The Best Places to See in Italy
I don’t know that anyone could visit Italy and NOT fall completely in love with it. From its rich historical sites, abundance of artistic masterpieces, delicious cuisine, beautiful cities, stunning natural landscapes, breathtaking beaches and dreamy architecure along the coastline, Italy has something for most everyone to appreciate. It’s no wonder so many people consider it their favorite country! After multiple trips myself to this incredible place, here is my list of the best places to see in Italy.
Rome
No list of the best places to see in Italy would be complete without Rome on it. Start your visit with the crown jewel of the city: the Colosseum. Being a wonder of the world and a cool historical site even without that added distinction, it can get BUSY. Book your tickets in advance for an early morning time slot to beat the crowds (and heat) as much as possible. Plan to spend some time exploring the nearby Roman Forum, which was the heart of the ancient city.
Another early start to your day is best for visiting the Vatican Museums (and Sistine Chapel). You’ll need at least 2, preferably 3 days to properly see everything in Rome without feeling rushed. Spend the remaining time you have on the days you visit the ancient Roman sites and Vatican Museums with seeing the other gems Rome has to offer: The Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Castel Sant’Angelo, and more. Check out my dedicated post on what to see and do in Rome for details.
Naples
Naples is a main city south of Rome that works well as a connecting point to smaller cities and sites in the surrounding area. But even if you’re only passing thorugh Naples it would be a CRIME not to stop at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele for pizza. I’ve heard it said that Naples has the best pizza in the world. I’ve also heard it said that L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele has the best pizza in Naples. So does that mean L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele has the best pizza in the world?? Try some and find out for yourself. ;] Note that it’s a popular place and can get CROWDED. The wait time to sit inside can reach an hour or more. If you opt to order your pizza to go, the wait is much shoter. Also note that one full size pizza feeds one very hungry person. Order accordingly. ;]
Pompeii
Visit the ancient city of Pompeii and wander the streets that were covered in ash after Mount Vesuvius erupted. The excavation of Pompeii officially began in 1748. But it wasn’t until 1763 when a sign was unearthed that officially confirmed this was the lost city of Pompeii. It’s still actively being excavated to this day and has provided invaluable information on what life was like in ancient Roman times.
A few must see sites here include the Forum, the Amphitheatre, and the body casts. A full day will allow enough time to explore Pompeii, nearby Herculaneum, which is a smaller lesser known city that suffered the same fate, and take an up close look at Mount Vesuvius itself. *You’ll be glad to know that a bus will take you the majority of the way up Mount Vesuvius, and you’ll only have to walk a fairly short distance to see inside the volcano.*
Positano
Positano is one of the most photogenic and magical places in the world I’ve been to. And it looks every bit in real life like it does in the incredible photos you’ve seen of it. I wouldn’t say it’s so much a place to see and do specific things as it is a place to spend time relaxing and taking in the scenery.
Spiaggia di Positano Marina Grande, the main beach in Positano, is a great place to spend a day lounging. Rent a beach chair if you’d like, or spread your towel out in an open spot on the sand. Take a swim in the clear ocean water and enjoy the incredible views all around. Consider taking a boat tour from Positano to see its beautiful coastline from the sea, as well as other towns along the Amalfi coast. Positano is a dream. Any time you spend there is time well spent.
Florence
Florence is a gem in Italy that’s bursting with charm, history, art, stunning architecture and more. A few must see highlights include:
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo) – The famous church and UNESCO World Herritage site that dominates the city center. Galleria dell’Accademia – The museum that’s best known as the home of Michelangelo’s “David” statue. Uffizi Gallery – This museum displays the “Birth of Venus” by Sandro Botticelli as well as works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and more. Ponte Vecchio – This famous bridge in Florence was the only one to survive WWII in tact. Today it’s known for the shops built into it, and sees a considerable amount of people-traffic as a pedestrian-only bridge. Piazzale Michelangelo – This is the most perfect place to enjoy a panoramic view of Florence. It gets crowded at sunset, but it’s the most breath taking time to visit.
Pisa
The main event in Pisa is, of course, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Take all the pictures your heart desires of the tower, then spend some time walking around the small city. You can book tickets in advance if you’d like to go inside the Leaning Tower.
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is another place that looks exactly like the stunning photos you’ve seen of it. And it’s a strong contender for being one of the most beautiful of the best places to see in Italy. This gorgeous stretch of the Italian coast consists of 5 quaint towns: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. Each of these towns are connected by a hiking path that allows you to walk to each one. (The only exception would be if a section of the path is closed for maintenance). Each town is also accessible by train and ferry.
