The best things to do in Italy

What are the best things to do in Italy? From browsing Renaissance art to visiting beaches, the variety is huge. Discover which Italian mountain ranges are best for hiking and what cities to see with our pick of 25 top things to do in Italy year-round.

1. Rome's Centro Storico

The centro storico is the heart of Rome, where most of the city’s major landmarks are within walking distance of each other. You can go from the Pantheon to the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and a dozen piazzas in the same afternoon.

Away from the main streets, you’ll find small workshops, courtyards, and neighborhood restaurants. The mix of ancient ruins, Renaissance buildings, and everyday city life makes this area easy to explore without a set plan. It's a great addition to any Italy itinerary.

How to get to Rome's Centro Storico

Fly into Fiumicino or Ciampino and take the Leonardo Express train or an airport bus to Termini Station. The centro storico stretches between Termini, Vatican City, and Trastevere. Walking is the easiest way to get around, though the metro (lines A and B) is useful for covering longer distances.

When to visit Rome's Centro Storico

April through May and September through October are good for walking tours and outdoor cafes. Early mornings are quiet no matter the season.

August is less busy because locals leave the city, but some businesses close. Winter is calmer but has shorter days. See more in our guide to the best time to visit Italy.
 

2. Lecce, the 'White City' of Puglia

Lecce is known for its baroque architecture made from local limestone, which changes color throughout the day.

The Basilica di Santa Croce is the most elaborate, with detailed carvings and a large rose window. The city center is small enough to see on foot and includes a Roman amphitheater, papier-mâché workshops, and bakeries selling pasticciotto, a pastry filled with custard.

A large student population keeps the streets busy into the evening, and regional food (like burrata, orecchiette pasta, and primitivo wine) is easy to find in restaurants and markets.

How to get to Lecce

How to plan a trip to Italy that stops in Lecce starts with a flight into Brindisi (about 40 minutes by shuttle) or Bari (about 90 minutes by train). Trains run directly from Rome, Milan, and Bologna, and smaller regional lines connect Lecce to towns along the coast. You can walk from the train station to the center.

When to visit Lecce

May through June and September through October are warm without the extreme heat of summer. In August, many residents spend time at the coast, but the city still has activity. Winters are mild and come with local markets and events. Spring is good for exploring the countryside. In the hotter months, it’s best to plan most walking for the morning or evening.
 

3. The ancient Greek ruins of Sicily

Sicily has some of the best-preserved Greek temples outside of Greece, a reminder of how important the island was during the time of Magna Graecia.

In Agrigento, the Valley of the Temples lines up striking Doric temples with views down to the Mediterranean. Segesta’s single temple stands alone in the hills, while Syracuse’s archaeological park has a massive Greek theater still used for summer performances and the fascinating Ear of Dionysius cave.

On the coast, Selinunte spreads across headlands with the remains of eight temples.

How to get to Sicily’s Greek ruins

Fly into Palermo or Catania. From either, you’ll need a bus or rental car to reach Agrigento. Syracuse connects to Catania by train or bus. Segesta is easiest with a car or on a tour from Palermo. Selinunte is reachable by bus from Castelvetrano station. Public transport between the sites is limited, so a rental car is the most flexible option.

When to visit Sicily’s Greek ruins

March to May and October to November have comfortable weather for walking the sites. In summer, go early in the day to avoid the worst of the heat. Winter is quiet but can mean shorter hours and occasional rain. In spring, wildflowers often cover the temple grounds, and at Agrigento, sunsets can be especially striking with the temples lit in golden light.
 

4. Visiting local wine regions

Italy’s wine regions vary hugely, and visiting them is as much about local tradition as it is about the wine itself. In Piedmont, nebbiolo grapes become Barolo. In Tuscany, sangiovese shapes the wines around Chianti’s hill towns.

In Veneto, the Prosecco hills stretch toward the Dolomites, and on Sicily’s volcanic slopes, Etna wines have a distinct mineral edge. Many wineries, often family-run, welcome visitors for tastings and tours that explain their growing methods and how the land shapes the wine.

Some have agriturismos where you can stay, take cooking classes, or help with the harvest (see our guide to Italy accommodation). It’s worth seeking out lesser-known grapes too, like sagrantino in Umbria or aglianico in Campania.

