A city break in Italy is guaranteed to be rich in happy memories – the sun, the smiles, the food, the wine and the sprawling golden countryside all make this country as stylish as it is timeless. Each Italian city has its own unique personality, charm and top things to do, so let’s explore which are the top cities in Italy and why you should add them to your list.
Which are the best cities in Italy to visit?
Rome
Best for: History buffs, culture lovers, and first-time visitors to Italy.
Rome, Italy’s capital, is a must-see city that combines ancient history, vibrant culture, and world-famous landmarks. Fashion boutiques and swanky coffee shops line the charming streets, there’s architectural marvels at every turn, and the restaurants are bursting with incredible meals.
Top highlights in Rome
- The Colosseum – explore the iconic amphitheatre and learn all about the Roman gladiators that used this impressive stage.
- The Vatican City – visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel’s masterpieces and marvel at the incredible architecture.
- The Trevi Fountain – toss a coin into this baroque fountain and carefully make your wish.
Best time to visit Rome
- Enjoy a city break in Rome in spring (April-June) or autumn (September-October) for the ideal combination of warm weather – but not too warm – and fewer crowds.
Top tips for Rome
- Booking excrusion and entrance tickets to major attractions online and ahead of time can be essential to saving money and precious time.
- Rome is a city that is best explored on foot, with vast paths and alleyways connecting everything, so wearing comfortable shoes is a must!
Florence
Best for: Art enthusiasts, romantic getaways, and culture seekers.
Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is a top Italian destination for art, architecture, and Tuscan culture. Rustic architecture hides gelato shops and fashion houses, while cozy trattorias serve hearty Tuscan dishes and world-class wines.
Top highlights in Florence
- The Duomo – you can’t miss Florence’s star attraction. Climb Brunelleschi’s famous dome for jaw-dropping city views and get up close to the intricate marble detail that makes this cathedral a true masterpiece.
- Uffizi Gallery – a hotspot for art lovers, the Uffizi is packed with Renaissance icons – think Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo – all under one roof. Even if you’re not an art buff, it’s seriously impressive.
- Ponte Vecchio – wander across this postcard-perfect bridge lined with glittering jewellery shops – even grab a gelato and watch the Arno River sparkle under the sun.
Best time to visit Florence
- Between April to June and September to October when the city is lively but not overcrowded is a great time to visit – plus you can still expect pleasant temperatures.
Top tips for Florence
- Florence can get busy faat, so head out early and try to hit the bigger attractions first thing to beat the queues.
- You have to try local specialties like bistecca alla fiorentina at a trattoria – a signature Tuscan steak dish!
Milan
Best for: Fashion lovers, urban explorers, and art fanatics.
Milan, Italy’s fashion and business hub, blends historic architecture with modern style and vibrant shopping districts. Sleek skyscrapers share the skyline with Gothic cathedrals, and café terraces are bustling with locals sipping their espressos on a break between designer shopping sprees.
Top highlights in Milan
- Duomo di Milano – You’ll spot this beauty before you even step out of the square. Climb up to the roof for incredible views (and a closer look at those famous spires).
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – Even if you’re not shopping for Prada, this stunning arcade is worth a wander — think grand domes, mosaic floors, and a touch of old-school glamour.
- Sforza Castle – A peaceful escape from the city buzz, this impressive fortress hides museums, art, and leafy gardens that are perfect for a lazy afternoon stroll.
Best time to visit Milan
- Spring and autumn both offer the perfect balance of warm weather and fewer crowds, perfect for sightseeing and shopping.
Top tips for Milan
- Using the tram is a fun, retro way to get around the city – and way more charming than the metro.
- Visit during Milan Fashion Week if you love fashion and events – and dress to impress!
Venice
Best for: Hopeless romantics, photographers, and anyone who loves getting delightfully lost.
Venice is pure enchanting magic – a floating maze of canals, bridges, and beauty at every turn. The city moves at a different pace; there’s no traffic, no hustle and bustle, just gondolas gliding along the canals taking in the centuries-old palaces.
Top highlights in Venice
- St. Mark’s Square & Basilica – the heart of Venice, where golden mosaics, soaring domes, and fluttering pigeons create the perfect mix of chaos and charm.
- Grand Canal – gliding down Venice’s main waterway on a gondola is a must to soak up the city’s one-of-a-kind views.
- Rialto Bridge – cross this iconic bridge for a peek into local life – browse the market stalls and souvenir shops, and take in the picture-perfect canal view from every angle possible.
Best time to visit Venice
- Between April to June and September are typically the best times to visit Venice with warm weather, but avoiding the peak summer crowds.
Top tips for Venice
- Exploring beyond the main squares can take you through quiet alleyways and onto smaller canals to find charming cafés and hidden gems away from the crowds.
- Visit early or late to beat the busiest hours at St. Mark’s and the Rialto Bridge – then you can enjoy the magical sunrise or sunset views.
Naples
Best for: Foodies, history fans, and travellers who love vibrant cities.
Naples is Italy at its most authentic – loud, lively, and completely unforgettable. It’s the birthplace of pizza, home to ancient ruins, and buzzing with energy that spills from every café and piazza.
Top highlights in Naples
- Historic centre – stroll down the winding streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site packed and see impressive ancient churches and lively pizzas.
- Pizza Napoletana – enjoy a slice (or three) of the original Margherita pizza, straight from a wood-fired oven!
- Mount Vesuvius & Pompeii – step back in time at the ancient ruins of Pompeii or hike up the volcano that changed history.
Best time to visit Naples
- Visiting between March to June or September to October promises warm temperatures and sunnky skies that are perfect for exploring.
Top tips for Naples
- Naples moves very fast with traffic in every direction, so keep your wits about you when crossing the street!
- Naples is a great city to venture from to tick off a few more boxes, head on day trips to delights like Capri, Sorrento, or the Amalfi Coast.
Sorrento
Best for: Couples, coast lovers, and those who love a good view.
Sorrento is a seaside gem perched above the Bay of Naples – where lemon groves, colourful streets, and sea views come as standard. It’s relaxed, beautiful, and the perfect base for exploring the Amalfi Coast.
Top highlights in Sorrento
- Marina Grande – explore this charming fishing village, dine in one of the delicious seafood restaurants and watch colourful boats bobbing in the bay.
- Piazza Tasso – the perfect spot for a bit of people watching with a glass of wine in hand.
- Limoncello tasting – being the hometown of lemoncello, it’s imperative to sip the zesty liqueur that put the town on the map.
Best time to visit Sorrento
- Enjoy sunny days, warm evenings, and fewer tourists between April to June and late September.
Top tips for Sorrento
- Quick ferry rides to Capri and Positano make for the perfect day trip.
- Sorrento’s cobbled lanes and hilly streets add to the city’s charm but can tire you out so be sure to pack good footwear for wandering around.
So, which Italian city is calling your name?
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