Top Things to Do in Italy | Best Places to Visit for Tourists

Italy pulls in countless tourists yearly thanks to old-world charm, breathtaking views, yet mouthwatering dishes. Whether it's Rome's mighty remains, Venice's water lanes, or towns clinging to cliffs, there's always something fresh for new faces or frequent flyers. We've explored every corner over several visits - here's what truly matters when planning your trip.

We'll check out 15 top spots - each packed with handy advice, lesser-known finds, plus background that digs deeper than the usual guidebook. If you're wondering how to spend your time in Italy or chasing unique local sights, this list helps you find the real favorites - all while keeping online access smooth using tools like an eSIM for travelers.

Rome: Eternal City's Timeless Wonders

Rome's the core of Italian travel, with ancient stories hiding in each stone underfoot. Skip this place, miss out - its famous sites pull more than ten million people every year. Kick off right here if you want to see why folks rank it top across Italy. Power from old emperors blends with church splendor, turning streets into an open-air archive best enjoyed at a stroll, not a sprint.

Stroll through Trastevere's vine-covered lanes - find real spots dishing up cacio e pepe. Hit Janiculum Hill when the sun drops; catch the boom of the noon cannon plus wide-open city sights. Quick note: Grab a Roma Pass - it rolls museum access and transit into one deal, cuts down lines and costs during busy stretches.

Colosseum and Roman Forum

Walk into the old fighting ground where warriors clashed - today a protected landmark by UNESCO, once packed with around 80,000 fans. Grab fast-entry passes ahead through the real Colosseum web page so you don't waste time waiting in queues that drag on forever; instead, try an audio-led walkthrough from their mobile tool to hear wild stories of mock sea fights held in soaked arenas. Those tough stone arches, put up under Emperor Vespasian nearly two thousand years ago, show off ancient Roman know-how still shaping how we build sports venues today.

Right next door sits the Roman Forum - once the heart of politics and public life, where Cicero gave speeches while Vestal Virgins kept eternal fires burning. Check out old cart tracks carved into stone slabs, plus what's left of the Temple of Saturn, giving a real feel for everyday ancient Rome. Set aside about three hours to cover this spot along with Palatine Hill's grand emperor homes, perfect for diving deep into history you can't miss in Italy. At night, lights bring extra flair; catch the glow from Capitoline Hill nearby.

Vatican City but also St. Peter's Basilica

Cross into Vatican City - tiny but packed with gems like the Sistine Chapel's famous ceiling by Michelangelo showing God reaching out to Adam. The museum records how popes' private stash turned into something everyone can see, now showcasing more than 70,000 pieces. Get there early or pick an evening visit if you'd rather skip the rush, then hike up 551 stairs inside the dome designed by Michelangelo for full views around St. Peter's Square and its sweeping stone arms shaped by Bernini.

St. Peter's holds Michelangelo's Pietà - carved when he was just 24 - a stunning marble work now shielded by bulletproof glass after a 1972 incident. If your visit lines up, catch a Latin Mass for real spiritual depth; otherwise, take in the massive central hall, biggest inside any church worldwide. Together, these Vatican spots show exactly why Italy stands out for mixing belief, creativity, and design so naturally.

Trevi Fountain and Pantheon

Toss a coin into the ornate Trevi Fountain - legend says it guarantees you'll come back to Rome, linked to its 1700s build by Nicola Salvi, paid for with lottery cash. Inside, Neptune stands tall beside Tritons; together they blast out 3 million liters every day, pulling visitors close around midnight when lighting cranks up the spectacle. Just steps away, ice cream spots serve ideal snacks after your throw.

The Pantheon's dome, built under Emperor Hadrian about 1,890 years ago, still stands strong - no steel inside, just raw concrete holding up the sky. When rain slips through the central opening, it dances down into the space, hitting the stone floor near where Raphael is buried. No tickets needed here; these spots are wide open, full of life, deeply tied to Rome's spirit, great for night walks that drift from one sight to another, like stopping by the splashing waters at Piazza Navona.

Florence: Renaissance Heartbeat

Florence kicked off the Renaissance - art and buildings here shaped how people create worldwide, thanks to supporters like the Medicis. This cozy Tuscan city holds deep history in a small downtown area, perfect if you're hunting for Italian experiences focused on imagination and charm. Plan no less than forty-eight hours, grabbing the Firenze Card to skip lines at top sights.

