Visit Italy

A trip to Italy is always an excellent idea. Wherever you’re headed, The Local has got you fully covered for what to see both on and off the beaten track. Below we cover some of the best cities and attractions to visit when you travel to Italy.

Montepulciano, Tuscany. Photo: Łukasz Czechowicz on Unsplash

Best places to visit in Italy

Pinning down where to visit in Italy is a daunting task. What are the first places that come to mind? Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Sicily? And that’s before we even mention Naples, Pisa, Sardinia, Puglia, Lake Como, Bologna… Luckily, The Local is packed with insights on where to spend your time, from classic tourist hotspots to overlooked towns and Italy’s best-kept secrets.

Importantly, as you plan your trip, The Local also brings you all the latest travel news to make sure you’re aware of any strikes or delays that might impact your visit.

Aerial view of the Colosseum. Photo: Spencer Davis on Unsplash

Places to visit in Rome

No visit to Italy is complete without a trip to the Eternal City – the Italian capital is deservedly one of the world’s top tourist destinations. How many other cities can boast sites of interest like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, or the Pantheon?

For a comprehensive overview, make sure to browse the Rome section on our site for the latest tips on getting the best out of your visit.

We’d also strongly recommend these nine tips for making the most of a Rome city break.

Day trips from Rome

If you’ve been to Rome a few times before, maybe you’d like to leave St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican City behind for a while and explore the surrounding area. Assisi is just a couple of hours away, or why not take the direct train to Pompeii? Don’t miss our guides on easy day trips from Rome by train and other must-see places within reach of the Italian capital.

Places to visit in Milan

Famed for its fashion and football teams, Milan also offer historic attractions such as its magnificent cathedral, the Duomo di Milano, and Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper. Make sure to check out the Milan section on our site for gems including the six 'secret' places in Milan you need to visit.

And if you want to embark on a day trip from Milan we’ve got some really great suggestions that will take you from the walled gardens of Monza to the Medici castle of Medegnano.

Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence. Photo: Ray Harrington on Unsplash

Places to visit in Florence

For Renaissance art and architecture, Florence can’t be topped. You won't want to miss the Uffizi Gallery or the Ponte Vecchio, while the panoramic views of the city from the iconic Duomo will take your breath away. And don't miss Michelangelo's David at the Accademia Gallery.

Make sure too to read all the latest news and tips in our Florence section. And if you’re planning a day away from the Ponte Vecchio and the Piazza della Signoria our guide to the best neighbourhoods for international residents will give you insights into the city you won’t find in many travel guides.

Places to visit in Venice

Renowned for gondola rides on picturesque canals and attractions like St. Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace and the Rialto Bridge, Venice attracts tourists like nowhere else, and with good reason! Take a vaporetto on the Grand Canal, swoon under the Bridge of Sighs, and enjoy stunning views of the city from San Marco Campanile.

The city can of course get famously crowded. If you’re looking for a quieter spot, you can dip into our trove of lesser-known Venice sites.

You can find all the latest news and travel tips in our Venice section.

Cinque Terre. Photo: Sung Jin Cho on Unsplash

Amalfi coast tours, Cinque Terre,  Sicily

We’ll end this guide with a few recommendations for other destinations that are popular among readers of The Local.

First up, the Amalfi Coast is a Mediterranean dream come true. Dotted with stunning beaches and beautiful towns like Amalfi, Ravello and Positano, you might find it hard to leave.

Or maybe the Unesco World Heritage site Cinque Terre will be your destination of choice. The five colourful villages perched on the cliffs of the Liguarian coast will leave an indelible impression.

Alternatively, you could make your way over to Sicily. As the biggest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily offers breathtaking scenery, ancient ruins, and delectable food. Discover the wonders of Mount Etna, tour the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, and meander along the delightful streets of Taormina.

For all the latest news and travel tips, please visit our Travel News and Discover Italy pages.