If you are planning to visit Italy, here are the 15 best cities to visit in Italy. I’ll reveal the hidden gems of many locations. It is hard to figure out from many of the locations in Italy.
I am going to list the cities in no particular order. They are all beautiful cities to explore. As there is no single most beautiful place to visit and it mainly depends on the order of personal preference.
Many of the popular ones include the architecture of Florence, Venice, for the romantic city, and huge landscapes of the Dolomites, with the mighty majestic mountains. Beautiful lakes are surrounded by luxury villas in many of the 15 Best Cities To Visit In Italy Revealed.
15 Best Cities To Visit In Italy Revealed
1. Rome – The City of Eternal
Rome is a historic city with immense cultural importance and is home to the ancient ruins of the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Roman Forum.
You will come across many of the art and architecture done by Raphael and Michelangelo, which belong to previous periods.
Vatican City, within Rome, is an independent city with the administrative and spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church, and it is home to St. Peter’s Basilica.
Modern Rome is located on the Tiber River.
Lazio is the region known for its diverse vineyards, diverse landscapes, and seahills.
When to Visit: Off Season (November – February), Spring (April – May), Fall (September – October for moderate crowds and pleasant weather)
Places Not To Miss: Colosseum, Pantheon (8 million tourists a year), Roman Forum, Capitoline Museums, Vatican Museums, Castel Sant’Angelo, Testaccio Market, Campagna Amica Market, Trevi Fountain, Trastevere, Galleria Borghese, Palatine Hill, and Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele
Accommodations: B&B Trastevere, Casa Celeste, Ibis Styles Vintage Hotel Rome, Appia Nuova Lucrezia Apartment, Spagna Luxury’n Trevi, Rome Suite Vatican, Everest Inn Rome, and Trastevere Paper Suites.
2. Amalfi Coast – Coastal Paradise
Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy is best known for its cliffs, which are dramatic, crystal clear waters and the surrounding villages are pastel-colored. It is a World Heritage site designated for its natural and cultural importance.
The Amalfi Coast is popular among many of the World’s jet set, with the moniker of Divina Costiera.
Cinque Terre is a place with many colorful fishing villages that cling to the steep cliffs around the surroundings of the Ligurian Coast.
Positano is a place famous for its colorful houses, which cascade down to the sea. Seafood is the most delicious food to explore here.
For the panoramic views and stunning villas, Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone are the best options for staying.
Atrani is a tiny, charming fishing village with a pleasant experience.
Vietri Sul Mare is a ceramic place, which is surfaced in that place with colorful pottery and many shops that are lined up across the street.
When to Visit: Spring (April – June), Fall (September – October for fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and very low prices), Winter (November – February for rains & chill weather).
Places Not To Miss: Baths of Queen Giovanna (Natural Sea Pool near Sorrento), Duomo Di Sant’Andrea (Architecture & Art), Valle Delle Fierriere (Trek), Chistro Del Paradiso, Valle dei Mulini (Over Lemon Groves), Torre dello Ziro, Ruga Nova Mercatorum (Tranquil Atmosphere with shopping, drinking, eating), Luna Convento, Li Galli (Fruit Dessert).
Accommodations: Amalfi Hotel Centrale, D’Amalfi Hospitality, Hotel Lidomare, Amalfi Ammor’e, Hotel Residence, Atrani House – AMALFI, Hotel Fontana, and Amalfi Centro B&B.
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3. Capri – Island Paradise
Capri is best known for its magnificent rock formations, and you will be stunned by the beauty of the marvelous surroundings.
Capri Island is of two parts, which are Anacapri and Capri. The ferries arrive and depart from the places of Marina Grande and Mount Solaro.
Here, the visitors are attracted by its most popular landmarks, like the Faraglioni rocks and the Blue Grotto. You can experience the delicious fine dining, luxury shopping, and the most relaxing beaches.
Many of the activities are offered over there, such as hiking, boat tours, and beautiful viewpoints like Monte Solaro and the historic sites like the Charterhouse in San Giocoma.
When to Visit: (April – May for fewer crowds, Mild Weather, and Blooming Weather), (June – August, Mild warm Weather for boat trips and swimming. Mostly crowded and most expensive time to visit), Fall (September – October, thinning crowds), Winter (November – March, Pleasant experience with lower hotel prices).
