11 Best Places to Visit in Italy for First-Timers (by a Local)

Planning your first trip and wondering the best places to visit in Italy for the first time? With so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, I get it. 

Some places are must-sees, but what’s worth it depends on what you love—history, cities, food, nature, beaches, or even a mix of everything.

I’m Italian and have traveled all over Italy (only two regions left!), and in my opinion, these are the 11 best places to consider for your first trip. Some are famous, some are hidden gems, but they all offer something special.

You don’t have to see them all if you don’t have enough time! 

In this guide I will help you choose the right ones for you and plan an itinerary that fits your travel style, not just what everyone else is doing.

Best places to see in Italy on your first visit

1. Rome 

Rome, Italy’s capital, isn’t just a city—it’s an experience. 

One moment you’re walking past ruins that are over 2,000 years old, the next you’re sipping espresso in a lively piazza. It’s chaotic, loud, and full of life, but that’s what makes it unforgettable. 

Whether you’re standing in front of the Colosseum, tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, or eating the best carbonara of your life, Rome is the kind of place that sticks with you.

Top things to do 

• Step into history: walk through the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon. These places have seen it all.
  A colleague visiting from Australia once told me that in Rome, you don’t just see history—you walk through it. The streets are so ancient that you can’t help but wonder who walked here before you, centuries ago? What were their lives like? That feeling of being part of something so much bigger is what makes Rome special.
• Visit the Vatican: even if you’re not religious, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel will leave you speechless. 2025 is a Holy Year, so expect bigger crowds than usual. The Vatican Museums are also a must!
• Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain 
• Food, food, food: if carbonara isn’t Rome’s second religion, I don’t know what is. Also try cacio e pepe and amatriciana.

Best time to visit

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are the sweet spot—perfect weather, fewer crowds, and better prices. Summer? Brutally hot and packed. Winter is quieter but magical in December, just expect cooler temps and some rainy days.

2. Venice 

Venice is one of the most unique cities in the world—there are no roads, just canals, and no cars, only boats—so it’s absolutely worth a visit.

There’s something magical and mysterious about wandering its narrow alleys, crossing romantic bridges, and seeing palaces reflected in the water. 

It’s been the backdrop for countless movies (007 Casino Royale, anyone?), and while it’s stunningly beautiful, it’s also incredibly touristy—so timing your visit is key.

Top things to do 

• Get lost in the calli: that’s what the alleys are called here, and wandering with no plan is the best way to experience Venice. No two streets look the same, and you’ll always stumble upon something interesting.
• Visit Piazza San Marco: see St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and climb the Campanile for some of the best views of Venice.
• See Venice from the water: a gondola ride is the dream, but for a budget-friendly option, take a vaporetto (water bus) and cruise down the Grand Canal.
• Explore Murano & Burano: in Murano, watch artisans create beautiful glassworks—I was blown away the first time I saw it as a kid! Burano is one of my favorite places, with brightly colored houses and a relaxed island vibe.
• Try cicchetti at a bacaro: Venice’s version of tapas! Sample baccalà (salt cod), polpette (meatballs), and tramezzini (sandwiches) with a glass of spritz or wine at a traditional bacaro. You can even do a bacaro tour, hopping from place to place for different bites.
• Experience the Venice Biennale: it’s held every two years and is one of the world’s most important contemporary art and architecture exhibitions.

👉 Here’s how to spend a day in Venice!

Best time to visit

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–October) are the perfect balance—pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer (June–August) is hot, packed, and expensive, so I wouldn’t recommend it. Winter (November–February) is one of my favorite times—quiet, moody, and full of mystery, with foggy mornings and empty alleys. If you visit in February, you’ll experience Venice Carnival, which is spectacular (but expect crowds and higher prices).

3. Florence

Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and one of the most beautiful cities in Italy.

Yes, it’s touristy, but so is everywhere worth visiting in Europe. There’s a reason people love it—it’s a city full of history, art, and stunning architecture, and it’s one of my favorites in Italy. 

