The 20 most visited cities in Italy

Italian cities are steeped in football, history, wrestling and romance, in a very attractive country in the eyes of tourists from Europe, America and the world.

But, of all of them, which are the most frequented? Let’s know the answer in this article of the 20 most visited cities in Italy.

1. Rome

The “Eternal City” leads our ranking. In addition to being the capital of the country, it is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and the fourth most populous in Europe.

Rome is not only history, it is also a cosmopolitan city full of life and contemporary attractions, such as large and colorful restaurants that offer its most refined cuisine and impressive streets full of shops and stores.

The Roman Coliseum is its main tourist attraction. There you will learn more about the history of the time of the Roman emperors and the imposing Pantheon of Rome.

Visit the Campo de’ Fiori Market and enjoy a romantic dinner in one of the restaurants in the bohemian area of Trastevere.

2. Vatican City

Although it is an independent territory with its own government and laws, Vatican City is still within Italy.

The cultural richness of this small autonomous state is almost infinite, as it has museums that house works of art by great artists such as Michelangelo, Botticelli, Raphael, Bernini, Leonardo Da Vinci, among others equally famous.

From Saint Peter’s Square you will see the windows where the Pope leans out to greet and bless visitors.

3. Venice

Venice is visited by between 28 and 30 million people annually, numbers that make it one of the busiest Italian cities.

The famous and romantic city of canals offers sensuality and love in any of its corners.

You will not want to miss its Carnival party known as the Venetian Carnival, held from February 8 to 25, a unique and unforgettable event due to the beauty of the costumes and masks worn by its attendees.

Gondola rides through the canals of Venice are another special experience, as the gondoliers often play beautiful and sweet songs as they row through the canals.

Stroll through St. Mark’s Square and visit the Doge’s Palace in Venice; cross the Rialto Bridge, the most famous in the city.

4. Step on

In Pisa there is the most famous leaning tower in the world: the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Without a doubt, its greatest attraction.

The city is in the Tuscany region on the banks of the Arno River. It was during the Middle Ages an important commercial empire of which remains can still be seen today.

This tourist town also has other interesting places such as La Chiesa de Santa Maria della Spina, the Palazzo della Carovana, the Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Reale and the Camposanto Monumental de Pisa.

5. Florence

The “Beautiful” Florence is one of the most visited cities in Italy and for this reason it is in fifth place on our list.

The city of Florence has become an open-air museum due to the number of architectural and art works scattered in its streets and its numerous museums.

It is a magical place that also has the Santa Maria de Fiore Cathedral, the Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio.

Also read our guide on the 30 best things to do and see in Florence, Italy

6. Sicily

Sicily gained a lot of popularity for being part of Mario Puzo’s novel, The Godfather. But that is not the only reason why it is among the most visited in Italy.

It is an island with beautiful landscapes, beautiful beaches, unique cuisine and interesting historical features to discover.

Visit the archaeological remains in the ancient cities Selinunte, Agrigento and Segesta and the architectural works in Palermo, Monrreale, Catania and Siracusa.

You can always get to know the Etna volcano and the Aeolian Islands, with their beautiful natural landscapes.

The prices of some airlines to travel to Sicily are low, as is the cost of living on the island.

7. Cinque Terre

Coastal area with 5 towns connected to each other that preserves a traditional and rural aspect, full of nature and a special and unique aroma.

It has areas dedicated to growing grapes for typical local wines, which has created a landscape in the form of stages or terraces that go down to the sea.

The Cinque Terre offers spaces to practice trekking, boat rides, visit sanctuaries and taste gastronomy accompanied by the best wines of the region.

Cinque Terre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Since 1999 there is the Parque Nazionale delle Cinque Terre.

8. Genoa

In Genoa, in the Liguria region, is the most important port in Italy. It is one of the classic cities of the country for its hills that stand out for beautiful houses painted in pastel colors with terracotta roofs, which makes a unique and special contrast of colors.

Its churches are impressive and its hanging gardens, beautiful. You should also visit the baroque-style palaces, the Roman ruins and the historic center of Genoa, as its narrow and sometimes intricate streets hold pleasant surprises around every corner.

9. Milan

Like Rome, Milan is among the 20 most visited cities in the world.