Places Not To Miss: Faraglioni, Giardini Augusto, Spiaggia di Marina Piccola, Via Krupp, Natural Arch, Grotta Verde, Piazetta di Capri, Capri Funicular, Belvedere di Tragara, Villa Lysis, White Grotta.
Accommodations: Fort B&B Capri, Lussi Capri Boutique Hotel, La Casetta, II Veliero BB Charming Rooms, La Casa di Pitti, Hotel La Prora, BB Casa Angelina, B&B II Tramonto.
4. Venice – The City of Canals
Venice is a historic city connected by 400 bridges and 118 Islands. The city is regarded as the city of canals for its waterways and car-free streets.
For transportation, they mostly use the water taxis, Gondolas, and boats.
Venice is so popular for its famous carnival, unique architecture, and Gondola rides. Many of the special culinary dishes include Bigoli in Salsa, Sarde in Soar, and Murano, known for its artisanal products.
Venice is a beautiful city to walk around, and automobiles are banned from the city. One can reach from one point to any other point by foot only, along the paved streets, banks of the canal, and by the neighbourhood squares.
Every September, the Venice Film Festival happens, and it is held on the Lido. This festival will attract many critics, actors, and other key members of the motion picture industry.
When to Visit: Spring (April – June), Fall (September – October for smaller crowds and pleasant weather), Summer (June – August for hot weather, more expensive and crowded as well), Winter is Colder with lower prices and fewer crowds.
Places Not To Miss: Basilica di San Marco, Teatro La Fenice, Doge’s Palace, Canal Grande, Piazza San Marco, Campanile di San Marco, Ponte di Rialto, Scuola Grande di San Rocco, and Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari.
Accommodations: B&B Best Holidays Venice, Hotel Rivamare, Venice Garden House, Central Luxury Garden Guest House, The Plaza Hotel, Anda Venice Hotel, and Casa Sul Molo.
5. Tuscany – Dreamscape of Rolling Hills
Tuscany is characterized by the hilly terrain, with two-thirds of its area consisting of hills only. This region is best known for its cultural for the modern Italian language (Tuscan Dialect) and wine-growing agricultural products.
If you drive between the stunning sites like the Tower of Pisa, Florence’s Cathedral, and the Uffizi Gallery. Or opt for the bike ride for the vineyards and Olive groves, which are pedaled past sun-baked.
For the modern visits, opt for the space electronics and Florence’s hip clubs.
Tuscany is renowned for its popular landscapes of stunning rolling hills stippled with vineyards. It is the Renaissance birthplace of many thinkers and influential artists.
When to Visit: Spring (April – June for vibrant green landscapes, country walks, vineyard tours, and flower festivals. Autumn (September – October for Culinary Festivals, Olive Harvesting), Summer (July – August for long daytime of exploring many activities like summer festivals, medieval festivals, and Open-Air Concerts).
Places Not To Miss: Piazzale Michelangelo, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Galleria dell’Accademia, Mercato Centrale, Piazza del Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Cascate del Mulino, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza del Campo.
Accommodations: Casa m Vineyard, Relais Santa Chiara Hotel, Podere San Giuseppe, Podere Sanlorenzo, Sforza House, Ippotur Medieval Resort, Casa Etrusca, Ibis Firenze Prato Est, B&B Le Limetre, and Hotel Villa San Giorgio.
6. Sardinia – Beach Lover’s
Sardinia is a very well-known popular destination for its diverse landscapes range from forests to sandy dunes, stunning beaches, clear turquoise waters, and rocky coastlines.
Expect the huge crowd and the peak pricing from hotels, ferry tickets, and car rentals. The Island is mostly sunny throughout the year. Visiting after the summer and before the summer will make your trip more exciting.
The temperatures are very moderate, and the island is much less crowded, so you can have an enjoyable experience while exploring the charming towns, nature reserves, and historical sites.
When to Visit: Spring (April – June), Autumn (September – October).
Places Not To Miss: La Pelosa Beach, Cala Mariolu, Cala Goloritze, Spiaggia La Cinta, Poetto, Cala Brandinchi, Spiaggia di Is Arutas, Frecce delle Grotte, Spiaggia di Lu Impostu, Sail through Maddalena’s beauty like Palau to Maddalena Archipelago, Santa Teresa di Gallura to Maddalena Archipelago.
