Enjoy the best places to visit in Italy and take in this fantastic country in style. Great for family holidays, weekend retreats and couples breaks, Italy caters for all. Check out our list of places to visit, now.
Best places to visit in Italy: Tuscany
If it’s Renaissance art and architecture that you’re after, then look no further than the region of Tuscany in central Italy. From superb sculptures to awesome art, Tuscany oozes class no matter where you visit.
Florence
Florence is one of the best places in Italy to visit, with it being the birthplace of the Renaissance. Top of your list when visiting this beautiful city should be the art galleries. Whether you want to visit the breathtaking Uffizi Gallery, see Michelangelo’s David or visit the murals inside the Duomo dome, Florence will wow you. Even if you’re not an art fan, it’ll be hard to not be impressed by the beauty of this city.
For those that want to take some time away from the galleries head to Piazza della Signoria, a square that’s in the heart of the city. Here you can enjoy a drink and watch the world go by. Then take a stroll around the quaint streets of the city and take in marvellous architecture, such as the 15th century Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a while, the Boboli Gardens offers great natural beauty with ancient artefacts dotted around the park.
Pisa
Another significant city in terms of the Renaissance is Pisa, which is without doubt one of the best places to visit in Italy. Known across the world for the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, it also has so much more to offer which sometimes doesn’t make the headlines. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta may not be quite as famous as the tower, but it is a remarkable architectural feat which was built in the 11th century. Made from stone and marble, the cathedral will transfix you from the moment you set eyes on it.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is, of course, worth a visit too. A 12th century building, it was built on unstable foundations which is the reason that the tower leans. You can also get one of the best, if not tilted, views in Pisa from the top of the tower. On the journey up the tower you’ll get to see the exquisite skill that went into the building of the iconic landmark.
Best places to visit in Italy: Lazio
History lovers won’t want to miss out on a trip to Lazio, which was the heart of the ancient Roman Empire. Take in some awesome architecture, eat like an Italian and soak up this great region of Italy in style.
Rome
A list of the best places to visit in Italy wouldn’t be complete without the capital of both the Lazio region and the country, Rome. The perfect place to take your children for a history trip, Rome offers experiences like no other. Start at two of the more famous landmarks, the Pantheon and the Colosseum. Built in the 2nd century and the 1st century respectively, these are two of the finest examples of ancient Roman architecture.
Vatican City is also a great place to visit in Rome. Essentially its own state within the capital city, it’s the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and boasts a range of iconic art and architecture which will leave you speechless. A must do when at the Vatican is to climb the dome of St Peter’s Basilica, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views across the city.
Take a break from sightseeing and go to the funky Trastevere neighbourhood, where you can enjoy a drink in Piazza di Santa Maria. Then head up Janiculum Hill, which was once a ritual site, where you’ll get great views across Rome.
Civita di Bagnoregio
Another of the best places to visit in Italy when in the Lazio region is Civita di Bognoregio, which is nicknamed ‘the dying town’ due to the erosion of the hill it’s located on. You can only reach it via a narrow pedestrian bridge, which only adds to the adventure. From the town you’ll be able to enjoy stunning panoramic views across the region. Inside the town, you’ll be charmed the beauty and charisma of this quaint part of Italy.
With a range of activities to keep you occupied in Civita di Bagnoregio, it is a great day trip in Italy for all the family. Head to the Chiesa di San Donato, a 7th century church in the heart of the the town. Then soak up some history at Museo Geologico e delle Frane or visit the Giardino del Poeta for some peace and tranquillity. If all the sightseeing is making you hungry there are plenty of traditional food stops that you can enjoy too.
Find stays in Civitadi Bagnoregio
Best places to visit in Italy: Sicily and Sardinia
It wouldn’t be a list of the best places to visit in Italy if some of the islands weren’t included. From beautiful beaches to iconic architecture, the islands around Italy have something for all the family.
Sardinia
When it comes to beach holidays, one of the best places to visit in Italy is Sardinia. From the northeast picture-perfect area of the Costa Smeralda, to the secluded and tranquil Chia area in the south, there are beaches for everyone. In Costa Smeralda, Capriccioli Beach is one where you can enjoy perfect white sands and crystal clear waters. Whereas In the village of Chai you can enjoy Su Giudeu Beach, which has a flamenco breeding ground behind it as well as regular visits from dolphins in the bay.
Of course Sardinia isn’t only about beaches, with there being loads to offer holidaymakers throughout the island. In Cagliari, there are many archaeological sites that you can visit, such as the Roman Amphitheatre of Cagliari which dates back to the 2nd century. For some nature you can take a trip to the Parco Nazionale del Golfo di Orosei, which is a great location for hiking and superb vistas. Another top location for nature is Parco Nazionale dell’Asinara, which can only be reached by a small ferry.
Sicily
Sicily is also one of the best places to visit in Italy for beaches, with the coastline being a bit more dramatic that its Sardinian neighbour. Whether it’s a quaint town beach that’s perfect for the family, such as Lungomare di Cefalu Beach, or vast sandy beach that’s flanked by dramatic rock formations, like Capo Rossello Beach, there’s something for everyone.
