Italy is a gorgeous country that attracts curious visitors from all over the world. It’s famous for its rich cultural heritage, exquisite cuisine, and iconic landmarks. The country is home to significant artistic attractions and a treasure trove of artistic masterpieces, such as paintings by Leonardo di Vinci.
You’ll find yourself indulging non-stop in the most gorgeous classic Italian foods, from pizzas to pasta to risotto and tiramisu; this country is a haven for big foodies. Whatever the occasion, Italy has something for everyone.
Italy has many great cities and places to explore. In this blog, I’ll suggest 13 beautiful cities to visit in 2024—in no particular order of favourites, as each city offers something exciting and amazing.
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Language & Currency In Italy
Currency: Italy’s official currency is the Euro (€). Whether grabbing a gelato or sipping espresso at a charming café, you’ll use Euros to pay for your delightful Italian experiences.
Language: The official language is Italian. English is also widely spoken and understood among tourist hotspots and younger generations. You might hear regional dialects or other languages in Venice and other regions, especially in areas with linguistic minorities.
Venice
Venice, often called the ‘City of Canals, ‘ is a captivating location with good vibes and charming urban landscapes. It’s the city where the roads are water, taxis are boats, and getting lost in a maze of canals is basically a tourist requirement. Known for gondolas, epic gelato, and streets permanently on the verge of becoming swimming pools, Venice is an ancient masterpiece that sometimes feels like floating on pure magic (and maybe a few too many tourists). Pro tip: don’t expect to drive anywhere—unless you’ve got a boat parked in your driveway!
Romantic gondola ride near Rialto Bridge in Venice, Italy
Things To Do In Venice
Explore St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace: If you’re searching for a rich history in the streets of Venice, check out this 3-hour guided tour, which will take you to the most iconic landmarks, including St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. You’ll learn about the city’s fascinating past and witness the stunning frescoes by Tintoretto before ascending the majestic Giant’s Staircase for breathtaking views.
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons: For a musical treat, pre-book a ticket to the Four Seasons Concert at Vivaldi Church. This epic event showcases Venice’s history and emotions – a must-see. Tickets are in high demand, so book early to ensure you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
Rome, the capital city of Italy, is a destination that attracts visitors worldwide. Its iconic features include the beautiful Colosseum, Forum Romanum, and the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City; Rome has some amazing attractions. Whether you plan on checking out the Vatican’s art treasures, tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain for some good luck, or just enjoying the views and sunset over the Tiber River, Rome is not a location to skip.
Rome, the Colosseum
Fun Things To Do In Rome
The Vatican: A trip to Rome isn’t complete without visiting the Vatican. You must visit the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica! You can take a guided tour, which would benefit you with fast-track access to avoid the long queues. You’ll also get to experience one of the holiest sites in Christendom up close and personal, with a guide providing fascinating insights.
The Colosseum: The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill are must-sees. Join a guided tour to enjoy priority access and skip the long queues. The Colosseum is one of the most impressive structures of the Roman Empire! On this tour, your guide will also show you the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Hop-On-Hop-Off (HOHO) Bus: For the best value and convenience of getting around, hop on a HOHO Bus. This allows you to see all the top attractions in Rome at your own pace. Get on and off at any stop to explore the city’s wonders, from historical landmarks to hidden gems. It’s the perfect way to cover multiple sights without breaking the bank.
Milan is the city where fashion, finance, and fabulousness collide. It is renowned for its high-end shopping districts, including the iconic Via della Moscova, where people dress up more at the grocery store than most of us at weddings! Milan is also known for its architectural gems, such as the magnificent Gothic Cathedral and the Duomo di Milano, which showcase a stunning blend of old and new. Make sure to add it to your itinerary, even if it’s just a day trip!
Piazza del Duomoin Milan
Cool Things To Do In Milan
Discover Milan’s Iconic Duomo: Visit Milan’s iconic symbol with an access pass to the Duomo terraces, the museum, and its 600-year-old cathedral. Learn about the cathedral’s history while enjoying panoramic city views from the terrace. This is a super popular attraction and one of Milan’s top things to see, so don’t miss out!
