From ancient Rome and Renaissance Florence to cliffside villages, alpine peaks, and turquoise island coves, Italy is packed with breathtaking places. Choosing where to go can be the hardest part of planning. Here are the 20 best places to visit in Italy, including its most famous cities and some of the most beautiful places in the country, with tips for each.
Italy's Great Cities
1. Rome
The Eternal City is an open-air museum. See the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, and visit the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica. Then eat cacio e pepe in Trastevere. See the best things to do in Rome.
2. Florence
The birthplace of the Renaissance is home to Michelangelo's David, the Uffizi Gallery, and Brunelleschi's dome. Watch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo over the terracotta rooftops. See the best things to do in Florence.
3. Venice
There's nowhere else like it. Ride the vaporetto down the Grand Canal, visit St. Mark's Basilica, and get lost in the quiet backstreets. Hop over to colorful Burano and the glassmakers of Murano.
4. Milan
Italy's capital of fashion and design has the spectacular Gothic Duomo, with its rooftop terraces, Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, and the canals of the Navigli district.
5. Naples
Chaotic, passionate, and delicious, Naples is the birthplace of pizza. Explore its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the National Archaeological Museum, with treasures from Pompeii.
6. Bologna
Italy's food capital is the home of tagliatelle al ragù, mortadella, and tortellini. Walk under miles of medieval porticoes and climb the Asinelli Tower.
7. Siena
This Gothic gem in Tuscany centers on the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, home of the Palio horse race. Don't miss the striped cathedral.
8. Verona
Romeo and Juliet's city has a 2,000-year-old Roman arena that hosts opera every summer, as well as beautiful piazzas along the Adige River.
Italy's Most Beautiful Coastlines and Islands
9. The Amalfi Coast
Pastel villages tumble down cliffs above the sparkling sea. Positano is the most photogenic, Ravello has the best views from its villa gardens, and Amalfi has a striking cathedral. Hike the Path of the Gods for an unforgettable panorama.
10. Capri
This glamorous island off the Amalfi Coast is famous for its dramatic Faraglioni rocks, the Blue Grotto sea cave, and chic piazzetta. Take the chairlift up Monte Solaro for the best views.
11. Cinque Terre
Five colorful fishing villages cling to the cliffs of the Italian Riviera, linked by trains, ferries, and hiking trails through terraced vineyards.
12. Portofino
This tiny harbor on the Italian Riviera, with its pastel houses and luxury yachts, is one of Italy's most elegant spots.
13. Sicily
Italy's largest island has it all: Greek temples, Baroque towns like Noto and Ragusa, the active volcano Mount Etna, and beautiful beaches. Don't miss the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, one of the best-preserved Greek sites in the world.
14. Sardinia
Sardinia has some of the Mediterranean's clearest water and whitest beaches, especially on the Costa Smeralda and in the La Maddalena Archipelago.
15. Puglia
The heel of Italy's boot is known for its whitewashed towns, olive groves, and seafood. See the trulli houses of Alberobello, the Baroque city of Lecce, and the clifftop town of Polignano a Mare.
Italy's Most Beautiful Lakes, Mountains, and Countryside
16. Lake Como
Surrounded by mountains and grand villas, Lake Como is the height of elegance. Stay in Bellagio, Varenna, or Menaggio, and hop between towns by ferry. See our Milan to Lake Como day trip guide.
17. Lake Garda
Italy's largest lake has lemon groves, medieval castles, and towns like Sirmione and Malcesine. It's also great for windsurfing and family-friendly theme parks.
18. The Dolomites
These jagged peaks in northeastern Italy are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a paradise for hiking in summer and skiing in winter. Don't miss the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Seceda, and Lago di Braies. See our Dolomites travel guide.
19. Tuscany
Rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, vineyards, and medieval hill towns such as San Gimignano, Montepulciano, and Pienza make the Tuscan countryside one of the most beautiful places in Italy.
20. Umbria
Tuscany's quieter neighbor has hilltop towns like Assisi, Perugia, and Orvieto, plus truffles and fewer tourists.
More Hidden Gems
- Pompeii and Herculaneum: Roman towns frozen in time by Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. See our Rome to Pompeii day trip guide.
- Ischia: A volcanic island near Naples, known for its thermal spas.
- Trieste: A Habsburg-era port city with grand cafés on the border with Slovenia.
- Pisa and Lucca: The Leaning Tower, plus Lucca's walkable Renaissance walls.
- Castelmezzano: A tiny village wedged among the rock pinnacles of the Lucanian Dolomites in Basilicata.
Tips for Exploring Italy
- Combine nearby places, such as Rome and Naples, Florence and Tuscany, or Milan and the lakes.
- Use trains between cities and a car for rural regions.
- Visit popular places early in the morning or in the shoulder seasons.
- Stay connected. An egoViet Italy eSIM keeps you online across the country. Compare options in our Italy eSIM guide, and see our Southern Europe travel guide for more inspiration.
Plan your trip with our Italy travel guide and 10-day Italy itinerary.
FAQs: Best Places to Visit in Italy
What is the most beautiful place in Italy?
Favorites include the Amalfi Coast, the Cinque Terre, Lake Como, the Dolomites, and Venice, but every region has its own beauty.
Where should I go on my first trip to Italy?
Rome, Florence, and Venice are the classic trio, ideally with a coastal stop such as the Amalfi Coast or the Cinque Terre.
What is the prettiest town in Italy?
Positano, Portofino, Manarola, Bellagio, and Alberobello are among the most photographed.
Which part of Italy is best for beaches?
Sardinia, Sicily, Puglia, and the Amalfi Coast have some of Italy's best beaches.