Things To Do In Italy: Our Guide For First-Time Visitors

Planning a first trip to Italy is bound to raise some questions and concerns on your part: Even if you think you know what you’re getting into (based mostly on common knowledge and popular references), the prospects of leaving out some important landmark from your itinerary can be terrifying and disarming, inducing procrastination, which is never a good thing.

Best things to do in Italy is a broad subject, but our expertise helped us gather all the necessary info into this guide, which we now proudly present to you. Honestly, we could go on listing facts about the land of pizza and wine for days, but for the sake of leaving at least some mystery behind the places you cannot miss in Italy (trust us, we left a lot out, despite the potentially behemoth size of our guide), we had to stop somewhere. So, this is our “somewhere”:

What to expect while visiting Italy?

We have never been too fond of Italy, but the Universe decided that it was time for some sacral lesson, leading us to Italian soil many times over the years.

Back when we just started this blog, a conundrum was thrown our way: As soon as we started planning our trips for multiple cities in Europe, we were met with steal-worthy cheap flight options to Italy from low-cost airlines. Finally, we decided to give in and never looked back! Having journeyed all throughout Italy (and we mean it, there aren’t that many places that we haven’t explored here), we have gathered so much valuable knowledge about the country that we were practically bursting at the seams.

So, this is our way to relieve the tension created by too much info on things to do and places to visit in Italy: This first-timer’s guide to Italy is perfect for complete novices, as well as people who want to discover some new destinations in the country they came to love so much.

Our itinerary for your first time in Italy

Do not let the size of our Italy itinerary discourage you from reading till the very end: Just focus on finding the places that most speak to you, and then dive into the details of where to stay and eat in the particular destination that floats your boat the most!

The rich historical heritage of the country, as well as its unique traditions and exciting cuisine mean that we’ve barely scratched the surface here: Look out for the links that will take you to more thorough guides on some chosen Italian destinations.

With all of that in mind, here’s our list of places you should visit in Italy:

Rome

• All roads lead to Rome — the city so aptly characterized by the pull of its sought-after archeological ruins and ancient vestiges, enchanting umbrella pine trees, Vespa-accommodating side streets (just imagine that one Roman Holiday scene with Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn!), as well as Vatican City — the magnificent, yet aloof and isolated, cradle of Catholicism (the smallest city-state on the planet!), and generally the feeling of being your Italian “first”.

It’s highly likely that Rome is the first city you’ll visit in Italy, and your initial judgements of the country will be majorly decided based upon your time here: You will never forget your first-ever pizza, pasta, and Negroni (…Sbagliato…with Prosecco in it!) in Rome.

While the vibes here are truly immaculate, we’re earning to profess something sacrilegious: Rome isn’t our favorite city in Italy! We know, we know, it’s not very dolce vita of us, but we find it hard to enjoy Rome in full, especially during summer.

However, we have valid reasons to support our sentiment:

• Summer in Rome gets as hot as the devil’s butt crack — and that’s saying it lightly! The heat starts to rev up in early May, and sometimes doesn’t stop scorching everything under the sun until late October. If factual accuracy was a thing in Hollywood, all those teenagers from The Lizzie McGuire Movie would be drenched in sweat while living fabulously in Rome during their summer vacation!
• Summer months in Rome have another nemesis apart from the heat, and that’s the holidaymakers themselves! Whether it’s couples on their romantic honeymoons, single women on their Eat Pray Love quests, or families with children looking to get away from the quotidian concerns of the real world, — ninety percent of travelers that set foot on Italian soil are guaranteed to make their way to the Eternal City.
• Rome gets absolutely swamped with tourists as soon as the days get warmer: The lines become absolutely outrageous, all of the cafes and restaurants are full 24/7 (and if you do manage to score a seat, you will still feel the need to rush because of the onlookers’ judgy and impatient stares), the services’ quality takes a huge hit, and you can certainly forget having adequate personal space… While the city can be described as packed shoulder-to-shoulder, in reality, it’s more like nose-to-the-back-of-the-head, elbow-to-someone’s-ribs, and our personal favorites: Stranger’s-hair-in-your-mouth and sweaty-hands-on-your-back levels of crowded! While all the more sensual, we believe such experiences are best avoided, if at all possible!
• Did you know that Rome’s four iconic attractions (the ones that usually top the lists of best things to do in Rome) — Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona — are among Google’s 30 most reviewed destinations in the world? With more than 200,000 reviews each (Trevi Fountain leading the way by breaking the 400,000+ mark), it seems like the relatively small historical center in Rome is biting more than it can chew — and the reality proves that. A few years ago, you could get up jetlagged at 5 a.m. and walk on over to enjoy the sights in a relative quietude. Now? There are hordes of tourists surrounding the fountain as soon as the first rays of light pierce the horizon, cameras in hand, all here to take that one Instagram-worthy shot from Rome!
• The stunning architecture of Rome’s historical center is great and all, but your soul might need to experience a slice of nature at least a couple of times during your escapades in the city. That’s where you’ll bump into a significant roadblock: Apart from the stunning heart-shaped Villa Borghese (with its extremely sought-after Gallery and a sprawling and jam-packed zoo hidden away in all the verdant vegetation), there aren’t that many green spaces in Rome. A few smaller parks that you might encounter on your daily walks in the Eternal City are bound to be crowded — both locals and tourists flock to shade under tall green canopies the same way as bargain shoppers camp out in front of Target on Black Friday (but with less fights, of course!).

With all of that in mind, we still believe that visiting Rome is one of the best things to do in Italy! Why? Even the apparent cons create a multilayered atmosphere of desire and excitement, so much so that you cannot look away from this exceptional mess (and we mean it as a compliment; no-one likes their sights to be particularly manicured and flawless)!

Rome is a city that’s almost been freeze-dried in its past form: The peachy tones of layers upon layers of peeling ancient paints adorning the crumbling facades help you imagine what its past inhabitants experienced when walking the same streets you do in modern times. When in Rome, do as the Romans do: And the Eternal City creates a perfect backdrop for its alluring shenanigans, be it a romantic walk across the cobblestone piazzas, a day filled with history and art, or a dinner at one of the many family-owned (more like nonna-owned) eateries.

Rome is the Italian epicenter of culture and history, style and delectable cuisine, and, most importantly, love and romance! Even if you’re flying solo, your first trip to Rome, Italy is guaranteed to end with you falling in love — if not with a person, then with the city itself! Note that all the theatricalities and élans of the Eternal City are best experienced in low season; that way, you can imagine that all the jaw-dropping sights in Rome are singing their songs just for you.

Rome’s must-see sights — spots to bookmark:

• Colosseum — the iconic half-destroyed amphitheater that is so prominent on Rome’s promotional posters. What was once THE arena for gladiator fights is now one of the most famous tourist destinations in Italy (more than five million (!) tourists visit the Colosseum annually).
• Trevi Fountain — the landmark that needs no introduction; awe-inspiring sculptures coupled with plenty of lore make the fountain top the lists of best things to do in Rome. So, if you want to come back to the Eternal City in the future (or want to find the love of your life, get married, etc.; the list of supposed miracles is long here!), make sure to throw a coin into the fountain (many do, with the attraction raking up thousands (!) of euros daily in peak tourist season; with all the proceeds, thankfully, going to charity).
• Pantheon — one of the most inspired pieces of architecture worldwide, the Pantheon has a few tricks up its sleeve. Our personal favorites are the fact that it has the largest unsupported (!) concrete dome in the world and the legend of the source of the dome’s central opening (it is said that demons made the hole as they were trying to flee the premises after the Pantheon became a Christian church).
• The National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art — situated by the western border of Villa Borghese, the Gallery is a must-visit for art fiends. Here, you’ll find works by such household names as Gustav Klimt, Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and others. Come on a weekday to beat the crowds and enjoy the masterful works in a relative solitude.
• Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere — set in a more bohemian neighborhood of Trastevere (famous for its artisan storefronts and eclectic food scene), this lesser-known, but wildly gorgeous, church is one of the oldest in Rome — and that’s saying a lot, especially in a city so famed for its ancient destinations.

Where to eat in Rome — our favorite recs:
🍝Faro — even though Rome has no shortage of tiny hole-in-the-wall caffès that serve fantastic espressos, this particular specialty coffee shop is all the rage with locals and tourists alike. Come here for breakfast, brunch, or just for a quick pick-me-up during the day. Their pastries are almost as good as their coffee!
🍝Trattoria Pennestri — set a little away from the city center, this restaurant has quickly gained recognition in such a saturated Rome food scene. Specializing in creative comfort foods, it is well worth the distance: Just set out on a little pre-dinner passeggiata to create a well-rounded experience!
🍝Dar Filettaro a Santa Barbara — fish and chips the Italian way (the superior way, do not tell the Brits we said that, they’re very famous for holding grudges!).

Best things to do in Rome:
✔️ Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Tour — first and foremost tour you should book for your Roman holiday;
✔️ Piazza Navona Fettucine Pasta-Making Cooking Class — one cannot come to Rome without having at least the tiniest obsession with good food; this class helps you master the local specialty;
✔️ Vatican: Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket — while not the sole destination for many of Rome visitors, a day in Vatican is a sacred opportunity that should not be undertaken halfheartedly!

Where to stay in Rome:
🏨 JO&JOE Roma (from €60 a night) — a uniquely modern hostel set in the heart of Rome. The price warms the heart, while still leaving your back (comfortable mattresses) and the rest of your body (great showers, working AC unit) happy.
🏨 3* Condominio Monti Boutique Hotel (from €140 a night) — boutique hotel with spick and span rooms and exemplary levels of service. A true reflection of the marriage of the chaotic city and courageous design choices, this hotel is the one for the books!
🏨 4* Palazzo Velabro (from €400 a night) — set in a reimagined 18th century mansion, the hotel sits on the threshold between the ancient Rome and its modern iteration. Definitely an investment, but the potential view of the Roman Forum is reason enough to spend the extra funds!

How many days is enough to explore Rome? Remember, it wasn’t built in a day, so make up at least 3-day itinerary for Rome to get the gist of the city.

What’s the sitch with prices in Rome? An americano will cost you €2.5 (compare the amount with the other locations on our list to get the general price range).

Top things to try in Rome: 🍕 Pizza Romana (Pizza Napoletana’s main rival; the differences are in the way they prepare the crust — Pizza Romana is super thin, almost crunchy), Carciofi alla Romana (braised artichoke hearts), 🍝 Cacio e Pepe (pasta with lots of black pepper), and Maritozzi (brioche buns filled with whipped cream, eaten as breakfast food, often paired with a cappuccino).

