Italy is a beautiful country, with an incredible history and culture and best tourist cities in italy. It’s also home to some of the most amazing food you’ll ever taste—and it’s not just pizza and pasta! It’s a great place for foodies and art lovers alike—you’ll find architecture and landscapes that are unique to the country, if you’re into outdoor activities, hiking or mountain biking are popular activities in Italy too.
Italy is known for its beautiful art and architecture, from the Roman Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain. You can visit Venice the city of canals, bridges, and gondola rides. But it’s also a country with a rich history and a fascinating culture such as cathedral at Duomo di Milano or the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence.
Here are the Best Tourist Cities in Italy that you must visit in 2024
Italy is a beautiful country that offers many different experiences. While Rome and Florence are well-known, there are other cities that have their own unique charms. Here are the best tourist cities in Italy:
Rome
Rome is easily one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, but it’s not just for those who love art and history—it’s also a great place to explore food culture, and architecture. There are plenty of things to do around Rome, from visiting ancient ruins to shopping for antiques at local markets.
Also Read Best Tourist Attractions In Rome Italy: Top Places (2024)
Rome is a city that is steeped in history and surrounded by the beauty of nature. It is a place where you can see the remains of ancient Roman buildings and monuments, like the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum. This city also has some beautiful churches and cathedrals, like the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano. You will also find museums full of art and artifacts from all over Italy and even from other parts of Europe!
Top Attractions in Rome, Italy
- Colosseum (Iconic ancient Roman gladiatorial arena)
- Trevi Fountain (Iconic 18th-century sculpted fountain)
- Pantheon (Landmark Roman church & historic tombs)
- Vatican City (Smallest country in the world)
- Roman Forum (Excavated heart of the Roman Empire)
- St. Peter’s Basilica (World’s largest basilica of Christianity)
- Spanish Steps (Iconic baroque stairway & meeting place)
- Piazza Navona (Elegant square with a fountain & bars)
- Sistine Chapel (Michelangelo’s iconic painted ceiling)
- Castel Sant’Angelo (2nd-century cylindrical castle & museum)
- Borghese Gallery and Museum (Renaissance art masterpiece collection)
- Altar of the Fatherland (White marble memorial monument)
- Piazza del Popolo (Landmark square by city’s northern gate)
- Baths of Caracalla (Ruins of a vast Roman bath complex)
- Vatican Museums (Papal palace Renaissance art treasures)
- Capitoline Museums (15th-century museum of Roman antiquities)
- Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano (Historic cathedral & papal seat)
- Circus Maximus (Stone arena for vast Roman assemblies)
- Villa Borghese (Grand 17th-century house & gardens)
- St. Clement Basilica (Medieval church on pagan & Roman ruins)
- Trajan’s Market (Restored Roman city forum complex)
- Mouth of Truth (Mythical stone carving of a man’s face)
- Saint Peter’s Square (Landmark plaza with a fountain & obelisk)
Venice
Venice is one of those places you just have to go see before you die—and it’s hard not to fall in love with this city! There’s so much history and culture here that makes it worth seeing even if you don’t plan on staying long or exploring too much (which we recommend). The canals are amazing and unique, and the architecture is incredible.
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Venice is one of the most famous cities in Italy, and it’s easy to see why! The city is built on seven islands and has been protected by UNESCO since 1998. It’s also home to some of the world’s best art museums (like the MOCA).
Top Attractions in Venice, Italy
- St. Mark’s Square (Landmark basilica-dominated square)
- Rialto Bridge (Ornate footbridge over the Grand Canal)
- Saint Mark’s Basilica (Landmark cathedral with gilded domes)
- Doge’s Palace (Gothic-style palace & museum)
- Bridge of Sighs (Iconic white-stone enclosed bridge)
- Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute (Iconic 1600s church with a vast cupola)
- St Mark’s Campanile (Imposing landmark cathedral tower)
- Gallerie dell’Accademia (A treasure trove of Venetian painting)
- Grand Canal (Canal, palace, basilica, and church)
- Librairie Acqua Alta (Quaint bookshop with many vintage titles)
- Church of San Giorgio Maggiore (Palladian church overlooking the lagoon)
- Ponte dell’Accademia (Quaint wood-&-metal bridge with views)
- Venetian Arsenal (Shipyard founded in early-12th century)
- Giardini della Biennale (Gardens known for art & architecture)
- Mercato di Rialto (Rialto Market) (Bustling fish & vegetable market)
Florence
Florence is famous for its architecture and art, but it’s also home to some incredible food. The city’s famous Piazza del Duomo is a great place to soak up some culture while you eat artisanal cheeses or sip wine from a local winery.