Lake Como & St. Moritz: Take a scenic luxury coach trip from Milan to Lake Como and St. Moritz. You’ll also board the Bernina Red Train and travel across the Swiss Alps on one of the world’s most beautiful rail routes! The stunning views makes this day tour unforgettable!
Hop-On-Hop-Off (HOHO) Bus: Grab a discounted ticket online for the HOHO Bus around Milan. It’s an affordable and flexible way to see the city at your own pace. Four separate connecting routes are available, all with great commentary onboard. This is the best way to see Milan’s top attractions—I highly recommend it!
Take a trip to Tuscany/Florence, one of Italy’s most Instagrammable destinations. Every street corner has a cathedral, a gelato shop, or a piece of art older than most countries. It’s popular for sipping wine, eating pasta, and just indulging in the postcard views. You can add this to your itinerary, like the millions of visitors that explore there yearly, flocking to see its historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Landscape of a farmhouse, hills, and vineyard in Florence
Things To Do In Tuscany/Florence
Day Trip To Pisa, Siena, & San Gimignano: Take a 12-hour day trip from Florence to explore the wonders of Tuscany! You’ll witness stunning landscapes, historic architecture, and incredible artwork. Starting with a guided tour of Siena, you’ll visit a medieval cathedral and experience Florence’s best wines before stopping at the charming towns of Pisa and San Gimignano to taste a piece of Tuscany.
Skip The Line: Enjoy priority entry to Italy’s greatest art treasures with a Priority Uffizi Gallery Timed Entrance Ticket. On this trip, you’ll see masterpieces by Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and Giotto inside. It also includes an audio guide, which will teach you about the masterpieces of Florence at your own pace. This is a must-see for art lovers!
Naples, also known as Italy’s wild child, is where chaos (in a good way) is the art. From scooters on the street to pizza as a religion, this is the city where locals and tourists are one. It’s the city where you won’t be short on views, as Mount Vesuvius is there for you to admire. It’s a great place to add to your Italy itinerary if you’re looking for a more authentic, cultured experience.
View of Positano – A famous old Italian resort in Naples
Fun Things To Do In Naples
Discover Naples Underground: Enjoy the underground City of Naples with an entry ticket and guided tour in the heart of the historic centre. Your guide will take you through 2,400 years of history while you admire the remains of the Greek-Roman Aqueduct and the Roman Theatre.
Street Food Tour: As the birthplace of pizza, Naples offers authentic, delicious treats on a guided street food tour. You’ll visit a limoncello factory and enjoy a gelato before passing by the Santa Chiara Church, which was made famous by Anne Radcliffe in her gothic novel The Italian. During the tour, you’ll sample multiple yummy dishes originating from Naples. This is a fun one!
Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is the rebellious teenager of Italy — loud, proud, and full of drama. Picture a city where every building has survived at least three invasions, and people argue passionately about whose grandma makes the best cannoli. Sicily is one of those places that you just cannot hate. It’s chaotic but charming, with such good vibes. You’d be crazy not to add Palermo to your itinerary!
Cefalu, medieval village of Sicily island, Province of Palermo
Fun Things To Do In Palermo/Sicily
Ancient Greek Temples In Agrigento: Take the Valley of the Temples Tour from Palermo to explore the ancient Greek temples of Hera, Concordia, and Apollo. The site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. You’ll visit the Palermo museums and learn about the country’s rich history while enjoying the sites at your own pace with a guidebook.
Western Sicily’s Top Sites: Discover three top sites in western Sicily on a full-day tour to Segesta, Erice, and the Salt Pans of Trapani. This 8-hour tour brings good vibes and views, with the sites being relatively close to Palermo, giving you plenty of time to explore each location.
Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus (HOHO) Ticket: Discover the highlights of Palermo with a HOHO Bus Ticket. You can enjoy two routes, stopping at multiple attractions. This is the best way to explore the city cheaply. I highly recommend this tour throughout Italy.
