Where to Stay in Italy: 12 Best Places to Put on Your Bucket List

There's an old Italian phrase that I think sums up the Italians' approach to life – la dolce far niente – which translates as ‘the beauty of doing nothing'. This doesn't mean there's nothing to do in Italy (far from it), but simply that Italians are experts at finding life's small pleasures. Every cup of coffee, simple pasta dish, and stroll down a colorful street becomes an event in this European gem. Day-to-day life is simply beautiful.

The home of pizza, pasta, and la dolce vita, Italy boasts some of Europe's most renowned cities and beauty spots, from the majestic fashion capital Milan to the laid-back and infinitely beautiful Lake Garda.

To help you decide which Italian spots to explore, I've put together a guide to the best places to visit in Italy, including all the best resort towns and world-famous cities, plus luxury as well as budget-appropriate accommodation in each one.

1. Where to Stay in Italy for History: Rome

Located in central Italy, Rome is Italy's capital and arguably the country's most iconic city. Home to ancient ruins, historical sights, and so much exquisite art, this fascinating city is equal parts modern and traditional and a beacon of culinary excellence. It's known for famous sights such as the Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Villa Borghese.

As well as offering many sites to see, the city is full of incredible places to eat and drink. You'll be charmed by the welcoming, generous spirit of the locals. At the same time, neighborhoods such as Campo di Fiori and the bohemian Trastevere have plenty of Instagram-worthy streets to stroll around. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and excellent shopping. Here you'll also find the Vatican City, the world's smallest country and home of the Catholic Church.

If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle, Rome isn't for you. It's loud, fast-paced, and eternally full of tourists, with overzealous drivers pipping their horns at all hours. But if you're willing to take on the ‘When in Rome‘ mindset, you'll have a truly incredible time staying in Italy's capital, where all the main sites are within walking distance of each other.

Best Hotels to Stay in Rome

($$$) Villa Spalletti Trivelli

($$) Nikis Collection Navona

($) N-Space Modern Guestrooms

Best Things to Do in Rome

• Visit the Trevi Fountain

• Travel back in time to the Roman Forum

• Explore ancient ruins at the Colosseum

• Eat carbonara (lots of it!)

• Visit the Vatican City

• Check out the Pantheon

• See St Peter's Basilica

• Visit the Sistine Chapel

2. Where to Stay in Italy for Couples and Picture-Perfect Spots: Venice

Venice, in my opinion, is Italy's most beautiful city. Entirely devoid of cars, the city is built upon canals with a whopping 435 bridges, making for plenty of picture-perfect spots and gorgeous streets to stroll down. Charming and safe, Venice is one of the most unique cities in the world, and since global warming is sending it underwater, it's better to see it sooner rather than later!

The historic center is home to plenty of sights, from the iconic St Mark's Square to the incredible Rialto Bridge. Boasting delicious food in the form of tapas-like cicchetti and endless charming bars to stop for a drink, Venice is one of Italy's major cities for everything from art to cuisine.

Admittedly, it hasn't got the bustling nightlife of a city like Rome or Milan, but there are tons of quaint alleyways you can disappear down post-dinner for a digestivo.

It's not exactly a hidden gem and you'll encounter tourists whenever you go, but opt for a visit outside of summer to avoid the bulk of the crowds.

Best Hotels to Stay in Venice

($$$) Residenza La Loggia

($$) Pesaro Palace

($) Hotel Rio

Best Things to Do in Venice

• Go for a gondola ride

• Visit St Mark's Square

• See the Jewish Quarter

• Visit Doge's Palace

• Check out the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs

• See world-famous art at the Gallerie dell'Accademia

• Grab a drink in the Campo Santa Margherita

3. Where to Stay in Italy for Shopping: Milan

Italy on the whole isn't known for a fast pace of life, but Milan is the exception that proves the rule. At first glance, it's distinctly un-Italian with its focus on commerce and global identity. But look deeper under the surface, and you'll see Milan is still home to what makes Italy Italian.

Boasting some of the world's most iconic fashion and the city's excellent shopping options, Milan is forward-thinking, fashion-conscious, and affluent. By morning, businessmen and women stand by espresso bars, knocking back their morning coffees. By night, the city becomes alive with a bustling nightlife and young professionals seeking an after-work aperitivo.

The Italian financial hub is also one of Italy's most outward-looking cities, with a global personality and trend-setting locals. Known for its incredible architecture and art, there's plenty to keep you busy, but plenty of time to sit back and relax in a piazza with a nice cocktail, too.

