Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe with many incredible cities and wonderful sceneries.
Lakes, volcanoes, mountains and hills are spread all across the country.
Big and emblematic cities laid hidden between these wonderful landforms.
Not just the scenery is wonderful but we also like the welcoming people and the tasty food.
What could be more relaxing than sipping from a glass of Tuscany wine and trying their traditional cold cuts plateau?!
The list with all the best places to visit in Italy is really long and you need months or even years to explore the entire country and to understand their fascinating culture and traditions.
From all these magnificent places we selected the best from all and we put them in the below list just for you to help you make the best choices when visiting Italy.
We split them into 2 categories: best cities to visit in Italy and the best areas to visit in Italy.
I hope this will make your decision easier.
Best places to visit Italy
1. Best cities in Italy
Italy has many cities famous worldwide for their architecture, history and culture.
From the north to the south, everywhere you go there are many interesting town and cities to explore.
Famous restaurants serving delicious food waiting for guests to come and taste the local cuisine.
1.1 Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and one of the best places to visit Italy.
It is a place full of history and many historical attractions.
The Colosseum and the Pantheon are the most emblematic places when we discuss the historical side of the city.
Besides the historical attractions, there is also the world-known Fontana Di Trevi, one of the most photographed places from the city.
Let’s not forget about the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel and on its ceiling lies a beautiful painting of Michelangelo.
Time to explore: definitely one day is too less. Somewhere between 3 to 5 days are recommendable if you want to have time to see the main attractions in Rome.
Where to sleep: For your stay in Rome, one of the best places to visit in Italy we recommend you to sleep at Hotel Scenario Rome , a 4-star hotel located close to the city centre and within walking distance to the main attractions of the city.
The hotel is new, it has very modern interiors, a great sauna and fantastic coffee!
1.2 Milan
A cosmopolitan and vibrant city, Milan is one of the best places to visit on Italy.
The city is located in the north part of the country close to the French border.
Milan is the fashion capital of the world so don’t miss the great experience of shopping in this city.
One of the best places to visit Italy offers you the unique experience of seeing one of Da Vinci masterpieces “ The Last Supper” which is painted on the Convent of Santa Maria Delle Grazie.
The most emblematic building from the city is the Duomo di Milano, the 3rd largest cathedral in the world and the second-largest from the country.
From the rooftop of the Duomo, you will get some very memorable photos!
For a complete tour of the cathedral we recommend you to book Milan: Fast-Track Milan Cathedral and Terraces Guided Tour as you have the fast track option and you gain important time to explore the city. With this tour, you will discover the mysteries of this masterpiece with a very knowledgeable guide and have access to the cathedral museum and San Gottardo Church.
Time to explore: You will need about two days to explore the city, one of the best places to visit in Italy.
Where to sleep: Hotel Spadari Al Duomo is a 4-star hotel located just 150 metres away from the Duomo di Milano and most of the shops.
The hotel offers modern rooms with comfortable beds and an American buffet style for breakfast.
1.3 Venice
One of the most romantic and unique cities in Europe, Venice is located in the northeastern part of the country.
One of the best places to visit Italy is a relatively small and compact city with narrow streets for pedestrians and no cars.
The only way to move around the country is by water.
There are water taxis, water buses and a lot of boats roaming around.
Nothing could be more romantic than a gondola tour on Venice canals!
I don’t think I have ever seen a more romantic place with that many historical buildings and charming atmosphere!
Besides the wonderful canals, Venice, one of the best places to visit in Italy has many beautiful attractions: the Doges’ Palace, St Mark ‘s Square, Rialto Bridge and Saint Mark’s Cathedral.
Time to explore: two or three days are enough to explore the main attractions of this city
Where to sleep: Set in a XIV century building, Hotel Dona Palace Venice is a 4-star hotel located 2 minutes walk from St Mark’s Square.
The rooms are decorated in the Venetian style and some of them are overlooking the canals.
The hotel has a beautiful interior garden where you can drink a cocktail and chat with your friends.
1.4 Florence
The world capital of art, Florence is one of the best places to visit in Italy.
Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore is the centrepiece of Florence.
The construction is impressive and is considered to be the main attraction of the city.
Brunelleschi’s Dome, the nave, Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Baptistery are the main parts of the church that should be visited.
The view over the city from the top of the Duomo is impressive!
You have to climb about 465 stairs from top to bottom but worth the effort!
The view of Florence, one of the best places to visit Italy is breathtaking!
To climb the Dome you have to book your tickets in advance and reserve the hours!
With Florence Dome Climb: Priority Entrance Tour you get priority entry to the Dome, 1 hour guided tour in English and the unique opportunity to see the world from above.
After a remarkable visit of the Dome, head to Ponte Vecchio and buy some really nice souvenirs!
Oh! Don’t leave Florence without eating their delicious gelato! It is one of the best in the world!
