Discover Italy’s Main Attractions: What Will You Explore First?

Italy is home to some of the most famous tourist attractions in the world, from the imposing, ancient Colosseum and Trevi Fountain in Rome to the shores of the Amalfi Coast and Lake Como. There is no better way to explore the country than visiting these main attractions in Italy.

While heading off the beaten path is excellent for some, sometimes planning a trip to Italy involves simply wanting to see the biggest and most popular spots. These attractions are spread across Italy’s most loved regions, including Tuscany, Naples, Venice, and more.

So, keep reading to discover the best things to do in Italy, what’s worth seeing, and how to see it.

Main Attractions in Rome

Colosseum

The Colosseum in Rome is one of the longest-standing, well-preserved structures built by the Roman Empire between 70 and 72 CE during the reign of the Flavian emperor Vespasian. The four-story amphitheater once housed up to 87,000 spectators for gladiator battles, executions, and other forms of entertainment.

Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Colosseum comprises large stone walls, intricate archways, and underground tunnels and is one of the most impressive Italy attractions. It’s one of the busiest sites in the city, so it’s best to learn how to buy tickets for the Colosseum beforehand.

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum ruins, located between Palatine and Capitoline Hill, boast a collection of ancient basilicas, temples, and monuments built during Roman times. It is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Rome.

The ruins include the Tempio di Romolo, Piazza del Foro, and the nearly 76-foot Arco di Settimio Severo, just to name a few. There are three entrances: one at Arco di Tito (the busiest entrance), one at Largo della Salara Vecchia, and one near the Arco di Settimio Severo.

You can grab a ticket on the official site or try a private tour, but entry is free on the first Sunday of every month.

Vatican Museums

If you need a quick idea of what to see in Italy, adding the Vatican Museums to your list is a must. Each museum houses one of the largest and most complex collections of artworks gathered by Popes over the centuries, first founded by Pope Julius II in the 16th century.

Over 70,000 pieces are housed in the collection of 54 museums, including Renaissance sculptures, Roman and Egyptian artifacts, themed galleries, and works by Michelangelo. Buying tickets to the Vatican Museums is easy, but plan ahead to avoid mishaps. 

Trevi Fountain

Rome is known for its Baroque architecture, and that’s ever present in the Trevi Fountain. Designed and built by Nicola Salvi and Giuseppe Pannini over 250 years ago in 1762, the fountain stands 85 feet tall and depicts the god Oceanus.

Besides the intricacy of the sculptures and sheer brilliance of the fountain, most visit to indulge in the myth – if you toss a coin into the water, it is said to guarantee a trip back to Rome. Plus, it’s open to the public and free for all.

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona in Rome, or Navona Square, was initially commissioned by the emperor Domitian in 86 CE as Stadio di Domiziano (Domitian Stadium) to spectate athletics. It was paved over in the 15th century and transformed into the public square today.

It holds three wonderful fountains, the largest of which is Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Baroque plazas, and the Museo di Roma in Palazzo Braschi. The Piazza Navona also has plenty of street artists roaming about and markets that are worth a visit.

St. Peter’s Basilica

Construction on the grandiose St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City began in 1506 and was completed by 1615. The impressive dome in the center above the high altar and the church’s Renaissance and Baroque-style details are at the forefront.

The basilica holds plenty within its walls, including chapels, altars, tombs like St. Peter’s tomb, and the 95-foot bronze Baldachin monument. Entrance to the basilica is free, but there are usually long lines. To avoid that, you can book a guided tour in advance.

Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel is part of the Vatican Museums and is one of the best things to see in Italy. It was constructed between 1473 and 1481 by Giovanni dei Dolci. The most notable features of the Sistine Chapel are the nine frescoes that decorate the walls and ceilings, detailing Michelangelo’s stunning masterpieces. The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment are two of the most famous.

You can’t enter the chapel alone, so you’ll need a ticket to the Vatican Museums to see this. The best Vatican tours will include the Sistine Chapel, so booking one of these is recommended.

Pantheon

To round up Rome’s attractions, the Pantheon, also known as the Basilica di Santa Maria ad Martyres, showcases the peak of well-preserved ancient architecture. This temple was built over 2,000 years ago to honor the pagan Roman gods, but it is now a Catholic church that hosts various events.

The best way to experience this incredible monument is through a Pantheon tour, which will teach you some interesting facts about the Pantheon and its history. If that’s not your style, buying tickets on the official site is easy.

