The 35 Most Beautiful Cities in Italy and their Top Tourist Attractions
The 35 Most Beautiful Cities in Italy and their Top Tourist Attractions! There are many beautiful cities in Italy that you can visit, and it’s important that you take the time to look into some of them before planning your next trip. Each of these cities has something truly unique to offer when it comes to attractions, scenery, restaurants, shopping, and much more.
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Italy is a beautiful country, one of the most visited in the world, with many wonderful sights and attractions for you to enjoy. Many people visit Italy from all over the world each year, and we highly recommend that you see what it has to offer. So here we have prepared a list of 35 most beautiful cities in Italy along with great pictures and map!
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Most Beautiful Cities in Italy
1. Turin, Piedmont
Turin is a big city with over a million residents. It can be found in the Piedmont region, which is in the northwest corner of the country. This city borders with France and hosted the Olympic games back in 2006. Turin is not one of the more famous tourist destinations in Italy, but there are still many great shops, cafes, and buildings with beautiful architecture to visit.
Turin, together with Milan, is an important centre of industry, economics and culture in northern Italy. But the city is also known as the city of cars – Fiat is the leading Italian carmaker and the largest private employer in Italy. Lavazza coffee also comes from Turin, as well as Martini and Rossi vermouth.
Top Tourist Attractions in Turin
- Museo Egizio
- Castello di Rivoli
- Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile
- Museo Casa Mollino
- Reggia di Venaria Reale
2. Bergamo, Lombardy
Bergamo can be found in the Alps and is known for having lots of museums with fascinating artefacts and exhibits. There is a lot of old-world architecture here, and it makes for some incredible scenery. There are numerous historic sites that you don’t want to miss here as well. Those who have a love of art and history will certainly want to think about visiting this city.
Many visitors to Milano land right here in Bergamo, as there is a large International Airport Orio al Serio. Bergamo is one of the jewels of Lombardy. Not only has it a pleasant atmosphere but especially the historic core of the city, which is located on a hill offers great views into surroundings. Make a visit to the historical Bergamo and you will certainly not regret it!
Top Tourist Attractions in Bergamo
- Accademia Carrara
- Torre del Campanone
- Palazzo del Podestà
- Piazza Vecchia
- Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
3. Milan, Lombardy
Milan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. This city is home to some truly beautiful cathedrals and historic buildings that are really impressive to see. There is Sforza Castle, which contains all sorts of art treasures. Pinacoteca di Brera is another popular museum that has lots of pieces from Italian artists.
The stylish European city of fashion and one of Italy’s richest cities boasts a phenomenal dome and one of the world’s most famous operas. Here you can taste North Italian cuisine and you’ll hardly be missing here anything.
Milan is one of the most beautiful cities in the whole country. Whether you are looking for Renaissance beauties, shopping marathon or great cuisine, the city will completely satisfy you, and you will certainly want to come back again.
Top Tourist Attractions in Milan
- The Last Supper
- Duomo
- Cimitero Monumentale
- Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia
- Pinacoteca di Brera
4. Mantova, Lombardy
Mantua is another great Italian city, and it is surrounded by three manmade lakes. There are lots of attractions to be found in this city, including the impressive Palazzo del Te, which is a huge museum with all sorts of interesting pieces with historical significance.
The San Sebastiano church and the palace is another thing you won’t want to miss when you visit this city. The charming historic city of Mantua is located in the northern Italian region of Lombardy and it became famous as the birthplace of one of the most famous Roman poets – Virgil. It is considered by many to be the most romantic city in Italy.
Top Tourist Attractions in Mantua
- Palazzo Ducale
- Palazzo Te
- Basilica di Sant’Andrea
- Rotonda di San Lorenzo
- Piazza Sordello
5. Genova, Liguria
Genova is a truly beautiful place to visit with many great things to see and do. The Aquarium of Genoa is a wonderful place for the whole family, and the Palazzo Bianco is filled with Renaissance artwork that you will be sure to appreciate.
