25 Best Places To Visit In Italy

Italy is known for its rich culture, great food, and stunning landscapes. It is also well-known for having some of Europe’s best cities. If you’re looking for an adventure this year, Italy is a great place to start! Here are 25 of the best places to visit in Italy!

Venice

Venice is an absolutely stunning part of Italy and one I think everyone should visit in their lifetime. It’s a very interesting place, and the thing I noticed the most about it is how stunningly unique it is! With its canals, bridges, and gondolas, combined with its rich history, there’s so much to see.

When I went, I only stayed for 3 days in Venice, which was enough for me to see everything I wanted to see, including all the main attractions. However, if you want to see more than that, then you may want to stay a few more days just so you can really experience it properly.

People from all over the globe are attracted to Venice. I think this is mostly to experience the change of living (no cars, footpaths, and canals only), but also because it’s amazing to explore all its history and see iconic buildings such as St Mark’s Basilica, which is located in St Mark’s Square and is one of the best places to visit in Venice. It’s a simply amazing building and it has an almost gothic style of architecture. It is quite a popular place to visit though, so if you want to avoid the queues, I would advise you to arrive early.

Contributed by Alice from Adventures of Alice

Read more about best things to do in Venice

Rome

Rome is one of the most famous cities in the world and one of the few to bounce back from the fall of an empire. Full of culture, beauty, and history, Rome is and always will be one of the best places to visit in Italy for tourists worldwide. It was the main reason I wanted to visit Italy, besides the other notable cities and the fantastic food.

Rome still has numerous historical architecture standing till this day from the Roman Empire times. For example, the Colosseum is one of the most notable and considered one of the world’s seven wonders, so you have to see it! When I went, I made sure to book the ticket to see the inside of the Colosseum but cheaped out and didn’t see the ground floors, make sure to pay for both so you can get the whole experience.

I also enjoyed seeing the beautiful Fountain Di Trevi that tourists hover around, so make you go early to grab a good photo. After that, visit the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, and the Forum. When you’re done seeing some of the outdoor activities, make your way to the infamous Vatican to explore the world’s smallest country. 

I recommend spending at least 3-4 days in Rome to ensure you’re not rushing as I did. It truly is a magnificent city and, besides the historical wonders, has so much to offer regarding nightlife, day activities, delicious food, and hidden alleyways of history.

Contributed by Yesenia and Sierra from The Sisters Who Voyage

Bologna

Bologna is the largest city and capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in Northern Italy. It is one of the best places to visit in Italy for travellers, especially food lovers. As a food scientist, Bologna is a personal favourite, being central to the Emilia-Romagna food region. It is the perfect place to base yourself and explore not only Bologna’s but the region’s gastronomical delights.

To create the perfect itinerary for our visit to Bologna, I booked us a walking food tour. Where we discovered some of the renowned food of the city, coffee menus, to make any coffee lover swoon. I got to try my hand at making tortellini, for the classic dish of tortellini in brodo. Another dish of the city is tagliatelle with ragu, commonly called ‘bolognaise’, not that I would say that out loud in Bologna.

However, it’s not only about the food. Bologna is also renowned for its extensive porticos, which are UNESCO World Heritage listed. In addition to having one of Europe’s oldest Universities built in 1088, it is also the oldest continually running university in the world. The Piazza Maggiore is the heart of the city and a grand square containing some of the most important buildings of the city, a walking tour offered me great insight into the history and culture of the city.

To explore Bologna, 3 days is a good amount of time, allowing you to discover the food, wander the porticos, climb the towers, and visit Santuario di San Luca.  However, if you wish to explore the region, I recommend making Bologna a base and spend 5-7 days catching trains to neighbouring cities. 

Contributed by Jeanine De Diana from Lets go a Wandering

Milano

Milano is without question, one of the best places to visit in Italy. From its unique bars to fantastic food spots, these are just a few of the many reasons why Milano is adored by so many travellers. 

