feeling overwhelmed with options! There are so many wonderful towns, cities, beaches, and geographies to explore on this beautiful peninsula, how can you possibly choose?

We’re here to help! Below are our top recommendations for places to visit on your first trip to Italy. From cities to small towns, to geographical regions, and even little-known hidden gems, we’ve got tons of suggestions and recommendations to help you make the most of your time in Italy!

Let’s take a look at the best options, as well as some important travel secrets to keep in mind while planning.                                                                                          

Italy for First-Time Visitors: Choosing Your Trip Destinations

When choosing trip destinations, consider your priorities. Do you prefer to spend more time on the go and see as much as possible with the time you have, or do you prefer to travel slowly and really take in the views?

In general, give yourself time to explore. Day trips and focusing on specific geographical areas are always helpful! Consider blending the “must-see” spots that everyone will ask you about with the lesser-known, more obscure options in whatever balance suits your interests and travel style.

Above all, follow your own inspiration and goals for your trip. See which places pique your curiosity or inspire you most, and plan around that!

The Best 5 Cities to Visit in Italy For The First Time

Rome is the capital of Italy, and this city rich in ages of history is definitely one of the best cities to visit in Italy on your first trip. From the Colosseum to the Vatican Museums, all eras have left their mark on Rome. Traveling in the off-season – October through March – will help you beat the crowds.

The most popular sites that require tickets, like the Sistine Chapel or Colosseum, Pantheon, will sell out quickly. Book in advance! If you need to go last minute, try booking a group tour. Those companies will often buy the tickets in advance of the tour and before all spots in their group are sold. Group tours will also often allow you to skip the line.

Travel Secret: The Trastevere neighborhood offers less crowds and tons of charm – not to mention tons of incredible restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Not much beats the magic of the floating city and Venetian canals on your first trip to Italy! This car-less city is incredibly walkable, and small enough to be explored thoroughly. The city is made up of 6 sestieri or neighborhoods, each with their own attractions. Santa Croce is where the main port, trains, buses, and parking can be found. Tourist draws like the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and St. Mark’s Square are found in San Marco, Dorsoduro , and San Polo . Cannaregio and Castello offer quieter neighborhoods for a stroll or bite to eat.

Travel Secret: Venice is a must-see for many travelers, but the Veneto region also offers a ton of day trips to other islands in the lagoon – try Murano, Burano, and Lido – or to charming towns on the mainland – perhaps the medieval Treviso, or the literary-famous Verona.

3. Florence

At the heart of the Italian Renaissance, Florence is famous for its art and architecture. Due in part to the influence and patronage of the Medici family , a number of master artists were from or spent time working in Florence including Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Benozzo Gozzoli, and Giotto. On your first trip to Italy, be sure to visit the Duomo, many art museums, Ponte Vecchio, and the Boboli Gardens.

Travel Secret: Avoid dining in famous tourist spots, as the costs are extremely high! Food in Florence is relatively inexpensive, look for lower prices and local patrons to indicate authenticity.

Read More: The Top 12 Books About Florence

The fashion capital is full of shopping, but also history, culture, and great food! Don’t miss the Duomo of Milano, and the piazza surrounding it, as well as the many churches and castles. The city is also home to Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper .

Travel Secret: It can be nearly impossible to get tickets to see The Last Supper . But there’s a workaround: tour agencies get the first claim, so booking a group tour may be key if the famous site is important to you.

The vibrant city of Naples is found on Italy’s southwestern coast. Famous for Neapolitan pizza, Naples is located in an area that has been inhabited since ancient times. The nearby Pompeii ruins and Amalfi Coast towns make Naples an excellent base for your first trip to Italy. Don’t miss the famous Toledo Metro station, Spaccanapoli, and the historic center with its grottos to the Madonna.

Travel Secret: Check out the nearby Vesuvius National Park for an intimate glimpse into the volcano that has defined the culture and ecology of this region for thousands of years.

Read more: How Many Days in Naples Does it Take to Explore the City?

The Top 5 Places to Visit on Your First Trip to Italy

1. cinque terre.

Cinque Terre is a special place to visit on your first trip to Italy. It is a coastal chain of five small towns, located in Liguria: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. These popular villages are colorful and gorgeous, offering seaports, fresh seafood dining, local wines and dishes, and relaxing beaches. The hiking trails between the town offer sweeping views and easy transportation.

Travel Secret: If you want to travel without a car, base yourself in Levanto. The train station there runs frequently to each of the five towns, and it’s also more affordable.

Sicily is the island at the bottom of the “boot” of Italy. This is a must-see place on your first trip to Italy if you love nature, ancient history, and beaches. Mount Etna, a very active volcano, towers over the island’s horizon line. Don’t miss the bustling markets of Catania and Palermo, incredible local food, hikes on Mount Etna, and the gorgeous shoreline and beaches.

Travel Secret: Don’t miss the small islands nearby. For example, Ortigia is connected to Sicily by a small bridge, and is easy to navigate on foot.

3. Amalfi Coast

Located on the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Amalfi Coast sits on the Gulf of Salerno. Close to Naples, the coastline offers tons of gorgeous towns, beaches, and hikes. Known as a luxury travel destination, the Amalfi Coast caters to tourists and offers many private beach clubs and resorts.

Travel Secret: If you want to visit the Amalfi coast but want to avoid the crowds, try the smaller fishing villages of Minori or Cetara.

Read more: Amalfi Coast Food – Indulge in the Best Italy has to Offer!

4. Val d’Orcia (Siena)

The valley that surrounds the Orcia River is full of castles , cypress trees, hotsprings, vineyards , olive fields, and old mills. This quintessentially-Tuscan region is easily explored by car or bicycle, or on foot for the adventuresome traveler! This is really one of the best places to visit in Italy for the first time.

Travel Secret: Don’t miss out on the incredible local products of this area, especially wines and Pecorino Val d’Orcia sheep cheese from Pienza .

Read more: San Quirico d’Orcia – A Medieval Escape You’ve Been Craving for

5. Dolomites

An incredibly popular destination for hikers, climbers, and roadtrippers on their first trip to Italy, the Dolomites are located in the northeastern Italian Alps. Small towns and hiking trails abound in this stunning mountain range. Don’t miss the popular town Cortina D’Ampezzo, and the scenic drive to the nearby Corvara in Badia.

Travel Secret: Even in the summer, pack for the mountains! Many favorite spots are at high altitudes where there is snow year round.

5 Small Towns to Not Miss if You Visit Italy For The First Time

1. bellagio.

A favorite destination in Lombardy, Bellagio is located on promontory between the two southern parts of Lake Como. The quaint alleys, local food, and lake views quickly make it clear why this town is a traveler favorite! Don’t miss the beautiful Gardens of Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi.

Travel Secret: The nearby fishing village Pescallo is easily overlooked, but offers a smaller scale respite and its viewpoints and beach.

Read more: Italy Day Tours – 20 Most Memorable Sightseeing Tours

2. Sorrento

Namesake of the Sorrentine Peninsula, Sorrento is located near the Amalfi Coast. Check out all the amazing shops and restaurants in the main square, Piazza Torquato Tasso and in Marina Grande. Its proximity to Naples and the Amalfi Coast make it ideal for a first trip to Italy.

Travel Secret: There’s a lemon grove in the center of town! Check out I Giardini di Cataldo for local products and limoncello.

3. Taormina

Located on the beautiful island of Sicily, Taormina sits atop a cliff below Mount Etna and overlooking the Ionian Sea – an unbeatable combo! Pay a visit to the Teatro Antico di Taormina, an amphitheater from 3BC that is still in use today, you might even be able to catch a play or concert! The main square of Piazza IX Aprile is bustling with activity, shops, bars, and restaurants.

Travel Secret: Connected to the mainline of Taormina by a strip of sand, the peninsula of Isola Bella offers gorgeous beaches, clear water, and a nature reserve home to rare Sicilian flora. 

Probably best known as the birthplace of Saint Francis, Assisi is located in the Umbria region, on Monte Subasio. First settled around 1000BC, Assisi is full of ancient and medieval history that makes it a great stop when you’re visiting Italy for the first time. The Basilica di San Francesco is a visitor favorite and consists of a cathedral built above a smaller church.

Travel Secret: Though outside of Assisi, the fortress of Rocca Maggiore offers sweeping and incredible views of the town and surrounding foothills.

5. San Gimignano

This medieval town is found high in the hills near Siena, Tuscany. Its skyline of Tuscan towers is impressive – 14 still standing! – and will easily catch your eye from the road. Its nickname is even “San Gimignano delle Belle Torri ” (San Gimignano of the Beautiful Towers). In addition to the usual Tuscan charm of this region’s towns, the towers have unique origin stories and eras, offering a glimpse into the town’s history through the ages.

Travel Secret: San Gimignano makes a great day trip or tour stop from Siena. But to avoid the crowds, work around the tour schedules. The most calm time to visit San Gimignano is in the morning.

5 Hidden Gems Worth Exploring on your First Trip to Italy

1. the park of the monsters.

Officially called the Sacro Bosco, the sacred wood, the Park of the Monsters is a garden full of surreal and monstrous sculptures commissioned in 1552 by Prince Pier Francesco Orsini. The prince was likely in a state of grief following a brutal war, hostage situations, and the death of his wife upon returning home. The layout of the garden is much more chaotic than the Renaissance norms of the time, which could echo the emotions of its benefactor.

Travel Secret: Plan ahead for the details on this one! The line can be long to enter, so bring some entertainment. Keep in mind that pets aren’t allowed in the gardens, but there are kennels where they can stay while their owners visit. There is a restaurant in the park, but it’s usually only open for lunch. Lastly, the roads through the garden aren’t paved, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothes.

2. Bolgheri

The town of Bolgheri is located in Tuscany just 10 miles from the Etruscan coastline, and is famous for its fine wines. Not only is the town itself charming (don’t miss the castle!) but it’s surrounded by vineyards and olive groves offering tours and tastings galore. This is a “must” for wine-loving travelers. 

Travel Secret: Take the Viale dei Cipressi on your route into Bolgheri! This 5km long straight road from the 1800s is lined with ancient cypress trees and leads right to the castle of Bolgheri.

3. Basilicata’s Ghost Towns, Craco and Aliano

These little-known towns in the region of Basilicata, Craco and Aliano, are located near the more well-known Matera. These hidden gems are definitely worth a stop on your first trip to Italy! Both towns were built near calanchi , mounds free of vegetation. Craco was built on a very steep incline for defense purposes and was completely abandoned following massively destructive landslides in the late 1900s. Aliano is nearby and has a declining population, following an earthquake in 1980 that destroyed most historic buildings. Both towns are surrounded by unique landscapes and are near the coast of Taranto.

Travel Secret: Don’t miss the signs of lives past in the ghost towns: market squares, political symbols on the roads, homes for farm animals… these towns are compelling and have inspired a lot of movie locations, but they also demand respect and attention to their tragic histories.

4. Civita di Bagnoregio

Just a couple hours from Rome, Civita di Bagnoregio is a “storybook” town in population decline, but increasing in popularity for tourists. Home to only about a dozen full-time residents, the town is sustained by visitors seeking its (very) small-town charm. Life here is slow and quintessential, even if a trip to the grocery store means leaving town to the nearby Bagnoregio, connected by a footbridge.

Travel Secret: If you can, visit during a traditional festival! Palio della Tonna is a donkey race that happens in August and September, Civit’Arte is a summer cultural event series, and Festa della Castagna is a festival of chestnuts in October.

5. La Scarzuola, Montegabbione

In the hamlet of Montegiove in Umbria, you’ll find the architectural complex of La Scarzuola. Originally a convent related to Saint Francis of Assisi, it was partially abandoned and then purchased by Tomaso Buzzi, an architect from Milan, in the 1950s. He restored the convent and added buildings – his “ideal city” including amphitheaters, statues, and a miniature tower of Babel.

Travel Secret: Tomaso Buzzi passed away in the 1980s and left the complex to his nephew who now runs the park. It can be visited only by reservation , so make sure to book in advance.

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12 best cities in Italy for an amazing Italian city break

From the gorgeous green rolling hills of Tuscany to the ancient architecture of its capital cities, I simply adore Italy and it’s no surprise that it’s is one of the most visited countries in Europe.

Famed for its mouth-watering cuisine, world-renowned art scene and warm weather, Italy draws discerning visitors from all over the world.

I don’t think there’s a better way to experience the welcoming Italian culture than by visiting one of the best cities in Italy.

If you’re planning a holiday to Italy , it can be a tricky task deciding which Italian cities to include on your itinerary – because they are all, in my opinion, simply wonderful.

Perhaps you have your heart set on one of the iconic cities like Rome, Florence or Venice. Or maybe you’d like to discover some of the hidden gems, such as Bergamo, Perugia or Matera.

When there’s pasta and good views involved, you know I’ll be returning to a country like Italy time and time again. I’ve been lucky to visit a number of Italian cities over the years and I’ve developed my own personal favourites (although I do love them all!).

So based on my own personal experiences, plus a few recommendations from fellow travellers, here I share my pick of the best cities in Italy for a dreamy city break.

Whether you’re looking to discover the most beautiful cities or the best food cities in Italy, my guide has you covered.

Author Bio: Jessie Moore

Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

Best for: Iconic landmarks and a lively city buzz

Top tours and activities to book in Rome:

• Vatican: Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket
• Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Priority Access Guide
• Pantheon Timeless Marvel Guided Tour with Entry Tickets

What better place to start than with the capital of Italy and the largest city in the country – and a personal favourite of mine.

Known as the “Eternal City”, Rome is an ancient city that’s bursting with history and archaeological significance.

A Rome holiday enables you to wander quaint piazzas, marvel at the unforgettable Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and admire the art that’s woven throughout every crevice of the city.

Rome has an abundance of iconic landmarks. Tour the grand Colosseum, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, visit the unforgettable Sistine Chapel and explore the Vatican City.

History and culture aside, I love that Rome is a buzzy and social city. Drawing jet-setters from across the globe, it’s no wonder that so many consider Rome to be one of the best cities in Italy. 

Whether you’re visiting for the Italian cuisine and the lively aperitivo scene or the immersive art and culture, I have no doubt that you will love Rome. Because, in my opinion, it’s impossible not to love Rome.

Have a read of my Rome travel guide if you’re planning a trip to this special city.

Top three things to do in Rome

The colosseum.

The most iconic landmark in Rome and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. With a legendary 2,000 year history, it is an absolute must-visit when in Rome.

Be sure to book a guided tour or ‘skip the line’ tickets and go early to beat the crowds. Book a guided tour of the Colosseum here .

Vatican City

An independent city state ruled by the Pope, the Vatican City is a place like no other. Wander the expansive St Peter’s Square then explore the spectacular St Peter’s Basilica.

Don’t miss a visit to the Sistine Chapel with its world-famous frescoes painted onto the ceiling by Michelangelo.

Book entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel .

I love this charming and popular neighbourhood that combines postcard-perfect streets with a lively social scene.

Wander the cobbled streets and marvel at the medieval houses. Pause at one of the cafés or bars for a drink and a spot of people watching.

Where to stay in Rome

Villa Spalletti . A historical villa hotel with aristocratic origins. Discover elegant interiors, a sumptuous spa, and a peaceful garden.

Hassler Roma . An iconic five-star hotel located at the top of the Spanish Steps. It is a prestigious hotel complete with Michelin-starred dining.

Rome Cavalieri . A sophisticated luxury hotel in Rome , set within Mediterranean gardens. I know you can expect to be treated like a Roman emperor here!

Best for: Fashionistas & designer shopping

Top tours and activities to book in Milan:

• Cathedral and Rooftop Ticket
• Da Vinci’s Last Supper Guided Tour
• From Milan: Lake Como and Bellagio with Private Boat Cruise

The fashion capital of Italy, Milan is effortlessly trendy. Its designer stores, boutiques and outlets draw the fashionable elite from all over the world. It’s a little bit too cool for me but luckily it’s not all about fashion.

Milan brings a whole host of cultural attractions, from world-famous art and excellent museums to iconic cathedrals and opulent palaces.

With more of an international feel than other Italian cities, I think Milan has a markedly different vibe to Rome and Florence. It’s a metropolitan city where historical architecture sits alongside modern skyscrapers.

The result is a city that is not quite as overwhelmingly touristy as the other popular Italian cities, with a far more appealing ratio of locals to visitors.

Perfect for a weekend trip, Milan has plenty of stylish bars and excellent eateries to enjoy. Just don’t forget to put your best fashion foot forward!

Top three things to do in Milan

One of the largest cathedrals in Italy and Europe, the Duomo has become synonymous with Milan. Marvel at the 600-year-old Gothic cathedral and be sure to climb up to the rooftop terrace for stunning views over Milan.

Book a guided tour here .

Da Vinci’s “Last Supper”

The eight-metre-wide painting by Leonardo da Vinci can be found in the Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. It is one of the most famous pieces of art in the world and a must-see in this Italian city.

Book your entry ticket here .

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

You’ve probably seen this iconic shopping gallery on Instagram, with its glass-topped tunnels (I know I have!). The oldest shopping centre in the world, it is enchanting, elegant and extraordinary.

Where to stay in Milan

Park Hyatt Milan . A sophisticated luxury hotel with classic décor and spacious suites. There is a small but sumptuous spa to enjoy too, which is where you’ll find me!

Hotel Viu . A modern hotel housed in an eco-sustainable building. Its jewel in the crown is the panoramic rooftop terrace complete with swimming pool and bar.

Palazzo Parigi . Discover ultimate luxury at the Palazzo Parigi, with its stylish interiors, spacious balconies and exceptional grand spa.

Best for: Romance and charm

Best tours and activities to book in Venice:

• Lagoon Catamaran Cruise with Music and Drinks
• Four Seasons Concert Ticket at Vivaldi Church
• Rialto Market Food and Wine Lunchtime Tour of Venice

Venice is an utterly enchanting city where winding streets interweave with meandering canals. In my opinion, it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, if not the world.

Venice is a city to get lost in – and enjoy the process of doing so. With its quaint floating houses, beautiful bridges and iconic gondolas, I love that Venice is a hopelessly romantic city.

However, that doesn’t mean it’s the reserve of loved up couples. With so many amazing things to do in Venice , it’s also one of the best Italian cities to visit as a solo traveller or with friends and family.

The downside of being a city that’s famed for its beauty the world over is that it’s overrun with tourists.

But there are still quiet, hidden gems to be discovered in this city, away from the heavy crowds. You may just need a little extra patience in the most popular areas.

Be sure to sample Venetian cuisine and stop by one of the many stylish bars in Venice for a bellini. Check out my Venice travel guide if you’re planning a trip.

Top three things to do in Venice

Grand canal.

The main waterway of Venice, the Grand Canal connects many of Venice’s top tourist attractions. It’s a hive of activity and best viewed from the Rialto Bridge.

Doge’s Palace

A visit to the breathtaking Doge’s Palace is one of the best things to do in Venice. Located on the iconic St Mark’s Square, it is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

Book your skip the line entry ticket here .

Burano & Murano

I’d recommend catching a break from the beating heart of Venice and heading to the charming islands of Burano and Murano. Discover colourful houses and the fascinating production of hand-blown glass.

Book a boat tour of Murano and Burano .

Where to stay in Venice

Gritti Palace . Housed in an Italian palazzo dating from the 1400s, Gritti Palace is an opulent hotel offering exquisite rooms and a smart canalside restaurant.

Cima Rosa Boutique . A small luxury hotel with only five guest rooms. I love the intimate atmosphere here, plus it occupies a peaceful location not far from the Grand Canal.

Hotel Danieli . A palatial Italian hotel famed for its breathtaking location on Riva degli Schiavoni overlooking the lagoon. One of the best luxury hotels in Venice .

I’ve also written a guide to choosing between Rome and Venice if you can’t quite decide!

4. Florence

Best for: World-renowned art and culture

Top tours and activities to book in Florence:

• Best of Florence Highlights with private guide
• Street Food Tour with Local Expert Guide
• Pitti Palace, Boboli Garden, Palatine Gallery Tour
• Pizza and Gelato Class at a Tuscan Farmhouse

Florence (Firenze) is located in the heart of Tuscany and set on the banks of the Arno River. Surrounded by rolling green countryside, I consider it to be one of the most beautiful cities in Italy.

First and foremost, Florence is world-renowned for its art. It is home to masterpieces by some of history’s most well-known artists – from Botticelli to Michelangelo.

Florence is considered to be the birthplace of the Renaissance, which is showcased in the stunning architecture, artworks and monuments throughout the city.

I therefore think this is the best place in Italy to visit for a civilised city break with spades of culture. The arts scene embraces both the old and new, from operas and classical music to contemporary art.

For such a famous city, I was surprised to find that Florence is actually quite small and compact. Good news for those who like to get around on foot, like I do.

Don’t miss out on the excellent food and drink in the city too. A visit to Florence is a great excuse to indulge in as much gelato as you can!

The city is also host to various festivals which take place throughout the year. Check before you travel if you’re interested in getting an extra dose of culture on your visit.

Top three things to do in Florence

Florence cathedral.

With its recognisable dome that dominates the Florence skyline, the cathedral is a breathtaking work of art and architecture. Even better, it’s completely free to visit the inside of the cathedral.

Although if you want to explore Brunelleschi’s Dome (which I recommend you do) then you’ll need a ticket – book here .

Uffizi Gallery

An unmissable attraction for art lovers, the Uffizi Gallery is a prominent art museum in the heart of Florence. See art and masterpieces by some of the greatest Italian artists at one of the world’s oldest art galleries.

Book a skip-the-line entry ticket or a small group guided tour .

Ponte Vecchio

As the oldest bridge in Florence, the symbolic Ponte Vecchio is a romantic spot with beautiful views over the river. 

Where to stay in Florence

Portrait Firenze . A luxury hotel offering spectacular panoramic views over the River Arno. Featuring sleek timeless design, handcrafted furniture, and a superb location.

Villa Cora . A five-star hotel housed in an opulent 19th-century building and surrounded by beautiful Boboli gardens. Complete with outdoor swimming pool.

St Regis . For the ultimate opulence, I’d recommend booking a stay at the sumptuous St Regis. It is home to grand interiors and a decadent Winter Garden Restaurant.

Best for: Foodies

Top tours and activities to book in Bologna:

• City Center Guided Wine Walking Tour
• 3-Hour Secret Food Tour
• City Center Walking Tour

Located in Northern Italy, Bologna is the capital of the Emilia Romagna region. As you probably guessed from the name, this is where Bolognese sauce originated!

It follows that Bologna is one of the best foodie cities in Italy – which is probably why I love it so much! In fact, it is widely regarded as the culinary capital of Italy.

