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Best places to visit in italy.

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

Cinque Terre

Amalfi coast, tuscany, italy, the dolomites.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10 Day Tour of Southern Italy

Seductive Southern Italy

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

Starts at: Naples

Ends at: Lecce

Duration: 10 days

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

Naples, Italy

Burano Island

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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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Wednesday 12th of June 2024

My mom and I are planning a trip to Italy in the summer and this has been 100% helpful. THANKS!!!

Glad to hear this, Kat. Have a wonderful time in Italy with your mom!

Thursday 30th of May 2024

Are you familiar with xxx tours? xxx tours? What do you think about a European cruise? We are planning a trip Italy celebrating our 40th Anniversary. We have traveled to London with friends, but no where else "across the pond". I admit, I'm a tad bit nervous traveling to Italy not knowing the language etc. Thank you for your suggestions.

Hi Lencia, no, I'm not familiar with any of those tours (and I deleted their names since I can't vouch for them) and we have never done or even considered a cruise in Europe. So I'm afraid I can't really help you with that. All I can say is that all of these amazing places in Italy deserve a longer visit than a few hours and that there are thousands of ways to plan a trip. If you are mostly interested in Italy, take a look at our article with a suggested 2-week Italy itinerary.

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!

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40+ best places to visit in Italy

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Last updated on January 12th, 2024.

There are plenty of posts floating on the internet about the best places to visit in Italy.

And while there is no wrong answer, this post stands out from the rest for 2 main reasons.

For one, it’s written by a local (me), and the second is its format.

Presented in an A to Z style, I’m sharing 40+ of the best places in Italy and some of the top Italy destinations.

I’ll also be adding local tips on Italian culture and regional dishes to try at these must-see Italy spots.

Perfect material for your Italy bucket list , use this post to help plan your Italy trip .

Amalfi Coast

You’ve seen the photos, the movies and the travel shows, and you now want to experience the Amalfi Coast for yourself.

The stunning Amalfi Coast is popular for good reason. This 50km coastline along the Tyrrhenian Sea is home to picturesque towns such as Positano, Ravello and Sorrento .

Popular as a day trip from Naples or Sorrento , it’s easily one of the top places to visit in Italy.

The coast’s namesake town, Amalfi, was my favorite that we visited on our 4-day Amalfi Coast itinerary . A walkable, and breathable, town, at its heart is the glorious Amalfi Cathedral ( Duomo di Sant’Andrea ). A church embracing Norman, Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architectural styles, it’s unmissable when visiting Amalfi.

One of the best places to visit in Italy, get in the know with these Amalfi Coast travel tips before you visit.

Boutique hotel in Amalfi Coast — Villa Magia

I love everything about Villa Magia , beginning with its name. This magical hotel has a prime spot, overlooking the blues of the Mediterranean.

Fornilo Beach is just 700 yards from the property, and its Luna Terrace is perfect for enjoying outdoor Italian breakfasts.

Probably the best place to visit in Italy for epicureans is Bologna. The capital city of the Emilia-Romagna region in the north-west of Italy is a food lover’s paradise.

Its most famous dish, and export, is the Ragù alla Bolognese . It’s usually served with tagliatelle pasta — and a good-sized napkin to wipe away any excess sauce.

One of the city’s several nicknames is ‘la grassa’, meaning ‘the fat’. It’s a good indication to Bologna’s rich and calorific cuisine.

Plenty to see and eat

Piazza Maggiore is the city’s principal square. Get to know Bologna’s historic center better by booking a walking tour or a fun food tour .

From here, you can visit the 10th largest church in the world (by volume), San Petronio Basilica. The former city hall turned museum, Palazzo d’Accursio , is also within walking distance.

To catch a great view of Bologna, head to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca. The church sits atop a forested hill, and is about 300m above the city.

‘B’ is also for Bistecca alla Fiorentina

This succulent joint of meat comes from the Tuscany region and is a must try for greedy carnivores. The steak comes from the Chianina cow — an ancient Tuscan breed known for its high quality and superb flavor.

Boutique hotel in Bologna — Hotel Corona D’Oro

The historic Hotel Corona D’Oro has everything you need for a relaxing Bologna stay. Check into a double deluxe room with a terrace and enjoy an Italian breakfast while admiring the red rooftops.

The hotel’s located in a traffic-free zone of the center ( learn more about the ztl ) meaning no disturbance from oncoming traffic. Guests are given free bikes to explore the city during their stay.

Cinque Terre

When many visitors think about places to go in Italy, Cinque Terre usually sits in the top 5.

Colorful houses, steep terraces and centuries old fishing villages, Cinque Terre is an Instagrammer’s dream.

The province in the Liguria region of Italy literally translates as ‘5 lands’. Its coastline, 5 villages and the surrounding area form part of the Cinque Terre National Park.

The village of Manarola holds the title of being the second smallest in Cinque Terre, with a population of just 353. Via dell’Amore, or the ‘love trail’ is a popular walk that runs between Manarola and neighboring village Riomaggiore.

The smallest national park in Italy, Cinque Terre is also a UNESCO attraction , covering an impressive 4,300 acres.

‘C’ is also for Catania. With Cinque Terre attracting over 1 million visitors each year, it might be worth considering another Italian alternative.

The Sicilian city of Catania has plenty of historic sites to visit, as well as a mouthwatering Sicilian food scene . What’s more, Mount Etna is nearby, offering ample opportunities to book an unforgettable volcano day or sunset trip .

Cinque Terre hotel with the best views — Hotel Porto Roca

In the village of Monterosso is a 4-star hotel with terraces overlooking the Ligurian Sea. Hotel Porto Roca is just 5 minutes from the center, offering guests incredible views and fresh seafood.

The most popular path, the Blue Trail, also begins here. Check for any restrictions before visiting, as limits and restrictions sometimes occur.

Map: best places to visit in Italy

Dolomites .

This incredible mountain range, primarily in Italy, also shares one region, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, with neighboring Austria. Come winter, the snow-capped peaks of the Dolomites create a dramatic sight; even more so when the sun sets.

One of the best places to spend winter in Italy , the Dolomites are ideal for skiing or relaxing. For the jetsetters among you, Cortina D’Ampezzo is glamorous, with flashy sports cars and expensive boutiques in sight.

A full-day tour from Bolzano to the Dolomites offers a memorable experience in a short amount of time.

Alternative rustic and traditional towns to visit include Corvara and Ortisei.

Boutique hotel in the Dolomites — Berghotel Ladinia

Set in the picturesque town of Corvara in Badia is the 4-star Berghotel Ladinia . Bag a room with views overlooking the Dolomites and one that also embraces a South Tyrolian style.

Some rooms come with a terrace and all come with complimentary WiFi. The Col Alt ski slopes are just 30 yards away from the hotel’s front door.

Feast on local dishes in Berghotel Ladinia’s on-site restaurant. During winter, the hotel provides guests with a voucher to use in its restaurant.

D is also for Duomo

Duomo . It’s a word you’ll come across often when traveling throughout Italy. A Duomo is a city or town’s principal church or cathedral. Typically, they’re located in the city/town center and are usually surrounded by other buildings of importance.

If asked personally, my 5 top Duomo in Italy are:

• Siena Cathedral
• Florence ( Skip-the-line entrance ticket )
• Milan ( Fast-track entry ) 

Inside and out, the Duomo in Italy are a work of art and are a must see in Italy.

Get your best walking shoes on, as you’ll need them for visiting the Sicilian hilltop town of Erice . Situated 800m above sea level, most travelers come to visit Castello di Venere (Castle of Venus). Steep lanes from the Porta Trapani gateway will take you all the way to the top.

The 12th century castle is a prime location for catching the best views of the sea and coastline below. Erice is also a doable day trip from Palermo .

Gather your breath, and energy, on the way up at one of the cafes in Piazza Umberto. The castle park’s cafe is a good choice for getting some shade, panoramic views and a robust cup of coffee.

E is also for Etna

This active volcano hovers over the east coast of Sicily , and is the largest of the three in Italy. Join a Mount Etna sunset jeep tour to see some of the best views of Catania, Messina and beyond.

Florence (Firenze)

A city overflowing with locals and tourists alike, Florence is one of the best places to visit in Italy. A city I recommend to first-time travelers visiting Italy, two days in Florence is a good starting point.

The river Arno runs through this historic city, with medieval churches and sculptures filling its historic center. Add to this the impressive number of museums in Florence’s center .

Be sure to keep your wits about you when visiting Florence. There are several well-known scams that target tourists in Florence.

Along with visiting Michelangelo’s David and its jaw-dropping Duomo , Florence also has a tantalizing food scene. Buca Lapi isn’t just the oldest restaurant in Florence, it also serves up a mean Bistecca alla Fiorentina (see ‘B’ for Bistecca ).

For a delicious bite on the go, Osteria All’Antico Vinaio is where to go for a social media-loving filled panini.

Boutique hotel in Florence

Minutes from the Ponte Vecchio, Gallery Hotel Art is a fitting choice in Florence. With the central theme of elegant minimalism running throughout the hotel, it’s a sophisticated stay in the city of art.

F is also for Ferragosto

Avoid traveling on the days before, and on, 15 August. It’s a public holiday in Italy called Ferragosto . Essentially, the holiday marks the halfway point of the summer season.

Nothing in particular happens, but many Italians spend the day with family, friends or at the beach.

Roads are busier than usual in the days leading up to Ferragosto , and some services may be closed. Saying that, try to travel on 13 or 17 August to avoid getting caught with the crowds. 

Garda (Lago di garda)

One of the best Italy vacations, Lake Garda is another of Italy’s most popular destinations. Come here for boating, walking, picnics (summer) and for the awesome landscape.

The largest lake in Italy, Lago di Garda is shared by 3 regions: Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol.

Towns to visit around Lake Garda

There are several towns and villages surrounding the lake, with Sirmione being one of the most popular. It’s home to many hotels, restaurants, as well as a market, and the impressive Scaliger Castle. A short boat cruise around Sirmione is an idyllic way to visit, and one that offers a different perspective.

The lake’s namesake town, Garda, along with Bardolino are equally popular with visitors. The town center has a harbor, as well as bars and restaurants with colorful façades.

If you prefer to visit a town on Lake Garda that’s not as touristy, consider seeing Salò. The town sits on the Lombardy side and has plenty of things to do to make up a day trip.

Boutique Hotel near Lake Garda — La Zarraba Boutique Hotel

Wake up to views of the mesmerizing Lake Garda at La Zarabba Relais de Charme . Rooms are elegant and decorated in an Italian Renaissance style. The hotel’s located in Ponti Sul Mincio, a commune in the province of Mantua in Lombardy.

If visiting in summer, save your spot on one of the sunbeds by the swimming pool. From here, you get the best of both worlds: a pool with a lake view. La Zarabba Boutique Hotel also has a garden and terrace for guests to enjoy. Take advantage of the free WiFi and on-site private parking.

G is also for gondola — Italy vacation ideas

In one of the same regions as Lake Garda is the legendary, and ultra romantic, boat transportation that’s the gondola.

While they can be expensive, and considered a novelty, gondolas are part of the Venice experience. Book a private gondola ride , or with a small group , and soak up the Venetian vibes.

Haunted (Italy)

Add some macabre to your Italy travels by visiting some of the country’s most haunted castles and haunted hotels .

Plagued by ghostly sightings and legendary fables, these historic buildings are some of the creepiest places to stay in Italy. Take the Castello di Montebello. This 14th century historic castle in Rimini, north-west Italy, may look beautiful, but there’s a chilling tale behind its walls.

Historic and haunted

Its most famous story is of the owner’s missing daughter, Azzurina — named after her piercing blue eyes. One day in June, the day of the summer solstice, she mysteriously vanished.

Her disappearance remains a mystery and is unsolved to this day. However, every five years during the summer solstice, people have reported sightings of a young girl fitting Azzurina’s description.

Boutique hotel in Rimini — Rimini Suite Hotel

From the scary to the sublime, Rimini Suite Hotel is a modern hotel in Rivabella. Just 100 yards from the coast and some of Rimini’s best beaches, the hotel has modern rooms and free WiFi. Some rooms come with a private hot tub.

Other amenities also include a swimming pool, and guests receive discounts for a nearby private beach. A continental-style breakfast is provided daily and features sweet and savory products.

Another place in the south of Sicily, Ispica is the classic image of a quaint Sicilian town. Along with examples of fine Sicilian baroque architecture , it’s also home to the Ispica caves ( Cava d’Ispica ).

When we visited during the height of summer the center was deserted. However, this gave us plenty of time to explore the city and take unlimited photographs.

Measuring 13km in length, the caves stretch from Ispica to the neighboring town of Modica. Its most interesting feature are the homes carved into the mountains.

They were inhabited until the end of the 19th century and are something unique to Ispica.

I is also for Infiorata di Noto

Every May, a spectacular floral festival descends upon the southern Sicilian town of Noto.

A blanket of flowers, embracing that year’s theme, covers one of its central streets. Taking place over 3 days, the Infiorata di Noto is a festival for travelers that enjoy flowers and art.

One of the coolest places to travel in May in Sicily, it’s worth booking that flight for.

I is also for Isola delle correnti

Plan a trip to Italy, more specifically, to the southernmost point of the country at Isola delle Correnti . Wade across waist-deep water to reach the island in Sicily with an abandoned lighthouse and far-reaching views.

With Caribbean-style beaches, climates and a laid-back energy, you’d be forgiven for thinking you weren’t in Italy.

Technically, Jesolo shouldn’t really be here, given that ‘J’ doesn’t exist in the Italian alphabet.

However, for non-Italians speakers for whom the letter ‘J’ does exist, you’ll see mentions of Jesolo — just not in Italy.

Instead, Italians know it as Iesolo with an ‘I’. This seaside town north of Venice is one of the largest resorts in Italy. Jesolo receives around 4 million people each year, and that also includes visitors from overseas.

Its main attraction is the 15km (9 mi) beach called Lido di Jesolo. There are several ways to get there from Venice, the quickest route being by renting a car (about 45 minutes). You can also take the ferry to Punta Sabbaioni and then a bus onwards to Jesolo.

The K Boutique Hotel

Similar to ‘J’, the letter ‘K’ also doesn’t exist in the Italian alphabet.

However, I’ve a valuable contribution to add under ‘K’ and that’s the fabulous K Boutique Hotel in Rome.

Located in Rione Monti, luxury features in this 4-star hotel include a private terrace, hot tub and spa. Rooms are modern, bright and come with all the amenities for a comfortable stay. Staying here means an easy 10-minute walk from sights like the Colosseum and the shopping street of Via Nazionale.

Lake Como (Lago di Como)

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and landscape of Lake Como. Explore much loved towns like Bellagio, Como and Varenna , along with lesser visited places like Lenno and Sorico.

One of the top things to do in Italy, Lake Como also has plenty of free attractions to fill up an itinerary.

Another incredible lake to visit in northern Italy is Lago Maggiore. An ideal weekend break, we had a blissful 2 days visiting Lago Maggiore and exploring its natural beauty.

L is also for Lecce

A city full of good vibes and good food, Lecce is one of my favorite cities to visit in Puglia . Over 2,000 years old, Lecce is also one of the most important cities in the region.

The city has a strong connection with its Greek founders. In fact, the griko language is still spoken in a group of towns not far from Lecce.

Wander around the city taking in the many baroque monuments and Lecce limestone sculptures. At night, enjoy the laid-back vibe, sampling the local olive oil, cured meats and wine.

L is also for Lipari

North of the mainland of Sicily is a cluster of islands that evoke memories of long summers by the sea. The Aeolian Islands (Isole Eolie) consist of 7 in total, the largest of the group being Lipari .

A destination with the perfect blend of sandy beaches, blue waters and traditional cuisine, Lipari has it all.

The best viewpoint in Lipari is from the Chiesa Vecchia di Quattropani , a church atop a hill. You’ll need a car or motorbike to get there, but once you arrive, prepare to be treated to the best views.

Probably the most visited city in the Lombardy region, Milan is important for several reasons. The second-most populous city in Italy after Rome, Milan is known for being the capital of art, commerce and fashion.

One of the best places to visit in Italy, Italy tourist attractions are in abundance in Milan.

The city’s cathedral, the incredible Duomo di Milano , showcases a fine example of Italian Gothic architecture. Pinacoteca di Brera and Castello Sforzesco  (Sforza Castle) are other two notable sights to see in Italy.

In December, Milan becomes one of the best places to spend Christmas in Italy . Visit the Christmas markets in Piazza Duomo and see the larger-than-life Christmas tree.

