random places to visit in italy

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Best places to visit in italy.

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

Amalfi Coast

Cinque terre, tuscany, italy.

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

Situated in the scenic Tuscan valley, Florence woos travelers with old-world avenues leading to picturesque piazzas big and small. While you're soaking up the city's splendor, make sure to stop by the Piazza del Duomo, where the breathtaking Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral is located, and the romantic Ponte Vecchio, a 14th century bridge overlooking the Arno River. Once central to the Renaissance movement, Florence also offers art aficionados the opportunity to see famous pieces by Michelangelo and other iconic artists of that period. As an added bonus, Florence is ideal for a daytrip to the Chianti wine region.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you're looking for Italy without the crowds, Tuscany is really all it's cracked up to be. Italy's famous countryside offers travelers spectacular landscapes dotted with romantic villas and castles equipped with wineries and superb restaurants. Don’t miss out on a visit to the walled city of San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its medieval towers. What's more, Tuscan locales like Pisa (which offers much more than its leaning tower) and Siena are an easy drive from top destinations such as Bologna and Cinque Terre, perfect for daytrippers who don't want to stay in one place for too long.

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

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

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

Best known for its Shakespeare ties, Verona appeals to fans of "Romeo and Juliet" with themed tours of the sights that allegedly inspired the play. But there is more to this city than its literary link. Verona, located about 15 miles east of Lake Garda, is also home to several impressive attractions and historic buildings (the whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, after all). Travelers won't want to miss the Arena di Verona, a first-century Roman amphitheater that is still in use, and Giardino Giusti, a beautifully sculpted Renaissance garden.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Ultimate Italian Bucket List | 40+ Incredible Experiences in Italy

Whether it’s for the mouthwatering cuisine, the culture, landscapes, or history, there’s no arguing with the 96 million tourists who visit the country each year. Like them, you’ll find an abundance of things to do in Italy.

Wherever your interests lie, you’ll find plenty of things to add to your Italian bucket list. Naturally, it’s a great destination for short city breaks, with Rome, Venice, and Florence topping the list. However, if you have more time to get outside these major hubs, there are so many outstanding experiences in Italy waiting to be had.

If you’re not sure what to see, Italy is home to no less than 55 world heritage sites, which is more than anywhere else in the world! These range from ancient ruins to natural landscapes and cultural experiences.

Read on to discover over 40 Italy bucket list destinations, to put on your itinerary. You’re not going to be disappointed.

This post may contain affiliate links. To find out what this means and more information visit my disclosure page .

Essential Things For Your Italian Bucket List – At A Glance

Wondering what to do in Italy, but have no time to read the full article now? no worries. You can download this checklist of places to visit in Italy, it includes everything mentioned in this article for offline viewing.

If you’re just after the low-down of things you must see in Italy, then below is a list of all places included in this article to help you plan your Italian itinerary.

Best Experiences in Italy

• The Canals of Venice, Rialto Bridge & Bridge of Sighs
• Milan From the Historic Duomo
• Pompeii, Herculaneum & Mt Vesuvius
• Da Vinci’s Masterpiece “The Last Supper”
• The Amalfi Coast
• Pisa and Pose With The Leaning Tower
• Colosseum, Underground Arena & Roman Forum
• The Islands of Burano and Murano
• The Uffizi Gallery
• Traditional Italian Food Tour
• Lago Di Garda ( Lake Garda)
• Five Villages of the Cinque Terre
• Stromboli Volcano
• Sicily’s Cathedral of Monreale
• Forte di Fenestrelle
• Royal Residences of the House of Savoy
• Sail Pan Di Zucchero
• Pizza Margherita in Napoli
• Climb Mt. Etna
• Vineyard-Hopping in Tuscany
• Carnival of Venice
• The Palatine Chapel
• Vatican City & The Sistine Chapel
• The Frasassi Caves
• Scaligero Castle (The Sinking Castle)
• The Italian Alps

Drive The Stelvio Pass

• Boating At The Blue Grotto
• Marmore Falls – World’s Tallest Man-Made Waterfall
• Medieval Walls of Lucca
• Labyrinth of Matera’s Historic Sassi

The Greek Temples at Paestum

The cathedral complex of siena.

• Lake Como, Bellagio and Varena
• The Trevi Fountain
• Ponte Vecchio
• The Sunken City of Baia

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40+ Things to Put On Your Italy Bucket List

This article has been written with the help of other travel writers who share with you what they think are the best things to do in Italy. Each of their suggestions features highlights of what to see, as well as useful insider tips for making the best out of your trip. Read on to discover the best things to see in Italy.

Explore The Canals of Venice, Rialto Bridge & Bridge of Sighs

Location: Venice

Highlights: Venice is known for its canals and exploring them is definitely one of the top things to do in Italy. The Canal Grande is the widest and most popular canal in Venice and the busiest waterway in the city.

Next to Piazza San Marco, Rialto Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in town. It spans the full width of the Canal Grande and is one of the oldest bridges in the city, whether you pass under it or walk over it, it’s a must for your Venice bucket list.

Ponte dei Sospiri, or Bridge of Sighs, is another popular landmark for your Venice itinerary . It gets its name from the belief that prisoners would sigh as they crossed the bridge on their way to jail.

Tips for Visiting: The Venice canals are some of the most unique and beautiful in the world. Exploring them on a gondola ride is certainly a bucket list experience for many, but not a cheap one.

Luckily, you can explore the canals by land as well and marvel at them from the many bridges. Arguably, the best way to explore Venice is on foot, so book your Venice accommodation somewhere central. Don’t be afraid to wander into less known and narrower streets, that’s where you’ll usually find the best photo opportunities.

Recommended by Zi from Craving Adventure

Panoramic Views of Milan From the Historic Duomo

Location: Milan

Highlights: Italy has some of the most incredible things to see and do. Some things are worth doing and some are not. There is one of the things in Italy you absolutely will not want to miss, and that is to visit the historic Duomo for the best views over Milan.

There are so many reasons to visit Milan , from its world-famous fashion brands to its tasty traditional dishes. However, its Historic Duomo Cathedral is probably the most iconic and breathtaking landmark in the city.

Here you can climb the stairs of this stunning piece of history and admire the best views over Milan. Not only will you learn so much about the city but be able to take some of the most phenomenal photos!

If you are looking to visit somewhere that you won’t forget in a hurry and you will not be able to find anywhere else in the world, stop by the Duomo.

Tips for Visiting: Even though this is the best panoramic view of Milan, it is first and foremost a religious building. Make sure you have dressed appropriately and do not wear anything revealing. It doesn’t matter if you have paid for your ticket, if you are not dressed conservatively, they will not let you in.

As this is a must-do in Italy, it can get really popular, especially during the summer. It is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance so you can skip the queues.

Recommended by Lowri Thomas from Many Other Roads

Discover the History of Pompeii, Herculaneum & Mt Vesuvius

Location: Southeast of Naples

Highlights: One of the best things about Italy if you’re into ancient monuments, is that the country is filled with them. The ill-fated cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum are two of the most iconic ruin sites.

Mount Vesuvius is one of the most active volcanoes in Italy, and in AD 79, an eruption destroyed a multitude of Roman cities through the eruption of volcanic gasses, stones and burning ashes. The cities were then buried by pumice, and volcanic debris, including people, that have been immortalised.

Visiting the ruins sites is one of the most interesting things to do in Italy. You can wander around the sites and still see mosaics, rooms, artefacts and the people, captured in time, from that fateful day.

Tips for Visiting: If you’re wondering if these are places to visit in Italy in summer, it’s worth knowing that all three sites get busy, in particular Pompeii. It’s worth booking a skip-the-line entry ticket in advance, especially in peak season.

It’s also worth noting that the site is large, and with little shade, so if you visit in the summer take plenty of water, sunglasses and sunscreen.

This is one of the top Italy things to do and see. Ideally, you’d want two days in the area to do all three things justice. You could easily spend a whole day at Pompeii. Then do Herculaneum the following morning and go up Mt Vesuvius that afternoon.

Related Article : Jerash Ruins, Jordan: The ‘Pompeii of the East’ .

Admire Da Vinci’s Masterpiece “The Last Supper”

Highlights: For art lovers, Europe is a wonderful place to be as Europe is filled with world-class art museums and institutions, showcasing classic and contemporary artworks from across the globe.

There’s one widely known artwork that is not on display in an art museum but remained on the wall of Santa Maria Delle Grazie, the original place where it was painted. The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci, which needs no introduction, is an extraordinary art piece created in the late 15th century. The fresco depicts an iconic biblical scene that is considered the best version of its kind.

Da Vinci used unique drawing techniques by painting on the church’s wall after exhaustive research. The composition, content, and details of this fresco have a significant impact on art, history, religious and cultural studies – not to mention it is constantly featured in modern cultures, books, and movies. Going to see it is certainly something for your Milan bucket list.

Tips for Visiting: Visitors can view the artwork with an admission ticket or on a guided tour.

Entries are divided into 15-minute groups and tickets are often sold out because many available slots are booked by tour guides and agencies in advance. Always reserve a ticket online before visiting the church.

Santa Maria Delle Grazie is located in Milan’s city area and it is easy to get there by train. The closest station is Milano Cadorna and it’s only a few minutes walk to the site.  

Recommended by Kenny Chow from Knycx Journeying

Drive The Amalfi Coast

Location: Amalfi coast

Highlights: One of the most amazing things to do in Italy, and shouldn’t miss is driving along the Amalfi Coast. The narrow road, with tight curves bordered by the sea on one side and the mountain on the other, increases the level of adrenaline.

Known for its beautiful little towns that climb the mountain and for its breathtaking views over the sea, the Amalfi coast is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy. If you want to spend your holiday here, choose to stay in a hotel with an infinity pool . This way you can fully enjoy the landscape.

Tips for visiting : If you want to try this adventure as part of your road trip itinerary, when you book your car rental, opt for the smallest vehicle possible. This way you will be able to explore the little streets in the towns, and not just the main road.

That said, one of the most important attractions will be the main road. Located a few metres above the sea, it is exciting to see the water below you, and the mountain next to you as you navigate the bends in the road.

In Positano for example, there are some places where you should be careful because oncoming traffic, such as buses, pass just a few centimetres next to you. Also, the buildings are very close to the road so it’s easy to scratch your car if you don’t pay attention.

This is not a road for speeders, it is a road for those who want to enjoy the beauty of this coast and soaking up the atmosphere is one of the best things to do. In Italian driving, road users can often feel aggressive compared to other places in Europe, however, here is not the place for it, so take a more relaxed approach as you take it all in.

Recommended by Corina from Another Milestone

Related Article:  Roadtripping Along The Amalfi Coast

Explore Pisa and Pose With The Leaning Tower

Location: Pisa

Highlights: Everyone knows Pisa, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which is considered to be one of the most popular landmarks in Italy! Of course, a visit to this attraction is one of the best things to do in Pisa and a must on any Italy trip.

Its leaning already occurred during its construction between 1173 to 1372. The tower even had to be closed and restored from 1990-2001 for safety reasons. People are still amazed by the leaning tower, and those after some light entertainment in Italy can have fun watching people taking the popular photo supporting the tower in imaginative ways.

Not only is the Leaning Tower beautiful, but the old town of Pisa is also a real highlight that should not be missed. Walk through the romantic alleys, try one of the fabulous restaurants and soak up the atmosphere far away from the touristic hustle and bustle.

Piazza dei Cavalieri is especially beautiful, one of the most charming squares in the historic centre of Pisa.

Tips for Visiting: It is best to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa first thing in the morning, then you can take the best pictures and later you will have enough time to explore the old town. The tower is located in Piazza dei Miracoli, the so-called Square of Miracles, which you can visit for free!

If you want to visit other sights like the Duomo, the Baptistery, and the Cemetery or if you want to climb the Tower you have to pay an entrance fee. You can save money and time by booking tickets in advance!

If you still have time left, then you should check out the beautiful beaches of Pisa, especially the beautiful beach at Marina di Pisa! This one is only 10 kilometres away. Perfect if you want to combine sightseeing with swimming in the sea.

Recommended by Martina from Places of Juma

The Iconic Colosseum, Underground Arena & Roman Forum

Location: Rome

Highlights: If you quiz anyone about things to do with Italy, you can guarantee they’ll mention the Romans and the Colosseum.  Needless to say that visiting the Colosseum is an essential part of any first-timer’s Rome itinerary . But there’s more to the most popular ancient amphitheatre in the world than just what you can see from the outside or from simply stepping inside its century-old walls.

The Colosseum is also home to a vast network of tunnels in its underground area that you can now explore on a guided tour. Walking around this underground labyrinth under the arena stage is the best way to learn the history of those dark corridors. You will be amazed by the ancient elevators used to facilitate the performances held in the arena and the gruesome stories of the performances themselves.

Tips for Visiting: Until recently, the underground area of the Colosseum was inaccessible to the public. Therefore, even if you have visited the Colosseum in the past, it’s worth visiting again for a tour of its underground area and the Arena.

Bear in mind that you can only visit the underground area on a guided tour with a special ticket that grants you access to all parts of the Colosseum, and other worthy places for your Rome bucket list, including the underground area and the Arena, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

This special ticket is called Full Experience Arena & Underground. It’s recommended to book your tickets in advance to make sure they’re available on the day of your visit.   

Recommended by Katerina & Maria from It’s All Trip To Me

Visit the Islands of Burano and Murano

Highlights: Venice is an incredible city to begin with, but visiting the floating city without taking a day trip to its other islands of Burano and Murano would be a waste! They are a short boat ride away from the main island of Venice and you can spend an entire day exploring these magical places.

Burano is known for being the most colourful place in Italy , with its rainbow-coloured houses that line the canals. This is one of the must-see things in Italy, as each house is painted a bright and beautiful colour which make the prettiest photo backdrop. The island is also known for the delicate handmade lace the locals produce, and the delicious fried seafood.  

The neighbouring island of Murano is special for its glass production, which has become famous across the world. The locals who work at the glass factories produce intricate glass products from ornaments and glasses to huge chandeliers. Visit the island to watch the glassblowing and ship some back to use in your home!

Tips for Visiting: Visiting the islands should be an all-day adventure from the main island of Venice. You can either visit by taking the Vaporetto, the local water bus, or by booking a group tour.

The tour will be much simpler, easier and faster, but will mean you have less time on the islands and less flexibility in planning your day. The Vaporetto can be a little confusing to use, but once you get there, you can control how long you stay on each island.

It costs just a few Euros to take the tour of the glass factory on Murano, which is well worth it. And on Burano, wear white so you pop in all the photos with the bright backdrop!

Recommended by Tori Mitchell from Tori Pines Travels

Admire The Grandmasters At The Uffizi Gallery

Location: Florence

Highlights: If you’re planning your trip, and wondering what to see in Italy, I highly recommend the world-renowned galleries. A visit to Florence is incomplete without the world-famous Uffizi Gallery. This museum houses some of the most important artworks of the Medieval and Renaissance period.

Florence was known as the city of bright minds and for its progress of virtues during the height of the Renaissance. Some of the most well-known artists were from Florence, including Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli. Sculptures and fine art paintings of these grandmasters as well as other renowned Italian painters, such as Raphael, can be admired in the Uffizi Gallery.

The Birth of Venus by Botticelli is a must-see in the Uffizi gallery and art aficionados come from far to see this breathtakingly beautiful painting. Other noteworthy art pieces include the ‘Coronation of the Virgin’ by Fra Angelico and ‘Adoration of the Magi’ by Leonardo da Vinci.

Tips for Visiting: Every guide to Florence will rate the Uffizzi Gallery as one of the must-see attractions in the city . The Uffizi Gallery is located in the old town adjacent to the Piazza della Signoria. The entry point is a narrow courtyard with a view of the river Arno. It’s near the Ponte Vecchio bridge and the Pallazzo Vecchio palace in the historical centre.

The best way to get around is by walking. It’s advised to book a museum visiting slot in advance because this museum is one of the most visited in the world. The opening hours are from 8:15 to 6:30 and the gallery is closed on Mondays.

Recommended by Paul D’Souza from Paulmarina

Go on a Traditional Italian Food Tour

Location: Emilia Romagna (Bologna/Modena)

Highlights: It’s no secret that Italy produces some of the best food in the world, and experiencing it fully needs to be on your Italy must-do list.

The region of Emilia Romagna is known for producing some of Italy’s most iconic foods. Three of the area’s most famous foods in particular — Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, prosciutto ham, and balsamic vinegar — are the stars of one of Italy’s most popular food tours .

You’ll visit a local Parmigiano cheese factory to learn about the full process of how they make the King of Cheese, see the process in action, and taste the end result. 

Next, the tour includes a visit to a family-owned acetaia where they make traditional balsamico di Modena which is aged for up to 25 years. You’ll sample different stages of the ageing process and see why this is such an amazing food. Finally, you’ll see the production of Italy’s famous prosciutto hams, arguably one of Italy’s most famous exported products.

Tips for Visiting: Several tour operators can take you on this unique tour but the Italian Days Food Experience includes an immersive and fun lunch feast where you’ll get to try all three of these foods and how they’re incorporated into their most unique dishes.

From prosciutto appetisers to a drizzle of aged balsamic on vanilla gelato, you certainly won’t be hungry, and you’ll leave with a keener palate and greater appreciation for the region’s cuisine.

If ever there was a must-do food tour, it’s this one! This is also a great region of the country to take an Italian cooking class.

Recommended by Lori from Italy Foodies

Relax at Lago Di Garda ( Lake Garda)

Location: Near Verona

Highlights: One of the top destinations Italy offers is Lake Garda . It’s the perfect getaway to the picturesque atmosphere just outside Verona and the largest lake in Italy embracing the Alpine mountains. The lake is abundant with castles and Scaglieri Castle in Sirmione is the most popular one. Garda town itself scatters the stunning views of the lake.

It stretches across three Italian regions- Lombardia, Trentino Alto Adige and Veneto, and covers various landscapes.

A popular destination here is Gardaland, which is an amusement park near Peschiera del Garda. Several adventure parks make up Gardaland, these include Caneva World which focuses on movie entertainment while Parco Natura Viva absorbs the African wildlife.

If you’re interested in history, then head to Desenzano on the western shore which holds the impressive Roman mosaics.

Tips for Visiting: The best way to reach Lake Garda is to take a train to Peschiera del Garda or Desenzano from Verona. From Peschiera, you can take the bus to pretty towns around the lake. Ferry service is available but takes a lot of time to get between places.

For the best views, climb the 2218m up Monte Baldo from the pretty towns of Malcesine (which also has its own castle). At the top, you’ll have stunning views. If you don’t want to walk, then taking a cable car is another option.

Recommended by Gabi from Under Flowery Sky

Visit the Five Villages of the Cinque Terre

Location: Cinque Terre National Park

Highlights: The historic villages of the Cinque Terre are famous for being some of the most picturesque in Italy. Perched on the cliffs in the Cinque Terre National Park , with colourful buildings leading down to the blue waters of the Italian Riviera, visiting these towns is easily a highlight of travelling to Italy.

While all the towns are incredibly pretty, Manorola is the subject of many paintings and Vernazza is renowned as one of the loveliest villages in the country. 

The five towns are connected by a walking trail and it’s possible to walk between them all in one day which should be one of your must-dos in Italy. If you want to spend more time in the villages themselves, opt for the train instead.

Tips for Visiting: Aim to go in June or September when the weather is warm but the villages aren’t quite as busy. Manorola and Vernazza are particularly lovely and popular with visitors, so try and visit these earlier or later in the day.

Be sure to check that the trails you want to hike are open before you go – rain can affect the pathways. For the best views of the towns, opt for one of the longer hikes in the Cinque Terre National Park – the alternative route that goes between Manarola and Corniglia via the tiny settlement of Volastra is particularly beautiful.

Recommended by Roxanne from Far Away Worlds

Visit (or Climb) Stromboli Volcano

Location: Tyrrhenian Sea

Highlights: If you’re looking for something to tick off your bucket list, Italy has numerous natural landmarks. Forget the tourist traps of Vesuvius and Etna and instead discover one of the world’s most active volcanoes (it erupts every 20 minutes or so).

This truly is one of the most amazing things to see in Italy. Stromboli is located on a small island (well, it IS the island) off the north coast of Sicily close to the Aeolian Islands.

One of the most incredible things about Stromboli is that the island has a permanent residence of around 400 people living in the shadow of the volcano with daily eruptions.

There are a couple of small villages with shops, restaurants, and hotels and it’s quite easy to arrange a trip to Stromboli. The volcanic beach is perfect for swimming in exceptionally warm waters, though it is quite rocky so you’ll need flip-flops or beach shoes.

It takes around 2 hours to reach Stromboli from the Sicilian town of Milazzo and daily ferries make the crossing. There are also ferries from Naples on the mainland with a journey time of around 5 hours.

Tips for Visiting: There are two ways you can reach Stromboli; either by taking a tour or catching a ferry from Sicily or mainland Italy. The tours usually include a trip to the Aeolian Islands and moor off Stromboli at night so you can see the eruptions and lava flow.  

Recommended by Steve Rohan from The Trip Goes On

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Admire the Norman Architecture of Sicily’s Cathedral of Monreale

Location : Monreale, Sicily

Highlights: Monreale is a small town just 7 kilometres away from the centre of Palermo, Sicily . The town is nestled up on the top of a hill, and it’s home to one of the greatest existing examples of Norman architecture in Italy. The building of Monreale Cathedral began in 1174 by William II of Sicily.

The cathedral is one of the most beautiful things to see in West Sicily . The inside is covered in beautiful, detailed mosaics that are rare to see. The mosaics are made of glass tesserae, and were created in the Byzantine style between the late 12th and the mid-13th centuries by local Sicilian and Venetian masters. The cathedral is a must-see Italy landmark.

After admiring the craftsmanship of the Monreale Cathedral, you can go for a wander around the town. There are plenty of cute lunch spots in the town’s main piazza, as well as small shops for gift shopping.

Tips for Visiting: The best way to visit Monreale is by taking the bus from Palermo. You can go by car, but parking is scarce, especially if you go in the summer when the town is busy. Bus number 389 which departs from Piazza Indipendenza will take you to Monreale and back. The trip is about 1 hour each way because of traffic. Once you’re there, it’s just a small fee to enter the cathedral.

Recommended by Erin From Pina Travels

Visit Forte di Fenestrelle

Location: Fenestrelle, Val Chisone, Province Torino

Highlights: One thing on your Italy must-see list should be Forte di Fenestrelle , the biggest alpine fortress in Europe. After the Great Wall of China, it is also the next largest wall structure.

It actually consists of 3 independent fortresses, connected by the largest covered staircase in Europe with 4000 steps. From the lowest part of that huge military complex in the valley bottom to the highest part at 1110m, high above beautiful Val Chisone, you will have to overcome 635 metres of altitude that the structure stretches along, meandering its way up the valley.

The fortress is an absolute masterpiece of military architecture, absolutely impressive to look at and visible from far!

Tips for Visiting: It’s located 74km away from Turin, you will need 1,5hrs from Piedmont’s capitol to reach the free parking area, right next to Fort San Carlo.  Only the courtyard of that main fortress is free to enter.

Like with quite a few Italy tourist activities, if you do not speak Italian, you should opt for the self-guided “Amici-Tour”. It only costs a few Euros. It only allows visiting a small fraction of the Fortress, but you will be able to enter the famous staircase and explore some of the buildings from the main fort.

If you understand Italian, you could join a fantastic guided day tour which visits all areas of that huge complex. The full-day tour “La Passeggiata Reale” is absolutely worth it.  

Check opening times before your visit, as those vary depending on the season and weekdays.

Recommended by Linda Bluemel from Insieme Piemonte

UNESCO Listed Royal Residences of the House of Savoy

Location: Turin (and the entire region of Piedmont)

Highlights: From the Palazzo Reale and Villa della Regina to the Palace of Venaria Reale and the Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi, this group of 10+ landmarks dates back to the 16th-18th centuries.

If you’re a fan of all things Italian, they make a wonderful place for travellers to immerse themselves in northern Italian architecture and get a glimpse into the country’s history.