The D’Albertis Castle is a stunning gothic mansion and historic site that you should try to see as well. Genova offers tourists one of the best-preserved historic centers in Europe, which has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2006. Today it is the most important Italian port, home to a university, various cultural institutions, and an archbishopric.
Top Tourist Attractions in Genova
- Musei di Strada Nuova
- Palazzo Reale
- Primo Piano
- Old City
- Palazzo Bianco
6. Parma, Emilia-Romagna
Many people who visit Italy from places all over the world come to Parma because it has such amazing scenery, restaurants and attractions that offer something for everyone. It is a university city and home to many museums, art galleries and cathedrals. The Bodoni Museum is a great place to visit if you have a lot of history and art, as well as the Palazzo della Pilotta.
Parma is a city famous for ham and Romanesque buildings, often called the Italian capital of gourmet. The fact is, however, that the famous Parma ham does not come from Parma. Even Parmesan cheese was not born directly in the city, as it is produced in the surrounding agricultural landscape. Nevertheless, the local cuisine will not disappoint sweet travelers.
Top Tourist Attractions in Parma
- Palazzo della Pilotta
- Parma Cathedral
- Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Steccata
- Galleria nazionale di Parma
- Baptistery of Parma
7. Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia
The city of Trieste is located between Slovenia and the Adriatic coast, and it has lots of great places for tourists to visit while they are here. The Piazza Unita d’Italia is a public square with a landmark fountain that makes for some great photo opportunities. The Gran Canal de Trieste is also worth seeing before you leave.
Trieste is a port city on the Italian-Slovenian border and is often unjustly neglected among visitors to Italy. Let’s face it, the city is not proud of its large sunny beaches, where you would sunbathe all week long, however it offers lots of other great historical and cultural attractions!
Top Tourist Attractions in Trieste
- Trieste Cathedral
- Piazza Unità d’Italia
- Synagogue of Trieste
- Molo Audace
- Canal Grande
8. Verona, Veneto
Verona offers one of the best tourist experiences in Italy with its many historic sites, theatres, museums, and many other fun attractions. The Teatro Romano is home to the ancient Roman theatre and museum, and the Verona Cathedral has some spectacular architecture you will want to see while you are visiting this city.
When we say Verona, all of us recall Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet – the tragic story of two lovers that took place here. Verona is therefore perceived as a city of love, which is soaked in a romantic atmosphere and picturesque streets. Make sure to visit Verona! Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, take a walk along the Adige river, sit in one of the San Zeno restaurants, visit Juliet’s house and enjoy the view of Verona from the top of the Roman amphitheater.
Top Tourist Attractions in Verona
- Casa di Giulietta
- CastelVecchio Bridge
- Piazza dei Signori
- Piazza delle Erbe
- Arena di Verona
9. Padua, Veneto
Padua is located in Northern Italy, and it is home to many different churches and chapels with striking gothic architecture. The MUSME museum and the human body is one of the more popular places for tourists to visit here. There is also Palazzo della Ragione, which is a medieval civil building food numerous food shops that you will be sure to love.
Padua stands in the shadow of neighboring Venice. But this can be also an advantage! You can enjoy a much quieter atmosphere here. Even in Padua you will find romantic narrow streets, magnificent Renaissance palaces in spacious squares, and unmissable cathedrals. And you have to get ice cream here.
Top Tourist Attractions in Padua
- Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua
- Prato della Valle
- Scrovegni Chapel
- Palazzo della Ragione
- Equestrian statue of Gattamelata
10. Venice, Veneto
Venice is an incredibly beautiful city with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, which is why it is arguably the most popular tourist destination in the entire country. You can take a boat ride down the Grand Canal, providing you with an exquisite view of the city. There are also numerous markets and restaurants with delicious food.