Prepare for your Milan trip by familiarizing yourself with these top Milan travel tips . Wake up to a view of the Duomo at one of these centrally-located hotels or stay close by to Malpensa Airport .

Boutique hotel in Milan — Matilde Boutique Hotel

With a penchant for fashion and sophisticated living, you’re spoiled for choice in Milan. Matilde Boutique Hotel is in a central part of the city, and just 200 yards from Piazza Duomo square.

Other main attractions like La Scala Theater and San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore are also within walking distance.

M is also for Modena

Situated on the southern side of the Po Valley is the city of Modena. It’s renowned for its thriving sports car industry and the production of exceptional balsamic vinegar.

You can comfortably explore Modena’s city center in one day keeping a well-paced itinerary.

M is also for Modica, Marzamemi and Mazara del Vallo

I couldn’t write about ‘M’ places in Italy without mentioning these 3 Sicilian destinations. Chocolate lovers need to highlight, circle and underline Modica.

The southern Sicilian city’s famous for the sweet, brown stuff, which I can personally say, is sublimely delicious.

Mazara del Vallo on the north-west coast is well known for its former Arabic influences. From the buildings, the food, to even the wine, you’ll feel like you’re almost in a North African city like Essaouira in Morocco .

Third is the coastal town of Marzamemi . A picturesque spot filled with seafood restaurants and plenty of charm, it’s one of my favorite Italy trips.

N is for Naples 

Best places in Italy don’t get any better than Naples.

The city of pizza and historic landmarks beneath the watchful gaze of Mount Vesuvius, one day in Naples is not long enough.

Boasting the largest historic city center in Europe, Naples is home to some of the most impressive churches in Italy. Take the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption (Duomo di Napoli). Housing 4th century mosaics and relics, it’s a sight that few photos can do justice.

Naples in and around

Not far from Naples’ city center are other famous places in Italy to consider visiting.

The Roman ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum are around 25 minutes’ drive.

Pompeii met its tragic end when it was engulfed and preserved by volcanic ash during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

It’s highly advisable that you book your Pompeii ticket in advance . It won’t just save you time, but it’ll also spare you the hassle of having to wait in long lines.

Palace of Caserta

The former royal abode in Caserta was once the main residence of the kings of Naples. One of the largest royal palaces in the world covering an area of 47,000 m², it’s the Italian version of Versailles.

This skip-the-line ticket includes entrance to the royal palace and parks. Also included is the option to have an audioguide app and a train ticket to Caserta from Napoli Central Station (if selected).

Boutique hotel in Naples — Artemisia Domus

The gorgeous 4-star Artemisia Domus is 1,000 yards from Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino). Boasting elegant suites, it’s also in a prime location in Naples.

N is also for Noto

We’re frequent visitors to the Sicilian city of Noto . The historic center may be small but it’s filled with striking baroque architecture and cobbled streets.

A beautiful city for a vacation in Italy, consider spending a few nights nearby at IUTA Glamping & Farm . The best place in Italy to try glamping in Sicily the site is just a few minutes’ drive from the center.

Ortygia (Ortigia)

It’s not often that you come across a historic center that also happens to be an island. But this is the norm in the Sicilian city of Syracuse (Siracusa).

Separated by a narrow channel, there are 3 bridges that connect Ortygia to the mainland. One of the best places to visit in Italy, the island is one of the top Italy tourist attractions.

At the center of the old city, or ‘ città vecchia ‘, is Syracuse Cathedral (Duomo di Siracusa) . Awarded UNESCO status in 2005, the church’s structure was originally a Greek Doric temple.

O is also for Olbia and Orgosolo

In the north-east of the island of Sardinia is the city of Olbia. Close to the dazzling and glitterati Costa Smeralda, Olbia is also known for its sandy beaches and picture-perfect sea.

In the center of Sardinia is the commune of Orgosolo. This municipality’s most famous for its political murals that adorn the city’s walls. They represent the island’s political struggles as well as international issues.

Busy and buzzing, the Sicilian capital of Palermo is a great example of Sicilian life in action. Loud, passionate and exciting, there are plenty of things to do in Palermo .

Palermo has plenty of must-see sights, many of which are free to visit . The Norman Palace (Palazzo dei Normani), and its chapel, La Cappella Palatina , with its golden mosaic interior will blow you away.

Palermo Cathedral, Teatro Massimo and the city’s gritty, yet historic, neighborhoods are also worth adding to the list.

One of the best places to visit in Italy, I never miss the opportunity to revisit Palermo.

Quartu Sant’Elena

Located 6.4km (4mi) from the Sardinian capital of Cagliari is Quartu Sant’Elena. It’s the third largest city in Sardinia with plenty of historic churches, mesmerizing coastlines and sandy beaches.

Sardinia has some of the best beaches and cleanest waters in the world. Some examples in Quartu Sant’Elena include the sandy Is Canaleddus , and nearby Is Mortorius with its natural pools.

Q is also for Quattro Canti

One of the top tourist attractions in Italy, Quattro Canti typically tops visitors’ travel lists. Loosely meaning ‘four places’, the octagonal square has four baroque buildings with almost identical façades. 

Each has a fountain and statues representing the four seasons. You’ll also see sculptures of the Spanish kings of Sicily and the patronesses of Palermo.

One of the best places to visit in Italy the Italian capital should need no introduction.

Home to dozens of attractions like the Colosseum , the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, Rome tops the Italy beautiful places list.

Another good reason to visit Rome is to tour the Vatican City . It may be the smallest country in the world, but it’s home to the most magnificent buildings.

Skip the lines by booking in advance for the Vatican museum and the Sistine Chapel . Nearby is the magnificent St Peter’s Basilica, from which you can visit its jaw-dropping dome and explore the underground grottos .

Should you need advice on where to stay in Rome , maybe one of these Colosseum view hotels will meet your needs.

R is also for Ragusa

In the south of Sicily is the ancient city of Ragusa. An earthquake in 1693 split the city of Ibla in two, leading to some of the buildings being re-built in Baroque style.

The city’s home to several impressive Duomo, which ranks Ragusa as one of the best places in Sicily to visit. Both are fine examples of Sicilian Baroque architecture, and places in Italy to add to your Italy trip planner.

Boutique hotel in Ragusa — Locanda Don Serafino

Book into a 4-star hotel that was built into the side of a cave. Locanda Don Serafino has elegant rooms, striking suites and delicious food.

R is also for Ravenna

The Italian city of mosaics isn’t one that features on many Italy travel itineraries. Personally, I consider Ravenna to be one of the best places to visit in Italy.

A city with plenty to see in 1 day , Ravenna has some of the most spectacular sights to see in Italy.

My heart skips a beat every time I think of Siena. The historic city is one of the most beautiful places in Tuscany and a must see in Italy.

No cars are able to enter the center of Siena. Streets are narrow, historic and all lead to Piazza del Campo. The fan-shaped square is home to the Palazzo Pubblico, the town hall and the 14th century Torre del Mangia.

Piazza del Campo is also where the famous Palio horse race happens twice a year.

One of the most famous attractions in Italy is Siena’s grand cathedral (Duomo di Siena) . It’s not easy to take pictures that do justice to this Italian Romanesque-Gothic masterpiece. The only solution is to visit and see it for yourself.

S is also for Scicli

A lesser-known city in south-east Sicily, Scicli, for me, is one of the most beautiful places in Italy. With plenty of things to do in 1 day , Scicli has Sicilian baroque churches and a TV detective to its name.

Home of ‘Inspector Montalbano’, you can visit locations from the show by joining the enigmatic Inspector Montalbano tour .

S is also for Syracuse (Siracusa)

I’ve previously covered some of the best sights to see in Ortygia , which is located off the coast of Syracuse.

Back on the mainland, signs of the city’s Ancient Greek past are everywhere. Probably the number one landmark to visit is the Greek Theater of Syracuse. First built in the 5th century BC, the theater’s on a sloping hill, focusing on the stage below.

The Greek theater is part of the complex within the Neapolis Archaeological Park. You can buy tickets at the entrance or join a tour with an expert guide .

The cultural and business hub of Turin is an important city center in north-west Italy.

One of the best places to travel in Italy, Turin was the first capital of Italy.

Piazza Castello is Turin’s principal square. It’s here that’ll find the 16th century Royal Palace of Turin of the House of Savoy. They were the ruling dynasty of the period, eventually expanding their reign to Sicily.

Also, in the square is Palazzo Madama, the building of the first Senate of the Italian kingdom.

Boutique hotel in Turin — TownHouse 70

Stay at a hotel that’s within minutes from Turin’s best attractions.  TownHouse 70  has rooms and suites that are chic and modern, with soft colors and minimalist design.

T is also for Taormina

The hilltop town of Taormina in southern Sicily is a popular spot to vacation in Italy. It’s where you’ll find, among other things, the Greek amphitheater, along with stunning views overlooking the Ionian Sea. 

Taormina has garnered a reputation for being one of the most famous places in Italy.

With its charming town center and the enchanting island of Isola Bella, Taormina’s popularity has spread further afield. The Sicilian town was used as one of the filming locations of the American TV show, The White Lotus .

T is also for Treviso

Make a detour to the northern Italian city nicknamed ‘mini Venice’ and discover the best things to do in Treviso . With canals running through the city and a delightful historic center, Treviso makes an ideal Venice day trip .

When deciding on where to visit in Italy, the city of Udine is one of the lesser known Italy tourist spots. Situated between the Adriatic Sea and the Alps in Friuli Giulia Venezia, Udine has several attractions worth visiting.

The city’s castle that sits high atop a hill (Castello di Udine) was once a former military building. Today, it runs as a history and art museum.

In the Piazza della Libertà is the 15th century town hall ( Loggia del Lionello ) and the grand clock tower (Torre dell’Orologio).

Hotel choice in Udine — Astoria Hotel Italia

Close to the town’s tourist attractions and shopping streets, Astoria Hotel Italia is a sound choice for a stay in Udine.

Elegant, spacious and with a modern décor, you’re in for a comfy stay. The hotel can also organize visits for guests to wine, ham and grappa producers in the nearby area.

U is for Umbria

Take a trip to the heart of Italy with a visit to the green and historic region of Umbria.

One of the best places to visit in Italy is Orvieto. Spend 1 day in Orvieto visiting its spectacular Duomo and stopping by its former papal residences.

The city of canals, architecture and art, Venice is easily one of the best places to visit in Italy. It’s typically busy all year round, but summertime is when visitor numbers reach their peak.

It’s because of this, that I actually prefer visiting Venice in winter . The crowds are fewer, meaning less time lining up for attractions, and more time exploring.

Must-see sights in venice

Italy tourist attractions don’t get anymore famous than in Venice.

Take St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco). The grand plaza is home to the basilica, its towering Campanile, Renaissance clock tower and Doge’s Palace . From here, you can also take a morning walk through the Merceria . It’s a busy shopping street that leads directly to the famous Rialto Bridge.

While visiting Venice, make time to visit other parts, like taking a day tour of Murano, Burano and Torcello . The islands just outside Venice are some of the prettiest places to see in Italy.

Boutique hotel in Venice — Corte di Gabriela

With just 13 rooms, Corte di Gabriela  is my Venice boutique hotel pick. Providing luxury comfort, spacious showers and generous breakfasts, the hotel’s within walking distance to Venice’s main attractions. 

I detail more places in where to stay in Venice including the different neighborhoods and the closest to Venice’s attractions.

V is also for Verona and Vicenza

Within the same region of Veneto are 2 more ‘V’ cities that are places in Italy to consider visiting.

Verona is one of the most romantic cities in Italy . The setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the Casa di Giulietta is a tourist favorite. Located near Piazza delle Erbe — the city’s main square — the house is worth a quick look (depending on the crowds).

Other attractions in Verona like The Arena di Verona and Castel San Pietro make Verona one of the best Italy vacations.

Detour to Vicenza

Chances are you’ve never heard of Vicenza but my small home city has plenty of things to do . At its heart is the Basilica Palladiana in Piazza dei Signori .

Designed by renowned architect, Andrea Palladio, the Renaissance building is one of his most notable works. 

Also, in Vicenza’s historic center is the Olympic Theatre ( Teatro Olimpico ). It’s another of Palladio’s works and was also the first closed theater of its time. It was his last project before he died in 1580.

Within the province of Vicenza is where you can also find the REAL castles behind Romeo and Juliet . Montecchio Maggiore is home to the 2 castles behind the tale of the star-crossed lovers, and with dramatic views to match.

Zafferana Etnea

We’re skipping straight to Z as letters W, X and Y don’t exist in the Italian alphabet.

There’s a slight clue in the name as to this last town’s location.

Sitting among the hills that lead up to Mount Etna, Zafferana Etnea is a meeting point for volcanic tours. The town’s home to some of the best Sicily hotels with a remarkable view . From Zafferana Etnea, there are roads and trails leading to the national park.

More than a pit stop

About 500m above sea level, the town’s located between the mountain and the Ionian Sea. Many visitors don’t realize that Zafferana Etnea has seaside, as well as winter sports tourism.

The town takes its name from the pricey, yet fragrant, saffron ( zafferano ). It was once an important source of income for Zafferana Etnea, hence its homage to the costly spice.

What are your thoughts on this post listing the best places to visit in Italy? Has it helped you decide on where to visit in Italy? Let me know in the comments below.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.

*Prices correct at time of travel

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Welcome to my site. I'm Lisa, an Italy-based travel and lifestyle blogger behind Following the Rivera. Find out more about me and my story.

36 thoughts on “ 40+ best places to visit in Italy ”

There are so many places to visit in Italy and this break down is really useful for planning! I hope to go there someday and explore some of these beautiful destinations.

Me too! I’m glad you enjoyed this list 🙂

I am going to bookmark this post. We are planning to visit Italy next year and this post has all important information.

That’s great! It’s a good post to help start the planning process

This is such an amazing list. However, I admire you for being able to choose mesmerizing places in Italy since everything is so beautiful and unique – starting with the language. As a matter of fact, you should add Italiano 😉 ! Is Jesolo really so pretty? I’ll be back to Venice for the Biennale in 2024 and will probably spend a couple of hours on the beach there. Last time I went to the Lido and liked it a lot 🙂

You’re right I should add it to the list! We love Lido, more than Iesolo. But it all comes down to preference 🙂

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12 amazing ways to experience Italy

Jan 11, 2024 • 8 min read

Few joys compare to discovering the beauty of Italy with friends © MStudioImages / Getty Images

With its awe-inspiring art, architecture and culinary delights, Italy has been a star of the world stage for millennia.

The epicenter of the Roman Empire and the birthplace of the Renaissance, this European virtuoso practically groans under the weight of its cultural cachet. The challenge for any visit to Italy is not so much where to go – an amazing experience is honestly assured wherever you end up – but rather how to go about it.

The following advice on the best things to do from a veteran visitor can help you turn every trip into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

1. Glam it up on the dramatic Amalfi Coast

Whether you follow the rugged cliff-laced coast in search of a wild swimming spot or live the high life with spritz-sipping A-listers in Positano , the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy's most glamorous destinations. This dramatic coastal strip has thrills and spills to suit every taste and budget, from hunting down traditional marquetry in Sorrento's maze-like old town to garden-hopping in Ravello .

Planning tip: Make time for the Sentiero degli Dei ("Path of the Gods") – a rugged hiking trail that delivers on its name with positively celestial views.

2. See artwork as part of Tuscany's sustainable tourism project

Most Tuscan tours begin in the UNESCO-listed city of Florence , a cinematic feast of Renaissance palazzi (palaces), medieval-frescoed chapels and art museums brimming with Botticelli and Michelangelo masterpieces .

At the historic heart of Florence is the Uffizi , whose unmatched Renaissance masterpieces are ogled by millions of visitors each year. To take the art journey further, the five-year Uffizi Diffusi project started in 2021 to encourage art buffs to trek across Tuscany's backcountry – on foot, by bike or by car – following an untrodden trail to Italian masterpieces.

Designed to diffuse Florence's heavy tourist load, this sustainable tourism project is bringing pop-up galleries to remote chapels, fortresses, hilltop villages and other unconventional spaces. Not only does it lead visitors off the beaten track, but it also allows artworks to be admired among the very Tuscan landscapes that inspired the artists – think iconic terrain of rolling hills dipped in morning mist, timeless cypress alleys, silver olive groves and terraced rows of vines. Check current venues on the Uffizi website .

3. Tour Rome, the epicenter of empire

Working out the best way to spend your time in the Italian capital is a cultural conundrum. Rome is the former caput mundi (capital of the world), the epicenter of the Roman Empire, the spiritual HQ of the Christian world and the repository for over two millennia of European art and architecture. The city exudes must-see sights from every pore.

