Planning to spend a weekend or two in Italy but can’t decide where to go? When a country has so much to offer, how can you choose, right? In this travel itinerary, you’ll find a list of pearls, the very best places in Italy that will make you fall in love with this gorgeous country!
Best Places in Italy: Where to Go and What to See
When I first came to Italy, I was amazed by its beauty. Charming streets, colorful houses, stunning architecture…
Every city looked like it had stepped off a painting! Italian food conquered my heart from the first bite of pizza, while people’s hospitality made me feel that despite being a foreigner, I belonged.
With its abundant cultural heritage and gorgeous towns, choosing the best places to visit in Italy may be difficult. Therefore, if you’re there struggling, let me help you out!
In this article, you can find a list of Italy’s best destinations that, in my humble opinion, are absolutely worth visiting.
Along with Italy’s tourist places, I included less-famous towns that will show you a different side of this diverse country. More peaceful and authentic, I would say.
So, if you are planning your vacation, here are the best places in Italy you should visit!
Rome
If you have never been to Rome, you should definitely include it on your bucket list! It’s hectic and crowded as any other capital but genuinely unique. This city is like a grand museum that takes you back in time. And I believe that it’s one of the best cities to visit in Italy for a fair reason.
Everything in Rome will remind you of its ancient past. Once the center of the Empire, Rome has an abundance of historical monuments, museums, and churches that won’t leave you indifferent.
What to Do in Rome
In Rome, there is a little something for everyone. If it’s your first trip, I recommend focusing on must-see spots.
Explore ancient Rome by strolling through the Roman Forum and Colosseum. Visit the famous Vatican and admire the beauty of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Get impressed by monumental architecture like the Pantheon and the Victor Emmanuel II Monument. Have a glass of the Aperol spritz in the Trastevere district, and don’t forget to toss a coin in the Trevi fountain to come back!
Want to learn more? Check out my article on how to spend a weekend in Rome.
Venice
Honestly, I was skeptical about Venice for a very long time, thinking it’s overrated. But this May I went there and… well, what can I say. It’s magical! Romantic, full of breathtaking sites and fantastic architecture.
When you wander through the narrow streets of Venice, you may think for a second that everything looks unreal, like the decoration of a Disney movie.
Venice is relatively small, and you can easily explore it in one day if you don’t have much time. I believe that it’s a terrific city that you shouldn’t miss.
What to Do in Venice
Getting lost in Venice is the best thing you can do. Just wander around and enjoy! Every balcony is designed with flowers, windows covered in ornaments… There are so many small details to pay attention to. Just look around!
While walking, you’ll eventually stumble upon the most famous sights of Venice: the Grand Canale, St. Mark’s Basilica, Piazza San Marco, Bridge of Sighs, and Ponte di Rialto.
I really loved exploring the Jewish district, where you can have a delicious three-course meal for 15 EUR! That’s an unbelievable price for Venice, I should say.
Want to know more? Check out my article on how to explore Venice in 2 days.
Burano
And if you’re already in Venice, take a vaporetto and go to Burano. It’s a tiny island famous for its traditional lace-making and colorful houses.
In the past, fishers painted the facades of their houses with different colors to find their way home during fog. The beautiful tradition remained and turned Burano island into a picturesque place that attracts visitors worldwide.
What to Do in Burano
People mostly visit Burano island for a relaxing walk and to take some lovely pictures. So, do it! As the island is tiny, you’ll be able to explore it in a few hours. Take a break and have a delicious meal in a local trattoria when feeling tired.
Florence
Did you know that Florence holds almost one-third of the world’s art treasures? Being the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is the country’s treasure trove. Its romantic atmosphere and enormous historical importance for world art make it one of the best cities to visit in Italy.
In every sightseeing of Florence, there is a shadow of Brunelleschi and Michelangelo. So, if you’re looking for some inspiration, Florence is the right place for you.
What to Do in Florence
There are so many things to see and places to visit in Florence! Climb the Dome of Santa Marie del Fiore, take a look at famous statues at Piazza Della Signoria, and walk down to Ponte Vecchio.
Even if you’re not into art, being in Florence and not going to museums would be the biggest loss! Take some time to visit the Uffizzi Museum and Pitti Palace to see real treasures created by the greatest minds of the past.
San Gimignano
Tuscany is undoubtedly one of the most stunning regions of Italy, and San Gimignano is its jewel. In the past, it was a resting point for pilgrims and merchants, and it continues to give people the same sense of tranquility to date.
