To avoid disappointment, we highly recommend booking skip-the-line tickets at least two weeks in advance with timed entrance whenever possible. This small tip will make a huge difference!
Popular sights like the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Uffizi Gallery, and the Last Supper often have long queues. Booking in advance ensures a smoother, more enjoyable trip without wasting hours in line.
Below, you’ll find a list of the top sights in Italy by city.
Just click on the attraction you want to visit to secure your tickets before your trip.
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. This means that, at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click on or make a purchase through these links.
Rome
Rome is one of those cities where every street feels like a museum. From the Colosseum to Vatican City, there’s history, art, and delicious food around every corner.
- Colosseum – One of the most visited landmarks in Italy. Secure skip-the-line tickets early.
- St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb – offers breathtaking views over the city.
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel – Home to Michelangelo’s masterpiece; book ahead to avoid the crowds.
- Pantheon – Learn more about the Pantheon dress code here.
- Roman Forum – A must for history lovers.
- Castel Sant’Angelo – A fortress with a fascinating history.
- Budget: The RomeHello – A stylish and social hostel near major sights. Great for solo travellers.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Artemide – A modern hotel with a rooftop terrace and free minibar.
- Luxury: Hassler Roma – A five-star hotel at the top of the Spanish Steps with unbeatable views.
Florence
Florence is the definition of an open-air museum. Whether you’re wandering through its historic streets or admiring world-famous art, this city is pure magic.
- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) – Climb to the top for an unforgettable view.
- Uffizi Gallery – A must for art lovers, featuring Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus.
- Palazzo Vecchio – Explore Florence’s political history.
- Basilica of Santa Croce – Burial place of Michelangelo and Galileo.
- Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens – A stunning Renaissance palace and gardens.
- Galleria dell’Accademia (Michelangelo’s David) – See the world’s most famous statue.
- Budget: Plus Florence – A fun hostel with a rooftop terrace and swimming pool.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Spadai – A boutique hotel just steps from the Duomo.
- Luxury: Hotel Brunelleschi – A historic tower-turned-hotel with incredible views.
Lake Como
Lake Como is a dreamy getaway with stunning mountain views, luxurious villas, and charming lakeside towns. Whether you’re taking a boat ride or exploring historic mansions, it’s an unforgettable experience.
- Villa del Balbianello – A breathtaking 18th-century villa overlooking the lake.
- Bellagio – The picturesque town often called the “pearl of Lake Como.”
- Varenna – A charming lakeside village with colourful houses and scenic walks.
- Budget: Lake Como Hostel La Primula – A budget-friendly stay with amazing lake views.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Du Lac & Spa – A fantastic lakeside option in Bellagio.
- Luxury: Grand Hotel Tremezzo – A five-star luxury hotel with a floating pool on the lake.
Turin
Turin is a hidden gem in northern Italy, known for its royal palaces, museums, and chocolate. It’s an elegant city with a rich history and stunning architecture.
- Mole Antonelliana & National Cinema Museum – A landmark building with an incredible panoramic elevator.
- Egyptian Museum – Home to one of the world’s most impressive collections of Egyptian artifacts.
- Palazzo Reale – The former royal palace of the House of Savoy, filled with opulent rooms.
- Budget: Tomato Backpackers Hotel – A cozy and affordable hostel in the city centre.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Victoria & Iside Spa – A charming boutique hotel with a relaxing spa.
- Luxury: Principi di Piemonte – A luxurious hotel with top-tier service and stunning city views.
Verona
Verona is famous for its Shakespearean romance, medieval architecture, and charming piazzas. It’s a city full of history and beautiful sights.
- Arena di Verona – A Roman amphitheatre that still hosts opera performances.
- Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta) – The famous balcony from Romeo and Juliet.
- Ponte Pietra – A stunning Roman bridge with great views of the Adige River.
- Budget: The Hostello – A stylish and affordable hostel near the historic centre.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Milano & Spa – A boutique hotel with a rooftop hot tub and Arena views.
- Luxury: Due Torri Hotel – A five-star hotel with historic elegance and refined decor.
Sicily
Sicily is where ancient history, dramatic landscapes, and incredible food meet. From Greek ruins to towering volcanoes, it’s a destination full of adventure and culture.
- Valley of the Temples – One of the best-preserved ancient Greek sites.
- Mount Etna – Europe’s most active volcano, with hiking and guided tours.
- Taormina Ancient Theatre – A stunning amphitheatre with views of the sea and Mount Etna.