The beautiful and underrated Turin was the capital city of the Duchy of Savoy, the Kingdom of Sardinia, and the unified Kingdom of Italy, all ruled by the House of Savoy, so visiting the dynasty’s royal residences in the city and around it is a true privilege.

Tips for Visiting: Three Royal Residences are located in the heart of the historic centre of Turin, and two are in other districts. Several of those that are situated outside of the city are easily reachable by public transport, including the Palace of Venaria, Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi, Castle of Moncalieri, and the Castle of Rivoli.

There are a range of ticket prices, depending on the landmark you want to visit, but they are completely free to visit with the money-saving Torino+Piemonte Card. This card also offers free entrance to countless attractions in Turin and Piedmont (and many other discounts).

Recommended by Or from My Path in the World

Take a Boat Tour to the Pan Di Zucchero

Location: Masua, Sardinia

Highlights: The Pan di Zucchero is an iconic white rock stack standing on the Mediterranean Sea off the town of Masua in Sardinia, Italy’s second biggest island after Sicily. And taking a trip out to see it is one of the things you have to do in Italy.

This natural wonder formed by erosion is famous for its unique sugarloaf shape (hence its name), for being the highest rocky outcrop in the Mediterranean Sea, and for offering splendid panoramas.

In fact, the Pan di Zucchero is part of the Iglesiente, the region along the Sardinian eastern part below Alghero, known for its wild coast full of Faraglioni, huge dramatic cliffs, wild beaches and coves.

Tips for visiting : There are several ways to visit the Pan di Zucchero, including by paddle or via Ferrata, but the best is definitely to take a boat tour. Boats leave every day from Masua beach and take you to discover not only the Pan but also Porto Flavia (a mining site inserted in the limestone cliffs facing the Pan), as well as the caves and other hidden gems of the Canal Grande.

These boat tours also include snorkelling time in wonderful caves filled with colourful fish of all kinds, which add wonderment to the experience.

You can book your tickets for this tour either directly on the beach or on the boat tour company’s website. Book in advance online if you plan to do it in the high season (June-September) to not miss your chance to do this adventure.

Recommended by Nesrine Chebbi from Kevmrc Travel

Eating a Pizza Margherita in Napoli

Location: Naples, Italy

Highlights: One of the good things about Italy, is that everywhere you’ll visit in the country, the food is divine! Naples is the home of pizza, and you simply can’t miss trying a famous Neapolitan pizza when you’re in Italy.

As the name suggests, the very best pizzas in Italy are served up in small restaurants in Naples -usually served hot out of the oven with fresh, blistered crust, sweet and tangy tomato sauce, and perfectly melted cheese.

Nowhere in the world makes pizzas quite like the pizzerias of Naples, where they’ve been honing the craft for generations. You’re all but sure to fall in love with Naples after your first bite.

In Naples, locals will typically order one pizza per person. The pizzas are crafted to be easier to digest than their North American equivalents, and they won’t leave you feeling overly full or bloated. Be forewarned that the pizzas come unsliced, so you’ll need a knife and fork to dig in.

Tips for visiting: There are three famous pizza restaurants in Naples, and it’s worth trying each of them if you have time in the city.

Arguably the most famous is Pizzeria Da Michel, the filming location for the famous pizza-eating scene in Eat, Pray, Love. This relatively small restaurant is nearly always bustling, with a small crowd of people waiting outside to get a table. They have a few pizza options, all combinations of crust, sauce, and cheese (except for the marinara, which has no cheese, and therefore vegan).

The other two are Sorbillo and Starita, both of which have large pizza menus with toppings like pesto and burrata, in a more standard restaurant setting.

Recommended by Amber from Amber Everywhere

Hike Mt. Etna in Sicily

Location: Catania,  Sicily

Highlights: Mt. Etna is located in the Catania region in eastern Sicily. It is the tallest volcano in Europe and one of the most active volcanoes in the world . On almost any given day it is visibly active, and small eruptions and the glow can be seen from many nearby villages and cities, including Catania and Taormina.

If you’re looking for unforgettable experiences in Italy, there are many opportunities to explore and experience Mt. Etna. You can go by foot, mountain bike , 4×4 vehicle, or even cable car. Hiking the volcano, in particular, gives you an extraordinary opportunity to explore the dynamic terrain from an up close and personal vantage point.  

If you’re looking for adventure in Italy, you’ll find hiking trails here that allow you to explore the inside of craters like the Silvestri craters, which are conveniently located near parking, lodging, restaurants, and gift shops.

Another highlight is hiking to the Summit Craters at a height of 3340 metres. This hike will generally get you as close as possible to the most active part of the volcano. These trails can feel strikingly close to the dramatic plumes of smoke billowing out of Mt. Etna. The landscape feels like another planet.

For those looking for quirky and cool things to do in Italy, you’ll also find trails that ascend and descend into newer nearby craters. Some of these craters contain heat vents where you can put your hand inside and feel the heat and steam from the underlying volcanic activity. These hikes also feature a fascinating collection of rocks in different shades of black, red, brown, yellow, and grey.

Tips for Visiting: It should be noted that conditions at Mt. Etna are constantly changing, not only daily but even on an hourly and minute-by-minute basis. Some hiking trails may be inaccessible based on those conditions. Please check daily conditions before you head out for your hike.

Also, hiking near the summit should only be done with a professional guide. These tours may include sunset hikes, as well as hikes that also include trips to nearby caves and other activities.

Like with many Italy outdoor activities at altitude, when hiking Mt. Etna, you should dress in layers, as the summit is often much cooler and windier than lower elevations.

Finally, make sure to always follow posted signs and not go into areas that are marked as unsafe. If you’re an enthusiast for landscapes, nature and adventure, this is one of the best activities to do in Italy.

Recommended by Merry Allison  from Virginia Vacation Guide

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Vineyard-Hopping & Staying at a Wine Hotel in Tuscany

Location: Tuscany

Highlights: Sampling fabulous, full-bodied, and fragrant wines is an absolute must-do when you’re in Italy. Fortunately, Tuscany is renowned as one of the best wine regions not just in Italy, but around the world.

Located in Central Italy, Tuscany is home to several charming storybook towns with strong wine culture, from Montepulciano to Montalcino, to Radda in Chianti. One of the quintessential Italy activities and the best ways to experience this magical region is through your palette on a vineyard-hopping excursion!

In addition to sampling some of Tuscany’s best bottles, you’ll also enjoy the bonus of uncovering some of Italy’s most spectacular scenery.

Tips for Visiting: Start your tasty adventures in magnificent Montepulciano, one of the top places to enjoy some of the best Italian wine. Located in Southern Tuscany, this Medieval hilltop town is best known for the variety that shares its name – the Nobile di Montepulciano.

This medium-bodied red offers a deliciously fruity experience with aromas of cherry, strawberry, and plum. Avignonesi, Poliziano, and Tenuta Valdipiatta are some of the top wineries featuring sprawling vineyards.

Plus, to make your Tuscan wine-sampling adventures even more fabulous, you’ll have to book a stay at one of the incredible wine hotels in Tuscany . Each of these properties puts wine tasting at the forefront – and some are even home to their very own vineyards!

For the best possible experience in Tuscany, be sure to rent a car so that you can easily navigate between the region’s top wine towns. It’s also advisable to book wine tastings in advance to ensure availability.

Recommended by Elena from The Carry-On Chronicles

Experience the Magical Carnival of Venice

Location: Venice, Italy

Highlights: Skip the heat and intense crowds of the summer months and visit Venice in February. One of the things you must do in Italy at this time is the annual Carnival festival. During this time, you’ll see people in elaborate masks walking around the city, many in full Renaissance-style costumes.

Be sure to stop in one of the many small shops throughout the city and pick up a Venetian mask of your own! On the first Sunday of Carnival, watch Il Volo dell’Angelo (The Flight of the Angel), where a costumed acrobat leaps from the top of the San Marco Bell Tower to the middle of Piazza San Marco. You’ll likely see many live musicians and outdoor performances in Piazza San Marco and other parts of Venice as well.

If you’ve ever asked yourself what are fun things to do in Italy? Then one of the must-do activities during Carnival is to attend a masquerade ball. You’ll feel like you’re on the set of Phantom of the Opera as you dine and dance among hundreds of other people in lavish costumes.

Tips for Visiting: Though Venice is not as crowded in February as in the warmer months, Carnival is still a world-famous festival. It’s recommended to book your hotel sooner rather than later as rooms can quickly fill up. If you plan to attend a masquerade ball, you will want to reserve that ahead of time as well.

One of the great things about Venice is you can keep the cost down by simply wandering the streets and taking in the stunning scenery, which becomes even more lovely and mysterious during Carnival. There is no shortage of things to see just by walking around.

The best way to get to Venice is by train. The Venice Mestra train station is on the mainland right before the Ponta della Libertá railway bridge, and the Santa Lucia station is on Venice itself. It’s most convenient to get off at Santa Lucia.

Recommended by Amanda from My Vintage Map

Visit The UNESCO Listed Palatine Chapel

Location: Palermo, Sicily

Highlights: The exquisite Palatine Chapel is one of the main places to visit in Palermo . Located at the entrance of the Centro Storico (or Old Town) of Palermo and within walking distance of the Palermo Cathedral.

The chapel dates back to the 12th century when Palermo was reigned over by various rulers including Byzantine, Norman and Fatimid. All of which are reflected in the architecture of the chapel.

If you’re looking for things to put on your bucket list for Italy, the Palatine Chapel is worthy of a place. Gazing upon the opulent chapel, it might be hard to imagine that this masterpiece was in fact originally intended for the private use of King Roger II.

The beautiful golden mosaics that cover the entirety of the ceiling depict a host of biblical scenes in exquisite detail. These mosaic scenes can also be found in the nearby cathedrals of Monreale and Cefalu, all of which are also UNESCO-classified.

Tips for Visiting: The Palatine Chapel is located in the Norman Palace, which is the current day seat of the Sicilian Government. Tickets can be bought opposite the entrance from a small ticket booth. Your entrance ticket is valid for both the Palatine Chapel and the Norman Palace.

Visits run from Monday to Saturday from 8.15 am to 5.40 pm, with the last tickets being sold at 5 pm and on Sunday from 8.15 am to 1.00 pm. On Sunday a mass is held between 09.45 am and 11.15 am inside the chapel and therefore there are no visits allowed.

Recommended by Caroline Muller from Veggie Wayfarer

Let Your Jaw Drop in Vatican City & The Sistine Chapel

Location : Rome

Highlights: A day spent wandering the museums, chapels, basilicas, squares, and gardens of Vatican City will have you dreaming of gold for months! To call it a luxe experience is such an understatement! 

The spoils of Empires, crusades, taxes, and of course, parishioner donations, have ended up here with room after room of many of the world’s greatest paintings, sculptures, and countless examples of the world’s best craftsmanship.

It’s impossible to rank the order of the ‘wow’ factor. Standing in St. Peter’s Square is something on many people’s Italy travel bucket list, and you can stand beside the place where the Pope gives his speeches and see for yourself the glorious circular colonnades and sculptures of saints that peer down from them.

St. Peter’s Basilica is simply awe-inspiring – its size, wealth, aesthetic proportions, and gold and marble are just unforgettable. Michelangelo’s La Pietà and his cupola are just two of the highlights.

But as wonderful as these two sites are, there are still the Vatican Museums to explore with 54 galleries and more than 70,000 works of art! The Gallery of Maps and the Raffaello Rooms are among the highlights, leading inexorably to the tiny but completely perfect Sistine Chapel. Here you can sit on the benches and stare up at the frescoed ceiling painted by artists such as Botticelli and Michelangelo. And here, in the last part of the Vatican Museum, you can look up at Michelangelo’s fresco, The Creation of Adam.

Tips for Visiting: Book online well in advance, book a skip-the-line ticket and wear modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders. A guided tour is a good option to cut down on the queueing and the difficulty of booking tickets.

The Vatican is open from Monday to Saturday between 9 am and 6 pm, although the ticket office closes at 4 pm. It is closed on Sundays, apart from the last Sunday of each month, when it’s open between 9 am and 2 pm.

Recommended by Monique at Trip Anthropologist

Spelunking in the Frasassi Caves

Location: Genga, Ancona Italy   

Highlights: Did you ever imagine you could add spelunking to your Italy bucket list?  If you find yourself on Italy’s east coast, you’ll definitely want to cross this one off your Italy to-do list.

Tucked deep inside the region’s mountains, Frasassi Caves was first discovered in 1971 and is now one of the largest known cave systems in Europe.  

Spend one hour and 15 minutes feeling the brisk cave air, twirling past crystal lakes, and losing yourself in mesmerising caverns.  Surrounded by dazzling crystal walls and hearing the slow water drip, it’s as if Frasassi Caves transfer you into another world! 

Tips for Visiting:   The easiest ways to get here are by car along highway A14, or by taking the train via Railway Ancona to S.Vittore Terme Station.  Arrive at the ticket office 30 minutes before your entrance time.

Tickets can be purchased online or on arrival at the ticket office.  You can choose to walk just under one mile from the ticket office to the cave entrance or ride the shuttle.  

The caves are chilly at a constant 13°C / 57°F all year-round.  Wearing a sweater, long pants, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.  

The caves are open year-round.  Closing dates are December 4th, 30th, and January 10th-30th. Spelunking the Frasassi Caves is not recommended for visitors with heart conditions. Wheelchair access is in place through the first room of the caves only.  

Recommended by Alyssa from An Apple A Plane

Visit Scaligero Castle (The Sinking Castle) in Sirmione

Location: Sirmione, Lake Garda

Highlights: Scaligero Castle, also known as the “Sinking Castle” because of its dock. It’s a beautiful Medieval fortress guarding the entrance to Sirmione’s old town. It was built in the 13th century, and it is one of the best-preserved castles in the entire country, and certainly, one of the must-do things in Italy.

As one of the top things to see in Sirmione , Scaligero is very popular with tourists for its beautiful views of both Lake Garda and the town. You can also take a boat trip around the peninsula to see the castle from the water.

Tips for Visiting: The opening and closing times for Scaligero castle vary depending on the season. In summer (April – September), the castle is open from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm (the last entrance is at 6.45 pm), Tuesday to Saturday, and from 9.15 am to 5.45 pm (the last entrance is at 5 pm) Sunday and during the holidays.

During the winter season (October – March) Scaligero is open Tuesday to Saturday (plus holidays) from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm (the last entrance is at 6.45 pm), while on Sundays you can visit it until 1.30 pm (the last entrance is at 12.45 am).

Try to go either close to the opening or closing time, as this way you’ll be able to avoid any crowds or potential waiting queues at the ticket booth.

Recommended by Andreea from Andoreia

Adventure In The Italian Alps

Location: North Italy

Highlights: If you’re searching for adventurous things to do in Italy, the Italian Alps are where you need to be. One of the top things to do in Italy during winter is head here for snow sports.

The Italian Alps are a popular ski sports destination that pulls thousands of visitors each year. One of the best areas to enjoy skiing is Sauze D’oulx. As part of the Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski area, there is more than 400km of skiing slopes to enjoy. From Sauze D’oulx you can visit the area Sestiere from where you can pass over the mountain tops into France.

Furthermore, both areas are great to visit in summer for hiking, mountain biking, river rafting, kayaking, horse riding, and much more. Visit the small art towns of Avigliana, Susa, and Pinerolo. In addition, it’s possible to visit ancient landmarks like Sacra Di San Michele, Exiles, and Fenestrelle.  

Another option is to explore the Aosta Valley which is a great travel destination both summer and winter. It is known as the smallest region in Italy offering the highest peaks of the Alps. If you’re looking for things to do in northern Italy, here you have endless activities to keep you entertained. Skiing is a given but in summer you also have the option of visiting ancient castles, hiking, trekking, river rafting, kayaking, and much more.

Visit the charming town of Champoluc and stay at a mountain refuge like Baita Belvedere. From there you can take many scenic trails as well as visit the highest thermal pool in Europe. Finally, this refugee is also famous for its kitchen and the whole valley is a foodie hotspot famous for its very own Fontina cheese, cold cuts, and wine from the region.

Tips for visiting: Prices around the Alps in Italy go up in the high season which is also the time for skiing. Know that the popular and best areas get extremely busy and it’s necessary to book ahead.

In summer the Alps have sunny and mild weather but it does get cold with the altitude. Since the weather can be shifty it’s a good idea to bring clothes for all types of weather.

While it is possible to catch many buses around the area, public transportation is inconsistent and limited to certain locations. The best option is to travel by car. Note that in winter snow chains are necessary.

Recommended by Josephine from Josephine Remo

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Location: Italian Alps (the mountain pass in the Dolomites in Northern Italy, near the border with Switzerland)

Highlights: This famous mountain pass, Passo dello Stelvio, has numerous hairpin bends and a view to die for. The pass is one of the highest paved ones in Italy at 2758 metres in height.

If you’re looking for cool things in Italy, this road features a multitude of hairpin bends and is a thrill to drive, either by car, motorbike or bicycle. It has breathtaking views from and on top of the pass. There are 75 hairpin bends, making it a challenge to drive. It has been part of the Giro d’Italia countless times.

The pass is situated in the Stelvio National Park, with wildlife and numerous hiking trails nearby. There are several hotels and restaurants on the Stelvio pass.

Tips for Visiting: The pass isn’t a toll road, and is free to enter and drive on. It isn’t kept snow free anymore, this was done before 2019. Since 2019 the road will be closed from the end of October to the beginning of May.

The Stelvio pass is perfect to include in a Trieste and Dolomites road trip . The Stelvio pass starts in Prato Allo Stelvio on the East side and ends in Bormio on the Western side. It can also be driven vice versa. The Stelvio pass can also be driven till halfway, the Umbrail pass starts halfway, this is the highest drivable pass in Switzerland.

Recommended by Cosette from Kars Travels

Take A Boat To The Blue Grotto

Location: Capri

Highlights: There are many indulgent things to do in Capri , Italy and no shortage of bucket list adventures. One of the best ways to see Capri is by boat, and the most famous attraction on the island is undoubtedly the Blue Grotto, la Grotta Azzura.

You can only visit the grotto with a ticket and a licensed guide, and at times there’s a long wait to get inside (depending on the time of year you visit). But the view inside is one of the most magnificent photo ops of a trip to Capri.

You’ll duck down low in a row boat to avoid bumping your head. Once inside, the view of the glowing water beneath your boat is simply enchanting. This is one of the most beautiful activities Italy has to offer.

Tips for Visiting: There’s more than one grotto to explore in Capri, and most tourists don’t know of two lesser-known grottoes — the Green Grotto and the White Grotto — where you can snorkel and splunk the nearby caves when the seas are calm.

Look for a guide that can take you to all three grottoes on a boat tour. If you want to spend the afternoon on the water and swim, it’s even worth the splurge on a longer tour.

Recommended by Lori from Travelin Mad

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Experience Marmore Falls – World’s Tallest Man-Made Waterfall

Location: Marmore

Highlights: If you’re looking for unique things to do in Italy, one of the places you must see is Marmore Falls . It’s a historical waterfall that was created by the Romans around 271 BC to divert the Velino River away from a nearby city.

To this day, the beautiful waterfall is still the World’s tallest man-made waterfall with its 165-metre height. Marmore Falls has 3 tiers that can be seen from several viewpoints within the park – all of the views are different and offer unique sights of the waterfall.

Apart from its historical value and its beauty, Marmore Waterfall also helps create energy through the nearby hydroelectric power plant, which is pretty incredible in itself.

Tips for Visiting: Marmore Falls is pretty unique because it works on a schedule. Water is released twice a day and you will see a very powerful flow in the waterfall that creates energy for the nearby plant. The rest of the day, the waterfall flow is weak. So make sure to visit during the water release times for the best possible experience and bring a raincoat!

You can easily reach Marmore Town and the waterfall from Terni with a direct train. Just make sure to look up the opening hours and water release before your visit. There is an entrance fee to the waterfall and park.

Recommended by Cecile from Worldwide Walkers

Walk the Medieval Walls of Lucca

Location: Lucca

Highlights: The Tuscan city of Lucca is built like a fortress, surrounded by walls meant to protect it in Medieval times. Today, the walls, or Mura di Lucca, are hailed as one of the city’s top attractions, and walking the 4km path on top of them is a must-do Italy landmark.

From atop the Mura di Lucca, you can spot many of the most famous and historical structures of the old town. Some you’ll see close up like the stunning Cathedral San Martino. And some like the Torre Guinigi, aka the Tree Tower, make the city look magical from above.

You’ll pass the botanical gardens, the Palazzo Pfanner, museums, statues, and much more. And if you turn around and look away from the city centre, you’ll have a 180-degree mountain view.

Tips for Visiting: Walking the walls of Lucca is a great way to start your visit. You’ll be able to get a feel for where things are, and which sights may warrant taking a closer look.

There is no fee, so you can take this glorious promenade as many times as you’d like. And you can walk a bit, go have lunch at one of the amazing Lucca restaurants , and then come back and walk it off.

Seven gates or entrances allow cars to pass through the walls. At these gates lie the access to the top. So no matter where you stay, a gate will be close by.

The wide tree-lined path itself is quite beautiful, and you’ll find many locals riding bikes, running, and strolling babies.

Recommended by Denise of Chef Denise

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Explore the Labyrinth of Matera’s Historic Sassi

Location:  Matera

Highlights: Matera is an ancient city located in southern Italy. It is a UNESCO world heritage site with a fascinating history dating as far back as the palaeolithic era. Although it is quickly becoming a tourist destination, Matera was once known as the “shame of Italy”.

For thousands of years, the inhabitants of this community lived without electricity, running water, or proper sewage systems. People lived side by side with livestock inside their homes and in the narrow passageways. Disease and poverty were rampant within the community. Eventually, the residents were forced to evacuate, leaving Matera abandoned for several years.

In the 1980s a group of investors moved in and transformed the network of cave dwellings, or the Sassi, into luxury hotels and boutique restaurants. Although modern amenities have been added, the history and culture of the region has been perfectly preserved.

There is nothing quite like it anywhere else in Italy. Matera has served as a filming location for period films including the Passion of the Christ and Ben Hur.  One of the most fun activities in Italy is to explore the Labyrinth of ancient streets.

Tips for Visiting: Matera is located in southern Italy, approximately 1 hour from the eastern coast and the Adriatic Sea. Although there are no roads and thus no vehicles permitted within the Sassi, there are several parking areas located just on the perimeter of the village. Those planning to spend the night inside the Sassi, should pack lightly and be prepared to walk as there are many stone stairs involved.

The best way to experience Matera is to get lost in the maze of stairs and corridors. One path may lead to a dead end, while another may lead to an incredible overlook of the Sassi or an ancient church carved into stone. While in Matera, it is also recommended to visit Alberobello , a neighbouring community known for its fairy-tale-like Trulli dwellings.

Recommended by Cecilia from Lovicarious

Location: Province of Salerno,  Campania

Highlights: If you’re interested in historical things to see, Italy has them in abundance. The Greek Temples at Paestum are probably one of the most significant monuments to visit in Italy.

This World UNESCO Heritage Site is impressive and not as often visited because of its remote location but definitely worth the effort. The ancient city has three large temples that are well preserved along with other ruins around the city perimeter that make Paestum a half-day or whole-day trip.

Outside of the main historic temples, you can find a variety of smaller tombs, the main thoroughfare that leads to the temples from the main gate, a sunken circular Ekklesiasterion dated around 480 BC and a fantastic museum that houses the main artefacts, murals and other collections that were found around the site.

The museum brings the UNESCO site to life with all of the found art, artefacts and collections of Paestum and gives an impression of daily life, art, food, lifestyle, traditions and day-to-day living in the area.

You’ll love exploring this historic site and better yet, know that this UNESCO site is not as well visited as many other ruins from around Italy.

Tips for Visiting: Getting here is easiest done by car, however, you can also use public transport. It’s located about an hour and a half train ride from Naples, the train ride is fairly quick and access to the city entrance is just a short walk from the main station close to the UNESCO site.

There is very little shade at the ruins, so if you’re visiting during the peak of summer take sunglasses and sunscreen. Also, some of the terrain is uneven, so wear sturdy shoes.

