Top 20 Italian Attractions Including Map

Ruins of arenas, world-renowned museums, historic sites, and imposing cathedrals - Italy is full of sights. It's hard to create a top list because they are all worth visiting. But to help you navigate the great selection of Italian attractions, here are the top 20 must-see sights in Italy.

Rome, Florence, Venice - many Italian cities boast at least one of Italy's most important attractions for visitors. The Colosseum, the Rialto Bridge, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa are just a few of the highlights with impressive character. Locations of gladiatorial fights, structures adorned by great artists, and landscapes that are sights in their own right. Italy has a long story to tell. Listen to it and embark on a very special journey through Italy's attractions.

Video: Vacation Guru

To give you an overview of the main attractions in Italy, I've put all the highlights on this handy map. Let yourself be inspired before things get underway.

It is the landmark of Rome, if not all of Italy: the Colosseum. This impressive and world-famous architectural masterpiece astonishes with a circumference of 527 meters and a height of 48 meters. Today, the Colosseum is a gem, whereas in its day it was a bloody arena of brutal gladiator fights for the enjoyment of the ruling emperors.

It could hold 50,000 spectators and admission was free, but only for the free citizens of the city and the Roman Empire. You should definitely not miss the world's largest amphitheater when traveling through Italy. After all, the Colosseum, known in antiquity as the Amphitheatrum Flavium, is one of the seven new wonders of the world! However, be mindful of the different opening hours. The Colosseum opens at 8:30 AM year-round but closes at varying times; so, check the hours on the day of your visit. I also have a detailed article dedicated to the Colosseum in Rome with more information.

Guru Tip: Since the Colosseum is the most popular sight in Rome, the lines can be long. Get the combo ticket at the Roman Forum, where the line is much shorter. With the ticket purchased at the Forum, you can skip the lines in front of the Colosseum. Every first Sunday of the month, you can visit the Colosseum for free.

If you visit the Colosseum in Rome, you can also take in another attraction in Italy. The Roman Forum in Rome is like the Agora in Athens: the former economic, political, religious, and cultural center of the city. Here, the Romans mingled, traded, judged, and made this their focal point of life. It's hard to imagine when you look at the Roman Forum today with all its ruins.

On the historic marketplace, located between the Palatine and Capitol hills, stand numerous ruins of various buildings. Temples, basilicas, public buildings, and many other structures take you on a journey through Roman history. Follow the paved main road, the Via Sacra, which leads you past excavations and remains of the destroyed buildings. The Temple of Romulus, the Arch of Titus, the Arch of Septimius Severus, and the Temple of Castor and Pollux are among the buildings that are still well-preserved.

Guru Tip: Get the combo ticket that is also valid for the Colosseum at the Roman Forum ticket desk. The waiting time is much shorter there than at the Colosseum.

Few structures symbolize a city as much as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The tilt of the tower began after the construction of the third floor in the 12th century. The cause of the lean was the ground; it wasn't stable enough to support the heavy tower, especially the first floors.

After the tilt set in, it became too risky for builders, and the construction was put on hold for a whole 100 years. In the 14th century, after another pause in construction, it was finally completed. To balance the southeast tilt, the successive floors were built with a lean as well. Today, the bell tower of the Cathedral of Pisa has a tilt of four degrees, which is very impressive when you see the structure with your own eyes. The tower at the Piazza dei Miracoli, which translates to the Square of Miracles, stands 56 meters high, consists of eight floors, and has around 300 steps. Together with the cathedral, the cemetery, and the baptistery, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Guru Tip: To reduce waiting times, you can buy a ticket online in advance to climb the tower. This can be worthwhile, as the Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most popular attractions in Italy. More Pisa Tips can be found in a dedicated article.

Rome is home to many of Italy's attractions, including Vatican City. Vatican City is the smallest, universally recognized country in the world, making this place a true gem. In addition, Latin is the only official language spoken here.

The Vatican Museums are located in the accessible areas of the Vatican and are a must on your sightseeing tour of Rome. They house the papal art collection, and you can view impressive and beautifully decorated rooms. The highlight of your visit to the Vatican Museums will undoubtedly be the world-famous Sistine Chapel, located at the end of the Vatican Museum. The ceiling painting is a masterpiece by the artist Michelangelo. Here, you can see the work 'The Creation of Adam' with your own eyes. Even if you're not an art fan, you will be impressed.

Guru Tip: Again, it's worth booking tickets online before your trip. With the ticket, you can skip the lines and go directly into the Vatican Museum.

If you find yourself in the smallest country in the world, another Italian attraction awaits you: St. Peter's Basilica. It's located in St. Peter's Square and forms the center of the Vatican. The Basilica of St. Peter, known to Italians as San Pietro, is one of the seven pilgrimage churches in Rome and one of the most important churches worldwide.

