There are many amazing cities in Italy and all of them have their own appeal ranging from architecture, history, art, culture, food, and more. This vast number of great places can make it hard to determine which of the best cities to visit in Italy is the best one for your next trip, so here is an overview of the most amazing Italian cities and what they have to offer.
Discover the best things to do in the individual cities, how long to stay there, great hotels, and additional tips for vacations in the best cities in Italy. Plan your trip and maybe even combine two or three cities into one epic Italy sightseeing trip.
Exploring the Best Cities in Italy
I grew up hearing about Rome and all its landmarks and was fascinated by it. From a young age, I knew that I wanted to see the cities and more of Italy with my own eyes. And when I did, I fell in love with the country, the food, the architecture, the history, and the cities.
I started out visiting two cities in Italy and have been fortunate enough to explore more charming Italian cities and even revisit some of the ones that made me fall in love with the country. And yet, I still dream of seeing much more of this marvelous country with all its different landscapes, cities, and towns.
So when compiling this list of the best cities to visit in Italy, I asked fellow travelers to share which cities they consider to be one of the best Italian cities. Thanks to them, this list contains cities all over the country, and I am sure that you will find your perfect city to visit in Italy.
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Rome
There is no denying that Rome is one of the best cities in Italy. Also known as the ‘Eternal City’ or the ‘City of Seven Hills’, it is the location of many major historic events and therefore a must for everyone that is even remotely interested in history.
As the location of the Colosseum, one of the seven New World Wonders, this city also has marvelous architecture. Other monumental buildings include the Pantheon, Castel Sant’Angelo, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. And of course, the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona should not be missed either.
While exploring this great city in Italy, you should also check out the highlights of Vatican State. The Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums, and St. Peter’s Basilica are all worth a visit.
And of the must-dos in Rome is strolling through the streets past piazzas, fountains, and churches, and people watching while sitting in a cafe or eating gelato. And if you want to venture off the beaten path, you should check out Rome’s underground attractions. Many churches in Rome were built on top of each other, so there is even more to the Italian city than is visible at first glance.
If you want to see the bare minimum of what the city has to offer, you need two to three days. However, more time is recommended. Especially, if you also want to explore the surrounding area. Ostia and Ostia Antica are the perfect day trip to get some beach time and explore the ruins of Rome’s ancient harbor city.
Where to stay: Hotel Romano offers a great view of the Roman Forum and is a great place to stay if you want to be close to the city’s historic center.
Milan
With its iconic Duomo and other historic buildings, Milan is more than just the fashion capital of Italy. It is a stunning combination of culture, architecture, and fashion, that should be on everyone’s Italy bucket list.
The highlights of this amazing city in Italy are Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II, the Duomo, the “The Last Supper” painting in Santa Maria Delle Grazie, and the Ambrosian Library with its art gallery that houses drawings of Da Vinci. If you visit the Duomo, you should also go up to its rooftop so you can marvel at all the details and have a great view of the surrounding area.
Other worthwhile places are the Pinacoteca di Brera, Piazza Mercanti, and the Navigli District. This district is home to two canals, Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese, and the best place to go if you are looking for hip restaurants, cafes, and bars.
If you are a foodie, you will love the unique ice cream flavors of Amorino inside Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II and the panzerotti from the popular Panzerotti Liuni. ‘Pizzacoteco di Brera’ is a great restaurant if you want to eat tasty Italian dishes.
While a day trip to Milan is possible, it is best to spend at least two days exploring everything Milan has to offer. After all, it is one of the best Italian cities, so you do not want to miss out on great attractions and marvelous sights.
Where to stay: Room Mate Giulia is a great place to stay, but if you want the most unique view, you should stay at the Galleria Vik Milano. The rooms of this 5-star hotel have windows that are inside Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle, so staying in this luxurious accommodation is a unique experience.
