10 of the Best Places to Visit in Italy
From sun-soaked coastlines to romantic cities and rolling vineyard-covered hills, Italy is a feast for the senses.
Nestled in southern Europe and shaped like a boot, it’s a place where history and art collide with la dolce vita — the sweet life. Whether you're wandering ancient ruins, sipping espresso in bustling piazzas, or cruising along scenic coastlines, Italy has a way of capturing your heart.
With a well-connected train system and regional airports, you can enjoy a gondola ride in Venice one day, hiking cliffside villages in Cinque Terre the next, and sipping Chianti in Tuscany by sunset.
To help you plan your perfect itinerary, here are 10 of the best places to visit in Italy — each with its slice of Italian magic.
1. Rome
No trip to Italy is complete without experiencing its vibrant capital. Rome is a living museum where ancient ruins, Renaissance masterpieces, and modern Italian life co-exist. Marvel at the Colosseum, wander the Roman Forum and toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain. The Vatican City, home to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, is a must-see. Don’t forget to indulge in gelato on the Spanish Steps or people-watch in Piazza Navona.
2. Venice
Built on more than 100 small islands, Venice is like nowhere else on Earth. The canals are its roads, and gondolas glide past Gothic and Renaissance facades. Visit St. Mark’s Basilica, explore the Doge’s Palace, and cross the iconic Rialto Bridge. The magic is in the details — the soft echo of footsteps down quiet alleyways and the golden light bouncing off the Grand Canal at sunset.
3. Florence
The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a haven for art, culture, and stunning architecture. Gaze at Michelangelo’s David, climb the Duomo for panoramic views, and stroll across the Ponte Vecchio. The Uffizi Gallery houses works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael. Between museums, relax in a café and savour a rich Tuscan red.
4. Cinque Terre
The five villages of Cinque Terre cling to cliffs along the Ligurian Sea, connected by hiking trails and scenic trains. Each town — Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore — offers pastel-coloured houses, crystal-clear waters, and charming trattorias. Hike the Via dell’Amore (Lover’s Path), then reward yourself with fresh seafood and local wine.
5. Amalfi Coast
A postcard-perfect stretch of coastline in southern Italy, the Amalfi Coast is all about drama — towering cliffs, colourful towns, and roads that wind like ribbons. Visit the vertical town of Positano, explore Amalfi and Ravello, or take a boat trip to the glamorous Capri. It’s where natural beauty meets Italian elegance.
6. Milan
A fashion and finance capital, Milan offers a sleek contrast to Italy’s older cities. Don’t miss the stunning Duomo, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, or the designer boutiques of the Quadrilatero della Moda. From aperitivo culture to edgy art galleries, Milan is Italy’s modern metropolis — and it wears its style well.
7. Naples & Pompeii
Southern Italy’s gritty, energetic gem, Naples, is famous for being the birthplace of pizza. It also serves as the gateway to Pompeii, the ancient Roman city frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. History lovers can dive deep into ruins and archaeology museums, while foodies can enjoy some of the best street eats in the country.
8. Tuscany
Picture perfect landscapes, medieval hilltop towns, and some of the world’s best wine — Tuscany is the romantic heart of Italy. Visit Siena, San Gimignano, or Pienza, and enjoy wine tasting in Chianti or Montepulciano. Take it slow here — long lunches, leisurely drives, and golden-hour strolls are part of the charm.
9. Lake Como
Framed by the Alps and with glamorous villas, Lake Como has long been a retreat for the rich and famous. Explore charming lakeside towns like Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio, or take a boat ride across the glistening waters. For a touch of Hollywood glamour, keep an eye out for George Clooney’s villa.
10. Sicily
Italy’s largest island, Sicily, is a world of its own. Greek temples, Baroque towns, Mount Etna’s smoking craters — it’s a cultural melting pot with a raw, rugged edge. Visit Palermo for street food, Taormina for stunning views, and the Valley of the Temples for ancient history. The island’s food — from arancini to cannoli — is worth the trip alone.
