Discover Italy: Best Things to do Italy
Italy has a way of reaching deep into your soul and captivating you with its charm, beauty and offerings. No matter what you’re into, chances are you’ll find it here. But what exactly are the best things to see and do in Italy once you get here? The answer depends largely on you and your expectations.
When you set out to discover Italy, you’ll find many different ways of going about it. I always recommend that you pick a theme for your trip to Italy. Whether it’s indulging in culinary experiences, tracing the footsteps of the ancient Romans or admiring the works of Italian masters, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to experience it here.
Practical tips for things to do in Italy
Whether you’re coming to Italy for the first time or returning for more, it’s important to set your expectations. While Italy is not a massive country, it’s also not a tiny one. Italy is shaped like a long boot, with something to see in every corner. This means your favourite destinations might not be as close to each other as you think.
With so many offerings, deciding what to see and do in Italy can be overwhelming. Depending on how much time you have, you’re likely not going to be able to visit everything you want on one trip. Sure, you can book a whirlwind tour of Italy that takes you through all the key places in a week, but you won’t appreciate it all as you rush from place to place.
- Decide what you want to see. Italy has endless sights, so write down all your must-sees and those that are nice to visit. Narrowing down your list makes it more manageable and less stressful. You’re more likely to enjoy the sites without getting burnt out and exhausted. Whether you’re an art lover, history buff, or culinary explorer, writing a prioritized list helps you plan your journey with a clear direction.
- Set realistic expectations.With so many things to do in Italy, one thing is guaranteed – you won’t see it all on one trip. Rather than jumping between different places all over the country, divide your time into sections that cover your desired cities and activities. Having a smaller, more manageable list of items will ensure you have time to see everything on your list and enjoy doing so.
- Book in advance for key attractions. Gone are the days of simply showing up at the must-see attractions and waking right in. Many must-see sites like the Vatican Museums or the Colosseum have limited daily entries. Booking in advance saves you from waiting in long lines and ensures you don’t miss out.
- Take a guided tour. Skip the queues and get the most out of your visit with guided tours. Not only do tours offer priority entry to major attractions, but they also provide insightful information and stories that you might miss on your own.
Recommended tours and activities:
- Vatican: Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket
- Florence: Uffizi, Pitti Palace & Boboli Garden Ticket Combo
- Colosseum: Underground and Ancient Rome Tour
Things to do in Italy for every type of traveller
Every person coming to Italy has their own reasons for the visit. The options for how to explore Italy are endless. Some people want to experience the art and culture, while others want to eat their way through the country. Whether you want to cruise the Amalfi Coast, tour Italian wineries or visit every ancient ruin you can find, you can do it here.
The best way to discover Italy is by embracing the adventures that reflect your interests. If you’re into food, then do a culinary tour of Italy. Love art and architecture? There are museums and art on almost every corner. Don’t follow what others have done simply because that’s what they did. Not everyone enjoys the same things, and what works for one person won’t necessarily appeal to another. Let’s look at some themes you can choose for your next Italian adventure.
Discover Italy for art and culture lovers
A few places in the world offer as much art and culture as Italy. As home to some of the most renowned artists in history, Italy is filled with cities full of beautiful architecture and stunning artworks. So, if you’re an art and culture lover, Italy is definitely a place for you. Book your guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery or a guided tour of the ancient rock city of Matera today.
You could spend weeks exploring the art museums and galleries of Rome, Florence, Venice and other Italian cities and still barely scratch the surface. Simply strolling through the streets, you’ll see countless pieces of art that will take your breath away. You can find many of Italy’s most famous paintings in churches and other public buildings. You can also admire numerous Baroque fountains and statues adorning picturesque piazzas and gardens.
Italy is a treasure trove for all architecture lovers that holds endless appeal. Here you can explore architectural styles that go back centuries, including some of the most iconic buildings in the world, from the Colosseum and the Leaning Tower of Pisa to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Duomo in Florence. You can even explore ancient Roman towns, Medieval villages and fortresses.
What to book
Padua walking tour | Borghese Gallery | Dodge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica
Discover Italy for history buffs
Italy is like a cake, filled with layers of history at every turn. As you peel back the layers, you’ll find everything from ancient ruins, monuments and archeological sites to Medieval castles, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. Sometimes you can even find many of them in one place.
In the countryside are villages that have stood unchanged by time. Stroll the cobbled roads between stone buildings and piazzas as you admire the surrounding landscapes. You’ll likely find several churches and a castle or two in every town. Some are now ruins, while others have been meticulously restored. Part of the fun is finding out which one you’ll find once you arrive.
Get a taste of the Romans at the Colosseum in Rome or Pompeii near Naples. Discover ancient Etruscan tombs in Tuscany and the Greek ruins in Sicily. Immerse yourself in the Italian Renaissance in Florence, partake in the Carnival in Venice and let the magnificence of Italian churches like Milan’s Duomo di Milano and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel in Vatican City awe you.
What to book
Pompeii guided tour | Colosseum Underground | Necropolis of Tarquinia + Etruscan Museum
Discover Italy for foodies
Italians take their food seriously. When not making food or eating it, Italians frequently talk about it. Food is a popular topic of conversation among people of all ages, and it’s amusing how much they discuss it. Considering that Italian cuisine is one of the most popular in the world, you can’t blame them.
Italy’s soil is fertile, meaning everything grown here is bound to taste good. When you set out to discover Italy through the culinary path, you find yourself on a wonderful journey for the senses. Take a cooking class or go on a guided food or wine tour to discover the best local restaurants and wineries. Farmer’s markets are great places to pick up ingredients and sample the flavours.
For a more hands-on experience, consider staying on a farm or signing up for a local food experience like truffle hunting, olive picking or cheese making. Seeing the food made in front of you is not only fun and educational, but it’s also an unforgettable experience you won’t soon forget.
Additionally, cities like Genoa, Bologna and Parma are known for their specific traditional food and are great destinations for foodies. Italian food is versatile, and you’ll find different dishes and ingredients in different parts of the country that are a culinary treasure hunt.
What to book
Palermo Street Food Tour | Cooking class in Venice | Rome Food Tour
Discover Italy for outdoor enthusiasts
While Italy might not immediately come to mind when you think of outdoor destinations, it is actually an ideal location for outdoor lovers. Here you’ll find a diverse range of natural landscapes that offer many opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, cycling and water sports.
The Italian peninsula is surrounded by the Adriatic, Tyrrhenian and Mediterranean Seas, with a spectacular coastline lined with beaches and cliffs. It’s perfect for beach lovers and water enthusiasts. Going to the beach is a national past-time for Italians, and it’s easy to see why. If you’re planning on visiting the beach during the summer months, make sure to book your accommodations ahead of time.
Italy is also home to three mountain ranges, the Italian Alps, the Apennines and the Dolomites. Not only are they spectacular, but they also offer plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, rock climbing and mountain biking. The Dolomites, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, are known for their dramatic peaks and rugged landscapes. The Alps are also a popular destination for skiing, and here you’ll find many famous ski resorts.
What to book
Hike Italy’s Deepest Canyon | Mount Etna Mountain Hiking and Cable Car Tour | Canyoning Vione | Path of the Gods Hike
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