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17 Best Cities to Visit in Italy

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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18 Absolute Best Places to Visit in Italy (+ Map & Planning Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: February 4, 2024

Planning your first trip to Italy and wondering what are the best places to visit ? This article should help you decide what to see and where to go in Italy, even though the choice might look overwhelming at first.

Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and one of our favorite places that we return to again and again. History, architecture, bustling cities, charming villages, beaches, islands, mountains… Not even to mention the food, wine, and friendly people… This country is incredibly diverse and has so much more to offer than you’d ever be able to do in one trip…

Even after so many trips to Italy , we feel like we just scratched the surface of this incredible country. There is just so much to see and do!

In this article, we share the very best places to see in Italy. This list is not just about the best Italian cities . As beautiful as they are, there is so much more to Italy than its major cities! In this guide, you’ll also find the most stunning Italian regions and islands, coastal areas and picturesque little towns, but also the most beautiful nature and jaw-dropping sceneries.

These are one by one amazing destinations that are each worth a trip from the other side of the world. You cannot go wrong with any of these places! But combine a couple of them together and you’re in for a real treat – one of the best trips you can ever make. Find out!

READ ALSO: 2-Weeks Italy 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.

Here are the best places to visit in Italy:

The Eternal City is an absolute must when visiting Italy for the first time! Without any doubt, Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

I often refer to Rome as the city-museum. And it sure feels like the entire place is one huge open-air museum! Every street, every building, every town square, every park, every church, and every monument breathes centuries-old history.

It’s an incredible experience to see all that art, architecture, and history that you previously only saw in books or in the movies.

No matter how much time you have planned in Italy, you really have to include Rome in your Italy itinerary !

Not to be missed: Colosseum , Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, the Vatican with St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel, St. Angelo Bridge and Castel Sant’Angelo, Capitoline Hill.

Nice to see: Campo de’ Fiori market, Trastevere district, Circus Maximus, Baths of Caracalla (and many other Ancient Rome landmarks ), Piazza Venezia, Piazza del Popolo, Borghese Gallery, the Appian Way, Aventine Hill, Belvedere del Gianicolo, and many many more.

TIP: Try to also visit at least a few of the nicest viewpoints in Rome . Many of them are located just next to the most popular sights, and so it’s quite easy to add a few of these to your itinerary.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Rome

How much time do you need: One full day is an absolute minimum in Rome and – if you plan your 1-day Rome itinerary well – you can get a glimpse of all the main sights. If you want to see all the best places in the city and not just take a picture of the exteriors and rush through everything, plan at least 2-3 days . If you want to explore deeper and get off the beaten path in Rome, you can easily spend 5-7 days in the city.

TIP: Take a look at our suggested 4 days Rome itinerary – it covers all the main landmarks and lots of amazing lesser-known places that will make your trip so much more memorable. See also our guide to the best neighborhood to stay in Rome .

Best time to visit: Rome is a year-round destination, but the best time weather-wise is April-May and September-October. It’s really hot in July and August making it difficult to appreciate the sights. For fewer crowds and cooler weather, consider the shoulder months such as March or November. Read also what it’s like to visit Rome in November .

LEARN MORE: Tips for Planning a Trip to Rome

There are few places in the world that speak to one’s imagination as Venice does. Without any doubt, Venice is one of the must-see places in Italy!

The entire city of Venice and its lagoon with 118 small islands is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And when you see it, you’ll understand why. The whole town is an architectural masterpiece!

The best way to explore Venice is on foot, so prepare to walk. A lot. Stroll the narrow streets, cross hundreds of bridges, and take the time to admire the details of medieval buildings and stunning gothic palazzi (palaces). You should also take a gondola ride! Not only does it give a very different perspective of the city, but it’s also a real bucket list experience.

Not to be missed: Venice canals and Venetian gondola ride , St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace , Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, Bridge of Sighs , and the pedestrian waterfront promenade Riva degli Schiavoni.

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

How much time do you need: One day is enough to see the main landmarks of Venice (here’s how to see the best of Venice in one day) . If you make it a very long day, you can even take a short excursion to the nearby islands Murano, Burano, and Torcello. For a more relaxed experience, plan at least two days for all the sights in Venice and the nearby islands. If you want to explore the city deeper, plan 3-4 days. See here a suggested itinerary for 3 days in Venice with tips from a local.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Venice

3. Florence

A trip to Italy, especially for those visiting for the first time, involves visiting lots of cities and towns. And even if you’re not a big fan of city trips, there is one more city that you absolutely should see in Italy, and that’s Florence ( Firenze ).

Florence, the capital city of the Tuscany region, is considered the cradle of the Renaissance. It’s here that you’ll find works of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and many others. The old city center is quite compact, but it’s packed with incredible masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture.

Not to be missed: Duomo (Florence Cathedral), Baptistery of St. John, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria, and the view from Piazzale Michelangelo. Michelangelo’s ‘David’ at the Galleria dell’Accademia.

Nice to see: Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens, Basilica di San Lorenzo and San Lorenzo Market, Piazza Santo Spirito, Basilica of Santa Croce, and the views from the best rooftops in Florence .

How much time do you need: One day is enough to quickly see the ‘musts’ of Florence (see 1 day Florence itinerary ). If you want to visit more museums and explore deeper, then you’ll definitely want to spend at least two days here. Plan an extra day for a tour to the Tuscan countryside (more info below).

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Florence

Italy has 20 regions and, in all honesty, they are all worth a visit. However, if you are traveling to Italy for the very first time, Tuscany is one of the nicest regions to visit. Not only because it’s conveniently located between Rome, Venice, and Milan, but also because it has so much to offer.

Tuscany is home to some of the most beautiful towns in Italy. Florence, Siena, Pisa, Lucca, San Gimignano, Volterra, Prato, Arezzo – all these towns are worth a visit! And there are many, many more…

Tuscany is also known for its picturesque landscapes with rolling hills and winding roads lined with cypress trees. It’s also a great destination for foodies and wine lovers. Some of the best Italian wines are produced in Tuscany! Even if you are not visiting the wineries, make sure to try Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti wines at the local restaurants.

Not to be missed: Florence (see above), Siena (and the impressive Siena Cathedral ), Pisa (see further below), and the stunning landscapes of Val d’Orcia. See also our guide to the best towns in Tuscany .

Nice to see: Lucca, San Gimignano, Montepulciano , Volterra, Pienza, Prato, Arezzo, and the wineries.

How much time do you need: You need at least 2 days for Tuscany – one day in Florence, and one (very packed) day for Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, and Chianti. If you want to see so much in such a short time, consider this tour that visits all the main highlights in one day.

Ideally, you spend at least 3-4 days in Tuscany as that will give you more time to enjoy all the main sights in a more relaxed way. If you have enough time, I recommend a week in Tuscany. There’s just so much to see and do!

LEARN MORE: Best Towns in Tuscany & Tuscany Itinerary

5. Cinque Terre

No list of the best places to visit in Italy would be complete without mentioning Cinque Terre . This coastal area is so scenic that it’s hard to believe that it’s real!

Cinque Terre is the collective name of five picturesque hillside towns along the coast of the Italian Riviera in the Liguria region. The 5 Cinque Terre towns are Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare.

These colorful towns are perched between the azure-blue sea on one side and the steep hills dotted with vineyards on the other side. This means that you can’t easily get to Cinque Terre by car and the best way to visit is by boat, by train, or by hiking the Cinque Terre trail between the villages. For more practical information, please check our travel tips for visiting Cinque Terre .

Not to be missed: Manarola, Vernazza, and Riomaggiore.

Nice to see: Corniglia and Monterosso al Mare. Also, the nearby Portovenere and the Gulf of Poets are well worth your time!

How much time do you need: You can see the best of Cinque Terre in one day (also as a day tour from Florence ). If you want to explore deeper and also see some of the stunning coastal areas nearby, plan 2-3 days here.

LEARN MORE: One Day in Cinque Terre & Where to Stay in Cinque Terre

6. Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast in the Campania region is another popular tourist destination in Italy. This area stretches between Sorrento and Salermo and has some of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in Italy. The rugged coastline is dotted with colorful fishing villages and small beaches. It looks like a real-life painting. The Amalfi Coast is also a very popular vacation destination.

The main attractions of this area are the coastal towns of Positano , Amalfi , and Ravello . But also Sorrento and Naples are must-see, just like the famous Mount Vesuvius volcano .

The nearby Capri Island with the famous Blue Grotto and charming Anacapri should also be on your list! Nature and outdoor enthusiasts will love the coastal hike Path of the Gods .

Nearby, you’ll also find the ruins of Pompeii , the ancient city that was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. It’s one of the most interesting places to visit for those who would like to learn more about Roman times.

Not to be missed: Scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast and its three main towns Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello (can also be visited with a day tour ). Also Pompeii is among the top sights in Italy. Capri Island and the Blue Grotto.

Nice to see: Sorrento, Herculaneum, Mt Vesuvius, and the Path of the Gods hike.

How much time do you need: One day is enough to get a taste of what the Amalfi Coast is about. If you have two days, you can also visit Capri. Or you can also spend a week or two here and never get bored… If you want to explore all the main highlights of the Amalfi Coast at a leisurely pace, we recommend at least 3-5 days in the area. Here you can find our guide on where to stay on the Amalfi Coast and here is our guide to the best areas to stay in Naples .

LEARN MORE: Amalfi Coast Itinerary & Amalfi Coast Travel Tips

TIP: You can visit Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast on a day trip from Rome with an organized tour . It will be rushed, but well worth it!

READ ALSO: Amalfi Coast vs. Cinque Terre: which is nicer?

7. Lake Garda

Lake Garda is one of our personal favorite places in Italy. Lake Garda is located in northern Italy, about halfway between Venice and Milan, and can easily be incorporated in your Italy itinerary. It is one of the most scenic lakes in the world and absolutely worth a visit!

Lake Garda is a very big lake. If you want to drive all the way around it, it’s a 150 km (93 miles) drive that would take at least 3-4 hours without any stops or traffic. The best way to explore the lake is by taking a ferry between various towns, but driving the scenic road all the way around the lakes is also an unforgettable experience.

Along the shores of Lake Garda, you’ll find some stunning towns and picturesque little villages. Most famous is the town of Sirmione at the south end of the lake. Malcesine , Limone Sul Garda , and Riva del Garda are also very much worth a visit, even if just to see the northern side of the lake. And there are many more places to explore, but that requires a lot more of your time.

Not to be missed: Sirmione (Castello di Sirmione, Grotte di Catullo, and a boat tour around the peninsula), Malcesine, and a boat ride on the northern end of the lake.

Nice to see: Limone Sul Garda, Riva del Garda, Desenzano del Garda, Garda, Peschiera del Garda, Salo, Bardolino, Torbole, Isola del Garda.

How much time do you need: You can see the main highlights of Lake Garda in one day (by car and/or boat or with a tour ). But you’ll need at least 2-3 days to explore this area a bit deeper. You can find more details in our Lake Garda itinerary suggestions for 1 to 3 days .

LEARN MORE: What to See at Lake Garda

8. Lake Como

Lake Como , just north of Milan, is another stunning lake that also deserves to be on any list of the best of Italy. It’s a place loved by the rich and the famous and you’ll find some grand villas dotting the shores of this lake.

Lake Como is set at the foot of the Alps, just near the border with Switzerland. Many places here have been used as filming locations for countless Hollywood movies. When you’ll see the scenery, you’ll understand why.

Como Lake is not as big as Lake Garda, but it’s quite long and has a very unique shape that looks like an upside-down letter Y. The roads around the lake aren’t very wide and it would take you a good part of the day to drive all around it. Instead, you can take a boat and easily explore the most interesting places in a day or two. There are also car ferries around the middle point of the lake, so you can easily explore the best places by car. Just beware that parking is very problematic.

The main town in this area is Como , located at the south end of the lake. Here you can also take a funicular to the mountain town of Brunate for stunning views of the surroundings. Other nice towns to visit are Bellagio (a must-see), Varenna , and Cernobbio . But the main attraction of Lake Como are its gardens and villas and especially Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello .

Not to be missed: Como town , a boat ride on the lake, Bellagio , Varenna , Villa Carlotta, and Villa Balbianello. Take a look at our guide to the best things to do in Lake Como for more info.

Nice to see: Brunate, Menaggio, Villa Olmo, Cernobbio, Lecco, Pescallo, and Ghisallo Pass… Take a look at our guide to the best towns of Lake Como for more details.

How much time do you need: You can see the best of Lake Como in one day, also with a day tour from Milan . You’ll need at least 2 full days if you also want to visit the two most beautiful villas. Count 3-4 days if you want to explore a bit deeper.

LEARN MORE: Info & Tips for Visiting Lake Como

9. Italian Dolomites

With so many incredible towns to visit in Italy, the country’s most beautiful natural attractions often get overlooked by first-time visitors. Don’t make this mistake! The Italian Dolomite Mountains are worth a trip from the other side of the world! The scenery here is simply phenomenal and I don’t say this lightly.

We’ve seen a lot of the world and some of the most incredible mountain scenery in Switzerland , Western Canada, New Zealand, or Norway to mention just a few. Yet, it took us years to get to the Italian mountains… After spending almost a month in this region over several different trips, I can say that it’s as beautiful as it gets.

No matter which mountain pass you drive, which gondola ride you choose, or which hike you make, you’ll find the most remarkable landscapes in the Dolomites!

Not to be missed: Hard to say because every place is so beautiful. The most popular areas for first-time visitors are Val Gardena and Cortina d’Ampezzo with the iconic 3 peaks Tre Cime di Lavaredo . Also the lakes Pragser Wildsee (Lake Braies) and Lake Sorapis are stunning. Marmolada , the highest mountain range of the Dolomites, is also considered a must.

READ ALSO: Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites in Italy

Nice to see: Everything! Check out the Cinque Torri area that offers stunning mountain views and easy access to some incredible Great War sites. Also the mountains of the nearby Trentino region are really beautiful. Check out Val di Fumo , a spectacular place that’s still under the radar of most international tourists.

