Why visit Italy?
Italy blends ancient history, refined style, and everyday warmth. You find grand cities, hilltop villages, and coastal escapes within a compact, characterful country.
What to expect
From Rome and its ruins to Milan and its fashion streets, Italy offers art, architecture, and urban energy, framed by countryside and sea. Each region feels distinct, with its own pace and personality.
Plan your trip
You can combine iconic cities such as Rome and Milan with nearby towns, lakes, and coastlines. Italy also connects easily to the rest of Europe, making it a natural base for a wider journey.
Discover Italy
Discover Italy
Top experiences in Italy
Explore ancient Rome
Walk around landmarks such as the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and trace centuries of history in a single afternoon.
Stroll through Vatican City
Admire grand museums and vast piazzas while taking in masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture.
Discover Milan Duomo and its rooftop
Climb or ride up to the cathedral terraces for close-up views of spires and a sweeping city skyline.
Shop the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Wander under glass ceilings lined with boutiques, cafés, and historic details in central Milan.
Unwind in Italy’s café culture
Pause at a street-side table for a coffee or aperitivo and watch the rhythm of local life go by.
Enjoy Italy’s piazzas by night
As evening falls, linger in lively squares where street performers, music, and conversation blend together.
Take a day trip from Rome
Use Rome as a base for short journeys to nearby archaeological sites, coastal towns, or hilltop villages.
Experience Italy’s way of life
Getting around
High-speed trains link major cities such as Rome and Milan quickly and comfortably, while regional services reach smaller towns. Within the cities, you can rely on metro lines, trams, buses, and walkable historic centres.
Local life & culture
Daily life in Italy often centres on neighbourhood squares, morning markets, and evening strolls. You will notice strong local pride, expressive conversations, and an appreciation for art, design, and craftsmanship in everything from buildings to everyday objects.
Where to unwind
You can slow down in landscaped city parks, leafy boulevards, and quiet courtyards tucked behind busy streets. Outside the main hubs, lakeshores, rolling countryside, and coastal promenades offer space for fresh air and gentle walks.
A taste of Italy
National dishes & specialties
Italy is known for regional pastas, risotti, and vegetable-focused dishes that change with the seasons. In Rome and Milan, you can sample local takes on these classics alongside well-known favourites enjoyed around the world.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Both Rome and Milan offer everything from relaxed neighbourhood trattorias to contemporary bistros and international kitchens. You can eat quickly at standing bars, linger over multi-course meals, or explore new openings in lively urban districts.
Signature & scenic dining
In Italy’s cities, many restaurants and bars frame their menus with memorable views, from rooftop terraces to historic courtyards. You can enjoy long, unhurried meals that highlight local produce, thoughtful service, and a strong sense of place.
Retail therapy in Italy
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Rome and Milan feature major shopping streets and malls where international labels share space with Italian designers. You can browse fashion, accessories, homeware, and lifestyle brands in well-designed, walkable districts.
Markets & local crafts
Throughout Italy, city neighbourhoods host markets with fresh produce, leather goods, textiles, and everyday essentials. In places like Rome, Milan, and many regional towns, you will find artisans selling handmade items with a clear local identity.
Evening retail scene
After dark, central shopping streets and elegant galleries often stay busy with strolling locals and late shoppers. Window displays, illuminated façades, and open cafés make browsing in the evening a relaxed and social experience.
Best time to visit Italy
Peak season: June to August, when much of Italy is warm to hot, averaging around 24–30°C (75–86°F) in many central and northern areas, with long daylight hours and busy cities.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October, with mild, pleasant temperatures around 15–24°C (59–75°F), fewer crowds, and comfortable conditions for walking and sightseeing.
Low season: November to March, when temperatures in many parts of Italy range roughly from 5–13°C (41–55°F), days are shorter, and some coastal or rural areas feel quieter.