Getting ready for the ultimate Italy escape and looking for the best cities to visit? No problem; I have your back! In this article, I am happy to show you the most beautiful cities in Italy—romantic, adventurous, lively, and laconic places that shape the identity of the country.
This guide includes references to some of the most important cities in the country as well as lesser-known and less visited places for you to pick and add to your Italy itinerary… So, you just need to pack and get ready for a truly exciting adventure. Are you ready? Let’s go!
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1. Venice
A star in the northern region of Veneto, the magical city of Venice is among the five most visited places in the country.
Packed with tourists no matter the season, booking accommodation and activities at an early stage in your planning guarantees better fees and available entrance tickets to the most popular attractions. (Read my guide to Venice to plan your trip!)
Known as the city of canals and facing an impressive lagoon, water experiences are a must during your stay, including an iconic gondola ride like this one or a more affordable tour in the local Vaporetto (water bus).
Include in your tour a stop on the pretty island of Murano to learn about the ancient glass-making tradition that made Venice famous all over the world.
And, on the same day, devote a few hours to the colorful island of Burano as well.
Finally, don’t miss the classic landmarks of Italy, rich in history and legends, including the Doge’s Palace, the impressive Saint Mark’s Cathedral, and the Rialto Bridge, with impressive views of Venice’s Grand Canal.
CHECK OUT THIS 1-DAY ITINERARY IN VENICE
Beautiful Venice Grand Canal
2. Bologna
Mecca for foodies and students alike, Bologna is one of the most prestigious cities in the country.
Its remarkable university, Università di Bologna, is the oldest continuously functioning university in the world as well as one of the most prestigious institutions in the country.
The gorgeous historic center is another place not to miss, with its dozens of incredible porticoes and a stunning ancient Jewish ghetto.
However, the best thing to do in Bologna is to tour the many public markets and small restaurants scattered around town.
In fact, Bologna is an excellent gastronomic destination, home to dozens of protected products, including the delicious mortadella (known as bologna all over northern Italy), balsamic vinegar, Bolognese ragù, different varieties of cheese, stunning wines, and delicious baked products.
Read my complete guide to Bologna, including where to stay and all the best things to do!
A beautiful view of Bologna Italy
3. Florence
Another of the most visited places in Italy, and not really far from Bologna, is Florence.
The Capital of the Tuscany region, this is a delightful city easy to discover on foot and full of unique museums, amazing churches, and gardens.
In the main area of Florence, close to the vibrant Piazza della Signoria, the ancient Palazzo Vecchio and Florence’s Logia are two of the landmarks that you don’t want to miss.
In the same area, only steps from the imposing replica of Michelangelo’s David (at the entrance of Palazzo Vecchio), the Uffizi Gallery is one of the most important museums in the world.
The Uffizi is famous for its stunning collection of Italian Renaissance art; it is advisable to buy a skip-the-line ticket well in advance of your visit. Or book a guided tour of the Uffizi.
Vivisected by the beautiful Arno River, the city of Florence offers a hideaway place in the Oltrarno district, where it is possible to visit unique buildings such as the Pitti Palace and its Boboli Gardens.
Or you may want to try some of the best beef in town (you won’t regret ordering a Fiorentina with a glass of red Tuscan wine.
And yes, we have a fantastic guide for Florence too!
Ponte Vecchio in beautiful Florence
4. Rome
It is impossible to leave Rome out of any list of the most beautiful cities in Italy, but also – and more importantly – attractive… and chaotic!
Italy’s capital is indeed a beauty, but it can be noisy and overwhelming if you don’t plan the visit well ahead.
With so much to see and do, it is easy to forget what you came to see here in the first place.
So plan your Rome itinerary like it’s the end of the world; you won’t regret it!
Rome is an open-air museum, where you can learn about the fabulous past of the Roman Empire by visiting unique landmarks like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, or the Palatine Hills.
Also venture into the little central alleys to admire the Pantheon or the impressive bridges that cross the River Tiber.
Since most of these sights are often packed with tourists, it is always smart to book a skip-the-line tour like this one to save both money and time!
Among other things you don’t want to skip are Vatican City and its wonderful art scattered in different churches and museums in this tiny state.
