It is no doubt that Italy is home to an infinite number of incredible places. Whether it is mountain ranges, beach towns or islands where you can enjoy the Mediterranean sun, the places will definitely give you peace!
Do you want to start your new year by exploring something best? Then, Italy would be the best option to explore. It has some of the world’s most incredible, beautiful and most fascinating cities that you should at least visit once in your lifetime.
And you know what is so incredible about them? They are each so unique and diverse. Don’t believe the words, travel yourself for an hour or two, and you will get to experience completely different things . Some cities will make you wonder about their historic treasures, while some of them will fascinate you with their contemporary design and fashion scenes. One thing that will excite you about Italy is wherever you go in Italy, you can always be sure to eat well, especially if you stick to the local specialties, which vary from region to region and even city to city.
If you are planning your first trip to the country or you visit the city frequently, then these 9 incredible cities in Italy are definitely worth exploring.
Rome
Rome is known as the eternal city and is often on the first list you must visit in Italy of course for some good reason. It has more than 2,000 years of history, this is the World’s Best Awards winning city and it has got more than enough to keep you busy for weeks.
First-time visitors will want to check the Colosseum and Vatican off their lists, but there are countless things to do in Rome, from picnicking in the shadow of ancient aqueducts to peeking inside aristocratic palaces, not to mention tasting local specialties like carbonara and cacio e pepe. You would need a lifetime to do it all.
Venice
Venice is sometimes also called La Serenissima which means “the most serene”. Venice is one of the must-visit cities that you should explore at least once in your lifetime. Exploring around and watching Renaissance palaces is simply the best and most mesmerizing thing to do. The Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the Galleria dell’Accademia are just some of the best areas to indulge into the history of the city.
Moreover, Venice also comes alive with events such as the Carnevale and Venice Biennale. One thing to keep in mind is that crowds can be overwhelming sometimes, so it is suggested to visit during the off-season.
Florence
Florence continuously ranks as one of the top cities in the world to visit. The amount of architectural and artistic masterpieces is mind-boggling in this city. You can visit the Uffizi to explore Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus,”. You can also admire the Duomo all in one day and it is not the end. The city is full of vintage shops, artist studios, and some cute and little cafes, bars and restaurants. Also you should try their local specialties like bistecca alla Fiorentina panzanella, and pappa al pomodoro, along with a glass of Brunello di Montalcino or Chianti.
Naples
Some of you might have heard of Naples on the way to Capri, Amalfi Coast, or Ischia. But little did you know that it is the birthplace of pizza and is one of Italy’s most beautiful cities. Once an old Italian says, “Vedi Napoli e poi muori” which means see Naples and then die. It essentially means that Naples is the one of the ultimate destinations and if you’ve seen it once you can die happy.
However, the city might have a reputation as chaotic and gritty, but no doubt it is also home to the best archeological museum and masterpieces by Caravaggio. Aside from the pizza, you should also try their Neapolitan specialties like sfogliatella.
Milan
The fashion and design capital of Italy is sometimes overlooked but we bet Milan is well worth a trip. And you know that Milan is Italy’s most cosmopolitan and internationally-minded city. Moreover, it’s a dynamic destination with a fascinating restaurant and bar that is undoubtedly the best thing in Italy.
Some of the great things you can do in Milan is admiring Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the Duomo and sipping the Negroni sbagliato at the bar where it was made. Moreover you can also visit the Villa Necchi Campiglio and Prada Foundation. What’s more to try in this city is their local specialties like cotoletta alla Milanese and risotto alla Milanese.
Bologna
Bologna has been known with its three nicknames that is La Grassa, La Dotta, La Rossa which means “The Fat, The Learned, and The Red”. And the best part about these names is that each one of them speaks to a different version of the city. “Learned” means the university which is the oldest in Europe. It was established in the year 1088. While “Fat” refers to the rich and heavy food that is being served here like lasagna, tagliatelle alla Bolognese, and tortellini all hail from Bologna. And if you ask about “red” then it is pretty sure the reference to the color of the city’s communist leanings or the brick buildings. One thing that makes it best is that Bologna is one of Italy’s most educated, liberal, and well-fed cities.
Perugia
Umbria is also known as Italy’s green heart. It should be on your top list as it is a must-visit city in Italy between Rome and Tuscany. You should also visit its capital Perugia. It is a small and charming city that pretty much looks the same as it was in the Middle Ages. If you love to explore historic places then this place will be a must go to immerse yourself in history.
Go inside some of the local shops and restaurants and then sit down with a meal of hearty and delicious pasta and don’t forget to add wild boar ragu. You can also try their fresh pasta along with shaved black truffle. And the interesting part? Perugia is also known for its famous chocolate, so you should mark this place and be sure to visit any artisanal shop like Augusta Perusia.
Lecce
Lecce which is sometimes also called the “Florence of the South,”. Lecce comes onto the radar of savvy travelers. The city Lecce is located in Puglia, in the heel of the boot. This small city is characterized by Baroque buildings that will take you on a golden hue because of the limestone that was utilized to construct them. The historic area of this is definitely the maze of narrow lanes covered with bars, boutiques, and restaurants. We bet you won’t regret the trip
What you must try in this city is their local specialties like caffè Leccese which is iced espresso sweetened with the almond syrup and the pasticciotti which is a kind of oval pastry that is filled with custard-like cream. Lecce is also the best city if you are planning to visit the fantastic beaches of the Salento Peninsula.
Turin
Turin is the capital of Piedmont. It is one of Italy’s most quiet and beautiful cities. It was once ruled by the French Savoy dynasty for 500 years.
Do you know that Turin was actually the first ever capital of the new unified Kingdom of Italy in the year 1861. The Royal Palace of Turin is definitely one of the most worth visiting places.
If you visit the city, then you will notice a glimpse of French flair in the architecture and even in the food. What’s more to try? Their Wine! Yes, don’t leave the city without once trying prized wines like Barbaresco and Barolo and most importantly local specialties specially made with hazelnuts and truffles. One fact about Turin is that Vermouth was also invented in Turin.