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Florence is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, with its breathtaking architecture and gorgeous artwork. It’s also known for having one of the best food scenes around—the city is home to some of the most delicious gelato and pasta dishes you’ll ever taste!
Top Attractions in Florence, Italy
- Uffizi Gallery (Art museum with Renaissance masterpieces)
- Ponte Vecchio (Medieval stone bridge with jewelry shops)
- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Medieval cathedral with iconic red dome)
- Piazzale Michelangelo (19th-century piazza with views over city)
- Palazzo Vecchio (Striking fortified 13th-century palace)
- Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence (Landmark Franciscan place of worship)
- Accademia Gallery (Art museum, home to Michelangelo’s David)
- Pitti Palace (Renaissance palace & art gallery complex)
- Piazza della Signoria (Square in front of the Palazzo Vecchio)
- Basilica of Santa Maria Novella (Art treasures & funerary monuments)
- Bargello National Museum (Sculpture museum in 13th-century palace)
- Piazza del Duomo (Historic plaza with iconic cathedral)
- David of Michelangelo (The world-famous Renaissance statue)
- The Baptistery of St. John (Landmark marble-clad religious monument)
- Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte (Striking medieval basilica on a hilltop)
- The Boboli Gardens (Statue-filled Renaissance gardens)
- Piazza della Repubblica (Upmarket cafes & a merry-go-round)
- Central Market (Indoor market hall selling local produce)
- Giotto’s Bell Tower (Celebrated marble-clad Gothic monument)
- Basilica di San Lorenzo (1400s church connected to the Medici)
Naples
Naples is where you’ll find the beautiful Royal Palace of Naples and Duomo di Napoli. Naples is the second largest city in Italy after Rome. It’s known for its buildings, including the Duomo and the Royal Palace, and its food, which includes pizza and pasta.
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The city of Naples is a place of rich history, vibrant culture, and amazing food. The city was founded in the 7th century BC and has since become one of Italy’s most important ports. It has played an important role in the development of Italian society since ancient times.
Today, Naples is known as ‘the world capital of fashion due to its numerous fashion districts that host some of the best designers in Europe. If you’re looking for a place to relax after a long day at work or school, head over to one of the many parks surrounding this historic city.
Also Read Is Naples Italy Safe: Travel, Female, Places, To Live (2024)
Top Attractions in Naples, Italy
- Naples National Archaeological Museum (Ancient mosaics, sculpture, coins & art)
- Ovo Castle (Imposing islet fortress with event halls)
- Castel Nuovo (Imposing medieval castle & art gallery)
- Museo Cappella Sansevero (Funerary chapel with renowned sculptures)
- San Carlo Theatre (Ornate 18th-century opera house)
- Piazza del Plebiscito (Traffic-free square used for city events)
- Catacombe di San Gennaro (Ancient underground burial grounds)
- Royal Palace of Naples (Restored palace & royal apartments)
- Napoli Sotterranea Guided Authorized Tour (Ancient tunnels & caverns open to tours)
- Castel Sant’Elmo (14th-century fortress & former prison)
- Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo (Lavish church with striking stone facade)
- Duomo di napoli (Cathedral, chapel, church, and baptistery)
- Mount Vesuvius (Legendary volcano with a hiking trail)
- Posillipo (Parco Virgiliano views & upscale dining)
- Via dei Tribunali (Historic main east-west street)
Milan
Milan has an incredible art scene—you can even see Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper” at the city’s Pinacoteca di Brera museum! And while there’s no shortage of amazing architecture here, the food scene is also worth exploring—try eating at one of Milan’s many restaurants with a view over Lake.
