20 Best Places to Visit in Italy: Top Tourist Attractions for Australians

Planning a trip from Australia to Europe? Italy is always a massive favourite, and it is easy to see why. It blends ancient ruins and Renaissance cities with dramatic coastlines and quiet lakes. You will also find famous food regions and beautiful islands.

Whether this is your very first European holiday or you're heading back for a repeat trip, finding the best places to visit in Italy takes some planning. This guide highlights the top tourist attractions in Italy specifically for Australians who want to experience the very best of local culture, scenery, and history.

Before heading off, remember to sort out your tech. Grab a Jetpac eSIM for Italy data plan before you land is the easiest way to stay connected on the go without dealing with massive roaming bills.

Best Places to Visit in Italy at a Glance

Here is a quick overview of the best destinations in Italy to visit on your upcoming trip. This table will help you map out your route and figure out how much time to spend in each location.

How We Chose These Italy Destinations

Travelling from Australia to Europe is a huge commitment. Given the long flight and high investment, you’ll want an itinerary packed with the absolute best places to go in Italy. We selected all 20 locations based on criteria that matter most to Australian travellers:

• Tourist appeal: We have included the top tourist attractions in Italy that you cannot miss on your first trip.
• Cultural importance: Each spot offers deep historical significance, from world-class museums to incredible food traditions.
• Accessibility: Picked for quick train or car access to maximize your holiday time.
• Scenic value: These spots offer breathtaking views, from dramatic coastlines to beautiful mountain peaks.
• First-timer visitor suitability: Welcoming and straightforward destinations that are easy to navigate if it is your very first time in Europe.
• Long-haul value: We selected the nicest places to visit in Italy that give the biggest payoff for travel time.

Read More: Planning your trip and want some cool trivia to share along the way? Read our blog 👉 20 Fun Facts About Italy You Probably Didn't Know

Best Cities to Visit in Italy

1. Rome

When talking about the nice places to go in Italy, you have to include Rome. It is a living museum and a mandatory stop on any European holiday. Walk through ancient history at the Colosseum and the Roman Forum or visit Vatican City. Throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain and marvel at the giant Pantheon dome. Enjoy a world-famous food scene packed with authentic carbonara and fresh gelato.

2. Florence

Florence is the undisputed home of Renaissance art and culture. It features the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery. Visitors can view the famous statue of David. Other highlights include walking across the Ponte Vecchio bridge and viewing the massive Duomo cathedral. The city is also a great base for day trips into Tuscany.

3. Venice

Venice is a magical city built entirely on water, making it one of the absolute best places to travel in Italy. Traditional gondolas offer cruises through the historic canals. St. Mark's Basilica and the grand Doge's Palace are open for visits. Local ferries run to the nearby glassblowing islands of Murano and Burano.

4. Milan

Milan is a top global hub for fashion that also excels in shopping and design. You can see the beautiful Duomo di Milano and the famous painting of The Last Supper. The city works well as a great travel hub because it offers fast train connections to northern Italy and the lake regions.

5. Naples

Naples is a high-energy city famous for inventing authentic Neapolitan pizza. Explore the narrow historic streets or take a short train ride to the ancient ruins of Pompeii. The city also offers views of the massive Mount Vesuvius volcano alongside easy ferry access down to the nearby Amalfi Coast.

6. Bologna

Bologna features a rich food culture with historic covered porticoes and striking medieval towers. It is home to the oldest university in the western world, and its incredible markets make it one of the most “nice places to visit in Italy” for food lovers who want to try authentic ragu and mortadella.

Best Coastal Places to Go in Italy

7. Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is famous for its cliffs and romantic scenery. You can walk through the narrow streets of Positano or visit the old church in Amalfi town. The high gardens in Ravello provide breathtaking views, and a boat trip along the coast or driving the winding seaside roads are some of the most memorable things you can do here.

8. Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre has five colourful fishing villages built right onto the rocky cliffs of the Italian Riviera. A quick local train connects all five towns so you can visit each one easily without a car. It features great hiking trails with amazing ocean views and it is truly one of the best places to travel in Italy for taking photos.

9. Puglia

Located in the sunny heel of the country, Puglia is ideal for lower-cost travel. The region features the unique cone-shaped trulli houses of Alberobello, the cliffside town of Polignano a Mare and the white city of Ostuni. It also offers fantastic sandy beaches alongside the beautiful architecture of Lecce.

10. Sicily

When looking for Italy’s best places to see, Sicily is a perfect choice. This massive island features vibrant food markets in Palermo and ancient Greek ruins. You can relax on the beautiful beaches of Taormina and hike up the active Mount Etna volcano during a single trip.

