10 Most Beautiful Cities in Italy to Visit Absolutely

Italy is a country that feels like a living, breathing masterpiece—every street, piazza, and waterfront brims with history, culture, and beauty. As someone who has explored this stunning country extensively, I can confidently say that choosing the most beautiful cities in Italy is no easy feat.

From the romantic canals of Venice to the Renaissance grandeur of Florence, every city tells a story steeped in art, architecture, and centuries-old traditions.

What makes Italy’s cities truly remarkable is their diversity. If you're drawn to dramatic coastlines, Amalfi offers breathtaking cliffside views, while Cinque Terre enchants with its colorful seaside villages. For those who crave history, Rome—the Eternal City—is a treasure trove of ancient wonders, from the Colosseum to the Pantheon. Meanwhile, the medieval charm of Siena and the Baroque splendor of Turin showcase Italy’s regional richness.

But beauty isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s also about atmosphere. Whether you’re sipping espresso in a sun-drenched Piazza San Marco, wandering through the Vatican Museums, or indulging in authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy trattoria, Italy’s cities offer an unparalleled sensory experience. In this guide, I’ll take you on a journey through Italy’s most mesmerizing urban destinations, highlighting what makes each one unique and why they deserve a spot on your travel list.

10 Most Beautiful Cities in Italy

In our list you will find places you have probably already been to, others you are dying to discover and others you may have never heard of in your life. But we assure you that they are all spectacular. Ready? Let's see which are the most beautiful cities in Italy.

1. Rome, much more than history

Oh, our beloved Rome . We have walked its cobbled streets so many times, and we never get tired! We top the list with what is, for us, not only one of the most beautiful cities in Italy , but in the entire world. Many say that Rome is like a huge open-air museum and we believe that this description fits it perfectly.

With its thousand-year-old history of emperors and gladiators, its alleys and stone palaces, its majestic squares and its colourful corners, it will be easy to feel like you are in a Mastroianni film and fall in love forever with the Eternal City . And what about its dishes of cacio e pepe? Amatriciana? Carbonara? Pizzas, ice creams… uff, Rome conquers through the eyes and finishes off through the palate!

Without a doubt, in the top 3 of the most beautiful cities in Italy.

2. Venice, the most romantic city in Italy

If Rome is our favourite city in Italy, Venice is our personal little corner. I'm from nearby and every time we go back to my house we take the opportunity to escape to check if the canals still have water. And to be honest, we lost count of the times we visited Venice.

But every time we leave the train station and come face to face with what looks like a living painting by Tintoretto , we get goosebumps. There is no other place like it in the whole world , no matter how many cities call themselves “the Venice of the North/East”…

We always recommend spending at least one night in the city , to get to know its more intimate side, lit only by the light of a few street lamps. And if you have more time, visit it slowly, since much of its charm is discovered away from the squares and the most touristy places. In addition, there are a few islands near Venice that are worth a visit.

3. Florence, art everywhere

We finish the magical trio of the most beautiful cities in Italy with Florence , the capital of Tuscany and the artistic cradle of the Italian Renaissance. If Rome is history and Venice is elegance, Florence is art… it is not in vain that Stendhal Syndrome was born here, so be careful, because with so much beauty you can even get dizzy!

Getting lost in the corridors of its museums, being amazed in Piazza della Signoria , crossing the Ponte Vecchio , replenishing your energy in the Mercato Centrale or watching the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo with a Birra Moretti in your hand are some of the memories that will remain in your memory for the rest of your life. And if you have a week to spare, don't hesitate to extend your stay to explore part of Tuscany by car.

4. Verona, another of the most beautiful cities in Italy

The first thing you think of when you hear the word “ Verona ” is probably Romeo and Juliet and their tragic love story… But there’s much more to Verona than that. Starting with the spectacular Arena , a Roman amphitheatre that could hold more than 30,000 people at its peak and is still in excellent condition. And continuing with the views of the Adige river and the city from Castelvecchio .