READ ALSO: Most Beautiful Lakes in the Italian Dolomites

How much time do you need: You can get a glimpse of the Dolomites in a day if you take a guided tour with a local guide. There are day tours from Bolzano, from Venice, or from Lake Garda. But if you are traveling in summer and love hiking, plan at least 5-6 days in the area. Stay in Val Gardena for a few days and be sure to spend several days in the Cortina d’Ampezzo area as well (see our guide to the best places to stay in the Dolomites ).

We’ve been to the Dolomites several times and will definitely go back again. There is just so much to see that you could spend many vacations here!

LEARN MORE: Dolomites Itinerary

Good to know: In winter, you can ski in the Dolomites. There are countless ski resorts in the South Tyrol and Trentino regions. And in summer, it’s a paradise for hiking and other outdoor activities!

READ ALSO: Best Hikes in the Dolomites

One more beautiful town that I feel deserves a mention on this list of the very best places to see in Italy is Verona . World-famous as being the setting for Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, Verona is known as Italy’s most romantic city. But there is so much more to it than just Juliet’s tiny balcony!

Verona is a very old town with a rich history and beautiful architecture. Its most famous attraction is the 1st-century Roman amphitheater. You can visit it inside during the day or get tickets for one of the many concerts and performances in the evening. There is always something happening here!

The town is compact and you can see a lot in a short time. Stroll around the old town, get just a bit off the beaten tourist path, and you’ll find a great atmosphere of a real Italian town that’s often hard to find in many other most popular towns and cities in Italy.

Not to be missed: Verona Arena, Piazza delle Erbe, Torre dei Lamberti, and Juliet’s House & Balcony.

Nice to see: Castelvecchio, Ponte Scaligero, Piazza dei Signori, Arche Scaligere, and the views from Castel San Pietro.

How much time do you need: Half a day is enough for the main highlights of Verona. If you have one full day in the city, you can cover most of its best attractions. In two days, you can see the best of Verona plus take a tour of the nearby vineyards .

TIP: You can visit Verona as well as Lake Garda as a day trip from Milan . There are also tours from Venice .

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Verona

For many years, I was convinced that Milan was not as beautiful or worth a visit as most other Italian cities. However, my recent visit proved me wrong. Milan is a fascinating city and one of the very few places in Italy where history and modern-day life go so well together. I can’t compare it to any other Italian city as none of them have the same vibe as you’ll find in Milan.

Milan is a bit of a rough diamond and you have to make some effort to explore deeper in order to truly appreciate it. But even if you just visit for a day and focus on the main tourist attractions, it’s still well worth a visit!

Not to be missed: Duomo and Duomo Terraces, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and ‘The Last Supper’ by Leonardo da Vinci (book months in advance or take a tour !).

Nice to see: Sforzesco Castle, La Scala, Milan canals, Brera & Braidense National Library, Porta Nuova district.

How much time do you need: One day is enough for the main landmarks of Milan (see this guide for more info: one day in Milan ). If you have more time, I suggest taking a day tour to Lake Como .

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Milan

12. Italian Riviera

Italian Riviera is a beautiful coastal area of the Liguria region in western Italy. It’s best known for the picturesque coastal villages of Cinque Terre (mentioned above) and the luxury holiday resort for the rich and the famous – Portofino. But also here, there is so much more to see and do!

This part of Italy is just as beautiful as, say the Amalfi Coast, but you won’t find many tourist groups here. It’s more a place for a repeat trip to Italy than for those visiting the country for the first time and so many tourists never get to see more of this region beyond Cinque Terre. Yet, I think it surely deserves a visit if you can squeeze another day or two in your Italian itinerary.

The biggest city in this area is Genoa, but if you have to choose one or the other, I find that the coastal towns are worth your time more.

Not to be missed: Portofino, Cinque Terre, Camogli (featured image on top of this article).

Nice to see: Genoa, Santa Margherita Ligure, Portovenere.

How much time do you need: You need at least one day for Cinque Terre (see #5 above) and at least one day for Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, and Camogli. If you also want to visit Portovenere and Genoa, you’ll need at least 4 days in this region and it will be rushed.

LEARN MORE: Most Beautiful Towns of the Italian Riviera

One of the most unique cities in Italy, Naples , is totally different from any other place in Italy! It’s noisy and crowded, but it’s also home to some of the most interesting historical sights and landmarks. Not even to mention that Naples is the birthplace of pizza. So a visit here is your chance to try the original Italian pizza, as it’s supposed to be.

No matter what you might have heard of Naples, don’t doubt for a second – the city is absolutely worth a visit! Ideally, you combine a trip here with that to the earlier-mentioned Amalfi Coast. But Naples is a fascinating destination in itself!

There is so much to see and do in and near Naples that you’ll have to be really selective about where to go, especially if your time in the area is limited.

Not to be missed: Historic city center (the area around Spaccanapoli and Via dei Tribunali), the Veiled Christ at Sansevero Chapel, National Archaeological Museum, Santa Chiara Monastery, Gesu Nuovo Church, and the views from Castel Sant’Elmo.

Nice to see: Naples Underground, Naples Catacombs, Piazza del Plebiscito, Royal Palace of Naples, Cathedral, Castel Nuovo, Ovo Castle, Via San Gregorio Armeno, Spanish Quarter.

How much time do you need: You need at least one day in Naples in order to see some of the musts. Ideally, you plan at least 2-3 days for the city, plus a few days for its surroundings including a visit to places like Pompeii, Herculaneum, Mt Vesuvius, or the Royal Palace of Caserta. See our guide to the best day trips from Naples for more information about all these places.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Naples & Naples – Amalfi Coast Itinerary for 10 Days

The centuries-old rival town of Florence, Pisa is another place that most people consider a must-see in Italy. And it’s well worth a trip, even if just to see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa!

It seems that everyone in the world has seen the famous Pisa Tower (even if just on a pizza box of a local pizzeria in your hometown). But not many people know that there is so much more to see in Pisa than its tower.

Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) certainly does its name justice! The architecture here is stunning. Most buildings here date from the 11th and 12th centuries. Don’t miss the Duomo, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Baptistery, and the graveyard.

After a visit here, make sure to also visit the city center of Pisa. You’ll find a very pleasant Italian town with more locals than tourists, trendy cafes, restaurants, and nice little shops. When you come here from the busy Piazza dei Miracoli, you won’t believe this is the same town.

Not to be missed: Piazza dei Miracoli with the leaning tower of Pizza.

Nice to see: Pisa town center.

How much time do you need: Half a day is enough for the main highlights and a visit to the city center. You can take a guided tour that covers all the main places in about 2 hours .

TIP: Because it doesn’t require that much time, Pisa is often visited as a half-day trip from Florence or in combination with other places nearby. For example, you can take a day tour from Florence that combines Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano or a day tour that visits Pisa and Cinque Terre from Florence .

There are also day tours from Rome that visit Pisa and Florence in a day and many other options. In other words, it’s really easy to include Pisa in your itinerary when planning a trip to Italy.

15. Emilia Romagna

Probably one of the most underrated regions in northern Italy, Emilia Romagna is a true hidden gem just waiting to be discovered!

If this place was anywhere else in the world, it would be overrun by tourists. But surrounded by such grand neighbors as Venice, Milan, and Italian Lakes in the north, coastal areas of the Italian Riviera in the west, and Tuscany in the south, Emilia Romagna is often overlooked by most first-time visitors.

However, if you are looking to discover the more authentic side of Italy, you should really consider visiting at least a couple of places in this region. Emilia Romagna is like the best of Italy in one, but without as many tourists. It truly has it all: rich history, stunning architecture, art, beautiful beaches, lively towns, and lovely landscapes. Furthermore, Emilia Romagna offers some of the very best food in the whole of Italy.

Not to be missed: Ravenna , Bologna .

Nice to see: Rimini , Parma, Ferrara, Modena.

How much time do you need: You’ll need at least one day for Bologna (you can easily visit Bologna from Florence for a day too) and at least half a day for Ravenna. If you have more time, you can easily fill 4-5 days in this region.

LEARN MORE: Emilia Romagna Itinerary & Best Things to Do in Bologna

TIP: If you find yourself planning a trip to this part of Italy, make sure to also plan a day for San Marino . While technically not part of Italy, it definitely deserves a mention and a visit!

San Marino is a tiny Republic surrounded by the Emilia Romagna region in Italy. It’s a real fairytale-like destination and well worth your time.

Pro tip: Plan to stay at least one night in one of the San Marino hotels so that you can explore this magical place without the crowds of day-trippers.

LEARN MORE: San Marino

Puglia (Apulia) is a beautiful region in southern Italy, right at the ‘heel’ of this boot-shaped country. Apulia is probably best known internationally for its trulli houses. Trulli are dry stone huts with a conical roof only found in this part of Italy and mostly in Alberobello town and the Itria Valley. These houses are typically painted white, while the roofs are left grey.

If you are looking for more authentic places to visit in Italy, then you should definitely consider this lesser-known region. It has some incredibly beautiful areas and just a fraction of the number of tourists compared to the surrounding regions.

A visit here is about the colors, the smells, the tastes that somehow feel stronger than anywhere else. It feels as if time passes slower here and so this is a wonderful part of Italy for those who like to travel deeper and are looking for more local experiences.

Not to be missed: Trulli houses in Alberobello, Promontorio del Gargano (a scenic drive along the coast following the ‘heel’ between Peschici and Manfredonia).

Nice to see: the 13th century octagonal-shaped Castel del Monte, Lecce that’s often called ‘Florence of the South’, Bari, Cathedral of Trani, Cathedral of Otranto, Taranto, Grotte di Castellana.

How much time do you need: You’ll need a day to explore the Terra dei Trulli and at least half a day for the scenic drive at the Gargano NP. The rest really depends on what you’re planning to visit.

Sicily is not only the largest island of Italy but also of the whole Mediterranean region. The island has nice beaches and breathtaking scenery, and it’s also very rich in history. You can even find ancient temples dating to the 5th-6th centuries BC (don’t miss Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples!).

One of the main attractions of the island is Mount Etna, Europe’s largest and most active volcano. You can visit the volcano with various tours – by jeep, hiking, etc.

Sicily is also a great region for foodies as it has its own distinct cuisine. Sicilian food has been influenced a lot by its history and you’ll find dishes influenced by French, Greek, Arabic, and North African cuisines. Different regions within Sicily can have very different food as well.

TIP: If you’d like to get to know more about Sicilian food and taste a big variety of it, you may want to consider a local food tour . There are some really good tours in all the bigger towns.

Not to be missed: Mount Etna, Valley of the Temples, Taormina (and the nearby villages where The Godfather was filmed), Syracuse (Siracusa), and Palermo.

Nice to see: Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, Catania, Monreale, and Erice and Segesta.

How much time do you need: You can see the highlights of Sicily in 3-5 days, but you can easily spend a week or two here as well.

18. Sardinia

Just a little bit smaller than Sicily, Sardinia is also a big island that is a good vacation destination in itself. It has some nice places for sightseeing, but it’s also a popular vacation island with azure-blue waters, rugged coastlines, and dreamy white-sand beaches. It’s a great place to experience the Italian dolce far niente , the sweetness of doing nothing!

If you are looking for a more active holiday, you’ll find plenty to see and do as well. The island interior is mountainous and there are some nice hiking trails here. There are also nice little towns, archeological sites, and little islands to visit…

Sardinia is very different from the rest of Italy, with its own unique culture and food. It offers a lot of diversity in activities, sights, and sceneries and so it’s a great vacation destination for those who want to combine a beach holiday with some sightseeing.

Not to be missed: Costa Smeralda and its La Madalena Archipelago. Nuraghi, fortress-like tower ruins shaped like beehives. One of the oldest nuraghi (1500 BC) is Su Nuraxi in Barumini.

Nice to see: Cagliari, Alghero, and countless beaches.

How much time do you need: You can see some of the main highlights of Sardinia in 2-3 days, but it would be a pity to fly to this island just to tick the box on your Italy bucket list… If you are looking for a more relaxing vacation and want to enjoy the beautiful beaches, you can easily spend a few weeks here.

TIP: If you are thinking of visiting Sardinia, but are not sure where to start, take a look at Strictly Sardinia , a website by my Italian friend Claudia. Sardinia local, she shares all the top tips to help you plan an unforgettable trip.

READ ALSO: Tips & Useful Info for Traveling to Europe

So, this is my list of the absolute best places in Italy. As you can see, many of these destinations can be like a trip in itself, while some others can be visited in just a day or even less.

I hope that these suggestions will help you plan a dream trip to Italy! No matter where you go and how much time you spend, one thing you can be sure of – you’ll want to come back!

For more detailed destination guides and practical tips for your trip to Italy, please check our other articles on the blog via this link: Italy itinerary for 2 weeks . This itinerary covers many of the very best places in Italy in the most efficient way.

READ ALSO: How to Plan a Trip to Europe (+Top Tips)

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Sunday 30th of July 2023

Good afternoon, I was wondering if you have 3 - 4 wks itineraries for Italy? I have already visited the touristy places and would love to visit other regions. Thank you!

Tuesday 1st of August 2023

Hi Carmen, no, we don't have any sample itineraries for a longer duration as the possibilities would be endless. As you say, you already visited many popular places, so you'll never find an itinerary that's perfect for you because most itineraries will most definitely include some of the most popular areas. I also can't imagine you have visited all the 'touristy places' in Italy either ;). We have been to Italy dozens of times and still just scratched the surface of all there is to see... You can spend 3-4 weeks in the Dolomites alone and still not see everything... The best way to plan a trip is pick a few areas that interest you the most and then spend a few days in each exploring it deeper. Good luck with the planning.

Bruce Ogilvie

Wednesday 14th of June 2023

We are travelling to Italy this September. Thanks for your Italy article. Very helpful. Please inform us of where to stay in Florence. $$ and $$$ please. 3 or 4 stars. What area or neighborhood?

Hi Bruce, you can find some information on the best area to stay and our hotel recommendations for Florence in this article. If you are traveling any time soon, book ASAP! Have a great trip!