Zooming around Italy's Eternal City on the back of a Vespa moped to sightsee at speed is one option and a great way to sample the dolce vita (good life). From the Colosseum (buy a "Full Experience" ticket to access the underground vaults), the Pantheon  and the Roman Forum to Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums , there's history and culture at every turn.

Planning tip:  There's simply too much to cover in a single visit – so before you leave, toss a coin into the pool below the wild horses and cascading rockfalls of the Trevi Fountain to ensure a return visit to this captivating city.

4. Spend time on one of Italy's many idyllic islands

Italy's prized island collection hovers around the 450 mark, meaning il bel paese ("the beautiful country") has a beach-laced island with your name on it. Myriad islands dot the Mediterranean, Ionian, Adriatic and Tyrrhenian Seas. Venice alone is made up of 17 islands, and Sicily and Sardinia – the country's biggest and busiest islands – offer an enticing mix of outdoor thrills and living history.

Unblemished Capri , a boat ride from Naples, attracts celebrities and the super-rich (as does posh Panarea in Sicily's Aeolian archipelago). Volcanic Ischia is awash with thermal spas and manicured gardens.

Planning tip: Traveling with nature lovers? Then head to the peaceful salt marshes and mudflats teeming with birdlife in the pristine Grado lagoon , on the country's northeast border with Austria and Slovenia in little-explored Friuli Venezia Giulia .

5. Help to save Venice

Venice is impossible to ignore – which explains the hordes of tourists who pile into this dreamlike city of romantic canals and ethereal fogs. In an average year, some 25 million arrive to snap selfies beneath the Bridge of Sighs and glimpse heaven (in fresco form) in Basilica di San Marco . To curb future crowds, turnstiles at city entrances and advance reservations via an app to enter the city are all on the drawing board. And 2024 will see the long-awaited implementation of a tourist tax  designed to make sure day-trippers contribute to the city's survival.

Planning tip:  To make a positive impact on Italy's most mobbed city, come out of season , and don't duck in and out on a day trip. Instead, stay for a few days using the community-powered, home-sharing platform Fairbnb and meet and learn from Venetians who are passionate about their city through Venezia Autentica . At mealtimes, favor lagoon-caught seafood in local restaurants over tourist joints with English-language menus.

6. Get off-grid in rural Abruzzo

The Abruzzo region doesn't have the Amalfi's natural glamour or the cultural gems of Rome, but for travelers seeking an immersive, emotive brush with rural Italy and its people, it definitely hits the spot. Cradled by the gritty Apennine mountains and unforgiving Adriatic sea, the region was hit by an earthquake in 2009. Yet Abruzzo is slowly rebuilding itself and reclaiming its rich heritage.

In the quiet town of L'Aquila, a new outpost of Rome's MAXXI (National Museum of 21st Century Arts) is just one sign of this cultural rebirth. In remote Santo Stefano di Sessanio, the Sextantio albergo diffuso program hosts visitors in rustic rooms scattered around this pretty mountain village. Spotting rare Marsican bears padding around the Parc Nazionale d'Abruzzo is the icing on the cake.

7. Follow the Via Francigena pilgrim trail

Cycling and walking are great ways to get under the skin of Italy's diverse landscapes, and there is no finer long-distance trail than the medieval Via Francigena . A perfect, less-trodden alternative to Spain's Camino de Santiago, Italy's most celebrated pilgrim route wends its way for 1900km (1180 miles), running all the way from Canterbury in England to Rome.

The scenic Italian section unfurls at a meditative snail's pace through Tuscany and Lazio , breaking for breath at beautiful hilltop villages, volcanic lakes, Etruscan ruins , remote monasteries and enchanting emerald hills around Lucca ; the UNESCO-protected Val d'Orcia ;  Viterbo ; and other gloriously overlooked spots.

8. Enjoy the drama and excitement of Naples' street life

As Italy's most spirited urban hub, this highly charged, charismatic city in the country's deep south is a curious potpourri of nail-biting history, classical art and a grungy grassroots cocktail of frescoed ruins, frenzied markets and epicurean adventures . Drama is the order of the day in boisterous Naples , where street life unfolds like a grand opera.

Shop for swordfish heads and sweet ricotta pastries at Naples' oldest market, ogle street art in the Centro Storico, admire Mt Vesuvius views from the Lungomare seafront, explore subterranean catacombs , then follow the lead of locals and join the after-dark passegiatta (promenade) on Via Chiaia. Whatever you do, count on drama 24/7.

9. Savor slow food in Piedmont

Rare white truffles from the vine-striped countryside around Alba offer the most grassroots gastronomic experience in all of Italy. Once these fabulous fungi are tracked down by dogs in the woods, ceremoniously sniffed and greedily scoffed, there is no going back.

Truffles aside, the northwestern region of Piedmont , birthplace of the Slow Food movement , entices gourmets with sweet, creamy hazelnuts from the rolling Langhe hills and silky chocolate and myriad cocoa creations in gilded cafes in elegant Turin . Nebbiolo grapes metamorphose into magical Barolo and Barbaresco wines, and lavish banquets pair these treats with sacrosanct aperitivo (pre-meal snacks to eat with a drink and open up the appetite).

Planning tip:  Go hungry and savor the slow feast, one delicious mouthful at a time.

10. Soak up the timeless beauty of Sicily

The eternal crossroads of the Mediterranean, the island of Sicily dazzles with a brilliant diversity of landscapes and cultural treasures. In the southeast, honey-hued Syracuse was the largest city in the ancient world – bigger even than Athens and Corinth – and played an important role in classical Greece. Its hypnotic archaeological ruins, rising out of lush citrus orchards and the sparkling blue Mediterranean, continue to encapsulate Sicily's timeless beauty.

Planning tip:  Greek dramas still flourish in Syracuse's great amphitheater, alongside contemporary theater, live music and more. Plan to see a show beneath the stars on the antiquity stage at Teatro Greco – and expect an unforgettable and spellbinding spectacle.

11. Harvest grapes in the Cinque Terre

Nothing matches Cinque Terre's stunning setting – five teeny, sherbet-colored villages pinned to a jaw-dropping backdrop of terraced vineyards, wave-carved cliffs and blue sea on the Italian Riviera. Summer packs these celebrity villages to bursting point, but the autumn vendemmia (grape harvest) ushers in quite a different scene.

Planning tip:  Come in the fall for mellow days of strolling along quiet cobbled lanes and hiking through vertical vineyards and hillsides perfumed by macchia (herbal scrub) to ancient sanctuaries. The sight of local pickers gallantly harvesting the grapes that go into the Cinque Terre's sweet, fortified Sciacchetrà, and sipping the resulting vintages in a Corniglia or Riomaggiore wine bar with vertiginous views is an experience that will stay with you forever.

12. Hit the ski slopes and hiking trails in Valle d'Aosta

Ringed by some of Europe's highest peaks, including Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and Gran Paradiso, the Aosta Valley sports some of the best winter sports facilities on the continent. In fashionable Courmayeur , winter skiers descend hair-raising runs into France and Switzerland, crossing glaciers and returning via lofty cable cars.

And when the snow melts, spectacular hiking trails in the Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso and around Mont Blanc await. Whatever the season, keep your ears peeled for Franco-Provençal (also known as Valdôtain), the Franco-Italian valley's distinctive local language.

This article was first published Oct 21, 2021 and updated Jan 11, 2024.

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Touropia Travel

Discover the World

33 Top Tourist Attractions in Italy

By Spencer Leasca · Last updated on May 4, 2024

Italy is home to the greatest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. High art and monuments are to be found everywhere around the country. Its great cities of art, like Rome, Venice and Florence are world famous and have been attracting visitors for centuries.

Besides its art treasures Italy also features beautiful coasts, alpine lakes and mountains. No wonder it is often nicknamed the Bel Paese (beautiful country).

With so many amazing sights, putting together a compilation of things to do is no easy task. The following list of top tourist attractions in Italy however should give a good indication of why over 40 million foreign tourists visit this country ever year.

33. Trulli of Alberobello

The Trulli of Alberobello is a group of conical-roofed houses located in the town of Alberobello, in the Puglia region of Italy.

Built in the 14th century, the houses are made of stone and have a distinctive conical roof comprised of flat stones. Ingeniously they were put together without the use of mortar.

Over the years, The Trulli of Alberobello has become a popular tourist destination, attracting scores of visitors interested in traditional architecture and local history.

In 1996, the Trulli of Alberobello was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognising its cultural and architectural significance. Many of them have been restored and converted into holiday homes, restaurants, and shops. Thus, allowing visitors to experience this unique aspect of Puglia’s cultural heritage.

32. Island of Procida

Procida is a small island located in the Campania region of Italy, within the Bay of Naples.

The island is known for its colourful houses, picturesque fishing villages, and charming streets. Radiating a serene and unspoiled atmosphere, Procida is a popular destination for tourists who want to get away from the more crowded and touristy destinations of the nearby Amalfi Coast.

The island is famous for its incredible seafood cuisine. It also has a vibrant local culture that includes several festivals and events. Most notably, these include the Festa di Sant’Antonio Abate in January and the Festa di Santa Maria delle Grazie in September.

For those who want to go there, Procida is easily accessible by ferry from Naples, Ischia, and the Amalfi Coast.

31. Ponte Vecchio in Florence

The Ponte Vecchio is one of Florence’s most famous landmarks.

Rich in character, the medieval bridge crosses the Arno River and is lined with shops. Many of which sell gold jewellery and other high-end items.

The Ponte Vecchio has been a center of commerce since the 13th century and is one of Europe’s oldest and most historic bridges.

Remarkably, the Ponte Vecchio was also the only bridge in Florence to survive the German retreat during World War II. It has since become a symbol of the city’s resilience and history.

A hugely popular tourist attraction , the bridge is often crowed with tourists. Visitors can admire its picturesque architecture, stroll along its bustling shopping streets, and take in the views of the Arno River.

30. Verona Arena

The city of Verona is largely known for its role in the play Romeo and Juliet, but dating back even further is the Verona Arena. This incredible arena is actually a Roman amphitheater constructed 2,000 years ago.

Despite its age, the Verona Arena is remarkably well preserved, and at its peak it hosted performances for more than 30,000 people.

It is still in use today as a performance venue, enjoying a status as one of the largest open-air opera venues in the world. Over the years, famous operas like Aida, La Traviata, and Romeo and Juliet have all been performed here.

Surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and shops, the area around the venue is a popular spot for evening walks. Thus, making it a hub of cultural activity in Verona.

29. Herculaneum

Herculaneum was an ancient Roman city destroyed, along with Pompeii, in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

It was preserved for centuries under layers of ash and pumice before being discovered in the 18th century. Since then, it has become a popular tourist destination and a key site for studying ancient Roman life and culture. The site is known for its well-preserved buildings and innovative use of concrete and waterproofing techniques.

Herculaneum was a smaller city than Pompeii but is better preserved, with many buildings and frescoes still evident.

Visitors to Herculaneum can see a range of well-preserved ancient structures, including houses, thermal baths, and a theatre. Also visible are the remains of shops, public squares, and streets.

Elba is an island nestled off the coast of Tuscany in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The island has a long history, and it was previously inhabited by Ligures Ilvates, Greeks, Etruscans and Romans. Elba’s most famous resident, however, was Napoleon, who was banished to Elba in 1814. Napoleon’s winter and summer homes still stand, and they are available for the public to tour.

Easily accessible by ferry from the mainland, it is the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago. It is also a popular holiday destination for Italians and international tourists.

Known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rolling hills, Elba is covered in vineyards and olive groves. The island is also rich in culture. Boasting several quaint medieval towns and historic fortifications, you should explore if you have the time.

One of Elba’s big attractions is that it is a fantastic destination for outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and water sports. It is also noted for its local cuisine, particularly seafood and olive oil.

27. Gran Paradiso National Park

Nestled in the Graian Alps is Gran Paradiso National Park, a gorgeous destination with stunning mountain views and incredible hiking opportunities. The Gran Paradiso National Park was first established as a way to protect the local ibex population.

The wildlife today includes those ibex as well as badgers, wolves, lynx, ermine and more than 100 bird species.

The park is easily accessible by car from the nearby towns. Seasonal things to do include summer hiking, spotting the foliage in autumn, cross-country skiing in winter and photographing flowers come spring.

Its main attraction is the Gran Paradiso peak, the highest mountain entirely in Italy. Scaling the peak provides sensational panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.

26. Palazzo Ducale in Urbino

The Palazzo Ducale is an enormous Renaissance palace located in the city of Urbino, in the Marche region of Italy .

Designed by the famous architect Luciano Laurana, it was built in the 15th century and served as the residence of the Duke of Urbino.

The Palazzo Ducale features some notable architectural elements. They include a central courtyard, a grand staircase, and a series of loggias and balconies.

The palace is also known for its outstanding art collection, which includes pieces by artists such as Piero della Francesca and Raphael. The latter of which lived and worked in the palace during the Renaissance.

Today, the Palazzo Ducale is a museum and cultural centre. It is open to visitors, who can explore its halls, courtyards, and exhibitions.

25. Trevi Fountain in Rome

One of the must-see attractions in Rome is the Trevi Fountain. The fountain was constructed in 1762 by Nicola Salvi, and it depicts the god Neptune surrounded by underwater creatures in battle.

Trevi Fountain is known as a place to throw in a coin to secure a return trip to Rome, and throwing two coins can secure a loving relationships with a Roman man or woman.

When lit up at night, the fountain looks spectacular, and many visitors come to see it under illumination in the dark. It is a popular spot for evening strolls and is a romantic venue to propose to your loved one.

See also: Where to Stay in Rome

24. Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan

The Holy Mary of Grace, or Santa Maria delle Grazie is a church and Dominican convent located in Milan . The church was built in the 15th century and is best known for being the home of Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting of ‘The Last Supper’.

Depicting the moment when Jesus told his disciples that one of them would betray him, the painting resides in a refectory attached to the church. It is one of the world’s most famous, impressive and studied works of art and attracts millions of visitors annually.

Today, Santa Maria delle Grazie is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As well as the famous painting, visitors can also explore the church and its enchanting surroundings. Should you wish to come here, it is best to arrive early, or just before it closes, to beat the crowds.

See also: Where to Stay in Milan

23. La Pelosa

Off the western coast of the mainland, and in the heart of the Tyrrhenian Sea, is the island of Sardinia .

While Sardinia boasts a number of stunning beaches , none is so picturesque or well-known as La Pelosa. The beach is so spectacular because of its sandy shores and shallow waters, making it easy to see right down to the ground through crystal-clear sea.

La Pelosa is often compared to the Caribbean, bringing some of the tropics to Italy. Surfing, kayaking and even scuba diving are all possible things to do at or near La Pelosa.

22. Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna

Dating back to the 6th century, the Basilica of San Vitale is a spectacular church in Ravenna .

Renowned for its Byzantine architecture, the church is famous for its stunning mosaic decorations. They cover its walls, ceilings, and floor and depict scenes from the Bible.

The church is also known for its circular plan, a unique feature among early Christian churches. Its grand dome, which dominates the structure’s interior, is also notable.

The Basilica of San Vitale is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Italy. The church is open to visitors, who can explore its interior and admire its intricate mosaic decorations.

If you want to fully appreciate its historical and cultural significance, it is worth booking a guided tour of it.

21. Dolomites

The Dolomites are a spectacular mountain range in the northern Italian Alps. They are known for their distinctive jagged peaks, which are made of dolomite rock and have a characteristic reddish-brown color.

A popular tourist destination, The Dolomites attract outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers.

It offers visitors many opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, skiing, and snowboarding.

The area is also famous for its picturesque alpine landscapes, lush green valleys and crystal-clear lakes. All of which form stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

The Dolomites are also home to several historic villages, including Castelrotto, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and Selva Val Gardena. They are popular places to visit for those seeking a traditional Italian alpine experience.

20. Basilica di San Francesco in Assisi

The Basilica di San Francesco, or Basilica of Saint Francis, is one of the most significant religious pilgrimage sites in Italy. Located in Assisi, the basilica was constructed in the 13th century to honor Saint Francis himself.

Although Saint Francis was a man of simplicity and poverty, the basilica is anything but. The Romanesque structure was built with two levels as well as a crypt, ornate windows and thousands of pieces of art. The Basilica di San Francesco consists of two churches, the Upper Church and the Lower Church.

