9 Best Places to Visit in Italy | Top Places | Tourist Attractions | Beautiful places

This European country has one of the most unique histories in the world, filled with art, architecture, and design that will take your breath away. Whether you are planning on visiting Italy for business or pleasure, it’s important to understand why it’s an ideal vacation destination. Here are 9 of the best places to visit in Italy based on your personal preferences.

1) Milan

There’s a lot of things to do and see in Milan, Italy. For starters, if you’re looking for a full cultural experience, consider visiting Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper mural on Tuesday mornings. At some point during your visit you will want to head over to The Duomo di Milano. Although it may be packed with tourists from all over world, its façade is worth taking pictures of as well as inside of it. One of Milan’s most prominent landmarks, Michelangelo-designed La Scala Opera House is an impressive site that should not be missed while vacationing there. For those who are interested in learning more about their Italian heritage, they should stop by Museo degli Strumenti Musicali, which showcases musical instruments like violins dating back centuries ago.

2) Venice - beautiful places in Italy

Venice, also known as La Serenissima, is a stunning Italian city on water. With its charming streets and romantic gondola rides, you will want to spend all your time here. While it’s not one of the largest cities by population (with only around 270,000 people living there), Venice definitely doesn’t lack character. Whether you choose to explore these islands on foot or by boat, you will be treated with fantastic architecture and incredible views. Because there are so many things to do in Venice, we recommend spending at least three days visiting some of its most popular spots. If you can squeeze more than three days into your trip, we highly recommend adding on some extra days for some more adventures on other islands such as Murano and Burano.

3) Florence

For a stunning view of Florence, take a hike up Palazzo Vecchio’s tower. This will not only give you an excellent view of Florence’s cityscape, but you can enjoy some magnificent panoramic shots of countryside as well. To get there, simply walk up Via dei Leoni and cross Piazza della Signoria; Palazzo Vecchio is right across from here. And for those of you that would rather avoid stairs, head on over to the Uffizi Gallery instead—it houses gorgeous Florentine art such as Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Michelangelo’s The Temptation of Adam and Eve . It even boasts some Monet paintings including his famous Water Lilies series.

4) Naples

The city boasts a rich history, boasting some of Europe’s most important archaeological sites. It’s also home to many well-preserved monuments, including churches and palaces that date back hundreds of years. Naples is an appealing destination for both history lovers and nature enthusiasts. You can see all of it—and more—when you visit on one of our guided tours. Whether you prefer walking or sitting back and taking in Italy by boat, we can help you craft an itinerary perfect for your trip.

5) Rome

Since before Julius Caesar’s birth, Rome has been considered one of history’s most influential cities. The Eternal City has topped travel lists for centuries, not only because of its iconic sights—the Roman Forum, Colosseum and Pantheon—but also because of its unique position as a bridge between East and West. A must-see for every tourist is St. Peter’s Basilica, where patrons can behold Michelangelo’s magnificent dome up close. For those seeking an off-the-beaten path experience, try Trastevere—Rome’s bohemian neighborhood near Vatican City. With funky bars that stay open late into the night and narrow streets with hidden treasures at every turn, you may never want to leave.

6) Pisa

While its leaning tower may be a major tourist attraction, we believe that Pisa’s other landmarks (notably its cathedral and baptistery) make it one of Italy’s most beautiful cities. It was also once home to Galileo Galilei, proving that genius is present throughout Italian history. The city center is quite small, making it easy to get around on foot—and stunning views are just about everywhere you look. There are plenty of things to do for travelers who want more than just a quick stop-off here; if you have time for only one thing though, don’t miss visiting San Nicola's Basilica while you're there! This UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooks both town and countryside alike—allowing for some incredible pictures.

7) Verona

Romeo and Juliet is set against Verona’s magnificent backdrop, and you can visit Juliet’s tomb. Make sure you take a romantic gondola ride on Lake Garda and enjoy fine Italian wines at one of Verona’s many excellent restaurants. - Siena: Known as the city of art for its beautiful palaces, museums and art galleries including The Duomo and Il Campo - Old Town Square which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Come here to buy local produce, especially breads and wine.

8) Bologna

Bologna is nicknamed la dotta—the learned one—for its status as a leading center of learning in Europe. When you visit Bologna, you’ll find plenty of evidence that substantiates that nickname. The university founded here in 1088 is one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious schools. It was a major inspiration for Thomas Jefferson when he created his own college at University of Virginia more than three centuries later.

9) Genoa

Located in northern Italy, Genoa is a town known for both its rich history and its picturesque harbor. The city has an annual festival dedicated to San Gennaro, one of its patron saints. Other festivals are held during Carnival season and Easter. While you’re visiting Genoa, make sure you check out both Castello Della Colombara and Palazzo Bianco. Castello Della Colombara is an ancient castle located on an island near Via Garibaldi. It provides sweeping views of La Spezia Bay. Palazzo Bianco houses many beautiful art pieces.