Also Read Best Tourist Attractions In Milan Italy: Top Places (2024)
Top Attractions in Milan, Italy
- Duomo di Milano (Massive Gothic cathedral & artworks)
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (High-end shopping in ornate 1800s arcade)
- Arco della Pace (Neoclassical arch dedicated to peace)
- Sforzesco Castle (Medieval fortress housing art treasures)
- Columns of St. Lawrence (Ancient Roman ruin with marble columns)
- Teatro alla Scala (Grand opera house for Italian classics)
- Sempione Park (Landscaped municipal parkland & gardens)
- Santa Maria delle Grazie (Church with Da Vinci’s The Last Supper)
- Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio (1100s church with a columned courtyard)
- Monumental Cemetery (1866 burial ground with sculptures)
- Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore (Church known for its frescoes & artwork)
- Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro (15th-century church with gilded interior)
- Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci (Science museum for da Vinci scale models)
- Piazza Mercanti (Medieval square with music & markets)
- Brera District (Charming artists’ district with the beautiful streets)
- Triennale di Milano (Museum dedicated to Italian design)
- Bosco Verticale (Unique, tree-lined residential towers)
- Cathedral Square (Grand square with historic buildings)
- Piazza Gae Aulenti (Plaza surrounded by unique architecture)
- Piazza della Scala (Old plaza outside a famous opera house)
Bologna
Bologna is a city in northern Italy. It’s known for its food, which is some of the best in the world. If you’re looking for traditional Italian fare, Bologna is the place to be.
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The city is also known for its cultural scene, which includes museums and art galleries as well as theater performances.
Top Attractions in Bologna, Italy
- Two Towers (Iconic 1100s structures for city views)
- Piazza Maggiore (Square with cafes & classic buildings)
- Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca (Hilltop, 18th-century sanctuary church)
- Basilica di San Petronio (Huge Gothic church with 22 chapels)
- Basilica of San Domenico (Historic church filled with artwork)
- Fuente de Neptuno (Monumental fountain crowned by Neptune)
- Finestrella (Remnants of a medieval canal system)
- Enzo Ferrari Museum (Museum dedicated to supercar designer)
- Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro (Landmark church with tall bell tower)
- Mercato delle Erbe (Local market for produce, meat & cheese)
- Palazzo d’Accursio (Ornate 1300s town hall & art museum)
- Certosa di Bologna (Memorial park set in a 1300s monastery)
- Palazzo Re Enzo (13th-century palace & event venue)
Verona
Verona is known for being a city full of culture and history, with a love of art. Verona has been home to many artists, including Duke Dido, a famous painter who lived and worked in this city.
Verona is the capital city of the Veneto region, and it’s home to the famous Arena di Verona. It’s a beautiful city with lots of history and culture, but it can be crowded during the summer months. If you’re looking for an escape from Florence or Rome, this is a great spot.
Also Read Best Tourist Attractions In Verona Italy: Top Places (2024)
Verona is located in northern Italy, which means that you’ll have a lot of options for sightseeing and fun activities while you’re there. You can take walks through the city’s beautiful parks or visit some of the city’s famous landmarks like the Arena di Verona or the Castelvecchio Museum. You can also enjoy some fine Italian cuisine at one of Verona’s many restaurants or cafes—or even enjoy a performance by a local opera company. There are lots of things to do in Verona!
Top Attractions in Verona, Italy
- Verona Arena (Roman amphitheater hosting operas)
- Piazza delle Erbe (Busy historic city square with eateries)
- Castelvecchio Museum (Art & weapons in a medieval castle)
- Juliet’s House (Stone balcony of Shakespeare’s Juliet)
- Iglesia de Santa Anastasia (Gothic artworks in a 13th-century church)
- Ponte Pietra (Historic, restored Roman arch bridge)
- Ponte Scaligero (Reconstructed 1350s bridge with arches)
- Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore (Noted art in striking Romanesque church)
- Catedral de Verona (Grand cathedral with Titian artwork)
- Piazza dei Signori (Historic square with a statue of Dante)
- Scaliger Tombs (Intricate Gothic funerary monument)
- Castel San Pietro (City-wide views from hilltop castle)
- Porta Borsari (Ancient, arched entrance to the city)
- Piazza Bra (Central gathering place with a garden)
- Torre dei Lamberti (Medieval bell-tower & viewpoint)
Genoa
Genoa is a beautiful city that offers an amazing variety of things to do. It’s also one of the most affordable cities in Italy, so if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or a place to explore, Genoa is for you.