It’s also reasonably small, so you can explore almost everything on foot, making it perfect for wandering through charming streets, scenic viewpoints, and incredible food spots.

Top things to do

• See the Duomo: Florence’s cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore, is a masterpiece. Inside, you’ll find Vasari’s Last Judgment fresco, and if you’re up for a climb, Brunelleschi’s Dome offers some of the best views in the city.
• Visit the Uffizi Gallery: one of Italy’s best museums and home to Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Leonardo da Vinci’s works. Honestly, it’s my favorite museum in Italy.
• Admire Michelangelo’s David: the Accademia Gallery is where you’ll find one of the most famous sculptures in the world—and yes, it’s worth seeing in person.
• Walk across Ponte Vecchio: Florence’s iconic covered bridge, lined with historic goldsmith shops.
• Watch the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo: if you want the best panoramic view of Florence, this is the spot.

Best time to visit

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–October) are the best seasons—great weather, fewer crowds, and perfect for exploring on foot. Summer (June–August) is hot and crowded, but the evening atmosphere is incredible. Winter (December–February) is quieter and cheaper, though some museums shorten their hours.

4. Amalfi Coast 

The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most famous coastal destinations, about an hour from Naples and three hours from Rome. 

It’s known for colorful cliffside villages, stunning sea views, and winding roads that make every drive an experience (the road by bus from Amalfi to Ravello is… let’s say an adventure!).

The whole area is a UNESCO World Heritage site, blending natural beauty, charming towns, and great food.

Top things to do

• Explore Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello: these are the best towns to visit in my opinion. Wander through narrow streets, check out boutiques and cafés, and relax on the beach.
• Visit Villa Cimbrone in Ravello: the Terrazza dell’Infinito (Terrace of Infinity) offers some of the most breathtaking views in Italy. 
• Take a boat trip to Capri: known for its luxury vibe, stunning coastline, and the famous Blue Grotto, a boat tour to Capri is a must if you have time.
• Hike the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei): a 7km trail along the cliffs, with unreal panoramic views of the coast. It takes about 2–3 hours and is totally worth it.
• See the Fiordo di Furore: a real hidden gem. It’s a tiny beach hidden between cliffs, with a scenic stone bridge above. One of the most photogenic spots on the coast.

Best time to visit

Spring (April–June) and September are perfect—great weather and fewer crowds. Summer (July–August) is beautiful but insanely busy, with long ferry queues and higher prices. Winter? Not great for a first visit—it’s low season, many places close, and the beaches won’t be enjoyable.

5. Dolomites

The Dolomites are one of Italy’s most stunning regions and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Whether you’re into hiking, skiing, road trips, or just soaking in the mountain views, this place is a dream. The mix of dramatic peaks, alpine lakes, and amazing food makes it totally unique. 

If you love the outdoors and would love to visit the Italian Alps, this is one of the best places to visit.

Top things to do

• Explore the best nature spots: Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Braies, Lago di Sorapis, Seceda, and Alpe di Siusi are must-sees. You don’t need to be a hiker to enjoy them!
• Take a road trip: the best way to explore the Dolomites! Drive through epic mountain passes like Passo Gardena, stop at scenic viewpoints and cute alpine villages, and enjoy the landscapes at your own pace.
• Relax at a spa: if you need a break from adventure, QC Terme Dolomiti in Val di Fassa is the place to be—heated pools, panoramic saunas, and total relaxation. My boyfriend is spa-obsessed, so we’ve tried several QC locations, and they never disappoint!
• Go skiing: in winter, hiking is off the table, but skiing (or snowboarding) is the best way to explore. The Sellaronda ski circuit is legendary—it’s a 25-mile loop through four valleys, including Val Gardena, Arabba, Alta Badia, and Val di Fassa.
• Visit Christmas markets: if you’re visiting from late November to early January, the Dolomites have some of the best Christmas markets in Italy—cozy wooden stalls, festive lights, and mulled wine. The best ones are in Bressanone, Ortisei, Selva di Val Gardena, San Candido, and Dobbiaco.

