Europe · 32 Places · Best June to August (warm weather, crowded, highest prices)
Italy captivates travelers with its unparalleled blend of ancient history, Renaissance art, and world-renowned cuisine. From the romantic canals of Venice to the ancient ruins of Rome, the rolling hills of Tuscany to the dramatic Amalfi Coast, Italy offers diverse experiences across its varied regions.
Italy captivates travelers with its unparalleled blend of ancient history, Renaissance art, and world-renowned cuisine. From the romantic canals of Venice to the ancient ruins of Rome, the rolling hills of Tuscany to the dramatic Amalfi Coast, Italy offers diverse experiences across its varied regions.
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
The 32 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
The iconic symbol of Rome, this ancient amphitheater once hosted gladiatorial contests and public spectacles for up to 80,000 spectators. Built in 70-80 AD, it remains the largest amphitheater ever built and offers underground tours of the hypogeum where gladiators prepared for battle.
One of the world's greatest art collections housed in the papal palaces, culminating in Michelangelo's breathtaking Sistine Chapel ceiling. The museums contain over 70,000 works spanning centuries, including the Raphael Rooms, Gallery of Maps, and ancient Egyptian and Roman sculptures.
The magnificent cathedral with Brunelleschi's iconic terracotta-tiled dome dominates Florence's skyline. Climb 463 steps to the dome's top for panoramic city views, or ascend Giotto's Bell Tower for an equally stunning perspective including views of the dome itself.
Venice's 150+ canals form a unique transportation network through this floating city built on 118 islands. The Grand Canal, the city's main waterway, winds 2.4 miles through Venice passing under the Rialto Bridge and showcasing magnificent Renaissance palazzos.
The world's most important collection of Renaissance art houses masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. Highlights include Botticelli's 'Birth of Venus' and 'Primavera', displayed in the former administrative offices of the Medici family.
Five picturesque fishing villages perched on rugged cliffs along the Italian Riviera, connected by scenic hiking trails and coastal trains. The colorful houses, terraced vineyards, and crystal-clear Mediterranean waters create one of Italy's most photographed landscapes.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Perched atop the Spanish Steps with panoramic terraces overlooking Rome, this iconic 5-star hotel has welcomed royalty and celebrities since 1893. The Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant Imàgo offers exceptional cuisine and breathtaking city views.
Check rates on Booking.comThis charming boutique hotel in Rome's historic center features a spectacular rooftop terrace overlooking the city's domes and monuments. The location in the Campo de' Fiori area puts guests steps from restaurants, bars, and major attractions.
Check rates on Booking.comAmerican-run budget hotel and hostel near Termini Station offers stylish rooms, vegetarian cafe, yoga classes, and community atmosphere. Eco-friendly practices and helpful staff make this Rome's favorite budget option.
Check rates on Booking.comThis 11th-century palace perched on Ravello's cliffs features infinity pool seemingly suspended over the Amalfi Coast. Terraced gardens, gourmet dining, and breathtaking sea views make this one of Italy's most romantic luxury retreats.
Check rates on Booking.comCafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Three-Michelin-star restaurant by Massimo Bottura ranked among world's best. Innovative dishes reinterpret Italian classics with artistic presentation and exceptional wine pairings in intimate Modena setting.
Beloved Trastevere trattoria serves authentic Roman cuisine with daily handwritten menus. The intimate setting and traditional dishes like cacio e pepe and carbonara draw locals and visitors alike.
Florence's most famous sandwich shop serves enormous schiacciata filled with premium Tuscan meats, cheeses, and creative combinations. Lines wrap around the corner but move quickly.
Innovative street food concept serves triangular pockets of pizza dough filled with classic Roman dishes. Multiple Rome locations offer quick, delicious, and uniquely Roman experience.
Venice's oldest cafe opened in 1720 in St. Mark's Square serves coffee, pastries, and Prosecco in ornate Belle Époque rooms. The live orchestra and historic atmosphere justify premium prices.
Rome's only three-Michelin-star restaurant atop the Rome Cavalieri hotel offers panoramic city views and exquisite cuisine by chef Heinz Beck. The wine cellar holds 60,000 bottles and service is impeccable.
Transportation options in Italy include local buses, taxis, and rental cars. Check local conditions before planning your travel.
