Cool places to visit in Italy: cities, towns and natural wonders

Italy is a country rich in culture, beauty and diversity, offering endless inspiration for travellers. From iconic art cities to fascinating coastal destinations, the country is full of unforgettable experiences.

If you're planning your next trip to the “Bel Paese”, here is a selection of cities that truly represent the essence of Italian beauty. Discover all the cool places to visit in Italy.

1. Florence, Renaissance masterpieces and timeless charm

Florence is one of the best cities to visit in Italy for art lovers, history enthusiasts and anyone dreaming of an authentic Italian escape. Walking through its historic centre feels like stepping into a living open-air museum: from the majestic Duomo and its iconic Brunelleschi Dome to the elegant Piazza della Signoria and the famous Ponte Vecchio overlooking the Arno River. At the Uffizi Gallery, you can admire masterpieces by Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci, while the Accademia hosts Michelangelo’s celebrated David.

Beyond its artistic treasures, Florence captivates visitors with artisan workshops, traditional cafés and panoramic viewpoints like Piazzale Michelangelo, where sunsets paint the city in warm golden tones. Arriving by plane, travellers can count on Florence Airport for quick and easy connections to the city centre, making it effortless to begin exploring right away.

Tips:

To avoid long queues, especially at iconic attractions such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell’Accademia, it’s best to book your tickets online in advance.

Don’t miss the chance to taste authentic Florentine cuisine — from a classic bistecca alla fiorentina to traditional ribollita, perfect for a true local experience.

2. Venice, timeless elegance and enchanting canals

Venice is undoubtedly among the best places to visit in Italy, a city like no other, suspended between water and sky where every corner tells a story.

Wandering through its maze of calli, bridges and shimmering canals feels like stepping into a timeless painting. St. Mark’s Square is home to the stunning St. Mark's Basilica, which, along with the Doge’s Palace and the Rialto Bridge, showcases the grandeur of the former Serenissima.

Beyond its iconic sights, Venice offers quieter, more authentic moments in neighbourhoods like Cannaregio and Dorsoduro, where traditional workshops, cosy bàcari and hidden courtyards capture the city's true spirit. Here, you can also enjoy a traditional Venetian aperitivo, the perfect way to savour the local lifestyle before dinner.

Arriving by plane, Venice Marco Polo Airport ensures easy access to the lagoon, with boat and bus services leading directly into the heart of the city.

Tips:

For a truly iconic experience, a gondola ride allows you to glide through narrow canals and discover Venice from its most enchanting perspective.

For a quieter and more enjoyable experience, explore Venice early in the morning before the crowds arrive, especially around popular spots like St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge.

Savour local food specialities like cicchetti, baccalà mantecato and sarde in saor, perfect for discovering the authentic flavours of the lagoon.

3. Bologna, medieval towers and unrivalled cuisine

Where to go in Italy if you crave unrivalled culinary tradition combined with stunning medieval architecture? The answer is Bologna, a lively and welcoming city known for its rich history, lively university life and outstanding food culture.

Its medieval heart is marked by the iconic Two Towers, Asinelli and Garisenda, which rise above a maze of ancient streets and elegant squares. Strolling under Bologna’s endless porticoes — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — leads you to historic landmarks like Piazza Maggiore and the Basilica di San Petronio, where the city’s timeless charm reveals itself at every turn.

Arriving by plane, travellers can easily reach the city centre thanks to efficient links from Bologna Marconi Airport, making it simple to start exploring right away.

Tips:

Don’t miss tasting classic dishes such as tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini in brodo and friggione and mortadella, the true symbols of Bolognese cuisine.

Climb the Asinelli Tower for breathtaking panoramic views over Bologna’s red rooftops and surrounding hills.

4. Milan, fashion-forward style and dynamic city life

Your trip to Italy must include the fashion capital, Milan: a dynamic and sophisticated city where history, creativity and contemporary energy blend seamlessly.