When you're in the Eternal City, St. Peter's Basilica should be a key stop on your sightseeing tour. The size is impressive; St. Peter's Basilica accommodates up to 2,000 people. Another impressive number: The dome of the basilica has a diameter of about 40 meters. You should definitely check it out, as you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Vatican from the dome's observation deck.

Guru Tip: In summer, every Wednesday at 10:30 AM, there is a papal audience that you can participate in. Be sure to arrive early to secure a good spot.

Milan is the fashion capital of Italy and also the capital of Lombardy. However, Milan has plenty to offer in terms of art and culture as well. The Milan Cathedral is the heart of the city and should definitely be on your list of top attractions in Italy.

The highlight of the city has a long history, as it took almost six centuries to complete the cathedral. Napoleon Bonaparte was the last to work on the Milan Cathedral, giving it the finishing touches. Now the former monastery church shines in its full glory in the Piazza del Duomo. After St. Peter's in the Vatican, the Milan Cathedral is the second largest cathedral in all of Italy. Be sure to visit the cathedral terraces; the view from up here over Milan is breathtaking.

Guru Tip: The wait times can be very long due to strict security controls. If you haven't purchased skip-the-line tickets in advance, you will wait twice: once for the ticket and once for the security checks. I recommend checking the queue at the cathedral early in the morning, ideally before the cathedral and terraces open, or visiting in the afternoon. More Milan Tips are available in a separate article.

No other staircase is as famous as the Spanish Steps in Rome. It is one of the most important sights in Rome. The staircase consists of 136 steps and was created in 1723. Once you climb the Spanish Steps, you reach the Trinità dei Monti church. You can visit the church from Monday to Friday and outside of mass times on weekends.

But beware: The city of Rome wants to protect its monuments, and it is now prohibited to sit on them. This seat prohibition now also applies to the Spanish Steps. If you violate this regulation, you risk a fine of up to €400. So, it's better to take a photo from a distance and have your little sightseeing break elsewhere. However, close to the Spanish Steps, specifically right beneath it on Via Condotti, there is also a shopping paradise. For the expensive and elegant boutiques and shops, however, you will need to have the necessary funds. Alternatively, you could take a stroll and enjoy the beautiful store displays.

Italians, by the way, refer to the steps as Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti. The name Spanish Steps was derived by the Germans from the Piazza di Spagna, the square located directly under the steps.

Standing at 26 meters tall and 50 meters wide, the Trevi Fountain is the largest fountain in Rome. Not just that - it is known worldwide and is thus among the top 20 attractions in Italy. You will find the fountain, whose construction began in 1732 and was completed in 1762, at Palazzo Poli on Piazza di Trevi.

In the center of the fountain stands the sea god Neptune, pulled by two horses. Various figures adorn the Fontana di Trevi, as it is called in Italian, creating a fantastic photo opportunity. What you must do according to tradition: throw coins into the Trevi Fountain. But be careful, only those who throw the coins over their right shoulder backward into the fountain will return to Rome. A second coin toss will lead to falling in love with a Roman, while a third coin guarantees that you will marry that person.

Guru Tip: The best time to see the Trevi Fountain is in the evening when the sun sets. Then, the water and figures shine in beautiful light.

Not only Rome, but the canal city of Venice also has some of Italy's most important attractions to show you. Here, I must mention St. Mark's Square, which is a hotspot in Venice not only because of the many pigeons. The 175-meter long and 82-meter wide plaza at the Grand Canal shines majestically with numerous historical buildings. Here stands the world-famous Doge's Palace.

Formerly the seat of administration and government as well as Napoleon's home, the Doge's Palace is now a museum for modern art. The secret passageways of the building that you can walk through once connected the palace to the prison. On the west side of St. Mark's Square is another important sight: St. Mark's Basilica, the city's most important church. Numerous mosaics, some still original, adorn the interior of the cathedral. You cannot miss the St. Mark's Campanile, the bell tower of the cathedral, which rises 99 meters above St. Mark's Square. Head up and enjoy a breathtaking view over Venice. If you want to casually see all the attractions on St. Mark's Square, it's best to set aside a whole day.

Guru Tip: St. Mark's Square and its buildings are the highlight of any trip to Venice. Therefore, it's best to get skip-the-line tickets for the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica, and the Campanile before your trip. This way, you avoid unnecessary waiting times at the ticket counters on-site.

Italy is filled with churches and cathedrals, and you'll find a gem of such religious buildings in nearly every large city. The Florence Cathedral is one of them. This impressive cathedral was built in 1359 and is considered a masterpiece of the Renaissance.