Bergamo, one of the best cities in Italy
Bergamo is a charming medieval city in Italy and one of the country’s best hidden gems. With its winding cobblestone roads and churches and buildings of different periods, it is one of the best cities to visit in Italy if you love architecture and want to experience the real Italy away from large crowds.
It is split into the upper Citta Alta and the lower Citta Bassa, which are connected by a funicular. Be sure to catch a ride when you explore the city. And if you want to see the best view this city has to offer, you should take a ride in another funicular to reach Rocco di San Vigilio. This hill offers a stunning view of the city and the surrounding area, so be sure to visit the panorama viewpoint and the ruins of Torre Castello San Vigilio.
Other highlights of Bergamo are the Cathedral, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, the 12th-century Campanone Tower at Piazza Vecchia, and the old Venetian defense wall with its city gates. Porta San Giacomo is especially picturesque.
Where to stay: If you are looking for a nice hotel that is not too far away from the first funicular that will take you to the historic town, you should stay at Hotel Excelsior San Marco.
Catania
Catania, one of the best cities in Italy, is located in Sicily and is the main gateway to Mount Edna. However, it has much more to offer than being a mere gateway. After being destroyed twice in 1669 due to lava and again in 1693 due to an earthquake, the citizens decided to rebuild their city with lava rock. Therefore, the two destructions are ever-present in the city’s architecture.
The main highlights of Catania are the Piazza Duomo with Fontana dell’Elefante which is topped by a sculpture of a smiling elephant. Right next to it, you will find the cathedral of Sant’Angala which is where you will find the tomb of Bellini and impressive frescos. Additional places to see are the Roman Amphitheater and Castello Ursino.
Also visit Giardina Bellini, also known as Villa Bellini, an urban garden that dates back to the 18th century. With its statues and pavilion, it is a great place for a relaxing stroll.
If you want to make the most of your Italian city trip, it is best to spend three days in the city. Especially, if you also want to hike Mt. Etna.
Where to stay: If you want a great view of the volcano, the Palace Catania is the best stay for you. If you want to be close to the beach, you should stay in the Four Points by Sheraton Catania.
Palermo
The capital of the Mediterranean island Sicily, Palermo, is one of the best cities to visit in Italy for lovers of sun, great street food, and a ton of culture. Spend three days taking in everything the city has to offer, then use Palermo as a hub to explore all the quaint towns in Sicily.
Culture lovers should make sure to head over to the Norman palace, inside of which lies the Palatine Chapel adored from floor to ceiling with thousands of golden mosaics depicting biblical themes. The Church of Gesu and the Church of San Cataldo are the most beautiful churches the city has to offer.
Streetfood lovers will want to head into one of the three local markets Ballaro, La Vucheria, and il Capo to sink their teeth in a traditional Pane ca Meusa (spleen sandwich), Sfincione, or the famous Arancina (fried rice balls with ragu for meat lovers or à la norma for the vegetarians). A delicious gelato with a brioche is not to be missed for dessert.
The best views over Palermo can be found from the roof of the Cathedral of Palermo, getting there however will mean clambering up a set of narrow stairs. If you are suffering from claustrophobia, this activity is not for you. Walk around the Cathedral instead and marvel at the architecture.
Suggested by Caroline from Veggie Wayfarer
Siena
Siena, one of Italy’s loveliest medieval cities, lies in the heart of Tuscany surrounded by beautiful countryside. If you are visiting Florence, do yourself a favor and add Siena as a day trip.
Siena is a walkable city with the fan-shaped Piazza del Campo (Central Square) at its heart. If you fancy horse racing, Siena is famous for il Palio which occurs twice a year in the square.
Beyond Piazza del Campo, there is so much to explore in Siena. Purchase the OPA SI Pass to visit the sites in the amazing Cathedral Complex. Your pass entitles you to tour the Cathedral (with treasures by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Bernini) including the Baptistry of San Giovanni, the Crypt, the Piccolimini Library, the Oratory of San Bernardino, the panoramic terrace of the unfinished facade of the cathedral and more. The 360° views from the terrace are astounding.
