Italy offers historic cities, refined style, and dramatic landscapes, from ancient ruins to glittering coastlines. You can explore world-famous art, design, and architecture in a setting that feels both timeless and contemporary.
Discover Italy
Discover Italy
Why visit Italy?
What to expect
Expect vibrant streets in Rome and Milan, where grand piazzas, iconic landmarks, and elegant boulevards sit beside local neighbourhoods. Distinct regions offer everything from alpine scenery to sun-soaked Mediterranean shores.
Plan your trip
Base yourself in Rome for history and culture, or Milan for fashion and business, then connect by rail or road to other Italian cities. Italy is also a convenient gateway to explore the wider Mediterranean and central Europe.
Top experiences in Italy
Explore ancient Rome
Walk through Rome’s historic heart, where the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and grand piazzas reveal centuries of history in just a few city blocks.
Admire Vatican art and architecture
Visit the Vatican Museums and St Peter’s Square to see masterpieces, sweeping domes, and intricate details that define Rome’s skyline.
Discover Milan’s fashion district
Stroll through Milan’s Quadrilatero della Moda, where designer boutiques, flagship stores, and stylish cafés create a polished urban atmosphere.
Visit Milan’s Duomo and historic centre
Climb to the rooftop of the Duomo di Milano for close-up views of marble spires, then explore nearby Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and surrounding streets.
Relax in Italian piazzas
Slow down in Rome and Milan’s central squares, where you can sit at an outdoor table, watch city life, and enjoy the rhythm of the day.
Day trips to nearby lakes and hills
From Milan, take easy excursions to nearby lakes and countryside towns for fresh air, scenic walks, and waterside views.
Experience Italy’s way of life
Getting around
High-speed trains link Rome, Milan, and other major cities efficiently, while regional rail and buses connect smaller towns. Within cities, you can move easily by metro, tram, or on foot through compact historic centres.
Local life & culture
Daily life often centres on neighbourhood cafés, local shops, and lively streets, especially in the early evening. Art, design, and craftsmanship are embedded in everything from architecture to everyday style.
Where to unwind
Unwind in landscaped city parks, peaceful church courtyards, and leafy residential areas, or escape to nearby hills and lakes for fresh air and wide-open views.
A taste of Italy
National dishes & specialties
Italy is known for regional pasta, risotto, and seafood, with Rome and Milan each offering their own classic recipes that highlight local ingredients and traditions.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Rome and Milan, you will find casual trattorias, contemporary bistros, and cafés where you can enjoy quick bites or relaxed meals, often with menus that blend regional flavours with modern influences.
Signature & scenic dining
Look out for rooftop terraces in Rome and Milan that pair city views with refined menus, as well as notable restaurants set in historic buildings and stylish districts.
Retail therapy in Italy
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Milan’s central districts and Rome’s shopping streets offer department stores, designer flagships, and multi-brand boutiques, where you can find both global labels and local names.
Markets & local crafts
Street markets and small independent shops in Rome and Milan showcase leather goods, textiles, and artisan-made accessories, giving you a closer look at Italian craftsmanship.
Evening retail scene
In the evenings, key shopping streets in Rome and Milan remain lively, with illuminated window displays and late-opening boutiques creating a relaxed, urban atmosphere.
Best time to visit Italy
Spring and autumn shoulder season (April to June, September to October) bring mild weather, often around 15–24°C (59–75°F), with comfortable sightseeing conditions and a pleasant atmosphere in cities. Summer peak season (July to August) is typically warm to hot, with temperatures often between 25–32°C (77–90°F), longer days, and busier attractions. Winter low season (November to March) is cooler, with many central and northern areas around 5–12°C (41–54°F), fewer crowds, and a quieter feel in most destinations.