When travelling to Italy, visitors often wonder: which destinations should top their must-see list? Rome, Milan, or Florence—where to start your Italian odyssey? Italy represents a treasure trove of European cultural splendour, showcasing extraordinary sites from north to south. From historic landmarks and World Heritage monuments to archaeological marvels and gorgeous Mediterranean beaches, the country overflows with captivating attractions.
Superprof presents our selection of Italy's top destinations to help you organise the perfect escape to this magical land of Vesuvius and pizza mastery!
| City | Population | Major Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Rome | 2.8 million | The Colosseum, The Roman Forum, Saint Peter’s Basilica, The Trevi Fountain, The Vatican Museums, The Sistine Chapel, Villa Medici, Saint Peter’s Square |
| Florence | €380,000 | Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo), Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, Basilica of Santa Croce, Boboli Gardens |
| Venice | 260,000 | Grand Canal, Doge’s Palace, Saint Mark’s Basilica, Bridge of Sighs, Rialto Bridge, Murano and Burano Islands |
| Verona | €258,000 | The Roman Arena, Juliet's House, Piazza delle Erbe, Castelvecchio, Piazza dei Signori, San Zeno Maggiore |
| Cinque Terre | 4,000 (total) | Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore, Via dell'Amore Trail, Church of San Giovanni Battista |
| Naples | €960,000 | Pompeii Archaeological Park, Castel dell’Ovo, Spaccanapoli, Naples National Archaeological Museum, Mount Vesuvius, Royal Palace of Naples, Galleria Umberto I |
| Turin | 960,000 | Mole Antonelliana, Egyptian Museum, Royal Palace of Turin, Basilica di Superga, Valentino Park, Piazza Castello, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist |
| Genoa | 570,000 | Porto Antico (Old Port), Aquarium of Genoa, Piazza De Ferrari, Via Garibaldi (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Palazzo Ducale, Christopher Columbus House |
| Milan | 1.4 million | Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Sforza Castle, La Scala Opera House, Santa Maria delle Grazie (The Last Supper), Navigli District |
| Pisa | 90,000 | Leaning Tower of Pisa, Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa Cathedral, Baptistery of Pisa, Camposanto Monumentale, Church of Santa Maria della Spina |
| Bologna | 390,000 | Piazza Maggiore, Two Towers (Asinelli and Garisenda), Basilica of San Petronio, Archiginnasio of Bologna, Fountain of Neptune |
| Palermo | 670,000 | Palermo Cathedral, Norman Palace, Teatro Massimo, Quattro Canti, Capuchin Catacombs |
| Bari | 320,000 | Basilica di San Nicola, Bari Vecchia (Old Town), Castello Normanno-Svevo, Petruzzelli Theatre, Lungomare Nazario Sauro |
| Catania | 310,000 | Mount Etna, Piazza del Duomo, Catania Cathedral, Teatro Romano, Castello Ursino |
| Trieste | 205,000 | Piazza Unità d'Italia, Miramare Castle, Canal Grande, San Giusto Cathedral, Roman Theatre |
Do you know you can take exceptional Italian classes in Melbourne here?
Rome, The Italian Capital
Population: Approximately 2.8 million
Major Attractions
- The Colosseum
- The Roman Forum
- Saint Peter’s Basilica
- The Trevi Fountain
- The Vatican Museums
- The Sistine Chapel
- Villa Medici
- Saint Peter’s Square
The Italian capital, also called the Eternal City, is the city to visit first! As the cradle of our civilisation, the city is full of ancient ruins and remains of the historic centre that recall the greatness of the Roman Empire.
However, it is also furnished with modern architecture that gives the city a unique atmosphere. It is impossible not to fall in love with Roman life, both by day and by night!
Rome is clearly the city with the most to visit. This emblem of Lazio contains enough historical sites to fill a three-day stay in Italy! You can also take Italian lessons online.
Florence, The Italian City Of Arts
Population: Approximately 380,000
Major Attractions
- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)
- Ponte Vecchio
- Uffizi Gallery
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Piazza della Signoria
- Basilica of Santa Croce
- Boboli Gardens
In the heart of Tuscany, Florence is the cradle of the Italian Renaissance, of the modern era and therefore has a very significant cultural and artistic heritage!
Between museums, churches, monuments and palaces, Florence is home to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Duomo, a gigantic religious high place that can be seen from far away. A visit to Florence can only delight art and history lovers, with pieces by Michelangelo, Botticelli, Fra Angelico and Giotto.
The city is an hour's drive from another highly touristic place: San Gimignano, a medieval city that it would be a shame to miss! In conclusion, Florence is often considered the most beautiful city in Italy, and we can only advise you to go on a walk in the city's historical streets, feeling its special atmosphere while passing over the famous Ponte Vecchio!