Down the hill from the Cathedral Complex, enjoy the pasta of Osteria Bonelli. Siena will capture your heart and will surely top the list of best cities to visit in Italy.
Explored by Jolayne, simplyjolayne
Florence, one of the cities to visit in Italy
As the Cradle of the Renaissance and the capital of Tuscany, Florence is easily one of the best cities to visit in Italy. Given the city’s rich history, Florence is home to many world-famous monuments and icons, from the breathtaking Duomo to the beloved Statue of David and the popular Palazzo Vecchio. The best way to uncover these historic gems is to book a walking tour with a local guide as well as consider a museum visit.
Beyond the historic buildings, Florence is also rich in natural beauty, with numerous gardens nestled throughout the city. The Giardino Delle Rose is a perfect place to spend the afternoon for free, particularly in May, when the roses are in peak bloom.
From here, stop off at the spectacular Piazzale Michelangelo, located right atop the garden. This famous square offers one of the best viewpoints in the city, so be sure to bring a camera along!
When it’s time to eat, stop at Pizza Napoli 1955 for the most delicious pizza in Florence. Although you could easily spend several days to a week exploring Florence, the city is compact and easy to navigate on a shorter getaway or even a day trip.
Where to stay in Florence: While basing yourself in one of the best cities in Italy, consider a stay at one of the fantastic Florence hotels near the Duomo. Whether you’re seeking affordable comfort or the five-luxury found at The Place Firenze, each property boasts incredible views of the most iconic monument in Florence.
Recommended by Elena, The Carry-On Chronicles
Trieste
Trieste is a border city that mixes Italian culture with that of Central Europe and the Slavic countries and is located in Friuli Venezia Giulia region. With its’ castles that overlook the coast, sunny resorts near the beach, and also great restaurants, it is one of the best cities in Italy.
Among the things not to be missed is the Piazza Unita d’Italia, the largest square on the sea in Europe, that is also called the “living room of Trieste”. It is where people meet for business or leisure walks, but also to attend shows, celebrations, and demonstrations. A short distance away is the Molo Audace, a long sone pier from which you can admire splendid sunsets.
Trieste is also a cultural city. In fact, important writers like Italo Svevo, James Joyce, and Umberto Saba found refuge in the city to work on their works. Today their life-size statues can be found along the ancient streets.
Just outside the city, you should not miss the wonderful white castle of Miramare. It overlooks the sea and was built at the behest of Maximilian of Habsburg.
Trieste has many excellent cafes, including some historical ones like the “Caffe degli Specchi”, located in the splendid Piazza Italia. It is a great place to watch the sunset over the sea. The Buffet Marascutti restaurant is a historic and intimate place with few tables. It is a great place to eat if you want to eat typical dishes of Trieste’s cuisine.
Suggested by Miriam from Miry Giramondo
Bari
Bari is a port city on the Adriatic coast in Southern Italy. It is the capital of the Puglia region and easily one of the best cities to visit in Italy.
Bari Vecchia is the Old Town of Bari, spread across the peninsula above the old harbor. From the scenic seafront, wander through the maze-like cobbled streets to find incredible cafes or restaurants. If you want a specific culinary destination, head to La Uascezze for the best local food.
A can’t-miss stop is the Basilica di San Nicola, a Norman church named for St. Nicholas, a.k.a. Father Christmas. This church has been an important pilgrimage site since its construction in the 11th century.
To go even further back in time, visit the Museo Archeologico di Santa Scolastica to see artifacts dating to prehistoric times.
One of the best parts of visiting Bari is how robust its transportation options are. The city has its own airport, and the train station hosts frequent buses and trains. From Bari, it’s easy and affordable to visit other top destinations in Southern Italy: a bus from Bari to Naples can cost as low as $7 USD.
