You snap a picture in front of a Baroque church, sip from a glass of wine while overlooking the lagoon, and allow risi e bisi to tantalize your taste buds.
You’re in Italy. But it feels a lot like heaven.
All of sudden, you wake up. It was all a dream. But that doesn’t mean it could soon become your reality.
Italy is often viewed as one of the most picturesque and romantic getaway spots in the world, which is why it remains one of the most frequently visited countries across the globe. If you’re thinking of visiting Italy, stop thinking about it and go!
Here are eight of the best cities to visit in Italy that you should plan your trip around.
Let’s get started!
1. Best Cities to Visit in Italy Include Rome
Rome (Roma), Italy’s capital, will likely be your very first top in this European nation.
Why not overlook Rome? Because it offers a large variety of experiences and sights.
No matter where you turn, you will come across ancient monuments, ornate Baroque and medieval churches, and gorgeous fountains. You’ll also discover Renaissance palaces and museums filled with breath-taking art.
Of course, you can’t forget to stop by the Colosseum, which is among the most iconic places on the globe. In addition, you can visit the Vatican City and Saint Peter’s Square.
The city is also filled with exciting nightlife and highly rated restaurants.
All in all, Rome is a lively and bustling city that may be worth spending a minimum of three days in.
2. Florence
Florence (Firenze) remains one of the most critical Renaissance art and architectural centers in Italy.
If you don’t mind being around bustling crowds, you’ll love the city’s piazza as well as its Baptistery and Duomo.
The city also has multiple excellent museums featuring famous sculptures and paintings, such as the Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli and David by Michelangelo. You can also take advantage of Medici gardens and palaces.
Florence, which is located in the Tuscany region, is also a gateway for discovering the hidden gems of the region’s countryside and smaller cities.
3. Naples
If you’re looking for one of the most vibrant municipalities in Italy, look no further than Naples (Napoli).
Naples, which is on Italy’s coast, remains the most critical city in the southern part of Italy. It’s an exciting starting point for a trip to the famous Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and Herculaneum. And if you’re a history buff, you’ll fall in love with its prominent Baroque character.
Also, when you get hungry, you can rest assured that you’ll come across some of the best desserts and pizza anywhere in Italy.
4. Bologna
Bologna happens to be the largest city in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. This city stands out for its wealth and beauty, as well as its left-wing politics.
It is also known among Italians as the country’s culinary capital.
If you enjoy going for strolls, you’ll instantly fall in love with the city’s arcade-lined streets, which allow for easy walking in all kinds of weather.
In addition, Bologna features one of the oldest higher education institutions in Europe and a beautiful medieval center.
You’ll additionally find several alluring squares surrounded by buildings featuring porticoes here. In fact, the city’s Piazza Maggiore remains among the largest squares on the European continent.
5. Venice
What makes Venice (Venezia) a must-see for any traveler interested in visiting Italy? It’s built on water.
Besides the fact that Venice is located in the center of an enchanting lagoon, the city stands out for its beautiful canals. Many visitors also love to get lost in this city’s narrow streets.
The city’s heart is the Piazza San Marco, which is known for its Saint Mark’s Basilica, a magnificent church. You can also pay a visit to other churches as well as palaces and museums while exploring enchanting Venice.
Venice, which is in Italy’s northeast area, historically bridged the West and East. The architecture there retains the type of Byzantine feel you won’t experience anywhere else in Italy.
6. Milan
Milan (Milano), widely known as one of the wealthiest cities in Europe, features a number of stylish shops.
In fact, if you’re looking for the perfect place for high-end shopping, you can’t go wrong with this city, which is deemed the fashion capital of Italy. Learn more here about what Milan and other Italian cities have to offer in the way of fashion.
Of course, there’s much more to Milan than just fashion. Milan, whose pace is faster than that of many other Italian cities, also offers restaurants and galleries galore.
The city also features a rich cultural and artistic heritage.
Take, for instance, the Gothic Duomo, which has a stunning marble facade. And you can’t ignore The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci — one of the city’s top attractions. The famous opera house of La Scala is also worth a visit.
7. Verona
If you love William Shakespeare’s works, Verona is a must-see on your trip to Italy. It’s where the popular Romeo and Juliet story occurred.
Verona also stands out for its stunning Roman Arena, Italy’s third largest. It also features plenty of shopping for high-end-fashion enthusiasts, Roman remains, a nice medieval center and an intriguing castle complex.
8. Perugia
Finally, Perugia has a lot to offer if you’re interested in visiting a highly cosmopolitan city with a lively central square and multiple important monuments.
This walled city has a jazz festival during the summer. You can also learn Italian at the city’s University for Foreigners.
In addition, because the city sits on a hilltop, you can expect excellent views from it.
How We Can Help
In addition to highlighting the best cities to visit in Italy, I offer a wide range of travel trips for those interested in visiting other parts of the world, too.
For instance, you can learn about how to maximize your trips to New Zealand, North America, Australia, and Asia.
Take a peek here to find out more about how to prepare for your next trip wherever you plan to go.