Italy is a beautiful European country with many cities worth visiting. From fashion centers to the former capital of the Roman Empire, from amazing beaches to interesting cathedrals and palaces, and from excellent museums, home of numerous masterpieces, to eye-catching, surprising landscapes and houses, Italy has it all. It’s actually hard to choose where to go and what to do, so here is a top 10 famous cities in Italy to help you plan a trip to this country.
1. Milan
Milan is, without a doubt, a glamorous city. Famous among fashion lovers for its fairs and galleries, Milan is also home to a famous cathedral (Duomo di Milano) and to the Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco).
Other famous places in Milan are La Scala Opera House, and if you visit this city, make sure you also discover Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece – The Last Supper.
2. Rome
It was the capital of the Roman Empire, and Rome is still an amazing city in Italy. You’ll have the chance to see ancient Roman structures and the city-in-the-city: the Vatican. Lovely churches, the Trevi Fountain, and Renaissance palaces can also be discovered in this city.
You can see a lot of Rome in a day, including some secret gems.
3. Cinque Terre
If you’ll go to Italy’s northwestern coastal region of Liguria, then make sure to include Cinque Terre on your list of places to visit in Italy.
You’ll see here some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country – and pretty much everyone is familiar with the colourful photos from these five small villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Monterosso, and Corniglia.
4. Pompeii
Buried under volcanic ash for almost 1,700 years, Pompeii is nowadays one of the most visited tourist cities in Italy.
If you are a history buff, then you should definitely visit Pompeii as the city provides a unique opportunity to find out more about the ancient Roman world.
photo by enzoabramo, Pixabay
5. Venice
Built upon a lagoon, Venice is another famous city to visit in Italy. Trade buses and trams for boats, prepare for some romantic rides and narrow streets.
The historic architecture is mesmerizing, and you should make sure you see the Doge’s Palace, the Saint Mark’s Square and Basilica, and the Rialto Bridge (expect crowds, as these are famous tourist sites).
And don’t forget about the famous carnival, nor about the Murano glass – easy to get here, or where it is made – an island reachable by boat from Venice.
6. Pisa
The Leaning Tower in Pisa is one of the most iconic monuments in Italy, but you should take into consideration the fact that there are many other places to visit. You can just stroll the streets and you’ll discover amazing houses, architecture, palaces, and an 11th-century Duomo.
7. Sicily
If you want to visit a place in Italy that is rich in art and history, then Sicily should be on your list of cities to visit in Italy. From beautiful Baroque churches to Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, you’ll have what to discover.
Don’t forget about Europe’s tallest active volcano – Mount Etna. You guessed: apart from the interesting architecture, you’ll also enjoy mesmerizing landscapes.
8. Florence
From the Duomo to the Palazzo Vecchio, and from Michelangelo’s ‚David” in the Accademia to masterpieces by Titian, Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and others in the Uffizi, from the cobblestone streets to eye-catching buildings, from Medici palaces and gardens to numerous museums, Florence (Firenze) is one of the most famous Italian cities.
If you are a history buff or an art buff, Florence is a great choice for you!
photo by MustangJoe, Pixabay
9. Turin
For the museum lovers, Turin (Torino) is an excellent choice. There are numerous museums in this Italian city, but you’ll also find great restaurants and shops. Oh, and one should not forget about the Baroque buildings or palaces in the area. A lot to discover in Turin!
READ MORE A complete guide to Turin
10. Naples
Naples (Napoli) is the second most populous metropolitan area in Italy. It is also the third largest city in the country and home to medieval castles, museums, and offers a vibrant nightlife, many shops, and restaurants.
photo by enzoabramo, Pixabay
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Violeta-Loredana Pascal is a communications expert, business mentor, and the founder of Earth’s Attractions and PRwave INTERNATIONAL. A pioneer in the Romanian digital PR landscape since 2005, she holds a degree in Communication and Social Sciences from SNSPA Bucharest. Violeta is a senior trainer at AcademiadeAfaceri.ro, where she leverages over 20 years of experience to teach professional courses in PR strategy and workplace productivity. By blending high-level business consulting with a passion for holistic travel and wellness, she empowers solopreneurs to overcome procrastination, build profitable brands, and design a life of purposeful adventure.