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $20-35 (hostel dorm, budget hotel) | $70-120 (mid-range hotel or B&B) | $200-500+ (4-5 star hotels) |
| Food (per day) | $15-20 (supermarket breakfast, street food lunch, budget dinner) | $40-70 (cafe breakfast, trattoria lunch, nice dinner) | $100-200 (quality restaurants, wine, cocktails) |
| Transportation | $5-10 (city transport passes, walking) | $15-25 (mix of transport, some taxis) | $30-60 (taxis, private transfers) |
| Activities | $10-15 (some free attractions, one paid sight) | $25-45 (museum entries, one major attraction) | $70-140 (skip-line tours, wine tastings, special experiences) |
| Daily total | $50-70 | $150-250 | $400-800+ |
Be vigilant against pickpockets at tourist attractions, especially Colosseum, Vatican, and train stations
Keep valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics
Use official taxis or rideshare apps; avoid unlicensed drivers at airports
Be aware of common scams including fake petitions, friendship bracelets, and overcharging at restaurants
During 2025 Jubilee Year, expect heightened security and large crowds in Rome
Register with your country embassy upon arrival; Italian emergency number is 112
Dress modestly when visiting churches and religious sites — cover shoulders and knees or entry may be refused
Validate train and bus tickets before boarding; inspectors impose on-the-spot fines for unvalidated tickets
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Italy; refill at free public drinking fountains (nasoni) in Rome
Do not eat or drink on the steps of monuments or in historic piazzas — heavy fines apply in cities like Rome and Florence
Book Vatican Museums and major attractions online in advance; long queues can waste hours, especially during Jubilee Year 2025
Italy is a very safe destination for travelers with a low rate of violent crime. The main safety concerns are petty theft, pickpocketing at tourist sites and on public transport, and tourist-targeted scams. The south (Naples, Palermo) requires slightly more vigilance in certain areas but is generally safe for tourists. Emergency services: police at 112 or 113, medical at 118.
The best time to visit Italy is June to August (warm weather, crowded, highest prices). Italy's climate varies dramatically from north to south. Northern Italy (Milan, Venice, Turin) has a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers; the Dolomites receive heavy snowfall. Centra
No visa required for stays up to 90 days. Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond departure date. ETIAS authorization required starting late 2026. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
The currency in Italy is the Euro (EUR) (EUR). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
The main language(s) spoken in Italy: Italian (official), English widely spoken in tourist areas, Regional languages: German (South Tyrol), French (Valle d'Aosta), Slovenian (Friuli-Venezia Giulia). In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
The top attractions in Italy include Colosseum, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, Florence Cathedral (Duomo), Venice Canals & Grand Canal, and Uffizi Gallery. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.
Each region has its own character — coastal, alpine, vineyard, capital. Pick a starting point.
Campania is a stunning region in southern Italy renowned for its dramatic coastlines, ancient ruins, and world-famous cuisine. Home to Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and the islands of Capri and Ischia, it offers an unrivaled mix of history, natural beauty, and gastronomy. The birthplace of pizza and mozzarella di bufala, Campania captivates visitors with its vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes.
Emilia Romagna is Italy's gastronomic heartland, stretching from the Apennine Mountains to the Adriatic Sea. Known as the 'Food Valley' for producing Parmigiano-Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and balsamic vinegar, the region also boasts medieval cities, Ferrari's birthplace, and vibrant beach resorts.
Lazio is Italy's most historically rich region, home to Rome — the Eternal City — as well as ancient ruins, medieval hilltowns, volcanic lakes, and a stunning Tyrrhenian coastline. From the Colosseum to the vineyards of the Castelli Romani and the thermal baths of Viterbo, Lazio offers an unparalleled blend of art, history, nature, and cuisine.
Lombardy is Italy's most populous and economically powerful region, stretching from the Alps in the north to the Po Plain in the south. It encompasses world-class cities like Milan, the Italian fashion and financial capital, alongside alpine lakes of breathtaking beauty — Como, Garda, Maggiore and Iseo — and Renaissance gems such as Mantua, Cremona and Bergamo. The region blends metropolitan sophistication with timeless natural landscapes and a rich artistic heritage.
Sardinia is Italy's second-largest island, famed for its pristine turquoise waters, rugged interior mountains, and ancient Nuragic civilizations. The island offers an extraordinary blend of dramatic coastlines, traditional villages, and vibrant cities that remain authentically Italian.
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, renowned for its rich history, stunning coastlines, ancient Greek temples, and vibrant culinary traditions. A crossroads of civilizations for millennia, it bears the cultural imprints of Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish conquerors. Today Sicily enchants visitors with its baroque cities, volcanic landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and some of Italy's finest cuisine.
Tuscany (Toscana) is one of Italy's most celebrated regions, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes of rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and vineyards, as well as its extraordinary concentration of Renaissance art and medieval architecture. Home to Florence, Siena, and Pisa, Tuscany gave the world Dante, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and the foundations of the Italian language.
Veneto is one of Italy's most diverse and captivating regions, stretching from the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites in the north to the Adriatic Sea in the east. Home to Venice, Verona, and Padua, it blends iconic art cities with rolling wine hills, thermal spas, and pristine alpine landscapes. From the canals of La Serenissima to the ancient Roman amphitheater of Verona, Veneto offers an unmatched tapestry of history, cuisine, and natural beauty.
