Are you planning to travel to Italy? If your answer is yes, I must say prepare yourself to fall in love with an extraordinary country. Italian cities will open their place in your heart in a strange way. Food, history, art, architecture, luxurious cities, the vineyards of Florence, the hillside towns of Tuscany, the lesser-seen Dolomites, and more await you. The best tourist cities in Italy from Rome to Bologna
Italian tourist cities are among the most visited cities in the world every year. But my suggestion to you is that, in addition to traveling to classic Italian cities such as Rome, Venice, Milan, etc., you should also visit the lesser-seen cities of Italy.
If you want to see all these sights in one trip, you need a few months. Most people have a travel plan of one to several weeks to explore this magical country.
Italian cities
Rome ( tourist cities in Italy)
Rome is the capital of Italy and is most likely your first stop in this country. Rome offers you a variety of amazing sights and experiences. Everywhere you look, you see ancient monuments, ornate medieval and baroque churches, beautiful fountains, art museums and Renaissance palaces.
The ancient Colosseum is one of the most famous sights in the world. The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater in Rome, where the bloody history of gladiator battles is in every corner. It is estimated that more than one million people, including 500 to 700 thousand gladiators, were brutally killed in the Colosseum. But today it has become one of the most popular sights in Rome and millions of people visit it every year.
Modern Rome is a lively city with great restaurants and nightlife. When visiting Rome, see the fascinating Vatican and spectacular churches and St. Peter’s Square with its huge fountains, Basilica San Clemente, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and Roman Square. Don’t miss Forum.
The best tourist cities in Italy – Rome
Florence
Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and one of the most important origins of Italian Renaissance architecture and art. The sculptures of Michelangelo, especially the statue of David, in the Accademia Gallery, the Uffizi Gallery, which is the most visited museum in Italy, the paintings on the walls of the Duomo Cathedral, sculptures in the city center and the Baptistery are among the most spectacular attractions of this historical city.
But the presence of modern buildings, delicious gelatos and numerous shops promises you that this city is not just a city of museums and statues. On your trip to Florence, you can go to Pisa with a €5 train ticket and see the Leaning Tower of Pisa up close.
On your trip to this city rich in history, don’t forget to watch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence.
The best tourist cities in Italy – florence
Venice
Among Italian cities, Venice is a unique city built on water in the middle of a lagoon. Venice is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in Italy and also one of the most popular cities in the world for tourists.
San Marco square with its magnificent cathedral is the heart of Venice. There are countless museums, palaces, and churches to visit in the city, and it’s always fascinating to stroll along Venice’s canals and get lost in its maze of narrow streets.
Venice is in the northeast of Italy and has historically been a bridge between East and West. Its architecture preserves the art of Byzantium, which cannot be found anywhere else in Italy.
Venice
Milan
Milan is the fashion city and business capital of Italy and one of the richest cities in Europe. The most fashionable shops, clothing galleries and restaurants in Italy can be seen in Milan. Historical monuments and modern and contemporary buildings showcase the combination of tradition and modernity in Milan.
The first place that attracts the attention of every tourist in the city of Milan is the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano). El Duomo is one of the largest churches in the world with luxurious Gothic architecture. There is a real crucifix in this church, which some believe belongs to Jesus Christ. The church is free to visit, except for the tour of the roof, baptistery and museum.
But one of the most important sights among Italian cities is located in the dining hall of the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie. The famous “Last Supper” painting by da Vinci covers the entire wall of this dining room. This artwork shows scenes from the Last Supper in the last days of Christ’s life as mentioned in the Bible. This painting is about where Christ says that one of his 12 apostles will betray him.
Castello Sforzesco is another must-see attraction in Milan that houses important works by Michelangelo, a ceiling painting by Da Vinci, and the instruments of the great Mozart. What do you want from another attraction?
Ambrosina Photo Gallery and Library, San Siro Stadium, Vittorio Emanuele Gallery, Atmosphera Tram Restaurant, San Lorenzo Roman Ruins and Monumental Cemetery are other popular places for tourists in Milan.
