Why visit Italy?
Italy blends ancient history, art, and everyday street life in a way you feel as soon as you arrive. From grand piazzas to tiny hill towns, you move between archaeological wonders and lived-in neighbourhoods that still follow their own rhythms.
What to expect
You can explore major cities such as Rome and Milan, each with its own character, or branch out to coastal regions and inland lakes. One trip might focus on museums and monuments, another on design, fashion, and contemporary culture, all connected by reliable transport and walkable historic centres.
Plan your trip
Italy works well for both short city breaks and longer multi-city journeys across the country. With its central location in Europe, it also serves as a convenient starting point for wider regional travel by rail or short flights to neighbouring countries.
Discover Italy
Discover Italy
Top experiences in Italy
Explore the landmarks of Rome
Walk between iconic sites such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps, discovering layers of history in a compact city centre.
Discover Milan's style and design
Spend time around the Duomo and Galleria, then explore design districts and contemporary galleries that showcase Milan's creative edge.
Stroll through timeless piazzas
Relax at a pavement table in historic squares, watching daily life unfold around fountains, palaces, and church facades.
Cruise Italy's lakes and coastlines
Take gentle boat trips on northern lakes or along dramatic coastal stretches to see villages and villas from the water.
Tour art-filled churches and galleries
Visit museums and churches that house masterworks of painting, sculpture, and architecture from different periods.
Enjoy café culture and people-watching
Pause in cafés and bars throughout the day, using them as a base to soak up the atmosphere of each neighbourhood.
Join local festivals and city events
Plan your trip around cultural festivals, exhibitions, or fashion events that bring extra energy to Italy's cities.
Experience Italy's way of life
Getting around
Italy is easy to cross using high-speed and regional trains that link Rome, Milan, and other major hubs. Within cities, you can rely on metro lines, trams, buses, and plenty of walkable streets, with taxis and ride-hailing services for late evenings or longer hops.
Local life & culture
Daily life often centres on neighbourhood streets, local cafés, and busy public squares where people meet throughout the day. Each region takes pride in its crafts, dialects, and traditions, so you will notice distinct accents and customs as you travel between cities.
Where to unwind
You can slow down in leafy city parks, landscaped public gardens, or promenades along rivers and waterfronts. Outside the main centres, tranquil countryside, lakesides, and coastal paths offer space for scenic walks, cycling, and time in nature.
A taste of Italy
National dishes & specialties
Italy is known for beloved pasta, pizza, and regional comfort dishes that vary from north to south. Rome and Milan each showcase their own classic recipes and ingredients, reflecting local history and climate.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find relaxed trattorias, cafés, and contemporary bistros on most city streets, often clustered around stations and central districts. Larger cities bring together traditional menus and modern reinterpretations, giving you many options from quick bites to lingering meals.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable settings, look for terraces with skyline views or dining rooms near historic monuments and grand squares. Lakeside and coastal locations also offer atmospheric venues where the setting is as much a part of the experience as the food.
Retail therapy in Italy
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Major Italian cities feature shopping streets and urban malls where international brands sit alongside local designers. Milan and Rome in particular offer dedicated fashion districts and lifestyle centres with cafés and galleries.
Markets & local crafts
Open-air markets and specialist boutiques showcase leather goods, textiles, and artisan products. In cities such as Rome and Milan you can browse for handmade accessories, homewares, and distinctive souvenirs with clear ties to their location.
Evening retail scene
In central districts, shops often stay open into the evening, especially around busy pedestrian streets. Illuminated windows, late-opening boutiques, and bustling squares create a lively backdrop for an after-dinner stroll.
Best time to visit Italy
Peak season: June to August brings warm to hot weather, often around 25–32°C (77–90°F) in many cities, with long daylight hours and busy attractions.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October are milder at about 15–24°C (59–75°F), with pleasant conditions for walking and slightly fewer crowds.
Low season: November to March is cooler, around 5–14°C (41–57°F) in most cities, with quieter sights and a more local feel, though some coastal areas are subdued.