One of my favourite countries, I have been meaning to share the best cities to visit in Italy and why you need to visit these historical gems for a while now.
I love that Italy is so easy to explore by train and so much cheaper to travel around than it is to explore cities in the UK. So below I am sharing top tips on which cities to visit in Italy, places main cities to visit in Italy. Be sure to also check out my guide on the best restaurants in Italy to add to your bucket list.
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The Best Cities To Visit In Italy And Why
There are so many amazing cities to visit in Italy, below you not only get tips on the cities to visit but also the nearby towns to each of the cities.
So if you trying to decide on what cities to visit in Italy, this should definitely help you decide which one of the below to explore. Also, make sure you know exactly just want Italian souvenirs to bring back from Italy.
Venice
If you had to pick cities to visit, Venice has to be among the top 3 cities to visit in Italy. The beautiful city built on more than 100 islands is one to visit at least once in a lifetime.
Free from car traffic Venice is traversed by 200 canals and at least 400 bridges. Very little has changed in Venice’s design for the past 700 years in a city that has many of its landmarks UNESCO World Heritage listed.
While in Venice, must see sights include Piazza and Basicila San Marco, Doge Palace, Campanile (Bell Tower). Also experience, riding the gondola at sunset and take a tour or vaporetto to Venice Lagoon Islands.
Where to stay in Venice: See my extensive guide to the best areas to stay in Venice.
Nearest Airport to Venice: Marco Polo Airport but also easily accessible is Verona Airport only a short train ride away see my post on how to get from Verona to Venice.
Getting Around Venice: I have a post on how to save money on water taxis in Venice but Venice has Vaporattos(water buses) that are easy to use. For more tips check out my post how to do Venice on a Budget.
Pisa
One of the amazing cities to visit near Florence Italy. Pisa is counted among the best cities to visit in Italy for foodies. Located in Tuscany with its rustic tranquility in the well known for its delicious Tuscan cuisine matched with Chianti wine. Pisa is easily accessible by RyanAir’s cheap flights.
Take in views of sights in Piazza dei Miracoli (square of miracles) where you will find the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Baptistery and Campanile. While in Pisa make sure you take the opportunity to check out cool Tuscany cooking classes as well as tours to Chianti region. Also easily accessible it Florence which is a quick train ride from Pisa. You can also do day trips to Cinque Terre from Pisa.
Verona
Known as a Shakespearean city, Verona is one of the cool cities to visit near Venice Italy. Discover historical palaces, monuments and beautifully preserved Roman amphitheatre.
Explore Juliet’s Balcony, take in the sights in Piazza Bra and enjoy the views from Torre di Lomberti. You can easily do day trips to Venice from Verona. Verona also provides easy access to Italy’s largest lake; Lake Garda.
Lake Garda is located between Milan and Venice but closer to Verona. Lake Garda is located between high mountains, olive groves, and Vineyards with charming villages and towns with historic castles and sights. Check out my post on the best towns to visit on Lake Garda and tips on how to get from Verona to Lake Garda. I have also shared posts on Verona and a guide to Lake Garda on the blog.
Florence
The birthplace of Renaissance, the city of Michelangelo, Botticelli, Da Vinci, Giotto, Dante and many of Italy’s greats. Among beautiful cities to visit in Italy.
Home to the world’s greatest art and architecture, many of the city’s palaces and churches are full gorgeous paintings and sculptures. Florence like Milan is known for fashion. Florence also provides easy access to Chianti countryside, one of Italy’s many wine regions also offers up excellent relaxation villas to unwind in.
For tips on how to spend a day in Florence as well top places to visit in Florence including the beautiful Uffizi Gallery, Maria del Fiore Duomo, Campanile and Ponte Vecchio over the River Arno. Also, check out hidden gems like Santa Croce. I would highly recommend at least 2 or 3 days in Florence to truly appreciate what the city has to offer.
Rome
A majestic city with a remarkable history which retains many buildings and monuments from over 2000 years of history from the Republic and Empire. Rome is among the most popular cities to visit in Italy, amazing sights like the Pantheon, Colosseum are not to be missed.
Rome was not built in a day and to truly appreciate it you will need at least 3 days but for good measure, I have tips on places to visit and things to do in Rome in my 4 days Rome itinerary to help you explore the Eternal City.
Admire sights like Trevi Fountain, visit the trendy Trastevere neighbourhood, explore Villa Borghese Gardens and Gallery. Considered the centre of the world for many centuries, Rome draws in millions of visitors every year.
Where to stay in Rome: check out my guide to the best areas to stay in Rome as well as cool hotels with balcony views of Rome.
Other places to visit when in Rome: The Vatican is one not miss out on when visiting this amazing city in Italy. I have tips on visiting Vatican city where you can explore the magnificent Sistine Chapel and Basicilca.