Located at the top of the hill, San Gimignano is a marvelous place where you can unwind and soak up the simple joys of life. And it’s only one hour away from Florence!
What to Do in San Gimignano
San Gimignano is famous for its 14 towers, dazzling views of Tuscan hills, and the best Italian wines. To get into the medieval atmosphere, go to Piazza della Cisterna and reach the top of the Torre Grossa, the only tower you can climb.
For wine tasting, visit Torciano and admire the beauty of the Tuscan Hills from the best viewpoint of San Gimignano – Rocca di Montestaffoli. You can also visit Tuscan vineyards to taste the local wine.
Pienza
Pienza is one of my favorite places in Italy because it’s just… perfect. This small village in the heart of Tuscany is charming, lovely, and almost unreal. It gives you a feeling that you found yourself in a beautiful painting.
For that, we should be thankful to Pope Pius II, who turned his hometown into a peaceful and harmonious paradise many centuries ago.
What to Do in Pienza
If you’re planning your trip to Italy, you probably saw a landscape of idyllic Tuscan hills with a perfect row of trees. Being part of Val D’Orcia valley, Pienza offers countless viewpoints where you can see it with your own eyes!
Besides, this town is a perfect destination for foodies. Make sure that you try their traditional pecorino cheese! You can do that by yourself or join a wine and cheese tasting tour.
Elba Island
Elba island is a hidden treasure of Italy. I could hardly believe that it was still Italy when I went there! Technically, Elba is part of the Tuscany region, but you won’t see typical Tuscan hills there.
You’ll be astonished by tremendous mountains covered in forests, endless valleys, and spectacular coastlines. Elba island is famous for having the finest beaches in the country and fairly deserves to be on the list of best places in Italy.
What to Do in Elba
Enjoy the hot sun on the Campo nell’Elba and Sansone beaches. These places are perfect for snorkeling, so don’t forget your swimming goggles!
If you want to do some serious physical activities, go hiking from the east to the west coast (Great Elban crossing) or climb the Capanne Mount.
Bologna
People say that Bologna is the mecca of Italian cuisine that brings together foodies from all over and abroad. Mortadella, tagliatelle al ragù, parmigiano regiano, and tortellini were all born there!
Bologna has a gorgeous medieval center and magnificent porticoes that are recognized by UNESCO. Besides, the city has one of the oldest universities in the world and is a desirable destination for many international students.
So, if you plan your trip to Italy, make sure to include Bologna in your list.
What to Do in Bologna
Eat, eat, and, once again, eat! Pop by local trattorias and enjoy Bolognese food to the max! Or join a guided tour to discover all the food gems that only locals are aware of.
Have a walk in the centro storico, climb one of the leaning towers, sit on the stairs of Piazza Maggiore, and visit the Basilica of San Petronio. If you have time, find seven secrets of Bologna!
Cinque Terre
Have you seen Pixar’s movie Luca? All those multicolored houses and lovely narrow streets were inspired by an actual place – Cinque Terre! It consists of five little towns, each more beautiful than the other.
I was completely amazed by their natural beauty and couldn’t get rid of the thought of how this all could be real?
But it can! And even though it’s pretty much touristic, Cinque Terre is definitely one of the best places to visit in Italy.
What to Do in Cinque Terre
If you’re looking for the best hike in the world, you’re in the right place. Via dell’Amore is the most romantic and the easiest hiking trail in Cinque Terre (1 km only), but if you prefer a more advanced one, then Sentiero Azzurro is your choice (12 km).
Explore every little town of this magical place (Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore, and Monterosso al Mare) and try out Cinque Terre’s traditional food: pasta with pesto and anchovies!
Taormina
And the last location you should add to your Italy travel itinerary is the gorgeous town of Taormina. This pearl of Sicily is high on the hill and offers a magnificent coastline view. At the same time, ancient buildings decorated with flowers create a dolce vita vibe that attracts tourists worldwide.
As many countries conquered Taormina in the past, you can still see the Greek, Arab, French, and Spanish influence in its architecture.
What to Do in Taormina
Have a walk through the Corso Umberto, the main street of Taormina, with an abundance of shops and restaurants. Check out the iconic Greek Theatre of Taormina and stroll through the Villa Communale garden to enjoy the unbelievable scenery.
Summing Up My Recommendations
And that’s it for today! As you can see, Italy is a wonderful place where you can find endless places to explore.
I hope that my list of Italy’s best destinations was helpful to you. But if you plan your trip to Italy and have any questions, please write them in the comments below. I’ll be happy to help!
Have a beautiful trip, and let’s chase Italy together!
