29 Jan 2025
Every year, tourists are mesmerized by Italy, a nation known for its breathtaking scenery, rich history, and unmatched cuisine. Italy offers something remarkable for everyone, regardless of your interests—whether you're a history buff, a food lover, or an art fan. Italian cities for expats are not only a source of greater livelihood, so they can send money back home, but also a place to unwind and enjoy life.
If you are looking for the ultimate Italian experience, this blog talks about the top 10 best cities in Italy that stand out as the best places to go on an amazing Italian journey in 2025. Many expats live and earn in Italy, so they can send money online as remittances back home. So gear up, and let’s investigate what makes them so unique.
Rome is easily one of the must-visit Italian cities. A journey to Italy would not be complete without a visit to Rome, the capital and a historically significant city. Rome offers a trip through time, from the magnificence of the Colosseum to the tranquil beauty of Vatican City. Admire Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, and stroll around the Roman Forum. Remember to savour regional trattorias' real Roman fare, such as cacio e pepe and carbonara.
Any Italian travel guide will tell you to make sure you start with exploring the Roman Forum and Colosseum and then start touring the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica because it has to be on the list of your travel goals. After that, wandering about Campo de' Fiori and Piazza Navona is something you should make sure to squeeze into your schedule.
Among the best cities in Italy, Florence is a cultural, architectural, and artistic gold mine. The city is a sanctuary for art enthusiasts, home to works by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci. In addition to the must-see Uffizi and Accademia Galleries, Florence is a charming city. Take a leisurely stroll across the famous Ponte Vecchio and go to the top of the Duomo for sweeping city views. Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance, so you must immerse yourself in the rich history it signifies.
While exploring Italian cities, you must visit their famous places and museums. In case of Florence, you must go to the Accademia Gallery to appreciate the famous David by Michelangelo. After that, go visit the San Lorenzo Market, where worth buying leather items are sold. And don’t forget to savour wine and Tuscan food in neighbourhood osterias while you are in Florence because the food in this city is to die for.
Venice is always somewhere on top of the list of popular Italian cities for tourists. Venice is a unique city that enthrals tourists with its maze of canals, ancient bridges, and romantic gondola excursions. Architectural marvels like the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica around St. Mark's Square, the centre of Venice. Explore the colourful homes and glassblowing artistry of the neighbouring islands of Murano and Burano.
While exploring Italy’s cities like Venice, make sure you travel through the Grand Canal in a gondola. Touring the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica should be next on your list and then finally travelling around the colourful islands of Burano and Murano is a must. The islands are gorgeous and beautifully well-kept with great weather to go with it.
Another one of the best cities in Italy is Milan. You have probably heard a lot about the Milan Fashion Week. In addition to being a city rich in culture and history, Milan is known for its fashion and design. Two places are quite popular in La Scala opera house and the beautiful Duomo di Milano. Viewing Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" up close will be enjoyable for art enthusiasts. Milan is also a shopping haven, with everything from upscale boutiques to cutting-edge concept shops.
If you love shopping or are a fashion freak, you must visit Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for shopping. Milan is like a dream come true and one of the top Italian destinations in 2025 for people who have a great sense of fashion. Other than this, when it comes to the culture and history of Milan, touring the museums at the Sforza Castle is the best choice for you. Investigating the Navigli neighbourhood for dinner by the canal.
The dynamic city of Naples in southern Italy is a fusion of culture, history, and cuisine. It's the ideal starting point in one of the best cities in Italy for visiting neighbouring sites like the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii. But, Naples itself is home to magnificent sites like the Royal Palace and Castel dell ‘Ovo. Of course, enjoying a real Neapolitan pizza is a must-do while visiting Naples since Naples is the birthplace of Pizza, the kind of food enjoyed across the world.
Apart from trying out the authentic pizza of Naples, exploring the historic Pompeii ruins will make you realize your last-minute flight ticket to Italy was totally worth it. You must not miss out on scaling Mount Vesuvius to get amazing vistas and also sampling street food from Neapolitan culture. That street food is one of the top authentic Italian experiences in one of the best cities in Italy.