Milan – tourist cities in Italy
Como ( tourist cities in Italy )
The city of Como is located in northern Italy, near the Alps and the unique Lake Como. My advice to you is to make visiting this city a priority on your travel list to Italian cities. The distance between Como and Milan is not long, and after visiting Milan, you can reach Como in less than an hour with a 4.5 euro train ticket.
Como can be called heaven on earth. The mild climate, beautiful gardens, and villas left over from the ancient Roman era are some of the breathtaking beauties of this city. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Como. Como’s city center has pleasant streets such as Piazza Volta, full of local shops and churches. One of the common pastimes in Como is walking along the lake and taking pictures. Water sports such as water skiing, sailing, swimming or relaxing and sunbathing on the calm lake shore make Como unique among Italian cities.
You can also take the cable car to Brunate above Lake Como for a €4 ticket and have an exceptional view of the lake.
city of Como
Verona
Verona is a small city where the story of Romeo and Juliet took place. Juliet’s house and balcony can be called the most famous tourist attraction in Verona. This city is similar to Venice but without its canals and tourists. Another thing that Verona is famous for is the amphitheater of Verona (Arena di Verona), which is one of the largest in Italy and where important operas are held every year.
The Church of San Zeno with its stunning frescoes, the lively and busy Piazza Erbe, the Palazzo Giusti with its unique garden and the statue of Dante (a famous Italian poet and writer) in Piazza Signori are among the other sights of Verona.
Verona is one of the ten most visited cities in Italy. I recommend you to go to this beautiful city during your trip to Italy, even if you have a few hours to spare. Be sure it’s worth it.
Verona – tourist cities in Italy
Naples
Naples is located on the south coast of Rome and is the most important city in southern Italy. It is safe to say that Naples is the busiest and most lively city in Italy. It is as if the entire population of Naples is in the streets that flow into its port, as if they are all talking to each other at the same time.
The aroma of pizza, which the Neapolitans claim to have invented, wafts throughout the city and will make you hungry without exaggeration. If you visit restaurants in Naples, don’t miss the marinara pizza at De Michele restaurant and the desserts at Sfogliate restaurant.
A city that is less known among tourists than the famous cities, but warm-blooded people, incomparable natural beauty and historical and artistic treasures have turned Naples into one of the most spectacular cities in Italy. The famous Vesuvius volcano, the ruins of Pompeii (burnt city) and the city of Herculaneum attract many tourists to Naples every year. When visiting Pompeii and Herculaneum, it is better to use a tour guide to get to know their strange history.
Make the National Museum of Archeology, which preserves the art and historical works recovered from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, a top priority in Naples. After visiting the museum, visit Sansevero Church with its stunning baroque architecture. The catacombs of San Gennaro, which is a labyrinth of paths and cemeteries and full of beautiful frescoes, can be your next destination in Naples.
Finally, watch the sunset in the Bay of Naples with other tourists and enjoy this pristine view.
Naples
Cinque Terre
Five Lands or Cinco Terre are the names of five villages in the Italian Riviera region. These five villages were one village in the past and have been separated for some time. Monterosso al Mar, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are the names of these five villages.
You might ask, why is Chinkotre included in this list? The answer is simple: pristine nature and breathtaking scenery.
The five villages are no longer isolated villages. But with narrow roads, well-preserved architecture, and a network of stunning coastal and mountain trails, they still retain their authenticity. The easiest way to reach and travel between villages is by train. A train line running along the west coast of Italy connects all five villages with Genoa, Pisa and Rome. The nearest airports are in Genoa and Pisa.
If you choose the summer season to travel to Cinco Terre, you should know that these five villages are the destination of many tourists and native Italians in this season. I recommend the spring season to travel to this region, so that you can enjoy the mild weather and unique nature and not be bothered by the crowds and noise.