Tammy Hamilton

Friday 3rd of March 2023

What if you want to do it in three weeks? What do you recommend and how to travel and where to stay

Hi Tammy, take a look at our Italy itinerary for 2 weeks. It has so many additional recommendations that you can easily make it 3 weeks or more. You could start with Naples/Amalfi Coast for 3-4 days, then Rome for 3 days, then Florence (+Tuscan countryside/Cinque Terre/Pisa) for another 3-4 days, Bologna for a day or two, Venice for 2-3 days, Verona for a day, Lake Garda for 2-3 days, Lake Como for 1-4 days, and end with a day or two in Milan. It's just one of the gazillion ways to do it. Once again, take a look at the itinerary I linked to above. It has all the details and suggestions. If I ever find the time, I might publish some more recommendations, but there are so many possibilities that it's really difficult to recommend 'the best' itinerary. Good luck with the planning!

Tuesday 21st of February 2023

What is the best spot/address to take cypress tress picture in Tuscany. The one you have in this post. Thanks.

Sunday 26th of February 2023

Hi Ramesh, there are quite a few places in Tuscany where you will find similar views. The problem is that what you see in reality is often much further away than in the pictures. So if you are looking to take pictures like that - and depending on the place - you'll need a good telephoto lens. Anyway, this picture is from Crete Senesi not far from Siena. There are a few places indicated with this name on Google Maps and they are all quite scenic. If you are looking for this exact spot, you can find it here. Be aware though that it's usually full of people taking pictures, especially at sunset, so it's not as idyllic as it may look in the photos.

Thursday 2nd of February 2023

Hi we plan to have ten days to venice dolomite como and portofino . Where should we start first and how long for every place.any recommendations for the best transportation through this journey. Do you have any recommendations for hotel and restaurant too thank you

Friday 3rd of February 2023

Hi Miley, what you are asking are detailed suggestions for an entire trip itinerary. Unfortunately, I really have no time to offer this service to our readers. Creating a good itinerary for a trip like this takes many hours and everyone has different interests, flies to different airports, travels in different seasons, etc. etc. You might find some inspiration in our 2-week Italy itinerary that has all the details. But it doesn't cover all the areas that you want to see. We do, however, have plenty of articles on our blog that covers all the areas that you want to see in great detail. You can find a lot of them linked in this article, and otherwise, take a look at the overview on our Italy travel page. Good luck with the planning and have a great trip!

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.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

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.

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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Map of Italian Cities

The best cities for italian destination planning, mapped.

• Italy Maps >
• Map of Italy showing cities

Italy is wonderfully diverse; below is a map of it. If you're just starting to plan your Italian vacation, you'll need to know the proximities of the cities best to visit. Our map shows Italy and its two largest islands, and the main cities to consider visiting.

Table of contents

• Italian Cities Map

Accommodations in Italy

• Smaller cities and Rural Areas
• Italian Guidebooks

Taking the Train

• The Geography of Italy

Map of Italy Showing Cities to Visit

Italy is composed of 20 regions, which are outlined in gray on the map. Each region has a different cuisine, and many regions and and provinces have their own dialect of Italian. This makes a trip to Italy like a trip to many different countries. You can access region maps by using the drop down list on the toolbar at the top of this page.

There are four main attractions in Italy on the map. Rome , Venice , and Florence make up the three most-visited cities, and the little villages of the Cinque Terre are the most popular rural attraction.

Major cities and towns in Italy are linked by rail lines, which is usually the recommended way to get between the larger ones. Trains usually drop passengers in the middle of a city, and that's usually where the historic core is found--the place you want to be. To plan a rail trip, see our Rail Map and Transportation Guide .

The cities are also linked be toll roads called autostrade , the plural of autostrada . We have an interactive autostrada map as well. 

If planning a rail trip seems too daunting and you don't wish to drive, check out Viator's Extended tours . From the big cities you can take 1-3 day excursions to many popular destinations.

Italy has many forms, styles, and degrees of luxury in accommodations. Here's how I choose a hotel in Italy. I often prefer an apartment or vacation house to stay in, and I have compiled a list of extraordinary places to stay , called self-catering.

You can use the Booking.com box below to check out the range of accommodations in Italy. If you enter your dates, you can see prices as well.

Italy's Smaller Cities and Rural Areas

Many people miss the joys of Italy's rural villages. My little corner of Italy, La Lunigiana , includes the marble mountains of Carrara, where you can take some interesting tours .

Rural food in Italy is amazing. The quality of the ingredients makes for simple dishes that bring out the best of local foods.  See our video on the quality of ingredients grown where they like to grow: Culinary Ingredients .

Did you know there are special places in Italy that are protected against building speculation and mass tourism? Off the beaten track tourism is practically guaranteed in the Cilento , for example. And the greater part of it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Speaking of world heritage sites, did you know that the first Italian site so honored with the Valcamonica just north of Lake Iseo ? The Valcamonica is stunningly beautiful, the ancient rock carvings it's known for (petroglyphs) are quite interesting, and the valley has numerous hiking trails to discover.

Many folks travel to experience the food and wine of Italy. Lunch in Italy, called pranzo , is often an Italian's big meal of the day, can start at noon but really gets going after 1pm, when the stores close until late in the afternoon. A pranzo di lavoro or "worker's lunch" can sometimes be had for as little as 10 euro in rural areas, and generally includes wine and coffee plus two courses, pasta and a meat course.

Generally, a service charge is included in the bill. It is customary to leave a few coins for a tip, or up to five percent of the total bill if the service is good (some say 10 percent in a fancy  ristorante  where the service is impeccable). In rural areas where one eats in a simple trattoria or osteria, tipping is usually not customary.

To find out more about eating out in Italy, see our guide to Italian food. Eating can be in interactive adventure, especially if you can converse in Italian. To find out what's best on the menu, see: How to Get Good Food in Italy .

Italy Guidebooks

If you're looking for an online source of books, we've partnered with bookshop.com, an online bookshop that supports your local bookstore as well as indy writers. Use the button below to see our recommended guides, cookbooks and maps.

Italy Maps and Guides

Each of the cities marked on the map above is easily accessible via Italy's vast rail network. Fast trains like the Frecce series (arrow in English) whisk you between the major cities like Rome and Naples at speeds over 150 km per hour. That's faster then you can drive--and without traffic jams or tolls. The train generally takes you from city center to city center, exactly where you want to be. International trains take you further. Venice is a mere three hours and forty one minutes from Zurich, for example. The smaller towns? You'll be surprised how well served they are by Italy's regional trains.

If you have a ticket or rail pass you can just arrive at the station, find the "binario" or track your train is on by reading the departures board and wait for or board your train if it's waiting at the station. There's no "arrive two hours early to assure your space on the plane" warnings when you ride the rails. If I'm going to a big city, I always choose the train, even when I have a car at my disposal.

Below are some resources you might find useful if you are considering taking the train on your Italian vacation.

How to Ride the Rails in Italy Italy Rail Map Do Italian Rail Passes Save You Money?

A Little About The Geography of Italy

Italy is about the size of New Mexico, but very differently configured. About 40% of Italy is mountainous, with the alps arcing across northern Italy and the Apennine Mountains becoming the 405 mile "backbone" of Italy from the western Alps to the eastern Adriatic. Sicily and Sardinia form the largest islands. The largest Italian lake is Lake Garda. Agriculture takes up over 50% of the rural land.

Read More: The Geography of Italy

Italy is simply amazing. If you're planning a trip for the future, sign up for our free newsletter , which includes destinations and discoveries as we travel around the boot.

Planning a Trip?

Here are some travel planning tools that are especially useful if you're planning your first or second trip to Italy.

• Travel Planning Timeline : Learn what you need to plan when.
• What Will an Italy Vacation Cost? : Tools for budgeting your Italian vacation.
• Unplanned Attractions : Save time for the good life in Italy.

Protect Your Trip »

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, it's safe to say Italy's 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.

Amalfi Coast

Cinque terre, tuscany, italy.

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 picturesque piazzas big and small. While you're soaking up the city's 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 an added bonus, Florence is ideal for a daytrip to the Chianti wine region.

The journey to the cliff-side 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.

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 picturesque 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 Cinque Terre 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 cliff-side Footpath Monterosso trail, a beautiful hiking path connecting Vernazza and Monterosso.

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.

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 daytrips and boat tours to nearby Capri, the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii and other popular Italian locales.

Italy's second-largest city is best known for its high fashion, playing host to Milan Fashion Week each winter 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 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.   

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.

If you're looking for Italy without the crowds, 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.

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 Woods of 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.

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.

This former Roman city in southern Italy is equal parts chilling and impressive. Pompeii was left almost completely intact after it was buried in ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Its astonishingly well-preserved ruins now provide present-day visitors a glimpse into what life was like during ancient times. True history buffs might also enjoy a trip to nearby Herculaneum, another city that was preserved by the same eruption, while more adventurous explorers should consider hiking to the top of Mount Vesuvius for jaw-dropping panoramas of the Bay of Naples and the Sorrento Peninsula.

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 about 15 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.

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.

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 sandy 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 and Baroque architectural styles.

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 venture just outside of Portofino to 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.

Thought to have been inhabited 12,000 years ago, Matera is one of the world's oldest continually occupied towns. Located in the Basilicata region in southern Italy, just west of Puglia, Matera's distinguishing features are its sassi (cave dwellings), which were inhabited until the 1950s. While here, look out for the many viewpoints, called belvederes, for a glimpse of the breathtaking cliffside. Visit Sasso Caveoso for the Casa Grotta cave house (inhabited until 1957) and the Santa Maria de Idris, a rupestrian church carved from the rocky landscape. Meanwhile, in Sasso Barisano – the oldest part of the city – you'll find modern comforts like hotels, restaurants and shops.

There are several reasons why Bologna, the capital of northern Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, is often called "la dotta, la grassa e la rossa" ("the learned, the fat and the red"). For one, it's home to the oldest university in Europe, the University of Bologna. The city is also a food lover's dream thanks to its world-renowned cuisine, which includes Italian staples like tortellini and lasagna Bolognese. Bologna even features a gelato university and the food-themed amusement park, FICO Eataly World. Plus, the city boasts an array of terra cotta-roofed medieval buildings, including a pair of leaning towers.

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.   

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10 Best Places To Visit In Italy (Guide + Map)

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

You have my support: despite my temptation to list almost fifty places to go in Italy on this list, I’ve narrowed it down to the top ten places to visit in Italy along with a few tricks for an ideal tour experience.

Italy has long been considered as one of my absolute favorite places to travel, and despite constantly spending, staying, and exploring the place over three years, I’ll be going back to enjoy the most beautiful places in Italy again and again for all my life.

Before heading on to plan your trip to this wonderful Mediterranean country with my list of the best places to visit in Italy.

Let’s find out the reason why should we need to visit Italy.

Jump ahead to:

Reasons To Visit Italy

Situated in the southern region of Europe, the lady boot-shaped peninsula of Italy is one of the world’s most desired travel destinations for numerous reasons that include captivating cities and countryside, passionate and friendly locals, valued art treasures, and world-class cuisine.

Italy is a destination where you can witness some of the most iconic sites in the world – the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain in Rome, the leaning Tower of Pisa, Milan Cathedral to name but a few. The country is home to the world’s highest number of World Heritage sites – 51 in all and has Europe’s largest active volcano Mt. Etna – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, providing a spectacular viewing of eruptions, lava flows, and vast caves.

It has been world-famous for its pizza, pasta, Colosseum, Milan fashion, opera music, and football – ‘gli Azzurri’ (The Blues – considered as Europe’s Brazil) – offers various other exciting attractions.

There’s the chance to see renowned Renaissance masterwork and shop for premium fashion too. The famous Gothic Milan cathedral (duomo di Milano) and the Santa Maria Delle Grazie convent display Leonardo da Vinci’s representation. St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City exhibit true architectural masterpiece by Michelangelo, Donato Bramante, Carlo Maderno, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini and considered as the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture. Also, Florence is famed for its symbolic architecture and showpieces of art from Renaissance time.

Moreover, Italy offers a stunning range of lush natural scenery and multiple opportunities to escape into nature. Sardinia, Tuscany, Cinque Terre, and the Dolomites all flaunt incredible landscapes and brilliant hiking routes.

You could spend your time in this culturally rich land learning about the lives of the Romans at Rome, witnessing the devastations caused by Mount Vesuvius at Pompeii, or just loitering alongside one of the many Italian lakes.

Indeed, Italy has something very special for every traveler, making it a truly global tourist destination.

Top 10 Places To Visit In Italy

Are you planning your first trip to Italy? Let me tell you, it’s going to be really undecided as to which cities to visit. It’s a tough decision, for some good reasons as mentioned earlier. Moreover, Italy’s major cities and destinations can easily be reached by train.

The amount of time you are planning to stay in Italy will likely decide how many places you can visit there. Many travelers choose the classic itinerary of Rome, Florence, Milan, and Venice, perhaps with a side trip through Tuscany. There are so many stunning and exotic places to discover in Italy, so it’s really hard to nail down any list of the ‘best’ places to visit in Italy. Let’s give it a shot! These are my picks for the top 10 places to visit in Italy, each with its own special character and charm.

Rome! Just hearing the name stirs up some of the most popular architectural monuments in the world – the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, and the St. Peter’s Basilica. The history, that spans twenty-eight centuries, making it one of the oldest inhabited cities in Europe and one of the must-see places in Italy .

The most famous places to visit in Rome are a fantastic blend of historical sites, dazzling piazzas and buzzing neighborhoods, world-class museums. For the first-time visitor, Rome should place at or the top of your list. It’s a big, bustling city with main attractions clustered around the historic city center.

Top Attractions : The Colosseum, the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps. Walkthrough the historic heart of Rome, explore Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Navona, and Campo de Fiori, and enjoy dinner in Trastevere.

Estimated Stay: If You are planning to see only the main sites, a rushed two-days stay in the city can able you to visit the highlights. With even more time, you can explore Rome’s each and every corner, take a food tour, and venture into off-beat attractions.

Read More : Rome In 2 Days Itinerary

Venice (Venezia) is one of my personal favorite places in Italy and also makes it to the top of the list for many first-time visitors. Why?

Venice is one of the unique places to visit in Italy, built on a lagoon surrounded by the Adriatic Sea. Moreover, it is compact and perfect to be explored in just a few days’ time.