11. Sardinia

Sardinia is famous all over the world for its super clear water and clean white sand. The exclusive Costa Smeralda area attracts luxury yachts. However, the rest of the island has quiet, hidden beaches and fantastic family-friendly resorts, making it one of the best places to visit with kids if you love to swim and lie in the sun.

Best Countryside and Lake Destinations in Italy

12. Tuscany

Tuscany is a great place to visit if you love the countryside, old towns on hills, and big fields of grapes. You can rent a car to drive through the beautiful Val d'Orcia area, try local wines in Chianti, and walk around the old streets of Siena and San Gimignano.

13. Lake Como

Nestled at the foot of the Alps, Lake Como has a timeless luxury appeal. You can take relaxing ferry rides across the deep blue water to see pretty villages like Bellagio and Varenna, or tour the immaculate gardens of historic lakeside villas.

14. Lake Garda

Lake Garda is the largest lake in the country and is highly popular for its family-friendly towns. The southern shores feature historic castles and major theme parks, while the northern part of the lake is surrounded by steep mountains, offering excellent outdoor water activities like windsurfing and sailing.

15. Dolomites

The Dolomites have some of the most dramatic alpine mountain scenery in the world. It is another of the best destinations in Italy to visit for hiking, scenic cable car rides, and mountain road trips in the summer, turning into a massive playground for winter sports once the snow falls.

16. Umbria

Often called the green heart of Italy, Umbria is a quieter and more affordable alternative to neighbouring Tuscany. Stay in authentic countryside farmhouses, visit the peaceful hillside basilica of Assisi, and explore the historic streets of Perugia and Orvieto.

Best Historic and Cultural Places in Italy

17. Pompeii

Looking for great structures and history? Visit Pompeii, an ancient Roman city buried by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. You can take guided tours through the preserved ruins and stone streets. It makes a perfect, history-filled day trip from nearby Naples or Rome.

18. Verona

If you are looking for nice places to visit in Italy, Verona is a beautiful historic city full of romantic charm. It features a massive Roman arena that still hosts opera performances under the stars. Visit Juliet’s famous balcony or easily take a train here from Venice or Milan.

19. Pisa

Pisa is famous for its Leaning Tower in the beautiful Piazza dei Miracoli. Since the main historic site is small, it is perfect for a quick stop. You can easily visit for a half-day by train between Florence and the coast to see the stunning cathedral and snap a classic photo.

20. Turin

Turin is definitely on the list of "nice places to go in Italy." It is an underrated northern Italian city with grand architecture, royal palaces, and amazing museums. As Italy’s first capital, it has a rich history and a world-famous Egyptian Museum. Food lovers will love its famous chocolate and historic cafes. It is perfect for experiencing a relaxed, authentic side of Italy.

Best Destinations in Italy to Visit by Travel Style

Every traveller is different, and the best places to visit in Italy depend entirely on what you want to experience during your holiday. To help you match your personal interests with the perfect locations, we have grouped the top spots into specific travel styles.

First-Time Visitors: Rome, Florence, Venice

If it's your first time flying out from Australia, then you cannot miss the classic trio because Rome gives you iconic ruins, Florence has amazing art, and Venice offers unique canals.

Couples: Amalfi Coast, Lake Como, Tuscany

Italy is perfect for a romantic trip because you can enjoy the cliffside views of the Amalfi Coast alongside the nice villas on Lake Como and the beautiful vineyards in Tuscany.

Families: Lake Garda, Rome, Sardinia

Family trips need a good mix of fun and rest, so you should visit the theme parks at Lake Garda, see the gladiator stories in Rome, and enjoy the calm beaches in Sardinia.

Food Lovers: Bologna, Naples, Sicily

If you love food, then these places are the best because Bologna is famous for rich pasta, while Naples offers authentic pizza, and Sicily has amazing street food markets to explore.

Beach Lovers: Puglia, Sardinia, Sicily

For clear waters, head south. Puglia offers stunning, uncrowded coastlines, Sardinia boasts Caribbean-like white sand beaches, and Sicily pairs scenic swimming spots with historic, charming coastal towns.

History Lovers: Rome, Pompeii, Florence

These are the nice places to visit in Italy. If you love history, these destinations are perfect, as Rome features incredible ancient ruins, Pompeii lets you walk through a preserved Roman city, and Florence houses some of the world's best art.

Read More: If you’re looking to turn your holiday into a remote work stint, check out our breakdown 👉 Italy’s Most Livable Cities for Digital Nomads in 2026

Best Places to Tour in Italy for First-Time Australians

Planning your very first long trip from Australia? Pick the right route for a stress-free holiday. The best places to go in Italy are all linked by an excellent high-speed train network, so you do not need to worry about renting a car. For the perfect first-time experience, we recommend following this route for the ultimate Italy stuff to do:

• Rome (3 to 4 days): Land in the capital to see the Colosseum and the Vatican.
• Florence (2 to 3 days): Take a short train ride north to experience the heart of Renaissance art.
• Venice (2 days): Head further north to wrap up your trip along the magical historic canals.

