10 Most Beautiful Cities To Visit In Italy

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Italy is a dream destination for many travelers around the globe. With mesmerizing surroundings, lakes, towns, historic landscapes, architecture, cultural sites, cathedrals, and museums, Italy has been winning the hearts of millions of tourists year after year.

Of course, there are many gorgeous places to visit in Italy, but I will narrow it down to the 10 most beautiful ones you should not miss out on. It was tough for me. I literally wanted to go everywhere.

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1. Rome

Legendary marvels, vibrant streets, iconic structures, romantic vibes, and lively piazzas place Rome on the wish list of every tourist visiting Italy.

As you wander through the streets of this picturesque city, hold your cameras close to capture the remarkable architecture you will be seeing here.

The Colosseum, Trevi Fountains, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Vatican, Arch Of Trajan, and St. Peters are namely a few attractions in Rome. This city is also a foodie’s haven offering delicious Italian food and Gelato at many piazzas.

Moreover, the city gets beautifully illuminated during the evenings leaving that enchanting effect on all the excellent architecture.

My favorite highlights…

• The Vatican Museums is the most popular museum in the world showcasing 20,000 pieces of art and sculptures. Not to miss out on the legendary works of Michelangelo which you will notably see on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
• The Colosseum charmed me with its grandeur and the massive Roman amphitheater.

2. Venice

Venice is a fantasy land and the most loved city in Italy. I have been to Venice multiple times and still can’t get enough of it.

I love the sunrise there when there is less crowd, no heat, and you can soak in all the idyllic vibes of the historic city. Taking a gondola ride on the canals and soaking yourself in the mesmerizing surroundings is a must-do in Venice.

Visiting Venice might be heavy on your pockets, but will be very much worth it.

My personal highlights...

• One of the other major highlights of Venice is Piazza San Marco where you will find many wonderful cathedrals, palaces, and museums. The most notable attractions are the grand Doge’s Palace and Basilica of St. Mark.
• The scenic boat trip to the Venetian Islands – Murano, Torcello, and Burano.

3. Florence

Florence, known as the Renaissance capital of Italy, is a fascinating and artistic city. Its corners are lined with numerous art galleries, museums, and architectural wonders.

The Uffizi Gallery exhibits masterpieces by Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and Giotto. While you are touring the popular cupola of Duomo, make sure to climb the 450 steps (no lift) to the top to get the most amazing panoramic views of Florence.

Wander through Piazza Della Signoria which is Florence’s most gorgeous piazza having lots of statues including the famous Michelangelo’s David (a replica of the original one). For the original statue you will have to visit the Accademia Gallery.

Also don’t miss out taking strolls at the banks of the picturesque river Arno, shopping at San Lorenzo, and spending some pleasant time in the Boboli garden.

My favorite highlights...

• The Duomo climb was so rewarding. The panoramic views of Florence from the dome which is 150 feet in diameter are truly appreciating. The cathedral itself is a splendor to experience. I was fascinated by the carvings on the bronze doors that depicted scenes from the Bible.
• Piazzale Michelangelo is one of the best spots in Florence to catch some gorgeous sunset views. The first time I discovered this place was through a golf cart tour. I found myself coming back here the very next day to enjoy the sunset hour.

4. Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is beautiful with spectacular scenes of the wide Mediterranean coastline, pastel-shaded homes, lush greenness, flower blooms, and rough cliffs. It is as popular as Rome, Venice, and Florence.

The Amalfi Drive is one of the world’s most scenic routes. Located just an hour away from Naples, Amalfi Coast is a perfect getaway for a real Italian feel and atmosphere. No words can describe the beauty of this place.

The picture-perfect Positano & Amalfi are the best towns along the Amalfi coast. Sorrento is another stunner and serves you with the region’s best wines. Mount Vesuvius offers breathtaking views of the southern part of Italy.

An exploration tour of the ruins of the ancient city of Pompeii which is a UNESCO World Heritage site gives you a peak into the ancient city life.

My highlights...

• Doing a sunset boat tour of the Amalfi Coast was one of the best days of my life! The natural rock arches, fjords, crystal clear waters and watch towers along the coast were a sight to behold. We had a halt around the cape of Praiano. There we went for swimming. Once the light began to drop we went back to Amalfi while admiring the beautiful views of both land and sea.

5. Lake Como, Lombardy

A visit to Italy is incomplete without a visit to its most beautiful lake, Lake Como. This huge lake has many shores for exploration and is surrounded by gorgeous hills, some of which are great viewing points.

You could hike or take a funicular ride up the hills to enjoy the magnificent views of the towns and seascapes.

The charming village of Bellagio is located in the middle of the lake and is popular for its gardens, grand hotels, lake-side restaurants, and flower-lined streets.

Villa Carlotta, located in the town of Tremezzo, is an awe-inspiring botanical garden with beautifully laid and exotic plants and flower beds while the Villa itself has a collection of sculptures and paintings.