Accommodations: Sunrise Sardina Posada, La Finestra Sul Mare, Forte Village Resort, Harmony Affittacamere, Casa Vacanze Miaorca Minorca, B&B Madua, Palm Beach Resort, and BOSS Guest House.
7. Lake Como – Alps Elegance
Lake Como (Lario) is located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, which is closer to Milan. This city has a peculiar Y-shaped third-largest lake in Italy. It is a popular destination for its luxury relaxation.
The city’s cultural significance is reflected in the religious sites, art forms, religious sites and historic villas.
Lake Como stands in first place among the world’s top ten most beautiful lakes in the world.
The sheer depth of Lake Como is around 410 meters, which is one of the deepest lakes in Europe.
When to Visit: Spring (April – June offers the very beautiful gardens), Autumn (September – October for the perfect balance of less crowd and temperatures).
Places Not To Miss: Shared Boat Tour and Aperitif with Prosecco, Bellagio & Lugano from Milan with Lake Como Cruise, Villa Del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, Funicolare Como Brunate, Villa Monestero, Cattedrale Di Como, I Giardini Di Villa Melzi, Castello di Vezio, Orrido di Bellano, Villa Olmo, and Menaggio.
Accommodations: Ostello Bello Lake Como, Hotel Lago Di Como, Hotel Risi, B&B Darsena, la Mimosa di Bellano, Shades of Lake – Blue Apartment, and Hotel Asnigo.
8. Dolomites – Masterpiece of Nature
The Dolomites are famous for their high mountain ranges in northeastern Italy, which are near the Austrian border. Some of the cities, which are closer to the Dolomites, are Verona, Milan, and Venice in Italy.
The towns in the Dolomites are the true paradise for your holiday destination. The leisure activities that are in each of these towns vary from each other town.
Bressanone/Brixen, the oldest town in Tyrol. In the centre of the Puster Valley, you can visit the Chiusa/Klausen or Brunico/Bruneck.
The best known town is the “Pearl of the Dolomites,” and don’t forget to visit Cortina d’Ampezzo, which is considered the best town.
Merano/Meran, a town with its unique flair, is a mixture of Alpine influences and Italian.
When to Visit: Summer Hiking (June – September, July and August are with huge crowds, it can be warm and sunny), Winter Skiing (Winter Sports and Snowboarding).
Places Not To Miss: Seceda (breathtaking peaks), Lago Di Briaes (this place is incredibly busy because of the beauty of the Alps), Gardena Pass (there are many mountain passes that you will go through in the Italian Dolomites), Alpe Di Siusi (You will get to see rustic cabins which leave you speechless, wild flowers and many rolling hills), Lago Di Sorapis, Tre Cime Di LAvaredo, Val Di Funes, Geisler Alm.
Accommodations: TEA San Pelligrino, Dolomites B&B – Suites Apartments, Cesa Planber, Suite Dolomiti Apartmento, Hotel Albion.
9. Naples – Vibrant Energy
Naples is the largest as a third city in Italy for its vibrant culture and rich history. This city has a very big reputation for being crowded and chaotic, and many visitors find the place highly captivating, authentic, and energetic.
Naples is well known as the birthplace of Pizza, and must must-try is the Neapolitan Margherita pizza, which is a classic with green, red, and white toppings. There are many culinary delights around the streets, foods like cuoppo and Frittatina di Pasta. Many popular desserts, like shell-shaped pastry, Baba (rum-soaked cake), and sfogliatella.
When to Visit: May is a very good time for outdoor activities, Summer (June – August peak season for visitors with higher prices and larger crowds.
Places Not To Miss: Sansevero Chapel – famous for masterful art, Royal Palace of Naples, Castel Nuovo (Fortress in City Center), Naples National Archeological Museum, Piazza del Plebiscito – Largest public square in Naples.
Accommodations: L’Attico Fuggente Guest House Napoli, Rooftop Parthenopeo – B&B Napoli Centro, Hopestel – Secret Garden, Lux House Naples Airport, Tufo Giallo Rooms, Grand Hotel Europa, Royal Continental Hotel.