Similar to Sardinia, Sicily is much more than just fabulous beaches though. The capital city, Palermo, is a must visit, with historical buildings and monuments lining the streets. One of the most popular places to visit is the Norman Palace, which was built in the 9th century under the orders of Emir of Palermo. For food, head to the Mercato di Ballaro, where you can buy a range of fresh fish and vegetables, as well as Sicilian street food. In the evening you won’t want to miss out on a trip to the Massimo Theatre, which was used in the famous ‘Godfather’ trilogy and shows opera and plays regularly.
Best places to visit in Italy: Lombardy
In the north of Italy is the region of Lombardy, where you can enjoy great food, shopping and architecture. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, iconic lakes provide the perfect retreat for you.
Milan
The region of Lombardy is home to Milan, the global fashion hub which boasts high-end shops and restaurants that fashionistas and foodies flock to. One of the most iconic buildings in the city is the shopping gallery, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which has a jaw-dropping iron and glass roof. Here you can shop until you drop and wine and dine in style. Another of the key shopping areas in Milan is Via Montenapoleone, which is home to some of the most iconic brands in the world.
If fashion isn’t primarily reason for visiting Milan, then fear not as there’s still plenty on offer. Start off at the Gothic Duomo di Milano, which is a cathedral that dates back to the 14th century. Then head over to the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, where you can get a glimpse of Leonardo da Vinci’s painting, ‘The Last Supper’.
Milan is also home to two of the world’s most famous football teams, Inter Milan and A.C Milan, so heading to their shared ground the San Siro is a great idea. Either a tour the ground, or even a game, are unmissable experiences for football fans.
Lake Garda
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city whilst in Lombardy, you should take a trip to Lake Garda. Without doubt one of the best places to visit in Italy, here you can relax to your heart’s content whilst soaking up the beautiful backdrop. One of the most popular towns to visit at Lake Garda is Salò, which has the longest promenade on the lake. Here you can enjoy a drink on the shoreline, head to a lake beach such as Bau Beach, or take in a museum like Museo di Salò.
If you want to experience the sheer beauty of Lake Garda, then you should visit Parco dell’Alto Garda Bresciano. This mountainous regional park is on a lakefront, so it’s great for hiking up. You’ll be rewarded with fantastic scenery and unobstructed views throughout your walk, which makes this one of the best places to visit in Italy. You’ll stumble across a range of historical landmarks and small villages throughout the park too, which only adds to the beauty of this part of the region.
Best places to visit in Italy: Veneto
The perfect region for romantics, Veneto offers great food, entertainment and iconic architecture. With two of the most renowned cities for couples to go to, Verona and Venice, this has to be one of the best places to visit in Italy.
Verona
For any romantics who are planning a trip to Italy, a great region to visit is Veneto. Start your trip in Veneto in Verona, the city where Romeo and Juliette was set. A bit of a hidden gem compared to some of the other major cities in the country, Verona is a must visit. Start your day by taking a seat at Piazza Brà and enjoying a coffee, where you can enjoy great views of Verona Arena.
The arena also hosts a range of concerts during the summer, which only adds to the romance of this charming city. A romantic trip to Verona wouldn’t be the same without going to Juliet’s House, which is a 14th century Gothic-style house with a stone balcony that inspired Shakespeare.
If you’re with children, a fun activity is to climb Torre dei Lamberti, a medieval bell tower which offers stunning views. Ponte di Castelvecchio is also a great trip for children, which is a brick and marble bridge that was initially built in the 14th century before being reconstructed after World War Two.
Venice
Another of the best places to visit in Italy is Venice, which is a city comprised of hundreds of canals and islands. A great way to travel around the city is either by a Gondola or a ferry bus, which gives you super views of the city as you go. Alternatively, you can also walk through the cobbled streets, just be sure to have a map as it’s easy to get lost. Whether you’re looking for museums, architecture or beaches, this city has the lot.
What to do in Venice?
Not renowned for its beaches, Venice actually boasts the first European beach resort on Venice Lido. A separate island that you can only get to by boat, you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the main island. Another two islands which are ideal for day trips are Murano and Burano, which are famous for glassblowing and lace-making respectively. When visiting Murano check out the Glass Museum, whilst on Burano go to the Lace Musuem, both of which give you a great insight into the history of these two Venetian traditions.
Back on the main island, Piazza St. Marco is a top location where you can soak up street musicians whilst enjoying a gelato. You can then go to St Mark’s Basilica, which is an iconic cathedral that has an on-site museum. For evening entertainment, head over to Teatro San Gallo, for great family-friendly entertainment.
Excited for your next adventure? Our friends at Where to Go, produced by the team behind the award-winning DK Eyewitness travel guides, are here to help!
Each fortnight, hosts James and Lucy talk to local experts about the destination they have chosen to call their home, exploring their personal connection to the place, what makes it so special and the best things to see and do.
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