As you may have noticed, the domes of Italian cathedrals are highlights by themselves, which the Italians also invest in significantly. Such is the case for the dome of the cathedral in Florence. Rightfully so, because the visit is worthwhile! The dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore was designed by Brunelleschi and fascinates visitors. It is an astonishing 107 meters tall and has a diameter of about 45 meters. It's no wonder it is one of the largest churches in the world. If you are fit, you should definitely get a ticket to visit the dome. But beware, you have to climb 463 steps before you can enjoy the wonderful view over Florence.

Guru Tip: You can get a combo ticket for the attractions in Florence. The ticket costs €15, is valid for 48 hours, and applies to various attractions.

Mount Vesuvius is known worldwide as the monster that buried the city of Pompeii in 79 AD. It is an active volcano located in the Bay of Naples and is a popular excursion destination on a trip through Italy.

Whether you climb to the crater of Vesuvius on a guided tour or on your own, it's worth it. Many tour buses drive nearly to the crater's edge, but you still have to walk a few meters on foot. It's about 200 meters, so plan about 20 minutes up and down. If you come by car, the paid parking lot is even further away, and you must walk about a kilometer to the crater's edge. Alternatively, you can take a paid shuttle bus that brings you closer to the crater.

You can plan around two hours for the ascent and descent. I even recommend planning more time, because if you're already standing atop the world's most famous volcano, you should fully enjoy the moment. Who knows when you'll climb Vesuvius again? Overall, Vesuvius rises to over 1,281 meters. Enjoy the view of the surrounding Campania region. The sight will stay with you forever.

Anyone wanting to see the third-largest preserved ancient amphitheater in Italy can't miss Verona. Here stands the Arena of Verona. Like the Colosseum in Rome, this amphitheater was also built for gladiatorial contests in 30 AD. Today, the best-preserved amphitheater in Italy is used as an open-air opera house, accommodating 22,000 spectators.

If you are a true fan of opera, you should not miss a performance in the ancient amphitheater in Verona. For the most expensive tickets, you pay up to €170. With these tickets, you sit at the front in comfortable seats. You should pay attention to your clothing in these seats; I hope you packed your evening attire. If you don't want to spend that much but still want to see a performance, you can also settle for cheaper tickets starting at €20. While you'll be sitting on stone steps, you won't need to worry much about your outfit.

Before or after your ascent of Vesuvius, a visit to the city of Pompeii is worthwhile. It lies at the foot of the active volcano and was buried in 79 AD by volcanic ash. The two eruptions had tragic consequences: Little human life was left behind. Those who could flee were lucky; those who stayed were buried under lava and ash.

The once-wealthy city of Pompeii was completely destroyed. Only the archaeological excavations of the buildings testify to the past. However, these are very well-preserved due to the ash and tell you the story of the city. The sleeping dead are particularly impressive. The sculptures were created from human remains found beneath the lava. They depict the desperate fight for survival during the volcanic eruption.

Guru Tip: The first Sunday of every month, admission to the Pompeii archaeological site is free.

Admittedly, the Amalfi Coast that enchants you in western Italy is a different kind of attraction - but it is a very special one. This coastal region is a dream destination for all fans of Italy and those who wish to become one. Romantic places like Furore, Amalfi, Positano, and Maiori will capture your hearts in an instant.

The landscape of rugged cliffs and a magnificent array of blossoms and plants is simply beautiful to see and experience. Plus, the clear sea glistens in stunning shades of blue and turquoise, inviting you to swim. Colorfully painted house facades and buildings perched on the cliffs are a highlight and a defining feature of Furore, a village celebrated as one of the most beautiful in Italy. The location is unique, as the village is situated right on a fjord. Positano delights with its beautiful Spiaggia Grande beach and winding alleys that snake up the cliffside. Maiori, a seaside village with 6,000 inhabitants, is perfect for a relaxing beach holiday. From here, you can also quickly reach the island of Capri. The Amalfi Coast is a highlight that only Italy offers. Therefore, it's no wonder that this region makes the list of the top attractions in Italy.

Guru Tip: Are you looking for a truly special experience? I've found the most beautiful Airbnbs on the Amalfi Coast for you. These accommodations will crown any vacation!

If we are to devote attention to the most beautiful coastlines of Italy, then Cinque Terre should also be highlighted. In Italian, Cinque Terre means five towns. This coastal strip containing these five villages is located on the Italian Riviera in Liguria and rightly belongs to the top 20 attractions in Italy.

