The “Eternal City” is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Once the capital of western civilization, Rome has incredible antiquities, gorgeous piazzas, stunning fountains, great food, and an exhilarating ambiance.

The saying “All roads lead to Rome” was a truism during the era of the Roman Empire and the Eternal City displays the landmarks of Ancient Rome in a spectacular fashion.  For most visitors, the ruins of the Empire are the most popular attractions in the city.

However, Rome is more than a collection of stunning antiquities.  It is a vibrant, modern city that offers fine shopping, exciting nightlife, excellent restaurants, delightful coffee bars and numerous opportunities to while away the hours exploring new venues.

Our Guide to the Best Places to Visit in Rome

Touring Rome can be complicated, as there are so many things to see and do that you will run out of time before you run out of famous attractions. In order to help you plan your trip to Rome, we have grouped the best places to visit in Rome into topical categories to help you explore the types of attractions of most interest to you.

But Calabria contains startling natural beauty, and spectacular towns that seem to grow out of the craggy mountaintops. It has three national parks: the Pollino in the north, the Sila in the centre and the Aspromonte in the south. It’s around 90% hills, but skirted by some of Italy’s finest coast, 780km of it (ignore the bits devoured by unappealing holiday camps).

Bergamot grows here, and it’s the only place in the world where the plants are of sufficient quality to produce the essential oil used in many perfumes and to flavour Earl Grey tea. As in Puglia, there are hundreds of music and food festivals here year-round, reaching a fever pitch in July and August.

Admittedly, you sometimes feel as if you have stepped into a 1970s postcard, as its towns, destroyed by repeated earthquakes, are often surrounded by brutal breeze-block suburbs.

The region has suffered from the unhealthy miscegenation between European and government subsidies (aimed to develop the south) and dark Mafia opportunism. Half-finished houses often mask well-furnished flats where families live happily, untroubled by invasive house taxes.

(A Mafia tour visits sites of various Family activities and the graves of infamous godfathers and victims.) But there are many other reasons to visit Sicily: water sports, beaches of rock and sand (including black sand), natural beauty, good food and friendly people.

For touring the island can be roughly divided into the north-shore and south-shore areas. The north shore has reefs, olive groves, secluded coves and countless seaside resorts including Cefalu, a gorgeous Arab-Norman city with good beaches. West of center of the north coast is Palermo the ancient capital and the island’s largest city.

Be sure to visit the central market and 12th-century Monreale Cathedral which is 6 mi/8 km west of town (it has impressive biblical mosaics). About 50 mi/80 km west of Palermo lies the ancient village of Erice atop a mountain: It still has remains of a temple dedicated to Venus. The southern coast has an even milder climate so there’s swimming most of the year (although it can get cold there between November and March).

Among the areas not to be missed are Agrigento (to see the Valley of the Temples); Acireale (to see puppets); Taormina (a unique beautiful town perched on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean); and Mt. Etna (10 902 ft/3 323 m) an active volcano on the east coast—its crater is difficult to reach so bring a guide and dress warmly. In April 1987 two people were killed when Mt. Etna erupted. Although it can erupt at any time — most recently in 2002 — deadly incidents aren’t common. There’s good winter skiing with great ocean views from the mountain; drive the 120 mi/200 km around its base to see a wide variety of scenery.

Among the ancient Greek and Roman ruins on the island are the Taormina Greek theatre and San Domenico Monastery near Messina the Greek theater in Siracusa the 5th-century BC Temple of Concord in Agrigento and the Casale Armerina (a jewel of a Roman villa with wonderful mosaics) in the town of Piazza Armerina near Enna. It’s also possible to visit the Pantelleria Islands, the Pelagian Islands and the Aeolian Islands from Sicily. There’s enough there to keep one busy for eight days.

Florence

It is famous for flavor rich Florence restaurants and it is the Renaissance capital of the world — its celebrated sons are Leonardo DaVinci, Dante Alighieri, Machiavelli, Fra Angelico, and Michelangelo. It is a destination filled with fascinating Florence activities that should not be missed.

Dominating the Florence skyline is the number one attraction listed in just about every top Florence travel guide in circulation today — the world famous Duomo (Cathedral Church) with the Brunelleschi cupola, as well as Giotto’s Bell Tower and the bronze sculpted doors of the marble-clad Baptistry.

The side streets of the historic town centre are often narrow and dark, with bustling sidewalks and intimidating crowds and traffic.