Venice

• The historical center of Venice can be summed up into the vision of slow gondola rides (that are at times more costly than your plane ticket here), distant laughter echoing off the narrow alleyways, only to get muffled by the water splashing against the filthy stone walls, too much Aperol Spritz that makes it even harder to find your way back to a hotel, Piazza San Marco — the lowest part of Venice — that can become one with the rest of the lagoon (a flooded square can sometimes be found on a more daring tourist’s Venice bingo card), four hundred bridges over the spiderweb of canals, and the general feeling of being lost inside of a museum that moonlights as a fairytale.

Even if you’ve been living under a rock (or even brought up by wolves, for that matter), you probably know quite a lot about Venice. A mental picture of a couple taking a sunset ride in their Sunday best in a gondola (with the gondolier third wheeling hard in almost every possible scenario) is the one that takes up as much space in our adolescent imagination as a gorgeous moonlit proposal at the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Because of the world-wide fame, the same concept of the city has been replicated (to varying degrees of success) quite a few times over the years: First, by bringing Venice over to America — Venice Canal Historic District was created more than 100 years ago in Los Angeles, California. Then, in recent years, Venetian chic was morphed with Arabian elegance by developing Qanat Quartier Canal in Doha, Qatar. These iconic doppelgangers can make you imagine the amount of attention the “original” gets — you should keep the crowds in mind when planning your Venice itinerary.

Speaking of places to visit, check this comprehensive 2-day itinerary or follow our route around Venice. It starts simple: Get off at Santa Lucia train station and catch the first glimpses of the legendary Venetian gondoliers and Chiesa di San Simeon Piccolo — the first of the many stunning churches on your way to Piazza San Marco. Our route is different from what the usual Venice guides suggest: We urge you to take a detour through the quieter residential neighborhood of Cannaregio (pick Torrefazione Canaregio coffee shop as your guiding post and then let Google plan your route to the main piazza, collecting notable sights along the way).

We love taking our time in Venice before getting to the center of all the action; that way, we get some valuable, almost local in scale, insight into the lives of Venice’s inhabitants. The detour, however, means that we have a longer period of leisure for the usual questions to come up: “How do locals get their groceries?”, “Do they all have their own boats?”, “Can you swim in the canals?” (Lord Byron did, and quite often — though the practice is prohibited now), and many others of the similar nature.

Once you reach the center, however, all the confusion that comes with visiting a place so different from what you’re used to, drops at an instant.

Here, you start to see the sights so familiar from movies:

• Katharine Hepburn fell into the dirty canal right in front of that building in Summertime,
• Daniel Kraig’s James Bond lost sight of Eva Green right behind that palazzo in Casino Royale,
• Tom Holland’s Peter Parker helped Mysterio save that bridge from the water monster in Spider-Man: Far From Home… The list goes on and on!

From what you’ve read about Rome, it’s safe to assume that Italy as a whole is famous for its crowds of tourists, especially in summertime. In an effort to lessen the blow the ancient city takes from hordes of day-trippers that flock to Venice on a daily basis (or at least financially make up for it), the local government has enforced an entry fee of €5 per day for every visitor who doesn’t have sleeping arrangements in the Venice historical center.

Before you freak out and riot, know that the fee is only expected during weekends and special holidays (a full list can be found here), between a set timeframe, and is supposed to end in late July 2024.

While the entry to the Venice’s center just got a little bit trickier (not by a lot, but still), you have to remember that at least you do not actually have to stay here — not a lot of people know that Venice also has a chunk of mainland under its reigns, and staying further from all the drama proves to be easier on your wallet. The mainland portion of Venice is named Mestre, and it is perfect for an all-around comfortable stay: Hostels and cheaper hotels are abound here, and supermarkets and other modern luxuries make your stay that much more efficient, while keeping the costs low.

Apart from the mandatory visits to the city’s most notable sights, there are other (way more exciting) things to do in Venice: From sneaking into screenings at the Venice Film Festival, betting on that year’s Golden Lion, to hiding behind the mask at the Venetian Carnival, — Venice brings out the wildest side of every traveler!

Venice’s must-see sights — spots to bookmark:

• Rialto Bridge — the oldest bridge over Venice’s Grand Canal, it links two sides of the city in the place where the waterway is at its narrowest. Magnificent and fascinating in design, it is one of the most visited landmarks in Venice. Even though you can (and should) cross the bridge on foot to get a full experience, we still believe that it’s best viewed from the water, where you can really marvel at the mastery of the bridge’s creators.
• Doge’s Palace — a true testament to Venice’s Gothic architecture, the palace is a true work of art: You can spend hours deciphering the exterior detailing alone! Located in the literal heart of Venice City, on Piazza San Marco, the Palace is a treat for the eyes and the mind: The interiors vary from prison wells to grand halls, pulling you into the past with their unique stories. Don’t forget to find the Bridge of Sighs — one of the best viewpoints in Venice; the last sight of the outside world the inmates saw on their way to their forever cells.
• The Peggy Guggenheim Collection — one of the best exhibitions of 20th century art — both European and American — in the world, this collection is an eclectic mix of everything Peggy (she sounds like you’d want to get on the first-name basis with her right away) found exciting and interesting. From smaller folk-art pieces to giant Rothko and Pollock works, to the sculpture garden, — your mind will be torn between enjoying the artistry and wanting to learn more about the eccentric heiress herself! We can help you start with the latter: Peggy’s father was on the maiden voyage of the Titanic (bummer), and her ashes are buried in the corner of the museum’s garden (exotic)!
• Chiesa di San Barnaba — a gorgeous church that has been converted into the Leonardo Da Vinci Museum; the location is booming with possibilities. The main appeal of Chiesa di San Barnaba to the cinephiles like ourselves is its crucial role in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade — it was a setting for the library where Indiana Jones finds some tombs, fights some bad guys, and saves the girl — business, as usual.

Where to eat in Venice — our favorite recs:
🍝 Caffè Florian — it doesn’t get any more Venetian than that; this legendary cafe is famous for its elaborate coffee-based drinks and Florian hot chocolate, the pure elegance of the interiors, as well as the rich history that follows the establishment since it first opened in the 18th century! It’s on the same level of importance to the city of Venice as Café de Flore is to Paris, so it should be a no-brainer if you like this sort of thing (dressing up for an afternoon tea and enjoying finger sandwiches with the best view in Venice).
🍝 Cantina Do Spade — we might take our previous statement back: This is arguably the most Venetian eatery there ever could be! Specializing in cicchetti — various small savory dishes, similar to Spanish tapas, — Cantina Do Spade is an old haunt with a young soul. Come here for a quick bite, or settle down for a full dinner, — either way, you’re guaranteed the experience of a lifetime!
🍝 Pasticceria Tonolo — a pastry shop that is perfect for an early morning or a late-night sweet treat run! Note that there’re no tables here, but we think it’s a good thing: You can eat way more while standing up!

Best things to do in Venice:
✔️ Murano and Burano Half-Day Island Tour by Boat — learn traditional lacemaking on the island of Burano before making your way to Murano — world’s glassblowing capital.
✔️ Street Food Tour with a Local Guide and Tastings — eating all the amazing food is one of the mandatory best things to do in Italy, so getting a food tour should be at the top of your itinerary when in Venice.
✔️ Unusual Sights Walking Tour with Optional Gondola — you can never go wrong with the good old walking tour, but this one takes you off the beaten path, adding a certain je ne sais quoi to the overall experience!

Where to stay in Venice:
🏨 4* Leonardo Royal Hotel (from €140 per night) — located in Mestre, on Venice’s mainland, this hotel is as good a deal as they come! Modern rooms and state-of-the-art amenities are in stark contrast with the rose-colored and round-shouldered with age city center; the fact that will help you balance out your stay.
🏨 3* Hotel Ca' Dogaressa (from €160 per night) — ravishingly beautiful and grandiose in its decor choices, but still on par with its rather affordable price tag, Hotel Ca' Dogaressa is a great option of a hotel set in the quiet and mostly residential Cannaregio neighborhood.
🏨 5* Violino D’Oro (from €850 per night) — definitely a hotel that not many can afford, Violino D’Oro still lives up to all the hype. It’s prime location, outstanding levels of service, and classically decorated rooms have landed the hotel on Conde Nast’s Hot List Winners of 2024, — and that as good a praise as they come!

How many days is enough to explore Venice? Two days is more than enough to explore the Venetian destinations at a pretty leisurely pace.

What’s the sitch with prices in Venice? An americano will cost you €3.3 (but not at Caffè Florian; their prices are much more blown up).

Top things to try in Venice: Mostly Cicchetti (bite-sized dishes, usually small open-faced sandwiches with various toppings; better experienced with a small glass of wine during lunchtime).

Milan

• The often-underappreciated Milan can be condensed to all things fashion: Never-ending window-shopping opportunities, local and international influencers dressed in the latest trends, elegant Sciure in mink coats on their evening passeggiatas, — looks like a pretty picture, doesn’t it? Add to that sunrise with pigeons at Piazza del Duomo and you’re all set for an Instagrammable getaway!

There are countless of Quora and Reddit threads that claim Milan as the ugliest city of Italy. How can that be, when it is filled to the brim with beautiful people daily, and even more so at least once a year — during Milan Fashion Week? Well, Milan gets a bad rap because it is not “Italian” enough by local standards — it’s more modern, utilitarian, industrial. There aren’t that many gothic cathedrals and stunning cobblestone squares here (although highly regarded architectural landmarks can be found in Milan, Duomo di Milano (or Milan Cathedral) is a prime example that supports the sentiment), unlike in the rest of Italy, — and this relative “newness” is what repels old-school Italy appreciators.

If you’re not that conservative in your interests, then Milan will be a nice change of pace on your journey around Italy — this dynamic megapolis can surprise you the same way designers wow the audience during their break-out shows. Speaking of designers, we all know that Milan and fashion go hand-in-hand; after all, it is one of Europe’s top fashion destinations! Many lists of things to do in Milan start with urging you to shop till you drop, and with good reason: Apart from the usual swarms of high-end boutiques, there are countless of vintage and thrift stores that will lure you in with great offers on one-of-a-kind pieces scattered all around the Fashion Capital.

• This is where we first became interested in the city: An eccentric piece of clothing (something from Humana Vintage, for example) can be one of the best things to buy in Italy — each time you wear it, you will be reminded of Il Dolce Far Niente, the greatest feeling one might have when on Italian soil.

