6 Destinations In Italy That Should Be On Your Bucket List
Italy is chock-full of old world wonder and breathtaking views. Whether you’re a nature fan, a foodie, or both—Italy is a haven for every type of traveler. With all its charming cities and intriguing towns, the hardest part of the trip is deciding which places to visit. Let the TripAdvisor community help! Here are five destinations our travelers say you can’t miss.
Once you’re ready to plan a getaway, head to TripAdvisor and book your affordable lodging (we prefer a local home or apartment rental in these classic Italian spots—you’ll enjoy a more authentic stay), plus in-destination experiences like tours, activities, or tickets to iconic attractions. All this and more, bookable right on our site! Plus, our new 24-hour cancellation policy (on tours and activities) means you can pre-book before arriving, but still have the flexibility to cancel if your itinerary changes.
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ROME: CAN’T MISS TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
Rome wasn’t built in a day—and you’ll need much more than a day to take in this timeless city. The city is a real-life collage of piazzas, open-air markets, and astonishing historic sites. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, contemplate the Colosseum and the Pantheon, and sample a perfect espresso or gelato before spending an afternoon shopping at the Campo de’Fiori or Via Veneto. Enjoy some of the most memorable meals of your life here, too, from fresh pasta to succulent fried artichokes or a tender oxtail stew.
For a true once-in-a-lifetime experience in Rome, consider booking this unique “Wake up the Vatican” tour of one of Italy’s most famous attraction: the Vatican. For the first time ever, travelers can experience the Vatican—the most-booked attraction on TripAdvisor—in quiet solitude, before sunrise, and before it opens to the public. The tour is bookable right on our site and allows a small number of travelers to join the “Clavigero,” the Vatican key holder, as he unlocks the doors to the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s rooms, the Galleries, and more, hours before these iconic sites open to the public.
Book the “Wake up the Vatican” tour on TripAdvisor!
CINQUE TERRE: OLD WORLD CHARM
This rugged and coastal photogenic strip of land is home to a national park of nearly 10,000 acres of lush splendor. Borgo Antico, in Monterosso al Mare, is one of the most cinematic spots on this coastal paradise. Dotted with restaurants, gelato stands, churches, and picturesque plazas, Borgo Antico is a must-see as you make your way to Northern Italy. One TripAdvisor traveler says that Borgo Antico, “oozes charm, authenticity and offers everything from delicious local bakeries, unique galleries, and a most helpful pharmacy.” Taste local and exotic wine and cheese at the Vernazza Wine Experience, where bubbling prosecco from the region is paired with the freshest focaccia you’ll ever taste. Lunch Box has an affordable and versatile menu that one traveler calls “perfect picnic eats.”
Plan your Cinque Terre getaway on TripAdvisor!
FLORENCE: FOODIE CENTRAL
One of Europe’s most renowned and romantic cities, Florence is an obligatory stop for anyone with a penchant for good food, breathtaking architecture and world class museums. Scope out this historical city from above at Forte de Belvedere. Hike the fort’s scenic trails or pack a lunch to enjoy in the UNESCO World Heritage garden. For those who want a great meal away from the hustle and bustle of the city, check out Cucina Torcicoda near Piazza Santa Croce. This gem is composed of five different eateries including a gelateria, food shop and pizzeria.
Start planning your Florence getaway on TripAdvisor!
SORRENTO: SO PRETTY IT HURTS
A Mediterranean jewel, this historic city is lush with lemon trees and the aromas of wisteria and jasmine. While you’re there, take a dip in the Bagni della Regina Giovanna, an emerald lagoon surrounded by rocky cliffs and rolling green. Visitors recommend getting there early to avoid the crowds. After you dry off, grab a table at L’Antica Trattoria, a classic Italian dining establishment serving a wide array of perfectly prepared meat and seafood dishes. Don’t miss the city’s historic churches, including the Cattedrale de Sorrento, the Duomo dei San Filippo e Giacomo, and the Chiesa di Sant’Anna.
Start planning your Sorrento getaway on TripAdvisor!
MILAN: HISTORIC AND MODERN
A cosmopolitan hub for business and innovation, Milan is your best bet for getting a true taste of Italian culture and nightlife. Not just for fashion aficionados, Milan is a dynamic and versatile landmark. Lounge poolside with a traditional aperitivo in hand at Ceresio 7 Pools & Restaurant, a rooftop bar with light menu options. Then pay a visit to the Gallerie d’Italia Piazza Scala, a 19th century bank-turned-prominent-gallery featuring modern and historic art. For dinner, head to Taglio, a restaurant along the canal that one patron calls “simply heavenly.” Order the risotto with grape sauce and the stuffed lamb steak. You won’t be disappointed.
Start planning your Milan getaway on TripAdvisor!
VENICE: POPULAR FOR A REASON
As one TripAdvisor traveler put it: “you cannot miss Venice.” The community recommends staying at least three nights in this Adriatic gem. Make sure to see San Marco Square, and get a taste of local wine and cuisine at Osteria Al Cicheto. With dishes like stuffed squid and tuna tartar, this restaurant is popular with locals and visitors alike. Of course no trip to Venice is complete without a gondola ride through the city’s labyrinth of canals.