The 5 best cities to visit in Italy

Visiting Italy, the Roman empire’s epicentre is like stepping into the Renaissance era, where some of the world’s most renowned art pieces and architecture were assembled. Under the influence of its cultural prominence, Italy echoes the time of Michelangelo David, Da Vinci’s Last Supper, Sistine Chapel frescoes, and Botticelli. It is a cultural predicament that’s home to the world’s most Unesco World Heritage monuments, as well as Byzantine treasures. Italy’s gifts stretch well beyond its arcades.

While the natural diversity boasts frozen lakes, sandy slopes, scorching volcanoes, turquoise tunnels, and coral-studded oceans; flair adds a dash of extravagance to the daily grind with lucid links to strong espressos. Italy is also known for its delicious cuisine; it is a gastronomic paradise known for its pizzas, spaghetti ribbons, various ravioli, flaky pastries, and creamy ricotta. The travel experiences are countless therefore, we’ve compiled a list of the top five cities you should see on your first vacation to Italy.

Rome, Italy

Roma, or Rome, is the capital and largest city of Italy. Rome is a historic hub of culture, dynamism, and religion, with over 3000 years of permanence. It is known for its Roman Empire, Vatican City, La Dolce Vita, Seven Hills, and Fountains. Begin your tour in the Colosseum, a Flavian amphitheatre that tells the story of well-preserved antiquity. Here, you’ll be reminded of the savage tales of hundreds of brutal gladiator battles, each of which drew over 50,000 Roman spectators. The audio tour provides in-depth information on the battles. Visit the Roman Forum after the Colosseum, an amazing sprawl of remains that highlights the Roman Empire’s political hub.

St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Pantheon, the Vatican Museums, and Piazza Navona are among the churches, museums, and plazas not to be missed. Explore the Circus Maximus, a stadium that represents Roman chariot racing. Take the 3D Time elevator ride through 3000 years of ancient Roman history at the famed Piazza Venezia, a marvellous plaza in the city centre. Attend the Trevi Fountain in the evening, toss a coin, make a wish, and cap the evening with a satisfying glass of Italian wine.

What and Where to eat in Rome?

Nonna Betta Roman Artichokes, Cacio E Pepe Pasta Pasta from Da Danilo, veal from Armando al Pantheon, and pizza by the slice Pizzarium, The Jerry Thomas Project, Forno Campo de’ Fiori, Salumeria Roscioli, Il Sanlorenzo, Cesare al Casaletto, and Ma Che Siete Venuti A Fà are among the restaurants that have opened in the last few years. It’s only in Rome that you can suitably appreciate the Dolce Vita, which refers to the concept of breathing the intrinsically charming Italian lifestyle. Romans enjoy overindulging in culture and art, and in Rome, you can spend hours wandering around the scenic streets, large piazzas, street-side cafes, cocktail bars, and late-night parties.

Vatican City

If you’re visiting Rome, don’t forget to stop by Vatican City, the world’s smallest country. This settlement serves as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Furthermore, Rome is only a twenty-minute drive away.

Tour the iconic Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museum, and the Holy Basilica of St Peter’s cathedral in Vatican City, which is known for its Pieta sculpture and Renaissance architecture marvels. Vatican City’s eating scene is equally impressive. An Italian meal here includes a variety of pasta, polenta, and risotto preparations. Start with an antipasto appetiser, followed by a first and second main entrée.

What and where to eat in the Vatican City

Some of the best meals to try in Vatican City are pecorino gnocchi, eggplant parmesan, cheese, cold cuts, Frittura Alla Romana, Beet spaghetti, Traditional Spaghetti, Poached egg, mushrooms, and Ricotta Ravioli. The top restaurants are Osteria Delle Commari, Velavevodetto Ai Quiriti, Secondo Tradizione, Caffeteria Ruberto, L’Arcangelo, and Ragno D’Oro.

Florence in Italy

Florence, the capital of Italy’s Tuscany province, is located 2.5 hours from Vatican City and is home to various gems of Renaissance styles and architecture. If travelling from Vatican City, the hilltop Piazzale Michelangelo should be your first visit. This location is well-known for housing a replica of the David statue, which offers a bird’s-eye view of Florence. The Duomo Cathedral, which features a terracotta-tiled dome designed by Brunelleschi, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Uffizi Gallery, which houses Da Vinci’s “Annunciation” and Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus,” and the Galleria Dell’ Accademia, which houses Michelangelo’s David sculpture, are all worth visiting.

Padua

The Italian city of Padua is only a 4-hour journey from Florence. Stop in Modena on route to learn about the history of the world’s most luxurious automobiles at the Ferrari Museum. By bus or car, it takes roughly 2.5 hours to get to Modena from Florence. Set aside some time to explore this magnificent place. The most exciting aspect of visiting this museum is that for an extra fee, you may have a 30-minute ride in the Ferrari of your choice. The Ferrari test drive charge is not included, in the museum fee. Padua is only 40 minutes away from Modena.

Padua, in the Veneto area of Northern Italy, is also known for Giotto’s 13th-century frescoes in Scrovegni Chapel and the massive St. Anthony Basilica. The tomb of St. Anthony is housed in St. Anthony’s Basilica, which has Byzantine-style domes and significant artwork. While you’re here, take a stroll around Padua’s old town, where you’ll find 12th-century arcaded streets and chic cafes. Padua’s cuisine culture is centred on the usage of the freshest foods, which are obtained from the markets of Piazza Delle Erbe and Dei Frutti.

Padua’s traditional cuisine include boiling meats with vegetables, rice, beans, pasta, and peas, and date back to the mediaeval times.

What and where to eat in Padua

The best dishes are Gelato, Fiorentina, Zuppa di Fagioli, Schiacciata, Cantucci, Pappardelle with Cinghiale sauce, and Lampredotto. The most amazing restaurants are La Bottega del Buon Caffe, Mattacena, Panini Toscani, I Girone De’ Ghiotti, Il Bufalo Trippone, Aurelio I Re del Lampredotto, and Amorino Panino E Vino.

Venice

After a day or two in Padua, travel to Venice, about an hour away from the Bacchiglione River region. Venice is considered the world’s most romantic city, and a Vaporetto water bus tour is the ideal way to see it. Take a Gondola trip in Venice and see some of the most incredible Italian sights.

Explore the canals, stop at the glass factory, and see the Bell Tower, St Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs, New Prisons, and Venice Basilica. Relax in the evenings by indulging in authentic Italian cuisine and wine culture.

What and Where to eat in Venice?

Some of the best meals comprise Risotto al nero di seppia, Sarde in saor, Baccala mantecato, Risi e bisi, Moéche, Fritole, and Fegato alla veneziana. Riviera, Ai Mercanti, Tuttinpiedi, Osteria Al Squero, Cocaeta, Birreria Zanon, and Pizza 2000 are all excellent places to eat. Campari, Sbagliato, Spritz, Martini, Grappa, and Amaro are some of the best Italian spirits to sample. A cheese and wine tasting in an Italian countryside vineyard will provide you with a lifelong memory.

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