It’s a city that is full of history, culture and art, so it really does offer something for everyone. You will find all of these things in the museums, galleries and churches across the City. Milano has also been an important commercial hub for centuries, so it’s no surprise that the city has some incredible shopping opportunities.

If you are looking for the best view of the City, you need to visit the historic Duomo Cathedral. Not only is this the second biggest Cathedral in the world but it is simply stunning. Before a visit here, it is really important to be dressed appropriately for visiting a religious building. If you are not, they will not allow you to visit.

Milano has so much to do, you could easily spend weeks here. However, it’s a fantastic location for a long weekend or a quick stop on a tour of Italy. For the best experience of Milano, it is recommended to spend 2-4 days here.

Contributed by Lowri from Manyotherroads

Tuscany

Tuscany is one of the most unique regions in all of Italy. Between tranquil rolling hills, world-renowned wineries, natural thermal baths, and charming medieval villages, Tuscany is the perfect place to escape from everyday life and be at one with nature. As the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, it is also ideal for history buffs and lovers of art.

Tuscany boasts ten provinces and the region is home to many world-famous cities, including Florence, Siena, Pisa, and Lucca. In addition, it also offers the intimacy of charming storybook villages for a quieter escape.

I had the pleasure of staying in Montepulciano, a medieval hilltop town in the province of Siena that’s a dream for oenophiles. Located in Southern Tuscany, there are many wonderful wineries in Montepulciano, from sprawling vineyards to historic underground cellars. While in Montepulciano, a trip to the fortified old city is a must.

Here, you can enjoy the maze of pastel buildings and cobblestone squares. Stop at Piazza Grande, the city’s main square that served as the backdrop for blockbuster-hit The Twilight Saga – New Moon. While I was fortunate to spend three wonderful days in Tuscany, one could easily enjoy a week of uncovering the many historic villages. 

Contributed by Elena from The Carry-On Chronicles

Lake Como

Lake Como, located in northern Italy in the Lombardy region, is a stunning resort area set at the base of the Italian Alps.  With literally 365-degree views of mountains and sparkling water, it’s easy to see why celebs like George Clooney choose to live here!

I was fortunate enough to visit Lake Como in September 2021, just as the pandemic restrictions started to ease a bit in Europe.  This region had always been on my bucket list but it felt unattainable both because I assumed it would be too expensive and too romantic for a solo traveler. But I absolutely loved my time on the lake – so much so, in fact, that I added 2 days on to the original 3-day stay!

Bellagio is the most well-known city on Lake Como.  The lake is shaped like an inverted Y, with two side lakes branching off on either side of Bellagio.  Because of this, Bellagio is a popular place to stay.  Other popular towns include Como, Menaggio, and Varenna.  Personally, I think Varenna is the best place to stay – all the beauty of the lake with lower costs, fewer tourists, a well-connected ferry station, and a train station. Can’t beat that!

When visiting Lake Como, be sure to take trips to the other lakeside towns.  It’s easy to spend a whole day in Bellagio.  Stroll along the lakefront promenade, drink wine, and shop for luxury goods.  In Varenna, eat gelato on the shore of the lake and climb to the top of town to see a gorgeous church with great restaurants. 

Contributed by Gabby, the Office Escape Artist

Sorrento

Sorrento is a beautiful tourist town on the Italian coastline. Due to the town’s proximity to the great Amalfi Coast, is an excellent choice for people wanting to explore the coastline nearby. It is also located close enough to tour the Mount Vesuvius volcano or the nearby sites at Pompeii or Herculaneum or take a ferry trip to the beautiful isle of Capri.

One of the most enjoyable things to do in Sorrento is just casually wander the cobbled streets and quaint side roads. Filled with colourful market stalls, captivating scents and a vibrant but chilled atmosphere, you won’t get bored of exploring.

When dusk falls take a walk to the viewpoint over the beach and watch as the night turns red. Catch the lift down to the harbour front and select one of the lively bars or restaurants to start your evening. In the day, consider taking a tour to the nearby olive groves or lemon fields to discover the secret behind the famous limoncello. You can even take a cooking class and learn how to cook authentic Italian pizza like the pros.

