Best Cities in Italy

Italy is full of beautiful locales, colorful locals and beautiful sculptures to explore. It’s kind of hard to pin down the best places to visit. If you’re pressed for time, here are the best cities in Italy that you shouldn’t miss.

Musei Capitolini © Elvira Kolomiytseva | Dreamstime

Rome

You simply cannot visit Italy without exploring the capital. From the Colosseum to the Pantheon, it’s chockfull of ancient artifacts, sculptures and pieces of art to discover. Some of the world’s most significant historical moments occurred here. The city itself is lined with cobblestone paths and beautiful walkways, so there’s no excuse for not taking a stroll.

Costumed Man at the Venice Carnival, in front of Santa Maria della Salute © Burkhard Behling | Dreamstime

Venice

The stone palaces of Venice jut straight out of the water, making for a unique sight. The riverboat tours here are some of the most romantic in the world, and the city is a great destination for a lover’s getaway.

Palazzo Vecchio © Sorin Colac | Dreamstime

Florence

Florence is often a top choice for travelers, even ranking higher than Rome in most cases. The absolutely stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere make it a favorite. It’s a bit crowded, though, so you have to come prepared to fight through the hordes.

Torre del Mangia Tower © Shahid Khan | Dreamstime

Siena

Siena is the opposite of Florence; it’s relaxed, less touristy but just as stunning visually. For a more authentic Italian experience Siena should always be a top choice. This medieval city is situated in beautiful Tuscany. You’d better brush up on your Italian before arriving, though, as English isn’t as widely spoken as in other Italian cities.