Also not to miss in Rome are the important buildings and monuments that are part of the history of the country, such as the Altar of the Fatherland and the legendary Trevi Fountain.
Read my complete guide to Rome, including the best places to stay.
A tour of the Colosseum should be on your Rome bucket list
5. Naples
If Rome looked crazy and tumultuous, Naples will prove that in Italy, there is always space for more!
One of the most picturesque places in the country, this quintessential Italian town, the capital of the Campania region, is among the most beautiful cities in the country.
However, hidden behind its chaotic character, Naples will surprise you with some of the most refined pieces of art.
The Veiled Christ is considered one of the world’s most remarkable sculptures, as are fantastic architectural wonders like the magnificent Royal Palace of Caserta (or Reggia di Caserta), which is the largest and most copied royal palace in the world.
Since the palace is not right in the center, it is a good idea to join a group for a guided day trip that also includes the entrance tickets as well as round-trip transportation.
Popular districts, including the Spanish quarters, combine the delicious flavors of local pizza with endless lines of clothes drying under the sun and colorful murals depicting the city’s most iconic figure, Diego Maradona.
LEARN MORE: 40 Best Italy Travel Tips
Naples is in the beautiful region of Campania Italy
6. Verona
Made immortal by William Shakespeare’s romantic Romeo and Juliet, Verona has a lot more to offer than a reference to the famous play.
In fact, the city’s rich medieval history is clearly reflected in the beautiful squares, churches, and old stone bridges crossing the Adige River.
In the center, make some time to admire Verona’s Arena, a well-preserved Roman amphitheater that now hosts the most important summer music festival in the country, the Arena di Verona Festival.
Finally, in the center of town, visiting the local public market is always an exciting experience.
Located in the colorful Piazza dell’Erbe, this weekly market is the perfect place to savor the delicious culinary traditions of the region.
7. Matera
Considered the oldest city in Europe, Matera is an enchanted town made of ocher stone cave homes carved into the mountainside in the Basilicata region of Italy.
The historic center known as Sassi di Matera has become, in recent years, home to some of the best boutique accommodations and most picturesque restaurants in the country.
After being evacuated and abandoned more than seventy years ago due to the poor and risky living conditions, Matera is a welcome place for tourists.
When exploring Matera, it is a good idea to check out some of the local museums to learn about the past traditions of the settlement.
For instance, Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario is a very interesting folk exhibition that features ancient handmade furniture and artisan tools used by the peasants that lived in the area.
For a complete experience of the area and to discover unique hidden corners in Sassi di Matera, this guided and very affordable tour offers a deep dive into the history of this unique rupestrian city.
This tour includes a look at the town’s hidden dwellings and churches carved directly into the cliff.
And besides, you cap off the tour with a tasting of local specialties from Matera.
One of the most beautiful cities in Italy is also the oldest – Matera
8. Lecce
The most remarkable city in the Salento Peninsula, at the heel of the bigger Italian Peninsula, Lecce is also the second-most important city in the Puglia region (Apulia).
This must-visit gem has often been described as the Florence of the South for the sheer number of Renaissance buildings, Baroque architecture, and unique churches scattered all over the town.
The clear facades of the city’s main buildings are not just an impressive source of architectural talent and beauty; they also speak about the main local industry.
The so-called “Lecce stone” is a special kind of soft limestone, easy to work with for architects and sculptors, and the main product in the region.
Good examples of the impressive buildings that populate the center of Lecce are the baroque Holy Cross Basilica (Chiesa di Santa Croce), with a rich facade decorated with grotesque figures, animals, and sculpted plants.
Even older and more spectacular, the magnificent Cathedral of Lecce dates from the eleventh century and features an important 70-meter-high bell tower, a trademark of this southern town.
9. Milan
Some love it and some hate it; however, the city of Milan is not just one of the most beautiful in the country but also a place you really should not miss.
An important economic and financial center that is much visited and always busy, the fashion capital of the country has remarkable places to visit.
This includes unexpectedly peaceful gardens, stunning observation towers, and the city’s most important jewel, the Duomo di Milano, among the most important Gothic architecture examples in the world!