Venice, Romance On The Canal
Population: Approximately 260,000
Major Attractions
- Grand Canal
- Doge’s Palace
- Saint Mark’s Basilica
- Bridge of Sighs
- Rialto Bridge
- Murano and Burano Islands
It is almost useless to present Venice, the famous city on the water, which makes romantics worldwide dream! The Serenissima is the tourist Mecca of Veneto, built entirely on stilts and separated into two by the famous Grand Canal, on which one can take a gondola ride.
Many emblematic places are to be visited, such as the Doge's Palace (the Doges were the first magistrates of the former Republic of Venice) or Saint Mark's Square with the famous Bridge of Sighs. Venice is renowned for being an ideal place for romances, a unique place in the world that nothing can match.
If you visit the city at the end of February, you can admire the Venice Carnival, famous for its typical masks and unique atmosphere! Finally, Venice is not far from Padua, a city with remarkable scenery and where art is omnipresent. Get the best Italian language courses here.
Verona, Romeo and Juliet's Hometown
Population: Approximately 258,000
Major Attractions
- The Roman Arena
- Juliet's House
- Piazza delle Erbe
- Castelvecchio
- Piazza dei Signori
- San Zeno Maggiore
Not far from Lake Garda, the city of the tragic lovers is a medieval town with unique charm! If you go to Verona, you can expect to visit many places.
It is impossible to miss this picturesque, romantic and historic city, one of Italy's most beautiful cities! Learn the language with a few Italian lessons.
Cinque Terre, The Cliff-Hanging Villages
Population: Approximately 4,000 (across all five villages)
Major Attractions
- Monterosso al Mare
- Vernazza
- Corniglia
- Manarola
- Riomaggiore
- Via dell'Amore Trail
- Church of San Giovanni Battista
The Cinque Terre are a group of villages on the coast whose beauty is known worldwide! A true symbol of harmony between people and nature, these fishing villages, balanced on the sides of the cliffs, constitute a splendid setting that can only amaze tourists.
These five villages are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The Cinque Terre coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and despite a large number of tourists who linger on its streets, the scenery remains an absolute must-see. It's a delicious breath of fresh air in the middle of a trip to Italy!
Naples, Between History And Pizza
Population: Approximately 960,000
Major Attractions
- Pompeii Archaeological Park
- Castel dell’Ovo
- Spaccanapoli
- Naples National Archaeological Museum
- Mount Vesuvius
- Royal Palace of Naples
- Galleria Umberto I
Naples is famous for being popular, effervescent and passionate! You could come here just to eat pizza, the best in the world, but Naples has other significant assets such as its proximity to Pompeii, Sorrento, the volcanic island of Ischia and the famous Capri. In addition, the city is on the Amalfi coast and its beautiful beaches. A well-known Italian proverb says in a few words the presence of Naples in the country:
See Naples and then die
Italian proverb
Naples is also a very religious and lively city that deserves a look!
Turin, Home of Cinema And Chocolate
Population: Approximately 960,000
Major Attractions
- Pompeii Archaeological Park
- Castel dell’Ovo
- Spaccanapoli
- Naples National Archaeological Museum
- Mount Vesuvius
- Royal Palace of Naples
- Galleria Umberto
Turin is a splendid city in the Piedmont region, famous for being the Italian chocolate capital and the home of a well-known football club!
Turin can also be visited at night. The city's architecture is highlighted by the night lighting, making it a real city of light!
Genoa, The Most Famous Port In Italy
Population: Approximately 570,000
Major Attractions
- Porto Antico (Old Port)
- Aquarium of Genoa
- Piazza De Ferrari
- Via Garibaldi (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Palazzo Ducale
- Christopher Columbus House
Much less touristy than cities like Venice or Florence, Genoa is still an ideal destination for a holiday in Italy! Genoa was once famous as a powerful maritime empire in Liguria, and its traces are still present in its historical heritage. Besides, it's the hometown of a certain Christopher Columbus!
The city contrasts several types of landscapes, such as urban and coastal. It is located near Portofino, a fishing village on the Italian Riviera that is also worth discovering. So why not come and taste a Chianti on the Ligurian Sea if you pass by?
Milan, Tourists and Fashion
Population: Approximately 1.4 million
Major Attractions
- Duomo di Milano
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
- Sforza Castle
- La Scala Opera House
- Santa Maria delle Grazie (The Last Supper)
- Navigli District
In northern Italy, in the Lombardy region, Milan stands out as the Italian fashion capital and a mecca for tourism! Travellers addicted to shopping may not want to go near it, for fear of spending all their money. Those who love cultural tourism will also be delighted with the city's many heritage buildings such as the Duomo, Milan's great Gothic cathedral.