Its heart beats in Piazza Duomo, dominated by the majestic cathedral whose white spires rise above the city skyline. Just steps away, the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II invites visitors to stroll under its soaring glass vaults, home to historic cafés and prestigious boutiques.

Not far away, Teatro alla Scala, one of Europe’s most iconic opera houses, stands as a symbol of Milan’s long-lasting cultural prestige. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the chance to see Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, a masterpiece housed in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, and a visit to the Castello Sforzesco, one of Milan’s most iconic landmarks, offers a journey through centuries of art and history. You should also explore the bohemian district of Brera, home to the prestigious Pinacoteca di Brera, a world-class art gallery showcasing Italian masters.

Beyond its artistic treasures, Milan showcases a bold modern identity in districts like Porta Nuova and CityLife, where futuristic skyscrapers, design stores and innovative restaurants reflect the city’s forward-thinking spirit. As one of the world’s fashion capitals, Milan is a dynamic hub for international events, from Fashion Week to major design and cultural fairs, securing its spot as a cool place to visit in Italy all year round.

Arriving by plane, travellers benefit from excellent transport links from both Milan Malpensa Airport and Milan Linate Airport, which are efficiently connected to the city centre and make it easy to dive straight into its lively atmosphere.

Tips:

Discover the elegance of Via Montenapoleone, Milan’s most famous fashion street, where luxury boutiques and refined ateliers showcase the city’s iconic style.

Taste Milan’s signature dishes such as risotto alla milanese, cotoletta and ossobuco, perfect for experiencing the city’s rich and authentic culinary heritage.

5. Turin, royal residences and timeless elegance

If you're wondering where to go in Italy as a passionate of refined elegance, royal history and sophisticated cultural secrets, Turin is the place for you.

Its historic centre unfolds in stately squares such as Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo, framed by arcaded streets and grand cafés that evoke a timeless sense of sophistication. At the heart of the city stands the Mole Antonelliana, Turin’s unmistakable symbol and home to the fascinating National Cinema Museum.

Walking through Turin reveals a blend of history and creativity: from the opulent Royal Palace to the Egyptian Museum, one of the world’s most important collections dedicated to ancient Egypt, as well as the Turin International Book Fair, a fascinating space that celebrates the city’s long tradition of printing and bookmaking.

Along the Po River, the elegant Murazzi and the hilltop Monte dei Cappuccini offer scenic viewpoints over the city’s skyline and the distant Alpine peaks.

Arriving by plane, travellers benefit from efficient connections from Turin Caselle Airport to the city centre, making it easy to explore both the historic heart and surrounding hills.

Tips:

Don’t miss the Reggia di Venaria, one of Italy’s most impressive royal residences, where lavish halls and vast gardens showcase the grandeur of the Savoy dynasty — easily reachable by bus from Turin’s city centre.

Taste Turin’s most beloved creations, the gianduiotto, a soft chocolate and hazelnut praline that has become an enduring symbol of the city’s confectionery heritage. Turin is also famous for its chocolate-making tradition and the ritual of bicerin, a historic drink combining coffee, chocolate and cream, still served in traditional cafés that preserve the city’s literary and artistic past.

Live Turin by night, when the city offers an unforgettable mix of elegant bars, culinary delights, high culture and relaxing boat trips on the Po River.

6. Rome, ancient majesty and dynamic modern life

No trip to Italy is complete without Rome, a city where ancient history meets lively modern life.

Its historical significance is unmatched, offering a profound journey through time: from the magnificent Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire, and the nearby Roman Forum, to the solemnity of the Pantheon. The city is also home to the independent Vatican City, where St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums (housing Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel) stand as global landmarks of faith and art.

Beyond its ancient ruins, Rome charms visitors with its Baroque splendour, best seen in the Trevi Fountain and Piazza di Spagna, and the winding alleys of Trastevere, perfect for experiencing the authentic Roman dolce vita.