How to get to the Italian wine regions

Most major wine areas are near airports: Milan for Piedmont, Florence or Pisa for Tuscany, and Venice for the Prosecco area. Trains reach main towns, but to get to vineyards, you’ll usually need a car or a guided tour. In harvest season, some regions run wine buses. E-bikes are a growing way to get between vineyards.

When to visit Italian wine regions

September and October bring harvest season, grape-picking events, and wine festivals. Spring means green vines and wildflowers, plus fewer visitors. May and September are especially good for comfortable weather. Winter is quieter and can be a good time for longer, slower tastings, plus truffle season in some regions.
 

5. Urbino, Le Marche

Urbino sits high above the hills of Le Marche, its Renaissance center anchored by the Ducal Palace. Inside, you’ll find works by Piero della Francesca and Raphael, who was born here, along with a studiolo lined with intricate wooden inlays that create striking optical illusions.

Away from the palace, the steep lanes lead to terraces overlooking rolling countryside. The city’s university, founded in 1506, is worth seeing for its cafés and regular cultural events.

How to get to Urbino

Fly into Ancona, Bologna, or Rimini. Take a train to Pesaro, then a bus for the 45-minute ride to Urbino. In summer, direct buses run from Rimini and Bologna airports. The historic center is closed to traffic, but there’s parking just outside the walls. Some hotels can arrange shuttle transfers from Pesaro station.

When to visit Urbino

April to June and September to October are comfortable for walking the steep streets. July has an early music festival. August brings more visitors from within Italy but is still easy to navigate. From October to May, university terms make the city livelier. Winter is quiet, with museums easy to visit, though some restaurants may close. Spring brings fields of wildflowers around the city.
 

6. Byzantine Mosaics, Ravenna

Ravenna’s mosaics date to the 5th and 6th centuries and fill eight UNESCO-listed buildings. The Basilica di San Vitale is known for its gold-and-green biblical scenes covering walls and vaults. The small Mausoleum of Galla Placidia has a deep-blue ceiling dotted with stars, while Sant’Apollinare Nuovo features long rows of saints and martyrs along the nave.

These works survived when many others from the same era were lost, making them an important record of early Christian art. Most sites are close enough to see several in a day on foot.

How to get to Ravenna

Bologna is about an hour away by direct train. Venice takes around three hours. Bologna Airport is the nearest for international flights. The train station is a 10-minute walk from the historic center, and most mosaic sites are within easy reach. Bikes are available for rent.

When to visit Ravenna

March to May and September to November bring mild weather and fewer visitors than summer. Seeing everything on a combined ticket takes at least two days. Winter is quiet, but daylight hours are shorter. Early mornings give the best light through the windows, and from June to September, some sites open in the evenings for illuminated viewing.
 

7. Amalfi Coast, Campania

The Amalfi Coast is a short stretch of steep coastline in southern Campania, connected by a narrow road between Sorrento and Salerno.

The towns are close together, but each feels different: Positano climbs the hillside in tight rows, Amalfi has a small historic center and harbor, and Ravello is set further inland with wide sea views. 

Lemon trees grow across terraced hills, and local dishes use them alongside seafood and colatura di alici, a fermented anchovy seasoning. There are small beaches and coves you can reach by boat or along coastal paths (some of the best beaches in Italy). The Path of the Gods is one of the best-known walks, running high above the shoreline.

How to get to the Amalfi Coast

From Naples Airport, take a bus or private transfer to Sorrento, then switch to SITA buses for the coastal towns. Trains to Salerno work well if you’re starting from the eastern side. 

Summer ferries run between Naples, Sorrento, and several towns along the coast. The SS163 road is scenic but demanding to drive. Many people choose one town as a base and use buses or boats for day trips. See our Amalfi Coast itinerary to see how to navigate the area.

When to visit the Amalfi Coast

April to May and September to October have warm weather without the peak summer crowds. July and August are busiest, with more traffic and higher prices. March and November are quieter, but rain is more likely. Many hotels close in winter, though the towns remain lived-in. In September, the sea is still warm enough for swimming, and the pace slows.
 