The Upper Church is famous for its frescoes, painted by some of the greatest artists of the Italian Renaissance. Most notably Giotto, Simone Martini, and Pietro Lorenzetti. These frescoes depict scenes from the bible and of the life of St. Francis. The Lower Church is better known for its simplicity and elegance.

19. Sassi di Matera

In the town of Matera, there are a collection of ancient cave dwellings known collectively as the Sassi di Matera. These dwellings are thought of as the very first human settlement in all of Italy, and they may be as many as 9,000 years old.

The dwellings are carved right out of the rock, and many of these caves still house homes, businesses and cafes today. It is an incredible experience to tour ancient caves from early humans and then sip local wines from a similar cave just a short walk away.

18. Mount Etna

Mount Etna is an active volcano located on the east coast of Sicily . It is one of the most active volcanoes in Europe and can erupt a few times a year.

Geologists and volcanologists consider Etna to be a vital site for scientific research. Experts study it to understand its volcanic activity and the processes that shape the Earth’s surface.

Located within a national park called Parco dell’Etna, the precipice towers to a height of about 3,329 metres. It dominates a landscape of lush forests, rolling hills, and rugged, volcanic terrain.

Walking along the craters and fissures is one of the most spectral things to do in Italy and those who dare to get close enough can see the lava or steam. The volcanic soil is renowned for growing grapes, which means the visitors to Mount Etna will have access to an array of fantastic local wine.

17. Duomo of Orvieto

The Duomo of Orvieto is a cathedral located in the central Italian town of Orvieto.

Famous for its magnificent façade, it is one of the country’s pre-eminent examples of Gothic architecture. The cathedral was built over several centuries, starting in the 13th century and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was conceived to be a grand and imposing structure that would demonstrate the power and wealth of the town.

Its façade has sculptures and reliefs depicting scenes from the Bible. It also portrays intricate patterns and the lives of saints and allegorical figures.

Inside, the cathedral’s interior is equally impressive. Much of the artwork in the Duomo, which depicts apocalyptic stories and tales from Revelation, were done by Luca Signorelli.

16. Pizza Napoletana

While you’ll find excellent pizza all over Italy, there’s one place that’s absolutely the best: Naples . This is where pizza was born and where it’s still king.

Unlike pizza in places like the United States, Neapolitan pizza is generally very thin-crusted and saucy and is expected to be eaten as a whole pie while sitting down.

Although every pizzeria in Naples makes a decent pizza, some places display the label “Vera Pizza Napoletana” which indicates that the pizzeria follows the standards of The Naples Pizza Association.

See also: Where to Stay in Naples

15. Portofino

With its picture-perfect harbor, verdant scenery and haphazard rows of hilltop and waterfront homes, Portofino is one of the prettiest towns on the Italian Riviera.

Located just a short drive south of Genoa , the little fishing village has been a popular day-trip destination for centuries.

Portofino is home to landmarks like the 16th century fort called Castello Brown and the 11th century church called St. Martin, but the real attraction in Portofino is the relaxed way of life.

Visitors come to stroll along the Ligurian coastline, shop for souvenir glass jewelry and dine on Italian cuisine paired with the local Pinot Grigios.

14. St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice

St. Mark’s Basilica, known to locals as the Basilica di San Marco, is the crowning jewel of the Piazza San Marco in Venice .

The enormous church was completed in the 11th century, and it boasts more than 500 columns, several stunning domes and countless Byzantine mosaics that use gold extensively.

Also of note are the bronze Horses of Saint Mark, which date back to antiquity and watch over the basilica’s entrances. Be sure not to miss the treasury or the Museo Marciano, both of which contain a staggering collection of early gifts like jewels, sculpture and tapestries.

Capri is a small island located in the Gulf of Naples.

It is known for its stunning rugged coastline, crystal-clear waters, scenic cliffs and grottoes. Capri is also famous for its luxurious lifestyle, attracting many wealthy visitors and A-List celebrities.

The island accommodates several cultural and historical landmarks. These include the Villa Jovis, which served as the Roman Emperor Tiberius’s residence. It also hosts the Blue Grotto, a sea cave renowned for its intense blue light. Surrounded by charming cafes and shops, the Piazzetta is a picturesque square that is also well worth visiting.

Whilst on Capri , there are also many opportunities for outdoor activities on the island. Visitors can enjoy swimming and boating. Exploring the many scenic trails and paths hat wind through its rugged terrain are also popular things to do.

12. St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome

The star attraction of the Vatican in Rome is St. Peter’s Basilica. Arguably, it is the most famous church in the world. It is also the centre of the Catholic Church.

The basilica is named in honor of St. Peter. One of the twelve apostles of Jesus, he is said to be buried beneath its altar.

The current building was completed in 1626 after over 120 years of construction. It is a huge church with an interior that could fit a space shuttle together with its booster rockets. The St. Peter features a mix of Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles.

Many people come to St. Peter’s Basilica for mass. However, even if you are not religious, it is worth coming here to see the impressive artwork.

That includes several sculptures by Michelangelo. It also incorporates its stunning centrepiece dome, designed by Bramante, Michelangelo, and Bernini.

11. Valley of the Temples

The Valley of the Temples is an archaeological site in Agrigento on the island of Sicily.

It is notable for containing the remains of several ancient Greek temples from the 5th century BC. These include the Temple of Hera (Juno), the Temple of Concordia, and the Temple of Heracles (Hercules).

The site impresses with its well-preserved Doric-style columns and the stunning views it portrays of the surrounding countryside.

As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is one of the most important examples of ancient Greek architecture outside of Greece.

A prominent attraction in Sicily, The Valley of the Temples is a must-visit for those interested in archaeology, ancient history, and architecture.

10. San Gimignano

San Gimignano is a picturesque hill town in the Tuscan hills of Italy. It is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture and its 14 iconic towers.

At the height of San Gimignano’s wealth and power, more than 70 towers were built to defend the town against enemy attacks.

After the plague devastated the city in 1348, San Gimignano’s power faded, which kept enemies away and preserved many of the city’s medieval towers.

Easy to get to from Florence and Siena, the town is known for making delicious white wine – Vernaccia di San Gimignano. It also has a vibrant atmosphere, with several celebratory events and festivals taking place throughout the year.

9. Manarola

Located in the province of La Spezia, Manarola is a small town in the Liguria region of Italy. It is best known as one of the fabulous five towns that make up the Cinque Terre .

Manarola features brightly colored houses, steep cliffs, and breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea. It is a favored destination for those who enjoy photography and painting.

The town is a popular destination for tourists who like hiking and boating. It also has several quaint cafes and restaurants that serve delicious menus of local cuisine.

If you don’t fancy walking the Cinque Terre trail, don’t worry, you can always get to Manarola via the train line that connects the five towns.

8. Leaning Tower of Pisa

The world famous Pisa Tower was built over a period of about 177 years. Soon after the construction started in 1173 the tower began to sink due to a poorly laid foundation and was left alone for almost a century.

When the construction resumed the engineers built higher floors with one side taller than the other to compensate for the tilt and the tower was finally finished in the 2nd half of the 14th century. Since 2001, the famous tower in Pisa is again open to those wishing to climb it’s 296 steps.

7. Lake Como

Lake Como is part of the Italian Lake District an area popular with visitors for well over 100 years for its combination of fresh air, water, mountains and good weather.

The lake is shaped much like an inverted ‘Y’, with two branches starting at Como in the south-west and Lecco in the south-east, which join together half way up and the lake continues up to Colico in the north.

Lake Como is famous for the attractive villas which have been built here since Roman times. Many have admirable gardens which benefit from the mild climate and are able to include tropical as well as temperate plants.

6. Positano

Positano is a small town located on the Amalfi Coast , a stretch of coastline renowned for its rugged terrain, scenic beauty, picturesque towns and diversity. The city seems to be scattered from top to bottom down a hillside leading to the coast.

Though Positano grew and prospered in medieval times, by the mid 19th more than half of the population was gone. In the 20th century it went from being a poor fishing village to one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy with the help of author John Steinbeck who wrote about its beauty.

Pompeii was an ancient Roman city near present-day Naples, buried by the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

But far from being destroyed, the city, along with its buildings, streets and art, were preserved under layers of ash and pumice.

Today, Pompeii is one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations. It also is a significant archaeological site, offering a glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome.

The ruins include well-preserved public buildings, such as the forum, temples, and bathhouses. It also incorporates private homes, which feature elaborate frescoes and mosaics.

When visiting Pompeii, be aware the site is very exposed to the elements. So make sure you take an umbrella with you if it looks like rain. Also, wear a hat on hot, sunny days.

4. Piazza del Campo in Siena

One of Europe’s greatest medieval squares, the Piazza del Campo is the principal public space of the historic center of Siena , Tuscany . It is renowned worldwide for its beauty and architectural integrity.

The Palazzo Pubblico and its famous tower, as well as various palazzi signorili belonging to the wealthiest of Siena families surround the shell-shaped piazza.

The twice-per-year horse-race, Palio di Siena, involves circling the Piazza del Campo, on which a thick layer of dirt has been laid, three times and usually lasts no more than 90 seconds.

3. Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence

Santa Maria del Fiore is the main cathedral of Florence . Also known as the Duomo, it is one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

A remarkable example of Gothic architecture, the cathedral took over 140 years to be built. On completion in 1436, it was consecrated by Pope Eugene IV.

The cathedral is known for its distinctive pink and green marble facade and its massive dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. At the time, it was regarded as an engineering feat. It remains one of the largest domes in the world.

The interior of the cathedral is richly decorated with frescoes and features a large nave. It also boasts ornate side chapels and a high altar.

2. Grand Canal in Venice

Referred to as “The City of Water”, Venice is the crown jewel of water cities.

Though, Venice has decayed since its heyday and has more tourists than residents, with its romantic charm it remains one of the top tourist destinations in Italy. The central waterway in the city is the Grand Canal, and it snakes its way through the city between the lagoon and the Saint Mark Basin.

While strolling through Venice offers plenty of opportunities to see the Grand Canal, the best way to experience it is on the water. Locals get around via the water buses called vaporetti, but many travelers prefer the private water taxis or even the romantic gondola.

See also: Where to Stay in Venice

1. Colosseum in Rome

The Colosseum is arguably Italy’s most famous attraction.

Rome’s historic amphitheater is one of the greatest engineering feats of ancient times. Completed in 80 AD, it was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles, such as animal hunts and mock sea battles. At its peak, it could seat up to 50,000 spectators.

Whilst it has been damaged over the centuries due to natural disasters, looting, and stone quarrying, much of the structure remains.

Now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site, The Colosseum can be visited independently or as part of a guided tour.

However you choose to see it, a good tip is to visit this venue about an hour before sunset. That way, you see it during the day. Then at dusk, and most spectacularly under lights at night, as the light fades.

Map of Tourist Attractions in Italy

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Reader interactions.

May 9, 2016 at 4:53 pm

Amazing places. Please when is the best time to visit Italy?

March 2, 2015 at 8:27 am

I’m an Italian girl and I can agree with all of you. These place are only the tip of the iceberg, Italy is a majestic country, full of life, art, culture and beauty. I’m very lucky :3 )

August 21, 2014 at 12:52 am

Grt list, is it ok to go Italy in oct 2014? Anyways what is the best time to visit Italy?

May 15, 2014 at 1:44 am

Just been to a place called Matera. Visit sassi. Breathtaking place

April 26, 2014 at 6:51 am

Nice list! Yes, There is something missing in it, but you should have a list of 1000 attractions because in Italy every single little village has something beautiful to show

February 9, 2014 at 5:17 am

hey where is LAKE GARDA

February 2, 2014 at 2:12 am

this is really amazing!!!!!!

January 25, 2014 at 12:55 am

wow this really inspired me to go there.

November 26, 2013 at 2:10 pm

I love San Gimignano!!!

November 10, 2013 at 6:51 am

What about Lake Garda? One of the largest lakes in Italy!!!

September 21, 2013 at 10:08 pm

I think the Dolomite region (northwest) is also spectacular. Very charming Alpine like nature, with beautiful but strange looking mountains. Cortina d’ Ampezzo with its surrounding area is difinitely worth a visit.

September 10, 2013 at 7:13 am

Great choice of destinations! Italy really does have many delights on offer. My personal favourite is San Gimignano. It’s wonderful for cycling and exploring and with its thirteen outstanding medieval towers, it is clear why the town is on the UNESCO world heritage list.

August 19, 2013 at 6:57 pm

What a fantastic list, the most beautiful selections…I would likely add the greater Portofino area of Rapallo, Sestri Levante especially if you are in the Cinque Terra as it is a super short train ride up the coast line

July 25, 2013 at 8:32 pm

So beutiful places i like this.

January 17, 2013 at 2:20 pm

This is a great list, and many of the places are covered in these tours from Canada… I hope to visit sometime soon.

November 11, 2012 at 10:44 am

Thank you so much I am going to Italy next summer now I know where to go.

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Home » Travel Guides » Italy » 25 Best Things to Do in Italy

25 Best Things to Do in Italy

Spectacular Italy needs almost no introduction and is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe. Italy’s impact on the world can be seen all over the country, in the beautiful artwork, crumbling ruins, and impressive palaces and castles that dot the horizon.

As well as vibrant cities like Rome where old and new mingle seamlessly, you can also enjoy the less crowded coastal areas where you can relax on sandy beaches and swim in limpid seas. In addition to exploring Italy proper, you can also hop over to neighboring Sicily and enjoy a different side of life that also offers some of the best food and drink in the region.

Here are the best things to do in Italy :

1. Visit the Valley of the Temples

If you are going to visit charming Sicily as part of your travels then your first stop needs to be the Valley of the Temples which is located in Agrigento.

Here you will find a huge archeological complex that has some of the most intact Doric temples that were built here in the 5th century.

One of the best things about the temples here is that they overlook the town below and you can take in the stunning views as you tour the historical site.

Recommended tour : Valley of the Temples E-Scooter Tour

2. Climb Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius is one of the most famous mountains in the world, not least because of its famous eruption that covered the unsuspecting town of Pompeii in volcanic ash.

Nowadays Vesuvius is mostly considered safe to climb and you can trek to the crater of the mountain which looks like something you would find on the surface of the moon.

Needless to say the views from the top are breathtaking and the hike is suitable for a range of abilities.

Tour from Naples: Pompeii Ruins & Mount Vesuvius Day Tour

3. Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as being designated as a national park.

Nestled in Liguria, the ‘Five Lands’ is made up of five distinct villages that sit atop craggy cliffs overlooking the famous Italian Riviera.

The five villages include Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore, and Monterosso, and each has its own unique charms and sights.

The area of Cinque Terra sprawls between La Spezia and Levanto and you will find romantic olive groves, traditional eateries, and azure sea views all the way along the coast.

4. Take to the waters of Lake Como

Lake Como in Lombardy spans an amazing 146 square kilometers and is the perfect place to get out on the water and explore Italy by boat.

The area around Lake Como has houses owned by some of the richest celebrities in the world, which tells you everything to know about the kind of views you can expect here.

The landscape surrounding the lake is covered with alpine forest and traditional villages as well as dainty ornate houses that make you feel as if you are in a picture postcard version of an Italian masterpiece.

Tour from Milan: Lake Como, Bellagio and Varenna Full Day Tour

5. Enjoy the art at the Uffizi Gallery

Anyone heading to Florence shouldn’t miss the chance to visit one of arguably the most famous galleries in the world.

This museum is stuffed full of the works of Italian greats such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio which are all displayed in one of the prettiest buildings in Italy, the Palazzo degli Uffizi.

The palazzo looks over the mighty Arno River and is a must visit for any art lovers.

Book online: Uffizi Gallery Timed Entrance Ticket

6. Stand on Juliet’s Balcony

Verona is home to what is said to be the balcony of Juliet, the character made famous in Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet.

Unfortunately the reality is that the city of Verona bought the home featuring the balcony in 1905 with the purpose of making it into a tourist attraction and sadly the characters in Romeo and Juliet never existed in real life.

Still, the balcony is a pretty spot in the city and couples flock here to declare their love for each other beneath the famous building.

Explore Verona: 2-Hour Guided City Walking Tour

7. Marvel at the Coliseum

You can’t come to Rome and not visit one of the most famous attractions in the world, the mighty Coliseum.

The ruins of what was once a magnificent amphitheater are one of the greatest historical relics of our time and once it would have had a capacity of over 50,000 spectators.

The amphitheater is most well known for the gladiator matches that would have been showcased here and you can sit in the stands and imagine the violent spectacles that used to be performed here for the enjoyment of the crowds.

