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Population Rankings: 5 Italian Cities and Insider Tips

Grab your pen and paper and write down what I am telling you about the cities in Italy by population!

These cities are not just the most beautiful and visited places on the Italian peninsula but are also the biggest ones!

There are many interesting attractions to visit in and around these cities so book a few days for each of them for an unforgettable experience!

Naples Italy Napoli Italia cities of Italy by population

Naples Italy Napoli Italia cities by population

This is the list of the biggest cities of Italy by population which should not be missed:

1.Rome

La Citta Eterna or the Eternal City as Rome is called is the biggest and the most important city in Italy, being also the capital city of Italy!

It is located in the central part of the country, in the Lazio region, and it has a population of about 3 million inhabitants being the populous city of the entire Italy.

The history of the city goes back in time with more than 2.500 years when the place was inhabited by Latins and Etruscans.

Colosseum Rome Italy Colosseo Sunset cities in Italy by population

Colosseum Rome Italy Colosseo Sunset

Nowadays it is a multicultural city where Asians, Africans, and Europeans live together in harmony.

Among the most important places to see are:

  • Colosseum, the most renowned and iconic landmark in the world built between 70-80 AD and can host more than 80.000 spectators.
  • Pantheon, one of the best-preserved ancient Roman building in the world
  • Fontana di Trevi built-in 1762 by Nicola Salvi to pay a tribute to the Roman God Oceanus who can be seen riding his chariot pulled by Tritons
  • the Vatican with its museum
  • St Peter’s Church, a true triumph to the power and decadence of the catholic religion

Where to sleep

The Talent Hotel Roma  is a wonderful 4 stars hotel located close to Pantheon and Fontana di Trevi.

The hotel location makes it a great place to stay! Oh! And the rooms and services are really great!

2.Milan second in the top cities of Italy by population

With a total population of approx 1.3 million inhabitants, Milan is the second-largest of cities in Italy by population and is located in northern Italy.

It is also the financial capital of the country, being home to the Italian stock exchange and a very important role in many industries.

Milan’s urbanized area is among the largest in the country stretching from the core of Milan northward to the Alps.

It includes development in the provinces of Varese, Como, and Lecco as well as Monza and Brianza.

The province of Como is home to the picturesque Lake Como, while Varese sits at the foot of the Simplon Tunnel (of “Venice Simplon-Orient Express” fame) and the highway over Simplon Pass to Brig in Switzerland’s Rhone Valley and the Matterhorn.

Milan Italy PIazza del Duomo best cities of Italy to visit cities in Italy by population

Milan Italy PIazza del Duomo best cities to visit in Italy

Besides the many shops and cafes where to drink a coffee after a long shopping session, Milan is also famous for its Duomo di Milano, one of the last gothic style churches built in Europe.

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The city of Milan had been recognized as one of the world’s four fashion capitals thanks to several international events and fairs, out of which the most important are Milan Fashion Week and the Milan Furniture Fair.

These fairs are the world’s biggest in terms of revenue, visitors, and growth recorded from one year to another.

The city is served by many luxurious hotels and is the fifth- most starred in the world by Michelin guide.

Where to sleep

Hotel Spadari Al Duomo is our suggestion for Milan.

The hotel is located just a few steps away from the Duomo di Milano and the most important shops in the city.

What I liked the most at this hotel, besides the location were the comfortable beds, the spacious rooms, and the American breakfast served each morning.

3.Naples

With almost 1 million people, Naples is the third-largest city of Italy.

This city is one of the oldest inhabited places in Europe with a history dating for more than 2000 years.

Naples is the best place to set your camp if you want to explore Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii, and Capri and Ischia Islands.

Mont Vesuvio is the only volcano in mainland Europe that has erupted in the last 100 years and it is considered very dangerous due to the high number of human settlements located in the danger zone.

Pompeii is an ancient city that sat in the shadow of the imposing Mount Vesuvio which was destroyed by a massive eruption in 79 AD.

Due to the huge layer of ash that was deposited over the partial ruins, the city is perfectly preserved and one of the most popular places in the area.

Capri and Ischia islands are two of Italy’s most famous islands with dramatic sceneries, a rugged coastline dotted with beautiful caves, and charming Italian villages.

 

Naples Italy Napoli Italia cities of Italy by population

Naples Italy Napoli Italia cities of Italy by population

While in the area, book some days to explore the beautiful city of Naples and include in your itinerary :

  • Royal Palace of Naples
  • Duomo di San Gennaro with its catacombs, a network of tunnels and passageways that are lined with graves and crypts dating from the ancient times
  • Cappella Sansevero created in 1590 and was once a private building for the Duke of Torremaggoire and then served as a family burial chapel from 1613
  • Castel dell Ovo is a magnificent sea castle linked to the mainland by a footpath and road
  • Naples Harbour

Where to sleep

For your overstay in Naples, we recommend the Grand Hotel Oriente Palermo .

The hotel is located within 10 walking minutes from the Museum and Basilica Santa Chiara.
Some of the rooms have a wonderful view of Mount Vesuvius and Sant’Elmo Castle.

4.Turin, the fourth place in the top of cities in Italy by population

Having a total population of about 900.000 people, Turin is the fourth of the largest Italy cities by population.

The city is located in the northern part of the peninsula in the Piedmont region.

Turin Italy Building cities of Italy by population

Turin Italy Building cities of Italy by population

Turin is famous for its art galleries, beautiful architecture, and public squares.

Among the most important attractions of this magnificent city I would name:

  • Palazzo Reale, centrally located in the Piazza Castello and is a symbol of power for hundreds of years
  • Mole Antonelliana, a beautiful tower which offers amazing views over the city, a former Jewish Synagogue now home of the National Cinema Museum. Actually, this is the tallest museum in the world based on the last measurements
  • Turin Egyptian Museum dedicated to the ancient Egyptian world
  • Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista built on the site of three previous churches
  • Palazzo Madama located also in Piazza Castello and one of the most extravagant palaces from the area

Where to sleep

One of the best hotels in town is Nh Torino Santo Stefano .

The hotel is located within a few minutes’ walk from the center of the city, very close to vibrant bars and stylish restaurants.

You can drink a local wine on the hotel’s rooftop terrace and admire the city after a long day of exploration.

5. Palermo

With a total population of a little more than 500.000 citizens, Palermo is the last city from my top 5 cities in Italy by population.

Among the best attractions of the city which should not be missed I would name:

  • Norman Palace  or Palazzo dei Normanni dating from the 9th century served as the main seat of the Kings of Sicily
  • Cattedrale di Palermo built-in 1185 under Pope Gregory I. Over the years, the place was used as a mosque, a crypt, and a church
  • Capella Palatina, one of the best-preserved examples of Byzantine architecture and artwork from entire Europe
  • Palermo food markets are a fantastic way to sample local life and feel the vibe of the city
  • Capuchin Abbey and Catacombs constructed in 1500
Palermo Cathedral of Palermo cities in Italy by population

Palermo Cathedral of Palermo Italy cities by population

Where to sleep

Massimo Plaza Hotel Palermo is our proposal for your overnight stay!

The hotel is located close to the main attractions of the city.

The rooms have beautiful views of the theatre. The beds are very comfortable and the rooms are clean and spacious

These are the largest cities of Italy by population! They are also the most visited from Italy! Pack your luggage and explore Italy’s wonders!