Recommended by Noel Morata from Travel Photo Discovery

Location: Siena

Highlights: While Siena, in the heart of Tuscany, may be best known for the famous Palio horse race that takes place twice a year in Central Square, you’ll also find that it makes a great day trip from Florence to visit the stunning Duomo built of white stone and rose marble.

One of the top things to see in Italy is the Cathedral Complex at Siena. One of the best ways to tour the Duomo and the entire Complex is with the Opa Si Pass which gives you access to all areas.

Discover the Cathedral which features treasures from Bernini, Donatello, and Michelangelo and then visit the Piccolomini Library. Other interesting places here are the Baptistry of San Giovanni, the Crypt, and Museo dell’Opera. Then wander through the Santa Maria della Scala Hospital and Museum.

If you’re feeling energetic, then climb the circular steps to the Panoramic Terrace of the Duomo Nuovo. This unfinished facade of the Duomo offers 360° of breathtaking views of Siena.

Tips for Visiting: Siena makes a perfect day trip from Florence. Whether travelling by car or bus (train is not available), it takes about 75 minutes. If you are arriving by car, note that Siena is a limited-traffic area. Several parking lots are available outside of the historical city centre.

The Opa Si Pass, which is valid for three days, allows you to immerse yourself in the history of Siena, view significant masterpieces, and take a step back into Medieval times.

From April to October, the complex is open from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, with reduced hours of 10:30 am to 5:30 pm between November and March.

Recommended by Jolayne from Simply Jolayne

Visit Lake Como, Bellagio and Varena

Location: Lake Como, Lombardy

Highlights: Lake Como, is an Italy must-see, located in the Lombardy region in the north of Italy, is the third largest lake in the country. It is also one of the most beautiful places in Italy. Be ready to see colourful buildings, famous villas, and impressive mountain views, and enjoy the local cuisine.

Visiting Lake Como is a worthy Italy bucket list destination. You will love discovering unique small towns that overlook the breathtaking lake.

There are many towns surrounding Lake Como, but Bellagio and Varenna are two towns you shouldn’t miss. They have picturesque streets with peek-a-boo views of the lake, alfresco restaurants, and exceptional villas with lush gardens.

Tips for Visiting: It is a very popular destination and can get crowded. This is why visiting Lake Como off-season is the best option. Although the weather may not be as good as it is in the summer months, it’s still pleasant with warm days and cool evenings. The trade-off is that you will enjoy Lake Como with fewer crowds.

You can go on a day trip from Milan to Bellagio and Varenna, and visit their main attractions and sites, but you need to spend more than a day to fully enjoy both places without rushing.

When visiting any of the towns in Lake Como, make sure to wear comfortable shoes. There are many cobblestone streets, and you will need to take many stairs to access viewpoints, restaurants, and attractions.

Recommended by Cristina of My Little World of Travelling

Throw Coins Into the Trevi Fountain

Highlights: Legend says that if you throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, you’ll one day return to Rome. The 18th Century Baroque fountain is the biggest of its kind in the city and probably one of the most famous fountains in the world. It stands 26.3 metres high (86 ft) and is 49.15 metres wide (161.3 ft)

If you’ve wondered what are some fun things to do in Italy, tossing a coin here is one of them.  Each day, around €3,000 are tossed into the fountain. Over a year, this mounts up to approximately €1,000,000. The money gets donated to charity.

Tips for Visiting: The fountain is one of the best things to see in Rome, and features pretty much on every city walking tour you do. If you want to visit it without the crowds, then get there early in the morning.

If you’re after a quirky way of seeing it, then you can also opt for the underground tour of Trevi to view the area from a different perspective.

Shop for Jewellery on Ponte Vecchio

Highlights: The Medieval Ponte Vecchio translates to ‘Old Bridge’. Its arched structure stretching over the Arno River holds space for various vendors. This was the only bridge in Florence that survived World War 2 and historically was home to butchers and tanners.

Although the bridge has changed little in appearance over the years, today the shops are home to jewellery, fine crafts and art dealers. If you’re looking for fun stuff to do in Italy walking across here, and perusing the works is a must-do.

Tips for Visiting : The bridge is only open to foot traffic now, however, the number of tourists twinned with how narrow the bridge is, and people stopping to browse, means that bottlenecks often happen. If you’re wanting to enjoy it in a calmer atmosphere, go early in the day.

Also, because this is an incredibly busy area, pickpocketing around here is common. Keep your valuables safe and use a money belt .

It’s also worth noting that if you attach anything to the bridge, you risk getting a fine. Over 5000 ‘love locks’ were removed by the local council between 2005-6 because they ruin the aesthetics of the bridge as well as caused damage.

Scuba Diving Italy’s Sunken City of Baia

Location: Gulf of Naples

Highlights: If you’re an avid diver and looking for unusual things to do in Italy, then consider adding the sunken city of Baia to your itinerary. The city of Baia dates back to the Roman Ages when it was a vacation destination for the rich and powerful. It’s built over medicinal hot springs thanks to the natural volcanic vents in the region.

During the 16th century, the land dropped about 6 metres below sea level. This sank about half of the city into a shallow bay.

Today, you can book diving trips and swim amongst the sunken architectural remains which include statues, columns and mosaics. If you’re after fun things in Italy, this needs to be top of your to-do list.

Tips for Visiting: You will want to be confident with your diving here so you can control your buoyancy at the archaeological site. The depths are relatively shallow and range from 4 metres to 12 metres (13 and 42 feet).

The water is at its warmest between July and September, at around 23 degrees (75F), so depending on how easily you feel the cold, you might want to wear a 3-5mm shorty wetsuit.

How Many Are On Your Italian Bucket List?

Wow, if you made it to the end, well done! How’s your ultimate Italy bucket list shaping up? This article showcases the multitude of outstanding attractions and experiences in Italy. These ideas are so diverse, that there really is something for every type of traveller on here.

How many of these things to see in Italy are you going to add to your Italy travel itinerary?

Download the Italy bucket list items checklist and get it sent straight to your inbox.

Looking for More Things To Do In Italy

If you’re planning to visit Italy, take a look at these other useful guides for more inspiration.

• Discover more Italy Travel Guides here
• Find other Travel Bucket List Ideas
• Planning your travel? then check out these travel tips

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If you found this Italian bucket list guide useful, or know someone who would, then share or pin it for future reference.

Still wondering what is there to do in Italy or have a question about this article? then head to the Contact page and drop me a message.

Hey, I'm Becki......and I'm a self-confessed travel addict and experience connoisseur!

In other words, I’m a bucket-list traveller, on a mission to experience the best things our fabulous little planet has to offer with the least environmental impact.

When I'm not climbing mountains, scuba diving, spotting wildlife or exploring ruins, you'll probably find me sipping coffee, or with a glass of wine in hand planning my next adventure.

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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 October 2021 and updated January 2024

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Italy Bucket List: 130+ Best Things To Do In Italy

Need some destination inspiration for a trip to Italy? You’ve come to the right place.

This is the ultimate Italy bucket list. It covers the 130+ best things to do, see, and experience in Italy. I created it based on my many vacations in this dreamy country.

Indeed, Italy is one of my favorite countries to visit, a dream destination I return to time and time again. Italy has Europe’s richest and most ancient culture.

After all, Italy is the cradle of European civilization — founded by the Roman Empire and embellished by the Roman Catholic Church.

As you explore Italy, you’re confronted with some of the world’s most iconic monuments — Roman ruins, UNESCO sites, Renaissance masterpieces, and elegantly preserved medieval villages and palazzos.

But you’ll also find jaw dropping landscapes and magical seaside hamlets.

In this Italy travel guide, I take you on a tour of 100+ of Italy’s must visit destinations and must have experiences.

If you want to enjoy your own slice of La Dolce Vita , read on and decide what to put on your Italy bucket list.

Epic Italy Bucket List

I’ve separated my Italy bucket list by region and major city (Florence, Milan, Rome, and Venice). Hopefully, this guide will help you plan your next trip to Italy or create your own Italy itinerary .

1. Florence: Best Things To Do In Florence

Florence, often hailed as the “Cradle of the Renaissance,” is a city of staggering beauty. It’s a treasure trove for those passionate about Medieval and Renaissance art, boasting some of Europe’s most magnificent collections.

This city isn’t just a gallery of historic art; it’s vibrant, alluring, and deeply romantic. Here, you can find yourself mesmerized by Botticelli’s masterpieces and in awe of Michelangelo’s genius, as if traveling through a portal to another era.

Florence’s historic center, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is more than just a city; it’s a living, open-air museum where breathtaking art and architecture await you at every corner.

READ : Must See Sites in Florence

Don’t leave Florence without …

✔ Seeing Michelangelo’s monumental David , the world’s most famous statue , at the Accademia Gallery

✔ Admiring Botticelli paintings in the world renowned Uffizi Gallery , including the iconic Birth of Venus

✔ Admiring Fra Angelico’s delicate early Renaissance frescos in San Marco Monastery

✔ Hiking up to San Miniato al Monte for the best view of Florence

✔ Paying homage to Michelangelo in the Basilica of Santa Croce and enjoying one of the greatest assemblages of paintings, sculptures, and funereal tombs in existence

READ : Best Day Trips From Florence

✔ Following the Michelangelo Trail in Florence and walking in the artist’s footsteps

✔ Visiting the Medici Chapel s with Florence’s most Michelangelo sculptures

✔ Admiring the Giorgio Vasari frescos in the grand Hall of the Five Hundred in Palazzo Vecchio

✔ Inspecting the statutes of the Piazza della Signoria , Florence’s outdoor public art gallery

✔ Visiting the Bargello Museum to see world famous Renaissance sculptures by Michelangelo , Donatello , Verrocchio, Bernini , Cellini, and Giambologna

✔ Walking across and shopping on the iconic Ponte Vecchio

✔ Visiting the three glamorous palaces of the Medici dynasty : the Medici-Riccardi Palace, the Pitti Palace , and the Palazzo Vecchio

READ : Free Things To Do in Florence

✔ Climbing Brunelleschi’s dome for magnificent city views

✔ Plopping down in a pew to look up and admire The Last Judgment fresco in the Baptistery

✔ Gazing at the stunning Pietro da Cortona ceiling frescos in the Palatine Gallery of the Pitti Palace

✔ Strolling in the lovely Boboli Gardens and admiring the fountains and statuary

✔ Walking under the Wisteria Tunnel in the Bardini Gardens

✔ Strolling through the Oltrarno neighborhood on the other side of the Arno River

READ : Hidden Gems in Florence

2. Milan: Best Things To Do in Milan

Milan, a gem in northern Italy, is a must-visit on your Italian adventure. As a seasoned traveler, I can tell you that Milan is far more than just a modern metropolis.

It’s the pulsing heart of Italy’s finance and fashion scenes. But don’t be misled by those who might label it merely as an industrial hub.

In Milan, the past and present merge beautifully, creating a city with a soul that blends historical elegance with the dazzle of a modern metropolis. As you wander through its streets, you’ll be captivated by the striking architecture, significant historical sites, and world-renowned art, including some of the Renaissance’s most significant masterpieces.

And let’s not forget the culinary delights – Milan’s food scene is as stylish and sophisticated as the city itself. This city is a feast for the senses, sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

READ : Top Attractions In Milan

Don’t leave Milan without …

✔ Walking on the rooftop terrace of the Duomo, Milan’s Gothic fantasia, at sunset

✔ Seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic The Last Suppe r in Santa Maria delle Grazie

✔ Following the Leonardo da Vinci Trail and walking in the artist’s footsteps

✔ Admiring fantastic art in the Pinacoteca di Brera , one of Europe’s most underrated museums

✔ Having a cocktail or dinner in the Navigli, Milan’s trendy canal district

✔ Sipping an apertivo in Leonardo da Vinci’s own vineyard

READ : All The Last Supper Paintings from Renaissance Italy

3. Northern Italy: Best Things To Do In Northern Italy

The northern region of Italy is known locally as Il Nord or Settentrione. It consists of eight separate regions – Peidmont, Liguria, Aosta Valley, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and Trentino-Alto.

This region of Italy is simply bursting with Italy bucket list destinations — epic landscapes, beautiful towns, and historic landmarks waiting to be explored.

READ : 1 Week Road Trip Itinerary From Venice To Milan

Don’t leave Northern Italy without …

✔ Climbing the turrets of the crusader-era castle, Rocca Scaligera Castle, in Sirmione

✔ Admiring the world’s best Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna

✔ Standing on Juliet’s Balcony in fair Verona

✔ Gazing in awe at Verona’s Roman Arena, an amazing well-preserved colosseum

READ : Complete Guide to Finding Mosaics in Ravenna

✔ Even better, catching an opera in the Verona’s Arena during the summer opera festival

✔ Walking under the romantic covered porticos of Bologna

✔ Climbing Bologna’s Leaning Tower, the Asinelli Tower, for views

✔ Admiring architecture in Bologna’s stunning Piazza Maggiore

✔ Indulging in “tagliatelle al ragu” in Italy’s gastronomic city of Bologna

✔ Go truffle hunting in the Bologna Apennines Mountains

✔ Riding up to the top of the Mole Antonelliania in Turin

✔ Eating pecorino cheese and prosciutto in the cute pink town of Parma , which is decorated with frescos by the Renaissance artist Correggio

✔ Boat riding in the Italian Lake District

✔ Exploring Lake Como’s adorable villages: Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio

✔ Visiting the Borromean Islands in Lake Maggiore, known as Italy’s Garden of Eden

✔ Exploring Renaissance monuments in the secret and stunning town of Mantua

READ : Most Beautiful Towns in Italy

4. Rome: Best Things To Do in Rome

Rome is a city that never ceases to enchant me. This city is not just a must do destination. It’s a mesmerizing blend of delicious cuisine and architectural wonders spanning centuries.

As a cornerstone of Western civilization, Rome presents an unparalleled array of attractions. From the splendor of palace museums to the mystique of ancient ruins and the grandeur of Renaissance monuments, the city is a living history book.

But there’s more to Rome than just its past. The city boasts world-class museums where art aficionados can revel in the works of masters like Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini, and Caravaggio.

Their creations from the Renaissance and Baroque periods are not just art; they’re a dialogue with history. In Rome, every corner tells a story, making it a must-visit for those captivated by the richness of art and history.

READ : 3 Day Itinerary for Rome

Don’t leave Rome without …

✔ Taking the Imperial ruins tour: Colosseum | Roman Forum | Palatine Hill

✔ Visiting the Vatican Museums , one of the world’s most outstanding art collections

✔ Admiring Michelangelo frescos in the famed Sistine Chapel

✔ Climbing the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica for the classic view of the Bernini-designed St. Peter’s Square

✔ Visiting the magnificent Borghese Gallery , Rome’s best in situ museum with magnificent sculptures by Bernini

✔ Following the trail of Caravaggio , the Baroque period’s great painter

✔ Following the trail of Bernini , the Baroque period’s great sculptor

✔ Visiting Rome’s secret palace s , with their glamorous Halls of Mirrors, to feel like an aristocrat and see in situ art

✔ Channeling your own badass gladiator on an underground Colosseum tour

✔ Putting your hard hat on and exploring the ruins of Nero’s Golden House, Domus Aurea

✔ Wandering through Trastevere, Rome’s most atmospheric neighborhood

✔ Wandering through Monti, Rome’s authentic hipster neighborhood

✔ Admiring the fantastical Art Nouveau architecture in the Coppede neighborhood

✔ Taking a food and wine tour

✔ Exploring Rome’s Mercato di Tesstaccio, a bustling place where local chefs vie elbow to elbow for the best food and produce

✔ Dining at the Rome Cavalieri Hotel and getting a free private tour of its outstanding art collection.

✔ Admiring secret and romantic Raphael frescos in the Villa Farnesina

✔ Admiring ancient Pompeiian-style frescos in the House of Augustus , Rome’s first emperor

✔ Touring the Capuchin Crypt, Rome’s own bone chapel

READ : Hidden Gems in Rome

✔ Visiting the theatrical Venetian-style apartments of an Italian Princess at the Palazzo Colonna

✔ Go underground and see an ancient Mithraic chapel in the Basilica of San Clemente

✔ Day Tripping to Tivoli to see two UNESCO sites: Villa d’Este (Renaissance mansion with amazing fountains) and Hadrian’s Villa (evocative ruins for ruin lusters)

✔ Day tripping to Tarquinia to see its Etruscan necropolis with frescos from the 5th century B.C.

5. Southern Italy: Best Things To Do In Southern Italy

I am besotted with Southern Italy . It’s a vast region that contains the provinces of Abruzzo, Puglia, Basilicata, Campania, Calabria, Molise and Sicily.

Southern Italy has some absolutely magnificent offerings including beautiful stretches of dramatic coastline, picture perfect beaches, charming coastal islands, and myriad historic cities and towns. The best known regions are the gorgeous Amalfi Coast and the Cinque Terre.

Don’t leave Southern Italy without …

✔ Visiting the ancient ruins and frescos of Pompeii , Italy’s most famous archaeological site, and learning how everyday Romans once lived

✔ Staying in a cave hotel in the UNESCO city of Matera

✔ Visiting the cluster of cave dwellings carved into cliffs in Matera

✔ Exploring the beehive “trulli” homes of Alberobello in Puglia

✔ Driving the stunning Amalfi Coast , the road of a “1000 bends”

✔ Visiting the magnificent UNESCO-listed Royal Palace of Caserta in Naples

✔ Exploring one of the world’s best archaeological museums in Naples

✔ Climbing up the fairytale hilltop aerie of Civita di Bagnoregio

READ : 35+ Historic Landmarks in Italy

✔ Exploring a mysterious fortress, the Castel del Monte, in Puglia

✔ Sailing into the Blue Grotto on the island of Capri

✔ Hiking the incredibly picturesque Path of the Gods on the Amalfi Coast

✔ Eating delicious food with sweeping views in pastel perfect and glitzy Positano

✔ Hiking (or swimming) between the picturesque villages of Cinque Terre

✔ Visiting medieval Lecce, the entrancing “Florence of Southern Italy”

6. Tuscany: Best Things To Do In Tuscany

Tuscany , the epitome of romance in Italy, is a region that should top everyone’s list of must-visit destinations. This picturesque area is akin to stepping into a vibrant landscape painting.

The region is famed for its scenic cypress-lined roads, sprawling golden wheat fields, and charming medieval towns perched atop hills. Here, you’re treated to the archetypal Italian village life, complete with exquisite wine and sumptuous cuisine.

Tuscany is also a treasure trove of cultural riches, boasting some of the finest cathedrals, palaces, and museums set against breathtaking landscapes.

It’s a region celebrated for its pivotal role in Gothic and Renaissance art, standing proudly as the cradle of the Italian Renaissance, one of humanity’s most significant cultural epochs.

READ : 10 Day Itinerary for Tuscany

Don’t leave Tuscany without …

✔ Climbing the wonky Leaning Tower in Pisa and exploring the magnificent Field of Miracles in Pisa

✔ Having a spritz on one of Europe’s most beautiful medieval squares, the Piazza del Campo in Siena

✔ Getting cultured in Arezzo , an underrated medieval town in Tuscany with Piero della Francesca frescos

✔ Going “Under the Tuscan Sun” in the charming hill town of Cortona

✔ Visiting the stunning Siena Cathedral Complex and the superbly frescoed Piccolomini Library

✔ Soaking up the sweeping panoramic views from the Facciatone Viewing Terrace of Siena Cathedral

✔ Attending the “ Palio ,” a frenetic horse racing festival in Siena

✔ Seeing one of Italy’s most famous fresco cycles, The Allegory of Good and Bad Government , in Siena’s Palazzo Pubblico

✔ Wrapping yourself in pastel Renaissance buildings in the UNESCO town of Pienza

✔ Sipping ruby red Vino Nobile at a wine cellar in medieval Montepulciano

✔ Relaxing in the Terme di Saturnia, a group of blue hued cascading natural springs

✔ Exploring the UNESCO-listed spiky towers of San Gimignano , the “Medieval Manhattan”

✔ Viewing the Black Death frescos in San Gimignano’s Chapel of Saint Fina

✔ Exploring Etruscan and Roman ruins in medieval Volterra

✔ Having a gelato in Lucca’s splendid Piazza dell’ Anfiteatro and walking the intact city walls

✔ Nabbing the classic photo of cypress-laden Tuscany outside Asciano

✔ Visiting the tiny encircled hilltop town of Monteriggioni, which looks like a postcard

✔ Sipping Brunello wine at Montalcino’s trendy Drogeria Franci

✔ Driving the classic Val d’Orcia wine route in Tuscany

7. Umbria: Best Things To Do In Umbria

Umbria isn’t just a second rate Tuscany. No, this less touristy region is filled with gorgeous hill towns, art treasures, and magnificent cathedrals. Umbrian landscapes are verdant, with a picturesque blend of olive groves, vineyards, and forests.

Don’t leave Umbria without …

✔ Admiring the extravagantly colored facade of Orvieto Cathedral , one of Italy’s most beautiful churches

✔ Shopping for ceramics in the delightful town of Orvieto

✔ Making a pilgrimage to the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi

✔ Strolling the magnificent Corso Vannucci in Perugia

✔ Visiting a sunflower field, in full bloom between mid-June and early August

✔ Channeling your inner Renaissance courtier at the palace of the Duke da Montefeltro in Urbino

✔ Visiting the pink and honey colored town of Spello , with masterpieces by Pinturicchio in the Baglioini Chapel

✔ Watching the Race of the Candles in medieval Gubbio

✔ Visiting Deruta, a town famed for its yellow, orange, and blue ceramics

✔ Exploring Etruscan and Roman ruins in the lovely hill town of Spoleto

READ : Guide to The Most Beautiful Chapels In Italy

8. Venice: Best Things To Do In Venice

Venice, a city unlike any other, is a must-see on your Italian journey. Renowned as one of the globe’s most stunning and mesmerizing cities, it stands as a living, breathing film set, unparalleled in its beauty.

This medieval city, majestically set upon water, seems almost too surreal to exist outside of a fairytale.

Venice is a place where every traveler finds something to love – from its world-renowned museums and iconic gondola and vaporetto rides to the enchanting frescoes, scenic canal-side dining, and delightful chicchetti.

Don’t leave Venice without …

✔ Riding a gondola through the tiny canals of Venice

✔ Learning to row a gondola with Row Venice

✔ Nibbling on delicious chicchetti in Cannaregio, Venice’s historic Jewish Quarter

✔ Admiring the amazing Tintoretto frescos in the Scuola Grande di San Rocco

✔ Riding a vaporetto down the Grand Canal to see Venice’s best sites

✔ Seeing the world’s most famous drawing, Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man , at the Accademia

✔ Having a spritz at the Gritti Terrace on the Grand Canal

✔ Admiring paintings from modern art’s Golden Age at the Peggy Guggenheim Museum , the outrageous collection of an outrageous woman

✔ Admiring ancient Byzantine mosaics in the over-the-top St. Mark’s Basilica

✔ Getting hopelessly lost in the maze of Venice’s tiny cobbled lanes and canals

✔ Attending Carnival in Venice, the annual late February festival where everyone dons costumes and elaborate masks

✔ Day tripping to Padua to see the sublime Scrovegni Chapel , created by Giotto, the greatest painter of the 14th century

✔ Taking the vaporetto to Venice’s lagoon islands: Murano, Burano, and Torcello

9. Sicily: Best Things To Do in Sicily

No Italy bucket list is complete with exploring the magnificent island of Sicily . Sicily is rich in history, culture, and food. It’s one of Italy’s most exotic regions, pure passion set amid wild beauty.

You can enjoy diverse landscapes — rocky volcanic coastlines, pristine beaches, and clifftop villages. Sicily will also dazzle you with ancient ruins, artistic treasures, Baroque architecture, and Italy’s most exotic street markets.