Venice can be considered as romantic, historic, and magnificent with its canals and gondolas, the architectural piazzas, the colorful towns of Murano and Burano will definitely make you fall in love with this attractive place!

Top Attractions: Take a gondola ride through the city, see St. Mark’s Square, wander along the canals, wade across the Rialto Bridge, and visit the Doges’ Palace and Saint Mark’s Basilica.

Estimated Stay:  Spend at least one full day to see the highlights of Venice. If you are planning to visit Murano, Burano to explore the neighborhoods two to three days are enough.

Florence (Firenze) is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Italy. The birthplace of the Renaissance and the art museums are proof of that. Michelangelo’s David, the amazing Uffizi Gallery, and the statues that are on display in the historic city center are breathtaking views to see. Even there are enough towers to climb for panoramic views, gelato to eat, and shops to visit that you don’t have to feel overburden with museum tours on a trip to Florence.

Top Experiences : Don’t miss Michelangelo’s David, the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery tour, wander across Ponte Vecchio, eat gelato, and watch the sunset over Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo.

Estimated Stay : You can rush through the best of Florence in one full day. Florence also makes a great base for day trips to Tuscany (Toscana).

Milan is home to world-class museums, fashionable shopping areas, football, the Duomo, and Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’. Almost devastated from heavy bombing during World War II, Milan has since reconstructed and undergone an architectural Renaissance, now shines as one of the wealthiest cities in Europe.

Top Experiences : Witness Da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’, go shopping at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, walk top of the Duomo.

Estimated Stay : One or two days. Milan is also considered as one of the best places to visit in Italy with a family which involves a lot of day trips. You can make a nice day trip if you are traveling between cities such as Florence, Lake Como, and Venice.

At the foot of Mt. Vesuvius situated the ruins of the ancient city of Pompeii, which was buried under several feet of volcanic ash. This is your opportunity to stroll through a well-preserved, ancient city and get one of Italy’s best history lessons.

Top Experiences: You can explore Pompeii on your own or can consider hiring a guide or joining a tour to get the best experience.

Estimated Stay: You can visit Pompeii on a day trip from Rome, Naples, or the Amalfi Coast. The maximum duration of this trip will be two hours. You can also hike up to the summit of Mt. Vesuvius for some great experience.

Various books and Hollywood movies keep on flaunting Tuscany’s beauty and this has made us fall in love with this area. Scenic hillside towns climbing up in the midst of vineyards and rolling hills made Tuscany sumptuous and fun to explore. One week in Tuscany can be enjoyable if you are planning to settle down in a Tuscan villa along with some day trips out to the neighboring towns.

Top Experiences : Tour the hill towns of Tuscany. Siena (details below) is one of the larger towns with Florence, Lucca, Sienna, and Arezzo. They are all very unique and beautiful Tuscan towns. Top hill towns include San Gimignano, Pienza, and Volterra.

Estimated Stay : A day trip into Tuscany from Siena or Florence, and visiting a few of the smaller neighborhoods will be able to see some highlights of this scenic area. But with more time, usually three to four days, allows you to be laid back and soak up this region and its wineries.

Pisa is world-famous for its Leaning Tower (well known for Galileo’s gravity experiment from Leaning Tower of Pisa). You might be thinking about whether it’s really worth the visit? Let me tell you, Pisa is worth a quick stop if you are planning to travel from Florence to the Cinque Terre and can take an hour to pose with the tower for those cliché photos along with other travelers and maybe even climb the tower.

Top Experiences: You must try to climb the tower if vertigo is not an issue for you.

Estimated Stay: Two to three hours stay in the city is enough to experience the tower and surroundings.

The city of Romeo and Juliet is located along the Adige River and is considered one of the most charming cities in Italy. This small city is gorgeous but also an underrated Italian destination and is worth the visit, even if you just have a few hours.

You will not regret if you include Verona in your travel plans and might be thrilled you did so.

Top Experiences: The busiest spot is Juliette’s house, can expect a moderate to the heavy crowd there. Stroll across Ponte Scaligero, visit Piazza delle Erbe, visit the Arena di Verona (recent Bollywood movie ‘Rockstar’ shot over there for one of its songs), view the city of Verona from the top of Piazzale Castel San Pietro, and stroll through the city during sunset.

Estimated Stay: I will suggest you stay one night at Verona for experiencing the flavor of this city and stroll the city streets at night when the day-trippers leave.

A hill town in Tuscany, Siena is a great place to visit. Siena is similar to Florence but comparatively quieter and smaller. I am quite sure you will definitely love this place if you are paying a visit.

Top Experiences: Overlook Siena from Torre del Mangia, roam around the cobblestoned streets, visit the Siena Cathedral, and spend some time in Piazza del Campo.

Estimated Stay: If you have more time, spend at least one night here to really experience the best of Siena (or you can plan a day trip from Florence or Tuscany).

Sicily is the biggest island in the Mediterranean, and home to Mt. Etna, the second most active volcano in the world, and has long been considered one of the best places to visit in Italy with family. There is something for every age group, and community on Italy’s largest island, from archaeological sites to family resorts to busy towns and cities. This is a place where you can see ancient Greek and Roman ruins, stunning beaches, scenic towns, and lots of castles.

Top Experiences: Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is an exotic city worth exploring. Visit the Greek Theatre of Taormina, the Aeolian Islands, climb Mt. Etna, and relax on the beaches.

Estimated Stay: You need at least three days to get a taste of what Sicily has to offer. During three days’ time, you can see the historical highlights, chill out on the beach, and visit Mt. Etna.

Read More:  A Step-by-Step Guide On How To Plan A Europe Trip From India

Best Places To Visit In Italy: Travel Map

Italy is so rich in charming, and breathtaking places – I agree, it is not an easy job to pick just some of the most beautiful places in Italy.

However, I believe, this article has inspired you to include some of the places on your Italy bucket list because It’s truly a unique country to visit.

I will try to write on some of the most unique places to visit in Italy in one of my future articles to give an idea of other underrated but equally gorgeous places in Italy that you must include in your travel list.

If you find this article helpful, have any questions, or suggestions for improving the blog please write feedback in a comment.

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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.

CNT Editors

Olivia Morelli , CN Traveller

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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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 June 2021 and updated November 2023

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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.

Planning On Using Uber in Italy?

Uber in Italy isn’t as simple as you might expect. Here are some local alternatives and how to catch a cab.

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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Must-Try Foods

Two-Week Itinerary

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Dolomites Guide

Where to Go Hiking

Where to Go Skiing

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Best Destinations

Top Cities to Visit

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 20 Best Cities to Visit in Italy – Real Traveler Approved!

Italy is such a beautiful country that it can be hard to figure out the best cities in Italy to visit, especially if it’s your first trip. I spent several years living in Italy and have traveled extensively around the country, and in my journeys I have always sought to explore new corners of the country and visit cities in Italy that aren’t very well-known among foreign tourists.  I thought the time had come to share my personal Italy travel recommendations with you!

In compiling this guide to the best cities to visit in Italy, I tried to focus on cities that are actually cities , so you won’t find Italy’s beautiful small towns or villages on this list (although I’ll note some that are easy day trips from the cities I recommend).

As well, this is a loosely-ranked list, in that I would consider the first eight or ten cities as “must visit” destinations in Italy (though you certainly don’t have to visit them all on the same trip – Italy isn’t going anywhere!).  The second half of the list is beautiful cities in Italy that are worth visiting, but that make sense to be combined with other destinations when you happen to be in that area.

So check out my list of the best cities to visit in Italy, let me know in the comments at the end which ones you’ve visited and loved, and where you’d like to visit on your next trip to Italy!

I actually lived in Italy for two years, and visited it several other times, before I ever traveled to Rome. I was worried it would be too touristy, so I intentionally visited other cities instead. However, when I finally did visit Rome for the first time, I realized I had made a mistake by not visiting sooner.

Stepping out of my hotel and coming face-to-face with the ancient Roman Forum, and looking just across the street to the towering Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, I understood why travelers fell in love with Rome. Every corner you turn reveals a new moment in history and invites you to step back into the past. There are so many places that you can explore for free, and although some attractions do have an entrance fee, you always feel like you get your money’s worth.

There are too many attractions in Rome to list, from the Sistene Chapel to the Pantheon to the Trevi Fountain to the Spanish Steps and beyond. Give yourself several days in the city so that you have time to hit all the highlights and time to wander freely, turning down whichever cobblestone street captures your imagination.

Oh, and did I mention the food? 😍

(By the way, that hotel that faces the Forum, is across from the Vittorio Emanuele II monument and is just four blocks away from the Colisseum is the highly-recommended Nerva Boutique Hotel in Monti .)

Who Should Go – Everyone looking for that “wow” factor. This is what you imagine when you think of Italy.

Who Should Skip It – If you have an extreme aversion to crowds you might be disappointed, but if you start sightseeing early and go off the beaten path even just a bit, you can avoid the worst of the crowds.

What’s Nearby – The archeological site of Ostia Antica is just an hour away by bus, near the airport.  If you sleep at the airport the night before your departing flight you can visit Ostia Antica that afternoon.

How to Say It In Italian – Roma.

When I think about the best cities to visit in Italy for all travelers, Rome has to top my list. However, when I’m thinking about my favorite cities in Italy – the ones I recommend to everyone and the ones that I visit again and again – Turin comes out on top.

Located in northwest Italy in the region of Piemonte, Turin was the first capital of Italy. The city is surrounded by beautiful castles from the Savoy dynasty (they are easy to reach via public transit) and the historic center is also full of well-preserved historic buildings. Turin is the heart of Italy’s automotive industry, and its economic success is apparent in its world-class museums and galleries, including the National Cinema Museum and the world’s second-best Egyptian Museum. Check out my day-by-day guide to visiting Turin over a long weekend (or longer!).

Turin is also the metropolitan heart of the Slow Food movement, so you can expect to find delicious, seasonal, local cuisine at all of the city’s independent restaurants and wine bars.

Who Should Go – Turin is the perfect city to visit in Italy if you love authentic cuisine, castles and/or cinema.

Who Should Skip It – People who want to stay on the tourist trail. Turin is more authentic and less touristic.

What’s Nearby – I have a guide to the ten best day trips from Turin , from mountaintop monasteries to historic chocolate producers.

How to Say It In Italian – Torino (“little bull”).

3. Florence

Florence is one of the best cities to visit in Italy for lovers of Renaissance art and architecture. The capital of Tuscany, Florence is worth visiting simply to spend a day in the Uffizi Gallery, where you’ll find Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, da Vinci’s Annunciation and Caravaggio’s Bacchus. I get chills just thinking about the history being held within the museum’s walls.

Step outside the Uffizi Gallery’s doors and you’ll find yourself in the heart of historic Florence, where cobblestone streets pass by fifteenth-century palazzos, winding their way towards the striking Gothic Revival cathedral. Yes, Florence can be touristy, but if you do a little research online in advance and promise yourself not to eat at any restaurants with menus in four languages you will fall in love with this Italian city.

Who Should Go – Lovers of art and Renaissance history won’t be disappointed by Florence.

Who Should Skip It – People who aren’t into art, museums or history. If you’re more into partying or adventure travel experiences, you might find Florence too sleepy.

What’s Nearby – Pisa and Siena (see below) are both less than 100 kilometers away and can be visited as a day trip by train, bus or car.

How to Say It In Italian – Firenze

It wasn’t until my fourth or fifth trip to Italy that I ventured beyond the Bologna train station, and I was so glad that I finally did!  The largest city in the region of Emilia-Romagna, Bologna is one of the best cities to visit in Italy if you’re a gourmand.

In fact, less than two years ago Conde Nast Traveller magazine named Bologna as the best food city in the world. It makes sense when you think about the origins of the phrase spaghetti bolognese , and even more sense when you think about the fact that the city of Parma (yes, of Parmesan cheese) is just down the road.

Bologna isn’t all cheese, ham and pasta, however.  It is home to Europe’s oldest university (the second-oldest is in another one of my favorite cities, Coimbra, Portugal ) and is sometimes referred to as “Bologna the Red” due to its unique red brick and terracotta-colored medieval architecture.  The center is home to several beautiful basilicas, as well as notable museums and art galleries. Its historical center shares a special trait with Turin: covered walkways, called portici , that were recently declared to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Who Should Go – If you like good food and fast cars, you’ll love Bologna.

Who Should Skip It – If you’re vegan you may be disappointed by the focus on cheese and ham at local restaurants. Personally, as a vegetarian I found lots of great dining options.

What’s Nearby – The Lamborghini and Ferrari Museums can be visited as a day trip from Bologna.

How to Say It In Italian – Bologna (it’s the same!)

There are tons of people who will tell you that Milan isn’t worth visiting, but I’m here to tell you that when I travel to Europe I intentionally book flights through Milan so that I can spend a few days in one of the best cities in Italy (in my opinion, of course!).

I just think Milan really does have the best of everything. The flat, walkable city center has stunning architecture (starting with the Duomo – make sure you get the ticket that includes the rooftops ), museums to rival those of Rome and Florence, and Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, which is one of the few works of art that legitimately took my breath away. That it is still standing today truly is nothing short of a miracle.

I love ending my Italy trips with a few days in Milan, as it’s a great opportunity to refresh my wardrobe at the many designer and independent boutiques that earned Milan its reputation as one of the great fashion capitals of Europe. And if you can’t afford luxury shopping, you can still spend a luxurious day at QC Terme Milano , a day spa with a sauna in a tram and a pool built among the Roman ruins.

Who Should Go – As the fashion capital of Italy, Milan is perfect for travelers who want to do a little bit of shopping (at any price point!) while they sight-see.

Who Should Skip It – People who hate big cities may not be able to look past Milan’s urban landscape to see its hidden charms.

What’s Nearby – Milan is the logical starting point for travel to Lake Como, which is about two hours north by train.

How to Say It In Italian – Milano

Venice feels almost like a surreal dream. How can this city, equally threatened by rising waters and overtourism, still manage to survive so magically? Somehow, Venice perseveres, and remains one of the best cities to visit in Italy.

