Italy is among the most popular destinations in the world for tourists. In this article, we list the top 10 places to Visit in Italy for a memorable trip

                            

 

Several tourist places in Italy attract a large number of tourists from India and other countries. It ranks first in the world by the number of objects included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Italy has a diverse climate and landscape. It has one of the longest coastlines in the world and around 248 beaches. Italy has been awarded the Blue Flag status for its clear waters and unspoiled sands. The Euro is the official currency of Italy since it is a member of the European Union.

How to reach Italy

By air: There are international airports in all major cities like Rome, Florence, Pisa, Milan and Sicily. Travelling from Delhi or Mumbai to Italy will take around 9 to 16 hours on average, depending on the airlines and layovers as there are no direct flights to Rome, the capital of Italy.

By road: Italy shares borders with France, Switzerland and Austria. Thus, you can travel by road from these countries to Italy, either by hiring a private car or by bus.

By rail: The Train network in Italy is well-maintained and reliable. Italy is connected to other European cities by train. You can board the Italo Rail or the Eurail to reach Italy.

By sea: You can use the waterways to travel to the islands of Italy, Sicily and Sardinia. Italy has major ports in Venice and Rome and is a popular destination for cruises.

See also: France places to visit

Best time to visit Italy

The ideal time to visit Italy is from April to June or from September to October when the weather is pleasant and the temperature is moderate. The summer months can be hot, crowded and expensive. The month of August is a holiday in Italy and locals and tourists head to the beaches during this time, to make the most of the extremely hot weather.

Italy’s famous places to visit #1: Rome

One of the most famous places in Italy to visit is Rome. It’s a cultural hub that the ancient Romans called the ‘Eternal City’ as they believed that it would always stand and it has, definitely, stood the test of time. Rome, the capital city, is famous for its 3,000-year-old architecture, art and historical heritage. St Peter’s Basilica, the largest and grandest church in the world, is a must-visit. Constructed between 1506 and 1626, this church was designed in Baroque architecture. Worth seeing are Piazza Navona fountains of the 17th century and the Pantheon built by Emperor Hadrian in the memory of Pagan Gods. There are more than 1,300 fountains in Rome. Among these, the Trevi fountain is the most beautiful. The Sistine Chapel is popular due to its incredible ceiling painted by Michelangelo. Visit the Vatican, an independent city in the heart of Rome, ruled by the Bishop of Rome and the seat of the Catholic Church. The Colosseum, better known as the ‘Flavian Amphitheatre’, is another tourist attraction that cannot be missed. Located at an approximate distance of 5.5 kilometres from Vatican City, manifesting the beauty of old Roman architecture, the Colosseum is the world’s largest amphitheatre.

Timings of the Colosseum: 10:30 am to 7:15 pm (Remains closed on 1 January and 25 December)

Entry fees: € 16 (adults), € 6.00 (children between 0-17 years)

How to reach Rome

By air: Rome is well connected via domestic and international flights. Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino is an international airport. Ciampino Airport is for domestic flights.

By rail: Rome is the main hub for trains from Italy to all over Europe. The main railway station is Roma Termini.

By road: Autostrada del Sole is the main road connecting Rome to the north and south of Italy and connects with the ring road around the city.

See also: Places in UK to visit

Best places to visit in Italy #2: Venice

Venice is considered one of the best cities to visit in Italy and the most romantic city in Europe. With its fairy tale setting and magical surrounding, this city of water is one of the most picturesque places in Italy. Every year tourists visit Venice to enjoy gondola rides as the city’s infrastructure runs on canals. Venice hardly has any roads. You either have to explore the city on foot or hop on a gondola to discover its mesmerizing beauty. There are hundreds of mini-islands connected via bridges bringing a unique experience for the tourists. The Grand Canal is the most important place in Venice, lined with gorgeous and vibrant-looking palaces and castles on both sides of San Marco Square, which is the hub of well-known attractions like St Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace and Torre dell’Orologio. Do visit Murano, which is known for glass factories and their glassblowers.

How to reach Venice

By air: The Marco Polo Airport is the nearest to Venice with regular train, bus and water taxi services to the city centre.

By road: To reach Venice by bus, the only bus station in Venice is Piazzale Roma. From here, take the water transport to reach the main town.

By rail: Tourists travelling by train get down at Santa Lucia railway station near the Grand Canal. The terminal is well-linked with all Italian and other European cities.

