Best 20 Places To Visit In Italy - Updated 2024

best places to visit in italy
Mich
Mich 
Updated
| 9 min read

Are you wondering why almost everyone wants to visit Italy? Italy is a European country that is known for fashion, arts, Roman history, ornate architecture, a vibrant food scene, and a lot more, which gives you thousands of reasons as to why this place deserves your precious time. It is composed of many cities, each with its own charm, that will surely captivate one’s heart. Also, it features a long Mediterranean coastline, giving you spectacular beaches and waterfront resorts. Don’t forget to plan your itinerary well for you need to see every city in this boot-shaped country. As a guide, you should check out our list of the best places to visit in Italy.

1. Rome (from USD 18.43)

best places to visit in italy | rome

Great food, majestic architecture, rich history, are only few of the things the capital of Italy can offer its guests. Rome boasts famous attractions that have beautiful or haunting backstories. You’ll find here many ancient ruins like the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum. If it is art you’re after, you only need to walk around its medieval piazzas, and you’ll see world-class baroque facades. In case you’re hungry for more art, go to the basilicas and the museums and see Rennaisance paintings and Byzantine mosaics as well as works of well-renowned artists like Michaelangelo, Caravaggio, and Raphael. A trip to Rome wouldn’t be complete without eating in pizzerias and trattorias and having coffee on some beautiful cafe by the street, while you watch people pass by.

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Rome: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour

Duration: 4.0 to 3.0 hour

3556 reviews

2. Milan (from USD 42.27)

best places to visit in italy | milan

When you hear the word Milan, the first word that often comes to mind is fashion. Milan is the world’s fashion and design capital. It is also where you’ll encounter Italian fashion houses that have branched out into almost everywhere–like spas, bars, hotels, galleries, and more. You’ll almost feel that this is a place where not dressing well is a crime. Though the metropolis has a connotation of being a workaholic city, the people of Milan know how to have fun, especially when you visit La Scala and experience its prestigious nightlife and get to know its vibrant music scene. As for the artistic side of the city, the most famous contribution of Milan is the Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci, which you’ll find in the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

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Milan: Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Bike Tour

Duration: 3.5 hour

381 reviews

3. Venice

best places to visit in italy | venice
Source: www.klook.com

A dreamy place straight out of a fairy tale, Venice is a city composed of 100 little islands in the lagoon of the Adriatic Sea. It is known for its stunning and elaborately designed architecture, beautiful palaces filled with exquisite artworks, and vibrant history that dates back 1,000 years ago. One of the most famous attractions here is the Grand Canal. It is an iconic waterway where you can experience the famous gondola ride with a singing gondolier to keep you entertained. Two of the must-visit sites here, for its architectural value and its artworks, are the Basilica San Marco and the Palazzo Ducale. Also, you might as well visit the many shops, museums, cafes, and more, which line the largest piazza in Venice, Piazza San Marco.

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Venice Venice Venice
Photos of Venice, Italy, shared by content creator from Singapore, Princess.

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Sneha

Sneha

Venice

Venice is pure magic. The place with endless bridges, narrow canals & gondolas as public transport. Around every corner is another stunning view, as though from a postcard or painting.

Do you know... once on Venice island, the only mode of transport is by boat or by foot.

I would love to take my partner to visit Italy. I hope you visit too. Have you ever traveled to Venice or anywhere in Italy?

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Best Of Venice Walking Tour - Klook

Duration: 1hrs30 Min Duration

4. Florence (from USD 204.0)

The capital of the Tuscany Region in Italy, Florence is famous for its Renaissance architecture and art, which is very evident in the many attractions the city offers, just like the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore or the Florence Cathedral. You’ll be mesmerized with its terracotta-tiled dome that was designed by Brunelleschi. Another thing you’ll find stunning in the cathedral is Giotto’s magnificent bell tower. Also, you shouldn’t miss the chance to visit the Uffizi Gallery, where you can view Da Vinci’s “Annunciation” and “The Birth of Venus” by Botticelli.

