Opulence, art, fashion and history exploring Italy is essential for travellers who appreciate the finer things in life. While ‘il dolce far niente’ (the sweetness of doing nothing) is embedded in Italian culture, a trip to Italy has plenty to do and see.
Italy boasts a rich folk culture, a deep religious history, and ancient Roman ruins. It’s easy to see why Italy has attracted intellectuals, artists, and the rich and famous for decades. Let’s explore.
Where is best to visit in Italy
Knowing the best places to visit in Italy allows you to blend sightseeing with culinary delights, exploring art, fashion, architecture and the rich history that has shaped this destination. From stunning scenery along sun-kissed coastlines to breathtaking mountain vistas, Italy delights at every turn.
Sorrento
A small city built into the cliffs that overlook the Bay of Naples, Sorrento enjoys sweeping coastal views. Narrow streets in the historic centre lead to the Chiesa di San Francesco where a tranquil cloister graces this 14th century church.
This gateway to the Amalfi coast is the perfect place to stay for a few days, taking day trips to the nearby island of Capri, exploring nearby coastal villages and of course tasting limoncello, a famous local liqueur. Be sure to book a pizza cooking class to experience authentic Italian cuisine firsthand!
Sorrento, Italy by Kristen Bertram
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre, Italy by Mirza Ariadi
Comprising five fishing villages along the rugged Riviera coastline, vibrantly coloured buildings and homes of Cinque Terre are set atop cliffs that roll into the sea. These five towns are the essence of Italy, the perfect place to indulge in local food, served with wine grown in the spectacular vineyards of the area.
Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso are heritage-listed towns, once medieval fortified settlements. Each villiage is protected by a castle overlooking the sea to guard against Saracen riders. The villages are now dotted with local artisan shops, gelato bars, cafes and restaurants.
Explore Cinque Terre In A DayBologna
Bologna, Italy by Luca Volpi
A medieval town in northern Italy, Bologna is home to Piazza Maggiore and other medieval and Renaissance buildings, including the Fountain of Neptune and the stunning Basilica di San Petronio.
The seventh largest city in Italy, Bologna is the food capital of Italy and a must-visit for gastronomes. Tagliatelle al ragu, the local ragu, is one to try, a bolognese sauce that is meaty and hearty. Documents show that this sauce was first served over pasta in nearby Imola in the 18th century.
With a satisfied appetite, it’s time to explore the University of Bologna, the oldest university in continual operation, established in 1088 AD. Energetic travellers can climb the 498 steps of the 97-metre-high Asinelli Tower, a 900-year-old tower that leans 1.4 degrees. The Piazza della Mercanzia is a bountiful marketplace for shopping and in the afternoon, gelato is the perfect way to whet your palate between meals.
Venice
Venice, Italy by Dennis Bunnik
A must-go location in northern Italy, Venice is built on a marshy lagoon off the mainland. For a thousand years, the surrounding region of northern Italy was politically independent, with Venice linking late medieval Europe to Asia through commerce and culture. Lined with canals and bridges, this romantic floating city is the subject of literature and art. Best explored by foot or boat, a gondola ride captures the magic of the Venetian canals. St Mark’s Square is the city’s central plaza, lined by historical buildings.
Rome
Rome, Italy by Amie Bunnik
The capital of Italy, Rome’s centrepieceis the Colosseum. Nearby is Vatican City, with the Sistine Chapel which houses Michelangelo’s frescos. Discover the history of ancient Rome and explore sites that were the homes of former emperors, be immersed in the art of the great artists and learn about the gladiator's way of life.
The Roman Forum, Piazza de Venezia, Capitol and Imperial Palace can be explored by foot, continuing to the Colosseum, built by Flavian emperors for the Roman people in 72AD and able to seat 50,000 spectators.
Florence
Once a bustling centre of trade and finance during the medieval period, Florence is filled with culture and history. The Duomo Cathedral dominates the skyline, a red brick dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in the 15th century that is the largest brick structure of this kind in the world.
Surrounded by the peaceful Tuscan countryside, a day trip from Florence takes visitors to medieval towns with gothic architecture such as Siena, famous for its cuisine and a bi-annual horse race known as the ‘Palio’.
Inside Florence’s Galleria dell’Accademia is Michelangelo’s marble statue of David, sculpted when the artist was just 26. There are museums, chapels and gardens to explore and delight in before tasting local Tuscan cuisine or resting at a cafe.
The Giardino delle Rose is one of the most romantic locations in Florence, offering views of the city and over 350 different species of antique roses.