Other local cuisine to sample includes lasagna, tagliatelle, tortellini, and mortadella. I don’t know about you, but I’m already salivating at the thought!

Bologna is recognisable from the striking red colour of the buildings and rooftops. It is also home to one of the oldest universities in Europe.

In many ways, Bologna has two personalities. One is of a wealthy, well-heeled disposition with exceptional fine dining, majestic opera houses, and high-tech business.

The other is a more edgy character where students gather and the streets bring a gritty edge. This makes it an intriguing city that brings together a melting pot of people.

The majority of the Italian city can be explored in a day, therefore it’s ideal as a stopping point on your journey through Italy.

Top three things to do in Bologna

Piazza maggiore.

The Piazza Maggiore is one of the oldest squares in Italy and is the beating heart of Bologna. It is recognisable by the impressive Fountain of Neptune.

As the best foodie city in Italy, I think that joining a food tour in Bologna is a must. Experience the local food scene and get insider tips on the best restaurants.

Book a 3-hour secret food tour or a guided traditional food tour .

The Asinelli Tower

If you can muster the stamina to climb 498 steps to the top of this leaning medieval tower (and I recommend that you do), you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views of Bologna.

Book an Asinelli Tower entrance ticket with food tasting .

Where to stay in Bologna

Grand Hotel Majestic gia’ Baglioni . Located in the heart of Bologna, this is the oldest and most prestigious hotel in the city with sumptuous interiors and stunning city views.

Aemilia Hotel . A modern four-star hotel that has been recently renovated. Expect elegant design, an inviting roof terrace, and a smart restaurant.

Hotel Corona d’Oro . A historic hotel in an ideal location, just down the street from the Towers. I love that it’s a peaceful and welcoming haven away from the city hustle and bustle.

Best for: Wine and gelato

Top tours and activities to book in Siena:

• 2-Hour Walking Tour & Skip-the-Line Duomo Tickets
• Chianti and Castles Tour with Wine Tastings
• Small Group Pasta and Tiramisu Class

Set amongst the rolling hills of Tuscany, Siena is recognisable for its medieval orange brick buildings and cobblestone streets.

Its city centre is actually a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is testament to its beautiful architecture and historic significance 

Siena is a small and compact city with a strong art identity. In many ways, I think it feels like the popular little sister to Florence. It captures the heart of many visitors with its quaint appeal.

Due to its smaller size, I’d recommend Siena as the perfect day trip from Florence or Rome. The city can be explored on foot, so there’s no need to rely on public transport.

If you’re visiting in the summer months, it’s worth noting that Siena is well-known for its renowned Palio horse race. It’s a popular event that takes place twice a year in July and August.

For a break from the city life, take a tour around one of the nearby vineyards. As well as wine, Siena is known for its excellent gelato.

Head to Vecchia Latteria for an authentic ice cream parlour. Any city that is known for its wine and gelato gets a big seal of approval from me!

Top three things to do in Siena

Piazza del campo.

This shell-shaped Piazza is the beating heart of Siena. It has a lively buzz, lined with cafés, bars, restaurants and shops.

Go for a stroll, soak up the atmosphere, then take a seat to do a spot of people-watching.

Torre del Mangia

This striking tower can be found in Piazza del Campo and boasts an 800-year history. Climb to the top for gorgeous views across the Italian city and the surrounding Tuscan landscape.

Biblioteca Piccolomini

A breathtaking library that’s housed inside Siena Cathedral, originally built by Pope Pius III. Although most of the books are no longer here, I still think it’s worth a visit for the spectacular art and frescoes which adorn the walls.

Where to stay in Siena

Relais degli Angeli . A historic and refined hotel that’s bursting with charm. Discover luxury rooms with antique furniture and friendly, welcoming service.

Palazzo del Papa . Small but elegant townhouse accommodation in the heart of Siena, offering tasteful and comfortable rooms.

Il Battistero Siena . A chic boutique hotel located in the Piazza San Giovanni that combines ancient origins with contemporary touches.

Best for: Unique accommodation & fascinating history

Top tours and activities to book in Matera:

• Sassi di Matera Tour with Entry to Cave Houses
• Walking Tour of Matera at Sunset
• Pasta Workshop & Farmer’s Lunch in the Cave

Matera is an ancient Roman city with a dark but fascinating history. Visitors will discover a postcard-perfect city with winding alleys, pretty cave houses and stunning vistas.

The city comprises a series of caves which were inhabited for thousands of years, even until as recently as the 1950s.

In fact, it is one of the oldest cities in the world in terms of how long it has been inhabited for. This therefore makes Matera a truly unique place and undoubtedly one of the best cities in Italy to visit.

For a long time, Matera was considered a place of squalor and poverty. In an astounding shift of perception, Matera was designated the ‘European Capital of Culture’ in 2019.

Nowadays, the city offers visitors beautiful architecture, unique accommodation and excellent restaurants.

Matera is slowly becoming less of a hidden secret, so I’d visit sooner rather than later before it gets overrun with tourists!

Top three things to do in Matera

A noble palace from the 1500s where you can learn all about the turbulent history of the city via an immersive 25-minute multimedia exhibit. 

Many of the previously inhabited caves have been converted into unique accommodation, as well as studios and even restaurants. I’d recommend staying in a cave hotel for an unforgettable experience.

Sant’Agostino Church

A 16th-century baroque monastery that’s perched on a rocky spur in Matera. Although the church itself is worth a visit, the real appeal lies in the gorgeous views over the city – best enjoyed at sunset.

Where to stay in Matera

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa . A five-star hotel set within the Sassi cave dwellings, complete with free-standing bathtubs and a quaint spa.

Palazzo Gattini . A luxury hotel housed in a 15th-century stone palace with unique rooms and a rooftop terrace. It occupies an enviable location, overlooking the Sassi caves.

Corte San Pietro . Set within the cave dwellings of the Matera Sassi UNESCO site, Corte San Pietro is a unique hotel carved from stone around an enclosed courtyard.

Best for: A chaotic but exciting melting pot of cultures

Top tours and activities to book in Palermo:

• Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class with Dinner and Wine
• Street Food and History Walking Tour
• Sailing Boat Half-Day Trip with Snack and Drinks

Palermo is the capital city of stunning Sicily. I’d say it’s not as refined or elegant as other popular Italian cities like Rome or Florence, but it has an awful lot to offer.

As a crossroad of civilisations in the heart of the Mediterranean, Palermo is a melting pot of different cultural influences.

It’s a city where Arabic souks meet baroque facades, and graffiti covered walls meet world-renowned opera theatres. Palermo is bursting with adventure that is at times chaotic and complex.

Stroll through the city and soak up the wonderful but disorderly atmosphere.

Sift through crumbling architecture in the historic centre, inhale the enticing smells at an ebullient street food market, then marvel at the grandeur of the churches and chapels.

I would note that Palermo can be overwhelming for less experienced travellers. But for those who are willing to explore its distinct charms and quirks, you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable trip.

It’s Palermo’s unique personality that I think makes it one of the best cities in Italy to visit.

Top three things to do in Palermo

Street food.

Palermo’s three main markets – Capo, Vucciria and Ballarò – have a distinct Arabic origin. I’d recommend joining a street food tour to really experience Palermo’s renowned street food scene.

Quattro Canti

The historic quarter of Palermo that’s named for the four baroque corners of the Piazza Vigliena. Marvel at the blend of architecture that characterises the area.

Go to the opera

Discerning visitors to Palermo will love a visit to Teatro Massimo, the largest opera house in Italy. See a show or simply take a tour around the stunning theatre.

Book a guided tour of the Teatro Massimo Opera House .

Where to stay in Palermo

Grand Hotel et des Palmes . Set in a refined Art Nouveau building, this historic hotel brings old-world design and opulent touches for a glamorous stay.

Villa Igiea . For views over the Mediterranean sea, book into the opulent five-star Villa Igiea, complete with terraced gardens, an appealing outdoor pool, and elegant rooms.

Palazzo Natoli . A modern boutique hotel with an intimate atmosphere. It’s a relaxing haven in the heart of Palermo, with charming interiors and sumptuous rooms. 

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Best for: Shakespeare fans

Top tours and activities to book in Verona:

• Verona Card with Arena Priority Entrance
• The Classic and the Unknown: Original Verona Bike Tour
• Italian Cuisine Cooking Class

Ah, fair Verona. Famed as the setting of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo & Juliet’, Verona has subsequently earned its status as one of the most romantic cities in Italy.

Where Siena is the little sister to Florence, Verona feels much like the younger sibling of Rome. I think it is definitely one of the more underrated Italian cities.

A medieval town in Northern Italy, Verona is a city where renaissance gardens meet gothic churches and Roman ruins.

With minimal traffic and a compact centre, I love that it’s easy to explore Verona on foot, allowing visitors to soak up the Italian lifestyle as they wander the pretty piazzas and beautiful bridges.

Discover delectable wine and food from the local region. You don’t need a long time to explore Verona, so I’d recommend it as a great day trip or a one night stopover.

While you’re in the area, I’d suggest visiting nearby Lake Garda for a peaceful haven away from the city.

Top three things to do in Verona

Arena di verona.

It may not have the iconic status of Rome’s Colosseum, but Verona’s Roman amphitheatre is better preserved and far less crowded.

If you get the chance, be sure to see a concert – book your opera ticket for Arena di Verona here .

Torre dei Lamberti

Located in the Piazza delle Erbe, climb to the top of the tallest tower in Verona and enjoy panoramic views across the city. Take the stairs if you’re feeling bold, or hop in the lift.

Book your entrance ticket to the Torre dei Lamberti here .

Juliet’s House

It’s a bit of a tourist trap but an absolute must for any Shakespeare fans. Learn all about the famous house and admire Juliet’s Balcony.

Where to stay in Verona

Palazzo Monga Boutique Guesthouse . Located in a pretty 18th-century palazzo, this luxury guesthouse offers a welcoming home away from home.

Byblos Art Hotel . A high-end five-star hotel bursting with modern art and gorgeous gardens. Featuring luxury rooms, a sumptuous spa and a prestigious restaurant.

Due Torri Hotel . An elegant five-star hotel housed in a 14th-century palace. Its jewel in the crown is its large roof terrace with panoramic views of the historic centre.

Best for: A bit of everything

Best tours and activities to book in Naples:

• Pompeii: Small-Group Tour with an Archeologist
• Street Food Tour with Local Guide
• From Naples: Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi Full-Day Tour

Naples is the largest city in Southern Italy and is framed by the imposing but beautiful Mount Vesuvius.

The city merges old-world appeal with urban grit, and it’s the latter which has given Naples a bit of an unfair reputation as lacking the charm of other Italian cities. But I still think this city is well worth a visit.

Its historic town centre is a UNESCO site and the city has an extraordinary cultural, historical and arts scene. From royal palaces and stately castles to archaeological museums and historic churches, I think Naples has a lot to offer.

While in the city, indulging in decadent Italian food is a must. It’s the place to inhale all the carbs and not feel bad about it!

Keen shoppers will also love Naples. Explore small artisan workshops and family-run boutiques, or dip into the more recognisable chains.

Part of its draw is its proximity to both the gorgeous Amalfi Coast, the ancient city of Pompeii, and a couple of postcard-perfect islands.

Naples is therefore a place where you can combine a buzzy city vibe, fascinating history and dreamy beach days in one trip. Sounds perfect if you ask me!

Top three things to do in Naples

National archaeological museum.

A fascinating museum that houses important Roman collections and displays, including remains from the digs at Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Book a guided tour of the Naples National Archaeological Museum .

San Gennaro Catacombs

Explore the hidden underground world of intricate tunnels and passageways, lined with ancient crypts and detailed frescoes. An otherworldly experience but best avoided for the claustrophobic!

Book a guided tour of the Catacombs .

Cappella Sansevero

A beautiful baroque chapel that houses various stunning frescoes and sculptures, including the Veiled Christ – one of the most iconic marble structures in the world. 

Book a tour of the old town and Veiled Christ .

Where to stay in Naples

Domus Deorum Deluxe . Occupying a convenient location right by the Naples Centrale Station, this is a delightful hotel with elegant decor and a welcoming team.

Grand Hotel Vesuvio . Located in a peaceful spot in the hills above the city, this hotel offers spectacular sea views and a touch of luxury.

The Dante House . An upscale bed & breakfast set in an 18th-century ex-noble home, offering chic contemporary interiors and an exceptional breakfast.

11. Bergamo

Best for: A historic hidden gem

Top tours and activities in Bergamo:

• 2.5-Hour Private Upper Town Tour
• Lake Iseo: Baia del Bogn Kayak Tour
• 3.5-Hour Traditional Food Tour

Bergamo is a lesser known Italian city but one that I believe is absolutely worthy of your attention. It’s as if the locals want to keep it all to themselves – and who can blame them!

Bergamo is a charming but vibrant hilltop city with a medieval citadel and views of the majestic Italian Alps.

It’s easily accessible, being just a 15 minute drive from its own international airport or 50 minutes from neighbouring Milan.

The Upper City is steeped in history, comprising cobbled streets and immaculate piazzas.

The citadel is surrounded by Venetian defensive walls which have ensured that the city remains largely untouched and exceptionally well-preserved.

This is a place to discover magnificent churches and cathedrals, all framed by breathtaking views. I think it’s simply wonderful here.

Top three things to do in Bergamo

Basilica di santa maria maggiore.

A 12-century church adorned with spectacular artwork, from frescoes and artwork to tapestries and statues. The interiors are wonderfully decadent and the result is truly breathtaking.

Il Circolino

A restaurant quite unlike any other, Il Circolino is set in a former prison! Enjoy fresh Italian cuisine, local wine, and a unique experience.

Venetian Walls

Take a walk along the impressive Venetian Walls through the parks. Soak up the jaw-dropping views across the town and over to the snow-capped Alps.

Where to stay in Bergamo

Relais San Vigilio al Castello . A romantic hotel perched on a hilltop next to the medieval San Vigilio Castle. It’s an elegant, family-run guesthouse.

Hotel Petronilla . Located in the lower city, this boutique hotel offers stylish rooms with modern furniture, a fitness centre with sauna, and a welcoming bar and lounge area. 

GombitHotel . Housed in a carefully restored period building, the four-star GombitHotel is a design hotel that offers a refined stay and a fantastic location.

12. Perugia

Best for: A famous jazz festival

Top tours and activities in Perugia:

• Old Town Walking Tour, Piazza IV Novembre
• Pasta and Tiramisu Class
• Private City Tour with Rocca Paolina and Cathedral

Perugia is the largest city in Umbria, sitting halfway between Florence and Rome. Its untouched medieval centre looks almost stuck in time, which I simply love.

Wander cobbled streets and pretty piazzas, then marvel at the gothic mansions and pristine churches.

A strong international student population has brought a modern and lively edge to the city. There is a strong nightlife and plenty of cafés to wile away the daylight hours in.

It’s a particularly popular destination in July when Perguia hosts one of Europe’s best jazz festivals, Umbria Jazz.

Top three things to do in Perugia

Piazza iv novembre.

The beating heart of Perugia, this historic square is home to some key monuments, including Fontana Maggiore, the Palazzo dei Priori, and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo.

Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria

The most prestigious art gallery in Umbria can be found in the Palazzo dei Priori in Perugia. It houses more than 3,000 pieces of art, from historic paintings to gothic masterpieces, and I’d really recommend a visit.

Corso Vannucci

Take a stroll down this bustling vehicle-free street, dipping in and out of the various cafés, bars and shops. Soak up the atmosphere and revel in that indulgent Italian lifestyle.

Where to stay in Perugia

Castello di Monterone . Located 3km from Perugia in the gorgeous countryside, this ancient castle offers enchanting accommodation, an outdoor pool and lovely views.

Locanda della Posta . Situated on a lively street in Perugia, this well-located, high-end townhouse brings minimalist interiors and modern touches.

Alla Posta dei Donini . A historical residence set in a peaceful location just outside of the Umbrian capital. Enjoy a sumptuous spa, gourmet dining and beautiful gardens.

Other Italian cities worth considering:

With so many beautiful cities in Italy, I had a very hard time trying to narrow down the selection! Here are a few more Italian cities which I think are well worth considering if you’re planning a trip around Italy. 

A historic port city located on the attractive Adriatic coast, Bari is the capital of Puglia. This Italian coastal town has an old soul with its traditional harbour and fishing boats.

But its young and migrant-heavy population lend Bari a more urban and forward-thinking edge. I’d recommend sampling the simple but delicious cucina povera and visit one of the many beaches.

Lucca is an endearing city situated at the foot of the Apuan Alps in Tuscany. With its Renaissance history, cobblestone streets and quaint piazzas, it’s a city that is bursting with charm.

Known as the ‘town of a hundred churches’ and perfectly preserved in time, Lucca brings buckets of cultural and historical significance.

Genoa is another Italian city that combines historic and architectural splendour with urban spirit and grit.

I consider this to be one of the best cities in Italy to visit for a more authentic travel experience. Visit Italy’s busiest sea port and discover Genoa’s maritime history.

Explore the magnificent Piazza de Ferrari or wile away the days in no less than 10 art museums in the city.

The capital of the Piedmont region of northern Italy, Turin is definitely one of the least visited cities in Italy. I think this is all the more reason to visit this elegant city that is often compared to Paris and Vienna.

The city comprises cobbled streets, ancient ruins and tree-lined boulevards while also boasting a strong industrial heritage.

Visit for the art, music and innovative culture, along with its mesmerising architecture and refreshing lack of tourists.

Another lesser-known Italian city, Mantua has a fascinating and colourful history that’s dominated by the daring House of Gonzaga family.

It’s an ancient city with UNESCO-listed Renaissance architecture and a strong artistic and cultural presence. Surrounded by three stunning lakes, it’s a picture-perfect Italian city that’s well worth a stop.

Ragusa is a breathtaking city in Sicily that’s divided into two parts. The more modern and aristocratic upper town is perched on a hilltop, which overlooks the historic Ragusa Ibla below.

Meander through the cobbled lanes and picturesque piazzas and admire the beautiful Baroque architecture of this unique city of two halves.

Located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, Ravenna is a pleasant and picturesque city. Once capital of the Western Roman Empire and famous for its beautiful mosaics, Ravenna is a dream for fans of art and history.

With a staggering eight world heritage sites and a location close to the enchanting Adriatic Riviera, this Italian city is definitely one to add to your Italy itinerary.

A charming city with a wealth of impressive architecture – from Romanesque and Renaissance buildings and piazzas through to stunning Gothic churches.

Although famed for its Leaning Tower, the city of Pisa has a lot more to offer than one iconic monument. Home to an elite university, Pisa draws students from across Italy.

The result is a vibrant city with a lively café and bar scene.

The cities of Italy have so much to offer the discerning visitor. With many of the smaller Italian cities only requiring a day to explore, I’d really recommend combining visits to several cities in one itinerary.

Throw in a few of Italy’s coastal towns and famous lakes, and you’ve got a dreamy Italian getaway that I’m sure you’ll remember for a long time to come.

Jessie is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

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10 Best Cities To Visit In Italy: Your 2024 Italian Destination

This article has been reviewed and fact-checked. We live in Italy and travel throughout the country to help you make the best choices for your trip. To provide the highest quality content, portions of this article have been written using assistive AI tools for help with spell-checking, grammar, and translation.

• Underrated Destinations : Beyond its famous cities like Rome and Venice, Italy is home to lesser-known gems such as Catania, Ravenna, and Bologna, each offering unique experiences from volcanic landscapes to exquisite Byzantine mosaics and unparalleled culinary delights. These cities provide a deeper dive into Italy's rich cultural and historical tapestry.
• Culinary Diversity : Italy's regional cuisines are a major draw, with cities like Naples known for pizza, Bologna for mortadella and parmesan, and Catania for fresh seafood. This culinary diversity showcases the country's wide range of flavors and traditions, offering something for every palate.
• Balance of Old and New : Cities such as Turin, Milan, and Ravenna exemplify Italy's ability to preserve its ancient heritage while fostering innovation and modernity. From Milan's fashion scene to Turin's automotive industry, Italy blends its historical roots with a contemporary edge, enriching the visitor experience.

Looking for the best cities to visit in Italy? As someone who was born in Italy and lives here in Modena, this is not the most straightforward question. Italy is not only home to historically famous artists like Michelangelo or Leonardo da Vinci but also to many world-famous cities on every traveler’s bucket list.

But beyond Venice , Florence , and Rome , a list of underrated Italian cities is waiting to be uncovered. Have you heard of Sicily’s volcanic slopes? What about the scenic Adriatic coastline? Those are just some of it. You can find picturesque hilltowns, vibrant port cities, and medieval masterpieces with culture and history around every corner.

Here, we will cover 10 fascinating Italian cities that should be on your travel bucket list and things to see and do in each destination. Let’s get started and add these Italian locales to your itinerary!

Top 10 Best Cities in Italy To Visit in 2024

Let’s get started with the first Italian city on our list.

10. Catania, Sicily

Coming in at number ten on our list of best Italian cities is the town of Catania over on the east coast of Sicily. Now, Catania might not be on too many North American travelers’ radars, but trust us, this place has some unique vibes worth exploring.

Founded in the 8th century BC, Catania has a history in spades. The city lies at the foot of Mount Etna that is visible pretty much everywhere in Catania. Even after rolling through here three times now over the past few years, we’re still coming across new architecture and landmarks that blow our minds like the Cattedrale Saint Agatha. And you can’t miss out on Ursino Castle, a 13th-century jewel that takes you back to Catania’s medieval days. There’s also an ancient Greek theater located right in the heart of the city!

If you like shopping, Catania has you covered with Via Etnea and its rows of local boutiques and eateries. Oh, and speaking of eats, you absolutely have to check La Pescheria market for its fresh seafood and other products. Then chow down on local foods like pasta alla Norma and finish it off with a classic cannoli dessert. You may also explore Siciy’s capital, Palermo if you’re craving more adventures. 

9. Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna

The small city of Ravenna has an amazing history, having once served as the capital city of the Western Roman Empire. Despite being a small city, Ravenna attracts over 3 million visitors every year. Today, Ravenna’s past can be seen through its impressive collection of early Christian and Byzantine-era mosaics. 

The mosaics date back centuries and contain dazzling color, pattern, and detail that have been well preserved. The Basilica of San Vitale is home to vivid Biblical imagery and exotic Middle Eastern motifs. The nearby Mausoleum of Galla Placidia contains perhaps some of the oldest and finest mosaics in Ravenna.

