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15 minutes readContents
- 7 Must-Visit Cities in Italy
- Most Beautiful Places and Regions in Italy
- Practical Travel Tips for Visiting Italy
- FAQ Box About Cities in Italy
7 Must-Visit Cities in Italy
1. Rome
Rome was one of last year’s hottest tourist destinations, and its popularity shows no sign of slowing down. This ancient city offers thousands of years of history to explore and enough to fill a week-long trip. With its iconic landmarks and ancient sites, there’s something to see on every street. Nicknamed the “Eternal City”, Rome is one of the most popular bucket list places for people from all over the world.
- Where to stay: Impero Vaticano San Pietro
- Top sights in Rome: Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, the Vatican
- When to go: April, May, September, and October to avoid crowds.
Rome offers thousands of years of history to explore and enough to fill a week-long trip.
Photo by Vlas Telino studio on Shutterstock
Popular experiences:
- Walk in the footsteps of gladiators at the Colosseum. All access tickets go on sale a week in advance and include the arena and basement for an even more immersive experience.
- No trip to Rome is complete without making a wish at the Trevi Fountain. Throw in one coin to return to Rome, two if you want to find love, and three to get married.
- Although technically a city-state, the Vatican is one of the main attractions for visiting Rome. Head to St. Peter’s Square to visit the Basilica and grab a ticket to the Vatican Museums to see the Sistine Chapel.
2. Florence
Florence is often considered one of the most beautiful places in Italy, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is the epicenter for Italy’s art and architecture scene, offering world-class museums and the chance to see some of Michelangelo’s most famous pieces.
It’s impossible to escape the legacy of the Medici family, the dynasty that acted as a major patron to early scientists and artists. Florence is a great alternative to Barcelona if you’re considering different summer vacation spots in Europe for 2026.
- Where to stay: 3110 ArtHotel
- Top sights in Florence: Galleria dell’Accademia, Boboli Gardens, and Palazoo Medici-Riccardi.
- When to go: May and June for the best weather and cultural festivals.
Florence is often considered one of the most beautiful places in Italy.
Photo by givaga on Shutterstock
Popular experiences:
- Michelangelo, one of the world’s most famous artists, was born near Florence, and it’s where you’ll find some of his most recognizable work, including “David”, located in the Galleria dell’Accademia.
- The Boboli Gardens were commissioned by the Medici family and stretch across 75 acres, giving you one of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of nature, while also sampling Renaissance art. It’s a great option if you’re visiting Florence with young children.
- History fans can’t visit Florence without tracing the Medici family’s rise to power with a trip to Palazzo Medici-Riccardi. It’s also located close to the Basilica di San Lorenzo, the family’s burial place.
3. Venice
Venice has long served as inspiration for romance novels and classic Hollywood movies. Its unique cityscape and canals make it a bucket list destination. It consists of over 110 islands, which feel like individual towns, linked together by 400 bridges. Venice consists of “palazzi”, or palaces, which line the Grand Canal.
This spectacular region feels as though it’s frozen in time, but it’s hard to ignore the impact of overcrowding here. If you’re planning a visit to Venice, it’s worth doing your research in advance to make your trip as sustainable as possible, while supporting local businesses and trade.
- Where to stay: Hyatt Centric Murano Venice
- Top sights in Venice: Piazza San Marco, Palazzo Ducale, and the Fandaco dei Turchi.
- When to go: November to January for budget-friendly travel.
Venice has long served as inspiration for romance novels and classic Hollywood movies.
Photo by DaLiu on Shutterstock
Popular experiences:
- Piazza San Marco, also known as St. Mark’s Square, is one of the most recognizable parts of Venice. This square sits close to the water and has a bell tower, known as the Campanile, which dominates the surrounding area. It’s also worth visiting the Basilica di San Marco to see its Byzantine architecture.
- There are several museums throughout Venice, but Palazzo Ducale offers a whistlestop tour of over 900 years of local history. Formerly the seat of Venetian power, it’s also one of Venice’s main landmarks.
- The Fondaco dei Turchi was once the home to Turkish merchants in the 17th century, but now hosts the Natural History Museum, which has over 2 million specimens, including a Nile crocodile and a full whale skeleton.
4. Milan
Milan is one of the fashion capitals of the world, but this glamorous city has more to offer than just designer shopping. It’s home to da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” and La Scala Opera House, encapsulating all sides of European arts and culture.
Along with its lively nightlife, Milan is also a great option for travelers who want to stay in a luxury hotel with plenty of day trip options nearby. It’s easy to reach Verona and Lake Como by train from Milan’s main center, with both journeys taking just over an hour.
