Italy Travel Guide: Best Places, Attractions, Itineraries & More

This Italy travel guide explores the best itineraries, destinations, attractions, and more to help you plan your visit.

Italy Travel Guide: Best Places, Attractions, Itineraries & More

Italy is one of the world’s most beloved travel destinations—and it’s easy to see why. From its layers of history to its breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable cuisine, Italy offers an experience that draws travelers back time and time again. This Italy travel guide is designed to give you everything you need to plan the perfect trip and make the most of your time in this extraordinary country.


Best Cities To Visit

Roman stone-cold history meets street-level style—forums, galleries, canals, and cafés—Italy’s cities are a high-speed ride through the ages. Everywhere you turn, Roman relics stare back, survivors of time, war, and the one opponent none of us will beat—nature itself.

Venice

Step into the Eternal City, where ancient landmarks like the Colosseum and Roman Forum meet charming cobblestone streets and lively trattorias. Rome is perfect for history lovers, foodies, and anyone chasing a taste of classic Italy.

Rome

Step into the Eternal City, where ancient landmarks like the Colosseum and Roman Forum meet charming cobblestone streets and lively trattorias.

Rome is perfect for history lovers, foodies, and anyone chasing a taste of classic Italy. It's a city known the world-wide for a reason, and it certainly will not disappoint.

Florence

Wander through the heart of the Renaissance, marveling at masterpieces by Michelangelo and Botticelli.

Florence offers stunning architecture, romantic river views, and world-famous Tuscan cuisine just outside the city.

Milan

Italy’s style capital mixes cutting-edge design with centuries-old treasures—think the Duomo’s rooftop views, Da Vinci’s Last Supper, and aperitivo culture in Navigli.

Milan suits fashion lovers, architecture nerds, and anyone who wants big-city energy with art at every turn.

Naples

Raw, delicious, and unforgettable—Naples dishes out world-class pizza, chaotic charm, and easy access to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.

Perfect for food-first travelers, history buffs, and folks who like their cities a little gritty and very real.

Bologna

Portico-lined streets, medieval towers, and Italy’s foodie soul—Bologna is all about slow lunches, fresh pasta, and neighborhood markets.

It’s ideal for culinary travelers, students of culture, and anyone who loves walkable city breaks with tons of character.

Turin

Elegant cafes, grand boulevards, and the Alps on the horizon—Turin blends chocolate shops and cinema history with Baroque beauty.

Great for museum lovers, cafe hoppers, and travelers chasing a northern-Italy city vibe without the crowds. Famous for hosting the shroud of Turin, which is the most studies relgious artifiact in history.

Learn More About Italy's Best Cities


Best National Parks

Explore Italy’s wild side—soaring Alps, cliff-hugging villages, ancient forests, and bright-blue coastlines—where every trail comes with knockout views and a dose of culture.

Gran Paradiso National Park

Italy’s first national park delivers classic Alpine drama—glaciers, wildflower meadows, and sure-footed ibex on rocky ridgelines.

It’s a dream for hikers, landscape photographers, and anyone who wants crisp air, quiet valleys, and that high-mountain magic.

Cinque Terre National Park

Five pastel fishing villages linked by terraced vineyards and sea-view trails—Cinque Terre is postcard Italy in real life.

Come for cliffside hikes, sunset swims, and slow lunches by the marina—perfect for romantics, casual walkers, and food lovers.

Stelvio National Park

One of Europe’s largest protected areas—think thunderous waterfalls, hairpin passes, and high-altitude trails that brush the sky.

Stelvio suits serious hikers, cyclists chasing legendary climbs, and travelers who want big scenery without giving up creature comforts.

The Stelvio Pass, the road that winds through the park, is a breathtaking sight all on its own.

Abruzzo, Lazio & Molise National Park

Wolf country—ancient beech forests, quiet villages, and a real chance of spotting Marsican brown bears from a respectful distance. This park is made for wildlife lovers, slow-travel fans, and families who like easy lakeside strolls with mountain backdrops.

