Italy is world renowned for its history, food, wine, art, and stunning landscapes. With so many incredible places to explore, it can be hard to narrow it down to just five top spots. However, here is a list of what are arguably five of the best spots in Italy to visit when traveling.
1. Rome – Biggest City in Italy
As the capital and largest city in Italy, Rome should be at the top of any Italy itinerary. The city is like an open-air museum, with ancient Roman ruins and medieval buildings still standing today amongst modern structures. Iconic landmarks not to miss include the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Meander the cobblestone streets and piazzas to truly experience la dolce vita (the sweet life) like a local. Sample mouthwatering pasta, pizza, and gelato between sightseeing as well.
The Colosseum is one of Rome’s most legendary sites, this massive ancient amphitheater could hold up to 80,000 spectators. When in Rome, you can’t miss exploring this monumental arena and learning about gladiator battles and exotic animal fights. Stand on the arena floor for a real sense of history. The nearby Roman Forum is just as impressive, filled with toppled columns and crumbling temples that once formed the center of political and social activity.
Art lovers should spend ample time at the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica, home to Michelangelo's famed ceiling frescoes and his emotional Pietà sculpture. Have a coin ready to toss backwards into Trevi Fountain, promising that you’ll return to Rome again one day. People watching and celebrity spotting on glamorous Via Veneto or sitting on the Spanish Steps with stunning city views in front makes for an idyllic Roman Holiday as well.
With so much history and culture packed into one city, you could spend weeks exploring Rome. It fully deserves its reputation as the Eternal City.
2. Venice – The Floating City of Italy
The uniquely magical floating city of Venice must be seen to be believed. Wandering the labyrinth of canals and stone footbridges while getting lost amongst the maze of narrow alleyways is an experience like no other. Many of the most popular attractions are located around Piazza San Marco, including St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. However, some of the best things to do in Venice are away from the main squares, where you can glimpse a more local side of life.
Piazza San Marco beautifully showcases Venice’s magnificent Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Marvel at the brilliant golden mosaics inside 900-year-old St. Mark's Basilica. Right next door is the ornate Doge's Palace, residence of former leaders of Venice and the grand Bridge of Sighs arching over a small canal. After visiting the top sights, wander away from San Marco, perhaps getting intentionally lost in the Castello neighborhood's winding walkways.
Don’t miss taking a classic gondola ride along narrow waterways under charming stone bridges. Float past marbled palaces and waterside cafés for unique perspectives on Venice that most tourists never get to admire. Taste fresh seafood at canal-side bacari wine bars and listen to live music echoing off ancient walls. The divine sound of opera from La Fenice theater enlightens evenings as well.
3. Cinque Terre – The Best of Italian Countryside
The five villages of Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera create one of Italy’s most beautiful and charming coastal landscapes. Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are connected by scenic hiking trails with sublime sea views. The villages themselves are filled with rainbow-hued houses, cliffside castles and restaurants serving delicious local seafood. The azure waters are perfect for swimming in summer or travelers can simply relax on a terrace sipping wine and watching local fishermen navigate their boats between harbors.
Hiking is one of the best ways to fully experience all five towns of Cinque Terre. The famous cliffside footpaths like Via dell’Amore and Sentiero Azzurro deliver jaw-dropping vistas of terraced vineyards cascading down to the Mediterranean. Serious hikers can tackle the full seven-mile coastal trail from Riomaggiore to Monterosso al Mare. At each stop, tour pastel-colored villages, try Ligurian cuisine made with fragrant basil pesto and have a glass of fruity Sciacchetrà wine while admiring picture-perfect views.
Boat tours offer equally stunning perspectives on Cinque Terre's postcard-worthy scenery from offshore. See all five towns lined up along the coast from the water. Stop to swim below Vernazza’s old fortresses or walk the steep streets of Corniglia framed by vineyards. Relaxation reigns supreme on the Cinque Terre Riviera.
4. Florence – The birthplace of the Renaissance
As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is packed with priceless works of art and architecture. Among Italy places to visit, this is quite underrated. Stand in awe below Brunelleschi’s impressive dome topping Florence Cathedral or gaze up at Michelangelo's magnificent David at the Galleria dell'Accademia.
Wander across the Ponte Vecchio medieval bridge spanning the Arno River. Every church and museum holds precious masterpieces but don’t miss the Uffizi Gallery’s world-class collection including da Vinci and Botticelli paintings. In between museums, indulge in Italy’s best gelato while people watching in Piazza della Signoria.
Beyond Renaissance art, Florence boasts wonderful architectural sights. The 15th-century Santa Maria del Fiore, with its iconic red dome, intricate Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile bell tower comprise Florence's breathtaking Duomo complex. Visit each individual attraction for views from different vantage points. The medieval Ponte Vecchio bridge stretches over glittering water, home to elegant jewelry shops since the 1500s.
Food is another art form in Florence. Farm-to-table cuisine shines at restaurants like Osteria dell'Enoteca. Sample prosciutto, salami, and cheese at Mercato Centrale's food hall. Search the San Lorenzo market stalls for leather bags, unique souvenirs and limoncello liqueur to take home. Don't leave Florence without learning some Tuscan cooking secrets during a pasta-making or gelato class. Floating down the Arno River at sunset, bellies full of Italian food, demonstrates la dolce vita at its finest.
5. Amalfi Coast – A Beautiful Place to Explore
The dramatically beautiful Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy is famous for its colorful cliffside towns overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. 13th century cathedrals, luxurious villas and secret grottoes are connected by winding roads carved into seaside cliffs. The posh destination of Positano, the hiking trails of the “Walk of the Gods” and the iconic island town of Capri are just a few highlights.
Explore the ruins of Pompeii with views of Mount Vesuvius or try lemoncello liqueur in Amalfi’s Piazza Duomo. With its commanding scenery and glamorous resort towns, Italy’s Amalfi Coast emanates both old world charm and chic luxury.
The pastel-hued village of Positano cascades down a steep slope towards the sea, known for its swimmable beaches and chic boutiques selling lemon-print fashions. Catch an inspiring sunset over the iconic multicolored homes and Moorish-style domes. Neighboring Ravello sits even higher up the cliffs, with some of the most spectacular vista points. Ancient villas like Villa Rufolo host summer opera and classical music festivals amongst manicured gardens.
Catch a boat from Sorrento to the glamorous Isle of Capri to live your best fabulous vacation life. Lounge amongst jetsetters sipping cocktails along La Piazzetta or explore the famous Blue Grotto Sea cave. The bustling port appeals to foodies and shoppers while peaceful spots like Monte Solaro offer island tranquility with panoramas as far as Mount Vesuvius. No matter your travel style, the Amalfi Coast has scenery and experiences to dazzle.
Final Words
From the Colosseum of Rome to the canals of Venice, to hilltop villages along the Amalfi Coast, this list only scratches the surface of Italy’s most spectacular places to visit. History, art, and nature combine to create travel experiences that engage all the senses. Endless sights, flavors and attractions make Italy one of the best countries to explore repeatedly. These five destinations offer iconic Italian landscapes and culture not to be missed on any trip to Italy. Have you explored any of these top spots in Italy or do you have another must-see destination to add? Let your dreams of la dolce vita inspire your own Italian adventures.
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