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Florence Small-Group E-Scooter Highlights Tour

Duration: 2 hours

401 reviews

5. Pisa (from USD 19.51)

pisa

Famous for the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa is a city located in the Tuscany Region in Italy. This city is more than a stopover when traveling to Florence; it is a place that offers numerous historical sites, museums, and over 20 magnificent churches. Also, the scenic view along the banks of the River of Arno will surely take your breath away, with its gorgeous landscape and beautiful vibrant houses as its background. Before heading to your next destination in Italy, don’t forget to drop by the Borgo Stretto for high-end shopping and excellent architecture.

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Pisa: Guided Walking Tour with Optional Leaning Tower Ticket

Duration: 1.0 to 1.5 hour

191 reviews

6. Tuscany (from USD 115.0)

Recognized as the birthplace of Italian Renaissance, Tuscany is a region in Italy that is known for its beautiful landscapes, colorful history, influential art scene, and most especially its impact on high culture. It is home to many world-class museums just like the Uffizi Gallery and the Pitti Palace. Also, the region features beaches, mountains, vineyards, and olive groves, which you can all explore when you visit Tuscany.

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Florence Full-Day Tuscany Tour with Siena, Pisa, San Gimignano

Duration: 11 to 12 hours

14493 reviews

7. Verona (from USD 27.12)

Located in the Veneto Region in Italy, Verona is famous for being the setting for Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet”. According to locals, you’ll find here a home with a small balcony from the 14th-century, complete with a gorgeous courtyard, which is said to be the residence of Juliet. But apart from its association to Shakespeare’s play, Verona is a must-visit city for its beautiful piazzas, countless remarkable churches, and the many picturesque bridges over the river of Adige.

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City Sightseeing Verona: Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour

8. Capri Island (from USD 152.82)

capri island

There are many reasons why well-known celebrities throughout the world often talk about wanting to have a holiday in Capri. Capri is an island in Italy located in the Bay of Naples and features picture-perfect beach clubs dotted with chairs and umbrellas, making a remarkable image of order. Also, the island is famous for its upscale shopping options, leather sandals, luxury hotels, and many more. One of the most visited attractions here is the Blue Grotto. It is a cavern where you’ll see electric blue waters that seem to glow, because of the light that reflects on the cave walls, making a wondrous optical impression.

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From Naples: Island of Capri Full-Day Tour with Lunch

Duration: 8.0 hour

1462 reviews

9. Naples (from USD 27.1)

naples

In the shadows of the still active Mt. Vesuvius, Naples is the third-largest city in Italy and an epic tourist destination for its rich history, vibrant nightlife, and outstanding architecture, which you can see in its churches, squares, and historical structures. If you’re a fan of mysteries and secrecy, then you’ll surely want to visit the San Gennaro Catacombs. It is an underground world that has numerous passageways lined with crypts and graves that can be traced back to ancient times. It has two floors, where the lower deck look like a haunted place with its dim lights and 3,000 graves, while on the upper level, you’ll find beautiful frescoes and artworks.

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Naples: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour 24-Hour Ticket

2270 reviews

10. Sicily (from USD 2704.17)

sicily

Have you seen Italy on the map? It looks like a boot, right? On its toe is the island of Sicily, the largest in the Mediterranean. It is known for its rich and colorful history which you can see in its numerous historical sites just like the Valley of the Temples, Greek temples, Cappella Palatina, and more. Also, never forget to visit its capital of Palermo that is dotted with palazzos, which is a great indication of the glamour and affluence of earlier times. In case you’re here for its beaches, the island of Sicily features more or less 600 miles (956.61 km) of coastline, giving each type of traveler a choice, such as Mondello if you opt for something within reach, Scale Dei Turchi for postcard-ready pictures, and Lo Zingaro for the wild souls that need adventures.

