25 Best Places to Visit in Italy

Italy has a history dating back to around 753 BCE when art and culture flourished here. The nation is home to some of history's biggest icons, and it preserves over half of the most renowned works of art. If you are planning a holiday in Italy, read this article to find the best tourist attractions you can explore here.

The top tourist places in Italy are listed below.

Currency in Italy: The current official currency in Italy is Euro. One Euro equals 87.99 Indian Rupees as of 1st March 2023*. 

*Currency rates change are subject to the market exchange rate.

Italy is filled with stunning landscapes that attract tourists because of their picturesque views and natural beauty. Here are some of these that you can try visiting in Italy:

1. Dolomites, Northern Italian Alps

Fans of mountains and hiking are often attracted to the Dolomites, a stunning mountain range in the Alps mountain of Italy. The main attraction here includes the distinctive jagged peaks of the mountains, which are made of reddish-brown dolomite rocks. Apart from admiring its picturesque landscapes and lush green valleys, you can consider hiking, rock climbing, skiing, cycling, etc., here.

• Top Tourist Attractions: Tourists enjoy stunning landscapes, eye-catching lakes, lush green valleys, historic villages like Castelrotto and Cortina d’Ampezzo, hiking, snowboarding, etc.
• Best Time to Visit: May to July
• Timing: Open all-day
• Entry Fees: Free

2. Lake Como, Lombardy

If you are a nature lover, you should not miss Lake Como on your visit to Italy. Located in the foothills of the Alps, it offers stunning views of the mountains. Moreover, you can explore several picturesque towns around here. The shore is filled with lush green forests, and its favourable weather makes it suitable for tourists.

• Top Tourist Attractions: Cruising in the lake, exploring places like Varenna village, Villa Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, I Giardini di Villa Melzi, Cathedral of Como (Duomo), Castello di Vezio (castle), La Punta Spartivento park, etc.
• Best Time to Visit: May and June
• Timing: Open all-day
• Entry Fees: Free

3. Gran Paradiso National Park, Piedmont

If you are a fan of adventure, you must check out the Gran Paradiso National Park while spending a vacation in Italy. Located near the Graian Alps, this park offers tourists an exquisite opportunity for hiking. Moreover, you can spot a wide range of wildlife here, including wolves, lynx, ermine, badgers, etc., along with over 100 species of birds. If you are visiting during the winter, cross-country skiing is a great activity you can try here.

• Top Tourist Attractions: Popular activities include witnessing and hiking in the mountains like Gran Paradiso and Tresenta, spending the night at Vittorio Sella Refuge, spotting wildlife, cycling through the trails of the foothills, skiing in winter, etc.
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Timing: No fixed time available
• Entry Fees: Free

If you are a beach person, there is plenty to explore in Italy. The beaches are clean with wide shorelines, and the islands display impressive natural beauty. Here are the best beaches and islands in Italy.

4. Elba, Tuscany

It is another popular island which attracts beach lovers from across the world. Located on the coast of Tuscany in the Tyrrhenian Sea, it is known for its long and glorious history of coming under the rules of the Greeks, Romans, Etruscans, etc. History lovers are also attracted to this place as Napoleon was banished to live here in 1814.

• Top Tourist Attractions: You can witness stunning beaches, crystal-clear sea water, vineyards, and olive groves, and consider activities like cycling, hiking, swimming, snorkelling, water sports, etc.
• Best Time to Visit: May to September
• Timing: Open all-day
• Entry Fees: Free

5. Island of Procida, Campania

If you are a nature lover, do not forget to check out the Island of Procida during your visit to Italy. Located in the Campania region of Italy in the Bay of Naples, this island is known for its colourful houses, vintage streets and unique fishing villages.  Moreover, it is also known for its delicious seafood cuisine and for hosting various festivals and occasions.

• Top Tourist Attractions: You can go sightseeing, witness the vintage roads and fishing villages, enjoy delicious seafood, participate in festivals like Festa di Sant’Antonio Abate and Festa di Santa Maria delle Grazie, etc.
• Best Time to Visit: June to August
• Timing: Open all-day
• Entry Fees: Free

Italy is known for its art and architectural brilliance. Tourists are attracted to visiting these famous monuments and sites to check their beauty and historical significance. Here are the places you should visit.