Apart from its booming fashion realm, Milan also appeals greatly to foodies: All the dishes prepared alla Milanese are a thousand times more worthy of trying, you take our word for it! The culinary ethos is very established here: It’s not all gelato and pizza, as one would assume! However, if you cannot imagine going on a walk around Milan without a pistachio gelato in hand, then you might want to keep in mind the latest frantic plan of Milan officials: They recently proposed to stop ice cream parlors from selling gelato after midnight. Even though Milan isn’t the most popular city in Italy among travelers, it still faces the same problems — over tourism and all that comes with it. The ban hasn’t yet come into play, but try and keep your lactose fixes to before midnight; and be mindful of the locals trying to live their lives in the city you’re visiting.

We appreciate Milan for what it is; and are often saddened by the thought that it doesn’t get the fair attention it deserves. Milan is usually no more than a stopover for travelers on their way to traditionally more exciting destinations: Lake Como, Venice, Rom, Tuscany, and the like. If you’re ever in the area, we encourage you to pay your respects to the city that financially carries the whole of Italy on its back! Thankfully, there are tons of cool things to explore in Milan.

Milan’s must-see sights — spots to bookmark:

• Duomo di Milano — arguably the most beautiful structure in Milan that seems to compensate for the rest of the city’s architectural faux pas; the cathedral is a beating heart of historical Milan city center. The impressive gothic facade of the building is adorned with thousands of statues of saints, gargoyles and everything in between; but the interior of the church, in our opinion, is way more exciting: Among other things, there are tall stained-glass windows and a floor sundial, — try and locate the latter right near the main entrance!
• The Last Supper — Leonardo da Vinci’s chokehold on Milan is apparent in the way his works are advertised to tourists: Very in-your-face, but honestly, not too displeasing. Seeing the master’s greatest work — The Last Supper — in person should be on the top of the list of the best things to do in Milan, at least for the sake of bragging rights. The mural is set in Santa Maria delle Grazie — a Dominican convent not too far from Duomo; perfect for killing these two heavyweight Milan birds with one stone!
• San Siro Stadium — a complete 180 from the previously mentioned Milan sights, the stadium looks like something you’d expect to find somewhere in Berlin. The rounded concrete is a choice we love to see in modern architecture, but the stadium has much more to offer apart from its cool look: If you’re a sports fan, the museum inside has all the deets and memorabilia of past games played here. Not really fond of watching sports? The stadium also doubles as a concert venue, with many world stars taking their spot on the stage over the years (from Bob Marley to David Bowie, and now to Taylor Swift — Milan is in the path of her Eras Tour, the mom of Swifties set to appear here in July 2024).

Where to eat in Milan — our favorite recs:
🍝 Orsonero — hands down, our favorite coffee shop in Milan. The locals go to this corner shop the Milan way — drink their espresso at the bar and then continue with their business. However, the atmosphere of Orsonero is very welcoming, and we can’t help but linger even after we finished our drink.
🍝 Pasticceria Sissi — come here for the ultimate Milanese brioche experience. Their pastries are always fresh, as they continue to bake them all throughout the day, and not just in the mornings.
🍝 Pasta Fresca Brambilla — a celiac’s worst nightmare; this is where all of your pasta dreams come to life! The freshest pasta, homemade ravioli, lasagna that is to die for, — Pasta Fresca Brambilla will make you drop your low-carb diet in an instant!

Best things to do in Milan:
✔️ 24, 48, or 72-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket — you can never go wrong with hop-on hop-off bus when exploring a new city!
✔️ Navigli District Canal Boat Tour with Aperitivo — a boat tour is always a good idea, especially when it comes with a few glasses of Aperol!
✔️ Pizza and Gelato-Making Class — since Milan is one of the more exciting culinary destinations in Italy, it can be a good call to brush up on some local knowledge of cooking and bring your new skills back home with you!

Where to stay in Milan:
🏨 3* Combo Milano (from €50 a night) — great and affordable hostel clad with a restaurant and a bar set in Milan’s Navigli district. It is definitely a hot spot for the younger crowd, so all zoomers are welcome here!
🏨 3* Antica Locanda Leonardo (from €135 a night) — located right opposite the covenant that houses The Last Supper, this hotel is as haute gamme as they make ‘em these days! Richly upholstered chairs and unabashedly luxurious wallpaper choices (we understand the irony, but come on — it’s a three star hotel!) create the aura of budget-friendly courtly sophistication. This is a great choice of accommodation in the very heart of Milan!
🏨 4* Maison Borella (from €240 a night) — set right on the Naviglio Grande Canal, this charming boutique hotel is a cozy and homey respite for a weary traveler. Each room has its own unique design, and the fairy-like hidden courtyard offers a place to recharge after a busy day of sightseeing and shopping.

How many days is enough to explore Milan? You don’t want to spend less than two days in Milan, there’re plenty of places to visit and things to buy here that you cannot possibly accomplish in just one day.

What’s the sitch with prices in Milan? An americano will cost you €2.5 (thank the locals, they are pretty strict about price inflations; no business can survive the wrath of the Milanese people).

Top things to try in Milan: Risotto alla Milanese (bright yellow risotto that gets its color from saffron), Ossobuco (bone-in veal braised with vegetables and wine), Cotoletta alla Milanese (veal cutlet; boy, do people in Milan love to eat veal!), Panettone (the sweet Christmas bread that originated here), — you’re bound to put on a few extra pounds when staying in Milan!

Sicily

• In our minds, Sicily is all summer heat, fresh orange juice, vast vineyards and olive groves, pure historical chaos, and Mount Etna — the largest active volcano in all of Europe.

Sicily is the first island on our list of places to visit in Italy — it is set just off the mainland, right near the “toe” of the country’s “boot” shape (imagine a large rock that you kick when you’re new boot goofin’)! Sicily’s tumultuous history ensured that it will be a melting pot of cultures for centuries to come; and even though it was one of the last places we visited on our latest Italian holiday, Sicily still left an impression on our overindulged senses.

We will not get into the details of how Sicily came to be such a chaotic destination (just know that Arabs, Normans, and later, the Mafia was involved), but we will encourage you to watch the second season of The White Lotus — the show’s creators really did a great job of highlighting the island’s most precious sights while also letting you take a peek into the dark underbelly of such a heavenly location. All the drama aside (we hope that no gays will try to murder you while you’re on a boat tour near Palermo), Sicily is worth visiting for two reasons alone:

• The gorgeous Mount Etna — it’s not often that you get to hike to the craters of an active volcano! A once-in-a-lifetime experience is what draws many travelers away from Italy’s mainland and onto the island of Sicily.
• Sicily’s gastronomic ethos — enjoying good food is definitely at the top of all things to do in Italy, and Sicily makes sure to up the ante by creating the most outlandish additions to the usual Italian pizza and pasta starter pack — Sicilian granita and brioche do a number on your familiar breakfast routine (Sicilians actually do start their day with this exciting and palatable concoction), while arancini and cannoli make you question your beliefs about limiting fried food quantities you consume.

The island of Sicily is as wild and jumbled as its past: You get large open spaces, tall mounts, small beaches, ancient ruins, beautiful coastal towns, — and all this variety is best experienced at a leisurely pace.

A road trip on Sicily sounds like fun: Make sure to hit the most iconic towns, like Palermo, Catania, Syracuse, Taormina (the main setting in the plot of The White Lotus), and the like. Renting a car on Sicily seems like a logical first step, since local public transport isn’t very reliable and doesn’t cover all the notable sights that you absolutely must visit when on the island (like local vineyards, for example).

Note that we don’t list lying on the beach as one of the best things to do in Sicily: There’s actually a reason for such a substantial blind spot in our guide. In our experience (especially when compared to the beaches of Sardinia), Sicilian beaches are a huge letdown, both in quality and quantity (even being on the Mediterranean doesn’t help the dire circumstances). There are, of course, a few exceptions to the sentiment, but we do not feel comfortable sharing the places that we personally haven’t visited. Because of that, leave your beach getaway ambitions for Sardinia, and remember Sicily as this crazy mix of conservatism and rebellion, Italian nature and very non-Italian ways of thinking.

Sicily’s must-see sights — spots to bookmark:

• Palermo — you absolutely must start your Sicilian escapades in the island’s capital, we don’t make the rules! Its gorgeous architecture and unwavering spirit will make you fall in love with the Sicilian way of living in an instant. Read our guide to Palermo by clicking the link above!
• Noto — You gotta go to Noto! We trusted the HBO show’s characters and decided to see what all the fuss was about. To tell you the truth, we weren’t disappointed: This little dreamy town is bursting at the seams with bewitching Baroque architecture, exciting little eateries, and the lovely people.
• Pantelleria — a paradise island set to the southwest from Sicily; this is the exact place you go to escape the Sicilian crowds during peak tourist season. This hidden pearl of the Mediterranean is famous for its unique nature (come here if you love taking mud baths in little inland lakes and swimming in quaint rocky coves) and yummy local eats. We personally fell in love with the place after watching Luca Guadagnino’s A Bigger Splash (starring Tilda Swinton and Dakota Johnson) — and the island fully exceeded our wildest expectations!

Where to eat in Sicily — our favorite recs:
🍝 Anche gli Angeli (Noto) — set in the refurbished crypt of the beautiful honey-hued Baroque building, this restaurant is a saving grace on hot summer days. Ask for the catch of the day and get the freshest and most palatable fish you’ve ever had in your entire life!
🍝 Mercato di Ballaro (Palermo) — traditional market in the very heart of historical Palermo; come here early to get dibs on the hottest arancini and the freshest local produce! Choose the stalls where there are plenty of locals lining up — that way you’re guaranteed to come across the best deals on the yummiest treats!
🍝 Pasticceria Santo Musumeci (Randazzo) — a small cafe with a huge following of devotees; it’s best items on the menu are granita and brioche (traditional Sicilian breakfast combo) and pistachio gelato. Both out-of-this-world delicious and definitely worth the trip!

Best things to do in Sicily:
✔️ Palermo: NO Mafia Walking Tour — one of the most interesting walking tours in Palermo, it puts a face to the name of the whole Mafia (and consequent anti-mafia movement of the locals) part of Sicily’s history.
✔️ Catania: Mount Etna Morning or Sunset Day Trip with Tasting — you cannot possibly come to Sicily and not hike up Mount Etna; the two activities go together like bread and butter (or granita and brioche, in this particular scenario). Explore lava flow caves and craters, and don’t forget to take countless pics!
✔️ Syracuse: Ortigia Sunset Cruise with Aperitif — being on the island means making use of all the on-the-water opportunities that come your way: The more relaxing the better!