8. Piazza San Marco, Venice

Piazza San Marco is Venice’s main square and home to some of the city’s most visited landmarks. St. Mark’s Basilica is known for its mosaics, and the Campanile gives a clear view over the lagoon.

The Doge’s Palace is next door, with council chambers and paintings by Tintoretto and Veronese. The square is home to many cafés, and in the evenings there’s often live music.

During acqua alta, the square can flood, and walkways are set up so people can still pass through. Visiting early or late in the day makes it easier to see without heavy crowds. If you're in Italy with kids, there are nearby mask-making workshops that can be a lot of fun.

How to get to Piazza San Marco

From Venice Marco Polo Airport, the water bus takes about 75 minutes, or you can take a water taxi in around 30 minutes. From Santa Lucia train station, vaporetto Line 1 or 2 follows the Grand Canal to San Marco. Walking from the station takes roughly 45 minutes, with signs marking the way. Water buses also stop at San Zaccaria, a short walk from the square.

When to visit Piazza San Marco

Before 9am or after 6pm is generally quieter. November–March has fewer visitors overall, though flooding is more likely. August and holiday weekends draw the largest crowds. Tuesday to Thursday sees fewer day-trippers than weekends. During acqua alta (October–January), waterproof shoes are a good idea.
 

9. Frescoes at Orvieto Duomo

In Orvieto’s cathedral, the San Brizio Chapel is covered with Luca Signorelli’s Last Judgment frescoes. The scenes of the resurrected dead, the damned, and the Antichrist are painted with precise detail and were influential for Michelangelo’s work in the Sistine Chapel.

The striped marble facade and gold mosaics change in appearance throughout the day. Orvieto sits on volcanic rock with Etruscan-era tunnels beneath it.

You can easily fill a day visiting the cathedral, touring the tunnels, tasting Orvieto Classico wine, and eating on a terrace with hillside views.

How to get to Orvieto Duomo

From Rome, trains take about 75 minutes; from Florence, around 2 hours. Both arrive at Orvieto station, where you can catch the funicular up to the old town. The cathedral is a short walk from there. If you drive, there’s parking at the base of the cliff with funicular access. It works well as a day trip from either city.

When to visit Orvieto Duomo

Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to walk around the hilltop and explore the tunnels. Morning light is best for seeing the facade. Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends, when more visitors come from Rome. In August, the Umbria Jazz festival takes place. Winter is calm and ideal if you want to focus on the frescoes. Late afternoons bring warm light on the marble.
 

10. Florence Duomo, Tuscany

Florence’s cathedral complex includes Brunelleschi’s dome, Giotto’s bell tower, and Ghiberti’s bronze baptistery doors. The dome was built without the flying buttresses used in Gothic architecture, which was a major innovation at the time.

Climbing its 463 steps gives you wide views of the city and a close look at Vasari’s Last Judgment fresco inside. The cathedral’s interior is simple, drawing attention to the dome.

The Opera del Duomo Museum nearby holds original sculptures by Donatello and Michelangelo that once stood outside. The complex is in Piazza del Duomo, right in the city center. See our detailed  weekend Florence itinerary for tips on how to make the most of your time.

How to get to Florence Duomo

The tram from Florence Airport runs straight into the city center. From Santa Maria Novella train station, it’s about a 10-minute walk. The historic center is easy to navigate on foot. If you want to climb the dome, book ahead to avoid long waits.

When to visit Florence Duomo

Early mornings are the best time for cooler temperatures and fewer people. October to March usually means shorter lines, though you might get rain. Tuesdays through Thursdays are generally quieter. 

August is both hot and busy. If you can, book a sunset climb for the light over the rooftops. Around Christmas, the area is beautifully decorated but draws big crowds.

See our guide to the best foods in Florence to make the most of your time while you're visiting.

11. Real Neapolitan pizza

Naples is where pizza began, and the method hasn’t changed much. A traditional Neapolitan pizza is baked for about 90 seconds in a 900°F (480°C) wood-fired oven, giving it a soft base with a light char.

The Margherita is still made with San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella from Campania, fresh basil, and extra-virgin olive oil.

Well-known places like Da Michele and Sorbillo draw big crowds, but plenty of local pizzerias turn out excellent pizza without the wait. Watching the pizzaioli work the dough and ovens is part of the experience, and pizza here is considered part of Naples’ cultural heritage, recognized by UNESCO.