Wandering the town, you’ll also find Ravenna’s Roman and Byzantine infrastructure remains, such as the Porta Serrata gate and the San Giovanni Evangelista rotunda. With such beautiful Byzantine treasures, it’s no wonder Ravenna has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Some of the best places to see in Ravenna :

8. Turin, Piedmont

Next on our list of best cities to visit in Italy is Torino, the capital of the Piedmont region in the Northwest of Italy. It also was the first capital of unified Italy, making it a city steeped in rich history and architecture. Torino is nothing less than grand, with its famous Royal Palace situated right in the city center as a nod to its royal past.

Torino is also known as the automotive capital of Italy, serving as headquarters for Fiat. You can actually visit Fiat and even go up on the roof to walk along the test track they built–it’s pretty cool.

If you’re visiting Torino, you must see the Royal Palace, a symbol of the city’s regal lineage. With its lavish rooms and sprawling art collections, it transports you into the privileged lifestyle of the House of Savoy dynasty. And, of course, if you’re keen on religious artifacts, the Turin Cathedral is home to the hotly-debated Shroud of Turin.

However, one of Torino’s most acclaimed attractions is likely the breathtaking Egyptian Museum, which holds the second-largest Egyptian collection globally, next to the Cairo Museum. It takes about two to three hours to see everything properly. We strongly advise buying skip-the-line tickets beforehand as the museum gets incredibly busy with almost no chance of walk-in entry.

7. Siena, Tuscany

Siena is #7 on our list of best cities in Italy and sits atop a hill in central Tuscany with a picturesque medieval town center that earned UNESCO distinction. Narrow brick streets lead to sites like the magnificent Gothic Cathedral in the historic Piazza del Campo, also home to the Palio di Siena horse race each summer.

Thousands flock to witness the famous Palio races in July and August when jockeys representing different neighborhoods competitively race around the packed dirt track surrounding Piazza del Campo. It offers visitors a window into one of Italy’s time-honored traditions.

Beyond its splendid architecture and ancient Tuscan rituals, Siena is an excellent home base for exploring Tuscany’s famous wine regions, thanks to its central location. It sits within the classic Chianti countryside, while the prestigious Brunello-producing area of Montalcino also lies nearby. Seina has a lot to offer! 

6. Bari, Puglia

No top 10 list in Italy would be complete without mentioning Bari, the capital of Italy’s Puglia region, located directly on the Adriatic Sea coastline. Its prime seaside location lends itself to summer beachgoing, including at the aptly named “Pane e Pomodoro” beach, meaning “Bread and Tomato.”

Beyond its shoreline, Bari rewards visitors with a rich history reflected through architecture from ancient to modern. The maze-like old city centers around the Basilica di San Nicola, housing the remains of St. Nicholas and dazzling with its ornate design. In contrast to the historic quarters, a more contemporary Bari flourishes with upscale shopping, cafes, and restaurants.

As an Adriatic port city, Bari emanates a vibrant energy, especially once summertime arrives. Locals and visitors embrace the weather and seaside location by dining al fresco at the city’s many outdoor restaurants and cafes.

5. Milan, Lombardy

Milano, or Milan , is the financial capital of Italy. It is located in the Lombardia region, in the north of Italy. Milan is also Italy’s fashion and design capital, and maybe of the entire world. It attracts over 10 million visitors every year. In the city, you’ll find all the best clothing designers, high-end shopping, and fabulous restaurants.  

You’ll find both innovation and history in the City of Milan. Fashionistas and culture lovers flock here for the chic boutiques and modern towers reflecting Milan’s future focus. Yet among the lively bars and luxury hotels lie artistic treasures–the magnificent Gothic Duomo, da Vinci’s Last Supper mural, and the La Scala opera house.

Don’t just glance at the medieval masterpieces; explore within them too, like the Duomo’s 4th-century crypt and rooftop views. Milan also excels at refined pleasures, from Michelin-star dining to high fashion shopping quadrangles, but also relishes everyday delights–cheer at football matches with locals, wander the Navigli canals, or linger in charming squares as the sun sets.

4. Verona, Veneto

Verona is located in the Veneto region in the northeast of Italy. You’ll notice that Verona strikes the perfect balance between monumental ancient ruins and intimate old-world romance. As the storied setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the city feels steeped in tragic love stories and poetic whispers from the past – oops, I’m starting to sound like Shakespeare now. 

Anyway, in Verona’s center, you’ll find Piazza Bra with postcard-perfect cafés and street performers flanked by high-end shops. Meanwhile, Juliet’s tiny balcony remains the city’s star-crossed lover landmark for selfies and posting poetic love notes on its courtyard walls.

You can find one of the best-preserved Roman arenas in the world, so perfectly preserved that it is still used today for operas and concerts. In fact, we went to an Elton John concert a few years ago, and being in the area felt like we were living in a different time–it felt so ethereal.

If you’re into food and wine, Verona is also known for its Amarone wine and, like Siena, is the perfect base camp for wine tasting in the Veneto area. Even those only passing through will likely mesmerized by Verona’s enduring and irresistible romance.

3. Lecce, Puglia

Lecce lies in southern Italy’s Puglia region, earning its moniker as the “Florence of the South” for the ornate Baroque architecture of its churches and palaces, much like Florence’s Uffizi Gallery and Rome’s Colosseum .

The local limestone gives the city a glowing, homogenous aesthetic, its lavish decorative details chiseled with flair. Lecce’s liveliness emanates from its structures and people, whose warmth entices visitors to slow down and embrace the art of living well.

Meandering narrow streets lead to cafés rimming the storied Piazza Duomo and its impressive cathedral. Like a postcard come to life, Lecce proffers discovery around every corner.

2. Naples, Campania

Naples is arguably one of Italy’s most captivating cities. As the capital of the Campania region, it acts as a major port and gateway to famous areas like Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, Santa Maria, and the island of Capri. Yet Naples deserves recognition in its own right as a vibrant, living hub of culture. We make a point of visiting this dynamic city at least once a year.

Walking Naples’ historic streets overwhelms the senses with captions of sights, sounds, and, yes, smells. It overflows with a level of color and commotion unmatched elsewhere in Italy. Locals fill the air with Neapolitan dialect and personality. Impromptu street music and entertainment could surprise you on any given corner.

Beyond its palpable energy, Naples claims several culinary firsts. As the birthplace of pizza, the city takes its reputation for exceptional versions of the classic Neapolitan style seriously. You could easily taste-test pizzerias straight through several days. We always budget generous time to sample the region’s fresh seafood, breads, cheeses, and, of course, wine.

1. Bologna, Emilia-Romagna

As the lively capital of Italy’s culinary epicenter, Bologna attracts with its liveliness around art, history, and, let’s face it…food! Forget diets when surrounded by the world’s longest porticoes filled with gourmet deli counters displaying parma hams, mortadella bursts, and aged parmesans. The place invites slowing down to savor—espressos at a marble-topped cafe, handmade pasta at tiny holes in the walls, or leisurely al fresco dining beneath grand arcades.

This vibrant university city also overflows with artistic and architectural marvels from its Etruscan founding onwards. By the year 1088, Bologna University arose as Europe’s first institution to grant degrees. Walking tours pass through preserved medieval quarters with highlights like:

• The iconic Due Torri – Bologna’s two leaning towers that form the city symbol
• Basilica di San Petronio – begun in 1390 with ancient sundial lines, making it over 630 years old
• Fountain of Neptune drawing upon Roman mythology
• Salaborsa Library with a transparent floor revealing ancient ruins below

Beyond the vibrant historic downtown stuffed with food shops, Bologna also claims the world’s longest continuous arcade walkway with 3.5 km and 666 arches long —the arcade of San Luca in Bologna.

Rome is Italy’s best place for first-timers to visit, but if you’re not a first-timer, you can follow our list above.

The cheapest city to arrive in Italy is Milan, served by Milan Malpensa Airport.

Can’t decide where to go in Italy? For fashion and skiing, head north. For adventure and sun, go south or to the islands. Or visit both regions.

Florence offers a more authentic experience with fewer crowds and Venice has historic wonders and easy island access.

The best way to travel to multiple cities in Italy is by train.

Final Words

Italy’s dazzling diversity shines in these 10 fascinating destinations, from stunning architecture to mouthwatering cuisine. Beyond the classic sites, a thrilling trove of culture and history awaits. So, which alluring locale will you explore next? There’s only one way to decide—start planning your Italian adventure. Ciao! 

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24 Best Places to Visit in Italy

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Oct 6, 2023

Few places rank as high on travelers' bucket lists as Italy. Whatever your taste in travel, you'll satisfy it in this country that is at once exotic and familiar. History, art, food, music, architecture, culture, sacred sites, charming villages, and stunning scenery are all around, and in an atmosphere that only the most confirmed curmudgeon could fail to enjoy.

From the soaring Dolomite mountains in the north to the beaches of Puglia and the ancient temples of Sicily, Italy is filled with outstanding places to see. These range from magnificent natural and scenic wonders to some of the greatest masterpieces of art and architecture the world has known. No matter where you choose, you can't go wrong.

Plan your trip to Italy with our list of the best places to visit in Italy.

2. Florence

4. tuscan hill towns, 6. lake como, 7. amalfi coast, 8. capri & sorrento, 9. the cinque terre, 10. pisa and lucca, 12. pompeii and herculaneum, 13. lake garda, 15. bologna, 16. the dolomites, 21. sardinia, 22. ravenna, map of places to visit in italy.

Both for its history as the capital of much of ancient Europe and for its present-day role as one of Europe's most vibrant cities, for most tourists traveling to Italy, Rome heads the list of places to visit. Relics of its ancient glories—the Colosseum , the Forum , the Pantheon , the Appian Way, and the Palatine Hill —vie with the vast riches of the Vatican as the top attractions.

But between the important sights like the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo's Pieta, take time to enjoy the city itself. Relax in the Borghese gardens ; eat gelato on the Spanish Steps ; explore the narrow streets of Trastevere ; sip morning cappuccino in cafés; window-shop on the Via Veneto; and toss a coin in Trevi Fountain , so you can return again and again. It will take several trips to see it all.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Rome

The showcase of the Italian Renaissance, Florence can at times seem like one giant art museum. The Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore , is a landmark of world architecture , topped by its gravity-defying massive dome.

Together with its marble-inlaid bell tower by Giotto and the octagonal Baptistery with its incomparable bronze doors by Ghiberti, this is one of the world's finest ensembles of Renaissance art.

Half a dozen art museums brim with paintings and sculptures, while more masterpieces decorate its churches and palaces. Before you overdose on art in the Uffizi Gallery and Pitti Palace , stroll through the Boboli Gardens and explore the artisans' studios and workshops of the Oltrarno, or shop for leather in Santa Croce.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Florence

Who could fail to love a city whose streets are made of water, whose buses are boats, and where the songs of gondoliers linger in the air? It is a magic city, and its major attraction to tourists is the city itself.

The hub of the city is the broad Piazza San Marco, St. Mark's Square , surrounded by several of its top tourist attractions. The great Basilica of St. Mark stands beside the Doge's Palace , and overlooking both is the tall Campanile.

Taking a gondola ride is one of the most romantic things to do in Italy . Gondolas congregate at the end of the plaza in the Grand Canal . In the other direction, a gate under the clock tower leads into a warren of narrow, winding passageways, where you're sure to get lost on the way to Rialto Bridge. But getting lost is one of the greatest pleasures of Venice, where a postcard scene awaits around each corner.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Venice

The undulating landscape of Tuscany is crowned by stone towns whose foundations go back to the Etruscans. Each sits atop a hill, and many still have the castles and towers that once defended their commanding positions.

It's difficult to choose one above the others, as each has its own architecture, art, character, and story to tell. Fairly bristling with towers and enclosed in walls that are largely intact, San Gimignano looks much as it did in the Middle Ages, when it was an important stop on the pilgrims' route to Rome.

Volterra was an important Etruscan center before the Romans came and still has remains of both civilizations today. The tourist attractions of Arezzo are the legacy of the many artists, architects, and poets who lived there.

Like Volterra, walled Cortona was an Etruscan settlement and later a Roman one, but adds reminders of its Florentine past as well. Cortona is one of Italy's oldest towns. The proximity of these hill towns to the cities of Florence, Siena, Pisa, and Luca fills Tuscany with a concentration of many of the best places to visit in Italy.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Italy

Although Milan is a major entry point for tourists because of its airport, it's often overlooked as a destination of its own. That's a shame, because Milan has one of the highest concentrations of artistic and architectural attractions in all Italy, and for those interested in design and fashion (not to mention shopping), it's a must.

Milan has been the home and workplace for luminaries in all these fields: Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Verdi, Enrico Caruso, Toscanini, and designer Giorgio Armani.

Il Duomo, Milan's massive cathedral, is among the world's most magnificent churches, and finest example of the Flamboyant Gothic style. La Scala is the world's most prestigious opera house, Da Vinci's The Last Supper fills the wall at a monastery, and throughout the city are museums and palaces filled with some of the world's finest art. And no fashionista can resist a stroll through the famed Quadrilatero.

Italy's most beautiful lake, Como has been the favorite summer retreat of the rich and famous since ancient Romans fled Milan's summer heat to cool off in villas along its steep shores. Later villas decorate its tightly clustered towns, especially pretty Bellagio , artfully set on a point where the three narrow arms of the lake meet.

A microclimate makes the western shore of Lake Como temperate even in winter, so the white peaks of the Alps just to the north can be viewed between palm trees and camellias. Don't overlook the town of Como, on the southern shore, well worth a stop before boarding a steamer to explore the lake.

Just to the west of Lake Como is Lake Maggiore, with its own attractions ; to the east is Lake Garda , a summer playground filled with water sports and other things to do.

Read More: Visiting Lake Como: Top Attractions, Hotels & Tours

The high, precipitous Amalfi Peninsula juts sharply into the Mediterranean just south of Naples, forming the southern rim of Naples Bay. It's hard to imagine a more beautiful – or unlikely – setting for the towns that spill down its steep slopes.

Streets in most of these picturesque towns are stairways, and houses seem glued to the cliffs behind them. Flowers bloom everywhere, and below the towns are enticing beaches caught in coves of emerald water. High above the coast is the town of Ravello , where luxuriant gardens frame some of the coast's finest views.

The Amalfi Drive , along the southern coast, is one of the world's great scenic routes, or you can see the coast from the water by taking a 45-minute ferry ride from Sorrento to Positano. You have several options for getting to Positano from Rome .

Read More: Top Attractions & Places to Visit on the Amalfi Coast

The fabled Isle of Capri rises in steep cliffs from the Tyrrhenian Sea, only 20 kilometers from Sorrento. It was the bolt-hole for the Roman emperors Augustus and Tiberius and today attracts a steady stream of tourists arriving on the frequent ferries and hydrofoils from Sorrento and Naples.

Although very small – it is barely six kilometers at its longest – it has two towns, Capri and high above it, Anacapri. The lower town is where to find smart shops and cafés full of people-watchers hoping to spot a celebrity. Anacapri is the site of the lovely Villa San Michele and its gardens.

One of the top things to do on Capri is a trip to the Blue Grotto, a large flooded cave where reflected sunlight makes the water look as though it were lit from inside. At the other side of the island is the beautiful Marina Piccola, a tiny beach at the foot of the cliffs guarded by the craggy Faraglioni sea stacks.

Like Capri, the charming town of Sorrento seems to have been created for pleasure. The views, framed by candy-colored buildings and lemon trees, take in Naples and its bay, Mt. Vesuvius, and Capri. It's a town for strolling, sitting in cafés, and taking day trips to Capri, the Amalfi Coast, or Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Read More: From Rome to Capri: Best Ways to Get There

The five towns that cling to the steep, rocky Mediterranean coast north of La Spezia were almost impossible to reach by land until the railway connected them by tunneling through the headlands that separate them.

Today, the trail along the cliffs that locals once used to travel from town to town is one of Europe's greatest hikes; the shortest and widest of its sections, between Manarola and Riomaggiore is known as the Via dell'Amore, and has finally reopened after several years' closure due to a landslide.

Although hiking the trail is the goal of most tourists, don't overlook the pleasures of lingering in these little villages . Riomaggiore and Vernazza , with their narrow streets dropping down to tiny rock-bound harbors are the most filled with character, and despite its recent popularity with tourists, the Cinque Terre remains one of Italy's most appealing attractions.

The nearby towns of Pisa and Lucca are worth visiting while you're in Tuscany, the first for the exceptional Campo dei Miracoli complex and the other for its endearing charms.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa , actually the campanile for the adjacent cathedral, is a well-known Italian icon, and forms the centerpiece of a UNESCO World Heritage site that also includes the cathedral, baptistery, and Campo Santo.

The highlight of the impressive baptistery is Nicola Pisano's intricately carved free-standing pulpit, a masterpiece of Romanesque sculpture. Completing the ensemble is a museum displaying some of the most beautiful gold and silver work of the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

Nearby, Lucca is one of Europe's most charming towns to explore and enjoy, surrounded by wide walls whose top is a tree-lined park. Inside the walls are beautiful Romanesque and Tuscan Gothic churches, tower houses (one of which you can climb to the top), and a Roman arena that has been "fossilized" into an oval piazza.

The compact historic center of this former Roman stronghold is embraced by a deep curve in the Adige River. Dominating its heart is the remarkable well-preserved first-century Roman arena , scene of the world-renowned summer opera festival.

Several Roman arches are mixed among the medieval and Renaissance buildings, many of which show Verona's long history as part of the Venetian empire. Alongside the river stands the large Castelvecchio , a castle built in the 14th century, guarding a brick arched bridge, Ponte Scaligero.

For all its rich treasury of architecture and art, Verona's biggest claim to tourist fame is based on pure fiction. Verona was the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet , and over the past century, locals have obliged by creating homes, a balcony, and even a tomb for the fictional characters. These are some of the top things to see and do in Verona

In AD 79, Mt. Vesuvius erupted violently and suddenly, engulfing the thriving Roman city of Pompeii and encasing it for more than a millennium in six meters of ash and pumice-stone. The city remained frozen in time until excavations that began in the 18th century uncovered more than half of its buildings and public spaces.

The same eruption also engulfed the city of Herculaneum , but this time in molten lava, not ash. So instead of raining down and crushing buildings with its weight, the lava flowed in and filled the city from the ground up, supporting walls and ceilings as it rose, and preserving them in place.

Also preserved in this airtight seal were organic materials, such as wood, textiles, and food, giving a more complete picture of life in the first century. Details such as eating vessels and even food have been preserved as they were when the disaster struck.

Read More: Visiting Pompeii: Top Attractions, Tips & Tours

Combining dramatic mountain scenery with a wide choice of water sports and holiday amusements, Lake Garda is the most family-friendly of the Italian Lakes . Near Verona, Lake Garda is easy to reach by train, and close enough to be a day trip from Milan .

A favorite place to visit for families , Lake Garda is well supplied with low-key resorts and campgrounds, and at the southern end, the popular theme parks of Gardaland, Gardaland Sea-Life, and the movie-themed Caneva World are magnets for kids. The busiest area is along the southern shore, where there are several beaches with shallow water for young swimmers.

You can rent kayaks, paddle boards, and equipment for water sports at various places along the eastern and southern shores. Winds sweeping down from the mountains that rise sharply at the northern end of the lake make sailing popular there, and at Torbole you'll find some of Europe's best windsurfing and kitesurfing .

Lake Garda is not without tourist attractions to visit. The small town of Sirmione , almost an island at the end of a long peninsula on the southern shore, is approached through the gates of a small castle, which you can tour. Follow the only street past chic boutiques and souvenir stores (Sirmione is a popular place to go shopping) to the beautifully preserved ruins of a Roman villa and spa.

Farther north, Malcesine's castle clings to a rocky promontory above the lake, reached via narrow Medieval streets. For more mountain and lake views, ride the rotating cable car from Malcesine to the summit of Monte Baldo.

At its height in the 13th and 14th centuries, Siena rivaled Florence for its arts and culture, and it still has a wealth of art and architectural treasures. The highlight is the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta , whose inlaid marble facade and striped bell tower stand dramatically among Siena's mostly red brick buildings. The cathedral interior is a museum of works by great artists and sculptors, including Donatello, Giovanni Pisano, Bernini, and Lorenzo Ghiberti.

But art treasures are just some of Siena's attractions . The winding medieval streets and broad plazas are inviting places to wander. Piazza del Campo is considered one of Europe's finest medieval public squares. Twice each summer, this gigantic, sloping main square is the scene of a chaotic horse race known as the Palio.

Renowned for its culinary skills and cuisine, as well as for its historic university (Europe's oldest), Bologna is the most appealing city to visit. The elegant arcades shelter the streets from the sun or rain, and beneath them are shops with their original century-old interiors. Follow Via Galleria to admire its old aristocratic mansions.

Life centers around the adjoining Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nettuno, where you'll find the magnificent 16 th -century Neptune Fountain and the still unfinished façade of the Basilica of San Petronius.

The other church to see is the atmospheric Santo Stefano, a complex of seven religious buildings built by the Benedictines from the 10th to 13th century. Its two leaning towers, Asinelli and Garisenda, are tall thin pillars of brick and stone, taller than the more famous one at Pisa. These are remnants of medieval times, when families had their own defensive towers attached to their homes.

Read More: Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Bologna

Home to six of Italy's top ski resorts , the jagged peaks of the Dolomites are spectacular at any season, whether the mountains are white with snow and ice, or rising dramatically above lush green Alpine meadows. The most famous town is Cortina d'Ampezzo , one of the top ski resorts in the world .

Other villages of wooden chalets are ski centers, too, and hidden deep in the valleys are more hamlets that curious tourists can discover by following the mountain roads that radiate from the Strada delle Dolomiti, the Dolomite Road .

This year-round route stretching from Bolzano to Cortina d'Ampezzo, is a continuing series of mountain views as it crosses the Passo Pordoi and passes the peaks of the Gruppo del Sella to reveal the Cinque Torri, five peaks overlooking Cortina.

Although the road snakes up and down the mountainsides in switchbacks, it is wide, well-paved, and free of the alarming drop-offs that make so many Alpine roads teeth-clenching experiences. You can pause the drive at several points to take gondola rides for even more breathtaking views of mountains in every direction.

Highlights are the forest-surrounded Lake Carezza, the waterfall in Canazei, and the tree-framed views from Passo di Costalunga. In inscribing the Dolomites as a World Heritage Site, UNESCO called the Dolomites "among the most attractive mountain landscapes in the world."

As the canals characterize Venice, and the Renaissance is the essence of Florence, in Naples, it's the sheer exuberance that will hold you spellbound. It's a boisterous place, its narrow streets filled with color, noise, and life.

