20 Amazing Places in Italy That You Absolutely Must Visit!

If you, like me, love Italy for its beautiful squares, historic monuments, and delicious food, then this article is for you!

In this condensed guide, you’ll discover the top 20 cities and regions to visit in Italy, along with a list of the main attractions in each. This will help you get an idea of where to go on your next vacation.

So, what is there to do in Italy? Let’s start exploring the most beautiful places of interest: Rome, the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Sicily, and many more!

Visiting Italy: The Must-Sees

1. Rome: The Capital

We start this guide of things to do in Italy with the capital, Rome, which attracts millions of tourists every year. However, contrary to what one might think, it is only the third most visited city in Italy, behind Florence and Venice.

Rome is a stunning city that is also very walkable. It boasts a rich concentration of ancient monuments, beautiful squares, and museums.

Top sights to see during your trip to Rome include:

• The Colosseum
• The Roman Forum
• The Pantheon
• The Trevi Fountain
• Piazza Navona

If you’re in Rome, don’t miss a visit to Vatican City, which is home to numerous places worth visiting, such as:

• St. Peter’s Square
• St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest basilica in the world
• The Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s masterpiece, The Last Judgment
• The Vatican Museums

2. Florence: The Artistic City

Florence, undoubtedly the most beautiful city in Tuscany, alone houses an incalculable number of museums and Renaissance art palaces, giving it a rich cultural heritage. It is home to half of the art works preserved in Italy.

And you’re not mistaken: it’s the most visited city in Italy. So, will you be among the 15 million tourists who tour Italy this year?

Must-sees in Florence:

• The Duomo and its piazza with a stunning view
• The Uffizi Gallery, brimming with famous paintings
• The Basilica of San Miniato al Monte, offering a panoramic view of Florence. A tip: go there for sunset.
• Piazza della Signoria, a true open-air museum
• The Cupola del Brunelleschi, offering a 360-degree view over Florence after a climb of 400 steps. Book your tickets in advance to skip the queue.

And don’t forget to tour the Tuscan countryside, renowned as the most beautiful in the country!

3. Pisa: The Leaning City

When you think of Pisa, the first image that comes to mind is of its leaning tower, the city’s symbol.

But there’s more to see, and you can spend half a day or a full day visiting many other places:

• Piazza dei Miracoli, the tourist center of the city where all tour buses stop, and for good reason, it hosts all the famous monuments of the city:
  • The Leaning Tower of Pisa (admission costs about $20)
  • The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption
  • The Baptistery of St. John
  • Camposanto Monumentale Cemetery
• Piazza dei Cavalieri, a typical small Italian square with fewer tourists
• Borgo Stretto, a prime shopping location and a great place to eat or drink with its many restaurants

4. Venice: The Romantic City

Venice is the second most visited city in Italy.

It’s the ideal place for a weekend or a romantic getaway with its numerous canals and gondola rides—nothing could be more romantic.

It’s in February that the city draws a considerable crowd from around the world to celebrate and participate in the renowned Venice Carnival.

Places of interest to visit in Venice:

• St. Mark’s Square, the heart of the city and realm of pigeons
• St. Mark’s Basilica and its golden mosaics
• The Doge’s Palace
• The Bridge of Sighs, the most famous bridge in Venice
• The islands of Murano (a global center of glass-making) and Burano with its colorful houses

To know all about the most beautiful places to visit in Venice, you should read my dedicated article: What to do and see in Venice?

5. Cinque Terre: Colorful Villages

This guide to places to visit in Italy would not be complete without mentioning the Cinque Terre, five small villages perched on cliff sides, each more beautiful than the last.

You’ve probably seen them in photos as they offer a spectacular panorama that can be seen on many postcards representing Italy.

These villages are close to each other and you can visit them in three different ways:

• By a hiking trail that connects them (but be aware that some trails may be closed depending on the season). The journey between each village can take from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
• By train, which passes through all the villages.
• By boat, offering unforgettable views of the villages.

A glimpse of the five villages of Cinque Terre:

• Monterosso al Mare: located the furthest north, it’s the largest village and the only one with a large sandy beach.
• Vernazza with its colorful houses and small port.
• Corniglia, the only one of the five not connected to the sea, accessible by a staircase of over 350 steps.
• Manarola: the oldest village.
• Riomaggiore, situated to the east, marks the end of the Cinque Terre.

6. Lecce: The Baroque City

Less known than the previous cities, it still deserves a visit during your trip to Italy.

Lecce, located at the bottom of the boot, facing Greece, is a city under baroque influence. Everywhere you’ll find churches and museums, all built in the same style.

Must-sees in Lecce, in the Puglia region:

• The Basilica of Santa Croce
• The historic center
• The cathedral of Lecce
• Piazza Sant’Oronzo
• Faggiano Museum

7. Verona: The Shakespearean City

Verona is the city of love and the tragic fate of Romeo and Juliet. Everyone has heard of it, but do you know all that you can visit there?