Where to get Naples pizza

Many of the most-visited pizzerias are in and around Spaccanapoli and Via dei Tribunali in the historic center. Metro Line 1 reaches this area, but walking between places is easy and gives you a good look at the city. Most don’t take reservations, so be ready to wait. See our guide to the areas of Naples if you aren't familiar.

When to get Naples pizza

Lunch (12–3pm) usually has shorter lines than dinner. Many family-run pizzerias close in August. Weekday lunches are the least busy; weekend evenings are the most crowded.
 

12. Quiet corners of the Italian lakes

Outside the busy areas of Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, there are smaller towns and quieter stretches worth exploring.

Orta San Giulio has narrow streets and a small island monastery. On Lake Iseo, Monte Isola is car-free, with fishing villages and walking trails through chestnut trees.

The upper ends of the larger lakes have Alpine views, small villages, and gardens with regional plants.

Ferries link the smaller docks, so it is easy to plan a walk or a meal by the water. These areas still have a slower pace, with fishing, farming, and small-scale crafts part of daily life.

How to get to the lesser-known Italian lakes

Milan’s airports connect to the lakes by train. A rental car is useful for reaching smaller villages, but regional trains can get you to main towns, with ferries taking you further. Lake Orta is easiest to reach through Novara; Lake Iseo via Brescia. To reach the upper parts of Lake Como, you’ll need a boat or a drive along winding roads from Como or Lecco.

When to visit  the lesser-known Italian lakes

May, June, and September have good weather without the August crowds. Spring is best for flowering gardens, while October brings fall colors. Winter is very quiet, with some closures. Weekdays are calmer than weekends, and early ferries are the least busy.
 

13. Elba Island, Tuscany

Elba is just off the Tuscan coast and easy to reach for a short trip or a longer stay.

The island has sandy beaches, rocky coves, and mountain landscapes, along with two houses connected to Napoleon’s exile. The terrain shifts from granite peaks in the west to iron-rich red sands in the south and pale limestone cliffs in the north.

Portoferraio’s harbor is enclosed by Medici-era walls, while hill towns such as Capoliveri keep their small-town pace. More than 150 beaches range from wide bays to coves reached only on foot or by boat.

Vineyards produce wines from Ansonica and Aleatico grapes that are found across the island.

How to get to Elba Island

Ferries run year-round from Piombino to Portoferraio in about an hour. Piombino has train links to Pisa, Florence, and Rome. Cars can be ferried over, but buses connect main towns and beaches, and renting a scooter or small boat works well for day trips. There’s also a small airport with limited summer flights from other European cities.

When to visit Elba Island

May, June, and September are warm without peak summer congestion. July and August are busiest, with more traffic and fuller beaches. April and October are good for hiking, with spring flowers or autumn colors. Many hotels and restaurants close from November to March.
 

14. Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo

This is Italy’s oldest national park, home to Marsican brown bears, wolves, and chamois in beech forests and high meadows.

Villages such as Pescasseroli and Civitella Alfedena serve as bases for exploring trails that range from easy valley walks to steep mountain climbs. Traditional activities like shepherding, woodcarving, and cheese-making continue alongside conservation work.

Autumn brings colorful foliage and mushroom foraging, while spring sees wildflowers and more visible wildlife. Bears, wolves, and golden eagles live in the park, though sightings are rare. The area is a good day trip from Rome.

How to get to Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo

Driving from Rome takes about two hours, or two and a half from Naples via Avezzano. Public transport is limited: you’d need a bus from Avezzano or Castel di Sangro to reach the park’s villages. A rental car makes it easier to get around. Villages have accommodation, and visitor centers can provide maps, guided walks, and information on where wildlife has been seen recently.

When to visit Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo

May to October works well for hiking, with June and September being the most comfortable. October brings autumn colors and the deer rut. Winter is quiet, with snowshoeing and wildlife tracking on offer. In spring, meadows are full of flowers and animals are active. August brings more visitors to the villages, but the trails stay relatively quiet.

15. Uffizi Gallery, Florence

The Uffizi holds a truly vast collection of Renaissance art inside a riverside palace designed by Vasari, and is one of the best museums in Florence. You can trace the development of the period through works by Botticelli, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Titian.

