Your Guide To Italy's Best Cities This Summer

Italy's Best Cities: The Ultimate Summer Travel Guide 

Now that the pandemic has ended, many people want to enjoy a stunning Italian summer. Italy is one of the most popular destinations for a summer holiday, because of its gorgeous beaches, stunning food and incredible climate. Instead of choosing one Italian city to enjoy this summer, why not extend your stay and city-hop your way around Italy? 

There are many beautiful cities in Italy, and it would be incredibly hard to choose just one city to beat them all. Each city has something different to offer, and could be a perfect travel destination for many different types of travellers.

Here is your essential guide to all of Italy’s best cities, to make your Italian summer the best summer of your life

Rome

Italy’s capital city just had to make this list, and it’s not amazing just because it’s the capital. Steeped in centuries of history and tradition, you can feel how the country has evolved over thousands of years when you walk through the twisting streets of Rome. 

Rome was referred to as the ‘eternal city’ by the Romans over 2000 years ago, and many of their buildings still stand tall on Rome’s landscape. You’ll be stuck breathless by the site of the infamous Colosseum when you’re coming out of the Metro station, as it is right there as you ascend the steps. You will almost be able to hear the cries of the gladiators as you walk around its walls and imagine the lives of those thousands of years ago as you walk through the Roman Forum. 

When in Rome, you should ensure that you take the time to visit Vatican City. Climb the steps all the way to the top of St Peter’s Basilica, and take in the site of a city that has been around for thousands of years. Watch the people below, in cafes, walking through the streets and spinning through the city on Vespas. You should also get in a queue to see the Sistine Chapel - once you’ve seen it, you will know that it was worth waiting for. 

In the centre of the city, you should also make sure that you see the infamous Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. There is so much to see, eat and do in Rome that you will never be bored in this gorgeous, historic city. It is definitely one of the best cities in Italy and has earned its place on this list. 

Travellers Tips For Rome: 

• There are multiple stunning gelato shops near the Trevi Fountain - go on the hunt for some perfect, authentic Italian gelato as you take in the sculptures!
• Visited the Roman Forum and need some more ancient culture? The ancient city of Ostia Antica is only 15 miles southwest of Rome, and accessible by a short train ride. Make sure that you check it out!
• Looking for more beautiful Church architecture after your visit to Vatican City? Why not visit the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore for a truly stunning papal basilica that isn’t as busy?

Naples 

Unfortunately, Naples is neglected when it comes to lists of cities of amazing Italian tourist destinations. However, it should definitely be included a lot more than it is. It is perhaps the most sensual and Epicurean city on this list. Known for its stunning food, it is a city of weird and eccentric treasures overlooking the clean, crystal water of the Bay of Naples.

When landing in Naples, it is truly a city of vibrant and contrasting images. Vines and leaves cascade out of the windows of the baroque churches, and local graffiti art decorates the ancient walls. It is truly an attack of the senses, but as soon as your eyes adjust, you will be able to see the unique charm of Naples. 

When you visit Naples, you should visit the local architectural wonders such as the Duomo, the Guglia dell’Immacolata, and the underground city of San Lorenzo Maggiore. Here, you’ll find ancient bakeries, wineries and market halls. While you’re in Naples, you should definitely take a day trip to Pompeii Scavi, and look at the remarkable excavations from the architectural site for the city stopped in time. The eruption of Vesuvius in 79AD trapped the city in ash, to be remembered forever - look at the ancient city’s graffiti, tools, shops and houses. 

Naples is famous for inventing the modern pizza, so you should definitely eat an authentic Neapolitan pizza while you’re there. However, Naples has a lot to offer in terms of food, so you should try to eat your fill as much as possible while you’re in Naples. It is one of the most sensually stimulating Italian cities, and you shouldn’t forget about it on your Italian journey. 

Travellers Tips For Naples:

• If you can drive a Vespa, consider renting one for your time in Naples. Many people say it is best seen when twisting through the ancient streets! It will also help you experience this vibrant city just like a local would. 
• Ensure to take a walk along the bay of Naples and take in the harbour, with Mount Vesuvius lauding proudly over the crystal waters. It is one of the most beautiful scenic experiences Italy has to offer!
• Do you miss Christmas during the summer months? In Naples, visit the shops where it is always Christmas no matter the day of the year, situated on the Via San Gregorio Armeno. 

