Italy

Travel Guide
Tower of Gualtieri which includes heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and landscape views
Discover ancient cities, charming coastal towns and diverse landscapes in this boot-shaped Mediterranean nation, famed for its cultural riches and rustic cuisine.

As the birthplace of pizza, gelato and pasta, Italy is perhaps best known for its mouthwatering food, though it also has much more to experience. Wander through ancient cities filled with historical ruins and relax at glamorous coastal resorts. 

Among Italy’s biggest tourist hotspots are Venice, Rome and Florence, each offering iconic sights and world-class museums, from canals to the Colosseum to the Uffizi Gallery. Travelers in search of rugged coastlines and gorgeous beaches head to the islands of Capri or Sardinia, while food-obsessed visitors head to Bologna. For romance and open-air opera, venture to cobbled Verona, the setting for Shakespeare’s timeless love story, Romeo and Juliet.

The Vatican City in Rome is another tourist favorite, with art-loving visitors arriving in droves to marvel at Michelangelo’s famous Sistine Chapel frescoes. If you are planning a visit to this holy enclave, dress modestly and come in the afternoon to avoid the large morning rush.

South of Naples is the scenic Amalfi Coast. Discover colorful mountain towns and picturesque former fishing villages, such as Positano. For a more rugged coastal escape, head north to the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre, five pastel-painted clifftop villages on the Ligurian coast.

Tuscany in central Italy is another much-loved vacation destination. Stroll around hilltop medieval towns such as the multi-towered San Gimignano and sample some of the region’s famous wines, including Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti Classico. Tuscany is also home to Pisa, famed for its leaning tower.

Italy has an efficient public transportation system. Getting around the country is relatively easy. Ride trains and buses between the larger cities or rent a car to explore more rural areas and remote villages. Ferries run between the ports of the mainland and the small outlying islands. Two major airports serving Italy are Fiumicino Airport in Rome and Milano-Malpensa Airport in Milan.

Uncovering all the charms of the “big boot” of Italy could take years. Pick your favorite spots for your first visit and plan your trip now.

Popular cities in Italy

Roman Forum showing a monument, a temple or place of worship and heritage architecture
Rome
Known for Historical, Cathedrals and Museums
Epic architecture, classic art and sunny piazzas set the scene in Italy’s revered capital.

Reasons to visit

  • Piazza Navona
  • Pantheon
  • Colosseum
Milan which includes street scenes, heritage architecture and a sunset
Milan
Known for Cathedrals, Museums and Art
Wander the streets of Italy’s stylish northern capital to discover its artistic legacy, its culture of fashion and one of the largest churches in the world.

Reasons to visit

  • Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
  • Teatro alla Scala
  • Piazza del Duomo
San Francesco di Paola showing night scenes, a square or plaza and a church or cathedral
Naples
Known for Historical, Tours and Museums
Classic architecture, a rich history, traditional pizza and underground caves make this Italian city a fascinating destination.

Reasons to visit

  • Port of Naples
  • Piazza del Plebiscito
  • Galleria Umberto I
Academy Bridge which includes a river or creek, a coastal town and heritage architecture
Venice
Known for Boating, Cathedrals and Churches
The Floating City is as romantic as it gets, with its gondolas, serenaders, dazzling palazzos and churches, and almost timeless feel.

Reasons to visit

  • St. Mark's Square
  • St. Mark's Basilica
  • Doge's Palace
Uffizi Gallery which includes street scenes as well as a large group of people
Florence
Known for Historical, Museums and Art
Love museums, cathedrals, and art? Get away to Florence!

Reasons to visit

  • Uffizi Gallery
  • Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
  • Piazza della Signoria
Palermo showing a house and heritage architecture
Palermo
Known for Historical, Cathedrals and Culture
Explore Palermo: its monuments, history, sightseeing, and more!

Reasons to visit

  • Teatro Massimo
  • Ballaro Market
  • Palace of the Normans

Popular places to visit

Italy