Italy! A country that enchants and delights while also overwhelming and all-consuming, there’s truly nothing else like it. Italy has something to offer all types of travelers.
In this article, I’m going to walk you through 20 things that you absolutely must do when you visit Italy.
This guide help you make the most of your trip to Italy — and ensure it’s an unforgettable adventure full of memories in a destination that will leave an indelible mark on you.
Explore Italy’s Cultural Treasures
1. Admire the Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is amazing. When you go inside, everyone is just jaw-dropped. Michelangelo painted the ceiling an explosive array of colors and stories, all these detailed biblical images.
When you’re in this religious building, you just get overwhelmed by the sheer magnificence and scale of it and feel deeply connected to history and art.
Location: The Sistine Chapel is located within Vatican City, its own independent city-state located within Rome, Italy.
How to Go There: Vatican City is easy to reach from the heart of Rome — simply take the metro to the Ottaviano-San Pietro stop. It’s a short ride from there.
Best Time to Visit: One way is to either arrive as early in the day as possible, or come later in the afternoon on a weekday, never during peak season in the summer!
2. Stand Beneath the Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica
Under the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, you will be awestruck. The architectural marvel, designed by Michelangelo and others, shines as a testament to the Renaissance.
If you gaze skyward, you’ll be amazed by the ornate decoration and the sheer size of the structure itself, and be amazed by the knowledge and expertise of its builders.
Location: St. Peter’s Basilica is located on one side of St. Peter’s Square, in Vatican City.
How to Go There: To get to the Vatican, get off at Ottaviano-San Pietro and exit the station following signs for “Vatican” (the stop is just a short walk from the Vatican).
Best Time to Visit: The earlier, the better— shoot for early morning. If you can help it, stay away from the summer.
3. Discover Ancient Life in Pompeii’s Ruins
Walking through Pompeii feels like you are walking back in time. It’s so well maintained that you can easily imagine what life in a Roman city was like before they all met their unfortunate end as ash-covered corpses in 79 AD during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
It’s almost spooky to walk around this eerie place and learn about life 2,000 years ago but it’s really interesting too.
Location: Pompeii is located in the Campania region near modern Naples.
How to Go There: From Naples, simply head to the Naples Garibaldi station and by a ticket on the Circumvesuviana train.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and early fall offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, making it ideal for exploring the ruins without the intense summer heat.
4. Wander Through the Uffizi Gallery
First-timer or veteran of art museums, the Uffizi Gallery isa. As you wander room to room full of masterpieces.
Including Birth of Venus by Botticelli and many other Renaissance greats, you’ll leave with an education in Italian art and a mild headache from trying to take it all in.
Location: The Uffizi Gallery is found at the heart of Florence.
How to Go There: It’s walkable to Santa Maria Novella train station, too– just head in the direction of Piazza della Signoria.
Best Time to Visit: Visit (ideally late afternoon on a weekday in the off season) and avoid peak hours.
5. Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Climbing the Tower of Pisa is a rare opportunity to have some fun while taking in a historical sight. The lean of the tower is surprisingly dramatic, and on the way to the top the staircase gets extremely tight and narrow.
Once you actually make it to the top, the 360-degree views of the city and surrounding countryside are just unbeatable.
Location: The tower is located behind the Cathedral in the Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa, Tuscany.
How to Go There: You can get to the Piazza dei Miracoli by a brief bus or taxi trip from Pisa’s primary rail station.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring or early fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller than in peak summer, allowing for a more enjoyable climb and clearer views from the top.
Natural Landscapes & Scenic Routes
6. Cruise Through the Blue Grotto
Picture a cave where the water shimmers bright electric blue. When you float in on a boat (so not to disturb and fish or wildlife inside), it feels like you’re entering another world.
This sea cave on the coast of the island of Capri shines with aqua and electric shades of blue that are absolutely breathtaking.
Theories differ but the colors seem to be produced by sunlight passing through an underwater cavity and shining through the seawater. It’s as chimerical as it is captivating.
Location: The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) lies on Capri, an island in the Gulf of Naples.
How to Go There: To get to the Blue Grotto (Italy), you’ll need to ferry or hydrofoil from Naples or Sorrento to Capri. From Capri’s Marina Grande, either take a bus or taxi to the grotto or go on a boat tour of the island.
Best Time to Visit: It is most crowded in the summer, so try to go in the spring or fall if you can so you’re not sharing the glow with as many people.
7. Hike the Trails of the Dolomites
The Dolomites offer the most stunning scenery in Italy. These majestic mountains are well suited for those who love hiking and the great outdoors.
You’ll find yourself among awe-inspiring peaks and in deep valleys, with incredible vistas challenging you and making you feel alive.
Hiker or not, the region won’t disappoint you.
Location: The Dolomites are in North-East Italy, predominantly in the Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto, and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions.
How to Go There: The closest airports are in Venice and Verona, from where you can rent a car or train to towns such as Bolzano and Cortina d’Ampezzo, gateway destinations for the Dolomites.
Best Time to Visit: The best time for hiking is summer (June to September), when weather is nicest and most trails are available. For smaller crowds, try early fall as the foliage changes.