It is also a city that can be covered in one day, and it is halfway between Milan and Venice, so if you are making a trip through Northern Italy, this is an unmissable stop! And yes, it certainly deserves a place of honor among the most beautiful cities in Italy.

Remember to bring your Revolut card and/or N26 card so that you are not charged commissions when paying and withdrawing money abroad.

5. Trieste, the least Italian of the most beautiful cities in Italy

I'm going to be biased, but don't think I'm being subjective: Trieste , the least Italian city, certainly deserves a place on this list. Where Italian meets Slavic, in a land of borders and with a long history behind it (it was a key point during the Austro-Hungarian Empire) is located this very interesting city.

Its charm was not hidden from many intellectuals such as James Joyce, Ernest Hemingway or Umberto Saba , who spent long periods here. You see, it is not very well known outside Italy (even among Italians it is not popular), but it is a-mazing.

→ Here we tell you everything to see and do in Trieste

6. Naples, with an overwhelming personality

The one that is known throughout the world, both for good and bad, is Naples . We can't find a better term to describe it than "peculiar": cheerful, fun, chaotic, noisy and with an overwhelming personality. In Italy we have a saying: vedi Napoli e muori (see Naples and die), that is: once you've seen this corner of Campania, you've seen it all.

And here it is not only the monuments that play a decisive role, the city is like an immense stage where its extroverted inhabitants are the real protagonists… And what about the scenery? With Vesuvius on one side and the Gulf of Naples on the other, well, the game is done .

7. Turin, elegant like few others

We return to the north of Italy to discover the elegant, and at first glance somewhat cold, Turin . This is how this city is often presented to new visitors, however, as with other places in the north, this air of indifference is just a shell: if you know how to scratch beneath it you will find an interesting, entertaining and not excessive place… It is as if the famous Mole Antonelliana was always watching so that things do not get out of hand 😉

It also has the privilege of being the headquarters of Fiat (the world of motors is in the air here), and it keeps under lock and key nothing less than the Holy Shroud.

8. Milan, one of the most beautiful Italian cities (even if you don't believe it)

Surprised? If you're one of those who think Milan is an ugly, uninteresting city, you haven't visited it the right way! Gone are the days when this city was synonymous with industry and wandered around under a layer of boring grey. Milan has woken up in a huge rainbow and offers endless activities . Not to mention its nightlife (oh, those aperitifs) and gastronomic scene (oh, those restaurants) that not many cities have.

But it is also not short of tourist attractions: the Duomo , the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, the Sforzesco Castle , the Navigli , the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie where Leonardo's Last Supper is located and much more... Have we convinced you?

9. Padua, student atmosphere and lots of art

Padua will always have a special place in our hearts: it was my home for 3 years and it was where we met. But as with Trieste, we promise we are not being biased, as Padua is a wonderful destination, with stunning places like the Scrovegni Chapel (with frescoes by Giotto), the imposing Basilica of Saint Anthony or Prato della Valle , one of the largest (and most beautiful) squares in Europe.

Obviously we have spent many nights here and our recommendation is that you do the same, however it is a small city and can be visited perfectly in one day.

10. Matera, the nativity scene of Italy

Matera is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, but unfortunately (or not?) it is also one of the least known. It gained some fame after the film “Passion” by Mel Gibson, but it deserves much more recognition. It is also known as “ The city of stones ” because its historic centre is a network of narrow streets, stairs, caves and houses, all made of tuff stone.

It is located in the Basilicata region and is a must-see on a trip through southern Italy.

Extra: 10 other beautiful cities in Italy, which are definitely worth visiting!

Pisa , Genoa , Siena , Bologna , Bergamo , Syracuse , Perugia, Ravenna, Lecce , Bolzano… Wow, the list should be endless. We already told you at the beginning: if there is one thing that is not lacking in the Belpaese, it is spectacular cities.