The town's small size leads to unexpected finds - tiny studios shaping leather by hand, traditions going back centuries, yet alive today. Or evenings buzzing with locals sipping drinks in Oltrarno, where art spills onto streets. Getting there? A train ride from Rome lasts only ninety minutes, so hopping between cities feels smooth, almost effortless.

Duomo and Uffizi Gallery

Climb up Brunelleschi's dome at the Duomo - built back in 1436 using a clever zigzag brick pattern that kept it stable; expect steep steps plus sweeping views across Florence, just like the cathedral staff say. The bronze doors by Ghiberti aren't the real ones anymore - they're copies outside while the originals chill indoors at the museum - but they still show Bible stories popping out like you can almost touch them. If you'd rather skip the dome, try the bell tower instead - it gives solid sightlines all around, right next to Giotto's tall campanile.

The Uffizi holds Botticelli's Birth of Venus along with Primavera - pieces ordered by the Medici, now kept under exact temperature control. Booking ahead on the museum's website is a must; audio tours explain details, such as Venus rising on a seashell from ocean spray. Together, these works show Florence's creative heart, where fresh ideas helped bring back human-centered thinking.

Ponte Vecchio and Accademia

Wander across the Ponte Vecchio, packed with jewelers - Hitler saved it from wartime ruin on a sudden impulse. These stalls carry echoes of traders from centuries back. When dusk hits, golden ripples dance on the Arno beneath, giving off that classic snapshot charm. Every now and then, you'll hear fiddles humming sweet tunes nearby.

Michelangelo's David stands in the Accademia, showing off balance and strength from the Renaissance era - crafted from damaged stone through more than 36 months. Experts at the gallery point out subtle lines in his arms you only notice when near. Top it off by heading to Piazzale Michelangelo's wide-open balcony where copies of David gaze across red-tiled roofs, something fans do without fail.

Venice: Canals and Serenity

Venice sits on 118 islands, linked by around 400 bridges and more than 150 waterways - UNESCO says higher sea levels could put it at risk. Jan Morris, who wrote about travel and history, once said the city feels messy yet full of charm, crammed with odd little details, kind of like cluttered treasures in a quirky collector's home or tiny creatures clinging to a seashell (Venice, 1960). Instead of chasing crowded spots, go for real local moments; hop on vaporetto boats using a pass that lasts several days.

Gondola ride yet St. Mark's Square

Glide beneath the Rialto Bridge in a gondola - started back when flat boats ruled the waters in the 1100s, today managed from set docks costing €80 for half an hour. Use shared traghetti rides instead, where possible, to lower expenses across busy spots.

St. Mark's shines thanks to 8,000 sqm of old-school mosaics showing holy tales - meanwhile, coffee spots around the plaza once saw writers like Goethe grab a drink. Inside Doge's Palace, boat rides along the water channel sneak past jail cells then up glittering steps, giving real feels of how Venice used to run.

Murano and Burano Islands

Ferries head to Murano's glass museum, where shows go back to when furnaces moved in 1291. See master craftsmen form fancy lights right before your eyes.

Burano's colorful homes helped sailors spot their way through misty weather - now they sit beside small lace workshops keeping old methods alive. Instead of busy hotspots, these spots offer handmade traditions with more charm than visitors.

Amalfi Coast: Coastal Drama

The Amalfi Coast runs 50km over steep cliffs and bright blue bays, getting UNESCO recognition in '97 thanks to old hillside towns, lush greenery, and wild landscapes holding strong through dry summers. Instead of just luxury spots, it's got raw trails too - famous faces mix with backpackers riding the twisty SS163 via SITA buses, hired rides, or boats offering dizzying sights of step-farmed citrus fields and rocky beaches. Go between April and October so you can take water tours while dodging off-season shutdowns; treat your taste buds to tart local lemons turned into limoncello sips, flaky sfogliatelle treats, or icy granita on hot days. Stay in Amalfi town or Praiano to keep moves short, then grab shared buses to bounce from one seaside spot to another without needing wheels.

Some places let you hit the beach without paying a dime, while small farms run by locals serve fresh food with ocean views. Folks working online can rely on solid 4G at seaside coffee spots; however, getting an Italian eSIM means endless data for apps guiding steep mountain roads.

