Italy is filled with countless historic and charming cities, but if you don’t have unlimited time to spend, you may want to consider putting some of the very best on your list. Here’s an insider guide into the top places and cities to visit in Italy including places to stay, homes for rent in Italy, the best for couples and families, in locations including Puglia, Sicily, Italian Lakes, Amalfi Coast, Florence, Rome, Venice, and Milan. Italy has many beautiful and historic cities that can easily be visited by train. These are our best picks for the top cities in Italy.
Rome
Rome is the capital of modern Italy. It is full of history everywhere you look. You’ll see tons of ancient monuments, interesting medieval churches, beautiful fountains, Renaissance palaces, and museums. Modern Rome is a bustling and lively city and has some great nightlife and restaurants. Do not forget to visit the famous landmarks such as St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican City. They are easily visited when in Rome. Spend at least 3 days in Rome to experience everything Rome has to offer.
One of Rome’s great pleasures is Eating out, as the combination of romantic alfresco settings and excellent food is guarantee of good times.
Venice
Built on water in the middle of lagoon, Venice is a unique city and known as the most beautiful and romantic cities. No doubt that it is the most popular city for visitors to Italy. Piazza San Marco is the heart of Venice with its spectacular church, Saint Mark’s Basilica. There are plenty of palaces, museums, and churches to visit in this city. Wandering along Venice’s canals is one of the most interesting things to do. Venice is located in the northeast of Italy and historically was a bridge between West and East.
Florence
Florence is one of Italy’s most significant art centers and Renaissance architectural. Florence’s Baptistery and Duomo are the most popular among tourist and is always crowded as it is their large piazza. Just like other cities of Italy, Florence boasts its magnificent museums with tons of famous paintings and sculptures. Medici palaces and garden are also worth a visit. Florence is located in the region of Tuscany.
Milan
Milan is one of the richest cities in Europe and is known for its sophisticated shops, galleries, and restaurants. Unlike most Italian cities, Milan has a faster pace of life. It also has a cultural heritage and rich artistic. With its beautiful façade, the magnificent Gothic Duomo is one of the most visit landmarks in Milan. The famous painting of Leonardo Da Vinci, the Last Supper is one of the top attractions in Milan and La Scala is one of the most famous opera houses in Milan.
Naples
One of the most vibrant cities of Italy, Naples is the most important city in southern Italy and is located on the coast south of Rome. The city has recently undergone some renovation but still retains much of its old character. It boasts plenty of artistic and historical treasures.
Verona
Verona is the city that is known for the story of Romeo and Juliet and for its Roman Arena which is the third largest arena in Italy. It is also the venue for a top opera festival. Verona boasts its good medieval center, Roman remains, and a fascinating castle complex. Verona is the fourth most visited city in Italy and well worth your visit.
Turin
Turin is located in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy. It is a major cultural hub with stunning museums, sophisticated shops, and great restaurants. You must visit also some of the best examples of Baroque architecture and historic palaces, historic coffee houses, streets with arcades, and artisan workshops.
Bologna
Bologna is known for its wealth, cuisine, beauty, and left-wing politics. The streets of Bologna are lined with arcades, so it’s a good place to walk even when it is raining. The city is home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, a great medieval center, and plenty of attractive squares, lined with buildings with porticoes. Bologna is the biggest city in Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy.
Genoa
Genoa is the principal seaport of Italy and is located in Liguria on the northwest coast of Italy. Piazza de Ferrari lies in the heart of the Italian port, a main square with an attractive fountain and a perimeter lined with historic buildings. These include the Palace of the Doges the Teatro Carlo Felice, which was destroyed during WWII and rebuilt afterwards. This city has an interesting aquarium, fascinating port area, and a historic center said to be the largest medieval quarter in Europe, with a wealth of museums, palaces, and churches.
Perugia
Located in central Italy’s Umbria region Southeast of Florence, Perugia is a cosmopolitan city and home to two universities. During summer, it hosts a world-famous Umbria Jazz Festival so make sure to never this much-awaited annual event in Perugia. Other annual events include the International Journalism Festival in April and the Eurochocolate Festival in October. The journalism festival is associated with multiple notable people in the arts. If you have a fascination in learning an Italian language, their University for Foreigners is a great place to learn. It is also a well-known cultural and artistic center of Italy and is a walled city on a hilltop with amazing views over the valley and home to important historic monuments.
