10 Best Things to Do in Italy

No visit to Rome is complete without a walk around the Colosseum. Considered one of the 7 Wonders of the World, this ancient amphitheatre serves as a symbol of Italy’s capital. It was built almost 2 millennia ago and could seat around 50,000 spectators in its heyday.

Walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans as you explore the spectator zones, underground passageways and the arena. Note that since this landmark attracts herds of visitors, it’s best to book your tickets in advance and visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.

Home to timeless masterpieces by the likes of Raphael, Michelangelo and Caravaggio, the Vatican Museums are a real treat for art enthusiasts. This complex is made up of over 2 dozen museums and galleries that contain artworks and relics collected by the popes over the centuries.

Among the crowning gems of the collection are Raphael’s "The School of Athens" and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes. Connoisseurs of modern art can admire work by Matisse in the Matisse Room and there is also a section dedicated to ancient Egypt. The complex is huge, so set aside plenty of time to explore.

The Grand Canal is easily the best way to see Venice. This S-shaped waterway flows through the city, dividing it into 2. Hop on a water taxi or gondola to soak in the floating city’s most attractive sights, from the charming footbridges to the regal palazzos.

The Rialto Bridge, which spans the Grand Canal, is a wonderful photo spot and right beside it is a century-old market where you can pick up fresh produce. Venice’s main public square, the Piazza San Marco, sits at the edge of the Grand Canal. It is home to the magnificent St. Mark's Basilica, one of the most iconic sights in the city.

First built in 1174, the leaning tower of Pisa Tower is believed to have hosted some of Galileo’s famous experiments in its long history. You can climb up to the top of the bell tower via a spiral staircase for some beautiful views of the surroundings. Note that only 45 people are allowed in at a time so book your slot early.

There’s more to the Tower of Pisa than just its slanting form. It's actually part of a complex that includes a breath-taking white marble cathedral, a baptistry and a cemetery strewn with sculptures. This spot can be visited as a day trip from Florence.

Set in northern Italy, the pristine Lake Como makes for an idyllic getaway. In recent years, it earned a glamorous reputation as it is frequented by jet setters and Hollywood stars. Several villages sit at the lake’s edge, with Como, Bellagio and Varenna being the most popular.

Spend the day walking lakeside promenades or marvel at the views with a refreshing cocktail in hand. Take a boat ride across the lake to admire its beautiful sapphire waters. The area has some dreamy villas, making it perfect for an extended stay. Lake Como is about an hour’s drive from Milan.

One of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the world, the ruins of Pompeii is a must-visit for history buffs. See what life was like in ancient times as you explore the villas, temples and shops that lay preserved for centuries under a thick layer of volcanic ash.

Covering over 400,000 square metres, Pompeii is enormous and would take several days to explore in its entirety, but you can choose to visit some of the key spots if you’re strapped for time. Highlights include The Temple of Apollo (the oldest place of worship in Pompeii), the Anfiteatro (a gigantic Roman amphitheatre) and the Villa dei Misteri, which houses one the largest ancient frescoes in the world.

The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower, also known as the Duomo, is one of the largest churches in the world. Built in the 15th century, this magnificent cathedral can be seen from pretty much anywhere in central Florence.

Encased in white, red and green marble in geometric and floral patterns and adorned with statues, this gothic structure is a real treat for the eyes. Inside, you can admire intricate mosaic pavements and Giorgio Vasari's frescoes of the Last Judgement. Entry is free and advance bookings are not required.

The world-class art museum of Uffizi Gallery houses masterpiece after masterpiece by the stars of Italian Renaissance art. Originally a palace, this 6th-century building is composed of more than 100 rooms where you can see everything from ancient Greek sculptures to modern Venetian paintings. It is, however, best known for its unrivalled collection of works by Raphael, Da Vinci and Michelangelo.

There’s an entire room dedicated to Botticelli, where you can peruse his best-known works, "Spring" and "The Birth of Venus". After a day of art appreciation, head to the second-floor café terrace for refreshments accompanied by beautiful views of the city.

Located along the southern edge of the Sorrentine Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast lures visitors with its dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches and picture-perfect villages. Some of the most well-known spots in the area include the island of Capri and the stylish town of Positano.

While you can spend day after day sipping on limoncello at Amalfi’s cliff-top eateries, the area offers plenty of opportunities to get active. Head on a boat excursion, visit a sea cave known as the Blue Grotto or hike the Path of the Gods, a trail with spectacular coastal views worthy of its name.

The views in Cinque Terre are unique, with clusters of pastel-coloured buildings perched on steep, rugged cliffs that overlook the Ligurian Sea. Named one of the prettiest villages in the world, Cinque Terre is made up of 5 fishing communities: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.

Each of these areas has its own unique charm. You can hop from village to village by boat or kayak or spend the day exploring hidden beaches and sea caves. Landlubbers can opt to traverse the Blue Trail, which affords stunning views of the villages and the deep blue waters beyond.