Check out how to budget for Italy. If you visit the city in February, you can attend Milan's famous Fashion Week, an event during which the greatest designers come to exhibit their collections! In addition, Milanese people know how to welcome tourists:
I have never met a people that suits my soul so well. When I am with the Milanese, and I speak Milanese, I forget that men are evil, and the whole evil part of my soul falls asleep right there
Stendhal
Finally, Milan is close to Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, as well as Bergamo, which is famous for its old town! Find out more about accommodation in Italy.
Pisa, Italy Sideways
Population: Approximately 90,000
Major Attractions
- Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Piazza dei Miracoli
- Pisa Cathedral
- Baptistery of Pisa
- Camposanto Monumentale
- Church of Santa Maria della Spina
If the Italian city is well known for its leaning monument, the Tower of Pisa, it is also a city that welcomes many tourists every year. A young and friendly city, Pisa has an atmosphere of dolce vita and offers many attractions.
Bologna, The Culinary Heart of Italy
Population: Approximately 390,000
Major Attractions
- Piazza Maggiore
- Two Towers (Asinelli and Garisenda)
- Basilica of San Petronio
- Archiginnasio of Bologna
- Fountain of Neptune
Bologna is often known as the culinary capital of Italy (though the country genuinely has several) thanks to iconic dishes like Tagliatelle al Ragù and Tortellini.
It's nestled in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. It features a medieval cityscape with historic towers, piazzas, and one of Europe's oldest universities. The University of Bologna was founded in 1088, making it nearly 1,000 years old!
The Porticoes of Bologna stretch for over 38 kilometres, and we recommend visiting them, though not perhaps the entire length.
Bologna is an important city in Emilia-Romagna, making it a great hub for visiting other regional destinations.
Palermo, A Blend of Cultures
Population: Approximately 670,000
Major Attractions
- Palermo Cathedral
- Norman Palace
- Teatro Massimo
- Quattro Canti
- Capuchin Catacombs
Palermo is the capital of Sicily and a melting pot of Arab, Norman, and Baroque influences. The streets are filled with bustling markets, grand cathedrals, and impressive palaces that reflect the city's history.
Take the Palermo Cathedral, for example. It combines Gothic, Norman, and Moorish architecture, illustrating the city's diverse cultural heritage.
Mummified remains are on display in the Capuchin Catacombs, offering an eerie look into local history.
For a lighter experience, enjoy the vibrant street life, delicious Sicilian cuisine, and everything else that comes with Italian island life.
Bari, Gateway to the Adriatic
Population: Approximately 320,000
Major Attractions
- Basilica di San Nicola
- Bari Vecchia (Old Town)
- Castello Normanno-Svevo
- Petruzzelli Theatre
- Lungomare Nazario Sauro
Bari is in the Apulia region of southern Italy. From the old town, Bari Vecchia, with its maze of winding streets and artisans, to the Basilica di San Nicola, a popular pilgrimage site, there's something for everyone.
The Petruzzelli Theatre is home to one of Europe's most prestigious opera houses. At the same time, the Lungomare Nazario Sauro, Bari's seaside promenade, offers breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.
Bari is a great starting point for exploring the Apulia region's rich history and coastal beauty.
Catania, City at the Foot of Mount Etna
Population: Approximately 310,000
Major Attractions
- Mount Etna
- Piazza del Duomo
- Catania Cathedral
- Teatro Romano
- Castello Ursino
Catania is on Sicily's eastern coast. It is famously set against the backdrop of Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. The city features a baroque cityscape and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Piazza del Duomo is located in the city centre. It is home to the Elephant Fountain and the Catania Cathedral.
There's also the Teatro Romano, the ancient Roman theatre and the Castello Ursino, a 13th-century fortress.
The more adventurous may be interested in an excursion up Mount Etna, which offers incredible views of the island and the Mediterranean coastline and opportunities to learn more about volcanoes.
Trieste, The Crossroads of Cultures
Population: Approximately 205,000
Major Attractions
- Piazza Unità d'Italia
- Miramare Castle
- Canal Grande
- San Giusto Cathedral
- Roman Theatre
Trieste is a beautiful city that combines Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian cultures.
Its stunning seafront, Piazza Unità d'Italia, is the largest sea-facing square in Europe and offers wonderful views of the Adriatic Sea.
Visit the Miramare Castle, which sits on the edge of the Gulf of Trieste or head along the Canal Grande with its historic cafés.
Something to keep you busy for a day, by taking the time to stroll along the banks of the Arno! We could also have told you about other tourist places such as the Calabria region, the city of Lecce in Puglia, the Dolomites massif (classified by UNESCO), the cities of Bologna, Trieste or Ravenna and of course the island of Sicily with Mount Etna and Palermo. There are so many things to see in Italy!
Did it make you want to go to Italy? If so, organise your stay now with Superprof by learning about the country or taking Italian language courses with a teacher to make the most of the trip! Find great Italian courses in Sydney here on Superprof.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
