30 Best Places To Visit In Italy As A Foreigner Or Local

Italy’s rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine make it one of the best countries to visit in the world. From ancient ruins to stunning coastlines, it offers a plethora of destinations for travelers of all types.

Most of the world’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located in Italy. Monuments and works of high art can be found all around the nation. Rome, Venice, and Florence are some of its renowned artistic towns that have drawn tourists for ages.

What is Italy famous for?

Italy is known for it’s stunning cities, historic landmarks and beautiful cities. No matter who you are, you can be sure to have an enriching experience seeing these amazing destinations.

In addition to its stunning cities and beautiful countryside, Italy is also famous for its delicious cuisine. From thin crust pizza in Naples to rich pasta dishes in Florence, the country offers a wide array of culinary delights. So be sure to try out some local dishes in the country.

Other aspects of Italian culture that often draw tourists include fashion, art, and architecture. The historic city of Rome is home to famous structures such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon, while Milan is a global hub for fashion design.

Best Places To Visit In Italy

With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to narrow down your travel itinerary. Here are some of the best places to visit in Italy;

1. Colosseum in Rome

The largest and most well-known amphitheater in the world is the Colosseum in Rome. Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty began work on it in 72 AD, and his son Titus completed it in 80 AD.

It is with no doubt one of the best places to visit in Italy for unforgettable life experience.

2. Grand Canal in Venice

Venice, sometimes known as “The City of Water,” is the gem in the crown of water cities. However, Venice has declined since its peak and now attracts more visitors than locals.

3. Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence

Florence’s stunning cathedral and symbol, The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, was built in the Gothic style beginning in 1296 and finished in 1436.

4. Piazza del Campo in Siena

The Piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s most significant medieval squares, is the leading open area of Siena’s old city in Tuscany. It is recognized across the world for its elegance and structural stability.

5. Pompeii

The adjacent town of Pompeii was covered in ash and soil on August 24, 79 AD, when the volcano Vesuvius erupted, preserving the city’s current condition.

6. Positano

Positano is a tiny town on the Amalfi Coast known for its dramatic scenery, charming settlements, and ethnic variety.

7. Lake Como

The Italian Lake District, where Lake Como is located, has long been a favorite tourist destination due to its clean air, water, mountains, and pleasant weather.

8. Leaning Tower of Pisa

The renowned Pisa Tower was constructed around 177 years. Due to a shoddy foundation, the tower started to sink shortly after construction began in 1173 and was left unattended for over a century.

9. Manarola

Manarola is one of the oldest settlements in Cinque Terre and is tucked away on the Italian Riviera. The “Five Lands” is made up of five beautiful villages. One of the best places to visit in Italy as a foreigner or local.

10. San Gimignano

San Gimignano, a hamlet in Tuscany known for its 14 stone towers, is sometimes referred to as “the medieval Manhatten.” To protect the town against invading forces, more than 70 towers were erected at the height of San Gimignano’s riches and strength.

11. Valley of the Temples

Sicily is home to the archaeological site known as Valle Dei Templi, often known as the Valley of the Temples. The location is home to numerous Doric-style Greek temples, most of which date back more than 2,400 years.

12. St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome

St. Peter’s Basilica is the main draw of the Vatican in Rome. The stunning church is crowned by a striking dome, the ceiling of which Michelangelo himself painted.

13. Capri

Despite being only three miles from Naples, the island of Capri is a distinct location with its own culture and environment. Visitors frequently go to the Blue Grotto after arriving by boat; it is a magnificent cave that has been revered since Roman times.

14. St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice

St. Mark’s Basilica crowns the Piazza San Marco in Venice, also referred to as the Basilica di San Marco by locals.

15. Portofino

Portofino is one of the most beautiful cities on the Italian Riviera, with its picture-perfect port, lush surroundings, and chaotic rows of hilltop and waterfront mansions.

16. Pizza Napoletana

While you can find great pizza all around Italy, Naples is the place to go for the greatest. Here, pizza was born and continues to reign supreme.

17. Duomo of Orvieto

The Duomo of Orvieto is a magnificent example of Italian Gothic architecture. Pope Urban IV ordered the construction of the Roman Catholic cathedral in the fourteenth century, but it took over three centuries to complete.

18. Mount Etna

Mount Etna is the most prominent feature on the island of Sicily. One of Italy’s tallest mountains, the volcano erupts often. It is one of the best places to visit in Italy as a foreigner or local.

19. Sassi di Matera

The Sassi di Matera, a series of historic cave homes, are located in the town of Matera. These structures, which might be up to 9,000 years old, are considered to be the oldest human settlement in all of Italy.

20. Basilica di San Francesco in Assisi

One of Italy’s most important places of religious pilgrimage is the Basilica di San Francesco, often known as the Basilica of Saint Francis. It was built as a tribute to Saint Francis.

21. Dolomites

Northern Italy’s Dolomites mountain range is a well-liked location for winter activities, including skiing and snowboarding. The Dolomites beckon because of the breathtaking beauty in every season.

22. Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna

The Basilica of San Vitale is a well-known landmark in Ravenna, a city in northern Italy that previously served as the seat of the Western Roman Empire.

23. La Pelosa

Sardinia is an island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, just off the western coast of the mainland. The beach is spectacular because of its sandy shores and shallow waters. It is truly an exotic destination and one of the best places to visit in Italy.

24. Santa Maria Delle Grazie in Milan

Santa Maria Delle Grazie is a Milanese convent and church. The building is a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture, with a beautiful nave and a welcoming entry flooded with light.

25. Trevi Fountain in Rome

The Trevi Fountain is among the sights in Rome that you must see. It shows the undersea animals battling around the deity Neptune.

26. Palazzo Ducale in Urbino

The Ducal Palace, also known as Palazzo Ducale, is a Renaissance structure in Urbino. In its heyday, the palace could accommodate 600 people on average.

27. Gran Paradiso National Park

Gran Paradiso National Park, located in the Graian Alps, is a magnificent location with breathtaking mountain scenery and fantastic hiking options.

28. Elba

Ligures Ilvates, Greeks, Etruscans, and Romans have all lived on the island of Elba, which has a rich history. It is the best place to visit in Italy as a foreigner or local.

29. Herculaneum

The historic Roman city of Herculaneum is at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. Herculaneum was devastated by a volcanic explosion around 2000 years ago.

30. Verona Arena

The Verona Arena dates back much older than the city of Verona, which is most known for its part in the play Romeo and Juliet.

Tips For First-Time Travelers To Italy;

1. Research the best time to visit your desired destinations. While some cities, like Rome and Venice, are busy year-round, others may have peak tourist seasons.

Visit during shoulder season to avoid crowds and book tickets ahead of time for popular attractions like the Vatican museums.

2. Decide on a budget and stick to it. Italy is known for its delicious cuisine and high-end shopping, but there are also plenty of affordable options for meals and souvenirs.

3. Learn some basic Italian phrases such as greetings, ordering food, asking for directions, etc. This will go a long way in terms of connecting with locals and enhancing your overall experience.

4. Take advantage of public transportation instead of renting a car. The streets can be narrow and busy, and navigating them can be a challenge for those unfamiliar with the layout.

5. Keep an eye out for pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas. Always keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.

6. Be adventurous with food and try some of the famous regional dishes such as Neapolitan pizza, Tuscan steak, and gelato. Bon appétit!

Overall, Italy offers something for every kind of traveler, making it a must-visit destination. There’s something for everyone on this list 30 best places to visit in Italy. Be sure to take lots of pictures and enjoy the one of a kind experience of exploring the beautiful country of Italy.