The “Fashion Capital” and home of the stock market has exclusive restaurants and the shops of the best and most famous clothing and footwear designers on the planet.

The Gothic-style Milan Cathedral and the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, which houses the extraordinary mural by Leonardo Da Vinci, “The Last Supper”, is a clear example of the art and culture that characterizes the city.

In Milan there is also the Teatro de la Scala, where important opera programs are held with the most renowned artists in the world and the Giuseppe Meazza, also known as San Siro, home of the AC Milan football team.

10. Turin

How lovely is Turin! A sober and classic 19th century city that still preserves its origins.

Turin houses priceless treasures such as weapons, jewels, tapestries and various decorative objects, thanks to the heritage of the Royal House.

In the Royal Library you can see a self-portrait in blood by Leonardo Da Vinci, a drawing of the highest fame worldwide.

Like almost all Italian cities, it also has an important soccer team: Juventus.

11. Pompeii

The ancient city buried by the eruption of Vesuvius and discovered later is one of the most visited cities in Italy.

The ruins of Pompeii are in perfect condition and with them the way of life of the citizens of their time is evidenced.

You can visit the old forum, the baths, the amphitheater, the Lupanar (the most famous brothel in the city) and the houses that exhibit frescoes that remain almost intact. Pompeii is unique and you should not forget to visit it.

12.Verona

City with more than 2 thousand years of history, something already attractive and interesting to know.

Verona was an important center for trade and politics at the time of the Roman Empire, memories you can see in the Verona Arena, the Arco dei Gavi and the Borsari Gate.

The wall and the monumental gates, preserved in perfect condition, bear witness to the importance of the city in ancient times and the efforts that were made to protect it.

Verona was also the city chosen by William Shakespeare to place the unforgettable and tragic love of his famous play, Romeo and Juliet. Between your walks you can visit the house of the Capuleti Family, where Juliet lived.

For all its history and tradition, Verona is a World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO.

13. Portofino

City of the most visited in Italy for its famous tourism during the summer, with hotels, restaurants and shops of all kinds to please all tastes.

Its gastronomy is sophisticated and the craftsmanship of the place gained fame for the mixture of natural and man-made architecture.

The shape, arrangement and adaptation of the houses, with their unique colors and their reflection in the sea, constitute a unique and unforgettable spectacle.

14. Alberobello

The historic center of Alberobello was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, reason enough to visit this city in the inner area of Bari.

There are the trulli, constructions with circular walls with a cone-shaped stone roof, which function as houses and hotels. These buildings began to be raised in the fifteenth century.

15. Bari

Port city on the shores of the Adriatic Sea full of history and beauty, which made it enter our ranking of the most visited cities in Italy.

Its historic center, castles and churches invite you to travel to the past of such a beautiful city. Its beaches are equally attractive.

In the interior of Bari is the city of Alberobello, a World Heritage Site for its unique homes.

16. Capri

A favorite island for tourism and vacations in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Forget about cars and just walk to the highest areas of the island. Be sure to visit the historic center of Capri.

17. Lake Como

Lake Como is the third largest in Italy and many towns have been built around it, making it one of the most visited cities in the country.

The area, which is full of greenery and nature, turns the towns into communities straight out of fairy tales like Bellagio, Brunate, Lecco and Menaggio. Everything on the shore of the lake invites us to live unforgettable moments.

18. Sienna

The historic center of Siena was declared a World Heritage Site in 1995. You will always be invited to Piazza del Campo, a spectacular place where the “Palio di Siena” horse competition is held annually, one of the most famous in the world.

Other important places are the Fonte Gaia, the Duomo of Siena and the museums of Santa Maria della Scala.

19. The Amalfi Coast

Amalfi is one of the most beautiful and visited cities in Italy. The Amalfi Coast is a beautiful place and a must-see tourist destination that offers bays, cliffs, lemon gardens, colorful houses and luxury hotels.

20. Naples

Located in the south of Italy, it is one of the most visited cities in the country for its great treasure of works of art and many historical sites. Diego Armando Maradona played there, considered the best footballer in history, something that adds to its attractions.

The typical dishes of its gastronomy are usually prepared with ingredients grown in small gardens inside the restaurants. Naples is passion and history.

Here you have them. The 20 most visited cities in Italy. One more attractive than the other, but all especially seductive. We invite you to share this article on your social networks.