In town, it is also possible to discover that canals exist outside of Venice. It will be enough to explore the Navigli area of Milan to learn that water streams were an important economic source for the country in ancient times.
And if you are one of those travelers after UNESCO World Heritage Sites, don’t miss the fantastic Last Supper (by Da Vinci) located on a wall of the friar’s refectory in the city’s Santa Maria della Croce church. You can buy a ticket for the guided tour now.
Milan Duomo – take a tour for the full experience
10. Palermo
On the island of Sicily and facing the Gulf of Palermo in the Tyrrhenian Sea, Palermo is a beautiful Italian city noted for its culture, history, traditional markets, mouthwatering gastronomy, and a lot more.
Also the capital of the island, Palermo offers all-year activities for both locals and visitors.
Iconic places in town include impressive churches built in different styles, such as Gothic and Baroque, but also ancient Romanesque and Art Nouveau, giving the city an incredible eclectic character.
Considered one of the most important cities in the Mediterranean, Palermo has become an important tourist attraction in the country.
It’s also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale, a series of nine religious and civic structures from the tenth century that include two palaces, three churches, a cathedral, and a bridge, as well as the cathedrals of Cefalù and Monreale.
Read my complete guide to Sicily (including where to stay)
One of the most beautiful cities in Sicily is Palermo
11. Parma
One of the largest cities in the Emilia-Romagna region, Parma is a beautiful city worth a visit for several reasons, including its cultural landscape, amazing buildings, unique churches, and green parks.
However, no matter the beautiful medieval buildings of Frankish origin, its stunning cathedral, or the interesting local museums, today Parma has transformed into a must-visit destination for two main reasons: Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano) and Parmesan ham (Prosciutto di Parma).
So, no matter when you decide to visit, a day trip to a cheese or ham factory is always in order.
For instance, this Parmigiano Cheese, Parma Ham, and Balsamic Tour is ideal to discover the local delicacies for which the Emilia Romagna region is famed, visiting cheese, ham, and balsamic vinegar producers and enjoying tastings at each site.
12. Bergamo
In the northern Alpine region of Lombardy, the beautiful city of Bergamo is a medieval dream that you cannot miss when touring the area.
Located between the Lake Region, Venice, and Milan, Bergamo is an excellent stop for a day trip or to spend a few days.
Divided into upper and lower towns, the highest part of the city is part of an ancient settlement protected by its natural height and centennial Venetian walls.
Over here, narrow cobblestoned alleys, traditional piazzas, and a myriad of cozy cafés feature an enchanting atmosphere of a place where time seems to have stopped a long while ago.
When visiting the upper town, locally known as Bergamo Alta, devote some time to visiting the cathedral, dedicated to Saint Alexander of Bergamo, the patron saint of the city.
It stands between the grand Piazza Vecchia and Piazza Rosate and shelters a precious tiara belonging to Pope John XXIII (now Saint John XXIII), who was born in the area and who became one of the most beloved popes for the Italian people.
Between Milan and Venice, beautiful Bergamo Italy
13. Trento
Trento is known as the Silicon Valley of the Alps not only because it hosts research and IT laboratories but also because it is an educational and scientific center in northern Italy.
However, this should not trick you into thinking that it is a cold, modern town.
Trento is home to a charming medieval historic center where the rich history of the area is more than evident.
Trento was annexed to Italy only in 1919, before being part of Austria and the Austria-Hungary Empire.
Furthermore, back in the sixteenth century, the city hosted the Council of Trent.
Ancient buildings such as the Buonconsiglio Castle and the Trento Cathedral are just two of the many things to see, with their medieval and Renaissance architectural details and imposing designs.
14. Turin
Another northern gem, Turin is the capital of the Piedmont region as well as one of the most refined cities in the country, known for its cultural atmosphere, excellent gastronomy, and elevated standard of living.
The city hosts one of the most iconic towers in the country, the Mole Antoneliana, a huge construction with a remarkable dark cupola that can be seen from any point in town.
Inaugurated in 1889, the building was initially built to house a synagogue; however, today it is home to the National Museum of Cinema, which makes it the tallest museum in the world.