You'll find plenty to see and do in Naples , in its treasure-filled churches, its magnificent palaces lavished in the riches of European royalty, and its premier archaeological museum displaying the finds from nearby Pompeii.

Join locals and stroll by the waterfront to savor views of Mt. Vesuvius across the bay, hop a ferry to the island of Capri or magical Sorrento, shop in the glass-domed Galleria Umberto I, and by all means, sample the pizza—Neapolitans claim to have invented it.

The island of Sicily has earned seven places on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, three for its ancient sites, two for natural wonders, and two for architectural treasures. Some of the finest remaining examples of ancient structures are in Sicily: at Selinunte is one of the largest Greek temples; in Agrigento , at the Valley of Temples, is one of the three most perfect Greek temples anywhere; and the 3,500 square meters of mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale in Enna decorate one of the best-preserved villas in the entire Roman Empire.

Sicily's landscapes, crowned by Mt. Etna, and its spectacular golden-sand beaches match its world-class attractions.

The capital of Palermo is a vibrant city full of color and fine buildings. Nearby Monreale Cathedral is a masterpiece of Norman architecture, its walls covered by 6,340 square meters of the interior walls with intricate mosaics by artists from Constantinople and Sicily. Monreale stands today almost exactly as it was built in the 1100s, and is one of Sicily's top tourist attractions .

Most tourists visit Assisi as the home of St. Francis, and for the Franciscan sites that rose here to memorialize him. The Basilica di San Francesco was constructed over the saint's tomb in the early 13th century and is one of the world's most visited pilgrimage destinations.

Along with the Basilica, a pilgrimage includes other sites closely associated with the saint. The Renaissance church of Santa Maria degli Angeli was over St. Francis' oratory (Porziuàncola ) and the cell in which he died.

St Francis preached and prayed at the 12 th -century Cathedral of San Rufino , and the Gothic Basilica of Santa Chiara is dedicated to St. Clare, the disciple of St. Francis who founded the order of Poor Clares.

Religion is not the only draw for tourists to Assisi. The building and decoration of all these holy sites drew the finest artists of their day, making Assisi a center for the arts and leaving works by great artists that include Giotto and Cimabue. Assisi is a popular day trip from Florence , and there are several ways of getting to Assisi from Rome .

One of the great industrial cities of the north, Turin, unlike Milan, is relatively small and compact, and it's highlights are easy to explore on foot. There is a grandeur to its architecture and its formal layout, designed by the Savoys to show that they were as regal as any of Europe's royal families and could surround themselves with splendor that rivaled Paris.

Its arcaded squares and avenues and royal palaces right in the center set the tone, but that is not all of Turin's charm. A small medieval quarter, Roman sites, and entire neighborhoods of Art Nouveau lend variety, and a riverside park with a complete faux-medieval village prove that Turin doesn't take itself too seriously.

Don't miss the extraordinary Museum of Cinema in a skyscraper that was once a synagogue. Turin's contrasts will charm you—as will its coffee houses and grand cafés.

Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Turin

This enigmatic Mediterranean island seems worlds apart from Italy, and is itself a land of stark contrasts. Best known for its glamorous Costa Smeralda, the jet-set paradise of luxury enclaves set against the emerald waters of the northeast coast, Sardinia has a lot more to offer adventurous tourists or even the sun-loving beach seeker.

The entire south is ringed with mile after mile of white-sand beaches , and the rugged interior is prime territory for hikers and climbers. Sardinia is a place for travelers who want to explore remote mountain villages, where old traditions not only survive but are a way of life.

The most enigmatic and fascinating attractions are the hundreds of mysterious round stone towers, known as Nuraghe, which dot the entire island and make Sardinia high on the list of unique places to visit in Italy. Prehistoric sites are everywhere and include these towers, sacred wells, "giants tombs," and other ancient structures. Entire Phoenician and Roman cities wait to be explored.

Read More: Top Attractions & Things to Do in Sardinia

This ancient city on the Adriatic is truly unique in Italy. Unlike any other, Ravenna's artistic origins are almost entirely Byzantine, and here you'll find Western Europe's finest collection of Byzantine mosaics , all in nearly pristine condition.

In the sixth century, Ravenna was the seat of the king Theodoric the Great, who was raised in Constantinople, and it became a center for mosaic artistry that reached its zenith here.

Seven buildings decorated with some of the finest examples of mosaic art are included in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See all of them, but above all don't miss the early 5th-century Neonian Baptistery; the impressive interior of San Vitale; and the jewel-like Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, which UNESCO calls "one of the most artistically perfect" and best preserved of all mosaic monuments.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Ravenna

If Puglia were less remote, it would be one of the country's best-known tourist destinations. Picturing Italy as a boot, Puglia forms the heel — a long stiletto heel reaching southeast into the Adriatic Sea.

The capital city of Lecce is filled with Baroque architecture, magnificent churches with facades intricately carved in local golden limestone. At the very tip of the heel is the Salento, a largely pristine coast of rocky cliffs, soaring headlands, and beaches in the deep coves between them. On the Salento's western shore, some of Italy's most beautiful beaches stretch in kilometers of golden sand.

The eastern shore is protected by the Parco Naturale Regionale Costa Otranto. Its picturesque village of Otranto (see the mosaics in its 12th-century church) is the gateway to the pristine blue-flag beaches on Baia dei Turchi . From the 15th-century castle, you can see across the Adriatic to the mountains of Albania.

At Alberobello, you can see the picturesque villages of trulli, little conical-roofed houses that now constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site . You can make one of these little houses your home while you tour the region.

Riches from its maritime past have left the port city of Genoa with a rich legacy of Italy's most splendid noble palaces. Dating from the 16 th and 17th centuries, these marble showcases of Italian art and architecture are Genoa's prime tourist attractions and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

But don't overlook the steep, atmospheric streets of the old sailors' quarter above the Old Harbor, or the Aquarium and the Maritime Museum , both overlooking the harbor. One of Europe's best aquariums, it holds more than 10,000 aquatic animals in a state-of-the-art facility that replicates their natural environments; the Maritime Museum is also a draw for families, as it brings the age of sail to life for children.

Take advantage of the numerous funiculars to navigate the city's steep terrain, and don't miss the chance to sample some of Italy's finest cuisine.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Where to Go from Rome: For a break from the bustle of Rome, you can easily spend a day exploring gardens and attractions in Tivoli , and even farther with the help of our page From Rome to Capri: 5 Best Ways to Get There . For even more suggestions, refer to our page on the Top-Rated Day Trips from Rome .

Where to Go near Florence: You don't have to travel far to find many of the top tourist attractions in Tuscany . Travel west to the lovely walled city of Lucca , and only a little farther to see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, with its cathedral and baptistery. South of Florence is Siena, where our Visitor's Guide to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta will lead you to its greatest treasures.

Where to Go from Venice: The Veneto region is filled with exciting places to visit, such as nearby Padua . The villas of Andrea Palladio are the top tourist attractions in Vicenza , and not far beyond are historic Verona and beautiful Lake Garda .

More on Italy

The 20 Best Places to Visit in Italy (Our Picks for 2024)

Written by: Author Andrew Helling  |  Reviewed by: Sandy Mitchell

Andrew Helling is a licensed pilot, travel enthusiast, and the founder of Travellers Worldwide whose travel expertise has been quoted in countless publications across the web. Armed with a laptop and a Wi-Fi connection, he loves exploring the world with his wife and son and is always on the hunt for cheap flights and new adventures... Learn More

Sandy Mitchell is a travel expert and the content reviewer/fact checker at Travellers Worldwide. Using the experience she gained working in the travel industry for more than 20 years, as a travel agent, travel marketing executive, and cruise school administrator, Sandy fact-checks and reviews each of our guides to ensure they're as accurate and helpful as possible... Learn More

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Italy offers a wealth of incredible places to visit, from the historic treasures of Rome and Florence to the unique charm of Venice and the stunning Amalfi Coast.

The country’s diverse regions provide a wide range of experiences, including the beautiful landscapes of Tuscany and the lakes, the ancient ruins of Pompeii, and the picturesque villages of Cinque Terre. Don’t miss the culinary delights in Bologna and the cultural richness of Sicily.

Nearly 100 million people  visit Italy each year, and many keep coming back year after year. The country has enough to offer for a lifetime of exploration.

From mysterious Venice in the north to the sunbaked multicultural cities of Sicily in the south, every region of Italy has something new to offer.

The country has thousands of years of history, including ancient ruins and Renaissance palaces, important destinations for religious tourism, and beautiful nature, but there are some standout cities that we consider to be truly the best places to visit in Italy.

20 of the Best Places to Visit in Italy

We’ll show you our top picks for must-visit Italian cities and destinations, why we love each area, and more. Let’s dive in!

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No trip to Italy is complete without a visit to Rome, the capital. Nicknamed “ the Eternal City ,” Rome has thousands of years of history contained in one city. Rome was the center of the ancient Roman Empire, and its traces are everywhere, from the Coliseum to the Forum.

It continued to be an important city into the medieval era and Renaissance thanks to its role as the seat of the Catholic Church. Even non-Christians will be awestruck at the art on exhibit in Vatican City and the imposing St. Peter’s Basilica.

There are so many other sites in Rome, including the famous Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, that it is impossible to list them all — you should just go see them for yourself.

Read Next: The Best & Worst Times to Visit Rome in 2024

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There is no city quite like Venice. Instead of streets, the city has canals and is made up of a complicated network of interconnected islands.

Tourists flock to the northern Italian city to see famous sites such as the Piazza San Marco and Rialto Bridge and take a ride on one of the famous gondolas.

However, make sure you budget time in Venice to get lost wandering the canals and explore the different cicchetti, or Venetian tapas bars, for hyperlocal cuisine.

Read Next: The Best Areas of & Hotels in Rome in 2024

3. Florence

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Glorious Florence is the jewel in Italy’s crown. This city was the center of the Italian Renaissance and often feels like a time capsule. Explore architectural wonders from the era, such as the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio, which have kept their medieval appearances.

Florence is one of the best places in the world for art lovers.

You can spend an entire day at the Uffizi Gallery, which is stuffed with old masters from Botticelli to Da Vinci. Make sure you save some time for shopping in the city’s famous fashion boutiques.

4. The Amalfi Coast

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The gorgeous Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s prime seaside destinations. This stretch of craggy coastline south of Naples contains beautiful villages, relaxing beaches, and the quintessential Mediterranean atmosphere.

To visit the Amalfi Coast, stay in one of the popular fishing villages now turned major tourist destinations such as Positano, Amalfi, or Ravello.

Explore the picturesque streets, walk to nearby villages, or just laze on the beach. Be sure to bring sturdy walking shoes because the streets are steep here.

Read Next: The Best Time to Visit the Amalfi Coast in 2024

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Tuscany, with its rolling hills, delicious food, and world-class wine, is probably one of Italy’s most famous regions. It’s the perfect destination for travelers looking to unwind with a little rural tourism and enjoy the region’s famous gastronomy.

The best way to see Tuscany is to pick one of the towns as a base and go on day trips to surrounding regions. Try San Gimignano, famous for its several giant medieval towers, or one of the cypress-clad villas of Val d’Orcia.

Read Next: The Best & Worst Times to Visit Tuscany in 2024

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Siena is a town within Tuscany but so beautiful that it deserves its own mention. Siena has one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. The town has many medieval-era landmarks, such as Il Campo, which becomes the site of the famous Palio races .

Even if you don’t time your visit to coincide with the festival, there’s plenty to see, including the Siena Cathedral, Torre del Mangia, and of course, the delicious Tuscan restaurants.

7. Italian Lake District

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If you make a beeline for the Italian coast, you’ll miss out on the pretty northern mountain regions, some of the most beautiful parts of Italy. The Italian Lake District starts in northern Italy and stretches into the Alps. It has many lakes, each with its own character.

Lake Como has been a destination for celebrities for decades, so visit here to gawk at glitzy villas and soak in a glamorous town. Lake Garda is a popular family destination, while Lake Maggiore on the Swiss border is home to the popular Isola Bella.

Read Next: The Best Time to Visit the Italian Lakes & Where to Stay in the Italian Lakes

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Ancient Roman ruins are dotted across Italy, but Pompeii is the most spectacular and well-preserved site. The town, along with nearby Herculaneum, was buried in an eruption by Mount Vesuvius about 2,000 years ago, perfectly preserving it down to the graffiti on the walls.

Spend a day wandering through the remnants of Roman villas, apartment complexes, baths, and more, really getting a picture for how the ancients used to live.

9. Cinque Terre

Located along the Italian Riviera near Genoa, Cinque Terre is another amazing Italian coastal destination. The region consists of five beautiful towns — Manarola, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Riomaggiore — clinging to the sides of the cliffs.

Hike between the towns on the dizzying Footpath Monterosso trail, or just take the scenic train instead to save your energy. Cinque Terre has many activities for visitors, including cooking classes, boat rentals, and more.

Read Next: The Best Time to Visit Cinque Terre

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Busy Milan in the northern Lombardy region undermines the stereotype of Italy as a laid-back country. The city is Italy’s banking capital and also a center for the fashion industry.

Half the fun is people-watching on the street as stylish locals pass by. Milan also has plenty of historic sites, such as the world-famous, imposing Duomo. Climb to the top for one of the best views of the city.

Read Next: The Best Areas to Stay in Milan & The Best Time to Visit Milan in 2024

“In fair Verona where we lay our scene,” from Romeo and Juliet , is one of the most famous lines from a play ever. Although the young lovers didn’t really exist, the city has many sites related to the play anyway, including Juliet’s House with a statue of the famous girl.

Verona has a lot to offer, even for non-Shakespeare lovers. Explore the medieval core of the city, which is a UNESCO heritage site , and cool off in the Renaissance Giardino Giusti, an oasis of green.

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Bustling Naples is not for the faint of heart, but those who are willing to brave its infamous crowds, heat, and dirt are rewarded with a glimpse at authentic, working-class Italy and a vibrant culture.

Be sure to check out the local Archeological Museum, which is home to some of the best artifacts from Pompeii. Other attractions include the promenade along the Bay of Naples, with spectacular views of Mount Vesuvius and gorgeous churches.

Naples claims to be the birthplace of pizza , so don’t leave without sampling a pie or grabbing a bite from one of the city’s famous bakeries.

13. Palermo

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Palermo is the largest city on Sicily and the perfect base for exploring the picturesque island, which feels like a different country compared to the mainland. The city is cleaning up its act without losing its trademark grit.

Check out the historic mishmash of cultures, from ancient Greeks to Arabs and Normans, at the famous nearby Monreale Cathedral.

Palermo is also home to a thriving modern art scene, so check out some of the many galleries. Be sure to snag some of the delicious street food at one of the many markets.

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The Tuscan town of Pisa is mostly famous for one attraction — its leaning tower. It may be a tourist trap, but the glorious off-kilter tower is well worth a photo opportunity.

If you climb the tower, you get beautiful views not just of the medieval town of Pisa but of surrounding Tuscany as well. It does get crowded in the summer, so try to book your ticket ahead of time.

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Beautiful Capri is full of wonders, natural and artificial. The island has long been a popular destination for the world’s glitterati, and when you visit, you can see many giant yachts dropping anchor just off the coast.

Don’t let the glamour and shops distract you from Capri’s natural beauty.

Book a tour to visit the famous Blue Grotto, with its water a color unlike anywhere else in the world. If you’re not scared of heights, take a chairlift up to Mount Solaro for gorgeous views of the island.

16. Bologna

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Bologna is affectionately nicknamed “Bologna La Grassa,” or “ Bologna the Fat ” by those who love it. The hedonistic city is famous even in food-mad Italy for its gastronomy.

The best thing to do when you visit is to eat the day away, from pasta Bolognese to piadine, sandwiches that are a popular street food among locals.

When you’re ready to stop eating, work off the calories by exploring the University of Bologna, the world’s oldest university, and other sites such as the famous medieval towers.

17. Sardinia

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Wild Sardinia in the Tyrrhenian Sea is still relatively undiscovered compared to the rest of Italy, so go as soon as you can to take advantage of the lack of crowds.

If you just want to relax on the beach, head to the Costa Smeralda on the northern coast, an attraction for the world’s glitterati in the know.

If you prefer a more off-the-beaten-path destination, head inland to the many Sardinian mountain villages, which are dotted with prehistoric sites, ancient Phoenician ruins, and delicious food.

18. Agrigento

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Agrigento is home to the Valley of the Temples, one of the most spectacular archeological sites in Italy. The temples in question aren’t Roman but Greek — Sicily was an important Greek colony in the ancient world.

The site contains many ruins, so get there early to give yourself enough time to explore. The town of Agrigento itself is a great base for exploring other charming places in Sicily, such as the beautiful beaches.

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Bustling modern Turin in the north of Italy is nestled in the Alpine region of Piedmont. It feels different from the sunny towns of southern Italy. Its baroque facades and elegant coffee culture feel more Central European.

Piazza San Carlo and the rest of the city center are home to where the cool kids hang out and drink coffee, so check out the locales around there.

Turin is a great destination for lovers of Italy’s modern design and culture, thanks to the National Museum of Cinema and the National Automobile Museum.

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Puglia is an off-the-beaten-path tourist destination within Italy, but those who venture to the remote southern region in Italy’s “boot heel” will be rewarded with otherworldly small towns, beautiful beaches, and a rich, almost pagan culture.

The best way to see Puglia is to hop from small town to small town, taking in what makes each one unique.

Visit the beehive-like trulli houses in Alberobello and even stay in one, go to the beach in Salento, or visit the churches in Otranto and try to check out the folk music there.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Here are some other things you might want to know before visiting Italy:

What is the most beautiful part of Italy?

Tuscany is one of the most beautiful parts of Italy. It has everything — gorgeous landscapes, picturesque small towns, and one of the most beautiful cities in the world in Florence.

What part of Italy is worth visiting?

Every part of Italy is worth visiting because every region has a distinct character. If you have to narrow it down, focus your trip on Tuscany, Rome, and Campania (the region that includes Naples and the Amalfi Coast).

Where should I visit in Italy for the first time?

If you’re in Italy for the first time, you have to visit Rome. That’s the best place to learn more about the culture and history that make Italy so unique. Add another city to your itinerary, such as Florence, Venice, or Naples.

Is seven days enough for Italy?

Seven days is enough for Italy if you’re all right with just getting the highlights reel and the most famous destinations. If you want to get off the beaten path or explore more remote regions such as Sardinia, you will need more time.

Is Milan or Florence better?

Florence is better than Milan if you’re limited in time, especially if it’s your first time visiting Italy. Florence has a better art collection, more attractions, and better opportunities for day trips. However, if you are more interested in fashion, modern art, and nightlife, Milan is the better choice.

So, What’s the Best Place to Visit in Italy?

Italy has many wonderful places to visit, such as Rome, Venice, Naples, and Florence. It also has amazing archaeological sites such as Agrigento and Pompeii.

Be sure to budget time to check out some of its small towns, such as Siena or the towns along Cinque Terre. However, anywhere you go is amazing, so there’s no reason to delay — book your trip today!

When to Go: The Best & Worst Times to Visit Italy (Updated for 2024) Is Italy Safe to Visit in 2024? | Safety Concerns What It Costs: What a Trip to Italy Costs in 2024 | Average Prices

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Compass & Pine

The Ultimate Travel Guide

The 25 Best Places to Visit in Italy

Italy is a country that is rich in history and culture. There are so many places to visit it can be hard to know where to start. In this article, we will provide a guide for travelers on the 20 best places to visit in Italy. From bustling cities to stunning coastal towns, there is something for everyone. Plus, we’ll give you tips on traveling with kids and how long you should spend in each city. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Italian vacation today!

Cinque Terre

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Florence is the capital city of Tuscany that is brimming with art and history. It was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, and there are plenty of places to learn about this period of time.

It is home to some of the world’s most famous museums, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery. Both of which hold works from the most impressive masters of the western world:

• Michelangelo

Be sure to visit and climb the impressive Duomo at the heart of the city. The views atop the dome are some of the best in Italy, and the dome’s interior is decorated with Giorgio Vasari’s elaborate portrayal of heaven and hell .

What Should I See in Florence? Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, Duomo, Baptistery, Ponte Vecchio, and the Boboli Gardens.

When Should I Visit Florence? Spring or fall. The summer gets hot and is packed with other tourists.

Traveling to Florence with kids: Florence is a great place to travel with kids. In between climbing towers and the duomo, be sure to stop by and grab some delicious gelato and walk through the Boboli Gardens.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Florence? While you could see the Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery in a single day, we recommend a minimum of three or four days. This will give you enough time to visit the highlights and take your time around this amazing city. Honestly, though, I could spend a lifetime in Florence. It is my favorite Italian city!

There is no doubt that Rome is one of the most popular places to visit in Italy. Over 10 million people make the trek to the Eternal City each year!

This ancient city is home to some of the world’s most famous landmarks, such as the Colosseum and the Vatican. The best part is Rome acts as one large open-air museum. You could see most of the top sights without paying a dime (except for flying and staying there, of course).

You can see the exterior of the Colosseum, Castel Sant’Angelo, and the Vatican just by walking around the city center. Some of the most important sites in Rome, including UNESCO World Heritage sites, are free to visit:

• Piazza Navona
• Spanish Steps
• Trevi Fountain
• Roman Forum
• Altar of the Fatherland
• Palatine Hill
• Campo de’ Fiori
• Arch of Constantine

For the foodies out there, Rome has some of Italy’s best food. Make sure to try traditional dishes like carbonara and amatriciana. Trust us; it’s just as good as you’re envisioning.

Do You Love Art?

Heading to Rome but unsure which of the 60-plus museums to visit? Here’s our pick of the top 10 museums in Rome.

What Should I See in Rome? Colosseum, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, and Borghese Museum. Walk around the city and see stunning cathedrals, places, and Renaissance architecture.

Heading to the Vatican? Find out who painted the Sistine Chapel ?

When Should I Visit Rome? Spring or fall. Avoid the summer heat and crowds.

Traveling to Rome with kids: Rome is a great place to travel with kids. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities, such as visiting the Vatican Museums, exploring the Roman Forum, or taking an underground tour of the Colosseum. If you’re looking for something a little more active, try biking one of Rome’s oldest roadways: the Appian Way.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Rome? While you could spend weeks exploring Rome, we recommend staying at least 3-5 days to see the highlights and taste the local culture. If you’re pressed for time, tourism companies offer jam-packed city tours that can be done in 4-6 hours but feel too rushed in our experience.

There is no place quite like Venice. This unique city is built on canals and is full of charming bridges and beautiful architecture.

