Italy is more than just the postcard-perfect scenes of the Colosseum, Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Venetian gondolas. Yes, these are some of the best things to do in Italy, but the real magic comes from smaller moments on your Italy tour. It’s in sipping espresso in a quiet Sicilian piazza, driving along dramatic coastlines frozen in time, and taking a wrong turn in Florence (and finding the workshop of a fifth-generation leather craftsman by accident).
This guide to the best things to do in Italy is more than a check-list. We’re mixing the top sights with local secrets, and classic cities with lesser-known gems to show you the real Italy. These are the 16 best things to do in Italy.
1. Explore Rome, the Eternal City
Rome is where history refuses to sit still. One minute you’re dodging Vespas, the next you’re staring at ruins older than most countries.
Must-see sights: The Colosseum, the Pantheon, Roman Forum. Don’t skip Vatican City – the Sistine Chapel is worthy of a pilgrimage.
Local secret: Stroll Trastevere for trattorias and late-night buzz. Peek through the Aventine Keyhole for a perfectly framed Vatican view.
Who built the Colosseum in Italy?
The Colosseum was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian around 72 AD and completed by his son Titus in 80 AD. It was built by thousands of slaves and designed by skilled Roman engineers and was used for gladiator battles, animal hunts, and grand spectacles for up to 80,000 spectators.
2. Float through Venice
The floating city of Venice is a masterpiece of canals, bridges, and historic marble palaces. Built across more than 100 islands, this Italian city, which was once the heart of the powerful Venetian Republic, is a surreal destination.
Must-see sights: Grand Canal, St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge
Local secret: Skip the crowds and head to Squero di San Trovaso, a hidden boatyard where gondolas are still handcrafted the old-fashioned way—fascinating and free to observe.
Is Venice in Italy sinking?
Yes, Venice is sinking very slowly. Huge wooden piles driven deep into the lagoon hold the city up, but it has been gradually subsiding for centuries. Rising sea levels and frequent flooding, especially the high tides known as acqua alta, have made the issue worse. Efforts like the MOSE barrier project aim to protect it.
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3. Drive the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is a jaw-dropping destination where lemon groves, vineyards and colorful villages cling to the edge of the sea. Each hairpin turn along this legendary coastal road reveals yet another postcard-perfect view. Dreamy.
Must-see sights: Positano, Ravello, Amalfi, Path of the Gods, Duomo di Amalfi
Local secret: Stop in Praiano—less glitzy than Positano, but with magical sunsets, peaceful beaches, and trattorias where the seafood hasn’t heard of a tourist menu.
4. Tour the ruins of Pompeii
When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, Pompeii was frozen in time. Now you can take an eerie everyday look at Roman life, thanks to archaeological digs that have revealed frescoes, bakeries, bathhouses, and even graffiti. It’s one of the most complete archaeological sites in the world.
Must-see sights: Forum, Villa of the Mysteries, Amphitheatre, Temple of Apollo, Plaster casts
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5. Seek Renaissance treasures in Florence
Florence is an open-air museum of domes, statues, and masterpieces that once redefined art forever. Feel the beating heart of the Renaissance while tracing the footsteps of Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and the Medici.
Must-see sights: Florence Cathedral (Duomo), Uffizi Galleries, Ponte Vecchio, Accademia (David)
Local secret: Climb to Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset for the best panoramic view of Florence.
6. Hold up the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Yes, the Leaning Tower of Pisa does lean, at a four-degree tilt no less. It’s an architectural marvel built on unstable soils and the spiraling staircase has become a popular site, making it one of the best things to do in Italy. Don’t forget your camera!
Must-see sights: Leaning Tower
Local secret: Skip the crowds and stroll to Borgo Stretto, Pisa’s medieval shopping street, for espresso and people-watching where locals actually hang out.
7. Cruise across Lake Como or Lake Maggiore
Italy’s northern lakes are cinematic magic where alpine, snow-dusted mountains rise behind the expansive glassy lake. You can imagine at any minute George Clooney will jet past in his private speedboat. While Lake Como is known for its glamorous side, Lake Maggiore offers quieter charm. Whatever you choose, you can’t really go wrong as visiting one of these northern lakes is among the best things to do in Italy.
Must-see sights: Bellagio, Varenna, Villa del Balbianello, Isola Bella, Stresa
Local secret: Hop a ferry to Isola dei Pescatori on Lake Maggiore – a really tiny lake island with fresh fish. While it’s less of a secret these days, it still has plenty of charm.
8. Hop between Cinque Terre
You’ve no doubt seen pictures of colorful Cinque Terre, a string of five cliff-hugging fishermen villages on the Italian Riviera. Each is so beautiful it’s hard to believe they are real! The villages are linked by scenic trails and slow trains, the perfect way to explore this part of the Ligurian coast.
Must-see sights: The five villages, of course – Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore
Local secret: Corniglia is a quieter base as it’s the only village without beach access. It does have unbeatable sunset views over terraced vineyards though!
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9. Explore the best of Tuscany
Rolling hills, medieval towns, and lush vineyards as far as the eye can see are just three reasons why Tuscany steals the hearts of those that visit. It’s an easy-to-acces, expansive region of Italy where you can slow down, sip Chianti, and get lost among tiny stone villages.