Galleria Uffizi is another must-see place from Florence!
Don’t miss it!
Time to explore: You will need about 2 or three days to explore the most important attractions of the city.
Where to sleep: Hotel Pierre Florence is located in an XIII building close to the heart of the city and the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore and Ponte Vecchio.
The rooms are spacious and clean and breakfast can be served in a room overlooking the cathedral.
A complimentary smartphone is included in the room rate.
1.5 Verona
I am sure that everybody heard about Romeo and Juliette.
But did you know that Verona is the place where the whole action took place?
Most of the attractions are located in the historical centre of the city within a walking distance.
It is one of the best places to visit Italy and worth spending some time around.
Juliette’s house, many wonderful piazzas and churches are in the area.
The place is full of tourists but still has a romantic and authentic feel.
Ponte Scaligero, Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore and Piazza Delle Erbe are other interesting places to visit in Verona, one of the best places to visit in Italy.
Time to explore: 2 days are more than enough to visit this magnificent city
Where to sleep: Hotel Milano Spas Verona is a beautiful hotel located right in the historical centre with spacious and very clean rooms and an amazing rooftop bar overlooking the city.
The hotel has a very stylish spa and wellness centre and offers tasty breakfast included in the room rate.
1.6 Pisa
Pisa is world-famous thanks to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
This is a pretty small city with a picturesque atmosphere and incredibly welcoming people.
The city is located in Tuscany province, 80 kilometres away from Florence and it is very easy to reach by train and by car.
Book some time and climb in the tower for a wonderful view of the city.
Time to explore: half a day is enough to visit the tower and the nearby cathedral
Where to sleep: Our recommendation if you want to spend the night in Pisa is Relais Dei Mercanti Suites Pisa a cosy and comfortable B&B located right near the city centre, 10 minutes walk from the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The B&B is located in an old refurbished building dating from the XIII century and offers traditional Italian breakfast.
1.7 Sorrento
Sorrento is a coastal town located in the southwestern part of the country, a great place to set your camp if you are interested in exploring Amalfi Coast, Capri Island and the historic ruins of Pompeii.
The city itself is a very popular destination among tourists because of its interesting architecture, many antique shops and beautiful piazzas.
While in Sorrento stop at a bar and try their local digestif, a world-famous drink, called Limoncello.
Limoncello is made of alcohol, water and sugar, and lemon rinds.
Time to explore: half a day is enough to explore this city, one of the best places to visit Italy.
If you are interested in exploring the nearby areas, then we recommend you to book a day for each of the following destinations: Amalfi Coast, the island of Capri and Pompeii ruins.
Where to sleep: Cioffi Sorrento Rooms is a beautiful B&B located 700 metres away from the centre and 1 kilometre away from Peter’s Beach.
The B&B offers modern and spacious rooms, some of them overlooking the city. Everything is within walking distance of the hotel.
In the room rate is also breakfast included.
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2. Best areas in Italy
Not just the cities are the best places to visit in Italy.
There are still many beautiful attractions waiting to be discovered.
It comes into my mind so many interesting places and beautiful landscapes that I saw in Italy and I feel that I will not be able to stick to the most important ones.
From the areas in Italy I like the most the following are really special and unique:
2.1 Tuscany
Tuscany is my favourite region in Italy.
Its breathtaking landscapes with hillside towns, vineyards and lush hills make from this part of the country a great place for a romantic escape and a relaxing holiday.
Cities like Siena, San Gimignano, Lucca, Montalcino and of course Florence should be on your list when exploring Tuscany.
I was fascinated by nature, by the landforms and the countryside.
Driving along the Tuscany countryside, one of the best places to visit Italy is the most beautiful experience I’ve had during my trip to Italy.
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While in Tuscany taste the famous wine produced by locals and visit at least a wine cellar for a complete experience.
Time to explore: somewhere between 3 to 5 days should be enough to explore the area
Where to sleep: Viesca Suites Borro Toscana is our option for your stay in Tuscany, one of the best places to visit in Italy.
This is a wonderful resort located on top of a hill near Reggello overlooking the town and the hills from the area.
The resort has an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant and a garden with a barbecue.
2.2 Cinque Terre
If Tuscany is one of the most romantic places from Italy, Cinque Terre is considered as the most scenic area.
As the name suggests there are five colourful and amazing towns laying on steep rocks that give the impression that in every moment they can collapse into the sea.
The names of the towns are Vernazza, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Monterosso al Mare and Corniglia.
You can walk between the town or take the train and admire the view from the train window.
Time to explore: one day is enough to explore the whole area.
Where to sleep: Hotel Al Terra Di Mare Cinque Terre is one of the best hotels in the area. It is located in Manarola, the first of the five towns from the Cinque Terre area.
It is an eco-friendly hotel, with spacious rooms some of them overlooking the valley while others overlooking the sea.
