attractions

Some of the most famous Italy attractions are in Rome. The Vatican Museum is home to the Sistine Chapel with its intricate ceiling. As with most tourist attractions in Italy, you will want to arrive early to avoid lines, especially in the peak tourist season of April, through mid-July, as well as September and October. One challenge visitors face with Italy sightseeing in Rome is that there is simply so much to see that it can’t be fit into one vacation. To make the most of it, consult maps of the city and plan an itinerary to visit attractions that are near each other on the same day. You can also wander the market stalls of Campo de Fiori during the day and return at night for a coffee or Italian beer. There are many places for people-watching in Rome, including the nearby Piazza Navona. Other top attractions in the city include the Arch of Constantine, the Trevi Fountain, the Roman Amphitheatre, and the Catacombs of San Callisto.

There are many more Italy attractions to the north of Rome in the smaller city of Florence. One of the top tourist attractions in Italy is in Firenze: the Uffizi Gallery. An entire day could be spent wandering through the many halls. The city is known for its excellent museums, and a great deal of Italy sightseeing in Florence is centered on art, including the famous statue of David by Michelangelo, at the Galleria dell’Accademia. Ponte Vecchio is the picturesque old bridge in the city that today is dominated by jewelry shops, but has retained its beauty and charm. The Duomo in Florence is one of the best known Italy attractions, and its intricate façade is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the country.

Italy sightseeing is at its most romantic in Venice. Canals weave throughout the city and endless bridges connect different neighborhoods and attractions. The Piazza San Marco is home to a famous basilica and bell tower that offers sweeping views over the red rooftops of the city. Ponte de Rialto is one of the most famous bridges in the city. Hop aboard the vaporetto (water bus) to reach different attractions quickly, including the Rialto Fish Market, the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, and the Bridge of Sighs. After visiting these Italy attractions, indulge in a few scoops of gelato or a bellini from Harry’s Bar.

There are many incredible tourist attractions in Italy outside of these three well-known cities, including the Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo, the leaning tower of Pisa, and the Byzantine architecture of Ravenna. Beyond sightseeing, some of the most popular activities in Italy including exploring the beaches of the Amalfi Coast, indulging in some luxury on the Isle of Capri, and hiking between the five villages of Cinque Terre. While Italy attractions may be dominated by architecture, history, and art, these sites never fail to impress visitors. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to opera houses, Italy sightseeing promises something new—or very old!—around every corner.