Things To Do In Italy
Jutting out into the Mediterranean and surrounded by sparkling blue sea, Italy is a destination that really does stand out from the rest! With its iconic cuisine, historic heritage, unrivalled art and architecture and a gorgeously varied scenic landscape, this amazing country is packed full of must-see attractions.
With such a wealth of things to see and do in Italy, it’s hard to know where to start. So if you’re still wondering where to visit in Italy, check out our quick guide for holiday inspiration.
Ride a gondola in Venice
The gondolas on the Grand Canal are one of the most iconic symbols of Venice, topping our list of things to do in Italy. Taking a trip on one of these authentic Venetian rowing boats is a unique and fascinating way to see the sights – and at night, it’s a romantic moonlit adventure not to be missed.
What is a Venetian gondola?
A distinctive sight on Venetian canals, a gondola is a traditional, handcrafted wooden boat, rowed with one oar by a gondolier. A Venetian gondola can hold up to six passengers as it cruises along the narrow waterways.
Top traveller tip: A gondola ride is expensive. For a cheap and cheerful alternative to a full-blown 30-minute luxury ride, step onto a traghetto ferry from one side of the canal to the other. You’ll still get to ride on a traditional gondola (albeit only for a minute!) and all for just a couple of Euros.
Already have a holiday booked to Venice? Check out our guide on things to do and see in Venice.
Enjoy an aperitivo in Milan
Undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Italy for shopping and fashion, Milan is also the number one destination to indulge in aperitivo – the uniquely Italian tradition of an early-evening cocktail accompanied by a light bite to eat.
What is an Italian aperitivo?
Bridging the gap between a late lunch and an even later supper, the aperitivo is an Italian tradition you’ll want to be a part of. From 6.30 to 9pm, it’s customary to enjoy a well-earned drink and a few tasty snacks, keeping you going late into the evening. Popular tipples at this hour include the Bellini and the Negroni, among many others. Sip yours in a rooftop bar, looking out over the city. Soak it up with enough stuzzichini (snacks) and you may end up with an apericena – literally, ‘aperitif dinner’ – so you won’t have to eat again later.
Top traveller tip: Head to the Navigli district for the best selection of bars and restaurants in the city, where you’ll find an amazing array of aperitive to choose from. Stop for a Negroni Sbagliato and nibbles at Bar Basso, where the first aperitivo was served way back in 1947.
What’s the best food in Milan?
Traditional Milanese fare is hearty and delicious. Be sure to try a sunshine-yellow risotto alla Milanese, a creamy delicacy that gets its distinctive tinge from local saffron. A meaty broth called Ossobucco is a traditional comfort food that won’t disappoint. And there’s one Milanese export that needs no introduction: panettone is available in bakeries all year round.
Already have a holiday booked to Milan? Check out our guide on things to do and see in Milan.
Walk the Via Appia Antica in Rome
As the seat of the ancient Roman Empire, Rome is steeped in history, and its streets are a constant reminder of its imperial past. Built in 321 BC, the Via Appia Antica (Old Appian Way) is the oldest road in the city; this historic highway was an important route into the city and is nicknamed regina viarum, the Queen of roads. Walking the route is a great way to see the city and get a feel for its past, with historic buildings and Roman relics at every turn.
What sights can you see along the Via Appia Antica?
Your route starts at the Porta San Sebastiano, one of Rome’s oldest and best-preserved city gates, where there’s a small museum dedicated to the history of the Aurelian Wall. On your way out of the city, you’ll encounter a church (Chiesa del Domine Quo Vadis) where Jesus is said to have met St Peter. Further along your journey, there are numerous catacombs to visit – positioned here because of an old law forbidding burial within the city limits. The Basilica di San Sebastiano Fuori la Mura is a beautiful church containing ornate sculptures, frescoes and ancient catacombs. About 2 or 3 miles from the Porta San Sebastiano are the ruined remains of the Circus of Maxentius.
Top traveller tip: The best time to walk the Via Appia Antica is on a Sunday, when it is closed to traffic.
Already have a holiday booked to Rome? Check out our guide on things to do and see in Rome.
Explore the Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera
The Cinque Terre is a collection of five picturesque, unspoilt coastal towns on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, not far from Pisa. Each of these UNESCO-protected mountainside villages has a unique character of its own; one way to get to know them all is to hike the 11km Cinque Terre trail from Riomaggiore to Monterosso via Manarola, Corniglia and Vernazza.
Top traveller tip: If you’re not up for a hike, the Cinque Terre Express is another great way to see the Cinque Terre in a day. This dedicated train route takes shortcuts through tunnels in the mountains, so it’s much quicker than driving.
Which is the best village in Cinque Terre?
Each village in Cinque Terre has its own charms, so it’s tricky to pick just one. For many visitors, beautiful Vernazza is a favourite, thanks to its popular piazza, colourful harbour, ancient buildings and breathtaking views. For beach fans, Monterosso is a must, with its sandy shores and promenade.
Appreciate the art in Florence
The city of Florence is known for its wealth of Renaissance masterpieces, including Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus.
Where in Florence can I see Michelangelo’s David?
The original marble sculpture, crafted over 500 years ago by the great Renaissance polymath Michelangelo, is currently displayed in the Galleria dell'Accademia, close to the Duomo. This celebrated statue is a hugely popular tourist attraction, so it’s best to book ahead if you don’t want to queue.
