20 Best Places to Go in Italy 2025: Where to Visit
These 20 best places to go in Italy offer a mix of cultural, historical, natural, and adventurous experiences. Check the list below and make sure they are on your Italy tour itinerary.
Rome
What amazes you about Rome is not only the Colosseum, Forum of Augustus, Trevi Fountain, Capitoline Hill, the Roman Forum, and Vatican City, but also the art atmosphere in every corner. There are a thousand Romes in a thousand travelers' eyes. This "Eternal City" is just like an open-air museum, showing its architectural masterpieces and exquisite artworks to all the visitors. Whether you are interested in Roman history or just skimming the surface, you will never feel disappointed here.
Best time to visit: spring, early fall
Recommended days: 3 days
Colosseum
Florence
When someone mentions the Renaissance, it's hard to skip Florence. As the capital of Tuscany, there are many things to do in Florence: from appreciating famous paintings like Birth of Venus in the Uffizi Gallery to lingering on the romantic Ponte Vecchio, overlooking the Arno River for hundreds of years, from discovering multitudinous Renaissance arts in the Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti) to enjoying the breathtaking sunset in Piazzale Michelangelo.
Best time to visit: April, May, September, October
Recommended days: 2 days
Venice
Venice, you won't understand why this small city is so popular until you are there. Do remember to leave some leisure time to explore this charming place. You must have heard about the Grand Canal. No one wants to miss a gondola experience on this wide, serpentine waterway. The impressive landmarks include Saint Mark's Square and Basilica, Doge's Palace, and Rialto Bridge. Besides, if you travel in February or March, you will encounter the most famous festival in Venice - the Venice Carnival.
Best time to visit: April, early May, October
Recommended days: 3 days
Naples
If you are a foodie, you must stay in Naples for some days to savor the delicious food, such as spaghetti, parmigiana, pastries, and fresh seafood. Don't forget to join a pizza-making class. You may already know how to make a pizza, but the secrets of pizza-making from local experts perhaps you can only learn in this class. This famous historic city also offers many surprises: National Archaeological Museum of Naples, Naples Cathedral (Duomo di San Gennaro), San Carlo Opera House, Mount Vesuvius...And strolling along the Spaccanapoli will be a highlight of your tour in Naples.
Best time to visit: all year round
Recommended days: 2 days
Sicily
Sicily, located at the "toe" of Italy's "boot," is the Mediterranean's largest island and offers a wealth of experiences. Here, you can marvel at the ancient Valley of the Temples, showcasing majestic Doric-style Greek temples, and discover the Cappella Palatina in Palermo, adorned with exquisite Byzantine mosaics. Take a relaxing vacation by enjoying crystal-clear waters and golden beaches. Additionally, you can indulge in summer hiking or winter skiing in Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano. This multi-faceted destination promises something unique for every traveler.
Best time to visit: all year round
Recommended days: 5-8 days
Sardinia
No matter how many days you plan to stay, leave some time for your beach holiday. Sardinia is one of the best choices in Italy. Turquoise water and white-sand beaches are enough to make Sardinia unforgettable, not to mention relaxing on the deck of a private yacht to enjoy private leisure time. Nuragic ruins are also well-known places that you can't miss. One bonus in your Sardinia trip is that you will have a chance to meet the shepherds wearing traditional clothing and doing cheese-making in small medieval towns.
Best time to visit: May to September
Recommended days: 5-7 days
Tuscany
Besides the capital Florence, Tuscany has many other wonderful places to visit: wineries, rugged landscapes, ancient Nuragic ruins, etc. The awesome landscape in Tuscany makes it famous. What makes it more popular is the wineries and superb restaurants. Imagine you are sitting in an ancient castle or an exquisite villa, tasting aromatic wines and palatable food, facing the lush vineyard. If you are interested in medieval towers, drop a visit to San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best time to visit: spring, fall
Recommended days: 5-8 days
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre, meaning five fishing villages, is comprised of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Monterosso, and Corniglia. Surrounding green hills, these five villages offer many hidden gems. Connecting with five villages, the Blue Trail is a paved trail suitable for all ages. You can see pink, yellow, and blue houses hugging slopes down to the sea. The best way to explore this jaw-dropping place is on foot. Slow down and take in this picture-perfect destination.
Best time to visit: April to October
Recommended days: 2 days
Amalfi Coast
Have you ever seen pastel-colored towns perched on cliff sides, overlooking the deep blue of the Mediterranean? Along the Amalfi Coast, such breathtaking views await you. Take a hike on the scenic Path of the Gods trail to witness the glamour of the Amalfi Coast; visit some of the 13 seaside towns to discover the unique charm of each; hang out in a fishing village, or stroll through winding alleys and soak up the authentic Italian atmosphere. Experience the authentic Italian style is the right way for your Amalfi Coast tour. Positano and Amalfi are the must-visit places that you will never feel disappointed.
Best time to visit: late spring to early fall (late September and early October)
Recommended days: 3 days
Pompeii
Step back into Ancient Rome by visiting Pompeii, a city frozen in time by Mount Vesuvius' eruption in 79 AD. Near Naples, you just need to take 1 day to explore this amazing heritage site, which is yet to be totally unearthed. Walking along the ancient streets, you can see the remains of homes, theaters, temples, and baths, still stand, just like they did 2,000 years ago. Travel with Odynovo's professional tour guide, and you will learn more details about this historical treasure.