Note for travelers: Air Dolomiti does not offer direct flights to Rome. The closest well-served Italian airport often connected by Air Dolomiti to German hubs is Florence (FLR), which is then easily reached by a high-speed train or car (approx. 1.5 – 2 hours journey). Arriving by plane, travellers can rely on excellent transport links from Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA), ensuring a smooth transition into the heart of the Eternal City.

Tips:

Explore the charming neighbourhood of Trastevere in the evening for dinner and drinks, where narrow cobbled streets host traditional trattorie and lively squares.

Make a wish by tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain – according to legend, this ensures your return to Rome.

7. Bari, seaside promenades and Apulian warmth

Especially in summertime, your trip to Italy must include Bari, among Puglia must see places, where Mediterranean charm, history and local traditions create an atmosphere full of authenticity. Its historic center, Bari Vecchia, is a maze of narrow alleys filled with white stone houses, lively squares and the iconic Strada delle Orecchiette, where women still hand-shape pasta.

Here in the city stands the magnificent Basilica of St. Nicholas, a major pilgrimage site and one of southern Italy’s most important Romanesque churches, alongside the imposing Swabian Castle, which recounts centuries of Apulian history.

Along the seafront, the elegant Lungomare Nazario Sauro offers sweeping views over the Adriatic Sea, especially enchanting at sunrise when the first light reflects on the water. Bari is also a gateway to some of Apulia’s most famous destinations, from Polignano a Mare to its cliffs to Alberobello’s fairytale trulli. This central position makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the region’s beautiful beaches and the remarkable UNESCO sites, confirming Bari’s status among the best cities to visit in Italy.

Arriving by plane, travellers benefit from efficient transport links between Bari Airport and the city centre.

Tips:

Discover the rich tradition of Bari’s street food, from panzerotti to the famous focaccia. Don’t leave without tasting tiella barese, a traditional dish made with rice, potatoes and mussels that perfectly represents the flavours of Apulia.

Be sure to explore the Castellana Caves, an extraordinary underground world of stalactites, stalagmites and vast cathedral-like chambers — one of Apulia’s most spectacular natural wonders.

8. Cagliari, golden beaches and ancient history

Cagliari is another cool place to visit in Italy for travellers seeking a blend of seaside relaxation, cultural discoveries and laid-back Sardinian charm.

The city rises elegantly above the sea, crowned by the historic Castello district, where narrow streets, medieval walls and panoramic terraces offer sweeping views over the gulf. Along the waterfront, the long Poetto Beach invites visitors to enjoy clear waters, golden sand and little beach cafés that capture the essence of Mediterranean life. Its strategic position makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the stunning beaches of southern Sardinia, from the turquoise waters of Chia and Tuerredda to the unspoilt coves of Villasimius, some of the most breathtaking coastal landscapes in the Mediterranean.

Beyond its coastline, Cagliari reveals a rich historical soul, from the Roman Amphitheatre to the fascinating archaeological Museum, home to Bronze Age artefacts and Nuragic treasures.

Arriving by plane, travellers benefit from quick and convenient connections from Cagliari Elmas Airport, making it easy to reach both the city centre and the island’s spectacular natural landscapes.

Tips:

Explore Calamosca for crystal-clear waters and scenic coastal trails.

Don’t miss tasting Sardinian specialities such as malloreddus, fregola con arselle and seadas, perfect for experiencing the island’s authentic flavours.

9. Trieste, literary cafés and Mitteleuropean charm

Trieste is surely a cool place to visit in Italy, shaped by its unique position between Slovenia and the Adriatic Sea. Its elegant architecture, wide seafront boulevards and refined atmosphere reflect centuries of Central European influence.

At the heart of the city lies Piazza Unità d’Italia, one of the largest squares in Europe overlooking the sea, framed by grand palaces that recall Austro-Hungarian past.

