23 Italian cities to see once in your lifetime!

Italy is perhaps the most beautiful country in Europe. With its ideal geography, long history and excellent cuisine, there’s no shortage of things to do. To help you plan your discovery of Italy, here are the 23 Italian cities I recommend you visit first.

Rome

Region: Lazio.

The best things to do in Rome :

• The Colosseum, the best-preserved symbol of the Roman Empire.
• The Vatican, with St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.
• The Trevi Fountain, the most famous fountain in the world.
• The Pantheon, a remarkably well-preserved ancient temple.
• Piazza Navona, for its architecture and fountains.
• The ruins of the Roman Forum, witness to ancient Rome.
• Villa Borghese, for its gardens and art gallery.
• The Trastevere district, for its bohemian atmosphere.
• The Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo’s frescoes.
• Trajan’s Markets, as beautiful by day as by night.
• Rome’s magnificent major basilicas.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Mild and sunny.
• Summer: Hot and dry.
• Autumn: Temperate, pleasant.
• Winter: Cool, rarely very cold.

Typical dish to eat: Spaghetti alla carbonara, a classic of Roman cuisine.

 

Venice

Region: Veneto.

The best things to do in Venice :

• A gondola ride on the canals.
• St. Mark’s Square and St. Mark’s Basilica.
• The Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal.
• The Doge’s Palace, a testament to the grandeur of Venice.
• The less touristy Cannaregio district.
• The island of Murano for its glassworks.
• The modern art collection of the Peggy Guggenheim Museum.
• The Rialto market for local produce.
• The island of Burano, famous for its colorful houses.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Gentle, with bright days.
• Summer: Hot and humid.
• Autumn: Cool, with the occasional acqua alta (floods).
• Winter: Cool and misty.

Typical dish to eat: cicchetti, small bites typical of Venetian bars.

 

Florence

 Region: Tuscany.

The best things to do in Florence :

• Florence Cathedral with Brunelleschi’s dome.
• The Uffizi Gallery, for its Renaissance works.
• The Ponte Vecchio, a famous historic bridge.
• Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio.
• Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia.
• Boboli Gardens, behind the Pitti Palace.
• The Oltrarno district for its artisan workshops.
• The Basilica of Santa Croce.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Gentle, with nature in full bloom.
• Summer: Warm and sunny.
• Autumn: Temperate, pleasant.
• Winter: Cool, regularly damp.

Typical dish to eat: Bistecca alla fiorentina, a thick grilled Tuscan steak.

 

Milan

Region: Lombardy.

The best things to do in Milan :

• Milan Cathedral (Duomo) for its Gothic architecture.
• Teatro alla Scala, one of the world’s most famous opera houses.
• The Sforza Castle, with its museums and art galleries.
• The fashion district for luxury shopping.
• Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
• The Brera district for its art galleries and cafés.
• The Parc Sempione for a nature break in the city.
• The Navigli district for its canals and nightlife.
• The Pinacoteca di Brera for Italian art.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Temperate, with sunny days.
• Summer: Hot and humid.
• Autumn: Cool, with clear days.
• Winter: Cold and foggy.

Typical dish to eat: Risotto alla milanese, a saffron risotto.

 

Naples

 Region: Campania.

The best things to do in Naples :

• A visit to the historic center, a World Heritage site.
• The National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
• Discover the catacombs of San Gennaro.
• An excursion to Vesuvius and the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
• Neapolitan pizza in an authentic pizzeria.
• The Sansevero Chapel and its sculpture of the veiled Christ.
• Castel Nuovo, an imposing medieval castle.
• The Spaccanapoli district, the soul of Naples.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Gentle.
• Summer: Warm and sunny.
• Autumn: Temperate, pleasant.
• Winter: Mild, with mild temperatures.

Typical dish to eat: Margherita pizza, originally from Naples.

 

Turin

Region: Piedmont.

