Why visit Italy?
Italy draws you in with historic cities, artistic treasures, and varied landscapes from coastlines to mountains. You can wander ancient streets, admire masterpieces, and experience a relaxed yet vibrant way of life in every region.
What to expect
From Rome’s grand monuments to Milan’s design-forward streets, each Italian city has its own character. Beyond the cities, you will find vineyard-covered hills, Alpine lakes, and coastal towns that invite slow exploration and day trips.
Plan your trip
You can use Italy as both a single-country getaway and a base to explore wider Europe. Efficient rail and air links connect major hubs, so it is easy to build itineraries that combine several regions within one journey.
Discover Italy
Discover Italy
Top experiences in Italy
Walk through ancient Rome
Explore the Colosseum area, Roman Forum streets, and surrounding neighbourhoods to experience layers of history in the heart of the city.
Admire Vatican art and architecture
Visit the Vatican Museums and nearby basilicas to see iconic frescoes, sculptures, and grand spaces that showcase centuries of artistry.
Discover Milan’s fashion and design districts
Stroll through central shopping streets and creative neighbourhoods to see flagship boutiques, concept stores, and contemporary galleries.
Relax in Italian piazzas
Spend time in local squares in Rome or Milan, where you can sit at a café, people-watch, and enjoy the city’s daily rhythm.
Explore Italy’s art museums
Visit major galleries in Rome and Milan to see Renaissance paintings, modern works, and curated collections under one roof.
Enjoy Italy’s café culture
Pause for coffee at counters and terraces across the cities, joining locals for quick breaks and unhurried conversations.
Take day trips to nearby towns
Use Rome or Milan as a base for short rail journeys to smaller towns, lakes, or countryside escapes within easy reach.
Experience Italy’s way of life
Getting around
High-speed and regional trains link Rome, Milan, and many other Italian cities, making rail a convenient way to travel. Within cities, you can use metro lines, trams, buses, and taxis, with many historic centres also best explored on foot.
Local life & culture
Italian daily life often centres on neighbourhood cafés, local shops, and evening strolls through town squares. Each region has its own dialects, traditions, and festivals, and you will notice differences in architecture, style, and lifestyle between Rome and Milan.
Where to unwind
You can slow down in landscaped city parks, riverside paths, and leafy residential streets in both Rome and Milan. For longer breaks, nearby lakes, rolling countryside, and coastal areas offer fresh air, gentle walks, and scenic viewpoints.
A taste of Italy
National dishes & specialties
Italy is known for pasta, pizza, cured meats, and cheeses, with each region offering its own signatures. In Rome and Milan you can sample traditional recipes that highlight local ingredients and long-established cooking styles.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find trattorias, cafés, and modern eateries scattered through central neighbourhoods and business districts. Street-side counters, food halls, and contemporary restaurants offer a range of flavours, from classic comfort dishes to lighter modern plates.
Signature & scenic dining
In Rome and Milan, some restaurants and bars feature rooftop terraces, courtyards, or views over historic streets. You can plan a special evening in venues that pair refined menus with atmospheric interiors or panoramic city vistas.
Retail therapy in Italy
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Rome and Milan offer large shopping streets and centres where you can find international labels and Italian designers. These areas often combine retail with cafés, cinemas, and cultural spaces, creating full-day lifestyle destinations.
Markets & local crafts
Across both cities you will come across neighbourhood markets selling fresh produce, clothing, and everyday goods. Selected districts feature stalls and boutiques showcasing leather items, accessories, and locally made crafts that reflect distinct regional styles.
Evening retail scene
Main shopping districts in Rome and Milan remain lively into the evening, with illuminated windows and late-opening stores on key days. You can combine an after-dinner walk with browsing boutiques, enjoying the atmosphere of busy streets and side alleys.
Best time to visit Italy
Peak season: June to August brings warm to hot weather, especially in cities like Rome and Milan, with average temperatures around 25–30°C (77–86°F). This is a popular time for sightseeing and coastal breaks.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October offer milder conditions, with temperatures around 15–24°C (59–75°F). These months balance comfortable weather with fewer crowds in many areas.
Low season: November to March is cooler, with average temperatures around 5–13°C (41–55°F) in much of the country. Some coastal spots are quieter, while cities remain active with indoor attractions.