Published on: 1 June 2026
Italy is one of the few countries where a single trip can take you from ancient ruins to Renaissance art and on to fishing villages perched right above the sea. Shaped like a boot, the peninsula changes character as you move from north to south: fog and fashion in the north, vineyards scattered across rolling hills in the center, and lively street life in the shadow of a volcano in the south. In this guide we look at the best places to visit in Italy city by city, and try to draw a sensible route for travelers who are short on time.
Rome, the capital of Italy, is a city where structures from the days of the ancient Roman Empire blend into everyday modern life. You can usually explore the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill on foot within the same area. The Pantheon, with the opening at the top of its dome, is one of the rare buildings that has survived from antiquity and still surprises visitors today.
The Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps are crowded but worth seeing. The Vatican, an independent state located within Rome, is home to St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, where you will find Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes. Buying tickets in advance for the Vatican Museums and popular sites significantly cuts down your waiting time.
Florence is known as the city where the Renaissance was born. At the Uffizi Gallery you can see some of the most famous paintings of the era, while the Accademia Gallery houses Michelangelo's statue of David. The Cathedral (Duomo) and its enormous dome dominate the skyline; those who climb the bell tower are rewarded with a view of Florence from above. The Ponte Vecchio over the Arno River is famous for the shops lining its historic span.
The Tuscany region surrounding Florence, with its vineyards, olive groves and hilltop towns, is considered Italy's most poetic countryside. The medieval square of Siena, the towers of San Gimignano and the wine-producing villages of the Chianti area are ideal to explore with a rental car. Taking your time and stopping in small towns is the best way to capture the essence of Tuscany.
Venice is a unique city built on canals, where boats take the place of cars. St. Mark's Square, with its namesake basilica and the Doge's Palace, is the heart of the city. Getting lost in the narrow side streets and around the Rialto Bridge is an essential part of the Venice experience; step a little off the main routes and the crowds thin out, making the city feel more authentic.
Public water buses called vaporetto are the backbone of transport. A gondola ride is a classic experience, though it can be pricey, so it is worth confirming the fare before you board. If you have time, you can take a short trip to the islands of Burano, known for its colorful houses, and Murano, famous for its glassmaking.
Milan stands out as Italy's business and fashion hub. Milan Cathedral (Duomo), an impressive example of Gothic architecture, and the historic shopping arcade right beside it, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, are well worth seeing. Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper fresco is also in Milan, on the wall of a church refectory; since only a limited number of visitors are admitted, tickets need to be reserved well in advance.
Milan is a good starting point for the lake district and the Alps to the north. Lake Como, with its surrounding villas and mountain scenery, is suitable for a day trip. The city is also a hub with strong rail connections; for travel within Italy, high-speed trains are often more practical than flying.
Naples, the largest city in southern Italy, is known for its bustling streets and strong food culture, and is considered the birthplace of pizza. Near Naples, Pompeii is an ancient Roman city that was buried under ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted and was brought back to light centuries later. Its streets, houses and public spaces offer a striking picture of daily life in the past.
To the south of Naples, the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy's most photographed regions, with colorful towns clinging to steep slopes and sweeping sea views. Towns like Positano, Amalfi and Ravello are connected by a narrow, winding coastal road. Since traffic and crowds can be heavy in summer, choosing spring or autumn where possible makes for a more relaxed trip.
On Italy's northwestern coast, Cinque Terre is made up of five fishing villages clinging to the cliffs: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. With their colorful houses, terraced vineyards and the walking trails that connect the villages, they are a favorite among nature and coastal lovers. You can also travel between the villages by train and by boat; since some hiking trails may close depending on the season or weather, it is wise to check current conditions before you go.
Seeing all of Italy in one trip is hard, so focusing on one region according to your time usually makes for a more enjoyable journey. For a short first visit, the classic triangle of Rome–Florence–Venice makes sense and is easily linked by high-speed train. On a longer itinerary you can head south to add Naples, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast, or go north for Milan and the lake district.
Since Italy is part of the Schengen Area, Turkish citizens need to obtain a visa before traveling. To learn which procedure applies to your passport type, take a look at our Visa Regime Table page, and review our Italy visa page for application steps and required documents. Once your route is set, get in touch to plan the visa process with us, so you can focus on your dream trip to Italy while we handle the paperwork and tracking.