In this Italy travel guide, we’ll take you through five of the best places to visit in Italy—each offering its own unique charm and unforgettable experiences. Italy is a country that blends ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and world-class cuisine. Whether you’re dreaming of wandering through historic sites, cruising along romantic canals, sipping wine in beautiful vineyards, shopping in fashion districts, or lounging on coastal cliffs, Italy has it all.
Tip: If you can, give yourself at least 10–14 days to truly explore these regions—each one deserves its moment to shine.
>> Did you know you can get one SIM card for all of Europe? Click here to see what we used <<
1. Rome – The Eternal City
When searching for the best places to visit in Italy, Rome is often the first on the list—and for good reason. Not only is it a major hub for international flights, it is also considered the heart of Italy. We love exploring its iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
>> Book your guided tour for all three activities here <<
What we enjoy the most about Rome is how walkable it is, making it ideal to visit unique neighborhoods, such as Trastevere. Where there are charming picturesque streets and some of the best carbonara pasta we’ve had in all of Italy.
Note: We loved eating at Tonnarello, their carbonara and abbacchio were delicious and has become a must for us when in Rome.
>> Want to make your own delicious pasta while enjoying some wine? Click here <<
You’re not finished with Rome until you’ve tossed a coin into the Trevi Fountain and climbed the Spanish Steps. These are two popular experiences in the heart of the city and ones we recommend visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Tip: Though we still have not yet visited next on our list is a visit to Vatican City, home to St. Peter’s Basilica and Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel.
>> If you decide to visit make sure to buy your tickets in advance by clicking here <<
2. Venice – A City on Water
Venice is one of the most unique places to visit in Italy. Known for its canals, gondola rides, and floating charm, the city offers countless magical moments. Venice was the highlight of our first trip to Italy in 2016 because of how unique and beautiful it was. We had never been to a maze like city surrounded by water, filled with tiny colorful alleyways, and absolutely no cars—it felt like a scene out of a movie.
>> Want to know which other countries are a must visit when in Europe? Click here to find out <<
In our short stay, we enjoyed visiting the famous Rialto Bridge, taking a ride on a gondola through the small quiet canals, visiting St. Mark’s Basilica, and the Doge’s Palace in Piazza San Marco. Though Venice is a small city, it has so much to offer.
Tip: For something different, head to nearby Murano and Burano—perfect day trips to experience local artistry and vibrant island life. Get all of the details here!
3. Tuscany – Scenic vineyards and Renaissance Magic
Tuscany region is one of the most iconic places to visit in Italy, especially for those seeking stunning landscapes, art, and wine. We enjoyed visiting Florence— Tuscany’s most well known destination and seeing the magical views of the city and the famous Duomo from Piazzale Michelangelo. Though we can’t remember the name of the exact shop, it’s where we’ve had the best gelato in Italy to date!
Another region in Tuscany we love is Cortona—where we spent two weeks housesitting and enjoying the local lifestyle. From charming cafes (with the best coffee and desserts), to local farmers markets, and fortress town viewpoints it was a small city that took us by surprise.
Tuscany is said to not be complete without indulging in a wine tour through Chianti or Montepulciano, or joining a cooking class in a countryside villa. We didn’t have a change to do either, but it’s at the top of our list for when we return.
Tip: Explore charming hill towns like Siena, San Gimignano, and the picturesque Val d’Orcia.
4. Milan – Italy’s Fashion and Business Capital
Modern, stylish, and full of culture, Milan is one of the most dynamic places to visit in Italy. We visited Sforzesco Castle then strolled through the stunning Duomo di Milano where you can enjoy the beautiful architecture and views of the city. We had some amazing Panzerotti at Luini and some delicious sandwiches at Cesarino and after explored the luxury shops at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
We also ended up going on a day trip to Lake Como, it was a beautiful addition to our time in the city and something we recommend if you have additional time.
>> Visit Duomo di Milano, get your entrance tickets here <<
Note: Milan is also another major hub in Italy and can be used as a first stop when flying into the country.
Tip: If you’re an art lover you won’t want to miss seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” at Santa Maria delle Grazie.
>> Want to enjoy a walking tour of the city and see its major attractions? Click here <<
5. Amalfi Coast – Coastal Charm and Cliffside Beauty
No list of the best places to visit in Italy is complete without the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. This coastal region is known for its cliffside villages, winding roads, and stunning sea views. We visited the city of Amalfi, Ravello, Positano and Capri during our time and loved how each place had its own unique charm and character.
>> Explore the Amalfi Coast with a day trip to its main cities <<
In Amalfi, we explored the historic center, enjoyed all things lemon flavored, and indulged in delicious foods near the famous Cathedral. From there, we took a day trip to Ravello, a charming town at the top of the hill known for its ceramic shops, beautiful panoramic views, and famous Villa Rufolo.
We also spent a few days exploring the beautiful streets and cliffside views of Positano. We knew it was a town on a cliff, but had no idea how many steps we would have to take to get to our hotel. From Positano we took a ferry to the famous island of Capri where we explored popular well known areas in the city center, as well as a more laidback side of the island known as Anacapri.
Note: This island is home to the famous Blue Grotto. You can book your tickets here in advance.
Italy— A must visit travel destination
From the ancient streets of Rome to the breathtaking cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, there are so many things to do in Italy. It is easily one of our favorite world-wide travel destinations. Whether you’re visiting for history, food, fashion, or scenery, these are some of the top Italy destinations that capture the heart and soul of the country. Be sure to bookmark this Italy travel guide and start planning your dream adventure today.
Already traveled to these destinations? Here is what we have next on our Italian must-visit list: Cinque Terre, Sicily, Sardenia, and Dolomites.
Disclaimer: All the information shared is based on our research and experiences. Please note that we are not travel consultants, tour guides, or financial advisors and are not held liable for any misinformation. We give suggestions, but advise each person to do their own research and make the decision that best suits them. This blog posts also contains affiliate links, by using the links we provide you are helping us at no additional cost to you.