I’d recommend spending a full day hiking the roughly 7 mile path between the villages and stop along the way to appreciate each one. I would then say to pick your favorite of the 5 towns to spend a few nights in. Enjoy some additional hiking, beach time, seafood and other amazing eats while soaking in the beauty of this unreal place. For what its worth, I’d probably choose to stay in Vernazza. ;]
Milan
Milan is a great destination to use as a connecting point to Lake Como. Even as the epicenter of fashion and culture there’s not quite as many things to see in Milan as there are in other Italian destinations. But there’s still a small handful of places you shouldn’t miss. These include:
Duomo di Milano – This is the famous cathedral in the city. It took six hundred years to build and remains an active place of worship today. (This means hats should be removed and shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting). Make sure to book the ticket that allows entrance into the cathedral, museum, and roof. Leonardo da Vinci’s, “The Last Supper” – This world-renowned painting is located in Santa Maria delle Grazie convent. Book tickets well in advance as they’re rare to come by on the day of at the ticket counter. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – This may be the most beautiful shopping mall in existance, and what I’d consider the eptiome of Milan along with the Duomo di Milano. Castello Sforzesco – A castle museum with work by Michelangelo.
Lake Como
Lake Como easily makes the list of best places to see in Italy. But would it make sense if I said it’s one of the most popular of the less obvious places to see? I feel like it’s a place that doesn’t always make the list of destinations people go to when they visit Italy for the first time. But those who do eventually make a trip there are blown away by how amazing it is. With its stunningly blue water and gorgeously quaint little towns along the coast, it’s a place most anyone would consider a real life dream.
A few must see places on Lake Como are Villa del Balbianello, Villa Monastero, and Bellagio. Villa del Balbianello is a beautiul villa with stunning gardens and incredible views of the lake. It was also used as a filming location in Star Wars Attack of the Clones. Villa Monastero is a villa with beautiful grounds and views to explore. Bellagio is a stunning town along the lake. It’s popular and can get busy, but even then it’s a must-see place.
Verona
Verona is such a quiant, beautiful, and romantic town. But as the setting for Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” I wouldn’t expect anything less. Start by visiting Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s house). Book your ticket online (there’s no ticket sales in person) to tour the courtyard and home. The balcony, which can be seen from the courtyard below, is said to have inspired Shakespeare when writing the balcony scene in “Romeo and Juliet.” If you’re interested in recieving some advice on love from Juliet (or her secretaries) write a letter and drop it off in the red “Posta di Giulietta” mail box in the courtyard. (It took a few months, but I got a response!)
Some other places to see in the city include: Piazza delle Erbe – The city center of Verona. Torre dei Lamberti: A clocktower you can climb to see views of the city. Verona Arena: A well preserved ancient Roman amphitheatre. Piazzale Castel San Pietro – The best view of the city. Climb the stairs or take the funicular to the top of the hill.
Venice
Venice is a such a unique, stunning, and picturesque town. But I wouldn’t say it’s so much a place to see a large number of specific sites. It’s a place to wander around, get lost among the canals, and enjoy the views and ambience of the city.
Plan your wanderings to include stopping by this handful of sites: Doge’s Palace – The former residence of the Doge (leader) of Venice. This seat of government also included offices and a jail. Be sure to check out the famous Bridge of Sighs, which connected the prison and interrogation rooms, as well. St. Mark’s Basilica – The main cathedral in Venice. It’s located in St. Mark’s Square, which is also where you’ll find seemingly all the pigeons in Venice reside. The Grand Canal – The main canal in Venice. Head to Ponte dell’Accademia for the most stunning view of it. Rialto Bridge – An iconic bridge in the city.
Burano
Just a 45 minute ferry ride away from Venice is the beautiful island of Burano. This former fishing village is best known for it’s brightly painted houses that line the mazes of canals. The best thing to do in Burano is spend time strolling around the island and enjoying its photogenic views. As you can imagine, this is a popular place. Aim to take the first ferry of the day to the island and you’ll have it nearly all to yourself for an hour or two before the masses arrive. It will be worth the early morning, I PROMISE.
Dolomites
As with Lake Como, I’d say the Dolomites are another popular place that doesn’t always get visited on a first trip to Italy. But those who do eventually make a trip there (myself included) are BLOWN AWAY by it. It’s a large, spread out region so it may take a few weeks or a few visits to really see it all.
A few must see places include: Cortina d’Ampezzo – The beautiful mountain village where the 2026 Winter Olympics were held. Lago di Sorapis – A stunning turquiose lake reached by a challenging 6 mile round trip hike. Lago di Braies – A photogenic and popular-on-Instagram lake. Seceda – A well known peak in the Dolomites accessible by cable car. Alpe di Siusi – A beautiful alpine meadow accessible by cable car. And my personal favorite: Val di Funes – The most unreal post-card-worthy view in the Dolomites. Don’t rush your time in the Dolomites. Plan time for both hiking and relaxing in this beautiful place.
And those make up the best places to see in Italy. :]
Enjoy your time exploring this beautiful country, and travel safe, friends.
CE
