The Best Italian Cities to Visit

The Best Italian Cities to Visit

A visit to all of the major cities in Italy? A globe trotters dream journey, I tell you.

It’s very important before we get into this that, when it comes to Italy, one needs to separate the cities from the towns. There’s a lot of city life to explore in this land, but the small towns are sometimes even more enticing given their charming natures, particularly the coastal ones. Don’t overlook them when planning your trip!

As for the big cities, here’s what to expect:

Rome

Rome is the country’s capital, and definitely my favorite of all the Italian cities.

Arriving in Rome is endlessly sweet, as the city proves to be everything you’ve romanticized it would be, based on the way its been portrayed in films and novels throughout history.

It’s romantic and whimsical, with a playful nature that makes you feel very alive regardless of the time of day. On my first visit to Rome I saw some graffiti on a wall that read “Rome, you’re like Disney Land meets a museum. Thank you.”, and I believe no truer words have ever been written.

Rome – by Christopher Czermak – Unsplash

Rome is also one of the two main transportation hubs in Italy, so this is likely to be your first port of entry when arriving in the country. From here, it’s easy to access planes and trains to take you through to neighboring cities.

Give Rome a few days of your time as you make your way through this unfathomable land, it’s well worth it.

Milan

Milan is the other main transportation hub for the Italian country. It’s also a metropolis that is known as one of the world leaders in terms of fashion and design.

Milan is a sophisticated, up market city that retains sharp architecture and a perpetually classy demeanor.

My personal experience of Milan left me with the impression that this city is very much just one big outdoor mall. The influence of big brands is rife, and you can’t go anywhere in the city center to escape the consumeristic element.

Milan – by AC Almelor – Unsplash

That being said, this is one city where you’ll eat, and you’ll eat well. Being one of the most affluent tourist attractions in the country, Milan’s restaurant scene is unmatched. And given the diversity of the travelers who come to the city, you can dine on virtually any cuisine from around the world.

The city center holds the Gothic Duomo di Milano, which is absolutely worth crowds. Next to it you’ll find the oldest shopping mall in the world, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. 

Florence

For most who visit Italy for the first time, Florence tends to be their overruling favorite when reflecting on the trip. There is something incredibly alluring and magical about this city, so much so that the Pitti Uomo fashion exhibition is held here each year.

Florence is the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region. Tuscany, in general, is an unfathomably picturesque part of the country. Acres of green land rolls through this region, all leading through to Florence in the center. Tuscany is also where most of Italy’s great wines are made.

Florence – by Heidi Kaden – Unsplash

Florence is known for its strong rooting in Renaissance art and architecture. There are iconic sites throughout the city, including the incomprehensible Santa Maria del Fiore; a cathedral that took over six centuries to complete.

Something to note about Florence is that Airbnb has recently taken off with a bang in this part of Italy. Those with suitable homes are opening them up to the public for extra cash, and you’ll get to stay in some of the most lavish old Italian buildings for a small fee.

Naples

Naples is in southern Italy, and is sometimes referred to as the bay. It’s on the coast, which means this city has sun and sand in the mix.

Naples is known for many things, but one key identifying aspect is definitely the food. This city has more stars from the Michelin Guide under its belt than any other in the country; and if you know Italians, this is a big deal.

All you really need to know when it comes down to it, is that pizza originated right here in the city of Naples. Yes, Neapolitan cuisine gave us this beloved dish many, many years ago, so do yourself a big favor and eat as much of it as you can while in town.

Naples – by Montse Monmo – Unsplash

Verona

I fell well informed about Verona after having visited during my first ever trip to Italy a few years ago. If you’ve grown up reading Romeo and Juliet, then you’ve probably had this city on your bucket list for some time now.

Verona is incredible. It’s small enough to walk in under a day, intimate enough that you’re passing the same people over again as you make your way through the streets, and pleasant enough that you’re quite happy to do absolutely nothing other than just be there.

The mistake I made with Verona, however, was I went for a bit too long. I stayed for five full days, while this little city is definitely better suited to two days maximum, three if you’re open to taking a day trip somewhere nearby, such as Peschiera on Garda Lake.

Verona – by JAYAKODY ANTHANAS – Unsplash

Verona is very slow paced, so two days here already feels like four. All of the main attractions are in the city center, which takes about an hour to walk in its entirety. After this, one is merely passing time, eating incredible foods and reading at any given opportunity.

Verona also has absolutely no nightlife. Once the restaurants close up for the evening, that’s it. The locals will tell you of two secret bars slightly outside of the city where they go to party, but I was personally never able to track them down.