8. Take a trip to Pompeii

Pompeii is famous for the events that took place here in 79 AD, when Mount Vesuvius erupted and covered the town in ash.

The eruption meant that Roman life was captured and frozen in time, and when the site was excavated it offered a glimpse of a bygone era.

If you visit Pompeii today you can expect a kind of open air museum where you will find preserved houses, baths, and ancient Roman forums, all filled with the relics of the people who were living here when the eruption took place.

9. Take a boat trip along the Amalfi Coast

The gorgeous Amalfi Coast is one of the most scenic spots in Italy and if you want to experience as much of it as possible in the shortest amount of time then consider taking a boat trip along the shore line.

A number of companies offer boat rental and you can take in sights such as the towering Lattari Mountains as well as various cute coves and inlets.

Seemingly out of nowhere traditional Mediterranean villages will appear and boat tours usually come with food and drinks included so that you can snack on local produce as you take in the views.

Book online: Coast and Capri Full-Day Trip by Boat

10. Wander around the Historic Center of Siena

The city of Siena is often overlooked in favor of Florence, although this is unfair as there is a huge amount to see and do here, and parts of the city are as pretty as its neighboring rival.

The Historic Center of Siena in particular is well worth a visit and starts at the Piazza del Campo which leads to a historic district that is covered with Gothic architecture that dates from the 12th century.

This mingles with buildings from the Middle Ages and signature points to look out for include the mighty Duomo, the Pinacoteca Nazionale, and the pretty Palazzo Salimbeni.

11. Go on a pilgrimage to the Vatican

Vatican City is actually its own state within Italy, although you can only visit this landlocked area by first travelling to Rome.

If you are in the region then you should definitely consider swinging by one of the most important religious spots in the world, which is home to powerhouses such as the Piazza San Pietro and St Peter’s Basilica.

You can also take in the majesty of the Vatican Palace as well as the Sistine Chapel which features the Creation of Adam.

12. Visit Saint Mark’s Basilica

Venice has a range of peerless attractions although perhaps the most famous of these is Saint Mark’s Basilica which sits on the famed Piazza San Marco or Saint Mark’s Square.

The basilica is the final resting place of Saint Mark the Evangelist and started life as a Byzantine church before being developed over the years.

The church is a work of art in its own right and you will find glittering mosaics and gorgeous marble decorations all over the complex as well as bas-reliefs and touches of gold leaf.

13. Discover the Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is another one of Italy’s big hitter attractions and lies between the Capitoline and the Palatine hills in Rome.

This would once have been the center of the mighty Roman Empire and you can take in the beautiful complex here as well as enjoy views from the terraces all over the wider city.

14. Climb Stromboli

On a visit to Sicily you absolutely can’t miss the chance to climb at least part way up Stromboli, a still active volcano.

If you are looking for an easy trek then you can walk 400 meters up the sides of Stromboli by yourself, although if you want to continue on to the crater which still billows clouds of ash and fire then you will need a certified guide to take you.

To get to the top takes around 3 hours with the descent coming in at around 2 hours, so all in all you need to allow a five to six hour trek in order to see everything.

It can be quite a slog to the top but it is well worth it for the spectacular views.

Recommended tour: Stromboli: Sunset Trekking at Sciara Del Fuoco

15. Take a boat trip to the Blue Grotto

One of the premium sights in Capri is the Blue Grotto, also known as the Grotta Azzurra.

The grotto is the result of a cavern which is filled with water that glows a luminescent blue when the sun hits it through shafts in the sides of the rock.

The cavern itself rises to 14 meters in height in some parts and is around 60 meters long, and you can take in this amazing light show from a rowing boat inside the grotto which makes for one of the most memorable sightseeing experiences in all of Italy.

16. Take to the water at the Grand Canal

The Grand Canal in Venice is one of the most famous waterways in the world and there are a variety of ways that you can enjoy it.

One of these is to take a water bus known as a vaporetto along the various parts of the canal where you can marvel at the little bridges and traditional Venetian homes that back onto the water.

Another more romantic way to travel around the canal is to take an iconic gondola ride where you can imagine that you are back in the Venice of a different time.

17. Eat pizza in Naples

Naples has a range of pretty attractions in its own right but one of the main reasons to come here is to snack on its most famous foodstuff in the form of delicious pizza.

All over the city you will find pizza parlors and restaurants and wherever you choose to go, know that it is this city that is famed with inventing one of the world’s favorite foods.

18. Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa in Pisa is a fluke of architecture, as when the tower was constructed it immediately started to sink into the marshy ground beneath it.

This gave the tower its signature crooked stance, and at various times in its existence it has been both open and closed to the public as architects struggle to asses if it is safe to enter.

When the tower is open you can climb to the viewing platform at the top where you can look across all of Pisa.

19. View The Last Supper in Milan

Even if you are not an art aficionado you will still be able to appreciate the splendor and religious significance of the mural of the Last Supper.

Painted by Leonardo da Vinci and on display at the Santa Maria delle Grazie, the mural depicts Christ and the apostles at the last supper before Christ’s crucifixion.

Many visitors to Milan consider this a highlight of their trip and it is an extremely moving sight even for those who do not believe the original story from which the mural was inspired.

20. Tour the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Florence is one of the most romantic and artistic cities in the world and its crowning glory is the magnificent Duomo or the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.

The cathedral is best known for its rising dome that can be seen from all over Florence as well as its different hued frescoes and decorations.

One of the best things to do here is to climb to the top where you can look out across Florence and appreciate the might of this amazing feat of architecture.

21. Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain

No trip to Rome is complete without a trip to the Trevi Fountain, and in fact if you want to return here then it is considered an absolute necessity.

Local legend has it that anyone who tosses a coin into the fountain will get good luck that will mean that they will one day return to this great city.

The fountain is carved in the Baroque style and is made of glittering marble which is lit up at night to spectacular effect.

22. Journey into the Frasassi Cave

The Frasassi Cave is located deep in the grounds of Ancona and descending into this wonderful feat of nature can feel like you are travelling to the center of the earth.

The journey takes 75 minutes and you can expect to find some of the most beautiful karst formations anywhere in the world here.

The inside of the grotto is covered in walkways and lighted areas that let you take in the amazing geology within such as eerie stalactites and stalagmites.

23. Follow the Chianti Wine Route

Chianti is known for its delicious wines and so it would be impossible to come here and not go on a wine tour of this region that is nestled between Siena and Florence.

There are many different wine tours that operate in this area but many of them will take you over rambling hills and through enchanting villages, visiting the local wineries and sampling the various blends on offer.

Top rated tour: Chianti Wineries Tour with Food and Wine Tasting

24. Visit the Acropolis

The Acropolis in Selinunte would once have been a political hub in the region and is made up of five distinct temples.

The most famous of these is known as Temple C which dates from the 6th century and is said to be dedicated to the god Apollo.

Other temples such as Temple D also dates from the same period and is said to be dedicated to Venus and Temple A and O are said to have been constructed sometime between 490 and 480 BC. As they seem to come in a pair, they are often thought to be dedicated to the famous twins Castor and Pollux.

25. Admire Milan Cathedral

Some people may be surprised to know that the largest church in Italy is not in Rome or even in Vatican City, but actually in Milan .

The cathedral here also known as the Duomo took an impressive six centuries to build and is dedicated to Saint Mary of the Nativity.

The interior is simply stunning and features marble decorations and a pretty alter, but one of the main attractions here is actually the roof area and you can climb a staircase to the top of the Duomo and look out across all of Milan as far as the eye can see.

Recommended tour: Fast-Track Milan Cathedral and Terraces Guided Tour

25 Best Things to Do in Italy:

• Visit the Valley of the Temples
• Climb Mount Vesuvius
• Cinque Terre
• Take to the waters of Lake Como
• Enjoy the art at the Uffizi Gallery
• Stand on Juliet’s Balcony
• Marvel at the Coliseum
• Take a trip to Pompeii
• Take a boat trip along the Amalfi Coast
• Wander around the Historic Center of Siena
• Go on a pilgrimage to the Vatican
• Visit Saint Mark’s Basilica
• Discover the Roman Forum
• Climb Stromboli
• Take a boat trip to the Blue Grotto
• Take to the water at the Grand Canal
• Eat pizza in Naples
• Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa
• View The Last Supper in Milan
• Tour the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
• Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain
• Journey into the Frasassi Cave
• Follow the Chianti Wine Route
• Visit the Acropolis
• Admire Milan Cathedral

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• Skip to main content

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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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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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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14 Top Things to Do in Italy

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated May 3, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Seeing some of the world's most famous sights certainly tops everyone's list when traveling in Italy. But taking part in an activity or trying something new, especially something you can share with locals, adds a special dimension to a trip.

These experiences can be as active as a day's skiing in the Dolomites or as leisurely as a moonlight ride in a Venetian gondola . So between visiting the tourist attractions in Italy , get active! Hike a trail, take a lesson, hop on a boat, and join the locals at some of the best places to visit for memorable travel experiences.

Plan your trip with our list of the top things to do in Italy.

1. Hike the Cinque Terre

2. glide through venice in a gondola, 3. tour tuscan hill towns by bicycle or car, 4. make perfect pasta in florence, 5. see an opera in verona's roman arena, 6. step inside ancient rome, 7. tour lake como by boat, 8. attend a local festival, 9. explore mt. etna on foot, by cable car, or train, 10. go to the beach, 11. ski the dolomites, 12. experience siena's palio, 13. see milan from the duomo roof, 14. trek through sardinia, map of things to do in italy.

For spectacular views, picturesque villages, wild open landscapes and local experiences, it's hard to beat the five towns of Italy's Cinque Terre and the cliff path that connects them. The 12-kilometer Sentiero Azzurro stretches from Monterosso to Riomaggiore , but it's conveniently broken into segments that you can hike from one town to the next, returning or moving on by train.

Hiking the entire route requires stamina, good boots, and a head for heights, as it is carved in places into nearly vertical cliffs above the sea, with no railings. To experience the Cinque Terre without boots or vertigo, choose the shortest and most popular segment, the two-kilometer Via dell'Amore, between Riomaggiore and Manarola.

Also fairly easy, and less crowded, the section from Manarola to Corniglia is the same distance but takes a little longer to hike. Twice as long, the trail between Corniglia and Vernazza reaches the route's highest point after a stiff climb on often-uneven stone steps, but also includes walks through olive groves and some knock-out views.

Longer, rough, and the most vertigo-inspiring is the often narrow trail between Vernazza and Monterosso. You'll be rewarded with the best views, including a panorama of all five towns, and you'll be sharing the trail with only a hardy few.

Read More: Best Hikes in Europe

It may be the number one cliché of Venice , but drifting along a canal in the graceful curve of a gondola is one of the top things to do in Italy. Finding a gondolier is easy. They gather along the Grand Canal by the Doge's Palace and at Rialto Bridge, and you'll see them in their striped shirts and straw hats on bridges and canals as you explore the city. As he (or occasionally she) will be your guide, converse a bit to see if you're comfortable with their style and command of English.

Prices are set, so be sure you're getting the standard rate (pay at the end, with a tip if you're happy), and agree on a route and length of ride before you board.

The choice of route and time of day depend on your personal preferences and on where your ride begins. After dark, lights from the Grand Canal palaces and canal-side restaurants reflect and glimmer on the water, but the Grand Canal is busy with other boats, so it's a less intimate experience.

The smaller canals of Cannaregio and other areas are quieter, and a circle route will probably include parts of the Grand Canal. But at night these are less picturesque, so they are a good choice for a daylight ride. When dusk descends and the lights come on may be the most romantic time of all, as the Venetian day slides into evening.

Probably the least romantic experience begins at the big gondola "parking lot" by the Doge's palace, as rides here begin with a stretch in the widest and busiest part of the Grand Canal. One piece of advice: put away the camera and phone, and make memories instead of pictures.

The hilly countryside of Tuscany is best enjoyed at leisure, stopping to explore tiny settlements between the tourist attractions of the larger medieval towns that crown the hilltops. While a driving tour can cover more of these towns, a bicycle gets you closer to the land and gives you time to notice more details.

A network of little-traveled and unpaved roads and lanes called Strade Bianche (white roads) wind through the orchards and fields of poppies that cover the hills south and east of San Gimignano, perfect for cycling.

Several tour operators offer guided and independent cycling tours for all experience and endurance levels that include lodging, dining, and luggage transfers, as well as arranged visits at local attractions. For a customized experience, you can sign up for a Private Tuscany Cycling Tour and set your own speed.

Drivers may at first be frustrated trying to map a direct route between the star towns such as San Gimignano , Volterra , Montalcino, Cortona , and Montepulciano , but remember that these winding little roads between them are as much the destination as the popular hill towns themselves.

From San Gimignano, for example, SP 1 winds south to SP 36 and picturesque Colle di Val d'Elsa. From here, SP5 continues to Monteriggioni. The distances are not all that great, but in your haste to reach the next landmark town, don't underestimate — or ignore — the many distractions along the way.

Anyone who loves to cook will relish the chance to learn how to make Italy's most famous culinary specialty: perfect pasta. Pasta and other cooking classes are offered throughout Italy, but Florence has a number of them, often combined with a tour of food markets and shops in the company of a food-wise local.

Some are taught in a local family home, where groups of no more than six cook a full meal and enjoy it together. Others are courses that teach a range of classic Florentine dishes. Pasta is at the heart of all these, and you will return home knowing the secrets of perfect pasta, how to make it, and how to cook it.

There are many variations on the theme. One offers transportation from Florence to a traditional Tuscan farm in the hills of Chianti for a customized cooking experience that can include gluten-free, organic, or vegetarian Italian cooking.

For an easy introduction, try a three-hour Homemade Italian Pasta Cooking Course , located right in Florence. All the courses include hands-on experience with an accomplished chef or cook. Other cooking classes are designed especially for families with younger children, who learn how to make pizza and gelato.

A good choice for families staying in Florence are the well-appointed family suites at the Grand Hotel Minerva , opposite Santa Maria Novella and convenient to the train station. Its rooftop pool is especially appealing for children.

You don't need to be an opera lover, or even like music, to be enthralled by the spectacle of a full-scale production in Verona's third-century Roman arena. And for those who do love opera, it's a thrill of a lifetime, right up there with opening night at La Scala.

The arena itself is one of the largest and best preserved Roman amphitheaters, with all its vaulting and full 44 rows of seating intact to accommodate 22,000 opera-goers. The Verona Opera Festival , held each year in July and August, is one of Europe's most important summer music events, ranked with the Salzburg and Bayreuth festivals.

The combination of the darkened arena, the massive stage sets that are able to recreate entire street scenes and multi-storied buildings at the same time, and some of the world's leading singers and musicians all under a starlit sky is pure magic.

The real blockbuster is Aida, when Radamès has been known to float down a recreated Nile in a boat, and the Triumphal March takes up the entire stage with scenes that in past productions have included live elephants, horses, and camels.

Each new production of this biennial favorite brings new surprises. For all its vastness, the arena is surprisingly intimate in its ability to bring the audience into the musical and theatrical moment.

You can hear the music even on nights you're not attending a performance, from the rooftop terrace of the Hotel Milano , overlooking the arena.

With all the ancient sites and attractions to visit in Rome , it's easy just to skim the surface and leave without any real sense of life in the ancient city. An insider tour of one of the landmarks can take you deeper into the history and put the other sites into perspective.

The best place to visit for this is the Colosseum , where the underground areas are accessible by visitors who book in advance and to those on in-depth tours. The latter gives the best introduction to what happened here, as a knowledgeable guide explains the maze of tunnels, passages, and cells deep under the arena floor, where the spectacles delighted Roman audiences.

You'll see where gladiators and wild animals waited before encounters above that would rarely end well for either. Known as the hypogeum, this was where the lions, leopards, bears, and elephants used in battle or circuses were caged before they were lifted on slave-propelled pulleys to the floor of the arena.

Insider tours also include the arena floor for a gladiator view, as well as a spectator view from the upper tiers. More in-depth tours go on to explore the Forum and Palatine Hill for a broad view of ancient Rome.

To get really immersed in ancient Rome, sign on for a two-hour gladiator lesson , where historic reenactors from Historic Group of Rome will teach you the art of wielding authentic weapons used by gladiators in ancient Rome. You'll dress in replicas of the traditional tunic, belt, and leather gloves as you learn the basics of sword fighting.

Special classes are designed for kids, and you can be sure this willbe their most memorable Roman experience – and they'll have a diploma to show off when they get home.