Don’t leave Sicily without …

✔ Admiring the Arab-Norman architecture of exotic Palermo

✔ Gazing in awe at 12th century mosaics in Palermo’s Palatine Chapel

✔ Eating or shopping in Palermo’s exotic street markets, which almost seem like Arab souks

✔ Day Tripping to Monreale Cathedral , a UNESCO-listed wonder

✔ Visiting the hilltop town of Erice and sampling the pastries of the Queen of Sicilian pastry, Maria Grammatico

✔ Visiting the ancient Elymian ruins of Segesta

✔ Admiring the world’s best preserved Greek temples in the Valley of the Temples

✔ Gasping at the world’s largest collection of ancient mosaics at the Villa Romana del Casale

✔ Visiting the Val di Noto, with the most beautiful late Baroque towns of Noto, Modica, and Catania

✔ Sample the chocolate in Modica, which has a cult-like status

✔ Taking in the views from the Greek Theater in Taormina , which may be Sicily’s prettiest town

✔ Strolling through the cobbled lanes of Siracusa , where you’ll also find a ancient Greek Theater and Roman Amphitheater

✔ Trying granita, Sicily’s own version of an adult slushie

✔ Hiking craters at Mt. Etna, Europe’s most active volcano

✔ Lounging on white sand beaches in pretty and immaculate Cefalu

✔ Lunching in the rollicking Fish Market in Catania

I hope this Italy bucket list has given you some destination inspiration for traveling to Italy. You may enjoy these other Italy travel guides and resources:

• 11 ways to spend 1 week in Italy
• 10 Day Itinerary for Italy
• 10 Day itinerary for Tuscany
• 1 Week Itinerary Venice To Milan
• 35+ Historic Landmarks in Italy
• Most Beautiful Towns in Italy
• Tips for Visiting Italy
• 5 Day Itinerary for Rome
• 3 Day Itinerary for Florence
• Best Museums in Rome
• Best Museums in Florence

If you want to create your own Italy bucket list, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on December 17, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

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26 Things To Do In Italy: The Ultimate Bucket List

June 5, 2021 //  by  Follow Me Away //   4 Comments

Are you planning a trip to Europe and looking for the best things to do in Italy?  If so, then you need to look no further than right here!

Traveling abroad can be overwhelming when deciding where to go and what activities to pursue.

Planning your trip to Italy last minute?

Make sure to book your hotels and tours in Italy in advance to ensure availability! Here are my top picks for your trip!

Tickets you MUST book in advance:

• Vatican Museums And Sistine Chapel (A MUST in advance)
• Colosseum Entry Tickets (Another MUST! Book online in advance!)
• Michelangelo’s David Tickets (Often sells out in Florence)
• Skip-The-Line Uffizi Gallery Tickets (Buy online to save time!)
• Doge’s Palace Entry Ticket (Very busy, can sell out)
• Milan Cathedral And Rooftop Tickets (Sells out and a must-see!)

Top picks for places to stay in Italy:

• Rome: Hotel Relais Dei Papi (Amazing Vatican location)
• Florence: Relais Pizza Signoria (City center location)
• Venice: Hotel Carlton Grand Canal (Grand Canal views!)
• Dolomites: Parkhotel Laurin (Central location with pool!)
• Cinque Terre: Affittacamere Casa Dane’ (Affordable location)
• Milan: Collini Rooms (Just 10 min from Milan airport!)

Let this be your guide to find the hidden gems , plan a road trip when deciding what to do in Italy.  These best places in Italy will take the worry out of your planning and make it easy to build the perfect travel plan.  

It doesn’t matter where in the country you are traveling, there are many places to see in Italy.  This country is a timeless place with a lot of visual stimulation and historical curiosities.  

From the top of the boot to the heel and toe, there are a depth of wonders to behold and enjoy when planning your itinerary.  

Let us take you on a journey to see the best landscapes, beaches, villas, and activities that are sure to make your trip the most memorable.  This list will explore the most magical aspects of Italy’s tourist attractions and be sure to make your trip the most memorable!  

Whether you are planning your 10 days in Italy , have a bit more time and are spending 2 weeks in Italy , or renting a car and doing an Italy road trip , our customized and free planning itineraries will help you choose the best that Italy has to offer! Many of these top things to do in Italy are included!

Don’t forget to check out our helpful post on When To Visit Italy which talks about the pros and cons of different seasons, weather, crowds, festivals, and more!

26 Best Things To Do In Italy : The Ultimate Bucket List 

Tour the colosseum.

Italy is a country rich in history and tradition, the Colosseum is no exception to both of those.  When looking for things to do in Italy, the Coliseum should be on the top of your list.  The Colosseum is located in Rome, in the very center of the city.  The Colosseum was built from travertine, volcanic rock, and brick faced concrete.

It is the largest amphitheater ever built, designed to hold 50,000 spectators.  This architectural marvel was built to host re-enactments of hunts, battles, and the very well know gladiatorial events! Very little of the main arena floor exists now, but you can still see the hypogeum.

There is a reason that Rome is one of the best cities to visit in Italy! The history is unmatched.

When visiting the Colosseum, for the best and least crowded experience visit during the tourist off-season, typically November to February and during its first or last hour of being open; be aware that there is no visiting this beauty and Wonder of the World on Christmas or New Year’s Day.

We highly recommend booking a Coliseum Tour to get the most out of the experience. During the summer, they even have sunset tickets so you can visit after hours! No matter when you visit Rome, make sure the Coliseum is on your list of things to do in Italy!

Skip The Line With This Coliseum Tour! 

Explore Boboli Gardens

Next on your list of things to do in Italy is explore the Boboli Gardens in Florence.  Another great attraction in Italy that is founded in history and intrigue.  These gardens were built in 1594 and are located adjacent to Palazzo Pitti.   Boboli Gardens are known as a beautiful open-aired museum and the largest green space in Florence.

 The Boboli Gardens are open every day and offer never-ending visual and sensory stimulation for the most casual to the most engaged of visitors.  When exploring the gardens, make sure to see the famous Fountain of Neptune, the Viottolone, the Boboli Gardens Amphitheater, the Fountain of Ocean with the Isolotto, and Grotta Grande.

 These multiple attractions make the Boboli Gardens one of the top things to do in Florence!

This wonderful pit stop on your journey is well worth your time and schedule.  If you have time for only activity or destination when in Florence, this is the place to see.  As museums go, Boboli Gardens is top of the list and will definitely be one of the best things to do in Italy.

Visit the Island of Capri

The Island of Capri, located in the Bay of Naples is a must-see on your things to do in Italy list.  If you are looking for the beautiful jewel tones of the Mediterranean, Capri is the perfect spot. This island is one of the most well-known islands in Italy and one visit here you can see why.  

Known for its rugged landscapes and incredible cliffs, this small getaway off the coasts of Sorrento and Naples offers the perfect escape. It is one of the prettiest places to visit in Italy!

This small island is a playground for the fun-loving adult with a taste for the finer things.  Capri is full of boutique shops and hotels and is not short of fine dining. If you’re not staying for the night, even a day trip is necessary when you plan your schedule. 

Once on the island, take a dip in the warm waters of the royal blue Mediterranean and if you’re interested enough, ride in a rowboat to explore the famed Blue Grotto, which in of itself should be on your list of sites to see in Italy!

 This absolutely stunning grotto is resplendent with crystalline blue waters.  If a boat ride isn’t your thing, check out all the boutique and kitschy shops throughout the island.  Or stop and grab gelato at one of the many gelato shops dotted along the island.  This small but gorgeous Italian island deserves to be in the top of your places to visit in Italy.

Go on a Gondola Ride in Venice

Are you planning a honeymoon or romantic getaway and looking for memorable things to do in Italy?  Or just something to do with some friends to explore the city with waterways for streets?  If you answered yes to either of these questions, a gondola ride in Venice is an absolute must.  

It may be a little expensive, but it is one of the best things to do in Venice! After all, Venice is one of the best destinations in Italy for a reason!

With this unique infrastructure, gondola rides make for a very easy going or romantic way to travel through the city.  This easygoing way to travel allows you to see the city without the noise of a boat motor behind you.

If you’re feeling swept up in the atmosphere of one of the oldest cities in Italy, ask for your gondolier to sing for you.  One of the best things to do in Italy, gondola rides can vary in price, distance, and offerings.  

The city does have set rates, but during peak times are considered a polite suggestion and not guaranteed.  Make sure you fine-tune the price and length with the gondolier before you begin your trip.  You will see why Venice is one of the best places in Italy to visit!

The Ruins of Pompeii

If history is your thing, the ruins of Pompeii is definitely a destination on your things to do in Italy.  Located at the base of Mount Vesuvius, this once coastal and ancient city was buried under lava and ash in 79 A.D.

 The eruption and lava happened so fast that many citizens were buried in the instance of whatever activity they were doing.  This lead to the ability for excavators to see Roman life in real-time, so to speak.  

You can tour Pompeii on your own or with a guided group.  See the remarkable casts of the Pompeii citizens, or view the amazing frescoes that are throughout the city.  If you happen to notice graffiti, rest assured it is from the original citizens of Pompeii. It is one of the best places to visit in Italy if you love history!

If touring on your own, allow for three to four hours of exploring.  Make sure to wear sturdy footwear and respect the area, no littering or other actions that can harm this preserved city.  

Pompeii ruins are definitely unique, as no other location exists like it anywhere in the world, which is why it makes the list of the best destinations in Italy!

Visit Volterra for Authentic Italy 

Just south of Florence, located in the Tuscany region, is the walled town of Volterra.  It is one of the best places to visit in Tuscany!

This city is guessed to be an inhabited location since 8 B.C. and became part of Rome at the end of 3 B.C.  Volterra remained part of the Florence region and rule until the 15 A.D. century. You will see why it is one of the cutest cities in Italy!

When creating your memorable list of best things to do in Italy, make sure to stop at this ancient city.  While there, explore the Piazza dei Priori, is a Tuscan medieval town square.  

This Piazza hosts the Palazzo dei Priori, which is the oldest town hall in Tuscany, built in 1257 A.D., this fine building is where the citizens went to handle city business and disputes.  Next, tour the Volterra Cathedral, which was enlarged in the 13th century after being damaged by an earthquake to see one of the most interesting places to visit in Italy!

This cathedral houses amazing frescos and works of arts that are a must-see in Italy!  If you have time for only one more activity, make sure you look at the Etruscan Walls of Volterra.

 These ancient walls, which house the entire city of Volterra are preserved and worth a study as you walk the perimeter of the city. You will see why this made our list of the most interesting places in Italy!

Stay on the Cliffside in Positano

When you think of the best things to do in Italy and look for images, few things are more iconic than Positano.  It is one of those places in Italy that you will never forget!

This colorful city was built in the 13th century on the side of a cliff along the Amalfi coast.  This city is lined with narrow streets that trail down to the pebble-covered beach.  

When traveling up and down this cliff, there are many little boutique hotels and shops for you to admire and appreciate.  We have an entire post on Where to Stay In The Amalfi Coast to help you choose!

When finding a place to stay, pick a hotel or vacation home that offers a panoramic view of the coast.  The beautiful sapphire waters will give you a definite memorable sunset on your vacation.

If you pick a higher location on the cliff, you will be sure to see over the other buildings and have that amazing view of the Mediterranean and that famous Amalfi coast, one of the best Italy vacation spots!

While there, make sure to explore the warm waters of the beach or visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta.  This church was built during the Byzantine Empire, it is a very welcoming church with a lot of architectural interest.  

See How the Other Half Lives On The Amalfi Coast

While in Positano and scratching this stunning seaside destination off of your things to do in Italy list, take a step back and observe how the other half-life and experience the luxurious life in one of the top Italian destinations!

After picking your luxe cliffside hotel, explore like only the rich and famous do.  From seaside fine dining to sunning yourself on a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean, there are many things you can do to experience this glamorous life.

Start your day with a nice cafe and breakfast by the shore.  After that explore and shop in the little boutiques; purchase handmade leather shoes.  After a light lunch, hop on a boat and sun yourself on the deck, then jump into the warm sapphire waters, and you will see why this is one of the best places to visit in Italy!

After a nice day on the water, head in for dinner and sunset at a posh sea-view restaurant, followed by a fun-filled evening where you can kick off your shoes and dance the night away at a local disco.  

Finish your long and luxurious day, by heading back to your panoramic hotel room and enjoy the plush bedding.  Wrapping up your time in Positano, one of the best cities in Italy!

Discover the Vatican

Visiting the Vatican is one of the best things to do in Italy that you should not miss! It is one of those places in Italy, that actually isn’t even in the country! The Vatican is actually a country of its own which is unique and very cool to see.

Vatican City, founded in 1929, covers just 109 acres and an approximate population of 1000.  Vatican City houses museums, sculptures, and the infamous Sistine Chapel.  This city is ripe with history and architectural interest; making this one of the most culturally dense places to visit in Italy.

When thinking of the best things to do in Italy, Vatican City is worth the effort. Located in the Piazza San Pietro, St. Peter’s Basilica was built in 1506 during the Italian Renaissance.  The sculpture and architectural design will definitely enflame your historical intrigue.  After that, take the time to explore the Vatican Museums.  

The Vatican Museums are where you will find lots of art and history as well as the famous Sistine Chapel. You are going to want to  buy tickets in advance  for the Vatican Museums and you should try to get skip-the-line tickets if possible! This is truly one of the best destinations in Italy and you shouldn’t miss it.

Recommended Vatican Tours And Resources:

Vatican Museums And Sistine Chapel Fast Track Entry

Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums, And Saint Peter’s Guided Tour

See the Fairytale Castles in Tuscany

There are eighteen total castles in Tuscany and there are two that are right out of fairytales that you need to see!  These two castles will definitely be happy editions to your best things to do in Italy list.  

Castello di Malaspina, located in Fosdinovo, was built in 1340.  This castle sits on top of a rocky hill overlooking the Tyrrhenian Coast.  

Once a military vantage point became a prison until 1946.  Castello di Malaspina is a beautiful fortress with amazing gardens and a very well-preserved brick structure.  It is one of the most stunning places to see in Italy!

You can explore this castle and it is well maintained.  From the top turret, be swept away into the world of imagination and think of how Rapunzel might have viewed the coast. 

Castello del Boccale, established in the 16th century by the Medici family is one of the most visually stunning castles.  It is one of the best places to go in Italy if you are a fan of fairytales.

Located on the edge of a rocky cliff, you are most sure to see mermaids swimming in the waters around it.  This castle is amazing to view from the shoreline or the water, unfortunately, you cannot go inside, as it now hosts private residents.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Pretty much everyone has heard about the Leaning Tower Of Pisa, and there is a reason! It is one of the unique places to see in Italy and it lives up to the hype. This experience is one of the things to do in Italy that cannot be skipped.  The City  of Pisa is located in Tuscany and was established in 1372.

This city is specifically known for the Leaning Tower of Pisa and its no wonder why.  This architectural anomaly has inspired many photographs of visitors creating the illusion that they are holding this tower up.  

 The tower took 199 years to complete, due to various issues with stability, ownership, and squabbles over who should complete it.

The tower currently has a four percent tilt due to soft ground not able to hold the weight of the structure during its construction.  The tower has survived four substantial earthquakes, due to its very stiff building and the soft subsoil, it absorbed the vibrations and kept it still standing.  

Shockingly, the soft sand that almost caused it to fall, is what allowed it to stay standing. If you are looking to visit a classic tourist attraction in Italy, this is it!

Lago di Braies in the Dolomites

Lago di Braies is one of the most epic things to do in Italy! It is one of those places in Italy that you think can’t possibly look better than it does in photos but it is true!

Lago di Braies is a glacial lake and has the most beautiful turquoise waters. It makes our list of one of the prettiest lakes in Italy!  

Since this is a glacial lake, in the winter it is covered in ice and snow, but in the summer has the most breathtaking blue and green water.  This lake is located at 1500m above sea level.  Part of Pragser Wildsee, Lago di Braies attracts all adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.  

If you are willing to make the hike around the lake, you will not be disappointed by the stunning nature that surrounds you and the lake.  And while the lake is considered to be a bathing lake, be aware that that water is cold, even in the summer.  

We even have a full Northern Italy itinerary if you are interested in exploring this region in more detail. We highly suggest it as it is one of the most beautiful places in Italy to visit!

Soak in the Tuscan Hot Springs

After braving a visit to Lago di Braies, now it’s time to enjoy the warmth of the hot springs in Tuscany .  There are four hot springs that are free to access and provide amazing thermal bathing.  One of the best things to do in Italy is to allow yourself time to relax and enjoy the hot baths that Mother Nature offers.  

The hot springs in Bagni di San Filippo are not only a nice warm soak but also interesting natural views.  These spring are easy to find and access.  Exploring them you can find waterfalls and pockets of cool water mixing with the warm, creating beautiful blue waters.

Saturina Hot Springs is another location worth visiting.  These hot springs are warm year-round and worth visiting.  Make sure to come early to avoid the crowds. This is one of the most unique places to visit in Italy and really shouldn’t be missed.

The other two that are free and worth visiting are Bagno Vignoni and Petriolo, both are also stunning to visit and definitely worth the stop on your hot spring tour.

 For more about the springs please see our article here .  Remember, these are natural environments, so please respect the surroundings and leave nothing behind. This is one of the best things to see in Italy and we want to leave it better than when we arrived.

Shop in Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

If exploring the countryside and ruins are not for you, there is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele located in Milan. Milan is one of the most iconic cities in Italy and you won’t be disappointed!

 The Galleria is the oldest active shopping mall in the country.  Designed and built by architect Giuseppe Mengoni in 1867, this Galleria was named after the first King of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II.

 This shopping mall is more than just a place to shop, but a place to marvel and architectural ingenuity and feats.  It features two four-story glass domes, This structure covers a pedestrian street and connects The Duomo and the Teatro Alla Scalla. Even if you only have one day in Milan , you should still visit!

Most of the shopping and amenities are luxury company’s and brands, but don’t let your pocketbook stop you from visiting this place and it is one of the most intriguing things to in Italy.  

Taste the Wines of Val d’Orcia

If traveling along the hills of Siena to Monte Amiata, you will be passing right through Val d’Orcia. This area has inspired everything from Renaissance art to modern-day photography making it one of the most stunning destinations in Italy!

This hilly nation is broken up by quaint and picturesque little villages.  These breathtaking green hills are filled with sunflowers and vineyards and encompass the Orcia river, of which its name was derived.  

Once you get to this peaceful and seemingly untouched valley, visit Pienza, “the Ideal City.” This majestic locale hosts the Pienza cathedral and the Piccolomini Palace.  

After checking out these historical sites, head to a wine tour and tasting. With many wines coming from this valley, you will be sure to enjoy the flavors of Tuscany while soaking in the awe-inspiring scenery, making this one of the most memorable things to do in Italy.

Relax on a Sicilian Beach

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, located at the edge of the “toe” in Italy. If you are looking for a true Italy vacation spot, this is it!

You can get to Sicily by car over a large bridge connecting the mainland to island, by ferry, by train, and by plane. There is really no reason you shouldn’t visit this amazing island and no excuse to miss the best beaches in Sicily!

Sicily is surrounded by the most beautiful and clean beaches.  The Sicilians are friendly and the food is amazing.  Once you’re there, visit the town, but really just be ready to relax on the beaches of this island.

There are many beaches to visit on Sicily, but let’s focus on the three best ones.  If you are traveling with your family, all the beaches are great, but one stands out as the best.  

Cefalu, is located in Palermo, and the beaches here are soft and sandy with clear blue water meeting its shoreline. This makes it an ideal place to visit in Italy!

This beach offers the scenic background of the city of Cefalu.  There is also Scala dei Turchi, this location is off a rocky cliff of Realmonte.  The white cliffs surround an endless crystalline blue water making it one of the best destinations in Italy.

The water is so perfect, you will hardly be able to believe you are on the planet Earth.  

And last, Torre Salsa, just south on Montallegro, you are transported to another time.  Virtually unmarked, this beach has sandy shoreline as far as the eye can see and is surrounded by amazing sea cliffs and sand dunes.  

As the deep turquoise water laps at your feet, you will not regret your decision to visit this location, marking it as one of the best things to do in Italy.

Explore the Cinque Terre Villages

Cinque Terre is another beautiful location carved out of the rugged seaside of northwestern coast of Italy. There are so many epic things to do in Cinque Terre and we have a whole blog post on that to help you!

 Located along the famous Riviera, the Cinque Terre consists of five separate villages.  These villages are not reachable by car from the outside and can only be accessed by walking paths, trains, and boats.  

Start by exploring Doria Castle, located in Vernazza it is guessed to have been built during the 13th century, this castle is surrounded and built into rock edifices and worthy of your time.  After this exploration, head to Via Fegina beach in Monterosso al Mare.

This beach in Cinque Terre is beautiful, surrounded by warm blue waters, the village of Monterosso creates the perfect backdrop to a relaxing day.  When in Manarola, walk along the Via dell’Amore street.  

This street runs about a kilometer long and overlooks the sea, we suggest you do this at sunset and take in the majestic sunset this coast has to offer.  

Riomaggiore is the largest of the five villages and has a boasting nightlife.  This village has a plethora of places to eat and drink.  With the abundance of locations to go, getting a table at a restaurant last minute is usually no issue.  The oldest of the five villages is Corniglia. It is lesser known but still one of the best places to visit In Italy!

Located in between all the villages, this location sits on top of a hill and has a 370 step staircase leading from the bottom to the top, or the top to the bottom depending on how you look at it.  This small little village is often overlooked due to its location, but don’t let that fool you.

If you are willing to put in the effort, you will be rewarded with less crowded streets and sites as tourism is less here than the other five villages.

This little collection of villages will captivate you with their quaint mountainside establishments, hillside vineyards, docks full of boats and spectacular seafood; putting this on your Italy bucket list!

Bask in the beauty of Lake Como 

Lake Como, also known as Lago di Como, is one of the most famous lakes in all of Italy, and thus, you need to add it to your things to do in Italy itinerary! Lake Como is separated into a variety of different towns including Como, Tremezzo, Cernobbio, Menaggio, and more.

Here you can take a stroll through any of the town’s tiny streets, visit old centers, eat at good restaurants, explore old churches and more! You can also take a boat tour of Lago di Como or visit the Villa Melzi Gardens (if you are visiting during the right seasons, of course!). It is one of the top destinations in Italy for the rich and famous too!

If you need more details about visiting Lake Como, make sure to check out our Ultimate Northern Italy itinerary , and if you are really into visiting lakes/bodies of water and want to add it to your things to do in Italy, check out our article on the 10 prettiest lakes to see in Italy ! 

Visit Verona 

Of all things to do in Italy, you must check out Verona! Known for being the setting in Shakespeare’s  Romeo and Juliet,  this picturesque Italian town has loads to offer when visiting Northern Italy.

One of the best things to do in Verona is to visit the Northern Italy version of the Colosseum. The Arena Di Verona was built in 30 A.D. and is still used as a stage. Whitney Houston and Paul McCartney have performed here!

Visiting Verona can help escape the crowds of other touristy and busy cities and towns. You can also visit the Giardino Giusti, which is similar to the Garden of Versailles, and walk through the Casa Di Giulietta– which is arguably what inspired “Juliet’s house” in Romeo and Juliet! It is such a fun Italian city to visit if you like history!

  Like we said, there are tons of places to go in Italy, specifically in Verona, so you don’t want to miss out on it, and maybe you can even check out our Northern Italy Itinerary to get more ideas about what to visit when you’re close to this wonderful town!  

Make a Stop and Eat Your Heart Out in Parma

For all you food lovers, this is one of the things you must stop and do in Italy: visit Parma! Parma is home to Parmesan cheese and Parma ham, making it the MOST authentic place for these famous ingredients. We highly recommend taking a food tour, but also know that there are other things to do in Parma as well!

From visiting Cathedrals to a Baptistry to exploring the cobbled side streets of Parma, this location is a hidden gem. The town is filled with lovely buildings and isn’t packed with tourists, which makes it the perfect experience for an authentic visit and a total must-see in Italy!

Between eating your heart out and marveling at the architecture and ambiance, we highly recommend checking Parma out– and if we’ve convinced you, you can find out more information about this town (such as where to stay!) and its surrounding locations when we talk about some of the best things to do in Northern Italy. 

Travel Back to the Renaissance in Florence

Although we have already mentioned visiting the Boblio Gardens above, we want to circle back around and highlight some of the other things to do in Florence that will make your Italy trip memorable!