The best things to do in Turin :

• Turin’s Egyptian Museum, one of the most important in the world.
• The Mole Antonelliana, with the National Cinema Museum.
• Piazza Castello and its elegant palaces.
• Turin’s Royal Palace, an example of Baroque architecture.
• Valentino Park and its castle.
• The Basilica of Superga, with its panoramic views.
• The Automobile Museum, celebrating the Italian automotive industry.
• Turin’s historic cafés, cradles of hot chocolate.
• The walk along the Po River.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Mild, with sunny days.
• Summer: Hot, sometimes stormy.
• Autumn: Temperate, with colorful leaves.
• Winter: Cold, with some snow.

Typical dish to eat: Bicerin, a traditional drink made with coffee, chocolate and cream.

 

Bologna

Region: Emilia-Romagna.

The best things to do in Bologna :

• The Two Towers, emblems of the city.
• Piazza Maggiore and the Basilica of San Petronio.
• The Quadrilatero, the historic market district.
• The University of Bologna, the oldest in the Western world.
• Bologna History Museum.
• The Sanctuary of San Luca, accessible via a long portico.
• Gastronomy in traditional trattorias.
• The Lamborghini Museum, for car enthusiasts.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Mild, with sunny days.
• Summer: Warm and sunny.
• Autumn: Temperate, pleasant.
• Winter: Cool, sometimes foggy.

The typical dish to eat: Tagliatelle al ragù, often mistakenly called “spaghetti bolognese” outside Italy.

 

Genoa

Region: Liguria.

The best things to do in Genoa :

• The Genoa Aquarium, Europe’s largest.
• The old port (Porto Antico), renovated by Renzo Piano.
• San Lorenzo Cathedral, with its black-and-white-striped façade.
• The Ducal Palace, center of culture and art.
• The Boccadasse district, a former fishing village.
• Via Garibaldi, for its Renaissance palaces.
• The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (Villa Croce).
• A stroll along Corso Italia, facing the sea.
• The Mercato Orientale market for fresh produce.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Mild, with sunny days.
• Summer: Warm and bright.
• Autumn: Temperate, pleasant.
• Winter: Cool, sometimes damp.

The typical dish to eat: focaccia Genovese, a traditional flatbread.

 

Palermo

Region: Sicily.

The best things to do in Palermo :

• Palermo Cathedral, a blend of architectural styles.
• The Norman Palace and the Palatine Chapel.
• The Ballarò market, for a unique sensory experience.
• Teatro Massimo, one of Europe’s leading opera houses.
• The Capucins catacombs, for lovers of unusual history.
• The Kalsa district, for its atmosphere and history.
• A walk on Monte Pellegrino.
• Visit Monreale, for its impressive cathedral.
• Sicilian street food, diverse and tasty.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Gentle, with abundant flowers.
• Summer: Warm and sunny, perfect for the beach.
• Autumn: Temperate, pleasant.
• Winter: Mild, regularly rainy.

The typical dish to eat: Arancino, a deep-fried, stuffed rice dumpling.

 

Verona

Region: Veneto.

The best things to do in Verona :

• Verona’s Arena, an impressive Roman amphitheater.
• Juliette’s House, famous for its balcony.
• Piazza delle Erbe, for its market and historic buildings.
• The Ponte Pietra, a Roman bridge over the Adige.
• The Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, an example of Romanesque art.
• A visit to the Valpolicella vineyards.
• The Teatro Romano and its archaeological museum.
• Castelvecchio, a medieval castle with an art museum.
• Amarone wine tastings.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Mild, with sunny days.
• Summer: Warm, perfect for outdoor shows.
• Autumn: Temperate, pleasant.
• Winter: Cool and misty.

A typical dish to eat: risi e bisi, a rice dish with peas.

 

Siena

Region: Tuscany.

The best things to do in Siena :

• The Piazza del Campo, famous for its architecture, and the Palio, a historic horse race.
• Siena Cathedral (Duomo), a masterpiece of Gothic art.
• The Civic Museum, with its frescoes and works of art.
• The Palazzo Pubblico, with its tower and panoramic views.
• San Domenico church, with relics of Saint Catherine.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Mild, sunny days.
• Summer: Warm and sunny.
• Autumn: Temperate.
• Winter: Cool and damp.

