The Wonders of Bel Paese: 5 Amazing Cities to Visit in Italy
Italy is a vacationer’s dream, but you’ll be spoilt for choice. If you need help picking out destinations, these are the cities to visit in Italy.
It’s not surprising to know that Italy is among Americans’ top five travel destinations. Its history, cuisine, and natural beauty are just some of the reasons why travelers can’t get enough of “Bel Paese.”
But when it comes to Italian cities, which ones are the best to visit? Each of Italy’s municipalities has its own flavor and attractions to offer. To help you narrow down your choices, here are five amazing cities to visit in Italy.
- Rome
Italy’s capital still reigns as the country’s most visited tourist destination, welcoming over nine million visitors each year. Rome is home to the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Vatican City, and several other attractions. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants and cafes to try and museums to explore.
Try to avoid visiting the city during the peak of summer, when many business owners head to the coast to cool off. Rome is great to tour in the spring, autumn, or even winter when crowds have died down. You can find tour options for the Colosseum and other attractions year-round.
- Florence
The capital of Tuscany beckons with Michelangelo’s “David” sculpture, the Duomo cathedral, and some of the best pizza around. As the heart of the Renaissance movement, Florence is teeming with architecture, art collections, and food festivals.
Take a walk through the “Diladdarno”, which is considered the more authentic area of Florence across the Ponte Vecchio bridge. Explore the original artisan shops or grab a gelato in a cafe—away from the tourists that usually crowd the historic center.
- Venice
Venice has long been considered one of the country’s most romantic places to visit thanks to the boat and gondolas that glide along its numerous canals. It’s also known for the spectacular Basilica San Marco church that resides in the square. You’ll find plenty of museums and shops to explore along Venice’s narrow streets.
Visit before Lent, and you’ll get a chance to experience the Venice Carnival when revelers celebrate the end of winter. Expect to see plenty of colorful masks, parades, and tasty treats.
- Pisa
An Italian trip wouldn’t be complete without having your picture taken while you pretend to push over the Leaning Tower of Pisa. There is beautiful architecture to behold along the River Arno including the 16th century Palazzo dei Cavalieri.
Shoppers will enjoy exploring the boutiques and cafes along Borgo Stretto, the retail area.
- Naples
Located along the western coast under the active volcano Mt. Vesuvius, Naples offers the chance to explore an eerier side of Italy.
For a start, you can take a guided tour of the dimly lit San Gennaro Catacombs, home to more than 3,000 bodies. Or you can visit nearby Pompeii, which was destroyed by Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The preserved city gives a fascinating glimpse into every day ancient Roman life.
If these options are too creepy for you, you can always check out L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, whom author Elizabeth Gilbert declared the home of “the world’s best pizza” in her novel Eat, Pray, Love.
Don’t Miss These Cities to Visit In Italy
You’ll never be bored with these five cities to visit in Italy. There’s no shortage of things to see and do in these metropolitan areas, and even taking a stroll around one will uncover pleasant surprises.
To learn more about our favorite international cities, check out our latest destinations posts.
