While Italy's cities may not be as populous as London, New York, or Tokyo, they hold a plethora of cultural gems that rival anything found in larger cities. The center of Western Civilization and culture for millennia, some of Italy's smaller cities are not to be missed as they contain architecture and art of historic proportions. By visiting these five cities, you'll have marked off more than your fair share of the items on your bucket list. We guarantee it.
- Rome
The capital of Italy, Rome is located in west central Italy on its beautiful Mediterranean coast. After flying into Rome's main international airport, Fiumicino, take a train into the heart of Rome. As a reminder to travelers abroad in any country, beware of pickpockets; Rome is notorious for its crowded streets and subway cars. From the Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Square to the uncountable ancient monuments, palaces, and museums, such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Forum, Rome has a lot to offer travelers seeking unending adventure. Rome hosts many events and festivals, including its annual Christmas market in Piazza Navona and New Year's Eve party in Piazza del Popolo. We suggest visiting in spring, fall, or winter to enjoy Rome's best temperatures, as summers can be very hot and crowded.
- Florence
If you're an art lover, do not miss this artistic center of Italy on your next trip to the northern region of Tuscany. Known for its Renaissance-style architecture, Florence is home to many of Italy's top tourist destinations. First, stop at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, a Gothic era dome constructed with green, pink, and white marble. Take the stairs to the top of this magnificent cathedral to experience some of the best views that Florence has to offer. Next, stop at the city square, Piazza della Signoria, which offers a free sculpture exhibit for visitors, as well as many restaurants, shops, and other practical establishments. Afterward, take a walk across the Ponte Vecchio, the only bridge in Florence to survive World War II. Make sure to stop and take in the view across the Arno River. After crossing this resilient bridge, stroll through the Giardino di Boboli, Florence's park filled with beautifully curated gardens and fountains.
- Venice
Historically, the city of Venice served as a bridge between Eastern and Western Italy due to its portside locale. A city truly built on water, Venice is one of the most-visited destinations in Europe due to its winding canals and traffic-less fairways. Venice is made up of over 400 bridges that link 117 small islands and thus has a rainy, maritime climate most of the year. You won't be able to miss Venice's city center or Saint Mark's Square which includes Saint Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. Cross the Ponte di Rialto, a 400-year-old bridge that connects Venice's main pathway, the Grand Canal. The city also hosts many art and history museums for rainy days. On the other hand, if the weather is beautiful, take a day trip over to one of Venice's islands of Murano and Burano.
- Cinque Terre
Located along the Italian Riviera, the Cinque Terre, or "The Five Lands," is a national park made up of five villages lining the coast: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare. The steep and rugged hillsides of the Cinque Terre overlook the Mediterranean Sea, a location that offers some of the most colorful and spectacular views in Italy. Few roads are accessible by car to and inside of the Cinque Terre, but there are several trains serving the villages and other major cities nearby from La Spezzia, as well as a passenger ferry if you prefer to take the water. Perhaps the most popular way to visit Cinque Terre is by foot: there are plenty of numbered hiking trails throughout the area that allow you to see the villages on your own time.
- Naples
The third-most populous city in Italy, Napoli or Naples is located just 2 hours south of Rome. An important port city due to its strategic bay location, Naples has always been a main hub for transportation, specifically in Southern Italy. As with Rome, avoid renting a car and driving around in Naples, as traffic is a major issue in the bustling and crowded Italian streets. Don't let that be a deterrent, however, as Naples offers some of the best cuisine in Italy. Naples is the birthplace of pizza! In 2004, Italy's Ministry of Agriculture even outlined regulations on how an authentic Neapolitan pizza should be made. After you've enjoyed Naples' famous cuisine, voyage over to Mount Vesuvius, and the ruins of Pompeii, to take in the power and majesty of Italy's well-known story of volcanic tragedy.
