Italy is home to historic towns, opulent palaces, and spectacular architecture. Tourists flock to Italy for its gorgeous cuisine, historical sites, masterful artistry, and quaint towns. Whether you’re heading to the North or South, Italian cities cater to every taste.
If you’re unsure which cities to add to your itinerary, we’ve got your back. Read on to find out more:
Florence
One of the best cities to visit in Italy, Florence must be on your itinerary. This city houses exquisite art and architecture and wandering around the streets feels like you’re in a living museum. An amazing feature of Florence is its compact size which makes sight-seeing far easier.
Spend the afternoon sipping espresso marveling at the architecture and marvel at Botticelli and Michelangelo masterpieces in Florence’s museum. In the evening, to wind down, enjoy an Italian opera, classical music, and contemporary art.
Florence comes alive at night with a bustling restaurant and nightlife scene. Or, for those who want to escape the city, head to Chianti and other Tuscan towns such as Arezzo, Siena, and Lucca.
Venice
There’s a reason why 20 million tourists visit Venice each year. As soon as you step out of the station, you’re met by the famous canal and the striking dome of San Simeone Piccolo. To escape the crowds, head to the quiet squares where you can absorb the Gothic architecture.
Even though Venice is famous for its elaborate art, it’s the magical canals and waterways that make it so unique. Take a gondola along the canals and admire the palaces, buildings, and churches that line the waterways.
This Italian city is best when you experience it, so wander around and find the smaller backstreets away from Grand Canal and Piazza San Marco. Here, you can welcome in the evening at the ambient bars and restaurants. Aim to visit in February as the city is bustling with costume-clad locals to make a memorable trip.
Milan
Italy’s fashion and design capital, Milan, marries secret courtyards with modern skyscrapers. This city is foodie heaven and has restaurants to cater to everyone’s taste. But, other than food, it’s the shopping that draws visitors to the city.
Milan is jam-packed from designer stores in Quadrilatero D’Oro to the boutiques peppered throughout the city. Whilst there, visit the Pinacoteca di Brera art gallery, the Scala opera house and Leonardo da Vinci’s renowned mural of the Last Supper.
Rome
Rome is one of the best cities in Italy as it’s bursting with classical ruins, Renaissance palazzos, and Baroque fountains. Instead of rushing through your sight-seeing checklist, enjoy the pavement cafes and browse the quirky shops. Although the Colosseum and Roman Forum take the limelight, there are other three-thousand-year-old historical monuments, churches, and piazzas to explore.
The Vatican is at the center of the city where the Vatican Museum displays an astounding collection of paintings, frescoes, and sculptures. The Sistine Chapel is a must-see for art enthusiasts and for those less interested in art, there’s enough restaurants, shops, and cafes to keep you entertained.
Naples
This lively city has an array of cultural and historical sites to visit from palaces to castles. Museums in Naples are home to incredible frescoes by Caravaggio and restaurants offer the best of Italian cuisine. Although not as popular as other places in Italy, Naples is a delight to explore.
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast conjures images of a yacht-studded harbor, shimmery waters and colorful buildings built into the cliffs. One of the most popular Italian regions, the Amalfi Coast is home to 13 quaint towns each with a unique history and a glorious view. Take time between dips in the sea and lazy lunches to explore what the Italian coast has to offer.
There’s plenty of sight-seeing such as churches, museums, and gardens to explore during your stay. Even there are lot of good places to stay in the Amalfi Coast which improves your tour experience. For something different, drive from Postino to Vietri Sul Mare, otherwise known as the “Road of a 1,000 Bends”, to ascend a twisting, narrow road to experience breathtaking views.
Sicily
For those hoping to escape colder climates, Sicily is for you. As the island is on the same latitude as the North African coast, the climate is mild and perfect in spring and autumn. Here, you’ll find a captivating mix of Greek temples, Baroque palazzos, and Norman churches. For outdoorsy travelers, head to the smoking craters of Mount Etna or to the quiet beaches of the southern coast.
There are plenty of historic cities to explore such as Palermo Catina to Baroque towns of the south. This is food heaven as the cuisine ranges from fluffy pastries to delicious couscous.
Puglia
Escape the touristy North and head to Puglia, where you’ll find ancient sites and charming towns. Think olive trees, hilltop towns, and a hot climate. Instead of the colorful seaside towns of the Amalfi Coast, Puglia offers whitewashed hobbit-style houses with dome-roofed houses.
Wander through the cobbled streets and explore the nearby caves to cool off. A visit to Castellana Grotte must be on your to-do list as spectacular stalactites fill the caves for a unique experience.
Sardinia
Sardinia has inviting beaches and popular seafood restaurants and bars a stone’s throw away. Once you’ve had your beach fix, explore the remains of Sardinia’s Nuraghic culture alongside Carthaginian and Roman ruins.
Verona
Home to Romeo and Juliet, Verona is one of the most famous cities that continues to uphold its romantic charm. Cobbled streets connect piazzas where you’ll find majestic palaces, churches, and monuments. A spectacular Roman amphitheater sits at the heart of Verona, making the perfect view to accompany a glass of Italian wine.
Bologna
This Italian city is elegant but has a down-to-earth side as it’s a student town. During the day, wander alongside beautiful architecture and enjoy dinner at a world-class restaurant followed by the opera. To ensure you miss nothing out, plan a tour here.
Out of all the cities in Italy, which one is for you? In Italy, there’s a city to align with your every desire. If you want a vacation rich with historical architecture then Rome, Florence and Venice are must-sees. For those after a sun-soaked holiday, enjoy the gorgeous Amalfi coast, Sicily, and Sardinia. To best explore cities in Italy, it’s wise to book a tour to absorb its cultural history. If you want more information on budget travel, keep exploring Broke & Chic.
