The Best Cities to Visit in Italy and Their Main Attractions

Italy is known for its picturesque architecture, delicious food, and sprawling wineries. While the country is beautiful as a whole, each of its cities vastly differ from one another and offer a unique array of cultural and culinary experiences. To help you determine which destinations suit your travel style the best, this list of the best cities to visit in Italy highlights the main attractions of the country’s most popular destinations. Immersing yourself in Italian culture like this is also a great way to learn the Italian language faster.

Rome

Rome is the capital of Italy, and it’s often people’s first stop when they travel to this beautiful country. Over 2,500 years old, the city provides the perfect blend of history and modernity. Along its lively streets you’ll find the iconic, ancient Colosseum and medieval churches as well as amazing restaurants and nightlife.

Venice

Built upon a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea, Venice is made up of a collection of 118 islands, which are connected by hundreds of stunning bridges. Here, you’ll often see tourists gliding down Venice’s many canals in gondolas or touring St. Mark’s Basilica. Other noteworthy attractions include the Piazza San Marco, which is known as the heart of the city, and the Rialto Bridge.

Florence

Located in the region of Tuscany, Florence is home to Medici family palaces, stunning gardens, and renowned architecture, such as the Duomo and the Baptistry of St. John. In addition, Florence’s beautiful museums house some of the most iconic art in history, including Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus.

Milan

More fast-paced than other Italian destinations, Milan is known for its incredible fashion scene, art galleries, and opera houses—including the world-famous La Scala. It’s also home to the legendary da Vinci painting The Last Supper, which is one of the city’s main attractions. Staying true to its aristocratic heritage, Milan remains one of Europe’s wealthiest cities.

Naples

This vibrant city offers many unique experiences: hiking Mount Vesuvius, visiting the nearby ruins of Pompeii, and exploring the Catacombs of San Gennaro. In addition, Naples is revered for its delicious Italian cuisine; it’s actually the birthplace of the original wood-fired Neapolitan pizza.

This beautiful country features so many amazing destinations that choosing between them is almost impossible. We hope this list of the best cities to visit in Italy helps make your decision a little easier.