Top 14 Places to Visit in Italy in 2025

From the legendary city of Rome, the heart of the Ancient Roman Empire, to the serene rolling hills of Tuscany and the towering Dolomites, Italy is a country of contrasts. Encompassing a multitude of cultures, Italy hides secrets just waiting to be discovered on every street corner. From the ruins of a centuries-old chapel, to the best meal of your life hidden in a quaint mom-and-pop shop you stumble into after a day of exploring.

There are so many places in Italy that are worth checking out, but for most of us, time is the enemy, so we need to plan accordingly to make sure we don’t miss out on the best spots when we travel. As such, today at Civitatis, we’re going on a journey through this beautiful country, looking at the old favorites and the hidden gems—read on to find out the best places to visit in Italy!

1. Rome

There’s no better place to kick off our list than Rome, the Eternal City. One of the oldest cities in the world, Italy’s capital has seen it all. Just imagine the epic, bloody gladiator fights in the Colosseum, rousing speeches made by politicians in the Forum, and Michelangelo painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel… you can truly feel Rome’s history at every corner.

To discover this deep history for yourself, this Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill tour is a must. Take a journey through 2,000 years of history at 3 of Rome’s most important sites. Then, make your way to the Vatican City for this Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel guided tour—accompanied by an expert tour guide, explore one of the world’s largest and most important art collections, with countless Renaissance masterpieces and classical sculptures, as well as the iconic ceiling fresco by Michelangelo.

Also grab a ticket to the Pantheon, an 2nd century ancient Roman temple, which was converted into a Catholic church in the 7th century, and features the largest concrete dome in the world. Other musts include check out the famous Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish steps, both of which you can check out on the Big Bus: Rome Sightseeing Bus.

There’s so much to do in Rome, we can’t include it all on this list. So, if you’re looking for more things to do in the city, check out our comprehensive selection of the top 14 things to do in Rome.

• Check out the best tours & experiences in Rome with Civitatis.

2. Florence

Next up on our list is another fascinating historical city, which, despite its fame, has maintained an undeniably authentic spirit that makes it an absolute joy to visit. Florence is best explored on foot, its cobblestone streets leading visitors though its most beautiful architecture and iconic landmarks, including the Medici Chapels, San Lorenzo Market, the Milan Cathedral (il Duomo), and more. Learn more about the city along the way on this free walking tour of Florence.

Florence is known as the world’s art capital. Enjoy a tour of the Uffizi Gallery, the city’s most important museum, home to works by Cimabue, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli, whose celebrated work The Birth of Venus is one of the most famous in the museum. Also, check out this tour of the Accademia Gallery—a fantastic collection of Renaissance masterpieces, with Michaelangelo’s David standing as the crowning jewel.

Again, there’s just so much to talk about in this city, so if you’re looking for more, check out our list of the best things to do in Florence!

• Check out the best tours & experiences in Florence with Civitatis.

3. Venice

The floating city of Venice is built on over 100 small islands, separated by its iconic canals. Venice is also known for its vibrant Carnival celebration and rich history, having been a vital maritime power and trade center during the Middle Ages.

The best way to discover Venice’s history is by enjoying the city on a gondola tour through Venice’s canals, which includes an audioguide! Make your way through the city’s most iconic sights, from Mozart’s House to the La Salute basilica, and the Doge’s Palace. We’d also recommend grabbing this skip-the-line ticket to the Doge’s Palace—this beautiful Venetian Gothic-style palace, which has also served as a prison, is also home to wonderful paintings by Tintoretto, Tiziano, and Veronés.

Other must-visit places in Venice include the Rialto Bridge (come here at sunset for great photos) and the Bridge of Sighs. According to legend, it was here that convicted Venetian prisoners would look out onto the city for the final time before being locked up, letting out a final sigh as they crossed. Get the best photos on this gondola ride under the Bridge of Sighs!

• Check out the best tours & experiences in Venice with Civitatis.