👉 Check out this detailed guide about the best things to do in the Dolomite for first-timers!

Best time to visit

It depends on what you want to do! Here you can find a detailed guide about what to expect each season in the Dolomites.

Summer (July–September) is perfect for hiking and road trips, with long days and great weather. Winter (December–March) is best for skiing and has that magical snowy atmosphere. Spring and late fall can be unpredictable, with some trails still covered in snow and closed hotels and mountain huts. I would avoid visiting and stick to summer, early autumn and winter for a great first trip to the Dolomites. 

6. Tuscany 

Tuscany is one of the most beautiful regions in Italy, famous for rolling hills, medieval towns, incredible wine, and some of the country’s best food. 

Florence might be the star, but there’s so much more to explore: charming villages, breathtaking landscapes, and hidden gems that make this place special. 

Whether you want to drive through the countryside, visit historic cities, or sip wine straight from the source, Tuscany has it all.

Top things to do

• Visit Florence (obviously!) 
• Explore Siena: a medieval gem! If you visit in summer, don’t miss the Palio di Siena, a crazy horse race held in the city’s main square Piazza del Campo. The entire town gets involved with celebrations in the street all over the city—it’s chaotic, intense, and full of energy.
• Visit the Val d’Orcia: a UNESCO World Heritage site with rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and golden wheat fields (if you’ve seen Gladiator, the wheat field scene was filmed here!)
  Some must-sees here are Pienza, Montalcino and Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta.
• Tour the Chianti region: Tuscany’s wine heartland, where you can sip Chianti Classico and visit villages like Greve and Radda in Chianti.
• Relax in natural hot springs: some of the best natural thermal baths in Italy are here. Check out Terme di Saturnia, Bagni San Filippo, and Bagno Vignoni for a truly scenic soak.
• Discover Bolgheri & Monteriggioni, two amazing hidden gems.
  
  Bolgheri is a tiny wine village famous for Super Tuscan wines like Sassicaia and Ornellaia. (Sassicaia is the best red wine I’ve ever tasted!). The village itself is straight out of a postcard, and you reach it via a dreamy cypress-lined road.
  
  Monteriggioni, on the other hand, is a perfectly preserved medieval fortress. If you’ve played Assassin’s Creed II, you might recognize it as Ezio Auditore’s home—my dad and my boyfriend were way too excited when we visited!

Best time to visit

Tuscany is best from spring to early autumn, in my experience. Spring and fall bring mild weather and fewer crowds, but early summer is just amazing (if you can handle the tourists). 

7. Lake Como

Lake Como is one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy, known for its mountain views, cute towns and elegant villas. 

It’s been a luxury retreat for centuries (yes, even George Clooney has a villa here), but you don’t need to be a millionaire to enjoy it. Just hopping on a ferry or wooden taxi boat between the lake’s charming towns is an experience in itself.

Top things to do

• Explore Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio: these three form Lake Como’s “golden triangle”, and they’re the best places to visit. Expect cobblestone streets, cute cafés, and incredible lakefront promenades.
• Tour historic villas like Villa del Balbianello, famous for its gardens and movie appearances in Star Wars and Casino Royale, or Villa Monastero and Villa Carlotta, both offer breathtaking views and stunning botanical gardens.
• Take a boat ride: the best way to experience Lake Como is from the water. You can hop on a public ferry, rent a private boat, or book a guided tour—there’s an option for every budget. 

👉 Check out these detailed articles about how to spend one day in Lake Como or the best 2 or 3 day itineraries.

Best time to visit

Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) are the best times to visit, with mild weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful scenery.  Summer (July–August) is hot, busy, and expensive, but great for swimming and boat trips.  Winter (November–March) is quiet (maybe too quiet) with many hotels and restaurants closed and the lake isn’t really looking at its best. Boat rides are also much less enjoyable, not great if it’s your first trip. 

You can read more about the seasons in Lake Como in this guide.

8. Cinque terre

Cinque Terre means “Five Lands” in Italian, and it’s exactly that—five small fishing villages perched along the rugged Ligurian coast. 

The villages—Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—are famous for their colorful houses, dramatic cliffs, and scenic hiking trails. It’s one of Italy’s most stunning coastal areas, and while it’s touristy, it’s absolutely worth visiting.

Top things to do

• Visit the villages: each one has its own charm. Vernazza and Manarola are the most famous and photogenic, especially at sunset. Monterosso al Mare is the only one with an actual beach.
• Top things to do: there are several trails connecting the villages and they have some of the best coastal views in Italy. Some sections may be closed for maintenance during part of the year, so check before you go.
• Take a boat tour: seeing Cinque Terre from the water is just as incredible as exploring on foot.
• Try the local food: Liguria is the birthplace of pesto (you have to try trofie al pesto here!) and focaccia

Best time to visit

April–June and September–October are the best months—great weather, fewer crowds than summer. July and August are peak months, hot and packed with tourists. 

I wouldn’t visit in winter (November–March) for a first trip. It’s the off-season, quieter but with many restaurants and hotels closed. Hiking trails might also be closed for maintenance. 

9. Milan

Milan is Italy’s fashion and business capital, but there’s a lot more to it than style and finance. It’s a city of stunning architecture, world-class art, and the best aperitivo culture in Italy. 

It might not have the romantic charm of Rome or Florence, but if you love design, history, and a more local vibe, you’ll love it. 

Plus, it’s one of the best-connected cities in Italy, making it a great base for day trips around northern Italy.

Top things to do

• Duomo di Milano: Milan’s most famous landmark. You can admire it for free from the square or climb to the rooftop for incredible views, you can even see the Alps on a clear day.
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: right next to the Duomo, this stunning 19th-century arcade is worth a visit, even if you’re not shopping. Don’t forget to spin on the bull’s mosaic on the floor for good luck (it’s a classic Milanese tradition) 
• See The Last Supper: you have to see this once in your life. Don’t imagine a crowded museum. The painting is massive and displayed in this big, empty, silent convent refectory room, and visits are limited to tiny groups to preserve it. It really is an experience seeing it, absolutely worth it. 
• Castello Sforzesco & Parco Sempione: a historic castle right next to Milan’s largest park, perfect for a stroll.
• Brera District: Milan’s artsy, charming neighborhood, great for boutique shopping, cafés, and a relaxed, old-school Milan vibe.
• Navigli District & aperitivo culture: Milan’s canal district, best visited in the evening for aperitivo (happy hour). In Milan, aperitivo is basically a ritual more than a tradition—order a drink, and depending on the place, you’ll get either a selection of small bites or access to a full buffet. It’s the best way to experience local nightlife without spending a fortune.

👉 Check out these detailed articles about how to spend one day in Milan and the best free things to do in Milan

Best time to visit

Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are ideal—perfect weather and fewer crowds. Summer (July–August) is hot and dead—locals leave, and the city feels empty. Winter is cold and sometimes foggy, but Christmas in Milan is magical, with markets, ice rinks, and festive lights all over the city.

10. Verona

Verona is the perfect mix of romance, history, and classic Italian charm. It’s famous for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, but beyond the touristy balcony, it’s a city of beautiful piazzas, medieval bridges, and Roman ruins. 

It’s compact, easy to explore on foot, and a great stop if you’re traveling in northern Italy.

Top things to do

• Visit the Arena di Verona: an ancient Roman amphitheater that’s even older than the Colosseum. If you ever get the chance, seeing an opera or concert here is unreal. I saw Adele live here, and it was one of the most emotional concerts I’ve ever been to—the atmosphere is just incredible.
• See Juliet’s Balcony: it’s super touristy, and the balcony isn’t even original, but if you’re curious, it’s worth a quick stop.
• Walk across Castelvecchio & Ponte Scaligero: a medieval fortress and bridge with some of the best views in Verona.
• Explore Piazza delle Erbe: the heart of the city, with historic buildings, a lively market, and cute cafés—perfect for a break.

Best time to visit

You can visit year-round. 

11. Bologna

Bologna is one of Italy’s most underrated cities, but if you love history, culture, and food, you can’t skip it. Nicknamed “La Grassa” (The Fat One), it’s Italy’s culinary capital and home to some of the best food in the country—with way fewer crowds than Rome or Florence. 

It’s also a student city thanks to the oldest university in the world (founded in 1088), which gives it a fun, lively atmosphere.

Top things to do

• Piazza Maggiore: the heart of Bologna, surrounded by historic buildings like Basilica di San Petronio and Palazzo d’Accursio.
• Climb the Asinelli Tower: nearly 500 steps to the top, but the views over Bologna’s red rooftops are worth it.
• Walk under the porticoes: Bologna has 38 kilometers of covered walkways, which are a UNESCO World Heritage site. They make the city unique and are a lifesaver on rainy days or in the summer heat.
• Explore the Quadrilatero District: Bologna’s historic food market is the best place to try mortadella, tortellini, and real Bolognese ragù (which, by the way, is never served with spaghetti in Italy!).

Best time to visit

You can visit year-round. 

Essential tips and FAQs for your first trip to Italy

Now that you have a list of incredible places to visit, let’s go over some essential travel tips—how many days you need, when to visit, and how to get around.

How many days do you need in Italy? 

It depends on what you want to see, but in my opinion 2 weeks or more is ideal, but 10 days is a good starting point. 

With 10 days, you’ll have enough time to visit about 3 destinations (like Rome, Florence, and Venice or the Amalfi Coast) without feeling like you’re racing through Italy.

If you have a week (7 days), I’d say stick to 2–3 places max. Rome and Florence work great together, or you could do Milan and Lake Como for a mix of city and nature. 

With less than a week, just focus on one area and take one or two day trips from there. 

If you have two weeks or more, lucky you! It’s going to be amazing. You can slow down and really take your time to explore beyond the big cities. 

When to visit Italy?

The best time to visit Italy depends on what you want to do, especially if it’s your first trip. 

If you’re here for sightseeing in cities, go in spring (April–June) or fall (September–October)—perfect weather, fewer crowds, prices aren’t crazy and everything is open.

Summer (July–August) is hot, busy, and expensive, especially in the main tourist destinations, but it’s also a great time to visit the coast and the mountains. So if you want to visit the Amalfi Coast or the Dolomites, it’s a great time to visit. 

August is the absolute peak season—almost all Italians take their holidays, especially around Ferragosto (August 15) and the two central weeks, meaning higher prices, packed beaches, and extreme crowds. Seriously, crowds are insane in some parts on Italy. Honestly, I’d avoid traveling in August at all costs unless you’re prepared for this.

Winter (November–March) is cheaper and quieter, but some places (especially coastal or lake towns) slow down or close. If you love Christmas markets, festive lights, or skiing in the Dolomites, winter is so worth it.

🗓️ Italian holidays to keep in mind

Not necessarily ones to avoid, but worth knowing!

• January 6 – Epiphany
• Easter (March/April, varies) – A busy period with some closures
• April 25 – Liberation Day
• May 1 – Labor Day
• June 2 – Republic Day
• August 15 – Ferragosto (Peak summer holiday, major travel period!)
• December 1 & 8 – Immaculate Conception (In Milan, December 7 is also a holiday, and locals usually take a few days off, the city comes alive with celebrations and the start of Christmas events.)
• December 25 – Christmas
• December 31–January 1 – New Year’s Eve & Day

Bottom line? Spring and fall are best for cities, summer is great for beaches and mountains, and winter works for Christmas or skiing. Just avoid August unless you love crowds and sky-high prices.

How to get around 

There are two main options: trains and renting a car. 

