15 Absolute Best Things to do in Italy
Did you know that Italy receives over 65 million visitors annually, yet most travelers only scratch the surface of this incredible country? Get ready to explore the absolute best things to do in Italy – Let’s dive right in!
Picture yourself wandering through sun-drenched Tuscan vineyards, hearing the gentle lapping of Venetian canals, or savoring the aroma of fresh pasta wafting from a Roman trattoria – Italy awakens all your senses in ways few destinations can.
Whether you’re planning your first Italy vacation itinerary or you’re a seasoned traveler seeking hidden gems, the eternal question remains: how do you experience the best places in Italy without feeling rushed or breaking the bank?
From iconic landmarks that belong on every Italy itinerary to secret spots locals guard fiercely, this complete guide balances must-see attractions with authentic experiences.
We’ve curated these 13 absolute essentials for every type of traveler – solo adventurers seeking Instagram-worthy Italy vacation outfits moments, couples planning romantic getaways, families creating lifelong memories, and everyone in between.
Whether you’re mapping an epic Italy road trip or selecting places to visit in Italy for a quick weekend escape, you’ll discover experiences that transform ordinary trips into extraordinary journeys.
Ready to uncover the Italy that will steal your heart forever?
Discover Rome’s Hidden Gems Beyond the Colosseum – Essential Stops for Your Italy Itinerary
While the Colosseum draws millions, savvy travelers know Rome’s true magic lies in its hidden corners. Start your morning at Aventine Hill’s keyhole view – peer through the Knights of Malta’s door for a perfectly framed St. Peter’s dome. “It’s like discovering a secret that locals have kept for centuries,” shares Maria, a Roman tour guide.
Head to Trastevere’s cobblestone streets for authentic trattorias where pasta costs €8-12 versus €25 near tourist sites. The neighborhood transforms at sunset when locals emerge for aperitivo. For your Italy vacation outfits, pack comfortable walking shoes and layers – Rome’s weather shifts quickly.
Budget tip: Many churches house priceless Caravaggio paintings for free, while museum tickets cost €15-20. Visit Villa Borghese’s gardens for picnic spots and people-watching.
Book skip-the-line tickets 2-3 days ahead during peak season (April-October). Rome deserves 3-4 days minimum in any Italy itinerary – rushing through these places in Italy means missing the dolce vita spirit that makes travel to Italy unforgettable.
Experience the Magic of Venice: Why These Secret Canals Beat Tourist Traps Every Time
Venice isn’t just about St. Mark’s Square – though that’s undeniably spectacular. The real Venice reveals itself in quiet canals where laundry flutters overhead and gondoliers sing to empty bridges.
Castello district offers authentic restaurants where locals dine; try Osteria alle Testiere for €35 seafood dinners that rival €80 tourist-trap meals.
Navigate like a Venetian: use traghetti (gondola ferries) for €2 instead of expensive water taxis. The best Italy vacation outfits here? Waterproof shoes are essential – acqua alta (flooding) happens October-March. Pack light; you’ll be walking constantly and climbing bridge steps.
“Venice at 6 AM belongs to the cats and the bakers,” notes photographer James, who’s documented the city for 15 years. Early risers capture empty piazzas and golden reflections.
Include Venice in your Italy road trip via train – driving here is impossible. Book accommodations on the main islands; Mestre offers budget options (€60-80/night) with easy train access. These places to visit in Italy reward those who venture beyond the obvious – Venice’s soul lives in its secret corners.
Explore Tuscany’s Wine Country – The Ultimate Italy Road Trip Through Rolling Hills
Tuscany embodies every Italy travel fantasy: cypress-lined roads, medieval hilltop towns, and vineyards stretching to horizons.
Your Italy road trip should include Chianti Classico region, where wine tastings cost €15-25 and often include local cheeses and oils. Montalcino produces world-famous Brunello wines – splurge on a €50 premium tasting for the experience of a lifetime.
Rent a car in Florence (€30-50/day) for ultimate flexibility. GPS is essential – these winding roads challenge even experienced drivers. Pack Italy vacation outfits suitable for wine cellars (cool) and sunny terraces. Layers work best, plus a light jacket for evening dinners.
Stay in agriturismos (farm stays) for authentic experiences. “Our guests become family,” explains Lorenzo, whose family has operated vineyards for six generations. Expect to pay €80-150/night including breakfast and often dinner. Best places in Italy for photo opportunities? Val d’Orcia’s UNESCO-protected landscape offers those iconic rolling hills.
Visit April-June or September-October for perfect weather and fewer crowds. This Italy itinerary segment requires 3-4 days minimum – rushing through Tuscany’s places in Italy misses the region’s leisurely spirit.