Where to stay in Sicily:
🏨 4* Grand Hotel Villa Politi (Syracuse, from €100 per night) — what can only be describes as a Grand (capital G) villa, this hotel evokes the feeling of plunging into the past. While the villa is definitely a tad old and tired (hence the pricing), it was modernized to a degree that makes your stay here comfortable and memorable. Oh, and there’s a pool here!
🏨 3* Hotel Posta (Palermo; from €140 per night) — a quaint hotel with decor swathed in neutral palettes; it serves as a relaxing retreat from the hustle and bustle of Palermo’s city center. Every creature of comfort is at your fingertips here, but this isn’t a novelty in Sicily — we haven’t seen a more welcoming crowd in all of our travels.
🏨 5* San Domenico Palace (Taormina; from € 3,000 a night) — okay, okay, we understand that this Four Seasons Hotel is charging a whole lot for a night’s stay, — personally, we cannot justify spending that much for a room, in any hotel. However, if you fell in love with the hotel setting of The White Lotus and have the means to spare, then you might consider treating yourself to a holiday in this (hopefully) idyllic destination that comes clad with spectacular levels of service and a Michelin-star restaurant to boot!

How many days is enough to explore Sicily? Shoot for at least four days, preferably a week, — Sicilians are never in a rush, so try and emulate the local ways of living and finally relax!

What’s the sitch with prices in Sicily? An americano will cost you €2.

Top things to try in Sicily: Granita and Brioscia (a spectacularly delicious combination of semi-frozen dessert and a brioche bun), Cannoli (fried pastry with ricotta filling), Arancini (deep-fried rice balls), and Latte di Mandorla (almond milk, best consumed by itself, chilled on a hot day). Sicilians know how to have a good time!

Sardinia

• Sardinia is a picture-perfect destination: Postcard-worthy sea views, sun-kissed cheeks, salt in your hair, and wild rocky beaches, — it’s pure heaven on Earth! However, this dreamy setting comes with a price: Accommodation options that are all booked a year in advance and beach loungers that go for €30 a pop (sometimes more)!

Before we actually sat down to write this detailed Italy travel guide, we have already covered most of the content related to exploring Sardinia. We had a reason for such a subjective jumpstart: Sardinia is a well-known summer destination that sees millions of tourists cramming its shores annually. Knowing how to navigate this multifaceted island is of outmost importance, and that is why you should follow our guidelines on such topics as:

• Beaches of Sardinia — lounging on the beach, getting that very much needed Vitamin D exposure after a long winter is one the paramount things to do in Sardinia. Thankfully, the island has no shortage of exciting beaches: South Sardinia ones are more manicured and well-equipped, while North Sardinia beaches require more grit and adventurous spirit to enjoy, as they are rockier and do not generally possess the same levels of infrastructure as their southern counterparts. Of course, there are East and West waterfront hideaways, which are just as exciting, but veiled in mystery, — you can take a peek behind the curtain by reading our guide!
• Renting a car in Sardinia — you might want to explore a wide variety of beaches and other interesting locations further inland while on Sardinia. Staying in one place is great and all (and definitely less physically demanding), but the island practically urges you to get on the road. If you’re planning to set out on a road trip across Sardinia, you might want to get all the info about renting a car on the island.
• One week itinerary for an epic Sardinian road trip — after the car rental is good and accounted for, a loose itinerary (the one you can change when already on the road in Sardinia) is all that is left to think about. From ancient fortified towers to glorious tall mountains, — Sardinia is much more than its pristine beaches!

Like Sicily, Sardinia feels at the same time united and separated from the rest of Italy — you won’t get that déjà vu feeling when exploring its cities, even after a great tour across the mainland. Sardinia is an entire world in and of itself — there are caves, canyons, sand dunes (!), and rocky cliffs here. The fauna of Sardinia can also surprise an average visitor with pink flamingoes and tiny albino donkeys, — that is, if you’re lucky to come across either two.

Sardinia’s must-see sights — spots to bookmark:

• Cagliari — the capital city of Sardinia, Cagliari attracts visitors with its ineffable charm: The city never stops moving, even long after peak tourist season is over. It feels familiar and comforting, the narrow alleyways and rose-colored buildings serving as a perfect backdrop for learning the city’s rich history.
• Alghero — even more quaint and endearing, this city on the northwest coast of Sardinia is a must-visit for history fanatics: Alghero’s ancient walls and bastions are practically seeping with legends and common stories of the past. The city is also famous for its iconic surroundings: An amazing beach of Spiaggia di Mugoni, a verdant national park of Porto Conte, and the mythical destination of Neptune’s Grotto all being notable landmarks to explore when in the area.
• Costa Smeralda — north-east coast of Sardinia that is described as the most beautiful part of the island. Costa Smeralda attracts all the international jet set to its shores and tiny coves with azure water — the area around Porto Cervo is always teeming with luxury yachts and everything that comes with having high-paying visitors to entertain: High-end restaurants, constant parties, crazy expensive accommodation, and even paparazzi (no wonder, since the likes of the Obamas and the Beyoncé clan favor this particular coastline in Sardinia).

Where to eat in Sardinia — our favorite recs:
🍝 Caffè dell'Arte (Cagliari) — it’s pretty hard to find a third-wave coffee shop in Italy in general, and specifically on the islands; but Caffè dell'Arte definitely manages to scratch that specialty coffee itch for foreign travelers. The cafe is a great place to start your day in Cagliari: Caffeinated and full on delicious sandwiches and desserts it is also famous for.
🍝 Pani e Casu (Cagliari) — a locals’ favorite restaurant in Cagliari, this small eatery specializes in Sardinian cuisine, particularly its meat-forward part. If you want to get the legendary suckling pig, you will have to reserve it in advance. It’s also here that you can taste unique dishes made with wild boar meat (!).
🍝 Pacifico RosemaryPacifico Rosemary (Porto Cervo) — just what you’d expect an establishment to look and feel like in Costa Smeralda: It’s hip, it’s laid-back but high-end at the same time, it’s very much “in the moment”. Choose a table on the terrace overlooking the water and enjoy some raw fish and exciting gastronomic concoctions that are being whipped up in that kitchen by some crazy talented chefs!

Best things to do in Sardinia:
✔️ From Sardinia: La Maddalena Archipelago Full-Day Boat Tour — when in Sardinia, you should spend 99% of your time either by the water, in the water, or on the water; this boat tour is a great low-stakes high-reward activity that anybody can do, regardless of their levels of fitness.
✔️ Alghero: Wine and Olive Oil Tasting at a Local Farm — we can never say no to a wine tasting, especially in such an exciting destination: They say that wines grown on islands have more special qualities compared to mainland production. Come and try for yourself!
✔️ Golfo Aranci: Kayak Tour with Dolphins and Aperitif — this water activity requires more effort on your part, but its ROI is much greater: You have the chance to see the dolphins, and that’s always a win in our book!

Where to stay in Sardinia:
🏨 3* Hotel San Francesco (Alghero; from €70 per night) — a heritage hotel set in a former monastery. The rooms are on the modest side of things, though you never feel any discomfort when staying here. The quaint inner courtyard looks like something from a romance novel (if there were balconies, we would expect to find Romeo and Juliet professing their love for each other here). The porticoes were a great foreshadowing for our Bologna shenanigans, for which we were grateful for.
🏨 3* Birkin Porto 1870 (Cagliari; from €100 per night) — set right by the harbor, this boutique-style hotel option is perfect for travelers who don’t want to spend too much on accommodation, but still expect elegance and class. The rooms are beautifully decorated, with colorful wallpaper being a nice touch to please the eye.
🏨 5* Petra Segreta Resort & Spa (San Pantaleo; from €500 per night) — a stunning retreat hidden in the verdant hills of Costa Smeralda. A beautiful garden and an outdoor pool with gorgeous views of surrounding panoramas add to the allure of the spick-and-span rooms, wonderful service, and delectable cuisine to match! All of this comes with a significant price tag, but if you’ve got money to burn, you wouldn’t find a more worthy spot!

Note that accommodation options on the island (no matter how cheap or expensive they are) fill up well in advance of peak tourist season, so make sure to snag a room before they’re all gone!

How many days is enough to explore Sardinia? However many vacation days you have: One can never get enough of Sardinia!

What’s the sitch with prices in Sardinia? An americano will cost you €1.8. We love a deal!

Top things to try in Sardinia: Sardines, duh! Plus, Porcetto arrosto (roasted suckling pig) and Pardulas (puff pastry with ricotta, lemon, and saffron filling).

Florence

• Florence is museum-city, with Renaissance masterpieces jumping at you from virtually around every corner. Its courtly sophisticated streets look the same as they did in Middle Ages, with iconic wine windows getting a second wind after their initial Bubonic Plague rise to fame.

A crown jewel of Tuscany region, Florence doesn’t have time to joke around: Every building, every landmark here serves a purpose; if not strictly utilitarian, then rather aesthetic and cultural. Being home to dozens of world-famous works of art (with Michelangelo’s David leading the way), Florence has long been the main destination for scholars and established artists alike. It is one of the best places to visit in Italy if going around museums and galleries is your preferred method of exploring a new place.

Even if you don’t have the time to cross a few of iconic exhibitions and collections off your Florence itinerary, simply walking around the city is still an exciting adventure for the senses. Because Florence isn’t as pushy with its advertising to tourists, its main sights aren’t as widely known as the ones from, say, Rome or Milan. Because of that, the sheer novelty of seeing the grand buildings and eye-pleasing panoramas is surprising and stimulating enough.

But don’t forget the little things! The devil’s in the details; and there are plenty of those in Florence. If you pay enough attention, you will notice small remnants of the past all around the city: Intricate iron torch holders adorn the walls, ornate decorative door handles and knockers make a simple door appear Medieval, and the almost lost art of Buchette del vino (or wine windows) becomes a prize for those who seek them out.

• If you’re not familiar with wine windows, do not fret! They are exactly that: Small windows (tiny, enough for a bottle or a glass to fit through) in walls of buildings (mostly in the historical center of Florence) that sell wine. They have a long history; first, they were made to appease the rich (so that they could sell their wine tax-free), then, they were a saving grace during the times of the Bubonic Plague. They recently made a comeback during our own plague, and have only risen in fame since then. Finding a wine window is one of the most fun things to do in Florence, so keep your eyes peeled when you’re walking around the city!

Florence itself isn’t that large of a city: It will take no more than five hours to explore its most historically important sights on foot (without venturing inside, that is). The Cradle of the Renaissance is a perfect stopover on your way to Rome, Milan, or Venice, for that matter: You get a glimpse of the city with no downsides or cons, before delving into the scarred and ravaged (but still spectacular) bones of Italy’s main destinations.

