Perhaps it’s the exceptional food and wine, or maybe it’s the awe-inspiring architectural marvels that are beckoning you to visit one of the most beloved countries in Europe. Italy is a “bucket list” country for many travelers, and it’s easy to understand why. The citizens here are cheerful and personable; the landscapes stunning; the Mediterranean climate refreshing.
Whether you’ll be in Italy for a few days, a week, or a longer stretch of time, we encourage you to immerse yourself in the culture by visiting places that speak to Italy’s past, present, and future. In doing so, you’ll find yourself making memories and forming a deep appreciation for this boot-shaped country that, well, walks the walk and talks the talk when it comes to showing tourists a good time.
Here’s a list of some of our top recommendations for the best places to visit in Italy. Our intention is to help you elevate your itinerary and discover places you won’t soon forget.
If spending time in nature is on your agenda during your stay in Italy, you’ll be pleased with the country’s diverse landscapes.
The Dolomites (also known as the Dolomite Mountains or Dolomite Alps) are located in northeastern Italy. This mountain range is home to Tre Cime di Lavaredo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s incredible to see these three magnificent, jagged peaks composed of layered limestone in-person—their height, their otherworldly appearance, and the way their silhouettes appear against the backdrop of the sky. If you prefer not to hike to these three peaks, you can visit them via car or bike. No matter how you get to Tre Cime di Lavaredo, you’ll be impressed by the panoramic views you’ll be afforded from beginning to end.
Located near the cities of Brescia and Bergamo in Italy’s picturesque Lombardy region is the smallest of Italy's Lombard Lakes. Lake Iseo is truly a sight to behold: between the dense woodlands, the gorgeous mountain peaks, and the calm waters that provide a source of entertainment and food for tourists and residents alike, this lesser-known lake should appear on your list of places to visit in Italy if you want to be surrounded by nature in a place that’s not too crowded yet still offers an abundance of things to do (markets, museums, and wineries, just to name a few).
From one region to the next, Italians excel at showcasing their unique takes on their favorite foods.
If you’re staying in Rome—or at least making a stop there—we encourage you to order some spaghetti. Romans serve their pasta alla carbonara, which means that your creamy pasta dish will be made with eggs, cheese (typically Pecorino Romano), cured pork (think pancetta or guanciale), and fresh black pepper. Since Rome is the birthplace of carbonara, it seems fitting to order this dish and any other traditional menu items at a restaurant of your choice in this ancient Italian city.
If you’re a fan of Parmigiano Reggiano, prosciutto di Parma, and balsamic vinegar, do yourself a favor and put Bologna on your list of places to visit in Italy. Street food stalls and trattorias are popular here, as is Grand Tour Italia, a food theme park dedicated to helping tourists learn about Italian cuisine and “traverse the entirety of Italy” by exploring the country’s agricultural, cultural, and folkloric connection to food and drink.
In many ways, Italy itself seems like a work of art—a living, breathing masterpiece that you can’t help but stare at and admire.
Add Florence to your list of places to visit in Italy if you’re captivated by the idea of standing in front of world-famous art created by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and da Vinci. Widely regarded as one of the birthplaces of Renaissance art, Florence attracts art lovers who could easily spend the day going from one museum to another (Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, Pitti Palace, Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, and Bargello Museum are all nothing short of incredible).
The number of artifacts on display in the Naples Archeological Museum is simply stupendous. This museum is home to the most important collection of Roman art and artifacts in the world—from sculptures and mosaics to excavated treasures from nearby Pompeii, this museum delivers a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives, art, and culture of the ancient Romans.
If you’re traveling with infants, toddlers, young children, or teens, rest assured there are lots of places to visit and fantastic ways to spend high-quality family time in Italy.
There are more than 1,500 caves in Tuscany! If you’re traveling with children who would be mesmerized by these natural wonders, we recommend planning a visit to a cave in this region that appeals most to you and yours. Kid-friendly cave tours—such as the one at Grotta del Vento in Garfagnana—will give your family the chance to look around in awe at the stalactites and stalagmites. Children are sure to be thrilled by this mysterious underground world where the temperatures are cool, and they’ll be challenged to crawl through tight spaces and/or climb over rocks, which sets the stage for them to pretend that they are adventurers exploring a hidden cavern or spelunkers searching for a secret treasure.
Adjacent to Lake Garda in the Verona province is a much-adored amusement park called Gardaland Resort. Known as the most famous amusement park in Italy, Gardaland invites parents and their children to enjoy numerous rides and attractions such as roller coasters, water rides, and live shows. There’s also a theatre, aquarium, and LEGOLAND water park in Gardaland, which makes it easy for parents to cater to their children’s ever-evolving whims as they make their way through the park and observe all that it has to offer.
Whether you prefer secluded beaches, or you don’t mind beaches that draw crowds, you’ll find plenty of beaches in Italy that align with your preferences.
If you love Italy’s warm Mediterranean climate and want to soak up some sun on a scenic beach, we recommend going to Sardinia. Behind Sicily, Sardinia is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and it features coastal coves, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters across its coastline, which stretches more than 1,000 miles! Residents and tourists alike seem to agree that you can’t go wrong no matter which beach you select. Whether you end up at Rena Majori, Tuerredda, Cala Sisine, Portixeddu, or any other beach in this area, you’ll feel like you’re living in a postcard.
Chiaia di Luna charms tourists because it’s said to glow under the light of a full moon. This world-famous, crescent-shaped beach, located on the vibrant island of Ponza, stands at the foot of a volcanic rock cliff. Even though the beach itself has been closed due to rockfall and the increased risk of landslides, it should be on your list of places to visit in Italy if you want to plan a romantic sunset. You can view Chiaia di Luna from the water via boat (companies in Ponza offer cruises and boat tours) or take in its dramatic shape by visiting one of several lookout points that can be found on the island.
We hope you’ll refer to this thoughtfully curated guide of places to visit in Italy when you plan your trip to Italy. We’re confident that you’ll be captivated by all the man-made amenities and natural wonders found throughout this beautiful country, and you’ll return home feeling grateful for the experiences you had and the memories you made.
Whether you’re traveling to Italy for business or pleasure—or both—we wish you safe travels and endless opportunities to discover what makes Italy a top destination for travelers of all ages.
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