Uncover Florence’s Art Treasures: Must-See Museums That Define Italian Renaissance
Florence houses more Renaissance masterpieces per square mile than anywhere on Earth. The Uffizi Gallery showcases Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” and da Vinci’s “Annunciation” – book timed entries 2-3 months ahead (€25-30). Skip-the-line tours cost €50-70 but provide expert context that transforms viewing into understanding.
Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia deserves the hype, but arrive early (8 AM) to avoid crowds. “Seeing David without 200 other people creates an entirely different emotional experience,” notes art historian Sarah. The sculpture’s 17-foot height still shocks first-time visitors.
For your Italy vacation outfits, dress modestly – many churches require covered shoulders. Comfortable shoes are crucial; you’ll walk 15,000+ steps daily through cobblestone streets.
/Budget travelers should explore free churches like Santa Croce’s Giotto frescoes or climb Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset views over the Arno.
Include Florence centrally in your Italy itinerary – it’s perfectly positioned for day trips to Siena, Pisa, or Cinque Terre. Book accommodations near the historic center; walking to attractions saves time and transportation costs. These places to visit in Italy reward art lovers and history buffs equally.
Why Visit the Amalfi Coast in Shoulder Season? Best Places in Italy for Stunning Views
The Amalfi Coast’s dramatic cliffs and azure waters create Italy’s most photographed coastline, but timing transforms your experience. Visit April-May or September-October for 70°F weather, fewer crowds, and 30-40% lower accommodation costs. Peak summer brings traffic jams that turn 30-minute drives into 2-hour ordeals.
Positano’s pastel-colored houses cascade down cliffsides like a watercolor painting. Stay in town centers despite higher costs (€200-400/night) – parking is nearly impossible and extremely expensive (€25-35/day). Pack Italy vacation outfits with breathable fabrics and comfortable sandals; you’ll climb countless stairs daily.
“The light here changes every hour,” explains photographer Giuseppe, who’s captured the coast for three decades. Golden hour (6-7 PM) transforms ordinary meals into magical experiences. Ferry connections between towns (€8-15) offer stunning perspectives and skip traffic entirely.
Include the Amalfi Coast in your Italy road trip via rental car, but consider trains to Naples then local buses. SITA buses connect major towns for €2-4 per ride. These places in Italy demand at least 3-4 days – rushing defeats the purpose of la dolce vita coastal living.
Experience Authentic Italian Culture: Local Markets and Food Tours Across Places in Italy
Italy’s true heart beats in its local markets, where nonnas select perfect tomatoes and vendors offer taste samples. Florence’s Sant’Ambrogio Market (Tuesday-Saturday) sells fresh produce and local specialties without tourist markups. Bologna’s Mercato delle Erbe showcases Emilia-Romagna’s culinary excellence – try mortadella and Parmigiano-Reggiano samples.
Food tours range from €45-85 but provide insider access to family-run establishments. “We take you where your nonna would shop,” explains Marco, a third-generation tour guide in Rome. Tours often include 6-8 tastings that easily replace lunch.
Pack Italy vacation outfits suitable for walking and standing – comfortable shoes are essential. Markets open early (7-8 AM) and close by 2 PM; plan accordingly. Bring a small cooler bag for purchases; Italian olive oils and wines make perfect souvenirs.
Each region offers distinct specialties: Sicily’s street food, Tuscany’s wines, Piedmont’s truffles. Include market visits in your Italy itinerary for authentic cultural immersion. These experiences cost less than restaurant meals while providing deeper insights into local life. Travel to Italy isn’t complete without understanding how food shapes daily routines and family traditions across different places in Italy.
Discover Northern Italy’s Lake District – Perfect Addition to Any Italy Vacation Itinerary
Northern Italy’s lakes offer Alpine beauty with Mediterranean charm – a stunning contrast to southern Italy’s coastal drama. Lake Como’s celebrity-studded shores feature grand villas and charming villages. Bellagio, the “Pearl of Como,” provides perfect lake views from its hillside cafes. Expect to pay €30-50 for lakeside dinners, but the ambiance justifies every euro.
Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, offers more budget-friendly options. Sirmione’s thermal springs and medieval castle create romantic settings for couples.
Family-friendly Riva del Garda provides hiking trails and windsurfing opportunities. Accommodation ranges from €60-120/night in shoulder seasons.
Pack Italy vacation outfits with layers – lake microclimates create temperature variations. Waterproof jackets handle sudden Alpine showers. Comfortable walking shoes navigate cobblestone lake towns and hiking trails.
Ferry passes (€15-25/day) connect lake towns while providing scenic transportation. “The mountains reflected in still water create perfect mirror images,” notes travel photographer Elena.
