16 Most Beautiful Cities in Italy to Visit on Your Next Trip

Steve Cummings

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Syracuse, Italy
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It seems like everybody is visiting Italy these days, and it’s not hard to see why! Located in Southern Europe, Italy sits on a peninsula in the Mediterranean Sea. Owing to its history as the heart of the Roman Empire, Italy has a unique cultural landscape. Speaking of landscape, it is absolutely stunning! From the Mediterranean coastline to the Italian Alps, Italy is full of beautiful views and places to explore. Not to mention the delicious cuisine, there are plenty of reasons to visit Italy. If you want to prioritize visiting some of the most beautiful places in Italy, you should put some of the following spots on your list. Keep reading to discover our picks for the 16 most beautiful cities in Italy to visit on your next trip! 

1. Verona 

Verona Italy
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Once you see Verona, you’ll know why Shakespeare chose it to be the center of his famous romance. Sitting along the Adige River, Verona is an idyllic city with an eclectic combination of bridges, ruins, piazzas, churches, and more. The bridges that stretch across the river, combined with the stunning red brick, make Verona an unforgettable city to explore. Make sure you visit the Verona Arena and Juliet’s Wall at Casa di Giulietta for the full experience! 

2. Rome

Rome, Italy
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This one is a classic destination for any trip to Italy, but it deserves a mention nonetheless. Rome is Italy’s long-important capital city. As the capital of the Roman Empire, Rome holds many notable landmarks, such as the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, and more. You can practically feel the history coming out of the cobblestone streets and winding walkways. Make sure you don’t miss out on this stunning city! 

3. Lecce

Lecce, Italy
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If you’re looking for unique Baroque architecture, Lecce deserves to be on your list. This city, otherwise referred to as “the Florence of the South,” is most well known for its gorgeous limestone. Since the limestone is fairly easy to carve, Lecce became a beacon for architecture and stunning sculptures. In addition to its unique look, Lecce has a host of delicious restaurants, historic ruins, and great shopping! 

4. Venice 

Venice, Italy
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Venice has captured the imagination of travelers and lovers throughout history. Known around the world as the Floating City, Venice combines the mystique of Gothic architecture with the unique charm of the water canals flowing throughout. Beyond this well-known beauty, Venice has plenty of landmarks to visit, such as Doge’s Palace, Saint Mark’s Basilica, Ponte di Rialto, and more. No trip to Italy is complete with a spin around Piazza San Marco and a gondola ride through the city. 

4. Florence

Florence, Italy
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Well known as one of the best spots in all of Italy for arts, Florence deserves to be on any list of the most beautiful cities in Italy. From Michelangelo’s David and the Duomo, it is emblematic of the Renaissance period. The beauty spreads from the museums through to the city’s architecture and fashion icons, such as Gucci and Ferragamo. If you’re looking for a stunning Italian city, Florence should be on the list! 

6. Genoa

Genoa
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When you think of beauty in Italian cities, don’t forget about Genoa. Genoa is the heart of the Italian Riviera, with gorgeous views of bright colored buildings around the water. From the boats floating through the port to the Rolli Palaces, Genoa offers a different view of Italy. Owing to the enormous amount of money that flowed into Genoa during its heyday, this city is full of Renaissance gems, such as Cinque Terre and Portofino. Check out all of the palaces, preserved as museums and day-to-day buildings!  

7. Perugia 

Perugia
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Most people don’t get to experience Umbria, the middle of the country or Italy’s “green heart,” and that is such a shame! If you visit this part of the country, we recommend checking out Perugia. Perugia captures gorgeous natural elements, such as the trees and greenery, along with elements of medieval architecture. While most visitors tend towards Tuscany, Perugia gives a similar experience with fewer crowds and a more rustic vibe. 

8. Lucca 

Lucca
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If you’re visiting Pisa for the iconic tower, make sure you plan a stop in Lucca. Of all the stops in Tuscany, Lucca is one of the most underrated, beautiful cities in Italy. The city honors its medieval heritage, with the city’s original walls preserved and surrounding the historic quarter. To see the true gems of Lucca, make sure that you make your way up Guinigi Tower for sweeping views of the entire city. 