Milan is well known for its shopping, from high-end designer stores to independent boutiques, with everything in between. As one of the fashion capitals of the world, it's the best place in Italy to go for some retail therapy.

Best Hotels to Stay in Milan

($$$) Hotel Tocq

($$) INNSiDE

($) Hotel Folen

Best Things to Do in Milan

• Visit the Duomo

• Hit the shops

• Explore the Navigli district

• Chill in the Parco Sempione

• See the painting ‘The Last Supper'

4. Where to Stay in Italy for Foodies: Bologna

Bologna is one of Italy's hidden gems, but an increasing number of tourists are coming to know and love Italy's food capital. This small city is walkable, safe, and super friendly, with unique terracotta buildings and city-wide porticos. It doesn't have the cultural heavyweights of the likes of Rome and Florence, but there's plenty to keep you busy – namely eating your way around this incredible place!

In terms of vibes, Bologna is laid-back but vibrant – it doesn't have the fast pace of Milan but the streets by night are awash with groups of friends and young professionals enjoying a pre-dinner aperitivo. The restaurant scene here is unmatched – Bologna is known for its meat and charcuterie boards and the wider Emilia-Romagna region is responsible for some of Italy's best-known dishes.

Local foods to try include Parmigiano Reggiano (commonly known as parmesan), mortadella (a type of sliced Italian sausage), spaghetti Bolognese, and Tagliatelle al ragu. It's not exactly a vegan paradise, but meat and cheese lovers will find some of the best food Europe has to offer in this charming city.

Best Hotels to Stay in Bologna

($$$) Hotel Metropolitan

($$) Hotel Porta San Mamolo

($) The Social Hub Bologna

Best Things to Do in Bologna

• Visit the University of Bologna, one of the oldest universities in Europe
• Grab some authentic Bologna food at Indegno 2.0
• See the Piazza Maggiore
• Visit Bologna's Two Towers
• See the Basilica di San Petronio

5. Where to Stay in Italy for Art and Culture: Florence

Florence is Italy's haven of culture and arts. Boasting some of the country's most incredible architecture, art galleries, and museums, this historical city is the home of the Renaissance.

Florence's Duomo is an iconic architectural masterpiece, while some of Italy's most famous works of art – Michelangelo’s ‘David' sculpture, Botticelli’s ‘The Birth of Venus' and da Vinci’s ‘Annunciation' – can be found in the city's art galleries.

The eating and drinking options are plentiful, with Tuscan wine flowing through the local bars and the restaurants serving local classics like Bistecca Fiorentina and cavolo nero.

Offering the option of days in Italy's green heart, Tuscany, staying in Florence promises easy access to other popular Italian places, such as Tuscan vineyards, a day trip to popular Pisa, and the foodie city of Bologna, all through the central train station.

Alternatively, consider staying one night in Pisa, this will give you just enough time to explore its charming streets, enjoy the local cuisine, and of course, marvel at the iconic Leaning Tower without feeling rushed.

Best Hotels to Stay in Florence

($$$) Hotel Ariele

($$) Relais Piazza Signoria

($) The Social Hub Florence

Best Things to Do in Florence

• See the Duomo
• Visit the Uffizi Gallery
• See classic artwork in the Galleria dell'Accademia
• Check out Ponte Vecchio
• See replicas of famous sculptures at the Piazza della Signoria

6. Where to Stay in Italy for Incredible Views and Beaches: The Amalfi Coast

Located in Southern Italy near Naples, Italy's Amalfi Coast offers incredible views, fabulous beaches, and picture-perfect art towns all within driving distance. Known as a celebrity hotspot, this coastal region is home to multiple quaint coastal towns and hill towns, each with its own charm and appeal.

Granted, the Amalfi Coast certainly isn't the cheapest spot in Italy (and you're much more likely to find a luxury hotel than a youth hostel), but if glamour and beauty are your thing, it's well worth the high price tag.

The area's sheer cliffs and rugged coastline provide epic natural beauty, while the lemon groves and bright white buildings provide the perfect backdrop for your Insta-worthy pics. Being by the coast, it's a great place to eat seafood, and you'll find plenty of authentic charming trattorias as well as luxurious upscale dining establishments.

It's not cheap and it's very busy in the summer, but if you can get past those two elements, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking beauty, great cuisine, and a glimpse into the lifestyles of the rich and famous.