Florence, Italy by Dennis Bunnik
Lake Misurina
The largest natural lake of the Cadore, Lake Misurina is 1,754m above sea level, with a perimeter of 2.6km and a maximum depth of 5m. This beautiful alpine lake is a photographer’s delight at sunrise and sunset, a quintessential place to visit in the Dolomites.
Nearby the 5 Torri Museum hold memorabilia and fortifications of World War II battles fought between the Italians and Austro-Hungarians. The Dolomites are dotted with chalets built in Swiss style, and forests stretching out across the foothills.
Isle of Capri
Isle of Capri, Italy by Priscilla Aster
Along the Amalfi Coast is the Isle of Capri, a haven of luxury with elegant boutiques, superyachts and art and cultural treasures. Visitors may arrive by ferry or boat and a bus connects the port to the centre of Capri. The Piazzetta of Capri is a hub of coffee shops under a clock tower, near Camerelle, a street for luxury shopping (yes, window-shopping is allowed!) lined with Italian and European brands.
A short walk from the main plaza is the Gardens of Augustus, an oasis of flowers and exotic plants. Views from this garden extend to the bay of Mariana Piccola and Via Krupp, a winding road of many hairpin turns that provides a route to the bay below.
The island is also home to Villa Jovis, a former residence of Roman Emperor Tiberius now in ruins and Villa Lysis, an art nouveau building by Count Fersen.
Piazza de Ferrari
In the heart of Genoa, the Piazza de Ferrari displays the wealth of this port city at the peak of its maritime trade. The square separates the historic district from the modern city and forms a central meeting place. The square is named for Raffaele de Ferrari, the benefactor who funded the expansion of Genoa’s port in the 1800s.
This square is a must-see for lovers of architecture passing through Genoa. At the Piazza de Ferrari is the Palazzo Ducale, a large palace built in 1298, filled with sculptures, frescoes and marble columns. Within the palace grounds is La Grimaldina (the People’s Tower) where political prisoners and commoners were jailed.
Wear comfortable shoes when visiting as the area is paved with cobblestones, and bring a hat for shade.
Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore, Italy by Sacha Bunnik
Located on the south side of the Alps in northern Italy, Lake Maggiore is the second-largest lake in Italy and the largest in southern Switzerland. There are three islands on the lake which can be visited by ferry. This region charmed many writers and artists.
The small picturesque lake-side town of Stresa is where Hemmingway stayed, and boasts gardens, a zoo, a fishing port and a Museum of Dolls and Toys. There’s even a bobsled rollercoaster at Monte Mottarone and a botanic garden.
Unique experiences in Italy
Italy offers experiences that aren’t available elsewhere. Whether taking a lesson in pizza making to upskill in the kitchen, visiting a gelato museum or traversing the Dolomites by chairlift up to the 5 Torri WWI open-air museum, unique experiences can be found indoors and outdoors.
Italy is famous for truffles found in the Langhe region, where visitors can learn from a trifulau (truffle hunter) and their trained canine. Food experiences abound in Italy, from wine cellars in Franciacorta to the ‘food valley’ where delicacies like cheese, balsamic vinegar and prosciutto are made in Emilia Romagna and Modena.
The history of Italy comes to life on stage in the Sorrento Musical. This vibrant musical depicts life on the Sorrentine Peninsula hundreds of years ago through Italian folk songs. Travelling in a small group gives visitors access to special experiences that create a lasting impression of Italian culture through complete immersion in the moment.
Tips for visiting Italy
When planning a trip to Italy there are a few things to know that can help you to organise your days. First, shops close during lunchtime and the early afternoon and then stay open a little later in the evening. A little preparation in the morning will help you enjoy the afternoon rest time (this doesn’t apply to big cities). Many cities, like Florence, have water fountains where you can fill a reusable water bottle, so be sure to bring one along.
Osterias are affordable, family-run restaurants where you can find simple, flavourful foods featuring family recipes. This is an excellent way to experience local hospitality and different local cuisines.
When ordering coffee, you will be served an espresso there aren’t any lattes! It’s also worth noting that most places don’t serve breakfast per se, though you will be able to find pastries and espresso each morning. Enjoying a sumptuous dinner is one way around this cultural norm.
Dinner is served late, with two or three hours to enjoy the meal and up to five courses, starting with Apertivo, then Antipasto, Primi, Secondi, Contorno and Dolce (you can see why Italians skip breakfast!).
