The Top Places to Visit in Italy

Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world. In fact, over 420 million people visited the country in 2017.

If you’re planning a trip to Italy soon, then you’ve chosen a great place for your vacation. Italy is full of history, world-class food, and beautiful landscapes. The locals are also friendly, and knowing basic words and phrases in Italian can go a long way as you communicate with the people,  explore different places and immerse in Italian culture and traditions. But, because there’s so much to see in Italy, it can be tough to decide where to go on your first trip. You’re not going to be able to see it all, so you need to be selective.

If you need some help deciding where to go in Italy, check out this guide to learn about the top places to visit in Italy. If you need tickets to climb Florence Duomo, Hello Tickets tour can help you.

1. Tuscany

Without a doubt, you need to visit Tuscany during your trip to Italy. Tuscany is full of beautiful, rolling green hills, vineyards, olive groves, and picturesque, historic towns that you can spend days getting lost in. Some of the best towns to visit in Tuscany are Montalcino, Montepulciano, Sienna, and San Gimignano.

And of course, you have to head to Chianti to taste some world-class wine and to Florence so you an experience Rennaissance art. While on the topic of art, the entire region of Tuscany is brimming with incredible art and architecture, and you can experience it to the fullest by staying in one of the luxurious Italian villas like the ones here: https://www.luxuryretreats.com/s/Tuscany–Italy/homes

2. Rome

Of course, no trip to Italy would be complete without a visit to the capital, Rome. If we were to write everything you need to do and see in Rome, it would take up an entire book (in fact, there are many books dedicated to just this subject). But, to save you some reading, here are some of Rome’s top highlights:

• The Colosseum
• Vatican City
• Trevi Fountain
• Rome Forum
• Pantheon
• Sistine Chapel
• Castel Sant’Angelo
• Spanish Steps
• Piazza Navona

If you plan to take any tours in Rome, we suggest booking them in advance. Rome is one of the most popular cities in the world, and you don’t want to miss out on great tours or get stuck in line waiting for tickets for hours.

3. Venice

You’ll never experience any other city in the world quite like Venice, which is why you have to make this a part of your Italy itinerary. In Venice, there are canals everywhere that run through the city like roads. These canals carry water taxis and water busses as well as the world-famous gondolas.

If you’re on a romantic getaway with your special someone, Venice is the place to go to. While there, be sure to check out Saint Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

4. Lake Como

If Lake Como is good enough for George Clooney, it’s certainly good enough for us. When you’re ready to escape the hustle and bustle of the big Italian cities, head to Lake Como. Beautiful beaches, luxury villas, and breathtaking mountains surround this world-famous lake.

When in Lake Como, we suggest heading to Villa del Balbianello. This is an estate that’s situated on the western bank of the lake and offers an excellent view of the whole area. Plus, the estate offers some beautiful gardens and historic buildings.

Also, be sure to check out the botanic gardens at the Hotel Villa Cipressi and Enoteca Principessa Winery.

5. Cinque Terre

More than likely, you’ve come across a postcard of a place in Italy with beautiful beaches that are dotted with brightly colored houses. That place is Cinque Terre! Cinque Terre is composed of five gorgeous, colorful towns that sit on hills above the Mediterranean Sea. Each town offers its own unique charm, so it’s definitely worth visiting all five.

You can either take a train from town to town, or, if you’re up for an adventure, you can hike from town to town.

6. Naples

Even if you plan to spend most of your time in Northern Italy, Naples, the capital of the Campania Region in Southern Italy, is definitely worth a visit either way. This city is a treasure trove of historic sites, artwork, vibrant restaurants and neighborhoods, and world-class shopping.

And, if you’re big into Italian cuisine (who isn’t really?), you’ll be happy to learn that many famous Italian foods originated here, such as spaghetti, parmigiana, and pizza. Residents of Naples take their food seriously, and you’ll find that most restaurants feature fresh local ingredients.

If you’re a fan of the movie or the book Eat, Pray, Love, then you also definitely have to head to L’Antica – the restaurant where the infamous pizza scene was filmed.

7. Amalfi Coast

The drive along the Amalfi Coast is arguably one of the most scenic drives in the entire world. With 30 miles of coastline, the Amalfi Coast is known for its craggy rock cliffs, sparkling bays, lemon tree gardens, and brightly-colored homes.

If you’re looking for somewhere posh and luxurious to stay, then you definitely have to head to Positano. Other great towns to visit in this area include Ravello, Atrani, Manori, and Maiori.

So, there you have it – the best places to visit in Italy! Which of these places are you most excited to visit? Let us know in the comments below!