Optional Itinerary Add-Ons

• Add the Amalfi Coast after Rome for dramatic seaside views and boat trips.
• Rent a car in Florence for a few days to explore Tuscan vineyards and hill towns.
• Take a fast train from Venice to Milan for fashion and a day trip to Lake Como.

Italy Travel Tips for Australians

Planning a trip from Australia requires extra preparation. Here is what to keep in mind:

Flights & Timing

Flights from Australia take 20 to 24 hours. To ease jet lag, book a single-stop flight through Asia or the Middle East and arrive in Italy by afternoon.

Trip Length

A trip length of 2 to 3 weeks is the absolute sweet spot, giving you enough time to see the best places to visit in Italy without rushing.

Schengen Visa and ETIAS Awareness

Australians can visit the Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. However, starting late 2026, you will need to complete an online ETIAS registration before you travel.

Trains vs Car Rental

Italy's high-speed trains are awesome for Rome, Florence, and Venice. Stick to the tracks for big cities to avoid crazy traffic and impossible parking. But if you want to explore the countryside in Tuscany or Puglia, rent a car for a few days.

Travel Insurance

The next thing that you should have on your packing list for Italy in summer is comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.

Seasonal Planning

Summer brings intense heat and huge crowds. The best time to visit Italy is during the shoulder seasons of April to May or September to October, when you will find mild weather and shorter lines.

Booking Major Attractions Early

Famous top tourist attractions in Italy sell out months in advance. Book the Colosseum, Vatican, and Uffizi Gallery immediately after securing your travel dates.

Staying Connected in Italy with Jetpac

An Italy trip is top of the list for many Australians. But landing without data turns a relaxing trip into stress. Avoid massive roaming bills and unreliable Wi-Fi. You need the best eSIM for Italy travel to navigate, download tickets, and access digital reservations.

To stay connected instantly, grab a Jetpac Italy eSIM before you fly. It installs on your phone in minutes, offering affordable, high-speed data right when you land so you can bypass expensive global roaming fees completely.

Why Australians Choose Jetpac for Italy

• Jetpac connects you instantly to Italy’s fastest 4G/5G networks, allowing you to seamlessly pull up live train tickets, translate menus, load hotel bookings, and access attraction reservations.
• You get a built-in safety net that keeps Google Maps, WhatsApp, and Uber completely free to use, even if your data plan runs out entirely.
• The eSIM lets you share internet with your partner's phone, laptop, or tablet through completely unrestricted hotspotting.
• You can call local Italian landlines or tour operators directly within the app starting from just USD 1.99.
• It protects your travel budget from expensive Australian roaming fees with transparent pricing, 200+ destination coverage, and a full money-back guarantee.

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FAQs

What are the best places to visit in Italy for first-time visitors?

If you are going for the first time, hitting Rome, Florence, and Venice is a must. This classic route features the best places to visit in Italy because you get a great mix of history, art, and romantic views.

What are the top tourist attractions in Italy?

Make sure to check out the Colosseum in Rome, the Florence Duomo, the Venice canals, and the ruins of Pompeii. These classics should definitely be at the top of your list for Italy stuff to do.

What are the best places to go in Italy for couples?

The Amalfi Coast, Lake Como, and Tuscany are the best places to travel in Italy for romance. They offer breathtaking views, luxury villas, and quiet countryside towns perfect for a slower, intimate holiday.

What are the best coastal places to visit in Italy?

The Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre are world-famous for their dramatic cliffs and seaside villages. But if you want pure white sand and clear water, the southern beaches of Puglia, Sicily, and Sardinia are Italy's best places to see.

Is Italy expensive for Australians?

Major tourist hubs like Rome, Venice, and Lake Como can be pricey for dining and accommodation. You can make your Australian Dollar go much further by travelling during the shoulder seasons and exploring more affordable southern regions like Puglia and Sicily.

What is the best eSIM for Italy?

The Jetpac eSIM is your best choice for Italy travel. It provides high-speed data and instant connectivity, helping you avoid expensive roaming fees completely.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general travel inspiration for Australian travellers planning a trip to Italy. Entry requirements, visa rules, travel advisories, attraction opening hours, prices, weather conditions, and local regulations can change at any time. Before booking, travellers should check official Italian tourism sources, the Australian Government’s Smartraveller advice, airline policies, and individual attraction websites for the latest updates. Always plan according to your budget, travel dates, mobility needs, and personal safety preferences.