Positano and Path of the Gods

Positano's colorful homes drop toward Spiaggia Grande, where lively bars perch over shops offering handcrafted shoes and local pottery. Instead of wide roads, slim trails wrapped in bougainvillea wind off to calm nooks such as Fornillo Beach - just a twenty-minute walk by sea if you'd rather skip the hustle. Take a look at Santa Maria Assunta's domed roof shining with bright tiles; dating from the 1200s, its design echoes ancient Byzantine roots

The Path of the Gods, or Sentiero degli Dei, is a 7-kilometer hike going from Bomerano down to Nocelle - marked clearly thanks to the Italian Alpine Club - and gives you big sky views, fresh wild plants such as oregano and thyme, plus sight of Mount Vesuvius when skies are open. You'll face uneven ground, steep edges along cliffs, also breathtaking sights of lemon-covered terraces while walking around four hours; go with strong shoes that support your ankles, bring two liters of water each, leave early so you can reach Nocelle's farm restaurant in time for lunch and taste their hand-made ravioli. This walk stands out among Italy experiences if you want movement and beauty at once, where fixed cables on certain parts give extra excitement for those who've done tough trails before.

Ravello Gardens and Boat Tours

Ravello sits high - about 350 meters up - giving you a cool breeze and big sky. Down below, Villa Rufolo spills out in layers of garden steps, where colors pop among old stone paths. This idea lit up Wagner's mind while he worked on Parsifal - clues tucked in flowers and fog near the shore. Up there, heavy vines twist into loops, some older than 100 years, draping everything in gentle violet shades. Not far off stands Villa Cimbrone, famous for its so-called Infinity Terrace. Around the edge, carved heads of thinkers look out quietly toward far-off views - you might see Capri if the weather's clear.

Sunrise or just before dark? That's when fog creeps in slow, turning the scene dreamy and soft. In summer, music floats through Rufolo's open-air stage during the Ravello Festival, notes hanging in air like stories from centuries ago.

Gozzo boat trips start at Amalfi's harbor - locals steer old-style wooden boats. These rides head to the glowing Emerald Grotto caves. You'll swim in quiet coves, one after another. Snorkel near sea urchins, moving carefully through clear water. The coast authority sets green rules - no dropping anchor where seagrass grows. That protects underwater life. Pick a half-day outing, costs run €50–80 per person, cash or card. Sip homemade limoncello mid-trip, served fresh ashore. Bring sunscreen that won't harm reefs. If waves get rough, chew ginger or take pills before boarding.

Cinque Terre: Cliffside Villages

Cinque Terre's five towns without cars - Monterosso, Vernazzo, Corniglia, Manarola, but also Riomaggiore - are stuck to steep cliffs in Liguria, protected as a park since '99 because of their clever layout. Over 2,000 kilometers of stone terraces hold back mudslides while growing grapes, something UNESCO noticed thanks to people working the land for ages. For 18 euros a day, the Cinque Terre Card lets you hop trains nonstop along the shore, walk marked paths or ride local buses instead. Hit the trails by morning if you want cooler air plus fewer tourists, grabbing lunch like pesto pasta, olives filled with anchovies, maybe some soft focaccia near little wine bars right by the water. These Italian hotspots push relaxed trips, though footpaths shut now and then for repairs - better look up alerts using official park tools before heading out.

Chill at a farmstay surrounded by grapevines - great for hands-on vibes while checking out the region's green mindset: zero single-use plastic, backing small-batch growers crafting DOC Sciacchetrà. Use an Italian eSIM to stay online, pulling up hiking routes or surf conditions whenever.

Monterosso to Riomaggiore Hike

Monterosso's soft sand beach - where you can actually swim - is where the famous Blue Path begins. From there, the trail cuts through Vernazzo, showing off a picture-perfect port, an old Doria Tower, alongside bits of a Genoese fortress left behind. Further on, it climbs up to Corniglia, perched among grapevines and only reachable by a steep 737-step climb. You'll find rugged cliffside routes hugging the coast, dotted with wild caper plants and rocks holding ancient seashell fossils. When things get tough, especially along the newly fixed Love Lane, hop on a train instead. Set aside half a day or so for the entire 8-mile trek, which includes shady spots to take a breather.

Getting to hilltop wineries means tasty rewards - try Sciacchetrà, a sweet local favorite made from sun-dried Bosco, Albarola, or Vermentino; people have been doing it like this since way back in Rome's day.

Manarola Sunset and Kayaking

Manarola's lively port, along with its bright homes, sets the stage for stunning evening skies; check out the restored stretches of Via dell'Amore for a cozy stroll toward Riomaggiore through terraced grapevines. Snap the warm light from the Punta Bonfiglio viewpoint.

