Italy blends ancient history, art, and fashion with relaxed everyday life. From cobbled streets to coastal villages, you find beauty in both grand landmarks and simple moments.
Discover Italy
Discover Italy
Why visit Italy?
What to expect
Explore Rome's ruins and piazzas, Milan's design and shopping, and a patchwork of regions known for vineyards, lakes, mountains, and dramatic coastlines. Cities are walkable, lively, and full of character.
Plan your trip
Italy rewards both first-time itineraries and repeat visits, with fast trains linking major cities and easy access to wider Europe. It is ideal for combining culture, countryside, and coastal escapes in one journey.
Top experiences in Italy
Explore ancient Rome
Walk through the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill to see layers of history set against Rome's busy modern streets.
Stroll Rome's historic centre
Wander from the Trevi Fountain to the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona, pausing at small churches, fountains, and lively cafés.
Discover Milan's cathedral and old town
Climb to the rooftop of the Duomo for city views, then explore the surrounding streets, courtyards, and historic canals.
Embrace Italy's art and museums
Visit world-class galleries and museums filled with Renaissance masterpieces, sculptures, and design collections across major cities.
Enjoy Italy's lake and countryside escapes
Use Rome or Milan as a gateway to hill towns, vineyards, and lakes, where quieter villages offer walking, cycling, and scenic drives.
Experience Italy's way of life
Getting around
High-speed trains link Rome, Milan, and other major cities in just a few hours, while extensive regional rail and bus networks reach smaller towns. Car hire is useful for exploring countryside areas and coastal regions at your own pace.
Local life & culture
Italian life follows a relaxed rhythm, with time set aside for socialising in piazzas, coffee bars, and neighbourhood streets. Each region has its own dialects, customs, and festivals, but hospitality and pride in local heritage are shared everywhere.
Where to unwind
Unwind in leafy city parks, tranquil cloisters, and lakeside promenades, or escape to rolling hills and coastal paths for fresh air. Throughout Italy you find scenic viewpoints ideal for slow strolls and sunset pauses.
A taste of Italy
National dishes & specialties
Italy is known for fresh pasta, thin-crust pizzas, and rich risottos, with each city and region adding its own twist. In Rome and Milan you can sample local classics alongside well-known favourites.
Casual & modern dining hubs
From laid-back trattorias to contemporary bistros, you will find everything from quick snacks to long, leisurely meals. Major cities offer diverse dining with traditional menus, modern interpretations, and international flavours.
Signature & scenic dining
Enjoy meals in grand historic settings, rooftop terraces with skyline views, or intimate courtyards hidden off main streets. Many restaurants place a strong focus on seasonal produce and thoughtful wine pairings.
Retail therapy in Italy
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Rome and Milan, elegant shopping streets and modern malls bring together international labels, Italian fashion houses, and lifestyle stores. Many areas also mix boutiques with cafés and galleries for a relaxed day out.
Markets & local crafts
Across Rome, Milan, and other historic cities, markets offer leather goods, textiles, artwork, and homewares made by local artisans. Smaller towns often have weekly markets where you can browse regional crafts and everyday items side by side.
Evening retail scene
After dark, main shopping streets stay lively, with illuminated windows and people strolling between shops, bars, and gelaterias. In some neighbourhoods, late-opening boutiques and pop-up events create a relaxed, social atmosphere well into the evening.
Best time to visit Italy
Spring (April to June) is a shoulder season, with mild days around 15–24°C (59–75°F) and comfortable evenings, ideal for sightseeing before peak summer crowds. Summer (July to August) is the peak season, especially in cities and coastal areas, with temperatures often 25–32°C (77–90°F) or higher and busy holiday periods. Autumn (September to early November) is another shoulder season, with cooler 12–22°C (54–72°F) days, harvest events, and fewer visitors than mid-summer, while many attractions remain open.