Venice attracts crowds of tourists every year. Why? Simply because they have their irresistible charm – you just won’t find a similar place anywhere else in the world. It offers so much history, beauty, and romance all around…
Top Tourist Attractions in Venice
- Piazza San Marco with Basilica di San Marco and Campanile di San Marco
- Ponte dei Sospiri
- Palazzo Ducale
- Ponte di Rialto
- Canal Grande
11. Bologna, Emilia-Romagna
Bologna is yet another place in Italy that you should consider visiting. The Towers of Bologna are known for their incredible views, and the Ducati Museum is famous for its exhibitions of racing motorcycles. If you want to learn more about the area and Italy in general, you will definitely want to make a point of visiting the many museums here.
Despite having one of the largest historic centers in Italy, it is often neglected by foreign tourists. The city is characterized by brick houses with arcades and tall towers. About twenty of the original two hundred have been preserved. Bologna is considered the center of gastronomy – the area is home to the most famous Italian dishes – lasagne, tortellini, or tagliatelle, along with many meat products or types of cheese.
Even the oldest university in the world was founded in Bologna as early as 1088. Some major businesses such as Ducati, Lamborghini and Maserati are located in the area.
Top Tourist Attractions in Bologna
- Piazza Maggiore
- Fontana di Nettuno
- Le due Torri
- Basilica di San Petronio
- Basilica di Santo Stefano
12. Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna
Ravenna is known for many different things, including its numerous colorful mosaics and beautiful buildings. The Tomb of Dante is the tomb of the famous poet who wrote the Divine Comedy, and it is a fascinating historic site. These colorful mosaics are really something amazing to behold, and it’s something that everyone should try to see in their lifetime.
Ravenna has eight buildings – UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which we can visit all for one ticket for 10.50 euros. The city has had a port canal since the 17th century, which was deepened in 2008 to allow large ships to enter the industrial zone. Ravenna is however an artistic city with a number of early Christian buildings of world importance.
Top Tourist Attractions in Ravenna
- Basilica of San Vitale
- Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
- Ravenna Baptistery of Neon
- Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo
- Porta Adriana
13. Rimini, Emilia-Romagna
Located in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy, the city of Rimini is home to Cavour Square as well as Fiabilandia amusement park. This is definitely one of the better places for families to go on vacation in Italy because there is something for everyone.
The City Museum is a great place to visit when you want to learn more about the area. There is also Museo del Bottone, which is another incredible museum in this city. But, in fact, the beaches are what makes this place really crowded.
Top Tourist Attractions in Rimini
- Arch of Augustus
- Tempio Malatestiano
- Castel Sismondo
- Piazza Cavour
- Fiabilandia
14. Pisa, Tuscany
Home to the famous Leaning Tower, Pisa has lots of fascinating attractions that will be sure to make for one very memorable trip. The Piazza dei Miracoli is a green space that is home to the leaning tower, but also other amazing sites, such as Cathedral or Baptistery.
There is also Palazzo della Carovana, which is an art-filled palace and university that houses some truly beautiful and historically relevant pieces.
Top Tourist Attractions in Pisa
- Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Cattedrale Pisa
- Baptistery
- Camposanto
- Piazza dei Cavalieri
15. Siena, Tuscany
Siena is a city that’s known for its beautiful gothic-style cathedrals and museums, so it has a lot to offer for those who are really interested in history.
The Piazza del Campo is the square where many public celebrations are held, and the Piccolomini Library is very impressive. There is also a wonderful opera house that you will want to visit while you are here.
Top Tourist Attractions in Siena
- Piazza del Campo and Palazzo Pubblico
- Siena Cathedral
- Torre del Mangia
- Battistero di San Giovanni
- Piazza del Mercato
16. Lucca, Tuscany
Lucca is a great place to visit for those who want a truly memorable trip to Italy. You will quickly find that there are lots of different attractions in this city that are worth visiting, including Guinigi Tower and Lucca Cathedral.
The museums in this city have some of the oldest and most fascinating artefacts in all of Italy, which is why so many people visit them each year.
Top Tourist Attractions in Lucca
- Lucca Cathedral
- Basilica of San Frediano
- San Michele in Foro
- Piazza dell’ Anfiteatro
- Palazzo Pfanner
17. Florence, Tuscany
Florence is one of the more popular tourist destinations in all of Italy, and for good reason. There are lots of incredible things to see and do here, including Palazzo Pitti, which has a huge collection of old art pieces.