Gargano National Park

The “spur” of Italy’s boot blends white-cliff beaches, sea caves, and the shady Foresta Umbra inland—Mediterranean vibes with wild pockets to explore. Ideal for beach-to-trail days, road-trippers, and anyone chasing turquoise water plus small-town charm.

View Italy's National Parks


Itineraries

This itinerary highlights Rome, Venice, and Florence, with time for the Amalfi Coast at the end, giving you a mix of history, art, food, and seaside charm in just over a week.

This itinerary covers Rome, Florence, and Venice, with time in Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast, blending history, art, food, and scenic coastlines into a well-rounded trip.

This itinerary balances Rome, Florence, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast with time in Tuscany and Cinque Terre, giving you a mix of history, art, food, and seaside relaxation. It’s the perfect amount of time for a first full trip to Italy.

This 20 day Italy itinerary is designed for travelers who’ve already seen Rome, Florence, and Venice and are ready for something new. It balances food-focused cities like Bologna and Parma with quiet hill towns in Umbria, the whitewashed villages of Puglia, and the dramatic coastlines of Sicily and the Dolomites.

This itinerary combines world-famous cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice with smaller villages, wine country, scenic coastal drives, and time on the islands. Expect a month filled with history, food, landscapes, and plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy la dolce vita.

View all our Itineraries


Best Beach Destinations

Italy’s coastline is full of sun-soaked escapes, from glamorous seaside towns to remote islands with crystal-clear waters. Here are five of the best beach destinations to visit.

Sardinia

Famous for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters, Sardinia is a beach lover’s dream. Relax on beaches like Cala Goloritzé and La Pelosa, or explore hidden coves along the rugged coastline.

Amalfi Coast

Beyond the dramatic cliffs and colorful towns, the Amalfi Coast offers stunning pebble beaches like Marina Grande in Positano and secluded spots like Fiordo di Furore—perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Sicily

Italy’s largest island is home to some of its most diverse beaches, from the golden sands of San Vito Lo Capo to the striking white limestone cliffs of Scala dei Turchi. Sicily combines beach days with incredible food and culture.

Puglia (Apuglia)

Down in the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia has some of the country’s most underrated beaches. Head to Punta Prosciutto for Caribbean-like waters or explore Polignano a Mare, where beachgoers sunbathe under dramatic cliffs.

Elba Island

Part of the Tuscan Archipelago, Elba offers quiet coves, snorkeling spots, and sparkling blue waters. This island is perfect if you want a mix of history—Napoleon was exiled here—and lazy beach days away from the crowds.

View All Beach Destinations


Most Beautiful Places

Dolomites

This jagged mountain range in northern Italy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with dramatic peaks that glow pink at sunset. Perfect for hiking, skiing, and photographers chasing once-in-a-lifetime alpine views.

Lake Como

Famous for its Y-shaped shoreline and mountain backdrop, Lake Como offers mirror-like waters and elegant villas. Sunrise or sunset boat rides here look like they belong on a movie poster.

Cinque Terre Coastline

The five pastel-colored villages perched along steep cliffs are iconic, but the real beauty shot is from the coastal hiking trails where the entire Ligurian coastline stretches out before you.

Val d’Orcia

Rolling hills, lone cypress trees, and stone farmhouses—this slice of Tuscany looks like a Renaissance painting come to life. The sunrise over misty fields is one of the most photographed scenes in Italy.

Amalfi Coast Cliffs

Vertical cliffs plunge into the Tyrrhenian Sea, with winding roads that reveal one heart-stopping vista after another. The view from Ravello’s Villa Cimbrone terrace is the stuff of legend.

Scala dei Turchi

This surreal white limestone cliff in Sicily looks like a staircase rising from the sea. Its bright contrast against the turquoise water makes it one of Italy’s most unique natural wonders.

Lago di Braies

Tucked in the Dolomites, this emerald lake is picture-perfect with wooden rowboats bobbing on still water and mountains towering behind. A must-shoot spot for Instagram-worthy moments.