- Where to stay: Hotel Berna
- Top sights in Milan: Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittori Emanuele II, and Castello Sforzesco.
- When to go: September and October to explore cultural sites without the crowds.
Milan has more to offer than just designer shopping.
Photo by givaga on Shutterstock
Popular experiences:
- The Duomo di Milano is Italy’s largest church and took almost 600 years to be fully constructed with its famous pink-hued Candoglia marble. There are over 3,400 statues throughout this Gothic cathedral with 52 massive columns, which represent the weeks of the year. Look out for the golden statue of the Virgin Mary, which sits on the highest spire.
- If you’re visiting Milan to go shopping, there’s nowhere better than Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. One of the most recognizable shopping arcades in the world, it is home to the original Prada store and offers plenty of options for foodies and fashion fans. Make sure to stop and spin on the mosaic tiles at the center of the arcade, as it’s believed to bring good luck.
- The Castello Sforzesco is a medieval fortified castle that’s been turned into seven museums, showcasing everything from Michelangelo’s final sculpture to Sala dell Asse, a room decorated by Leonardo da Vinci.
5. Naples
Naples is Italy’s third-largest city and acts as a gateway to some of its most famous attractions, from the ancient Roman city of Pompeii to the Amalfi Coast. There’s a popular saying that “Rome is the heart of Italy, but Naples is its soul”. This region represents all the best parts of La Dolce Vita, the local culture that revolves around “the sweet life”.
- Where to stay: Hotel San Pietro
- Top sights in Naples: Museo Archeologico Nazionale, and Pompeii.
- When to go: May for local festivals without the summer price hike.
Naples acts as a gateway to some of its most famous attractions.
Photo by SCStock on Shutterstock
Popular experiences:
- The Museo Archeologico Nazionale is a must-visit for those interested in Pompeii and is a great visit before going to the ancient city. Amongst the array of ancient Greek and Roman statues, you’ll find some of the best-preserved items from the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 CE.
- Pompeii is just a 25-minute drive from Naples’ city center and is a day trip in itself. Those with a special interest in ancient Rome may want to spend 2 days at Pompeii, but most tourists will be able to cover the main attractions within a few hours.
- Naples is the birthplace of pizza, so it’s no surprise that you’ll find some of the best in the world in this coastal city. Explore the different street vendors and look out for restaurants that curate their menu around local ingredients.
6. Genoa
Genoa sits in the heart of the Riviera and is the country’s largest port city. Although lesser known than its more glamorous inland counterparts, Genoa’s old town is rich in Renaissance architecture, grand mansions, and traditional cuisine. The Palazzi dei Rolli is one of the city’s main attractions with its 42 palaces. Genoa is a popular stop for cruise ships and a great starting point for exploring the Mediterranean coastline.
- Where to stay: Hotel Palazoo Grillo
- Top sights in Genoa: The Palazzi dei Rolli and the Piazza de Ferrari
- When to go: March and May (in 2026) during Rolli Days.
Genoa sits in the heart of the Riviera.
Photo by Sean Pavone on Shutterstock
Popular experiences:
- The Palazzi dei Rolli is a network of palaces and mansions at the heart of the city with over 160 houses still standing today. More than 40 are recognized by UNESCO for their historical significance, and they showcase some of the best of the local art and culture.
- The Piazza de Ferrari is Genoa’s main square and where you’ll find several popular attractions, including the Carlo Felice Theatre, the Ligustica Academy of Fine Arts, and the Ducal Palace. It’s worth wandering around the square and letting your tastebuds lead the way as there are plenty of independent restaurants nestled down the nearby narrow streets.
7. Verona
Romeo and Juliet is the original story of star-crossed lovers, and while there’s no evidence that Shakespeare visited the place in which he set this play, millions of people are inspired to head to Verona every year because of it.
Some tourists come to Juliet’s balcony to leave letters (the inspiration behind the 2010 movie “Letters to Juliet”), while others are attracted to Verona as an alternative to Venice. Naturally, it is a great option for a romantic getaway, especially around Valentine’s Day!
- Where to stay: Accademia Hotel
- Top sights in Verona: Arena di Verona and Casa di Giulietta.
- When to go: July and August for the Arena di Verona Opera Festival.
Verona is a great option for a romantic getaway.
Photo by Aliaksandr Antanovich on Shutterstock
Popular experiences:
- Juliet’s house, known as Casa di Giulietta, is one of the busiest spots in Verona and is worth at least a few minutes of your time. While the balcony is a relatively new addition, most tourists will opt to take a photo in front of the house. The house itself dates back to at least 1351 and is speculated to have belonged to the Capulets.