For those that like to see a lot in a short amount of time, Venice should be at the top of your list of places to see in Italy. You can practically explore all of the top sights in just one day. Be sure to visit St. Mark’s Basilica, the Grand Canal, and the Rialto Bridge .

Interested in churches or architecture? We wrote a guide on the top 15 Venice cathedrals and churches you should see on your next visit.

Oh, and while you’re there, don’t forget to enjoy a ride in a gondola amongst the oldest buildings in Venice .

What Should I See in Venice? St. Mark’s Basilica, Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, Piazza San Marco, Doge’s Palace, and the Venetian Ghetto.

When Should I Visit Venice? Spring or fall. Avoid the summer heat and crowds.

Traveling to Venice with kids: Venice can be a great place to travel with kids, regardless of age. Take a gondola ride, visit the dungeons of Doge’s Palace, and explore the unique creative art held in the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Venice? While you can see the major highlights in just 24 hours, we recommend a minimum of two days in Venice. This will give you enough time to explore the city, see all the highlights at a leisurely pace, and visit the neighboring islands of Murano , Burano , and Torcello .

Heading to Venice?

No Venetian trip is complete without visiting these top sights.

Milan is a fashion-forward city known for its high-end shopping. But there is more to Milan than just designer clothes and luxury brands.

Milan is home to some of the world’s best art, including Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper . Other highlights include the Duomo (shown above), the Sforza Castle, and the La Scala Opera House.

If you go to Milan expecting Rome or Florence, you’ll be let down. Milan takes some effort to experience and appreciate. It’s more industrial than other cities on our list and doesn’t feature as many “must-see” highlights. That said, Milan is still one of the best places to visit in Italy.

What Should I See in Milan? Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper (located in Santa Maria delle Grazie church), Duomo, Sforza Castle, La Scala Opera House, and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

When Should I Visit Milan? Spring is the best time to visit Milan. Summer receives the most visitors, while Fall and Winter get fairly cold.

Traveling to Milan with kids: Of all the places on our list, Milan might be the least kid-friendly. While there are fun activities like climbing to the top of the Duomo, it’s more geared towards adults.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Milan? We recommend one or two days. This will give you enough time to see the highlights and do some shopping. We feel like Milan is a great place to see in between other cities, but maybe not a place you’d prioritize on your first visit to Italy.

Tuscany is a picturesque region of central Italy that is known for its rolling hills, cypress trees, and vineyards. This is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some of Italy’s best food and wine. If you’re already visiting Siena, Florence, or Pisa, it’s well worth taking a day trip to the Tuscany countryside.

What Should I See in Tuscany? Go to neighboring hill towns like San Gimignano, Pienza, Montalcino, Montepulciano, and Volterra and visit a vineyard. Be sure to try Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti wines!

When Should I Visit Tuscany? Tuscany is beautiful year-round, but late Summer and Early Autumn are recommended since that is wine harvest season.

Traveling to Tuscany with kids: Tuscany isn’t the best spot for children. While it’s a nice break from the big cities on our list, the main highlight is exploring smaller towns and drinking wine.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Tuscany? Tuscany is a day-trip type of location. Rent a car or book a tour that leaves from Florence, and you’ll have a great time. If you’re really into trying a variety of wines from the region, then you could easily spend three-to-five days in the area.

Sienna is a hill town in central Italy known for its distinctive brick buildings and medieval architecture.

It gets compared to neighboring Florence regularly, but the comparison isn’t fair. If you’re heading to Sienna expecting Florence, then you’ll be let down.

Siena is a beautiful and quaint place for more leisurely activities, such as wandering the cobblestone streets and watching the sunset. If you’re more interested in relaxing and drinking wine than you are urban exploration, Sienna is one of the best places to visit in Italy.

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What Should I See in Sienna? The Duomo, the Piazza del Campo, Torre del Mangia, and the Palazzo Pubblico.

When Should I Visit Sienna? Like most of Tuscany, it’s beautiful year-round.

Traveling to Sienna with kids: Sienna is a great place to travel with kids, as there are plenty of kid-friendly activities. Kids will love visiting the Duomo, exploring the Piazza del Campo, and learning about the city’s history.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Sienna? Sienna is a great city to visit if you are already spending time in other parts of central Italy. It’s fantastic for a day trip or overnight.

Lake Como is a stunning lake in northern Italy known for its scenic beauty, celebrity villas, and romantic charms.

It’s nestled at the foot of the Alps, just near the border with Switzerland. While not as large as Lake Garda (also on our list), it’s just as beautiful and offers some fantastic hiking if you’re up for the challenge.

The only downside to Lake Como is that it’s a bit of a tourist trap. Just as many people flock to Lake Como for its natural beauty as they do for the celebrities that have summer retreats here.

If you’re looking to experience the Italian Lake District and want to avoid large crowds, opt for Lake Garda instead.

What Should I See at Lake Como? The lakeside towns of Como, Bellagio, and Varenna.

When Should I Visit Lake Como? Lake Como is perfect year-round. It’s close enough to the mountains to offer some great skiing during the winter but is picture-perfect during the summer, spring, and autumn.

Traveling to Lake Como with kids: If you and your family is really into outdoor adventures, Lake Como is a great place to be. Go hiking nearby, rent a boat to explore the lakes, and take adventures to the local waterfalls in Orrido di Bellano.

How Much Time Should You Spend at Lake Como? It depends on what you want to do. If you’re just visiting the lakeside towns, a few days is enough. However, if you’re planning on doing some hiking or other activities, we recommend at least a week.

Chances are, if you picture a coastal Italian town in your head, it’s either Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast.

Cinque Terre is a group of five small villages on the Italian Riviera that offer dramatic coastlines, colorful houses, and tasty vineyards. Each town is beautiful, but the highlight is Manarola (pictured in the photo above). Manarola is so beautiful that it was a highlight in Italy’s tourism campaign.

What Should I See in Cinque Terre? All five villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare.

When Should I Visit Cinque Terre? Spring or fall. Avoid the summer heat and crowds.

Traveling to Cinque Terre with kids: Kids will love visiting the five villages, exploring the coastline, and hiking between all five villages (the trail is perfect for a day trip).

How Much Time Should You Spend in Cinque Terre? If you don’t think hiking or wine tasting is up your alley, you can make a long day trip from Florence (the train ride is about two and a half hours). If you want to hike or relax on the beach, it’s best to stay for a night or two.

Verona is a large city in northern Italy best known as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. But there’s much more to see in Verona than just the balcony where Romeo professed his love. This city contains a first-century Roman amphitheater, medieval castles, and lovely gardens. It’s extremely underrated, and we didn’t see many other tourists while visiting.

Stroll around town, grab some gelato, and experience an Italian town not often visited by tourists.

What Should I See in Verona? The balcony of Juliet’s House, Ponte Scaligero, the Roman Arena, and the Castelvecchio Museum.

When Should I Visit Verona? Northern Italy can be fairly cold during the winter, so keep that in mind while planning your trip. Otherwise, Verona is beautiful year-round.

Traveling to Verona with kids: Kids love exploring the Roman Arena, visiting Juliet’s House, and seeing the medieval castle. Our niece liked climbing to the top of Torre dei Lamberti as well.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Verona? If you’re quick about it, you could see Verona’s highlights in just a few hours. That said, it’s well worth spending the night and enjoying local pasta.

Turin is a capital city in northwestern Italy that is sometimes overshadowed by its more famous neighbors (Florence, Milan, and Venice). But Turin has plenty of sights and activities to keep visitors entertained, including the Egyptian Museum, the Royal Palace, and the Cathedral of San Giovanni.

What Should I See in Turin? The Egyptian Museum, La Venaria Reale, the Royal Palace, Palazzo Madama, Basilica of Superga, and the Mole Antonelliana.

When Should I Visit Turin? September and October are the best months to visit. The autumn colors are in bloom, and the weather is pleasant.

Traveling to Turin with kids: Kids love visiting the Egyptian Museum, exploring the Public Pellerina Park, and the Planetarium of Turin.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Turin? We recommend two or three days. This gives you enough time to see all of the key sights and explore the area in a leisurely place.

Pisa is a small city in central Italy known for its iconic leaning tower and is one of the most popular places to visit in Italy.

I’m sure native Pisans would disagree, but Pisa is so small that you can see everything in the city within two or three hours.

If you’re already in the area or traveling between Cinque Terre and Florence, it’s worth a quick stop for photos.

What Should I See in Pisa? The Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, and the Baptistery.

When Should I Visit Pisa? Since you’ll be there for such a short amount of time, it doesn’t matter too much when you visit. Peak tourist season is from June – September.

Traveling to Pisa with kids: Our niece loved climbing the tower. It offers a fantastic view of the city and the neighboring Cathedral.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Pisa? Two or three hours. Maybe a little more if you plan to climb the tower.

Bergamo is a city in northern Italy that likely won’t be many itineraries, and that’s partially the reason it makes ours. While locally, it’s known for its well-preserved Old Town, which is surrounded by medieval walls, it has gone under the radar of tourists.

Bergamo locals are more than happy to chat about their beloved city and give you recommendations on where to get drinks and authentic food.

If your idea of traveling is exploring off-the-beaten-path options, Bergamo should make your list of places to visit in Italy.

What Should I See in Bergamo? The Citta Alta, Colleoni Chapel, Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, and Piazza Vecchia.

When Should I Visit Bergamo? It’s busiest in May and June, so we’d avoid those months. Even then though, there aren’t many tourists making their way to Bergamo.

Traveling to Bergamo with kids: The Citta Alta is a great place to visit with kids. They’ll love exploring this ancient city and learning about Italian history.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Bergamo? You can explore the main sights and Old Town in a day, but it’s worth spending the night as it’s more affordable than most cities.

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most popular places to visit in Italy. It’s a 50 km stretch of coastline on the Tyrrhenian Sea, dotted with dramatic cliffs, picturesque colorful towns, and crystal clear waters.

It’s also home to some of the scariest roads we’ve come across thus far in our travels. Seriously, taking a bus to the Amalfi Coast is like a close brush with death.

The Perfect Day Trip to Amalfi

Planning on visiting Amalfi? You have a couple of options if you’re leaving from Rome. Click here to learn more.

What Should I See on the Amalfi Coast? The towns of Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello.

When Should I Visit the Amalfi Coast? Head to the Amalfi Coast in May or September. They’re just outside the peak tourist season, but the weather is still enjoyable.

Traveling to the Amalfi Coast with kids: Go swimming for beautiful views of the cliffs and towns, hike Path of the Gods for one of the best coastal trails we’ve experienced, and rent kayaks to paddle around the coastline.

How Much Time Should You Spend on the Amalfi Coast? If you’re going to the Amalfi Coast for a beach vacation, we recommend three or four days. This will give you enough time to explore the towns and do some swimming and hiking. You could also take a long day trip from Naples and see the highlights.

Pompeii is a small town near Naples that was destroyed by a volcano in 79 AD. The entire town was covered in ash, preserving it for thousands of years. Today, it’s a popular archaeological and UNESCO World Heritage site where you can see the town’s ruins.

Want to learn more about Mount Vesuvius and how it destroyed Pompeii? We wrote the guide on it.

What Should I See in Pompeii? The ruins of the town, including the Forum, the amphitheater, and the Villa of Mysteries.

When Should I Visit Pompeii? Spring or fall. Avoid the summer heat and crowds.

Traveling to Pompeii with kids: There’s only one thing to do here, but booking a tour guide made it more enjoyable. Our guide helped paint a picture of life before the eruption and made seeing the ruins more exciting.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Pompeii? You can see the whole site in about two or three hours. We recommend you take a day trip from Rome.

How to Visit Pompeii From Rome

Pompeii is one of Italy’s best history lessons. Explore the ancient ruins with our guide.

The Dolomites are a mountain range in northern Italy known for their dramatic peaks, alpine forests, and lovely meadows. They’re extraordinarily beautiful and popular destinations for hiking, mountain biking, and skiing.

The scenery offered by the Dolomites is on par with the best mountain ranges I’ve seen in the United States, Western Canada, Iceland, and Switzerland. Seriously, as soon as you arrive, you’ll wish you had visited sooner.

What Should I See in the Dolomites? The peaks of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the Val di Fassa valley, and the Marmolada glacier.

When Should I Visit the Dolomites? Spring, summer, or fall. Avoid the winter if you’re not interested in skiing.

Traveling to the Dolomites with kids: The Dolomites are a great place to visit with kids. The hiking and mountain biking offers some incredible views. We recommend the Cinque Torri and Tre Cime di Lavaredo hikes.

How Much Time Should You Spend in the Dolomites? We recommend three days. This will give you enough time for scenic drives, hiking, biking, and soaking up views you won’t get elsewhere.

Capri is an island off the coast of Sorrento and is known for its mountainous coastlines, luxury hotels, and designer shops.

While not a large island by any means, there are some great hiking and swimming holes. Plus, it’s fun to watch all of the boats and yachts drive by. Somehow there’s always a bigger yacht.

If you’re looking for a beach town, Capri is a must see place in Italy.

What Should I See in Capri? The Blue Grotto, Villa Jovis, Faraglioni rocks, and Capri town.

When Should I Visit Capri? Avoid the summer heat and explore Capri during the other three seasons.

Traveling to Capri with kids: Like most of the other beach towns and cities, some of your best options are to go swimming. Head to the Blue Grotto and explore an underwater cave and the most bright blue water I’ve ever seen.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Capri? Catch a boat from Sorrento and have a fantastic day trip filled with outdoor activities.

I admit the first time I visited Bologna, I didn’t get the appeal. I was looking in the wrong areas. Bologna has a beautiful historic center, but the heart of Bologna is its people.

Visit one of the many excellent restaurants, and the locals will gladly tell you about their city. Explore the University of Bologna for a history lesson in the world’s oldest university. Go walk through the streets and be amongst the people. That’s how you should enjoy Bologna.

Now, when I am helping friends decide on where to visit in Italy, Bologna makes the list.

What Should I See in Bologna? The Basilica di San Petronio, the Palazzo Re Enzo, the Fountain of Neptune, and the University of Bologna.

When Should I Visit Bologna? Spring or fall. Avoid the summer heat and crowds.

Traveling to Bologna with kids: If your children are interested in cars, Museo Ferruccio Lamborghini is a fascinating museum with a lot of classic Italian cars.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Bologna? We recommend spending a night or two in Bologna.

Mount Etna is an active volcano on the island of Sicily. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions on Italy’s largest island, and for a good reason. You can take a cable car to the top, hike around the crater, or even go skiing in the winter.

I’ve never hiked on an active volcano before Mount Etna, and the experience is very surreal. The dried lava and red coloration made me feel like I was walking on Mars.

Make sure you bring clothes you don’t mind getting dirty because you’re pants and sneakers are going to be covered in soot.

If you’re looking for a place to visit in Italy that is a little out of the norm, Mount Etna is must-see.

When Should I Visit Mount Etna? Spring or fall. Sicily in summer is brutal, so we advise skipping it. Winter is beautiful, and you can ski on the mountain.

How Much Time Should You Spend on Mount Etna? A day trip from Catania is enough time to see the highlights.

Taormina is a small town on the east coast of Sicily that sits atop a mountain. It’s known for its dramatic setting, with views of Mount Etna and the Mediterranean Sea.

Taormina is also home to some of Sicily’s best beaches, as well as an ancient Greco-Roman amphitheater that is still in use today. Be sure to walk around the city at sunset for some of the most beautiful views in Italy.

Taormina holds a special place in my heart because I proposed to my wife right down the road from where this photo was taken.

No matter how many times I visit the country, Taormina always has a place on my list of must see places in Italy.

What Should I See in Taormina? The Greek Theater, the Piazza IX Aprile, and the beaches.

When Should I Visit Taormina? Avoid the summer heat and opt for spring or autumn.

Traveling to Taormina with kids: The Greek Theater is a great place to visit for a history lesson and fantastic views. Take a cable car down to the beach and enjoy the ocean.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Taormina? Taormina is best for a day trip to see the highlights. While you could spend a night or two there, it’s very expensive, and it would be more for relaxation than exploration.

Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and is a personal favorite of ours. Due to its proximity to Milan and Venice (it’s about halfway between both), it’s a great location to add to your Northern Italy itinerary.

The lake is surrounded by mountains and several picturesque towns along its shores. We recommend taking the 150 km (93 miles) scenic drive around the lake. Another cool option is to take the ferry between towns. Each town is beautiful in its own right, but Sirmione, at the south end of the lake, is our favorite and most popular with tourists.

You can’t go wrong with any of the towns in the Italian Lake District, as they’re all UNESCO World Heritage sites and worthy of adding to your list of places to visit in Italy.

What Should I See at Lake Garda? The lake towns of Sirmione, Malcesine, Limone Sul Garda, and Riva del Garda.

When Should I Visit Lake Garda? It’s beautiful all year round, but Lake Garda is best explored during the summer so you can take advantage of the crystal-clear water.

Traveling to Lake Garda with kids: All of the towns along the lake offer a variety of activities for children. but Sirmione is your best option. Go kayaking in Lake Garda, hike the nearby forests, explore Castle Scaligero, and visit Gardaland Theme Park.

How Much Time Should You Spend at Lake Garda? While you could visit the lake as a pit stop on your way to Venice or Milan, we think you should spend at least one night in a lakefront town. It’s a very romantic destination.

Naples is the third-largest Italian city and is known for its chaotic streets, passionate people, and of course, pizza. The pizza here is some of the best in the world, and you can’t visit Naples without trying it. Just be warned that it’s not like the pizza you’re used to in the United States. It’s thinner, has a slightly charred crust, and is often only topped with fresh mozzarella and basil.

Maybe more than any other city on the list, Naples feels the most lived-in. For whatever reason, we saw more people going about their day than elsewhere in the country. It was charming and offered a different atmosphere than Rome, Florence, and Milan.

What Should I See in Naples? Eat pizza (trust us, it’s amazing), visit the Naples National Archaeological Museum, and explore the historic city center. If time permits, take a day trip to Pompeii or Herculaneum.

When Should I Visit Naples? The best time to visit Naples is between March and May. Daytime temperatures hover in the 80s — making it perfect weather for the beach.

Traveling to Naples with kids: The Naples National Archaeological Museum is a great place to visit with kids. The museum has some cool ancient Roman artifacts. Also, did I mention that Naples has amazing pizza? Yeah, children will love that.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Naples? We recommend spending at least two days in Naples and southern Italy. Pompeii and Herculaneum are worth visiting, and you’ll need at least one day to eat your way through the city.

San Marino is one of the world’s oldest republics and also one of Europe’s smallest countries (see map below). It’s located on the east coast of Italy and is completely landlocked by the country. San Marino is known for its medieval architecture, stunning mountain views, and tax-free status.

I know it’s cheating since San Marino is its own country, but it still makes our list of places to visit in Italy.

What Should I See in San Marino? The Three Towers of San Marino, the Guaita Tower, the Cesta Tower, and Mount Titano.

When Should I Visit San Marino? Spring or fall. Avoid the summer heat and winter cold.

Traveling to San Marino with kids: The Three Towers of San Marino are a great place to visit with kids. They’ll love exploring the towers and learning about the country.

How Much Time Should You Spend in San Marino? We recommend visiting San Marino on a day trip from Florence or Bologna. It’s so small that you’ll easily see everything this country offers.

Apulia is a region in southern Italy that tourists often overlook due to how far it is from Rome and Naples. But this region has so much to offer, from its beautiful coastline to its centuries-old villages. Apulia is a great place to relax and enjoy the slow pace of life.

What Should I See in Apulia? The trulli houses, Alberobello, Ostuni, and Lecce.

When Should I Visit Apulia? Visit during the summer months so you can enjoy the crystal clear waters and do some cliff diving!

Traveling to Apulia with kids: The real highlight for kids is swimming in the warm Adriatic Sea. Some places offer kayaks for you to paddle along the coastline.

How Much Time Should You Should You Spend in Apulia? It takes a little over 2.5 hours to get from Naples to Bari and even longer to get to the smaller towns. If you plan on enjoying the beaches and sea, it’s best to spend at least one or two nights in Polignano a Mare or an equally beautiful beachtown.

Sardinia might not be as well known as Italy’s most famous island, Sicily, but this large island has equally compelling white-sand beaches, clear water, rugged coastlines, and unique culture.

Sardinia is a great place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more active vacation, there are plenty of hiking trails and sightseeing options.

What Should I See in Sardinia? The beautiful beaches, Costa Smeralda (and La Madalena Archipelago), Porto Cervo, and the 1,500 BC Nuraghe (stone building).

When Should I Visit Sardinia? Avoid the summer months as they get very hot. Otherwise, spring, autumn, and winter are beautiful.

Traveling to Sardinia with kids: The beaches are a great place to visit with kids. The white-sand and azure-blue waters are fun and relaxing. Go hiking in La Maddalena and explore this beautiful island.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Sardinia? We recommend spending at least one week in Sardinia. This will give you enough time to relax on the beaches and explore the island.

Palermo is the capital of Sicily and is located on the island’s north coast. The city is known for its beautiful architecture, Mediterranean cuisine, and friendly people.

Palermo is a great place to explore Sicilain culture (note, it’s fairly different than Italian culture) and see some of the country’s most impressive buildings.

For history afficianados, Palermo is a great place to tour due to it’s role in Sicilian warfare and the Allied invasion of Sicily in World War II.

If you’re looking for a vacation spot that doesn’t include the mainland, Palermo should be on your list of places to visit in Italy.

What Should I See in Palermo? The Norman Palace, the Cathedral of Palermo, Monreale Abbey, and Capuchin Catacombs.

When Should I Visit Palermo? Spring or fall. Avoid the summer heat and winter cold.

Traveling to Palermo with kids: The Norman Palace is a great place to visit with kids. They’ll love exploring this ancient palace and learning about Sicilian history.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Palermo? We recommend spending at least two days in Palermo. This will give you enough time to see all of the highlights and start your travels to other Sicilian cities, Syracuse, Catania, and Taramino.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on what type of beauty you are searching for.

Are you looking for natural beauty, or are you searching for architecturally beautiful places? If the former some places stand out for their natural beauty, including the beautiful beaches of the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Lake Como, and Venice.

7 days is a short time to visit Italy, but it is possible to see some of the country’s highlights in this time frame. If you are pressed for time, we recommend focusing your trip on one specific region, such as Tuscany, Umbria, or Veneto. This will allow you to experience the area and not feel rushed. Unfortunately, this means you likely won’t be able to see any of the charming villages spread throughout Italy.

Oh, man. This answer is going to be different for everyone.

If you’re interested in art, you’ll want to stop by Rome, Florence, and Venice.