Where to stay in Bari: To match Bari’s small-town feel, some of the best accommodations are B&Bs with local hosts. Al Pescatore is a small B&B with an excellent included breakfast and a location close to Old Town. B&B Bella Bari is another great option, with just a 3-minute walk to the beach.
Great city in Italy recommended by Mary King, Bucket List Places
Venice
With its beautiful architecture, incredible art, and infamous canals, there are many reasons why Venice is one of the best cities to visit in Italy. It’s not just another tourist destination; it’s a living city with its own dialect, traditions, and history.
As you explore this amazing city in Italy, you will learn many amazing facts about Venice. The fact that the city’s streets were once the canals and not the narrow winding streets we walk on today is just one of them.
Going for a ride in one of the iconic black gondolas is a must-do. Some go along the Grand Canal, others along the smaller canals, and others explore the outer islands. Venice is also home to several prominent landmarks, like the St. Mark’s Basilica and the Rialto Bridge. The famous glass factories of Murano island are a leisurely boat ride away.
One of the best hotels in this Italian city is the Palazzo Stern. It’s located right next to Ca’Rezzonico Museum, adjacent to the vaporetto stop for easy access to the entire city.
Recommended by Lyndsay Crescenti from The Purposely Lost
Lecce
Lecce is one of the main cities in the region of Puglia and one of the best cities in Italy. It is located at the end of the heel in the Italian boot and was founded more than 2,000 years ago. It is also known as the “Florence of the South”.
You should visit this historical place for its beautiful baroque architecture from the 17th century which makes it one of the best places to visit in Puglia. You can visit Lecce on a day trip as part of a Puglia road trip, but if you love culture and architecture you should stay for 2 days and spend the night here.
Exploring the historical center is one of the best things to do in Lecce. You can admire the beautiful facades. Do not miss Piazza Sant’Oronzo and Piazza del Duomo.
You should also visit Basilica di Santa Croce and the Duomo di Lecce, a 12th-century cathedral. The Roman amphitheater from the 1st century AD is one of the most interesting landmarks of Lecce.
Check out the “Faggiano Museum” to see some 2000 years old historical-archaeological artifacts. Additionally, you can see the stunning 16th-century Triumphal Arch at one of the entrances of the historical center of Lecce. If you like eating seafood, you should eat at l’Ostrica Ubriaca. They have a rooftop with a panoramic view over the center.
City in Italy explored by Ophelie, Limitless Secrets
Bologna
Bologna, located in the Emilia-Romagna region, is home to the oldest university in the world. However, that distinction pails in comparison to being the food capital of Italy. Sure Bologna has the obligatory grand church, the Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro, picturesque squares like Piazza Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore, two leaning towers appropriately called Two Towers, and even a network of hidden canals. But the main reason to visit this city in Italy is the food.
As you may have guessed, the world-renown Bolognese sauce hails from Bologna. Here they simply call it Ragu (sauce), and serve it with tagliatelle or lasagna (not spaghetti). Famous foods of Emilia-Romagna like Modena balsamic vinegar, Prosciutto di Parma, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese can all be found in abundance in Bologna’s Quadrilatero, the alleyways off Piazza Maggiore.
Wander through the Quadrilatero’s cobbled streets and peak at piles of pasta in the windows and cured meats hanging from the ceilings. Eat at one of the salumi shops like Simoni, and taste Bologna’s specialty, mortadella. Or for fresh-made pasta, including many variations of regional tortelloni, try Biata. Most of the pasta in Bologna will be handmade and delicious.
You will need at least 2 to 3 days to eat and see the highlights. Stay at the reasonably priced Mitodea-Residenza d’ epoca in the center of town and you will be able to walk to the Quadrilatero, and most of the main attractions in Bologna.