10. Florence – The Cradle of the Renaissance
Florence is a city in central Italy. Historically, it is a major centre for finance and trade. The city is exceptional for its architecture and incredible Renaissance art.
Florence is the birthplace of the Piano, and the first known record of the Piano dates known to the 1700s.
Florence Cathedral is a city with many high-end fashion brands, like Gucci is headquartered in this city only. Florence has the fourth-largest cathedral in the world, with Santa Maria del Fiore.
The city is like a walkable museum, where there is so much history hidden in the streets of the city.
There is a signature dish in Florence, which is Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a local lion steak, and this dish weighs around 1 – 1.2 kilos. No matter how hungry you are, you definitely have to share it with your immediate family members.
When to Visit: Spring (April – May), Fall (September – October), Winter (November – March).
Places Not To Miss: Uffizi Gallery, Galleria dell’Accademia, Bargello National Museum, Palazzo Pitti, Basilica of Santa Croce, Boboli Gardens, Piazza del Duomo.
Accommodations: Santa Monaco Hostel, Accademia Masaccio, Olga’s House, Florence Station Rooms B&B, Soggiorno Sogna Firenze, B&B Maison Bianca.
11. Sicily – Natural Gem of Cultures
Sicily is best known for its dramatic coastlines, different cuisines, and ancient ruins. The Island also features a strong tradition of wine making, vibrant towns, and beautiful beaches.
A predominantly mountainous place and a hilly area. But this place will win the hearts of many visitors from all over the world with its rich cities, with so much charm all over.
You will find that many of the handcrafted ceramics, lava stone jewellery, and traditional sweets are the best Sicilian souvenirs.
Sicilian cuisine is incredibly unique, and they have reworked many of the new dishes with inspirations from different cuisines and converted them to their needs and expressed them to their authentic gastronomic identity. Arancini, Pasta alla Norma, Caponata, Pasta with Sea Urchins, Sarde e Beccafico, Parmigiana di Melanzane, Zucca in Agrodolce, e Bottarga.
When to Visit: April, May, June, and October are the best times to visit, and you will come across with lot of festivals, fewer crowds, and mild weather.
Places Not To Miss: Mount Etna, Valle dei Templi, Ancient Theatre of Toarmina, Isola Bella, Cattedrale di Palermo, Norman Palace, Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro, Ragusa Ibla e Spiaggia di Mondello.
Accommodations: B&B Hotel Palermo Quattro Canti, Casa Manuel, La Dolce Vita – Luxury House, La Sirena, Camping Velle di Templi, The Yard Hostel Catania, Luxmari Hotel&SPA.
12. Lake Garda – Largest Lake
Lake Grada is the largest lake in Italy, with a length of around 52 km and a width ranging from 17 km to the south and 4km to the north.
In Italy, Lake Garda is known as Lago di Garda, and it is the most popular destination in the world.
Unimaginably, the color of the water itself is Intense Blue, which makes it incredibly attractive and offers the surprising transparency.
The emergence of cheaper flights to the nearby airports has multiplied the number of visitors to the largest lake in Italy. And many of the tourists come from the north of Europe.
The towns and villages around Lake Grada have different features, and it always depends on the tourists where they want to stay for their holiday.
When to Visit: Swimming & Sunbathing (June – August), Sightseeing & Activities (May, September & October), Budget Friendly Trip & Quiet (November – April).
Places Not To Miss: Towns & Villages (Sirmione – Ancient Ruins of Gratte di Catulla), Malcesine – Climb this place on a cable car on top of Monte Baldo for the beautiful views, Arco – Charming town and accessible from Riva, Limone sul Garda – Picturesque town, Isola Del Garda is a private island and can be accessed by ferry.
Accommodations: Hotel Pace, Hotel Lago Di Garda, Hotel Desenzano, C House Rooms Lake, La Villa Desenzano, Luxury Suite Sirmione, Le Greghe, Villa Chapel – Lake Garda, and Residence Ca’ Del Lago.
13. Puglia – Italy’s Boot
Puglia is now the new sense of tourist destination as one of the best cities in Italy to visit, for those who want to explore the more interesting places across the region extending down to the heel of Italy’s boot.
This region is best known for its crystal clear waters, with many of the golden beaches, fascinating destinations like trulli, and Castle del Monte.