Florence must-see sights — spots to bookmark:

• Santa Maria Del Fiore — Florence Cathedral, also known as Duomo; the most stunning piece of architecture in the city, in our opinion. The elaborate decor (clad with marble flower-like structures) of the exterior, as well as mesmerizing works of art of centuries past that adorn the interior walls make visiting this large church a rewarding experience — worthy of the neck pain you’re bound to get in the process! The Dome crowning the structure is a marvel in and of itself — it is the largest brick dome in the world!
• Biblioteca delle Oblate — speaking of the Dome; this public library has one of the best secret views in Florence. The cafeteria on the third floor opens up onto the intricate top part of the Duomo, with red brick rooftops of other buildings wonderfully framing the sight. Note that it’s a favorite meet-up spot for the local youth (students, mostly), so the place is almost always packed to the brim (if the crowds make you feel overwhelmed, come down to the serene courtyard to get away from the hustle and bustle of it all).
• Bargello Museum — set in the building that most resembles a castle (and was once used as a prison), Bargello Museum is a worthy stop on your Florence itinerary for many reasons. The most important one being, of course, witnessing the rare works of sculpture world’s heavyweights: From Donatello to Michelangelo, — the works of art sing with movement, though carved from stone (or cast in bronze). It is a special sight, and this masterful simplicity is what draws tons of visitors to the museum every day.

Where to eat in Florence — our favorite recs:
🍝 Ditta Artigianale Neri — great specialty coffee shop that we favored most mornings for breakfast/brunch (depending on how jetlag was treating us on that particular day), and even a couple of times throughout the day — no one can argue that a coffee and a sweet treat are better pick-me-ups than naps when you’re traveling.
🍝 All’Antico Vinaio — world-famous sandwich shop chain in Florence. If the words “sandwich shop” make you immediately think of Subway, then do we have a surprise for you! Imagine the most delectable Italian foods, but then put them between two pieces of Schiacciata — traditional bread from Tuscany (most resembles focaccia) that is usually pretty liberally salted and covered in olive oil. They put the craziest ingredients into the sandwiches: Suckling pig, pancetta dry-cured pork, truffle salami, — is anybody else getting hungry just reading the list? The eatery is very popular, so expect long lines — it’s all worth it though!
🍝 Gelateria dei Neri — an ice cream shop with a winning location; it is set within a short walk from Uffizi Gallery (home to Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Caravaggio’s Medusa). Come here after you’ve had your fair share of art for the day and fill up on their amazing rich and silky gelato: Our favorite flavors at Gelateria dei Neri are pistachio and ricotta with fig.

Best things to do in Florence:
✔️ Guided Walking Tour — your saving grace if you’re not fond of planning your own itinerary for the top places to visit in Florence.
✔️ Fresh Pasta and Gelato Authentic Cooking Class — eating and cooking in one of Italy’s main culinary destinations, — what more could you possibly ask for?
✔️ Small Group Wine Tasting Tour to Tuscany — activity that’s very Under the Tuscan Sun-coded; get inspired by the scenery and you too can be like Diane Lane: Finding a new love and coming back to yourself (all the while drinking copious amounts of wine, but that’s a given).
✔️ Arno River Cruise with a Live Concert — a perfect way to end your full day of running around Florence: With gorgeous city views from the water and relaxing sounds of live music.

Where to stay in Florence:
🏨 Plus Florence (from €50 per night) — the very rare occasion when accommodation in Florence doesn’t cost you three figures. This hostel offers modern facilities (there’s even a pool here!), comfortable living arrangements, and welcoming staff. Plus, it’s not too far from Florence’s main attractions (thanks to the historical city’s compact layout), but far enough to have less crowded surroundings.
🏨 2* Hotel Bellavista (from €240 per night) — set not too far from Florence’s main train station, this two-star hotel cannot be considered a “steal”, by all means. However, the more than adequate amenities, self-check-in and check-out services, as well as great panoramic views from top floors make the experience of staying here a pleasurable one.
🏨 3* Hotel Duomo Firenze (from €300 a night) — you cannot possibly find a hotel in Florence with a better location: This one is set right near Florence Cathedral, with some rooms opening on unbeatable views of the Duomo (the fact that’s also perfect for navigating in a new city if you always get lost — just look for the large dome and be on your way!). The rooms here are on the smaller side, but that’s expected from a building in a historic center of the city. Overall, they’re all equipped with everything you might need for a comfortable stay.

How many days is enough to explore Florence? If you’re set on visiting at least a few of Florence’s many museums, then plan for at least a two-day stay. However, one day is more than enough to get the gist of the city center by simply walking around the area.

What’s the sitch with prices in Florence? An americano in Florence will cost you €2.2.

Top things to try in Florence: Bistecca alla Fiorentina (massive ribeye steak, Florentine style), Sandwich with Schiacciata bread (like focaccia, only lighter and airier), and Coccoli (fried dough balls, usually served with Prosciutto and Stracchino).

Bologna

• Bologna is an exciting Italian destination that is best described by its nicknames: “La Rossa” (the Red one) — the city’s terracotta rooftops blanket the narrow streets with a warm glow; “La Dotta” (the Erudite) — home to the oldest university in the world, it exudes the aura of intellect and sophistication; “La Grassa” (the fat one) — the city is one of top gastronomic travel focuses in an entire country. The magic is only topped with its Pisa-like ancient leaning towers, completing the overall fairytale vibe of Bologna.

Bologna is yet another museum city on our list (though it’s more subdued, unlike the aforementioned Florence), the scenery of which has been preserved in its pure Renaissance form, — with some walls chipped and corners rounded with age, but still historically accurate and visually appealing. A simple walk through Bologna’s porticoes (covered walkways, recognized UNESCO Heritage Site) is a treat for the eyes, the soul, and the overall well-being: Such a mode of exploring the city means that come rain or shine, you will be protected from the elements.

The city has given the world so many Bologna originals (that have their claim to fame in the name itself): Bolognese dog (that crusty white dog type that a lot of grandmas have), Bologna University (the oldest university still functioning), Ragù alla Bolognese (meat-based sauce, the one we chose over Spaghetti Bolognese, since the mayor of Bologna claimed that such a dish doesn’t really exist), and many others. Actually, the city has much more food-related achievements (supporting the idea that paying a visit to its sand-hued streets is one of the best things to do in Italy for a foodie traveler), many of which we list in our Bologna guide.

Though technically bigger than Florence, Bologna seems tiny in comparison: All the winding covered streets create the atmosphere of one interconnected adult playground, fit with restaurants, bars, and gorgeous architecture. The locals here live slow and intentionally, so one of the best things to do in Bologna is exploring it at a leisurely pace, noticing the little details (like a small window in the wall that lets you take a peek at Bologna’s Little Venice canals).

Bologna’s must-see sights — spots to bookmark:

• Torre dell'Orologio — also known as Bologna’s Clock Tower, it is the lesser known city tower that for now is the only one with a working viewpoint. Asinelli Tower, the tallest of the iconic sister towers, is closed until further notice due to dangers of collapse.
• Basilica of San Petronio — one of the largest churches in Europe, this one with a curious exterior: It’s half brick/half marble. The unfinished look is quite a hit with tourists!
• Bologna University — founded in 1088, the establishment is a center of knowledge in Bologna, — it’s virtually untouched rooms and halls are a testament to past scholars and students that filled them.

Where to eat in Bologna — our favorite recs:
🍝 Aroma Specialty Coffees — hidden under a portico (what else is new in Bologna), this coffee shop is an entire institution. It feels right coming here knowing that you get the best quality and service possible. Though the establishment looks like it’s seen the days of when the University was first opening its doors (in a good way, the interiors are classy and elegant), you will be surprised to learn that the coffee shop is a child of the 90s!
🍝 Drogheria della Rosa — authentic hole-in-the-wall restaurant that serves amazing pasta dishes and other foods that Bologna is famous for. We would describe it as small but mighty: The quality of cuisine at Drogheria della Rosa is on par with traditional Nonna-style cooking.
🍝 Cremeria Santo Stefano — the best ice cream shop in Bologna, in our opinion! Their salted pistachio gelato was a revelation, and homemade tiramisu left a lasting impression — we still have dreams of eating it again!

Best things to do in Bologna:
✔️ Roundtrip San Luca Train Ticket & Food Tasting — a trip to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca (though it’s possible to walk here from the city center, the route is uphill) is a must when in Bologna! Admire the Woody Allen-esque hue of the city below, and notice the greenery it’s ensconced in from all sides, — it’s a magical sight!
✔️ City Center Walking Tour — such an old city is bound to hide secrets inside its streets, so walking around with a knowledgeable guide is proven to be a worthy investment in Bologna.
✔️ City Center Guided Wine Walking Tour — In vino veritas! With that line of thinking, this walking tour will be even more detailed and truthful than the last one. At least we think so: We doubt that the guide will get hammered and start airing out all of Bologna’s dirty laundry!

Where to stay in Bologna:
🏨 B&B Silvano (from €60 per night) — a tiny and serene bed and breakfast with a prime location. While the rooms here can be described as old and tired, we believe it adds to the overall charm! Plus, staying here won’t cost you an arm and a leg, as it usually does with beautiful boutique hotels in Bologna city center.
🏨 3* Hotel Accademia (from €85 per night) — tiny rooms, big heart! Staying at Hotel Accademia feels like coming back home: The decor is modern enough to be comfortable, but the setting in the historical building adds the old razzle-dazzle to the whole experience!
🏨 4* Hotel Corona d'Oro (from €275 per night) — set in the 13th century building, this hotel is the epitome of luxury and grandeur. Arresting views of the Two Towers are a cherry on top of your guaranteed pleasurable stay here.

How many days is enough to explore Bologna? Two days, in our opinion, is more than enough to enjoy most of what Bologna has to offer.

What’s the sitch with prices in Bologna? An americano in Bologna will cost you €2.5.

Top things to try in Bologna: Mortadella (pork sausage/lunch meat), Tortellini (dumplings with meat and cheese), Piadina (ham and cheese sandwich), Tagliatelle al Ragù Bolognese (beef ragu with pasta), and many, many more exciting dishes!

Naples

• Naples is a crazy city, it’s as simple as that: Nowhere else in the world can you find the striking co-existence of an active volcano, ancient ruins, Pizza Margherita, the Mafia, tiny altarini (personal household shrines found in the streets) picturesque narrow alleyways filled with long white sheets on a clothesline, a bucket system for delivering groceries, and the oldest subway system in Italy! It blows your mind, but also teaches you a thing or two about tolerance and finding the beauty in the most unexpected places.

The unloved child of Italy, Naples is often considered the black sheep in the family. We, however, believe that if you give the city a chance, you will fall in love with its grit and passion in an instant. Often getting a bad rap for its crime (the levels of which here are way lower, then, say, in Rome) and lack of cleanliness (graffiti are here to stay, and the trash problem of 2017 has been taken under relative control), Naples usually comes out a winner when we ask people what was their favorite stop on their Italian pilgrimage.