Maybe the building looks familiar to you, and that’s because its image is depicted on the Italian 2 cent euro coin.
Another landmark to visit in Turin is the fantastic Car Museum.
Torino has traditionally been an important Italian center for the car industry, home to internationally known brands including Fiat and Alfa Romeo.
Finally, if time is not an issue, spend a few hours in Turin’s Egyptian Museum, the ancient collection dedicated to Egyptian culture in the world outside Cairo.
Turin is a beautiful city in northern Italy
15. Trieste
This enchanting port city, the capital of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region and under an hour from Croatia, is located on the Gulf of Trieste, between Slovenia, which is less than 15 minutes away, and the Adriatic.
Because of its location, Trieste is not only a maritime gateway to Italy but also a gateway to Austria and several countries in central Europe, something that makes it economically relevant in the region.
Better known for its Bora strong winds that gave it the nickname Città del Vento (or Wind City), Trieste is a typical Italian northern town that for over 500 years belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
The city was also a strategic site during WWII, disputed by the West and the East, which is one of the reasons why it’s also home to different ethnic groups with people from Slavic, German, and Latin backgrounds.
When exploring Trieste, don’t forget to include a visit to the imposing Miramare Castle, a beautiful white construction facing the sea and surrounded by a vast park full of rare and exotic tree species collected by the original owner, the Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Habsburg (brother of Emperor Franz Joseph).
16. Perugia
Perugia is the capital of the underrated Umbria Region in central Italy. It is a beautiful town with a very prestigious university.
This makes the city a lively place all year round since it hosts students from all over Italy who love to spend their free time in the local squares, coffee shops, and walking down the streets of Perugia.
The city’s historic center is surrounded by impressive defensive walls, from which it is possible to have incredible views of the surrounding area.
In the center, it is possible to admire the ancient Gothic cathedral of Perugia, famous for its ancient frescoes and religious paintings.
And if you’re a fan of art, then don’t miss the National Gallery of Umbria, also in the historic center, located inside the Palazzo dei Priori, with important artworks by famous local artists and paintings that date from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century.
The gallery is in IV November Square, the most visited area in town, and is also home to the magnificent Fontana Maggiore, a thirteenth-century fountain made of marble with incredible carvings of zodiac signs and biblical characters.
17. Lucca
Often overlooked due to its proximity to the more popular Florence, Lucca is a pleasant city in Tuscany that can easily be part of any day trip from Florence, Pisa, or other small towns in the region.
The city houses early medieval churches, some of them often considered among the most beautiful in the Tuscany region, as well as an impressive defensive wall with imposing ramparts that surrounds the small but picturesque historic center.
Lucca is also known for its fantastic park and gardens next to the walls, a place that locals and visitors often visit to enjoy a picnic with a bottle of local Tuscan wine, a bike ride, or just long walks with amazing views of the city.
Lucca is a gorgeous city in Tuscany
18. Cagliari
Traveling to Sardinia is like venturing into a completely different land that, for moments, does not even seem to be part of Italy.
Cagliari is the capital of the island as well as one of the most important cities in the country.
Once in town, it is a good idea to spend time engaging with the locals, walking the alleys of its historic district, or visiting the medieval quarter that overlooks the more modern town.
Known as Hilltop Castello, this ancient settlement surrounded by defensive walls, is home to the gorgeous Cathedral of Cagliari as well as the National Archaeologic Museum.
This place houses a magnificent collection of objects that range from the Middle Bronze Age to the Byzantine period.
The Nuragic civilization is another trademark of the island; these mysterious people lived and strived on the island for over 5000 years.
And they left, all over the territory, more than 7,000 enigmatic circular structures known as nuraghe, the earliest of which have been dated back to the eighteenth century BCE!
19. Catania
Sitting at the foot of the Etna Volcano, Catania is an ancient port city on the eastern coast of the island of Sicily.
It is a characteristic southern Italian town—noisy, chaotic, but enchanting in every single way.
A visit to Catania will charm with the impressive Baroque architecture of churches and fountains, but also with its unique gastronomic scene, highlighted by dozens of delicious seafood trattorias, the tumultuous street markets, and the pristine coast hosting some of the best beaches on the island.
