Italy is a breathtaking masterpiece. Everything in the streets, from sights to food, and Italy tourist destinations, appears to be designed carefully enough. Italy is a country where one can visit, enjoy, and never leave due to the numerous places that are appealing to tourists. Whether you’re chasing adventure or soaking in sunshine, Italy offers you an experience of a lifetime that lingers long after you’ve left. The city boasts ancient ruins, romantic canals, and world-class cuisine, and it never fails to enchant.
Best places to visit in Italy for the first time
Italy is one of the countries that draws people due to its beauty, culture, and history. There is something different everywhere in Italy. Rome reveals its past to us through its old buildings and monuments. Florence is an artful, museum-ridden, and picturesque city. Venice is unique because it is constructed on water and presents an extremely pleasing experience to tourists. Locations such as Val d’Orcia and Cinque Terre showcase the natural and tranquil aspects of Italy with their beautiful landscapes and serene environments.
Bologna and Naples are ideal places to experience the authentic Italian food and immerse oneself in the local life. Pompeii teaches us that the occurrence of a single thing can alter all things in the past. The Dolomites are an ideal destination for those who are mountain enthusiasts and adventure seekers. So, here’s your travel guide to the 10 most beautiful places to visit in Italy, along with travel tips, must-try experiences, and everything you should know.
1. Rome
- Ideal For: History lovers, culture enthusiasts, and foodies
- Best Time to Visit: April to June or September to October
- Must-Visit Spots: The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Vatican City, and Trastevere
- Must Try: Authentic Roman dishes like Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara, and Supplì
- Pro Tip: Book tickets for the Colosseum and Vatican online in advance for ease of convenience.
To gain a sense of the history of Italy, you must visit Rome, also known as the Eternal City. One can see the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. However, you can also visit the spiritual center of Catholicism, located in Vatican City. Not only would you get a chance to see the Basilica of St. Peter, but you would also get to experience the beautiful works of art in the Vatican Museums and, most importantly, the exquisite Sistine Chapel. To get a sense of the present-day Rome or the essence of modern times, you can visit the small streets of Trastevere and savor the traditional Roman pasta, particularly Cacio e Pepe.
2. Florence
- Ideal For: Art lovers, photographers, and couples
- Best Time to Visit: April to early June, or September to October
- Must-Visit Spots: The Duomo and Brunelleschi’s Dome, Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio, and Piazzale Michelangelo
- Must Try: Florentine steak and local Chianti wine
- Pro Tip: Try visiting major museums early in the morning to avoid long queues.
Florence is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance. It is a museum whose roof is adorned with the genius of humanity. It has all the beautiful things to observe, and you simply cannot ignore them. These attractions include the view of the Brunelleschi Dome, which is located at the top of the Duomo. You can visit the Uffizi Gallery, where you will have an opportunity to view masterpieces such as The Birth of Venus, painted by Botticelli, and the masterpiece, David, painted by Michelangelo in the Accademia Gallery. After visiting the art, cross the heavily visited Ponte Vecchio and proceed to the Piazzale Michelangelo, where you can enjoy the amazing view of the sunset.
3. Venice
- Ideal For: Couples, honeymooners, and photographers
- Best Time to Visit: March to May or September to November
- Must-Visit Spots: Piazza San Marco, St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, Murano and Burano islands
- Must Try: Cicchetti with a glass of Spritz.
- Pro Tip: Try taking a gondola ride just before sunset to enjoy magical lighting and fewer crowds.
Venice, a floating city built on water, is another must-visit travel destination that everyone should experience when they are in Italy. It is a literal beauty on the water, with its climate being a significant draw for tourists. You can also visit Piazza San Marco, where you will be in a position to see the shiny St. Mark Basilica and Doge Palace. However, you should not leave without riding a gondola, and a local vaporetto (water bus), which is more affordable and easier to ride.
4. Val d’Orcia
- Ideal For: Nature lovers, photographers, and couples
- Best Time to Visit: April to June for lush hills, September to October for golden landscapes and wine harvests
- Must-Visit Spots: Pienza, Bagno Vignoni, Montepulciano, and Montalcino
- Must Try: Tuscan wine, local cheeses, and truffle-based dishes.
- Pro Tip: Rent a car if you want to explore the city by road and take in its breathtaking views.
Val d’Orcia is renowned for its charming countryside in Tuscany. This magnificent Tuscan region boasts rolling hills, cypress roads, and other scenic landscapes. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, courtesy of the Renaissance charm of Pienza, which embodies the essence of rural Italy. You can visit Pienza, renowned for its architecture, and Bagno Vignoni, a special village that boasts historic thermal baths, while enjoying world-class wine.
5. Bologna
- Ideal For: Food lovers, culture explorers, and students
- Best Time to Visit: March to May or September to November
- Must-Visit Spots: Piazza Maggiore, Neptune Fountain, Basilica di San Petronio, Asinelli and Garisenda Towers, University of Bologna, and Sanctuary of San Luca
- Must Try: Tagliatelle al Ragù (real Bolognese pasta) and Tortellini in Brodo
- Pro Tip: Bologna’s unmatched culinary traditions are unmissable, so consider joining a local cooking class or food tour for an unforgettable experience.