Why is that? The city of Naples feels nostalgic even to those of us who grew up in an entirely different part of the world (and no, it’s not Elena Ferrante’s influence, though her descriptions of the city hit just the right mix of disgust and awe) — the winding, maze-like side streets that are covered in tiny altars to Saints (and other characters) show the personal stories of their residents through the everyday objects left unattended. Unlike the more manicured cities in Italy (we see you, Florence), Naples is more down-to-earth and real, and that’s what attracts millions of visitors to its attractions every year.

Of course, food is also reason enough to come to Naples. As they say, Meglio murí sazzio ca campà diúno — Better to die full than to live fasting. Naples lives by this rule, with their calorie-loaded foods (like Pizza Napolitana and Sfogliatelle being definite crowd-favorites) seducing your senses and dulling your ability to stop eating when full.

Naples must-see sights — spots to bookmark:

• UNESCO-listed Herculaneum and Pompeii — all the lists of things to do in Naples start with these ancient ruins, and we will be no different. These archeological sights are paramount for understanding what the area’s past looked like (and what scientists hope won’t happen in the future, since Mount Vesuvius is still considered to be an active volcano).
• Catacomb de San Gennaro — Naples has no shortage of eerie and macabre sights, and this is the most famous one. The underground system is more educational than scary though, but it still has some potentially chilling sights.
• Museo di Capodimonte — a nice change of pace, this museum is home to some spectacular works of world-renowned artists: Caravaggio's Flagellation and Botticelli's Madonna and Child and Two Angels being the stars of the Capodimonte’s impressive collection.

Where to eat in Naples — our favorite recs:
🍝 Pizzeria Starita — every Naples visitor chooses their favorite pizzeria, and this happens to be ours. Their pizza never misses, and the service is undeniably fast.
🍝 Scaturchio — an entire pastry institution; if it wasn’t for the prospects of getting stopped at customs, we would try and sneak dozens of their yummy Babà al rum (delectable sponge cakes steeped in rum syrup) back home, they are so addicting!
🍝 Gran Caffè Gambrinus — one of the oldest cafes in Naples that serves amazing coffee and exquisite pastries (they are definitely too gorgeous to eat at times). The cafe is a household name, so expect the prices to be a bit blown up (the atmosphere makes up for it though).

Best things to do in Naples:
✔️ Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour 24-Hour Ticket — while there is a metro system in Naples, we suggest you try and walk as your main means of transportation (subway stations tend to be a tad sketchy, especially in the evenings). However, Naples is a large city; so, to save yourself from feet cramps, make use of hop-on hop-off buses — the most comfortable way to explore the city.
✔️ Authentic Italian Pizza-Making Workshop with Drinks — pretty self-explanatory; learning how to cook traditional Italian pizza and eating the fruits of your labor? Sign us up!
✔️ All-Inclusive Mount Vesuvius Half-Day Tour — hiking Mount Vesuvius is a bucket-list experience; definitely something to tell the grandkids!

Where to stay in Naples:
🏨 NAP Hostel Spaccanapoli (from €40 a night) — good run-of-the-mill hostel with all the necessary facilities. A small bar and a garden offer a sense of community in a new place.
🏨 3* Villa Margherita (from €100 a night) — set in a renovated 19th century villa, this hotel is famous for having spacious rooms and great views of the city and the Gulf of Naples (just book the suits on top floors for a guaranteed effect). The tasteful design is a reason enough to choose this hotel from the many mish-mash options in this price bracket of Naples accommodations.
🏨 3* Napolit'amo Hotel Medina (from €125 a night) — the most modern-looking hotel of the bunch, Napolit'amo Hotel is synonymous with quintessential comforts and amazing service. We would come back to this place again and again!

How many days is enough to explore Naples? You need two to three days to experience Naples: One, to fall in love with its eccentric nature; two, to get scared by its rugged edges; and three, — to start appreciating the beautiful mess that is the city.

What’s the sitch with prices in Naples? An americano in Naples will cost you €2.5.

Top things to try in Naples: Mozzarella di Bufala (buffalo mozzarella), Sfogliatelle (puffed pastry with ricotta filling in the shape of a shell), and Spaghetti alla Puttanesca (normal spaghetti with red sauce that also includes black olives and capers).

Amalfi Coast

Photo by Eric Hossinger from flickr.com

• Amalfi Coast is shimmering turquoise sea, high-end hotels, rocky cliffsides, pristine beaches, and the overall aura of grandeur and luxury. You-can’t-sit-with-us vibes are aplenty here, but with crowds come liberally priced experiences: Amalfi isn’t the exclusive club it was just a few years ago.

Beach getaways are one of the best things to do in Italy, and we love a mainland holiday — no need to plan extra travel days just for a promise of a beachside Aperol! Amalfi Coast is, without a doubt, the most striking stretch of coastline in Italy (we’re not counting the islands here). The coast is comprised from over 13 towns and villages, with the more popular ones being Positano, Amalfi, Praiano, Ravello, Vietri sul Mare, and Salerno.

While roadtripping isn’t at the forefront of things to do on Amalfi Coast (your average loaded holidaymakers prefer to spend their vacation in one place, just maxxed out on elaborately planned and luxurious experiences), we recommend you try out at least a couple of locations before committing to the one for the rest of your life: They say that many people who visit Positano never explore the rest of Amalfi Coast, even during their subsequent returns to the area.

Amalfi Coast’s must-see sights — spots to bookmark:

• Positano — postcard-worthy little town nestled on the side of the tall mountain. Its picturesque colorful houses are a hit online, but what you must keep in mind when planning your trip here is the amount of stairs you will have to climb daily just to get to the beach or to the nearest restaurant.
• Amalfi — the largest city on its namesake coast, Amalfi is the most popular location of the bunch, especially during high season. The town’s beautiful cathedral is reason enough to bear the overcrowding; its unique architectural style a testament to the city’s past. Sophia Loren’s villa not too far from Amalfi proves the area to be a classic spot for summer vacation — the diva would never choose a place that is less than perfect!
• Salerno — a modern port town that is considered to be a hidden gem on Amalfi Coast. Great infrastructure and a local feel make you forget you’re on vacation: The image of being a person “in-the-know”, on the same level as locals, is just a train ride away from Rome!

Where to eat on Amalfi Coast — our favorite recs:
🍝 Da Adolfo (Positano) — a beach club/restaurant that is reached by a 10-minute boat ride (!). An experience like no other, Da Adolfo serves the freshest catch of the day (our favorite was mussels soup, it hit just the right spot on a hot summer day spent by the water!). Don’t forget to get their iconic merch on your way out — a white t-shirt with a red fish on it (we recently saw it on Camille Rowe, the French model/actress that has unparalleled taste).
🍝 Pasticceria Pansa (Amalfi) — iconic pastry shop with the best dessert options on the coast. We recommend you get all things lemon: Lemon cake or lemon pudding, since local lemons (limone sfusato) have quite a distinctive and memorable flavor.
🍝 Osteria Angolo Masuccio (Salerno) — with a gentle focus on seafood, this traditional Italian eatery is a revelation for the senses! Incredibly balanced dishes and fantastic atmosphere will make you forget time and order seconds, if not thirds!

Best things to do on Amalfi Coast:
Since you’re on the coast, boat tours are the main tourist activity that sells. Because of that, there are a few options that’ll take you all along the coast; they differ by their starting point:
✔️ Boat tour from Rome;
✔️ Boat tour from Naples;
✔️ Boat tour from Sorrento/Nerano.

Where to stay on Amalfi Coast:
🏨 3* Hotel Plaza (Salerno; from €100 per night) — set right in the heart of Salerno (by the train station), this quaint and sophisticated hotel feels more like a city-style getaway then a beachfront resort. Steeped in old world charm, Hotel Plaza lives up to the loaded name: Not NYC-level, of course, but still comfortable enough to call it your home for a night or two.
🏨 3* Hotel La Ninfa (Amalfi; from €200 per night) — light hues, large windows, and stunning terraces, — when you’re in Amalfi, this is what you want your hotel to look like. Hotel La Ninfa is a stunning choice of accommodation in Amalfi, with amazing levels of service to boot.
🏨 3* Hotel Vittoria (Positano; from €300 per night) — lovely little hotel near the Positano main road (that means an arduous trek back up to the hotel from the beach), Hotel Vittoria is just what you’d expect it to be: Clean, beautiful, and sporting unbeatable views of the glimmering sea.

How many days is enough to explore Amalfi Coast? However long you can convince your boss that working remote from the beach is a good idea that doesn’t interfere with your focus.

What’s the sitch with prices on Amalfi Coast? An americano will cost you €2.5.

Top things to try on Amalfi Coast: All things limone sfusato — Amalfi lemons are huge, juicy, and incredibly fragrant (if you’re of drinking age, then definitely try limoncello — lemon-flavored liqueur), Gnocchi alla Sorrentina (herby gnocchi with tomato-based sauce), and Scialatielli ai frutti di mare (pasta with fresh seafood).

Capri

Photo from Wikimedia.org

• Capri is the literal goat island (both the farm animal and the greatest of all time) that gave the world capri pants (derogatory), custom-made leather capri sandals (a treat for the feet and the eye), Caprese salad (a simple marvel of authentic tastes), and the general promise of la dolce vita. Surrounded by azure waters on all sides, the island promises a heavenly escape into rocky terrain peppered with Roman and Greek (yes, Greek) ruins, as well as lavish hotels that usually accommodate the most well-off international jet set (peek the mega yachts anchored by the shore at all times of the year).

When visiting Italy, it is easy to miss places that seem too small to be worthy of a detour. The Island of Capri debunks this statement by having the most beautiful natural locations we’ve seen in the area, as well as being home to quite a lot of historical artifacts (results of the island’s tumultuous past; but that’s Italy for you right there) and quite literally the kindest people in this side of the world.

The list of things to do on the Island of Capri isn’t long, but it gets the job done: Unlike with bigger Italian islands of Sardinia and Sicily, you will have an easier time crossing the island multiple times to get from one iconic location to the other. It’s said that Capri is better to be experienced in style, but there’s no reason to drop big bucks on tailor-made lavish experiences (you do not need to rent a mega yacht to go out on the water, and you don’t need to stay at the most expensive five-star resort to get the best views of limestone cliffs): You can enjoy the island even on a tight budget, creating the same spectacular memories the big spenders do on here.