Top traveller tip: There’s only one original David, but if you’re not fussed about authenticity, you can always visit one of the two replica sculptures in the city! Visit them in the Piazza della Signoria, where the likeness is uncanny, and at Piazzale Michelangelo, where the replica is crafted from bronze instead of marble.
What’s the best art gallery in Florence?
The Uffizi Gallery is a world-class destination for art lovers, and it’s the most prestigious gallery in Florence. Famous works of art housed within its walls include Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation and Caravaggio’s Medusa.
Top traveller tip: Next door to the Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio (the “old palace”) is a treasure trove of sculptures, frescoes, and paintings that’s a must for any art fan. This fascinating building is also packed with secret passages and hidden rooms!
Already have a holiday booked to Florence? Check out our guide on things to do and see in Florence.
Admire the architecture in Pisa
Pisa is famous for its iconic Leaning Tower, one of the top things to see in Italy. So if you visit one place in Pisa, it has to be the Piazza dei Miracoli (formerly known as the Piazza del Duomo). This square contains not one but four iconic sights: in addition to the Leaning Tower, it’s also home to the ornate and impressive Pisa Cathedral, San Giovanni Baptistery and the Cemetery – all definite must-sees when you visit. These sights are all so close together that climbing one building will give you great views of the others!
What makes the Leaning Tower of Pisa lean?
It’s all down to the soft clay ground it’s built on. Construction began in 1173, and the Tower had already started to lean by the time its second floor was completed five years later. It’s probably lucky that the construction of the tower stopped and started over time, and wasn’t finished until 1370, giving the soil time to settle – but despite this, the Tower continued to lean further over time. In 2008, engineers announced that after removing 70 metric tons of soil from the tower’s foundations, they had finally achieved stability! The Leaning Tower of Pisa should now remain stable (and only leaning by about 4 degrees) for the next 200 years.
Top traveller tip: Pisa is just 42 miles from Florence, which makes an ideal day-trip destination or multi-centre break. From Pisa Centrale Station, jump on a high-speed train through the stunning Tuscan scenery, to arrive in Florence in under an hour.
Take in the scenery at the Italian Lakes
If you’re looking for breathtaking scenery and outstanding natural beauty, the Italian Lakes should be top of your bucket list. In total, Italy has over 1,500 beautiful lakes, and Lakes Maggiore, Lugano, Garda and Como are among the best places to visit in Italy in summer. Cooler than the big cities, a lakeside location is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun, surrounded by tranquil waters.
What’s the biggest lake in Italy?
Stretching over 143 square miles and with a coastline over 100 miles long, Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake. Covering such a wide area, it’s no surprise that this lake has something for every visitor: head to the north for an action-packed break windsurfing and hiking in the Garda Mountains, or go south for a laid-back lakeside holiday relaxing on its shores.
Top traveller tip: Thinking about the best month to visit Italy’s Lakes? We recommend travelling in May or June, when you’ll benefit from the gorgeous weather but avoid the biggest crowds.
Get romantic in Verona
A picturesque medieval town packed with ancient buildings and historic sites, Verona is perhaps most famous as the birthplace of Romeo and Juliet. It’s also one of the best places to visit in Italy if you want a compact, walkable city that’s steeped in culture.
Was Romeo and Juliet based on a true story?
Some people think so! Shakespeare based his classic tale of doomed young love on an original work called La Giulietta, said to tell the story of a real-life pair of star-crossed Veronese lovers. Whether or not that’s true, there are plenty of 13th-century sights in Verona to satisfy the most passionate of Romeo and Juliet fans. Must-visit attractions include Casa di Giulietta and Casa di Romeo (Juliet’s House and Romeo’s House).
Top traveller tip: You can visit the courtyard of Juliet’s House for free – but you’ll have to pay if you want to venture up to that famous balcony. For the admission price, you’ll also get to see some interesting exhibits, including the bed featured in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 Romeo and Juliet film.
What’s the oldest building in Verona?
Founded in the first century BC, Verona is rich with historic architecture. One of its oldest surviving buildings is the Arena di Verona, built in AD30 as an amphitheatre housing 30,000 people. Amazingly, this 1st-century pink-stone amphitheatre is still in use as a concert venue today: a highlight is the opera festival held here every summer.
What is the best month to travel to Italy?
Italy is beautiful all year round, but its popular tourist hotspots can be crowded at the height of summer, when it’s also very hot. The best month to go to Italy will depend on your own plans and preferences, but in general, the ‘shoulder seasons’ of Spring and Autumn are probably ideal. During the periods from April to mid-June and September to October, you’ll benefit from great weather and a little more space to enjoy your break.
Top traveller tip: The best time to go to Italy also depends on where you’re heading. If you’re looking for adventure in the Alps or the Dolomites, then winter is probably the best season to visit Italy. Or for gorgeous wildflower blooms, visit Tuscany in the Spring.
Book a holiday to Italy with Viva Holidays
With its snow-capped mountains and Mediterranean beaches, ancient relics and chic modern fashion, Italy has everything you could wish for in a holiday. It’s no wonder this amazing country is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world.
Still wondering where to go in Italy? Browse our multi-centre package holidays to Italy, taking in all the best Italian sights, from Rome to Verona. Or use our online holiday builder to plan the perfect bespoke trip.
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