Most tourists (myself included) start their visit to Venice at the famous Piazza San Marco, where St. Mark’s Basilica and the Ducal Palace overlook the expansive square at the end of the Grand Canal.  You can easily spend a whole morning without stepping beyond the piazza, but most of Venice’s charm lies further afield.  A short boat trip takes you to the nearby islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello, the heart of Venice’s glass-blowing and lace-making industries. Torcello was the first inhabited island in the city, and it is still home to Venice’s oldest church (make sure to go inside to see the beautiful mosaics).

Starting in 2024, Venice will be introducing a new tourist tax of €5 per day for anyone visiting the city. If you’re staying in a hotel the tax will be added to your bill, but day-trippers will need to pay online before they go and keep a copy of their QR-code receipt on their phone. At first, the tax will only be charged on holidays and long weekends, but eventually it is intended to be in place year-round.

Who Should Go – If you’ve always dreamed of crossing the bridges over the canals and watching the gondolas sail past, that’s an exclusively Venetian experience.

Who Should Skip It – If you’re on a tight budget, Venice doesn’t have the best ratio of affordability to authenticity.

What’s Nearby – Verona, which is #8 on this list. I actually stayed in Verona for a week and just visited Venice for the day.

How to Say It In Italian – Venezia

It rained every day that I spent in Genoa (to be fair, it was early February!) but I still look back on my trip fondly and have no reservations in recommending Genoa to other travelers.

Genoa’s Old Town feels so mysterious to me – probably because rather than typical streets, it is made up of hundreds of  caruggi , or narrow alleyways. It’s easy to imagine merchants carrying the wares they brought from afar down these alleys (possibly with some pirates in pursuit…). In fact, this is where Christopher Columbus was born! You can follow the alleys all the way to Genoa’s.  black-and-white cathedral, guarded by the lion shown above.

Genoa isn’t just old-fashioned maritime history, however. For starters, Genoa is home to one of the largest aquariums in Europe – perfect for children. As well, Genoa is something of a hidden culinary hot spot. The word “pesto” actually comes from the Genoese dialect’s word for “to crush”, and it is often accompanied by other Ligurian specialties like farinata (chickpea flour crepes) and focaccia genovese .

Who Should Go – If you’re in Milan or Turin and want to visit a historic coastal city, Genoa is a great option.

Who Should Skip It – People not traveling to the northwest of Italy, as it’s a bit far from the other cities I’d recommend.

What’s Nearby – Genova is the ideal starting point for trips to the villages of the Cinque Terre (which, as villages, aren’t included on this list).

How to Say It In Italian – Genova (not to be confused with Genovia from The Princess Diaries!)

Immortalized in William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona has leaned in to its label as a destination for lovers.  While nobody knows whether or not the star-crossed lovers were real, I do know from personal experience that Verona is a lovely city to add to your Italy itinerary.

Your gateway to Verona will be Piazza Bra, where a Roman amphitheater towers over the surrounding cafes and restaurants. Check their calendar to see if there will be any performances during your visit – it’s quite the spectacle! From there, it’s an easy stroll deep into the historic center where you’ll find castles, churches, towers and gardens, many claiming a historical connection to the families of the Montagues and Capulets.

“Juliet’s house” (the setting for the movie Letters to Juliet ) is located just off Piazza del Erbe, though the fact that the balcony only dates back to the 1930s does make its provenance questionable. While you can enter the courtyard and even ascend to the balcony here, “Romeo’s house” (a few blocks away) is now a private residence and not open to the public.

Who Should Go – Hopeless romantics and history lovers.

Who Should Skip It – If you only have a few days in Italy, save Verona for your second Italy trip.

What’s Nearby – Again, you can stay in Verona and take the train to Venice (it’s so much cheaper than staying in Venice!). Similarly, if Lake Como is out of your price range, you might like visiting nearby Lake Garda.

How to Say It In Italian – Verona (the same!)

Most budget airlines to Sicily land in Catania, rather than in the larger city of Palermo (see below).  Many travelers depart from the airport straight to nearby towns like Taormina, but they are really missing out by not spending at least one full day in Catania.

Catania has a charming, walkable city center and nearly all of the best things to do in Catania are an easy stroll from the bus stop at Piazza Borsellino.  The train station is a further twenty-minute walk along the waterfront (or you can amble through the more-scenic city center). The historic center is brimming with Baroque architecture that was built around the remains of several ancient ruins, including Roman baths built atop a Byzantine church and a large Roman amphitheater dating back to 300 BCE.

Catania’s bustling fish market supplies the local seafood restaurants,  and the city’s patron saint, Saint Agata, inspired a provocatively-shaped pastry called a c assatella di sant ‘ Agata … ask for one in any bakery!

Who Should Go – Anyone going to Sicily should consider spending time in Catania. It’s perfectly-sized for a short visit and you’ll leave feeling like you had an authentic experience.

Who Should Skip It – If you’re really pressed for time I will excuse you for flying into Catania but heading straight for a more picturesque city, like Syracuse (see below). Your get-out-of-jail-free card does not apply to Taormina, however! 😂

What’s Nearby – Catania is squarely in the shadow of Mount Etna. In fact, the streets are permanently dusted with a light layer of black ash from the volcano. Day tours combine half-day hikes with lunch and wine tasting in the vineyards that take advantage of the volcanic soil.

How to Say It In Italian – Catania (the same!)

Often referred to as “The Florence of the South”, Lecce is a hidden gem in South Italy. Nothing beats waking up early in Lecce and going for a walk through the tranquil historic center as the sun begins to rise over the white-walled city.

Known for its distinct style of Baroque architecture, Lecce is jam-packed with beautiful churches and carefully-restored palazzi .  Aside from the Renaissance churches, Lecce also has well-reserved Roman ruins including an amphitheater, a smaller theatre and a full archeological park just south of the center.

The beaches of Puglia are gorgeous, and Lecce is only ten kilometers from the coastline.  Consider renting a car for the day to visit nearby Grotta della Poesia and Torre Sant’Andrea, two landmark swimming spots known across Italy for their natural beauty.

Who Should Go – Architecture lovers will all in love with Lecce’s impressive facades.

Who Should Skip It – Lecce buzzes with life in the warmer months, but can be sleepy in the winter. If you’re looking for a high-energy winter getaway, this isn’t it.

What’s Nearby – The two beaches I mentioned are very close, and the port city of Brindisi (with its ancient harbour area) is only half an hour north.

You’ll find lists of the best cities to visit in Italy where one of the “cities” is Tuscany. Don’t trust anyone who says Tuscany is a city – it’s actually one of the largest regions in Italy. When we’re talking about cities, Lucca is the city to visit if you want to experience the truly Tuscan lifestyle.

I suggest going to Lucca sooner rather than later, as their tourism board is making a big push to attract more travelers.  As soon as you arrive you’ll understand why: Lucca looks like it should be on the cover of the next Lonely Planet guidebook.  The historic center of Lucca is within the medieval defensive walls, which stand twelve meters high and are now a walking path open to visitors who want a beautiful view of the city. You are even allowed to bring a picnic lunch up with you!

In the morning you can enjoy a cappuccino with a view of one of the city’s medieval towers, and in the evening you can pause again for a glass of wine on a terrace with a view of one of Lucca’s Romanesque churches… the pace of life here is leisurely, making the ideal Italian city for slow travelers.

Who Should Go – Travelers who like the idea of Florence, but are turned off by the thought of all the crowds.

Who Should Skip It – Travelers who need to constantly be entertained might find Lucca’s slower pace boring.

What’s Nearby – Lucca is only twenty kilometers from Pisa (#20 on this list) and you can take the train between the two in thirty minutes. Consider visiting Pisa as a day trip from Lucca.

How to Say It In Italian – Lucca (the same!)

Pizza was born here. Need I say more?

When I lived in Northern Italy I would often spend my vacations in the south, along the Amalfi Coast or on the nearby islands of Capri and Ischia. No matter how little time I had to spare I always made a point of stopping in Naples in either direction (or both!) because, I swear, pizza really is better here.  My personal recommendation is Pizzeria Trianon , which just celebrated its 100th anniversary and serves a margarita pizza with buffalo mozzarella that is to die for.

It’s true that Naples can be rough around the edges, especially as you emerge from the central train station. However, I always loved walking underneath the old stone Porta Nolana and then wandering through the historic center, where Italian grannies lean over their balcony and shake their dusty carpets on your head (yes, it’s intentional…), where men stop, stare and whistle as you walk past, and where you can pause for a coffee or almond granita at any neighborhood cafe and be welcomed immediately.

Who Should Go – Confident travelers who can look past a few overflowing trash bins to be fully immersed in a vibrant, multicultural city.

Who Should Skip It – Nervous travelers who feel uncomfortable in run-down or dirty environments. Take the Circumvesuviana train directly to Sorrento and stay there instead.

What’s Nearby – Naples is the easiest starting point for day trips to Pompeii and Herculaneum.

How to Say It In Italian – Napoli

13. Sorrento

Just down the coast from Naples, Sorrento is one of my favorite small cities in Italy and, in my opinion, the best place to relax and enjoy La Dolce Vita .

What is there to do in Sorrento?  Sunbathe on the beach during the day, sip limoncello in the afternoon, take a dip in the sea before dinner, indulge in a heaping plate of pasta and then enjoy a gelato made from local citrus fruits before you go to bed and do it all over again the next day.

But actually, Sorrento is the perfect city to use as your home base on the Amalfi Coast.  The train connects you to both Pompeii and Herculaneum, and there are year-round bus connections, and seasonal boat connections, to Amalfi Coast cities like Amalfi and Positano.

Who Should Go – Travelers who want to include a few days of relaxation in their trip.

Who Should Skip It – People who want to go, go, go.

What’s Nearby – Sorrento can be your gateway to the Amalfi Coast (including Amalfi, Positano and Ravello) and to the archeological sites of Herculaneum and Paestum.

How to Say It In Italian – Sorrento (the same!)

14. Palermo

Of Sicily’s two largest cities, I have to rank Catania well above Palermo. Catania is more relaxed, more authentic and significantly tidier than Palermo. However, it definitely lacks the density of attractions that you can find here in Palermo, where there really are some spectacular Sicilian sights.

The center of Palermo has several opulent churches, and with each one you visit you receive a discount on admission to the next. My favorite was the Santa Caterina Monastery, although that was mostly because there is a bakery inside selling delicious sweets made by hand by local nuns. Of course, the surrounding streets are filled with elegant fountains, palazzi that have now opened their doors as museums and galleries, seaside promenades and even an underground labyrinth of catacombs to rival those of Paris.

While you’re in Palermo, I recommend a day trip to Monreale , a hillside suburb where you’ll find a UNESCO World Heritage Site Cathedral. The Cathedral of Monreale is known for its golden mosaics, which cover more than 6,000 square meters of the interior walls and showcase Norman, Byzantine and Italian influences.

Who Should Go – If elaborate, embellished churches help you connect with your spirituality, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Palermo.

Who Should Skip It – If you can’t handle the heat, don’t visit Palermo in the summer. It was over 40 ° C every day when I was there in August.

What’s Nearby – If you can’t make it all the way to Syracuse (see below), Trapani is an hour away by bus and has a similar historic center. If you want to spend a day at the beach, Cefalu is also an hour away by train. How to Say It In Italian – Palermo (the same!)

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Visiting Siena was not a priority for me, until I had the opportunity to visit in the summer to check out the dazzling Palio di Siena. This horse race has been taking place every summer for almost five hundred years . In this dazzling showdown, riders from ten of Siena’s neighborhoods race around the Piazza del Campo as locals and visitors alike cheer them on. This is a huge event, so if you’re thinking of watching from the front row you’ll need to get there at least four or five hours early, and if you’re wanting to have dinner at one of the restaurants with a view of the track you may need to book your table a full year out (and be prepared to pay  a lot! ).

Even if you can’t visit on one of the two summer Palio days, Siena still has a lot to offer.  Known for being one of the most beautiful Italian cities in Tuscany, Siena is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with wine bars (try the local vinsanto , a sweet dessert wine) and independent boutiques. The city is perfect for meandering as traffic is extremely limited within the historic center. Siena also has a number of museums that are home to Renaissance masterpieces that you can take in without the crowds of Rome or Florence.

Who Should Go – If you trust the judgment of travel guru Rick Steves (I do!) then you’ll want to come to Siena to see what he calls the “best square in Italy” (Piazza del Campo).

Who Should Skip It – If you’re also going to Lucca, you might find Siena too similar.

What’s Nearby – Many people combine Siena with a side trip to San Gimignano, another idyllic Tuscan hill town less than an hour away.

How to Say It In Italian – Siena (the same!)

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Most travelers skip over Bari, but I actually chose to stay there for almost a full week so that I could use it as a home base for day trips to nearby towns, villages and beaches.  Bari had excellent transportation connections around the south of Italy and it was easy to explore by bus and train (no need for a rental car!).

The old town is known as Bari Vecchia and it’s where you’ll find historic sites like the city’s archeological museum and the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, which is known for housing the relics of Saint Nicholas (aka Santa Claus). You’ll also find a waterfront castle and the pretty Piazza Mercentile (shown above) that is surrounded by cafes and restaurants.  If you like the food, make sure to sign up for a cooking class where you can learn to make your own orecchiette pasta, which is a Barese specialty!

Who Should Go – Travelers like me who love going on unique day trips. Bari is the perfect home base for exploring many of the small towns around Puglia.

Who Should Skip It – If you’re on a tight timeline, head to Lecce instead.

What’s Nearby – Towns like Bitonto, Ruvi di Puglia and Conversano are all worth visiting for one day each, and you can also spend a day at the beach in nearby Polignano a Mare.

How to Say It In Italian – Bari (the same!)

A few decades ago, people would have thought you were crazy if you said you were planning a trip to Matera.  For decades it was known as the worst slum in Italy, where the residents literally lived in caves without electricity or running water. Living conditions were so poor that eventually the entire city was relocated into purpose-built new developments a few kilometers away and the original cave structures were abandoned.

In the 1980s, young people who had grown up in these new developments became interested in preserving and even reviving the historical areas of their town, which are believed to be the third-oldest (continually-inhabited) human settlement on the planet. Today, the fruits of their labour are apparent as Matera has become a world-class tourist destination, where luxury hotels are now situated in those caves and rock churches commemorate the faith of the resilient local community.