Best Hotels to Stay in The Amalfi Coast

($$$) Hotel Margherita

($$) Hotel La Ninfa

($) Hotel Bonadies

Best Things to Do in The Amalfi Coast

• Have a beach day

• Visit nearby Sorrento

• Take a day trip to Naples

• Visit the Villa Cimbrone gardens

• Cruise down the Amalfi Coast Drive

• Walk the Lemon Way

7. Where to Stay in Italy on a Budget: Turin

Elegant, stylish, and criminally underrated, Turin is one of Northern Italy's chicest hidden gems. With fashion to rival Milan, architecture to rival Paris, and a nightlife scene to rival Madrid, this budget-friendly city is the perfect place to escape if the tourists of Rome or Venice get a little too much for you.

Home to much of Italy's car industry, the city is forward-thinking, and boasts plenty of cultural sights and fascinating museums. It's a student city with a younger crowd and a vibrant nightlife scene, with locals and tourists alike pouring out of the bars on Via Po at the weekend, sipping Aperol Spritz.

While staying in Turin isn't as famous or big as other Italian destinations, its personality packs enough of a punch to make up for it.

Best Hotels to Stay in Turin

($$$) Turin Palace Hotel

($$) NH Collection Torino

($) Starhotels Majestic

Best Things to Do in Turin

• Visit the Egyptian Museum

• Visit the Cinema Museum

• Enjoy an evening of drinks at Via Po

• Sip an Aperol Spritz overlooking the lake at Imbarchino

• Visit the Parco del Valentino

8. Where to Stay in Italy for Natural Beauty: Lake Como or Lake Garda

Italy is known for its two great lakes – Garda and Como – and they're both ideal choices for a nature getaway. Lake Garda, located near Verona and Bologna, is the more affordable and understated of the two, home to popular towns such as Sirmione and Desenzano del Garda.

Lake Como is a celebrity-studded luxury destination, home to towns such as Como and Lecco.

Lake Garda is the largest lake, with crystal-clear water and a dramatic backdrop of panoramic mountains. You'll find that staying in Garda is a little more rustic than Como, which is home to plenty of upmarket and affluent towns and located at the foot of the Alps. If you get the chance, visit both of these incredible lakes during your trip to Italy.

Best Hotels to Stay in Lake Garda/Como

($$$) Al Molo 5

($$) Park Hotel Abbadia

($) Hotel Dorè

Best Things to Do in Lake Garda & Lake Como

• Visit Como's historic center

• Take a boat tour

• See Villa Carlotta

• Visit Villa Monastero

• Check out the Castello Scaligero di Sirmione

• Enjoy a fun day at Gardaland Resort

9. Where to Stay in Italy for the Best Villages: Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre isn't actually one town – it's a collection of five picturesque villages dotted along the rugged coastline of Liguria. Home to some of the most picturesque views in the whole of Italy (and the best focaccia), the colorful buildings of these quaint fishing villages give Cinque Terre its personality.

Riomaggiore is the most famous village – supposedly the inspiration behind the setting for Disney's Luca – Monterosso al Mare has the best beaches, and Vernazza is the most picturesque. Corniglia is the smallest and quietest, while Manarola has the most spectacular cliffs. Luckily, a train line runs between all five, so you can stay in one and visit the others.

Best Hotels to Stay in Cinque Terre

($$$) Oasi Hotel

($$) Albergo Degli Amici

($) Villa Margherita

Best Things to Do in Cinque Terre

• Hike between the villages
• Have a beach day at Monterosso al Mare
• Try a slice (or ten!) of focaccia – the regional specialty
• Visit all five of the villages
• Grab an Aperol Spritz at Vernazza's famous harbor

10. Where to Stay in Italy for the Best Pizza: Naples

Naples can be overwhelming on your first visit. Unashamedly Italian, this city is where the country gets most of its stereotypes – pizza aficionados, football fanatics, and loud, lively families celebrating in the streets.

It's not for everyone, but if you're willing to immerse yourself in authentic Italian culture fully, Naples is the best place to do it. And it's home to the best pizza in the world, which is always a bonus.

Located by the sea, staying in Naples also gives you easy access to other popular Italian destinations, such as Pompei, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast. Stay here for friendly (and noisy!) locals, tons of history, and the best pizza you'll ever eat.

Best Hotels to Stay in Naples

($$$) Grand Hotel Oriente

($$) Il Tesoro Smart Suite & Spa

($) Napoli Svelata

Best Things to Do in Naples

• Eat lots and lots of pizza

• Visit the Naples National Archeological Museum

• Hang out at Piazza Bellini

• Take a day trip to the ancient ruins of Pompeii

• See the Fontanelle Cemetery

11. Where to Stay in Italy for Beaches: Sicily

Sicily, Europe's biggest island, is home to some of Italy's best beaches, cities, and food. Its capital, Palermo, is a sensory whirlwind, with incredible cuisine (featuring Sicily's two favorite ingredients – pistachios and eggplant), lively locals, and excellent history.