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Small Group Tour of Sicily Highlights: 8 Days

Duration: 8.0 day

1 review

11. Siena (from USD 43.35)

siena

Also located in the Tuscany region in Central Italy, Siena is famous for the Palio di Siena, a horse race that happens twice a year, every July 2 and August 16. Apart from the horse race of 17 city wards, Siena is also known for its medieval cityscape, numerous museums, vibrant art scene, and its local cuisine. One thing that makes the city special is its romantic ambiance and relatively smaller crowds, unlike Florence. One of the most visited attractions here is the fan-shaped medieval square, Piazza Del Campo. You can spend time here drinking coffee at local coffee shops or bars while you watch people continue with their daily life.

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Siena: Guided Walking Tour with Cathedral Entry

Duration: 1.0 hour

259 reviews

12. Sardinia

Medieval town Castelsardo, Sardinia, Italy
Source: Photo by user Larry Koester used under CC BY 2.0

Another island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia is a popular summer destination in Italy. With its 2,000 km (1,242.74 mi) of coastline, there is surely something in store for each type of beachgoer. Aside from its sandy beaches, the island also offers mountainous hiking trails. One of the unique features of the Sardinia is its landscape dotted with Nuraghi, Bronze Age stone ruins that resemble a beehive. One great example of this landscape is Su Nuraxi, which is located in Barumini and dates back to 1,500 B.C.

Su Nuraxi

Address: Viale Su Nuraxi, 09021 Barumini VS, Italy

Website: Sardinia

Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)

Price: 12 EUR or 13 USD

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13. Ravenna (from USD 231.94)

ravenna

Haven’t heard of Ravenna, unlike other popular cities in Italy such as Verona, Florence, and Venice? Well, it’s time for you to get to know this elegant city in the region of Emilia-Romagna. It is famous for its many buildings adorned with colorful, early Christian and Byzantine mosaics, just like what you’ll see in the 6th-century Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Basilica di San Vitale, and the Mausoleo di Galla Placidia. Apart from architecture and arts, the city also offers beautiful beaches, great local cuisine, and the famous sparkling red wine, Lambrusco.

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Ravenna Ravenna Ravenna

Ravenna, the city of ancient mosaics, is perfect for those who love art. I will never not be impressed by the sheer amount of work and talent put into such a beautiful art form. There are a lot of detailed and colorful mosaics that feature different religious scenes.

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Ravenna: Private Tour with Stunning Byzantine Mosaics

Duration: 2.5 hour

64 reviews

14. Sorrento (from USD 92.21)

Overlooking the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is a town in Southwestern Italy that is known for its small shops that offer numerous handicrafts like laceworks, ceramics, and marquetry. This coastal town is set atop a cliff, away from the busy marinas, which are often packed with tourists and locals. Given its cliff-side location, Sorrento has uninterrupted water views, giving you a fabulous backdrop for your photos. Also, you should visit the Piazza Tasso, a square that is lined with cafes and where you can try the town’s cuisine and other delightful treats.

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The Lemons of Life: Food Hopping Tour in Sorrento with Regional Favourites, Meet n’ Greet with Culinary Pirate and More

15. Cinque Terre (from USD 65.0)

Composed of five fishing villages, Cinque Terre is an underrated tourist destination in Italy, which is equally romantic and picturesque just like its many cities. When you visit the area, you’ll see vibrant-colored houses and beautiful vineyards that are set in terraces. Another attraction not to be missed here is the fishing boat-filled harbor that is also lined with trattorias which serve fresh seafood dishes and pesto. If you’re into more active things, then you have to try hiking at the Sentiero Azzurro cliff-side hiking trail, which connects the five fabulous villages and gives you striking sea vistas.

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Cinque Terre Full-Day Tour with Lunch Option from Florence

Duration: 12 hours 30 minutes

2180 reviews

16. Italian Lake District (from USD 2.0)

The Italian Lake District is composed of five popular lakes–Lake Como, Lake Garda, Lake Octa, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Iseo. If you’re an American, you’ll surely choose Lake Como as a holiday destination; as for Germans they often opt for Lake Garda, while Lake Octa is the go-to vacation spot for Italians. Lake Como is famous for its beautiful villas, Lake Maggiore is the largest among the four, and Lake Iseo is the underdog and seems like a hidden treasure which few only know about. Visit the Italian Lake District and learn about each of the lakes’ unique charm and discovery why tourists love this area.

