Northern Italy is one of the most amazing areas in Europe. Most people head to Venice or Milan, but there's so much more to this region. Hidden away are other cities and towns just waiting to be discovered. Tourists rarely visit these places, yet they give an idea of what life is like in Italy.

Food is massive in Italy, and each place has its unique cuisine, with some invented in that area and others influenced by nearby regions.

We will now cover 15 northern Italian destinations worth experiencing during your visit.

1. Venice

Venice is probably on everyone's bucket list as a place to visit in Italy and the world. Americans can’t get enough of Venice.

There is just so much here to see, and it's unique as it's all built on water and has so many historic buildings. If they could talk, they would have some great tales to tell.

While here, you should visit St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, and the famous Rialto Bridge.

The scenery, with its charming narrow streets, old town squares, and waterfront views, makes it so appealing. Make sure you have enough space on your phone for all the photographs you will take.

It is also lovely to see that in 2021, Venice took steps to stop cruise ships from docking. They can still dock at another nearby port, but this means some cruise companies have decided to remove Venice from their itineraries, which is goodfor the over-tourism that it can suffer from.

Fun fact: While writing this article, we Googled where Venice ranked in popularity for tourists. It was third, behind Rome and Florence.

2. Milan

Milan doesn’t get the credit it deserves. Everyone talks about Florence, Venice, and Rome, but little do they know they should head to Milan! Why, you ask? Well, let us tell you.

Milan is Italy's fashion and finance capital, and it is known for its style and culture. While it may not have as many fancy buildings as Florence, there is still plenty to see here.

Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper, is housed at the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Further artwork is showcased at the Pinacoteca di Brera, where works by Italian Renaissance artists are on display.

The food in Milan is also something special, with Risotto alla Milanese and cotoletta alla Milanese being 2 of the main dishes Milan is famous for.

3. Lake Como

We recently wrote an article on Lake Como, which is, in our opinion, one of the best places on this list. It feels like it's in its little ecosystem—crystal clear waters, lush greenery, and picturesque towns dotted along its coastline. If we had to pick one town, it would be Bellagio, often described as the Pearl of the Lake.

One of the main reasons people come here is the boat rides. They're a great way to travel between the towns, allowing you to enjoy Italy at a slower pace and take it all in.

If adventure is your thing, the lake is surrounded by mountains with great hiking and biking trails. Many places also offer watersports if you want to stay on the lake.

It's about an hour by train from Milan, so it could easily be added to a city break if you want to take a multi-trip holiday.

4. Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre (Five Lands) is one of Italy's prettiest places and comprises five picturesque villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. When you picture what Italy looks like, Cinque Terre is it – houses on the side of cliffs, beautiful food while enjoying a glass of wine overlooking the sea.

You will likely arrive here for a day trip, but our tip is to stay three or four days longer. It's so popular due to its beauty that a day doesn't do it justice. Wander around in the morning, watch the sunset after the crowds have gone, or maybe visit one of the nearby vineyards. This will give you a better overall feeling of what this area is like rather than rushing through it all in one day.

5. Verona

Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo! If you weren’t already aware, it was the setting for Romeo and Juliet, but there's much more to it than just the Shakespeare connection. If you love the play, then Juliet’s House, with its famous balcony, should be on your list to visit. There's even a bronze statue of Juliet outside.

It is a city full of Roman ruins, so it is called “Little Rome.” The best remains to visit are Arena di Verona (Roman Arena), found on the Bra Square. It dates back to the 1st Century AD and is still used today for concerts and operas.

Apart from all the wonderful buildings, Verona also has some fantastic food, with risotto all'Amarone being one of the more famous dishes made with the famous Amarone wine produced in the nearby Valpolicella region.

6. Bologna

Bologna is definitely overlooked for some bigger cities like Venice or Florence, but there is so much to see here that you will want to return on your next trip to Italy.

The center of town is where it's all at. This is one of the best preserved in Europe, with two ionic towers. It's 498 steps to the tallest one, but the city's views are worth it.

As with most places on this list, food is a big deal. Of course, Bolognese sauce is made in Bologna, and it is servedeverywhere here, so make sure you give it a try while you are there.

If you’re a foodie, a lover of history, or someone wanting to explore a different part of Italy, Bologna should be on your Italy bucket list.

7. Turin

Turin is the capital of the Piedmont region in Northern Italy and blends historic charm with modern sophistication. Another fact for you is that it was once the original capital of Italy, but it is still somehow undiscovered by many tourists. 

When you are in other cities like Venice and Florence, you will hear English voices everywhere, but when you are here, the only English you might hear is your own.

One of the main reasons people visit here is the stunning Royal Palace. The palace is not free to enter, but the gardens are! Piazza Castello is also worth visiting. It's full of impressive historic buildings, cafes, and boutique shops.

