Italy has approximately 140 cities from north to south, but not all of these are well-known or as popular as the ones that people visit as tourists. The most popular cities in Italy are where most tourists go and this is because these have some of the world’s most famous structures and sights. Here are some of the cities that you should put on your list of places to visit when you go to Italy:
Rome – This is the most populated city in all of Italy, with around 3 million people living within the city’s borders. Rome is the capital of Italy and is found somewhere near the middle of the country. It is located in the Lazio Region and is where you will find some of the most iconic ancient structures in the world. No trip to Italy is complete without you spending a few days in this legendary city.
Some of the most famous tourist sites you can find in Rome include the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forums, the Catacombs, and the Pantheon, to name a few. This is also where you will find The Vatican City, where St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel are found. While it is within the borders of Rome, the Vatican City is actually an independent country, and is the only country that exists within a city.
Milan – When you talk about fashion capitals all around the world, Milan tops the list, with New York, Tokyo, and Paris right behind it. So, if you love fashion and would like to see where a lot of the world’s most stylish and chic clothing come from, Milan is where you should go. Some of the most popular brands that come from this part of Italy include Versace, Prada, Valentino, Gucci, and Armani.
Aside from fashion, Milan also has its fair share of ancient buildings and impressive architecture that you will love exploring. These include the Duomo of Milan, the Piazza, the San Siro Stadium, and the Teatro alla Scala. The city also has a long list of museums that art aficionados can visit, such as the Pinacoteca di Brera, Pinacoteca del Castello Sforzesco, and The Museum of Ancient Art.
Naples – Included in the list of top cities that people visit when they travel to Italy is the southern city of Naples, which is home to Mount Vesuvius and the destroyed town of Pompeii. If you are into ancient art and architecture, this is one city you should not miss visiting. Apart from the many historical buildings here, you will also find lots of monuments, museums, and piazzas that are all awe-inspiring. The city is also where you will find lots of palaces and ruins, with the Castel Nuovo and Sant’Elmo topping the list.
Naples is also home to a long list of churches and the Cathedral of Naples is one of the many that you should add to your list of must-see buildings here. The city also has parks and gardens, villas, and really old buildings that show different kinds of architecture.
Florence – This is one of the most popular cities in Italy, and the most visited by romantics and art aficionados. This is said to be the birthplace of the Renaissance period and is where you will find some of the most popular art pieces of that era. When it comes to culture and art, this Tuscan city is where you will find lots of it. Some of the most famous art pieces that you will find here include Botticelli’s Venus and Michelangelo’s David.
Aside from art galleries and museums, Florence is also where you will find amazing cuisine. Much like the rest of Italy, this city takes pride in its signature dishes, which come from traditional peasant food. If you love meat, Florence is where you should go.
Venice – What is a trip to Italy without a stop at the famous northeastern city of Venice? When you travel to Italy, you definitely should not miss out on riding a Venetian gondola at least once…or maybe twice. It is a city that is made of over a hundred islands, with some you can reach only with the use of this iconic mode of transportation.
The canals of Venice are so famous that lots of cities all across the globe have actually copied this and made small versions of this. It is also a city that is linked together by 400 bridges, giving it its uniquely romantic and old-world appeal.
Livorno – Another Tuscan city worth visiting is the northwestern city of Livorno. This port city is home to some of the best seafood in the region and is another city that is dotted with churches, museums, forts, and interesting architectural wonders. It is also a very popular tourist destination, with lots of cruise ships stopping at this port city regularly.
These are some of the most popular cities of Italy and you can add these to your list of must-see places when you plan a trip to this amazing country. Experience these Italian cities with our Virtual Italy Tours!