Best time to visit: all year round
Recommended days: 1 day
Milan
As a global fashion capital, Milan not only has Milan Design Week in April every year but is also the home of fashion brands including Giorgio Armani, Prada, and Versace. As an artistic capital, Milan provides precious treasures like the famous painting The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, the Duomo di Milano, the La Scala Opera House, the Castello Sforzesco, and the Gothic Milan Cathedral. Your final stop should be Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Sip a coffee and soak up the authentic Milanese atmosphere.
Best time to visit: April, May, September, October
Recommended days: 1 day
Pisa
Without a doubt, the significant landmark of Pisa is the Leaning Tower. You can find some tips for how to take funny photos with Leaning Tower before you are here. Of course, Pisa offers much more than Leaning Tower. Surrounding this landmark is a remarkable plaza named Campo dei Miracoli (or Field of Miracles), featuring the masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance like the Duomo Cathedral, Baptistry, and Camposanto Monument. If you are traveling to Tuscany, do not forget to spend a day visiting Pisa.
Best time to visit: all year round
Recommended days: 1 day
The Dolomites
Once you visit Italy, you will not want to miss the alpine scenery. The Dolomites is a popular choice for those who want to see the quintessential view of the Alps. It's also adventurers' heaven offering a range of trails suitable for all levels. Three Peaks, Alpe Di Siusi, and Val di Funes are top 3 places wait for you to uncover. Plan to travel in winter? The Dolomites boast world-class skiing facilities for skiing and snowboarding. If you do not fancy outdoor activities, just relish the snow world and have a worry-free winter holiday.
Best time to visit: summer, winter
Recommended days: 4-7 days
Lake Como
Getting to Lake Como from Milan is very convenient. You can consider extending your tour after you visit Milan. Why visit Lake Como? The seductive lake view with the surrounding Alps will show you the answer. Kayaking here is a popular outdoor activity, offering you a perfect experience in Lake Como. For those seeking a luxurious escape, this is also an unmatched destination. The grand villas and serene ambiance attract discerning visitors from around the world.
Best time to visit: spring, fall
Recommended days: 3 days
Lake Como
Capri
Not every sea is captivating, but Capri certainly is. You can take a 1-day tour from Sorrento, Naples, or the Amalfi Coast to embrace the upscale atmosphere. The glamorous Blue Grotto is one of the most-visited places in Capri, with the sunlight turning the water into a vivid shade of blue. Enjoy a traditional Gozzo Sorrentino boat ride around the island and immerse yourself in this blue world. You can find chic shops in the town center and buy something special.
Best time to visit: April, May, September, October
Recommended days: 1-2 days
Turin
If you want to try the best truffle, consider Turin. Held on weekends in October and November, the Alba truffle fair is a must for truffle lovers. Turin will treat every foodie well. You can even join a cooking class and learn some skills in Italian cuisine. Additionally, Turin offers arcaded walkways, wide boulevards, riverside parks, unique architecture, and a sea of palaces.
Best time to visit: fall
Recommended days: 2 days
Verona
Famous for Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet", Verona is another romantic place beside Venice. The whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it hard to be ignored by travelers. The main attractions include the first-century Roman amphitheater Arena di Verona which is still in use today, the awe-inspiring Renaissance garden Giardino Giusti, and Castelvecchio, a medieval fortress with a museum showcasing art and artifacts. If time permits, take an excursion to Lake Garda, only 30 minutes away by train.
Best time to visit: April to October
Recommended days: 2 days
Puglia
Located in the heel of "Italy's boot", Puglia is a sunny destination. The keywords of Puglia are turquoise beaches, characteristic whitewashed trulli houses, and centuries-old farmland. There are so many beautiful beaches in Italy, but why Puglia is highly recommended? You will find the answer only after you are here. The Alberobello is the home to "Trulli," an architectural style with stone huts with distinctive conical roofs. The food in Puglia is also very famous, try something different and see whether they can get a high score from you.
Best time to visit: April, May, September, October
Recommended days: 3-5 days
Matera
Close to Puglia lies Matera, an ancient town carved into a limestone cliff, which is well-known for its unique cave dwellings. When you visit Alberobello, you can combine this place together. When the night comes, lamplight scattering across the mysterious caves, this place will show you a time-traveling experience that leave you a lifetime memory. Don't forget to stay 1 night at a boutique cave hotel.
Best time to visit: September, October
Recommended days: 2 days
Matera
Sorrento
Do you want to watch the sunset on the cliffs of the bay? Sorrento is one of the places to see in Italy. Sorrento, a beautiful coastal town in southern Italy, offers more than just beaches. It will be a long list of Sorrento things to do: savor limoncello - a traditional lemon liqueur, take a luxe yacht to have an adventure in the Bay of Naples, witness historic Marina Grande and Cathedral of Sorrento, and roam around traditional Italian shops... Sorrento, a place you will fall in love soon.
Best time to visit: May, September
Recommended days: 2-3 days
Italy deserves more time to visit. The top 20 best places obviously are not enough to show Italy's charm. Maybe the top 100 places barely can. So the best way to show them is to go to Italy and see them by yourself, then list your top places.
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