Main Attractions in Florence/Tuscany

Duomo di Firenze

Also called the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, the Duomo in Florence was completed in 1436 and now stands as one of the largest churches in the world. From the outside, you’re greeted with five chapels, the tallest over 500 feet tall, and extravagant sculptures and detailed patterns across each marble facade.

The inside is impressive, with gothic-style arches, marble mosaic floors and windows, paintings and famous frescoes by Paolo Uccello, and the center chapel. Luckily, entrance to the Duomo is free of charge all year round.

Uffizi Galleries

Art lovers worldwide need to visit the Uffizi Galleries. The building was designed by Giorgio Vasari and completed around 1580, and its beautiful architecture mirrors only a tiny portion of what’s inside.

Hundreds of thousands of pieces are housed over the two floors of the gallery, including a range of famous sculptures, paintings, artifacts, and prints gathered since the 14th century. Works by Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raffaello, and other well-known artists, like the Birth of Venice or Doni Tondo, come to mind.

Make sure to check out how to buy tickets for the Uffizi Gallery before you visit.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most photographed attractions in Italy and Europe in general. If you want to go on a day trip from Florence, Pisa is a great place to stop. Standing, albeit slightly askew, at 192 feet tall, the leaning tower is an architectural wonder.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is part of a four-building complex in the square beside the Duomo di Pisa. It’s incredible to see, and visitors can climb to the top and marvel at the view. You’ll need to buy tickets to enter, but taking photos from the outside is more than worth it.

Main Attractions in Venice

St. Mark’s Basilica

One of the top things to do in Italy is always to visit local cathedrals and the Basilica Di San Marco, or St. Mark’s, is one of the best in Venice. It was founded in 832 AD as the Doge’s private temple.

The tall steeples and ornate arches adorn the cathedral’s exterior, blending Renaissance, gothic, and Romanesque art styles. Inside, St. Marks boasts high ceilings and artwork on each of the five domes, the largest depicting Christ’s ascension.

A guided tour is a fantastic option for experiencing the basilica to its fullest potential, but simple entry tickets can be purchased on the official site.

Doge’s Palace

The Doge’s Palace was once the home of Venetian government officials. It was first built in 814 AD and subsequently updated over the years into the impressive building it is today. The details of the Porta Della Carta, the main entrance to the palace, are some of the most exquisite architectural marvels to date.

Once you buy tickets to Doge’s Palace, you can explore the interior, housing secret tunnels underground, former prison cells, artworks, frescoes, sculptures, and the Bridge of Sighs.

Grand Canal

The Grand Canal in Venice is the city’s primary waterway, which divides the city into two halves and runs from St. Mark’s to Santa Chiara Church. The canal is the city’s primary transport and trade channel, but it also boasts palaces and buildings built over the centuries.

Booking a private boat or gondola ride in Venice is an absolute must. While traversing the Grand Canal, you’ll see iconic sites like St. Mark’s Basilica, Rialto Bridge, and more.

Rialto Bridge

Nestled in the heart of Venice and crossing over the Grand Canal, you’ll find Rialto Bridge. Originally designed by Antonio da Ponte and his nephew, this wonderful and eye-catching stone arch bridge crosses over the narrowest point of the canal, connecting the San Marco and San Polo districts.

A Venice tour is always an excellent option to experience the beauty of this picturesque bridge and learn about its history. But crossing the bridge is free if you’d like to tackle it alone.

Main Attractions in Naples

Pompeii

Pompeii has a somber history as the site of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. The city that once stood there was covered in ash, which preserved the architecture over the centuries and allowed it to be discovered in the late 16th century. Now stand the ruins of the city, the remains of grand forums, an amphitheater, and houses.

To visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can buy tickets for Pompeii or take a group tour detailing the city’s history. Either way, here are some valuable tips for visiting Pompeii.

Naples National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum in Naples is a testament to Roman heritage and history and tells centuries-old stories. The building’s history is complex, beginning as a cavalry barracks and eventually developing into the museum it is today. Bourbon King Charles VII used it from 1777 onwards to collect his antiques and treasures.

Now, the museum holds various collections of artwork and artifacts, ranging from the Egyptian collection to the sculptures from Campania in the Roman period. With thousands of pieces and cultural artifacts, it’s definitely one of the finest museums in Europe.

Main Attractions in Milan

Duomo di Milano

The Milan Cathedral, or Duomo di Milano, is one of the most visited attractions in Italy, bringing in millions of visitors each year. Construction began in 1386 and was completed in 1965, showcasing how painstakingly each facade and structure was built.

The cathedral sits in the center of the Piazza del Duomo, covered in spires and intricate window panels, along with its Neoclassical facade and bronze detailing. Inside and out, there are thousands of statues, and the interior is adorned with imposing pillars alongside the pews.

