This comprehensive guide to the 20 most popular things to do in Italy includes everything you need to know about food, architecture, nature and activities.
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It is difficult to narrow down the best things in Italy, with so many regions. There are 20 different regions of Italy, each with its own culture and attractions. So how can you narrow down the best things to do in Italy?
Five times I have had the privilege of visiting Italy. Each time, I was more amazed by the beauty, culture, and art. I have visited the towns of Lake Como and Cinque Terre, walked through Bologna alone, and seen the sights in Rome. I have taken guided tours and booked classes in pasta making. I also hung out with locals.
All of my experience has taught me that Italy offers something for everyone, regardless of budget or interests. We partnered with Klook to bring you some of our favourite experiences. There are many options available, whether you’re looking to tour the sights of Rome or travel alone in Lake Como.
- Take a Gondola ride in Venice
Gondola rides in Venice are a great activity for couples, whether you’re on your own, with family members, or with friends.
Gondolas are available in tourist areas. However, if you’re looking to save money without having to negotiate a price, booking ahead is the best option.
Venice is made up of 120 islands that are built on top of an ancient lagoon. If you don’t have the budget or time to take a Gondola, there are many other options. The vaporetto (public ferry), traghetto, and taxi acqueo are also popular.
- Take a cooking class
Let’s face it, the main reason you plan a trip to Italy to visit your family is to enjoy their delicious food. So why not learn how to make some Italian specialties?
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I took a course in pasta making in Chiusi Chianciano Terme once and enjoyed learning from the professionals. My teachers were great fun and I learned a valuable skill.
You don’t have to stick with pasta. There are many workshops for bread baking and pizza making all over the country.
- Ski in the Dolomites
The Dolomites, a mountain range that runs through Northeastern Italy’s Provinces of Trentino & Alto Adige, has been gaining attention lately.
The Dolomites are well-known as a winter destination because of the incredible downhill skiing and snowboarding. But don’t forget about summer! The Dolomites are a beautiful place with many lakes, trails and biking in the summer.
It’s also one of the most unexplored areas of Italy so you are likely to be able explore it without any other tourists.
- Learn Gelato Making
Gelato is synonymous with Italy and there are plenty of Gelatarias across the country. You can learn how to make gelato at home by signing up for a class. Gelato is unique because it uses fresh, local ingredients.
- Milan’s Duomo
Milan is a city that is highly regarded for its fashion, art and architecture. The Duomo is at the heart of Milan.
This cathedral of gothic architecture is the fifth largest in Italy. Construction started in 1386, and it took six centuries to complete. However, the Duomo is said to still be incomplete.
Six areas of the Duomo are available for exploration: the rooftops, inside, archaeological area, San Gottardo Church and the Duomo Museum. Tickets for the Duomo need to be booked in advance.
- Visit the villages of Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre (the Five Villages), located on the Italian Riviera’s coast, is renowned for being one the most beautiful areas in the country.
Cinque Terre is made up of five villages: Riomaggiore (Manarola), Corniglia and Vernazza. It’s characterized by beautiful terraced farms and stunning views of the ocean, as well as rainbow-colored buildings.
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Cinque Terre’s towns are connected by trains, hiking trails and ferries. However, you can also road-trip this area of Italy. Just remember that not all of the central areas are car-free. Visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- Many people associate Italy with the Colosseum in Rome.
The Colosseum, built in 80AD as entertainment venue for the public, was constructed in 1980. The Colosseum was built to entertain the public. Here, gladiators would engage in violent games and exotic animals would be displayed. Public executions would also be performed regularly. It is perhaps Rome’s most famous site today.
The nearby Roman Forum housed several ancient Roman government buildings. Palatine Hill, which was home to emperors, was also a desirable neighborhood in Rome.
- Enjoy a Walking Tour of Matera
Matera, a town in Basilicata in the Southeast Region of Italy is famous for its cave houses, which residents inhabited as recently as 1950.
It is home to many old and new architecture, as well as palaces and churches. A Matera guided tour will help you get the most from your trip. You can expect to spend a lot time learning about Matera’s history and what it has become.
- Museum Hop in Florence
Florence is widely regarded as one the greatest capitals of modern art in the world, so it is worth spending time exploring the museums and galleries of Florence.
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There are many museums and galleries in Tuscan Capital, but the Uffizi Gallery (home of The Birth of Venus & Primavera), Duomo and Galleria dell’Accademia Di Firenze are some of the most popular.