Address: Via Appia Antica 18, Rome

The most beautiful lake in Italy's Lake District, Como is surrounded by steep mountain slopes covered in lush greenery and dotted with compact towns and magnificent villas.

Since Roman times, it has drawn royalty and aristocrats to its lovely shores. A tour of the lake on the lake steamers that act as passenger ferries between towns, as you pass the stunning villas and manicured gardens that surround them, is definitely one of the top things to do in Italy.

Several of the villas and gardens are open to visit, and you can hop off to explore these and the towns, and then board a later boat to continue. The best way is to plan at least two days, stopping for a night in chic Bellagio , at the tip of the peninsula at the center of the Y-shaped lake, where there are two outstanding gardens open. Across the lake on the western shore, known as the Tremezzina, are the gardens of Villa Carlotta , and to the south, on an almost island, is Villa Balbianello .

While the service across the center of the lake between Bellagio and Tremezzo or Menaggio is frequent, it's wise to check schedules before hopping off to visit a town, so you can be sure of a return boat time. Or you can just spend the day on the boat, choosing a route that stops at as many towns as possible, and enjoy the ever-changing panorama of pastel villages, grand villas, gardens, and snow-covered peaks that form the backdrop.

Live in the splendor of the palatial Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni , overlooking the water from the lake's prettiest town, Bellagio.

Read More: Best Lakes in Italy

Everybody has heard of Venice's famed carnival, but that's only one of the hundreds of festivals that Italians celebrate each year. In towns and villages from the Alps to the toe of the boot, you'll find local festivals celebrating centuries-old historic events, the changing seasons, holidays, patron saints, local products, and harvests-from asparagus season to truffles in November.

The most fun are celebrations put on by and for local people. There may not be world-famous entertainers, but there will be superb foods, singing, music, hilarious contests, and a few surprises. Nosh on sausages and sample local cheeses at street-side booths, or savor a hearty dinner at long shared tables in a tent, where a few euros will buy heaping plates of local specialties. Best of all, it's a chance to mingle and share a day or evening with residents, who will do their best to make you welcome and make sure you have a good time.

On the shore of Lake Iseo, tiny Sulzano's Cingale Festival brings a festive dinner of wild boar, while on the Ligurian coast, Camogli welcomes May with the Fish Festival of Saint Fortunato, patron saint of fishermen, and free fried fish on the beach.

In Marostica, a giant chessboard on the main square is the scene of a game using live chessmen in medieval costumes. One of the most colorful is in Noto, Sicily, the third weekend of May, when an entire street is "painted" in intricate mosaics of fresh blossoms.

In addition to Alba's prized white truffles, celebrated in an international food event, November harvests include chestnuts and olives, both celebrated in Tuscany's Chianti region. Look for posters and ask locals wherever you go; you're almost certain to find at least one.

Europe's tallest — and most active — volcano, Mt. Etna dominates the east coast of the island of Sicily . Within the nearly 48,000 acres of Etna National Park are the active crater, volcanic vents, fumaroles, hot springs, lava flows, and an ice cave that remains frozen throughout Sicily's hot summers.

You can visit most of these places on your own or with a tour; others only with a guide. You climb the mountain or ride the Funivia dell'Etna cable car to about 2,500 meters altitude. From here, you can climb or ride a bus or jeep to about 2,900 meters. To climb higher to reach the upper crater, you must have a guide because Etna is never completely inactive.

All the dark and barren terrain you walk on was left here by the violent eruptions that Etna is famous for, so there is always an edge of danger to being close to the crater or lower vents. That's why a volcanologist or other trained guide is essential.

The crater is not the only volcanic attraction of this UNESCO World Heritage Site . On some tours, you can enter a fumarole, a tubular cave left by lava flowing beneath the faster-cooling surface. Experienced and properly equipped climbers can visit the Grotta del Gelo, an ice cave that runs 125 meters inside the mountain. Ice remains here year-round, providing drinking water to villages below as outer portions of it melt in the summer.

You can appreciate and enjoy Etna from other vantage points by riding the Ferrovia Circumetnea, a narrow-gauge railway that travels almost completely around the mountain. For a more adventurous journey around Mt. Etna, you can drive, on a route that takes you through hill towns and past archeological sites in an everchanging landscape, with the volcano forming the backdrop.

On the northern side, visit the spectacular Gole dell'Alcántara (Alcantara Gorge), carved through a long-ago lava flow by the Alcantara River.

The Etna's Summit Craters: Guided Tour + Cable Car + Jeep for Experienced Hikers tour takes you to an altitude of 3,250 meters at the summit craters with a volcanologist guide, who explains the volcano's history and science. Helmets and trekking poles are provided for safety.

To explore the lower reaches of the volcano, take a five-hour Etna 4x4 tour , which takes you to the lava flows and extinct craters of Caldera del Valle del Bove. Equipped with helmets and headlamps, you will also explore a fumarole to learn how these long tube-like caves are formed by lava flowing beneath the surface.

You can reach Mt. Etna easily from either Taormina or Catania , on Sicily's east coast.

Surrounded by water, Italy has a lot of coastline, and some of the finest beaches in Europe, from miles-long stretches of white sand to tiny secluded coves hidden by spectacular cliffs.

In August, it seems as though everyone in Italy heads to the popular beaches of Viareggio, Sanremo, Rimini and the other resort towns on the Adriatic and Mediterranean. Those long strands are literally umbrella to umbrella, and you'll have to rent one and its patch of sand from the hotel or resort that owns them. It's a slice of Italian life like no other, as much a social scene as it is about the sand and sea.

But not all beaches are like that. In Puglia, in the heel of Italy's boot, idyllic beaches hide in coves, protected by the Parco Naturale Regionale Costa Otranto , and there's always plenty of space on the long beaches in the Baia dei Turchi nature reserve.

On Sardinia's west coast, where you'll find some of the best beaches in Italy , the miles of white sands on the Costa Verde seem almost deserted, and even in the waters of the famed Costa Smeralda , the Capo Testa and the Maddalena Islands have plenty of secluded spots.

Sicily is known for its beaches , warm enough for swimming from mid-May through October, with some of the best on the southern shore and at San Vito Lo Capo, adjacent to the Zingaro Nature Reserve , on Sicily's northwestern coast.

If you want to combine sightseeing with your beach holiday in Sicily, choose Cefalù on Sicily's northern coast, where you'll find a beautiful beach at the foot of a historic town. The exceptionally clear water is popular for snorkeling, and you can take sailing cruises and paddleboard tours to visit the nearby sea caves.

Accommodation: Top-Rated Beach Destinations in Italy

Whether it's a day on the sunny beginner slopes of Cortina d'Ampezzo , Arabba/Marmolada, or Alta Badia or a full-day tour covering 35 kilometers of challenging trails, every ski enthusiast should experience the Dolomites.

Twelve different Italian ski resorts are scattered among these mountains along Italy's Austrian border, where more than a dozen peaks reach above 3,048 meters. Together they add up to more than 1,200 kilometers of ski trails. Many of the areas are connected by trails and lifts, and a single Dolomiti Superski pass allows access to lifts and trails at all 12.

The largest resort town is Cortina d'Ampezzo, site of the 1956 Winter Olympics, whose five peaks are reached by more than three dozen lifts. Cortina is famous for its long runs, from the snowfields near the summits right into the town below.

Smaller more intimate villages like Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi offer a more authentic Alpine atmosphere and a varied terrain, with about 160 kilometers of trails that combine with three adjacent valleys between the Gruppo del Sella peaks to make more than 480 kilometers of interconnected ski trails.

From here, you can also access skiing on the Marmolada Glacier . You'll find terrain here for all skill levels, from learning programs for beginners to ski guides for off-piste adventures suitable for experienced skiers.

Twice during the summer, on July 2 and August 16, the beautiful medieval city of Siena erupts into a frenzy over the Palio , a bareback horserace that has circled its main square since the Middle Ages.

The large, sloping Piazza del Campo is filled to capacity with partisans cheering wildly for one of the 10 horses, each representing a contrada, the rival neighborhood associations that sponsor the contestants. You can identify these by their colorful scarves and banners picturing their mascots: a porcupine, an eagle, a gryphon, even a giraffe.

Among the world's largest churches, The Duomo in Milan is the zenith of the Flamboyant Gothic style. Viewed from below, its soaring roof and towers are swathed in a lacy filagree so delicate that it seems impossible that it could be carved in stone.

To fully appreciate the finesse of the stone carving, take the elevator in the tower at the left side of the transept (you'll need to go outside to find the entrance). From the top of the elevator, climb the 73 stairs to the roof, where you emerge into a forest of stone spires.

A catwalk stretches the length of the roof (you're walking above the cathedral's nave), flanked by the roof sloping gently off to either side. You can walk safely on the slanted part to look over the edge through open-air Gothic "windows" surrounded by intricately carved stone tracery.

Above, tower the rows of carved stone pinnacles, and you are protected by a waist-high stone railing at the roof's edge. Even so, the experience is not for those with acrophobia.

The city of Milan stretches around you, and looking down, you see the roof and façade of the grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the Piazza del Duomo, where the people crossing it look the size of ants. On a clear day, the northern horizon is a row of snow-covered Alps.

The rugged landscapes and dramatic coastline of Italy's island of Sardinia present some of the most challenging and exciting outdoor adventures in Europe, as well as some of the least known. Many of the best hikes are in the central mountains, in the area known as the Barbagia.

Most dramatic is the trip through Gola Su Gorropu , known as Europe's Grand Canyon. This spectacularly carved gorge is 426 meters deep and eight kilometers long, with the Rio Flumineddu flowing through its floor. Getting there is a demanding all-day hike through a landscape of eroded limestone cliffs above the brilliant blue sea. Cooperativa Gorropu and Cooperativa Goloritzè arrange guided walks to these and other places.

Northern Sardinia has several areas where trails lead through landscapes of huge granite boulders eroded by the wind into fantastic shapes. Hikes on Isola Rossa, Santa Teresa, Costa Smeralda, and Monte Limbara lead to magnificent mountain and coastal scenery, archaeological sites, and these bizarre rock formations.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Where to Go in Italy: Planning your trip to Italy will be a lot easier with our pages that guide you to its top-rated tourist attractions and point out the best places to visit in Italy . Once you've determined what you'd like to see, have a look at our Italy itineraries to help layout a routing.

Exploring Italy's Top Cities: Between these adventures, you'll want to see Italy's most famous cities, and our pages describing the top attractions in Rome , the highlights of Florence , and the best places to see in Venice can help you plan your trip.

Following Your Special Interests: If you are a skier and planning a winter trip, you'll want to experience the best ski resorts in Italy , and if you're traveling in the spring and summer, be sure to visit some of the most beautiful gardens in Italy .

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The Best Spots to Visit in Italy, According to T+L Editors

There are endless things to do and places to see in Italy, but these are some of our favorites.

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

At Travel + Leisure, we love all things Italy — the culture and history, the food and drink, the people and hospitality, and of course, the gorgeous scenery. In fact, we love it so much, we named it our 2021 Destination of the Year .

We're constantly dreaming of the next time we return, so we're sharing our favorite spots for those of you feeling the same. Here's hoping it inspires your next trip.

La Maddalena, Sardinia

Yes, you can join a tour, but for a real adventure, rent your own motorboat in the bustling Sardinian port of Palau and make this archipelago of more than 60 (mostly tiny) islands your personal playground for the day. (Respectfully, of course, as this is a protected natural area.) The resorts of northeastern Sardinia are stunning, but can be extremely expensive — and this is an affordable way to have one of the most memorable experiences the island has to offer. Simply load up your rental with fresh Italian picnic ingredients and some snorkel masks and head off — you'll find endless beaches to moor up beside and crystal-clear sea for miles. Sardinia is often called the Caribbean of Europe, and this is the best way to find out why. —Nina Ruggiero

Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Dolomites

The Italian Dolomites might be known for world-class skiing, but come summer those trails transform into picture-perfect hikes. Nestled above fairy tale towns comes the incredible hiking area known as Tre Cime (three peaks). The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the views will tell you why. Tre Cime is part of a long mountain range known as the Sexten Dolomites, stretching between Switzerland and Northern Italy. Once on the ground there you'll realize how isolated you are from the rest of the country — the native language isn't even Italian! The region is nestled right on the border between Italy and Austria, and it hasn't always flown under the Italian flag — it was fought over between Italy and Austria during World War I, and many of the residents speak a mix of Italian and German. As for the hiking, it is spectacular. Hike from one point to another via refugios (small cabins serving regional foods from stews to fresh beer with options to stay the night). Don't forget to bring an extra layer or two for the cold, and you won't want to leave your hiking boots or camera at home. —Jamie Aranoff

Lake Garda is where the (adventurous) Italians vacation. I spent a month there among some of the sportiest people I have ever encountered; cycling and water sports are huge in Lake Garda. I learned to windsurf while visiting, but you can also take sailing and kitesurfing lessons. You're unlikely to encounter many Americans while there... it's mostly Italian and German tourists who visit. I stayed in Torbole at the north end of the lake, but taking the ferry across to Limone — a town where everything is lemon-themed — is a must, and I also highly recommend paragliding in Malcesine. Next time I go, I'm definitely making the trek down to Gardaland Resort at the south end of the lake as well — it's supposed to be the best amusement park in Italy! —Skye Sherman

Cimitero Acattolico di Roma

Many visitors stick to the touristy heart of Rome, but things really start to get interesting when you start heading outward. The so-called Protestant Cemetery , in Testaccio, is still technically within the old Aurelian Walls, but just barely — and it's an incredible distillation of how history can overlap in this city, from the Republic to the Empire, from the Renaissance to the age of Gran Turismo to Mussolini. Right next to the cemetery is the Piramide, an Egyptian-style pyramid that the magistrate Gaius Cestius built in the 1st Century BCE to serve as his tomb. Seventeen centuries later, others started choosing this spot as their final resting place. Those buried here include, but are not limited to: Keats; Shelley; Gramsci; assassinated Iranian dissident Mohammad Hossein Naghdi; beat poet Gregory Corso; Giorgio Bulgari (yes, that Bulgari); August von Goethe, son of and assistant to Johann Wolfgang; painter Tatiana Tolstaya, daugher of Leo and Sophia; actress Belinda Lee; former Albanian Prime Minster Shefqet Vërlaci; and Count Felix Felixovich Sumarokov-Elston of Russia, whose son is known for the murder of Rasputin in 1916. — Hannah Walhout

Friuli Venezia Giulia

I always feel bad for Friuli Venezia Giulia, stuck all the way up there in the far northeast of Italy, along the borders with Austria and Slovenia. It may be one of Italy's most-overlooked regions — at least for American visitors — despite the fact that it has all the charming cities, gorgeous beaches, Roman artifacts, long history, incredible food, and electric wine that make this country so worth a trip. Up here, where the Austrian-Hungarian Empire used to rule, you'll find a fascinating blend of Central European vibes and Italian flair, particularly in the port city of Trieste, where one of the world's most enchanting sailboat regattas still takes place every October. Udine, a city occupied then liberated in World War I, is today a jumping off point for wine routes and grappa tasting trips. The Roman ruins of Aquileia are now protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, worthy of at least a day's exploration. But save time for a few days on the beach, on the seaside island of Grado, filled with spas, cafes, bars, and clubs that buzz all summer long. — Paul Brady

La Casa del Caffé Tazza D'oro, Rome

This counter-service shop near the Pantheon kept coming up when my coffee-obsessed husband was researching the best places to get a cappuccino in Rome. Its location in such a tourist-heavy part of the city had me a tad suspicious, but after our first visit, we were both convinced. You wait in line with some travelers, yes, but mostly a bunch of no-nonsense Romans, who seem to be stopping by on their way to work. Once you place your order, you find a spot along one of the pastry cases, lay your ticket on the counter, and wait for one of the baristas to snatch it up. Before you know it, he's back with your espresso beverage of choice, which you're meant to down in a few quick sips. It became our morning ritual and a place we'd go out of our way to visit. Case in point: On a pre-pandemic trip to Egypt, we routed our layover through Rome just so we could get a Tazza D'oro fix. — Sarah Bruning

Lido La Caravella, Taormina, Sicily

Lido la Caravella , a beach in Taormina, on Sicily's northeastern coast, is my happy place. It's a little bit of a walk from the funicular that takes you from the heart of the clifftop town down to the stunning Ionian Sea, so it's more of a local spot than a tourist destination. (Though some hotels, like my favorite in town, Villa Carlotta , do offer shuttle service to La Caravella if you know to ask for it.) Beyond the quintessential Italian coastal colors that serve up a true feast for the eyes — blue sea, white sand, yellow umbrellas — and the calm, pristine water, which you can enjoy leisurely on one of the floats provided for visitors, I love this beach for the restaurant and service. You can easily stay all day, starting with a bottle of prosecco, delivered straight to your beach chair on ice, and moving on to a sit-down lunch of fried seafood and fresh salads or pasta at a table with a view. The staff will make you feel like family, so much so that when the sun starts to set, you definitely won't be ready to leave. — Nina Ruggiero

This Hidden Gem in Italy Is Filled With Rich History, Gorgeous Views, and Art — and It’s a

Giotto's bell tower, florence.