When looking for things to do in Italy, Florence offers so many options: from visiting the picture-perfect bridge of the Ponte Vecchio, to spending a day in the Galleria dell’ Accademia, your time will be filled to the brim with adventure. 

We recommend checking out some of Florence’s most iconic pieces of art and traveling back in time to the Renaissance. While in Florence you can visit Michelangelo’s famous “David” statue, as well as other famous paintings in the Palazzo Pitti. You will see many points of interest in Italy all in one place!

These locations will have your art-heart soaring, and we’ve linked for a timed entrance ticket below, but if you want more, make sure to check out our Ultimate 10 Days in Italy Itinerary!

And don’t forget that there are even more things to do outside of the art world, such as visiting the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, which is one of the more unique places to see in Italy!! If you want more information on Florence, check out our piece on the memorable things to do in Florence! 

Book Here: Timed Entrance Ticket For Michelangelo’s David 

Marvel at the Buildings in Naples 

While Naples is known for its pizza, as it is the birthplace of the delicious food, there are also plenty of things to do in Naples (we go into great detail about it in our 2 weeks Italy Itinerary article !), especially when it comes to the buildings and architecture in this wonderful city!

We highly suggest stopping here, as the sights you can see are breathtaking and informative. It is located nearby several famous Italy tourist attractions and makes a good home base while you visit the nearby areas.

Of all the things to do in Italy, you can specifically visit the Church of San Francesco di Paola, the Royal Palace, the San Carlo Theater and the National Archaeological Museum of Naples all in one trip to the Naples. And better yet, you can take a day trip from Naples to Pompeii (which we already discussed above!).

The relics and architecture put on display on Naples won’t disappoint you– so grab some pizza, visit some churches and palaces, and maybe even see an opera while exploring one of the best cities in Italy to visit!

Stop by the Small Town of Corricella 

Corricella is probably a town you haven’t heard of, but that is okay, because we are telling you that you should add it to your things to do in Italy right now!

This port is located on the island of Procida, which is in the Bay of Naples, and because it is close to the ever-popular Capri, it is typically less busy and perfect if you want to explore in a relaxing environment. It you are looking for a slower Italy vacation spot, this is it!

While the view of the sea, the colorful houses, and the local fisherman draw many people to this town, there are other things you can do here as well. From visiting the Santa Maria Delle Grazie and seeing the tip of Procida, known as the Terra Murata, you can visit churches and see the fortified medieval stronghold.

If visiting small towns is of interest to you and your Italian vacation, make sure to look at what other towns we recommend visiting in our article that talks about the prettiest towns of Italy ! They are some of the best places to visit in Italy.

Take a Trip to the Fairytale Lake of Lake Carezza

If you are near the Dolomites and don’t mind driving a bit, you can always visit Lake Carezza and add it to your things to do in Italy itinerary. This lake is gorgeous and is surrounded by tall coniferous trees. The lake itself has a green hue to it, making it stand out and giving it the nickname “Fairytale Lake.” In fact, legend has it that a mermaid and a wizard may even live in lake!

Make sure to check the lift schedules when visiting Italy In May! Some may be closed due to snow. We have had to reschedule a May trip due to this before!

Despite this being one of the “smaller” lakes to visit, this is a must-see in Italy, as there are so many scenic views for you to explore! You can also hike and enjoy what nature has to offer. And the best part?

Whether you visit in the spring, summer, or fall, you’ll always get to be able to witness the gorgeous waters– just with a different perspective. It truly is magical and one of the prettiest destinations in Italy!

And if you’re interested in spending more time around the lakes of Italy, check out our article on the prettiest Italian lakes you can visit!

Taste Wine and Enjoy the Romance of Poppi 

Tuscany is well known for its wine, and better yet, the town of Poppi is a romantic destination for anyone who wants to experience a wonderful vacation, with some delicious wine! There are so many things to do in Poppi, but wine tasting is one of the most famous!

Be sure to stop at the Brancaia Winery for a tasting and a tour, and then don’t be afraid to check out the Castle of Counts for a tour of the 13th-century castle. Tuscany is one of the best Italian places for those who love wine and food.

You’ll also get to bask in the gorgeous, famous rolling green hills of Tuscany while visiting Poppi. What can we say? It’s romantic and a great Italy activity! And if you want to know of the other most romantic spots to visit in Italy, you can always slide over to our article on Italian Honeymoons to add to your list of the best things to do in Italy!

If In Season, Don’t Miss The Venice Christmas Market! 

Traditionally, Christmas markets in Italy run from the end of November until early January, so we are adding this to your list of things to do in Italy just in case you are visiting during that time! Venice is already one of the best cities to visit in Italy, seeing it at Christmas just makes it even better.

It’s a bonus suggestion! The Christmas markets in Italy are gorgeous and are so festive, that you must check them out. In particular, we recommend stopping by to see the Venice Christmas Market. If you are visiting Venice in Winter , make sure to add this to your list of places to see in Italy!

During the Holiday season, the Campo Santo Stefano is transformed into a Christmas Village with Kiosks, craftsmen, and more! From being able to shop for Murano glass, to eating traditional foods (try the balsamic vinaigrettes!), and enjoying concerts and entertainment, this is a must!

But if you aren’t near Venice during Christmas, don’t worry– there are plenty of other Christmas markets around Italy you can check out! 

As you can see, there are limitless activities and things to do in Italy, that truly make this a destination country.  Whether you want to rub elbows with the elite, take a scenic ride and see the vistas, engage in activities like hiking, shopping, exploring, whatever you want to do, there are so many places in Italy that fit the bill!

Remember to plan ahead to make the most of your trip and be kind to the natural environments.  Leave them just as you found them and help protect all these beautiful places for future generations.  

Reader Interactions

August 18, 2019 at 10:28 pm

Can you do all these things in one trip.

August 21, 2019 at 11:09 am

They are spread out all over the country!!! But yes it is possible! Better to choose a few areas like tuscany or the islands and focus on those!

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Touropia Travel Experts

Discover the World

12 Best Places to Visit in Italy

Located in Southern Europe, this boot-shaped country is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations for a number of reasons that include art treasures, charming towns, passionate people and top-class cuisine. It’s a place where you can see some of the most iconic sites in the world – the leaning Tower of Pisa, the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, to name but a few.

There’s the chance to see renowned Renaissance masterpieces and shop for high-end fashion too. Italy offers a magnificently rich array of sumptuous natural scenery and numerous opportunities to get out into nature. Cinque Terre , Sardinia, and the Dolomites all boast incredible landscapes and fantastic hiking routes.

Map of Italy

You could spend your time in this culturally rich land learning about the lives of the Romans, discovering the destruction caused by Mount Vesuvius at Pompeii, or simply lazing alongside one of the many Italian lakes and languishing in the opulence of the Amalfi coast . Italy offers so much to see and do that it would take a lifetime to explore. Plan your trip to this wonderful Mediterranean travel destination with our list of the best places to visit in Italy.

Nearly destroyed from heavy bombing during WWII, Milan has since reconstructed and now shines as one of the wealthiest cities in Europe. Widely regarded as a mega fashion center teeming in designer shops, Milan also attracts many to its surviving world famous treasures like Leonardo da Vinci’s painting, The Last Supper , the La Scala Opera House, the Castello Sforzesco and one of the world’s largest Gothic cathedral .

See also: Where to Stay in Milan

Located in Italy’s northwestern region of Lombardy near the Alps and the scenic Lake District, Milan is a fast-paced city excelling in business, shopping and football. More of a glamorous city with modern architecture and attractions , Milan appears less Italian compared to the country’s predominantly historic cities.

One of the busiest metropolitan cities in the country, Naples is the capital of the Campania region in Southern Italy . As it is nearby famous sites like the Bay of Naples and Pompeii, Naples presents an ideal base to stay while exploring the area.

Naples itself features one of the world’s largest historic city centers with one of the highest concentrations of historical monuments, Baroque churches and Roman ruins, offering an endless feast for lovers of history and art.

Extending beyond the city center, tourists will find scenic landscapes, picturesque villas, stylish hotels and castles in addition to ancient Roman baths and volcanic craters. Top attractions in Naples include the grand Piazza del Plebiscito, the royal palace of the Capodimonte Museum and the National Archaeological Museum , which showcases a marvelous collection of artistic works and artifacts excavated from the ruins of Pompeii .

Many favorite Italian foods originated in Naples and its surrounding area such as pizza , spaghetti and parmigiana. These dishes are taken seriously in Naples and usually feature fresh, locally grown ingredients. Other Naples food specialties include fresh seafood, mozzarella cheese and pastries such as baba, zeppole and sfogliatella.

Located along the Arno River in the northwestern region of Tuscany , the city of Pisa still bears the striking remnants of its former golden days as a commercial empire during the Middle Ages. While the Leaning Tower is a must see, visiting this city only to take a photograph of it’s most popular landmark is like looking at one tree and missing the whole forest. Pisa is so much more than just the Leaning Tower.

Surrounding the famous landmark is one of Italy’s most beautiful squares, the Campo dei Miracoli, or Field of Miracles . This remarkable plaza contains magnificent examples of Italian Renaissance that include the Duomo Cathedral, Baptistry and Camposanto Monument, all of which contain marble features, sculptures, frescoes and historic relics. Sprinkled throughout the plaza are various shops selling souvenirs and bakeries offering tasty biscotti.

Beyond the Field of Miracles, the beauty of the Arno River is what often leaves a lasting impression on many tourists. Because Pisa is divided by the river, there are several charming bridges connecting one side to the other such as the Ponte di Mezzo. The riverbanks on each side present a picturesque setting of residential houses, impressive buildings and greenery.

With 60,000 students, the University of Pisa provides the city with an atmosphere of youth and animation. The streets and waterways of Pisa often play host to lively cultural events such as the Luminara Festival, the Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics boat race, and the Game of Bridge, a friendly, medieval contest between the city’s two sections.

9. Italian Lake District

The Italian Lake District stretches across Northern Italy . The southern ends of most of the lakes are relatively flat but the northern ends are mountainous as the lakes reach deep into the Alps. Popular with tourists for over 100 years, the Italian Lakes combine good weather with attractive scenery.

Starting in the west is Lake Maggiore , a narrow lake known for its lush vegetation and picturesque islands. The 40-mile-long lake sits on the southern side of the Alps and extends into the Canton of Ticino in southern Switzerland . Its most popular attraction is Isola Bella , a charming island famed for its royal palace and immaculate gardens.

Catering to celebrities, royals, and affluent visitors, Lake Como is famous for its lavish, dramatic setting and extravagant Renaissance villas. At the heart of the lake is Bellagio , a romantic town with cobbled streets and brightly-colored mansions.

Lake Garda , Italy’s largest lake, offers the perfect mix of history, culture, and outdoor adventure. Stroll through lemon groves in Limone , windsurf in Riva del Garda, or explore ancient castles in Malcesine. On the southern end of the lake sits Sirmione, a popular resort town with Roman ruins, medieval castles, and thermal baths.

Lake Iseo is one of Italy’s lesser-known lakes, although it’s home to the largest lake island in central Europe. Monte Isola is dotted with quaint villages and several stunning 15th-century churches.

The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily lies just across from the southern tip of Italy, on the narrow Strait of Messina. Due to its location, it has long acted as a crossroads, so is very distinct from the rest of the country in terms of its history, culture, and cuisine.

This is best exemplified by Palermo , Sicily’s capital and largest city, which was remarkably founded more than 2,700 years ago. Since then, it has been ruled by everyone from the Phoenicians and Romans to the Arabs and Normans, with each civilization leaving behind artistic and architectural treasures and culinary influences.

In addition, a wealth of important archaeological sites lie scattered around the island; these now make for some of Sicily’s most popular tourist attractions . The impressive ruins of the Ancient Theater of Taormina and the age-old edifices in the Valley of the Temples date to the Ancient Greeks; others, such as the mountaintop castles of Erice , were built in medieval times.

Renowned for its rugged beauty, Sicily’s rugged cliffs and secluded beaches are lined by sparkling waters, while fertile farmland and mountains dot its interior. Towering over everything is Mount Etna , one of the world’s most active volcanoes and the highest peak in Italy south of the Alps.

Established upon three hills in the heart of Tuscany , Siena offers tourists a step back into the Middle Ages with its well-preserved historic center and medieval horse racing tradition, famously known as Il Palio . Formerly a wealthy city, the historic center of Siena is one of the most popular places to go in Italy as it still retains many of its stunning works of art and architecture from that time period.

Siena’s Piazza del Campo is regarded as one of the finest Medieval squares in Europe. This fan-shaped plaza is noted for its architectural treasures such as the Fountain of Joy, the Palazzio Pubblico and the Mangia Tower.

Another of Siena’s architectural gems is its Duomo, a stunning black and white cathedral of Italian Romanesque design with exquisite features like marble floors, stained glass, sculptures, paintings and carvings. The piazza is also a good place to relax, watch people and enjoy the local delights of wine, coffee, pizza, focaccia and gelato.

Hosted twice every summer in the Piazza del Campo, the Palio horse race draws huge annual crowds. This 700-year old tradition involves representatives from 17 different districts racing bareback on the cobblestone plaza. Siena is also home to one of Italy’s oldest public universities, the University of Siena, widely recognized for its Schools of Medicine and Law.

6. Cinque Terre

Five quaint fishing villages awash with colors of blue, yellow and pink all hug cliff sides that slope down to the sea. These villages and the surrounding green hills make up the Cinque Terre National Park, one of Italy’s popular tourist destinations. Located in Italy’s northwestern coastal region of Liguria , the villages of Cinque Terre feature some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes that include wine terraces dating back to hundreds of years.

Meaning “Five Lands,” Cinque Terre comprises the five villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Monterosso and Corniglia. Riomaggiore boasts a medieval castle and the bustling main street of Via Colombo while Manarola is filled with colorful boats, swimming holes and caves.

Surrounded by olive groves, Vernazza offers a lively nightlife scene. The beautiful beach of Monterossa is lined with resorts while sloping vineyards adorn Corniglia . Rich in agriculture and fishing, the Cinque Terre villages are teeming in cafes and trattorias, which serve locally grown wine, olives, cheeses, pasta, seafood and homemade breads.

Among its many gems, Cinque Terre boasts a centuries-old complex of hiking paths that offer some of Italy’s most stunning coastal views. The Blue Trail, also known as Trail No. 2, is a paved trail connecting all five of the villages and is suitable for all ages.

There are very few cars in Cinque Terre as the villages are all small and easy to get around in by foot. However, all the villages are linked by a rail system that runs regularly from Genoa and La Spezia. Serving all five villages.

5. Amalfi Coast

Situated in Italy’s southwestern region of Campania , the Amalfi Coast is known for its extraordinary beauty that makes it one of Italy’s top tourist destinations . Stretching 30 miles along the southern side of the Sorrento Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast is prized for its picturesque coastline that features shimmering bays, craggy cliffs, lemon tree gardens, multicolored villas and ritzy resorts.

One of the most romantic and posh towns along the Amalfi Coast, Positano ‘s many calling cards include beautiful pebbled beaches, pastel houses, scenic mountains, waterfalls and a 13th century Black Madonna.

One of the larger towns, Amalfi , features lovely plazas lined with restaurants and souvenir shops. Perched on a hill overlooking Amalfi, the town of Ravello is favored for its beautiful villas of gardens and art works as well as its lively art and music festival. Often called the Painted Town because of its many mural-painted houses, Furore also features an enchanting bay.

One of Italy’s most visited tourist destinations, Pompeii is a famous Roman city which was buried under several feet of volcanic ash for nearly 1,700 years after the cataclysmic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius . Excavation of Pompeii began in 1748, and the site is yet to be totally unearthed. The site is located near the modern city of Naples .

A tour of Pompeii offers a fascinating insight into the everyday life of the ancient Roman world. Visitors can walk along the ancient streets to see the remains of shops, bars, bakeries, brothels, baths and residential homes as well as buildings that served as commercial and religious centers.

Some of the most significant structures include the Amphitheatre , the Forum, the Temple of Apollo, the Basilica and the Granary Market, which contains a large number of artifacts and plaster casts of people and dogs that died during the catastrophe. Within the architecture of Pompeii’s ancient buildings, there is a large number of art works and frescoes depicting erotica, mythological characters and hunting scenes.

Near the entrance of the Pompeii site, visitors will find several souvenir shops as well as food vendors selling snacks and beverages. While there are only a few dining options within the site itself, there are several cafes and restaurants located around the nearby train station.

One of Italy’s top travel destinations, Venice is a unique city in that is built upon a lagoon surrounded by the Adriatic Sea. Located in northeastern Italy, Venice is an archipelago of 118 islands all connected by hundreds of beautiful bridges and scenic canals. Of the canals, the Grand Canal is most famous and divides the city into two sections. Picturesque waterways and historic architecture make Venice one of the most romantic cities in the world.

Venice is often crowded and expensive but well worth visiting to see its magnificent landmarks like Saint Mark’s Square and Basilica, Doge’s Palace and Rialto Bridge . One of the most popular things to do in Venice is to take a gondola ride along the Grand Canal. However, it is just as equally enjoyable to ride a vaporetti along the quiet back canals.

Every year, Venice hosts one of Italy’s liveliest Carnival festivals where the streets are filled with people dressed in colorful costumes and masks, and the Grand Canal is packed with fleets of decorated boats and gondolas. A popular souvenir to purchase in Venice is one of the beautifully crafted carnival masks.

See also: Where to Stay in Venice

There are no cars in Venice, so people either walk or ride the water taxis along the canal system. Travelers should note that Venice frequently experiences high water in the spring and fall.

2. Florence

The capital of Tuscany , Florence is often described as a colossal outdoor museum because of its mass of art and architectural treasures. Internationally renowned as the birthplace of Italian Renaissance, Florence is also credited with propagating many artists, inventors, writers, scientists and explorers as well as inventing opera and the florin currency, which lifted Europe from the Dark Ages.

Additionally, Florence is known as the home of the wealthy and powerful Medici dynasty that produced several kings and popes, impacting the entire world in a number of ways culturally, economically and politically.

Florence’s hoard of art masterpieces are found all over the city, contained within the large numbers of museums, stunning churches, like the domed Santa Maria del Fiore , and internationally esteemed art galleries like the Ufizzi and Pitti Palace.

The Piazza della Signoria , the main square, is home to beautiful buildings and world famous sculptures like Cellini’s Perseus with the Head of Medusa, Ammannati’s Fountain of Neptune and Michelangelo’s Statue of David.

Walking is the best way to see the major sites in the city center. Some of the best places to walk include the Ponte Vecchio , a beautiful bridge spanning the Arno River and featuring a number of jewelry shops. Florence’s markets are another good place to spend some time before heading back to your accommodation . The San Lorenzo markets are among the most popular where tourists can find an array of locally grown foods and handcrafted goods.

Formerly the capital of the Roman Empire, Rome today is the government seat and capital city of Italy. Located in the country’s central region of Lazio, Rome is a vast and complex city that is both historic and modern at the same time.

Best known for housing ancient Roman structures and the Vatican City , Rome has endured for more than 2,500 years as an important center for culture, power and religion.

Rome is divided into several districts with its center, the Colosseo district, containing the most ancient attractions like the Colosseum , the Forum of Augustus, Capitoline Hill and the Roman Forum. On the outskirts of the center is Old Rome, featuring the Pantheon, stunning cathedrals, plazas and Renaissance architecture. The Vatican is well known for St. Peter’s Basilica , the Apostolic Palace and Sistine Chapel.

There is so much to see and do in Rome , that it could take months to see it all. However, one way for tourists to experience the best of the city is by taking a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. This bus tour stops at major places of interest and top museums , and tourists are free to get off and on as they wish.

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Reader interactions.

May 12, 2017 at 9:28 am

I have only been to Rome and absolutely love it! we are going to be in Croatia for 3 weeks and I would like to go to Venice or Naples for a couple days, but can’t decide, which one would you go to?

July 13, 2016 at 1:02 am

The best place to visit in Italy is Naples. Its the real Italy and its built right on the water, so the water views are spectacular and since the tourists have not found it the prices are still reasonable. From Naples, it also seems like there are more day trips than the other tourist destinations. From Naples, you can hit Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast very easily, the island of Capri is straight out from Naples, which is a great day trip, but I prefer the Islands of Ischia and Procida. You can hike to the top of Mount Vesuvius, check out Herculaneum, which I like just as much as Pompeii and it is better with kids than Pompeii. Also, if you like shopping, I find that Naples has the best shopping I have found. Much better than Milan. The shops are more reasonably priced than any other city and there are lots of leather or fabric factories right in Naples that you can buy from shops on Via Toledo and other shopping districts and I almost forgot to mention Christmas alley and Spaccanapoli. Probably one of my favorite neighborhoods in Naples. If you are in Rome and you miss the Naples area, you probably made a big mistake. It is too close and there is too much to miss out on this beautiful area.

September 16, 2015 at 12:58 am

every place in Italy I’ve been to is very unique. I love the character of each city. however, having to choose from, yet the best is RomanTIC Venice.

August 24, 2015 at 6:28 pm

I recently visited Italy. I would say that it is one of the most beautiful places in the world. I visited it as part of an overall Europe trip and wanted to stay longer. We visited Rome first. Next we visited Cinque Terra staying in Manarola but completing many of the available walks to the other towns. Absolute bliss. Anyways I believe that cinque Terra should definitely be on your list if you are planning to visit and should definitely be further up this list. I loved Rome and believe that it deserves to be equal with Cinque Terra as they were both divine for their own reasons.

May 7, 2015 at 9:10 am

I absolutely adore Italy. Been to a few both on cruise and by plane ( and Eurostar too ). How I LOVE Sicily ( becos of Godfather ) ; Venice ; Bologna ; Lake Como ; Sardinia ; Milan ; Rome ; Verona ; Naples ; Florence ; Pisa, Livorno….beautiful food, wine, people, scenery. I used to love the UK esp London but now it has to be Italy and everything about it. France comes a close third although it is getting rather tired and shabby.

December 10, 2014 at 5:32 am

Nice Article, if you can not go for longer, the best places have been mentioned. If I could add something, as I am Italian from Venice I could suggest to visit the close places around like Treviso, Castelfranco and the beautiful Bassano del Grappa, the gorgeous Asolo.

Happy travel, Chris

August 14, 2014 at 8:40 pm

Just spent 3 weeks in Italy. travelling through Rome, Florence, Bologna, Amalfi, Sorrento, Pompeii, Venice, MIlan, and went to Pisa on a day trip. MY ORDER of these: 1. Amalfi – Amafli and the Amafli coast is absolutely unbelievable. The most beautiful place I travelled to on this trip. The beach, food and atmosphere is to die for. 2. Venice – what can I say, everyone knows Venice. I found it was a massive tourist trap and over crowded but, the city is beautiful and would go back. 3. Florence. Close to everything, a day trip to Bologna or Pisa is so close, and with attractions like academia (david) and uffizi museums plus much more it is a must do. 4. Rome – Colosseum is amazing, a true wonder and vatican is a must see. So as the city will keep you busy with history and attractions. Didn’t like the atmosphere. BUT is a must 5. Pompeii. Stayed in the actual town of Pompeii as I heard naples was dirty, and all you want to do there is see the ruins. But trust me they were awesome. A must do and could have found itself higher on the list = 6. sorrento and milan – would go to see Capri (Sorrento) and last supper (milan) 8. Bologna – Nice but it was nothing exciting. would just go from Florence if you had half a day to spare

Hope this helps Travellers

August 6, 2014 at 7:09 am

I have been to Rome, and the Amalfi Coast…..both deserve to be there. I think Salerno in the Campania region deserved to be there too.

July 27, 2014 at 1:29 am

You have totally forgotten places in the southern Italy such as Bari, Otranto, Gallipoli, Lecce…. And I think that Dolomites are beautiful too ;).

June 29, 2014 at 12:54 pm

I spent only 5 days in Sicilia. NOT ENOUGH. It’s such a lovely place to visit. Food and people are equally our favorite in Italia. What such an unique experience to climb and walk onto the dark land of Etna at 10000 feet and admire the mediteraneen sea almost smaller than you. I don’t know about Gene and Milan but I will return back to the south for sure. Pompei should replace Pisae. No kidding.