Capri Island’s must-see sights — spots to bookmark:

• Blue Grotto — you’ve probably seen videos of this Capri destination online: People lying flat on their backs in a boat that almost scrapes the stone above before entering a large dark cave, where the water is a color of deep cobalt blue. The whole thing is very H2O Just Add Water-esque, which means run, don’t walk (or speed, don’t row; we’re not that big on boat lingo) to see this unique sight for yourself!
• Faraglioni Rocks — three gorgeous rock formations (one still attached to the island) that take your breath away with their towering beauty. Main characters of many local legends, they even have nicknames (Stella, di Mezzo, and di Fuori) that support their star status. With a height of 100 meters (more or less) above the sea level, the rocks attract the visitors with their cool look (peek the iconic archway in the second rock) and even cooler inhabitants (the third rock is home to blue lizards!).
• Monte Solaro — the highest point of the Island of Capri, the mountain peak is easily accessed by a chairlift (takes approximately 12 minutes one way). The mountain offers fascinating views of both the Gulf of Naples and the stunning Amalfi Coast.

Where to eat in Capri — our favorite recs:
🍝 Columbus Capri — great little family-owned restaurant that serves a variety of farm-to-table dishes, each better than the last one! With a terrace completely covered in grape vines, dining at Columbus is a healing and pleasurable experience: Get the Caprese salad and try at least two kinds of pasta; it’s doctor’s orders!
🍝 Lo Sfizio — fresh seafood, pizza, pasta, — this restaurant does it all, and beautifully! The menu at Lo Sfizio will blow your head off with the number of options; the only possible way to enjoy everything the restaurant has to offer is to come back here multiple times during your stay on Capri.
🍝 Ristorante Il Riccio — a high-end restaurant set in a hotel. Arresting terrace views of Il Riccio can only be topped with their ceremoniously prepared dishes (served on the plates that we really wanted to take home, just saying!). Perched on a cliff, the restaurant has direct access to the sea via a zig-zagging staircase, — care for a swim?

Best things to do in Capri:
✔️ Caves and Beaches Kayaking Tour — burn off that third serving of pasta by moving your body through the most beautiful stretch of water on the planet.
✔️ From Naples: Island of Capri Full-Day Tour with Lunch — easy option for travelers who don’t want to plan their Capri itinerary themselves; this tour has a great list of dry land locations that are often overlooked in lieu of water destinations (like gorgeous Gardens of Augustus that are definitely worth a gander).
✔️ Private Island Boat Tour for Couples — for all the “Is he proposing or..?” girlies out there: If your man books this boat tour, you’re coming back with a diamond on your finger; that’s a guarantee!

Where to stay in Capri:
🏨 Da Giorgio (from €185 per night) — one of the more affordable accommodation options on the island, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and prime central location. No sea views, unfortunately, but the atmosphere’s there: The decor is swathed in palettes of teal and white.
🏨 4* Hotel Syrene (from €250 per night) — gorgeous Greek-inspired rooms (think lots of white surfaces and intricately painted tiles) and a great location, — this hotel knows its audience and delivers the best service a 100% of the time!
🏨 3* Capri Wine Hotel (from €280 per night) — a wonderful little hotel with gorgeous sea views and an even more exciting wine bar on the property: You can enjoy their finest selection while watching the open waters from the property’s quaint garden.

How many days is enough to explore Capri? One day on the Island of Capri is enough to see its main sights; but if we’re talking beachside vacation at a resort, then shoot for at least a week — that’s how long it takes to forget your quotidian concerns of the real world.

What’s the sitch with prices in Capri? An americano will cost you €3.5.

Top things to try in Capri: Caprese salad (mozzarella/tomatoes/basil, an ode to the times when goats were prominent figures on the island) and all things seafood.

Lake Como

Photo by Gian Luca Ponti from flickr.com

• Lake Como is one of the best things to see in Italy, hands down: The beautifully Y-shaped super large loch is surrounded by thickly wooded mountains, with little picturesque towns popping up along the coastline here and there. The first choice for destination weddings of nepo babies and your run-of-the-mill billionaires, Lake Como is a proven “it” place for having a simply grand time!

Set not too far from Milan, Lake Como has long been known as the “relaxation station”: First, for Roman emperors and their closest circle; then, for artists of different walks of life in search of inspiration. Now, Lake Como is open for all travelers looking for a majestic experience in a serene natural setting.

Locals take their dolce far niente concept quite literally here: There’s no room for stress on Lake Como. Exploring the lake’s surroundings makes you literally take your time: The narrow roads that connect the towns do not allow speeding, and the ferries swooping back and forth between them never go fast.

It is best to come here without a set in stone itinerary: Things to do in Lake Como depend on the amount of tourists in the area, the weather, and the way light falls on each side at any point during the day. Note that if you decide to rent a car in Como during peak tourist season, you might run into a problem of finding a parking spot. It is best to rely on water means of transportation during summer months in Como: Thankfully, there are a lot of options to choose from.

Lake Como’s must-see sights — spots to bookmark:

• Orrido di Bellano — a beautiful gorge in the city of Bellano; narrow footpaths and wooden bridges will lead you to a waterfall. The verdant vegetation and the booming sound of moving water make you feel like an Indiana Jones or a Lara Croft in search of some long-lost treasure.
• Isola Comacina — the only island on Lake Como, Isola Comacina is a small green patch of land that has been mostly uninhabited for the major part of its existence (that we know of). Except for lush greenery, there are a few interesting sites on the island: Ruins of a beautiful abandoned church and three houses left from the times when the island was on the path to become a colony for artists.
• Bellagio — the pearl of Lake Como, this small town gets a lot of tourist traffic annually, and with good reason: It’s winning location on the lake, as well as its narrow cobblestone streets and gorgeous villas create a setting straight out of a fairytale.

Where to eat in Lake Como — our favorite recs:
🍝 Osteria Sali e Tabacchi (Mandello del Lario) — amazing restaurant famous for its lake fish-focused dishes. Located further away from the lake, expect a little bit of a climb to reach it: You’ll work up an appetite, that’s for sure!
🍝 Trattoria Pippi (Faggeto Lario) — set closer to the town of Como itself, this small restaurant is Nonna-approved! Juicy meat and luscious silky desserts, — it’s hard to stop yourself from coming back here again and again.
🍝 Bottega e Caffè Da Luciano (Laglio) — wonderful lakeside bottega and cafe; come here for a nourishing breakfast and don’t forget to buy some produce for a lunch picnic (mostly cured meat, cheeses, and a couple of bottles of wine will do the trick).

Best things to do in Lake Como:
✔️ Lake Como & Bellagio Day Tour with Luxury Cruise — for when you want to sail the waters of Lake Como in style.
✔️ Classic Speedboat Private Tour — when speed and adrenaline is what you’re seeking from a bout tour on Lake Como.
✔️ Winery Tour with Wine Tasting — perfect after a long day out on the water, to get a nice kind of dizzy feeling (as opposed to sea sickness that still gets the boat passengers even on the lake).

Where to stay in Lake Como:
🏨 Albergo diffuso Cà Spiga (from €190 a night) — great little lakeside bed and breakfast; it has just the right amount of character to make it feel like an authentic Lake Como experience. The balcony views of the lake are worth the trip over — there’s nothing better than waking up to fog gathering over the water and mountain shadows looming above.
🏨 2* Hotel Bellagio (from €200 a night) — set right in Bellagio city center, this hotel provides every possible creature of comfort. The rooms are spacious and cozy, and the views of the lake are no less exciting than from the lakeside resorts.
🏨 5* Il Sereno (from €2,900 a night) — one of the most outrageously priced hotels we’ve ever seen; it is a modern gem of a place near the lake. Il Sereno has a wedding package that many well-to-do families take full advantage of, so if you’ve got the funds — this will be the most magical experience!

How many days is enough to explore Lake Como? One or two days is more than enough to visit a few towns that surround the lake, getting a different point of view on the mountains and the water each time.

What’s the sitch with prices in Lake Como? An americano will cost you €3.3.

Top things to try in Lake Como: Pizzoccheri (buckwheat pasta) and Polenta uncia (buttered cornmeal with cheese).

Cinque Terre National Park

Photo by kkmarais from flickr.com

• The Parco Naturale delle Cinque Terre, or Cinque Terre National Park, is the smallest, but the most beautiful national park in Italy. Narrow alleyways, rocky cliffs, brightly colored houses, winding hiking trails, and viticoltura eroica (heroic winemaking), — Cinque Terre is a wonderfully unique stretch of Italian coast.

Set on the northwest Ligurian coast, near a major port city of Genoa, Cinque Terre National Park is a heavenly destination that was once pretty hard to reach (only by boat), thus encapsulating the authentic and raw beauty of the coast much better than it could potentially be contained in a more trafficked area.

Do not get us wrong, the five towns that the park is comprised of (Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore) become absolutely swarmed with tourists come summer: It’s not some hidden gem that we’ve discovered on one of our Italian tours. Still, not many travelers favor the area because you have to be pretty reliant on public transport to move around here: Rental car option goes out the window the second you see how narrow and dizzyingly steep the roads of Cinque Terre are. However, the infrastructure of the park is way better than you could imagine: There are trains and boats that can take you anywhere within the area.

One of the main things to do in Cinque Terre National Park is hiking: You can hike on recently updated trails between the cities, enjoying the gorgeous panoramas on the way. In general, try and pack the most comfortable shoes for your trip to Cinque Terre: You will be walking quite a lot here (and climbing countless stairs, so get your glutes ready!).

Cinque Terre National Park’s “heroic” winemaking isn’t at the level it used to be a decade ago; the production of the wine died down a little due to automatization of the process in other areas, making Cinque Terre a lot less desirable. Everything here gets done by hand: The vineyards are set on different terraces, where no machine can easily reach. Still, there are a few local spots left: Try and seek them out, since the wine created here (Sciacchetrà) is one of the best wines we’ve ever savored.

We urge you to start exploring Cinque Terre with its largest town — Monterosso al Mare. It’s one of the most developed ones, infrastructure- and comfort-wise. There are many hotels, restaurants, and shops in Monterosso al Mare. All the tours of Cinque Terre start here. Plus, it’s beautiful beach is the talk of the internet: Wide rows of colorful umbrellas are a picture-worthy sight; there’s even a unique monument here that people coined il Gigante (the Giant) — armless man that looks out onto the water. After you got the gist of the overall vibes of Cinque Terre, then you can move on to its other exciting towns.

Cinque Terre’s must-see sights — spots to bookmark:

• Vernazza — the second town of Cinque Terre (if you start from Monterosso al Mare), it is way quieter, compared to its predecessor. This small town is full of multicolored houses that serve as a picturesque backdrop for your Insta lives; but the crown of the area is Church of Santa Margherita — a gorgeous stone building with the tower that looks out on the water.
• Manarola — while the essence of this town is very much similar to Vernazza; it’s age (Manarola is the oldest one of the bunch) gives way to more mystery and drama (its walls protected local residents from pirates, for God’s sake!).
• Riomaggiore — last, but definitely not least; Riomaggiore, though technically not having an equipped beach (just a rocky marina) is a crowd-favorite place for water activities. Lounging on the large slabs of rock and concrete, locals and tourists most resemble seals (in a good way), the younger ones cannonballing into the water from many cliffs of Riomaggiore.