Here’s a list of things to see in Verona:

• Juliet’s House: take the chance to admire the famous balcony and get your photo taken with your loved one
• Piazza Bra where you’ll find the Verona Arena
• Piazza delle Erbe with its market and bar and restaurant terraces
• The Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, the oldest church in Verona
• Castelvecchio, a 14th-century castle turned into a museum

8. Genoa: The Port City

Genoa is primarily a port city that was the birthplace of one of the most famous adventurers, Christopher Columbus.

But there’s more to see, and the city is full of monuments and beautiful sights to admire. Few people visit it, but it’s a pity because there are very pretty things to see in Genoa.

Tour of things to do:

• The Port of Genoa, where you’ll find the aquarium and a replica of a pirate ship. Don’t forget to take the glass elevator for a panoramic view of the city.
• The historic center with Piazza dei Ferrari and its beautiful fountain
• Stroll along Via Garibaldi and visit one or more palaces such as Palazzo Reale, Palazzo Bianco, or Palazzo Rosso
• Walk along the Lungomare, a seaside promenade stretching 3 kilometers
• Visit Boccadasse, a former fishing quarter with colorful houses

9. Naples: The Historic City

Naples is the European city with the largest historic center, so you’ll be well served with churches and monuments.

Naples is also known for its cuisine: pizza, once food for the poor, originated here, as did the famous Neapolitan sauce.

Must-sees in Naples:

• Start with the historic center and its Duomo
• Piazza del Plebiscito, a vast square very photogenic thanks to the monuments that border it
• The Vigiliano Park and its magnificent view of the bay
• Visit the archaeological museum which houses objects from Pompeii
• Head to Pompeii, about forty minutes by bus or train from Naples, and see the damages from the deadly eruption of Vesuvius.

10. Capri: The Beautiful Island

From Naples, you can easily reach the island of Capri by ferry for a day trip.

You can start exploring one of the most beautiful places in Italy at the Marina Grande port.

Then take the funicular up to the town of Capri to get to the famous Piazzetta, with its café terraces and view of the bay.

You can also walk the coastal trail to see the Arco Naturale, a huge 20-meter high rock arch, and the Belvedere di Tragara, also offering a magnificent view.

Don’t miss the island’s major attraction: the Blue Grotto, named for the particularly unique color of its water.

11. Turin: The City of Cinema and Chocolate

You might not know it, but Turin is THE city of chocolate. Not just Swiss or Belgian chocolate, but Italian too. Your favorite chocolate spread was even invented by a master pastry chef from Turin!

Every year, Turin also hosts the chocolate festival, of course with many tastings on the agenda.

But Turin is also the city of cinema.

Located in the Mole Antonelliana, the iconic monument of Turin with its dome and spire, you’ll find the Cinema Museum. You can see masks from Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings there.

Don’t miss the panoramic elevator that allows access to the building’s terrace, offering a view over the entire city.

Also see during your visit to Turin:

• The Egyptian Museum: the second largest after the one in Cairo and the oldest Egyptian museum in the world
• The Automobile Museum with its impressive collection of vehicles
• The Royal Palace, former residence of the Dukes of Savoy.

12. Milan: The Fashion City

Milan is the capital of fashion and design, with numerous luxury boutiques and famous designer showrooms. But if you decide not to spend too much, it also offers many historic buildings to visit.

Quick tour of things to see in Milan:

• The Piazza del Duomo and its magnificent Cathedral of the Nativity of the Holy Virgin. Don’t miss the rooftop for the panoramic view.
• The Sforza Castle and the Parco Sempione, located right behind
• The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and its huge glass roof, a luxury shopping hotspot
• The Pinacoteca di Brera and its rich collection of paintings by Italian masters such as Raphael, Bellini, or Caravaggio.
• The Monumental Cemetery: visit the flamedio, a burial place for notable personalities, and the cemetery with its all more unusual gravestones than the others.

13. Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands

Lake Maggiore is one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes and is one of the three large Italian lakes along with Lake Como and Lake Garda.

You can easily combine a visit to it with a trip from Milan, as it’s only 1.5 hours by car. Indeed, tour offices offer day trips from Milan.

Lake Maggiore is known for the Borromean Islands, which can be visited nicely all three in the same day. Many boat tours are organized there.

The three islands:

• Isola Madre where you can admire its famous exotic garden known for its peacocks wandering freely
• Isola Bella with the Borromeo Palace, its garden, and a shell grotto
• Isola Superiore, a fishermen’s island

14. Lake Como

The third largest lake in Italy and located an hour from Milan, Lake Como awaits you.

It is a vacation spot favored by the jet set and is very famous worldwide thanks to its many majestic villas and their lush gardens.

It’s also a very popular filming location, you may have seen it in Star Wars Episode II, some of which was shot at Villa Balbianello on the lakeshore.

But there’s more! Around the lake, you can find very pretty fishing villages and many hiking trails. A must-see in Northern Italy!

Things to do:

• Como and its pedestrian center
• Tremezzo and Villa Carlotta with its magnificent botanical garden
• Bellagio and Villa Melzi, which inspired Stendhal himself
• Varenna and Villa Monastero with its waterfront promenade
• Castello Di Vezio and its panoramic view over the lake below

15. Lake Garda

Another large Italian lake and certainly the most touristy, Lake Garda is located 1.5 hours by train from Milan. It’s the largest lake in the country.