The coastal strip is about twelve kilometers long and impresses with the towns of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The five villages are nestled on the steeply descending slopes of the rugged coastline. The location of the villages is stunning and a feast for the eyes, while the villages burst with brightly colored houses and little fishing boats. The charm of these five towns will uplift and captivate you. Another reason to visit Cinque Terre: The area is a national park and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Nature lovers will also find their paradise here. You can learn more about Cinque Terre in its own article about this beautiful coastal strip.

In addition to St. Mark's Square, the lagoon city of Venice has many other attractions for your visit. The Rialto Bridge is another one of them. The 48-meter-long and 22-meter-wide bridge is the most famous structure in the city. Its construction took three years, from 1588 to 1591.

Thousands of oak piles form the foundation of the stone bridge. The reason for the stone bridge is the previously used material; wooden bridges had stood here, which quickly rotted or caught fire. The Rialto Bridge was designed to simplify and expedite traffic flow - it has a clearance height of 7.5 meters - on the Grand Canal. The bridge's name comes from the Rialto district in San Polo, which was once Venice's main trading center. The city's landmark is always well-visited, and capturing a photo without other tourists in the shot can be challenging unless you wake up early and arrive first at the Ponte di Rialto, as it is called in Italian.

Guru Tip: If you feel hungry or thirsty while visiting the Rialto Bridge, I advise against going to one of the surrounding cafes or restaurants. Prices around the Rialto Bridge are quite steep. In other parts of the city, you can definitely get more for your money.

Near the Vatican, on the right bank of the Tiber, stands the famous Castle Sant'Angelo. This mighty fortress, which has a far-reaching history and served various purposes, should definitely be on your sightseeing list for Rome.

The path to Castel Sant'Angelo is already impressive: The bridge is lined with beautiful statues and sculptures of angels. It was built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, who created a mausoleum for himself and his successors. Later, Castle Sant'Angelo was used as a castle fortress, serving as a refuge for many popes and is now an impressive museum. Take a look at the fascinating paintings inside Castle Sant'Angelo, marvel at the frescoes, paintings, and the previous furnishings. Many of the halls and storage rooms are accessible, and the mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian and his family is also open to visitors. Be sure to also head to the castle terrace, where you will be rewarded with an incredibly beautiful view of Rome.

In between all the historical buildings and ruins, there's a particularly green spot in Rome: Villa Borghese Park. If you want to experience some peace in Rome, the park landscape is the perfect excursion destination.

Look forward to five square kilometers of parkland filled with trees, meadows, and plants in the heart of the city. Find yourself a shady spot under a tree in summer, or bask in the warm sun. There is a lake in the park where you can paddle around in a boat. A popular photo opportunity is the temple that stands by the shore. Another popular destination in the park is the Galleria Borghese. In two floors and 20 halls, you'll find various paintings and statues that belong to one of the most famous private art collections in the world. For a visit with children, the Bioparco, which is also located in Villa Borghese Park, is suitable. The zoo currently houses 1,114 animals from about 200 species.

If you want to spend your entire vacation in Rome and put the other attractions in Italy on hold, you can find all of the Rome attractions in a separate article.

In the north of Italy, you will find a popular vacation destination. The Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and is one of the most important attractions in Italy due to its size alone. If you're not planning your next Italian vacation at Lake Garda, you should at least plan a trip here.

The scenery is unique. While you swim in the Upper Italian lake, you can look at the mountain ranges surrounding it. There are endless activities at Lake Garda. You can hike, take long bike rides, leisurely stroll along the lake, and visit the various towns around the lake. The region also has different amusement parks that you can visit with children. In winter, Lake Garda is a popular destination for sports enthusiasts. Skiing, snowboarding, and sledding through the mountain landscapes are just a few of the activities you can pursue here. You see: Lake Garda is definitely worth a visit.

The Uffizi are an original complex of buildings in Florence that housed the ministers and offices of Florence.

However, the exciting part about the Uffizi is the art collection located in the building and accessible to the public. In the world-famous museum, there are over 1,000 various works displayed across over 50 halls. If you are a fan of painting, sculpture, printmaking, and art in general, then the Uffizi is a must-see for you. But even if you don't consider yourself an art expert, you shouldn't miss the collection of important works from antiquity to the late Baroque period. The Galleria degli Uffizi is a must for anyone who visits Florence.

If these entire Italian attractions don't ignite your desire for more, what will? And this was by no means all the attractions waiting for you during a city trip in Italy. The boot-shaped country with its many beautiful regions as well as island and lake landscapes has plenty of attractions and highlights that tell you the past and the far-reaching history of Italy. Whether it's museums, historic arenas, and other constructions, or especially beautiful landscapes - Italy is bursting with sights. Visit the relics of the past and dive into history. Here you can directly book your trip to Italy!