There's really no such thing as a "bad" view in Florence, the charming capital of Tuscany. Lots of tourists climb the steps of the Duomo to soak in views of the red-roofed buildings and rolling Tuscan hills, but I think the view next door — from the top of Giotto's Bell Tower — is even better because you can see the city's iconic Brunelleschi dome from a short distance. Opt for an evening visit to watch the sun set over Florence, and then go enjoy a well-deserved aperitivo after your workout (there's no elevator, so I recommend wearing comfortable shoes!). — Elizabeth Rhodes

I haven't been to Italy since I was 16 (criminal, I know) but I've never forgotten the day our Latin class spent walking the Appian Way. We visited the tiny church of Santa Maria in Palmis, toured the catacombs, and spent an afternoon gazing out at the open fields and neat rows of Italian cypress trees. As teenagers do, we joked around and half-listened to our teachers and tour guide, trying to act cool, but I think many of us were secretly awed to be there, on one of the oldest roads in the world. I know I was. — Liz Cantrell

Orvieto, Umbria

This medieval hilltown in Umbria is just an hour from Rome by train, but it's a super rewarding day or overnight trip that shows an entirely different side of central Italy. My favorite part about this place is the wine of the same name, one of the only white wines I'll drink: a dry, refreshing blend of Grechetto and Trebbiano that you'll find all around town and at the wineries at the foot of the butte. But there's a lot more to Orvieto: the ruins of the Etruscan necropolis on which the town is built, regional foods like wild boar ragù and fava beans with pecorino, and a 14th-century cathedral striped with travertine and basalt, which was left miraculously unscathed by bombings in and around the area during WWII. —Hannah Walhout

Gelateria del Teatro, Rome

I'm pretty sure this spot — recommended to me by a friend who'd spent a year studying in Rome — has ruined me for every other gelato on the planet. They have all the usual suspects (a dreamy fior de latte, the most perfect stracciatella, and the platonic ideal of pistachio), but what you're really going for are less widely available combinations. I dream about flavors like the aromatic rosemary, honey, and lemon and the sweet-tart Veccia Roma (translated as "cheese and cherry"), but you can't go wrong with anything they have on offer. —Sarah Bruning

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Hidden Gems For Breakfast And Brunch In Florence, Italy

Published: August 26, 2024

by Mona Albin

Florence, Italy, offers more than just stunning art and architecture. This city also boasts some of the best breakfast and brunch spots. Whether you're craving a classic Italian pastry or a hearty meal, Florence has something for everyone. Imagine starting your day with a delicious cappuccino and a fresh cornetto at a cozy café. Or perhaps you'd prefer a brunch with eggs, toast, and fresh fruit. From hidden cafés to popular eateries, Florence's breakfast scene is as rich as its history. Ready to discover the hidden gems for breakfast and brunch in Florence? Let's dive in!

Best Breakfast Spots in Florence

Florence, Italy, is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious food. When it comes to breakfast, the city offers a variety of hidden gems that will make your morning meal unforgettable. Here are some of the best spots to start your day.

Ditta Artigianale Located in the heart of Florence, Ditta Artigianale is a trendy café known for its specialty coffee and delicious breakfast options. Whether you crave a classic Italian pastry or a hearty avocado toast, this place has something for everyone.

La Ménagère This charming café offers a unique blend of rustic and modern décor. La Ménagère serves a variety of breakfast dishes, from freshly baked croissants to savory omelets. The cozy atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy your meal.

Caffè Gilli Established in 1733, Caffè Gilli is one of the oldest cafés in Florence. Known for its elegant interior and high-quality pastries, this café offers a luxurious breakfast experience. Don't miss their famous cappuccino and cornetto.

Top Brunch Locations in Florence

Brunch has become increasingly popular in Florence, with many restaurants offering creative and delicious options. If you're looking for a leisurely late-morning meal, check out these top brunch spots.

Le Vespe Café Le Vespe Café is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Known for its friendly staff and extensive brunch menu, this café offers everything from pancakes to eggs benedict. The relaxed vibe makes it a great place to unwind.

The Diner For an American-style brunch in the heart of Florence, head to The Diner. This retro-themed restaurant serves classic dishes like waffles, burgers, and milkshakes. It's a fun and nostalgic spot for a hearty meal.

La Milkeria La Milkeria is a cozy café that specializes in sweet and savory crepes. Their brunch menu also includes a variety of other options, such as yogurt bowls and sandwiches. The charming setting and delicious food make it a must-visit.

Unique Breakfast Experiences in Florence

For those looking to try something different, Florence offers several unique breakfast experiences that you won't find anywhere else. These spots combine great food with a memorable atmosphere.

Rivoire Located in Piazza della Signoria, Rivoire offers stunning views of the city's historic landmarks. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on their outdoor terrace while taking in the sights. Their hot chocolate and pastries are particularly popular.

La Terrazza Rooftop Bar For a breakfast with a view, visit La Terrazza Rooftop Bar. Situated atop the Hotel Continentale, this bar offers panoramic views of Florence . Their breakfast menu includes a variety of gourmet options, making it a perfect spot for a special occasion.

Procacci Procacci is a historic delicatessen known for its truffle-based products. Their breakfast menu features unique items like truffle sandwiches and gourmet coffee. The elegant setting adds to the overall experience.

Hidden Gems for a Quiet Breakfast

If you prefer a quieter, more intimate setting for your breakfast, Florence has several hidden gems that offer a peaceful start to your day. These spots are perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Caffè Lietta Tucked away in a quiet corner of the city, Caffè Lietta offers a serene atmosphere and delicious breakfast options. Their homemade pastries and freshly brewed coffee are a great way to start your morning.

Caffè degli Artigiani Located in the Oltrarno district, Caffè degli Artigiani is a cozy café with a laid-back vibe. Their breakfast menu includes a variety of Italian classics, such as brioche and espresso. The friendly staff and relaxed setting make it a hidden gem.

Volume Volume is a unique café that doubles as an art space. Located in Piazza Santo Spirito, this café offers a quiet and creative atmosphere. Their breakfast options include a variety of pastries, sandwiches, and coffee.

Savor the Best Breakfast and Brunch Spots in Florence

Florence offers some of the best breakfast and brunch spots. From cozy cafes to bustling bakeries, there's something for everyone. La Ménagère serves up delicious pastries and coffee in a stylish setting. Ditta Artigianale is perfect for coffee lovers, offering a variety of brews and tasty bites. Le Vespe Café provides a hearty brunch menu with options for all dietary needs. Caffè Gilli combines history with flavor, making it a must-visit. Mama’s Bakery brings American-style breakfast to Florence, ideal for those craving comfort food. Each spot offers a unique experience, ensuring your mornings in Florence are memorable. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, these hidden gems will make your breakfast or brunch special. Enjoy exploring these fantastic places and savoring the flavors of Florence.

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Kazan Travel Guide - Perfect Your Travel Itinerary

Home / Russia Travel Experiences / Kazan Travel Guide – Perfect Your Travel Itinerary

Craving a one-of-a-kind, awe-inspiring trip to a place of ancient histories, visually spectacular, and spiritual marvels? The Kazan Travel Guide has everything you need to get just that.

Kazan is the capital of the Tatarstan Republic, also known as Russia’s third capital. Just an hour-and-a-half flight away from Moscow, this beautiful and thriving metropolis has a centuries-old history. Founded in 1005, Kazan is one of Russia’s oldest cities (older than Moscow) with sites and architecture reminiscent of its glorious 12th-century reign by the river Kazanka. The multiethnic region is famous for the harmonious co-existence of many different religions, whose sculpted sacred sites are some of the world’s most beautiful buildings. You’ll find a sublime fusion of Tatar and Russian culture in this city, creating a glorious melting pot of different cultures. Whilst predominantly Muslim, you will find all religious backgrounds within the republic. Discover how easy it is to be entranced by the captivating Kazan – it is even worth making a detour on the Trans-Siberian Railway for.

This Kazan Travel Guide will help you plan everything down to preferred months of travel according to seasonal highlights, main attractions, meals from our pick of Tatar cuisine delicacies, methods of transport, and activities from morning until noon.

Table of Contents

Why travel to Russia’s Kazan?

Kazan kremlin.

This UNESCO listed fortified citadel is the most familiar landmark of Kazan. Kazan Kremlin is full of cozy parks, picturesque streets, delectable foods, and beautiful sites. Take a tour through the only surviving Tatar fortress in Russia and lose yourself in its Middle Ages era splendor with this heritage-listed site. Many of the Kremlin’s architectural wonders are sculpted by the famous Postnik Yakovlev and Ivan Shirjay, recruited by the Tzar. Kazan Kremlin is also home to the Söyembikä Tower and museums, where Kazan’s extensive history and legends take centre-stage. Many also flock to the multi-faith place of worship for its glorious sculpted sacred sites such as Kul Sharif Mosque.

Söyembikä Tower

Kazan’s tiered tower of Soyembika, also known as the leaning tower or ‘Khan’s Mosque’ is the highlight of Kazan Kremlin. Its construction is recorded by scholars to date back as far as the 16th century, whose age-old history is expressed in some of its majestic colonial architecture. The colours are stunning in summer, and even in winter, the snow creates a fairytale-like scene. Once inside, you should pay attention to the haram carpet and elaborate details on the ceiling. Romantic and mystic legends surround the tower and the only woman to rule the Kazan Khanate for which it’s named after. It is said to be the same tower that led the beautiful Princess Syuyumbike to her death, built for her by Ivan the Terrible who seized Kazan in 1552 and then demanded they wed. Others tell a different history of a Soyembika forcibly detained here by Muscovite forces, before being taken to Kasimov where she died. For those interested in its story, be wary of self-nominated guides- the official Kazan guides are a purchase worth making. Despite its tragic history, many locals believe if you touch the tower and make a wish it will come true.

Kul Sharif Mosque

The Kul Sharif Mosque is Kazan Kremlin’s main mosque and one of the city’s most beautiful buildings. You will hardly be able to take your eyes off this one-of-a-kind structure. This attraction is not just for Muslims. It is open to all Kazan’s travellers, but it is preferred that women have their hair covered during their visit. The Kul Sharif Mosque takes the place of a former mosque conquered by Ivan the Terrible in 1552. From outside, the majestic lotus-flowered dome landmark sits atop a hill overlooking Kazan. Inside, it’s fitted with a modern yet classical interior where you can pray with the names of 99 gods inscribed on ceilings and window glass. On the ground floor is a Museum of Islam, where a tour in English may be available if there’s an English-speaking docent on shift. Otherwise, there are booklets in English that explain the whole exhibit. Whilst everything is free to all visitors, they ask you pay 3 rubles for shoe slip-covers to help keep its floors clean. It is recommended you go in the morning to avoid a queue to visit the Kul Sharif Mosque, boasting a reputation as one of the best mosques in the world.

Temple of All Religions

For those interested in the spiritual marvels of Russia, it is also recommended you see the Temple of all Religions located along the Volga river of Kazan . This is under construction, so it’s not a must-see, but worth the visit if you have time to kill before taking a train or bus. It boasts 16 towers all for various different religions- a stunning sight to behold from the outside.

Baumana street

The Baumana Street is the main tourist and pedestrian zone between the Kremlin and Tokai Square. Tatarstan restaurants, stalls of street painters, boutiques, souvenir shops, fountains that fulfil wishes and kiosks are just a few of its gems that are ready to assure your every need and charm your socks off. Monuments and fountains make for a perfect photo backdrop, with statuary ranging from a bronze carriage of Catherine II to the “thick lazy Cat of Kazan”, a tribute to its feline protectors who fended off mice. Whilst mingling with the locals, the rich chimes of Kazan’s bell tower help bring the vibrant Arbat to life. Baumana street’s historical attractions include houses of the 19 th century, a monument to Feodor Chaliapin, and a Russian baroque style Epiphany cathedral. For opportunists seeking for the perfect Russian souvenir, Baumana street is the place to buy everything: Matryoshka dolls, Tatar folk costumes, and one particular favourite of tourists is the Tatar national male headwear “Tubeteika”. This is a street that never sleeps- when the sun sets, it becomes a hub for nightlife.

Palace of Farmers

The Palace of Farmers is a vast and regal building like something out of a fairytale. Despite being a recent addition to Kazan’s collection of ancient sites, it looks to be built well over a century ago. This eclectic architectural piece boasts elements of Classicism style, the Second Empire, and the Belle Epoque. A magnificent, 65-foot tall bronze tree sculpture grows in the archway of the palace’s façade- a sight that makes for a mesmerizing photo backdrop. This is a governmental building related to agriculture, so the interior is not accessible. However, it’s worthwhile just to see its magnificently sculpted exterior. Located adjacent to the Kremlin and Kazan river embankment, the Farmer’s Palace makes for beguiling scenery for your riverside stroll. Manicured gardens out front create a serene, relaxing space in the summer sunshine, the site’s most popular season. When the sun sets, the Palace of Farmers comes alive with an array of spectacular light displays.

Raifa Monastery

Whilst known as one of the largest monasteries in Russia, Raifa Monastery had humble beginnings as a place of solitude where monastic followers could dedicate themselves to God. Found in a serene location by Sumy Lakes in a lush pine forest, this centuries-old site has been rebuilt time and time again. Its history tells of temple destruction, brutal plundering, arson, and has once made a home for juvenile delinquents. The history behind the monastery’s name is no exception to this trail of tragedies. In fact, the hermitage was established and named in memory of holy fathers tortured in Sinai and Raithu. Abandoned for over half a century, the ruins have been given new life with well doted on additions. This includes the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Cathedral of God’s Mother of Georgia, the Church of the Ss Reverend Fathers and bell tower, with beautiful onion-domed architecture and intricate iconography. It’s free to wander monastery grounds, where small shops and cafes populate the area. Arrive at this stunning rural monastery via a 40-minute drive from Kazan (with some free parking available), bus tour, or a scenic boat trip.

Sviyazhsk Island

Sviyazhsk Island, or “Conqueror City”, began as a fortress for Ivan the Terrible in 1551 when Kazan was an unassailable fortress. Frozen in time, visiting the Island is like going through a time machine with no fewer than 37 cultural-historical monuments. Its religious marvels are a must-see. Trinity Church is the last of its kind in Sviyazhsk- a wooden structure dating back to the time of Ivan the Terrible. Axe marks made by Yaroslavl carpenters can still be seen. The Dormition Cathedral boasts a glorious collection of 16th-century frescos. Its most famed is St Christopher with a horse’s head- a fresco that tells the story of a saint so handsome he pleaded to God for ugliness, to avoid unwanted attention from women. However, these monasteries have seen their fair share of horrors- the Soviet political repression saw them turn into prisons, concentration camps, and psychiatric hospitals. A local museum, Sviyazhsk State Museum of History and Architecture, is no stranger to these horrors. Here, inmates and prisoners were executed and their belongings are still on display in abandoned cells inside. A monument to the victims of political repression forms a two-meter-tall marble slab on the island.

The Ancient City of Bolgar

Not far from Kazan, Russia’s mysterious Muslim City, Bolgar, dates back to the 7th and 15th centuries. With such a powerful history, this Eurasian metropolis is one of Russia’s first UNESCO listed sites. It’s served as the capital of the Mongol Golden Horde, ruled by the founder of the Timurids Empire, and even the Prince of Moscow. A 1969 excavation for the State Historical and Architectural Museum and Reserve saw the city turned into a huge open-air museum.  Stone citadels, mosques, and tombs are some of its jaw-dropping remains from its glory days. Other attractions include the Khan’s palace, White Mosque, the hidden healing well of Gabdrakhman, a 700-year-old burial chamber for Bolgar nobility, and an interactive bread museum. The city of Bolgar has great religious significance, once the center of Islamic civilization in Europe. Here, you can find the largest printed Kora in the world weighing at 500kg. Bolgar remains a sacred pilgrimage destination to Tatar Muslims. The city of Bolgar is a three hours’ drive from Kazan along the scenic route of the river Volga.