Bologna, aka Italy’s Food Capital, is also known as La Grassa (The Fat One). This beautiful destination is hailed as the culinary heaven in the heart of Italian lands. You can explore the Piazza Maggiore, which leads to the local markets, where you can enjoy the local food. You can embrace the beauty of Renaissance structures such as City Hall, the Fountain of Neptune, and the Basilica di San Petronio, Asinelli and Garisenda Towers, the Sanctuary of San Luca, and the historic University of Bologna.
6. Cinque Terre
- Ideal For: Hikers, photographers, and couples
- Best Time to Visit: May to September (for swimming)
- Must-Visit Spots: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre National Park and Via dell’Amore trail
- Must Try: Fresh seafood, anchovies, and Pesto Genovese
- Pro Tip: If you travel easily between villages, consider purchasing the Cinque Terre Train Card.
Renowned for its five colorful coastal villages, Cinque Terre is one of the many hidden gems in Italy. These villages, namely Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, are the main tourist destinations situated in the Ligurian hills. The Cinque Terre National Park, the Via dell’Amore, and the Castello di Riomaggiore are among its famous destinations for tourists.
7. Naples
- Ideal For: Foodies, history lovers, and culture seekers
- Best Time to Visit: March to May or September to November
- Must-Visit Spots: Spaccanapoli, Royal Palace of Naples, Sansevero Chapel, and National Archaeological Museum
- Must Try: Neapolitan Pizza Margherita
- Pro Tip: Naples has a lively atmosphere, but it can get hectic, so it’s essential to stay alert in crowded areas.
Naples is popularly known as the Soul of Southern Italy. It is among the rare locations in Italy where one can touch history, experience the atmosphere, and savor the authentic food. Pizza originated in Naples. It is also necessary to explore the Royal Palace of Naples and the Spaccanapoli to experience true architecture. You must also add the Sansevero Chapel museum to see the Veiled Christ and the National Archaeological Museum to your itinerary.
8. Pompeii
- Ideal For: History buffs and archaeology lovers
- Best Time to Visit: April to June or September to October
- Must-Visit Spots: Pompeii Archaeological Park, Mount Vesuvius, and the Sanctuary of the Madonna of the Rosary
- Must Try: Local wine made from locally-grown organic grapes
- Pro Tip: The ruins are vast and uneven, so wear comfortable shoes and don’t forget to bring your water bottle.
Also known as the Lost City, Pompeii is a renowned archaeological site in Italy. It offers various tourist attractions, including the Pompeii Archaeological Park, the Forum, the Amphitheater, the Great Theatre, Villa dei Misteri, and the Stabian Baths. Tourists can also visit Mount Vaudivious and the Sanctuary of the Madonna of the Rosary for a scenic getaway.
9. Puglia
- Ideal For: Beach lovers, culture seekers, and families
- Best Time to Visit: May to October
- Must-Visit Spots: Alberobello, Ostuni, Lecce, and Polignano a Mare
- Must Try: Orecchiette pasta with turnip greens and Burrata cheese
- Pro Tip: As public transport is limited, consider driving your own car for scenic and easy travel.
Puglia is an Italian region in the southern part of the country, where one can find enough sunlight. This sun-kissed Southern gem is distinguished by its magnificent landscapes. One of the most popular tourist attraction sites is Alberobello, which features very tiny houses known as Trulli with cone roofs, and they are almost fairytale-like. One can also find the whitewashed town of Ostuni, which appears quite bright and neat, as well as the city of Lecce, which is known for its beautiful Baroque-style buildings.
10. The Dolomites
- Ideal For: Adventure seekers, hikers, and photographers
- Best Time to Visit: June to September for hiking, and December to March for skiing
- Must-Visit Spots: Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Braies, Seceda and Ortisei, and Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Must Try: Alpine dishes like Canederli and Strudel
- Pro Tip: If you wish to enjoy sunrise views and authentic alpine charm, stay in mountain huts for the best experience.
The Dolomites are located in Italy to the north of the country, and are renowned for their lofty and beautiful mountains. A paradise for nature lovers, it is an ideal destination for those who are fond of nature and hiking. Tourist destinations worth visiting are Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Braies, Seceda, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and Ortisei, with the features of beautiful scenery. Peaceful valleys are also available in the Dolomites, such as Val di Funes and Alpe di Siusi, where a person can rest and breathe in the fresh air.
Final words
In a nutshell, Italy is a destination that allows you to study, explore, relax, and have fun all at once. It is not just a travel destination, but a place you will always remember and still cherish. While these Italy tourist destinations are among tourists’ favourites, it is never a bad idea to explore some hidden gems. Which destination would you like to visit on your trip to Italy? Do let us know!