6. Trevi Fountain, Rome

Nicola Salvi constructed this fountain in 1762, showing God Neptune with underwater creatures during a battle. It has evolved as a major tourist attraction in Italy. There is a common belief that throwing coins in the fountain can make your wishes come true. It is perfect for evening strolls, as the fountain looks stunning at night under fancy lighting.

• Top Tourist Attractions: You can experience the beautiful fountain, visit eateries like  Piccolo Buco, churches like Basilica Di Sant’Andrea Delle Fratte, shops from Via Del Corso, etc.
• Best Time to Visit: December to February
• Timing: Open all-day
• Entry Fees: Free

7. Pantheon, Rome

It is another popular tourist destination in Rome, mainly known for being one of the first pagan temples, later transformed into a church. Here, you can witness the incredible architectural achievements of the Roman times from the well-preserved remains of the Roman Empire. A single beam of light often enters through the roof of the dome, creating a majestic experience in the church.

• Top Tourist Attractions: You can witness the exquisite architecture from the Roman times, including the dome roof with beaming sunlight, stunning interior decorations, ancient Roman art, etc.
• Best Time to Visit: September to March
• Timing: 9:00 AM to 6:45 PM
• Entry Fees: Free

8. Rialto Bridge, Venice

This bridge is a major landmark distinguishing Venice from other parts of Italy. Its construction started around 1588, and currently, it stands on about 10,000 wooden pilings. The architecture is eye-catching, which attracts tourists to visit this bridge without fail during a vacation. There are multiple shops around the bridge, which are popular among the tourists for purchasing souvenirs.

• Top Tourist Attractions: You can explore the food market at San Polo, gondola ride, shop in the Rialto Market, authentic Wine and Cicchetti, witness the stunning Rialto bridge paintings, etc.
• Best Time to Visit: May to September
• Timing: Open all-day
• Entry Fees: Free

9. The Grand Canal, Venice

It is the largest waterway in Italy, flowing in an S-shaped route. Tourists can enjoy a gondola ride through this canal to get a view of the city. You can spot some grand places located on the banks of the canal, belonging to the wealthiest citizens of the Venetian Republic.

• Top Tourist Attractions: Tourists get to witness Rialto Bridge, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Ca' Rezzonico, Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca' d'Oro, Ca' Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art, etc.
• Best Time to Visit: April, May, September and October
• Timing: Open all-day
• Entry Fees: Free

10. Milan Duomo, Milano

It is the most prominent Cathedral of Santa Maria Nascente, featuring a stunning flamboyant Gothic style in its architecture. You can witness over 2,245 marble statues and 135 carved stone pinnacles here. The interiors include stained-glass windows, as over 52 pillars hold the soaring ceiling with the ground. The 12th-century bronze candelabrum and  Gian Giacomo Medici tomb are some of the highlights here.

• Top Tourist Attractions: You can explore attractions like Gian Giacomo Medici, San Carlo Borromeo chapel, Piazza del Duomo, a fourth-century baptistery and basilica, etc.
• Best Time to Visit: April to May
• Timing: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Entry Fees: €2-€14

11. Florence Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence

Also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence Duomo is popular among the tourists for being one of the finest cathedrals globally, dominating Florence skyline. It shows hints of typical Tuscan Romanesque architecture in its design and construction. The 82m tall bell tower gives you a bird eye view of the city. There is also a baptistery and cathedral museum here.

• Top Tourist Attractions: You can explore the Giotto Campanile (bell tower), Brunelleschi's Dome, Aisles and Apses, the Sacristies, the Choir and Dome, etc.
• Best Time to Visit: April to September
• Timing: 10:15 AM to 4:45 PM
• Entry Fees: €18

12. Leaning Tower of Pisa, Tuscany

It is one of the most popular and well-known monuments globally, mainly because of a fault in the construction. The work started around the 1100s, but soon it started sinking due to a poorly laid foundation. Engineers came back after almost a century to complete the work and build one side taller than the other to prevent it from falling. It is open to tourists, featuring stunning mediaeval stone carving inside.

