Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations and there are enough reasons for this country being a favorite destination for many travelers across the globe. The charming towns, historic significance, ancient structures, welcoming people, and exotic dishes are some of the specialties of Italy that grab every individual’s attention. The boot-shaped country is surrounded by several islands and is one of the most beautiful places in Europe. Spread over an area of 301, 340 km sq. Italy shares its borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, and the Vatican city. Home to a very diverse population, Italy is a perfect blend of historic structures and modern-day marvels. The influence of the Romans could be seen in the historic structures that stand tall in various parts of the country.

If you want to witness beautiful landscapes, marvelous sceneries, modern cities, and rich cultural history all in one place, Italy is the perfect destination for you. While the nation has hundreds of places that are worth a visit, the time that you have in your hand will dictate the number of places that you visit. While you might be aware of some major places to visit, it can be difficult to chart out a plan to visit all major tourist attractions in a limited amount of time. Word not! We’ve compiled a list of 5 such places in Italy that you can’t afford to miss.

5. Sicily: Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean that is located in the southernmost part of Italy. This place is very different from the rest of Italy in terms of history, culture, and even landscapes. That’s why Sicily is the best place to add variety to your trip to Italy. The capital of Sicily is the 2,700-year-oldSicily city of Palermo which has fragments of the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and Norman’s influence. This is a significant tourist destination from a historic point of view. The most impressive place to visit here is the iconic Ancient theatre of Taormina that must find a place in your Instagram feed. The Valley of the Temples and the castles of Erice sitting atop the mountains are other impressive locations. The secluded beaches on the periphery of Sicily add to its charm.

4. Florence: Florence is the capital of Tuscany. The beautiful city is also known as a colossal outdoor museum thanks to its architectural treasures. The culture of Florence is among the richest in the world and it is regarded as the city of artists, writers, inventors scientists, and inventors. Opera music is said to have been invented here. It has a significant place in Italy’s history as the invention of the florin currency here is credited for the upliftment of Europe from the Dark ages. The entire city is an architectural masterpiece and you can click awesome pictures at almost every corner of the city. Marvelous churches, famous art galleries like the Ufizzi and Pitti palace are major places of attraction. The Piazza Della Signoria, the main square that houses several beautiful buildings is another place of attraction.

Florence

3. Milan: Milan is an epitome of strength, reinvention, grit, and resurrection. A city that was nearly destroyed due to heavy bombardment during World War II stood again after years of reconstruction and is today placed among major tourist locations in the world. The modern city with a painful history is regarded as the fashion capital of Italy. The fashion centers and designer shops here are styles personified. Everything in Milan is in class. It is also the home to the world-famous painting of Leonardo da Vinci. The Last Supper, the La Scala Opera House, the Castello Sforzesco, and one of the world’s largest Gothic cathedral are among the prime tourist attractions in Milan. This city is all about business, shopping, glamour, fashion, modern-day architecture, and football. In a country where most cities have a historic outlook, Milan stands apart due to its modern appearance.

Milan

2. Venice: Venice is one of the most desirable cities not only in Italy but throughout Europe. The beautiful city is one of the most traveled cities in the world and its marvelous landscapes leave everyone awestruck with their beauty. This is where the photographer inside you will have to do some extra work as every corner of this place is worth capturing and cherishing for life. The city is built upon a lagoon surrounded by the Adriatic sea. Located in the northeastern part of Italy, Venice is actually an archipelago of 118 islands that are connected with each other through hundreds of beautiful bridges and canals that take the beauty of this place to another level. The aerial view of Venice can leave any individual mesmerized. The city is crowded and expensive but every single thing is worth its beauty. Saint Mark’s Square and Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and Rialto Bridge are the jewels of Venice and you must not skip any of them. This city has no cars and you will have to walk or take water taxis along the canal system that make your stay in Venice even more soothing and pleasurable. This is a MUST VISIT place.

Venice

1. Rome: Rome gets its name from the Roman empire as it was the capital of the empire. Now, it serves as the capital of Italy and of course, it has a significant role to play in Italy’s history. It is located in the central region of Lazio and is a perfect blend of historic and modern buildings. You can see several historic Roman structures in Rome. It also houses a very important Vatican city. Overcoming a 2,500 old history that included invasion and bloodshed, Rome has today emerged into a center of politics, power, and religion. It is divided into several districts and the most famous is the Colosseo district at its center that is the home to iconic structures like the Colosseum, the Forum of Augustus, Capitoline Hill, and the Roman Forum. Rome is so big that even a month would not be enough to explore it entirely. The best way to explore Rome is by taking a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. Do pay a visit to Old Rome to get a closer view of its history when you travel to this place.

Rome