Italy is one of the largest countries in Europe, famous for its food, drink and culture. It has a population of over 60 million people, nearly the same amount as the UK. Here are the top 5 recommended cities to visit in Italy this summer.
1) Rome
Rome is the capital and largest city in the country with a population of just over 2 million people. Rome has lots of tourist attractions to visit such as the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and the Colosseum. There are lots of places to stay, hotels, hostels and there are an increasing number of Rome apartments for rent.
2) Venice
This is a must for anyone visiting Italy, although it is probably best to go before the real peak in summer or just after the children go back to school as Venice is very compact and can therefore get very crowded. Some of the most famous places to visit are St Mark's Square which is a big Piazza in central Venice and home to the Basilica San Marco, the bell tower and the Correr Museum.
3) Milan
From Venice, take the Eurostar Italia and you will arrive at Milan Centrale in just 2 hours and 45 minutes. Milan is the fashion capital of Italy and therefore shopping is a must in this city. However, if shopping is not for you, there is plenty to see, visit the Santa Maria Delle Grazie where you can see the famous Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, wonder round the labyrinthine Castello Sforzesco, sample the Milanese food and have some of the best coffee in the world.
4) Florence
If you have enough time, hop on the train from Milan to Florence. The trip will take 2 hours and 45 minutes and will land you at the centre of Florence. Take in the breathtaking views of the Tuscany countryside, visit the Pizza della Signoria in the centre of the city which is home to the open air sculpture exhibit, the Loggia della Signoria and the medieval Palace, otherwise known as the Palazzo Vecchio which is Florence's town hall.
5) Pisa
Pisa is so close to Florence, you have to make a stop here. The Leaning Tower of Pisa or the Torre Pendente di Pisa is an obvious tourist attraction and should not be missed. Visit the Arno river, the same river that runs through Florence, stop by the Piazza dei Cavalieri and see the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina, the now-deconsecrated church from the 1230s. Give yourself at least a couple of days to explore this intriguing city.
There is certainly a lot to see in Italy, plan which cities you want to visit before you embark on your next trip.. If you have always stayed in hotels, why don't you look at apartments in Rome to rent, Venice and Milan. You will feel more at home renting apartments in Italy and it can work out to be cheaper too.
Robin is a freelance travel blogger, writing about places to visit in Europe and renting apartments in Rome, Paris and London
1) Rome
Rome is the capital and largest city in the country with a population of just over 2 million people. Rome has lots of tourist attractions to visit such as the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and the Colosseum. There are lots of places to stay, hotels, hostels and there are an increasing number of Rome apartments for rent.
2) Venice
This is a must for anyone visiting Italy, although it is probably best to go before the real peak in summer or just after the children go back to school as Venice is very compact and can therefore get very crowded. Some of the most famous places to visit are St Mark's Square which is a big Piazza in central Venice and home to the Basilica San Marco, the bell tower and the Correr Museum.
3) Milan
From Venice, take the Eurostar Italia and you will arrive at Milan Centrale in just 2 hours and 45 minutes. Milan is the fashion capital of Italy and therefore shopping is a must in this city. However, if shopping is not for you, there is plenty to see, visit the Santa Maria Delle Grazie where you can see the famous Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, wonder round the labyrinthine Castello Sforzesco, sample the Milanese food and have some of the best coffee in the world.
4) Florence
If you have enough time, hop on the train from Milan to Florence. The trip will take 2 hours and 45 minutes and will land you at the centre of Florence. Take in the breathtaking views of the Tuscany countryside, visit the Pizza della Signoria in the centre of the city which is home to the open air sculpture exhibit, the Loggia della Signoria and the medieval Palace, otherwise known as the Palazzo Vecchio which is Florence's town hall.
5) Pisa
Pisa is so close to Florence, you have to make a stop here. The Leaning Tower of Pisa or the Torre Pendente di Pisa is an obvious tourist attraction and should not be missed. Visit the Arno river, the same river that runs through Florence, stop by the Piazza dei Cavalieri and see the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina, the now-deconsecrated church from the 1230s. Give yourself at least a couple of days to explore this intriguing city.
There is certainly a lot to see in Italy, plan which cities you want to visit before you embark on your next trip.. If you have always stayed in hotels, why don't you look at apartments in Rome to rent, Venice and Milan. You will feel more at home renting apartments in Italy and it can work out to be cheaper too.
Robin is a freelance travel blogger, writing about places to visit in Europe and renting apartments in Rome, Paris and London