• Top Tourist Attractions: You can get the experience of climbing 296 steps, observing the tilting silhouette, Museo Opera del Duomo Pisa, Lupa Capitolina statue, Piazza dei Miracoli, etc.
• Best Time to Visit: April to May
• Timing: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Entry Fees: €20 for visitors over 8

13. Herculaneum, Campania

If you enjoy exploring the past, Herculaneum should be on your bucket list. It displays the remains of a Roman city which was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. While it is smaller than Pompeii, it has attracted tourists for being able to preserve the remains of the city properly. The thermal baths and a theatre are the highlights of the ancient Roman period.

• Top Tourist Attractions: Famous remains like Casa dell'Albergo, House of Galba, Sacello degli Augustali, Thermae (Baths), Samnite House, House of the Neptune Mosaic, and the Fornici are some of the tourist attractions here.
• Best Time to Visit: May to September
• Timing: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
• Entry Fees: Starts from €13

14. Sassi di Matera, Matera

It is again a popular attraction for history lovers, as it features a wide collection of ancient cave dwellings. These are believed to be over 9000 years old. You will be able to witness ancient art carved on the rocks of these caves. Some of the caves have been transformed into business offices, cafes and restaurants today for tourists.

• Top Tourist Attractions: Apart from taking caves tours, you can explore the Chiesa di Santa Maria di Idris (Catholic Church), go hiking in Belvedere, and enjoy delicious cuisines from eateries like Regiacorte, Dimora Ulmo and La Nicchia nel Sasso.
• Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to October
• Timing: Open all-day
• Entry Fees: Free

15. Palazzo Ducale, Urbino

This Renaissance palace in Urbino attracts tourists who are history lovers and enjoy admiring historical art and architecture. Luciano Laurana designed it with some notable architectural elements, and its construction was completed in the 15th century. Moreover, you can witness an impressive art collection here from famous artists like Piero della Francesca and Raphael.

• Top Tourist Attractions: You can witness the stunning historical architecture with a grand staircase, a central courtyard, multiple balconies, art collections, exhibitions, etc.
• Best Time to Visit: April to May and September to November
• Timing: 8:30 AM to 7:15 PM
• Entry Fees: €32.50 for adults, €17 for youths and senior citizens, and free for children

16. San Gimignano, Tuscany

Located in the Tuscan hills of Italy, San Gimignano attracts both history and nature lovers. It includes several iconic towers from the mediaeval times and other well-preserved historic architecture. Apart from that, the town is also known for producing Vernaccia di San Gimignano, one of the most high-quality brands of white wine. Moreover, its broad skyline and celebration of various festivals have also made it popular.

• Top Tourist Attractions: The iconic towers, mediaeval art and architecture, broad skyline, white wine production, etc., are some of the main tourist attractions of this area.
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Timing: Open all-day
• Entry Fees: Free

Lovers of art are usually fans of art galleries and stunning picturesque museums. Thankfully, Italy has a wide variety of such galleries and museums. Check out the following sites that are popular in Italy.

17. Colosseum, Rome

It is a huge amphitheatre, mainly popular for being the largest one from the Romans to survive in today’s date. Vespasian built it in 72 CE, and gradually it hosted public shows and events, such as mock sea battles. It used to have a wooden floor covering two additional storeys in the building, with tunnels, rooms and cells. The remains of the building are a strong reminder of Roman art and architecture.

• Top Tourist Attractions: The Roman architectural brilliance, the Gladiator School of Rome, the Hypogeum, the Arch of Constantine, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill are some attractions here.
• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Timing: 9:00 AM to 7:15 PM
• Entry Fees: €12 for adults,  €7.50 for visitors aged 18-25, and free for visitors under 18

18. Vatican City, Rome

It is home to some of the most famous and priceless art collections from the biggest artists across the globe. The Basilica of St. Peter, along with the tomb of St. Peter. Moreover, it features the Pieta, one of Michaelangelo's most celebrated works. Vatican Museums are filled with artworks, including sacred art, Etruscan antiquities, sculptures, etc., from major artists like Raphael.

• Top Tourist Attractions: St. Peter's Basilica, Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, Appartamento Borgia, Cappella Niccolina, Pinacoteca (Picture Gallery), Museo Pio Clementino, etc., are the main tourist attractions.
• Timing: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Entry Fees: €17

19. St. Mark's Basilica, Venice

It is a popular tourist destination in Italy, featuring an architectural style heavily inspired by the Byzantine Empire. The domes and vaults across the church are covered with brilliant mosaics. Its high altar and the Treasury are filled with gold and jewel items. Some of the highlights include the tall campanile and the clock tower.