Cinque Terre – tourist cities in Italy
Sicily
Sicily is the largest Italian island in the Mediterranean. When you hear the name Cecil, maybe the first thing that comes to your mind is the Italian mafia and the big Corleone family (The Godfather movie). But Sicily, which is an autonomous region, has countless tourist attractions in addition to mafia groups.
There are exceptional beaches, charming villages and towns, as well as many ancient ruins and ancient sites in Sicily. Throughout history, Sicily has been a meeting place of cultures, pristine nature and delicious food. This island has a rich and colorful history influenced by its North African and Arab neighbors.
On a trip to Sicily, one of Italy’s most charming regions, swim in the warm Mediterranean waters along the rugged and sandy coastline, explore the sandstone mountain villages, and see the ruins of centuries of civilizations inhabiting this historic region. Due to the Mediterranean climate late autumn and winter is the best time to visit Sicily. At this time, both hotels and entertainment centers are cheaper than other times.
Palermo is the largest city on the island of Sicily and is a vibrant and lively mix of Arabic architecture and Byzantine mosaics adorning its streets. Known as the cultural capital of Italy, this city is a mixture of ancient charms influenced by Europe and North Africa. For a taste of true Sicilian food, try the sarde a beccafico appetizer.
Mount Etna, Sicily Museum Cave, Valley of the Temples, Monreale Cathedral, Capuchin Tombs, Syracuse City, Martimo Island Sea Caves and Astronomical Clock Tower are other tourist attractions of Sicily region.
Sicily
Sardinia
If I had only one choice to visit in Italy, my choice would definitely be Sardinia. A pristine island with amazing nature that will bring you a unique journey. Sardinia is known as a paradise in the heart of the Mediterranean. Obviously, its sunny, white and sandy beaches are the main tourist attraction, but there is an endless list of things to see in Sardinia.
Late spring and early summer are the best times to travel to Sardinia in terms of weather and sea activities, but you should expect crowds and the presence of many tourists on this island.
One of the most popular sights in Sardinia is the Smeralda beach in the northern part of the island. On this quiet beach, you can relax and watch the million luxury boats that are traveling in the endless turquoise sea. Or rent a jet ski and hit the sea. Cala Guloritze Beach, La Pelosa Beach and Mariolo Beach are other attractive beaches of this island.
It is true that anyone who goes to Saridina is looking for beach and water activities, but in addition to the beautiful beaches, there are also historical and interesting places such as the historical site of Taros, Ispinigoli Caves, Giant’s Tomb, Neptune’s Cave, the historical ruins of Nora, the Royal Palace Church. and the National Museum of Archeology are also worth visiting.
Sardinia – Italian tourist cities
Bologna
It may not have the canals of Venice, the quaint cliffside villages of the Cinque Terre, or the ancient ruins of Rome, but that certainly doesn’t stop Bologna from being one of Italy’s most unique cities. The city of Bologna is often underestimated because of other touristic cities in Italy; But warm-blooded citizens, first-class food and buildings with medieval architecture have put this city on the list of the most spectacular cities in Italy.
If you love traveling and trying new food, congratulations! Bologna is a great choice for food lovers. The classic Bologna dish is tagliatelle al ragu, which is famous all over the world. Bologna is also the birthplace of the delicious parmesan cheese or parmigiano as the Italians call it.
The first tourist attraction of Bologna that you should see is the main square of the city or Piazza Maggiore, which is one of the oldest squares in Italy and has years of history in its heart. On your trip to Bologna, go to the Torre Asinelli tower and climb the 500 steps to the top to enjoy a wonderful view of the city from the top.
When traveling to this spectacular city, San Pietro Basilica, National Art Gallery, Archaeological Civilization Museum, San Dominic Church and the Leaning Towers of Bologna are also waiting for you.
Bologna
last word…
The introduction of Italian cities does not fit in one article. Each of the cities of this country has its own charm and beauty. For trips of one or two weeks, choose carefully from this introduced list to get the most out of your trip to the jewel of Europe. If you have traveled to any of these cities, we would be happy to share your experience with us.
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