If you’re interested in architecture, you really can’t go wrong anywhere. Italy is a very old nation, so you’re bound to see really interesting buildings in any city or town.

Looking for natural beauty? The Amalfi Coast has some of the most beautiful towns in all of Italy, while the Dolomites offer some of the most stunning mountain ranges in the world.

Regardless of where you decide to go, you won’t regret visiting Italy.

The best time to visit Italy depends on what you want to do while there.

If you’re interested in outdoor activities, the spring and fall are ideal as the weather is milder.

If you’re interested in beach holidays, you’ll want to visit during the summer.

And if you’re interested in skiing, winter is the best time to go.

That being said, any time of year is a great time to visit Italy, as there is always something to see and do.

With over 10 million people visiting each year, Rome is the most visited city in Italy, followed by Florence and Venice.

Rome is a must-see for any traveler as it is home to some of the world’s most famous historical sites, such as the Colosseum and the Vatican.

Florence is a beautiful city located in Tuscany and is known for its art and architecture.

Venice is a unique city built on canals and is one of the most romantic places in the world.

Italy is a relatively expensive country to visit, but there are ways to save money.

If you’re interested in saving money on accommodation, we recommend staying in hostels.

Eating out can also be expensive, but there are ways to save money here. Look for places that have a “menu del giorno” which is a set lunch menu that is usually a fraction of the cost of ordering à la carte.

And finally, try to avoid tourist traps. These are places that are aimed at tourists and tend to be overpriced. Do some research before you go and visit places that are off the beaten path.

This is a difficult question to answer as it depends on what you want to see and do while you’re in Italy.

If you’re interested in seeing the main tourist attractions, we recommend spending at least a week in the country.

If you’re interested in exploring Italy’s smaller towns and villages, we recommend spending at least two to three weeks in the country.

And if you’re interested in getting to know Italy and its culture, we recommend spending at least a month in the country.

Of course, the more time you spend in Italy, the more you’ll be able to see and do. But even a short trip to Italy will surely be an unforgettable experience.

Recommended Booking Resources

The companies I’ve listed here are my top picks when it comes to travel. Their offerings consistently outshine the competition in terms of value for money, quality of service, and exceptional customer service. These companies form the foundation of my search for travel deals, given their reliability and excellence that I have personally experienced numerous times.

Kayak for Flights, Hotels, and Cars

Kayak.com makes it simple to plan your stay in Italy. All on one website, you can book your flights, hotels, and cars. The platform provides detailed descriptions, reviews, and ratings to help you choose the right place for your next stay in Italy.

Varied Accommodation Options with Booking.com

Booking.com provides a wide variety of accommodation options in Venice. From budget hostels to luxury hotels, you can find something that suits your budget and preferences.

Cheap Flights with Going.com

Going.com searches for cheap and rare flights and will notify you when one matches your home airport and a destination of your choice. We scored a non-stop, roundtrip flight from Newark (EWR) to Milan-Malpensa (MXP) for $359 in 2021 and then again from Philadelphia (PHL) to Marco Polo Airport (VCE) for $475 in 2023.

Hostelpass for Budget-Friendly Stays

HostelPass can help you save money on your accommodation. With a single flat fee, you can stay in hostels in Venice and other European cities.

Plan Your Excursions with Get Your Guide

Get Your Guide offers a range of guided tours and activities in Venice. Whether you want a guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica or a cooking class, you can find it here.

Efficient Train Travel in Italy with Trainline

Trainline can help you navigate Italy’s extensive train system and get you to Venice’s Santa Lucia train and bus station. It’s an efficient way to travel between cities if you’re planning to visit more of Italy during your trip.

Pocket-Sized Wisdom: Venice Travel Guide 2023 Book

For an in-depth guide to Venice, consider purchasing the Venice Travel Guide 2023 . It’s packed with useful information, tips, and maps to help you make the most of your visit.

Sustainable Tourism: LifeStraw for Reusable Water Bottles

Help keep Venice beautiful by practicing sustainable tourism. Consider investing in a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter like LifeStraw . It’s eco-friendly and ensures you have safe drinking water wherever you go.

Walks of Italy for Culturally Rich Walking Tours

For a deep dive into Venice’s rich history and culture, consider booking a walking tour with Walks of Italy . The guides are knowledgeable, and the tours offer a great way to explore the city on foot while visiting the main sites and top attractions.

There you have it, the best places to visit in Italy. As I’m sure you realize by now, Italy is a country with much to offer! No matter what kind of vacation you are looking for, there is sure to be a city in Italy that suits your needs. From the art paradise of Florence to the stunning beaches of Sardinia, you cannot go wrong when planning a trip to this beautiful country. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your dream Italian vacation today! Where are some of your must-see places in Italy? Let us know in the comments below.

About Todd O'Rourke

Todd is an award-winning writer and filmmaker who co-founded Compass and Pine with his dog Leg. Together, they have traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe, with their base of operations in Philadelphia.

He started Compass and Pine after living in Vicenza, Italy for three years and falling deeply in love with the country, the people, and, of course, the food.

His favorite city is Florence, Italy, and his favorite National Park is Olympic in Washington.

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Reader Interactions

November 25, 2022 at 11:42 pm

You and your dog are super cute! I’m excited to follow your next adventures (:

November 27, 2022 at 10:37 am

Hi Kathryn,

Thank you so much for the compliment. We look forward to sharing our adventures with you 🙂

Best, Todd & Leg

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The 36 Most Beautiful Places in Italy

By Caitlin Morton

Some of the most beautiful places in Italy are also some of the most beautiful in the world. In fact, few parts of the world can claim such a range of natural beauty as Italy, from craggy peaks and verdant hills to turquoise waters lined by white-sand beaches. The country is also to some of the best art and architecture you’ll ever come across: We’re talking about the astonishing cathedrals of Rome , the rainbows of houses flanking the canals in Venice , and the modern masterpieces of Milan. And while no list of the best could possibly begin to cover them all, we’ve done our best to round up 36 of the most beautiful places in Italy. 

The good news? Wherever you choose to visit first, it’s sure to be a hit in this country.

This article has been updated since its original publish date.

The Grand Canal, Venice

Venice’s Grand Canal is beautiful any time of day, but the early evening is our favorite time to marvel at this architectural wonder—the sun reflecting off of the water casts a glow that, coupled with the echo of the lapping waves, becomes something magical.

Chianti Country

Yes, it’s home to some of Italy’s most famous reds, but Chianti Country is also one of the best spots in the country for an afternoon drive along winding, cypress-lined roads, and past rolling green hills and golden fields dotted with sunflowers. It’s the side of Tuscany we love most—and definitely one of the most beautiful places in Italy.

Alberobello, Puglia

The main draw of Alberobello, a small town near Bari in Puglia, is its characteristic trulli: cone-shaped, white-tipped houses that look as if they’ve been perpetually dusted by snow. Thanks to this distinctive feature, the town was deemed so unique that it was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome

There's a good reason almost every first-time visitor to Rome dedicates a day to the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica (and its statue-lined square, for that matter), one of the most famous Catholic churches in the world. With its gilded roof and world-renowned artwork, it’s easy to see why it draws 25,000 visitors every day. Get a glimpse of it at night for a sight that is truly awe-inspiring.

La Maddalena, Sardinia

Powdery sands and few English speakers within earshot are part of the appeal of this archipelago off the Costa Smeralda. Best of all, the local goat cheeses, Vermentino whites, and legs of prosciutto make it feel like a microcosm of old Italy.

Trastevere, Rome

This historically working-class Roman neighborhood has become a major food destination in recent years, with open-air markets and tiny trattorias serving up some of the best meals in town. And it’s not too tough on the eyes, either, especially as the sun sets.

Gran Paradiso National Park

As its name suggests, this national park in the Graian Alps is a true paradise. Visitors are treated to an array of scenic hiking trails, pristine glacial lakes, and the occasional wild ibex sighting.

Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel, Palermo

A list of Italy’s most beautiful hotels would be nearly endless ( though here are our readers' 20 favorites ), but we’d be sure to put Villa Igiea at the very top. The Sicilian hideaway’s Art Nouveau touches and sophisticated pool scene are truly second to none.

By reputation, Capri is by far Italy’s most glamorous island—and most dramatic. From the iconic Faraglioni rocks settled in the azure Mediterranean to the scent of the island’s many flowers, it’s almost sensory overload.

Piazza San Carlo, Turin

Turin is often considered to be Italy’s most elegant city, as evidenced by the baroque buildings and grand old coffee shops lining the central Piazza San Carlo. Be sure to stop by Caffè Torino to enjoy a negroni alongside painted murals and gilded mirrors. The “Paris of Italy” also landed a spot on our list of the best places to visit in Italy , as voted by our readers.

The largest of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari has dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and incredible pumice caves. The best views of the island and its six Aeolian neighbors are from Quattrocchi, just west of the main town. The Gattopardo Park Hotel , once an 18th-century villa, has rooms overlooking the ancient acropolis and medieval Castello.

The Dolomites

The Dolomites are the cozy cousin to the Alps’ glitzy ski towns. The area’s powdery slopes can be accessed via the 86-mile Great Dolomites Road, one of the world’s loveliest alpine drives—and a perfect day trip from Venice.

Burano, Venice

A stroll through the cobblestone streets of this diminutive island off of Venice—known for making some of the loveliest lace in the world—is like stepping into a candy-colored fairy tale (with really great espresso).

Duomo di Milano, Milan

The magnificent white Gothic cathedral is home to more statues than any other in the world—around 3,500 in total, about two-thirds of which are located on its gargoyle-lined roof, alongside 135 spires. Take the audio guide tour of the interior to get the most out of your visit or climb the 150 steps to the roof to enjoy spectacular views over the city.

This 56-square-mile Lombardy jewel has been attracting summer vacationers since ancient Roman times; today, it’s as popular for its natural beauty as it is for its luxury hotels (and George Clooney sightings, of course).

Lucca, Tuscany

Filled with antique shops, almost 100 churches, and trattorias serving hearty Tuscan fare, the walled city of Lucca is missing one thing: the crush of tourists that can overwhelm some of its neighbors, which makes it not just a lovely place to visit but a welcome respite as well.

Chiaia di Luna, Ponza

Italy is full of gently rolling hills, but the tiny island of Ponza off the coast of Rome takes things in a slightly different, more dramatic direction. Case in point: Chiaia di Luna, a magnificent bay surrounded by towering cliffs that resemble a lunar landscape (hence the name).

Pantheon, Rome

One of the world’s greatest feats of pre-Christian architecture is the Pantheon , a domed, ancient church in the middle of Rome. Though the crowds can be distracting, this is a truly magnificent site, both inside and out.

Lake Orta isn’t nearly as grand as its massive, famous neighbors (Lake Como and Lake Maggiore), and therein lies its appeal. The body of water is refreshingly free of glitzy resorts and boat tours, making the lake—surrounded by green hills and the occasional stone house—feel like a real natural treasure.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan

Great fashion, great architecture, great food, and some of the very best people-watching on the planet—it's pretty much impossible to argue with the all-around beauty of Milan. Even its shopping malls, like Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, epitomize elegance.

Manarola, Liguria

Manarola is one of the oldest towns in the Cinque Terre and arguably one of the most beautiful. It’s known primarily for its fishing, wine-making, and excellent hiking in the hills and vineyards above the town. Don’t miss the famous walking trail called Via dell’Amore, or Love’s Trail.

Villa Cimbrone, Ravello

Manicured gardens, rows of marble statues, and dramatic views of the Amalfi Coast (especially from the aptly named Terrace of Infinity) make the 5-star hotel Villa Cimbrone in Ravello one of the most beautiful places in Italy. Even if you don’t book a room, you can still check out the gardens, which are open to the public.

Uffizi Gallery, Florence

Botticelli's The Birth of Venus may symbolize true beauty inside the Uffizi , but the museum is exquisite on the outside as well, with its symmetrical columns and stately windows. We like to stroll the perimeter after the museum closes, when Florentine couples and families come out to do the same.

Castello di Miramare, Trieste

Just a 30-minute drive north of Trieste—the photogenic heart of Friuli Venezia-Giulia —Castello di Miramare owed much of its appeal to its scenic surroundings. Formerly home to Austrian Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, the 10th-century structure sits above the blue Adriatic on a lush, 54-acre park. It’s certainly not your average road trip pit stop.

Stelvio Pass

At more than 9,000 feet high, the Stelvio Pass is the eastern Alps’ highest paved road—a 15-mile-long ribbon of 48 hairpin turns with spectacular mountain views. The road is thrilling no matter your vehicle of choice, but if you can do the drive in a Ferrari? Even better.

Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, Bologna

Bologna is a small but mighty Italian city, with quintessentially lovely churches, covered sidewalks, and wine bars throughout. But our favorite spot lies just outside of town: The Sanctuary of San Luca, a hilltop basilica with a famous arched portico and incredible views of Bologna below.

Fonte Gaia, Siena

This impressive fountain is one of the Tuscan town's best, and easiest to spot—it’s in the center of Piazza del Campo, the main square and home to Siena’s famous horse race, il Palio. Siena itself is filled with architecture-as-art, earning it a UNESCO designation as the “ embodiment of a medieval city. ”

San Fruttuoso, Liguria

Located about halfway between Portofino and the small town of Camogli, San Fruttuoso is as picture-perfect as Italian beaches get. The small cove’s appeal lies in its hidden location (you can only reach it by hiking from Portofino or catching a ferry), gorgeous blue water, and backdrop of a medieval abbey surrounded by mountains.

Atrani, Campania

Tucked between two cliffs overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, the village of Atrani is the Amalfi Coast ’s best-kept secret. It’s often bypassed en route to the larger and more famous towns of Amalfi, Positano, and Sorrento, and this is a good thing—you’ll almost always have its beautiful churches, piazzas, and charming trattorias all to yourself.

Bosco Verticale, Milan

In 2017, Milan blossomed with a new beauty, complementing the city's centuries-old ones. The “vertical forest,” which envelopes two high-rise apartment blocks. The work of architect Stefano Boeri, the Porta Nuova buildings are covered with more than 20,000 trees and plants, turning the otherwise unremarkable business district into something of a tourist attraction.

Santuario Madonna della Corona, Mount Baldo

The Santuario Madonna della Corona (Sanctuary of the Lady of the Crown) is not typically listed among Italy’s most beautiful churches , but that’s probably because most people don’t know where to find it. The 16th-century church is built right into a vertical cliff on Mount Baldo, where visitors must hike up pedestrian paths to reach it.

Terme di Saturnia

The Cascate del Mulino waterfalls and Terme di Saturnia thermal spa are a popular attraction in southern Tuscany. The spring water—which sits at about 99 degrees Fahrenheit—has formed small pools on the travertine rocks over the centuries and is said to cure everything from acne to tonsillitis.

The Duomo, Florence

Brunelleschi’s Duomo is a feat of architecture, sure, but it’s also an ideal observation deck. If you can make your way up the 463 steps (no elevator, and some passages that would make the claustrophobic run screaming), you’ll be rewarded with pristine, 365-degree views of the city and all of Tuscany stretched beyond. For a view of the Duomo, climb Giotto’s Bell Tower next door instead.

The Duomo of Siena

Built in 1263, this cathedral is one of the most beautiful and ambitious Gothic churches in Italy, characterized by its extravagant zebra-striped bands of marble. Inside, you’ll see works by Michelangelo, Pisano, Donatello, and Pinturicchio and stunning floors paved with inlaid mosaics depicting Biblical stories and historical events.

San Gimignano, Tuscany

Its impressive medieval skyline, which is visible for miles as you approach, charms from a distance. But once you’re seated at a café in this tiny Tuscan town, sipping a glass of Vernaccia and snacking on salumi—that’s when the real love affair begins.

Villa Borghese, Rome

Leafy, genteel Villa Borghese is Rome’s biggest and most beautiful public garden—and with a lake, a petting zoo, and rowboats, it’s also home to a ton of kid-friendly activities.

Recommended

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Going to Italy? These Are The Best Cities To Visit In Italy

· In: other , Travel

Bell’Italia! Imagine stepping into a country where each city is a chapter of a grand, unfolding story, where history whispers from cobblestone alleys, and every meal celebrates centuries-old traditions. Welcome to Italy, a heartwarming country where culture, rich history, art, and gastronomy intertwine in an exquisite tapestry of experiences. Paring Italy down to 5 cities isn’t easy. There are hundreds of charming small towns and picturesque cities, where a fascinating mix of history, culture, and scenery hits you smack dab in the face. In today’s post, I’m sharing some of the cities I’ve enjoyed so far – this includes some classics & under-appreciated gems, ensuring you can experience the full spectrum of Italy’s charm. 

Tourists and travel experts have long agreed that Italy is a special place, so much so that the country has become a de facto bucket list destination for just about everyone. From flourishing Tuscan vineyards to the serene canals of Venice to world-class fashion & phenomenal hiking trails, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with planning the right destinations for your perfect Italian itinerary. The first step, securing your Italy visa is relatively easy, the second, and oftentimes the most difficult, is the planning hence the need to create a list of my favorites to help you make the most of your trip.

Honestly, it doesn’t matter if you’ve been to Italy once, twice, or fifty times, I’m almost certain you’ll dream of going back to experience more. So here are some of the best cities in Italy to visit as a first-timer.

Let’s dive in,

1. Bolzano & The Dolomites

The Dolomites scratched an itch that I didn’t even know existed. From the very first day exploring the streets of Bolzano to getting lost along the hiking trails of Alpe Di Siusi, I spent two amazing weeks in the Northern region of Italy in a complete state of awe. The Dolomites is not a city, but rather a part of the Alpine mountain range that extends through the very heart of Europe. Imagine endless plains of lush greenery, Serene, well-kept hiking trails, scenic drives, cable cars to spectacular viewpoints, and winter sports, along with a mouthwatering and hearty Austrian/Italian fusion cuisine are some of the offerings this area provides.

This mountain range in northern Italy, a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site, was made for adventurous travelers who want to spend time connecting with nature (350,000 acres of nature, to be exact). It’s an affordable entry point to the Alps without the hefty price tag that you’ll find in neighboring countries, Switzerland and Austria.

Ortisei, Bolzano, or Cortina d’Ampezzo are the three cities to consider for accommodations. Bolzano is the biggest city to visit in this area and boasts an assortment of dining options, and shopping, as well as a convenient transportation system that will take you to a majority of the best hiking trails and sights in the area.

Explore on foot by traversing one of the region’s many hiking trails, or visit in winter to hit the slopes. Other top sights include the Three Peaks, one of the Dolomites’ most recognizable features, and Alpe Di Siusi, the highest alpine meadow in Europe. As someone who has had the opportunity to hike some of the most renowned trails in the world, Dolomites is by far my favorite.

2. Florence: 

There’s no question that Florence lives up to its nickname: the cradle of the Renaissance. Situated in the scenic Tuscan valley, Florence woos travelers with beautiful art galleries, historic streets, and amazing culinary experiences you can’t experience anywhere else. While walking through the streets you’ll easily understand why many of the most famous Italian artists and writers hail from Florence – it’s easy to feel inspired here.

In Florence, every stone and street has a story. The Tuscan capital’s dense pedestrian historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, packs plenty to keep your days full: the Duomo Cathedral, the Uffizi Galleries, Piazza della Signoria, Boboli Gardens, the Medici Chapels, and Santa Croce. While you’re soaking up the splendor, visit the romantic Ponte Vecchio, a 14th-century bridge overlooking the Arno River. Florence offers art aficionados the opportunity to see famous pieces, from Michelangelo’s Statue of David to Botticelli’s masterpiece known as The Birth of Venus.

The cuisine offers a glimpse of the region’s heritage with dishes like “Pappa al Pomodoro” and “Ribollita,” which skillfully combine current ingredients with classic Tuscan cuisine. Savor the city’s famed Gelato and the legendary “Bistecca alla Fiorentina,” a must-try T-bone steak that’s commonly served over a glass of Chianti.

End your art-filled adventure with a glass of wine at the Piazzale Michelangelo, an iconic viewpoint that rewards visitors with incredible views and a glorious sunset to complete the day.

Milan, Italy’s fashion heartbeat, presents a cosmopolitan facade that marries cutting-edge design with ancient wonders. This city is a testament to Italy’s ability to blend the new with the old seamlessly. As a premier destination for fashion, you can spend many days here visiting all the retail shops around Monte Napoleone and still feel like you have more to see. After some retail therapy, visit the magnificent Milan Cathedral (duomo), or grab a drink along the canals in the very trendy Navigli district.

The 15th-century Sforza Castle has fascinating museums and historical interest for history buffs. Parco Sempione is a park that is free from the hustle and provides relief from hectic sightseeing.

There are several great destinations close to Milan, namely Lake Como which lies around 50 minutes outside the city. Italy falls into the Schengen zone so a Schengen visa comes in handy, especially if you want to visit other destinations from Milan’s 3 international airports.

Walking around Venice feels like a dream. The atmospheric city built on the water is like a step back in time, a dazzling labyrinth of canals and bridges lined with Gothic architecture, dazzling palazzos, ornate churches, and moody corridors. And although it’s notoriously easy to get lost, that’s part of the joy of discovery. You never know where you might find the next romantically secret garden or scenic bar to enjoy a refreshing glass of Aperol spritz while admiring the view.

People either love or hate Venice, and after spending a few days over the weekend in the city, I can understand why: it’s not a place to go without proper planning. Virtually all year round, it’s crowded, overpriced, confusing to first-timers (just what  is  the difference between a gondola, a Vaporetto, and a traghetto?) and, too often, the scene of many an Italian culinary murder. Geographically absurd, transcendently, almost painfully beautiful, and mesmerizing once you cut through all the clutter.

The Floating City is even more ethereal at water level, so enjoy the book a gondola ride to observe the labyrinth from a different perspective. This city of canals attracts visitors to St. Mark’s Square, Doges Palace, the Gallerie dell’Accademia and Peggy Guggenheim Collection museums, as well as the Teatro La Fenice opera house. Once you’ve had your fill of Venice, visitors can opt for a day trip to the surrounding islands: Murano and Burano being the most popular.

Anyone who has never set foot in Rome may just as well say that he has never seen Italy. Rome is the capital city of Italy, and it may be amended that in Rome, history is walking and breathing. Italy’s capital city is a museum unto itself. Referred to as “The Eternal City,” this city is home to Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, the Forum Romanum, and the Colosseum among other milestones and archaeological landmarks. Savor the delicious pasta dishes and walk through the narrow alleys admiring the blend of Rome’s modern and ancient spirit. Something amazing is to be found on every hill, every square, and every street.

