The 10 Biggest Cities in Italy: Are They Worth Visiting?
Our resounding answer is a yes. Visiting the 10 biggest cities in Italy is a must. You see, we are talking about cities full of historic architecture, ancient culture, breathtaking nature, delicious food, and some of the warmest people on the planet.
However, not everything is old in Italy. The country has fantastic contemporary architecture too, world class design, technology, and fashion. We’ve been to all 10 cities, and love them all. That’s why we prepared this post with the best each has to offer. We are convinced you will want to visit every single one of them!
Rome
To us, Rome is the grandest and nicest city in Europe. It has layer upon layer of heritage. Rome is famous for its archaeological remains, historic architecture, and the Vatican. Granted, it can be too crowded in high season.
However, the city is huge, and you can walk literally everywhere. And everywhere you go you’ll see beauty. Once done with the city’s highlights, walk about its 7 hills. You won’t believe how beautiful and quiet these are, even in summer. You get to experience Rome and enjoy breathtaking views.
You’ve probably heard of Rome’s most famous landmarks, such as the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Spanish Steps, and the Trevi Fountain. The Roman Forum, the Campidoglio, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona are other impressive sights you shouldn’t miss.
Milan
Milan is Italy’s financial center and richest city. The city’s highlights include the incredible Duomo (cathedral), La Scala Opera House, and Da Vinci’s Last Supper. As architects, we consider Milan’s contemporary architecture the best in Italy.
You at least have to see the Bosco Verticale with its thousands of plants, the UniCredit Tower (the tallest in Italy), the Fundazione Prada, the Museo della Cultura, and the CityLife skyscrapers. Now, if you are into design and fashion you will be in heaven in Milan.
For ultra-fancy shops head to Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Sant’a Andrea, and Via Mazoni. Evidently a visit to the oldest mall in Italy is mandatory: Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle. If you want to shop like a local, Via Buenos Aires is your drag.
Naples
Regarding heritage, Naples rivals Rome. That’s how incredible the city is. In fact, UNESCO included the entire old town in its List of World Heritage Sites. Every single street is fascinating. The city homes our favorite museum in Italy: Naples National Archaeological Museum.
We believe Naples has the best views in the country. Walk along the coast admiring the palaces, castles and the sea. Go up Vomero and enjoy epic views of the bay, Mount Vesuvius, Capri, and beyond!
Take a train and visit Pompeii and Herculaneum. You simply won’t believe your eyes. As if that was not enough, the gorgeous Amalfi coast is step away.
Turin
To be honest: Turin’s architecture is not that impressive. However, the Royal Palace, the Molle Antonelliana (old synagogue now a museum), the Basilica, and the Egyptian Museum are truly amazing. Besides, the National Automobile Museum is a design mecca.
What we love about Turin is nature. The best place to walk along the river Po is the Parco Valentino. The Monte dei Cappuccini Hill and the Basilica di Superga offer memorable views of Turin’s skyline and the Alps. Turin’s tallest hill, Colle della Maddalena, offers even more impressive views.
Park lovers should go to the outskirts of Turin to the former royal hunting state: La Mandria Regional Park. The UNESCO listed Venaria Reale palace is there.
Palermo
Palermo doesn’t get all the attention it deserves. The Sicilian Capital may be a bit rough around the edges, but its Arab-Byzantine-Norman architecture is in a league of its own. You have to check the jaw dropping UNESCO listed Arab Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale.
Nature has blessed Palermo with Monte Pellegrino, considered by many the nicest ridge in the world. Palermo’s nicest beach is behind it: Mondello Beach. Keep walking to the stunning Capo Gallo Nature Reserve.
Food is another highlight. Palermo is the birthplace of canolli and arrancini. The best place to try these and other delicacies are Ballaro Market and La Vucciria Market.
Genoa
Genoa ruled the Mediterranean during the 12th to 16th Centuries. It was a maritime republic, like its rival Venice. And it shows. The Cathedral, the city walls and gates, and the old port are some of the remaining beauties from that period.
As if that was not enough, UNESCO listed Le Strade Nuove and the Palazzi dei Rolli includes several streets and 42 gorgeous palaces! Everywhere you look there’s art. Then you have the hills that tower above the city.
Italian’s call Genoa ‘La Superba’ (the superb) due to the splendid hills that end in the sea. You can spend weeks discovering mediaeval towers and forts. The closest and easiest to access with historic funiculars are Montegalletto and Righi.
Genoa is also the perfect gateway to Santa Margherita Ligure, Cinque Terre, and Portofino.
Bologna
To our amazement and delight, Bologna is not that popular, even during the summer. In fact, it’s one of the less visited major cities in the country. Locals call it The Fat (food), The Learned (university), and The Red (roofs and socialism).
The city has 38 miles (62 km) of UNESCO listed porticos. Yes, that long. You can walk under them for hours in awe. There are also 20 medieval towers. The best ones are Asinelli and Garisenda, which inspired Dante’s inferno.
The University district is fascinating because of its ancient campus and young vibe. Three of Italy’s best museums are there: the Museo Civico Medievale (15th Century Ghisilardi Palace), Palazzo Poggi (16th Century) and the Archiginassio (17th Century dissection house).
Evidently: You have to try pasta a la bolognese. Do so at the Grand Hotel Majestic.
Florence
Florence needs no introduction. You simply have to go. No matter the crowds, no matter anything, you will love it. The city is an open air gallery. The cradle of the Renaissance is now the capital of Tuscany. No wonder Dante, Michelangelo, and Macchiavelli were born there.
UNESCO included the entire old town in its List of World Heritage Sites. Key landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, Santa Croce Basilica, and the Galleria Dell’Accademia, home of David.
These man-made wonders do not overshadow the city’s parks. The city has 3 splendid ones: Boboli Garden, Rosses Garden, and Cascine Park, the biggest.
Bari
Bari’s history goes back to Greek times. Then it was an important Roman port, became rich under the Byzantines, traded slaves, was an emirate, fell into oblivion, resurfaced during Aragonese times, survived 2 wars and is now a lovely mid-sized city.
In our opinion it’s the least interesting city on our list. It does have a nice old town with narrow alleys, the superb Basilica di San Nicola, and the 4th largest opera house in the country. On the other hand, it’s the only one with a nice urban beaches.
On the plus side, it receives fewer tourists. Therefore, it’s a great place to mingle with the locals and experience a more authentic Italy.
Catania
With a population of 300,000 people, Catania is the smallest city on our list. That’s precisely why we like it so much. If feels like a large town! The city is an architect’s paradise. Together with 8 Sicilian towns, it’s part of the UNESCO Listed Late Baroque Towns of Val di Noto.
It’s also a nature lover paradise. The city lies at the foot of Mount Etna. The tallest volcano in Europe is a sight to behold. It offers epic views, great treks, and tones of nature.
Catania is the gateway to Taormina, one of the cutest towns in the entire world.
