5 amazing cities you absolutely have to visit in Italy

AMELIA, TERNI, UMBRIA, ITALY - AUGUST 26: Olive trees are seen in the Palazzo Farrattini garden on August 26, 2020 in Amelia, Italy. (Photo by Thierry Monasse/Getty Images)
AMELIA, TERNI, UMBRIA, ITALY - AUGUST 26: Olive trees are seen in the Palazzo Farrattini garden on August 26, 2020 in Amelia, Italy. (Photo by Thierry Monasse/Getty Images) /
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When it’s time to go traveling, again, it’s time to head back to Italy. Naturally, Rome should, of course, be at the top of your itinerary. But it’s important to remember that there’s more to this historic part of the world than one city.

Italy has several outstanding cities virtually overflowing with history, art and culture. On top of that, there’s amazing food to eat basically everywhere you turn. Plan to spend time in some parts of the country other than Rome, and experience even more of what Italy truly is.

Turin, Italy

Turin, Italy
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 27: General view of People sitting in the outdoor area of bar in Piazza San Carlo on April 27, 2021 in Turin, Italy. Cafes, bars, restaurants, cinemas and concert halls will partially reopen across Italy in a boost for coronavirus-hit businesses, as parliament debates the government’s 220-billion-euro ($266-billion) EU-funded recovery plan, the biggest in Europe so far. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images) /

Located in the northwest of Italy, Turin is relatively close to the country’s border with France. This city has seen a lot of history, and required some significant building after World War II. But the beauty of Turin has never been truly lost.

It has an almost unbelievable number of palaces and historical buildings, including the Palazzo Madama and the Palazzo Reale. The Turin Egyptian Museum is another can’t miss stop, as is the famous Turin Shroud.

Palermo, Italy

The capital of the Italian island of Sicily, Palermo rests on the coast of the Bay of Palermo. It is as different from Rome as New York City is from Los Angeles. Going to Palermo is like going to another country, though that logic could be extended to the entirety of Sicily.

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Job number one when you’re in Palermo is to eat great pizza and pastries, especially Cannoli. If you don’t do that, you simply did not experience this city. After you recover from your food coma, hit up the unreal street markets and relax on one of the gorgeous beaches.

Naples, Italy

On the shores of the Gulf of Naples, you will quite naturally find the city of Naples. When it comes to cities in Italy, this is one that gets overlooked far too often. But its location means great beaches and even better seafood, so make sure you plan a few days there.

The Catacombs of San Gennaro trace their roots all the way back to the 2nd Century, and are just a taste of the history in the region. But Naples is also home to the National Archeological Museum, which is an unbelievably rich field of study in this country.

Genoa, Italy

NAPLES, ITALY
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 29: General view of the access area to a mobile vaccination center on April 29, 2021 in Naples, Italy. A mobile vaccination center, set up with the aid of temporary units in the parking lot of the San Gennaro hospital, has opened in the populous Sanità district in Naples. Following delays, the recently updated Covid-19 vaccination plan will see 62 million doses being delivered to Italy in the second trimester of 2021. (Photo by Ivan Romano/Getty Images) /

Heading back into the north of Italy, visitors will find another outstanding seaside city named Genoa. This laid back port city might be one of the most picturesque spots in the entire country, and that is saying a lot.

The Aquarium of Genoa should not be missed as it is reputed to be the biggest of its kind in all of Europe. Given the deep connections to the sea here, visiting the Galata Maritime Museum is also recommended. And once you’re done, head to the Boccadasse to relax.

Verona, Italy

The landlocked city of Verona has been written about for centuries in the works of icons like William Shakespeare. While it might not be on the coast, this city in the north of Italy is quite close to the stunning Lake Gardia.

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The Arena di Verona is similar to the Colosseum but looks to be better preserved. There are numerous examples of outstanding architecture to check out as well as the Giardino Giusti, some of the most well maintained gardens you will ever see. It’s like walking through a postcard.