Places to Visit in Italy

Mentioned in the world’s most iconic places, Rome is an epitome of beauty and history. Apart from being the capital city of Italy, the city also remains as a memorial to the creative imagination of architecture. Due to the 3000 year old ad hoc urban development, the historic centre of Rome is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Situated on the central portion of the Italian peninsula, on the Tiber River about 24 km from the Tyrrhenian Sea. Rome is made up of warm colours and historic architectural styles.

The beauty of this place resides significantly in the churches. There are approximately nine hundred churches, from the Paleochristian and Medieval period to the Gothic, from the Renaissance to the Baroque up until the Modern. Or, you can admire Rome’s beauty during the sunrise and the sunset. The colours become warmer and the city lights start to shine. A city filled with icons of antiquity and the Christian faith, it’s hard to know where to go first. Rome is divided into several districts with its centre, the Colosseo district, including the most ancient attractions like the Colosseum, Capitoline Hill, and the Roman Forum.

On the outskirts of the centre is Old Rome, featuring the Pantheon, majestic cathedrals, plazas, and Renaissance architecture. There are plenty of activities to do in Rome. For unique cultural experiences, you can visit the Trevi fountain and follow their tradition by tossing a coin into it. Or, you can shop for handicrafts and haute couture from the local market. Also, if you are an art fanatic, you can visit archaeological sites, Baroque churches, villas-turned-museums, for a wonderful experience. Moreover, you can hike up Mount Vesuvius and explore the UNESCO-listed ruins of Pompeii.

Rome has a Mediterranean climate. Temperatures can stay around 30 degrees in the daytime, but the nights are usually cooler and more comfortable.  In the spring season, Rome has warm weather and summers can be hot and humid. Temperatures in July and August can easily exceed 32 degrees Celsius. Additionally, winter is a really good time to visit. If you want to save money on accommodation, and site tourist attractions without the long lines then plan your vacation in winter.

Venice is a peaceful and attractive tourist destination that is located on a group of 118 small islands. These islands are linked by beautiful bridges and separated by the many canals running through the city. Venice is also informally known as the “floating city” or the “city of canals” and is highly popular among tourists for its historic buildings, structures and places of ancient significance. The uniqueness of Venice and its lagoons have also brought it up on the UNESCO list of world heritage sites. The floating city is largely popular for its various artistic movements, which are depicted in the many pieces of artworks around the city.

The major attractions in the city include churches, museums and squares, including the St. Mark’s Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs and more such places. These are dedicated to saints and put a mark of architectural significance in the city. These are popular attractions among the locals and tourists who come here to experience the novelty of these destinations. There are a number of activities that make Venice Tourism an exciting one! Included among these are, a ride around the famous Grand canal on a gondola, watching the opera and taking a sky high view of the city at the bell tower.

Even if you simply set out to explore the city of Venice on foot and wander around to its many corners, you will discover something interesting and romantic. Speaking of romance, for those seeking an amorous evening with their partner, there is no dearth of options. From taking a gondola ride together, to embarking on wine tours, there is a lot that you can explore with your partner. The absolutely best time to visit Venice for Sightseeing is in the first few days of May, which makes sightseeing easier. The weather in Venice is humid at most times with cold winters and really hot summers. July and August are the warmest months in Venice when the highest temperature can reach 30 degrees. This is why the best time to visit Venice is in April and May, and then, September and October.

Milan, Italian Milano, is a beautiful city and capital of Lombardy, northern Italy. The city has become the leading financial, manufacturing, and commercial centre of Italy with its deep roots in history. Milan resides in the heart of the Po Basin of northern Italy, enveloped amidst the plan spreading between the Ticino and Adda rivers. Milan’s beauty showcases different periods of historical crisis, architectural and organic structure development. These periods largely include the beauty of the cathedrals, four-gated city of Mediolanum, and intricately constructed neighbourhoods. The Spanish domination brought various changes to the architectural trends which resulted in the involvement of pastel colours and brick structures. 