8. Stroll Around the Shores of Lake Como
Lake Como is a slice of heaven on earth. The calm waters, the surrounding mountains, the charming little lakeside towns and villas are all incredibly picturesque.
Walking along the lakeshore is a tranquil experience with the whole scene feeling from a dream. You can’t help but get lost in the tranquility.
Location: Lake Como is situated in the Lombardy region of northern Italy near Milan.
How to Go There: You can get a train from Milan to Como, or drive for an hour. Then take the ferries or buses that run around the lake.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring (April to June) and early fall (September to October) are the best times to come for nice weather and beautiful views minus the summer energy.
9. Drive Along the Amalfi Coast Road
The Amalfi Coast road is an exhilarating experience and one of the most scenic drives you can do.
Every hairpin bend affords a new view of the impossibly-blue Tyrrhenian Sea, the pastel villages precariously perched on the mountainside, and the lush cliffs tumbling down into the waves below.
Whether you’re behind the wheel or in the passenger seat, it’s a beautiful and exciting journey.
Location: The Amalfi Coast lies in Campania, just south of Naples.
How to Go There: A car hire from Naples is the easiest option: follow the coast-hugging SS163 road from the town of Vietri sul Mare to Positano, or, to take the hassle out, you can join a tour.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall have less crowds and better weather. Summer can get crowded but that’s when the coast is most alive.
10. Explore the Colored Cliffs of the Cinque Terre Trail
For a scenic coastal hike, walk the Cinque Terre trail that links the five famous villages of Cinque Terre. Each village has its charm, and with its cliffs of vivid colors that dive into the sea, the views are spectacular.
Walking between the five villages takes roughly five hours, though you can also use the trains to explore. The cobalt blue waters, terraced vineyards, and quaint fishing villages never disappoint. It’s a hike of a lifetime.
Location: Cinque Terre is situated on the Italian Riviera in the Liguria region.
How to Go There: Hop on a train from La Spezia to Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, or Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre where you can connect to hiking trails.
Best Time to Visit: The best time for hiking is late spring and early fall, when the temperatures are mild and the trails are less crowded. I’d recommend avoiding the middle of the summer as it tends to be busy.
Food & Wine Experience
11. Join a Mozzarella-Making Workshop
Roll up your sleeves for a mozzarella-making workshop. It’s so much fun to see how creamy buffalo mozzarella is produced and to learn the technique.
You’ll even understand what gives it its unique flavor and texture. And you can enjoy your creation at the end!
Location: There are a lot of workshops you can take in the Campania largely around Naples and the Amalfi Coast.
How to Go There: If you’re based in Naples, there are local trains and buses from the city center that can connect you.
Best Time to Visit: My advice is to visit in spring or early fall when it’s cooler and the whole experience is nicer.
12. Enjoy a Vineyard Lunch in the Chianti Hills
Enjoy a quintessential Italian lunch: a vineyard in the middle of the hills of Chianti. There is nothing better than sipping on regional wine and nibbling on Tuscan delicacies overlooking these vineyards.
The quiet, the countryside atmosphere, and the rustiness allow you to enjoy every single bite and drink.
Location: The Chianti region of Tuscany is located between Florence and Siena
How to Go There: From Florence or Siena, rent a car or hop on a tour to drive straight into the Chianti region.
Best Time to Visit: Go in May-June or Sept-Oct for pleasant weather and picturesque vineyard landscapes.
13. Sip Espresso in a Historic Café in Piazza San Marco
There is something magical about enjoying an espresso in Piazza San Marco. The historic cafes in Venice are elegant and traditional and a great place to relax and take a break.
You smell the coffee and you take in the busy atmosphere all around you framed by historical buildings.
Location: The main public square in Venice, Italy is Piazza San Marco.
How to Go There: Piazza San Marco is a short walk or vaporetto trip (the water bus) from pretty much anywhere in Venice.
Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or evenings before the sun sets are best to steer clear of the crowds. And for a quiet moment with your coffee.
14. Taste Authentic Parmigiano Reggiano at a Dairy Farm
A tour of a dairy farm that focuses on making real Parmigiano Reggiano offers an edible lesson on the production of this centuries old cheese.
You’ll see how they age it to achieve its famous nutty taste, and nothing beats tasting a fresh version right on the property.
Location: When it comes to dairy farms, the best are in the region of Emilia-Romagna, near Parma and Reggio Emilia.
How to Go There: From larger cities such as Bologna or Parma, these dairy farms can be reached by regional train or bus for a day trip.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall are the best times to visit if you want to avoid the heat.
15. Learn to Roll Fresh Pasta by Hand
There’s nothing like fresh pasta, and a pasta-making class will teach you why that is.
It’s a good time, it’s tasty, and you’ll get to learn how to roll and cut pasta. If you love to cook, give it a try, and if you’re just looking for something fun to do, do it too!
Location: You can find courses in multiple Italian locations, Florence and Rome are the most common.
How to Go There: Just register for a class ahead of time — they’re almost always at city-center cooking schools (easily walkable or a short public transit trip).
