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Best Places to Visit in Italy

The 18 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.

The places, most named first

From the 8 guides that rank for "best places to visit in italy"

Named by 5 of 81. RomeLazio, ItalyPacks history, art and food into a walkable historic center, good for first-timers and repeat visitors.One guide picks April, May, September and October as the best months.Best time to visit Rome
Named by 5 of 82. FlorenceTuscany, ItalyA strong pick for Renaissance art and architecture lovers, with a day's worth in the Uffizi.The main center is walkable, so museums, cafes and shops are easy to link.Best time to visit Florence
Named by 4 of 83. VeniceVeneto, ItalyFamous for canals and bridges linking over 100 islands.Carnival celebrations take place in February.Best time to visit Venice

Named by 4 of 84. Lake ComoLombardy, ItalyLakeside towns such as Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio, with a slow pace.Works as a day trip from Milan or a stay of about three days.Best time to visit Lake Como Best places to visit in Lake Como

Named by 3 of 85. The DolomitesTrentino-Alto Adige, ItalyMountain range in the Italian Alps with many hiking trails.Cable cars reach viewpoints such as Seceda and Alpe di Siusi, and buses are enough to get around.

Named by 3 of 86. SicilyItalyOne of the largest islands in the Mediterranean, with cathedrals and archaeological sites.Home to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe.Best time to visit Sicily Best beach towns in Sicily Best beaches in Sicily

Named by 3 of 87. TuscanyItalyRolling hills with farmland and vineyards, suited to a relaxed food and wine trip.Included in a suggested two-week first-timer route.Best time to visit Tuscany Best beaches in Tuscany Best places to visit in Tuscany

Named by 3 of 88. MilanLombardy, ItalyDescribed as the country's fashion capital and a design-minded business hub.Bergamo and Lake Como are both day trips from Milan.Best time to visit Milan

Named by 2 of 89. NaplesCampania, ItalyCredited as the birthplace of pizza, so a draw for food trips.Has museums and historic sights, though grittier than some other Italian cities.Best time to visit Naples, Italy

Named by 2 of 810. BolognaEmilia-Romagna, ItalyHome to the oldest university in Europe, with medieval terracotta-roofed buildings.Known for its cuisine, including tortellini and lasagna.

Named by 2 of 811. Amalfi CoastCampania, ItalySuggested for a two-week first Italy trip.Listed among the best beach and romantic getaway areas.Best time to visit Amalfi Coast Best beaches in Amalfi Coast Best places to visit in Amalfi Coast

Named by 2 of 812. Cinque TerreLiguria, ItalyPart of the suggested first-timer route for one week.Also suited to hikers and beach days.Best time to visit Cinque Terre Best beaches in Cinque Terre

Named by 2 of 813. VeronaVeneto, ItalyHas the Verona Arena, a first-century Roman amphitheater still in use.Believed to be the inspiration for Romeo and Juliet.

Named by 2 of 814. PompeiiCampania, ItalyAn ancient city destroyed by the 79 A.D. eruption of Mount Vesuvius.Suggested for culture and history lovers.

Named by 2 of 815. PugliaItalySuggested for travelers who have seen the classics.Listed among off-the-beaten-path picks and beach areas.

16. TurinPiedmont, ItalyIt was the first capital of Italy, in the northwest region of Piemonte.Less touristy than the classic cities.

17. BergamoLombardy, ItalyHas a walled upper town on a hill and a livelier lower town.About a one-and-a-half-hour train ride from Milan.

18. MateraBasilicata, ItalyListed among off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Fares from your city

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When to go

Travel guides most often name April to May and September to October as the best time to visit Italy.

Italy month by monthWeather, crowds and what's on

Questions people ask

What are some good places to visit in Italy?: One guide's picks for a first week are Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre and Venice, with Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast added for two weeks.

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Best Places to Visit in Italy: 18 Places, Ranked by How Many Guides Name Them