You can easily spend a full week in Sorrento, especially if you’re using it as a base to travel Italy. If you choose to stay in other areas, then 3 – 4 days will give you enough time to enjoy the town while not feeling rushed.

Sorrento will suit travellers of all ages, but it is a very hilly town so if you have trouble walking then you might want to think twice about visiting.

Contributed by Kerry Hanson from VeggTravel

Capri

One of the best destinations in Italy to visit is Capri. This is an island that you can find close to the city of Sorrento and the city of Naples. To reach the island, you can take a ferry from Naples or Sorrento. Also, there are additional ferries from other places during summer. The island is very beautiful, which makes visiting the island a great idea!

On the island, you can find various towns that are very beautiful. For example, the main town of the island, also called Capri, is great to explore. Here, you can find the Marina Grande, which is a harbor with wonderful restaurants and a great atmosphere that is perfect for a stroll.

Also, the island is known for the Blue Grotto. This is a beautiful cave that you explore through a tour. Also, there are many beautiful viewpoints on Capri from where you can see the beautiful island. Moreover, Villa San Michele is a sight that is worth seeing.

Here, you can find a lovely art collection, and you can take in a beautiful panoramic view of the town of Capri and the sea. Also, the Marina Piccola is a beautiful small beach to visit where you can relax. Besides being very pretty, this place is also a very historic place, and it was used by the ancient Romans.

Contributed by Dymabroad

Puglia

The region of Puglia, called Apulia in Italian, forms the heel of the Italian boot peninsula. My first visit there was a bit personal as my grandmother was from a small town outside of Foggia in the north of Puglia. It was a great place to start my slow travel through her homeland, but I had no idea how the region would change the further south I went.

Puglia is a very long region with sunbleached Adriatic beaches on crystal clear turquoise waters. Like all regions in Italy, Puglia has some unique specialty foods but my favorite is their pasta. Orecchiette (little ears) pasta is traditional in Puglia and it’s often made with turnip greens or broccoli rabe and served with homemade bread.

It’s a sight to behold watching the local Pugliese women sitting at tables along narrow streets chatting and rolling orecchiette by hand.

What I also wanted to see were the trulli in Alberobello, white-washed stone houses with roofs that resemble a magician’s pointed hat. They are centuries-old with cryptic symbols painted on the roof, and such a unique way to overnight in the region.

The beach towns of Otranto and Gallipoli are located on either side of the heel and are both worth a visit to see how different two beaches in the same region can be.

Contributed by Lori from Italyfoodies.com

Lucca

Located in Tuscany, the walled city of Lucca is one of the best places to visit in Italy. You can walk atop the high walls that encircle the heart of Lucca, and that’s one of the top reasons that I love this city. The locals take their daily runs, nannies wheel strollers, and I took in the sights—the churches, the towers, the mountains in the distance, each time I noticed something new.

However, to really see the highlights, I needed to meander through the narrow cobble stone streets (you cannot drive inside of the walls.) The Lucca Cathedral, Piazza Napoleone, the San Michele in Forno, the Guinigi Tower, and Piazza dell Anfiteatro were all worth taking a closer look.

But my favorite thing to do in Lucca was discovering the regional Italian dishes like tordelli (similar to meat ravioli), ribollita (bread and vegetable soup), and pappardelle cinghiale (wild boar pasta).

You can spend a couple of days and see most of the sights within the walls, but I stayed 10 and would have loved to stay longer. It was also a great hub to explore other Tuscan towns like San Gimignano, Pisa, and Florence. It’s also close to Viareggio on the Ligurian Sea!

Contributed by Denise, from Chef Denise

Pompeii

If there’s one destination in Italy that’s always on tourists’ radars, it’s definitely Pompeii. The ancient Roman city was famously destroyed and buried under ash and pumice stones in 79 AD after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, but over the centuries has been beautifully excavated and preserved.

These days, eager visitors can walk among the ruins of temples, public baths, villas and more, and get a fascinating glimpse into everyday life in Ancient Rome.

