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Italy

Italy holds 62 World Heritage Sites, more than any other country, spread across 301,340 km2 of land that runs from the Alps down into the middle of the Mediterr...

Photograph · Timothy A. Gonsalves · CC BY-SA 4.0

20,204 Places
4Cities

Reviewed by Elena Voss · Roavina Travel Editor

Italy holds 62 World Heritage Sites, more than any other country, spread across 301,340 km2 of land that runs from the Alps down into the middle of the Mediterranean. The distances between its cities are short and the differences between them are not: Venice has no roads, Naples sits under a volcano on a bay, Florence fits inside a walkable Renaissance grid, and Milan keeps its art indoors and works for a living. Rome is the capital and the obvious first trip; the argument is always about what comes second. Nearly 800 islands hang off the coast, and Sicily and Sardinia are each large enough to be a trip of their own.

Checked 2026-08-25

Cities

Every city catalogued in this country so far, ranked by how much there is to see.

Practical information

Language spoken
Italian
National practical orientation; regional and minority languages may also be used
Dialling code
+39
International calling code; local area and mobile prefixes still apply
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Use the official local currency; card acceptance varies by place
Emergency number
112
Use only for an emergency; tourist assistance may use a separate number
Plug type
Type C, F and L · 230 V
Check that chargers support the recorded voltage before using an adapter
Tap water
Not recorded
No verified nationwide visitor statement was recorded

Top things to see

Ranked by importance — sitelinks, pageviews and heritage status, not editor preference.

Filter the list

40 places match

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Category

Historic monuments 137 Museums 1 Places of worship 40 Nature sites 15 Viewpoints 3 Food and drink 1 Markets and shopping 3 Entertainment 0 Nightlife 0 Family attractions 0 Art and culture 21 Activities 5

Typical visit duration

Up to 1 hour 40 1 to 2 hours 2

Interests

History 7 Art 7 Museums 0 Nature 0 Sea and beach 0 Viewpoints 0
  1. Pantheon Pantheon
    01 45 min

    Pantheon

    The Pantheon stands on Piazza della Rotonda in the middle of old Rome, and it is two things at once: a Roman temple and a working Catholic church.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Rome
  2. Florence Cathedral Florence Cathedral
    02 45 min

    Florence Cathedral

    Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore

    The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore is the cathedral of Florence and the church the whole of Piazza del Duomo is arranged around.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Florence
  3. Archbasilica of St. John Lateran Archbasilica of St. John Lateran
    03 30 min

    Archbasilica of St. John Lateran

    Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

    The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran is the cathedral church of Rome and the official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Rome
  4. Basilica of Saint Paul outside the Walls Basilica of Saint Paul outside the Walls
    04 30 min

    Basilica of Saint Paul outside the Walls

    Basilica di San Paolo fuori le mura

    The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls is one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Rome
  5. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
    05 30 min

    Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

    The Basilica of Saint Mary Major, or Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, is one of Rome’s four major basilicas and the city’s largest Marian church.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Rome
  6. Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
    06 45 min

    Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

    Santa Maria della Salute

    Santa Maria della Salute is a votive church standing at the mouth of the Grand Canal, raised by the Venetian Republic as a prayer and a thanksgiving for the city's deliverance from the plague of the seventeenth century.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Venice
Show 25 more places

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·

Common questions

How long should a first trip to Italy be?

Ten to fourteen days can combine Milan, Venice, Florence, and Rome by high-speed train. Give Venice more than a transfer night and Rome several separate sightseeing days; rural Tuscany needs different transport planning from the rail-linked cities.

What entry documents are needed for Italy?

Italy is in the Schengen Area, but visa and passport requirements vary by nationality and route. Use Italy's official visa portal to confirm the applicable rule before travel rather than relying on another Schengen trip.

What is the best way to travel around Italy?

High-speed trains connect Milan, Venice, Florence, and Rome, with regional rail and coaches serving smaller places. Drivers must check ZTL restrictions before entering historic centres because access controls are local and can generate fines.

When is a practical time to visit Italy?

April to June and September to October broadly suit the north-to-Rome rail route. Lagoon conditions in Venice, summer heat in Rome, and seasonal rural services in Tuscany should be checked independently.

What money and payment basics apply in Italy?

Italy uses the euro (EUR). Carry a modest cash reserve for small purchases while using cards where accepted, and verify the euro amount at the terminal instead of accepting an unexamined conversion.

What practical safety details should I save for Italy?

Italy routes emergency calls through 112. Travellers encounter a 230 V supply and Type C, F, or L receptacles. No tap-water assessment is recorded for Italy; obtain current local advice at the destination.