The Medici family started the collection, and their influence is visible throughout. Alongside the well-known paintings, there are Flemish works, classical sculptures, and rotating exhibitions.

The café terrace on the top floor looks across to Palazzo Vecchio, and the recently reopened Vasari Corridor links the Uffizi to the Pitti Palace through an enclosed walkway. See our guide to how many days you need in Florence.

How to get to Uffizi Gallery

It’s between Piazza della Signoria and the Arno River in Florence’s historic center, about a 10-minute walk from the Duomo or main train station. There’s no metro, so walking is simplest. Tickets should be booked online in advance to avoid long waits. Entry is at a set time, but you can stay as long as you like once inside.

When to visit Uffizi Gallery

Early mornings or late afternoons on Tuesday through Thursday are generally quieter. The gallery is closed on Mondays. Winter is less busy, though hours are shorter. The first Sunday of the month is free but extremely crowded. In summer, there are occasional evening openings. For peak season, plan to book several weeks ahead.
 

16. Agriturismi farm stays

Agriturismi are working farms that accommodate guests, found everywhere from vineyard estates in Tuscany to citrus farms in Sicily.

Stays range from basic farmhouses to restored historic buildings. Meals often use produce grown on the property, and depending on the season, guests can join activities such as cooking classes, grape or olive harvesting, or truffle foraging. Italian regulations require that most income comes from agriculture, so the focus is on genuine farm life rather than tourism.

How to get to Agriturismi

A car is usually the most practical way to reach them, though some hosts arrange pickups from nearby train stations. Many are 30–60 minutes from major towns.

When to visit Agriturismi

Spring to autumn brings more outdoor and farm activities. September and October are grape and olive harvest months. Summer is busier and more expensive but has longer days for exploring. In winter, properties near ski areas or major cities may stay open. May and September combine mild weather with plenty of seasonal work on the farms.
 

17. Pompeii and Herculaneum

When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, it buried two Roman cities under ash, preserving an extraordinary amount of detail.

Pompeii is large and open, with streets lined by temples, markets, bathhouses, and houses of all sizes. The cart tracks in the paving stones are still visible, as are frescoes, mosaics, and graffiti about politics, gladiators, and personal lives.

Herculaneum is smaller but better preserved, with intact wooden furniture, food remains, and papyrus scrolls. The plaster casts in Pompeii (created from voids left in the ash) show the final moments of its residents.

Excavations are ongoing, and recent finds include a complete street-food counter with traces of what was served.

How to get to Pompeii and Herculaneum

From Naples, the Circumvesuviana train stops at Pompeii Scavi–Villa dei Misteri in about 40 minutes and Ercolano Scavi in about 20. High-speed trains also stop at modern Pompeii, but you’ll need a short transfer to reach the archaeological area. Both entrances are close to their stations. Combined tickets are available, and a guide or audio guide helps make sense of the ruins.

When to visit Pompeii and Herculaneum

October to April is cooler and less crowded. In summer, go as early as possible to avoid the heat. Each site is best visited on a separate day, doing both in one can be exhausting. Spring and autumn have mild weather and longer daylight. August is very hot, with little shade. Winter is quiet but has shorter opening hours. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends.
 

18. The beaches of Sardinia

Sardinia’s coastline ranges from developed resort areas to remote stretches that require a hike or boat trip.

In the northeast, the Costa Smeralda is known for its marinas and high-end beach clubs. The west coast is windier and popular with surfers. Near Cagliari in the south, beaches are easy to reach, while Cala Luna in the east involves either a challenging walk or a boat ride.

The La Maddalena Archipelago offshore is a protected area of uninhabited islands. Inland, Sardinia is mountainous, with prehistoric nuraghe towers and a strong pastoral culture. 

Local food is distinct from mainland Italy: porceddu (roast suckling pig), pane carasau flatbread, and cannonau wine are well-known examples. The island has its own language and long-standing traditions. See our sample Sardinia itinerary for tips on how to spend your time here.

