Notable Places
Discover Italy
Use the map to explore the incredible regions of Italy and see some of our favorite places. Start with Rome for the classic Italian dream.
Italy Quick Guide
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Language: Italian
- Time Zone: CET (UTC+1) / CEST in summer (UTC+2)
- Fun Fact #1: Italy is home to 55 UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the most of any country
- Fun Fact #2: The Italian word “ciao” originally meant “I am your servant” in Venetian dialect
- Fun Fact #3: Venice is built on over 100 small islands with canals instead of roads
- Tipping: Service usually included; rounding up or leaving ~5% appreciated in cafes/restaurants
- Emergency Number: 112
Where to Stay in Italy
Italy offers everything from luxury city-center hotels in Rome and boutique vineyards in Tuscany to seaside villas along the Amalfi Coast and cave dwellings in Matera. Every region promises unique charm, historical ambiance, and stunning settings to match your travel style.
Start by planning out where you would like to visit and then search for accommodation in those areas. Cities are well connected with public transport so you are unlikely to get stuck in a remote place, unless that is what you want to do! We use Booking.com for all our hotel stays, many hotels have pay later offers and you can build up your Genius level to get discounts on your stays.
How to Get Around Italy
Public transport in Italy is efficient and widespread. High-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Italo) link cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, Naples, and Venice. Regional trains, metro systems in major cities, intercity buses, and ferries (e.g., Venice, the islands) fill in the rest.
However, to explore tucked-away destinations like the Amalfi Coast, Tuscan hill towns, or Puglia’s trulli villages, a rental car offers unmatched flexibility. With a car, drive scenic coastal routes like the SS163, access rural wineries, and wander hidden villages – ideal for discovering Italy off the beaten path.
Our Favorite Italian Escapes
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Must-Visit Places in Italy
- Rome – The Eternal City dazzles with ancient ruins like the Colosseum and Roman Forum, Baroque fountains, piazzas, and world-class museums like the Capitoline and Borghese Galleries.
- Vatican City – A must for art and history lovers. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling.
- Venice – A magical city of canals, gondolas, and historic charm. Don’t miss St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and a ride down the Grand Canal.
- Florence – The cradle of the Renaissance with the Uffizi Gallery, Duomo, and Michelangelo’s David. A paradise for art and architecture lovers.
- Milan – Italy’s fashion capital with the stunning Milan Cathedral (Duomo), Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, and luxury shopping in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
- Pompeii – A hauntingly preserved Roman city frozen in time by Mount Vesuvius’ eruption. Walk ancient streets and see frescoes, villas, and baths.
- Cinque Terre – Five colorful villages perched on cliffs above the Ligurian Sea. Great for hiking, photography, and seafood with a view.
- Lake Como – Elegant lakeside towns like Bellagio and Varenna, with villas, gardens, and scenic ferry rides.
- Amalfi Coast – Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi offer dramatic coastal beauty, cliffside villages, and lemon-scented breezes.
- Alberobello – A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its whitewashed trulli houses with conical roofs.
- Bologna – A foodie favorite with porticoed streets, medieval towers, and rich cuisine like tagliatelle al ragù.
Stay Connected
Don’t waste time hunting for SIM cards or stressing about roaming. With an eSIM, you can get connected as soon as you land and stay online wherever your adventures take you.
🔗 Check out our guide to the cheapest eSIMs for international travel.
Italian Food to Sample
Italy’s cuisine spans fresh seafood, regional pastas, and artisanal desserts, every dish tells a story of place and tradition.
Pappardelle al Ragù – Emilia-Romagna (Bologna): Wide ribbons of egg pasta with meaty Bolognese sauce.
Risotto al Pesce Persico – Lombardy (Lake Como): Creamy risotto with fresh lake perch.
Spaghetti al Limone – Amalfi Coast: Zesty pasta with local lemons and olive oil.
Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa – Puglia: Ear-shaped pasta with broccoli rabe, garlic, and chilli.
Focaccia Barese – Apulia (Bari): Soft flatbread topped with tomatoes and olives.
Cannoli – Sicily (Palermo): Crispy pastry filled with sweet ricotta and chocolate bits.
Gelato Artigianale – Nationwide: Silky artisanal ice cream in countless gourmet flavors.
Tiramisù – Veneto: Espresso-soaked ladyfingers layered with mascarpone cream and cocoa.
Pizza Napoletana – Campania (Naples): Neapolitan-style pizza with a soft, charred crust and simple toppings.
Gelato – Various: Creamy frozen treat available in cities and towns.
Top 5 Things To Bring On Every Trip
- Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
- Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go, ensuring you stay connected and capture every moment.
- Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travelers to plug in and power up devices in different countries.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste; many destinations have refill stations available.
- Packing Cubes: Organize your luggage efficiently, making it easier to find items and maximize space.
Top Day Tours to Discover Italy
- Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano: Scoop these incredible towns into one day trip with an organised tour from Florence. See the famous leaning tower, explore the World Heritage Site of San Gimignano, and enjoy lunch in a traditional Tuscan winery.
- Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, and Sorrento: Short on time? Set off from Rome for a day exploring the stunning coastlines of Amalfi and Sorrento. You will also take a tour of the incredible archeological site of Pompeii, a frozen in time ancient town that was devastated by the eruption of Mt. Etna in Roman times.
- Como, Bellagio and Lugano: Live like a movie star for a day by exploring the Italian lakes and rich lakeside towns. Take a private boat cruise to see the stunning mansions, hidden coves and fully absorb the charm of this pretty area.
- Capri and the Blue Grotto: Set sail from Sorrento and discover the laidback and glamorous town of Capri. Sail around the coastline and visit the otherworldly Blue Grotto, while sipping on cold beers and swimming in the crystal waters.
- The Dolomites Mountains: Worth a trip all of their own but if you are short on time this day trip from Venice is a great place to start. Visit the enchanting Cortina d’Ampezzo and take a walk around Lake Misurina with its incredible stunning views.
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