One of the best Italian cities for tourists is Verona. Verona, which is well-known for being the location of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," is a romantic city. See Juliet's House and the historic Roman amphitheatre, which presents top-notch operas. Verona is a lovely trip for history buffs and couples alike because of its picturesque streets, old squares, and riverbank vistas.
Visiting Casa di Giulietta to see Juliet's balcony is a must Veronese experience to have. While exploring Italy’s cities you have to go to the Verona Arena to see an opera and immerse yourself in the heavenly music. Any worthy Italy travel guide will tell you to try out Piazza Bra and Piazza delle Erbe while you’re there too.
Bologna, often known as "La Grassa" (The Fat One), is a foodie's dream come true. This is one of the must-visit Italian cities because of its historical significance but mostly because of the finger-licking good food. The city has a thriving food market culture and is the origin of Bolognese sauce, or tagliatelle al ragù. Beyond its delicious food, Bologna's medieval architecture—such as the Two Towers—and its ancient university contribute to its appeal.
If you look up an Italy travel guide for Bologna, it might point out sampling regional specialities by going on a culinary tour. To get a good feel of the city you could also ascend the Asinelli Tower, and it will surely give you a satisfactory glimpse of the city. Also, don’t forget to stroll beneath the famous porticoes of the city. Bologna is definitely one of worth exploring Italy’s cities.
Although the Leaning Tower of Pisa is unquestionably the city's major attraction, Pisa is more than just its well-known tilt. Being one of the best cities in Italy, it has the tower, cathedral, and baptistery which are all located in the Piazza dei Miracoli, and which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore Pisa's thriving student culture and undiscovered attractions by taking a stroll along the Arno River.
Among the top Italian cities for tourists is Pisa because people love going there just to scale Pisa's Leaning Tower. Going to the Monumentale of Camposanto and exploring Pisa's botanical gardens are among many fun things you could do in the city.
Siena is one of the less heard of but still one of the must-visit Italian cities. Visitors are transported to another age by Siena's intact Gothic architecture and medieval charm. The twice-yearly Palio horse race makes Piazza del Campo, the city's core, famous. Siena is a must-see location in Tuscany because of its winding alleyways, ancient cathedrals, and expansive views.
When you come to Siena, you must buy a ticket to observe the thrilling horse racing at Palio di Siena. To get a bird’s eye view of the city, go to the Torre del Mangia to enjoy breathtaking views. Touring the museum and cathedral in Siena should also be on your list. An Italy’s travel guide will tell you how Siena must not be overlooked when making a list of cities you want to explore in Italy.
Sicily is a beautiful city rich in culture and amazing food, making it one of the best cities in Italy. Sicily's metropolis, Palermo, presents a distinctive fusion of Norman, Arab, and Italian influences. The city is well-known for its thriving street markets, ancient palaces, and delicious street cuisine. The Teatro Massimo, one of Italy's most opulent opera houses, and the Palatine Chapel are must-see sights.
If you’re going to Palermo, you have to try out their markets, so exploring the markets in Vucciria and Ballarò should be on your list. The Palatine Chapel and Norman Palace will take your breath away when you enter the places, making them one of the top Italian destinations 2025. When it comes to the food in Palermo, you must try out the cannoli and arancini which are two Sicilian street foods on the bucket list of every tourist who visits Italy.
Italian cities for tourists are ideal destinations beaming with culture, good food, hospitable people and fantastic infrastructure. Every type of traveller can find something to enjoy in Italy's varied cities. Every city has a distinct charm, from Bologna's culinary delights to Rome's medieval streets. If you are thinking about buying a ticket for a retreat to Italy, these top 10 cities should be on your 2025 travel itinerary, regardless of whether you're going for the first time or coming back for another adventure.
The best time to visit Italy is during spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Milan is Italy’s fashion capital, renowned for its designer boutiques and annual fashion weeks.
Verona, the setting of Shakespeare’s "Romeo and Juliet," is often considered Italy’s most romantic city.
While Italy can be pricey, budget-friendly options like local trattorias and public transportation make it accessible for all travellers.
Yes, climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa offers a unique perspective and stunning views of the surrounding area.