The official site offers visitors entry tickets and guided tours for the full experience.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

You can’t visit the world’s fashion capital without indulging in some shopping, and the best place to do so is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It’s a bit of a mouthful, but this shopping center is one of the oldest and largest in Italy and the most beautiful in Milan.

Once inside, the ornate domed glass ceiling and paintings along the carved walls will take your breath away. The shopping center holds plenty of designer stores, like Prada, Armani, and Piumelli, as well as restaurants to grab a bite, like the Ristorante Cracco or Ristorante Biffi.

Main Attractions in Sicily

Valley of the Temples

Next to Pompeii, the Valley of the Temples is one of the world’s largest and most impressive archaeological sites. Located in Agrigento, it hosts the remains of the ancient Akragas, founded in approximately 582 BC.

The site is split into an eastern and western zone, with eight different temples spread across the area. These include the Tempio di Hera, the Tempio di Giove, and the largest and most impressive, the Tempio della Concordia.

Consider trying this Sunset Tour to explore the Valley of Temples more easily.

Villa Romana del Casale di Piazza Armerina

Villa Romana del Casale is just a couple of miles from Piazza Amerina in Sicily and represents the lavish lifestyle of the Roman Empire. The villa’s remains showcase over 48 rooms, each covered in detailed mosaics that tell stories of heroes, daily life in the 4th century AD, and other scenes.

The location’s history is fascinating, so a private tour is best to get the complete picture. However, you can purchase an entry ticket or an audio tour to explore independently.

Italy’s Natural Wonders

Amalfi Coast

The sunkissed Amalfi Coast is one of the highlights of the country, stretching 34 miles along the coast of Campania. From looming cliffs and beautiful Amalfi Coast towns like Positano to the marine life in the Punta Campanella Marine Reserve, there is so much to see.

The Amalfi Coast was deemed a World Heritage site in 1997 for its beauty and natural environment. It also boasts some of the most picturesque beaches in the world, including Spiaggia Grande and Castiglione Beach. 

Capri

The idyllic island of Capri in southern Italy sits opposite the Sorrento Peninsula. While not as large as Sicily, it’s still incredibly popular and gets busy during warmer seasons. The tall cliffs dotted with lush greenery and the brilliant sandy beaches, like Marina Grande and Marina Piccola, make the island unique.

There are plenty of things to do here, like visiting the Blue Grotto, hiking through the natural environment, and taking boat tours around the island. 

Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre is a group of five fishing villages along the Italian Riviera – Manarola, Riomaggiore, Monterosso, Vernazza, and Corniglia. The colorful houses and buildings dotting the coastline are its most picture-perfect feature, especially in contrast to the bright blue ocean.

The Cinque Terre offers plenty, including hiking trails, beaches, boat tours, and even the small Church of St. Margaret of Antioch in Vernazza, just to name a few. You also can’t skip out on the food. The seafood and wine are impeccable, so try out restaurants like Dai Luca or visit the Cantina Cheo winery.

Dolomites

In the northern Italian Alps, you’ll find the Dolomites mountain range, comprising steep cliffs of reddish-brown rock and tall, looming peaks. The Dolomites also hold crystal clear lakes, like Lake Misurina and Lago di Braies, which is the largest among them.

This gorgeous landscape attracts outdoor lovers for hiking, skiing, and snowboarding opportunities, but one of the best things to do in the Dolomites is try a scenic drive. You should also visit towns in the Dolomites, including Bolzano or Santa Maddalena.

Northern Lakes

Last but not least, you can’t visit Italy without visiting its iconic northern lakes, each with its appeal and charm. The three most popular are Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore. These large bodies of water are surrounded by natural scenery like no other and picturesque towns you need to visit.

Things to do in these northern lakes are plenty, like visiting Como Cathedral and Como’s Old Town or the breathtaking Riva del Garda on Lake Garda. With serene hikes, cable cars up Monte Baldo, ferry rides, and beaches – the options are endless.

While you’re here, here are a few articles on the northern lakes that you’ll love:

• Things to do in Lake Garda
• Things to do in Lake Como
• Lake Como or Lake Garda?
• Lake Como Itinerary Ideas
• Lake Garda Itinerary Ideas

Tourist Attractions in Italy – Wrapped Up

Which of these tourist attractions in Italy will you tackle first? Whether exploring the natural wonders of Cinque Terre, the mind-boggling Leaning Tower of Pisa, or the ancient ruins dating back to the Roman Empire, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Make sure to include some of these locales in your Italy itinerary – you won’t regret it.

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