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7-Days Italian Lakes and the Dolomites Tour from Milan

Duration: 7 days

17. Pompei (from USD 26.01)

pompei

Located in Southern Italy in the lovely region of Campania, which overlooks the majestic Mt. Vesuvius, Pompei is a city that is popular for the ancient ruins of Pompeii. When Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, the town was buried in ashes, killing approximately 3,000 people. Today, the town of Pompeii has become an outdoor museum that exhibits the ruins of the ancient city. It serves as proof of how developed the Roman Civilization is as you see the city’s amphitheater and the Villa of the Mysteries. Another great attraction in Pompei is the Sanctuary of the Madonna of the Rosary, which is a catholic pilgrimage site that features an ornate cupola and impressive mosaics.

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Pompeii: Entry Ticket with Optional Audio Guide

8431 reviews

18. Turin (from USD 86.71)

turin

Situated in Northern Italy, Turin is the capital of Piedmont, which is the financial an business hub of Italy. This city is known for its refined architectural style and mouthwatering cuisine, which you can sample at the many excellent local restaurants in town. When you are here, you should visit Turin’s boulevard, where you’ll be amazed by the baroque-style buildings and old-fashioned cafes. It is also where you’ll find the Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo, two grand squares of the city that are worth your time exploring.

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Turin 3-Hour Classic Walking Tour

Duration: 3.0 hour

20 reviews

19. Positano (from USD 43.0)

positano

Do you want to know why Positano is a popular holiday destination in Italy? The reasons vary for everyone–one may say, because of its picturesque landscape, given that it is a cliff side village, while others may tell you that they are after its pebble beachfront or the narrow street dotted with charming boutiques and cute cafes. There’s a lot of interesting and marvelous things this city in Amalfi Coast has to offer, all you need to do is explore.

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From Sorrento: Positano Evening Tour

Duration: 5 hour

30 reviews

20. Como (from USD 104.46)

como

Located in Northern Italy, Como is a picturesque city in the southern point of Lake Como. A lot of tourists flock here to explore the beauty of Lake Como as well as the unique natural landscape. Apart from nature, the city also boasts of impressive architecture which you can see in the Gothic-style Como Cathedral and the Romanesque Basilica of Saint Addondio. As for Como’s art scene, they have here the Como Archaeological Museum, where you can find artifacts that date back to the Greek times, and Museo Storico Giuseppe Garibaldi, which exhibits lavishly restored rooms that showcase traditional living in Italy through the ages. Explore the city, and you’ll find more reasons to come back here.

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Como: 2-Hour Walking Tour

Duration: 2 hour

2 reviews

Visit incredible Italy

A country with a lot of character, Italy offers you romantic cities, historical sites, beautiful architecture, world-class art, and more surprises when you visit. Before planning your itinerary, read our list of the best places to visit in Italy, as your guide. Have a happy and fun-filled holiday.

Bormio

Contributed by Content Creator, Gabriella Di Gianvito

Source: Gabriella Di Gianvito

Looking for something to do in November in the mountains? A visit to Bormio is a must!

Trekking

  • Pedemontana della Reit: Starting from the Santelon chapel, in approximately 2 hours, you’ll arrive on the Stelvio SS road at the height of the natural cliff.

  • Monte Vallecetta: From the road to Piatta in 30 minutes, you will reach the terraced village of the same name overlooking the valley. Continuing for 1 hour and 30 minutes, you will arrive at Bormio 2000 ski resort.

  • Sentiero Frodolfo: Cycle/pedestrian path that runs alongside the stream for 5.5 km and connects Bormio to S. Antonio in Valfurva

  • Oga Fort: In the locality of Santa Lucia, take Via al Forte which leads to the Sanctuary of Oga and then to the Le Motte area. From here, we proceed along the mountainside up to the Fort.

