Must See Places and Best Things to Do in Italy

From the echoes of ancient empires to the masterpieces of the Renaissance and the irresistible allure of la dolce vita, Italy is a country that truly has it all. It’s a place where every corner turned reveals a new story, every meal feels like a celebration, and every sunset seems painted just for you. Whether you're dreaming of historical grandeur, artistic immersion, or simply savouring world-class cuisine, our 2026 guide to Italy’s most iconic cities will help you craft the adventure of a lifetime.

Rome: The Eternal City's Majestic Heart

Stepping into Rome is like walking onto the world’s most magnificent film set. History isn't just in museums here; it’s in the cobblestones beneath your feet. The scale of the city is breathtaking, a sprawling metropolis where ancient ruins stand casually beside bustling Vespas and chic boutiques. It’s a place of grand gestures, from its monumental architecture to its bold, unforgettable flavours. Book entry tickets to the major locations well in advance, they often get sold out many weeks prior. If visiting St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, go and line up in the morning half an hour before opening time. If you arrive any later, you will get stuck in multi-hour long queues. Locals advised us to also check event dates and times, you may catch a glimpse of the Pope if you plan well! Our favourite place is definitely the halls of St Peter’s Basilica, the interior is so massive and awe-inspiring that it feels like the architects and builders tried to replicate heaven on earth.

Best foodie finds:

Rome’s cuisine is simple, hearty, and divine. Don’t leave without trying the four classic Roman pastas: Carbonara (egg, pecorino, guanciale, pepper), Cacio e Pepe (cheese and pepper), Amatriciana (tomato, guanciale, pecorino), and Gricia (the Amatriciana without tomato). For a quick snack, grab a supplì – a fried rice ball with a molten mozzarella centre.

Getting around:

While Rome is vast, its historic centre is surprisingly walkable. A good pair of shoes will be your best friend. For longer distances, the metro is efficient for connecting major sites like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and Termini Station. Just be sure to validate your ticket before boarding! Be careful when taking the metro and guard your handbags, a pickpocket attempt was made on us in the one and only time we decided to take it. There are also plenty of scooter rentals which will get you around the dense city areas faster than the cars which get stuck in traffic jams.

Florence: Cradle of the Renaissance

If Rome is Italy’s heart, Florence is its soul. Nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany, this compact, elegant city is an art lover's paradise. It’s here that the Renaissance blossomed, and the legacy of Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli is tangible everywhere you look. Beyond the galleries, you'll find a city of artisans, leather markets, and hidden trattorias serving up Tuscan classics.

Culture & landmarks:

The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, or the Duomo, is Florence’s unmissable centrepiece; climbing to the top of Brunelleschi's dome offers a panoramic view you’ll never forget. Book tickets well in advance for the Uffizi Gallery to see Botticelli’s "The Birth of Venus" and for the Galleria dell'Accademia to stand in awe before Michelangelo’s David. A sunset stroll across the Ponte Vecchio bridge is pure magic.

What to eat:

Tuscan food is rustic and relies on high-quality local ingredients. The star of the show is Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a thick-cut T-bone steak, grilled rare and seasoned simply. For the more adventurous, try Lampredotto, a traditional Florentine street food sandwich made from the fourth stomach of a cow. This was probably the most delicious thing we had in our entire Italian trip.

Venice: The Serene Floating City

There is simply nowhere else on earth like Venice. A city built on water, it swaps roads for canals, cars for gondolas, and the sounds of traffic for the gentle lapping of waves against centuries-old buildings. Getting lost in its labyrinth of narrow alleyways and charming bridges isn't a travel mishap; it's the entire point. It's a city of romance, mystery, and unparalleled beauty.

Street food + must-do experiences:

Venice is famous for cicchetti, small snacks similar to Spanish tapas, served in traditional bars called bàcari. Hop between them, sampling things like creamy baccalà mantecato (creamed cod) on polenta and sipping a glass of local wine. If you enjoy your alcohol, we recommend getting the aperol spritz cocktails at every bar you find. Of course, a gondola ride is a quintessential Venice experience, offering a unique perspective of the city from its watery arteries. For a dose of grandeur, visit St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace. Also, the best pizza we have ever had can be found in Venice.

Cultural Etiquette and Smart Travel Tips

Italians are warm and welcoming, and a little effort goes a long way. Greet shopkeepers with a buongiorno (good morning) or buonasera (good afternoon/evening). When visiting churches, dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees. Remember that many restaurants add a small coperto (cover charge) to the bill, which is per person and not a tip. Tipping isn't expected, but rounding up the bill for great service is appreciated.

What to Pack

Comfort is king in Italy. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so pack your most comfortable shoes. Pack layers, as mornings can be cool even on warm days. A lightweight scarf is perfect for a bit of warmth and for covering up to enter churches. A reusable water bottle is a must—you can refill it at the many public drinking fountains (*nasoni* in Rome).

Staying Connected

Navigating ancient streets, booking last-minute train tickets, or finding that hidden gem of a restaurant is so much easier with data on your phone. Instead of racking up expensive global roaming fees or the hassle of finding a local SIM card, a travel eSIM is the smartest way to stay connected. With an E.Tel Travel eSIM for Italy, you can activate your plan the moment you land, ensuring you have fast, reliable data from day one. It's a simple, affordable way to make your Italian adventure seamless.

Final Thoughts

Italy is more than a destination; it’s an experience that awakens the senses and captures the heart. From the monumental history of Rome to the artistic splendour of Florence and the dreamlike canals of Venice, this is a country that invites you to slow down, savour the moment, and embrace the beauty in everything. Start planning your 2026 trip and get ready to create your own Italian story. Buon viaggio!