9. Siena

Siena
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Most visitors forget about Siena, since most people go to Florence first. While Florence definitely deserves a visit, don’t forget about Siena. Siena offers a more demure, calm destination with beautiful, Gothic touches throughout the city and hillsides behind. If you plan your visit correctly, you could even see the city in full action, with horses racing through the streets for the Palio horse race. No matter when you visit, you’ll enjoy the Renaissance charm through the city’s famous cathedral, library of Piccolomini, and the winding pathways. 

10. Turin

Turin, Italy
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For a different flavor, Turin combines a majestic mountain background with the mindful architecture you’d expect from Italy. Turin has a magical feel, from the Alps in the background to the Mole Antonelliana building soaring above the city. You’ll want to spend all day exploring the city’s streets and sipping on a regional classic, the bicerin. It is also a capital for delicious food, so you can expect a great time in Turin! 

11. Syracuse

Syracuse, Italy
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Originally founded by the Greeks, Syracuse offers a different kind of charm and history. This incredible city sits along the Ionian Sea, with the jewel-toned waters licking up against they city walls. You can witness the unique history in all the details, such as new buildings built up on others like cathedrals. For the best experience, make sure you walk through the Piazza del Duomo and take a guided walking tour to hear all the history firsthand.  

12. Naples 

Naples, Italy
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Many people refer to Naples as “Bella Napoli,” and this city truly lives up to that reputation. Naples has a different beauty than many other Italian cities, since it is a bit less urban. From the historic palaces and medieval castles, Naples is full of unexpected beauty. Museum-lovers will be in heaven, from Museo Cappella Sansevero, Galleria Borbonica, Museo di Capodimonte, and more. That is not even to mention the architectural gems, such as Galleria Umberto I. Make sure you give this city a chance! 

13. Brindisi

Brindisi
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When you think of beautiful cities in the south of Italy, think of Brindisi! This seaside town sports its muted tones with elegance alongside the beautiful waters. In addition to being stunning, Brindisi has long been an important city, due to the strategic position on a natural inlet of the Adriatic Sea. While in Brindisi, make sure that you appreciate the history sprinkled throughout the city, not just the stunning sea. 

14. Portofino

Portofino
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How could Portofino not have an iconic port? It’s right there in the name! This little fishing city is a colorful town, wrapped by the beauty of deep waters of the port and the lush greens on the hills. While there are fewer than a thousand full-time inhabitants of Portofino, during the high-tourism season it blossoms into a bustling spot. Enjoy the stunning cliffs, bright buildings, and small-town charm, contrasting with the rest of these big, Italian cities on the list.      

15. Messina 

Messina, Italy
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Pull up to Messina’s beautiful coastline on a boat and you’ll understand why this city makes our list of the most beautiful cities in Italy. Messina sits just above a stunning harbor and just below stunning mountains behind. With pops of green in the city and stretching on the hills above, complemented by Messina’s stunning architecture, you’ll have no doubts why Messina is one of Sicily’s gems.

16. Ravenna 

Ravenna, Italy
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Many people overlook Ravenna when they go through Italy, but it is certainly worth a visit! Ravenna is a culinary hot-spot tucked into the Emilia-Romagna region, with plenty of medieval sites to take in. From the UNESCO World Heritage sites to the fresh meals, which deserve to be in the history books themselves, you’ll have plenty of wonders to take in at Ravenna. Make sure that you see Basilica di San Vitale, which holds some of the best examples of Roman art we know today! 

Your Trip to Italy: Most Beautiful Cities to Add to Your Itinerary 

When you’re planning a trip to Italy, it can be hard to know where to start. There are so many beautiful cities that seem like no-brainers to visit, such as Venice and Rome. However, Italy is full of gorgeous spots, beyond the obvious choices. Next time you head to Italy, consider putting a few of these 16 most beautiful cities in Italy on your itinerary! 

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