Wandering through Trieste means discovering historic cafés once frequented by writers such as James Joyce and Italo Svevo, strolling along the waterfront known as Le Rive and exploring cultural landmarks like the Roman Theatre and the hilltop San Giusto Castle, which offers panoramic views over the city and its harbour.

Trieste’s deep connection with the sea is also celebrated every October with the Barcolana, one of the world’s largest sailing regattas, which fills the entire gulf with hundreds of colourful boats.

Just outside the centre, the spectacular Miramare Castle captivates visitors with its white façade, lush park and breathtaking seaside setting, one of the most iconic sights of the region.

Arriving by plane, travellers benefit from efficient transport links connecting Trieste Airport.

Tips:

For an authentic local experience, try some Triestine specialties such as jota and Brodetto, which reflect the city’s blend of Central European and Adriatic flavours.

Trieste is also a great destination for families: children will love the city’s Aquarium and the impressive Grotta Gigante, a spectacular underground cave system that can be visited in any season.

10. Genoa, maritime charm and ancient alleys

One of the best places to visit in the North of Italy is Genoa, a fascinating city where maritime traditions, cultural heritage and authentic Ligurian flavours blend seamlessly.

Its historic centre, one of the largest in Europe, is a maze of narrow alleys known as caruggi, where medieval façades, small artisan shops and lively squares reveal the city’s timeless character. A stroll leads to landmarks such as the magnificent Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the iconic Piazza De Ferrari, the beating heart of Genoese life.

Down by the waterfront, the Porto Antico area offers a modern and welcoming atmosphere, with museums, panoramic terraces and sea promenades designed by Renzo Piano. Here, you’ll also find the famous Aquarium of Genoa, one of the largest in Europe and a must-see for visitors of all ages.

Arriving by plane, travellers can count on efficient connections from Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport, located just 7 km from the city centre, making it easy to reach both downtown Genoa and the Riviera.

Tips:

While navigating the caruggi, you absolutely must stop at a traditional bakery to sample the local specialties, including the classic focaccia all'olio (plain) and the authentic pesto genovese.

Visit the colourful seaside neighbourhoods like Boccadasse or Nervi, where you can relax along the shore and enjoy stunning sunsets over the Ligurian Sea.

11. Palermo, sun-kissed squares and a mosaic of cultures

If you are wondering where to go in Italy for a truly multicultural experience, Palermo is a must.

Its historic centre is a treasure trove of architectural wonders, from the majestic Palermo Cathedral, with its fascinating blend of Arab-Norman styles, to the splendid Palazzo dei Normanni and its famous Palatine Chapel, where golden mosaics narrate the city’s multicultural soul. Strolling through Palermo means being immersed in lively squares, grand theatres like the Teatro Massimo, and colourful neighbourhoods that tell stories of ancient civilisations and vibrant local life. Along the waterfront, the Foro Italico offers a relaxing promenade with beautiful sea views, perfect for unwinding after exploring the city’s historic streets.

One of the most intriguing curiosities of the city is its network of underground chambers, including the eerie Capuchin Catacombs—an unusual but historically rich testament to Palermo’s past.

Arriving by plane, travellers benefit from convenient connections from Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport, making it easy to reach both the city centre and its surrounding districts.

Tips:

Experience the authentic flavor of Palermo's street food by exploring its markets, such as Ballarò and Vucciria. Try the culinary specialties like grilled seafood, panelle, sfincione, pani câ meusa (spleen sandwich) and cannoli, ideally sourced from small, historic bakeries.

When dining out, look for trattorias that offer daily specials (piatti del giorno), a great way to taste seasonal Sicilian dishes at a fair price.

FAQ – Trip to Italy

1. What is the best time of year to visit Italy?

The best time to visit is generally during spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October). These shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds and lower prices compared to the peak summer months.

2. What is the ideal duration for a trip to Italy?

There is no single answer, as Italy is vast. For a focused trip: