15 Cities You Must See When You Go to Italy

Italy is a country that fascinates its visitors not only with its historical heritage but also with its cultural diversity, unique architecture and delicious cuisine. With each city telling a completely different story, this fascinating country has something for everyone. From the charming coastal towns on the Mediterranean coast to the cities where the heart of the Renaissance beats, Italy is like an open-air museum.

Make sure you have completed your visa procedures before going to the country, which you can easily reach by purchasing a flight ticket to Italy . If the tickets are purchased, you are ready to travel. All that is left is to decide on the city you want to go to. In this blog, we will talk about 15 cities that everyone who is planning to go to Italy will want to add to their route.

Rome

Rome stands out as one of the most important cultural and historical centers not only in Italy but also in the world. The capital of the ancient Roman Empire, this fascinating city attracts millions of visitors every year with its historical monuments, art galleries, elegant squares and magnificent structures.

The Colosseum, Pantheon, Roman Forum and Vatican are among the places to visit in Rome. These historical structures allow visitors to get lost in time and discover a piece of history in every corner.

Milan

Milan, one of the most modern and dynamic cities in Italy, has great importance in both business and cultural terms. As the global center of fashion and design, Milan hosts the showcases of world-famous brands and also fascinates with its artistic richness.

Surrounded by art galleries and historical buildings, Milan also draws attention with the Gothic-style Milan Cathedral and the luxury shopping street Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Venetian

Venice is one of the most fascinating and unique cities in Italy. Famous for its waterways, this city offers history, culture and art all at once in every corner. A gondola ride along the Grand Canal, which has become the symbol of Venice, is one of the most romantic ways to explore the city. Venice offers travelers an open-air museum experience with its narrow streets, historical buildings and magnificent squares, each unique.

Naples

Naples is a city in southern Italy, famous for its historical, cultural and culinary heritage. Located on the Mediterranean coast, at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, Naples is fascinating with both its historical and natural beauties. The city is known for its famous Neapolitan pizza, and offers its visitors a rich past with its ancient Roman ruins and historical buildings.

Visits to Pompeii, Herculaneum and Mount Vesuvius, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, are important elements that increase the touristic appeal of Naples. In addition, while walking around the streets of the city, you can travel back in time with the narrow streets, squares and churches in the historical center. Naples promises an unforgettable experience with its colorful and lively street life, delicious food and the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean.

Bologna

Bologna is a historical and cultural city located in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, known as the center of Italian cuisine as well as art and architecture. The city is famous for its culinary traditions, which are protected by UNESCO. Iconic dishes of Bologna include tortellini, ragu alla bolognese and tagliatelle al ragù. These dishes are part of Bologna's rich culinary culture, making it a magnet for gastronomy lovers.

Bologna also stands out with its elegant squares, long porticos and impressive architecture that preserve its historical texture. The twin towers known as Due Torri are one of the symbols of the city and offer visitors a magnificent view. In addition, Bologna's university, one of the oldest in Europe, plays a major role in the city's intellectual and cultural life. Bologna offers visitors delicious food, impressive architecture and a dynamic culture.

Verona

Verona is a city located in the north-east of Italy and is known as one of the symbols of romance. As the setting of the world-famous story of Romeo and Juliet, the city's Juliet's House and its famous balcony welcome thousands of tourists every year in search of love. However, Verona is not only known for this iconic story; it also has an impressive history, attracting attention with its Roman buildings, medieval castles and charming squares.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a stunningly beautiful town located on the famous Amalfi Coast, on the southern coast of Italy. This area has a magical atmosphere where dramatic sea views, colorful houses and nature come together. One of the most striking features of Amalfi are its traditional stone houses built into the steep hillsides. These houses give the town an authentic feel and also beautify the streets that meet the sea.

Tuscany Region

One of Italy’s most popular regions, Tuscany is known worldwide for its fairytale landscapes, rich cultural heritage and unique gastronomic experiences. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, this region is filled with lush vineyards, historic villages and charming cities. Tuscany is an unforgettable destination not only for history and art enthusiasts, but also for nature lovers and foodies.

Alongside iconic cities such as Florence, Siena and Pisa, exploring idyllic towns such as Montepulciano and San Gimignano also reveals the richness of Tuscany.

Florence

Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region of Italy and one of the most important cultural centers in European history. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, this city has an atmosphere that blends art, architecture and science. Florence fascinates its visitors with its world-famous art museums such as the Uffizi Gallery, and iconic structures such as the Duomo Cathedral and the Ponte Vecchio bridge.

Florence's history is full of countless artists and scientists who contributed to the development of civilization. This city, where names such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Dante Alighieri inspired the city, is also an indispensable destination for art lovers with its art galleries, sculpture workshops and old libraries.

Siena

The city offers its visitors a journey through time with its narrow streets, stone buildings and Gothic architecture. Piazza del Campo is considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world and hosts the famous horse racing festival called Palio di Siena every year. This square forms the historical and cultural heart of the city.

One of the most striking features of Siena is its architecture. The Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena) exhibits a unique elegance with its impressive structure made of white and green marble. At the same time, structures such as the Torre del Mangia preserve the traces of Siena from the Middle Ages to this day, offering a great area of discovery for history lovers. Siena is a quiet but fascinating city with a rich culture where you can feel the atmosphere of the Middle Ages in the best way.

Lucca

Lucca is a city that stands out with its peaceful and historical atmosphere in Tuscany. Surrounded by medieval walls, this city offers its visitors a nostalgic experience with its narrow streets, charming squares and elegant buildings. Iconic spots such as Piazza dell'Anfiteatro and Torre Guinigi reveal the history and architecture of Lucca, while walks along the city walls offer an opportunity for discovery in touch with nature. It also has cultural significance as the birthplace of the famous opera composer Puccini.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a region of five picturesque villages on the Ligurian coast of Italy: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. These villages are known for their pastel-coloured houses built into steep hillsides, sweeping ocean views and narrow, cobbled streets.

Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a paradise for those looking for nature walks, tranquility by the sea and traditional Italian village life. The area is famous for its hiking trails, and the Sentiero Azzurro trail is a popular trail that connects the villages and offers incredible views. The untouched beauty of Cinque Terre is the ideal getaway for those looking for a quiet holiday.

Pisa

Pisa is a city in the Tuscany region of Italy, famous for its historical and cultural riches, and is known worldwide for its most famous structure, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The city is home to many historical buildings from the Middle Ages and contains important religious structures such as the Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery.

While the leaning structure of the Leaning Tower of Pisa allows visitors to create a "drop" effect in their photographs, the city is also worth exploring for its peaceful squares, lush parks and traditional Italian restaurants. The city's Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Pisa's top tourist attractions.

Sicily Islands

Located in the south of Italy, Sicily is known as the pearl of the Mediterranean with its history, culture and natural beauty. It offers both traces of civilizations from the past to the present and fascinating views of natural beauty. From the lively streets of Palermo to the foothills of Mount Etna in Catania, from the ancient theaters of Siracusa to the breathtaking views of Taormina, Sicily's cities promise an unforgettable experience to every visitor.

Catania

Located on the east coast of Sicily, Catania attracts attention with both its historical and natural riches. The city is located at the foot of the active volcano Mount Etna and is famous for its historical buildings shaped by the influence of this gigantic mountain and its surrounding natural beauties. Catania is also known for its baroque architecture, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Important structures in the city such as Piazza del Duomo, Catania Cathedral and Elefante Fountain reveal the rich cultural past of Catania. Also, Via Etnea street and the cafes around it located by the sea offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy the Mediterranean. The occasional lava of Mount Etna creates the unique atmosphere of Catania, while touring the city is a great opportunity to discover its rich history and visual feast.

Palermo

Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities on the island. It stands out for its rich history, magnificent architecture and cultural diversity. The city has a blend of Arab, Norman, Byzantine and Baroque influences. Historical buildings such as Palermo Cathedral, the Norman Palace and the Cappella Palatina are must-sees when exploring the city. Also, famous open-air markets such as Vucciria and Ballarò reflect the lively and colorful atmosphere of Palermo.

The city is also famous for its rich cuisine, with traditional dishes such as arancini (rice balls) and cannoli desserts being a must-visit for visitors to Palermo. Strolling through the streets of Palermo is also one of the most enjoyable ways to discover the unique culture and history of the region.

Taormina

Taormina is one of the most popular resorts on the island, located in the east of Sicily. This charming city, built on a high hill, is famous for both its sea views and its historical richness. The city is known for the ancient Roman Theatre of Taormina, an ancient open-air theatre that has both impressive architecture and a magnificent view, as it offers a magnificent view of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea.

Taormina's narrow streets, stone-paved avenues and colorful buildings give visitors the feeling of traveling back in time. In addition, the small island of Isola Bella is one of Taormina's best-known natural attractions. The island attracts holidaymakers with its crystal clear waters and rich vegetation. Taormina has become an ideal destination for both history enthusiasts and those who want to explore natural beauty.

How Should We Choose the City We Will Go To?

When choosing which city to visit in Italy, there are several factors to consider. The purpose of your trip, your interests, and the amenities offered by the region you want to visit play an important role in choosing a city. Here are some things to consider when making your decision:

Your Travel Purpose:

• If you are interested in history and culture, historical cities such as Rome, Florence, Pisa and Verona will attract you. While Rome bears witness to history with its ancient structures and Vatican, Florence stands out with its museums as the capital of Renaissance art.
• For nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts, the mountainous nature and ocean shores of Cinque Terre, trekking in the unique landscapes of the Dolomites and boat tours on Lake Como can be excellent options.
• For those looking for a romantic getaway, Venice's canals and historical atmosphere will be a great choice.

Budget and Accommodation Needs:

• If you want to stay on budget, cities like Naples or Bologna often offer more affordable accommodation.
• If you are looking for a luxury holiday, cities like Milan, Rome or Florence, with their opulent hotels, restaurants and shopping, may be more expensive.

Interest in Food and Cuisine:

• If you are interested in Italian cuisine, Naples is famous for its pizza, while Bologna stands out with its famous bolognese sauce.
• Southern Italian cuisine is characterized by fresh seafood and Mediterranean dishes, so you might prefer coastal cities like Naples or Sicily.

Ease of Access and Location:

• If you want to visit several cities, cities close to transportation hubs such as Rome or Milan can be preferred. These cities are easily accessible to other major cities with train and plane connections.
• If you want a quieter holiday, smaller, more peaceful destinations such as the towns in Tuscany may be ideal.

Season and Weather:

• While coastal towns and southern cities (Amalfi, Sicily) are preferred in the summer, in the winter you can choose the Alpine region for the mountains and ski resorts.
• There are dozens of different options like this waiting for you in Italy. After you have created your travel route as you wish, you are ready to book your Italy flight ticket. Following the opportunities is important to catch discounted tickets. If the tickets are purchased, Italy is waiting for you to have great experiences.