Typical dish to eat: Panforte, a fruit and nut cake.

 

Pisa

Region: Tuscany.

The best things to do in Pisa :

• The Leaning Tower of Pisa and Campo dei Miracoli.
• Pisa Cathedral and its baptistery.
• A walk along the Arno.
• A visit to the Camposanto, a historic cemetery.
• The Sinopie Museum, home to the preparatory sketches for the Camposanto frescoes.
• Palazzo Blu, for art exhibitions.
• A visit to the University of Pisa, one of the oldest in Europe.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Mild, with sunny days.
• Summer: Warm and sunny.
• Autumn: Temperate.
• Winter: Cool.

Typical dish to eat: Spaghetti alla pisana, with seafood.

 

Lecce

Region: Puglia.

The best things to do in Lecce:

• Exploration of Baroque architecture, including the Basilica of the Holy Cross.
• The historic center with its charming narrow streets.
• Lecce’s Roman theater.
• Piazza del Duomo, for its atmosphere and architecture.
• Visit the Roman amphitheater.
• Local craft workshops, especially those working with Lecce stone.
• A tour of the city’s Baroque churches.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Mild and sunny.
• Summer: Very hot, sunny.
• Autumn: Temperate, pleasant.
• Winter: Rather mild.

The typical dish to eat: Puccia leccese, a round loaf filled with various ingredients.

 

Perugia

Region: Umbria.

The best things to do in Perugia :

• The Rocca Paolina, a historic fortress.
• Corso Vannucci for its boutiques and cafés.
• La Fontaine Majeure, a medieval masterpiece.
• Palazzo dei Priori and Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria.
• Etruscan walls and city gates.
• The Perugia Jazz Festival in July.
• Local chocolate shops, especially during the Eurochocolate festival.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Gentle, with abundant flowers.
• Summer: Warm and sunny.
• Autumn: Temperate, with colorful vineyards.
• Winter: Cool, sometimes snowy.

Typical dish to eat: umbricelli, a thick pasta served with a truffle sauce.

 

Ravenna

Region: Emilia-Romagna.

The best things to do in Ravenna:

• The Basilica of San Vitale and its Byzantine mosaics.
• The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, famous for its mosaics.
• The Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare Nuovo.
• The tomb of Dante Alighieri.
• Saint Francis Basilica and its flooded crypt.
• The Archiepiscopal Museum and the Chapelle Saint-André.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Gentle, with bright days.
• Summer: Warm and sunny.
• Autumn: Temperate.
• Winter: Cool.

Typical dish to eat: piadina romagnola, a traditional flatbread often stuffed with cold meats and cheese.

 

Bergamo

Region: Lombardy.

The best things to do in Bergamo:

• Città Alta (Upper Town), accessible by funicular, for its medieval atmosphere.
• The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, rich in art and history.
• Piazza Vecchia, heart of Città Alta.
• The Duomo di Bergamo (Bergamo Cathedral).
• The Venetian ramparts, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
• The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (GAMEC).

Weather by season :

• Spring: Many sunny days.
• Summer: Hot, sometimes stormy.
• Autumn: Pleasant temperatures.
• Winter: Cold, with snow in the vicinity.

Typical dish to eat: casoncelli, stuffed pasta typical of the region.

 

Seat

Region: Umbria.

The best things to do in Assisi :

• The Basilica of St. Francis, a place of pilgrimage and artistic masterpieces.
• The historic medieval center, with its cobblestone streets.
• The Rocca Maggiore fortress, overlooking the city.
• The Basilica of St. Clare, dedicated to another of Assisi’s saints.
• The Eremo delle Carceri, a sanctuary in the hills.
• The Piazza del Comune, the center of urban life.
• A visit to the vineyards of Umbria.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Gentle, with abundant flowers.
• Summer: Warm and sunny.
• Autumn: Temperate, with beautiful autumn colors.
• Winter: Cool, sometimes snowy.

A typical dish to eat: torta al testo, a traditional flatbread baked on an iron plate.

 

Parma

Region: Emilia-Romagna.