Milan has more than its share of attractions along with iconic historical edifices. The city’s icons are filled with an influential and rich cultural heritage. Milan’s Duomo boasts of Gothic architecture and serves as the most visited tourist attraction. For art fanatics, the city has a plethora of art museums, Leonardi Da Vinci’s Last Supper and Pinacoteca di Brera. If you wish to explore the bohemian side of Milan, head to the neighbourhoods of Ticinese and Porta Romana. When it comes to things to do in Milan, there are plenty of options to dive into. Embrace the local trend of aperitivo at the Brera neighbourhood and cherish the “When in Milan, do as the Milanese do” vibe.

Lined up with chic cafes and bars, tourists often visit this place for admiring the Renaissance-style architecture. Or, you can head to Navigli to cruise over the canals of Milan. If you’re a shopaholic then head to the shopping haven of Milan, Galleria Emmanuele II. Milan has a continental and humid subtropical climate. The temperature is majorly affected by the Alps and the Apennine Mountains. These plains act as a natural barrier to protect Milan from major circulations of northern Europe and the sea. Here, weather usually witness hot and humid summers, damp and chilly winters, and heavy rainfall.

Located in South Italy on the Amalfi Coast overlooking the Bay of Naples, is this town bestowed with unbelievable beauty and charm. Home to some of the oldest ethnic tribes and later to the Romans, this ancient place has also seen the rule of several empires ranging from the Ostrogoths, Guaimars, Ottomans, etc. one can still see their imprints on the architecture and food, making it one of the must-visit places to go in Italy.

The beauty of Sorrento lies in the calm azure expanses of the water of the Bay of Naples. Beautiful cobbled streets winding around the historic architecture, gardens, and villas lend an even more old-world charm to the place. Sorrento is landmarked by charming colourful houses located on elevated cliffs looking onto the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and thick lush groves of lemon, orange, and olive.

Explore the Old Town area, which is also the best place to observe the local culture and pick up traditional lace, ceramics, and knick-knacks. One of the best attractions here is the 14th-century Cathedral of San Filippo and San Giacomo famous for their Renaissance-era architecture and traditional wood sculptures. Villa Comunale is one of the best places to watch a grand sunset backdropping the sea waters dotted with colourful boats.

Take a leisurely horse carriage ride at the sun-soaked expanses of Piazza Tasso. This is also one of the best places to enjoy an espresso and a traditional pastry. Head over to the bay area to enjoy water sports like scuba diving, swimming, snorkelling, or simply sunbathing. One of the most interesting things here is to go for a lemon farm trail. This is a great way to see the lush orchards on foot and try products made of Sorrento’s most famous food!

The Mediterranean climate here makes Sorrento experience sunny but breezy summer months from March-June. The temperatures rise to 29°C. The winters (November-February) are mildly cool & comfortable with temperatures hovering around 13°C. The wettest month is November.

The Province of Siena, located in central Tuscany, was the erstwhile commercial and banking hub of Italy till about the 14th-century. The province was in the midst of power struggles and battles reinforcing its commercial importance. Now, of course, it is one of the best places to visit in Italy to explore the country’s history, art, and traditional food.

The beauty of Sienna is unexplainable in words. Its beautiful countryside, huge farm areas, thickets of cypress trees and wildflower, lush olive groves, and wave-like hill formations look straight out of a dream- only to be broken by the stunningly magnificent coastline and beaches. One of the most beautiful places to visit is the UNESCO protected Piazza del Campo, the erstwhile public square known for its magnificent structure. This is where ‘Palio’ the most important horse-racing event takes place twice in Siena.

Visit the humongous black and white 12th-century Siena Chapel to see its Gothic walls, ornamented arches, and the famous dome designed by the great artist Bernini. The Civic Museum here is not only one of the best places to trace the Roman history of Siena but is an architectural marvel in itself. It has frescoed walls, arched ceilings, and stone structure that are absolutely amazing.

When in Siena, don’t miss to try traditional foods like Crostini Neri, Pici, Ribollita, local wines, and delectable desserts like Panforte, Cantucci, Ricciarelli, etc. Marvel at the 13th-century medieval architecture of Palazzo Pubblico and its beautiful paintings. Visit Torre del Mangia, which is one of the best-known attractions here. The top of the tower offers great views of the city and the countryside.

Siena enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures throughout the year, varying slightly between hilly & coastal areas. The winters are pretty chilly in the hills with temperatures plunging to around 3°C. It rains the most in the months of November-December and March-April. In summers, the temperature averages around 27°C with sunny, breezy, and pleasant days.

