Things to Do in Italy

Things to Do in Italy: Unforgettable Experiences for Every Traveler

From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Italy is a country designed to leave a mark on your soul. Whether you're here for history, food, nature, or romance, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences to enjoy. In this guide, we’ve curated the most compelling things to do in Italy—from timeless activities to once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

1. Explore Ancient Rome

Italy is the beating heart of Western civilization, and no trip is complete without walking through the ruins of Ancient Rome.

Colosseum: Step inside the largest amphitheater ever built and imagine gladiator battles
Roman Forum: Explore the political center of the Roman Empire
Pantheon: A marvel of engineering, still standing after nearly 2,000 years

🏛️ Pair your Rome visit with nightlife options from Nightlife in Italy.

2. Cruise the Canals of Venice

A gondola ride in Venice is more than a cliché—it’s a poetic encounter with a floating city.

Take a romantic sunset ride through narrow canals
Explore off-the-beaten-path areas like Cannaregio and Dorsoduro
Visit Murano and Burano for colorful architecture and artisan glass

3. Hike the Cinque Terre

Five cliffside villages perched above the Ligurian Sea make up one of Italy’s most breathtaking destinations.

Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail): Connects all five towns with coastal hiking paths
Taste local pesto and Sciacchetrà wine
Swim in hidden coves between hikes

🥾 Find more outdoor ideas in Adventure & Activities in Italy.

4. Attend an Opera in Verona’s Roman Arena

For an unforgettable cultural evening, attend a live opera performance under the stars at Arena di Verona, a 2,000-year-old amphitheater.

Shows typically include Aida, Carmen, and La Traviata
Bring a cushion—it’s a stone seat!
The venue holds 15,000+ spectators but still feels intimate

5. Discover the Amalfi Coast by Vespa or Boat

Experience la dolce vita by exploring the Amalfi Coast in style.

Rent a Vespa and cruise coastal roads through Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi
Charter a boat to explore sea caves and private beaches
Dine cliffside with views of the Tyrrhenian Sea

🚤 For romantic accommodation ideas, explore Accommodation in Italy.

6. Taste Wine in the Tuscan Countryside

Italy is a wine lover’s paradise, and Tuscany is at the top of the list.

Visit estates in Chianti, Montepulciano, or Montalcino
Learn how to pair food with wine in local agriturismi
Join grape harvest festivals in the fall for hands-on experience

7. Climb to the Top of the Duomo in Florence

Florence’s Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore offers one of the most rewarding climbs in Europe.

463 steps to Brunelleschi’s iconic dome
Panoramic views of red-tiled rooftops and the Arno River
Combine with visits to Uffizi Gallery and Accademia

🖼️ Learn more about Florence’s role in Italian history via Top Destinations in Italy.

8. Ski or Trek in the Dolomites

The Dolomite Mountains in Northern Italy offer a year-round adventure hub.

Winter: World-class skiing, snowboarding, and cozy alpine chalets
Summer: Via ferrata climbs, scenic hikes, and cycling routes
UNESCO-listed landscapes await in every direction

9. Join a Local Festival or Sagra

Participating in a local festival is a great way to experience authentic Italian culture.

Carnevale di Venezia: Masquerades and gondola parades
Sagra del Tartufo: Truffle tasting in Piedmont
Calcio Storico in Florence: Renaissance football with gladiator flair

🎉 Dive deeper into these events via Festivals & Events in Italy.

10. Swim at Italy’s Best Beaches

Italy offers incredible beaches from coast to coast.

Sardinia: Caribbean-blue waters and untouched nature
Puglia: Dramatic cliffs and cave beaches in Polignano a Mare
Calabria: Quiet coves and clear water for snorkeling

🏖️ For detailed beach recommendations, check Beaches in Italy.

11. Indulge in a Food Tour

Experience Italy’s regional flavors through guided food tours.

Rome: Pasta, gelato, and pizza tastings
Bologna: Known for tortellini, ragù, and mortadella
Naples: The birthplace of pizza—need we say more?

🍕 Read more in our Food & Drink in Italy guide.

12. Wander the Ruins of Pompeii

The preserved Roman city of Pompeii is an open-air time capsule.

Walk through Roman houses, baths, and temples
View frescoes and mosaics frozen in time
Combine with a hike to Mount Vesuvius

13. Ride a Vintage Train in Sicily

Travel back in time on Sicily’s Treno dei Templi, a vintage train that runs through the Valley of the Temples.

Steam locomotives and wooden carriages
Combine with visits to Agrigento and ancient ruins
A unique way to see the Sicilian countryside

14. Experience Italy at Night

Italy’s cities take on a magical quality after dark.

Evening passeggiata (leisure stroll) through piazzas
Rooftop bars with views of domes and spires
Cultural events like night museum openings

🌙 Get the best recommendations in our Nightlife in Italy guide.

Conclusion

Italy is more than just a checklist of monuments—it's a country of experiences. Whether you're watching opera in an ancient arena, learning to make pasta in a farmhouse, or hiking coastal trails, Italy offers moments that stay with you long after your trip ends. Let this list be your starting point, but leave room for spontaneous discoveries along the way.

Things to Do in Italy