April 22, 2014 at 4:21 pm

you guys sure hit South Italy too, it’s beautiful at well at North Italy.

Grazie Ci Vidiamo Presto!

April 18, 2014 at 2:13 am

Hi guys. I’m Italian, and I’m from Milan. Many people, most of all are Italians, think that Milan is a poor cultural city. That isn’t the truth: Milan has got many treasures that nobody knows.

March 17, 2014 at 4:43 am

I’m Italian and I don’t agree with this list. First of all, Naples is one of the poorest, dirties cities in Italy, second of all, in Milan there are just few things worth visiting (duomo, scala, galleria, castello and Leonardo’s “last supper”) but, of course it’s the city of shopping. Then, Genoa is really dirty too (less than Naples) Finally, In Pisa besides the field of miracles there’s nothing else! I don’t mean that there are the worst cities but they shouldn’t be in the top 10 best Italian cities! I would rather suggest you to visit: Turin, Ferrara, Urbino and Siracusa. But I mean, there are so many beautiful places that it’s hard to tell you which one is the best!!

March 10, 2014 at 5:44 am

This place seems awesome & I can’t wait to go out there in the summer!

September 19, 2013 at 2:45 am

Nothing to say against Genoa but honestly maybe another city from south will be better on that ranking. I mean Palermo. Unfortunaly is knows as the city of the mafia, but it’s so charming and extremely beautiful or Val Di Noto in Sicily there are the most beautiful baroccan churches in Italy and the look-out of the Etna. Sicily have 6 world heritage sites is the second region in Italy after Tuscany that have 7. And deserve to stay in the ranking. No way! From a not Sicilian Guy. I’m from Apulia

August 16, 2013 at 8:53 am

Beautiful Italy!! Fantastic world-known attractions, but also its less frequented areas can also offer an authentic experience, idyllic landscapes and lots of culture, history, enogastronomy. For example, the Maremma in southern Tuscany.. or the Salento in Apulia.. or the Tuscia in Latium

July 23, 2013 at 11:25 am

Verona is a beautiful city. I went there this summer and it was amazing! Lake Garda is also a beautiful place with lots of small villages and towns nearby for shopping!

May 21, 2013 at 12:22 pm

I totally agree that Rome is the best, although I much love Norther Italy, Rome is the best place ever!

May 6, 2013 at 6:18 am

For me, Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is truly magnificent how the place is surrounded by waterways that made the city more unique than other cities.

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Top 22 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Italy

Italy is a truly special, incredibly diverse and magical country where I think you are just as likely to find beauty in a quiet, cobbled backstreet or traditional trattoria as in its stunning beaches or extraordinary countryside.

I’ve lived in Italy for many years, and I’d love to share my favourite destinations. Some will be well known, others not so much…

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1. Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre’s rugged, rustic, but breathtaking beauty perfectly sums up why Italy is so revered as a travel destination!

Located on the stunning Italian Riviera coastline, five brightly coloured medieval villages cling jaggedly – and almost impossibly – to the inhospitable coastal rocks.

It’s such an important place; it was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1997. I suggest meandering around the narrow streets, wandering the ancient vineyards that cling to steep terraces, and then heading for a pesto pasta lunch (a regional speciality) at one of the local trattorias! Pure bliss! 

My must-do highlights…

• Enjoy a hike along the Blue Trail that overlooks the ocean and takes you to five Insta-worthy villages.
• Spend a day at Cinque Terre’s only sandy beach, Monterosso al Mare, to soak up the blissful sun or cool down in the sea.
• Book a boat sunset tour and uniquely explore the coastline whilst watching the sun go down.
• Experience the mouth-watering fresh fish caught by locals who live on the island.

2. Lake Como

Famously home to George Clooney’s Italian villa, Lake Como is the third largest lake in the country and a hot spot for tourists and locals alike.

Traditionally, Lake Como has been known as a place for wealthy people and political entities to retreat from time to time, but I would still recommend a visit to anyone!

Lake Como is home to several castles and luxurious accommodations, and if you need to get around the lake, its water transport ferry system is state-of-the-art. It has been an important part of the lake since its induction in 1826.

• Visit one of the most iconic cathedrals in Italy, The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, where you can see a breathtaking panoramic view of the city from the top.
• Explore the museums to learn about the history of Lake Como and how it has evolved over the years.
• Enjoy a day filled with fun at the Lake Como Adventure Park set in the mountains surrounded by nature.
• For those who love water sports, hire a kayak and spend the day out on the beautiful lake, exploring around the island.

3. Tuscany Countryside

I honestly think there is no other place on earth like the Tuscan countryside. I highly recommend driving away from the cities and heading into some of the most extraordinary scenery in the world! 

This is a truly magical place where you’ll find impossibly picturesque rolling hills and scenic drives where the odd roaming wild hog or two will suddenly come into view.  

Also, expect breathtaking sunflower fields, olive groves that have been here for hundreds of years, medieval ruins and some of the most incredible vineyards in the world.

• Take a trip to the natural hot springs in Bagno Vignoni and bathe in the idyllic waters.
• Explore the romantic vineyards in Chianti to experience a unique wine tasting.
• Book a hot air balloon tour in Lucca and enjoy the breathtaking views overlooking the picturesque countryside.
• Visit the leaning tower of Pisa and capture an Insta-worthy shot next to this famous landmark.

My hotel choice for Tuscan Countryside – Il Castro Luxury Apartments San Gimignano

• To book, check prices or dates for Il Castro Luxury Apartments San Gimignano

4. Camogli, Liguria

In the northern portion of the country, the peninsula of Portofino houses small fishing villages. Among the most notable and famous villages is Camogli in Liguria.

This small port maintains a modest population of around 5,500 people and remains protected within the Portofino Marine Protected Area .

Strolling through the marketplace or basking in the sun on Comogli’s coast is a welcomed activity for tourists and locals alike. I recommend bringing your camera and taking many pictures of every nook and cranny of this endearing and picturesque part of the coast! 

My must-do highlights

• Indulge in the abundance of delicious fresh seafood on offer at an array of establishments on the main harbour.
• Slow down and take some time to relax at Camogli’s rocky beach where you can enjoy the glistening sun.
• Rent a speedboat with a skipper to explore the beautiful gems only reachable by water, the Natural Park of Portofino and Paradiso Gulf.
• Take an E-bike tour along the stunning coastline to visit the unique and charming churches and castles.

5. Calabria

Located in the country’s south, Calabria is part of the land separating the Tyrrhenian Sea from the Ionian Sea and the sun-baked toe of Italy’s boot!

Some attractions in this country can seem like a dressed-up show put in place for tourists’ enjoyment, but that is not something you will find in Calabria.

This portion of the country is quintessentially Italian, and I’m always charmed by it. Calabria has lovingly escaped the tourist game to provide an unspoiled and seemingly untouched view of classic Italy.

If you want to see Italians as they are rather than a scripted rendition, I personally think Calabria is the place to go! 

• Explore the Pollino National Park where you can discover the magnificent Raganello Canyon and walk along streams, bridges and gorges.
• Visit one of the most prestigious monuments in Calabria, the Aragonese fortress of Le Castella, where you can admire the remains of ancient castles.
• Enjoy the clear blue waters at Tropea which is well-known for being a unique and beautiful experience.
• For those who feel adventurous, book a double parasailing flight and unforgettably view the island’s landscape.

6. Lake Garda

Considered to be one of the most jaw-dropping places in the world, this is a large and impossibly picturesque lake nestled in Northern Italy surrounded by the pretty fortress town of Sirmione, the resort town of Riva del Garda, and many charming and laid-back villages in between.

Head further North and get to the famous Dolomites Mountain range.  

I highly recommend boating, wind-surfing, eating at the many charming and cosmopolitan restaurants, and generally taking in the wonderful vibe and jaw-dropping scenery.

• Visit one of the most famous hot springs in Garda Thermal Park, where you can experience naturally formed historic spas.
• Enjoy a family day at Gardaland Park, which features over 30 exciting rides, show-stopping musical performances and spectacular light shows.
• Explore the charming and picturesque town of Sirmione with a unique drawbridge entrance.
• Cycle around the lake and take in the breathtaking views on a path suspended 50 metres above the water.

7. The Dolomites

If you head further north from Lake Garda, you’ll find some of Europe’s most spectacular mountain scenery. Located in northeastern Italy, with gorgeous scenery and beautiful resorts aside, there is also plenty to do.

Head there in winter and find well-coordinated ski networks, the legendary circuit Sella Ronda, and plenty of people who cross-country skiing and snowboarding. Visit in summer and go hiking amongst stunning views and fresh mountain air.  

• Take a hike around the impressive Tre Cime di Lavaredo, famous for its three magnificent and distinctive peaks.
• Capture an Instagrammable shot at Lago di Carezza where the panoramic backdrop of the Latemar mountains reflects onto the lake.
• For an adventurous experience, climb via Ferrata in one of the best-equipped locations.
• Enjoy the culture and history that the Dolomites have to offer with a visit to Bolzano.

8. Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast

I love this area! The most famous area is the resort town of Sorrento, where you’ll find the addictive liqueur limoncello and, of course, plenty of great wine.

The city can also be used as a base to visit Pompeii, which was buried by Mount Vesuvius’ volcanic eruption in 79 AD.

Further along the ruggedly beautiful coast, you will find the impossibly picturesque and affluent town of Positano and the small, pretty town of Amalfi. The area offers one of the world’s greatest coastal drives so be sure to hire a car if you can, Fiat 500s are always an apt choice!

I would also recommend taking a boat from Sorrento to the romantic island of Capri, where you can see the gorgeous Blue Grotto, a sea cave flooded with brilliant blue or emerald light.

• Explore the picturesque Old Town of Sorrento with its beautiful pastel-coloured houses.
• Take a trip along the Amalfi Coast, which is well-known for being one of the most stunning coastlines in the world and overlooking crystal clear turquoise waters.
• Hike the four-mile stretch of the Path of Gods which provides you with the most breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coastline.
• Enjoy watching a sunset over the bay of Naples whilst listening to the musical delights of a busker in Villa Communale Park.

My hotel choice for Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast – La Casa di Peppe Guest House & Villa

• To book, check prices or dates for La Casa di Peppe Guest House & Villa

Puglia is located in the southern region of Italy , in the heel of Italy’s boot. Initially ignored by tourists for decades, it has become quite the fashionable place to take a vacation in recent years! 

Here, you can expect hill towns filled with pretty white ‘Trulli’ houses, centuries-old farmland and a spectacular Mediterranean coastline.

This region is perfect for those wishing to taste real Italy and the fabulous blue sea and glorious sandy beaches.

Aside from the varied Italian experience, you’ll have other reasons to visit this region, including the excellent regional cuisine, picturesque olive groves, and lush green orchards.

• Wander around the historic city of Leece and admire the gorgeous Baroque architecture made from unique stone and interesting features.
• For those who love food, the restaurant at Masseria Il Frantoio is a must-stop to taste its ever-evolving menu of authentic dishes.
• Visit the iconic landmark of Sant at Torre Sant’Andrea and enjoy a swim through the archway in picturesque waters.
• Take a hot air balloon ride overlooking the natural landscape of Gravina, which is filled with canyons, hills and stone houses.

10. Verona City

Verona is a lovely, relaxed city famous for Shakespeare’s story of Romeo and Juliet. It has the third-largest Roman Arena in Italy, and I highly recommend catching an opera during your visit.

UNESCO has awarded the city a World Heritage site status because of its urban structure and architecture, which include Roman remains and ancient castles.

As you can imagine, Verona is a very romantic city, so if you take a partner, you never know. They might end up proposing! The Italian lakes are accessible from Verona, Lake Garda, Lake Como, and Lake Maggiore, some of the most well-known.

The mountain lakes offer classically beautiful images of this country and are flanked by sleepy cobblestone villages and secluded gardens.

• Climb up to the top of Torre dei Lamberti to experience the panoramic and best view across the city.
• Enjoy a shopping trip at Piazza Delle Erbe which is also a perfect outdoor dining spot on a sunny day.
• Take a stroll along the stunning Ponte Pietra bridge which connects the city to Teatro Romano and Castel San Pietro.
• Wander around the magical Giardino Gusti Gardens located on the grounds of the historic palace.

11. Venice 

Venice is one of the most famous cities in Italy, and it’s built on water. It’s also often cited as one of the world’s most romantic travel destinations. In the middle of the city, you’ll find the grand square ‘Piazza San Marco,’ where the even more impressive basilica resides.

If you’re a culture seeker, you’ll be spoilt for choice here; Venice has the world’s most artistic masterpieces per square kilometre, and numerous churches, museums, and palaces are worth visiting.

Another highlight is the Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri), an enclosed bridge that crosses the Rio di Palazzo.

If you’re a romantic and want to ride in a gondola, remember to take plenty of money—you will be charged a small fortune for the privilege.

• Visit one of the most famous Piazza, St Mark’s Square, located in the heart of the city along the Grand Canal.
• Experience a unique way of getting around by taking one of the famous gondola rides through the city.
• Taste an array of fresh flavours at the Mercati di Rialto and see how the local Italians create their signature dishes.
• Climb the spiral staircase of Scala Contarini Del Bovolo which has a viewpoint at the top overlooking the city.

12. Bologna

Bologna is a stunning city known for its beauty, left-wing politics, wealth, and, most importantly, cuisine. It is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. If you arrive by train, move swiftly away from the station to take in the city’s most beautiful sites.

Many arcades allow you to explore the city even if it’s raining. I recommend wandering around the backstreets until you stumble upon one of the many beautiful squares where you can stop for a cafe or gelato.

Bologna also boasts the oldest university in the world, founded in 1088. Most people visit the city to discover its renowned culinary delights, which include tagliatelle al ragù, lasagne, tortellini served in broth, and fried gnocchi.

• View the spectacular art at Bologna National Gallery which features paintings dating back as far as the 13th century.
• Experience the historic markets at La Piazzola where you can buy an eclectic range of items in a lively atmosphere.
• Indulge in a traditional tortellini dish at one of the many authentic restaurants throughout the city.
• Explore one of the coolest places in the city, Ghetto Ebraico, filled with shopping, bars and restaurants.

13. Florence

Florence is a magnificent and fascinating place and an art lover’s dream. A popular city nestled in the rolling hills of the Tuscany region, Florence has plenty to offer its many visitors.

For starters, there are numerous museums filled with famous paintings and sculptures and two places I recommend are the Pitti Palace and the Uffizi.

The latter hosts works by Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo and receives approximately 1.6 million tourists a year (you should book before you go, or you will unfortunately face a long wait).

Also, take your time to explore the rest of Tuscany. Known as the Renaissance country, the region offers some of the world’s most beautiful and romantic natural scenery.

The extraordinary countryside and coastline keep the relaxed vacationers happy, and the ever-flowing supply of fine wine and cuisine will certainly please the food connoisseurs.

• Climb 414 steps to the top of Giotto’s Bell Tower and experience the magnificent views overlooking the city.
• Enjoy a day of shopping at San Lorenzo outdoor market where you will find some unique goods and souvenirs.
• Visit one of the most famous art masterpieces in the world, the Statue of David created by Michelangelo.
• Finish off a day of exploring by watching the sunset cast a sensational light across the city at Piazzale Michelangelo.

My hotel choice for Florence – 25hours Hotel

• To book, check prices or dates for 25hours Hotel Florence Piazza San Paolino

It’s impossible to tour Italy without visiting its famous capital, Rome. This truly incredible city is full of history spanning over twenty centuries—you could say Rome is the world’s best open-air museum.

As you wander the streets, the architecture will leave you in awe, so pack your camera.

There are many sites to discover, the most famous being the Coliseum, the Vatican, St. Peter’s, the Trevi Fountain and my personal favourite, the Pantheon.

You probably won’t get to see them all in a weekend but it will give you a reason to go back! Rome’s cafe culture is also world-famous, and for a real Rome experience, choose from one of many piazzas and watch the world go by with (an expensive) expresso. 

• Admire the structural architecture at the historic Colosseum, one of Italy’s iconic landmarks.
• Walk up the 135 Spanish Steps and capture an Insta-worthy shot between the Piazza di Spagna and the Piazza Trinita dei Monti.
• Make a wish at the most famous fountain in the Europe, Trevi Fountain.
• Visit San Crispino to enjoy some gelato, arguably one of the best ice cream places in Italy.

15. Sardinia

This large island off the coast of Italy is a favourite holiday spot for Italians and rich footballers. Most of the time, it’s a quiet and relaxing island, but popular areas can get very busy in the summer, so you must book early to stay at the best places. To reach Sardinia, you can sail or fly into Alghero, Cagliari, or the port town of Olbia.

The island is beautiful, and compared to many holiday island resorts in Europe, it remains relatively unspoiled.

There are no high-rise concrete hotels here; even the resort areas are surprisingly tasteful. I would personally recommend Sant’antioco and San Pietro, as these are the most remote and traditional areas.

Sardinia’s coastline is world-renowned, so you won’t have to search far for amazing beaches and clear water wherever you stay.

• Take a boat tour for a unique and picturesque way to explore the coastline.
• Visit the petite and beautiful town of Bosa which features some top tourist attractions.
• Spend the day relaxing on a Sardinia beach, choose between a long sandy stretch or a small hidden cove.
• Discover the caves located at different spots around the island.

The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea makes an excellent holiday destination. Like Sardinia, it has excellent beaches and wonderful cuisine, only far cheaper.

You will also have the luxury of going island-hopping—the Aegadian Islands, Aeolian Islands, and Pantelleria Lampedusa are all nearby and accessible. Sicily is a traditional and rustic island with a rich culture and a potent mix of architecture, arts, cuisine, literature, and music.

Here, you can spend time sitting on beaches, visiting archaeological sites, or sampling the locally caught fish. Make sure you include a visit to the Selinunte, an ancient building containing five temples centred on an acropolis.

The east coast of Sicily is more developed and tourist-friendly, and the west coast is more untouched.

As you travel down the ladder, you’ll be amazed at how friendly the Sicilian people are and how pleased they are that you chose to visit Sicily. Also, check out our post on Unspolit places to visit in Sicily for travel snobs.

• Visit the petite fishing town of Cefalù filled with vibrant boats and take a dip in the picturesque turquoise waters.
• Discover one of the island’s most popular attractions, the Etna volcano, and experience an unforgettable moment.
• Watch the sunset by the white limestone cliff of Scala dei Turchi which is famous for its unique shape.
• Enjoy authentic Sicilian cuisine and taste their mouth-watering flavours created from locally sourced ingredients.

A favourite with honeymooners and well-heeled tourists, visitors have flocked to this resort island since the Roman Times, and it has maintained its stunning beauty.

It’s a small island in Italy’s Bay of Naples and is home to rugged landscapes, yacht-filled coves, upscale hotels and plenty of boutique shops stocking everything, from Italian wine to designer fashion.

You can’t leave without visiting the Blue Grotto, one of the most beautiful places in Italy. It’s a natural dark cavern where the sea is a stunning electric blue (actually sunlight passing through an underwater cave).

• Take a chairlift or climb up to the peak of Mount Solaro and capture a breathtaking view that reaches as far as the Calabria mountains.
• Have a romantic dinner filled with local traditional cuisine and unique island dishes.
• Visit the Grotta Azzurra where the sun reflects an unusual blue glow throughout the cave.
• Admire the spectacular sea cliffs surrounding the island by taking a boat trip to explore.

18. Portofino 

Portofino is one of my favourite under-the-radar gems! This picturesque fishing village is one of the most famous holiday resorts on the Italian Riviera. This destination is ideal for a romantic escape with your loved one! 

Portofino offers tranquillity, charming architecture, and true nature. This beautiful village has been a top spot for the rich and famous since the 1950s.

• Have a shopping day in the luxurious boutiques hidden down narrow alleys and on the marina front.
• For those who love sports, take a bike tour and soak up the panoramic views of the Gulf.
• Visit the open-air museum, where you can admire contemporary artwork and the Mediterranean Sea at the same time.
• Experience the famous diving spot near San Fruttuoso Beach and discover the unique bronze statue underwater.

This is the Italian city to head to for shopping, fashion, and beautiful (and very well-dressed) people!. It’s a cosmopolitan, fast-paced city that attracts designers, artists, photographers, and models worldwide. There are also many other reasons to visit.

People aside, Milan is also famous for its extraordinary architecture, art, history, and food and for its love of football—its two main clubs have made the city one of the most football-loving places in Europe.

There is also great architecture, including the Duomo di Milano, excellent art galleries (Milan is home to one of the most famous Renaissance paintings in history—Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper), and incredible shops, operas, bars, and restaurants.

Milan is quite the foodie city and is famous for its typical Italian dishes like Risotto, minestrone and polenta, and I would suggest trying them all! 

• Watch a football match at San Siro Stadium, one of the largest in Europe, and be part of the roaring atmosphere.
• Explore the Sforzesco Castle which features several museums and a beautiful courtyard.
• Spend a day shopping in the fashion capital of the world at the Golden Triangle filled with luxury brands.
• Wander through the creative street art in Isola and capture some Instagrammable shots.

20. Elba Island

Just north of the Tuscan Archipelago sits Elba Island, it’s remained a fairly under-the-radar destination in Italy but it’s an increasingly trendy place to holiday.

Around 30,000 people populate the gorgeous Italian island, but that number significantly increases during its tourist-filled summer months.

Elba Island is located in Italy’s Archipelago Toscano National Park and is known as the country’s third-largest island. Sardinia and Sicily are the only larger islands in Italy. Cavo Beach and Spiaggia Delle Tombe are among the most popular and picturesque beaches on Elba Island.

Like most islands, snorkelling and diving are popular tourist activities. For further suggestions in this region, check out our post on the most beautiful places to visit in Tuscany.

• Explore one of the most ancient buildings located on Elba Island, the Fortress of Volterraio, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Gulf of Portoferraio.
• Experience a sunset boat tour around the island whilst taking in the magnificent scenery and enjoying an aperitif created from local products.
• For those who love an adventure, hike up to the Capanne Mount, the highest peak of the island which is well known for capturing the best panoramic pictures of the island.
• Kayak around the beautiful island and take the chance to swim in their crystal-clear waters.

21. Lake Orta 

Lake Garda and Como are the most famous lakes in Italy, but if you want more relaxation than a tourist-ridden destination, Lake Orta is the place to go! 

Locals tend to gravitate to Lake Orta when they need to recharge. At the centre of Lake Orta is a small island, Isola San Giulio, home to a century-old monastery and basilica.

Take a ferry to the island and soak up the wonderful and tranquil atmosphere!

• Try the unique fragrance of Orta which is inspired by the stories of the land and is a great souvenir to remember your trip.
• Slow down and enjoy a stroll around the lake that is surrounded by a collection of Insta-worthy photo spots.
• Enjoy the beach clubs located along the sandy shores and swim in one of the cleanest lakes in Europe.
• Explore the famous Villa Taranto gardens and admire the vibrant colours across spectacular flower beds.

22. Ischia Island

Located on the Tyrrhenian Sea, Ischia Island is one of the many volcanically formed islands. Located about 30 km from Naples, tourists travel to this unbelievably beautiful island as it is the largest of the Phlegreen Islands in Italy. To get out to Ischia Island, visitors must take a ferry.

Two ferries bring people to the island. One takes 1.5 hours while the other is just one hour travel time, so choose the right one for your needs.

Once there, I recommend just kicking back and enjoying the beauty of this island while watching the daring cliff jumpers!

• Take a boat tour around the island and discover hidden coves whilst admiring villages along the cliffs.
• Taste the iconic arugula liquor as a digestive after enjoying a traditional dinner.
• Visit one of Ischia Island’s top attractions, the Aragonese Castle, where you can experience Insta-worthy views.
• For those who love adventure, spend a day at Ischia Adventure Park and take part in several exciting outdoor activities.

57 thoughts on “Top 22 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Italy”

Absolutely fantastic Blog to read. The few places which are there to visit are Milan known for city structure, Venice for its wonderful scene outlook and Rome for its outstanding landscape. Thanks for the wonderful Information we have addressed a Great Blog.