This historic city, established in the first century, has a rich past, culture, and architecture that has shaped beautifully over 2000 years. This UNESCO protected city, one of the most charming places to see in Italy, and its architecture was destroyed and revived during World War II, but it still stands proud in all its splendour. Verona lies encircled by River Adige at the foothills of the Lessini Mountains.

Verona’s striking beauty lies in the magnificence of its architecture laid out on its cobbled streets, views of the blue-green waters of the Adige River, and winding streets and their buildings with flower-laden windows. A storybook-like atmosphere awaits people in this city that inspired Shakespeare to write about the love story of Romeo & Juliet. While looking at the historical bridges and houses, one is immediately transported to the idyllic Romanesque times.

One of the most famous attractions here is the first-century Arena di Verona. This spectacular pink and white stone structure, next only to the Colosseum, used to have numerous tunnels and was the site of gladiator games and concerts. Another great attraction is the Casa di Giulietta or Juliet’s House, the most famous Shakespeare character, the famous (but supposed) balcony, and Juliet’s statue. The magnificent marble structure of the 11th-century Torre dei Lamberti, its huge arches, clockface, and domes are a must-see.

One of the best things to do here is to spend serene time at the Verona Cathedral and soak in the grandeur of its beautiful stained glass windows, ornate walls, marble columns, and Renaissance-era frescos. Don’t miss to try the delicious risottos, rich stews, and Pastissada de Caval, a delicacy that dates back to the 5th-century. Another great activity is to take a boating trip across the beautiful Lake Garda and see the charming medieval-era towns like Sermione and Bardolino.

Winter months in Verona are extremely cold with the temperature plummeting to 6°C. Summer months of March-May are fairly hot with temperatures rising to 30°C. The place receives heavy rainfall in the autumn months of September-November.

Turin, the capital of the Piedmont region in north-western Italy, is a vibrant and lively city known for its art, culture and cuisine. It is home to some of the most iconic architecture in Italy, including the Mole Antonelliana, the tallest brick structure in the world. The city is also home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Royal Palace of Turin, Palazzo Madama and the Egyptian Museum.

Turin's cuisine is renowned for its delicious simplicity, offering a variety of dishes from freshly caught seafood to classic Italian favourites. Visitors can also enjoy the city's many cafes and restaurants, which offer a wide range of Italian cuisine. For a truly unique experience, visitors can take part in the city's annual Chocolate Festival, where local chocolatiers showcase their wares.Turin Italy is also known for its traditional evening aperitif, served in its many bars and cafes. The city is a great destination for shopping, with a variety of boutiques, stores, markets and designer labels.

It is also home to a number of outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking. The city is also known for its many parks and gardens, including the Parco del Valentino and the Giardini Reali, both of which feature stunning views of the city and its surroundings. A trip to the Mole Antonelliana, the iconic tower that is the symbol of the city. This remarkable building houses the National Cinema Museum and offers visitors a unique insight into the world of film. This city is filled with fascinating sights and activities and is sure to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience. Whether you're looking for a cultural holiday or an active adventure, the city is the perfect destination.

Tuscany is a city in Italy known for art, architecture, galleries, beaches, islands, and olive groves. This is the city that gives a country side appeal that is flanked with mountains and seas. You can take a tour to the vineyards, poetic landscapes and farmer’s kitchen in Tuscany. There are many monumental structures, and art masterpieces in sculpture and painting. The churches, museums, and food is sensational. This is a fertile part of Tuscany and is a gourmet destination for foodies. The food and wine is sourced locally and this place is popular for its culinary delights.

You can visit the beautiful and historic churches of Florence, take a medieval pilgrimage route, and dabble into art. Visit chapels, monuments, and visit the old fashioned boutiques here. The landscapes in Tuscany are as timeless as their wines. There are hillside areas and villages that are good for taking hiking and walking tours. There are also island and forest areas that can be explored here. 

