Your city trip to Italy
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Explore the most beautiful cities in Italy
Rome, the capital of the Roman Empire, Florence as the center of the Renaissance or the lagoon city of Venice - in Italy, the heart of culture fans beats faster. Milan attracts shoppers and Italy's cities are also at the top when it comes to culinary delights: How about pizza in Naples or ragù alla Bolognese in Bologna?
Antonella Deuster
Travel expert for Italy
Updated on 08/19/2025
| City | Region | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Rome | Lazio | 2749031 |
| Milan | Lombardy | 1349930 |
| Naples | Campania | 921142 |
| Turin | Piedmont | 848748 |
| Palermo | Sicily | 635439 |
| Genua | Liguria | 561203 |
| Bologna | Emilia-Romagna | 387842 |
| Florence | Tuscany | 361619 |
| Verona | Veneto | 255985 |
| Venice | Veneto | 251944 |
| Padua | Veneto | 206651 |
| Ravenna | Emilia-Romagna | 155836 |
| Pisa | Tuscany | 89002 |
Where are the most beautiful cities in Italy?
1. Rome
Colosseum, Roman Forum or Pantheon: in Rome, you can travel back in time to ancient times. The Vatican, museums, churches and Renaissance buildings also await you. End the evening in a typical Roman restaurant with a portion of cacio e pepe.
2. Florence
With its cathedral and Palazzo Vecchio, Florence is considered the cradle of the Renaissance. Admire the world-famous collection of the Uffizi Gallery or wander through the bustling Mercato Centrale and immerse yourself in the daily life of the Florentines.
3. Milan
This is the place to shop! The fashion metropolis of Milan is known for its famous designers and luxury brands. Milan also offers exquisite restaurants. The Milanese have truly perfected the aperitivo! An Aperol Spritz is a wonderful way to watch the hustle and bustle on the streets.
4. Venice
The Doge's Palace on St. Mark's Square, the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs are among the most popular sights in Italy. However, the best way to explore Venice is simply to follow your nose and drift through the winding alleyways along the canals through the lagoon city.
5. Bologna
"La Rossa" - that's what Bologna is called because of its red roofs. Founded in 1088, the university is considered to be the oldest in Europe. Bologna is also known as the culinary capital of Italy. The famous tagliatelle al ragù is definitely not to be missed in Bologna.
6. Naples
Naples on the Amalfi Coast is one of the oldest cities in the country. In the old alleyways, you can experience the everyday hustle and bustle of the city. The view of the mighty volcano Vesuvius is unique. The original Neapolitan pizza is world-famous and incredibly delicious!
7. Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is undoubtedly the city's most famous landmark. But with the cathedral, baptistery and university, there is much more to admire. From the bridges of the Arno, you have wonderful views of the city.
8. Palermo
Sicily not only attracts visitors with its breathtaking beaches, but also with a lot of culture in Palermo. With the Norman Palace and the Zisa, the city reflects the diverse Arab, Norman and Byzantine heritage. Palermo is famous for its delicious street food such as arancini.
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Our insider tips in Italy
Trieste
Trieste, the port city in north-eastern Italy, has a long maritime tradition that still characterizes the city's flair today. Due to its port and eventful history, the city is a true melting pot of cultures, which is also reflected in its architecture.
As Trieste was an important trading center for coffee, a distinctive coffee house culture has developed here. The Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia is a central meeting place or venue for events.
Bergamo
Bergamo in Lombardy is a charming city whose historic center is surrounded by city walls and dominated by the Rocca di Bergamo fortress. The old town impresses with the typical flair of old winding alleyways and small squares.
In addition to the medieval palace Palazzo della Ragione in Piazza Vecchia, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Cappella Colleoni, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, are well worth a visit.
Ragusa
Ragusa in Sicily impresses above all with its old town. The city, which is picturesquely surrounded by the Iblean mountains, was destroyed in the devastating earthquake of 1693 and then rebuilt in Baroque style.
The baroque cathedral of San Giorgio is the town's landmark. The Giardino Ibleo garden is an oasis of tranquillity with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, perfect for taking a break from sightseeing.
Italy Guide: Travel tips & info
The ideal duration for a city break in Italy depends on the city in question and your interests. However, we generally recommend at least three to four days. This gives you enough time to experience the cultural highlights, the local gastronomy and the unique flair of the city.
The most efficient way to travel in Italy is by train. The high-speed network, with trains such as Frecciarossa and Italo, connects large cities quickly and comfortably. For shorter distances or more remote places, regional trains or buses are a good choice. Rental cars offer flexibility, but parking can be challenging in cities
Comfortable shoes are essential for sightseeing on a city trip in Italy. Pack light, breathable clothing for warm days and a jacket for cool evenings. Don't forget sunglasses, sun cream and a hat to protect you from the strong midday sun. An adapter for Italian sockets can also be useful.
In Italy's cities, you can visit historical sights such as the Colosseum in Rome or the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Enjoy the exquisite Italian cuisine, visit famous museums such as the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and experience the lively street life. Cycling through historic city centers is also an option. In coastal towns, you can often take boat tours to experience the city from the water.
In Italy, security standards vary depending on the city. Large cities such as Rome, Milan or Naples have typical big city problems such as pickpocketing, especially in tourist areas. In general, however, Italian cities are considered safe as long as you take basic precautions and inform yourself about local conditions.
Italy, known for its rich culture and history, is home to some of the most expensive cities in Europe. At the top of the list is Milan, the country's economic center, followed by Rome, the capital with its incomparable historical heritage. Venice, world-famous for its canals and architecture, also ranks highly in terms of cost of living.