There’s plenty to do here: such as seeing the historical Trastevere district, trying the local pasta dishes including the Carbonara or Cacio e Pepe, or relaxing with a live music jam around Piazza Navona. Those who know Italy say that Rome is not a place but it is an emotion! Proper planning will help you see many of the best destinations in the city in only three days, but make sure you book everything (including your Italy visa) in advance!

Home to rich culture, historical landmarks, as well as natural wonders, it’s easy to understand why one can hardly find a boring city in Italy. I guarantee that you won’t be disappointed with any one of these cities, and if you have any suggestions for alternative cities to visit, definitely let us know in the comments!

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14 Best Non-Touristy Cities and Towns in Italy You Must Visit Before They’re Crowded

Traveling to Italy and want to escape the notorious crowds in most famous Italian destinations? We’ve got a list of the best non-touristy cities and towns in Italy you should visit before they’re crowded.

Given that Italy is one of the most popular countries for tourists across the globe, the excessive numbers of attactions here are seriously overwhelming. Every destination is better than the last, what with its powerhouse cities such as Rome , Florence , Venice, and Milan – and there’s also the fabulous Italian Riviera.

All these popular destinations are nice to visit – after all, they’re popular for a reason! – but it’s so much nicer to have a destination all to yourself. This allows for seeing a bit more of the “real” side of Italy.

While these major destinations are all must-visits on your grand Italian vacation, many other great points of interest get overlooked. Know that Italy is a perfect place for lucky finds – you just gotta know where to look!

Let’s guide you to these perfect finds – the best non-touristy cities and towns in Italy.

Table of Contents

14 Best Non-Touristy Cities and Towns in Italy

From the advantages of art, architecture, and history to great food and wonders of nature, here are 14 of the best non-touristy cities and towns in Italy you must visit before they get too crowded.

1. Pitigliano, Tuscany

This quaint old Tuscan town is built on a mountain of lava. As it literally clings to the cliff face of the tuffaceous rock, Pitigliano is truly a paradise for vloggers and photographers.

There are plenty of lanes and labyrinth vicoli to explore, with houses in most improbable positions. And although a bit steep, the historical center of this non-touristy Italian town is an easy walk. You can relax and enjoy the views of the valley below in the terrace of one of the restaurants.

There is nothing quite like the experience you can get from visiting Pitigliano. A real treat for those who prefer the non-touristy cities and towns in Italy.

2. Tropea, Calabria

Legend says that Hercules founded the non-touristy Italian town of Tropea, an area on Italy’s west coast that’s noted for producing the prized red onions called cipolle di Tropea (Tropea onions) that are well-known in Italy.

Tropea is an old fortified town that is perched on the cliffs overlooking splendid beaches and the stunning Tyrrhenian Sea. The sea alone is a great reason to visit Tropea. However, the place offers so much more.

Like all the other towns on the Amalfi Coast, beautiful sandy beaches await you beneath the picturesque cliffs. It’s the best place to enjoy sunset with calzone or cipolla gelato . That’s right, it’s onion gelato – one of the not-to-be-missed when visiting Tropea and its top restaurants .

You also shouldn’t miss Cattedrale di Maria Santissima di Romania, a 12th-century cathedral built on a former Byzantine cemetery. It features marble sarcophagi and a painting of the Madonna of Romania.

3. Bergamo, Lombardy

Situated in the alpine region of Lombardy , Bergamo is just about 30 km. from the Swiss border and some 40 km. northeast of Milan. This stunning city is a treasure of Northern Italy.

Its upper town, the Città Alta, is encompassed by a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the massive Venetian defensive systems . The view from high up is fantastic. The old town offers ample opportunity to dander through the old narrow streets. It’s connected to the lower city, the Bassa, by walking trails and a funicular.

Bergamo houses the quirky mausoleum of the world famous juggler Rastelli, historic sites like palaces and churches, and a shopping district. It’s truly one of those quaint little non-touristy towns in Italy that is absolutely well-worth a visit.

If you’re visiting the city and need a place to eat, check out the best restaurants in Bergamo !

4. Bolzano, South Tyrol

Bolzano is a gateway to the super-impressive Dolomites in the Italian Alps, nestled in a valley amidst seemingly endless hills of vineyards.

This non-touristy Italian city in South Thyrol is distinctly Germanic since it has only been Italian during World War I, so you’ll see an incredible mix of the two cultural influences.

Bolzano is home to the famous Neolithic mummy, Ötzi the Iceman, who lived in circa 3300 BC. You can “meet” him at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, in the vicinity of the Duomo di Bolzano and Mareccio Castle.

The city center is a good place for some delicious bakeries and other various foods, with spectacular views as an added treat.

• ALSO READ : 9 Prettiest Villages in the Dolomites You Should Visit or Stay In

5. Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna

While its convenient location between Venice and Bologna makes it easy to reach, Ferrara is still relatively off the beaten track of tourists.

Ferrara has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its beauty and cultural significance. It is one of Europe’ capitals of culture, arts, politics, and gastronomy. It is also a reference point for artists, poets, and minstrels.

Ferrara boasts numerous Renaissance palaces that its former rules, the Estes, had built. The city’s historic center is well-preserved and easy to visit. This is a must if you want a nice view of the evolution from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.

This beautiful medieval city is a treasure trove of cultural and historical delights, with little streets you will have fun getting lost in. It’s an absolute must in your itinerary, especially if you want to explore some non-touristy cities and towns in Italy’s north.

6. Cagliari, Sardinia

Cagliari is built upon several hills so you can imagine the views from up there. This non-touristy Italian city has been the capital of Sardinia for centuries. It is also the island region’s largest city.

Cagliari is famous for its diverse Art Nouveau architecture, several monuments, clear and pristine waters, and gorgeous stretches of coastline.

The place is vibrant and charming. You can find restaurants, especially pizzerias, in practically every corner. Within the city limits is the 5-mile-long Poetto Beach, which is among the best on the Mediterranean.

For culture and history buffs, you will love Castello, the city’s medieval district that’s still guarded by 13th-century towers.

One of the most exciting non-touristy cities and towns in Italy, Cagliari offers the perfect combination of recreation and exploration activities – Cagliari has it all!

• ALSO READ: 10 Best Beaches in Sardinia, Italy

7. Matera , Basilicata

With its designation as a European Capital of Culture in 2019, Matera in the region of Basilicata has become Italy’s pride. It wasn’t always like this, though.

Some 50 years ago, Matera was maligned as “the shame of Italy” mainly due to the extremely poor living conditions of its cave-dwelling citizens. They lived among animals in the caves and had no running water and electricity, which led to diseases that hit the population until the place was evacuated in the early 1950s. Today these caves house shops, cafés, and hotels.

The little troglodyte city in Southern Italy came out of obscurity when the 2021 James Bond film No Time to Die featured it. Now the world wants to explore it.

Deemed as Italy’s magical city of stones, Matera is a fabulous non-touristy Italian town you should visit before it becomes crowded with visitors from all over the world. Its fantastic setting and intriguing history, added by its exquisite cuisine, make Matera a must-visit in Italy.

• MUST-READ: The City of Caves: Your Best Guide to Matera, Italy

8. Ostuni, Puglia

Known for its whitewashed old town, Ostuni is in the heart of the Puglia region, situated in the heel of the “boot.” The city consists of a series of levels, staircases, arches, and small streets and alleys that lead to corners that have traces of the Middle Ages.

Like so many other historical towns and villages in Italy, walking around in Ostuni’s historic center feels like being there in the past. It’s a delight to wander around and get lost in the city’s nooks and crannies (which are many). You can see olive trees all over the city, so remember to buy their high-quality olive oil.

The non-touristy Italian city is beginning to be popular among day trippers, so visit before it gets too crowded.

9. Sant’Angelo, Isola d’Ischia, Campania

The village of Sant’Angelo is on the south coast of the Isola d’Ischia, a mountainous volcanic island that’s part of the Campanian Archipelago.

Ischia is the largest of those pretty islands in the Bay of Naples with fantastic sceneries of rolling hills and rocky beaches. While the island is famous for thermal spas and natural springs, it attracts only a fraction of the summer day-trippers from Naples who are actually headed for Capri. So the best time to visit is now, before this non-touristy Italian town gets crowded.

Towered over by the beautiful Mount Epomeo, Sant’Angelo offers authentic Italian village experience. From superb seafood dishes at the village’s charming restaurants to ultimate relaxation at curative spas and long stretches of secluded beaches – this colorful borgo won’t disappoint!

10. Turin , Piedmont

Best-known for the Holy Shroud and white truffles, Turin (Torino in Italian) is the capital city of the region of Piedmont in the northwest of Italy.

It is one of the country’s renowned cities and also its first capital city before the national headquarters transferred to Rome.

Turin is embellished with palaces and elegant architecture. It has been a center of European culture for centuries, offering attractions of great artistic and cultural values.

Turin is one of the most interesting non-touristy cities in Italy, although it often serves just as the springboard to ski resorts in the Alps.

Turin also takes pride in sports cars and chocolate, as well as the world’s most impressive collections of Egyptian artifacts.

Turin is also where you can find the best coffee in all of Italy. Check out the best restaurants in the city when you visit!

11. Trieste, Friuli-Venezia Giulia

While Trieste is a prosperous trading hub in the Mediterranean, this non-touristy city in Italy has yet to be crowded with a lot of tourists.

This charming seaside port city serves more of a stopover for most visitors headed to somewhere else. After all, it’s nestled right up against the border to Slovenia, just about 40 minutes to Piran and a little over an hour to the capital, Ljubljana. Zagreb in Croatia is also just 2.5 hours away.

However, the capital city of Friuli-Venezia Giulia offers more than that with its mixture of history and heritage that sets it apart from the rest of Italy. The city is in the easternmost tip of Italy with Italian, Austro-Hungarian, and Slovenian influences all evident in its layout.

Trieste takes pride in being home to one of the country’s largest coffee brands and the Mediterranean’s biggest coffee port, castles , and seafood-based Mediterranean dishes, as well as stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.

12. Orvieto, Umbria

Orvieto is a city perched on the flat peak of a large butte of volcanic tuff, rising dramatically above the nearly-upright faces of tuff cliffs. So, imagine the spectacular views!

But this still non-touristy Italian city has more to offer than views, no matter how fabulous they are.

The site where Orvieto stands today was once an Etruscan acropolis. This is attested to by an incredible underground cave network which you can (and should) visit.

There’s also the Duomo di Orvieto that dates to 1290, imposing with its mosaic façade and a marble Pietà sculpture.

The 16th-century well shaft called the Pozzo di San Patrizio (“Saint Patrick’s Well”) is an absolute must-experience in Orvieto. Be prepared to tackle a lot of stairs, though! 248 steps, to be exact. But you’ll be rewarded when you hit the bottom of the well, where the water is so still and clear you’d think it’s not real.

13. Cefalù, Sicily

Cefalù was built by the Normans in the 12th century, located on the Tyrrhenian coast of Sicily . The city is dominated by the “promontory of Hercules,” a 270-meter high monumental rock on which the Temple of Diana stands. So the backdrop says it all.

Most visitors come to Cefalù for the beautiful beach , so no doubt this is a popular holiday destination.

However, compared to other major Italian cities, Cefalù is not given the proper attention it deserves from tourists. But if you’re looking for non-touristy cities and towns in Italy, this is one of the best ones you could go to.

This Sicilian city is not all about the stunning beach and vivid blue Thyrrhenian waters. Cefalù is also famous for having some of the most precious Byzantine mosaics in the world.

It is a great place for walking, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops along the charming cobbled streets.

Cefalù also has a Gothic cathedral, ancient ruins, and of course – the breathtaking views over the town, the sea and the wooded mountains.

14. Civita di Bagnoregio, Lazio

Less than 2 hours from Rome is the fantastic Civita di Bagnoregio, part of the province of Viterbo in Lazio . It’s a suburb of the comune of Bagnoregio, the nearest town, and can only be reached via footbridge from the latter.

An ornate gateway to Civita is guarded by a variety of cats bathing in the sun. Inside the village, you’ll have fun strolling the warren of tiny streets and alleys that will either lead you to viewpoints or private dwellings. The buildings are pretty; however, the real attraction of this non-touristy Italian town is the amazing views from up there.

Civita is so rare because of its location. It’s on a slim bluff of land rising up from the valley floor, cut off from Bagnoregio – and, heck, the rest of Italy and the world – by a small canyon.

Civita di Bagnoregio is famously known as “the dying city” because the hill it’s built on is progressively being eroded, hence, the threat that the village could disappear. So hurry up before it’s gone – or crowded!

Most Beautiful Cities in Italy for Every Traveler

June 12, 2024.

Italy is home to some of the most beautiful cities in the world, each with its own unique charm and rich history. Whether you’re an art lover, history buff, or simply enjoy strolling through picturesque streets, there's a city for everyone in this captivating country. Below, we explore ten of the most stunning Italian cities that should be on every traveler's list.

The capital city of Italy, Rome, is often referred to as the "Eternal City" and for good reason. Its immortal elegance and famous landmarks such as the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Pantheon make it a top destination for travelers. Fun fact: Rome is home to the smallest country in the world, Vatican City.

Located in the heart of Umbria, Perugia is a well-preserved medieval city known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant university atmosphere. An interesting tidbit: Perugia hosts the annual Umbria Jazz Festival, one of the most important jazz festivals in the world.

3. Florence

Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is a city renowned for its artistic and cultural treasures. The Uffizi Gallery and Michelangelo's David are must-sees. Did you know? Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance and has inspired countless artists and thinkers throughout history.

Genoa, a historic port city in Liguria, might be less polished than other Italian Riviera spots, but it boasts remarkable interior beauty and a vibrant historic center. Interesting fact: Genoa's old town is one of the largest medieval city centers in Europe.

Known for its beautifully preserved Gothic streets and the famous Palio horse race, Siena is a quieter sibling to Florence but no less enchanting. Fun fact: Siena’s Piazza del Campo is considered one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares.

Venice, with its Venetian Gothic architecture and romantic canals, is easily one of the prettiest cities in Italy. A fascinating detail: Venice is built on more than 100 small islands, separated by canals and linked by over 400 bridges.

Turin, the capital of the Piedmont region, exudes quiet dignity and faded elegance with its tree-lined boulevards and elegant palazzos. An intriguing fact: Turin was the first capital of Italy when the country was unified in 1861.

Surrounded by intact medieval walls, Lucca offers a unique blend of historic buildings, high-end shops, and charming cafes. Did you know? Lucca’s walls are so wide that they have been converted into a pedestrian promenade.

9. Syracuse

Syracuse, on the island of Sicily, is a multi-sensory journey into Italy's rich history, with Greek origins and baroque architecture. Interesting tidbit: The city was once described by Cicero as "the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all."

10. Brindisi

Brindisi, an ancient port city in Apulia, boasts a rich history and unique layout shaped like a deer’s head. Fun fact: Brindisi was a key port for the Crusades and a major gateway to the East during the Roman Empire.

The Most Beautiful Cities in Italy

What city is the prettiest in italy.

Determining the prettiest city in Italy is highly subjective and depends on individual preferences. However, cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence are often highlighted for their stunning architecture, rich history, and romantic ambiance.

Which Italian city is known as the "Eternal City"?

Rome is commonly referred to as the "Eternal City." Its timeless beauty and historical landmarks like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Pantheon make it a top destination for travelers.

Where is the Umbria Jazz Festival held?

The Umbria Jazz Festival is held in Perugia, a well-preserved medieval city located in the heart of the Umbria region. This annual event is one of the most important jazz festivals in the world.

What unique characteristic does Genoa's old town boast?

Genoa's old town is one of the largest medieval city centers in Europe. It is a historic port city in Liguria known for its remarkable interior beauty and vibrant historic center.

What makes Florence special?

Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is renowned for its artistic and cultural treasures. The city is the birthplace of the Renaissance and houses significant landmarks such as the Uffizi Gallery and Michelangelo's David.

What is special about Siena’s Piazza del Campo?

Siena's Piazza del Campo is considered one of Europe's greatest medieval squares. The city itself is known for its beautifully preserved Gothic streets and the famous Palio horse race.

How many islands make up Venice?

Venice is built on more than 100 small islands. These islands are separated by canals and linked by over 400 bridges, making it one of the most unique and romantic cities in Italy.

What was the first capital of Italy?

Turin was the first capital of Italy when the country was unified in 1861. Today, it remains the capital of the Piedmont region and is known for its elegant palazzos and tree-lined boulevards.

What is unique about Lucca’s city walls?

Lucca is surrounded by intact medieval walls that are so wide they've been converted into a pedestrian promenade. This unique feature offers a picturesque view of the city and a pleasant walking experience.

What did Cicero say about Syracuse?

The ancient Greek philosopher Cicero once described Syracuse as "the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all." Located on the island of Sicily, Syracuse offers a rich historical experience with its Greek origins and baroque architecture.

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The 5 Best Cities to Visit in Italy According to Locals

Italian cities are spectacular . So what are the best cities to visit in Italy? Our locals tell us that it really depends on your travel style. Still, they helped us come up with this list of the 5 best cities to visit in Italy—from the classic streets of beautiful Rome, to the mouthwatering food markets in Bologna.

Stunning beautiful and proudly historic, it’s impossible to leave Rome off a list of places to visit in Italy! 

Locals say to definitely see the big sights—attractions like the Coliseum and Trevi fountain are breathtaking and worth battling the crowds. One of our locals notes that if you buy tickets for the Coliseum and the Roman Forum, you can also access Palatine Hill. 

Part of Rome’s magic is that it’s big and touristy and loud—but also full of classic Italian charm. Get off the beaten path with a few local suggestions. Locals suggest visiting places like Pinsa Romana (for great, cheap pizza!) and the hip neighborhood of Trastevere.

Famous for its pizza and its port, locals tell us you’ll find plenty to enjoy in Naples. As the birthplace of pizza , clearly this is a priority—locals tell us that Neopolitan pizza is made with fresh, simple ingredients (tomato, basil, fresh mozzarella) and cooked at high heat in a wood fire oven. (So be sure to eat it fresh!)

As for the city itself, locals rave that Naples is stunning. The beautiful port provides access to islands like Ischia (this will be familiar to fans of My Brilliant Friend ) and Mount Vesuvius looms to the southeast. 

You’ll find lots to do in Naples. Our locals recommend adding a trip to the cobblestone streets of the Santa Lucia District. 

Florence 

 Florence—oh man, Florence. We’re in love with the art and color of this vibrant city, especially the iconic burnt orange Brunelleschi’s Dome of the Florence Cathedral. You can grab excellent city views from the dome—but locals tell us that climbing Giotto’s bell tower will provide an incredible perspective of the cathedral itself. 

Here, art is the name of the game. Locals tell us that well-known spots like the Uffizi Museum , and the Galleria dell’Accademia are must-stops. If you love art and want to veer off the beaten path, then locals suggest visiting the Bardini Museum and Gardens. 

The city may be better known for art than food, but locals tell us you can find some incredible meals here. One of our locals in Italy wrote: 

“If you're in Tuscany then you must eat the most famous dish, Bistecca alla Fiorentina , or Florentine Steak. It’s a large t-bone cut weighing from two to eight pounds, fire-grilled on the outside and pink and bloody on the inside, seasoned with salt, pepper, a squeeze of lemon and traditionally cooked over roasted chestnuts for a smoky flavor.”

 Milan dazzles. This city’s combination of rich history and forward-thinking fashion results in an absolute delight of high-end boutiques, incredible restaurants, and breathtaking architecture. Gutsy, beautiful, and ambitious, Milan is among our favorite places to visit in Italy.

Locals say to definitely check out iconic sites like the Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest shopping mall. 

If you want to get away from the tourist crowds, then locals suggest checking out Milan’s canal district, called Navigli. One of our locals notes that:

“The tiny streets around the Naviglio Pavese and Grande are the centers of nightlife and street markets, with a more bohemian and artistic vibe.” 

More off the beaten path than cities like Venice, Bologna remains one of our top places to visit in Italy. Bologna pulses with enchanting youthful energy—understandably so! It's the oldest university town in Europe. 

Most cities in Italy can claim to love cuisine, but locals tell us that Bologna takes its obsession with food to another level. Unconvinced? Locals note that the city is known as La Dotta —the learned—for its university roots, but also La Grassa —the fat one. 

The city is packed with fantastic markets and restaurants, where you can find delicious Italian classics like tortellini, tagliatelle al ragù, and mortadella. 

You’ll have plenty of choices—so don’t travel blind! Locals tell us that Quadrilatero Bologna, the city’s oldest market, is an excellent place to get a snack.

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An Easy Travel Guide to Rome, Italy

V isiting the Eternal City for the first time? Rome is one of the most visited cities in Italy and we created an easy travel guide to Rome so that you know the best things to see and do.

In this post, we’re sharing all we’ve learned from our vacations in Rome to help you plan your getaway. We’ll cover the most popular neighborhoods, the best things to see and do, how to get around in Rome, the best time of the year to visit, how to get to central Rome from FCO Airport, and tips for traveling.

Where is Rome

Rome is located in the region of Lazio, near the and is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations in Italy. It has the highest population of all cities in Italy and sits about 1 hour from the western coast.

And when it comes to tourism, it’s no surprise that visitors from around the globe travel to Rome to see its beauty and Renaissance art, experience Roman cuisine and Italian cooking , shop the fashion capital, discover the piazzas and fountains, explore the historical landmarks, or even practice Italian phrases that they’ve learned.

The various neighborhoods are the most widely visited by tourists because they are where most attractions can be found. Traveling through the city is easy on foot, but you should also consider the Rome sightseeing bus or the Rome golf cart tours .

The Best Time of Year to Visit Rome

Rome can be extremely uncomfortable in the summer months (primarily June through September). In April and May, the spring temperatures are nice, the mornings are cool, and by noon you probably won’t need a jacket.

The Best Things to See and Do (by Neighborhood)

Each neighborhood of Rome has museums, churches, gardens, parks, and iconic spots to visit. This list gives a brief description of each district, and helps you understand what to see in each neighborhood. It will come in handy for deciding where to stay in Rome while planning your trip.

You may need to take public transportation to reach a specific neighborhood depending on where you stay. However, once you arrive, the area is completely walkable and getting from one point of interest to another is easy.

Modern Center

This neighborhood is located around Via Veneto and the Spanish Steps, the Modern Center neighborhood combines classic and contemporary influences. It has a mix of upscale boutiques, trendy cafes, and luxurious hotels, making it a hub for shopping, dining, and experiencing the modern side of Rome.

