The Roman Forum © S. Borisov - Shutterstock.com
From its gastronomy to its exceptional landscapes, Italy never ceases to enchant travelers from all over the world. The charm of this thousand-faceted country certainly lies in its traditions and landscapes, which vary from north to south, forming a united, yet culturally fragmented country. A tour of Italy allows you to discover the poetry of its undulating landscapes, before stopping off in sublime cities that are home to a rich historical heritage. The cradle of Antiquity, then of the Renaissance, Italy never ceases to fascinate and put stars in visitors' eyes. Here are 10 cities to visit at least once in your life in Italy.
1. Rome, land of pilgrims
St. Peter's Basilica, Rome © TT Studio - Shuttertock.com
It certainly deserves top spot in our ranking of cities to visit at least once in your life in Italy... Visiting Rome means following in the footsteps of the great emperors, stepping back in time to visit sites of unique historical importance such as the Colosseum or the Forums, and being impressed by the artistic grandeur of the city, particularly in Piazza Navona! Piazza di Spagna, for example, with its Barcaccia fountain at the foot of the Trinità dei Monti staircase. You can also take advantage of the city's vibrant neighborhoods by visiting Trastevere, a bohemian, trendy district lined with bars and restaurants. A trip to Rome is also an opportunity to visit the Vatican State, with its monumental St. Peter's Basilica and three other major basilicas.
Tempted? Discover our article What to do and see in Rome in 3 days? Itinerary tips
2. Venice and its carnival
Venice Carnival© Onfokus - iStockphoto.com
Romantic, touristy or fairytale-like, Venice can be described by many adjectives! It's true that you're rarely alone to admire its canals, Bridge of Sighs and splendid St. Mark's Square, but a visit to the Serenissima is a must on any tour of Italy. A veritable open-air museum built on stilts, we stop to admire the splendors of the Doge's Palace and the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute. Or simply stroll through its emblematic districts, such as Cannaregio and its typical city façades along the canals. Then it's off to the lagoon's islands. Murano, Burano and Torcello are enchanting stops with plenty of surprises in store. In addition to wandering among so many beauties, a visit during Carnival is a must! The town is taken over by Commedia dell'Arte characters, each in their own elegant costume. It's splendid, and well worth the detour!
Prepare your stay by reading our article What to do and see in Venice in 3 days? Itinerary tips.
3. Florence, a radiant city
Florence Cathedral© Nickolay V - iStockphoto
This is where Stendhal fell in love with so much beauty, and understandably so! Florence is the cradle of the Italian Renaissance, and wandering its streets and discovering its splendid Duomo or its Santa Croce basilica are all milestones in a traveler's life. The monuments, ever more numerous, catch the eye of visitors, as when we pass the Palazzio Vecchio and the Palazzo Pitti . In the Santa Maria Novella district, enter the splendid eponymous church before taking a cappuccino break in one of the many cafés. We also visit the Galleria degli Uffizi, where Botticelli's sumptuous Birth of Venus is a sight to behold (for more on this subject, see our article on the best museums to visit in Florence), before heading for the Ponte Vecchio, the only surviving structure from Florence's medieval period.
What to do and see in Florence in 2 or 3 days? Itinerary tips
4. Sultry Naples
Narrow streets in the historic center of Naples© Peeter Viisimaa - iStockphoto
Like Vesuvius, which towers over and threatens it, Naples is a bustling city and one of Italy's must-visit destinations. You'll love discovering its unique gastronomy (this is where the famous margherita pizza was born!), as well as its rich heritage as you wander through the narrow streets of its historic center, Spaccanapoli. Architecture lovers will marvel at the cloister of the Basilica of Santa Chiara, the Castello dell'Ovo on the islet of Megaride in the Gulf of Naples and the archaeological site of Herculaneum, which also survived the terrible eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. After an excursion to Naples' emblematic volcano, another day is devoted to a tour of its coastline, the famous Amalfi Coast, and then, just a few kilometers away, a visit to Pompeii, the famous archaeological site that will delight history buffs.
See our article What to do and see in Naples in 3 days? Itinerary tips to best prepare your stay!
5. Palermo, island beauty
Palermo Cathedral© Majaiva - iStockphoto.com
Palermo is a city full of paradoxes, captivating visitors with its history and impressive vibrancy. Authentic, it still has an atmosphere of yesteryear and a warm welcome from its inhabitants, particularly in its colorful markets in the city center, such as Ballarò. In addition to a visit to the splendid cathedral and the Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele, Italy's largest, one of Palermo's must-see attractions is the Capuchin catacombs. In all, there are over 8,000 corpses on display in these underground galleries: sensitive souls, please refrain! Last but not least, the sheer number of churches in the city is matched only by the number of palaces. The Arab-style Palazzo della Zisa, dating from the 12th century, is a marvel to behold.