However, the main reason why Catania has become a tourist attraction is Mount Etna.
Many travelers choose to hike to the summit of the mountain since the views from the top are breathtaking.
Besides… not everyone can say they have hiked an active volcano, right?
Beautiful Catania Italy and Mt Etna
20. Genoa
Not far from the more popular Cinque Terre, Genoa is the capital city of the Liguria region, a small strait of land sandwiched between the mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea on the west coast of Italy.
With clear maritime roots, the city is home to one of the most important ports in the country.
Genoa also hosts the biggest aquarium in Italy, close to the port, a place that travelers of all ages enjoy.
Also in the port area, there are delicious seafood dishes but also some of the local staples, such as Pasta al Pesto or Focaccia Ligue, a delicious pizza-style kind of bread made with plenty of olive oil and topped with rosemary and sea salt.
In the center of town, narrow, winding alleys lead to some unmissable Genoan landmarks, such as the Romanesque Cathedral of San Lorenzo, which features a unique facade made of black and white stripes of marble.
21. Siena
One more Tuscan city to visit, especially if you’re staying in Florence, is the medieval Siena.
This ancient gem is home to one of the most important events in the country, the Siena Palio.
The Palio is a traditional horse race held in the main square twice each summer that sees different contrades (local quarters in town) competing for the Drappellone, a large drape made of painted silk canvas designed each year by a different artist. This canvas is shown by the winning contrada in its museum.
The Palio (which takes place on July 2nd and August 16th) race has been held in Siena’s main square, Piazza del Campo, since the Middle Ages, and the main event is often preceded by a spectacular pageant featuring dozens of participants in medieval costumes.
If you don’t visit during the celebration, worry not!
There’s a lot more to Siena than the Palio.
First of all, head to Siena Cathedral, but also check out the characteristic medieval brick buildings, the fan-shaped Piazza del Campo, the formidable Gothic town hall, and the fourteenth-century Torre del Mangia, a tower with sweeping views of the region.
Siena Italy is a beautiful city in Tuscany
22. Syracuse
A romantic coastal town on the eastern shores of Sicily and facing the Ionian Sea, Syracuse is famous for the ancient ruins that can be admired at the Neapolis Archaeological Park.
On the site, you can admire ancient Greek and Roman ruins, most of them very well preserved, including a Roman amphitheater, a Greek theater, and an impressive limestone cave known as the Orecchio di Dionisio, as it has the shape of a human ear.
However, that’s not all; the city in itself is incredibly charming, while the fantastic beaches that dot the coast attract tourists during the long summer months that are characteristic of southern Italy.
During a visit to Syracuse, make sure to visit the Duomo, a fantastic cathedral from the seventh century with an impressive colonnade facade as well as an amazing stained glass window featuring scenes from the Last Supper.
In beautiful Sicily the city of Syracuse is a must visit
23. Bolzano
Located in the northern Alto Adige region, this gorgeous town at the foothills of the Dolomites is an enchanting settlement with Alpine traits made of characteristic porticoed passages and pretty colorful houses with balconies often adorned with vibrant flowers.
The city, which is a favorite winter destination for those who enjoy winter sports, is as enchanting during the summer when the verdant landscape offers a fantastic contrast with the gray surface of the mountains.
During this period, hiking activities are at their best, attracting mountain enthusiasts from all over Europe.
In town, do not miss the Austrian-styled squares.
Among the most beautiful of them are Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza Walther.
Over here, it is possible to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate in the winter, after some shopping in the local boutiques and souvenir shops or at the traditional Christmas market held in this square.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are dozens of incredible destinations. There are amazing Italian cities scattered all over the peninsula that offer all kinds of experiences, no matter your travel budget, style, or how much time you have to visit. Which one of them has made it to your Italy bucket list?
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About the Author
Gabi Ancarola is a translator and travel journalist living in Crete. She regularly writes about Europe for several magazines about travel, gastronomy, and hospitality. She has published several travel guides about Greece and plans customized trips to the Greek islands. She loves cooking local dishes, taking photos, and driving on the mountain roads of Crete.