From the spectacular landscapes, incredible delicacies, and with many of the wine-producing areas and they have a large variety like Neroamaro, Moscato di Trani, and Primitivo.
The city has six provinces, which include Taranto, Brindisi, Lecce, Foggia, Bari, and Barletta – Andria – Trani. Major airports are in Bari and Brindisi.
When to Visit: Late Spring (May to June), Autumn (September to October for warm), and for the hottest weather with larger crowds and higher prices.
Places Not To Miss: Bari (recommended to stay in the old town, visit the beaches like Lido Adria, Spiaggia la Torretta, and Pane e Pomodoro Beach ), Polignano a Mare (20 miles south of Bari). Don’t forget to carry a hat and sunblock, and enjoy swimming in the turquoise waters. Beaches are Lama Monachale and Lido Cala Paura. Monopoli, Alberobello, Brindisi, Otranto.
Accommodations: Caicco Suite, B&B Gianmarti Suite, Casa Bianca Suite, Borgo Sardedda Suites, La Terrazza Di Puglia, Masseria Rosa Trulli Relais, La Felicia, VIS Urban Suites & Spa, and Trulli Del Mosco, Dei Sarafini,
14. Umbria – Green Heart of Italy – 15 Best Cities To Visit In Italy Revealed
Umbria is located in the region of central Italy. It is a perfect place for long-term leisure tourists, where there are an ample number of places to discover, which are undervisited.
The cuisine of Umbria is featured by ‘Farm to Table’ principles, where the ingredients change based on the season. It is mainly famous for wine like Sagrantino, truffles, and wild boar.
You will find the natural environment that helps to restore the mind, body, and soul. The peaks are covered with lush forests, and the valleys are lined with waterfalls, lakes, and rivers.
When to Visit: Spring (April – June, fewer tourists and cycling tours), Autumn (September – October, good for wine events and delicious food, Euro chocolate festival in Perugia), Summer (July – August for peak season with many tourists).
Places Not To Miss: Wine Tasting and Exploring Montefalco (30 km southeast of Perugia), Cable Cars and Steep Hill of Gubbio, Civita di Bagnoregio, Casata Telle Marmore, located near the town of Terni, with the thundering waterfalls, and Assisi for the UNESCO world heritage site., Orveito, Spello, Lago Trasimeno, Rasiglia.
Accommodations: La Locanda del Borgo, Hotel Boutique Castiglione del Lago, Casa Vacanze Vecciano, Residenza Porta Guelfa, Giomici Castle, Asso Residence, Città Di Catella Rooms, and Relais dell’Olmo.
15. Portofino – Luxurious Seaside Escape
Portofino is a small fishing village in Italy’s Ligurian seashore, popular for its beautiful harbour, colorful buildings, and renowned for its most luxurious resorts meant for the International jet set.
The iconic port looks like a U-shaped port that is adjacent to the brightly painted houses, and now they host cafes, restaurants, and high-end Boutiques.
Tourists can enjoy many of the activities, like dining on Lingurian cuisine, hiking, yachting, and exploring the many historical sites.
All the towns of Portofino are accessible on the main east-west train line, which includes Camogli, Rapallo, and Santa Margherita Ligure. There are many boats that regularly ferry between Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino, Rapallo, and San Fruttuoso.
When to Visit: May, September, and October are the best times to visit for lower prices, good weather, and fewer crowds. Winter (November – April). At this time weather is cold and many of the businesses are closed. Summer (July – August), Hot Weather with heavy crowds, and the prices of the accommodations are very high
Places Not To Miss: Portofino Lighthouse, Church of San Giorgio, Castello Brown, Piazza Martiri Dell’Olivetta, Portofino Marine Protected Area, and Marina di Portofino.
Accommodations: Hotel Piccolo Portofino, Miramare Hotel, Best Western Hotel Regina Elena, Albergo Annabella, Villa Gelsomino Exclusive House, Splendide Riviera Boutique Art Hotel, Olives Bay Terrace in Portofino, Hotel Cavour, and Mediterraneo Emotional Hotel & Spa.
Best Cities To Visit In Italy – Conclusion
That’s all about the best cities in Italy from my end. I hope this article will help you plan your best city trip accordingly.
If you have already visited one of these cities or you are a local there, share your experiences or any other gems that should be added to this list.
Don’t forget to comment below.