Who Should Go – Matera’s distinctive geography makes it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience life in a cave. If unique experiences make you happy, so will Matera.  (Also, if you love James Bond movies, Matera was featured in the opening scenes of No Time to Die !)

Who Should Skip It – If you’re not traveling south of Rome, or even the Amalfi Coast, then save Matera for a future trip to Italy as it’s a bit out of the way.

What’s Nearby – Consider visiting nearby Alta Murgia National Park, where you’ll find the UNESCO World Heritage Site Castel del Monte surrounded by fragrant pine forest.

How to Say It In Italian – Matera (the same!)

18. Syracuse

I didn’t do much research into Syracuse before I visited, and it ended up being one of the highlights of my Sicily trip . Smaller and more peaceful than both Palermo and Catania, Syracuse is what I imagined Italy was like before it became inundated with tourists.  In Syracuse, you are never more than a street or two away from either a spectacular view of the sea or a piazza lined with beautiful Baroque buildings.

I recommend that you stay on the island of Ortigia, which is the historic center of Syracuse. There was an Ancient Greek settlement on this land, which is still visible at the Temple of Apollo and the legendary Fountain of Arethusa. You can spend your days strolling, sipping, swimming in the sea and shopping, and when you’re ready for a change of scenery you can take the bus or train to Noto, which was featured beautifully in Season 2 of The White Lotus .

Who Should Go – People who like pretty places.

Who Should Skip It – Anyone not already planning to be on the south side of Sicily, as it’s a bit out-of-the-way.

What’s Nearby – Noto, Ragusa and Modica are all popular day trip destinations in southern Sicily.

How to Say It In Italian – Siracusa

19. Bolzano

To be honest, I didn’t make it all the way to Bolzano on any of my trips to Italy, much to the chagrin of my Italian roommate in Turin who always declared her hometown to be the most beautiful city in all of Italy and always got upset when I chose to spend my long weekends at the beach instead of at her family’s mountain home. Consider this addition to the list my atonement!

I actually live in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, so when I go on holidays I am looking for something different: sun, sea, beaches and ancient history. Bolzano feels too much like my hometown to make it a priority travel destination for me, but I know that lots of other travelers are looking for a more mountainous getaway. Bolzano is perfect for that!

Located near the Italian-German border in the region of South Tyrol, Bolzano is a unique mix of both cultures. There is German influence in the food (especially the baked goods), the language and the architecture, but Bolzano is still distinctly Italian. You can easily spend a long weekend just in the city center (make sure to go see Ötzi the Iceman!) but Bolzano is also the perfect home base for day trips to the many Alpine villages and medieval castles in the surrounding countryside.

Who Should Go – Alpinists and winter sports enthusiasts can use Bolzano has a home base for an adventurous mountain vacation.  Try to visit around Christmas, when Piazza Walther is decked out as a beautiful Christmas market.

Who Should Skip It – Visitors looking for big-name museums and art galleries won’t find them in Bolzano.

What’s Nearby – South Tyrol is home to many beautiful mountain villages, like Brunico and Chiusa. Rent a car to explore the region.

How to Say It In Italian – Bolzano (the same!). Bolzano also has a German name: Bozen.

Okay, the last city on my list was a tough one for me to include, but I had to do it.  Yes, Pisa may be one of the best cities to visit in Italy for a specific type of traveler.  If you grew up staring at photos of the Leaning Tower of Pisa (alongside those photos of the Venetian canals I mentioned earlier!) and always dreamed that one day you would see it in person, then yes, Pisa might be worth adding to your Italy itinerary.

Aside from visiting the Leaning Tower and seeing the churches and buildings on the same square, there really isn’t that much to see and do in Pisa. So, I would suggest doing it as a day trip from either Lucca, Florence or Rome, or do what I did and stop for a few hours en route to another destination in Italy (there are several luggage storage options in and around Pisa Centrale train station, so you won’t have to drag your bags around with you!).

For safety reasons the number of people who can ascend the tower at the same time is extremely limited, so make sure to book your timed entry window well in advance, using the official site .

Who Should Go – If the Leaning Tower of Pisa has really captured your imagination, go for it!

Who Should Skip It – Anyone with a limited amount of time in Italy. Other cities have more to see and do, and more authenticity.

What’s Nearby – There are some beautiful beaches on the coast around nearby Livorno.

How to Say It In Italian – Pisa (the same!)

So, there you have my list of the 20 Best Cities to Visit in Italy!  Do you agree?  Do you disagree?  Let me know in the comments!

Before you plan your own Italy trip, I recommend reading my guide to avoiding common Italy travel mistakes , and then checking out all of my Italy travel guides .

Planning a trip to Italy?  Pin this post for later!

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35 of the best cities to visit in italy.

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Want to know the best cities to visit in Italy? There are many to choose from. The cities of Italy are magnificent. Their skylines are marked with domed cathedrals and pointed spires. Narrow cobbled streets lead to vast piazzas and hidden treasures. Laundry waves on lines overhead and mouth watering aromas from kitchens linger in the air.

No matter if it is your first or fortieth visit, no doubt you will pass through some of the beautiful cities in Italy. Each is unique and worthy of discovery. And if you venture away from the most famous cities, you will find places that stay embedded in your travel memories forever. To help you decide where to spend your time, we teamed up with travel writers and photographers from across the world who chose their favorite Italian cities from north to south.

Do you have questions about your upcoming trip to Italy? Join our  Italy Travel Planning Facebook Group  where you can ask questions about your travels – itinerary suggestions, accommodation and restaurant recommendations and more! 

What's in this article

 Top 5 major cities in Italy

Northern italian cities, cities near milan, cities near venice, cities in tuscany, cities near rome, cities in sardinia, southern italian cities, cities in sicily.

•  What is your favourite Italian city?

The most popular cities to visit in Italy are the country’s largest. Bursting with history, food experiences and culture, you could spend a lifetime exploring these cities alone. 

Rome – the Eternal City

“A fool is one who admires other cities without visiting Rome.”

– Francesco Petrarca

Of course you must visit Rome at least once. The Eternal City is one of the greatest on earth and there is something for every kind of traveler. You can’t help but be in awe of how Rome has evolved over the passage of time. This chaotic, beautiful metropolis captures your heart with every corner you turn.

Admire the Colosseum and other incredible relics of Roman times in the Forum and beyond. At the Vatican, marvel at majestic St Peter’s and the Renaissance treasures of the Vatican Museums. Then simply soak up the atmosphere of Rome’s old town. From Piazza Navona to the Spanish steps, around every corner there are cascading fountains and imposing statues collected over thousands of years. Make sure to duck into some of Rome’s 900 churches and discover soaring domed ceilings and incredible mosaics. 

If your travel style is meandering and watching the world go by, head to the Trastevere neighbourhood. Get lost in its winding streets that lead you to the perfect wine bar or trattoria. Here you will find some of the city’s best food and no doubt, over your meal, you will plot your next visit to Rome.

READ: Discover Rome’s best tours .

Venice – La Serenissima

Venice, the city built on water, is nothing short of magical. There is no experience quite like your first trip down the Grand Canal. I guarantee there will be a smile on your face as you meander down Venice ‘s main thoroughfare passing gondolas and stunning palazzi on your way.

Before you reach Piazza San Marco, you pass under the famous Rialto bridge and close to the fish market of the same name. Further along the canal, watch out for the beautiful Ponte dell’Accademia. At San Marco, dodge the pigeons and feast your eyes on the ornate basilica and Doge’s Palace next door. A little further on, you will see the iconic Bridge of Sighs.  

A city this beautiful attracts large crowds so if you want a more serene Venetian experience , head away from the main attractions to the side canals and campi (squares). This is the Venice I love. One of long seafood lunches, the gentle sound of oars treading water and tiny cobbled alleyways and bridges steeped in history.

READ: Click here to discover colourful Burano – an island on the Venetian lagoon.

Florence – the Renaissance city

Sitting on the banks of the River Arno, Florence is a city with a fascinating past, amazing architecture and a thriving food scene. Florence is about art, history and culture and they ooze from every brick in every building.

At its heart you find the incredible 13th century Duomo and its bell tower renowned for its dome and colourful marble facade. These buildings were constructed during the Renaissance period when the city state of Florence was at its peak. To learn more about the city during this time head to the Palazzo Vecchio from where Florence was ruled by the Medici family. A secret passageway leads you to the Uffizi Gallery, home to some of the world’s most priceless artworks.

Cross the Arno via the Ponte Vecchio and stroll up the hill to Palazzo Pitti, home to more art and the beautiful Boboli Gardens from where you can gaze back down over Florence in wonder.

All that culture is bound to make you hungry. There are countless restaurants in Florence. For a quick bite we recommended heading to the impressive gourmet food hall on the first floor of the San Lorenzo market before heading off to explore more of the city and of course your daily gelato !

Florence is also useful base for day trips into Tuscany – Pisa, Lucca and Siena – plus further afield to Bologna, Orvieto and more. 

READ: Our experiene at a Florence market tour and cooking class .

Milan – the modern city

Suggested by: The Crowded Planet

When I opened my blog a few years ago, I made it a special mission to change people’s perspective about Milan , my hometown. More often than not, Milan is dismissed as a grey, uninteresting and expensive city – which by the way is not true, as there are loads of free sights and activities in Milan !

Visitors just rush through en route to other prettier (and more touristy) destinations like Lake Como or Cinque Terre, and when they do visit they just stick to the city centre. In my opinion, Milan is definitely one of the most interesting cities in Italy. The cultural scene is second to none – there are loads of theatres and places to listen to live music, as well as museums and galleries organizing interesting exhibitions.

Milan is also great when it comes to bars and restaurants – there are new restaurants opening each week, and in summer the city becomes a great street food destination! Two of my favourite parts of Milan are Isola, a former working class neighbourhood turned into a hipster hotspot, and Chinatown, home to Milan’s Chinese community since the mid-19th century.

If you’re visiting Milan, being based in one of these neighbourhoods will give you a much more authentic (and a lot less expensive) experience compared to sticking to the city centre.

READ: Our guide to where to stay in Milan

Naples – vibrant city of the south

Suggested by: A World to Travel

Nobody seems to like Naples at first. This city almost never heads the top 5, not even the top 10, of the most impressive or beautiful cities in Italy and many people judge Naples even without knowing it.

Fortunately, today I am here to defend it. Naples is one of my favorite and best cities in Italy, with its narrow streets with clothes hanging outside the windows, its scratched cars and its people with southern Italian character. And of course, with its gastronomy (and especially pizza !) famous throughout the world.

If you stop by, on your way to Sicily from Rome, because you want to visit Pompeii or just to live an authentic Neapolitan experience; do not forget to stroll, walk by the sea and sit in one of its squares for a coffee. It will not disappoint you.

READ: Our 3 day Naples itinerary for ideas on how to spend your time in Naples. 

Italy’s northern cities are diverse and exciting. From the Alpine cities bordering Switzerland and Austria, to Genoa on the Italian Riviera and Ravenna on the Adriatic Sea, there is a city for every taste. This area is also known as the heart of Italian food . Parma is famous for prosciutto (cured ham) and parmigiano reggiano  (known as parmesan) – Italy’s most famous cheese. In Bologna there is even a gelato university.

Verona – city of love

Suggested by: Laugh Travel Eat

Verona is most famous for being the setting of Romeo and Juliet, and as the city of love. One of the most unique things you can do there is visit Club di Giuliette, the Juliet’s Club. They reply to all the letters people send to Juliet from all over the world as her secretary.

However, the romantic experience doesn’t stop there. You can stay right opposite the famous Juliet Balcony at the Relais de Charme Il Sogno di Giulietta. There’s the hidden Giusti Garden with its maze, the Palazzo Vecchio in all its red brick medieval glory, as well as the Roman walls and gates.

Verona is also home to the second largest Roman Amphitheater, which still hosts concerts and gigs with an annual Opera Festival in September – one of the most coveted experiences in Italy . There is no shortage of good food, too. One of my favourite restaurants is the Locanda Navona in Piazza Navona, with its quiet ambiance and delicious menu.

The best gelato I’ve ever had also happens to be in Verona; Gelateria Ballini serves up some delicious flavours with innovative ones like white chocolate with pistachio.

READ: A day trip to Verona from Milan .

Bologna – the gastronomic capital

Suggested by: Karen from Wanderlustingk

Bologna is a fantastic city to visit in Italy. It’s beautiful, historical, and full of fantastic food. Many travelers overlook Bologna in favor of other major cities in Italy, however travelers will fall in love with the slower pace, young feeling (due to the university), the magnificent food, and the many towers around the city.

History lovers will love strolling down the medieval streets of Bologna. Although many of the medieval towers have been destroyed, you can still see the two distinctive leaning towers that can be seen from many points in the city. It’s possible to climb one of the towers for a stunning view of the city! Be sure to try tagliatelle al ragù while you’re in Bologna. Find out what to do there 3 day Bologna itinerary and where best to stay in our accommodation guide and to learn more about food in Bologna click here . 

READ: Our 10 day Italy highlights itinerary .

Bolzano – the German city

Suggested by: Nomad Epicureans

Bolzano is the capital of South Tyrol and still known to most German-speakers as Bozen. Today, 25% of the city’s population speaks German which makes it unique in the Italian landscape. Apart from being known as an educational hub, Bolzano is a popular skiing destination due to its location in the heart of the Alps.

The importance of the mountains is also reflected in some of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, such as the Mountain Museum and the Museum of Archeology. The Museum of Archeology is home to Iceman Ötzi, an extraordinarily well-preserved mummy of a man believed to have lived approximately 5000 years ago and invaluable source of information on pre-historic societies.

Bolzano also makes a perfect base to explore some of the imposing castles located in the area, such as Maretsch Castle. If you can, come in December and visit Bolzano’s famous Christmas Market and try some traditional Bozner Zelten, a soft fruit bread.

Genoa – coastal city on the Italian Riviera

Suggested by: Stephanie from The World As I See It

Genoa is one of my new favourite Italian cities to visit. From its gritty neighbourhoods to its historic streets there’s much to see and do in Genoa. And, there are far fewer tourists than other Italian cities.

