A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Tourists can find captivating events in Rome throughout the year, with a diverse range of cultural and secular festivities that cater to every type of traveler. While Easter is a bustling time for visitors, numerous other events offer unique experiences all year long.
Looking for inspiration for what to see and do in Italy? Here is a list of Italy’s best-known attractions and must-see sights. Ensure you plan your visits in advance to avoid long lines.
In this short guide, you’ll find the best places to stay in Tuscany, from top-rated hotels in Tuscany’s popular hill towns and cities to agriturismo lodging in the beautiful Tuscan countryside.
Italy’s Amalfi Coast has long been a popular and romantic destination. Its dramatic coastline, clear sea, and moderate climate have attracted visitors since Roman times. From the Amalfi Coast, there are several easy day trips to top sights.
Italy’s Aosta Valley, orValle d’Aosta, is the smallest of Italy’s 20 regions. It contains much of Italy’s first National Park, theParco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso. The Valle d’Aosta is a wonderful destination for skiing in winter and hiking in summer. The region is characterized by many picturesque mountain villages, small rural churches, castles, and Baroque art.
Assisi is a medieval hill town situated in central Italy’s Umbria region, renowned as the birthplace of Saint Francis. With thousands visiting annually, the Saint Francis Basilica is one of Italy’s most frequented churches, alongside numerous other sites linked to Saint Francis located in and around the town.
Bassano del Grappa is a charming medieval town in northern Italy, famous for its picturesque wooden bridge, local grappa, and stunning ceramics.
Traditionally, the main focus of Christmas decorations in Italy is the Nativity scene, known aspresepeorpresepioin Italian. Every church has apresepe, and they can be found in squares, shops, and various public locations. Displays often extend beyond the simple manger scene, sometimes depicting entire villages. Generally,presepiare set up starting December 8, coinciding with the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception, and continue through January 6, marking the celebration of Epiphany. However, many are unveiled on Christmas Eve. A majority of Italians typically set up a Christmas crib at home, creating figurines for nativity scenes, especially renowned pieces from Naples and Sicily. Although thepresepeis usually assembled ahead of Christmas, the figure of baby Jesus is traditionally placed on Christmas Eve.
The Emilia-Romagna region is situated between the Po River, the Adriatic Sea, and the Appennino mountain chain, forming a backbone of Italy. This area features a string of major cities following a northwest to southeast trend, interconnected by the A1 Autostrada and a railway line originating in Milan and extending to the coastline. Major airports can be found in Bologna (Aeroporto G. Marconi), Rimini (Federico Fellini International Airport), and Parma, connecting to various Italian cities and other European destinations.
The Palio of Siena is an exhilarating horse race and historic festival held in Siena, Italy, celebrated for its vibrant traditions and competitive spirit.
The Venice Film Festival is Italy’s most important film festival, but several other international film festivals are held in Italy, too. Here are Italy’s major international film festivals. Even if you’re not attending the film festival, it’s a fantastic opportunity for celebrity spotting.
Going to a music festival or outdoor concert during summer can be a highlight of a trip to Italy. You’ll find many outdoor concerts in squares and public places throughout Italy. Here’s a selection of top Italian summer music festivals.
One of the top cities to visit in Italy, Florence boasts a variety of engaging festivals throughout the year. Here are the highlights of what happens each month, serving as a guide for anyone interested in experiencing the cultural richness of Florence.
In addition to being gathering spots for locals and tourists, many of the public squares or piazzas of Florence are outdoor galleries. Explore these spaces yourself with this list of some of the most significant squares in Florence and what you will find in them.
Where to go near Florence, Italy
The Galleria dell’Accademia, one of Florence’s top museums, is home to the world-famous statue of David by Michelangelo. The gallery is laid out on two floors, showcasing significant works by Michelangelo on the ground floor. Visitors to the Galleria dell’Accademia can anticipate an enriching experience filled with extraordinary art.
The Uffizi Gallery, or Galleria degli Uffizi, is among the most visited museums in Italy, second only to the Vatican Museums of Rome. It is renowned globally for showcasing Renaissance masterpieces alongside classical sculptures, prints, and drawings.
All of Florence, encompassing its churches, squares, and public buildings, can be considered a museum. However, there are specific museums in Florence that should not be overlooked during your visit. Here is a curated list of the top museums in Florence, ideal for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Great art, especially from the Renaissance, significantly attracts tourists to Florence. Some of the most renowned artists and masterpieces are located in this beautiful city. If art is your reason for visiting Florence, here are the essential artists you shouldn’t miss.
Espresso? Latte? Caffe Corretto? What Should I Order in the Bar in Italy?