Are you looking for some amazing destinations to visit in Italy? Do you want to discover the beauty, culture and history of this wonderful country? If so, you’re in luck! In this guidest, I will share with you my top 10 cities in Italy that you should definitely add to your bucket list. Whether you’re into art, architecture, food, wine, nature or romance, there’s something for everyone in these stunning places. Let’s get started!
Venice
Venice is one of the most famous and romantic cities in the world. It’s also one of the most unique, as it’s built on a series of islands connected by canals and bridges. You can explore the city by taking a gondola ride, visiting the iconic St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, admiring the Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs, or getting lost in the maze of narrow streets and alleys. Venice is also known for its carnival, glass-making and art.
Florence
Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and a treasure trove of artistic masterpieces. You can marvel at the Duomo, the cathedral with its impressive dome and bell tower, see Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery, admire Botticelli’s paintings at the Uffizi Gallery, or stroll along the Ponte Vecchio, the old bridge with its shops and jewelers. Florence is also a great place to enjoy the Tuscan cuisine and wine.
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and a city with over 2000 years of history. You can visit the ancient monuments such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill, see the Vatican City with its St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel, toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, or climb the Spanish Steps. Rome is also a lively and modern city with plenty of restaurants, bars, shops and entertainment options.
Naples
Naples is the largest and most vibrant city in southern Italy. It’s famous for its pizza, coffee, music and street life. You can taste the authentic Neapolitan pizza at one of the many pizzerias, sip a cup of espresso at a historic cafe, listen to some opera at the San Carlo Theatre, or join the locals at the bustling Piazza del Plebiscito. Naples is also a great base to explore the nearby attractions such as Pompeii, Herculaneum and Mount Vesuvius.
Milan
Milan is the fashion and business capital of Italy. It’s a cosmopolitan and sophisticated city with a lot of style and glamour. You can shop at the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, see Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie, visit the majestic Duomo, the Gothic cathedral with its spires and statues, or enjoy some opera at La Scala, one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses. Milan is also a cultural hub with many museums and galleries.
Verona
Verona is the city of Romeo and Juliet, the star-crossed lovers from Shakespeare’s play. You can visit Juliet’s House with its famous balcony and statue, write your love message on the wall, or attend an opera performance at the Arena di Verona, a Roman amphitheater that hosts an annual summer festival. Verona is also a charming city with a medieval center, a Roman bridge and castle, and a beautiful river.
Bologna
Bologna is the gastronomic capital of Italy and a paradise for food lovers. You can savor some of the best dishes of the Italian cuisine such as tagliatelle al ragù (pasta with meat sauce), tortellini (stuffed pasta), mortadella (sausage), lasagna (baked pasta) and more. You can also visit the oldest university in Europe, see the two leaning towers that symbolize the city, or walk under the porticoes that cover most of the streets
Turin
Turin is a elegant and refined city with a rich royal heritage. It was the first capital of Italy and the home of the Savoy dynasty. You can visit their splendid residences such as the Royal Palace, the Mole Antonelliana (a tower that houses a cinema museum), or the Basilica of Superga (a hilltop church with panoramic views). Turin is also famous for its chocolate, especially gianduja (hazelnut chocolate) and bicerin (a drink made of espresso, chocolate and cream).
Siena
Siena is a medieval city that preserves its historic charm and beauty. It’s best known for its Piazza del Campo, one of the most spectacular squares in Europe, where twice a year a horse race called Palio takes place. You can also visit the Duomo, a stunning Gothic cathedral with a striped facade and a mosaic floor, or climb the Torre del Mangia, a tower that offers a breathtaking view of the city and the countryside.
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is a group of five picturesque villages on the Ligurian coast. They are connected by hiking trails, trains and boats, and offer some of the most scenic views in Italy. You can admire the colorful houses that cling to the cliffs, swim in the clear blue sea, taste the fresh seafood and wine, or explore the terraced vineyards and olive groves. Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a perfect destination for nature lovers.