Naples
If you are looking for cities to visit in southern Italy, then this one needs to be at the top of your list. A city with history dating back to 9th century BC when the Greeks founded Neapolis. Another Italian city known for its beautiful monuments and great museums showcasing the history of Naples and Italy overall. This is another one of the best cities to visit in italy for food, the birthplaces of the modern Pizza, Naples offers a gateway to best coastal cities to visit in Italy – the magical seaside and clifftop towns of Positano, Praiano, Amalfi, Ravello and Salerno.
Naples and surrounding towns are enough on their own to enjoy on a vacation to Italy. Enjoy a stunning panoramic view over the sparkling blue sea. You can also easily get from Naples to Amalfi Coast. A place that is known for great food and the famous limoncello are reasons just some of the many reasons to visit this beautiful Italian coastline.
Milan
The fashion capital of Italy, Milan is another city not to be missed. Milan has it all; beautiful Duomos, bustling designer shops and boutiques, great lifestyle, museums and nightlife. Not just a fashion city, Millan also offers plenty of history. Many come to Milan to visit the Gothic themed Duomo made of white marble and adorned with Belfried, gables and statues.
Be sure to add to the list La Scala Museum, Brera Gallery, Casa Verdi and check out Leonardo’s ‘The Last Supper’ at Santa Maria della Grazie. If you a lover of fashion don’t miss the chance to check out Italian designer outlets of which a couple are in Milan.
Before heading out to the outlets, be sure to pass by Galleria Vittoria Emanuele, the world’s oldest shopping Mall. Milan also offers a gateway to Lake Como. The most famous of Italian Lakes is only 30 minutes by train from Milan. I have shared tips on the best towns to visit on Lake Como as well as the best tours from Milan to Lake Como.
Also See
- The Best Photography Spots In Venice
- 48 Hour Visual Guide To Milan
- Views From Giotto’s Campanile In Florence
- How To Get From Milan To Cinque Terre
There you have it, the best cities to visit in Italy and why you need to book a ticket and explore the magnificent historical cities of Italy. So have you been to any of the above? Have a favourite? Comment below.
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Italy is such a gorgeous country. We passed through it briefly on our last trip to Europe, but I would love to devote an entire two-week vacation devoted to Italy. I which I had seen this post before, would have made choosing best cities to visit in Italy for the first time a lot easier.
I love Rome so much, it is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in Italy to visit. I also did enjoy Vatican City. I want to see Pisa soon! This is such a great guide to help anyone decide on which cities in Italy to visit.
With its rich history and beautiful architecture, Italy is a great place to visit. I wonder which are the best cities in Italy to visit in summer. I never tire of spending time in this amazing country.
Italy is just perfect in every sense from the sites to the food to the people. Looks like you have all the popular cities in Italy to visit. I am going soon and will definitely use this post. Thanks for sharing.
Venice is one of the most amazing cities of Italy to visit….I don’t know why but I have always wanted to visit this city in Italy! I wonder which one of these are the best cities to visit in Italy on a budget
Italy is absolutely beautiful! I would adore to have the opportunity to visit someday. Thank you for giving me more places to dream of seeing.
Rome and Verona are two of my top cities to visit in the next three years. Thanks for breaking down these cities.
Italy is on top of my bucket list. How I wish I can go here soon. I wonder which are the best cities to visit in Italy solo.
Hi Mavs, there are so many cities in Italy you can visit solo. Italy is really safe so not a problem to visit on your own. Transportation is also really great so you don’t have to rely on dodgy tricks. Any city really would be great.
We are doing our honeymoon in Italy in two August and I cannot wait to see everything you mentioned up close. It’s been a dream of mine to visit the country. I even learned Italian because I love the culture and language so much.
That sounds awesome. I am sure you will have an amazing honeymoon in Italy. Make sure to add some of the small cities in Italy to visit than just the big cities in Italy as the smaller ones offer peace and quiet as well as a better local experience of the Italian culture.
These are some top cities in Italy to visit. Thanks for sharing. I’ll have to check them out.
These are some amazing coastal cities in Italy that you recommended. I would like to first visit Malon, Rome, and then Florence.
I once drove up and down Italy in a little Ford Fiesta. My husband and I had a blast seeing all the pretty little towns. I am planning a trip to Italy soon. Would love to visit some of these cities.
I have always wanted to travel to Italy. Hopefully one of these days I will get to go.
I would love to visit Italy someday! There are so many beautiful cities there.
Boy, you could make a long list of places to visit in Italy. I especially liked Verona: not just the town but the wine areas nearby, the little towns of theVeneto like Vicenza and the towns around Lake Garda, which are all really reachable.