Palazzo del Quirinale

Complesso delle Quattro Fontane

Trevi Fountain

Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica a Pallazo

Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri

Castro Pretorio

Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vittoria

Museo e Cripto dei Frati Cappuccini

The heart of Rome’s historic center, the Old Rome neighborhood captivates with its cobblestone streets, charming piazzas, and awe-inspiring landmarks like the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.

Scalinta di Trinita dei Monti (Spanish Steps)

Museo dell’Ara Pacis

Campo de’ Fiori

Palazza Farnese

Piazza Navona

Museo di Roma Palazzo Braschi

Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi

Chiesa di Sant’Agnese in Agone

By far this is the most popular neighborhood in Rome for travelers. Trastevere is a bohemian neighborhood located on the west bank of the Tiber River. It is known for it narrow, winding streets, nightlife, and charming piazzas. Trastevere has a lively atmosphere with trendy bars, and traditional trattorias.

Villa Farnesina

Galleria Corsini

Basilica di Santa Maria

Orto Botanico

Home to the iconic Colosseum, the Colosseum neighborhood in Rome immerses visitors in ancient history as they explore the grandeur of the Roman Empire, marvel at ancient ruins, and soak in the architectural splendor of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Roman Forum

Palatine Hill

Bocca della Verita

Circo Massimo

Piazza Venezia

Altare della Patria

Aventino – Tastaccio

Testaccio is a historic working-class neighborhood that has transformed into a culinary hotspot. It offers a vibrant food scene with traditional trattorias, gourmet restaurants, and a bustling food market.

Basilicia di San Giovanni

Terme di Caracalla

Knights of Malta Keyhole

Esquilino – San Giovanni

Located near Termini Station, the Esquilino neighborhood is a melting pot of cultures and flavors. Known for its diverse immigrant communities, Esquilino is a mix of ethnic restaurants, colorful markets, and architectural gems like the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.

Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore

Palazzo Massimo alle Terme

Museo Nazionale Romano

Basilica di San Pietro in Vincole

Nomentano combines residential tranquility with commercial areas. This neighborhood is characterized by its leafy parks, elegant villas, and the iconic University La Sapienza. There is a mix of students, locals, and dining. Nomentano has a relaxed and intellectual atmosphere.

Sapienza University

North Center

The North Center neighborhood of Rome, encompassing areas like Villa Borghese and Parioli, presents a more tranquil and residential atmosphere. With its leafy parks, elegant villas, and cultural institutions like the Galleria Borghese, this area provides a peaceful retreat from the city center.

• Museo e Galleria Borghese
• Villa Borghese
• La Galleria Nazionale
• Museo Nazionale Etrusce di Villa Guilia

Vatican City

Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world and the spiritual center of Catholicism. Home to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel, this iconic neighborhood offers a rich blend of religious significance, magnificent art, and awe-inspiring architecture.

St. Peter’s Basilica

Vatican Gardens

Vatican Museums

Castel Sant’Angelo

Southern Rome

The southern part of Rome is less touristy and has an authentic atmosphere that portrays a taste of local Roman life. From food markets and traditional trattorias to vibrant street art and a strong sense of community, Southern Rome provides a glimpse into the city’s everyday charm.

Via Appia Antica

Catacombe di San Sebastiano

Catacombe di San Callisto

Museo Capitoline Centrale Montemartini

How to Get Around Rome

Getting around the cobbled-stoned streets of Rome is not hard. I’ve walked, biked, and bused throughout Rome and loved it! All are great ways to get around and the method you choose depends on how much time you have and your personal preference.

I recommend the  Big Bus Tour  or a Golf Cart Tour in Rome if you are short on time or if you booked your travel in the dead heat of summer (which can be intensely hot).

With these tours, you’ll see all the top Rome attractions with audio commentary in your language of choice. If you choose an open top tour bus, the added benefit is free wi-fi and for 3 extra euros, you can use your ticket for two days (it is worth it).

When it comes to seeing Rome, walking can not be avoided especially when getting to an attraction that require climbing hilly pathways or navigating ancient streets. In my opinion, being on foot is one of the best ways to travel in Rome.

Exploring the narrow streets can lead you to the most marvelous pasta, the creamiest gelato, or the most perfect pasta! I highly recommend visiting the Trastevere neighborhood for  Italian street food . 

Public Transportation

This is the best option for getting to a part of town that is more than 20 minutes on foot, especially if visiting a museum or park. Save your energy and use public transportation for less than 2 euros. You can purchase them at the tobacconist store.

You will need to validate your ticket upon boarding the bus (it’s an honor system). Getting caught with an un-validated ticket can result in a fine. You should also use a really good map of Rome. 

Bike or Vespa

Peddling around the city on your own time feels so liberating. Bike rental is very affordable and is an enjoyable way to experience the outdoors, get some exercise to make up for all the  Italian breakfasts  that you eat, and explore Rome.

You can find rentals for as little as 13 euros for 24 hours, complete with lock, for a standard bike. The price for e-bikes is higher.

Getting around on a two-passenger scooter is loads of fun!  Rent a Vespa to skirt traffic or explore outside the city. They can be rented by the hour or day. This will make your trip to Rome memorable as you travel in true Italian style!

How to Get to Central Rome from FCO Airport

There are several options to get from Leonardo da Vinci International Airport to the center of the city. I found the train to be the quickest and most affordable especially if you’ve had a long day of travel and want to get to Termini station.  

The most economical way to get from the airport to the city center is via a shuttle bus service from the airport. You can travel conveniently between Rome’s city center and the airport and take pleasure in a stress-free arrival or departure from the city.

The ride takes about 50 minutes and departures run from the airport every 30 to 40 minutes so you have time to collect your luggage. Shuttles stop in Terminal 3’s arrivals section. Look for the respective service at the arrival platform.

Terravision offers a shuttle service for less than 8 euros it’s quite popular. The buses are air-conditioned and there is no cost to bring your luggage aboard. It goes directly to Termini station with no extra stops. 

Another option is the public transportation system, which costs about 6 euros. The bus stops multiple times in the city center, including one close to the Vatican and one at Termini Station, throughout the 45- to 1-hour one-way trip.

Buses halt in Terminal 3’s arrivals section, at number 14. You can purchase tickets at the airport desk or online. 

A taxi is quite expensive. It will set you back almost 50 euros and the ride takes just as long as a shuttle service (about 50 minutes). You can find the taxis at the arrival level of Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.

The Leonardo Express train is less than 20 euros and runs every 15 minutes during peak periods. It is operated by Trenitalia and the ride takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

If you wait to collect your luggage, and then make your way to the window or kiosk to purchase your ticket, note that many others will be doing the same. Hate long lines? You can purchase tickets in advance and be ready for validation after boarding the train.

I can’t recommend a car rental unless you plan a day trip and need a set of wheels. Rome is completely walkable. Not to mention, even Italians know that finding a parking space can be a hassle.

Tips for Visiting Rome

I adore visiting Italy. And no trip would be complete without seeing some of the most iconic and historic spots in the Eternal City.

Don’t make the mistake (that I made on my first trip) and skip these incredible spots! Fortunately, I was able to see them on return visits!

Whether you are visiting the Vatican for the first time or returning because you tossed a coin into the Trevi fountain, these Rome travel tips will come in handy to make your stay enjoyable.

• Be prepared! Read these tips on the essentials for an international flight .
• Think comfort when flying coach , it will help you stay calm and confident.
• Beware of scammers, pickpockets, and panhandlers. It’s a thing in Europe and it can happen when you least expect it. 

So, what are you waiting for? Book that flight to Rome and thank me later.

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Explore Italy’s Wonderland: Top must visit destinations

Italy, one of the most romantic and popular holi best places to visit in italy day destinations does not require much introduction. When it comes to traveling, all that is required from your side is intention and finalized travel itinerary. So, if you’re looking to embark on an unforgettable journey to Italy, then you have come to the right place. Here, in this blog, we will be focusing on the must visit destinations in Italy that you cannot afford to miss. So, stay tuned and get to know the top attractions of Italy.  

Gaze at the Amazing Colosseum  

One of the surviving wonders of the world, the ever-popular Colosseum should be on the list of must-visits place when you are in Italy and best place to visit in Italy . It was built by the Roman Empire due to the growing demand for sports and entertainment in the country. Hence this 186 metres long and 156 metres wide oval-shaped Colosseum is now their surviving edifice. 

You can visit and explore the place on your own. Sure, opting for a guide can be handier especially when there are lots of tourists during peak season. 

Pro Tip: If you are here during the peak season, make sure to start your exploration early in the morning before the heat becomes scorching. 

Top Attractions  

• Roman Forum 
• Arch of Constantine 
• Domus Area 
• Ludus Magnus 
• Pantheon 
• Trevi Fountain 
• Via Sacra 
• Vatican Museum 

Witness the Grand Canal in Venice  

Venice is known as the City of Canals, The Floating City. You need to travel by boat even if you wish to just cross a street. Who doesn’t want to visit such a unique and lovely place? So, you must have Venice in your travel itinerary to enjoy a gondola ride, also the best place to visit in Italy during winter. Traveling by boat instead of walking through crowed areas lets you see more beautiful.  

Pro Tip: The charges for gondola rides differ as per different timeline of the day. So, it’s better to check the ride price before going for the same.  

•   Santa Maria di Nazareth Church 
•  Doge’s Palace  
• Rialto Bridge 
•  Teatro La Fenice St. Mark’s Square 
• Saint Mark’s Basilica 
• Constitution Bridge  

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Visit Cinque Terre  

This is one of the popular tropical regions across the Mediterranean Sea and best place to visit in Italy. It’s popularly known as The Five Lands. This is due to the fact that there are basically five fishing villages together that form this particular region. And the best part is that all these villages are connected through narrow passages of roads and a railroad. Hence, the place features an impeccable natural beauty due to its detachment from the chaotic city life. 

Pro Tip: You would need a hiking pass to explore all the villages. So, go for a Cinque Terre train pass for boundless access to the region’s rambling paths.    Top Attractions  

•   Vernazza 
•  Manarola 
•  Agriturismo Buranco, Corniglia 
•  Nessun Dorma 
• Nessun Dorma 
•  Ruins of Doria Tower 
• Monterosso Beach 
• Statua del Gigante  
• Riomaggiore  

Get to the Stretches of Amalfi Coast  

Amalfi Coast is one of best places to visit in Southern Italy, be stretchy along the coastline of the Sorrentine Peninsula, the place also features impressive scenic beauty. Even though you can explore the place through waterways, it is ideal to walk along the coastline to witness the appealing concoction of blue water and white-coloured buildings all around the place. 

Pro Tip:   you can walk through the Footpath of the Gods to reach this magical place and see lemon groves or wildflowers, 

• Villa Cimbrone Gardens 
•  Saint Andrew’s Fountain Amalfi  
• Villa Rufolo 
•  Villa Cimbrone Gardens 
•  Duomo di Amalfi 
• Chiostro del Paradiso 
•  Museo della Carta  

Be Surprised by the Leaning Tower of Pisa  

This amazing tower of Pisa is the top attractions in Italy. Even though the city of Pisa has many attractions, this tower has remained the most remarkable of all. So, you must make your way to this place to explore it and take some social media-worthy pictures. After you finish exploring simply take a long walk to refresh your mind. 

Pro Tip: Borgo Street lies just a few distance away from the Leaning Tower, which is worth your visit in the evening when you crave some delicious Italian snacks. 

• Cathedral of Pisa, 
•  Piazza del Duomo,  
• The Baptistery of St. John  
• Fontana dei Putti  
• Giardino Scotto  
• Sinopie Museum  
• Barristero di San Giovanni  
• Palazzo della Carovana 

Visit the Ancient City of Pompeii  

Based near Naples, Pompeii is amazing city that showcases the remains of a destroyed town that dates to 79 AD. Hence, Pompeii is among the unique place to visit in Italy that contributes to the architectural excellence of the country. 

Pro Tip: If you stay in Pompeii for more than two days, you can try climbing Mount Vesuvius for an adventurous experience. 

• Foro di Pompei 
• Scavi di Pompei 
• Pompeii Archaelogical Park 
• Vella dei Misteri 
• Garden of the Fugitives 
• House of the Faun 
• Lupanare di Pompei  

CONCLUSION  

Italy is a super famous place for travellers, The people in charge of tourism are trying to help by finding new historical and best places to visit in Italy and encouraging art. But they still need new ideas to make sure tourism doesn’t harm Italy’s culture and history. Even with these challenges, Italy is working hard to make tourism better and protect its special places. 

Places to visit Italy FAQs

What are the best places to visit in italy in summer.

There is a wide range of places you can visit during summertime in Italy.   • Florence : Famous town known for its rich architectural sites and cultural attractions.   • Rome: One of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy known for its enchanting streets, authentic shops, romantic restaurants, and more.   • Venice : More like a fairytale destination for romantic couples to explore day and night.   • Pompeii : Another historical place to visit in Italy is certainly Pompeii. It’s famous for off-beat historical sites.   • Milan: The fashion capital of the region is famous for premium shopping avenues for people coming here from different parts of the globe.  

What are some off-beat places to visit in Italy?

Apart from the popular tourist attractions in Italy, there are several hidden gems of the region that you must explore.   • The Tree Cathedral: One of the famous nature towns known for its lush greenery.   • Stromboli: Experience breathtaking view of active volcanoes in the region.   • Valla dei Mulini: The best adventure place in Italy allows you to take part in several activities.   • Taormina: A picturesque town in the countryside invites travelers to witness ancient Greek theatre.   • Monti Della Laga: Look at the enthralling mountain peaks in the region along with wildlife adventure.  

What are the best shopping regions of Italy?

Here’s the list of places to visit in Italy and meet your shopping expedition with ease.   • Via Del Corso, Rome  • Mercerie, Venice  • Via Toledo, Naples  • Via Garibaldi, Genoa  • Via Mazzini, Verona  • Via Giovan Battista Zannoni 

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The forgotten Italian city on its way back to greatness

After a lifetime in the doldrums, Trieste is back on the tourist trail, with cruise ships barred from Venice docking there instead

Standing at the summit of Mount Giusto, amid the ruins of the Roman forum, gazing at the huge harbour down below, and the deep blue Adriatic sea beyond, you can see why Trieste used to be one of the world’s most important ports. So why is it now forgotten?

For several centuries Trieste was famous, Europe’s main gateway to the Mediterranean, and a popular destination in its own right. Yet when I mention the place to people back in Britain, I’m invariably greeted with blank looks. “Trieste?” they say. “Where’s that?”

That attitude looks set to change. Last time I came here, five years ago, Trieste seemed like a sleepy backwater. Now big cruise ships, driven out of Venice by restrictions , are docking here instead. After a lifetime in the doldrums, this ancient, contested city is back on the tourist trail.

The reason Trieste fell into obscurity was because it was on the losing side in both World Wars. Before the First World War, it was the only seaport of the Austrian empire. When Austria lost the First World War it became Italian, but the Italians had little use for it.

At the end of the Second World War it was occupied by Tito’s communists, who wanted to make it part of Yugoslavia. The western allies refused, so from 1945 it remained in limbo, ruled by the UK and the USA while they tried to work out what to do with it.

Finally, in 1954, Trieste was returned to Italy, shorn of its Istrian hinterland, which became part of Yugoslavia. During the Cold War it was a dead-end town at the end of a one-way street, hemmed in by the Iron Curtain. When I first came through here, 40 years ago, on my way to Yugoslavia, it seemed like a place whose time had passed.

What a lot has changed. Yugoslavia is no more, and Trieste is a crossroads not a cul-de-sac. Its new neighbour, Slovenia, is in Nato and the EU. Its streets are filling up with sightseers, and the chatter in its bars and cafes is polyglot, just as it was in its Edwardian heyday, when Britons travelled here by train to board steamers bound for the Far East.

Many modern travellers arrive on cruise ships, merely stopping off for a brief walkabout before departing for another port. Yet if you stay a little longer, you’ll see another side of Trieste – an enigmatic border town at the confluence of the Latin, Germanic and Slavonic worlds, still haunted by the ghosts of its Habsburg glory days, still a place apart.

On my previous visit, I stayed at the Savoia Excelsior Palace – a grand hotel built just before the First World War. It’s historic and luxurious, in a prime position on the waterfront, but to me it felt more like a business hotel. This time, I wanted to unwind, and see some of the surrounding countryside, so I stayed at the Tivoli Portopiccolo, a coastal resort in Sistiana, 12 miles west of Trieste.

Portopiccolo is a modern development, built into a secluded cove with a sleek beach club and a marina full of smart motor yachts. It reminded me of that TV show, The White Lotus. It’s supremely comfy and relaxing, but you feel rather cut off from real life. However, Sistiana is just around the corner, a workaday harbour full of fishing boats and dinghies, and a strip of pebble beach, flanked by rows of seaside shacks selling cheap and cheerful food and drink.

The best way to approach the city is by boat, and during the summer there’s a ferry from Sistiana which takes you right into the heart of town. Tickets are good value and the voyage is a treat. The surrounding coast is a long wall of limestone cliffs, laden with thick dark forest. It’s a dramatic sight and the finest view is from the water. At last, the cliffs recede, and you sail into a broad bay, flanked by wharfs and warehouses. Welcome to Trieste.

Over a century since the Austrians were driven out and the city became part of Italy, Trieste still feels more Teutonic than Romantic. The cuisine is hearty, the architecture is robust and its cafès are more like Kaffeehäuser. The Triestini are proud of their mixed heritage and though Italian is the lingua franca, everyone I spoke to was keen to stress their multi-cultural roots.

There is even some separatist sentiment. “Free Territory of Trieste,” proclaims a large banner on the Piazza della Borsa, one of Trieste’s busiest thoroughfares. “USA & UK come back!” I only met one outright separatist, far too young to remember when his hometown was administered by Yanks and Brits, but nostalgic for that era, nonetheless.

This regional identity adds another layer of interest to this elegant, intriguing city. It’s a metropolis in miniature – lively and attractive, yet small enough to navigate on foot (the population is about 200,000, around the same as it was a century ago, when the Austrians departed). From the narrow alleys of the old town to the broad boulevards of the city centre, it’s a pleasant place to wander, full of street life and human interest.

Trieste has no stand-out sights, no must-see attractions. Its appeal is subtler, more discreet. The travel writer Jan Morris captured its cryptic aura in her melancholy memoir, Trieste and the Meaning of Nowhere . James Joyce, who spent a decade here, relished its understated charm.

The site that sums up Trieste’s moody ambience is Miramare, a fairy-tale castle on a rocky promontory, battered by the restless sea. It was built by Maximilian, kid brother of the Austrian Emperor, Franz Joseph, but he barely spent a year here before he was whisked away to become the Emperor of Mexico. His quixotic empire was overthrown, and the republican rebels had him shot by firing squad. Today his forsaken folly is a museum, a monument to Habsburg hubris. It’s supposed to be bad luck to spend the night here. Several subsequent inhabitants also met violent ends.

I finished up back where I’d begun, on Mount Giusto, high above the city. Most tourists make the hike to see the castle and the cathedral, but I’d come to see the mausoleum of Johann Joachim Winckelmann (1717-1768), the father of modern archaeology. Winckelmann wasn’t from Trieste – he’d merely come here to catch a boat to Rome – but while he was here, he befriended a young man called Francesco Arcangeli who murdered him (for what reason, no-one knows). Winckelmann was buried in the cathedral across the road. Arcangeli was broken on the wheel in the city square below.

This sinister story encapsulates what I love about Trieste. Everywhere you go in this elusive city, you’re stepping on layer upon layer of history – some of it recorded, much of it unknown. As I walked back to the harbour, past the Roman amphitheatre, I recalled something Jan Morris wrote in Trieste and the Meaning of Nowhere: “Here, more than anywhere, I remember lost times, lost chances, lost friends.” As the evening ferry carried me away, and Trieste shrank into the sea, her words were still ringing in my ears.

Where to stay

I was a guest of Tivoli Portopiccolo Sistiana ( www.tivolihotels.com ). Doubles from €300 per night, including breakfast. The room rate includes use of the chic beach club. The house style is international rather than Italian. The entire resort is car-free (there’s a large underground garage). There are several restaurants on site, in the hotel and the surrounding development. The best food I ate by far was in the beach club restaurant. It’s a good spot if you want seclusion, or if you’re travelling with children.

What to do – out of town

There are some decent excursions near Sistiana, most notably the Rilke trail from Sistiana to the Castello di Duino ( www.castellodiduino.it ), a medieval castle where the poet Rainer Maria Rilke wrote his Duino Elegies. The clifftop hiking trail that bears his name snakes along the coast for several miles, giving you some stunning views over the Gulf of Trieste.

If you’d rather sit around and stuff your face, head for Bajta Salež ( www.bajta.it ), a family-run farmhouse restaurant and delicatessen midway between Sistiana and Trieste. They make their own wine and cure their own ham on site. The family has strong Slovenian roots. The place is popular with locals, not just tourists. Eat in the gardens when the weather’s fine.

What to do – in town

Trieste has several splendid museums, housed in spectacular buildings. As well as the palatial Castello di Miramare ( www.miramare.cultura.gov.it ), surrounded by lush gardens, and the Winckelmann Museum ( www.museoantichitawinckelmann.it ), with its eerie archaeological relics, don’t miss the Museo Revoltella ( www.museorevoltella.it ), the opulent mansion of a rich merchant which now houses Trieste’s modern art museum.

Where to eat and drink

As one of Europe’s leading ports, with close trading links with South America, Trieste has always been renowned for coffee. Like the Viennese Kaffeehaus, a Triestine caffè is a virtual living room, a world away from high street chains like Starbucks. Caffè San Marco is the most historic, Caffè degli Specchi is the most ornate, but my favourite is Caffè Torinese ( www.anticocaffetorinese.it ), a quaint, antiquated hideaway where you can linger over a decadent cream cake, sink an espresso at the bar, or buy coffee beans to take away.

For an unpretentious slap-up meal, head for Buffet da Pepi ( www.buffetdapepi.it ), a local landmark since 1897. The décor is traditional, the service is down-to-earth, and the no-nonsense menu is carnivorous. Afterwards, take a walk around the corner to the Gelateria Zampolli ( www.gelateriazampolli.it ), a traditional ice-cream parlour, for a refreshing gelato.

Getting around

By far the best way to get to Trieste from Sistiana (and other resorts along the coast) is on a Delfino Verde ferry ( www.delfinoverde.it ). A return ticket costs €12. The trip takes 80 minutes each way and the journey is an absolute delight. For other public transport options around Trieste (and walking trails within the city) visit www.triestemetro.eu .

Getting there

Ryanair ( www.ryanair.com ) flies to Trieste from London Stansted and Dublin. For more information about Trieste and the region visit www.discover-trieste.it or www.turismofvg.it

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