2.3 Lake Como one of the best places to visit Italy
Located in the north part of the country right near the spectacular Dolomites Mountains, Lake Como is a major attraction of Italy.
Lake Como is just one and a half hours drive from Milan and offers amazing views, being a great place to relax and enjoy the sun.
Stop in Varenna, one of the most beautiful towns near the lake to explore its wonderful streets and ride the Funicolare Como-Brunate for a stunning view of the entire Lake Como.
Time to explore: you need a day to explore Lake Como, one of the best places to visit on Italy
Where to sleep: Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni Lake Como is a beautiful 5-stars hotel located in Bellagio right near the lake and the mountains.
The hotel offers wonderful views over the lake, an outdoor pool, a beauty centre and a spa.
You will be surprised and amazed by the beauty of the interiors with frescoes ceiling and splendid chandeliers from Murano glass and classic decor.
This amazing hotel is a family-owned hotel with great services and a Michelin star restaurant.
2.4 The Dolomites one of the best places to visit in Italy
The Dolomites Mountains are one of the most beautiful landforms in Europe.
They continue to amaze, fascinate and attract tourists from all over the world anxious to climb their steep rocks and to visit the hidden lakes located on top of the mountains.
I visited this place many times and it continues to amaze me!
Each time when I go I discover new trails, new landscapes and a lot of interesting things to do.
There are hikes across the mountains with different degrees of difficulty and length. Choose the ones which suit you the most!
Time to explore: you would need weeks to explore the Dolomites, one of the best places to visit Italy.
But I know you don’t have so much time, so consider booking at least three days in the area for some hikes to the most beautiful attractions.
Where to sleep: Cristallo Luxury Collection Resort Dolomites is a luxurious hotel located in one of the best ski resorts from Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo.
This 5-star hotel offers a huge wellness centre and a heated indoor pool. It has 3 restaurants and from some rooms, you have a stunning view of the mountains.
Three years in a row this hotel won the prize for the best ski resort in Europe.
2.5 Pompeii
Right at the foot of Mt Vesuvius, one of the biggest volcanoes from Europe lies the ancient ruins of Pompeii.
Walking along the ancient ruins is like travelling back in time.
The town was buried in more than one metres of ash and pumice after the volcanic eruption of Vesuvius from 79 AD.
Now all the ruins were excavated and you can walk along the ancient streets of the town admiring the houses and try to imagine how life looked hundreds of years ago.
Time to explore: a half-day is enough to explore this incredible ancient site, one of the best places to visit in Italy.
Where to sleep: Hotel Pompei Be Green Pompei a 4-star hotel is located 1.5. Km from Pompeii ruins and 600 metres from the centre of the city.
The hotel offers clean and spacious rooms, a bar and a cosy place where to have breakfast.
2.6 The Amalfi Coast
Driving along the Amalfi Coast, one of the best places to visit Italy, is considered to be one of the most scenic and beautiful drives from Europe.
It is one of the busiest roads during summertime.
The place is full of tourists roaming around and admiring the incredible landscape.
The most famous town from the Amalfi Coast is Positano.
Avoid going here in peak season because the place is overcrowded and has huge prices!
This place reminds me of Cinque Terre!
The way the towns are displayed on steep cliffs right near the sea, the colourful houses, everything reminds you about Cinque Terre.
Just that Amalfi Coast is way more famous and expensive than Cinque Terre.
Time to explore: if you want just to pass by and admire the scenery then a day is enough.
But if you are planning to visit Positano for example and stay at the beach, then consider booking at least 2 days for this place.
Where to sleep: Hotel Punta Regina Amalfi from Positano is our proposal for the Amalfi Coast.
It is a 4-star hotel located on top of the cliffs with amazing views over the sea and the town of Positano.
It has an amazing rooftop pool and some of the rooms have an outdoor hot tub.
2.7 The island of Capri
A beautiful island located in Italy’s Bay of Naples, the island of Capri attracts lots of tourists each year.
It is one of the best places to visit in Italy and a very popular destination among tourists searching for stunning sceneries.
The most popular attraction of the island is the Blue Grotto, a natural site, a dark cavern where the colour of the sea becomes electric blue.
Sorrento, a beautiful town located close to the island is the place where you should start your journey!
Rent a yacht and explore the area in style!
It is one of the most beautiful places to spend your summer holiday!
Time to explore: book a minimum of 2 days to explore the island and its amazing places.
Where to sleep: Hotel Plaza Capri is a beautiful 4-star hotel located in the centre of Sorrento offering beautiful views over the sea and the amazing coastline.
It is a clean and beautiful hotel with modern rooms, some of them with private balconies.
Peter’s beach is located just 400 metres away, while Piazza Tasso is just 100 metres.
Italy is indeed an amazing country which has many natural wonders and incredible cities.
It is a place full of history with many hidden secrets!
These are the best places to visit Italy and should be on your list for your next trip.