There’s no place on earth as beautiful as Italy – boasting a brilliant blend of culture, cuisine, natural beauty, and history. If you’re planning an Italian vacation, there are plenty of captivating places to see and experience, but it may be challenging to know where to start. So we’re sharing some of the most beautiful Italian cities and towns right here.
Discover Rome’s ancient architecture and historic buildings, the sunkissed city of Lecce in the South, and elegant northern city of Turin. This guide will help you discover the prettiest places in Italy and share where to stay and eat when you visit them.
Italy’s Iconic Cities
Rome
Rome needs no introduction as one of the most iconic cities in the world, but we think it is also one of the most beautiful. The Eternal City was founded almost 3,000 years ago, and the city’s fascinating history is epitomized by ancient Roman ruins, like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.
There are many picturesque hidden gems in Rome, such as the Giardino degli Aranci, a stunning park overlooking the city, or the Ponte Sant’Angelo bridge, boasting views of the Castel Sant’Angelo. Plus you shouldn’t miss Rome’s main attractions like the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
At every turn, you’ll have your breath taken away by UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient ruins, cobbled streets, and centuries of captivating art.
Where to Stay and Eat
Stay: Hotel Palazzo Manfredi offers a luxury experience, stunning decor, and an unmatched view of the Colosseum right from your room.
Eat: In the heart of Rome, Per Me Giulio Terrinoni is a restaurant adorned with warm lighting and greenery, making your meal feel magical.
Florence
If you want to see Florence at its beautiful best, visit Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset and watch the sky change color as the Renaissance city shimmers below.
The Tuscan capital is of course known for Renaissance art and architecture, ancient historical centers, gorgeous gardens, and interesting museums. But its beauty lies around hidden corners and views across the Arno River.
The city has the famous Uffizi Gallery, the Piazza del Duomo, and many major landmarks. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore covered in pink, white and green marble is perhaps the most impressive, standing tall in the city’s heart.
Photo-worthy sights are everywhere you look, from well-known spots, such as the Duomo, to hidden gems, like the Oltrarno neighborhood where if you look hard enough you may find one of the city’s unique wine windows.
Where to Stay and Eat
Stay: There’s no beating the Palazzo Bianca Cappello Residenza d’Epoca, a stunning hotel near the historic center housed in an ancient Florentine palace.
Eat: Also in the historic center, Ristorante dei Rossi offers delicious meals under impressive stone archways and intricate frescoes.
Venice
What’s more beautiful than the contrast of faded Renaissance palaces against the brilliant blue of the Adriatic Sea? Venice is a must-see in northern Italy and is a picturesque city worth every second of your time. It’s characterized by over 150 canals, including the Grand Canal, winding through the city.
Venice is home to many alluring sights, including the architecture of beautiful churches like St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) and the Abbey of San Giorgio Maggiore. There are also many stunning bridges, such as Ponte di Rialto, and other great attractions, such as the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace).
Plus, each small island in the Venetian lagoon has something unique to offer. Burano, for example, has photo-worthy houses alongside the canals, painted in eye-catching bright colors.
Where to Stay and Eat
Stay: The H10 Palazzo Canova hotel is impeccable, with spacious and modern rooms and a rooftop terrace overlooking the Grand Canal.
Eat: Grab a bite of classic Italian cuisine at La Porta d’Acqua, overlooking the Grand Canal and just a few steps away from Ponte di Rialto.
Beautiful Cities in Northern Italy
Verona
Considered one of the most romantic places in Italy. Verona is a medieval town in Veneto, northern Italy. The city was founded in the 1st century BC and was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
There are numerous charming sights in this northern Italian city, from the Arena di Verona to the Adige River on Ponte Pietra. Just across from said bridge is the Castel San Pietro, that offers sweeping views of the city.
Other must-see sights include the Piazza Bra, the Piazza delle Erbe, and the Arche Scaligere. And you can’t miss the beauty of Casa di Giulietta, very well marketed as the house of Juliet Capulet (of Romeo and Juliet fame) but actually it’s simply a lovely palazzo with an appropriate balcony.
Where to Stay and Eat
Stay: Nobili Libardi Villa Basevi is a unique hotel surrounded by greenery and lush gardens, creating a serene escape from the city.
Eat: Yard Restaurant is just a stone’s throw from the Adige River. It blends modern decor with exposed concrete walls and green plants to add a pop of color.
READ: Our guide to the Best things to do in Verona.
Bolzano
Bolzano is the gateway to the mountainous region of South Tyrol and the epic Dolomites. The old town sits at the center of this beautiful city, nestled in the valley among Alpine peaks and vineyards.
What makes this one of the most beautiful cities in Italy is not only its scenic beauty but also the unique Medieval buildings on nearby hillsides. Maretsch Castle and Castel Roncolo are small yet mighty Medieval castles in the Bolzano countryside.
