10 Best Places to Visit in Italy
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Discover the timeless charm of Florence, where art, history, and culture come alive in every corner.
Florence is unarguably one of the best places to visit in Italy if you’re interested in the artistic heritage of the country. You can see the duomo with its incredible domed roof and enjoy some breathtaking artwork in the cradle of the Renaissance. It’s an easy city to explore on foot and you’ll have no trouble navigating.
Highlights:
- The Uffizi Gallery features a collection of some of the best artistic masterpieces in the world and no visit to Florence is complete without exploring this gallery.
- Walk across one of the most famous bridges in the world, the Ponte Vecchio, and browse the picturesque shops along the way.
- If you’re a meat eater, you can’t leave Florence without trying the bistecca Fiorentina. The Florentine steak is the city’s specialty dish and is mouth-wateringly delicious!
Venice is famous for its beautiful canals filled with picturesque gondolas that can take you through the city. It’s also small enough to explore by foot over a few hours, a trip that will take you through the city’s beautiful streets and give you some incredible views of ornate marble buildings juxtaposed against glistening lagoons.
Highlights:
- Visit the Palazzo Ducale, or Doge’s Palace, and check out one of the city’s most memorable (and opulent) landmarks.
- Snack on some gelato from a local café as you take in the sights of the Grand Canal before hopping on a gondola to explore Venice’s winding canals.
- Experience the Carnevale di Venezia (the Carnival of Venice) in February, where three million people dress up in masquerade costumes and dance all through the night. Join in the celebration!
Our tip: Cafes in Venice can get a little pricey if you want to sit down and enjoy your coffee. You can get a cheaper drink in true Venetian style by going to a coffee al banco. Instead of chairs, these cafes are standing room only. Save a few euro and get a real Italian experience!
Whether you’re a foodie or an archeological enthusiast, there is something for everyone to do in Naples. This sprawling city sits in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It’s the birthplace of pizza, so you’ll never be far from a pizza shop that will change your life. It’s also a great hub if you’re interested in visiting the archeological sites of Pompeii or Herculaneum, the cities that were destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 79 AD.
Highlights:
- Climb Mount Vesuvius for some dizzyingly beautiful views of Naples and the surrounding region.
- Eat lots of pizza! There are hundreds of pizzerias in Naples serving up some of the best pizza you’ve ever had. Stick to places certified by the Associazione de Pizza Napoletana for the best places in town.
- Check out Naples’ underground history with a tour of the San Gennaro Catacombs.
Our tip: Naples has a bad reputation as a seedy city controlled by the mafia. While the rates of petty theft are higher than elsewhere, as a tourist, you’re unlikely to run into any trouble and certainly not with the mafia. Keep your wits about you like you would in any city you travel to and you’ll be fine.
Italy’s Lake District combines mountain vistas and crystalline lakes with medieval fortresses and beautiful lakeside towns. There are five major lakes among the most stunning lakes in this region and each one has its own flair and character to its accompanying cities. This area is popular year-round as you can hit the beach on a sunny day, participate in some exhilarating adventure sports, or come in the winter for a ski trip in the Italian Alps.
Highlights:
- Enjoy the latest in haute cuisine at the Bellagio Mistral, a Michelin-starred restaurant on the shores of Lake Como.
- Visit the island of Isola Bella. Take a leisurely walk through the gorgeous cultivated gardens and explore the huge baroque castle!
- Spend an afternoon relaxing in the shadow of the mountains and playing in the crystalline waters of Lake Garda. It is popular for swimming, with its diverse scenery that ranges from stark cliffs to rolling vineyards and sandy beaches.
- Head to Lake Ledro for an afternoon. After the construction of the Riva del Garda dam, the remains of a bronze age village emerged from the receding water. Plus, you’ll find some great art installations in the woods around the lake.
For more information, read our travel article on how many days to spend in Italy or best time to visit Italy.