Ten of best cities in Italy to visit.

We love visiting Italy as a family and there’s so many places we’d still love to visit. We’re big fans of city breaks and have enjoyed several European cities with the kids. My first trip abroad with my then boyfriend was to Venice. 12 years on he’s now my husband, we have three kids and Italy still has a special place in our hearts.

There are so many amazing cities in Italy, each with their own special charm. From the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain in Rome, to the ruins of Pompeii and the unique beauty of Venice, there really is something for everyone. This is our list of the best cities in Italy to visit.

Best Cities In Italy To Visit #1 : Rome

When you think of the best cities in Italy to visit, it’s hard to look past Rome. The nation’s capital city is a favourite amongst tourists and it’s easy to see why. We stayed just outside Rome last year at Village Fabulous and enjoyed day trips into Rome. During our visit we marvelled at The Colosseum, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. We sat on the Spanish Steps. We drooled over the delicious pasta and gelato and admired the grandeur of Vatican City. There’s so much to see and do and we would definitely love to return.

Best Cities In Italy To Visit #2 : Venice

Queen of the Adriatic. City of Masks and Bridges. The Floating City. Venice has many other names and it really is an incredible place to visit. The city is built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. The winding canals replace traditional roads meaning there are no need for cars. It’s amazing to visit a bustling city and yet it seem so quiet without the roar of engines.

You can’t miss the Grand Canal lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces. It’s the perfect place to explore on foot as there seems to be a stunning building behind every corner. You can visit the famous Rialto Bridge, take a ride on a gondola and admire the beauty of St. Mark’s Basilica. Research some top tips for visiting Venice before you go, so you can plan the perfect trip.

Best Cities In Italy To Visit #3 : Florence

Located in the heart of Tuscany, Florence is a city of culture. Steeped in history and architectural beauty, Florence just had to be on our list of best cities in Italy to visit. You can’t miss the famous terracotta red dome of the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral. Take in Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, along with works by Da Vinci and Michelangelo at Uffizi Gallery. Enjoy the panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo and take a stroll across Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence.

Best Cities In Italy To Visit #4 : Naples

We visited Naples last year as part of our trip to Italy. There’s so many things to do in Naples. There’s castles and fascinating museums to explore. We went on a day trip to Pompeii from Naples and it was a massive highlight of our whole trip. There’s an archeological museum in Naples which is full of original artefacts from both Pompeii and Herculaneum, the two cities destroyed by Mount Vesuvius.

Best Cities In Italy To Visit #5 : Milan

Milan is the capital of Lombardy in Northern Italy and the second-most populous city in Italy after Rome. When you think of Milan you think of high end fashion, design and culture.  It’s a financial hub and home to the national stock exchange, also known for its high-end restaurants and shops.

There are many must-see attractions in Milan including the gothic Duomo di Milano cathedral and the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent. It’s here you can see Leonardo da Vinci’s mural The Last Supper. As you would expect tickets are always in high demand so visitors need to get their tickets well in advance from the official website.

Best Cities In Italy To Visit #6 : Pisa

Pisa is a city in Italy’s Tuscany region and perfect for a day trip from Florence. The main highlight is obviously the Leaning Tower but there are still other must-see attractions. The Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Baptistery, and Campo Santo are all close together in the Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles), and together make up a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Best Cities In Italy To Visit #7 : Verona

Verona is a city in northern Italy’s Veneto region, famous for being the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Tourists can see Juliet’s balcony and have their photo taken with the statue of Juliet. Verona is a romantic medieval town with the beauty of Venice but without the canals. Verona is also home to the Verona Arena, one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres and it is still in use today.

Best Cities In Italy To Visit #8 : Bologna

Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. It’s a place that’s often overlooked in favour of Italian cities such as Florence and Rome, but there’s plenty of great places to explore. The terracotta buildings throughout the old town give Bologna its nickname, La Rossa (The Red). There’s not just the stunning architecture that make Bologna a bit hit. It’s widely renowned as the gastronomic capital of Italy, which is quite the achievement considering the delicious food offered throughout the country.

Best Cities In Italy To Visit #9 : Siena

Siena is a small, romantic city in Tuscany that has the beauty and charm of Florence, but much fewer crowds. Tourists will find beautiful buildings and one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares in Piazza del Campo. For the best views of the city head up to the Top of Torre del Mangia and take in your stunning surroundings.

Best Cities In Italy To Visit #10 : Genoa

Genoa is the capital of the Italian region of Liguria and the sixth-largest city in Italy. Despite it’s large size it’s a much quieter place to visit with fewer tourists than the more well known cities. It has gorgeous palaces, tasty food and one of the largest historic centres in Europe. If you’re looking for a true, authentic travel experience, Genoa could be the place for you.

Best Cities In Italy To Visit Summary

The lure of Rome, Florence and Milan cannot be denied, but there are so many other cities worth visiting. If you’re looking for a more authentic and less crowded experience, consider the lesser known cities for your next Italian adventure.

This is a collaborative post.