Italy has some of the most spectacular old cities in the world. It’s not just the countryside that’s beautiful – so many of the cities! Not only are they stunning, but cities are also incredibly fascinating, full of art, history, ancient ruins, and more. Some of the important sights in Rome are Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s Pieta.

Want to visit Venice one day, this country is the most beautiful country in the world thank u for sharing!

I truly admire you explorers, we only get to sit in an office behind the desk and read about the beauty of the world. Thanks Scott

Everyone should try and camp in Sicily, near the volcano! I can’t recommend this enough

The only places I was able to visit while in Italy were Rome and Venice! Loved them, but I would love to visit Tuscany and places like that. Take me outside of the city!

Really Italy is one of the most beautiful places to visit and I really love the Venice place. Initially, I was having difficulties to communicate with the loving people of Italy. However, one of my friends suggested me to take basic Italian courses from Easy Spoken Italian and now “Mi Manchi Italy!”

Great list. My only question is why aren’t there any stops in the Dolomites in Italy? I’ve heard that mountain region is incredibly beautiful and very different than any on the list.

I love Italy I went there few years ago and it was fascinating. Bologna is beautiful!

There sure are a lot of lovely places in Italy, I hope to have time to see more of them 🙂

It’s impossible to make a list of top ten in Italy. This country is the most beautiful country in the world and has hundreds of the most beautiful places! 🙂

I adore Italy and have visited twice. No matter where you are, it’s quite charming, especially Florence. It is so full of antiquities, ancient architecture, and lovely people. Everywhere you look, there is a sight to behold! I especially appreciated walking everywhere…and a coffee bar on every corner to sit and reflect the Italian way of life. I could get use to living there too!!!

While the food in Italy is reason enough to visit, the country is filled with famous works of art, exceptionally beautiful cities, and gorgeous lakes and mountains. A very romantic place.

They all look beautiful!

Love Italy – such a beautiful place!

love this list – have been to rome and venice and venice is one of the most beautiful places in the world. I am going at the end of the year and will visit milan as well. I can not wait, however, i do want to visit a bit more of the country side.

i’ve only made it to rome, would love to see the rest of the country and eat and drink!

Love to see these places…….you people have described the beauty of italy……Amazing country to visit…….I would love to highlight about the place for my local audiences on my blog @www.culturenheritage.com

I must say this article is very well written and very helpful. I will be travelling in Sept. Hope I get to see everything mentioned…….

This is a beautifully written and enticing article. The combination of eloquent descriptions and stunning photos makes me what to visit all 10 destinations immediately! Thanks Scott for sharing your appreciation and knowledge of Italy.

Where in the Milan is that canal from pictures? I was there and I doesn’t see it.

Florence!!! I NEED TO BE THERE!!

Beautiful places.I want visit Venice in near future.

Wow! Thanks for this woderful post. I live in Italy and love all the places you mentioned. This country is fabulous (but leaded by awful people…)

Great places..I’d like to visit Venice the most!

I live in Sardinia and I think that our beaches are among the finest in the world. I’m glad to see that they are in the list.

Thanks for featuring this! Exploring Italy is my dream and to read something like this helps in picturing my holiday!

I’m so glad to see Bologna on this list as I feel it is often overlooked. I loved it there 🙂

My husband and I are planing to go to Italy for our 30th anniversary. I would like to visit Venice, but I’ve heard that it has a bad smell because of the water in the canals. Is it true? I would hate to go there and not being able to enjoy my trip because of the smell.

We visited ourselves last July and on our visit it wasn’t smelly in the slightest. However it can get very, very crowded during the summer months and very humid. Spring and autumn are probably the best times to visit. Hope this helps!

We will be in Italy later this year so thank you for all the fantastic information.

Really looking forward to the Florence and the Tuscany region.

u must av mentioned ‘Poveglia’ too.. Lolz

Love the Sicily shot! Amazing!

My friends went here last January and they had a great time.Next time also I will in italy

Great article! adam

Oh.. wow! will be there in May.. I want to see it all! but won’t have enough time.. only 2 weeks

This post makes me want to go back to Italy! Someday I’m going to spend several months there I know it… and I want to jump into your photo of Sicily too lol!

I agree with some commentators here, Cinque Terre should be definitely included. I would suggest to replace it with Milan.

Italy iz da best place i eva visited…… Love it.<3

I have never seen the kind of beautiful Italy places. Really it’s looking like a dream places. Thanks.

There are far more prettier towns than the ones in Cinque Terre. It’s amazing how they managed to make such a big deal out of it for tourists.

The list is great, but I certainly would have put Amalfi coat and Capri as the number one. I agree to exchange Cinqu Terre with Milan. Yes, so many beautiful spots in Italy….very difficult!

And great photos! Really enjoyable to look at.

ITALY IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES I EVER SEEN, EVERY PLACE IN ITALY HAS A HISTORY, AND IS EXTREMLY ROMANTIC, GREAT PLACE TO HONEYMOON!!!!

how romantic this place, how I wish I could find my true love & perfect partner whom I can say he is my God’s Gift for my entire life 🙂 this is a LOVE place for me!

The one that I like most from your list is Sardinia for the blue incontaminated sea and for the people that are particolary friendly there. Venice instead for me is by far the most original city in the world.. Ciao from Italy 🙂

Great post and amazing pictures!!! Really, Italy is the beautiful country. Go on to explore the world and be careful!

OMG…. What a beautiful place. I just love that. Thanks for sharing it with us,

The photos are awesome! I am planning to spend 10 days in Italy and will visit Venice/Milan/Rome/ Florence. Not sure if I can cover all the ten places your recommended.

My parents went here last January and they had a great time. They will have another trip this October and I hope I can go with them. I will have this post handy. Thanks!

Why isn’t Cinque Terre mentioned? Sorry, I think it should replace Milan. The pictures are great by the way!

Want to visit Venice one day, it’s just so romantic!

Florence was a big disappointment. The bridge was just a flea market for jewels and such. But the Amalfi Coast was beautiful. Sicily was nice, Venice was cool as well as Verona, but give me the Amalfi Coast any day. Rome, of course, was large and bustling.

Looks like I have to consider Florence in my next visit to Italy, the photo looks like a shot from fairytale land.

Florence is a beautiful place full of history, it gets very busy but well worth visiting.

I hope to get back either this summer or next year.

All the best

What was your favorite thing to do in Sicily? Great post!

Hi Stephania,

I’m glad you liked the article.

We spent 16 days driving around the West Coast.

We really liked Trapani, Selinunte and Eraclea Minoa beach.

But our favourite was Sciacca, we loved the place. The people were so friendly, we started in an excellent hotel outside town and then got a flat in the centre.

By the time we left we were considering living there!!!

Glad to hear you liked the article, what are you doing in Florence?

Sadly, I agree it’s hard to get everywhere.

Where are you planning to go in Sicily?

I spent a year in Latina (didn’t make my list!!!), then two years in Rome where I was teaching English and then I went to Sicily for our honeymoon.

Once again, glad to hear you liked the article.

This makes me want to live in Italy. Oh wait, I do! Beautiful photos and great pics for where to visit. I’m based in Florence but making my way around. Crossed off the list: Florence, Rome, Sardegnia, Amalfi, Venice… next up Easter weekend in Varese by the lakes, Sicily in May, Puglia after that… Too many places, too little time.

As you said about Florence, there are often long waits for the museums. But if people need help, I suggest contacting the agency I use Apartments Florence (www.apartmentsflorence.it) for apartment rentals and help reserving museum tickets. You definitely want a reservation in the summer months.

Great article!

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• Top 25 unmissable things to do in Italy in 2024
• Best Tours and Experiences

Organize the best trip to Italy following our tips on the 25 best things you can do here ! Museums, wells, theme parks and much more!

We would like to dedicate this article to the people that are coming here for the first time , but also to the return travelers . We are so glad you chose our country for your next holiday and we want to make sure you get the best out of your visit.

We have listed here the 25 things we think everyone should do while in Italy . Most Italians, we are telling you sincerely, never have ever done many of the following activities and experiences.

We truly hope that, following our tips and hints, you will be able to enrich your stay in the best way possible! Shall we start?

25 unique things to do in Italy at least once in a lifetime

Before we start with our listing, we would like to share why we have selected these activities instead of others.

We wanted to include here things that, in our opinion, truly embody the spirit and the atmosphere of the place you are visiting.

The aim of this article, in fact, is giving you some alternatives, 25 nevertheless, so that, while you are visiting our country, you can understand our culture, traditions and lifestyle in the best way possible. Some of the following activities are iconic, whilst others are lesser known.

Anyhow, we hope that our list of the 25 best activities to do in Italy will inspire you to organize the best itinerary possible!

25. A day on the crater of a volcano

And not just any volcano . In fact, we are talking about Mount Vesuvius.

How many times have you thought it would have been incredible to climb it?

Climbing Mount Vesuvius is certainly one of the most special things to do in Italy . The thrill of advancing one's steps on a still active volcano, observing the vegetation that covers it and admiring the wonderful views of one of the most populous (and beautiful) cities in the world is simply incomparable.

Of course, it is an experience to be enjoyed with caution: for this, you may choose to join a tour accompanied by an experienced park guide .

24. The amazement before one of the greatest works of art by Da Vinci

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Federica Ghelfi (@fedecottoncandy)

Have you ever heard about the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan?

Its very interior houses Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper , not only one of the artist's greatest masterpieces, but also one of the most famous and important wall paintings in the entire history of art.

Because of its importance, the Church and the whole area of the Dominican convent were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980: it is the third Italian UNESCO site !

23. The world's largest masonry vault

Brunelleschi's dome profoundly characterizes the skyline of Florence.

Not only is it a prominent feature, but it is also the largest masonry vault in the world . So you don't need us to tell you how climbing the dome is one of the best things to do in Italy .

It's about combining the thrill of a wonderful view of the cityscape with a taste for art and architecture .

Not to mention that the admission ticket also includes a visit to the Giottesque Bell Tower, the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo and the Baptistery!

22. The visit to the Prancing Horse

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Musei Ferrari (@museiferrari)

Seeing Formula 1 is one of the most defining experiences of Italian weekends.

Well, if you are around Modena, you definitely cannot pass up one of the most interesting things to do in Italy: a visit to the Ferrari Museum!

Located in Maranello, the visit allows you to delve into the history of the prancing horse company , discover the company and its secrets. Not to mention that you can also visit the famous Fiorano Circuit, where Ferrari does its private testing.

21, A tour of the tastiest theme park

View this post on Instagram A post shared by FICO - Il Parco da Gustare (@ficoeatalyworld)

FICO Eataly World is undoubtedly one of the largest food and wine theme parks in the world .

Why should you visit it?

Undoubtedly because it is a truly great collection of excellence . An incredible, and exquisite concentration of everything that makes gastronomy one of the most vital symbols of the Italian culture. You will be able to see, taste but also experience with your own hands some of the most typical traditional recipes.

You will be able to learn how to make pizza, but also ice cream and, why not, take a class on wine. Everything you ever wanted to know about our cuisine is right here, just a click away.

20. The underground of the City of the Popes

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viterbo Sotterranea (@viterbo_sotterranea_)

Viterbo, the so-called City of the Popes, is a city with a wonderful historic center, just a few kilometers from the capital.

Among the best things to do in Italy at least once in a lifetime, we at Visit Italy would also like to include a visit to its underground passages !

During the guided tour, in fact, you will be able to discover a network of tunnels dug into the tuff that probably dates back to Etruscan times. Used to channel rainwater, but also as a hidden passageway for secret communications or brigands and as an air raid shelter, this underground place will allow you to go deep into the long history of this place.

19. A walking among the wonders of the greatest Sicilian archaeological park

The world's largest archaeological site is located in the province of Agrigento. Not only is the Valle dei Templi famous for its extent, but also for its exceptional state of preservation . It is a symbol of the greatness of Greek civilization in Italy.

The Doric-style temples you will find here have continued for centuries to inspire awe and wonder in all visitors. It is undoubtedly one of the most important things you can do in Italy.

18. A day among the treasures of the Vatican City

You can decide how much time to spend here. In our opinion, however, there is never enough time to spend in these places.

In the heart of the Eternal City, the Vatican State offers a visit to its state museum, one of the most fascinating places in the world. In fact, the Vatican Museums trace the history of mankind , with fabulous works telling the story of many different historical eras.

You'll see Greek and Egyptian statues, tapestries from the medieval period, contemporary works of art, and priceless frescoes. Surely you know the most famous of all: Michelangelo's Last Judgment .

You don't need us to tell you that seeing it is one of the greatest thrills you can experience in your lifetime.

17. Discovering Apulian architecture (not just Baroque).

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alessandro Valsecchi (@alessandrov_ph)

For many, the Apulian region is synonymous with the sea and good food, and, undoubtedly, we can only agree. On the other hand, however, it is also much more than that, and it offers enchanting wonders to architecture enthusiasts as well.

This time, we would like to take you to Lecce, whose historic center is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture .

A few kilometers from the city is the Abbey of Santa Maria di Cerrate. Why do we include it on the list of things to do in Italy? Because this place is one of the few examples of Romanesque architecture in the region .

This Abbey is a real jewel, rich in Byzantine frescoes that have recently been restored. For fans of history, architecture and art this is without a doubt a must-see!).

16. Inside the third greatest Roman amphitheater in the world

The symbol of the city of Romeo and Juliet is undoubtedly the arena that towers in Piazza Bra. It is the third largest Roman amphitheater in the world that has survived to the present day.

It relives a new life today, being the perfect setting for plays, musicals and events that are organized every summer.

However, do you know its history and how this building has managed to reach our time intact? A licensed guide can accompany you to discover its history, telling about the era of fights and gladiators.

15. A romantic moment at the most scenic Italian castle

Miramare Castle has such an enviable position on the Gulf of Trieste that it is considered the Italian most scenic castle . And, on the other hand, how could it be otherwise? Its white figure stands out on the promontory, dominating the incomparable blue of the sea from above.

The castle can be visited in its entirety. So, not only the park with its exotic trees and stables , but also the interior of the historical museum. A moment of luxury and opulence, but also of true romance .

14. A gondola ride (but in an unique way)

Riding a gondola is indeed one of the most desired things do be done in Italy!

Navigating the canals, admiring palaces and monuments is, in our opinion, one of the best things to be had at least once in Italy. You simply cannot do without it!

We, however, suggest you experience it in a slightly unique way , that is, with a gondolier who tells you stories, curiosities, anecdotes and secrets of the city he loves so much. What do you think? A truly alternative way to visit the magnificent city on water!

13. A visit to the most ancient museum dedicated to the Egyptian civilization

You may not know that the Egyptian Museum in Turin, founded in 1824, in addition to being one of the most famous, is also the oldest in the world entirely dedicated to this incredible civilization.

Words are not enough to describe the experience you can have here. The amount of artifacts you can see is endless , not to mention that the perfect organization of the museum makes it one of the most visited places in our country.

What we recommend, undoubtedly, is to book your visit in advance and, even more interestingly, to book a guided tour with a licensed guide .

12. A great discovery at a galenical laboratory

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Antica Farmacia (@anticafarmaciasanfilipponeri)

In the heart of Parma, you can visit an ancient galenical laboratory , dating back to 1789. The Antica Farmacia San Filippo Neri, in fact, is a silent place where you can observe flasks and bottles, scents of spices and medicinal plants that for centuries led to the making of medicines and medicines donated to the city's poor.

This pharmacy in vicolo San Tiburzio , allows you to brush up not only on a part of the history of medicine, but also to appreciate the city of Parma for its ability and willingness to assist others.

11. Inside a well of 62 ft

We are now in Orvieto, in central Italy, a city of undisputed beauty: the Duomo, the wonders of its museums and its underground tunnels all contribute to making it a fascinating destination .

Today, however, we wish to introduce you to St. Patrick's Well. It is an absolute masterpiece of engineering and hydraulics and you can walk through it in its entirety. As many as 496 steps , arranged along an endless spiral staircase take you to the base of the well and then, again, to the surface.

Definitely one of the most unique things you can do in Italy!

10. The entrance to the superb Camera dei Giganti (Giants' Room)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by @giadaborsani_

Mantua is one of the symbolic cities of the Italian Renaissance . One of its most representative buildings is certainly the highly refined Palazzo Te.

This 16th-century palace, built for the Gonzaga Family, is an ode to wealth and opulence, with rooms sumptuously decorated with magnificent frescoes .

The interiors, as well as the extraordinary Italianate gardens, are aesthetically and geometrically perfect . It is a true dive into the art and refined architecture of the 16th century, which finds its zenith in the Chamber of the Giants.

9. The entrance to Italy's largest amusement park.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mirabilandia (@mirabilandia_ufficiale)

This issue is somewhat debated. It seems, however, that with its 850,000 square meters, Mirabilandia is the largest amusement park in Italy .

No need to explain why you should come here! In fact, the numerous attractions of the theme park and the water park speak for themselves!

So, for a slightly different day out in Ravenna, why do not you book your tickets now ?

8. And the visit to the Europe's largest aquarium

One of the must-do things in Italy for both adults and children is certainly a visit to Europe's largest aquarium . It is located in Genoa and was opened in 1992, on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the Americas.

Fifteen thousand animals live here in the aquarium's 43 tanks, four of which, housing cetaceans, were added only recently, designed by architect Renzo Piano .

You can see with your own eyes the sharks, seals and penguins, but also witness the world of dolphin feeding.

7. A trip to the highest volcano in Europe

At 3329 meters (11128 ft), Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe . One of our country's most fascinating places towers right next to the Black City and has been inviting explorers of all kinds to discover its wonders for centuries.

The nature of the volcano and its magnificent moonscape will repay any effort. You will be able to discover the crater, and even some of its innermost parts, and have one of the most adrenaline-pumping experiences of a lifetime.

All along the way, there will be a licensed guide to lead you , and you can discover all the wonders of the local flora and fauna in complete safety.

6. The Climbing of the most iconic Leaning Towe

One of the things everyone wants to do at least once in their life in Italy is to climb the famous leaning tower. But then, because of the long lines, most would-be visitors desist.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, actually the Bell Tower of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta , is one of the most iconic places in the world . In fact, this building is one of the most photographed, in ever new and original ways.

If, however, the next time you are in the Field of Miracles you finally want to climb the tower, we suggest that you buy your fast-access ticket in advance. It will make your stay much more enjoyable.

5. One of the best things to do in Italy: the lakefront on two wheels!

Lake Garda offers breathtaking scenery all along the coast. Gorgeous villages, castles , and even a state-of-the-art bike path suspended over the water ...

We suggest you visit our beautiful lake right on board a bicycle , taking advantage of local bike sharing. Not only will you be able to roam freely while enjoying spectacular views of the lake, but you will also have the security of assistance.

A fun but also sustainable way to visit the largest lake in our peninsula.

4. The beauty of the Libreria Piccolomini

View this post on Instagram A post shared by José Jesús López Baez (@josejesuslopezbaez)

How many works of art does Siena hold? An open-air treasure chest of history and marvelous architecture that never ceases to leave visitors of all ages amazed.

In the heart of the city, the most precious work of all is enshrined: the Duomo, a sublime masterpiece of Roman-Gothic architecture . Every column, altarpiece and statue is a treasure chest of wonder. Even the floor was called by one of the greatest art historians, Giorgio Vasari, " one of the most beautiful that had ever been made ".

And still inside the cathedral, you will also find the Piccolomini Library with the cycle of frescoes created by Pinturicchio . If you visit the left aisle, you cannot help but be enchanted by their beauty.

3. A tribute to the Miraculous Column

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ѕαяα ριєяѕαηтι (ℓα ριєяα) (@sapiersanti)

There are numerous legends and traditions related to the Mysterious Column of Bari. Some say it has thaumaturgic properties and some invite girls to go around it 3 times on December 6, asking to find a husband within the year .

What matters is that the Mysterious Column, a red-colored pillar protected by a grate , is located inside the Crypt of the Basilica of St. Nicholas, the city's patron saint.

It is in the Crypt, another word for an underground church, that the remains of St. Nicholas rest . And we all know that this Saint has more than one identity: for many, he is none other than Santa Claus ....

2. A visit to a magnificent fresco by Raphael and Perugino

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gianmarco Sepe (@g.markoo)

When people talk about the San Severo Chapel, not everyone knows that there is also one in beautiful Perugia.

It is now a museum dedicated to a fresco begun by Raphael and later completed by Perugino , dating from the early 16th century. The subject of the work is the Trinity and Saints . The upper part, plastic and monumental, is the Trinity created by Raphael; the lower part, with the figures all in the foreground, shows Perugino's Saints.

The fresco is one of a kind and is certainly a must-see for all art lovers .

1. A Guided Tour of the City Of Sassi

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Matera ®️ (@citta_di_matera_)

One of the most incredible things you can do in Italy is certainly to visit Matera.

You can discover the history but also the traditions of this Lucanian jewel, as well as learn more about daily life.

Let your guide take you through the iconic neighborhoods of Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano. The views and vistas you'll see are of unparalleled beauty, and you'll also have the opportunity to enter a cave house .

Which of these things are you going to do during your next trip to Italy?

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The 10 most beautiful places in Italy

Italy's list of stunning destinations is seemingly endless. The most beautiful places in Italy? Look no further

Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful countries on earth, Italy is full of beautiful places to visit. With its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes and long-standing traditions, there’s a lot to uncover on a trip to Il Bel Paese.

The enduring popularity of Italy means many areas of the country suffer from over-tourism. We’ve done our best to cover the most beautiful places in Italy while highlighting some of the unique destinations you can visit within them to avoid (some of) the crowds. Next time you visit Italy, don’t miss these unique attractions showcasing the best of its nature, culture and history.

RECOMMENDED: 🏝️ The best  Italian islands 🏖️ The best places to visit in Italy 🇮🇹 Italy's most beautiful villages and towns 🍝 The best restaurants in Italy

Livia Hengel  is a travel writer based in Rome. At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines . This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our  affiliate guidelines . 

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Most beautiful places in Italy

1.  Val d’Orcia

Tuscany needs little introduction. A region beloved for its picturesque landscapes, vast vineyards and curving roads lined with cypress trees, it’s a destination everyone dreams of visiting once in a lifetime. The Val d’Orcia, located south of Siena, is one of our favourite parts of Tuscany to explore, with its charming hilltop towns and numerous wine estates. Don’t miss visiting the thermal village of Bagno Vignoni, with a large pool in its central piazza, wineries around Montalcino, which produce the area’s fabled Brunello red wine, and La Foce, a 15th-century estate with one of Italy’s most beautiful, manicured gardens.

2.  Burano

Venice is more than Saint Mark’s Square. This beautiful, floating city comprises 118 islands scattered throughout the Venetian Lagoon. Hop on a vaporetto and head north in the lagoon to Burano, a small fisherman’s island with candy-coloured houses, lace workshops and tiny alleyways. Don’t miss seeing the leaning tower in the central piazza and enjoying lunch at one of Burano’s trattorias, serving local specialties, including sardines, fish risotto and bussolai (traditional cookies). You can also cross over a footbridge to reach Mazzorbo, a sleepy agricultural island where artichokes and grapes grow in a small vineyard.

📍 Check out more of the best day trips from Venice

3.  Tuscia

The glory of Rome tends to overshadow the Lazio region, which is full of fascinating places that are well worth a day trip. Tuscia, an old Etruscan stronghold located a couple of hours’ drive north, is the perfect region to escape the crowds while enjoying cultural and natural sights. Villa Farnese a Caprarola, a pentagonal 16th-century villa, houses incredible Renaissance frescoes, while the nearby Villa Lante in Bagnaia has exquisite gardens known for their water features. From Viterbo’s thermal waters to Lago di Bolsena’s lakeside towns, there’s a lot to see in the area. Don’t miss the Civita di Bagnoregio, a fairytale village sitting atop a tufa rock foundation, seemingly suspended above a vast valley.