You’ll also find other beautiful buildings like the 12th-century Bolzano Cathedral, with its unique and impressive Gothic architecture, and the Monumento della Vittoria.
Where to Stay and Eat
Stay: For a luxury experience and uninterrupted views of the mountains in the distance, Art & Design Hotel Napura is the place to be.
Eat: Nussbaumer serves a blend of Italian and German cuisine and sits on the quaint and narrow Bottai Street.
DISCOVER: The Most beautiful castles in Italy.
Turin
Turin is a highly underrated Italian city that is a refreshing break from major tourist areas. The Piedmont region’s capital city has a special allure, with the Italian Alps in the distance, elegant piazzas, and royal palaces.
Turin boasts around 22 royal residences, each with a rich history and exquisite design reflecting the city’s opulent past. The Royal Palace, or Palazzo Reale, is ornate both inside and out, much like Palazzo Carignano and Palazzo Madama.
Where to Stay and Eat
Stay: Consider a night at Turin Palace Hotel, which offers a blend of modern comfort and luxury alongside terraces with breathtaking city views.
Eat: Ristorante Circolo dei Lettori offers a tasty meal beneath brilliant stone archways, crystal chandeliers, and paintings on every wall.
Treviso
Treviso is undoubtedly one of the most pretty places in Italy and shares characteristics with its neighbor, Venice. So, you can expect scenery boasting winding canals through the city, cobblestone streets, beautiful bridges, and superb architecture of basilicas and Palladian villas.
This Italian city has many sights to check out, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Neoclassical churches and palaces like Palazzo dei Trecento and streets that light up along the Buranelli Canal. The Treviso Cathedral is another gorgeous spot set in the Piazza Duomo. The glittering rivers Sile and Botteniga are a perfect backdrop in the evenings, too.
Where to Stay and Eat
Stay: Le Camere di Palazzo Bortolan offers warm and inviting rooms next to the River Sile.
Eat: Antica Torre is a quiet restaurant tucked away on Via Inferiore, offering classic cuisine and a calm, romantic atmosphere.
LISTEN: To our podcast episode on Treviso – Home of tiramisu and prosecco.
Trieste
If you want a melting pot of different cultures and beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea, then Trieste is the place to be. Blending Italian, Austrian, German, Croatian, and Greek influences, this city really isn’t like anything else in Italy.
The city’s architecture is assorted due to many different influences over the years. Some, like the Piazza Unità d’Italia and Castello di San Giusto, were built under Austrian rule. In contrast, others, like the Roman Theatre of Trieste, are more reminiscent of ancient Roman times. You’ll find something new to admire at every twist and turn.
Where to Stay and Eat
Stay: For a luxury experience with views of Triest Harbor, try staying at the Savoia Excelsior Palace Trieste.
Eat: If you’re a fan of seafood, why not grab a bite at the Trattoria Nerodiseppia restaurant, right across from the harbor?
Padua
Padua, also called Padova, is one of the best places in Italy to visit for its idyllic scenery, sitting alongside the River Bacchiglione. The city is famous as an academic center, housing the Università di Padova, one of the world’s oldest universities. This university is in Palazzo Bo, and other history-rich buildings like Palazzo Moroni (the town hall) and Castello Carrarese – all magnificent in their own right.
From these historic buildings to famous artworks, Giotto’s frescoes, basilicas, and piazzas, Padua has much to admire. Not to mention the natural beauty of rivers, parks, and lush botanical gardens, such as the University of Padua Botanical Garden.
Where to Stay and Eat
Stay: The Massimago Wine Tower is a great place to stay, boasting gorgeous rose gardens and housed in a 14th-century building.
Eat: Locanda della Loggia is a lovely restaurant where you can enjoy a meal with views of Piazza dei Signori.
Merano
Moving back to the enchanting mountainous region of South Tyrol, you’ll find a picture-perfect mountain town called Merano. Its natural Mediterranean scenery is unmatched and unique, surrounded by captivating Alpine hills, vineyards, and palm trees.
You’ll discover Medieval castles scattered around, like Castel Trauttmansdorff or Castello Principesco, boasting inviting gardens and mountain views. Other charming sights of note include Piazza Del Grano in the historic center or the intricate design of St. Nicholas’ Church.
Where to Stay and Eat
Stay: For a serene escape nestled at the foot of the tree-covered mountains, pick up a room at the wondrous Hotel Annabell.
Eat: The Bistro by Backificio is as inviting as it gets, offering hearty meals and an unbeatable atmosphere.
Bergamo
Bergamo is one of the prettiest cities in northern Italy. A hub for lovers of art, history, impressive architecture, and views of the looming Alps in the distance, the city is divided into two districts, historic Città Alta and Città Bassa, each with their own defining features.