How to get to Sardinian beaches

The main airports are in Cagliari (south), Olbia (northeast), and Alghero (northwest), with flights from across Europe. Ferries from mainland Italy take 5–12 hours. Renting a car makes it easier to move between beaches, as public transport mainly connects towns. Some beaches involve a short walk from parking; others can only be reached by boat. Northern beaches are closest to airports but can be more expensive in summer.

When to visit Sardinian beaches

June and September are warm for swimming without the peak-season crowds. July and August are the busiest and most expensive. May and October are good for walking and sightseeing, with some swimming possible. Many beach facilities close from November to April. Spring and autumn are also good for wind sports.
 

19. The Last Supper & Milan Cathedral

Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper is painted directly onto the wall of the dining hall at Santa Maria delle Grazie. The perspective lines draw your eye into the moment when Christ speaks of his betrayal.

Leonardo used an experimental method that didn’t age well, so the painting started to fade soon after it was finished, but it’s still worth seeing. Entry is tightly timed to 15 minutes, and tickets are usually gone months in advance.

The Duomo, Milan’s cathedral, is completely different in style. Its Gothic façade is covered with stone carvings and statues, and the rooftop paths let you walk alongside its buttresses with views across the city and, on clear days, the Alps.0

Inside, the stained glass changes the light throughout the day, and the crypt holds the remains of San Carlo Borromeo. Visiting both gives you a good sense of the city’s range: from Renaissance art to Gothic architecture.

How to get to Milan’s landmarks

Milan’s main airports are Malpensa (long-haul) and Linate (European). The Duomo is on the metro’s red line. Santa Maria delle Grazie is a short walk from the red or green line. Both are central enough to visit in one day. Book The Last Supper as far ahead as possible.

When to visit  Milan’s landmarks

The Last Supper is open year-round, but it’s wise to plan months in advance. The Duomo rooftop is best in clear weather.

Fashion Weeks (February, September) and the April Furniture Fair mean higher hotel prices. Many restaurants close in August. December has Christmas markets, and spring and autumn are usually comfortable for walking.
 

20. Giotto’s Frescoes, Padua

The Scrovegni Chapel in Padua is home to Giotto’s early 14th-century fresco cycle, a series of 38 scenes showing the lives of Christ and the Virgin Mary, ending with the Last Judgment. Giotto’s work was groundbreaking for the time, with realistic figures, emotional expressions, and a sense of depth that moved away from the flat style of earlier art.

The deep blue ceiling covered in gold stars ties the space together. Because of the frescoes’ age, visits are tightly controlled, and you’ll watch a short video before entering so the climate inside stays stable.

Padua itself is small enough to explore on foot and has plenty to see: the Basilica of St. Anthony, the historic university where Galileo taught, and the world’s oldest botanical garden. Being only about half an hour from Venice makes it an easy side trip.

How to get to Giotto’s Frescoes, Padua

Direct trains from Venice take around 30 minutes, and it’s about two hours from Milan. The chapel is a 10-minute walk from the station. Booking ahead is essential, especially in summer and on weekends. The ticket includes the video introduction. The nearest major airport is Venice.

When to visit Giotto’s Frescoes, Padua

The chapel is open all year. Mornings tend to have the most even light. Spring is good if you want to see the botanical garden in bloom, and December brings Christmas markets to the squares. Plan some time to see more of Padua while you’re there.
 

21. Hiking in the Dolomites

The Dolomites are all sharp limestone peaks and wide green valleys, with trails for every kind of hiker. The via ferratas (iron cables fixed to the rock) let you reach high passes without needing full climbing gear.

Easier routes wind through meadows and link rifugi (mountain huts) where you can get a hot meal and simple lodging. Routes worth looking into include the Sella Ronda, the Alta Via trails, and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop.

This part of northern Italy has both Italian and Austrian influences, so you’ll hear German as well as Italian, and the food ranges from pasta to sauerkraut. Cable cars can take you to higher starting points for day hikes or longer treks. The pale rock takes on a pink tint at sunrise and sunset, something locals call enrosadira. Villages in the valleys still maintain traditions like woodcarving and the Ladin language.

How to get to the Dolomites

Airports in Venice, Verona, Innsbruck, and Munich are all within reach. From there, trains run to Bolzano, Brunico, or Belluno, with buses connecting to smaller towns. A rental car gives you more options for reaching trailheads. In summer, shuttle buses link popular hiking areas. Mountain passes can be closed in winter, so check routes in advance.