Besides the lake itself, you can visit some towns around:

• Sirmione: the best-known town on Lake Garda. Its medieval castle marks the entrance to the town. Very pleasant to stroll through the typical narrow streets. Also see the archaeological site of Grotte di Catullo, which houses ruins of Roman temples and villas.
• Malcesine: in the town visit the Scaliger Castle and the Palazzo dei Capitani. Then take the cable car to Monte Baldo and enjoy a panorama over Lake Garda.
• Torri del Benaco: with its small fishing port and Scaligero castle, it’s well worth a stop.

16. The Dolomites

If you like hiking and Italy, then the Dolomites are for you! A UNESCO World Heritage site, the area has 18 mountain peaks, some reaching 3,000 meters in altitude.

Famous for their peculiar rock faces, sheared by the elements, they offer an exceptional panorama especially at sunrise or sunset when they take on an intense red hue.

To fully enjoy the landscape, you can drive the Dolomites road from Bolzano to Cortina. Over 100 kilometers, you’ll be amazed.

Feel free to stop in the villages or at Lago di Carezza.

Once you arrive in Cortina, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the many hiking trails in the area and get some exercise! If you love the outdoors, this is the region to visit in Italy.

17. The Amalfi Coast

Located south of Naples, the Amalfi Coast is renowned for being one of the most beautiful coasts in Italy.

With its wild terrain and villages clinging to cliff sides, there’s no doubt the Amalfi Coast will greatly impress you.

Tour of the most well-known places of interest:

• Sorrento, perched on a cliff with a view over the entire bay and the island of Capri.
• Positano, a cluster of colorful houses clinging to the mountain. A favorite spot for the jet set for its fashion boutiques and trendy cafés.
• Nocelle: You can go up to the village of Nocelle, above Positano, where a very beautiful hike, “the Path of the Gods,” awaits you.
• Amalfi and its magnificent Duomo.
• Ravello and the Villa Cimbrone with its 6-hectare garden overlooking the sea, it’s the walk not to miss in Ravello.

18. The Gargano Natural Park

Located in the Puglia region, the Gargano National Park is the largest natural park in Italy.

This park is formed of several limestone rocks that the sea has sculpted over time. You can see many caves and cavities and very beautiful almost wild coves.

In the center of the natural park, you can also hike in the Foresta Umbra, literally the forest of shadows. Walk under the ancient trees and enjoy the fauna and flora.

The small town of Vieste is also a must-see in the region!

Do you want to visit the Gargano National Park during your stay in Italy?

19. Sicily

Sicily, a magnificent Italian island blending superb beaches for relaxation and many historic monuments for culture.

Add to that delicious Italian cuisine and the mix is perfect. Here’s what to visit during your trip to Sicily:

What to see in Eastern Sicily:

• Catane and its Piazza del Duomo with the Cathedral of Saint Agatha
• Syracuse and the island of Ortygia: lose yourself in its alleys, admire its grandiose Piazza del Duomo, and enjoy the view offered by Castello Maniace
• The baroque towns: Noto, Modica, and Ragusa
• Taormina with its Greek theatre, its view of Etna, and its beautiful little pebble beach, “Isola Bella.”
• Mount Etna, the most active volcano in Europe.

What to see in Western Sicily:

• Palermo and its Palatine Chapel, the Palace of the Normans, and an unusual visit to the catacombs
• Cefalu, a typical small fishing village
• Agrigento and its Valley of the Temples
• The beaches of “Scala dei Turchi” and Eraclea Minoa
• Trapani and the village of Erice
• The Egadi Islands, a little paradise on earth

20. Sardinia

Another Italian region and another Mediterranean island, Sardinia has multiple assets for a pleasant holiday in the sun. And above all, it’s one of the places in Italy where you will find the most beautiful beaches!

What not to miss in Sardinia:

• Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, which stretches over several hills. Visit the Castello district, where the tourist sites are concentrated.
• The islands of Maddalena: wild coasts and paradise islands are on the agenda.
• Costa Smeralda, which hosts the jet set from around the world. The road, all along the coast, offers a spectacular view.
• The Gulf of Orosei: bordered by limestone cliffs, it’s a very beautiful place with superb beaches as well.

And you, what do you plan to visit in Italy? What are your favorite places?

Moreover, prices for Italy start from only $500 for 7 days! What are you waiting for? 😊

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This comprehensive guide invites you to explore Italy’s most enchanting cities and regions.

From the timeless architecture of Rome and Florence to the stunning landscapes of the Amalfi Coast and the Dolomites, Italy offers a tapestry of cultural and natural wonders awaiting discovery.

Each destination in Italy tells its own unique story, making every visit a new adventure. Whether you’re drawn by the history, the art, or simply the sublime cuisine, Italy promises to enchant and inspire.

As you plan your Italian getaway, consider this guide your roadmap to the most unforgettable experiences the country has to offer. Enjoy your journey through Italy’s heart and soul, and make sure to savor each moment in this spectacular setting.