Città Alta is by far the most beautiful, though. This historic center is surrounded by ancient Venetian walls and holds medieval attractions like Palazzo della Ragione and Piazza Vecchia. You can also marvel at Renaissance structures, like the Colleoni Chapel or the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Where to Stay and Eat
Stay: If you want to stay in the magical Città Alta near the basilica, then Hotel Piazza Vecchia is the place to go.
Eat: Da Mimmo Bergamo Alta blends modern touches with the medieval aesthetic of the historic district, offering you an unforgettable meal and experience.
LISTEN: To more on Bergamo in our podcast episode Bergamo – Gateway to the Alps.
Beautiful Southern Italian Cities
Lecce
Puglia towns and cities are often described as some of the most beautiful in the country, and Lecce is no exception. This Baroque city is characterized by its unique architecture, which utilizes a particular light-colored limestone called Pietra Leccese that gives the city its unique look.
Wander through Lecce and admire the layers of history represented in its buildings – from the Roman Amphitheater and Piazza Sant’Oronzo to the jaw-dropping Basilica Di Santa Croce. Lecce Cathedral is another defining monument in the city, adorned with ornate facades, stone carvings, and an imposing bell tower.
Where to Stay and Eat
Stay: Le Nicchie Luxury Rooms is found near stunning attractions, including Lecce Cathedral and Piazza Sant’Oronzo.
Eat: In the heart of Lecce’s historic center, you’ll find La Scarpetta Hostaria, surrounded by Baroque architecture and a lovely atmosphere.
DISCOVER: The Best things to do in Lecce.
Ortigia (Siracusa)
If you journey to southern Italy, you’ll find Ortigia in the ancient city of Siracusa, a small island connected to Sicily by the Umbertino and Santa Lucia Bridges. Ortigia grants visitors charming streets of cobblestone, Baroque buildings, and the glittering expanse of the bright blue ocean surrounding the island.
For some beautiful and impressive ruins, visit Neapolis Archaeological Park or the Temple of Apollo, the oldest Dorci temple in Sicily. Like other cities in Italy, you’ll find imposing historic churches like the Syracuse Cathedral. The Fountain of Diana is also another picturesque spot right in the center of Piazza Archimede.
Where to Stay and Eat
Stay: Algilà Ortigia Charme Hotel is a lovely spot to set base, overlooking the seafront of the Ionian Sea, right outside your door.
Eat: Ristorante Trattoria is a brilliant seafood restaurant on the seafront, sporting blue interior designs to add to that maritime atmosphere.
Matera
Matera is one of Italy’s most romantic cities. This timeless city in southern Italy is known for sassi (cave dwellings) which contributed to its appointment as a European Capital of Culture in 2019. The sassi are carved into the side of the city’s ravine and are a magical sight, especially at sunset.
The Sassi and churches of Matera were named a UNESCO heritage site and a must-see for any history lover. You can experience these remarkable dwellings in the Murgia Materana National Park or wander through the city to admire spots such as Piazza Vittorio Veneto or Chiesa di San Pietro Caveoso.
Where to Stay and Eat
Stay: The rooms in Il Belvedere feel like they were carved in the same rock as the famous Sassi and offer sweeping views of the city and valley surrounding it.
Eat: Restaurant Baccanti is housed in the Sassi caves and is exceptional for the food and scenery.
LISTEN: To the Magic of Matera podcast episode.
Noto
Nothing quite beats eastern Sicily’s unique Baroque charm, and the city of Noto offers it up in spades. This town is among some of the most beautiful Italy has to offer, boasting dreamy architecture, lovely boutiques, small art galleries and local restaurants.
Noto Cathedral is the highlight of Noto, standing proudly in the town center, with a sweeping staircase leading up to its entrance. You will also marvel at St. Charles Church, the Palazzo Ducezio, and the brilliant arch Porta Reale o Ferdinandea in Noto’s heart.
Where to Stay and Eat
Stay: The most gorgeous hotel in Noto is undoubtedly the Gagliardi Boutique Hotel, which boasts terrace views of Noto Cathedral and the surrounding city.
Eat: Ristorante Manna Noto is as pretty as it gets, with lush vines and flowers adorning the exterior walls.
Beautiful Cities in Central Italy
Lucca
This magical Tuscan city is just a short train ride from Pisa and sits in the scenic Serchio Valley, surrounded by lovely hills and the Apuan Alps to the north-west. Lucca is often called “the city of 100 churches” due to them being spread across the city, each with a unique character and charm.
