Italy is renowned for its excellent wining and dining experiences. There’s nothing more quintessentially Italian than having an espresso on a piazza waiting for your pasta to arrive. There’s so much to do in Italy, and with so many cities to visit, it makes sense that you want to make the most of your trip. There’s one thing you need to do though, and that’s to book an appointment with Favisbook.com, to make sure you have all the paperwork and visas you need to travel. Once that’s figured out you can check out some of the best cities that Italy has to offer.
Rome
Of course, a trip to Italy wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the capital city, where you can see for yourself the marvel of Italian art and architecture. If you go to the Vatican Museum be prepared to spend a full morning or afternoon there and enjoy the wonderful art created and housed here. It’s also in the Vatican that you can see the famous Sistine Chapel, and bask in its glory as you stand beneath it. Michelangelo spent years painting this and it’s quite something to see for yourself.
If you’re in the center of the city, you can’t miss the Colosseum, and we mean literally. This towers above most of the buildings, and there’s something special about grabbing a coffee at one of the cafes that sit in its shadows. A couple of days in Rome is enough because you need to keep some time and energy for other cities. Make sure you throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain and make a wish before heading to your next destination though!
Florence
Florence is 3 hours north of Rome by train and is a wonderful city that has its own special sites. You can spend infinite amounts of time meandering the streets in Florence, getting lost amongst the alleyways that join blocks together, and then emerging into one of the many squares (piazza) that are the center point for the local cafes and restaurants. Florence is home to the original statue of David by Michelangelo. This iconic marble statue lives in the Galleria dell’Accademia inside the Uffizi, along with so many other masterpieces, but book your tickets in advance to be sure that you can gain entry.
Stroll along the Ponte Vecchio bridge, which has existed since the medieval period. This bridge is lined with a huge number of jewelry stores and boutiques, so you’ll be sure to find something spectacular when you’re there. If you are on the bridge just as night is falling, you might even see the bats emerging for their nighttime explorations! The Piazza del Duomo is beautiful too, and you’ll definitely come across it on your strolls.
Venice
Venice is a unique city, and the time to visit it is now because the future of the tourist destination is unclear. Venice is built on many islands, and due to climate change, the city is actually sinking – and fast. The city itself is easily walkable, but there are areas that require you to get a water taxi to move around with ease. St. Mark’s Square is the hub of Venice, and it’s the iconic square everyone sees in photos and videos. It’s also home to St. Mark’s Basilica which is a stunning piece of architecture externally – and internally houses many Byzantine mosaics.
If you want to do something stereotypically touristic, then taking a ride in a gondola is the best option, but these are expensive. Local boatmen will offer you similar rides, but you need to agree on a price before you set foot on the water. The Doge’s Palace is a great location and will give you a glimpse into the past. Venice is a small city, so 2 days is definitely enough time to spend there, or maybe 3 if you fancy visiting Murano, an island famous for its glass artwork.
Milan
Milan is the fashion capital of Italy, and home to Milan Fashion Week every September. Therefore, it goes without saying that prices for everything multiply during September when the most famous and fashionable people from around the world descend upon the city. If you’re into fashion, then this is obviously a good time to go, but there are plenty of things to do in Milan year-round.
Despite its name, Sforzesco Castle is a fortress that houses many pieces of art and is relatively cheap to visit. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the biggest shopping arcade in Milan and where you can find stores for some of the biggest fashion houses in the world. The Church of Santa Maria del Grazie is where you can see, with your own eyes, Da Vinci’s famous mural, The Last Supper.
Genoa
Genoa is a port city in the northwest of Italy and has a different atmosphere and history to the other cities mentioned. The city itself is a mixture of old and new, and the Old Town is where you can find the Via Garibaldi, home to many 16th century buildings that are standing in their glory. There’s plenty to enjoy in the architecture, and of course, the seafood available is fresh beyond measure.
The Aquarium is huge and housed in a boat-like building, and worth checking out if you have an interest in maritime life. The Lighthouse of Genoa towers over the harbor and has served the city for centuries. If you venture a small bit outside the center of the city, you can get to the Boccadesse Quarter, which is a vibrant fishing village.
The cities mentioned here are some of the most popular and famous cities in Italy and are all easily accessible by road or rail. There are, also, some wonderful coastal cities in Italy that are worth checking out if you want something more ‘authentic’, or just a break from city life. Italians are friendly, welcoming people, so if you want to know a bit more about the area, just ask and they’ll be happy to help!