This ancient site should take at least two to three hours, but four or five hours is better to catch the site and entire ruins into, since it gives you a true appreciation for the site’s history.

Contributed by Carley from Home to Havana

Naples

I visited Naples for the first time last March and it took me a nano-second to fall in love with it. This is easily one of the most fun and welcoming cities in Italy. Yes, there are many things to do in Naples: famous places to visit include the Maschio Angioino Castle, the San Severo Chapel with the Veiled Christ statue, the incredibly well curated archeology museum and the Underground Naples, which can only be seen on guided tours.

Naples is also a great starting point to visit the famous ruins of Pompeii, Caserta Royal Palace and to explore Sorrento and Amalfi Coast.

However, what I enjoyed the most about this city is the atmosphere and all the delicious food. Pizza is the most famous local staple, but I also loved the delicious pasta dishes such as the pasta al ragu napoletano (a meat sauce that is cooked for hours!) or the candele alla genovese pasta (genovese is a slow cooked sauce with lots of sweet onions) and, obviously, all the seafood pasta.

Naples really never sleeps and no matter what time of day or night I was out, there were people around. Finally, despite common misconception, I found Naples to be safe: the only thing I recommend is to avoid poorly lit areas and to not flash your belongings, but these are simple common sense tips to be used anywhere in the world!

Contributed by Claudia Tavani, My Adventures Across The World

Sardinia

Most first time travelers to Italy never make it to Sardinia, and it is a real pity as it is really a special place. Sardinia, and most specifically Cagliari, is where I grew up and currently live. It is a wonderful destination for summer holidays, with gorgeous beaches with the most clear waters in the Mediterranean.

However, I recommend going beyond the beaches, and in fact try to visit off season to experience everything else that Sardinia has to offer. Hiking is particularly good between October and May. Even in the coldest months, temperatures are still mild enough to enjoy a good hike. I particularly like coastal hikes for views of the sea, but another trail I love is the one that goes to the Gorropu Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in Europe.

Another reason I truly love Sardinia is the unique archeological sites. There are several ruins that show the clear stratification of local history, with traces left by the Punics and the Romans – this is particularly visible in Nora, where visitors can spot gorgeous Roman mosaics, and in Tharros – both of them are right by the sea! I also love the Punic / Roman temple of Antas, immersed in the countryside of Fluminimaggiore, about a 1.5 hours drive from Cagliari.

However, for something truly Sardinian and not seen elsewhere, I prefer going to one of the many nuraghe in Sardinia. My absolute favorite is Su Nuraxi of Barumini, Sardinia’s only UNESCO site at the moment.

Contributed by Claudia Tavani, My Adventures Across The World

Sicily

Located in the south of Italy, Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its rich history and cultural heritage, varied landscapes and picturesque towns, it’s a fantastic destination to visit at any time of the year. 

I took a week-long road trip around Sicily and was blown away by the variety of experiences this wonderful island has to offer. From hiking and relaxing on beautiful beaches to exploring archaeological sites and sampling local cuisine, there’s something to do for every type of traveler. 

Some of my favorite memories from Sicily are visiting the paradise-like beach of San Vito Lo Capo, wandering around the idyllic fishing village Marzamemi and exploring the mesmerizing hilltop town Taormina. Make sure to also add the ancient Valley of the Temples to your Sicily itinerary, if you’re interested in learning about the island’s fascinating history.

Another activity I highly recommend is hiking to the top of Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. It’s a truly memorable experience where you’ll get to see colorful volcanic landscapes, steaming craters and breathtaking views over Sicily.

Since Sicily is quite large, I recommend spending at least a week there to get a feel for what this island is all about. But you could easily spend two weeks or more and not run out of things to do.

Contributed by Marjut from The Smooth Escape

Pisa

I think one of the best places to visit in Italy is Pisa.  The Leaning Tower of Pisa is, of course, here in the city.  The Leaning Tower was one of the first things I remember knowing about Italy, and I was always fascinated by the idea of seeing it myself and going inside.  Yes, a lot of other people come to see the Tower, but with a little planning it is still enjoyable.