Lake Como, Italy’s glamorous celebrity hideout, is an Instagrammable spot you’ve probably seen on your timelines. It’s a beautiful place with peaceful vibes and great photo opportunities. You’ll be surrounded by stunning mountains and boujee villas, perfect for the ultimate retreat. If you’re looking for some downtime during your trip to Italy, Lake Como is the location you MUST stop by.
The park of Villa Balbianello in Lenno, Lake Como
Fun Things To Do In Lake Como
Exclusive Boat Trip: Get a feel for Lake Como on an exclusive boat trip. You’ll soak up the local atmosphere of this charming lakeside city and see historical sites and famous villas. Your guide will share Lake Como’s ancient history before you hop on a lake cruise, where you’ll see the picturesque towns of Cernobbio, Moltrasio, Torno, and Blevio from the turquoise waters of Lake Como.
Discover Italy & Switzerland: As if Lake Como isn’t enough, add to its beauty with a one-day guided tour to explore the best of Italy and Switzerland via the lake. This tour includes visits to the beautiful towns of Bellagio and Lugano. Your guide will share interesting facts about Lake Como and recommend activities during your free time at each stop.
Genoa, well known for being Christopher Columbus’s birthplace, is a great city to visit if you’re a fan of architecture. Its grand buildings and ancient alleyways attract travellers looking for great photography spots. Although it’s not as popular as Rome, it’s a nicer way to experience Italy without the heavy tourism; the pictures are gonna be fire!
Piazza De Ferrari main square in Genoa
Fun Things To Do In Genoa
Aquarium Of Genoa: Explore the Aquarium of Genoa, Europe’s largest display of aquatic biodiversity! Home to over 5,000 animals from 400 species, you’ll see everything from seals and jellyfish to penguins and sharks. Don’t miss the bottlenose dolphins in the open-air pools of the Cetacean Pavilion, designed by Renzo Piano. I love a good aquarium!
Guided Walking Tour Of Genoa: Get a vibe for the city on a two-hour guided walking tour to uncover Genoa’s many treasures. You’ll explore the stunning Palazzi dei Rolli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit various landmarks and museums. This tour is a fantastic way to see Genoa’s iconic sites.
Bari, the capital of Italy’s Puglia region, is the place where the vibes of the locals make it feel more like a community. It’s a mix of the old and the new and offers more than people know – it’s an underrated gem. Bari is home to beaches, amazing pasta, and the Basilica of Saint Nicholas (yep, the guy who inspired Santa). It’s also a great place to visit if you’re looking for a buzzing nightlife atmosphere.
Alleyway in old white town Bari, Puglia, South Italy
Fun Things To Do In Bari
Eco-Friendly Rickshaw: Treat yourself to a tour of Bari on an eco-friendly rickshaw. You’ll ride the narrow streets with an expert guide and catch glimpses of elderly ladies making pasta and kids playing on the streets. It’s a delightful insight into the daily life of Italians in Bari. This 90-minute tour gives you plenty of time to enjoy other fun activities all day.
Pasta Experience Walking Tour: Don’t miss the chance to learn the art of making Italian pasta in Bari. On this Pasta Experience Walking Tour, your local guide will show you through the city before stopping at a local house in the Old Town to learn how to make pasta. Enjoy sipping red wine as you taste your freshly made pasta, followed by delicious local ice cream to cap off the tour. It’s a mouthwatering and authentic Italian experience!
The vibrant city of Catania is a great destination to add to your itinerary. It sits at the foot of the ever-rumbling Mount Etna! Here, you’ll find the locals are so chilled yet ready to dodge lava at any moment. The volcano also plays a part in how the city looks, with a mix of Baroque beauty and volcanic black lava stones making everything look like it was designed by someone who just really loves charcoal. It’s definitely a destination that will have you intrigued.
The Basilica di Sant’agata and church Chiesa della Badia di Sant’Agata with the main square in Catania
Attractions To See in Catania
Explore Mount Etna: A trip to Catania isn’t complete without exploring Mount Etna! Join the Mount Etna Morning or Sunset Trip for an epic day out. You’ll ascend 2,000 meters with your experienced guide to explore Mount Etna’s craters, landscape, and lava flow cave. Afterwards, indulge in a tasting tour featuring Sicilian Cantucci biscuits and Zibbibbo wine at Europe’s tallest active volcano.