Italy has one of the best train networks in Europe, so if you want to mainly visit cities, trains are the easiest and fastest way to get around. 

The high-speed trains (Frecciarossa and Italo) connect major cities like Rome, Florence, Milan, and Venice in just a couple of hours. Always book your tickets in advance for the best prices. Regional trains are slower but work well for smaller towns (for example, if you want to visit Lake Como from Milan). 

Driving in big cities like Rome, Milan, or Naples is a nightmare—ZTL (limited traffic zones) can easily get you fined, parking is a hassle, and traffic is chaotic, but renting a car is seriously worth it if you’re exploring the countryside (like Tuscany or the Dolomites). A road trip is a great way to experience Italy!

Domestic flights are only worth considering for long distances (like Milan to Sicily or Sardinia). Otherwise, trains are faster and more convenient. 

In cities, walking is the best way to explore, but public transport (metro, trams, and buses) is available in larger cities like Milan, Rome, and Naples. Taxis are usually quite expensive, so tend to avoid them. 

Planning your itinerary: how to choose the best places for your trip

I get it, Italy has so many incredible places that choosing where to go can feel overwhelming. 

The trick? Pick places that match your style and how much time you have, not just the ones you’ve seen on Instagram. 

Ask yourself: what do you really love?

• Are you into history and culture?
  Rome, Florence, Venice, and Verona are packed with ancient ruins, museums, and famous landmarks.
• Obsessed with food?
  Head to Bologna, Tuscany (Chianti & Val d’Orcia), or the Amalfi Coast—these are some of the best places to eat in Italy.
• Want jaw-dropping scenery?
  The Dolomites, Amalfi Coast, Lake Como and Cinque Terre are all about epic views.
• Looking for beaches?
  Sicily, Sardinia, and Puglia have the best coastlines in Italy, but they might be complicated to mix with must see places like Rome and Venice for a first trip. 

Once you know which are your must-visit places, factor in travel time and decide how you’ll get around. Italy looks small on a map, but getting from a place to another often takes longer than you think. 

If you travel by train, stick to well-connected areas like Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice, or Bologna and take day trips from there. 

If you’re renting a car you can basically go anywhere. Tuscany and the Dolomites, for example, are best explored by road and are fantastic destinations for road trips. 

The biggest mistake people make when planning a trip to Italy is trying to do too much without enough time. If you really want to experience la dolce vita and take in the italian mood, you have to go slower, even though your italy bucket list might be long. 

Plan to spend about 2–3 nights per city. If you change place every day, you’ll spend half your trip on transport and you really want to have time to try different restaurants, have an aperitivo with a glass of wine, swim at the beach… 

My tip to plan the best itinerary 

There’s not right order to visit Italy’s best destinations, and you don’t have to feel like you have to visit all the main cities like Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan. It’s totally ok to skip something to have a more relaxing experience. 

My best tip is to mix things up!

Pair cities with smaller towns and scenic nature spots so your trip doesn’t feel like a marathon and you really get to have a taste of Italy. 

Some ideas: 

• Rome + Florence + Tuscany + Amalfi Coast
• Milan + Lake Como + Venice + Dolomites 
• Rome + Florence + Venice + Dolomites or Amalfi Coast

Bottom line? Pick what excites you, don’t overload your trip, and leave time to actually enjoy Italy. You’ll have a much better experience and you can always come back for more to explore the rest!

So, are you ready to plan the perfect trip to Italy?

Italy has so many incredible places, but the best ones for your trip depend on what you love and when you’re visiting. Some spots are perfect in spring and fall, while others are better in summer or winter—picking the right ones makes all the difference.

Not sure how to put it all together? I can help you ✨

I offer custom travel planning services to create an itinerary that fits your interests, budget, and travel dates—so you don’t waste time or money on places that don’t make sense for you. 

Whether you need a full itinerary, personalized recommendations, or just a quick call for some advice, I’ll help you plan a trip that’s fun, stress-free, and truly made for you so you can make the most of your time in Italy.