Recommended by Denise, Chef Denise
Viterbo
Viterbo is the capital of Tuscia, a region that is set across northern Lazio and southern Umbria, and Tuscany. This mid-size city in Italy is at just about 90 minutes drive from the Italian capital Rome, yet incredibly and surprisingly lesser-known.
Visit Viterbo, and you will find a city that has retained all of its local character and stunning beauty. The city’s historic center is mostly built with piperino, a magmatic rock typical of the region. It’s almost entirely surrounded by walls that are remarkably well kept.
The San Pellegrino quarter is the main area to explore and where you’ll find Viterbo’s beautiful Duomo and the Papal Palace – this is indeed the place where the first-ever conclave in history was held.
Make sure to also visit Santa Rosa church and the adjoint house of the saint – this is the saint patron of the city and a festival which is UNESCO listed is held in her honor each year on the night of 3 September. If you happen to be in the area at the time, make sure not to skip it!
Viterbo is the ideal starting point to explore the rest of Tuscia. Places you should visit include Soriano nel Cimino, Civita di Bagnoregio – famous ghost town, Bomarzo Monster Park and also Calcata, Tuscania and Vitorchiano.
To try the best dishes of the local cuisine, have dinner at Richiastro, in the historic center. The best place to stay in Viterbo is the Palazzo Verdi Hotel, right by the Theater and a minute’s walk from the Corso Italia, the city’s main shopping area, and access to all historic landmarks.
Explored by Claudia Tavani, Strictly Rome
Verona
Verona is one of the best cities in Italy for couples, solo travelers, and anyone looking to fall in love with Italian culture and architecture. The City of Love is not too big, not too small – it is the perfect city in Italy to explore in one day on a busy northern Italy itinerary or to spend 2 to 3 days absorbing the Italian slow way of life.
What is non-negotiable is walking through the city – it is the best way to get around and feel the pulse of its great squares like Piazza Bra and Piazza dell’Erba, or the history at Castelvecchio and the Verona Arena. And you can’t miss the view at Castel San Pietro, which looks over the winding Adige River and the rose-colored city.
After visiting famous locations like the Castelvecchio Bridge and Juliet’s House, explore Verona’s hidden gems: the Scaliger Tombs and the Courtyard of the Old Market, both just beyond bustling Piazza dell’Erba.
If you’re driving to Verona, you will find free parking beside Porta Palio. And if you are embracing a romantic, prolonged getaway, opt to stay in Città Antica. A perfect mid-range accommodation with a view is Hotel Milano & SPA***S, or the more budget-friendly Hotel Bologna ***S.
Explored by Michela Marie from She Goes The Distance
Sorrento
If you’re looking for one of the best cities to visit in Italy, make sure to go to Sorrento. Sorrento is 50 minutes from Naples and the perfect base for exploring the Amalfi Coast. It’s a charming little town – wander around the cobbled streets, go to a patisserie for breakfast, enjoy the night markets, and spend a few hours relaxing on the beach.
Allow a week if you want to fully explore the area. You’ll want to do lots of day trips ranging from the historical ruins of Pompeii, the beautiful island of Capri (get a gondola to the top for the best views) and of course the famous seaside towns Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.
Sorrento is the perfect spot in the middle of all these spots with easy train, bus and ferry access. Although a tip: avoid the public buses to the Amalfi Coast – they are very unreliable so you might be left waiting hours without any buses going past.
Stay near the main township in Sorrento so you can easily walk around.
Explored by Ashleigh from Ashleigh’s Atlas
Bolzano
The Italian city of Bolzano reflects northern Italy’s unique dual personalities, highlighted by the fact that it bears two names: Bolzano in Italian and Bozen in German. This picturesque city in Italy is just as Germanic as it is Italian making any visit here a multicultural experience.
Spend time walking the cobblestone streets and be sure and visit the Basilica on Piazza Walther. Make reservations at Vogele, a Michelin bib gourmand restaurant that serves traditional food and local wines from this unexpected Italian wine region.