There is also Florence Cathedral, which has some truly impressive architecture. Some of the best restaurants in the country are right here in Florence and we can’t forget to mention The Ponte Vecchio – perhaps the most famous bridge in the country.
Top Tourist Attractions in Florence
- Ponte Vecchio
- Florence Cathedral
- Piazza della Signoria
- Campanile di Giotto
- Gallerie degli Uffizi
18. San Gimignano, Tuscany
Tuscany is rich in wonderful cities and towns and San Gimignano is another one you should visit in this region. San Gimignano is a picturesque town often called “Medieval Manhattan”.
There were 72 medieval towers around the town and only 15 remained until these very days. The highest of them – Torre Grossa – rises to a height of 54 meters and once determined the maximum height the other towers could not exceed.
Top Tourist Attractions in San Gimignano
- Porta San Giovanni
- Piazza della Cisterna
- Piazza del Duomo
- Palazzo del Podestà
- Rognosa Tower, Chigi Tower, Grossa Tower, Salvucci Towers
19. Orvieto, Umbria
Orvieto is known for its Renaissance art and beautiful architecture. There are all sorts of historic sites and fun places to visit in this city, including Giotto’s Campanile, which is a marble-clad Gothic monument.
The Well of the Cave is another fun place to visit when you are in the mood for a little bit of adventure. You definitely don’t want to miss out on the great museums and other places this city has to offer.
Top Tourist Attractions in Orvieto
- Orvieto Cathedral
- Pozzo di S. Patrizio
- Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Orvieto
- San Domenico
- Chiesa Sant’Andrea
20. Perugia, Umbria
Perugia has a reputation for having museums with some of the oldest art pieces in the country, dating all the way back to the 13th century. The medieval Priori Palace is the largest museum/art gallery in the entire region, and it’s certainly worth paying a visit to.
Perugia Cathedral has some incredibly stunning architecture, and there are many other beautiful buildings you will see while you are visiting this area.
Top Tourist Attractions in Perugia
- Fontana Maggiore
- Collegio del Cambio
- Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria
- Palazzo dei Priori
- Pozzo Etrusco
21. Assisi, Umbria
The city of Assisi is where St. Francis was born, and it is home to numerous cathedrals and a large monastery. The Assisi Diocesan Museum is a great place to visit if you are interested in learning more about the area.
It is the perfect place for those who are interested in history and art because of all the museums. This is one place in Italy that you don’t want to pass up.
Top Tourist Attractions in Assisi
- Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi
- Basilica di Santa Chiara
- Eremo delle Carceri
- Temple of Minerva
- Assisi Cathedral
22. Rome, Lazio
There is no city that is quite like Rome when it comes to historical significance and amazing attractions. If you want to visit a place with many incredible historic sites, Rome is certainly the city for you.
You will be able to explore the ancient ruins as well as visit the Vatican Museums, which are filled with all sorts of interesting and impressive pieces. For more great places to visit in Rome check this: Rome Attractions – 30 of the Best Places to visit in Rome, map and pictures included
Top Tourist Attractions in Rome
- The Colosseum
- The Pantheon
- Piazza Navona
- St. Peter’s Square
- St. Peter’s Basilica
23. Urbino, Marche
Urbino is a lesser-known city in Italy to tourists, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook it when visiting this incredible country.
The Urbino Cathedral is truly something spectacular to behold, and there are lots of historic centres that you should explore before leaving. This city has some of the very best museums in the entire region.
Top Tourist Attractions in Urbino
- Casa Natale di Raffaello
- Palazzo Ducale & Galleria Nazionale delle Marche
- Urbino Cathedral
- Chiesa di San bernardino
- Oratorio di San Giovanni Battista
24. Naples, Campania
Naples is the best place to go if you want beautiful scenery. Mount Vesuvius offers some amazing hiking, and you can get some incredible win as well.
The Royal Palace of Naples is also worth checking out because of the brilliant architecture. There are tons of great places to eat in this city, making it worth looking into for those who are planning on visiting Italy.
