The 30 Best Places to Eat and Explore in All of Italy

Cue The Lizzie McGuire Movie soundtrack because yes, the Trevi Fountain is what dreams are made of. The iconic structure dates back to ancient Roman times, and legend has it if you throw a coin in, you'll return to the Eternal City someday. Toss in two and you'll find love the next time you're there.

Technically Vatican City—which serves as the headquarters of Catholicism—is its own independent city-state, but since it's only two square miles and surrounded by Rome, it pretty much counts as part of Italy. Even if you're not religious, the Vatican is worth a visit to go inside St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel to see famous works by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci.

An art lover's paradise, Florence feels like you've stepped back in time to the Renaissance with its 30+ museums, live music, cobblestone streets, and the romantic Ponte Vecchio Bridge to stroll and shop along. Take a selfie with Michelangelo's David at the Accademia Gallery then go to Trattoria 4 Leoni for the best pear ravioli of your life or Osteria Santo Spirito for some life-altering gnocchi.

At the heart of Florence is the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (also called the Duomo), the fourth largest cathedral in the world. The gothic-style structure dates back to the 13th century and is just as impressive to gaze at from the outside as it is from the inside. Take a tour and climb up the bell tower for a view of the city before grabbing a gelato and relaxing in the Piazza del Duomo.

When you think of rustic Italian hill country, you're probably thinking of Tuscany, the dreamy region in central Italy home to sprawling vineyards, charming small towns, and the occasional Medieval castle (some of which you can rent on Airbnb). While Florence is technically Tuscany's capital, you have to get out of the city to really soak up that true Tuscan magic (and throw down a few bottles of Chianti).

Built atop a series of islands along Italy's northeast coast, we probably don't need to tell you Venice is a bucket list city to visit. The one-of-a-kind locale doesn't have roads but instead, weaving water canals and narrow footpaths. Take a water taxi to get around, or dial up the romance with a private gondola ride. Don't forget to check out St. Mark's Basilica and sip an espresso in Piazza San Marco to soak up the essence of Venezia.

While you're staying in Venice, make sure to take a day trip to some of the nearby suburbs (which are on neighboring islands and require a fun lil boat trip), each with unique sights to see and goods to buy. One of our absolute faves is Burano thanks to its famous luxurious lace and the colorful houses you're pretty much required to take a pic in front of. While you're exploring, you can also visit nearby Murano to see IRL glassblowers creating that famous Venetian glasswork.

Equal parts awesome and eerie, you've probably heard of the ancient Roman city, Pompeii, before. The bustling metropolis was buried in ash after the nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79, leaving it almost completely intact but destroying the civilization that lived there. Take a guided tour to really get the most out of your visit (the site is huge), and if you're aching for more history, hike to the top of Mount Vesuvius or check out Herculaneum, another—wealthier—nearby city that was also preserved during the eruption.

As the fashion capital of Italy and one of the global "Big Four" in the industry (alongside New York, Paris, and London), Milan is pretty much the definition of Italian chic. While there are plenty of breathtaking sights—like the gothic Duomo di Milano and Da Vinci's The Last Supper mural—the city life and shopping is usually the main draw. Grab your credit card and wander along Via Monte Napoleone—what many consider to be the most exclusive and luxe shopping street in the world.

As one of the most scenic spots—and drives—in the world, no trip to Italy is complete without checking out the Amalfi coast. The region is home to 13 bright seaside towns where buildings literally hang from cliffs while the Mediterranean sea glitters below. Positano and Amalfi are two of the more popular towns—complete with beaches, luxe resorts, and Michelin-starred restaurants.

At just four square miles in size, the teeny island of Capri holds one of the most magnificent natural wonders of the world: the Grotta Azzurra, aka the Blue Grotto. The spectacular sea cave was once thought to be inhibited by witches thanks to the unearthly blue color the water takes on as sunlight passes through it. Hop on a guided boat (the only way to experience the grotto) and see for yourself why this spot has been deemed magical for centuries.

If you're looking for that small-town Italian feel, Tuscany's Siena is an easy choice. Nestled on three hills, the medieval town once rivaled Florence in the arts, but now it's considered the perfect day trip or relaxing getaway thanks to its compact size, picturesque winding roads, and authentic cuisine. Explore the historic town square (Piazza del Campo) and go up the bell tower (Torre del Mangia) for some epic views, and don't forget to stop in Pizzicheria de Miccoli for the best sammy of your life.

You likely wouldn't head to Italia if you didn't lurve the cuisine, and there's no better place in the country to eat than Bologna. Not only is the city the historic capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, but it's considered the food capital of Italy as well. As the originator of bolognese sauce (also called ragú), trying the meaty dish is a must—just be sure to get it over tagliatelle instead of spaghetti to eat like a local. If you're still hungry, chow down on some tortellini or green lasagna—both Bologna staples.

Lake Como is like the Italian Hamptons and has been used as a place to escape the heat and indulge in some R&R since the ancient Roman days. The popular spot is full of opulent, beachside resorts, quaint shops, and water sports, all with views of the nearby Alps. Spend a night in famous Bellagio for the ultimate experience or visit the lesser-known Lake Maggiore instead for a waterside escape without the wildly hefty price tag.

Okay, so, you definitely learned about Verona in school thanks to its Shakespearian ties. The historic city was the setting for Romeo and Juliet, and even though the play was fictional, the town has gone above and beyond to honor the infamous love story. Visit Juliet’s House and leave a lock in the courtyard for ~eternal love~, and don't forget to snap a pic on the balcony! Also, the amphitheater in Verona (Arena di Verona) still puts on performances, so catch a concert there for a one-of-a-kind experience.

The heel of Italy's "boot" has a lot to offer, like the waterfront region of Puglia/Apulia. This secluded area is a beloved vacation spot for locals, which means it's a real gem if you're over some of the more touristy cities. The beaches are incredible, the ocean is a vibrant blue, but it's the town of Alberobello that you've absolutely gotta see. The commune is home to white stone trulli houses with conical roofs that feel straight out of a fairytale. Rent one for a night or two to experience all that the area has to offer.

When you think of Italy, a place like Sardinia is probably not what you'd typically envision. This tropical island is the second largest in the Mediterranean Sea and is full of pristine beaches and enclaves against the gem-like. blue-green water. But what makes Sardinia even more visit-worthy is the incredible hiking, historic ruins (like the mysterious round stone Nuraghe towers), and the remote mountain villages where locals still practice old world traditions.

As the main setting for much Greek mythology (Demeter and Persephone, anyone?), the island of Sicily has an almost mythical quality about it, accentuated by its plethora of historical sites, ruins, and black sand beaches. Visit the historic Greek city of Selinunte or the Valley of Temples to get a feel for what ancient Sicilian life was like, and when you get hungry, chow down on some seafood—especially the red prawns—to really indulge.