Genoa’s main attractions include two castles, the Albertis Castle and the Castle Mackenzie, the family-friendly Genoa Aquarium, the Genoa Cathedral, and Via Garibaldi. Via Garibaldi is a 16th-century thoroughfare with stunning palaces lining each side, and it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

But if you’re looking for hidden gems and epic views there are two great locations. First is Villetta Di Negro, a park in the center of town, with winding paths lead up, through artificial caves, and around a beautiful waterfall. And at the top you’ll be awarded 360-degree views of the city.

For another great view and neighbourhood, head up to Castelletto. This hilly residential quarter can be reached by funicular or a trek up a steep hill. Grab a gelato and take in the sweeping view of Genoa and the harbour.

Where should you stay in Genoa? The Grand Hotel Savoia or the Melia Genova are both divine and in great locations. And any trip to Genoa isn’t complete without a delectable plate full of the region’s famous pesto. Head to Il Cadraio , near Via Garibaldi, for the best pesto in Genoa.

READ: Discover the pretty towns of the Italian Riviera .

Turin – jewel of the north

Suggested by: James from World Wide Shopping Guide

Turin is a city that has been undeservedly overlooked in favour of cities like Florence and Rome for much too long. Known for being a manufacturing hub – the home of Italy’s car industry – many people assume that Turin is made up of factories and industrial estates.

But, although Turin is industrious, it doesn’t feel like an industrious city. If anything, it feels the opposite. The city is made up of beautiful streets lined with trees, mansions, and coffee shops. The Alps, just an hour and a half from the city, provide an ever constant and beautiful backdrop wherever you look.

There’s plenty to see and do in Turin as well. The Shroud of Turin is probably the city’s most famous attraction, but definitely not its only one. There’s The Egyptian Museum of Turin which is home to one of the world’s best collections of Egyptian artefacts, and Turin itself is the home of Italy’s chocolate making industry and the slow food movement.

In the peak summer months, Turin is considerably quieter than many other Italian cities and this can definitely be a selling point. If you’re looking for a city that has yet to be fully discovered, consider a trip to Turin.

READ: What to eat in Piedmont – the region of Turin.

Parma – historical university city

Suggested by: Mostly Amélie

There’s more to Parma than ham and parmesan! As a vegan and fan of health and wellness getaways, I came not expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised when Parma revealed itself to be a little haven of art, health and vegan food – obviously the art part is not so much of a surprise as we’re talking about Italy!

But Parma as a whole made for a lovely health and wellness getaway I can’t recommend enough. From exploring the Piazza del Duomo where the beautiful marble Battistero is located to roaming the cute little streets and finding health food stores upon health food stores and so many vegan restaurants in Parma, the more I explored, the more pleasantly surprised I got!

My hotel in Parma was located right next door to a lovely spa called Le Monadi where I had a few yoga classes, as well as the pleasure to experience a Tibetan singing bowl sound therapy massage. This treatment is aimed at improving mental clarity and increase physical energy. I left energized and ready to discover more of this exciting city!

Ravenna – historic port city

Suggested by: Calculated Traveller

One city that I loved exploring is Ravenna located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy.

A perfect town for a day trip, we visited Ravenna via cruise ship and found it to be easy to navigate on foot, with eye candy galore courtesy of the eight Unesco World Heritage sites from the late-Roman and Byzantine period.

Featuring gorgeous, colourful, intricately inlaid mosaics these early Christian churches and monuments are a must-see for lovers of architecture, art, and religious history.  One very affordable 10Euro pass allowed us access to all of the sites.

Once hungry, we had some fabulous pizza at the Mercato Coperto market in the centre of the city. The market is currently under construction but is set to reopen in 2018 as a new and improved haven for local food and wine enthusiasts.

Close to Milan, there are several smaller cities to explore full of relatively unknown treasures. These places are ideal for discovering on a day trip from Milan or as a city break in their own right.

Pavia – a Renaissance gem

Suggested by: Solo Sophie  

Pavia is a stunning city to the South of Milan and a real hidden gem in the Italian landscape. While it may not be as popular as other settlements in the region, it definitely should be!

After all, Pavia is home to one of the oldest universities in Italy, its cathedral is rumoured to have been partly designed by Da Vinci. And the nearby monastery of Certosa di Pavis is thought to be one of the most beautiful examples of Renaissance architecture in Europe. I highly recommend staying at least a night or two in order to truly appreciate all of the city’s attractions

Bergamo – quiet city near the mountains

Suggested by: Just a Pack

Bergamo is an often overlooked jewel in the North of Italy. It’s the quintessential Italian city, with stunning medieval and baroque architecture. Breathtaking views of the surrounding Dolomites make Bergamo one of Italy’s most postcard perfect cities. It’s essential to explore the Città Alta (upper town), with its winding streets and Venetian walls. Here you’ll find the Duomo di Bergamo, the city’s magnificent cathedral, and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore which dates back to the 12th century.

Stop for lunch or dinner in the Piazza Vecchia, and watch the tables fill up with people stopping for an aperitivo after work. The pasta dish casoncelli alla bergamasca and polenta are traditional dishes in the area, and they’re delicious!

Bergamo is filled with modern accommodation options housed in beautiful medieval buildings, which are affordable but still embody the Italian love for comfort and style. It’s the perfect place for a romantic weekend away, far from the noise and chaos of bigger cities like Milan, you can relax and take in the sheer beauty of Italian architecture and history.

READ: Where to stay in the Dolomites .

Como – gateway to glamour on the lakes

Suggested by: Untold Morsels

Just an hour by train from Milan, Como is a city with a completely different vibe. Como is a bustling city surrounded by the mountain peaks of the Italian Alps and is defined by its position on the lake that bears its name. 

The centre of the city is marked by the imposing Duomo, the Gothic style Santa Maria Assunta, with its impressive dome. Narrow cobbled streets lead to the lakeside marina where you catch ferries to the smaller towns and villages on the lake. You can see the Duomo with the city laid out before it when you take the funicular to Brunate, a hillside town above Como.

Have lunch in the hills or relax lakeside and try the local fish dishes. Visiting a local food festival in Como is a highlight of our Italian travels. So do look out for local celebrations if you are in the area.

Brescia – a true hidden gem

Suggested by: Isabella from  Boundless Roads

I used to visit Brescia many times when I was a kid and used to go and see my cousins but I have never appreciated it so much as I do now. Probably because I am now looking at it with the eyes of an interested traveller coming from Mexico, where I live.

Unfortunately we tend to underestimate what we have at an easy reach. Now, every time I go back to Italy I always go back to visit my cousins and stay a few extra days so that I have the time to walk around the city and explore new corners.

As soon as you arrive in the main square, piazza Duomo, actually in all the historical centre, you cannot help but notice the elegance of the city and the people. Brescia is the capital of a very rich province thanks to a huge industrial growth started a couple of decades ago and the people are known to be a little snob in a way, but most of all very much workaholics.

They won’t go out if they are not perfectly dressed up from top to bottom and their hair are perfectly done. Of course the last time I went I was looking like a tramp as I love comfortable and loose, sporty cloths, besides I had just left my fancy job and heels to live a nomadic life, therefore the last of my concern was how I was dressed. It was nice to look around though, and mingle with the fancy locals.

My cousins would take me around and have aperitifs and pizza in the fancy bars, which I enjoyed a lot and that’s one of the thing that I suggest you should do. It’s very Italian. The best pizza I have eaten was at Capriccio in Piazza Loggia and at Wuhrer a (relatively) laidback Pub set in an old Wuhrer Brewery in a nice garden setting, if it’s summer.

The local aperitif is Pirlo, which is a sort of Spritz. Especially in the summer, everybody is out at night after work in Piazza Duomo and piazzale Arnaldo which has recently become a night meeting point with nice restaurants and bars and that’s where lots of people of all ages gather in the evenings. But this is not what I love the most about Brescia.

I am blown away by the history of Brescia and the uncountable historical buildings, monuments and ancient ruins scattered around the city as a witness of its glorious past. It’s an open air museum and you will be fascinated by its charm.

If you have only a couple of days make sure you walk around Piazza Loggia, Piazza duomo and visit the old cathedral and all the historical center, walk all along Via Santa Giulia and visit among the others, the roman forum which, together with the Monastery of Santa Giulia, world heritage site in 2011, and of course you cannot miss the castle with stunning panoramic views of the city and the romantic sunsets.

But this is not all, there is so much to see, including a huge number of museums and cultural events. I suggest paying a visit to the tourist information center situated in Piazza Duomo or check out their very informative website as they can give information about guided tours of the city and many other precious information to make the best of your stay. Brescia is one of the best cities to visit in Italy.

READ: Discover the slow food movement in Brescia .

Over centuries, the Venetian Republic spread its influence far and wide. Visit the cities near Venice to see how important the merchant city was in the development of these lesser known towns and enjoy their unique character.

Padua – seat of learning

Suggested by: Delve into Europe

I first became acquainted with Padua because I couldn’t find a room in Venice during the Film Festival, and it’s only a half-hour train ride away. The first evening I walked around, I was hooked: busy squares, a whole host of bars and restaurants, amazing architecture. I wanted more.

Padua got under my skin over several visits, as I uncovered a bit more each time. The first place I visited was the Scrovegni Chapel, originally a private family chapel with an incredible fresco cycle by Giotto, what some consider to be one of the precursors of the Renaissance. Art lovers should also seek out the frescoes by Giusto de Menabuoi in the Cathedral Baptistery, a short walk away.

Padua was at one time a major rival to Venice, which you see from the sheer wealth of treasures to be found in the city. The Basilica of St Anthony, known locally as Il Santo, is one of the most amazing churches you could ever see, its domes looking like a medieval city skyline, while its interior is probably the most opulent I’ve ever visited.

Padua was also home to one of medieval Italy’s best universities, where Galileo Galilei lectured in the 17th century, and you can also visit the Palazzo Bo on a guided tour which includes the fascinating Anatomy Theatre and Medicine Hall. The city’s streets are filled with the university’s students at night, especially around the Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta, either side of the great Palazzo della Ragione. Across the road from the Palazzo Bo is the 18th century Caffe Pedrocchi, a wonderful spot for a late night espresso.

Trieste – pearl of the east

Suggested by: Michela from  Rocky Travel

Trieste may not be on your itinerary as a first-time-traveller to Italy, but if you plan to visit Venice then Trieste is a must.

To me Trieste is Venice’s sister city on the mainland cause it’s similar in many ways. On the border to Slovenia, Trieste has a rich history in a fabulous natural setting. Here are my suggestions on things to do. Start your visit from Piazza Unità d’Italia, a spectacular square on the sea (one of the largest in the world) from there take stroll along the “Molo Audace”, the 200 stoned walkaway out to sea.

Walk along the beautiful costiera (coastal road and pathway) from Barcola, the main beach of Trieste, to the Miramare Castle (6km) the beloved home to the Habsburg family. The majestic white castle is perched on a promontory and surrounded by a huge park, with very photogenic scenery.

Furthermore, don’t miss out on going on a ride of the famous old “Opicina Tram” from the city centre to the Karst plateau, where you can admire a fabulous panorama of Trieste and walk along the Strada Napoleonica (Napoleonic Way) amidst the forest.

If you are a foodie and love coffee, then you should know that Trieste is the best city in Italy for coffee that beats Naples, (sorry guys!). With over 30 different ways of drinking coffee you will love trying them out. Make sure you visit the famous heritage coffee shops in Trieste. My favourite ones are Antico Caffè San Marco and Caffè Tommaseo.

Treviso – Prosecco city

We went to Treviso on whim and wished we had stayed longer.  Treviso lies to the north of Venice in the heart of Prosecco country. It is a walled city with medieval streets and charming Romanesque churches. 

Once under Venetian rule, the city is adorned with the winged lion of San Marco and it also borrowed another of Venice’s main attractions. Built on the confluence of the  Botteniga and Sile rivers, the city has many pretty canals. These ancient waterways once were the backbone of industry in Treviso but now they are largely decorative. 

You can easily spend a relaxing day wandering the canals and discovering local treasures like the covered fish market Isola della Pescheria. Later, sip a prosecco at one of the many canalside bars and restaurants with the elegantly dressed locals. Then wander the streets admiring frescoed walls and chic Treviso boutiques. 

The cities of Tuscany are some of the most visited in the world. Not far from Florence there are several beautiful towns to discover.

Pisa – city of architectural wonders

Most visitors stop off in Pisa for a few hours to get their mandatory selfies with the leaning tower and visit the wonders of the Piazza dei Miracoli. But the university town of Pisa is worthy of a longer stay.

Pisa was once a great maritime power and rival to Florence. The city straddles the Arno and is home to many beautiful medieval churches and palazzi. It is one of those places to slow down and relax.

For everything you ever wanted to know about the Leaning Tower of Pisa click here

Stroll along the river and across its bridges. Then visit the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina famous for its three spires. Stop for a drink or gelato in Piazza Cairoli and watch the city go about its daily business. If you stay in Pisa make sure to rise early or visit at sunset to beat the crowds for a more personal experience of the buildings that are rightly wonders of the modern world.

With great connections to Florence and the surrounding countryside, consider using Pisa as a base for discovering Tuscany . 

Siena – in the heart of Tuscany

Suggested by: Greta’s Travels

Siena in Tuscany , is one of my personal favourite cities in Italy. With its historical medieval city centre and the view over the rolling green hills of the Tuscan countryside it fulfils every Italian stereotype you could ever imagine. The medieval town centre is mostly pedestrian, with car access allowed only to those resident within the the old town walls. Walking through the old town walls feels like stepping back in time.

The lack of cars and medieval bricks surrounding you on every side add to the charm of the place. This magical historic centre has also been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Siena’s famous central square, Piazza del Campo, is one of the most visited attractions of Siena. The fan-shaped square is the site of the Gothic town hall, the Palazzo Publicco and Torre del Mangia, Siena’s characteristic 14th-century tower with white crown.

Piazza del Campo is also where every summer the famous Palio di Siena is held. If you’re visiting Siena in summer, you can’t miss this traditional horse racing event!

READ: Our guide to the Best things to do in Siena .

