Italy Cities Guide: Best Cities & Towns

Explore standout cities and towns across Italy. Start with three highlights from each region, then follow the regional guides for more places to visit.

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North

Liguria

Genoa

Explore grand palaces, narrow old town lanes and the revitalised harbour, with Ligurian food and coastal day trips within easy reach.

Explore Genoa

Portofino

Choose Portofino for its pastel harbour, Castello Brown viewpoints and hillside walking trails, with nearby beaches for a Riviera escape.

Explore Portofino

Vernazza

Follow harbour lanes beneath pastel houses, climb to Doria Castle views and explore vineyard paths linking this village with the Cinque Terre.

Explore Vernazza

More places in Liguria

Lombardy

Milan

Pair the Gothic Duomo and Renaissance art with fashion districts and lively canals, then use Milan as a base for Lombardy day trips.

Explore Milan

Bergamo

Explore the walled hilltop Città Alta and lively lower town, with walkable sights, sunset views and an easy connection to Milan.

Explore Bergamo

Bellagio

Climb stone lanes above Lake Como, visit villa gardens and use the ferry links to explore nearby lakeside towns and fishing hamlets.

Explore Bellagio

More places in Lombardy

Veneto

Venice

Explore canals, grand palaces and historic neighbourhoods, then venture beyond Venice for Veneto’s art, local flavours and quieter landscapes nearby.

Explore Venice

Verona

Walk from Roman arches to medieval piazzas beside the Adige, with summer opera at the Arena and nearby wine country to explore.

Explore Verona

Padua

Choose Padua for Giotto’s frescoes, grand squares and a compact, walkable centre, making it a rewarding day trip or overnight stay from Venice.

Explore Padua

More places in Veneto

Center

Abruzzo

L’Aquila

Combine medieval streets and the Basilica di Collemaggio with mountain excursions into Gran Sasso, using L’Aquila as a base for culture and nature.

Explore L’Aquila

Sulmona

Explore a walkable historic centre, medieval aqueduct and grand main square, then discover confetti traditions and mountain day trips around the Peligna Valley.

Explore Sulmona

Vasto

Wander a historic hilltop town above the Adriatic, then head to Vasto Marina’s sandy shore or the wild coastline around Punta Aderci.

Explore Vasto

More places in Abruzzo

Tuscany

Florence

Explore Renaissance art and landmark architecture in a compact historic centre, with practical itineraries that help you prioritise museums and walking routes.

Explore Florence

Siena

Walk medieval lanes around Piazza del Campo, admire the marble Duomo and discover neighbourhood traditions, with quieter evenings for an overnight stay.

Explore Siena

San Gimignano

Explore a hilltop town of medieval towers, cobbled lanes and scenic piazzas, with Tuscan countryside views and local flavours inside its historic walls.

Explore San Gimignano

More places in Tuscany

Lazio

Rome

Discover ancient ruins, Baroque fountains and distinctive neighbourhoods, with ready itineraries and transport tips to shape a manageable city break at your pace.

Explore Rome

Tivoli

Visit Villa d’Este’s fountains and Hadrian’s Villa, then explore old lanes, waterfalls and hilltop views on a day trip from Rome.

Explore Tivoli

Sperlonga

Choose Sperlonga for a relaxed coastal stay between Rome and Naples, combining Tyrrhenian beaches, historic lanes and traces of its ancient Roman past.

Explore Sperlonga

More places in Lazio

South

Puglia

Alberobello

Wander the UNESCO listed trulli districts and whitewashed lanes, then explore Valle d’Itria towns or stay overnight in a traditional stone house.

Explore Alberobello

Lecce

Explore golden Baroque façades, the Roman Amphitheatre and lively piazzas in a compact old town, with two Salento coastlines within day trip reach.

Explore Lecce

Polignano a Mare

Follow whitewashed lanes above dramatic Adriatic cliffs, enjoy coastal viewpoints and swimming, and reach this seaside town easily by train from Bari.

Explore Polignano a Mare

More places in Puglia

Campania

Naples

Explore historic lanes, churches and archaeological collections, taste local pizza, and use trains or ferries for day trips around the Bay of Naples.

Explore Naples

Sorrento

Choose Sorrento for clifftop views, swimming spots and practical boat and train connections, making it a useful base for exploring Campania.

Explore Sorrento

Positano

Follow steep stairways between pastel houses and sea views, then combine Amalfi Coast beaches with historic sights and scenic hillside walks.

Explore Positano

More places in Campania

Islands

Sicily

Palermo

Discover Arab Norman monuments, golden mosaics and Baroque piazzas alongside lively markets, with street food and nearby beaches adding variety to your stay.

Explore Palermo