Italy beautiful places to visit #3: Florence

Florence is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy, if you love artistic heritage. You can see the churches with incredible domed roofs and breathtaking artwork from the cradle of the Renaissance. Where even the gardens, monuments, buildings and streets are masterpieces, the capital city of Tuscany fascinates tourists with iconic monuments, museums and art galleries. The Uffizi Gallery has a collection of some of the best masterpieces in the world. You can walk across the Ponte Vecchio, one of the most famous bridges in the world and browse the picturesque shops along the way. With the marble-inlaid bell tower by Giotto and the octagonal Baptistery with its exquisite bronze doors by Ghiberti, Florence is the world’s finest example of Renaissance art. An architectural masterpiece, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is worth visiting. This shining crown of Florence is a civic centrepiece from the late 13th century that took 200 years to complete. Built on the remains of a 7th-century church, the exterior is designed in emerald green and pink marble slabs, while the interiors exude a rather subdued aesthetic. The Duomo has frescoes of Giorgio Vasari’s Last Judgement (1572), scenes of Florence by Dante (1465) and mosaic works.

Timings for the Cathedral: 10:15 am to 4:15 pm (Monday to Friday)

Timings for Brunelleschi’s Dome: 12:45 pm to 6:45 pm (Monday to Friday)

Entry fees for the Cathedral: Free entry

Entry fee for Brunelleschi’s Dome: € 20 (adults), € 10 (children between 7-14 years) and free entry for children aged 6 or below

You can reach the top of the dome and enjoy a stunning view of Florence. To reach the top of the dome, you’ll need to climb 463 steps as there are no elevators.

How to reach Florence

By air: Peretola, the Florence Airport (formerly known as Amerigo Vespucci) is the closest to the centre of the city. It is connected to various European cities like Amsterdam, London, Munich and Paris and has flights coming in from different parts of Italy.

By road: The A1 motorway runs past Florence and is the main road artery linking the country’s north and south.

By rail: You can reach Florence from nearly all major cities of Italy through a high-speed train network. Most of the trains arrive at Firenze Santa Maria Novella, which is the main station.

Italy places to visit #4: Pompeii

One of Italy’s most visited tourist destinations is Pompeii, located close to the foothills of Mount Vesuvius. Pompeii is an ancient town where several sites offer glimpses into the Roman rule over the city. Pompeii was buried under volcanic ashes for nearly 1,700 years after the eruption of Mt Vesuvius. The excavation of Pompeii began in 1748 and is yet to be completed. Pompeii is located near the city of Naples. You can walk along the ancient streets to glimpse the remains of shops, bakeries, brothels, baths, residential homes and religious centres. The amphitheatre is an ancient Roman arena for gladiator fights and had a seating capacity of 20,000. This is the oldest stadium in existence built with stone. Some of the most significant structures here, include the Temple of Apollo, the Forum, the Basilica and the Granary Market, which has a large number of artefacts and plaster casts of people and dogs who died during the catastrophe. Story lovers enjoy a trip to the nearby city of Herculaneum, which was preserved by the same eruption, while more adventurous explorers hike to the top of Mount Vesuvius for breathtaking views.

Entry fees: € 16 (adults)

Historic ruins around Pompeii have their entry fees.

How to reach Pompeii

The Pompeii archaeological site is 24 km south of Naples, which is the major transportation hub for heading south. From Naples, it’s easy to reach Pompeii via train or car. Naples is also the closest airport to Pompeii. The easiest way to reach both Pompeii and Herculaneum is the Circumvesuviana train that runs between Naples and Sorrento.

Italy’s famous place to visit #5: Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast has picturesque seaside towns, beaches and cliffs. The entire coast is lined up with colourful Aegean villages set amidst cliffs and the sparkling blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Amalfi Coast is located in the Campania region of Italy. Covering 34 miles, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has sky-high coastal cliffs and vibrant vegetation, where multi-coloured towns co-exist with the disarming turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Visit Positano, the hillside town on the Amalfi Cost, which is known for its steep, twisting, cobbled streets draped in vines and flowers. Positano is also famous for pastel-coloured houses near the waterfront. Amalfi’s historic cathedral is the town’s focal point and a cultural highlight. Amalfi has the finest beaches with sandy coves and stony stretches. You must explore Ravello to view scenic sunsets on the Amalfi Coast. Check out Villa Cimbrone Gardens, renovated by a British nobleman, Lord Grimthorpe, in the early 20th century.

How to reach the Amalfi Coast

By air: The international airport at Naples is the closest to the Amalfi Coast.

