6 best cities to visit in Italy and what you can do in each

Italy is high on the bucket list of most travelers, with its dynamic cities and charming towns filled with culture, architecture, scenic sights…and don’t even get us started on the food.

Italy is pretty much a year-round destination. The summer season sees swarms of tourists, while winter months are quieter with some attractions offering limited hours. For fewer crowds and more affordable prices, plan your visit for spring or fall.

Not sure where to start? Here are the 6 best cities to visit in Italy.

Where better to start than the capital city of Italy? Oozing with old-world charm, Rome draws travelers with its enticing line-up of cultural monuments, bustling markets, and great photo spots around every corner.

Fly into Rome’s Fiumicino Airport and take a train to the main Roma Termini station in the city center. There’s plenty to do: pretend to be gladiators at the Colosseum, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, wander around the Vatican Museums, explore the Campo dei Fiori market, or people-watch at Piazza Navona.

Art buffs should time your visit for May’s Cortili Aperti, when ornate historical homes open up their private courtyards for public viewing. If you’re a food lover, don’t miss out on the Taste of Roma festival in July.

Looking to refuel? Some of the city’s best food is found along narrow alleys or in local neighborhoods. Check out Felice e Testaccio, Roscioli, Trattoria Monti, or SantoPalato.

Base yourself close to all the action by booking a hotel near Piazza Navona, such as Boutique Hotel Anahi. If you’d like to be away from the tourist crowd, the NH Collection Roma Giustiniano in Prati (near Vatican City is a good bet). For something a little off the beaten path, look at Villa Agrippina Gran Melia near Trastevere.

Venice is one of Italy’s most-visited destinations—a car-free city built around a tangle of canals with boats as the main mode of transportation. Comprising a total of 118 islands (many of which are interconnected), Venice is best explored without a map.

Fly into the Venice Marco Polo Airport or take a train (2 hours and 20 minutes) from Milan. Have a coffee at St. Mark’s Square, cross the Bridge of Sighs, take a gondola down the Grand Canal, cross the Rialto Bridge, visit the Doge’s Palace, or visit St. Mark’s Basilica. See the best the city has to offer with this full-day tour of Venice.

Venice has an exciting events calendar: Party it up at Carnival of Venice in February, where participants wear elaborate costumes and masks. The Venice International Film Festival in September is a huge draw for film buffs, while October sees avid athletes descend upon the city for the Venice Marathon.

You can’t leave Venice without trying some of the local food: sample some of the best fare at Osteria alla Testiere, Ca d’Oro alla Vedova, Timon all’Antica Mola or Paradiso Perduto.

Stay in San Marco—close to most of the popular attractions—where you can even book a room overlooking the Rialto Bridge at Hotel Rialto. For something a little quieter yet not too far off from the city center, check out Palazzo Veneziano in Dorsoduro. For travelers on a shoestring budget, consider staying near Santa Croce, the city’s main transportation hub.

Framed against the backdrop of the tranquil Tuscan countryside, Florence lies along the banks of the Arno River. You can fly into Florence Airport or Pisa International Airport, take a train (1 hour and 15 minutes) from Rome, or take a high-speed train (1.5 hours) from Milan.

The city is a magnet for art lovers, boasting stunning Renaissance artworks by the likes of Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci. Immerse yourself in art at Gallery Uffizi, have a picnic at Boboli Gardens, check out the replica of the statue of David at Piazza della Signoria (the real one’s at the Accademia Gallery; skip the line with this priority entrance ticket), or visit the Duomo. For a breath of fresh air, venture into the Tuscan countryside for an entire day of sightseeing or a delightful small-group wine-tasting experience.

Events highlights include February’s Carnavale, featuring a grand parade and participants in flamboyant costumes; March’s Florentine New Year; and the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, the city’s largest arts festival—showcasing operas, concerts and ballets—that runs from late April to June.

When it comes to food, don’t miss out on the iconic Florentine steak. Have your fill at Buca Mario, Regina Bistecca, Trattoria Da Burde or Enoteca Pinchiorri.