- Arena di Verona is a must-visit for opera fans. It’s one of the world’s best-preserved Roman amphitheaters and sits in the town center. An annual Opera Festival is held during the summer, spotlighting the work of the greats of European opera, including Verdi and Puccini.
- Head to Torre dei Lamberti, a watchtower that offers some of the best panoramic views of the city. While you can choose to walk the whole way to the top, there’s also a lift that takes you most of the way.While it’s only €12 per adult, it’s not ideal for those with limited mobility.
Most Beautiful Places and Regions in Italy
Italy frequently tops the list of travel bucket list destinations, but there’s more to this Mediterranean country than just its famous cities. Emilia-Romagna is known as Italy’s “food valley” and is also home to many of the country’s iconic motorsports brands, including Ducati, Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini.
Emilia-Romagna is known as Italy’s “food valley”.
Photo by Freesurf on Shutterstock
While the Amalfi Coast offers some of the most romantic spots along the Mediterranean, the Dolomites have become one of Europe’s most popular destinations for hiking and skiing. Campania in the South is an ideal option for seasoned travelers returning to Italy who want to immerse themselves in the beauty of cities like Naples, while exploring the history of Pompeii.
Suggested Itinerary Guide for an Italian Getaway
While the French Riviera is a popular multi-day road trip in Europe, Italy has several similar routes for travelers heading to the Mediterranean. Hiring a car and traveling around to different towns is worth considering if you’re looking for an affordable family vacation without compromising on once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Here are some of our favorite itineraries:
1. 7-day Italy highlights
Best for: a whistlestop tour
Take advantage of the high-speed trains and tick off 3 of the country’s most iconic cities. Fly into Rome and spend a few days exploring the ancient sites before taking the 70-minute train to Florence to immerse yourself in Renaissance culture. Finish your vacation in Venice, just over 2 hours away by train, for an overnight stay. This guide is the perfect option for a honeymoon or for first-time visitors.
Fly into Rome and spend a few days exploring the ancient sites.
Photo by Noppasin Wongchum on Shutterstock
2. 2-week Italian road trip
Best for: seasoned travelers
Italy is the birthplace of the “grand tour”, the idea of traveling across multiple cities and regions by car. The so-called Grand Tour of Italy can take up to 3 weeks, going from its northern peak to Sicily in the southern tip. Not everyone is able to travel for 3 weeks, but you can shorten this to 2 weeks to see the main highlights. Start in the Northern Lakes before moving into Tuscany and ending at the Amalfi Coast.
Italy is the birthplace of the “grand tour”, the idea of traveling across multiple cities and regions by car.
Photo by Roman Babakin on Shutterstock
3. The hidden gems of Italy
Best for: adventure-seekers who love the Italian coast
Some of the must-do experiences in Italy won’t be found in the major cities of Milan and Rome. Whether you’ve dreamt of learning how to make pasta or want to indulge in the best cheese in the world, you can head off the beaten path for a road trip. Genoa is a great starting point before heading to Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its ancient cave dwellings. You can end this itinerary in Pizzo, a clifftop town famous for its fileja pasta, spicy nduja sausage, and hazelnut gelato.
Genoa is a great starting point before heading to Matera.
Photo by canadastock on Shutterstock
Practical Travel Tips for Visiting Italy
Visiting somewhere for the first time can be overwhelming, especially if it’s also your first time in Europe.
Here are a few top tips to ensure a stress-free vacation:
- Tipping is not common in Europe, including for a tour guide or taxi driver. Instead, most restaurants will charge a coperto, which covers the cost of the linens, service, and bread course.
- Review our top travel safety tips before heading to Italy and make sure to be aware of pickpockets in public spaces.
- Don’t expect all shops and businesses to be open during lunch. Riposo is a tradition of taking an afternoon break, usually between 1 pm and 4 pm.
- Italy offers extensive cross-country train routes, which are an affordable alternative to hiring a car.
- Most Italians go on vacation in August, so it’s usually a good idea to avoid this month as it’s when many businesses, including those in the city centers, will be closed.
- Debit and credit cards are widely accepted (although American Express is not widely accepted), but it’s always a good idea to have at least a little cash on you.
FAQ Box About Cities in Italy
Plan An Unforgettable European Itinerary with ZenHotels
It’s impossible to visit everywhere in just one vacation, but the country’s expansive train network and easy driving routes make it easy to curate a multi-stop itinerary that includes its most famous cities.
At ZenHotels, we’re here to help you plan your dream vacation to Italy with accommodation options to suit every budget and destination, from Milan and Rome to Naples and quiet towns on the Riviera.
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Are you looking for more options for your 2026 holidays? Explore top destinations on ZenHotels and get more expert-curated travel tips by visiting our blog.