But the place to start touring once you’ve left your first-rate Florence hotel for the day is the piazza, the square — that wonderful Mediterranean oasis where you can spend hours sitting down, enjoying an espresso, and just people-watching. You’ll likely start at the square in front of the train station and across from the bus station — the places you arrive by airport bus or by train.

Santa Maria Novella Church, run by the Dominicans, faces the square. To enter you’ll have to go around the block walking beside the church to another, yes, square! It’s Unità d’Italia Square. (Coffee and sweet shops are there.) You’ll want to see inside the Church (admission charged). Gothic and Renaissance frescoes as well as Fra Lippi-designed stain glass windows are a feast for the eyes.

If you head back toward the square in front of the train station and bear right along the large street (Via Panzani), you’re on your way to the square at the Duomo. Small storefront Florence restaurants beckon. But check the menu to be sure you haven’t struck upon a pricey bistro! A short walk, 10 to 15 minutes, will bring you along side the Duomo. The Baptistry is the building in front of the Cathedral. There are no lines — just walk up and look. Then turn around and look up at the church facade and bell tower. The entrance line forms along the cathedral steps. The square is filled with shops, and further along the side streets are women’s fashion stores. If you walk to the left of the Baptistry across the square you’ll come to a small mall area along with more Florence restaurants and coffee bars.

Among the other things you can’t afford to miss are the Uffizi galleries, one of the best art museums in the world (tickets required), the Santo Spirito church, and the Old Bridge (Ponte Vecchio) with its must see shopping area — another favorite Florence activity. The Academia with the original David is also not to be missed. To get a great overview of the city, head for Piazza Michelangelo in Oltrarno section of town (other side of River Arno) or farther up to the church of San Miniato.

People are in no hurry to go about with their work and seem to enjoy every moment of their lives. A cruise trip to Venice will take your cruise ship up to the Port of Venice where they are generally docked.

A short walk thereon will take you to Piazzale Roma which is where the land ends and it marks the start of the city on waters, the city of Venice. Also serving as a starting point this is the place from where the Grand Canal which is the busiest ‘canal street’ in Venice. Lining both sides of these canals and waterways which form the lifelines of the city are numerous grand buildings.

Watching them makes you slip back in time with each building seems to be looking eager to narrate its own history and story. The entire city of Venice has this antique preserved look to it, something which makes its like a living museum. The locals residing here are the ones who provide the city with a realistic living feeling. Even though the waterways make this city unique but the locals go about with their daily chores with the feeling that as if they are the residents of any other normal city.

Tourist locations

St Mark’s square forms the heart of Venice and can be accessed by means a public water bus which are referred to as Vaporetto here. These water busses are very common throughout the city and makes travelling through its numerous canals and waterways all the more easier and negotiable. All the places which show up in most travel booklets pertaining to Venice are located at short distances from the St Marks square and therefore are easy to reach and explore.

The beautiful 16th century Rialto bridge is very famous with the tourists who visit it to see its architecture and also to walk about in the markets operating near it. a cruise guest will also like the St Mark’s Basilica which has been touted as one of the greatest churches present. The former rulers of Venice made Doges’ Palace as their home and it now popular with travelers. This palace also includes the ill famed Bridge of Sighs. The other attractions situated in Venice which are worth visiting by guests and cruise travelers include Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari which is a 14th-century church and is now a treasure of Venetian art and the school of St Roch which is famed for housing some of the best works ever produced by Venetian artists.

Shopping and Dining

The small, beautiful shops lining the streets of Venice are surely a delight to see and explore. Ranking very high amongst the shopping lists of tourists include handicraft items which are very popular here. Hand made lace, hand painted carnival masks and faces, hand made writing paper, glass items, ceramic ware, leather and Italian clothes are some of the items which tourists shop for while they are in Venice. Wines and sea food are the items in the food list which people surely try tasting when in Venice and these categories provide enough choices for people to try and subsequently choose their favorites!

Through the Renaissance era, Italy made significant contributions to the arts, which are still heralded by the world, as masterpieces.

Italy today has a booming economy with tourism forming the biggest industry. Although, Italy is home to foreigners from other countries too, ethnic Italians are in the biggest majority. Italians appear to have touched almost every creative field, with their contributions. Names in literature such as Dante was Boccaccio, Tasso and Ariosto are famous.

