Italy, a country where history, art, cuisine, and romance converge, is a timeless destination on every traveler’s bucket list. Whether you’re craving Renaissance architecture, coastal sunsets, or world-class pasta, Italy has a city for you. From the fashion-forward streets of Milan to the ancient ruins of Rome, this guide takes you through the best cities to visit in Italy that promise unforgettable memories.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this curated list will help you experience the best places in Italy—each city with its own rhythm, flavor, and charm.
1. Rome—The Eternal City
Rome has to be included in any list of best cities to visit in Italy. A living museum where ancient ruins coexist with contemporary living, Rome offers travelers a time-travel experience with each step.
Top Experiences:
- Gape at the Colosseum and Roman Forum
- Throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain.
- Ascend the Spanish Steps at dusk
- Tour the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Rome perfectly blends history and energy, making it one of the best places in Italy for culture lovers, photographers, and foodies alike.
2. Florence—The Cradle of the Renaissance
Florence is one of the best cities to visit in Italy if you enjoy art, sophistication, and landscapes of Tuscany. A dream city where the cobblestone streets take you to centuries-old masterful works of art.
Top Experiences:
- Marvel at Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia
- Wander in the Uffizi Gallery
- Take a peek at the view from Piazzale Michelangelo
- Stroll along the Ponte Vecchio
Florence is undoubtedly one of the best places in Italy for history, art, and romance.
3. Venice—A Floating Fantasy
Being in Venice feels like you’re on a movie set: there are canals instead of streets, gondolas gliding through reflections instead of cars, and buildings that haven’t changed for hundreds of years. Venice is not only one of a kind—it is magical and enchanting.
Top Experiences:
- Take a gondola ride on the Grand Canal
- See St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace
- Get lost in the winding streets of Cannaregio
- See glassblowing on Murano Island
As one of the best cities to visit in Italy, Venice offers a serene escape that feels like stepping into another world.
4. Milan—The Fashion and Finance Capital
Milan is certainly the most modern city in Italy, but there is plenty of old soul to it as well. It is where fashion, design, and historic sights come together.
Top Experiences:
- Admiring the Gothic spires of the Duomo
- Shopping in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
- Seeing The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci
- Enjoying the lively nightlife in Navigli
For trendsetters and art aficionados, Milan is among the best places in Italy to explore innovation and elegance.
5. Naples—Italy’s Gritty Gem and Gateway to the South
Naples shows you a different, raw side of Italy. Naples is loud and proud and alive—and it’s also the birthplace of pizza.
Top Experiences:
- Discover the underground catacombs
- Tour the National Archaeological Museum
- Take day trip to Pompeii or Mount Vesuvius
- Enjoy authentic Neapolitan pizza
For adventurous travelers seeking authenticity, Naples is one of the best cities to visit in Italy that delivers heart and soul.
6. Verona—Shakespearean Romance and Medieval Charm
Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, provides a romantic, peaceful change from Italy’s large cities.
Top Experiences:
- See Juliet’s balcony
- Watch an opera in the Roman Arena
- Walk through Piazza delle Erbe
- Visit Castelvecchio and its bridge
For lovers of literature and old-world charm, Verona is truly one of the best places in Italy to experience romance.
7. Bologna—The Culinary Capital of Italy
If you think heaven is pasta and cheese, then Bologna might be just the place. Bologna isn’t merely about the food; you can also find medieval towers, secret canals, and the oldest university in Europe.
Top Experiences:
- Indulge in some tagliatelle al ragù (the original Bolognese)
- Ascend the Asinelli Tower for some acceaaa all’argia
- Stroll underneath endless porticos
- Have an espresso in Piazza Maggiore
Bologna’s authentic vibe and irresistible food make it one of the best cities to visit in Italy for culinary travelers.
8. Turin—Italy’s Underrated Royal Jewel
Turin is a refined city that is often overlooked. Great views of the Alps, Baroque palaces, and a chocolate and coffee scene to boot make for a fun city to visit.
Top Experiences:
- Royal Palace and Egyptian Museum
- Po river walk
- Bicerin (coffee and chocolate drink)
- Mole Antonelliana and National Cinema Museum
Turin’s mix of sophistication and serenity places it among the best places in Italy for refined, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
9. Palermo—Where Cultures Collide
Palermo, the capital of Sicily, includes aspects of Greek influence, Arab influence, Norman influence, and Italian influence. Legendary street food and rich heritage.
Top Experiences:
- Be sure to have arancini and panelle at street markets
- Visit the Palermo Cathedral and Palatine Chapel
- Check out the Capuchin Catacombs
- Relax on Mondello Beach.
For those seeking diverse heritage and southern warmth, Palermo is undeniably one of the best cities to visit in Italy.
10. Cinque Terre (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore)
Okay, not one city—but Cinque Terre has five coastal villages that are a collective work of art and some of the best cities to visit in Italy to enjoy sun and sea.
Top Experiences:
- Hike the amazing Sentiero Azzurro
- Swim in its many hidden coves and beaches
- Watch the sunset over Manarola’s harbor
- Drink wine while having fresh seafood in Vernazza
Each village adds its own color to your Italian journey, solidifying Cinque Terre as one of the best cities to visit in Italy for coastal beauty and charm.
✈️ Bonus: Planning Tips for Your Italian Adventure
- Best time to visit: Spring (April–June) and early fall (September–October) offer ideal weather with fewer tourists.
- Transportation: Italy’s train network is excellent for city-hopping.
- Language Tip: A few Italian phrases go a long way—try “grazie,” “ciao,” and “per favore.”
🧳 Final Thoughts: Your Journey Through the Best Places in Italy
From the Renaissance marvels of Florence to the serene shores of Cinque Terre, Italy is an amalgamation of cities that feel like completely different worlds. The best cities to visit in Italy largely rely on your travel style, but with our list, you’ll get to experience Italy’s culture, food, history, and soul.
Whether you’re looking for the romantic charm of a gondola ride, ancient ruins and history, or endless plates of unforgettable pasta—you’ll find that these cities are hands down the best places in Italy where you will fall in love with travel all over again.
So, what are you waiting for? The best cities to visit in Italy await you with or without open arms and full plates.
For more travel inspiration, check out our Travel Guide for 2025, and for travel bookings, check out Booking.com for exciting offers on your travel!