Include lakes in your Italy road trip via scenic drives through Alpine passes. These best places in Italy deserve 2-3 days minimum – rushing through lake regions misses their peaceful, restorative qualities that balance Italy’s intense cultural sites.
Explore Sicily’s Ancient Wonders: Hidden Archaeological Sites That Will Amaze You
Sicily contains some of Europe’s best-preserved ancient ruins, rivaling Greece’s famous sites with fewer crowds and lower costs. The Valley of Temples in Agrigento showcases seven Greek temples dating to 500 BC. Evening visits (€13-15) provide dramatic golden-hour photography opportunities and cooler temperatures.
Villa Romana del Casale near Piazza Armerina houses the world’s largest collection of Roman mosaics. The “Bikini Girls” mosaic depicts female athletes from 1,600 years ago. Entry costs €10, but guided tours (€35) reveal hidden details and historical context.
Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, offers hiking opportunities and wine tastings on volcanic slopes. Cable car rides (€30) provide safe access to higher elevations. Pack Italy vacation outfits with sturdy hiking boots and layers – temperatures drop significantly with elevation.
Sicilian cuisine blends Italian, Arab, and Greek influences. Street food tours in Palermo (€40-60) include arancini, cannoli, and sfincione tastings. Include Sicily in extended Italy itineraries – the island deserves 5-7 days minimum.
These places to visit in Italy reward curious travelers with authentic experiences far from mainland tourist crowds. Ferry connections from Naples (€45-65) or flights from Rome make travel to Italy’s largest island accessible.
Why Cinque Terre Should Top Your Travel to Italy Bucket List – Hiking and Instagram Spots
Cinque Terre’s five colorful villages perched on Mediterranean cliffs create Italy’s most Instagram-worthy coastline. The Sentiero Azzurro hiking trail connects all villages, offering spectacular views between Monterosso and Vernazza. Trail passes cost €7.50 and include train connections – essential since cars can’t access most villages.
Vernazza provides the most photogenic harbor views, especially from the hiking trail approach. Arrive early morning (8-9 AM) for golden light and fewer crowds. “The first glimpse of Vernazza from the trail still takes my breath away after 50 visits,” shares hiking guide Andrea.
Pack Italy vacation outfits with proper hiking shoes – trails can be steep and rocky. Layered clothing handles temperature changes between sea level and clifftop paths. Waterproof gear protects against sudden coastal weather changes.
Accommodations book months ahead, especially in summer. Consider staying in La Spezia (€80-120/night) with easy train access to all villages.
Local seafood specialties include fresh anchovies and pesto – Liguria invented this beloved sauce. Include Cinque Terre in your Italy road trip via train from Florence or Milan.
These best places in Italy combine natural beauty with hiking challenges, making them perfect for active travelers seeking Italy’s coastal magic.
Experience Italy’s Fashion Capital: Milan Shopping Guide and Italy Vacation Outfits Inspiration
Milan sets global fashion trends while offering shopping experiences from luxury boutiques to vintage markets. The Quadrilatero della Moda (Fashion Quadrilateral) houses flagship stores from Prada, Versace, and Armani. Window shopping costs nothing and provides Italy vacation outfits inspiration from the world’s style capital.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II combines 19th-century architecture with high-end shopping. The stunning glass dome and mosaic floors create Instagram-worthy backdrops. Nearby La Rinascente department store offers accessible luxury with rooftop dining and city views.
Budget fashionistas should explore Navigli district’s vintage shops and local designer boutiques. Aperitivo culture thrives here – €8-12 drinks include generous buffets that replace dinner. “Milan’s style isn’t just about expensive clothes; it’s about confidence and attention to detail,” explains fashion blogger Giulia.
Include Milan in your Italy itinerary as a cultural hub beyond fashion. La Scala opera house and Santa Maria delle Grazie (da Vinci’s “Last Supper”) require advance bookings.
High-speed trains connect Milan to Rome (3 hours) and Venice (2.5 hours), making it perfect for Italy road trip starting points.
These places in Italy blend contemporary culture with historical significance, appealing to travelers seeking diverse experiences across different places to visit in Italy.
Journey Through Puglia: Italy’s Underrated Coastal Paradise with Whitewashed Villages and Olive Groves
Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot, remains blissfully under the radar – but not for long. With its trulli houses in Alberobello and crystal-clear waters in Polignano a Mare, this region blends rustic charm with Mediterranean luxury. “Puglia feels like the Italy you dream of, minus the crowds,” says Lucia, a local food blogger.
Start in Lecce, the “Florence of the South,” for its baroque architecture and €2 espressos in sunlit piazzas. Rent a car to explore countryside roads lined with centuries-old olive trees and dry-stone walls. Italy vacation outfits here should include breezy linens, sunhats, and sandals—Puglia summers are scorching.