The poet Petrarch who gave the world the sonnet, was also born here. One cannot forget the name of Galileo, who raised many questions in science. Enrico Fermi, who helped in building the world’s first nuclear reactor, the physicist Alessandro Volta and mathematician Fibonacci are a few Italian names in science.

The ‘opera’, as we know it today, first originated in Italy. Instruments such as the piano and the violin were invented here. Composers such as Palestrina, Corelli, Vivaldi, and Verdi, have each made significant contributions ranging from Classical music to Romantic.

It is said that Italy is home to the largest number of World Heritage Monuments, in the world. That alone should be exciting news for a traveler who wishes to get a taste of this beautiful country.

Rome – Latium (where Rome is located) is said to be the cradle of the Roman civilization, where traces of the Etruscan civilization is also found. The Vatican City, the seat of Catholic power is located in Rome. The 17th century St Peter’s Basilica, located here is famed for its beauty. Next to it, stands the Vatican Palace where the Pope lives.

One can see many archaeological artifacts at the National Museum, and classical sculptures at the Capitoline Museum. The Barracco Museum, and the Museum of Rome are worth a visit for the ancient relics and documents that are displayed. Art lovers should head to the National Gallery of Ancient Art and to the Vatican Museums to see ancient masterpieces. One shouldn’t miss out on the beautiful architectural building known as the Colosseum, which is still being studied extensively.

The Trevi Fountain famed because tourists throw a coin into it, to ensure they are back, is located east of Via del Corso. In west Via del Corsa, one can see the best example of an ancient Roman building- the Pantheon, which was completed in 125 AD. The nightlife in Rome is also fabulous, with many restaurants and pubs offering choicest cuisines.

Naples – Campania (where Naples is located), is a history lovers dream. Amphitheaters, villas, Roman Imperial Age Tombs, etc are just a few ancient structures that can be seen here. Cathedrals in the Byzantine style are also here. The National Museum in Naples, is very important to those interested in art and history. Greek statues, mosaics and wall paintings from Pompeii, jewels and other artifacts are also displayed here.

The Museum and other galleries in Capodimonte, are home to masterpieces by names such as Michaelangelo, Titian and Raphael. The Amalfi Coast south of Naples, is a popular holiday spot. The beauty of cliffs, combined with blue waters, is too alluring.

Sicily – This region is important because of the many influences of foreign lands that can be found here in the architecture and culture of the region. The Roman style, the Gothic style and the Baroque style are all prominent here. The Archaeologic Museum, Civic Museum of Catania and the Regional Gallery of Sicily, each have their share of priceless artifacts, a rich art collection, and other local history relics.

The capital- Palermo, is home to the Palazzo dei Normanni, San Giuseppe dei Teatini , Santa Maria di Gesù churches and the catacombs at the Capuchin Monastery where mummified bodies can be found. Greek sites too can be found here. The temples of the Valle dei Templi at Agrigénto and the vast Temple of Apollo at Selinunte are two examples.

Veneto – It has Venice as the capital, and is home to the best in Venetian art, besides being the place where the most number of Roman traces can be found. Shakespeare too has used this setting for his plays. The Academy galleries and the G. Franchetti Gallery have paintings from 1300 – 1700. The Correr Museum is exclusively dedicated to Renaissance art pieces. Padua is famed for the Scrovegni Chapel, and has the oldest botanic garden in Europe.

Lombardy – Milan, considered one of the fashion capitals in the world, is its main city. It is home to many beautiful buildings. The Gothic Duomo, is one of the world’s largest churches, full of delicate and intricate carving. The Castello Sforzesco, is a castle which today has many museums in it. The Pinacoteca di Brera, has some of the city’s most valuable masterpieces in art. The convent of Santa Maria della Grazie, is home to the much disputed Da Vinci piece- The last Supper. The Teatro della Scala, reputed to be the capital of opera is worth visiting too.

Italy has much to offer a nature lover too. The lakes in the north, which run down and enter the plains from the Alps are beautiful. Of them, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and Lake Garda are the most spectacular of them all. The peninsula of Sirmione, is famed for its countryside, and one can visit the caves of Catullo there too. Trentino and Alto Aldige, are mountainous regions, which have a blend of both German and Italian cultures. The Riviera di Ponente has many sandy beaches, while the Riviera di Levante, has small bays covered by high cliffs. The beach at Santa Margherita Ligure, south of Portofino, offers a fantastic view of nature and one can even swim there.

Italy has something new to offer on every visit. With so much to learn, see and do, a tourist will keep coming back.