4. Milan

Italy’s fashion and design capital, Milan, is a bustling metropolis that blends modern innovation with timeless elegance. This city is known for its fantastic shopping options, home to a multitude of luxurious designer boutiques and high-end department stores, which you’ll find along Via Montenapoleone and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

There’s a lot more to Milan than shopping, though. The city’s architecture is truly stunning, most notably that of the Duomo, Milan Cathedral. Right in the heart of the city, construction of this cathedral began in 1326 and continued for nearly 600 years. Enjoy the city’s incredibly ornate exterior, and then head inside and to the rooftop on this Milan Duomo rooftop & cathedral tour! Other architectural highlights include the Royal Palace of Milan and the Sforza Castle, a stunning Medieval fortification now home to a number of museums and galleries. Check it out on this Sforza Castle guided tour!

If you’re looking for more things to do in Milan, check out our blog on the must-see sites in Milan, which also includes some great information on what to eat, as well as day trips from the city!

• Check out the best tours & experiences in Milan with Civitatis.

5. Naples

One of the oldest cities in Italy, Naples was founded by the Greeks in 470 BC. Today, it is a polarizing city among those who visit it. An edgier, grittier city than those we’ve already mentioned, Naples is also one of the country’s most culturally vibrant and certainly authentic.

The best way to explore the city is as part of this free walking tour of Naples. On this walking tour, you’ll enjoy the city’s main highlights, the Royal Palace of Naples, the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola, the medieval Castel Nuovo, the Port of Naples, and much more.

Did you know that Naples is the birthplace of modern Pizza? Across the city, you’ll find unbelievably good pizzas in both local mom-and-pop shops and high-end restaurants. We highly recommend taking this Naples pizza-making class, during which you’ll learn how a true, authentic pizza pie is made!

What’s more, you can easily enjoy a day trip to Pompeii and Herculaneum from Naples. These ancient cities are renowned for being buried by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius (you can also visit Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii from Naples) in 79 AD—an event that, while devastating, remarkably preserved their buildings, artifacts, and even everyday moments in time.

• Check out the best tours & experiences in Naples with Civitatis.

6. Cinque Terre

Cinquue Terre is an area composed of five colorful fishing villages, perched on cliffs above the Ligurian Sea. Cinque Terre offers some of Italy’s most breathtaking coastal views, which can be enjoyed on various hiking trails or by sailing the coast. Hike between the towns on the Sentiero Azzurro trail, take a Kayak tour along the coast, go for a swim at the beach, or simply relax with fresh seafood and local wine. Cinque Terre is a beautiful and highly unique Italian escape.

Do keep in mind that Cinque Terre can get quite busy during high and shoulder season. So, try and get your plans started early in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds!

7. Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is where dramatic cliffs meet crystal-clear waters. Making your way along the romantic winding roads of this coastline south of Naples, you’ll come across charming town after charming town: Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, to name a few. To get a taste of what the Amalfi Coast has to offer in style, check out this Amalfi Coast Fiat 500 tour, and take in views of the Tyrrhenian Sea in a classic car!

While it’s wonderful to relax and enjoy the great food, wine and views along the Amalfi Coast, thrill-seekers will be happy to know that there’s no shortage of excitement here either. For those craving a bit of an adrenaline rush, one of our favorite activities is this Amalfi Coast zipline. Check it out!

• Check out the best tours & experiences on the Amalfi Coast with Civitatis.

8. Tuscany

Tuscany is a region defined by its rolling hills, scenic vineyards, and timeless medieval towns. While Florence rightfully holds the spotlight as its crown jewel, the true essence of Tuscan life is often found in its smaller, more serene towns.

One of our favourite towns to explore is Volterra, which, located on a hilltop, was originally founded as an Etruscan settlement since the end of the 8th century, and is thought to have been continually inhabited ever since. Etruscan landmarks can be seen throughout the town, most notably at the Porta dell’Arco. Volterra eventually became a Roman town, which can be seen at its stunning Amphitheater. Check out the town for yourself as part of this Volterra private tour!

If you’re a wine lover, another must is Chianti. This area is home to some of the most beautiful rolling hills in the Tuscan countryside, as well as some of the region’s most wonderful vineyards. If you’re interested in enjoying a wine tasting in the region, check out this Chianti wine tour from Florence, which includes a tasting and a visit to a winery!

• Check out the best tours & experiences in Tuscany with Civitatis.