Where to eat in Cinque Terre — our favorite recs:
🍝 La Cantina di Miky (Monterosso al Mare) — small family-run restaurant that cooks fresh farm-to-table fares; make sure to reserve a table for an outdoor terrace in advance!
🍝 Da Sandro (Vernazza) — another family affair; without a doubt, this restaurant has the best pasta and pizza on the coast.
🍝 Rio Bistrot (Riomaggiore) — the restaurant that pecked its way to a Michelin guide, the fancy setting and arresting view of the harbor are only partly responsible for the hype: Cuisine of Rio Bistro is one of the most inspired and comforting at Cinque Terre.

Best things to do in Cinque Terre:
✔️ Cinque Terre National Park E-Bike Tour — perfect option of a tour of Cinque Terre when hiking gets too arduous.
✔️ Monterosso Kayak and Snorkeling Tour — another way of enjoying the coastline, this one while having fun on the water.

Where to stay in Cinque Terre:
🏨1* Albergo Barbara (Vernazza; from €120 per night) — a hotel with the ultimate view of Vernazza harbor; you can spend hours watching the marina come to life in the mornings with boats docking and locals going about their business. The rooms here are small, but kept in an amazing condition; with this setting, what else can you ask for?
🏨3* Albergo Degli Amici (Monterosso al Mare; from €130 per night) — surrounded on all sides by olive and lemon trees, this hotel is as serene as they come! With prime location in the city center (not too far from the beach, since the towns here are all pretty tiny), Albergo Degli Amici has quite a cache of perks up its sleeve (comfortable rooms and outstanding service being quite the obvious ones, which we greatly appreciate).
🏨2* Hotel Villa Argentina (Riomaggiore; from €140 per night) — spick-and-span rooms and winning views of the town and the sea, the hotel has only one drawback — it is located at the very top of the hill. The views come with a price of your glutes burning for the rest of your trip in Italy (your butt, however, will never look better then when you’re staying at Villa Argentina; so think about it!).

How many days is enough to explore Cinque Terre? Two or three days, in our opinion, is more than enough to make the most out what Cinque Terre has to offer.

What’s the sitch with prices in Cinque Terre? An americano will cost you €3.3.

Top things to try in Cinque Terre: Pesto, anchovies, Sciacchetrà wine (local wine variety).

Best Italian wine regions for first-time visitors

Since we already dabbled in Italian wine destinations throughout our list, it’s time to really lock in on what we consider to be the best wine regions in the country and offer you potential tours that make the vineyard experience possible for tourists. After all, if we have learned anything from Under the Tuscan Sun, it’s that drinking wine is one of the best things to do in Italy — it can potentially lead to a big life change, followed by a crazy romance story.

We’ve counted almost 20 regions of Italy that produce the most special tasting wine, and then set out to find the best ones for you. After a very thorough search (and a pretty enjoyable one, if we say so ourselves), we’ve landed on these five wine regions:

• Tuscany — the obvious first place holder, this region is famous world-wide for its ample wine-making production. With Florence and Pisa being so popular among tourists, visiting Tuscany vineyards seems like a logical next step on your sightseeing itinerary. Wine varieties you should try in Tuscany: Chianti (red) and Trebbiano (white).
• Piedmont — a beautiful region surrounded by mountains; this area of Italy borders both France and Switzerland, creating a unique setting for growing grape vines. Wine varieties you should try in Piedmont: Barolo (red) and Barbera (red).
• Umbria — as central as they come; this relatively small landlocked wine region of Italy gets a lot of tourist recognition, and with good reason: The local vineyards call the rolling green hilltops their home, creating quite a wonderful sight for a day out. Wine varieties you should try in Umbria: Merlot (red) and Trebbiano (white).
• Puglia — warmer weather of this southern region of Italy produce full-bodied wines that you cannot simply have just one glass of! The varied landscape also makes wine tours way more exciting: You never know what you’ll see behind the next corner! Wine varieties you should try in Puglia: Negroamaro (red) and Primitivo (red).
• Liguria — with the crown jewel of Cinque Terre National Park, this wine region, as we’ve mentioned before, is pretty tiny. Well, you know what they say: Tiny but mighty, and the wine grown here makes up in quality what it loses in quantity. Wine varieties you should try in Liguria: Vermentino (white) and Rossese (red).

So, is Italy worth going to?

Without a doubt, Italy should be at the top of your list of destinations to visit next, especially if you’ve never been to this land of wild hand gestures and pasta eaters. Though relatively small (compared to other world countries), Italy has something for everyone: A beach getaway, a museum-focused trip, a wine-tasting bonanza, — the list, as you might’ve guessed by now, goes on and on.

Italy travel tips after our 4th trip

Because we’re such big fans of the country, we’ve come up with our list of Italy travel tips we wish we’d known before our first foray into the pizza territory:

• First and foremost, keep in mind that each year peak tourist season in Italy (especially post-Covid), brings millions (and we mean MILLIONS) of visitors to this boot-shaped country. Because of that, the lines to landmarks get longer, the service gets worse, and the general allure of the mystical foreign country loses quite a few points. So, you can either plan your trip to Italy for a different time period (more on this later), or come prepared, morally and physically.
• Speaking of high season, summer in Italy can get blindingly hot. To lessen the dangers of a heatstroke, wear light clothing and a hat, reapply SPF throughout the day, and drink plenty of water: Thankfully, there are plenty of nasoni — public water fountains in Italy’s main cities.
• While renting a car in Italy is a good choice if you want to travel between the cities freely, without relying on any timetable, we still urge you to try out train travel in Italy. We believe it is the superior mode of transportation in the country, and although it’s not too reliable (you’re not in Switzerland, after all), it’s still more fun (and let’s face it, — more comfortable) to travel by train. One thing to remember: Do not forget to validate your ticket at one of the brightly colored machines on a station’s platform; if you fail to do so, you might be subjected to a fine.
• Italians’ dolce far niente beats Spanish siesta by a landslide: While the latter encompasses a couple of hours of relaxing, the former relates to the art of idleness over a longer stretch of time. Smaller shops and other establishments here open as late as noon, and then consequently close for lunch (and, depending on the owner’s mood, may not reopen again that day). Keep this in mind when creating your itinerary, especially in more remote towns and villages.
• Italy, as a rule of thumb, is pretty safe. However, the recent wave of TikTok “Attenzione, Pickpocket!” videos proves that petty crime is still very prevalent in the country. You don’t have to walk around scared all the time: Just keep your eyes open and hold on to your belongings, especially in crowded places.
• Hotels in Italy as a whole are on the pricier side, but that’s expected, especially during high season. What you should think about though is booking your rooms way in advance, we’re talking months! Even the most expensive options fill up fast, so save yourself the potential headache and plan your stays beforehand. Oh, and don’t rely too much on AirBnB: In an effort to combat over tourism, some local authorities in Italy have declared wars on short-term rentals. Plus, they’re not as reliable as hotels: We heard horror stories of hosts cancelling the booking on the day of the guests’ arrival. We personally use Booking.com for finding the best deals on hotels in Italy and so far haven’t had any problems with the service!
• Speaking of booking things beforehand, tickets and activities also fall under the same rule. We recommend using GetYourGuide service for planning your activities in Italy well in advance.
• While we have been familiar with a tourist tax (€1 – €5 on average) that a traveler must pay when booking accommodation in select cities in Italy, there’s a new addition of a city tax — a sum paid upon entering the city. It is currently a thing in Venice historical center, and you can scroll back to learn how and when it is enforced.
• If you’re a big coffee drinker, you should know that coffee in Italy isn’t that good in general. Try and find some specialty coffee shops for a good brew: Otherwise, you will be given a tiny cup of americano and a few ice cubes when you ask for an iced coffee. Another thing that will get you strange looks from locals is drinking coffee with milk after 11 a.m., — it is considered to be a truly ungodly act! Also, there are usually two prices for coffee drinks: Al banco (at the bar) and al tavolo (at the table). It is cheaper to drink your coffee standing up!
• Let’s face it: Italy is not the place for adventure parks. Thankfully, it doesn’t mean that there’s a shortage of things to do in Italy with kids: It only means that they will have a different kind of fun, a more real-world version. Your kids will love finding gargoyles on buildings’ exteriors, or wave to flamingoes on their way to the beach. Europe in general is a very great place for family-friendly travels, guaranteed to cure your little ankle-biters from their iPad addictions.

When should I go to Italy?

The best times to go to Italy (when the weather’s nice, but the crowds aren’t that prominent) are shoulder seasons: Spring months of April and May, as well as fall months of September and October.

Want a classic beach holiday on an island or in some coastal town? Then summer temperatures should not be a problem for you: Just know that most of locals take their holidays in August, so either plan ahead or avoid this month altogether.

In winter months, plenty of Italian cities become ghost towns, only to come back to life closer to the holidays. There are plenty of things to do in Italy for Christmas, markets and general sense of merriment conclusive with having a grand ole’ time!

How much time do I need to visit Italy?

If moving here for good isn’t an option, then we would consider allotting at least a week for your trip to Italy. We encourage you to consult with our recommendations at the end of each city segment to count how many days it would take to explore the locations that you liked best (they are subjective, but pretty accurate, if we do say so ourselves).

When planning a trip to Italy that covers both a couple of the top-hitting cities, as well as an island or coastal area, then two weeks is a minimum amount of time to get the best overall experience — la dolce vita, if you will.

How much money do I need for Italy?

We want to say you want a lot of money for your Italian escapades, but it’s pretty easy to blow the real price situation out of proportion. In reality, plan to spend the following amounts (consider at least a 30% price increase during peak tourist season):

• Accommodation — €70 – €80 for two people per night (during low season);
• Food — €50 for two people a day;
• Train ride to a city an hour/two away — €30;
• Bus ride fare — €1.5 – €2.

Things to do in Italy for the first time: In conclusion

Phew, that is all the info we have so far — Finita la comedia! We hope that our detailed first-timer’s travel guide to Italy has managed to invoke the feelings of wonder and awe from you: We know that we have fallen in love with the country with renewed vigor after finishing this manual. Do not forget to utilize the tips and tricks — that way, your trip to Italy will go way smoother than if you jump into the experience unprepared.

If you have any questions that might still linger in your brain regarding any and all of the places we’ve mentioned on here, feel free to leave them in the comments down below! Dai! Ciao!