Villa del Balbianello in the town of Lenno is known for its terrace gardens, gorgeous landscapes, and movie features such as Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones and Casino Royale.

My personal highlights...

• I visited Lake Como, Bellagio, and Lugano on a boat cruise from Milan. Bellagio was the most impressive place. The cobblestone streets, cypress trees, soaring mountains, and cute lakeside cafes were highlights.

6.Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a must-visit place in Italy and one of the most beautiful as well. Cinque Terre is made up of five fishing towns along its rocky coastline.

The narrow streets, ancient vineyards, pastel-shaded houses on the cliffs, pretty harbors, and the gorgeous Mediterranean seascapes are magical.

Cinque Terre is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can do a lot of things while you are in Cinque Terre.

You can explore the vineyards in Manarola, take a hike to Vernazza for stunning views, catch sunset views from Stella Marina beach at Monterosso, go on a kayaking tour from Monterosso, dip into the sea from the harbors, take a boat tour and savor on some delicious Italian cuisines.

Manarola and Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre are perfect for setting base while exploring it.

My highlights...

• I fell in love with the Monterosso Beach. It was serene and all about having fun in the sparkling sea water. I simply went for a swim and a boat trip from the shores of the beach.

7. Capri

Capri is a small paradisiacal island located in the Bay of Naples. This island is all about whitewashed villas, turquoise waters, a glamorous lifestyle, stunning harbors, scenic surroundings, sea caves, lush gardens, and amazing nightlife.

The Blue Grotto sea cave is one of the most amazing sights wherein a natural sea cave gets fascinatingly illuminated by blue lights. The panoramic views of Capri from Anacapri is an unmissable thing to do in Capri.

The picturesque port of Capri, Marina Grande is also a great place to spend time. There are many hiking points in Capri as well offering great views of the island, one of the best being hiking up to Monte Solaro from Anacapri.

Gardens of Augustus is another attraction in Capri with beautiful views of the cliffs and the sea.

My favorite highlights...

• The iconic sea Grottos are the most famous attractions of Capri. They light up in an ethereal manner that can only be believed if seen. To visit the Blue Grotto, I joined this boat trip from Don Giobbe Ruocco.
• I highly recommend Maliblu Wine & Tapas which is an Italian Bar near Punta Carena lighthouse in Anacapri. The sunset views from there will make any moment of yours perfect.

8. Genoa

Genoa is one of the most charming cities in the Liguria region of Italy. This port city is an interesting amalgamation of the beauty of its Mediterranean coast and architectural excellence.

The Piazza de Ferrari is a marvelous open square at the center of the city home to many Italian architectures such as the Palace of Doges, Carlo Felice Theatre, a dramatic statue, and a bronze fountain.

Genoa has many wonderful cathedrals, the most notable one being San Lorenzo, a Romanesque church with a gorgeous interior that includes intricate details and amazing frescoes.

Genoa is also home to the largest aquarium in Europe showcasing the history of the port city and about 15000 sea animals.

Taking a tour of UNESCO World Heritage site listed palaces at the magnificent Palazzi dei Rolli is also a must-do in the city.

My favorite highlights...

• The historic center is the most beautiful part of Genoa. The impressive Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Bianco are worth visiting.

9. Verona

Verona is a beautiful and romantic city that became famous from the fictional love saga of Romeo and Juliet by the famous Shakespeare. It is really fascinating to actually visit the places based on the story such as the homes, Juliet’s balcony, and even the tombs of the fictional characters. There is a lot more to this fairy-tale city.

You can find many ancient remains and castles in this city which has been declared as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Soaking in the beautiful sunset views from St. Peters’s Castle on the hill is one of the most beautiful experiences you will have in Italy.

The Roman amphitheater which is the third largest arena in Italy puts on great opera performances during the evenings. Also, the famous Italian lakes Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore are very easily accessible from Verona.

Being centrally located between Venice, Milan, and Bologna, this gorgeous city is a must-visit in Italy.

My highlights...

• Verona is about its serene piazzas, historic bridges, and Renaissance palaces. A great way of exploring the attractions and hidden spots of the city was through this walking tour.

10. Milan

Milan has the most magnificent and stunning cathedrals in the world. It is a city that is ignored most of the time and considered as more of a business hub in Italy. But that is not true.

Milan has a lot to offer in terms of beautiful sights and great things to do. The marvelous Duomo Cathedral is a sight to explore and behold. The views of the city from the top of this cathedral are awe-inspiring.

The Sforza Castle, Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper, Sempione Park, and Arco della Pace are some of the major highlights of the city.

Milan is also a paradise for shopaholics and fashionistas. Quadrilatero, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, and Corso Buenos Aires are the best places to find fashion wonders.

My personal highlights...

• The Last Supper and the magnificent Duomo were the most memorable places to visit in Milan. I would recommend you to explore the Piazza del Duomo in the morning before it gets crowded. Also you can climb up Duomo’s terraces for some great panoramic views of the city. I bought these skip-the-line tickets for access to the fast-track lane to save time.

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