Booking in advance for popular sights gives confidence that the visit will not be in vain, and when visiting religious locations like chapels, churches and so on, cover your shoulders and dress modestly as a sign of respect (and to ensure entrance).
How to get around Italy
To get between cities and towns in Italy, a private bus or public train combined with public boats is the best way to get around.
Walking is the best way to see many towns, historical centres and cities. Florence, Venice, Rome and Bologna can all be explored on foot, with famous architecture, markets and landscapes all located within a short distance. In Venice, cars are forbidden, so locals, service providers and tourists travel by boat.
Driving to and around Cinque Terre can be tricky, with limited parking and long, steep climbs from outside the villages, where parking within the towns is reserved for residents. The narrow clifftop roads can also be alarming for those unaccustomed to driving in the region. The best way to travel between the five villages is by train, with trains running every quarter hour throughout the day.
How to get to Italy
Visitors to Italy can fly into Bologna, Palermo in the south, Milan or Rome, depending on where they wish to begin the Italian experience. If already in Europe, travellers can journey across land from Salzburg in Austria or Switzerland to reach Italy via the Dolomites.
Italian phrases for travel
While English is widely spoken in big cities, knowing Italian phrases can help build rapport with locals. Here are a few phrases to practise:
- Ciao (informal); Salve (formal): Hello
- Ciao (informal); Arrivederci (formal): Goodbye
- Buongiorno: Good morning
- Buonasera: Good evening
- Buonanotte (use this when you're going to bed): Goodnight
- Per favore; per piacere: Please
- Grazie: Thank you
- Grazie mille: Thanks so much
- Prego; Di niente: You're welcome
- Bello (masculine); Bella (feminine): Beautiful
- Buono (masculine); Buona (feminine): Good
- Amico (masculine); Amica (feminine): Friend
- Famiglia: Family
- Sì: Yes
- No: No
- Chi?: Who?
- Che?; Cosa?: What?
- Dove?: Where?
- Quando?: When?
- Quanto?: How much?
- Italian foods to try
Italian foods to try
A visit to Italy inevitably includes languorous dinners where the food is fresh, multiple courses are served and there is no hurry to finish up. Try the pizza with fresh basil a smoky wood-fired Margherita is cooked quickly and very hot.
In northern Italy, polenta is a local dish served with tomato, vegetable or meat sauces, baked or fried, even as a dessert with raisins, sugar and chocolate.
In Tuscany, ribollita is a comforting soup made with unsalted bread, meat, cabbage and cannellini beans, celery, zucchini, carrots, and olive oil, topped with grated parmesan. Topped up daily with fresh ingredients, the rich flavours develop over time and the soup can be so thick it is eaten with a fork.
Lake Como, Italy by Sacha Bunnik
Risotto alla Milanese is a rice dish originating in Milan, bright yellow from saffron strands and prepared with rice toasted in butter with onions, slowly cooked in stock. Paired with osso bucco this is a delicious meal. Osso bucca is a classic Italian dish, traditionally made with a calf’s hind shank braised with onion, celery, carrot, white wine and broth, and eaten with a special fork to reach the decadent bone marrow.
Fish is part of many dishes in coastal towns. Vitello Tonnato is veal covered with a tuna sauce, typically served cold. In Venice and at Christmas time, baccala is cod that is salted, dried and can be poached with garlic and whipped with olive oil to form a creamy spread served with bread.
Finishing a hearty meal with espresso and tiramisu, cannoli or panna cotta completes the authentic Italian dining experience.
Fall in love with Italy’s coastal towns, mountains and fashionable cities
Italy packs in so much, with ancient ruins, stunning cities, soaring mountains, gorgeous beaches, art and culture all within one country. Whether it’s a first visit to this country or you’re ready to return, Italy offers depths of experience and variety in every city and town.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to see Italy for the first time?
Include Rome, Venice, Florence and Milan on your itinerary for the first time you discover Italy. The city of romance is a must, as is Pompeii and the Colosseum in Rome. Spend a few days in Rome to explore fully, and include Vatican City. Travelling with a small group tour, you can relax and enjoy the journey with everything taken care of.
What is the nicest part of Italy?
Florence offers art and grandeur for visitors seeking culture. Tuscany has scenic towns and wine, Venice is the city of love and Milan is the hub of fashion and design. Stresa is a town on Lake Maggiore offering peaceful scenery and fresh mountain air.
What is the best month to travel to Italy?
Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) tend to have the most temperate weather in Italy. Summer is also lovely in Italy’s coastal towns, with refreshing mountain air and the opportunity to spend time outdoors.