• Top Tourist Attractions: The top attractions include the Treasury, Pala d'Oro, Museo di San Marco (Museum), Tomb of St. Mark, mosaic designs, etc.
• Best Time to Visit: June to October
• Timing: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
• Entry Fees: €5 for adults, €4 for groups and €2.5 for children aged 6-18

20. The Uffizi Gallery, Florence

If you wish to explore Italian Renaissance art, do not forget to check out the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Here, you can witness the step-by-step evolution of painting and art in Italy between the 14th and 16th centuries by the biggest artists. It is a great place to analyse the perspectives of ancient artists as they moved across various subjects and integrated them into their art.

• Top Tourist Attractions: You can explore celebrated pieces of art like Madonna Del Cardellino By Raphael, Annunciation By Leonardo Da Vinci, Medusa By Caravaggio, The Holy Family With Young St. John The Baptist By Michelangelo, etc.
• Best Time to Visit:  November to February
• Timing: 8:15 AM to 6:30 PM
• Entry Fees: €10-€25

21. San Vitale and Byzantine Mosaics, Ravenna

Emperor Honorius made an effort to make Ravenna a centre for Byzantine mosaic art after moving his court here in 402 CE. Here, apart from the mosaic art, you can witness the architectural brilliance of the churches and monuments in the surroundings. The octagonal Neonian Baptistery is filled with intricate mosaic images.

• Top Tourist Attractions: The attractions include mosaic art, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia with a low-vaulted ceiling, the Neonian Baptistery with detailed mosaic work, multiple churches, monuments and chapels, etc.
• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Timing: Open all-day
• Entry Fees: Free

22. Verona's Roman Arena and Historical Centre, Verona

It is considered one of tItaly'sbest and most well-preserved Roman theatres. As the historic centre of the country, it has attracted history lovers largely from across the globe. It preserves a remarkable number of monuments from the Mediaeval and Renaissance periods. Some highlights include a 14th-century bridge and a stunning fortress.

• Top Tourist Attractions: You can witness Venetian Gothic windows, stone gates, old Roman monuments and architecture like Castelvecchio, Ponte Scaligero and Juliet's Balcony, etc.
• Best Time to Visit: June to September
• Timing: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Entry Fees: €10 for adults, €7.5 for student groups, €1 for school children aged 8-14

Italy has a huge number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It would be unfair to visit Italy and not check out these sites that are famous worldwide. Here are some of the popular sites:

23. The Valley of Temples in Agrigento, Sicily

It is a popular tourist attraction in Italy and has gained the status of a World Heritage Site from UNESCO. Tourists are attracted to the remarkable preservation of the remains of old Greek temples and ancient Greek settlements in Italy. You can spot a perfect Doric temple and remains of other temples which faced damage from earthquakes.

• Top Tourist Attractions: You can explore remnants of famous Greek temples like Tempio di Concordia, Tempio di Juno Lacinia, and Temple of the Olympian Zeus and witness Doric architecture.
• Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to October
• Timing: 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM (Closed between 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM)
• Entry Fees: €8 per adult

24. Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna

It is another UNESCO World Heritage Site of Italy which has attracted tourists. Its Byzantine architecture and stunning mosaic designs have enhanced its beauty and popularity. A grand dome covers most of the interiors, which again stands out with its design and artwork. Arts and designs made across the walls, ceilings, and church floor depict various scenes from the Bible.

• Top Tourist Attractions: Tourists usually enjoy exploring Byzantine architecture and mosaics, paintings on the Bible, taking guided tours across the church, learning the history of Italy, etc.
• Best Time to Visit: Anytime of the year
• Timing: 9:00 AM to 6:45 PM
• Entry Fees: Starts from €9.5

25. Trulli of Alberobello, Puglia

Alberobello in the Puglia region attracts tourists with its unique conical-roofed houses. They were built back in the 14th century with flat stones using mortar. Many of these houses are now turned into holiday homes and cafes. The Trulli of Alberobello became a World Heritage Site from UNESCO in 1996.

• Top Tourist Attractions: People enjoy checking out the architectural brilliance of the Trully, admiring the history and culture of the region, staying in holiday homes, etc.
• Best Time to Visit: May to July
• Timing: Open all day
• Entry Fees: Free