By rail: Travellers can also reach the Amalfi Coast by train. From Naples, board the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento, Salerno or Vietri Sul Mare and take a bus to the nearest Amalfi town. Driving yourself is not advisable.

By ferry: Tourists can take a 1 hr 45 minutes ferry ride from Naples to Amalfi.

See also: Best places and best time to visit Switzerland

Places to visit in Italy #6: Milan

 

Milan is worth visiting for its historical, cultural and architectural landmarks. Milan has reconstructed itself after being destroyed during WWII and is today one of the wealthiest cities in Europe. This mega fashion centre is famous for designer shops. Must-visit is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a glass-ceilinged arcade that connects the piazzas of the Duomo and the Teatro all Scala opera house and is lined with cafés and high-end boutiques. Visit the Castello Fresco (Sforza Castle), which looks more like a fortress than a castle and has a library and several museums. Some of the museums have works by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci and art and artefacts from Ancient Egypt. Piazza del Duomo is Milan’s impressive square, which has the city’s largest Gothic cathedral. It is designed in pink-hued white marble and is 157 metres in length and 108.5 metres in height. The highlight of the Duomo is that you can walk on its rooftop. Do visit Santa Maria Delle Grazie to see the famous painting, The Last Supper, Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece and Milan’s main attraction.

Timings: 8:15 am to 7:00 pm (Tuesday to Sunday)

Entry fees: € 13 + € 2 (reservation charge) (adults), € 2 (reservation charge) (children below the age of 18 years)

How to reach Milan

Milan is in the north of Italy and can be reached by land or air. The three airports of Malpensa, Linate and Orio al Serio allow visitors to reach Milan from any part of the world. The airports are linked to train stations (Cadorna FN Railway Station and the Centrale FS, the main train station in Milan) by shuttle bus services. Passengers from Linate Airport can travel to central Milan by Express Bus. Orio al Serio has flights to Milan from budget airlines and passengers can travel into central Milan via a shuttle bus service.

Italy beautiful places to visit #7: Lake Como

Lake Como, in northern Italy, is an alpine lake surrounded by mountains. It is known for its lovely scenery, nestled in the foothills of the Alps near the Switzerland border. It is among the most beautiful places to visit in Italy. The shape of the lake resembles an upside-down Y with two arms extending south. The famous town of Bellagio is situated at the central point of the Y. Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio are three of the prettiest towns in Lake Como. Bellagio looks like a town created by an artist for a book. Beaches in Lake Como are ideal to relax during the summer. Lake Como has water sports, including swimming, boating, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, water-skiing and windsurfing. The lake is a gorgeous natural wonder and its banks have picturesque old towns that resemble fairy tale scenery. Visit the famous botanical garden of Villa Carlotta in Tremezzina Riviera, a major Lake Como attraction for tourists, for its lush gardens, stunning paintings and sculptures. The rhododendron bushes in varied colours, ancient cedars and plants form the beautiful gardens.

How to reach Lake Como

By rail: Lake Como is easily reachable from Milan and other Italian cities by train. Two train lines link Lake Como, Trenitalia and Trenord.

By air: Malpensa Airport is the closest airport to Lake Como. From here you can take a cab or train to Lake Como.

Italy places to visit #8: Sicily

Italy’s largest island, Sicily has beaches, charming villages and towns, ancient ruins and archaeological sites. Sicily lies just across the southern tip of Italy on the narrow Strait of Messina. Sicily is most popular among all the tourist places in Italy for its Greek ruins. As Sicily was ruled by the Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Islamic, Hohenstaufen, Catalans and Spanish, their glimpses can be seen in the ruins. The period architecture is a major attraction in Sicily. Must-see are the Aeolian Islands, Agrigento archaeological site (the Valley of Temples), the famous cathedral of Cefalu, the hilltop town of Erice, Mount Etna and the Nebrodi Mountains. Sicily is also a treasure trove for adventure enthusiasts. The most active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna is a must-visit. You can walk around the older craters or take a cable car ride to 2,900 metres, the summit craters. Sicily’s capital, Palermo has vibrant and impressive architecture and Byzantine mosaics adorning its streets. Worth seeing are the golden mosaics of Monreale Cathedral outside Palermo. Piazza Pretoria is the most magnificent place in the city. Check out statues of nymphs, tritons and leaping river gods on the fountain located in front of the city hall. You can hike to the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, a well-known archaeological site, with eight different temples. Visit the beautiful fishing town of Cefalu where colourful boats line up the pier. Taormina is another must-visit as this hilltop town has attractive structures, especially the huge Greek amphitheatre.