Lucca – the city of towers

If you plan to spend some time in Tuscany, the pretty city of Lucca is the perfect base.  Lucca is not as well known as neighbouring Florence and Pisa but has charms all of her own. The old town of the city is surrounded by ancient walls that have been converted into a park.

Rent a bike and cruise around the city walls to get your bearings. You will notice nine towers soaring over Lucca. The most famous of these is the Torre Guinigi , once one of 250 defensive tower houses built to help defend the city. Inside the city walls, elegant piazzas and Romanesque churches provide the backdrop for daily life.

It was these very scenes that inspired the music and stories of opera great Giacomo Puccini. Now, each night, there is a short concert of his works at the beautiful Church of San Giovanni. After the concert, dine at one of Lucca’s many restaurants and sample the delicious Tuscan cuisine.

Head out of Rome for the day and you can discover some of Italy’s smaller cities. 

Perugia – Umbrian hilltop city

Suggested by: The World Pursuit

I wouldn’t say there is any main attraction in Perugia to see, but instead, the whole town feels just as you would expect an old Italian town to feel. Perugia is a hilltop town that is the capital of the Umbria region. The streets are cobbled, the buildings are old, and there are not many tourists to be found.

The city is home to a major university, meaning there are many fun things for young people to do here. Buzzing cafes, bars, and hip food scenes are also in this quaint Italian town. In the summer Perugia also plays home to the entire Umbria Jazz Festival, a great experience with beautiful music in the air.

One of the best things to do in Perugia is just stroll along the Roman aqueduct that connects the cities two hills. Walking near Piazza Duomo at the Fontana Maggiore can show you magnificent sights over the Italian countryside. For a great cappuccino with a view make sure to head to Cafe De Perugia. When you are tired of the major tourist hotspots of Rome, Florence, and Pisa head to Perugia for some magical Italian air.

Orvieto – a city above and below ground

Suggested by: Dish Our Town

My favorite Italian Restaurant in New York City serves a wonderful crisp white wine which they simply refer to as an Orvieto. In my imagination, I would transport myself to Orvieto through sipping. The more I sipped, the more elaborate my imagination.

During one of our recent travels, my imagination was manifested. I, along with my family, finally made it to Orvieto, and I hadn’t even had one sip. It was even more beautiful than I ever imagined in my mind. There we were in a beautiful hilltop town, with the most ornate and beautiful cathedral in the region of Umbria crowning the center. Toward the edges, one can go to an overlook and appreciate the most verdant countryside filled with vineyards below.

Orvieto is filled with wonderful little cafes and specialty food boutiques, but it was the gelateria toward the back of the cathedral that tempted us on a hot day. If there is one must-see site, other than the cathedral, it would be the underground city. This labyrinth of caves provides a true understanding of how a civilization that existed thousands of years ago lived their daily lives.

Part of Italy’s DNA brings many of its visitors back in history, and this goes even further back than I had imagined. Oh, and guess what? They drank a lot of wine in those days as well.

DISCOVER: the Best Agriturismo in Umbria .

Sardinia is famous for beautiful beaches and unspoilt nature but there are treasures to be found in its coastal cities too.

Cagliari – castle city by the sea

Suggested by: Claudia from  My Adventures Across The World

Often overlooked for more famous cities on the mainland, Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, reserves to those who visit some incredible sights and unique experiences. The city is located on the shores of the Mediterranean, but it is on the hills. Pretty much anywhere in town it is possible to have a splendid view – at any time of day.

Cagliari is home to several lagoons, and it is the only place in the Mediterranean where pink flamingoes nest and live, making it a fantastic place to observe wildlife. The city is packed with archeological sites – Villa Tigellio and the Roman Amphitheater being just two; beautiful churches such as the Cathedral and the Basilica di Bonaria.

The historical centre is divided in four parts, Stampace, Marina, San Giovanni and Castello, all characterized by narrow alleys and colorful buildings. Finally, Cagliari boasts some lovely beaches (Poetto and Calamosca are just two of the best beaches in Sardinia), which can both be seen via an easy hike to Sella del Diavolo.

Alghero – city of beaches

Suggested by: Kalena from Lost and Abroad

It’s easy to get lost exploring the small streets and old sea walls of Alghero on the northwest coast of Sardinia. With a complex and intriguing history, the city embraces its past showcasing towering Catalan gothic buildings, such as The Diocese of Alghero-Bosa and delicious local Sardinian food that can’t be found anywhere else.

Alghero is also a great hub to take a boat trip, or easily visit the nearby natural parks, sandy beaches, impressive sea cliffs, and Neptune’s Grotto, a large sea cave housing stalactites that are over two million years old!

After a long day of sightseeing, order a gigantic pizza to share on the rooftop of La Botteghina or taste their lobster pasta, a Sardinian specialty. Wine connoisseurs will be happy to unwind with a glass of local cannonau, the perfect reprieve. For dinner, head to Al 43 di Via Doria for steak topped with foie gras or try their famous lobster roll.

Italy’s southern cities have long been neglected in favour of its more glamorous northern neighbours. That is changing thanks to some well considered development and promotion. There are now plenty of reasons to extend your trip to Italy to the cities down south.

Matera – a city made of stone

Suggested by: Collette & Scott of Roamaroo.com

The city of Matera is one of the main hubs of the Basilicata Region of Southern Italy. This city dates back over 9,000 years to the Paleolithic era and is most known for its sassi, the name for its houses carved out of caves and cliffs. This beautiful city was once condemned as the embarrassment of Italy in the 1950s, when the Italian government shut down the city due to disease.

After decades of shame, Matera was cleaned up and in 1993, this city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Matera is one of the only cities in the world that has kept its original structure intact for nearly 10,000 years. Visitors will be amazed by the plethora of stone houses and caves etched into the side of the Italian mountains.

While Matera used to be the laughing stock of Italy 70 years ago, tourists can now stay at one of the most luxurious five-star properties in the Mediterranean, Sextantio Le Grotte Delle Civita Matera. This unique hotel allows its guests to sleep in retrofitted caves complete with candlelight and romantic bathtubs. For fine dining, travelers should visit L’abbondanza Lucana or Regia Corte for delicious Italian dining.

Lecce – Baroque city in the south

Suggested by: The Lazy Trotter

If you have never been to Lecce, you better get busy. Take the map of Italy and head south-east, towards one of the most charming and fascinating cities of the boot.

Some people call it the Florence of the south, as Lecce offers to its visitors a number of stunning, baroque, historical buildings. 

Stroll around the streets of the old town, visit the Roman amphitheater, the Duomo cathedral as well as the Santa Croce Basilica – a real masterpiece of baroque architecture.

There are plenty of things to do and see in Lecce: whether you choose to spend the day sightseeing or maybe shopping some local pottery and papier-mâché handicrafts, make sure to save some room for some of the best food you will ever have.

Must try delicacies: pasticciotto, rustico, taralli, orecchiette pasta, meatballs and lots and lots of red wine!

Sorrento – gateway to the Amalfi Coast

Suggested by: Hopping Miles

Sorrento, this Italian coastal town is exudes energy and the vibrant colors of the coast with a backdrop of towering cliffs makes it one of those must visits in Italy. Streets are lined with lemon trees on both sides and houses bear colourful flower pots tumbling down the fence. Sorrento is a busy town filled with tourists and lovely locals who welcome every visitor with a warm smile.

Sorrento makes a great base city for day trips to Amalfi coast, Naples and Capri . I’d say, while planning your Italy itinerary, do not ever miss a trip to Capri and a drive in the winding roads of Amalfi Coast! Also, while in Sorrento , do not miss the wood fired pizza from any of the pizza shack and Sorrento’s famed lemonade!

READ: Capri boat tour: the perfect day trip from Sorrento.

Pompeii – an ancient city, now destroyed

Suggested by: Don’t Forget to Move

Although Italy has a plethora of incredible cities, our favorite place we visited was Pompeii. It’s incredibly unique and full of history. For those that don’t know Pompeii, it’s an ancient Roman city just 40 minutes from Naples by train. In 79 A.D. the volcano Mount Vesuvius erupted, covering the city in meters of ash and killing about 2000 people. Pompeii was left undiscovered until over 1500 years later when it was found that the ash had preserved the city exactly as it was.

Walking through the cobblestone streets you can see houses, community buildings and yes, skeletons covered in ash but perfectly intact. It can be a bit disturbing to see deceased town residents, especially because the volcano is still active and could really erupt at any second.

But there’s really no other place like Pompeii to see an ancient city frozen in time. If you want to visit Pompeii, your best bet is to stay in Naples and take the train in. There are shops and restaurants outside the site that sell decent meals and snacks.

Sicily has a raw energy and beauty that grabs you with all your senses. Explore its cities and you will discover the beating heart of this Mediterranean island.

Palermo – vibrant capital of Sicily

Suggested by:  By Jennifer (aka Dr. J) from Sidewalk Safari

Palermo is a riotous mix of food, culture, and grit. Experience Palermo’s street food culture by signing up for a Streat Palermo tour . Try Sicilian specialities you might not be brave enough to try otherwise like pane ca’ meusa (a spleen sandwich). Sicilian gelato is the best in the world. Now imagine this: instead of serving gelato in a cup or cone, shops in Palermo serve you an ice cream sandwich on brioche!

Palermo’s Teatro Massimo is the third largest opera in Europe and also played a pivotal role in The Godfather III. Watch visitors re-enact the final shoot-out on the steps while locals roll their eyes. Pretty much every visitor to Sicily is curious about the mafia. We felt perfectly safe on our visit but the surroundings in Palermo lend to the feeling that someone from ‘The Family’ might be watching.

At Palermo Cathedral, we heard Father Puglisi’s story. Now considered a martyr by the church, he was “taken out” by the mob for his work to protect children from organized crime. This undercurrent still exists and makes for an heart-racing backdrop to a visit to Sicily.

Ortigia – romantic city by the sea

Suggested by:   Jack and Jill Travel the World   

Ortigia is the historical center of the city of Siracusa, Sicily . It’s located on an island, connected to the modern part of Siracusa by a short bridge. There are enough things to do in Ortigia to occupy a casual traveler for at least a couple of days.

We rented an Airbnb just around the corner from the market and I’d make a trip there every morning. I ordered my espresso from Fratelli Burgio , and sip it while standing on the counter, surrounded by fresh deli meat and cheese, while watching the market come to life. Being an island, the seafood is particularly fresh. Ortigia is especially known for its swordfish, and you’ll find plenty of it in the market.

Do not miss the sandwich from Caseifico Borderi . Don’t expect a menu, but expect a line. Andrea is a true sandwich artist, he makes what he wants with a flourish, a smile, and a conversation. Other than being known for its food, Ortigia is simply a fun city to walk around. The main waterfront area around Fountain Arenusa is particularly scenic.

The island has plenty of reminders that it has been around for a very long time. Close to the entrance to the island lies the remnants of the Temple of Apollo, dated to the beginning of 6th century BC.

The main cathedral is worth a peek in. It has incorporated the original Greek columns from 5th century BC. If you go to Hotel alla Giudecca , you can take a tour to Europe’s oldest Jewish bath (mikveh). These subterranean baths, dated from where Jews had lived on the island until they were expelled in 1400’s, had lain hidden here until 1989.

For its small size, Ortigia packs quite a lot. I haven’t even mentioned the various attractions located across the bridge on the mainland. It’s definitely worth a visit when in Sicily.

Noto – heart of the Baroque valley

Suggested by: 203 Challenges

Even if you have a very short time in Sicily, make the Baroque town of Noto your priority. You don’t need a guide or a map to enjoy the honey-shaded buildings of the old town. Let yourself get lost is the best advice to follow here.

Don’t leave without getting to the top of the tower of San Nicolo church for a breath-taking panorama of the town.

Messina – Sicilian harbour city

If you are traveling to Sicily via the mainland, chances are you will arrive in Messina. This harbour city is the gateway to Sicily but is worth exploring for a few days before you explore the rest of the island. Messina has had a troubled past. The city was almost completely destroyed by an earthquakes in 1783 and 1906 and Allied attacks in World War II.  Today the city is one of the most important hubs in Sicily thanks to its resilient citizens.

Religion plays a great part in the daily lives of the people of Messina and there are several festivals throughout the year marking significant events on the Catholic calendar. These cultural events are an incredible sight and worth seeing even if you are not religious. Huge floats depicting scenes from the bible are hauled along Messina’s wide boulevards by parishioners of its many churches holding candles.

There are several notable landmarks including an impressive astronomical clock that puts on a 12 minute show at midday. My enduring memory of Messina, however, is their granita breakfast. Warm brioche straight from the oven is dipped into delicious coffee or chocolate granita (Sicilian gelato).

READ: Discover Sicily’s favourite desserts .

Catania – at the base of Mount Etna

Catania is crazy, vibrant and cool. Lying in the shadow of Mount Etna, the city’s history has been shaped by volcanic activity over the centuries. No wonder then, that the people celebrate their patron saint, who is said to have stopped several Etna catastrophes, with such fervour.

Twice a year in February and August, the people of Catania celebrate Sant’Agata with processions, fireworks and feasting. This festival attracts over 1 million people to the Baroque piazzas and streets of the city. 

If you’re not visiting Catania during the festivals, you can pay your respects to the saint at the city’s Duomo – the focal point of the city. From there explore some of the cities museums and the ancient Greek theatre. And don’t miss the famous La Pescheria market where local fisherman tout their wares, hauled from the Ionian Sea that very morning. 

  What is your favourite Italian city?

I can’t choose and it seems there is a lifetime of exploring to be done. And then you’ll have to move on to the small Italian towns and villages which have unique charms of their own.

We love Italy! You can find all of our articles on our favorite country here or to start planning your trip to Italy visit these pages:

· 10 day Italy itinerary – covering Rome, Florence, Venice and more · 5 days in Rome · 101 travel tips for Italy · What to pack for Italy – including a packing list · Why you need travel insurance for Italy

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The creator, writer and photographer behind Untold Morsels , Katy has been travelling and tasting the world since she was a teenager.

Now the proud mum of twins, she hopes they grow up to share her passions of great food, wine and travel. Favourite destination: Italy