Bolzano is situated in the midst of the Italian Alps, so there are countless hiking trails to explore in the warmer months and ski when there’s snow. In spring, summer, and fall, several cable cars carry visitors from one peak to the next around the city, and it’s a perfect way to see Bolzano from a bird’s eye view.
Where to stay: The Parkhotel Laurin is a favorite for exceptional service, dining, and the vintage wood-paneled bar where guests linger long into the night over their favorite cocktail.
Explored by Lori, Italy Foodies
The Best Small Cities to visit in Italy
Manarola (Cinque Terre)
One of the best cities in Italy to visit is the colorful Manarola. Nestled in the middle of Cinque Terre, Manarola offers breathtaking sea views from almost anywhere in town.
There are plenty of things to do in Manarola. Cinque Terre is known for its iconic colorful houses right along the water. Walking down the main road to the marina is a great way to see these buildings and discover local shops. From handmade items to cooking supplies, you can take a bit of Italy home with you. There aren’t any major chain stores in the city.
Once you arrive at the marina, head to your right towards the hill. This path brings you to a lookout for the idyllic view of Manarola. If you’re here for sunset, try to get there an hour before as the path fills up with photographers.
For meals, seafood is a specialty of Manarola. Most of the restaurants serve the catch of the day and have fresh seafood every day. Aristide, which is within walking distance of the water, impresses with each dish and friendly service.
Where to stay: La Toretta Lodge is located in the heart of Manarola and has a terrace overlooking the sea. It’s also near the vineyards for easy access for tours. The wine in Manarola is different than the rest of Italy, so enjoy a glass (or bottle) while visiting this great small city in Italy.
Explored by Pam from Directionally Challenged Traveler
Lerici
Lerici is a town in the province of La Spezia, which is part of the Italian Riviera and is known as one of the best cities in Italy. Lerici is picturesque and sleepy, with rocky cliffs and the sparkling sea. If you’re looking for the same draw as Cinque Terre without the crowds, Lerici is the destination.
There is an abundance of hiking trails if you are looking to hike throughout the hills. Additionally, there is also a mile-long promenade along the water that houses artisan shops, cute cafes, and plenty of restaurants. Lerici is a quiet town; perfect for your much-needed relaxing and unwinding getaway.
Start out your day of exploring this great city in Italy by grabbing a coffee and a pastry at the Art Cafe, before heading out to the sightseeing highlights like the Lerici Castle and the Tower of Oratory of San Rocco. You can also walk the Caruggis or through the small streets or go hiking.
If you want to relax at the beach, your best options are the Blue Bay is on the way to Lerici from La Spezia and San Terenzo Beach, which is comfortable, sandy, and located right in town in San Terenzo. Other great beaches are Venure Azzura, San Giorgio, and Venus Azure, which is the best known and is located halfway between Lerici and San Terenzo. You can also visit the beaches of Tellaro.
Grab a bite to eat at any of the restaurants along the water and stop for gelato at Gelateria Il Lungomare. Once you have picked out your perfect flavor, you should sit outside while overlooking the spectacular sea views. At the end of the day, it is great to watch the sunset while drinking some delicious wine along the sea.
If you’re looking for more shopping opportunities and nightlife, you can plan a day trip to Florence or La Spezia.
Where to stay in Lerici: There are a lot of great hotels in Lerici, and some of the best ones are the Hotel Florida and the Europa Grand Hotel.
Explored by Jaclyn from My Resting Beach Face
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Roundup: Best Cities to Visit in Italy
The cities listed above are certainly the best cities in Italy and exploring them is bound to be amazing. So plan your trip and combine two of them like Milan and Bergamo into one trip or plan a longer Italy road trip that allows you to see more of this incredible country. Check out my road trip planner if you want to hit the road.
More about Italy
If you are planning an Italy trip, you might also be interested in these travel guides about Italy:
Weekend Getaways in Italy
Landmarks in Italy
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