City Highlights Guided Tour: A fun way to explore the city of Catania is on a Highlights Guided Tour. You’ll see the Ursino Castle and the Piazza Vincenzo Bellini Theatre and explore other famous sites.
Sorrento is a postcard-perfect place with stunning cliffs, clear-blue waters, and lemon trees. It’s the ultimate Mediterranean dream. Here, you’d spend your time taking Instagram-worthy shots, showing everyone you’re living your best YES. You can also hop over to Capri from Sorrento, making it a great base for exploring, whilst relaxing in this colourful beauty.
Small fishing boats are at Marina Grande Harbor in Sorrento
Things To Do In Sorrento
Explore Positano, Amalfi, & Ravello: If you want to make the most of Sorrento, do an 8-hour tour to explore the enchanting villages of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. Each stop offers unique beauty along the stunning Amalfi Coast Drive, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking views. Your guide will share insights into Sorrento and recommend must-see attractions, making this journey a perfect blend of history and culture all in one day.
Expert Guide: Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the famous ancient city of Pompeii with an expert official guide. Explore the well-preserved ruins and learn about daily life in Pompeii, from the impressive theatre and thermal baths to ancient Roman shops. You can choose a private or shared tour.
Bologna, a city in northern Italy, is renowned for its medieval architecture and red-hued buildings. Its lively, contemporary atmosphere complements its breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.
Bologna’s cultural richness is highlighted by the oldest university in Europe, the University of Bologna, and its historic library collection. Bologna invites visitors to savour its delicious cuisine, explore its cultural treasures, and revel in its streets’ lively spirits.
Italy Piazza Maggiore in Bologna old town tower of town hall
Fun Things To Do In Bologna
Explore Bologna’s Cultural Attractions: Embark on a delightful walking tour of Bologna, uncovering its main cultural attractions in just 2 hours. Wander through picturesque squares, admire beautiful buildings, and marvel at landmarks like the iconic Neptune Fountain, the towering Asinelli Tower, and the majestic Basilica of San Petronio. This tour is your gateway to discovering the rich history and charm of Bologna, known for its medieval architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
Journey To San Luca Basilica: Secure your roundtrip skip-the-line ticket from Bologna to San Luca via the express train, offering seamless access to the captivating San Luca Basilica. Nestled atop a hill, this historic site promises breathtaking views and a serene environment. After your visit, indulge in a delightful food-tasting experience at your own pace, making this excursion a perfect blend of exploration and gastronomy in Bologna.
The Amalfi Coast, a breathtaking stretch along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, is a captivating mosaic of colourful cliffside villages, dramatic seascapes, and lemon-scented allure. The Amalfi Coast offers steep, winding roads connecting coastal gems, revealing hidden coves, picturesque beaches, and the azure waters below.
Bridge over the beach at the Amalfi Coast
Things To Do In Amalfi Coast
Amalfi Coast By Boat: Embark on an exciting Boat Adventure Tour from the Amalfi Coast, where you’ll uncover sea caves, hidden beaches, and the charming town of Positano. Traverse the coastline in search of natural rock arches and secret caves accessible only by boat. Take a refreshing swim in the pristine waters and soak up the coastal beauty at these secluded spots. It’s the ultimate adventure for beach lovers and cave enthusiasts alike!
Sail To Capri Island: Set sail on a Small Group Boat Excursion to Capri Island and discover why it’s considered one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Cruise along the stunning Sorrento Coast, exploring Capri’s picturesque beaches, bays, and legendary grottoes. Enjoy delicious snacks and drinks onboard as you take in the breathtaking views. This excursion promises a blend of relaxation, exploration, and Mediterranean charm on the captivating island of Capri.
As you can see, Italy has something for everyone. Italy promises a journey filled with cultural treasures, culinary delights, and unforgettable moments that linger in the heart long after the trip concludes. So, what are you waiting for? Explore the best of Italy for an unforgettable time!
Do you only have a weekend to explore? Check out how to see Rome in 36 hours.
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