9. Lake Como

Nestled at the foot of the Alps, Lake Como is one of the most elegant destinations in the country, renowned for its luxurious villas, charming lakeside villages, and stunning mountain scenery, which can be enjoyed as you drink your morning coffee or on a hike at sunrise. For a truly unforgettable experience, however, we recommend enjoying the views as part of this Lake Como boat tour.

• Check out the best tours & experiences in Lake Como with Civitatis.

10. Verona

‘… In fair Verona, where we lay our scene’, this destination is perhaps best known as the setting of Shakespeare’s iconic Romeo and Juliet. Verona is a romantic city with a rich Roman past. This history can be best uncovered by enjoying a guided tour of Verona, which will bring you to the city’s most iconic landmarks. Check out the balcony that is said to have inspired the balcony scene, and one of Shakespeare’s most famous line: ‘O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?’.

The city’s Roman history can be best discovered at the Arena di Verona, a 2000-year-old amphitheater which was once used to host gladiator fights, but today hosts plays and musicals. You can see it for yourself as part of this Arena di Verona free tour!

• Check out the best tours & experiences in Verona with Civitatis.

11. Bologna

Home to the world’s oldest university (dating all the way back to 1088) and some of Italy’s best food, Bologna is a feast for the mind and the stomach. Discover the city’s history on this Bologna free walking tour: make your way through the magnificent Piazza Maggiore, one of the finest squares in the country. Also see the Basilica of San Petronio, as well as the Archiginnasio, a building which was once home to the university in the 16th century. You can also visit the Archiginnasio for yourself with Civitatis.

While in Bologna, many may be tempted to order a delicious spaghetti Bolognese. However, there really is no relation between Bologna and this famous pasta dish, which has led the Mayor of Bologna to discourage visitors from ordering it. For a more traditional option, try tortellini in brodo, a small ring-shaped pasta traditionally filled with delicious meat and served in a flavorsome broth. For a deeper insight into the cuisine of Bologna, check out this Bologna food tour!

• Check out the best tours & experiences in Bologna with Civitatis.

12. Pisa

While it is primarily known for the Leaning Tower, Pisa is a city with plenty to offer. Of course, visiting the Leaning Tower is a must. This ornate structure has been tilting since its construction in the 12th century, due to the soft ground on which this massive sculpture is built. The best way to see it is as part of this Pisa Cathedral, Baptistery + Leaning Tower of Pisa tour, which makes up the Piazza dei Miracoli.

Pisa is also a fantastic place to get some good Tuscan food. If you get the chance to order gnocchi with seafood sauce, or, if you’re particularly adventurous, a Pisan tripe! A unique food-related activity to enjoy in Pisa is this brilliant mozzarella workshop with Civitatis. Dive into the Tuscan cheese-making tradition, and learn to mould your own delicious mozzarella, a key element of a traditional Italian pizza.

• Check out the best tours & experiences in Pisa with Civitatis.

13. The Dolomites

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Dolomites are a dream for nature lovers and adventure seekers. With jagged peaks, alpine meadows, and charming mountain villages, it’s a haven for hiking, skiing, and photography.

With Civitatis, you can enjoy the Dolomites from Garda on this Dolomites day trip. On this wonderful adventure, you’ll be able to explore the stunning scenery of Cortina d’Ampezzo, Lake Misurina, and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

• Check out the best tours & experiences in the Dolomites with Civitatis.

14. Sicily

Sicily is an island of striking contrasts—from ancient Greek ruins and grand Baroque cities to active volcanoes and sun-drenched beaches.

Visit the stunning Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, hike the fiery slopes of Mount Etna, and get lost in the vibrant markets of Palermo, where the island’s rich culinary heritage comes alive. Taste iconic dishes like arancini and cannoli, and soak in the layered history seen in its cathedrals, street life, and coastal towns.

This highlights tour captures the heart of Sicily—its history, culture, and flavor—all in one unforgettable journey.

• Check out the best tours & experiences in Sicily with Civitatis.

There you have it for our list of the best places to visit in Italy in 2025. Regardless of where you go in Italy, you’re sure to have a fantastic time and enjoy some great food. If you’re going yourself and looking for more things to do, check out more tours & experiences in Italy with Civitatis!