Italy brings together ancient history, art, fashion, and everyday city life, from Roman ruins and Renaissance galleries to stylish streets and buzzing piazzas.
Discover Italy
Discover Italy
Why visit Italy?
What to expect
Explore Rome for landmarks and museums, Milan for design and shopping, and branch out to Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, and the northern lakes for hill towns, seaside views, and mountain air.
Plan your trip
Italy works well for both first-time and repeat visits, with fast trains linking major cities and easy connections onward into wider Europe from Rome and Milan.
Top experiences in Italy
Walk through ancient Rome
See icons such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon, then pause at lively squares and fountains as you wander the city centre.
Admire Vatican art and architecture
Explore the Vatican Museums and St Peter s Basilica to encounter grand halls, intricate frescoes, and sweeping views over Rome.
Experience Milan s style and design
Visit the Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and design districts where flagship stores and galleries sit side by side.
Escape to the Italian Lakes
Head north from Milan to lakes Como, Garda, or Maggiore for waterside promenades, villas, and mountain backdrops.
Road-trip through Tuscany
Combine Florence, Siena, and hilltop villages on a slow journey through rolling countryside and historic town squares.
Cruise the Amalfi Coast
Base yourself around Naples or Sorrento to explore clifftop towns, scenic coastal roads, and nearby islands by boat.
Discover Venice and its canals
Glide along canals by boat, cross stone bridges, and explore quiet squares tucked behind the Grand Canal.
Experience Italy s way of life
Getting around
High-speed trains link Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice, and Naples efficiently, while regional trains and buses reach smaller towns and villages. For countryside stays, hiring a car offers more flexibility in rural areas and along coastal routes.
Local life & culture
In Italy, daily life often revolves around neighbourhood squares, cafes, and local shops, with a strong sense of regional identity between north and south. You will notice relaxed hours in the afternoon, lively evenings, and a deep appreciation for art, conversation, and style.
Where to unwind
Unwind along the Mediterranean and Adriatic coasts, in mountain resorts in the Alps and Dolomites, or at lakeside promenades in the north. Across the country, landscaped gardens, city parks, and coastal paths give you space to slow down in between sightseeing.
A taste of Italy
National dishes & specialties
Italy is known for regional pasta, risotto, pizza, and gelato, with Rome, Naples, Bologna, and Milan all offering their own takes on familiar favourites. Coastal areas are strong for seafood, while inland regions highlight cured meats, cheeses, and seasonal produce.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Rome and Milan you can choose from neighbourhood trattorias, family-run spots, and contemporary bistros serving regional and modern Italian dishes. Food markets, cafes, and bakeries make it easy to grab quick bites and relaxed meals throughout the day.
Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, look for terrace restaurants in Rome with city views, elegant dining rooms in Milan, or outdoor tables by the sea or lakeside. Many places focus on seasonal ingredients and thoughtful wine lists that reflect local vineyards.
Retail therapy in Italy
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Milan, areas around the Duomo and major shopping streets feature international brands, Italian labels, and department stores, while Rome offers large shopping streets and malls on the city fringe. Newer lifestyle centres often combine shops with cinemas, cafes, and family facilities.
Markets & local crafts
Rome, Florence, and Naples host markets selling leather goods, textiles, ceramics, and everyday essentials, while smaller towns often specialise in one craft, such as glass, lace, or paper. Visiting local workshops and boutiques is a good way to find distinctive souvenirs.
Evening retail scene
In major Italian cities, many central shopping streets stay lively into the evening, with window displays and well-lit squares creating a pleasant atmosphere for strolling. Around popular districts, independent boutiques, galleries, and late-opening stores sit close to bars and cafes.
Best time to visit Italy
Spring shoulder season (April to June) brings mild weather across much of Italy, with average temperatures around 15–24°C (59–75°F) and blooming countryside, making it comfortable for city walks and day trips. Summer peak season (July to August) is warm to hot, especially in Rome and southern regions, with averages of 25–32°C (77–90°F), busier attractions, and popular coastal resorts. Autumn shoulder season (September to October) cools to about 14–23°C (57–73°F), with softer light, harvest events in some regions, and generally pleasant conditions for both cities and countryside.