Where to go in Italy in January: Best Cities & Places (2024)

Italy is a beautiful country, and the people are friendly and welcoming. The weather is always lovely, and the food is delicious! You know you love Italy. But, are you sure you know where to go in Italy in January?

Some of the most popular places for winter vacations in Italy are Tuscany and Milan. On the other hand, if you want to get away from all that cold weather and relax in a warm climate then Sicily or Malta might be better options for you.

Travel to Italy in January 2024

January is a great time to visit Italy. The weather is mild, the crowds are lighter, and the city is alive with color and culture. Check out our guide about where to go in Italy in January.

Rome

January is a wonderful time to visit Rome. The city is quiet, but the weather is nice and warm. It’s also a great time to go out with friends as the city is still full of life and energy. Here are some ideas for what you can do in Rome in January:

• Visit the Vatican Museum: The Vatican Museum is located within St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and it’s one of the world’s largest museums. It has over 8,000 rooms filled with artistic treasures from around the world. If you want to see some amazing art from across time periods and continents, this museum is for you!
• Go skiing or snowboarding at one of Rome’s many ski resorts such as Monte Livata. If you’re looking for something different than just sightseeing around Rome, then consider going skiing.
• Most famous place to visit in Rome is Colosseum where you can explore its history, architecture, and interior design. Tourists can buy tickets to enter the Colosseum from a ticket booth or kiosk on the ground floor of the building. The ticket price is €12-€16 depending on where you buy it from. Once you are inside, you will be able to see many different exhibits that provide information about what happened at the Colosseum in its past life as well as it’s present life as a tourist attraction.
• The Trevi Fountain is still open during January months, and its fountain show is one of the most popular things to see in Rome. You can get an overview of the fountain show online or on your phone, so you’ll have no trouble finding it if you’re visiting during January.
• The Pantheon is also open during these months, and its incredible architecture makes it one of the must-see sights in Rome when you’re visiting in January.
• You can also take advantage of some great shows that take place during January—the most famous being La Scala opera house’s La Traviata. It’s a must-see for any opera fan!
• If you’ve got kids with you, head over to the Castel Sant’Angelo for a tour of its ancient cisterns or visit Santa Prisca Basilica in the Trastevere district for a look at its landmark dome. Both places are considered among Rome’s best landmarks!

Also Read Best places to visit in Italy in December (Christmas Market & Festive Party)

Milan

If you’re looking for something fun to do in Milan, check out the city’s annual Christmas market. It takes place around Milan’s central square, Piazza del Duomo, so you’ll be able to walk around and enjoy all the sights. You can also walk through the market and have some nice dinners at some of the restaurants set up there.

• If you’re interested in shopping like Milanians do in January, go to Via Manzoni on your way back from the Christmas market. This street is filled with small shops selling everything from clothes to food products and accessories. It’s a great place to browse while waiting for your train home or have lunch after work has ended!
• Piazza del Duomo or some of its famous churches, you can either take a tour or just walk around on your own. There are also several museums that are open during this month, including the Pinacoteca di Brera.
• If you’re looking for something more active, there are also several fun activities available as well: paragliding over Lake Como is one option (it’s only open from December through March), as is horseback riding along the shoreline at night (January-February). In addition to these options, there’s also ice skating at Piazzale Loreto near Lake Como during winter months and ice hockey competitions during winter months (January-February).

Venice

Venice is a great place to visit any time of year, but January offers an extra special treat. The weather is typically mild and sunny, meaning that you can enjoy a walk around town without having to worry about being cooped up inside.

• Visit the Doge’s Palace! The palace is currently undergoing renovations, but it will still be worth seeing. It’s a great way to see some of the city’s best art and architecture.
• You can visit church on Sundays such as The Basilica di San Marco and Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute which are the top most visited places in Venice. The churches in Venice are beautiful and well-loved by locals and tourists alike.
• Take a gondola ride! Gondola rides are a must when visiting Venice in January—they give you a chance to get up close with some of the city’s most iconic landmarks (like St. Mark’s Square). You can also take a gondola tour of either side of Italy if you want to see some new places too!
• Eat Gelato! Gelato is a ice-cream in Italy which is delicious during any season, but it’s even more so in January when the air is cold and crisp outside and the sun isn’t out yet (but soon will be?).

Turin

January is the best time to visit Turin. It’s a beautiful city, and the weather is usually nice and mild. You can enjoy the city’s famous monuments, including the Royal Palace and cathedral, which are open to the public.

If you’re in Turin, Italy, and you want to do something fun in January, we have a few suggestions.

• First off, go on a hike. Turin has gorgeous views of the Via Lattea and is one of the most beautiful area in Turin, Italy. The weather is typically sunny and mild during this time of year, so it’s perfect for walking around.
• A boat ride on the Po River in Turin offers a unique perspective of the city. The water is calm and the air is crisp. You can see the city’s iconic buildings including Mole Antonelliana and Royal Palace of Turin, which are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Finally—if you want to make sure you get some firsthand knowledge about Turin’s history (and its gorgeous architecture!), check out some local exhibits at the Palazzo Reale museum complex. It’s free admission on Sundays only (so make sure to check when)!

Also Read Top 20 cheap Europe destinations – Must Visit in 2024

Sicily

Sicily is a beautiful island in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s full of history, and there are so many places to visit. Here are some of our favorites!

• Feast of Epiphany: The Epiphany event in Sicily is celebrated on January 6th by a group of people who wanted to bring back the traditional values and culture of their home town. The idea behind the Epiphany celebration is to re-enact the journey of three wise men from the East who came to visit Jesus after he was born.
• Carnevale di Acireale: The Carnival of Acireale is the most famous carnival in Sicily. It is a celebration of joy and happiness that lasts for two weeks, from Monday to Sunday. The Carnival of Acireale is also known as the “Carnival of flowers” because it is celebrated with flowers and not with masks.
• The sagra della Sfincia di Priescia is a traditional event in the town of Prizzi. It is celebrated every year on the last Sunday of September and it commemorates the victory of the town’s inhabitants over a group of pirates who had been terrorizing the city. The traditional dish, which gave its name to this festival, was originally made with bread dough, eggs, cheese, and oil. Nowadays there are many variations to this dish, but they all share one thing in common: they are served with tomato sauce.

Puglia

Puglia is a region in Southern Italy. The quaint, historic towns are home to some of the most beautiful seaside villages and coastal cities in Italy. You’ll find delicious food, welcoming locals, and beautiful Mediterranean beaches.

• When you visit in Puglia in January, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the most beautiful natural sights such as Grotte di Castellana. You’ll be able to visit the ancient and mysterious city of Bari, which is home to one of Pugila’s beautiful cathedrals such as Basilica Santa Caterina d’Alessandria as well as some incredible ruins such as Scavi di Egnazi. There are also plenty of gorgeous beaches on the coast such as Lama Monachile, Polignano a Mare, so if you’re looking for an active break, this is it!
• Take a tour of Castellana Grotta dei Sireni (Siren’s Cave) before heading back home with your friends or family members who are visiting from abroad!
• Carnival in Putignano is a celebration started from December 26th that takes place every year in Putignano, Italy. It’s a big event for the people of Putignano and it’s celebrated on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. The Carnival tradition dates back to medieval times, when it was called “Carnaval” or “Festa di Carnevale”. The tradition of celebrating carnival time started in Italy and spread all over Europe.

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