Pisa, located in Tuscany, is one of the most well-known places in the world. The city with intriguing and unknown origins has changed hands between various empires, which have left indelible marks on its culture, food, and architecture. It has been one of the most valuable port areas for Italy supporting the country’s economy during wars. Like most Italian cities, Pisa is bestowed with extraordinarily beautiful landscapes and natural beauty. Its varied landscape comprises the stark white Volterra ravines, green hills of Monti Pisani, and is dotted with lush olive groves, pine-forested beaches, and vineyards.

The most obvious and the best-known attraction here is the Leaning Tower. The 12th-century free-standing bell tower is famous for its iconic leaning structure, arches, and for offering beautiful views from its top. The National Museum of Pisa is a must-visit for people who want to know the history of the city and see paintings, manuscripts, and sculptures dating to the 12th-century.

One of the must-do activities in Naples is to take a long serene walk along the Arno River. The cobbled promenades, charming houses in traditional architecture, and view of the Leaning Tower are absolutely worth seeing. No visit to Naples is complete without exploring the super-luxury designer stores and cafes. Most of these are lined on Borgo Street.

Due to its proximity to the Tyrrhenian Sea, the weather of Pisa is mostly Mediterranean. The warm and dry summer months of March-June are hot and dry. Winters (November-February) are cold with temperatures falling up to 10°C. November also receives the maximum amount of rainfall.

This ancient city, located near Naples in the Campania region, is one of the most intriguing cities in the world. The city, all its splendour and most of its residents were buried when the nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79AD. The ash came so fast that the entire city was preserved beneath it.

Since then, it has been a place of constant excavations and discoveries. The beauty of this magnificent city, one of the best places to visit in Italy, lies mainly in its archaeological sites that tell the story of the lost Roman people and their lives in a whiff of a few minutes. The still-preserved buildings look even more surreal due to them being surrounded by looming mountains that are known for their ‘moonland’ like surface including the grand Mount Vesuvius.

The Forum is a must-see, which was the main community square and the epicentre for all gathering and social events. You can see the still-standing stone columns, the Temple of Jupiter, the Basilica, and the Triptolemus, a 2nd-century house. Head over to the Teatro Grande, an erstwhile 5000-seater amphitheatre that used to host gladiator fights. Stabian Baths, a must-see, are the largest community baths complete with a pool, changing rooms, and a Gladiator gymnasium.

One of the most surreal activities to do here is to see the casts of preserved bodies at the Horrea and Olitorium. These casts and their facial expression show how the people were caught unawares during the eruption. Take a stroll along the Street of Tombs to see these impressive structures, which served as burial spaces. Marvel at the beautiful & intricate paintings at the Villa of the Mysteries, which used to serve as a place for cult meetings.

Pompeii mainly has a Mediterranean climate with sweltering summers and pleasantly cool winters. The autumn months of October & November see a few drizzles.

Changing hands between the Greeks and the Romans, this 2nd-century city is one of the must-visit places in Italy. It is the third-largest city in Italy located in the Campania region near the Bay of Naples. The landscape of Naples, one of the best places to see in Italy, is dotted with mountains like the Vesuvius on one hand and the coast of Amalfi on the other. The city has long winding cobbled streets with a charming public square, harbors, beautiful churches, and museums.

The most majestic attraction is of course Mount Vesuvius. This live volcanic mountain is visible from almost all corners of the city. Visit the intriguing Castel dell’Ovo also known as the Egg Castle that’s surrounded by water. This fascinating place offers stunning views of not only Vesuvius & the Bay of Naples but is also the place where the finest Italian artists exhibit their artworks. Museo Cappella Sansevero is a small chapel, but that doesn’t take away from its beauty. Besides the fresco walls and sculptures, it is popular for its underground chamber that used to house the Veiled Christ and two eternal lamps.

One of the most interesting activities to do here is to visit the 17th-century National Archaeological Museum and browse through rare artefacts from Pompeii and ancient Egypt. Explore the secret world of ancient catacombs that are dotted with around 3000 graves and crypts belonging to the 2nd-century. Explore the beautiful frescos and murals also here. When in Naples, you can’t miss trying the best pizza in the world- the classic Neapolitan pizza made with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Some of the best places to indulge are Starita, Pizzeria Brandi, and L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele.

Summers last in Naples from June-September and are hot and humid. The temperatures average around 27°C. The winter months of November to March see severe cold with temperatures lowering to around 5°C.