- Budget: Ostello degli Elefanti – A social hostel in Catania with great views.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Villa Schuler – A boutique hotel in Taormina with charming gardens.
- Luxury: Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo – A historic luxury hotel overlooking the Ionian Sea.
Venice
Venice is like stepping into a storybook with its canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture at every turn. Whether you’re taking a Vaporetto down the Grand Canal or getting lost in the backstreets, there’s no other city quite like it.
- St. Mark’s Basilica – A stunning cathedral with breathtaking mosaics.
- Doge’s Palace – A former Venetian palace with incredible history.
- Grand Canal – Best experienced by Vaporetto or gondola ride.
- Rialto Bridge – The most famous bridge in Venice with great shopping nearby.
- Murano & Burano Islands – Home to Venice’s glassblowing and colourful fishing villages.
- Budget: Generator Venice – A trendy hostel on Giudecca Island.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Antiche Figure – Overlooks the Grand Canal, perfect for a romantic stay.
- Luxury: Gritti Palace – A 16th-century palace-turned-luxury-hotel with incredible service.
Milan
Milan is Italy’s fashion capital, but it’s also home to stunning historic landmarks, fantastic food, and a vibrant arts scene. From the Duomo to world-famous shopping districts, there’s always something to explore.
- Duomo di Milano – The breathtaking cathedral with an incredible rooftop view.
- The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci – A masterpiece that requires advanced booking.
- Sforza Castle – A historic fortress with incredible museums inside.
- La Scala Opera House – One of the most prestigious opera houses in the world.
- Budget: Ostello Bello – A lively and highly rated hostel in the heart of Milan.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Berna – A comfortable and central hotel with great service.
- Luxury: Park Hyatt Milan – A five-star hotel near the Duomo with elegant suites.
Tuscany
Tuscany is the heart of Italy’s countryside, where rolling vineyards, medieval towns, and incredible wine await. It’s a destination perfect for those who love history, relaxation, and great food.
- Leaning Tower of Pisa – The most famous tower in the world, with climbable steps.
- Siena Cathedral – A stunning Gothic cathedral with intricate artwork.
- Chianti Wine Region – Perfect for a guided vineyard tour and wine tasting.
- Budget: Ostello Bello Firenze – A great budget option in Florence with a social vibe.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Athena – A charming hotel in Siena with beautiful countryside views.
- Luxury: Castello di Velona – A fairytale castle hotel with an incredible spa.
Naples
Naples is an energetic city with a mix of history, chaotic charm, and the best pizza in the world. It’s also the perfect base for exploring ancient ruins, volcanoes, and the stunning Amalfi Coast.
- Pompeii & Herculaneum – Ancient cities preserved in volcanic ash, offering an incredible glimpse into Roman life.
- Mount Vesuvius – Hike to the crater of one of the most famous volcanoes in history.
- Naples National Archaeological Museum – Home to some of the most important artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum.
- Spaccanapoli – Walk through the heart of historic Naples, lined with churches, cafes, and hidden treasures.
- Budget: Hostel of the Sun – A social and budget-friendly hostel with great common areas.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Piazza Bellini – A stylish boutique hotel in the historic centre.
- Luxury: Grand Hotel Vesuvio – A stunning seafront hotel with breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples.
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most breathtaking coastal regions, with charming villages, stunning cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re exploring colourful Positano, historic Amalfi, or serene Ravello, this region is pure magic.
- Path of the Gods – A scenic hiking trail with breathtaking views of the coast.
- Villa Rufolo – A historic villa in Ravello with beautiful gardens and stunning sea views.
- Emerald Grotto – A mesmerizing sea cave with glowing turquoise waters.
- Budget: A Scalinatella – A cozy and affordable guesthouse in Atrani.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Marincanto – A boutique hotel in Positano with stunning sea views.
- Luxury: Le Sirenuse – A world-famous five-star hotel in Positano with breathtaking balconies.
Puglia
Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot, is filled with whitewashed villages, stunning coastlines, and incredible food. The region is famous for its unique trulli houses, beautiful beaches, and rich history.
- Alberobello Trulli – The iconic cone-shaped houses that make this town look like a fairytale.
- Castel del Monte – A fascinating medieval castle with an unusual octagonal shape.
- Grotte di Castellana – An underground cave system with incredible rock formations.
- Budget: B&B La Corte – A charming and affordable stay in Lecce.
- Mid-Range: Masseria San Michele – A stunning countryside retreat near Ostuni.
- Luxury: Borgo Egnazia – A luxurious resort with spa facilities and breathtaking views.
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