Near the Tower is the Cathedral of Pisa which houses the tomb of Henry VII, Holy Roman Emperor.  The Baptistry, alongside both the Cathedral and the Tower, is where Galileo Galilei was baptized.   Because of the design, the Baptistry is also a perfect resonating chamber.  Within the nearby Camposanto are more square feet of frescoes than in the Sistine Chapel in Rome along with the incense lamp that was used in the Cathedral and led to Galileo’s research into pendulums.

In Pisa are also the views from the bridges that cross the Arno, and the beautiful Church of Santa Maria della Spina beside it.  I enjoyed some shopping Corso Italia, the pedestrian street that runs from the Piazza V. Emanuele II to the Arno. 

With these things and more, Pisa could easily be enjoyed for 2-3 days if you want to slow down and take it all in.  However, with a little planning you can see the highlights with one day in Pisa.

Contributed by Megan from Wandertoes

South Tyrol

South Tyrol is the northernmost Italian province. It’s a special gem in the alps, and many do not know of its existence. The province used to be part of Austria, and therefore the people share the same customs and foods as the neighboring region Tyrol in Austria.

The spoken languages are Italian and German. The cities and towns have enchanting medieval buildings, giving you a unique feeling, which you won’t find anywhere else. Especially, Christmas markets in Meran and Bolzano are beautifully located and will give you a warm, fuzzy feeling.

South Tyrol has a mild alpine climate and is known for excellent wine. You can visit a vineyard and do a wine tasting while enjoying some local food delicacies. The South Tyrolean Speck, which is cured bacon, is known to be one of the best.

The Speck festival and other traditional festivities such as the wine harvest feast in Meran, the Krampus run and the carnival parades are surely some of the most iconic experiences in Central Europe. You should also visit the Archeological museum in Bolzano to see the ice man, Ötzi. If you prefer nature, then you will love to hike the Dolomites and visit lake Braies.

Lake Resia is another great spot where you can take memorable photos of the sunken bell tower in the lake. To make the most of your trip to South Tyrol, I recommend you spend at least 3-5 days in the region. Discover more places and things to do in South Tyrol Italy!

Contributed by Paul from Paulmarina

Florence

Florence is my favorite place to visit in Italy, and for good reason. When I think of classic Italian culture, this is it!

Located along the Arno River, Florence is a beautiful city. My first trip I may have broken a heel or two on the cobblestone streets so now I only pack flats and wander around the city to my hearts content. Two of my favorites places to go are the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, commonly known as The Duomo, and The Ponte Vecchio.

As the birthplace of the Italian Rennaisance, Florence is steeped in art and history. Home to world-renowned museums like the Uffizi Gallary, which houses Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, and Accademia Gallery, which houses David of Michelangelo, it’s been amazing to see in person the great works of art I had previously only read about.

While museums are wonderul, I find that it’s the everyday lifestyle that keeps me coming back again and again. Florence has the best restaurants, great high-end shopping, local artisans, and all the gelato a person could want. My favorite way to spend an evening is grabbing an aperitif in a piazza and watch life before heading to a long, leisurely dinner.

Contributed by Jessica from Very Obsessed

Laghi di Fusine

Laghi di Fusine is one of the most stunning places in Italy. These lakes are located in the Fruli Venezia Gulia region, right between the borders of Italy, Austria and Slovenia. 

These alpine lakes of glacial origin look like they came straight out of a fairytale, as the crystal clear water reflects the majestic Mangart massif mountain surrounding the lakes. I could spend hours sitting in the grass admiring the sheer, untouched beauty of the landscape.

If you are a nature lover, you will love hiking the trail between the two lakes. The circuit trail connecting the lakes is about 2 km long and suitable for all fitness levels.

You could hike the trail in 45 minutes, but I recommend spending at least two hours. I loved the serenity of nature, so I took advantage of every bench along the trail to sit and enjoy. 

I recommend you pack some snacks and have a picnic next to the lakes. There are designated picnic tables, but you can just spread a blanket and do it the old-fashioned way. 