📍 Discover the best things to do in nearby Rome

4.  Costa degli Dei

If you’re looking for an alternative to the crowded streets of Positano, head further south to the Costa degli Dei – the Coast of the Gods – in Calabria. As its name suggests, this pristine coastline is an otherworldly marvel with crystal-clear turquoise water and soft, sandy beaches. The uncontested ‘pearl’ of the coastline is Tropea, a hilltop town overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, which offers mesmerizing views, Slim Aarons-style. Adventurous travellers will enjoy the Marina di Zambrone (which requires a hike to reach the beach), while Capo Vaticano has beach clubs with loungers for rent.

📍 Find more of the best beaches in Italy

5.  Alta Murgia

Once regarded as the ‘shame of Italy’ for its troglodyte caves and underdeveloped infrastructure, Matera’s lunar landscapes are quickly becoming one of southern Italy’s leading attractions. It’s worth spending a couple of nights in the city before venturing across the vast Murgia park to explore smaller towns like Altamura, famed for its local bread production, and Gravina in Puglia, with its verdant canyons. The park is ideal for nature enthusiasts who will enjoy hiking, cycling and birdwatching across its limestone plateaus, while culture hunters should pay a visit to Castel del Monte, a 13th-century octagonal castle with towering views over the surrounding landscape.

📍 Discover more of the best things to do in Italy

6.  Sorrentine Peninsula

One of the world’s most popular honeymoon destinations, the Sorrentine Peninsula is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parts of Italy – if not the world. This scenic stretch of coastline, which includes the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Coast, is filled with dozens of famous seaside towns, cliffside villages, rocky bays and sandy coves that capture the essence of  la dolce vita . It’s hard to beat the crowds, but you’ll find more space – and locals – if you head to towns like Cetara, known for its anchovy production, and Vietri sul Mare, famed for its ceramics.

📍 Check out more of the most romantic places in the world

7.  Villa Romana del Casale

The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily is a true microcosm of Italy – one which has seen empires rise and fall over millennia. As such, it is filled with ancient Greek and Roman relics, from temples and theatres to ornamental estates. Villa Romana del Casale, located in Piazza Armerina (a small town in central Sicily), is one of these. This large, 4th-century villa is best known for its well-preserved mosaics, the ‘Bikini Girl’, featuring young women playing sports and exercising —an extremely rare depiction that challenges gender roles and stereotypes of the time.

8.  La Strada del Sagrantino

As one of the biggest global producers and consumers of wine, Italy is filled with vineyards up and down the boot. Instead of heading to more famous regions, why not explore Umbria’s rich wine heritage on your next trip? A full-bodied red wine made near Montefalco, Sagrantino pairs well with the region’s flavourful cuisine, which includes wild boar, black truffles and gingerbread with candied fruits. And with its rolling hills and fall foliage, the Sagrantino Wine Trail is every bit as beautiful as Chianti or Le Langhe. Nearby, you can visit charming medieval towns, including Todi, Spoleto and Assisi.

9.  Riviera del Conero

Situated on the eastern shore of Italy, Le Marche is blessed with a long and picturesque coastline along the Adriatic Sea – and fewer crowds. Its highlight is the Conero National Park, a nature reserve that covers 18km of nature trails and cliffs overlooking secluded beaches where you can swim in crystalline water. La Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle (‘Beach of the Two Sisters’) is the prettiest bay in the park and is named for two large rock formations that emerge from the sea. You can reach it by sea with ferries from the port of Numana.

📍 Find more of the best hikes in the world

10.  Residences of the Royal House of Savoy

A collection of 22 palaces and castles built by the House of Savoy in Piedmont, these castles in Turin are some of the most lavish residences ever built on Italian soil. The House of Savoy was a European royal dynasty that ruled from the 11th century until the monarchy was abolished in 1946. An enormously wealthy and influential family, the Savoy built several estates to house its members, enjoy recreational activities and host governmental functions. The 17th-century Venaria Reale, often referred to as the ‘Versailles of Italy’, is the most famous venue thanks to its grand hall with intricate stucco features and checkered floors.

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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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The 26 Best Things to Do in Rome

By Maresa Manara and Katie Parla

In such an ancient and dense place, prioritizing which corners to see can be an overwhelming task. How do you even start to figure out what to do in Rome? To shed some light on that impenetrable question, we've pulled together a list of world-famous sites and lesser-known destinations—museums, markets, archeological and architectural marvels—that will provide you with the full spectrum of outstanding experiences the Italian capital has to offer. Whether you have only a day in the city or a couple weeks (or return visits) to explore every detail, this list will help you pull together an itinerary you won't forget.

Read our complete Rome travel guide here .

Every review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that activity. When choosing things to do, our editors consider landmarks and experiences that offer an insider’s view of a destination, keeping authenticity, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Palazzo Spada Arrow

Near Campo dei Fiori yet blissfully uncrowded, Palazzo Spada is a striking historic palace built in the 16 th century and redesigned by Roman architect Borromini in the 17th century. Inside there’s a rich art collection with Renaissance and Baroque masters, and outside there’s a peaceful courtyard where eight impressive colonnades create a mesmerising optical illusion. The palace itself is exquisitely Baroque, with elegant, perfect symmetry and ornate decorations. Inside, there are walls plastered in frescoes, immaculate stucco work, and grand halls of opulent, gilded marble. Palazzo Spada houses an incredible art collection, with paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts by artists including Titian and Caravaggio. Don’t miss the Borromini Perspective Gallery, a masterclass in optical illusion where a corridor appears to be much longer than it actually is.

Monte Mario Nature Reserve Arrow

A hike through this huge nature reserve—the highest of Rome’s ‘seven hills’—makes for a great alternative to Villa Borghese, with a fraction of the crowds, and fantastic views over the city. The Monte Mario Natural Reserve spans around 100 hectares, with nature trails wending through canopies of oak trees, pines and cypress trees. There’s a rich array of wildlife, including hawks, kestrels, foxes and hedgehogs. It couldn’t feel farther from one of the world’s biggest cities. There’s a number of different walking trails throughout the reserve, some more difficult (and steep) than others. Take a taxi there from the historical centre—it’s a seven minute drive away.

Case Romane del Celio in Rome Arrow

Underground beneath the Basilica Santi Giovanni e Paolo, this heritage museum shows how Roman daily life has changed over the years. There are 20 rooms showing ancient Roman homes, shops and shrines. It’s cheap to get into and relatively quiet, even on weekends. This is one of the best preserved examples of ancient Roman domestic architecture. The houses date back to the second and third centuries AD. They were part of a larger residential complex, possibly belonging to a single aristocratic Roman family. One of the most remarkable features is the underground area known as the hypogeum —a subterranean complex of chambers and passageways. Visitors can explore several interconnected rooms, including reception areas (atria), living quarters (cubicula), kitchens, and courtyards. The houses are decorated with colorful frescoes, intricate mosaics, and marble floors, showcasing the opulence and artistic sophistication of the Roman elite.

Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza Arrow

Most artists and architects working in the characteristically ornate and emotional Baroque style leaned heavily on color and materials to create strong visual impressions. Not Borromini, in this magnificent church originally designed for the Università di Roma. Using simply molded stucco forms and daylight, the maestro created an interior space that's at once intimate and infinite, simple and complex. If you've seen Bernini's interior design at St. Peter's Basilica, this is a great place to see how his rival achieves absolute architectural perfection without using scale and color as a crutch. There's no guide. Walk in, take a seat, and take it in.

Stacey Lastoe

Tonya Russell

Steph Koyfman

Emily Pennington

Galleria Doria Pamphilj Arrow

This museum houses Rome's largest private collection, a trove assembled by the Doria, Pamphilj, Landi, and Aldobrandini families and brought together through marriage. It’s set in a noble palace still owned by the Doria Pamphilj family and the ornate halls provide a grand setting for such an overwhelming amount of art. The collection is acclaimed among 16th and 17th-century art aficionados but is off the average visitor’s radar even though it's located just off Piazza Venezia and close to the Forum.

Villa Doria Pamphilj Arrow

Rome's largest public park is divided into manicured gardens, stretches of forest, pine groves, and bits of wild vegetation. There are wide open fields, as well as intimate nooks for romantic picnics. It's a perfect destination for runners or cyclists who want to get in a few miles without the nuisances of car traffic and smog. Whether you visit for a stroll, a meal, or a workout, be sure to have a map. The place is huge and some exits spit you out into residential neighborhoods.

Colosseum Arrow

If you know the background of the building, a visit to the Colosseum will be truly amazing and totally live up to the hype. The place was used for wild beast hunts, public executions, and gladiator fights for several hundred years, then became a condo of sorts as medieval Romans made their homes in the hulking ruins. Spend a little time on the second story exhibition area, check out the artists' renderings of the building's ancient and medieval incarnations, and you'll be anxious to learn more.

Ancient Pharmacy of Santa Maria della Scala Arrow

Entering this ancient apothecary, the oldest in Europe, feels a little like stepping back in time. You enter through the ground floor of the building, which is now a functioning, modern pharmacy, before heading upstairs to the ancient iteration. Visitors are welcomed by a friar, who talks you through the various herbs, potions, unguents, balms, and oils that they used to heal the ancient Romans. He knows his stuff. Ask him to show you some of the original wooden furniture from the 18th century, and the instruments they used for weighing ingredients and making the medicines. Look out for the teriaca, a potion created and used by Romans as an antidote—ingredients include viper meat.

MAXXI Rome Arrow

MAXXI is the kind of place you go to spend half a day, with no plans other than to take the entire place in. Designed by Zaha Hadid, this is Rome’s museum for all things contemporary, with exhibitions spanning modern fashion, cinema, art, and architecture. Heck, it’s worth visiting just to check out the building, a piece of art in itself. The labyrinthine space at MAXXI is astounding. It gets busy, but there's so much space that you wouldn't notice. Big, wide halls give way to rooms of different themes and sizes, resulting in five floors of non-stop, incredible artwork. Spaces range from performing arts to galleries with modern artworks to open cinemas. For some, this might feel a little incoherent, but it helps if you take it in as a whole rather than different spaces.

Capitoline Museums Arrow

Home to one of the finest collections of ancient sculpture in Rome (and therefore the world), the Capitoline Museums are—weirdly—rarely crowded. They attract school groups, local history and art buffs, and travelers, all of whom tend to meander through the museums' various buildings, two of which were designed by none other than Michelangelo. Thanks to its collection and its proximity to Rome's main archeological attractions, it's a logical place to stop after visiting the Roman Forum and Colosseum.

Palatine Hill Arrow

The Palatine Hill is a big, sprawling open-air museum. There are emperors' palaces, manicured gardens, medieval churches, and a terrace overlooking the Forum and beyond. The admission fee is about $18 and covers the Roman Forum and Colosseum, too, making it a pretty great deal. Although the Palatine has monuments from every major era in Rome's history, the real draw is a first-century palace built by Domitian, a mad emperor with a very serious architecture addiction.

Jubilee Church Arrow

Chiesa di Dio Padre Misericordioso, also known as the Jubilee Church, was designed by American architect Richard Meier as part of the Vatican's grand church-building and city revival program leading up to the Millennium Jubilee, a Catholic pilgrimage year held in 2000. The church is free, though getting there may cost you. It's about six miles from central Rome, so a taxi could easily cost more than €25 ($28). Alternatively, you can reach the church via public transport for €3 ($4) round trip.

San Zeno Chapel at Santa Prassede Arrow

The San Zeno Chapel is a small chapel and major pilgrimage destination inside the church of Santa Prassede (aka Saint Praxedes). The church, chapel, and mosaics all backdate to the 9th century when Pope Paschal I built the chapel and its Byzantine mosaics for his mother. Because the chapel houses the remains of a pillar believed by many Catholics to be from the Flagellation of Christ, it draws some pilgrims. Other visitors are travelers specifically there to see the Byzantine mosaics.

Domus Aurea Arrow

A sprawling palatial pavilion built by emperor Nero in the 1st century that will blow you away with the design taste and command of concrete and space on display. You can only visit on weekends—the site's under restoration during the week—but admission includes a guided tour. Ours was led by an archeologist who not only worked on the site but was totally obsessed with it; the passion made for a terrific tour. Try your luck.

Mercato di Campagna Amica del Circo Massimo Arrow

Despite being Rome's largest farmers market, the Mercato di Campagna Amica remains down to earth and not at all corporate—as demonstrated by the fact it's only open on weekends. The stalls adhere to the "0 km" philosophy, shorthand for products made or grown within 100 kilometers from the point of sale; and vendors come mostly from Lazio, Rome's home region. It's a crash course in the local leafy greens, amusing in their number and variety, especially to visitors from northern climates. Both the olives and the olive oil you'll find here are worth a splurge, but one of the market's best uses is as a source of super-fresh (and super-cheap) picnic material. Grab some bread, a little fresh pecorino, a few slices of prosciutto, some fruit, and make yourself a lunch.

Villa Farnesina Arrow

The Villa was the private residence of Agostino Chigi, one of the Renaissance's richest men; he liked to showcase his wealth by hiring artists to paint elaborate frescoes on the walls and ceilings in his palace. That makes this a great place for Renaissance fans who want to take their time and see the art in-situ without the crowds. Thanks to Raphael's emphasis on mythological themes, it's also a great place for kids who know about the Roman gods—or want to!

Janiculum Hill Arrow

This is a leisurely stroll beginning in Trastevere and winding up via Garibaldi to the top of Janiculum Hill. The mood changes from urban at the beginning to monumental at the end; it's a bit of work, but rewards those willing to do it with a unique perspective on Roman history and some of the best views of the city. Best to do the walk during the day, or early in the morning if it's summer. If you're on a tight schedule, don't want to brave the hill in the heat, or just want to get a view, skip the hike and take a taxi directly to Piazzale Garibaldi.

Vicus Caprarius Arrow

This museum takes you beneath the Trevi district, through an intricate maze of ancient vestiges to the archaeological ruins of Vicus Caprarius (which roughly translates to “City of Water”), an old Roman apartment complex dating back to the first-century A.D.. You get to see first-hand how the rich Romans lived, using their very own aqueduct–the same one that feeds the Trevi fountain–for their running water. The entrance is unassuming, and if you hadn’t been told it was there it would be easy to walk right past. There’s a fairly comprehensive website but all bookings are made (and confirmed) via a Whatsapp chat. Skip the guided tour—there were 8 of us in the tour group, but we shared the same (small) space with  self-guided individuals, many of whom had just showed up and booked on the day. If you're keen on a post-museum cocktail, head upstairs to Harry's Bar.

Santa Maria del Popolo Arrow

Santa Maria del Popolo is a Renaissance church at the edge of Piazza del Popolo and just within Rome's 3rd-century walls. It was decorated during Rome's most recent artistic peak, the 15th to 17th centuries, and is packed with masterpieces. The church is free, though some coins will come in handy for turning lights on in chapels. The place mostly draws visitors on the Caravaggio trail. Two canvases painted by that controversial and innovative artist hang in the chapel next to the main altar.

Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini Arrow

The Domus Romane are ancient Roman villas and other structures that were abandoned in antiquity, filled in with debris, and inadvertently used as foundations for Palazzo Valentini, a Renaissance palace turned government office building. They are now underground, obscured by buildings and pavement just beside Piazza Venezia. Booking is required and must be done online.

Santa Maria in Trastevere Arrow

There are hundreds of churches in Rome, but Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the most breathtaking. Not only are the mosaics and gilded ceiling spectacular, the very skeletal structure of the church is mind-boggling. The columns that support the nave and separate the aisles are single, solid pieces of granite that were lugged across the river in the 12th century after being plundered from the 3rd-century Baths of Caracalla. The church will help you develop a taste for medieval Rome, a period often outshined by the Renaissance and Baroque eras.

Palazzo Massimo Arrow

The Palazzo Massimo's building itself was built by Jesuits in the late 19th century and was only turned into a state-owned museum in 1980. It's next to Stazione Termini, Rome's busiest station, yet few travelers make the trip to see the museum's masterpiece-packed halls. The collection is a mix of Classical sculpture, Imperial frescoes, and Hellenistic baroque-style statuary. After the Vatican Museums and Capitoline Museums, the Palazzo Massimo is a must for ancient art lovers.

Testaccio Market Arrow

This market in one of Rome's most bustling central neighborhoods has all the usual suspects: bread bakeries, produce stalls, fishmongers, butchers, and delis. You'll also find seasonal vegetables like artichokes or zucchini, cuts typical of the local cuisine like tripe and liver, and little chewy pizzas common to Roman bakeries. If you're looking for lunch (or to stock a picnic), hunt down takeaway stalls like the stellar Mordi e Vai, which serves Roman sandwiches near the Via B. Franklin exit. The stalls on the eastern side of the market mainly sell clothes, shoes, and housewares. There's even a hair salon, in case you're needing a touchup.

Pigneto Arrow

Pigneto is popular with Italian college students and twenty- and thirty-somethings who frequent the bars on the "Isola," a pedestrianized stretch of Via del Pigneto, the neighborhood's central artery. It's also a destination for Pasolini fans who visit the streets that were the backdrop for his Neorealist films. It's an acquired taste and may feel too rough-around-the-edges for some, but anyone interested in urbanism and street art, or just thirsty to explore neighborhood's outside of Rome's historic center, will enjoy it.

Baths of Caracalla Arrow

The Baths of Caracalla were a massive public bathing complex built in the third century. Throughout the year, the site is open during the day for visitors to stroll through ruins that were so magnificent they inspired the Main Concourse at Grand Central Terminal. Each summer, the city of Rome's Opera company performs at the Baths, using the towering brick ruins as a backdrop. The contrast of the ancient buildings, celebrated operas, and modern acoustics and lighting is stunning.

Quartiere San Lorenzo Arrow

This working-class neighborhood near Termini station first gained international prominence when Soho House opened their Rome outpost a few years back. Since then, it’s evolved from a rough-around-the-edges student hangout into a decidedly bohemian district, with street art, street food, lively bars, and cool fashion boutiques. To get the most out of the neighborhood, visit in the late afternoon, when fashion boutiques like L’Anatra all’Arancia and La Maison de la Mode will still be open. Refuel with a coffee at the diminutive Giufà Libreria Caffè bookstore-bar, then check out the street art around Via dei Sabelli and Scalo San Lorenzo. Stop by Blackmarket San Lorenzo for a pre-dinner cocktail and vegetarian small plates, or pop into Sanlollo for pizzas, bruschetta, and salted cod. Gelato San Lorenzo does some of the best ice cream in town, all of it organic. Still, don't bring your parents or your fussiest friends here; rather, come with someone who’s up for a cheap-ish night out in a gritty but very cool neighborhood.

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Destination Italy: 10 Things To Do In Italy At Least Once In Your Life

I taly is a land of immense beauty, rich history, and delicious cuisine. From the bustling streets of Rome to the serene waters of the Amalfi Coast, there is no shortage of incredible experiences in this stunning country. Whether one is an art lover, a foodie, a history buff, or simply someone looking for an unforgettable adventure, Italy has something to offer.

This article lists some of the most amazing things to do in Italy at least once in a lifetime. From touring ancient Roman ruins to savoring authentic Italian cuisine, read on to discover some of the best experiences Italy has to offer.

Rome offers so many things to do and see ; it is a world-famous tourist destination, offering an incredible experience with a unique blend of ancient history, culture, and modern Italian charm. The city is filled with stunning architecture, amazing food, and a vibrant atmosphere that is sure to captivate any visitor.

Rome is home to various famous landmarks, such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, and the Vatican City, providing a glimpse into the city's rich history and cultural heritage. Additionally, the city hosts many cultural events throughout the year, including music festivals, art exhibitions, and religious celebrations.

Take A Gondola Ride In Venice

Gondolas have been a mode of transportation in Venice for over 1,000 years. Originally used by wealthy families, they are now primarily used for tourism. Taking a gondola ride in Venice is a classic and romantic way to experience the city's unique waterways and stunning architecture, including historic palaces and bridges.

However, it can be a bit expensive, with prices ranging from 80 to 150 Euros for a 30-40 minute ride. Some gondoliers also offer longer rides that take people outside the city center, providing commentary on the sights and history of the city.

Visit Florence

Florence, the capital of Tuscany, offers a wealth of things to do and see and is mostly known for its rich history and cultural heritage. It is a relatively small city, with most of its top attractions within walking distance of each other, making it easy to explore the city on foot, taking in its beautiful sights and sounds at a leisurely pace.

The city is home to many beautiful and historic buildings, including the Duomo, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge lined with shops. Additionally, Florence is a great place to shop for high-quality leather goods allowing visitors to buy jackets, handbags, and shoes, with a thriving market scene.

Related: Beyond Rome: Top 10 Must-See Natural Wonders In Italy

Experience The Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is one of the best places in Italy to visit ; this spot is a stretch of coastline in Southern Italy, known for its rugged beauty, colorful villages, and clear blue waters. Some of the most popular villages on the Amalfi coast include Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, offering a unique small-town charm.

The Amalfi Coast has many beautiful beaches. Some of the most popular beaches include Fornillo Beach, Duoglio Beach, and Arienzo Beach. Visitors to the Amalfi coast can enjoy various activities, including hiking along the cliffside paths, swimming in the clear waters, and boating around the coastline, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Tour The Tuscany Wine Region

Touring the Tuscany wine region is a must-do for any wine lover visiting Italy. Tuscany is known for its picturesque landscapes, charming medieval towns, and world-renowned wineries. The region has many beautiful wineries, each with its unique style and charm. Some of the most famous wineries include Antinori, Castello di Ama, and Tenuta dell'Ornellaia.

Additionally, Tuscany is home to many beautiful medieval towns, such as Siena, San Gimignano, and Montalcino offering stunning views of the rolling hills and beautiful vineyards. The best time to visit the Tuscany wine region is spring or fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner.

Eat Authentic Italian Food

Experiencing authentic Italian food is one of the most popular things to do in Italy . In Italy, dining is a leisurely affair with multiple courses. Each region of the country has unique cuisine and specialties, with olive oil as a key ingredient used in many dishes. Some of the most popular dishes in Italy include risotto, polenta, seafood, gelato, and pasta.

Desserts are also an important part of Italian cuisine, featuring ingredients like fruit, chocolate, and nuts. Some classic Italian desserts include tiramisu, cannoli, and panna cotta. Besides the local dishes, Italian wine is some of the best in the world and should not be missed on one's Italy adventure.

Related: Eat Your Way Through Italy: 10 Culinary Tours To Explore The Country & Its Food

Visit Pompeii

Pompeii was an ancient Roman city near modern-day Naples and a must-do experience for history buffs and anyone interested in ancient civilizations. The city features a vast archeological site, home to some of the popular attractions, including the amphitheater, the forum, the Temple of Jupiter, and the House of the Faun.

Additionally, visitors can also explore the streets and alleys of the city, lined with shops, houses, and other buildings. Many of the buildings have well-preserved frescoes, mosaics, and other decorations, providing an insight into the daily life of the ancient Romans.

Attend An Event Or Festival In Italy

Italy is known for its vibrant festivals and events held throughout the year. From historical reenactments to colorful celebrations of local culture, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Attending a festival or event in Italy is a great way to experience the country's rich culture and history.

Some of the most popular Italian festivals are Carnevale,Palio di Siena, Festa della Madonna Bruna, Calcio Storico, Festival of Sanremo and La Notte Rosa. However, check the dates and locations of festivals and events before going, as they can vary from year to year.

Explore The Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a stunning coastal area in the Liguria region of Italy , known for its colorful villages perched on rocky cliffs overlooking the sea. Each of the five villages in the Cinque Terre has its own unique character. Visitors can explore the narrow streets, colorful houses, and restaurants.

One of the best ways to experience the Cinque Terre is to hike the trails connecting the five villages, offering stunning coastline views. Visitors can also take a boat tour along the coast to see the villages from a different perspective.

Related: Uncover The Mysteries: A Guide To The 10 Best Archeological Sites In Italy

Visit The Island Of Sicily

The island of Sicily was once a Greek colony, home to many ancient Greek ruins, including the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another notable attraction on the island is Mount Etna, an active volcano that dominates the landscape of eastern Sicily. Visitors can take a guided tour of the volcano and its surrounding park, including the lava fields and craters, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Sicily also has many beautiful beaches, including the popular Mondello Beach near Palermo and the stunning San Vito lo Capo Beach in the northwest, offering various recreational activities for tourists.