The other towns and cities that make up the island range from tourist-heavy coastal towns with exquisite beaches to authentic Sicilian villages with friendly local restaurants and great hiking spots.

Sicily lives under the shadow of Mount Etna, one of Europe's most active volcanoes (don't worry, eruptions are rarely serious!), and its island geography means you're never too far from the coast. My favorite Sicilian destination is Cefalu, a picturesque coastal city with an impressive Norman cathedral and breathtaking beaches.

Best Hotels to Stay in Sicily

($$$) Hotel Politeama

($$) Grand Hotel Wagner

($) Airone Wellness Hotel

Best Things to Do in Sicily

• Explore the capital, Palermo

• Have a beach day

• See the Valley of the Temples

• Visit Palermo Cathedral

• See the mud baths of Lo Specchio di Venere

• Try a pistachio ice cream

12. Where to Stay in Italy for Hiking: Dolomites

The Dolomites are a mountain range in Northeastern Italy and they're the best destination for hikers and outdoorsy types in Italy. Nestled within the mountain peaks are picturesque towns and villages serving up authentic Italian cuisine by friendly locals.

In the winter months, skiing and other winter sports attract tourists to this impressive mountain range, so there's something to keep nature lovers busy in every season of the year.

Best Hotels to Stay in Dolomites

($$$) Hotel Kronplatzer Hof

($$) Hotel Traube

($) Hotel Cime D'Oro

Things to Do in Dolomites

• Go hiking

• Spend a day skiing in the winter

• Visit the charming town of Bolanzo

• See the Dolomites Lakes

• Wander the Alpe di Siusi

Where to Stay in Italy – Frequently Asked Questions

🚆 Can you travel around Italy by train?

You can absolutely travel around Italy by train! One of the best things about this beautiful country is the ease of moving around it – most big cities are well-connected by trains and the trains are clean, modern, and affordable. Download the Trainline app to see train times and buy tickets.

🇮🇹 Is it worth visiting Italy?

If you're interested in incredible architecture, captivating history, mouth-watering food, and staggering natural beauty, Italy is the place for you. From spots where you can see centuries-old ruins to some of the world's best food, Italy has plenty to offer. Thanks to a long history of visitors to Italy, the country is exceptionally tourist-friendly, with many locals speaking English and an easy train system to help you navigate different spots.

🤑 Is Italy expensive?

Italy is one of Europe's more expensive destinations (especially Northern Italy) but this doesn't mean you can take steps to make it more budget-friendly. Use our guide to help you find cheaper hotels and eat at authentic local restaurants rather than spending more at tourist traps. If you rent an apartment or Airbnb, cooking at home can help you save money.

☀️ When's the best time to visit Italy?

While coastal areas like the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre can provide a relaxing summer getaway, I'd say visiting the cities in June, July or August would be too hot. The summer months are also extremely busy with tourists, so you'll struggle to escape the crowds during this period.

While the country's Mediterranean climate means winter isn't freezing, some tourist spots can be closed out of season, so I'd recommend going in spring or autumn for the best combination of mild weather and tourist amenities without being overwhelmed by crowds. I stayed in Italy for September and October last year and found the temperature perfect!

🧳 Where should I go on my first trip to Italy?

Rome is a great introductory city to visit for your first trip to Italy and the city's mild Mediterranean climate means it's pleasant almost all year round. One of Europe's great art cities, Rome is home to incredible art and history, especially the Ancient Roman Forum and Colosseum. If you're looking for somewhere with more natural beauty and a more laid-back pace of life, head to the Amalfi Coast, one of the lakes, or Cinque Terre.

The truth is, almost all of Italy is tourist-friendly, so for your first trip, simply prioritize the places that interest you most.

Where to Stay in Italy – Final Words

Italy is undoubtedly one of the world's most breathtaking countries, with so many cities, towns, and natural spaces to explore. If you can, plan a tour of Italy by train or car – it's small enough to cover most of the tourist hotspots in just a few weeks.

Hopefully, using my guide, you can get to know the best places to stay in Italy as well as accommodation for every budget. From the historical Venice with its breathtaking canals to the Dolomites, the perfect destination for nature lovers, there truly is something for everything in this Mediterranean gem.