Lucca is known for its 16th-century walls, which surround the city center which dates back to Roman times but features mainly Medieval architecture. The Porta San Pietro is the gateway to the Old Town. Once you enter, you’ll find photo opportunities for the ages, from the Piazza Dell‘Anfiteatro to Romanesque and gothic-style churches, like the Basilica of San Frediano and Duomo di San Martino.
Where to Stay and Eat
Stay: The contrast between the modern interior of Hotel Ilaria and the medieval exterior of historic Lucca makes this a one-of-a-kind stay.
Eat: Exposed brick walls, archways, and greenery welcome you to this spectacular spot, Trattoria da Giulio.
EXPLORE: The Best things to do in Lucca.
Gubbio
Umbria is an arguably underrated region in Italy despite its numerous beautiful places to see, and the Medieval town of Gubbio is one of them. Also called the “city of stone,” Gubbio offers a labyrinth of winding cobbled streets and narrow alleyways to explore.
You’ll spot plenty of eye-catching buildings and some historical sites throughout. Still, the Basilica of St. Ubaldo on top of Mount Ingino is one of the most impressive, with bright walls contrasting the stunning greenery of the trees surrounding it. The Palazzo dei Consoli, Teatro Romano, and Gubbio Cathedral are also brilliant.
Where to Stay and Eat
Stay: The Park Hotel Ai Cappuccini is an exceptional choice, built within a converted 17th-century monastery in the historic city center.
Eat: Nestled between tall medieval walls, Ristorante Alla Balestra offers mouthwatering food and embodies the city’s distinctive character.
Bologna
Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, and a unique contrast to Southern Italian towns like Matera or Lecce. While sometimes called the “food capital of Italy,” Bologna offers more than delicious cuisine. The warm terracotta tones of the city’s Renaissance structures, fountains, and intricate Portici arches provide plenty of photo opportunities.
To experience the breathtaking city, you must add a few places to your Bologna itinerary. The historical center is a great place to start, where you can admire Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica di San Petronio, and the Two Towers. You can also view the exquisite artworks in the Pinacoteca Nazionale gallery.
Where to Stay and Eat
Stay: The Art Hotel Commercianti is a must-stay, boasting colorful and inviting interiors and views of the San Petronio Basilica next door.
Eat: Osteria dell’Orsa is a highly-rated Bolognese restaurant, and while in a small space, it has a homey feel you can’t help but enjoy.
FIND: Fantastic accommodation options in Where to stay in Bologna.
Ravenna
Another gem in Emilia-Romagna, Ravenna, is known as the capital of the Western Roman Empire and has a rich history and many captivating places to see. While some buildings are typical of what you’d expect in an Italian city on the outside, it’s what’s on the inside that counts.
Ravenna is mainly known for its intricate mosaics, which are spread throughout the city and best seen in places like Sant’Apollinare Nuovo and the Basilica of San Vitale. You’ll find astounding mosaics made from countless tiny, colorful tiles depicting various scenes. You’ll undoubtedly appreciate the dedication it took to create these pieces in incredible detail.
Where to Stay and Eat
Stay: If you’ve ever wanted to stay in a literal palace, book a stay at Albergo Cappello, a hotel housed in the impressive Palazzo Bracci.
Eat: The restaurant Ca’ de Vèn is small but packed full of charm, serving exceptional food and having picturesque and fresco-covered arches above each table.
Arezzo
Arezzo is one of the loveliest towns in Tuscany you might not have heard about. The small city is characterized by a blend of Romanesque, Medieval, and Renaissance architecture and charming piazzas and porticos.
The Church of San Francesco is an excellent place to start exploring Arezzo. While the outside is unassuming, the interior is adorned with detailed artwork and frescoes that are simply breathtaking. In Piazza della Libertà, you’ll find Palazzo dei Priori, which acts as the city hall. This, and many other places like it, all add to Arezzo’s characteristic look.
Where to Stay and Eat
Stay: La Striscia Wine Resort is a little piece of paradise, with views of wine vineyards and blooming gardens just outside of Arezzo.
Eat: If you want to eat at a place that embodies the old-school Italian charm, Antica Osteria Agania is your go-to.
LISTEN: To our podcast episode on why Arezzo is the Tuscan town ofy our dreams.
Most Beautiful Cities in Italy – Wrapped Up
There you have it – the prettiest cities and towns to visit in Italy, each showcasing the natural scenery and architectural brilliance of the Bel Paese. Whether it’s the rolling hills of Tuscany, the architectural treasures of Rome, or the looming mountains surrounding Bolzano, you’ll struggle to pick a favorite.
But there’s much more where that came from. Why not add some more locations to your bucket list and check out these beautiful Amalfi Coast towns?
Our team of writers and creatives at Untold Italy are experts in keeping you informed and inspired about travel in Italy. Our team collaboration involves writers, photographers and editorial staff dedicated to sharing accurate Italy travel information.
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