Venice

The city of Venice is made up of over 119 islands, which are all connected to each other via various bridges. It is one of the most beautiful cities to walk through and is one of the most popular destinations in Italy. Known as the city on water, the locals get around by boat, making use of the extensive canal system. 

Venice is divided into 6 places, separated by winding canals. Some of the most important landmarks on the Venice skyline are St Mark's Basilica, Doge’s Palace and the iconic Rialto Bridge. These are all incredibly iconic destinations and are some of the most beautifully designed buildings in all of Italy. If you want to see the full extent of Venice, you should definitely climb the tower of the Campanile and enjoy the stunning 360 views. You should also make sure you walk the same steps as Venetian prisoners on the Bridge of Sighs, that used to transport prisoners from the New Prison (Prigioni Nuove) to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace. 

If you love art and culture, you should also visit the Galleria dell’ Accademia and see stunning works by Bellini and Tintoretto. However, if you’re a fan of modern art, make sure to check out Dorsoduro to see works by Jackson Pollock and Matisse. 

No trip to Venice is complete without a trip on one of the iconic gondolas, and just like they say Naples is seen best from the pillion seat of a Vespa, Venice is best viewed from a boat on the canal. You should also make sure to try a Peach Bellini at the place it was invented - Harry’s Bar, situated on the Calle Vallaresso. 

Travellers Tips For Venice: 

• Do you have room for just one more church? Check out the Santa Maria dei Miracoli and marvel at its strange paintings including sea monsters, plants and angelic cherubs. It was built around a singular painting of Mary and Jesus!
• Need a coffee after a night of drinking peach bellinis? You should definitely visit Florian’s in St Mark’s Square. It was established in 1720 and is one of the oldest coffee houses in the world. It has been visited by some of the most famous artists in the world, including Lord Byron, Oscar Wilde, Grace Kelly and Andy Warhol. 
• If you’re in Venice at the right time, you should definitely check out the Venetian carnival, which began in the 12th century and was the most popular during the 18th Century. Make sure to take one of the iconic hand-crafted Venetian masks with you!

Florence 

If you want one of the most romantic and enchanting experiences Italy has to offer, you should definitely consider paying a visit to Florence. Home to stunning art, architecture and culture, it is one of the best cities to lose yourself in on a sensual summer holiday. 

If you’re a fan of stunning art, you should definitely ensure you visit the two galleries in Florence, the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia. The Accademia is home to one of the most famous sculptures in the world, Michelangelo’s David, and can attract thousands of tourists each day. However, it also has multiple other Michelangelo sculptures that you should definitely look at when you’re there. The Uffizi is home to stunning works such as the infamous ‘Birth of Venus’ by Botticelli and Caravaggio’s ‘Medusa.’ Fine art enthusiasts should definitely have Florence on their list. 

There are many stunning landmarks throughout Florence, including the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with its iconic architecture defining the Florentine landscape. You should also walk across the Ponte Vecchio and walk alongside the iconic river. If you’re in the mood to travel, you should also consider jumping on a train to Pisa, which is just an hour away from Florence. Here you can see the world-famous leaning tower of Pisa, and the Duomo right next to it. There is a lot to see in and around Florence, and it should definitely be on your list of top Italian cities to visit this summer. 

Travellers Tips For Florence: 

• If you a fan of al fresco dining by the sunset, take a bottle of wine and walk to the Piazzale Michelangelo. It is one of the highest points in the city, and as the sun sets, live music begins to play. It is one of the most magical places to see the sunset in Florence. 
• Are you a fan of rock music? While Florence is known for its romantic art and culture, it is also on the cutting edge of modern music. Music festival Firenze Rocks are known for always having amazing artists playing every year, so make sure to pack plenty of festival outfits if you’re planning on rocking out!
• If you want to experience the romantic nature of the Tuscan countryside like ‘A Room with a View,’ make sure to look for a day tour that will take you out into the stunning local fields.

Final Thoughts  

Italy is by far one of the best summer holiday destinations this year, and all of these cities should be up for your consideration. In fact, don’t just choose one - visit them all!

 

Article Contributed by Zoe-Louise Thomlinson