Top Tourist Attractions in Naples
- Piazza del Plebiscito
- Castel Nuovo
- Pompeii
- Mt. Vesuvius
- Via San Gregorio Armeno
25. Tropea, Calabria
The town of Tropea, with almost 7,000 inhabitants, is located in southern Calabria, in the province of Vibo Valentia, on the Tyrrhenian coast. Tropea is a famous resort offering beautiful beaches and clean sea.
In the city, one can find the Franciscan monastery and Norman cathedral from the 12th century. Originally there used to be a castle, which was destroyed in the 19th century. The Santa Maria dell’Isola Church is located directly on the cliff overlooking the beach. The historic center with its 17th and 18th-century palaces is also worth a visit.
Top Tourist Attractions in Tropea
- Santuario Santa Maria dell’Isola
- Tropea Beach
- Corso Vittorio Emmanuele
- Duomo
- Piazza Ercole
26. Alberobello, Apulia
The sun-lit Apennine peninsula hides in the south of Italy a jewel in the form of the picturesque town of Alberobello, boasting unusual stone houses called “trulli”.
Thanks to this architecture, the town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The origins of these unique buildings date back to the second half of the 16th century.
Top Tourist Attractions in Alberobello
- Trulli
- Rione Monti district
- Aia Piccola district
- Trullo Sovrano
- Museo del Territorio
27. Syracuse, Sicily
Syracuse is located on the Ionian coast of Sicily, and it is primarily known for its ancient ruins. The Fountain of Arethusa, Castello Maniace and Cathedral of Syracuse are just a few of the main attractions that this area has to offer.
Anyone who has a love of history will find this city to be utterly fascinating. The Greek Theatre of Syracuse is a wonderful place to visit if you have a passion for the arts.
Top Tourist Attractions in Syracuse
- Ortigia
- La Piazza Duomo and Duomo di Siracusa
- Chiesa di San Filippo Apostolo
- Riserva Naturale Orientata Cavagrande del Cassibile
- Greek Theater
28. Ragusa, Sicily
Ragusa is located in southern Italy, and it is home to many old churches and cathedrals as well as museums that contain artifacts that are hundreds of years old. This city offers some of the best scenery in the entire country, and there are a number of beautiful beaches nearby.
If you want to learn more about this country, it is highly recommended that you spend some time in this area before heading back home.
Top Tourist Attractions in Ragusa
- Ragusa Ibla
- Duomo di San Giorgio
- Lungomare Andrea Doria e Bisani (Marina di Ragusa)
- Giardini Iblei
- San Giovanni Battista’s Cathedral
29. Palermo, Sicily
Palermo is the capital of Sicily, and it is filled with old structures that date back to the 9th century. Anyone who has a love or architecture and history will find this city to be absolutely fascinating.
There are many great places in Italy that you can visit, but this one, in particular, has a lot to offer. The Palazzo Abatellis is one of the best places in Italy to visit for Renaissance artwork.
Top Tourist Attractions in Palermo
- Palermo Cathedral
- Piazza Pretoria
- La Martorana
- Quattro Canti
- Palazzo dei Normanni
30. Cefalù
And here is my favourite town in Sicily. Cefalù is definitely the most beautiful town I have visited here on the island. You’ll find this beautiful medieval town on the northern coast of Sicily, 70 km east of Palermo.
The old city, lying under a high cliff, has retained its original look for centuries and attracts thousands of tourists every year.
Top Tourist Attractions in Cefalù
- Duomo di Cefalù
- Museo Mandralisca
- Tempio di Diana
- Beach in the town center
- Lavatoio Medievale Fiume Cefalino
31. Cagliari, Sardinia
Cagliari is the largest city in Sardinia (with just over 150,000 inhabitants), and for centuries has also been its capital city. Cagliari is on the southern coast of the island and offers a perfect combination of recreational and cognitive activities.
