Italy blends ancient history, art, and style with relaxed everyday life. From grand cities to quiet hill towns and coastal villages, you experience a country shaped by centuries of culture and craftsmanship.
Discover Italy
Discover Italy
Why visit Italy?
What to expect
You can wander Roman ruins in Rome, shop and explore design districts in Milan, and travel on to regions such as Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, and the lakes in the north. Distinct regional identities give each part of Italy its own pace and charm.
Plan your trip
Italy works well for both short city breaks and longer journeys linking several regions by rail or road. With major gateways like Rome and Milan, Italy is also a convenient starting point for exploring wider Europe.
Top experiences in Italy
Explore ancient Rome
Walk between the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill to get a sense of the city that once shaped an empire.
Discover Vatican art and architecture
Visit the Vatican Museums and St Peter's Basilica to see masterpieces, grand halls, and sweeping views over Rome.
Stroll through Milan's fashion and design districts
Browse luxury boutiques, contemporary showrooms, and elegant streets around the Quadrilatero d'Oro and Brera.
See Milan's Duomo and historic heart
Climb to the Duomo rooftop for city views, then wander the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and nearby historic streets.
Day trips to Italian lakes
From Milan, make easy day trips to lakes such as Como, where mountain views meet waterfront promenades and villas.
Evening passeggiata
Join locals for an evening stroll through city squares and streets, stopping for a drink or gelato along the way.
Art-filled museums and galleries
Spend time in Italy's museums and galleries, where you can see Renaissance paintings, sculpture, and modern Italian design.
Experience Italy's way of life
Getting around
High-speed trains link Rome, Milan, and other major cities efficiently, while regional trains and buses connect smaller towns. For more remote areas and flexible itineraries, hiring a car lets you explore countryside, coast, and hilltop villages at your own pace.
Local life & culture
Life in Italy centres on lively piazzas, neighbourhood cafes, and long conversations. Each region has its own dialect, traditions, and seasonal festivals, and you will notice a strong pride in local heritage, craftsmanship, and the arts.
Where to unwind
Relax in landscaped city parks, lakeside promenades, or coastal paths, depending on where you travel. Italy also offers spa towns with thermal waters, calm countryside retreats, and scenic viewpoints where you can pause and take in the landscape.
A taste of Italy
National dishes & specialties
You can try classics such as pasta, risotto, and wood-fired pizza, each prepared differently from region to region. Rome and Milan both showcase their own specialities, giving you a sense of Italy's varied culinary traditions.
Casual & modern dining hubs
From simple trattorias to contemporary bistros, Italian cities offer relaxed places to eat at almost any time of day. Rome and Milan have lively neighbourhoods where you can sample quick bites, regional flavours, and modern takes on Italian favourites.
Signature & scenic dining
Plan a special meal at a restaurant with city views, a historic setting, or a quiet courtyard. Across Italy, you will find memorable dining spots in converted palaces, rooftop terraces, and countryside villas.
Retail therapy in Italy
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Rome and Milan, large shopping streets and department stores bring together international labels, Italian fashion houses, and lifestyle brands. Modern shopping centres on city outskirts provide convenient access to a wide range of shops under one roof.
Markets & local crafts
Browse neighbourhood markets in Rome for leather goods and everyday items, and explore Milan for design pieces, accessories, and local crafts. Other Italian regions are known for ceramics, glass, and textiles that make distinctive souvenirs.
Evening retail scene
After dark, central shopping streets in cities such as Rome and Milan stay lively, with illuminated window displays and late-opening boutiques. Many areas combine shopping with cafes and bars, so you can pause for a drink between stops.
Best time to visit Italy
Spring shoulder season (April to June): Mild and pleasant, around 15–24°C (59–75°F) in many parts of Italy, with blooming landscapes and comfortable city sightseeing. Summer peak season (July to August): Warm to hot, often 25–32°C (77–90°F) or higher, especially in central and southern regions, with busy coastal areas and long daylight hours. Autumn shoulder season (September to October): Cooler but still comfortable, roughly 14–23°C (57–73°F), with softer light, harvest events, and generally fewer crowds than midsummer. Winter low season (November to March): Cooler temperatures, often 3–12°C (37–54°F) in cities like Rome and Milan, quieter attractions, and colder conditions in the mountains for snow activities.