When to visit the Dolomites for hiking

July to September is when higher trails are clear of snow and rifugi are open. June and October work well for lower routes, though you might encounter snow above. August is the busiest month. September has cooler temperatures and autumn colors. Via ferratas are most reliable in July and August when dry. Wildflowers bloom in June. Weather can shift quickly, so bring layers and rain gear.
 

22. Basilica di San Francesco, Assisi

The Basilica di San Francesco is known for its frescoes depicting the life of St. Francis, painted by Giotto and other artists. The upper church is filled with light, while the lower church has a more enclosed feel.

Works by Cimabue, Pietro Lorenzetti, and Simone Martini make this one of the most complete medieval fresco cycles in Italy.

An earthquake in 1997 caused significant damage, but restoration work has repaired much of it. St. Francis’s tomb is in the lower church, and the surrounding old town still has its medieval layout and pale stone buildings.

How to get to Basilica di San Francesco, Assisi

From Rome, the train takes about 2 hours; from Florence, about 2.5. The station is in the valley, with buses running up to the old town. Perugia Airport is about 30 minutes away.

Expect uphill walking; mobility assistance is available. Parking is outside the walls, with escalators into the center. Staying overnight lets you see the town outside of peak hours.

When to visit Basilica di San Francesco, Assisi

April to May and September to October have mild weather and fewer visitors. Religious festivals bring crowds but also special events. August is the busiest time. Early mornings and evenings are quieter year-round. Winter is calm and gives more space to view the art. October 4th is St. Francis Day, marked with ceremonies. Spring brings wildflowers to the hillsides around the town.
 

23. The Vatican Museums of Rome

The Vatican Museums cover a huge range: ancient Roman sculptures, Renaissance frescoes, religious artifacts, and modern works. This is one of the best things to do in Rome. The Sistine Chapel is the big draw, but the Raphael Rooms, the Gallery of Maps, and the Pinacoteca are all worth time if you have it. There’s also a section on Egyptian and Etruscan history and a quieter modern art wing with pieces by Dalí and Chagall.

There’s too much to see in one go, so it helps to pick a few priorities before you arrive. A tour can give useful background, while going alone lets you set your own pace. Crowds are unavoidable, but moving through the galleries in this setting is still a memorable experience.

How to get to the Vatican Museums

Take Metro Line A to Ottaviano or Cipro and walk about 10 minutes. Buses stop nearby, and it’s 30 to 45 minutes on foot from central Rome. There’s no parking. 

Book tickets ahead; morning entry is usually the least busy. In some seasons, Friday evenings are quieter. Entry is only with a pre-booked ticket or tour. See our guide to where to stay in Rome for more information.

When to visit the Vatican Museums

Early mornings and Wednesdays during papal audiences are typically less crowded. Weekends, major Catholic holidays, and the free last Sundays draw the most visitors. Lines are shorter from November to February, except around Christmas. The first entry time at 8 a.m. is the best chance for a calmer visit. Plan on at least three hours, more if you want to see several sections in detail.
 

24. The Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower started tilting during construction in the 12th century because of unstable ground. It now leans just under 4 degrees after decades of stabilization work. Climbing its 294 steps is unusual. You notice the shift in angle as you move.

It’s part of the Field of Miracles, which also includes the cathedral, the circular Baptistery with distinctive acoustics, and the Camposanto cemetery with medieval frescoes. Outside the main square, Pisa has a large student population, Keith Haring’s final mural, and plenty of restaurants that cater more to locals.

How to get to the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Pisa International Airport is 20 minutes by bus from the center. Direct trains link Pisa with Florence (about 1 hour), Rome (around 3 hours), and other cities. In fact, it's one of the best day trips from Florence you can take. From Pisa Centrale station, it’s a 25-minute walk or a short bus ride to the Field of Miracles. Lucca is close enough to combine in a day.

When to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Early or late in the day is best for lighter crowds and softer light. Spring and fall are more comfortable for the climb, while summer afternoons can be hot. Winter is quieter, though it can rain. Book several weeks ahead if you’re visiting in peak season. Combined tickets are available for all the buildings in the complex.