What to do and see in Palermo in 2 or 3 days? Itinerary tips
6. Milan, capital of fashion
tomasSereda - iStockphoto
Famous for its fashion weeks and the many designer boutiques to be found in the splendid Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and its neo-classical, Baroque style, Milan is the perfect place for an Italian getaway. And don't forget that the city is also home to architectural wonderssuch as the Duomo of Milan, located in the Piazza del Duomo. This architectural treasure is the third-largest cathedral in the world. The Sforza castle, another emblematic monument, is home to numerous museums, including the Ancient Art, Egyptian and Prehistory museums. Just behind it is the Sempione Park, a large green area featuring other beautiful buildings. In the evening, enjoy the sunset in the Navigli district as you stroll along the canals.
What to do and see in Milan in 2 or 3 days? Itinerary tips
7. Verona, another city of lovers
leonid Andronov - Shutterstock.com
City of Romeo and Juliet, symbol of Italian romanticism, Verona is still very much a medieval town, which gives it an undeniable charm. To immerse yourself in its history and picturesque charm, there's nothing like strolling from square to square : from the Piazza delle Erbe and its market, you can reach the Piazza Bra, the city's largest square. In addition to restaurants and a small garden, there's a small Colosseum where you can watch animated ancient battles. Among the must-sees are the Roman amphitheatre, the Porta Borsari, also from Roman times, and Castelvecchio, a superbly preserved 14th-century fortress. Verona is also famous for its old streets and houses, where you can wander for hours, and Juliet's House with its famous balcony, which no one wants to miss. Unquestionably one of Italy's must-visit cities!
What to do and see in Verona in 2 or 3 days? Itinerary tips
8. Siena, medieval jewel
© Author's Image
Although Siena is often upstaged by its eternal rival Florence, it's a city not to be missed in Italy. A smaller, more intimate medieval splendor, Siena's various quarters are a delight to visit. Each medieval quarter has its own fountain and alleyways, where it's pleasant to take the time to admire the facades of the buildings, ice cream in hand. You can also visit the city's must-see monuments, such as the Basilica di San Domenico and its impressive flamboyant Gothic cathedral. In the city's main square, Piazza del Campo, you'll be amazed by its amphitheatre-like curves. The Palazzo Pubblico and its tower, from which you can climb to the top for a splendid panoramic view of the whole city.
9. Turin, unsuspected beauty
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Although people know Turin more for its industrial success than for tourism, the city nevertheless boasts an undeniable architectural and cultural wealth. The historic district is well worth a visit, including the Palazzo Reale and the Mole Antonelliana. At 167 metres, this is the city's tallest monument. On the way to the top, a balcony offers a splendid panorama of the entire city and its surroundings. Another square beckons the curious: Piazza San Carlo. Here you can admire the equestrian statue of the Duke of Savoy, Emmanuel-Philibert, as well as the "twin churches" of Santa Cristina and San Carlo, whose architecture is virtually identical. Turin's architectural beauties are numerous, and the city is also worth a visit for its museums, including the Egyptological Museum and the Automobile Museum. Turin is home to the historic headquarters of the FIAT automaker.
Read more: What to do and see in Turin Top 15 must-sees
10. Lecce, heading south
© Mi.Ti.
Lecce is one of the most beautiful places in Puglia and a must-visit town in Italy at least once in a lifetime. Lecce is also one of the most beautiful towns in southern Italy and a must-see architectural gem. Its churches, palaces and incredible 17th-century Baroque style are sure to enchant the curious. Take a stroll around the Piazza del Duomo to see the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Seminary Palace and the Campanile. Lecce also boasts a beautiful Roman amphitheatre. Built between the 1st and 2nd centuries by the Romans, part of the amphitheatre is buried but the rest is visible thanks to archaeological excavations. On another day out, it's the Basilica of Santa Croce that you should see for its many architectural details, before settling down on the terrace of a bar and enjoying the delicious local wines.
Read more: Top 15 most beautiful villages in Puglia
Tempted? To take advantage of the best fares, take a look at the airfares just below and book without too much delay : heading for one of Italy's must-visit cities at least once in a lifetime.
