13 BEST Things YOU Should Do In Italy

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Italy is a unique and wondrous country. A place where human creativity matches the unimaginably beautiful landscapes. Whether you find yourself in the dreamlike heights of the Dolomites or the twisting canals of Venezia city, one thing is always certain. Italy is so much more than you could have dreamed of.

The best things to do in Italy are simply some of the best things the world has to offer. Be it the cultural side of Italy, with its immaculate food, striking artwork, and iconic structures. Or the diverse landscapes like the rolling open countryside, island oases, and godly mountain ranges. It’s easy to see why Italian culture has to keep being elevated in an attempt to try and keep up with the breathtaking natural surroundings.

So keep scrolling to check out our list of the BEST THINGS TO DO IN ITALY!

The still waters of a peaceful residential canal in the eastern half of Venice is one of the best things to do in Italy

1.) Explore The East Half Of Venice

While the western half of Venezia city has the most recognizable parts of the city, it’s the eastern half that makes Venice so special. Much quieter, the residential side of the island is home to lush parks with open green space, twisting alleyways, and peaceful, almost untouched canals. The East is the perfect refuge as the crowds build up in the western half.

Pro tip- Get lost in the alleyways and canals. That’s where the real uncrowded feel of Venice really is.

An open outdoor garden space growing around ruins from ancient Pompeii

2.) Ancient Pompeii Ruins

Just outside downtown modern Pompei sits the remnants of the most famous volcanic eruption nearly 2 millennia ago. Walk the city streets, dip into the ruins of buildings, and even venture inside the open amphitheater, all under the shadow of the great Vesuvius. Join a guided tour or explore the ancient and expansive cobblestone city yourself. 

Pro tip- Enter the building near the exit to see a few of the haunting ash covered remains from the historic eruption.

Looking over all of Florence Italy from the Piazzale Michelangelo

3.) Wander The Beautiful Florence Streets

Feel the history of walking through old cobblestone streets as tightly packed Italian architecture guides you throughout the city. There’s always something to do in this warm and inviting town, with the many shops, parks, and historic churches littering the city. Head to Piazzale Michelangelo near the La Loggia del Piazzale Michelangelo for an incredible view of the city! 

Pro tip- Check out the city center near the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore for the best of Florence.

Blue reflections bounce off cave walls as the opening illuminates the blue grotto

4.) Take A Boat Tour Of Capri

Capri is home to many wonderful ways to spend a day, but none are as spectacular as seeing the island from the sea. Striking white cliffs shoot up hundreds of feet from the cool, deep blue waters. A plethora of large archways and sea caves can also be found surrounding the island. The clash of colors combined with twisted yet jagged rock formations makes seeing Capri from an oceanside perspective unforgettable!

Pro tip- The enchanting Blue Grotto is a must, but make sure you’re there as soon as they open so you don’t have to deal with the enormous crowds.

Centuries old stone structures make up the magnificent oval structure of the Colosseum in Rome

5.) Take In The Great History Of Rome

Not only is Rome the capital of Italy, but it’s a city built of legend itself. Walk through larger-than-life symbols of dictators and empires from millennia ago. Even more modern influences like WW2 and Mussolini left an undeniable mark on the city. With world renounced structures seemingly everywhere you turn, you don’t have to be a history buff to appreciate the spectacle that is Rome.

Pro tip- Take a look at all the top spots in Rome

Unbeleavable view of the Dolomite mountains towering into the clouds with a dense forest at the base

6.) Experience The Majestic Views Of Hiking In The Dolomites

When it comes to the best things to do in Italy, the wonderous landscapes of the Italian Dolomites are in a league of their own. Thick moss laden forests meet massive rocky mountains reaching to the sky. The sights here are unlike any other place in the world, as though you have found yourself inside a movie. So, if you’re looking for fantastic, unforgettable visuals, there’s no better place than the Dolomites!