Top Attractions

Italy’s landmarks are world-famous—where ancient ruins, soaring cathedrals, and leaning towers turn every visit into a history lesson you’ll never forget. Here are some of the top attractions to see when you’re in Italy.

Colosseum (Rome)

Step inside one of the world’s greatest amphitheaters, where gladiators once fought and Roman crowds gathered. Visiting the Colosseum is a must for history lovers and offers a powerful look into ancient Rome.

Amalfi Coast

Step inside one of the world’s greatest amphitheaters, where gladiators once fought and Roman crowds gathered. Visiting the Colosseum is a must for history lovers and offers a powerful look into ancient Rome.

Leaning Tower - Pisa

One of the most photographed spots in Italy, this iconic tower tilts just enough to make every visitor snap the classic “holding it up” shot—plus the climb to the top gives a stunning view over Pisa.

Vatacan City

The world’s smallest country packs in some of Italy’s biggest cultural treasures. Explore St. Peter’s Basilica, climb the dome for a panoramic view of Rome, and wander the Vatican Museums to see the Sistine Chapel ceiling painted by Michelangelo.

Every corner is history, art, and awe rolled into one, and you would need several days just to explore the tip of the iceberg of things to see in this histoical catholic city.

Sistine Chapel (Vatican ) -Rome

Step into Rome’s legendary amphitheater where gladiators once fought before roaring crowds. Walking through its arches feels like traveling back 2,000 years.

Roman Forum

Just next door, the Roman Forum is a sprawl of ancient temples, basilicas, and columns where Rome’s political and social life thrived. Sunrise here is pure magic.

St. Peter’s Basilica

In Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, with Michelangelo’s dome towering over the skyline. The view from the top is worth every step.

Pompeii

Wander through the preserved streets of this ancient city frozen in time by Mount Vesuvius’ eruption. It’s an unforgettable look at Roman life almost 2,000 years ago.

When Do You Plan To Visit?

If you're not going for the beach, the best time to visit Italy is during April–June and September–October. These months offer good weather, fewer crowds compared to summer, and lower prices than peak July–August travel.

For a deeper breakdown of seasonal weather, festivals, and tourism demand, choose below what month you plan on visiting.

Monthly Guide

  • January in Italy
  • February in Italy
  • March in Italy
  • April in Italy
  • May in Italy
  • June in Italy
  • July in Italy
  • August in Italy
  • September in Italy
  • October in Italy
  • November in Italy
  • December in Italy

Travel Cost

What you can expect to spend while visiting Italy, shown as an average daily budget needed, and then based on Italy's top destinations for budget, moderate, and luxury travelers.

Daily Cost For Italy

Category Budget Traveler Regular Traveler Luxury Traveler
Food $25 $50 $100
Lodging $50 $120 $300
Attractions $20 $40 $75
Total Daily Cost $95 $210 $475

Daily Cost By Destination

Destination Avg. Daily Cost
Venice$280 – $350
Amalfi Coast$250 – $320
Capri$250 – $300
Portofino$230 – $280
Milan$200 – $260
Florence$180 – $230
Rome$170 – $220
Lake Como$160 – $210
Cinque Terre$150 – $200
Turin$140 – $190
Bologna$120 – $160
Naples$110 – $150
Sicily$100 – $140
Puglia$100 – $130
Matera$90 – $120

Frequently Asked Questions

What currency does Italy use?
Italy uses the euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s smart to carry some cash for small purchases and markets.
Do I need a visa to visit Italy?
Travelers from the U.S. and most Western countries can stay in Italy up to 90 days within 180 days visa-free. Starting in 2025, ETIAS authorization will be required.
What electrical plug does Italy use?
Italy uses Type C, F, and L plugs (230V). Bring a European adapter and check your devices for voltage compatibility.
Is the water safe to drink?
Yes — tap water is safe across Italy, and many cities have free public drinking fountains where you can refill bottles.
What’s the tipping culture like?
Tipping is not mandatory. Many restaurants include a “coperto” (cover charge). Rounding up or leaving 5–10% is more than enough.

Airline Mistake Fares