Best Time to Visit: Classes are offered year-round, but during less crowded shoulder-season months such as April or October you can get more one-on-one attention.
Unique Local Experiences
16. Join the Carnival Celebrations in Venice
Venice is like no other city during the Carnival, which is an explosion of color, imagination, and history.
Every street becomes a stage, as revelers in sparkling costumes pose in front of hundred-year-old buildings or glide down the canals in decorated gondolas.
It is a giant party and a fabulous immersion into history and culture, a world where every mask has a story.
Location: The Carnival is celebrated in the center of Venice, mostly in and around St. Mark’s Square and the surrounding streets and canals.
How to Go There: Take a train or plane to Venice. Get off at either Santa Lucia train station or Marco Polo Airport. Then walk or take a boat to the city’s heart.
Best Time to Visit: The Carnival takes place in February and the best time to go is in the beginning so you can celebrate before it turns into a madhouse the week of the final weekend.
17. Float Down the Grand Canal on a Traditional Gondola
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Location: The major water-traffic corridor in Venice, where I learned to row a gondola.
How to Go There: Once you’re in Venice, gondola stations are situated near all the main tourist points, such as the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco.
Best Time to Visit: Early mornings and late afternoons are quieter and even more magical, with the kinder light somehow amplifying the experience.
18. Witness an Opera Performance in Verona Arena
Seeing an opera at the Verona Arena is an amazing experience. These shows take place in an ancient Roman amphitheater where the acoustics are phenomenal and the environment is mesmerizing.
No matter if you love or hate opera, the historic backdrop combined with the classic music is just awe-inspiring.
Location: The Verona Arena can be found in central Verona, a city famous for its Roman and medieval structures.
How to Go There: You can visit Verona via train from most of the main Italian cities. You just have to walk 20 minutes from the Verona Porta Nuova train station.
Best Time to Visit: Opera Season is June-August. Weekdays are less crowded.
19. Watch Glass-Blowing Artisans at Work in Murano
Murano is known for its glass art and it’s quite mesmerizing to see artisans in action.
You can watch master craftsmen shape molten glass into fragile pieces of art, a practice that has been honed for hundreds of years.
A visit provides insight into a specific form of art, as well as the city’s historical legacy, which it still works hard to maintain.
Location: Murano is a tiny island near Venice, famous for all of its glass factory and stores.
How to Go There: There’s a really nice view from the vaporetto ride to Murano (Venice)…only about 10 minutes by boat.
Best Time to Visit: Visit in the morning or early afternoon, as this is when the workshops take place for a more interactive, lively experience.
20. Visit a Local Olive Oil Mill During Harvest Season
You’ll never forget walking into an olive oil mill while the olives are being harvested.
You can witness exactly how the fruit is turned into olive oil and sample the fresh extra virgin product. It’s a delicious and enlightening experience and something quintessentially “Italian.”
Location: Olive oil mills dot regions such as Tuscany, Umbria, and Puglia.
How to Go There: Most of the mills are outside of the city centers, so a car is your best option, though you can also take a guided tour from one of the nearby cities.
Best Time to Visit: If you’re here from late October to December, you can see and sample the freshly made oil when the olives are harvested.
Travel Tips
Embrace Train Travel. Italy’s train system is extensive and efficient. High-speed trains can whisk you between major cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice with ease. Regional trains offer a scenic and leisurely way to explore smaller towns and countryside.
Consider Regional Flights. For distant destinations like Sicily or Sardinia, opting for a regional flight can save you time. Italy’s airports are well-connected, making it easy to hop from the mainland to the islands.
Mind the Meal Times. Italians typically have their meals later than some might be used to. Lunch (pranzo) is from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and dinner (cena) usually starts around 8:00 PM.
Stay Alert for Scams. Be aware of common tourist scams like overcharging or distractions leading to pickpocketing. Keeping your belongings secure and avoiding overly eager salespeople will help you avoid trouble.
Respect Local Customs. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; shoulders and knees should be covered. It’s also polite to greet with “buongiorno” by day or “buonasera” in the evening.
FAQ
1. Is it recommended to rent a car in Italy?
Ideal for exploring rural or remote areas, but be warned: the roads can be a tight squeeze in some places.
2. Do I need to make restaurant reservations?
Explore hands-on museums, beautiful villages in Tuscany, and outdoor activities in the Dolomites.
3. How do I avoid tourist crowds in Italy?
Plan to visit major attractions early or in the off-season (late fall and winter are my favorites).
4. How do I travel between Italian cities?
Italy has a great train system for moving quickly between cities such as Rome, Florence, or Venice.
5. What should I wear when touring in Italy?
It’s nice to dress casual and use clothing that is comfortable for you. If you have airline travel tickets sandals and a comfortable shirt, you can do a lot of activites in Italy.
Conclusion
Italy offers a banquet of experiences that appeal to any visitor’s taste.
Whether you are gazing upon legendary works of art, taking in majestic natural wonders, or savoring the large and small feasts of the country, Italy is guaranteed to entrance and beguile.
Just remember, this is a journey of exploration and wonder. All you need to bring is interest and enthusiasm. Italy will do the rest.
Buon viaggio!