Thermal baths

  • Two thousand years of history surround the Bagni Vecchi, from the Cassiodoro pool of the IV, passing through the tub of the Archduchess of Austria to the natural cave of the San Martino spring

Daily: 69 EUR (74.78 USD)

Hours: 10 am – 10 pm

Aperitif included

Restaurants

  • Osteria la Bajona in the historic center combines tradition and innovation! It’s difficult to decide what to taste among the proposals, one more inviting than the other.

  • Le Motte, a wonderful panoramic restaurant that transforms into a ski hut in the snow. Their valley lasagnetta and Braulio sorbet, served mountain style, are unmissable

  • Eredi Romani bakery, daily fixed stop for excursions, including spiced aniseed bread, Borminelli jam and chocolate and homemade cakes (buckwheat, chocolate and orange ricotta, pear and chocolate, apple)

Trento

Contributed by Content Creator, Gabriella Di Gianvito

Source: Gabriella Di Gianvito

Trento is a city that tells its story from its Roman foundations to the present day, passing through the places of the illustrious Council, the testimonies of the Great War and the courageous resistance of its partisans.

Looking for museums not to be missed while you are in Trento? Here they are!

  • 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐁𝐮𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐨: open 10am - 6pm (closed on Mondays), ticket price: 10 EUR (10.84 USD), visit duration: 2h
  • 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐨 𝐃𝐢𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐨: open 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 6pm (closed Tuesday), ticket price: 5 EUR (5.42 USD), visit duration: 1:30h
  • 𝐓𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐢 𝐏𝐢𝐚𝐳𝐳𝐚 𝐃𝐮𝐨𝐦𝐨: open 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 6pm (closed Tuesday), ticket price: 5 EUR (5.42 USD), guided tour duration: 1h
  • 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐢 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐨: open 6:30am - 12pm and 2:30pm - 8pm, ticket price: free, visit duration: 15 min
  • 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐬𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐚: open 10am - 12pm and 2:30pm - 5:30pm (closed Tuesday), ticket price: 3 EUR (3.25 USD), visit duration: 30 min
  • 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐨 𝐒𝐀𝐒𝐒, 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐦 𝐬𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐚, 𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐮𝐬 𝐝𝐢 𝐎𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐨: open 9am - 1pm and 2pm - 5:30pm (closed on Monday), ticket price: 5 EUR (5.42 USD), visit duration: 45min
  • 𝐋𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞: open 10am - 6pm (closed Monday), free, visit duration: 1h
  • 𝐓𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚: open 9am - 12pm and 1pm - 4pm (closed on Mondays), free, visit duration: 30 min
  • 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐄: open: 10am - 6pm, ticket price: 11 EUR (11.91 USD), visit duration: 2 h

Ischia

Contributed by Content Creator, Yari

Source: Yari

Everybody knows Capri. But there’s another island in the Bay of Naples that deserves just as much hype: Ischia. This “Green Isle,” as it’s called by the locals, has everything you could ask for from a holiday: beaches, pasta, local wines, gardens and even thermal waters. Basically, all the ingredients for the ultimate R&R vacation.

I’m not lying when I say the trip to Ischia was the most revitalising solo trip I’ve ever been on, thanks in large part to the natural thermal waters and epic water parks on the isle. Here are some of my recommendations for a great trip:

  • Visit Giardini Ravino to pose amidst cacti
  • Check out Sorgeto Beach, where thermal waters meet the sea
  • Stop by Giardini la Mortella, the most beautiful garden I’ve ever been to
  • Climb to the top of Castello Aragonese, a stunning landmark, for breathtaking views
  • Check out the church ruins in the castle
  • Try some pistachio and hazelnut ice cream as they’re simply the best
  • Take an icy cold saltwater bath at Negombo thermal water park
  • Relish some pre-dinner Aperol

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Michelle, a devoted writer and travel enthusiast, endeavors to make a living through her love for words. Her objective is to explore the world, connect with diverse individuals, and motivate others...Read more

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