8. Genoa

You are probably realizing now that most of the places on the list from Verona onwards are some of the less visited cities in Italy, but all the more reason to visit them. 

Genoa has a rich maritime history, celebrated at the Galata Museo del Mare. This makes a great day out for all the family.

If you are a fan of pesto, you need to try it here, as it was invented here. The city is also famous for focaccia.

To get the best views of the city, take the funicular to Spianata Castelletto. It's perfect for snapping a photo for the gram!

If you see many English flags everywhere, don't worry. It isn’t English people taking over; Genoa has the same flag.

9. Parma

When you think of Parma, do you feel about Parma Ham? I know we all do here at the Frugal Expat, but maybe that's because we are all massive foodies. Anyway, yes, it is where the famous Parma ham is from. But it's also renowned for Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, which you would have probably had on top of your pasta at some point. If you visit Parma, take one of the many food tours on offer here.

Apart from food, there are also some great examples of Romanesque architecture, with the Duomo di Parma being one you should check out. Renaissance master Antonio da Correggio decorated it, and the details are amazing.

As with many places in Italy, it has a fantastic square in the middle of the city. This square is full of cafes where you can watch the locals go about their daily lives.

10. Modena

If you are thinking, “I’ve seen the name Modena somewhere before.” you probably have, as it is the name of the famous balsamic vinegar and the birthplace of Ferrari.

We recommend doing one of the balsamic vinegar tours. It might sound strange, but you will learn much about its history and hopefully come away with a new appreciation. After that, head to The Mercato Albinelli, a busy indoor market where you can sample lots of local produce.

Apart from the food, there is a lot you should check out. The Modena Cathedral (Duomo di Modena) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive sculptures and interiors. Opposite it is the Ghirlandina Tower, which has the best views of the city.

11. Bergamo

Bergamo is Milan's lesser-known neighbor and, like others on the list, is often missed by travelers. Make sure you give this city a chance; it won’t disappoint you.

The city is divided into Città Alta (Upper Town) and Città Bassa (Lower Town). As lovers of old towns at the Frugal Expat, we recommend you head to the upper town and catch the funicular, which takes you right up to the top. This part of the city is full of medieval history and almost feels untouched.

You must visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, as the inside is breathtaking. It dates back to the 12th century and is full of frescoes, beautiful archways, and intricate tapestries.

What’s also good is that Orio al Serio International Airport (one you probably haven’t heard of) is only 20 minutes by bus and is a lovely modern airport that always seems to run smoothly.

12. Padua

Have you heard of Padua? Probably not, so we added it to this list so you can find out more about it. This city is near Verona and Venice and could be added to a day trip.

Padua is one of the oldest cities in Northern Italy. Two of its most famous buildings are the 14th-century Scrovegni Chapel, full of Giotti's frescoes, and the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua, which houses St. Anthony's tomb and has amazing Gothic architecture.

It is also famous for its canals, as the River Bacchiglione flows through the middle, making it a great boat trip opportunity.

13. Mantua

Mantua is one of the smallest places on our list, with a population of just 48,000. It also only takes about 20 minutes to walk from one side to the other. Some travelers visit here on a day trip from a bigger city, which ends up being their trip's highlight.

What's refreshing about Mantua is that you won’t have to queue to get into any of the attractions, and there is no need to make restaurant reservations. It just doesn’t suffer any of the tourism that other places get.

The number one attraction is Ducal Palace (Palazzo Ducale), full of different buildings, courtyards, and gardens you must visit.

Mantua is surrounded by three man-made lakes that almost make it feel cut off from the rest of Italy. These give you great views and the opportunity to get out on a boat.

14. Trento

If you love outdoor adventures, Trento could be on our list. It's surrounded by the Dolomite mountains, which make it the perfect place to go hiking for the day. Different trails suit all abilities.

One of the best buildings to visit is Buonconsiglio Castle, which offers great city views and lets you experience life in Medieval Trento.

Piazza Dante is a good place to start your journey. It's the center of the old town, where you could grab a coffee or try some local delicacies Trento is famous for, such as canederli (bread dumplings), polenta, and speck (cured ham).

15. Trieste

Trieste is a port town that can be found near the border between Slovenia and Austria. Many different cultures have influenced it over the years. This comes through with the local food specialties being jota (a soup made with beans), sauerkraut and strudel.

The main place to head to is Piazza Unità d'Italia, one of the largest sea-facing squares in Europe. It is surrounded by grand buildings such as the Palazzo del Municipio and the Palazzo del Governo.

Put Trieste on your list of Northern Italian destinations you can’t miss.

Final Thoughts

That is a wrap on our 15 places in Northern Italy.

If you have any comments on any places mentioned in our list, please let us know by filling in the comments below. Ciao!