8 of the Best Places to Visit in Italy
With its eye-catching ancient monuments and gorgeous beaches, Italy elates and inspires like no other country. Discover the dazzling beauty of Rome’s medieval architecture or Puglia’s whitewashed villages and trulli—ancient dwellings with conical roofs.
Florence is a trove of Renaissance art, while Verona is the setting for Shakespeare’s romance Romeo and Juliet. Tuscany’s rolling hills are ideal for vineyard visits and charming villages. And Milan is home to the Duomo, world-class museums and Da Vinci’s Last Supper.
1. Rome
The best places to visit in Italy include Rome, where the octagonal Roman amphitheater, St Peter’s Basilica, and other iconic landmarks stand as timeless symbols of Italian culture. No trip to Rome is complete without tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, a Baroque masterpiece that promises visitors that they’ll one day return.
Other top sights are the Vatican’s museums, including its treasure trove of classical art in the Capitoline Museums. The 5th-century Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore boasts a magnificent octagonal baptistery, and Rome’s opulent baroque church of Santa Maria del Popolo displays Bernini and Caravaggio paintings.
The sprawling Villa Borghese, originally a villa for the Borghese family and later home to Pauline Bonaparte, is one of Rome’s premier art galleries. It also features resplendent gardens and lakes.
2. Florence
Known for its world-class museums, Florence is home to a remarkable collection of Renaissance-era masterpieces. Skip the long admission lines with a skip-the-line Accademia and Uffizi Gallery Tour that includes priority entrance and guided visit.
Take in the city panorama from atop Giotto’s Campanile, the cathedral bell tower—Brunelleschi’s last completed masterpiece. If you can face the 463 steps, climb all the way to the top for an unforgettable view over the terra-cotta rooftops.
Step away from the crowded ticky-tacky souvenir stalls and explore a hidden treasure: the Stibbert Museum, an extravagant private collection of armour and artwork. Also worth a visit is the vast Palazzo Pitti. Its sprawling edifice and incredible art collections deserve more than just one day to enjoy.
3. Venice
Everyone has seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa, probably on a pizza box, but few know that there’s much more to see in this city built on 100 little islands in a lagoon. Take time to stroll its canals, admiring the architecture and watch the gondolas glide by.
Visit the famous Ca’ d’Oro, once a customs house that was later turned into an art gallery. The opulent facade is a work of art in itself, but the interior is even more impressive with sculptures and paintings by artists such as Titian and Tintoretto.
St Mark’s Basilica, a medieval cathedral, is another must-see. Its lavish mosaics and Pala d’Oro (a golden altarpiece) are among the best examples of Byzantine art.
4. Lake Garda
The region’s mountains, beaches and historic towns offer an amazing mix of history and nature. The enchanting lake provides the perfect setting for relaxing, recharging and adventure-seeking, too.
For history buffs, the medieval Scaliger Castle in Sirmione and the Monte Baldo cable car are must-visit sites. Foodies can shop for Garda wine and local delicacies at the markets in Bardolino, Limone sul Garda and Lazise.
Shakespeare fans should make sure to visit Verona, where the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet took place. The town also has a fascinating museum and the stunning Vittoriale, which showcases the life of poet Gabriele D’Annunzio. The garden and park are also worth a visit, with its waterways, paths and lemon groves.
5. Lake Iseo
While Lake Como and Garda get most of the attention, Lake Iseo is a hidden gem that offers an alpine waterfront experience with less tourist congestion. Situated near Bergamo and Brescia, the lake is surrounded by soaring mountains.
The largest lake island in Europe is home to a historic castle, and its little streets have that old Italian vintage vibe. You’ll also find grand villas and a wine region that produces Franciacorta, which rivals Champagne.
On a lakeside walk from Ceratello to Bossico, admire the historic villas that line the shore of the lake. Or hike to Palot Valley, a green wooded area crossed by an enchanting stream, where you can picnic and relax.
6. Cinque Terre
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the jaw-dropping coastal villages that make up Cinque Terre are a sight to behold. Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, and Vernazza grew up as medieval fortified settlements to protect against Saracen raiders, and their timeless streets and dazzling views have made them famous.
Spend three days here sampling the local wines and olive oils, hiking between the villages, savoring the salty sea swims and greasy-paper anchovies of coastal cafes, and stealing sunsets at postcard-pretty viewpoints. You’ll also want to hike the steep stairclimb up to Castelluccio, where the ruins of the 15th-century castle offer sweeping vistas. This was the first village to be “discovered” by tourists, and its church houses a carved marble pulpit and Renaissance triptych.
7. Sicily
Sicily is Italy’s largest island and has its own unique spin on the country’s language, food, and traditions. This region offers irresistible cuisine, mesmerizing sites left behind by a fascinating history, and stunning beaches and imposing landscapes.
One of the top things to do in Sicily is explore Mount Etna, which is active year-round. Hike around the viewing station or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, join a tour to see the steaming craters on the summit of Etna.
The Norman cathedral in Cefalu and the Cappella di San Giorgio are must-see stops, as is a trip to the stunning castle ruins at Modica. You’ll also find gorgeous beaches on the Aegadian Islands off the coast of Trapani.
8. Naples
By and large a city for Neapolitans, Naples is less visited by outsiders than Rome or other major Italian cities. As a result, it retains its authentic charm and offers visitors a more honest look into real Italian life.
Explore the beautiful Santa Chiara complex, a church and monastery that are renowned for their architecture and serene ambiance. Inside, marvel at the stunning frescos and intricate sculptures and take in a second drawcard – the Veiled Christ by Giuseppe Sanmartino, one of the finest examples of 18th-century neoclassical sculpture.
Beneath street level, the mysterious Catacombe di San Gaudioso is a fascinating reminder of early Christian burial practices. Its labyrinthine network of tunnels and chambers are adorned with amazing artwork, creating a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.