See also: Top places to visit in Greece

How to reach Sicily

Sicily is easily reachable by ferry, plane or train, from other parts of Italy.

By air: The island of Sicily has three main airports – Palermo, Catania and Trapani. All major airlines operate flights from different Italian and European cities.

By rail: You can take the Eurostar train from any Italian city to Rome or Naples and take an intercity express train from there to Sicily.

By ferry: If you’re not flying to Sicily, then take a ferry, even if you’re driving or taking the train from elsewhere in Europe.

Places to visit in Italy #9: Pisa

 

One of the most exciting cities in Italy is Pisa, which has plenty of things to see and do. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the most iconic site and one of the most photographed places. Originally built 850 years ago as a freestanding bell tower for the nearby cathedral, it is now an attraction on its own. You can go to the top of the tower to enjoy the view of Pisa. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, also known as the Duomo of Santa Maria Assunta, was designed with strong Byzantine influences and has fascinating Pisan Romanesque architecture. One of the must-sees in Pisa is the Campo Santo Monumental. The cemetery is located in the Piazza die Microlith’s sacred space, which has several frescoes, as well as Renaissance and medieval artwork. Campo Santo, known as the ‘Holy Field’ in English, has a large collection of Roman sarcophagi, sculptures and urns. Previously known as the Dome Square, Piazza Dei Miracoli is located at the base of Pisa tower. The Square of Miracles has earned its name through a poetic expression of this site’s magical beauty. Known as the religious crux of Pisa, this square lies on the path to the cathedral of Santa Maria.

Timings: 9 am to 8 pm

Entry fees: € 18

How to reach Pisa

By air: The closest airport is the Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport. Most people visit Pisa on a day trip from Florence.

By rail: The closest railway station is the San Rossmore Station and the Pisa Centrale Station is the main railway station.

By road: The motorway leading to Pisa is the SS1 Aurelia, which can be taken from Bologna, Florence and Genoa. Bus service can be availed from anywhere in Italy to reach Pisa.

Want to know which is the best place in the world for tourists? See our list of 15 world’s best places to visit

Places to visit in Italy #10: Naples

Naples, the birthplace of pizza, has a wealth of historical treasures. From the original pizzeria where pizza was invented to the main road parallel to Spaccanapoli, Naples has dozens of pizzerias that serve other local foods. Naples is one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean. Among the best tourist attractions in Italy, this city has the maximum number of architecturally-renowned churches. The sightseeing starts at the Piazza del Plebiscito, a beautiful pedestrian area with views of the Basilica Royal and the Royal Palace. It’s the city’s central gathering place, in the heart of Naples, and a short distance from several tourist attractions, like Castel Nuovo, Teatro di San Carlo and the Quartieri Spagnoli. Take a tour of the San Gennaro Catacombs, to check out Naples’ underground history. Do visit the Archeological Museum, which has artefacts from ancient Roman, Greek and Renaissance periods. Worth visiting is Capella Sansevero, a magnificent baroque chapel that has artworks by artists of the 1700s. Climb Mount Vesuvius for some beautiful views of Naples and the surrounding region.

How to reach Naples

By air: Naples Airport, also known as Capodichino Airport, is located towards the northeast of the centre of the city.

By rail: The Naples Railway Station, the Piazza Garibaldi Station, is the main railway station of the city and connects to other Italian and European cities.

By sea: Cruise ships carry passengers to and from places like Sardinia, Corsica, Tunisia, and the Aeolian Island.

By road: The A1 autostrada connects Rome to Naples.

 

 

 

FAQs

What is famous in Italy for shopping?

A tourist in Italy can shop for Italian fashion brands, leather shoes, purses, artisan chocolate, silk scarves, ceramics, Murano glass, masks, olive oil, olive wines, Parmesan cheese, dried pasta and much more.

What is the famous food of Italy that a tourist must have?

Italy is a nation of delectable food. Italian cuisine is loved all over the world. You must have pizza, pasta, risotto, spaghetti, focaccia, lasagne, pesto, gnocchi, gelato, truffles and tiramisu.

What is the best way to travel within Italy?

Depending on the places you wish to visit and the time you have you can plan your travel in Italy. The train can be a great way to see Italy, because the country is well connected with high-speed inter-city trains and slower regional trains. Italian trains can be super-fast too with the journey time between Rome and Milan being just three hours. Another option is to rent a car for a road trip across the country.