Must-Visit Cities in Italy: Experience Italy’s Iconic Fab 4

October 6, 2025

Italy overflows with culture, history, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re drawn to ancient ruins, Renaissance art, or romantic canals, or modern fashion, certain cities seem to embody the spirit of the country. Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan are what I would consider the Italian Beatles – or the fab four – when talking about the must-visit cities in Italy.

Read on to discover what they’re about, what makes each unique (plus a fun fact), and one guided experience you won’t want to miss when you’re there.

A woman poses with a tote bag showing an image of the country of italy and the must-visit cities.

Table of Contents

The Fab 4 Must-Visit Cities in Italy:

Rome: Timeless Sights and the Heart of the Vatican

Rome is the Eternal City—where layers of history are visible in every stone. Here, you’ll stroll past ruins of the Roman Forum, feel the echoes in the Colosseum, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, and wander through the Baroque streets of Trastevere. Vatican City lies within the city, offering a rich spiritual and artistic counterpoint to Rome’s ancient past.

Four tourists view the impressive interior walls of the Colosseum, while listening to an audio tour on headphones.

Stunning, inside and out, the sheer scale of the Colosseum never fails to impress.

Fun Fact: Each April 21st—the traditional day of Rome’s founding—the oculus (circular opening) in the Pantheon’s dome lines up perfectly with the entrance to cast a beam of light across the interior.

When you visit Rome, the Complete Vatican Tour with Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica will help you discover the city’s spiritual and artistic heart.

People staring up at very detailed artwork painted on various walls in the Sistine Chapel.

It is hard to put into words how intricate the artwork in the Sistine Chapel is – you need to see it for yourself.

Florence: Renaissance Treasures in a Walkable City

Florence’s charm lies in its brilliance. It was here that the Renaissance was born: artists and thinkers transformed the way we see art, architecture, science, and politics. Today, the city’s compact layout allows you to hop from the Duomo to the Uffizi to Ponte Vecchio on foot, pausing in tiny artisan shops or lively squares along the way.

A group of tourists enjoys the breathtaking view of Florence’s terracotta rooftops and surrounding hills from the dome’s summit.

The breath-taking view of Florence’s terracotta rooftops and surrounding hills from the duomo’s summit.

Fun Fact: Florence became the first city in Europe to pave its streets, beginning around 1339.

When you’re in Florence, the Florence in a Day with David, Duomo, Uffizi & Walking Tour is a fantastic way to experience the city’s highlights without missing the stories and hidden corners that make it so special.

The frescoes in the interior of Florence's Duomo are one of the reasons that Florence is a must-visit city in Italy

Look to the heavens for heavenly frescoes in the interior of Florence´s Duomo.

Venice: Canals, Palaces, and Hidden Corners

Venice is a city like no other, constructed on water and woven together by bridges and alleys. Gondolas glide through quiet canals, palazzos stand proud against the lagoon, and alleys open onto secluded squares—or sotoportegos (covered walkways) that hint at layers of history hidden from view. And that´s before even mentioning the outstanding St. Marks Basilica.

A view of a Venetian canal framed by stone, with gondolas on the water and a white marble bridge in the background, lined with colorful buildings and ornate architecture.

A view of the gondolas and architecture that symbolise the Venetian canals.

Fun Fact: Venice has over 400 bridges—but only four of them cross the Grand Canal. Also, the term sotoportego refers to those narrow under-arch passageways beneath buildings that lead you into hidden courtyards.

When you explore Venice, the Exclusive Alone in St. Mark’s Basilica After Hours tour lets you experience the city’s most iconic landmark in rare quiet, illuminated by its mosaics and centuries of devotion.

The glittering, overwhelming gold mosaics have given the Basilica the nickname Chiesa d’Oro (Church of Gold).

Milan: Fashion, Innovation, and Masterpieces

Last. but not least on the list of must-visit cities in Italy is Milan. An energetic, forward-looking metropolis—but with deep roots. The Duomo, a marvel of gothic detail, presides over the city. Nearby, The Last Supper anchors Milan’s art legacy. But look closer, and you’ll see a city steeped in design, innovation, and contemporary life—not just a museum piece but a place that reinvents itself constantly.

A well dressed man walks down an elegant vintage shopping mall in Milan. with domed glass ceiling and elaborate floors

The shopping experience in Milan is unbeatable, even the shopping centres have unrivalled style and elegance.

When you’re in Milan, the Best of Milan Tour with Skip-the-Line to Da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’ gives you an opportunity to see both the city’s artistic treasures and its modern energy, without wasting time.

The stunning architecture of the gothic Duomo in Milan, in front of a beautiful orange sunset.

The gothic architecture of the Duomo gives a stunning silhouette against the sky, by day and by night.

FAQ´s – Italy´s must-visit cities

What’s the best time of year to visit Italy?

Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are ideal for visiting Italy. The weather is pleasant, major sights are open, and crowds are lighter compared to the busy summer season. Summer can be very hot, especially in cities like Rome and Florence, while winter offers fewer tourists but shorter opening hours in some places.

Do I need to speak Italian to travel comfortably?

Not necessarily. In major cities and tourist areas, many Italians working in hospitality and attractions speak English. Still, learning a few basic Italian phrases—like grazie (thank you) and per favore (please) —goes a long way and is always appreciated by locals.

A woman pouring wine in several glasses of wine at a bar in Venice.

Even if you can´t speak Italian, it is worth learning a few simple words, like “please”, “thank you” – and “wine”!

What does “all-inclusive” mean?

“All-inclusive” means the price already covers tickets, reservation fees, and entrance costs. You won’t face unexpected charges on the day of your tour.

Are the tours wheelchair accessible or suitable for guests with mobility limitations?

Most group tours are not fully wheelchair accessible due to stairs, narrow passages, or the structure of historic sites such as the Vatican Museums or the Colosseum. In some cases, private tours can be adapted if arranged in advance.

An interior view of the seats and bottom floor known as the hypogeum inside the Colosseum.

The Colosseum, has a whole other life underground, in what’s known as its hypogeum.

Ready for Your Italian Journey?

The fab four must-visit cities in Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan) offer distinct stories and atmospheres. Rome speaks of empire and faith, Florence of genius and rebirth, Venice of romance and mystery, Milan of style and innovation. Together they trace the cultural breadth of Italy.

When you arrive, let a walking experience shape your first impression. Begin with one of the tours above to unlock deeper stories behind the sights. And if you want to explore further, you can find dozens more ideas in Walks of Italy’s blog.

Start planning your adventure: visit Walks of Italy for tours, inspiration, and insider storytelling.