Another reason I love these lakes is they are easy to visit from Italy and the neighbouring countries. I visited the lakes from Croatia, as they can also be visited on a day trip from Zagreb!

Contribiuted by Natali from She’s Abroad Again

Montalcino

Montalcino in Tuscany produces the beautifully earthy Brunello di Montalcino red wine and is one of the best places to visit in Italy. I’ve visited Montalcino a few times, always in the autumn around harvest season. Montalcino has all of the beauty of a medieval Tuscan village.

Crowds of tourists usually come to Montalcino for a specific purpose: to taste and buy Brunello di Montalcino wine. The shelves of the town’s enotecas bow under the weight of bottles of what is perhaps Italy’s most recognizable wine (in partnership with Chianti wines). The wine is made from only one grape variety (Sangiovese Grosso) and is ready for sale five years after harvest.
Two days is enough time to experience the small, rustic town and engage in wine tasting.

Two days is a nice time to experience the small, rustic town and engage in wine tasting.

Contributed by Ildiko from Indulgewithildi

Umbria

After visiting more than half the regions in Italy, I can safely say my favorite is Umbria. Hilltop villages, splendid nature, great wine and food, and hospitable locals, coupled with very budget-friendly accommodations, are a dream come true.

Many visitors will visit Tuscany but never travel further south to neighboring Umbria. In practice, this has meant that the region has kept its authenticity and has not been swamped by large crowds of tourists. It’s a little more rustic, and English isn’t widely spoken, but that just adds to the charm.

My favorite parts are all the quaint towns in Umbria. The impressive Assisi (with the UNESCO-classified Saint Francis Basilica) is an absolute must, alongside the medieval villages of Gubbio and Spello. Orvieto is home to the most magnificent cathedral in the region and is worth spending half a day exploring. Nature lovers will want to head to the Cascate delle Marmore, but make sure to check when they turn the waterfalls on and off, as these are man-made!

After a day of exploring, there is nothing better than tucking into a plate of great food. The region is known for its truffles and cured meats.

Contributed by Caroline from Veggiewayfarer

Portofino

Sitting in the middle of some of the best Italian Riviera towns, looking like a picture on a postcard, is the quaint fishing village of Portofino, which translates to the ‘port at the end of the road.’ 

Portofino is a tiny u-shaped port village famed for its idyllic pastel-colored houses, stylish boutiques, and seafood eateries that line the Piazzetta. It is framed by green hills and clear waters. 

You can spend a day to a few days in Portofino as there is so much that you can do. From taking relaxing walks along the flower-lined streets or stopping at a scenic cafe to take in the gorgeous surroundings. 

There are also a number of hiking trails, both along the coast and inland, that offer spectacular views in all directions. The imposing fortress of Castello Brown sits on top of a hill overlooking the village, which offers panoramic views of the village and the sea. 

From here you can view the super-yachts of the rich and famous that fill the harbor due to Portofino’s luxurious appeal and charming coastal aesthetic.

If you are staying in Portofino, the Albergo Nazionale is a great option as it is directly on the harbor and has stunning views of the town.

Contributed by Wanderlust Storytellers

Piedmont

Next to Tuscany, the wine region of Piedmont provides the largest number of top Italian wines. Barolo, in particular, is known to most wine drinkers as one of the best red wines. 

Piedmont is clearly a red wine region, as more than three-quarters of all wines produced here are red. Nevertheless, there are also some very famous white wines here, such as Asti Spumante. 

Both the beautiful town of Asti and the small village of Barolo are located in southeastern Piedmont. This beautiful region was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2014 for its wine history. 

Similar to Tuscany, but not as overrun with tourists, there are rolling vineyards, castles perched on hills and snow-capped Alpine peaks on the horizon. Additionally, you will find picturesque medieval villages, world-class wineries, and great restaurants. This region is also outstanding for hiking between wineries and the medieval villages. 

