Top 10 Places to Visit in Italy
1. Rome 🌟 Did This
Italy’s capital is a living museum — ancient ruins, piazzas, and fountains around every corner. I walked everywhere and loved stumbling on history at every turn. From the Colosseum to the Vatican, there’s so much to see.
💡 JD’s Tips:
Book Vatican Museum tickets early. I went straight to the Sistine Chapel at opening, and it was the highlight of my trip.
If you want Colosseum Arena Floor Access (the gladiator’s perspective inside the arena), book well in advance — these tickets sell out quickly.
Wandering through ancient Rome, where every corner feels like history brought to life.
2. Venice 🌟 Did This
The canals, gondolas, and bridges were everything I imagined. Even though gondola rides were too pricey for me as a solo traveler, wandering through the maze of streets and counting bridges was unforgettable.
💡 JD’s Tip: Google Maps can be unreliable in Venice. Grab a paper map — it saved me more than once!
Getting lost in Venice’s canals, bridges, and timeless charm.
3. Florence ❌ Missed This
The birthplace of the Renaissance. Art, history, and stunning architecture like the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. Florence is also the gateway to Tuscany.
💡 JD’s Tip: Reserve Uffizi Gallery tickets ahead of time to skip the long lines.
4. Vatican City 🌟 Did This
Technically its own country, but worth its own spot. The museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica are must-sees.
💡 JD’s Tip: Go early to avoid the biggest crowds. Climb to the top of St. Peter’s dome for incredible city views.
Where history, art, and faith collide: the Vatican in all its glory
5. Naples & Pompeii ❌ Missed This
Naples is famous for pizza and energy, while nearby Pompeii is the legendary Roman city frozen in time by Mount Vesuvius.
💡 JD’s Tip: Take a guided tour in Pompeii — it really brings the ruins to life.
6. Amalfi Coast ❌ Missed This
Dramatic cliffs, colorful villages, and lemon groves overlooking the sea. Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello are some of the most famous stops.
💡 JD’s Tip: Buses can be crowded — consider taking ferries for a more relaxed ride along the coast.
7. Milan ❌ Missed This (Sort Of)
Italy’s fashion capital, a mix of modern and historic, from shopping streets to the stunning Duomo. I only spent one night here before taking a train to Rome.
💡 JD’s Tip: Reserve a ticket for The Last Supper well in advance — they sell out quickly.
8. Pisa ❌ Missed This
Home to the famous Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli.
💡 JD’s Tip: Book a timed ticket if you want to climb the tower.
9. Sicily ❌ Missed This
The largest island in the Mediterranean, with Greek ruins, volcanoes, and unique food traditions.
💡 JD’s Tip: Try arancini (fried rice balls) — one of Sicily’s most famous snacks.
10. Cinque Terre ❌ Missed This
Five colorful fishing villages clinging to the Ligurian coast, linked by hiking trails and trains.
💡 JD’s Tip: Hike at least one section between villages for stunning views.