Must-see sights: Siena, San Gimignano, Val d’Orcia, Chianti wine region.
Local secret: The spa town of Montecatini is lesser-known internationally and Trafalgar uses as its base for the 9-day Rome & Tuscan Highlights tour, showing you an alternative side to Tuscany.
10. Volcanic soil and ancient Greek ruins in Sicily
At the toe of the boot of Italy lies the island of Sicily, a unique mix of crumbling temples, stunning beaches, an active volcano, and regional cuisine. Its history has been marked by Greek, Roman, Arab, and Norman influences, which live on in its food, architecture, and fierce local pride today.
Must-see sights: Valley of the Temples, Mount Etna, Palermo, Taormina, Greek Theatre of Syracuse.
Local secret: Try wine grown in Mount Etna’s volcanic soil. Vineyards here cling to black lava slopes and make bottles as dramatic as the views.
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11. Trek the peaks of the Dolomites
The Dolomites’ jagged stone peaks rise dramatically from the ground in Italy’s northeast. Here, a world apart from the sunkissed beaches of the south, you’ll find some of Europe’s most breathtaking alpine scenery. In summer, it’s all wildflower meadows and epic hikes. In winter, find world-class skiing and cozy mountain huts.
Must-see sights: Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Braies, Alta Via trails, Cortina d’Ampezzo
Local secret: For the adventurous, book a night in a rifugio (mountain lodge) for sunrise above the clouds.
12. Savor the flavors of Piedmont
Piedmont is the Italian region known for Barolo wine, white truffles, and slow food. While this culinary paradise, tucked beneath the Alps, has managed to fly under the radar for some time, travelers are starting to realise Piedmont is one of the best things to do in Italy for food lovers. Just as dreamy as Tuscany (but with less tourists) – this is Italy’s best-kept gourmet secret.
Must-see sights: Langhe wine region, Alba, Barolo, Turin, Lake Orta
Local secret: In autumn, join a truffle hunt with a local trifolau and his trusty dog.
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13. Sail into Capri
Emperors, artists, and jet-setters have all fallen for the charm of Capri, an island off the Amalfi Coast with soaring cliffs and sea caves. It’s a glamorous destination that attracts the jet-set crowd so the people watching it all-time.
Must-see sights: Blue Grotto, Faraglioni rocks, Villa Jovis, Augustus Gardens
Local secret: Climb the ancient Scala Fenicia, where 800+ stone steps linking Marina Grande to Anacapri. It’s a workout with historic vibes.
14. Taste the best of Bologna
Bologna is Italy’s food capital. This historic student city sits at the heart of Emilia-Romagna region, a place where parm ham, parmigiano reggiano, and Modena balsamic vinegar come from. That’s not to mention the local ragù (better known to us as Bolognese sauce) and fresh pasta. Don’t miss hidden trattorias and local food markets.
Must-see sights: Piazza Maggiore, Asinelli Tower, Basilica di San Petronio, Mercato di Mezzo
Local secret: Skip the tourist restaurants – drop into an Italian café and ask your waiter where to find their favorite classic tagliatelle al ragù. Pair it with a glass of Sangiovese from Emilia-Romagna.
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15. Southern Italy charms in Puglia
Puglia, at the heel of Italy’s boot, offers sun-kissed beaches, medieval towns, and unique white-washed trulli houses. This is a place to slow down, wander though ancient olive groves, and try regional cuisine.
Must-see sights: Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, Ostuni, Gargano National Park
Local secret: Visit Locorotondo, a hilltop town with circular streets and jaw-dropping views over the Valle d’Itria. It’s quieter than its neighbors and offers some of the region’s best wine.
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16. Explore Naples and Vesuvius
The birthplace of pizza, it’s chaotic, passionate, and unapologetically real. Naples pulses with life in the most dramatic way – and it’s simply beautiful. Here you can dine on street food for loose change, take part in centuries-old traditions, and look up to views of Mount Vesuvius or out to Ischia. Don’t skip it when visiting nearby Amalfi Coast or Pompeii.
Must-see sights: Vesuvius National Park, Naples National Archaeological Museum, Spaccanapoli
Local secret: For the best pizza, head to Pizzeria Sorbillo. Locals says it’s the perfect margherita.
FAQs on visiting Italy:
What is Italy known for?
Art and history. Fashion and food. Beauty and chaos. Pasta in every shape and size. Roman ruins that sit alongside 20th-century apartment blocks. The most UNESCO World Heritage Sites of any country in the world. Picturesque hilltop villages and some of the world’s greatest cities. Wine and vine-ripened tomatoes that taste like nectar of the Gods. And so much more.
When is the best time to visit Italy?
Any time is a good time if you’re in Italy slurping up bowls of fresh pasta with an Aperol spritz in hand. But best time? Aim for spring (April–June) or early autumn (September–October). The weather’s still great and the crowds are lighter.
What are the must see cities in Italy?
Rome for ancient ruins, Florence for Renaissance art, Venice for canals, Naples for authentic pizza, and Bologna for ragú.
That’s our list of the best things to do in Italy. Anywhere else we should add to the list?