Kazan from a boat

Kazan’s river station is flocked to by tourists eager to experience the scenic water route along the city’s shores. Travelling through Kazan with a Volga River boat trip is filled with incredible landscapes and jaw-dropping scenes. Gorgeous views of some of the city’s beloved icons include the Kazan Kremlin, whose structure sparkles like a jewel in the sun in all its Russian glory. The comfortable steam-ships on the rivers and lakes of Russia depart a few times a day to make for regular service (12:00, 15:00, and 19:00 on most days). Two-hour boat trips without stops, with a guided tour along Kazan’s coast. A total of 9 dams choke the river and halt its waters to a standstill- a glistening, magical scene that is a magnet for artists, writers and explorers. By its shores, the Volga river is a favourite for camping, relaxing, fishing, and swimming.

Kazan Cuisine Guide: A Foodie’s Haven

Kazan is the central home of Russia’s Tatar cuisine, boasting many restaurants and cafes that have earned its keep in the hearts of foodies across the globe. This Kazan Travel Guide will convince you why this is a haven for Russian and eastern cuisine.

Museum of Chak-Chak

The Museum of Chak-Chak (Çäkçäk) is named after the mouth-watering honey-baked balls of doughy goodness, a delicacy served at celebrations and festivities. This museum-turned food establishment is dedicated to traditional Tatar foods and drinks, particularly their national sweet foods. Bashkir dishes, chak-chak, bursak, and kak-tosh made from almonds are some of the recipes derived from Tatar enlightener kayum nasyri. These are only some of the most popular must-try dishes that cannot go unsampled. Here, guests drink tea and sample desserts whilst guides tell stories of the ancient Tatar people’s way of life, tradition and customs. If you want to learn the secret to cooking the perfect Tatar dish, this is the place to be.

Dom Tatarskoi Kulinarii (restaurant)

Dom Tatarskoi Kulinarii, or House of Tatar Cuisine, is one of the oldest national restaurants that has earnt its place in the heart of foodies from across the globe. Its dishes are based on Yunus Akhmetzyanov’s time-tested recipes and traditions – a beloved local guardian of traditional Tatar cuisine. Here you can find confectionary like Tatar sweets, and authentic dishes such as:

• Echpochmak: These are triangle-shaped pastries stuffed with mince and potatoes. A small hole remains at the top of the stuffed and folded dough. Halfway through the oven baking process, the pastries are filled with a spoonful of broth, ensuring that the meat (stuffed raw) is moist and tender.
• Gubadiya: Layered pie which contains cottage cheese or quark, minced beef or lamb and boiled egg, which is combined with raisins or mixed dried fruits (such as figs, prunes and apricots). This filling is then covered with melted butter before being baked into a mouthwatering dessert.
• Kazylyk: Originating from Tatar nomadic culture, this dish is a horse meat sausage which has been traditionally cured by air-drying in the sun and wind. It is often spiced with coriander or cumin, served in thin slices with pickled sliced onions
• Talkysh kaleve: This intricate dessert involves honey and sugar spun into a stringy fairy-floss which is then moulded into miniature cones and coated with a powder of melted butter and flour
• Manti: Tatar dumplings made from either spiced lamb, beef or horse meat, which can be mixed with pumpkin or squash depending on the region. They can be boiled or steamed in their own juices, typically served with butter, sour cream, onion sauce or red pepper powder.

In the evenings, your wining and dining with this Bauman street food will be accompanied by live music and the opportunity for master classes about preparing national dishes.

Kazan Travel Guide: Summer Highlights

Months & temperature.

  June, July, August: +24 – +27 C

Summer is by far the most popular and most frequented time of year to trek to Russia’s glorious Kazan city. The bustling, sunny and comfortable seasons of June, July and August are some of the best months to travel here. July is its hottest month at an average of 27 degrees- the perfect time to bask by the mesmerising Volga River.

The Sabantuy Tatar National Festival in June is jam-packed with competitions, sports events, dances, feasts, and music. This holiday hallmarks the end of spring crop planting and draws crowds of up to 40,000 in Kazan’s village of Mirny. Competitions of sportsmanship draw contenders near and far, both amateur and professional, in games like the egg-and-spoon race, sack races, horse races, and wrestling matches. Contenders for the more professional scenes like wrestling can earn prizes varying from home electronics to cars. The wrestling champion is declared ‘Batyr’ and lifts an overweight ram onto his (or her) shoulders for the cheering crowd. This festival is a marvel to behold, especially witnessing it for the very first time.

Similar to this: See also International handicraft festival ‘Spasskaya Yarmarka’ in August, Elabuga city

Kazan Travel Guide: Winter Highlights

  November, December, January, February – 0 to -10 C

For those far-reaching globetrotters, here is your chance for a true white Christmas- Kazan in Winter gets especially chilly in November, December, January, and February, the coldest months to travel. In November and December, there is a high chance of snow. Besides public holidays, winter outings mean fewer crowds, fewer queues and a more serene, quiet atmosphere.

The Nardugan Pagan Holiday Festival is popular in Kazan as an annual celebration honouring the winter solace. According to the ancient Tatar calendar, the birth of the Sun is December 22. This begins weeklong festivities and celebrations acknowledging the awakening of nature and the beauty of life. Dancing, traditional costumes, theatrical performances, Tatar baker’s delicacies, and fortune tellers are part of the joyous festivities.

For those creative art buffs interested in the sophisticated art forms of ballet and opera, see Kazan’s Shalyapin International Opera Festival (February), and the International Festival of Classical Ballet, Rudolf Nureyev Dance Festival (May).

Kazan Travel Guide: How to Get There

Kazan international airport.

Kazan’s international airport in the Laishevsky district is the only one in Russia that secured a win in the World Airport Awards of 2018. It’s equipped with paid and free parking, medical facilities, free Wi-Fi, shops, cafés and restaurants, a post office and more whilst being English friendly. The train terminal of inner-city travel is located within the airport. Find out more about travel options via the air through the Russian Official  Kazan Aero site, Aeroflot Airlines, or plan your trip with Google Flights.

Railway station

For visitors travelling to Kazan from within Russia, the Russian railway is connected to the city’s two main stations: Kazan-Passazhirskaya and Vosstanie-Passazhirskaja station. Trains from the Russian cities  Moscow , Yekaterinburg, Nizhniy Novgorod, St. Petersburg , Novosibirsk and Adler pass by these stations. The railway stations are fitted to meet your every need, supplying luggage storage, baby changing facilities, tourist info desks, ATMs, cafes and more.

Trans-Siberian Railway

Kazan is one of the top must-see stops on the Trans-Siberian Railway . The traditional Russian Trans-Siberian Railway route stretches from Moscow to Vladivostok, and has Kazan as one of its main stops. Even if you weren’t planning on visiting Kazan but will be making your way through the Trans-Siberian Railway, this is a detour you won’t regret making. Kazan is a 1000-year-old ancient city, still full of life, and the perfect place to lose yourself in (but not too lost, because their diverse transport system will be sure to get you back on track).

Enjoy a short Kazan city tour via this entertaining video:

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12 Things to Do in Kazan, the Magical Capital of Tatarstan

After  Moscow  and  Saint Petersburg ,  Kazan  is arguably  Russia ’s nicest big city and its most multicultural one. The capital of historical Tatarstan is home to the country’s only Kremlin with a mosque inside. Included in Unesco’s World Heritage Sites list, it is quite unique. However, there are plenty of other things to see and do in Kazan. The place to be is Bauman Street, the pedestrian street lined with neoclassical buildings and churches, cool cafés, and lots of street performers. Another pedestrian street is Kayuma Nasyri, with loads of colorful wooden houses and old mosques.

• 1.1 Explore the Kazan Kremlin
• 1.2 People Watch on Bauman Street
• 1.3 Soak Up History on Kayuma Nasyri Street
• 1.4 Visit Kazan’s Most Important Church
• 1.5 Bike Along Rivers and Lakes
• 1.6 Admire Soviet Brutalist Architecture
• 1.7 Discover Kazan’s New Kitchy Architecture
• 1.8 Visit the Temple of all Religions
• 1.9 Learn About Tatarstan and Russia at a Museum
• 1.10 Try Tatar Cuisine
• 1.11 Join a Local Festival
• 1.12 Explore the Rest of Tatarstan
• 2.1 Things to Do in Kazan – Photos
• 2.2 Related posts

Things to Do in Kazan

Explore the kazan kremlin.

One of the most important things to do in Kazan is visiting its grand  Kremlin . Ivan the Terrible built the medieval citadel to replace the ruins of the former residence of Kazan Khans. This monumental fortress is close to the confluence of the Kazanka and Volga Rivers. Hence, the views are outstanding and sunsets unforgettable. The Kremlin is home to the Governor’s Palace, several museums, towers, churches, and a mosque. The lavish  Kul Sharif Mosque  is from a recent date. It stands on the place of an old mosque destroyed by Ivan the Terrible. The Kremlin’s oldest structure is the  Annunciation Cathedral  from the 16th century. However, its most famous landmark is the  Söyembikä Tower , whose origin is unclear. It owes its name to the Kazan queen Söyembikä, who threw herself to her death from the tower.

People Watch on Bauman Street

Kazan’s main drag  Bauman  is a 1,3-kilometer long pedestrian street in the city center. It bears the name of Nikolay Bauman, a local revolutionary hero. This lively street is where everything happens. Restaurants, bars, shops, churches, and museums line the street. The street begins at the Kremlin and goes all the way to Pushkin Street. Nevertheless, the pedestrian area doesn’t end there. It continues, albeit with a different name: Peterburgskaya Street. At the beginning of the street, close to the Kremlin, you’ll find the late 17th-century  Cathedral of Saint Nicholas . Closer to the end, you will see the  Epiphany Church  with its red bell tower. Take your time, and be sure to notice the little stars on the floor dedicated to Tatar celebrities!

Soak Up History on Kayuma Nasyri Street

Another pedestrian street well worth spending time at is the historical  Kayuma Nasyri . Unlike Bauman Street, there aren’t many shops or commerce of any type. Instead, you’ll find several mosques and some of the most colorful wooden houses in Russia. Kayuma Nasyri is the best-preserved aristocratic street in the Old Tatar Settlement, one of Kazan’s oldest neighborhoods. Noble Tatar families, rich merchants, and representatives of the higher clergy owned the 19th-century houses that line the street. The highlight of the street is the beautiful  Märcani Mosque . It marked the beginning of a multi-faith religious tolerant society in Russia, proclaimed by Empress Catherine II at the end of the 18th century. It is the oldest mosque in Kazan and all of Tatarstan, but also one of the biggest.

Visit Kazan’s Most Important Church

The  Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral  is Kazan’s most distinguished church and one of its spiritual symbols. Upon arrival, you will immediately notice its unique colorful decoration. The church belongs to the so-called Russian baroque, a style that dominated the late 17th and early 18th centuries in Russia. Though it’s unclear who built the church, its resemblance to the early 18th century churches from Ukraine is quite evident. The church impressed many Russian emperors, including no other than Catherine II. Not only that, but three famous Alexanders also visited and wrote about it: Pushkin, Von Humboldt, and Dumas.

Bike Along Rivers and Lakes

Biking is, without a doubt, one of the most fun and relaxing things to do in Kazan! The mighty  Volga and the Kazanka Rivers  surround the city. Additionally, several canals and the Kaban Lakes cross it in the middle. We biked along the rivers on a newly built promenade enjoying the views, and through a bizarre new luxurious neighborhood. Then we went to the National Cultural Center Kazan and turned on Pushik Street to see the  Opera House.  From there, we biked all the way to the  Kaban Lakes . We went back to the bike rental shop along the  Bulak Canal . The shop is right under the Kremlin, between the Kazanka River and Baturina Street. Don’t forget to bring your passport or any other valid ID.

Admire Soviet Brutalist Architecture

Just like all other big Russian cities, a variety of brutalist buildings from the Soviet Period dots Kazan. A bunch of large soviet residential blocks lies on the eastern outskirts of the city. Another massive soviet neighborhood is north of the center, across the Kazanka River. You can see that one from the top of the Kremlin. Among the many interesting buildings, our favorite was the abovementioned  National Cultural Center Kazan . Built in 1991, it is one of the most active museums in Kazan. You’ll recognize the building for its simple red tuff façade and the tall obelisk named Freedom.

Discover Kazan’s New Kitchy Architecture

One of the things that caught our eyes when we were in Kazan’s Kremlin is the plethora of new interesting buildings. Once we got closer, we realized how unusual they are, with weird decorative elements and materials. The one building that we noticed immediately is the so-called  Agricultural Palace , which is the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazan. You’ll easily recognize this lavishly decorated building by its 20-meter high bronze tree. Critics say it combines everything from the baroque to the renaissance, but tourists love it! Another building that we loved for its bold kitschy appearance is the  Tatar State Puppet Theater . Its castle-like structure seems to come from a Russian fairy tale.

Visit the Temple of all Religions

One of the most interesting things to do in Kazan is to go on an excursion to the  Temple of all Religions . This colorful temple is on the outskirts of the city. Consequently, you will have to take a public bus, hire a private taxi, or book an organized excursion. We are not talking about a religious building, but rather a cultural center. Its architecture incorporates an orthodox church, a mosque, and a synagogue. Though it is still under construction, it will eventually have 16 domes, representing the 16 major religions in the world. According to its authors, the Khanov Brothers, it’s a temple of culture and truth.

Learn About Tatarstan and Russia at a Museum

Kazan has several interesting museums. If you didn’t have time to visit the Hermitage in Saint Petersburg, you are lucky. The Kazan’s Hermitage exhibits some of its pieces.   Apart from temporary exhibitions, the Hermitage displays European, Asian, and National art from different periods. The  National Museum of the Republic of Tatarstan , Kazan’s premier museum, is across the Kremlin’s main entrance. Here you’ll find large archeological and ethnographic collections. If you have Soviet nostalgia, visit the  Soviet Lifestyle Museum  inside a communal flat. If you are looking for something even more unusual, visit the  Museum of Chak Chak  dedicated to the traditional Tatar dough pastry.

Try Tatar Cuisine

Contrary to our expectations, we enjoyed food all around Russia. It is usually very well prepared, and there are plenty of dishes to choose from. Tatarstan is a great place to savor food since it combines local cuisine with Russian and Asian influences. The Echpochmak, a triangular pie, the Chak-chak, a sweet soft dough, and the Koymak, a kind of pancake, are its highlights. We had lunch on a beautiful terrace in  Tatarskaya Usadba . They offer delicious food, but you have to be patient with your order. If you want to try typical Tatar food, go to  Dom Tatarskoi Kulinarii . If your thing is quick, delicious, and cheap local food, go to  Dobraya Stolovaya  or  Tubatay . Finally, if you want to try something even more exotic, the  Rubai  offers delicious Uzbek food.  

Join a Local Festival

Kazan hosts numerous events and festivals all year round. Our last day was a holiday. Locals were singing and dancing to their national songs. Later we realized that we had attended the celebrations of Tatarstan national day. The city’s greatest local festival is  Sabantuy . It takes place after the crop planting and includes horse races, wrestling matches, and all kinds of singing events. If you happen to visit Kazan in February, you’ll be delighted by its  Opera Festival . If you visit in July or August, don’t forget to attend the  Kazan Jazz Festival . The concerts are held inside the Kremlin’s Pushechnyy Dvor every Thursday evening.

Explore the Rest of Tatarstan

Tatarstan’s cultural heritage is so rich that it has three Unesco World Heritage Sites. Obviously, Kazan is one of them. The other two are Bolgar and Sviyazhsk.  Bolgar  was the medieval capital of Volga Bulgaria, a state that existed between the 7th and 13th centuries. The Bolgar Historical and Archaeological Complex has several mosques, mausoleums, and palaces from that period. Sviyazshk , on the other hand, is a fortress from the 16th century that the Russian army used as a base during the siege of Kazan. Its most important landmark is the Assumption Cathedral.

Where to Stay in Kazan

Kazan is one of Russia’s top tourist destinations. Thus, you have several hotels to choose from. We wanted to stay on the main street, so we chose the  Shalyapin Palace Hotel . It proved a wonderful idea since the hotel is elegant, rooms are comfortable, and views over Bauman Street splendid. Another gorgeous hotel on the same street is the historic  Nogai Hotel . The large constructivist building from 1937 used to host publishers and writers. If you are still not satisfied, book a room in Kazan’s best hotel:  Kazan Palace by Tasigo . This delicately designed hotel is an art nouveau palace from the beginning of the 20th century.

Things to Do in Kazan – Photos

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