Why visit Italy?
Italy offers art-filled cities, hilltop towns, and a coastline that changes character from region to region. You find Roman ruins, Renaissance masterpieces, and villages that feel timeless, all within a compact and easy-to-explore country.
What to expect
From Rome and its ancient forums to stylish Milan and the lakes and mountains beyond, each region has a distinct personality. The north is known for fashion and alpine scenery, while central and southern Italy blend vineyard landscapes with medieval towns and dramatic coasts.
Plan your trip
Many visitors combine several regions in one journey, linking Rome, Milan, and nearby areas by rail or road. Italy also connects easily with the rest of Europe, so you can pair your trip with neighbouring countries, using Rome or Milan as a convenient gateway.
Discover Italy
Discover Italy
Top experiences in Italy
Wander through ancient Rome
Explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and surrounding streets to see layers of history in the heart of the capital.
Marvel at Vatican masterpieces
Visit the Vatican Museums and St Peter's Square to admire grand architecture and world-famous art collections.
Shop and stroll in Milan's fashion district
Walk around the Quadrilatero della Moda and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for flagship boutiques and elegant arcades.
Take a day trip to the Italian Lakes
From Milan, reach lakes such as Como or Garda for waterfront promenades, boat rides, and mountain views.
Discover Italy's hill towns
Use Rome as a base to visit nearby hilltop towns, where narrow lanes, piazzas, and local cafes set a relaxed pace.
Enjoy Italy's café culture
Pause often at espresso bars and pavement cafés to watch daily life unfold in city squares and side streets.
Explore Italian art and design
Find galleries, design museums, and contemporary exhibitions in both Rome and Milan, showcasing Italy's creative spirit.
Experience Italy's way of life
Getting around
High-speed trains link major cities such as Rome and Milan in just a few hours, making multi-city itineraries straightforward. Regional trains and buses reach smaller towns, while car hire offers flexibility in countryside and coastal areas.
Local life & culture
In Italy, daily life centres on neighbourhood squares, local bars, and leisurely walks known as the passeggiata. Each region has its own traditions, from festivals and seasonal celebrations to local crafts and family-run establishments that pass skills down the generations.
Where to unwind
Italy offers many places to slow down, from lakeside promenades in the north to tree-lined parks and historic gardens in the cities. Coastal paths, gentle countryside trails, and outdoor terraces provide quiet spots to relax between days of sightseeing.
A taste of Italy
National dishes & specialties
Italy is known for regional dishes that change from city to city, such as rich pasta in Rome and risotto or filled pasta in the north. You can also enjoy wood-fired pizza, seafood along the coasts, and gelato shops almost everywhere.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Across Rome and Milan, you find family-run trattorias, contemporary bistros, and relaxed wine bars. Street-side eateries and food courts in transport hubs offer quick options, while neighbourhood spots showcase local flavours in an informal setting.
Signature & scenic dining
For special occasions, Italy has restaurants with rooftop terraces, courtyard gardens, or views over historic landmarks. In both Rome and Milan, stylish establishments pair refined menus with atmospheric interiors, making meals part of the travel experience.
Retail therapy in Italy
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Italy's big cities, you find modern shopping centres and historic arcades with international labels and Italian designers. Milan, in particular, offers polished department stores and multi-brand boutiques clustered in central districts.
Markets & local crafts
Local markets are a good place to look for leather goods, textiles, and regional products in cities such as Rome and Milan. Smaller towns and historic quarters often have artisan workshops where you can see ceramics, paper goods, or jewellery made on site.
Evening retail scene
In popular districts, many shops stay open into the evening, creating a lively atmosphere with illuminated streets and busy windows. You can combine a pre-dinner stroll with browsing boutiques, picking up last-minute gifts or wardrobe pieces.
Best time to visit Italy
Peak season: June to August, when many regions are warm or hot, with average temperatures around 25–30°C (77–86°F), especially in central and southern areas.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October, with milder conditions of about 15–24°C (59–75°F), ideal for city sightseeing and countryside trips.
Low season: November to March, when temperatures can drop to 5–12°C (41–54°F) in many cities, bringing quieter attractions and a calmer pace, except for festive periods.