The eight-kilometre-long Poetto beach is one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean and alongside the nearby Marina Piccola beach provide all the sun and sea activities. Culture lovers will fall in love with the local ancient part known as Castello, which is still guarded by the towers from the 13th century.
Top 5 places to visit in Cagliari
- Cagliari Cathedral
- Torre dell’Elefante
- Bastión de Saint Remy
- Roman Amphitheatre of Cagliari
- Poetto beach
32. Bosa, Sardinia
The historic city of Bosa is the centre of entertainment, shopping and culture for holidaymakers staying in local resorts. The town has preserved its historical character and is famous for its production of reed knitted baskets.
There are about 8,000 inhabitants, living mainly by handicraft, agriculture and tourism. Women create beautiful lace work and sophisticated embroidery.
Top 5 places to visit in Bosa
- Chiesa di Nostra Signora Di Regnos Altos
- Pinacoteca e Museo Casa Deriu
- Bosa Cathedral
- Castello di Bosa
- Il Castello Malaspina
33. Alghero, Sardinia
On the northwest coast of the Italian island of Sardinia lies the beautiful town of Alghero with a harbor that will breathe you with its unique atmosphere. It is one of the few Sardinian cities whose medieval centre was not built with modern buildings and marginal quarters.
The Old Quarter is surrounded by walls and many valuable historic buildings have been preserved. Thanks to this wealth, the city is visited by tourists from all over Europe.
Top 5 places to visit in Alghero
- Alghero Cathedral
- Chiesa di San Francesco
- Spiaggia del Lido di San Giovanni
- Torre Porta Terra
- Sea Walls
34. Castelsardo, Sardinia
The small town of Castelsardo boasts a beautiful historic center. The history of the city dates back to the 12th century, when it was founded by Doria. At that time many local monuments were built, the most important of which are undoubtedly the medieval ruins of Doria fortress.
From here you can enjoy a splendid view over the waters of the Mediterranean, the French island of Corsica and Italian island of Asinara. The city of Castelsardo is considered a pearl of the whole area.
Top 5 places to visit in Castelsardo
- Castelsardo Cathedral
- Museo dell’Intreccio Mediterraneo
- Castello dei Doria
- Marina di Castelsardo
- Baia Ostina
35. Carloforte, Sardinia
The Island of San Pietro is another island of the Sulcis archipelago. Its coasts are high and rocky, washed by a crystal clear sea, while the island is covered by thick Mediterranean scrub, the Aleppo pine, rosemary and the dwarf palm trees.
Carloforte is the only inhabited center of the island. It was founded during the reign of Charles Emmanuel III, from a colony of Ligurian fishermen coming from Tabarka, an island off the coast of Tunisia. The island of San Pietro can be reached by ferry from Calasetta or Portoscuso.
Top 5 places to visit in Carloforte
- Torre San Vittorio
- Church of Saint Charles Borromeo
- Museo Civico Casa del Duca
- Saline di Carloforte
- Monumento ai Caduti
Looking for more great places to visit in Italy? Read this article about The 20 Best Italy Beaches and top tourist attractions around them or the one about UNESCO Italy – 55 UNESCO Sites in Italy with photos and map.
Italy, a country steeped in history, art, and culture, offers a plethora of captivating destinations for travelers to explore. Rome, the eternal city, draws visitors with its ancient ruins like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, and its rich religious heritage, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican City.
Venice, with its romantic canals and unique architecture, beckons travelers to experience the magic of floating through its waterways on gondolas and savoring Italian cuisine in charming piazzas.
Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is a haven for art enthusiasts, housing masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli in world-renowned galleries like the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery.
The Amalfi Coast, with its stunning coastal views, colorful cliffside towns like Positano and Ravello, and delectable seafood, is a paradise for those seeking relaxation and natural beauty.
Tuscany, known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and picturesque countryside, offers a bucolic escape and the opportunity to indulge in fine wines and delectable Tuscan cuisine.
These are just a few examples of Italy’s best places to visit. With its rich history, diverse landscapes, and unparalleled cultural treasures, Italy remains a dream destination for travelers seeking an immersive and unforgettable experience.