Also Read Best Tourist Attractions In Genoa Italy: Top Places (2024)
Genoa is a city in Italy that’s worth visiting. The city is famous for its impressive Roman architecture, including the Torre della Lanterna (Lantern Tower). It also has some of the best pizza you’ll ever eat.
Top Attractions in Genoa, Italy
- Aquarium of Genoa (Vast aquarium in ship-like building)
- Cattedrale di San Lorenzo (1100s cathedral with a frescoed interior)
- Piazza De Ferrari (Grand square used for civic events)
- Galata Museo del Mare (Maritime museum with a moored submarine)
- Royal Palace Museum (17th-century palace with art & frescos)
- Via Garibaldi (Historic street with palatial residences)
- Lighthouse of Genoa (76m-tall stone lighthouse & city icon)
- Boccadasse (Village & al fresco dining)
- Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno (Graveyard with ornately sculpted tombs)
- Porta Soprana (Well-known gate in city’s ancient walls)
- Parchi di Nervi (Hillside mansions in landscaped gardens)
- Bigo (Crane-inspired lift with city views)
- D’Albertis Castle (Ethnographic museum in Gothic mansion)
- Palazzo Spinola National Gallery (Renaissance palace with paintings)
- Villa Durazzo-Pallavicini (Estate with a villa & botanical garden)
- Christopher Columbus’ House (Rebuilt home of Christopher Columbus)
- Neptune (Replica of a 1600s Spanish galleon)
- Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato (Big cathedral with frescoes & other art)
- Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta in Carignano (Basilica and church)
Turin
Turin is a beautiful city with plenty of history and culture to explore. It’s also surrounded by mountains and has beautiful scenery from any direction you approach it from. The city is fairly close to other major tourist destinations like Milan, Venice, Florence, and Rome.
Also Read Best Tourist Attractions In Turin Italy: Top Places (2024)
Top Attractions in Turin, Italy
- Mole Antonelliana (Prominent landmark with cinema museum)
- Piazza San Carlo (Historical city square & events site)
- Parco del Valentino (Park & castle with medieval origins)
- Palazzo Madama (Grand museum with antique & applied arts)
- Royal Palace of Turin (Royal residence with armory & Museum)
- Basilica of Superga (1700s hilltop church overlooking Alps)
- Palazzo Carignano (Ornate Baroque palace & museum)
- Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist (Historic 15th-century cathedral)
- Palatine Gate (Historic Roman-period city gate)
- Real Chiesa di San Lorenzo (17th-century baroque Catholic church)
- Musée du Risorgimento (Museum of Italy’s 19th-century history)
- Chiesa di Santa Maria del Monte dei Cappuccini (Hilltop church dating to the 1580s)
- Borgo Medievale (Recreated medieval village & workshops)
- Cappella della Sacra Sindone (Guarini chapel within Turin Cathedral)
- Castello del Valentino (Historic mansion & architecture campus)
- Parco Pietro Colletta (Lush area for walking, cycling & picnics)
- BasÃlica de MarÃa Auxiliadora (Frescoes & the remains of John Bosco)
Last Words
In conclusion, Italy’s best tourist cities offer a remarkable tapestry of experiences that embody the essence of the country’s rich heritage and allure. From the awe-inspiring ancient ruins in Rome to the romantic canals of Venice, the artistic masterpieces of Florence to the breathtaking landscapes of the Amalfi Coast, each city in Italy invites exploration and discovery.
With its vibrant culture, delectable cuisine, and warm hospitality, Italy continues to captivate travelers from around the globe, leaving an indelible impression and creating cherished memories. A journey through Italy’s best tourist cities is an immersion into history, art, beauty, and the timeless charm that defines the Italian way of life.
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