You should allow at least 3–4 days for this beautiful region of Piedmont. The best way to explore the vineyards is on the scenic hiking trails or by road trip, and don’t forget to taste the local wine in the many beautiful villages. 

Contributed by Linda from Hiking the Alps

Torino

The beautiful city of Torino in the northeast of Italy is often underestimated and lies in the shadow of nearby Milano. This is completely unjustified, as Torino is much more than an industrial city with great soccer clubs. There are many outstanding sights in Torino, yet the first capital of Italy is not overrun with tourists like many other cities. 

The beautiful old town, with its magnificent arcades, is located directly on the banks of the Po River. From the hilly right side of the river, you have excellent, free views of the city center and the city’s landmark, the Mole Antonelliana. This architecturally interesting building also houses the most important film museum of Italy. 

In the morning, you must stroll through the largest open-air market in Europe at Porta Palazzo. Here you can really find everything! In the nearby cathedral, you can see a copy of the world-famous but controversial Shroud of Turin.  

Like the cathedral, other historic buildings, such as the Palazzo Madame and the city castle of the Savoy family, the Palazzo Reale, stand around the central Piazza Castello. From here, the shopping street Via Po leads you to one of the largest squares in Europe, Piazza Vittorio Veneto. The ideal place for an apéritif in the evening. 

For a visit to this city worth seeing, you should plan, without museum visits, 2 days. 

Contributed by Linda from Insieme Piemonte 

Bari

Standing on the Adriatic Coast, Bari is the largest and most important city in Apulia. It’s mostly known as a transportation hub. Ferries to neighboring countries leave from here, its airport handles quite a lot of regional traffic, and it’s also the perfect base to explore the rest of Apulia, such as gorgeous Alberobello, interesting Matera, or cultural Lecce.

I was able to easily visit the city’s main sites in less than 48 hours. In addition, I spent another half day on a trip to Alberobello.

I stayed in the Old Bari (Bari Vecchia, Italian) and this is the area you shouldn’t miss. It’s a medieval neighborhood, filled with narrow streets, artisan shops, trattorias, and gorgeous churches.

The Basilica of Saint Nicholas is famous for its gold ceiling and crypt. An even older church and just as interesting are the Cathedral of Saint Sabino. Unfortunately, the vast majority of the churches in the area are closed to tourists and can only be visited on certain feast days.

Walking along the waterfront is also a lovely experience. I like to stop and watch the boats come and go, or just bob in the water, waiting for their next trip in the sea.

When I visited in winter, I got the chance to explore a small yet elegant and gorgeous Christmas Market, which also took place in the Old Town.

The best way to fall in love with the city is to take a Bari tour or try out an experience. Part of the Apulian experience is to dive into the local cuisine. Focaccia, taralli, and orecchiette are staples and will make your taste buds sing with joy. Wash them down with local red wine.

Contributed by LooknWalk

Trieste

Trieste is a picturesque port city in Northern Italy, close to the border with Slovenia, and it’s one of the best places to visit in Italy. Everything in this city is spectacular, including the Castello di Miramare, the canal, the vast piazzas, the palaces, and the coastline.

I spent most of the day in this city because there is so much to see and do. You’ll need at least half a day. Two days would be preferable.

Trieste is known as the coffee capital of Italy, so grab a seat at a café. The city gave birth to the Illy brand. Caffè San Marco, the most famous of them all, was founded in 1914.

I walked over to the Piazza Unita d’Italia and marveled at its grandeur. With palaces on three sides and the Adriatic Sea on the fourth, it’s easy to assume this is Europe’s largest square cradling the sea. Castello di Miramare is a stunning white palace perched on a cliff.

Contributed by KarsTravels

Choosing the most beautiful Italian towns is a challenging task. Almost every place is distinct in some way, with its own unique attractions, climate, and landscape. Each of these locations is famous for something special, and each has reasons to be proud.
And what should every Italian lover see at least once in their life? One of the 25 best places to visit in Italy!

See also:

• Visit Lake Garda
• Visit Dolomites in winter
• Best things to do in Venice in one day
• Tips for traveling to Italy

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