The best things to do in Parma :

• Parma’s Duomo, with its frescoes by Correggio.
• The Parma Baptistery, a remarkable example of Romanesque architecture.
• La Pilotta, a complex of museums and theaters.
• Tasting Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma.
• The Parco Ducale, for a relaxing stroll.
• A visit to the Casa della Musica (House of Music).
• Art galleries and boutiques in the historic center.
• Excursions in the surrounding countryside.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Gentle.
• Summer: Warm, with plenty of sunshine.
• Autumn: Temperate.
• Winter: Cool, often foggy.

Typical dish to eat: tortelli d’erbetta, pasta stuffed with spinach and cheese.

 

Trieste

Region: Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

The best things to do in Trieste :

• Piazza Unità d’Italia, one of Europe’s largest seafront squares.
• Castello di Miramare, overlooking the Gulf of Trieste.
• The historic Caffè San Marco, for a literary break.
• The walk along the Molo Audace.
• The Roman Theatre, a testimony to the imperial era.
• The Revoltella Museum, for modern art.
• A visit to Duino Castle and the coastal cliffs.
• Excursions to the Carso Triestino for hiking.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Gentle, with bright days.
• Summer: Warm and sunny, perfect for enjoying the sea.
• Autumn: Temperate.
• Winter: Cool, with the bora wind phenomenon.

Typical dish to eat: Jota, a traditional soup with beans, sauerkraut and potatoes.

 

Modena

Region: Emilia-Romagna.

The best things to do in Modena:

• Modena’s Duomo, with its Ghirlandina tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The Palazzo Ducale, now a military academy.
• The Enzo Ferrari Museum, for car enthusiasts.
• The Albinelli market for an authentic culinary experience.
• The history of luthiers’ workshops, a legacy of musical tradition.
• Piazza Grande, center of social life.
• Excursions into the countryside to visit producers of Parmigiano and balsamic vinegar.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Mild, with sunny days.
• Summer: Warm, ideal for festivals and events.
• Autumn: Temperate.
• Winter: Cool.

A typical dish to eat: gnocco fritto, fried pieces of pasta served with cold meats.

 

Padua

Region: Veneto.

The best things to do in Padua :

• The Scrovegni Chapel, renowned for its Giotto frescoes.
• The Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua, an important pilgrimage site.
• Prato della Valle, one of Europe’s largest squares.
• The Palazzo della Ragione, with its huge frescoed hall.
• Padua’s Botanical Garden, the oldest in the world.
• Padua’s Hermitage Museum of art and history.
• Stroll along the historic canals.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Mild, with long days.
• Summer: Warm and sunny.
• Autumn: Temperate.
• Winter: Cool.

Typical dish to eat: Risi e bisi, a creamy risotto with peas.

 

Matera

Region: Basilicata.

The best things to do in Matera :

• A visit to the “Sassi di Matera”, ancient dwellings carved out of the rock.
• Rock churches with Byzantine frescoes.
• Matera Cathedral, overlooking the town.
• Museums dedicated to the history and culture of the Sassi.
• Stroll through the steep, narrow streets of the old town.
• Tasting local cuisine in caves transformed into restaurants.
• Excursions to the Murgia Materana rock church park.
• Exploring the natural landscapes around Matera.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Gentle.
• Summer: Warm and dry, ideal for exploring the Sassi.
• Autumn: Pleasant weather.
• Winter: Cool, sometimes cold.

The typical dish to eat: Pane di Matera, a traditional sourdough bread.

 

Cagliari

Region: Sardinia.

The best things to do in Cagliari :

• A visit to the historic Castello district.
• Santa Maria Cathedral.
• Nora Archaeological Park, an ancient Roman site.
• The Poetto beach promenade.
• The National Archaeological Museum of Cagliari.
• Visit to the Basilica of San Saturnino.
• Discover the Molentargius lagoon, home to pink flamingos.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Gentle.
• Summer: Warm and dry, ideal for the beach.
• Autumn: Temperate.
• Winter: Mild, sometimes rainy.

Typical dish to eat: fregola sarda, a typical pasta served with seafood.