Not sure where to stay? First-timers to the city will do well to stay near the Duomo. Santa Maria Novella’s Hotel La Fortezza is great for families, while culture buffs may choose to stay near San Lorenzo. Otherwise, stay at the B&B La Casa Dei Tintori in Santa Croce for nightlife and restaurants.

On top of being one of the shopping capitals of the world, Milan is also one of Italy’s biggest and richest cities. Travelers flock here to shop at high-end fashion boutiques and immerse themselves in the city’s artistic and cultural landmarks.

Fly into Malpensa Airport or take a high-speed train (about 3 hours) from Rome. Once in the city, shop at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II or Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, drop by the Duomo, see Leonardo’s Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie (skip the lines with this historic Milan tour), catch an opera at Teatro alla Scala, have an aperitivo in Navigli, or even take a day trip (50 minutes’ drive) to Lake Como.

Rub shoulders with celebrities during the Milan Fashion Week in February and September, fill your stomach at the Milan Food Week in May, or catch a movie at the open-air theater Arianteo in summer. At the end of the day, fuel up at Ratana, Luini, II Solferino, Berton, or L’Antico Ristorante Boeucc.

Book yourself a stay at Hotel Milano Scala in Brera, which is centrally located and close to the city’s main sights. Night owls will love Atmos Luxe Hostel in Navigli, a district known for its buzzing nightlife. Foodies should stay in Porta Nuova at hotels such as NH Milano Touring.

Nestled between the sea and Mt. Vesuvius, Naples is often a pit stop for travelers making their way to the picturesque Amalfi Coast from Rome. Many travelers fit in a day trip to the ancient city of Pompeii from Naples.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage town center, stroll down Spaccanapoli for an insight into local life, soak in the view from Castel Sant’Elmo, or descend into the Naples Catacombs. Plan to visit during the summer Napoli Teatro Festival, a celebration of theatrical experiences. Another summer highlight is the Maggio dei Monumenti cultural festival, where you can catch performances, exhibitions, and multimedia installations all over the city.

One thing you must try here is the Neapolitan-style pizza, best enjoyed at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele or Sorbillo. Other restaurants to visit include Restaurant Europeo, Umberto, or Trattoria da Cicciotto.

Stay at Grand Hotel Santa Lucia near Castel dell’Ovo by the port. Or book a room at Grand Hotel Oriente, located just a stone’s throw away from the city’s main shopping street of Via Toledo. For a taste of local life, stay at the family-friendly Chiaja Hotel De Charme near the historical Centro Storico.

Most people know of the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, but did you know that the story was set in Verona, one of Italy’s most romantic medieval cities?

Fly into Verona Airport, or stopover on the way from Milan to Venice (Milan to Verona by train: 1 hour and 20 minutes; Verona to Venice by train: 1 hour). One of the most popular things to do here is to visit the real balcony of Romeo and Juliet. Catch a summer opera at the Arena di Verona (Italy’s third-largest Roman amphitheater), watch the sunset at Piazzale Castel San Pietro, explore Centro Storico (the city’s old town), or enjoy a panoramic view of the city from Torre Dei Lamberti.

No city does Valentine’s Day like the City of Love: in February, the streets are adorned with all things heart-shaped and you can expect various events dedicated to love and romance. During summer, the Verona Opera Festival is a can’t-miss and in winter, the magical Christmas markets take center stage.

Food-wise, sample Veronese flavors at Antica Bottega del Vino, Osteria Macafame, Locanda 4 Cuochi, Casa Perbillini, Ristorante II Desco, or Tre Marchetti.

Verona is a compact city; it’s easy to reach the major sights no matter where you stay. Base yourself in the heart of the historic center at the Truly Verona Apartments and Suites or stay at Best Western Hotel Firenze in Porta Nuova for nightlife. Borgo Trento is a quieter neighborhood ideal for families, while the Ca’Dell’Orto in the cool San Zeno puts you close to markets and boutique shops.

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