Kayak trips - guided by certified staff (€35 for 2 hrs) - slip through marinas, getting close to sea caves and people swimming, thanks to gentle waves that suit new paddlers. See octopuses or glide by Nativity scenes painted on cliffs.

Milan: Fashion and Faith Forward

Milan smoothly blends fancy shops in the fashion district with the Duomo's 135 detailed spires - this Gothic wonder started back in 1387, built slowly over hundreds of years, showing off Lombard drive. Up north, it gives Italy more than just pasta scenes - a lively drink tradition by the Navigli waterways pulls folks post-job for ten-euro Negronis plus free olives. Trains that move fast link this city easily to lakes and Tuscany spots.

Brera's art spots offer a creative escape - meanwhile eSIM keeps you online with 5G, handy when tracking fashion events or grabbing dinner fast.

Duomo Rooftops and The Last Supper

Milan's Duomo rooftop offers up-close gargoyle sights and mountain views when skies are clear, reachable by lift or a climb of 250 steps - sunlight bounces off the shiny marble below the Madonnina's gold figure. Stories behind 3,400 sculptures come alive through audio tours.

Cenacolo Vinciano's The Last Supper, painted by Leonardo da Vinci in 1498 using tempera on a wall inside Santa Maria delle Grazie, shows how each apostle responded when told about the coming betrayal - tickets cost €15 but often get snapped up weeks before through the official website, since visits are limited to short 15-minute entries so the delicate artwork stays protected.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II's mosaics draw people to spin for good fortune at the bull symbol, while old-style spots such as Biffi hum with activity.

Stay Connected on Your Italian Adventure

Shahzeb Shaikh, SimCorner's founder, notes: "Just as grasping a flag's cultural depth enriches travel, reliable connectivity unlocks Italy's treasures, from real-time train trackers to sharing Colosseum awe."

Get SimCorner's Italy eSIM to enjoy fast 5G - whether you're in Milan or down south in Sicily. Fire it up through the app, no need to stress at the airport. These plans work just as well for a weekend getaway or if you're sticking around longer. Check out our full guide on picking the right Italy eSIM. Need calls? We've got physical SIMs ready too. Post those spaghetti snaps without a hitch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What's worth checking out in Italy if you're visiting for the very first time?

Visit Rome's Colosseum first, then head to Venice for a gondola ride - both give you old-world charm plus scenic views. Next up, check out Florence's Uffizi Gallery if art grabs your interest. After that, hike along the Amalfi Coast; the cliffs beat any photo you've seen. Don't skip Cinque Terre either - the coastal paths surprise most people. Plan around 10 to 14 days so you're not rushing each spot. Use Trenitalia trains - they're cheap, frequent, and link all major stops. Grab an Italian eSIM while there - it keeps your phone working without roaming fees.

How can you spend a week in Italy?

Hit Rome first - spend three days checking out the Colosseum and the Vatican. Then head to Florence; two days there lets you see the Duomo plus Michelangelo's David. After that, make your way to Venice, where winding canals and St. Mark's Square keep things interesting for a couple of days. Fast trains connect all three spots without hassle. Grab some gelato along the way, taste different flavors each time. Hang around town squares too, just watching folks pass by - it's one of those real-deal Italian experiences.

Good moment to check out top spots in Italy?

Spring - between April and June - or autumn, say September to October, brings comfy temps plus less hustle at spots such as Pompeii or rural Tuscany. Skip late summer's swelter, especially August; grab tickets early using trusted online portals instead. Grabbing an eSIM means maps, forecasts, and bookings run smoothly without hiccups.

Fun spots for family?

Rome's Villa Borghese? Great for children. Over in Venice, glassblowing shops keep them busy. Meanwhile, Lake Garda's rides bring on the laughs. Down south, Cinque Terre offers sandy play zones while Pisa's leaning tower surprises at every glance. Instead of separate SIMs, grab a family eSIM - lets everyone use one data pool when exploring.

What's the cost of Italy's most popular spots?

Count on €100–200 per day - sites cost €15–25 to enter, food runs €20–40, while train rides take up around €50. An Italian eSIM avoids extra charges from your carrier; they're priced between €10 and €30 with full data access. If you toss cash toward extras such as a gondola ride, which hits about €80, plan it smart.