Immaculately delicious orange raviolis bathed in rich sauce topped with purple leafy garnish ordered from Pulejo Rome

7.) Eat As Much Pizza, Pasta, And Gelato As You Can

As perhaps the most famous culinary country in the world, the expectations for top-tier food are sky-high. It isn’t until you have tasted these marvelous morsels that you see the reality entirely exceeds expectations. Neapolitan pizza stuffed with the freshest of herbs and spices. Pasta so unfathomably delicious it will have you questioning if you can ever go back to the pasta you’ve had at home. Then, of course, sweet, cool, and creamy gelato in any flavor you can think of. No matter where in Italy you are, you’re sure to have some of the best pizza, pasta, and gelato you have ever had.

Pro tip- Warm olive oil drizzled Neapolitan pizza followed by sweet coconut gelato is flavor heaven.

The beautiful white rialto bridge in Venice Italy with a gondola floating underneath, one of the best things to do in Italy

8.) The Energetic West Half Of Venice

When you think of Venice, odds are you picture the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Square, Saint Mark’s Basilica, and of course, the iconic gondolas. If that’s the case, the Western half of Venezia Island is for you! Seeing the details of these famous Venice main stays up close and in person will surely make your trip to the floating city unforgettable.

Pro tip- Try exploring the island by sunrise for the best views without the crowds. 👍

A roaring crowd chants and wave flags as they prepare for the Roma fc to take the pitch at Stadio Olimpico

9.) Feel The Roar Of A Football Match

No sport in the world is as loud and energetic as football, and in Italy, the fans make sure that’s true. No matter which stadium you’re at, the intense Italian crowd will make it a game to remember. Top level excitement stretches to all corners of the country, from AC Milan in the West, Napoli in the South, Udinese all the way to the East, and everything in between. 

Pro tip- Try to sit near the away section for the most exciting fan experience in sports!

A string of rowboats in the calm bay of Naples Italy

10.) Naples

Such a diverse and unique place, Naples feels as though it’s the gateway to Italian culture. Narrow crisscrossing streets and old world Italian architecture can be found from the bustling bay all the way up to the mountains overlooking the sea. While only a short train ride or drive from both Rome and Pompeii, plus a quick ferry to the delightful Italian islands, Naples is well worth the visit!

Pro tip- Don’t forget to soak in footballing greatness at the Maradona Memorial.

A dugout WW1 bunker with wooden support beams built into Cinque Torri mountain in the Dolomites

11.) See What Life Was Like In WW1

During the 1910s, the breathtaking Dolomites played as the backdrop for WW1, and to this day the remnants can still be seen. Today, you can walk through the trenches, barracks, and former gun placements honeycombed within the peaks. Numerous plaques and pictures are also posted so you can see what life was like during the war.

Pro tip- Cinque Torri and Lagazoui have some of the best history, and the cable cars make them easy to get to.

Steep stone stairs of the Phoenician Steps overlook the beautiful, picturesque Capri and the other Italian Islands

12.) Have A Taste Of Island Life In The Italian Islands

In the Italian islands, you can find everything you could ever want from an island vacation, all in a compact location. Soaring mountains offering views over all the islands, they got it. Plenty of beautiful beaches and coves to take in the gentle waves. Exotic and gorgeous gardens, of course. With so many fun activities, it can be hard to decide what to do. No worries, check out all of the best things to do on the Italian islands.

Pro tip- There’s no need to worry about renting a car as all the islands are walkable and offer taxis/buses.

Looking onto the gorgeous church and fountain of the town square in modern Pompei

13.) Walk The Gorgeous Modern Pompei Town

Just down the way from the ancient city, modern Pompei is a small glimpse at what the old city could have become. A quiet and peaceful place away from the tourists near ancient Pompeii. Here, you can relax in the sunlight of the town square as you look at the picturesque Campanile del Santuario Della Madonna Di Pompei church standing behind a large and pleasant fountain. Even a meal at the delicious Kalma restaurant makes modern Pompei a must.

Pro tip- The 2-hour train ride from Rome to Pompei makes for a wonderful day trip.

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