Budget tip: Trattorias serve seafood pastas for €10-15, and beach clubs charge €10-20 for sunbeds with epic Adriatic views. Try the regional favorite orecchiette alle cime di rapa (pasta with turnip greens) and wash it down with Primitivo red wine. Spend 3-5 days soaking up the slow pace – Puglia teaches you to breathe deeper, eat slower, and live la dolce vita authentically.
Explore Bologna: Italy’s Food Capital That Locals Try to Keep a Secret
Bologna, the capital of Emilia-Romagna, is a culinary powerhouse that flies under most tourists’ radars. It’s the birthplace of tagliatelle al ragù (don’t call it spaghetti Bolognese!) and home to the world’s oldest university. Walk under miles of porticoes and discover hidden osterias where meals last hours.
Climb the Asinelli Tower for panoramic city views (€5), then grab a plate of tortellini in brodo at a local trattoria for under €12. “Bologna feeds your soul as much as your stomach,” says Matteo, a university professor turned food tour guide.
Italy vacation outfits should include casual-but-polished attire—this city balances academic cool with culinary indulgence. The city’s Mercato di Mezzo and Tamburini deli are perfect for picnic supplies.
Include Bologna in your Italy itinerary for 2-3 days as a food-focused detour between Florence and Venice. You’ll leave fuller—in every way.
Hike the Dolomites: Italy’s Alpine Playground for Nature Lovers and Adventure Seekers
The Dolomites deliver jaw-dropping alpine beauty, fewer crowds, and year-round adventure. Located in northeastern Italy, this UNESCO World Heritage site blends Italian flair with Austrian precision—think hearty mountain fare and charming wooden lodges.
Val Gardena and Alta Badia offer scenic hikes like Seceda and Tre Cime di Lavaredo. “The landscapes change with every turn—green meadows, rugged peaks, and sudden bursts of wildflowers,” says outdoor guide Lukas. Gondola passes (€20-35/day) save your legs for higher trails.
Italy vacation outfits here must include hiking boots, waterproof jackets, and layers for mountain weather that swings wildly. Stay in rifugi (mountain huts) for €60-100/night with breakfast and unbeatable views.
Visit June to September for hiking, or December to March for world-class skiing. This region deserves at least 3-5 days—these are the best places in Italy for nature therapy.
Discover Naples: Raw, Riveting, and the Real Italy That Few Tourists See
Naples isn’t always pretty—but it’s always alive. This southern Italian city pulses with chaotic beauty, from graffiti-lined alleys to ancient churches. “Naples is not for the faint-hearted, but it’s for anyone who wants to feel something real,” says Franco, a lifelong resident and street food guide.
Start at Spaccanapoli, the narrow street slicing through the city’s historic heart. Visit the Naples Underground (€10) to explore tunnels dating back to Greek times. Try authentic Neapolitan pizza at Sorbillo for just €5. Locals argue it’s the best in Italy—maybe the world.
Italy vacation outfits here should be urban-chic and comfortable—sneakers, crossbody bags, and weather-appropriate basics. Stay in the historic center (€70-120/night) and take day trips to Pompeii, Capri, or the Amalfi Coast. Naples deserves 2-3 days minimum to adjust to its rhythm. It’s not polished, but it’s powerful—and utterly unforgettable.
Retreat to Umbria: The Spiritual Heart of Italy with Medieval Towns and Peaceful Landscapes
Often overshadowed by Tuscany, Umbria offers just as much beauty with a deeper sense of calm. Rolling green hills, olive groves, and walled towns like Assisi and Spello create a tranquil vibe perfect for slowing down. “Umbria is where Italy whispers instead of shouts,” says art restorer Chiara.
Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis, radiates serenity. Entry to the Basilica is free, but guided tours (€10-15) enhance your understanding of its powerful frescoes. Head to Montefalco and Bevagna for €5-10 wine tastings featuring Sagrantino, one of Italy’s boldest reds.
Italy vacation outfits here are countryside casual: breathable tops, walking shoes, and layers for cool hilltop evenings. Agriturismos (€70-130/night) offer home-cooked meals and unbeatable sunset views. Include 3-4 days in your Italy itinerary for this hidden gem. Umbria feeds your soul while Tuscany feeds your Instagram.
In Closing
Italy isn’t just a destination—it’s a feeling. From sun-drenched coastlines to quiet countryside villages, ancient ruins to buzzing city streets, every corner offers a unique slice of la dolce vita.
Whether you’re sipping wine in Tuscany, hiking the Dolomites, or wandering through hidden alleyways in Rome, Italy invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and connect deeply—with history, beauty, and yourself.
The best places in Italy aren’t always the most famous—they’re the ones that make you feel alive. So take your time, follow your curiosity, and let this incredible country surprise you at every turn.
