Italy is our favourite country in the world. We’ve been lucky enough to spend a significant amount of time travelling through this beautiful region in recent years. This Italy bucket list is a collection of our favourite experiences and top things to do.
If you’ve travelled through Italy before, perhaps you’ll find a few things to add to your own bucket list. Or if you’ve yet to experience this country, let this list fuel your wanderlust.
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50+ things to add to your Italy bucket list
#1 Take a boat ride on Lake Como
We kick off this Italy bucket list in style with a trip around the famous Lake Como. This lake in the Northern Italian region of Lombardy is known for its opulence. It’s also a stunningly beautiful part of the country. For your first visit, make sure you take a boat ride around some of the gorgeous lake. You might not be able to stay in some of the waterfront luxury villas, but you sure you can dream about it as you glide on past.
#2 Visit Bellagio and its pretty streets
There are many towns that sit upon the shores of Lake Como, but arguably none are more gorgeous than Bellagio. This small town has an enviable position on the lake. Spend a few hours walking through the cobbled stone streets. It’s a little hilly, so get up high for some of the best views.
#3 Road trip around Lake Garda
Lake Garda takes the title as the largest lake in Italy. Dotted around the lake are beautiful little towns that sit along the foreshore. Base yourself in one and spend a day road tripping around the full lake. Make sure you drop into Limone Sul Garda. This area of the lake is surrounded by soaring mountains. On the other side, Malcesine is arguably one of the prettiest towns with streets that are perfect for a little wander. At the bottom of the lake lies Sirmione, one of the larger resort towns. Here you can’t miss the Rocca Scaligera, an ancient fortress which guards the entry to the stunning old town.
#4 Gaze up at the Milan Cathedral
The Milan Cathedral (or Duomo di Milano) is one of the most stunning churches in Italy. Taking a staggering six centuries to complete, the intricate detail of the building needs to be seen up close. Holding the honour of the second largest cathedral in Europe, it’s certainly grandiose. Whilst you can take a tour of the inside, you won’t be disappointed by admiring it from large piazza out front.
#5 See the stunning shopping mall in Milan
A short hop over from the Milan Cathedral takes us to the next stunning landmark on this Italy bucket list, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Milan’s landmarks have a lot of accolades. This mall continues the trend, being the oldest shopping mall in Italy still in use today. Filled with luxury shops, it’s the architecture that makes this place so exquisite. The shop facades and the iron and glass roof is a real stunner.
Read more: Day trips from Bologna
#6 Gaze out over the rooftops of Verona
Made famous as the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, fair Verona is well worth an addition to your Italy bucket list. It’s one of Northern Italy’s most beautiful little towns. You can explore the key highlights of Verona in just a few hours if that’s all the time you’ve got. Visit the Verona Arena, people watch in Piazza Erbe and cross the ancient Ponte Pietra bridge. Make your way up the hill to St Peter’s lookout for the most beautiful view of Verona set out in front. Surrounded by cypress trees you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the terracotta rooftops and the winding river.
Read more: How to spend one day in Verona
#7 See the castle of the House of Savoy in Turin
The House of Savoy was one of the leading royal households throughout Europe for hundreds of years. These royals led the unification of Italy and ruled over the country until 1946. With a family this powerful, you can imagine just how opulent their homes were. Enter the Residences of the House of Savoy in Turin.
This group of buildings are not especially flash from the outside. Don’t go here expecting the opulent castles you often see throughout Europe. It’s the interior here that will make your jaw drop. Chandeliers and golden ornaments abound. Every inch of the walls and roof are adorned with paintings as you make your way through room upon room. The standout is the armoury, a long hallway with knights and weaponry. It’s no wonder this was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997.
Read more: Best things to do in Turin, Italy
#8 Take a lift up the Mole Antonelliana in Turin
The Mole Antonelliana is one of the most famous landmarks in Turin, the capital of the Piedmont region. If it looks familiar, check out your coins. It adorns the Italian 2 Euro cent. This building with its iconic dome and spire can be seen throughout Turin and from the surrounding hillsides. However, make sure you take a peek inside. Now housing a cinema museum, it’s possible to ride to the top of the dome. An internal lift shoots up through the impressive museum to take you to the rooftop. Savour the view of Turin laid out before you.
#9 Drink some bicerin in Turin
Like your coffee sweet? Head to Turin and try their native drink, Bicerin. Around since the 18th century, this drink is made up of espresso, chocolate and milk or cream. There are many café’s to try in Turin. Our favourite is Caffe Torino with its vintage décor. Just remember if you take a seat, be prepared to pay some extra $$ for your drink!
#10 Visit the Egyptian Museum in Turin
You probably didn’t think this Italy bucket list would mention mummies and Egyptian artefacts. But, we want this one to be unique! And with that, #10 on our list: visiting the Egyptian Museum in Turin. With over 30,000 artefacts, this museum has one of the largest Egyptian collections in the world. Spend a few hours being immersed in a completely different culture. Then head outside and grab your bowl of pasta and a gelato!
#11 See the frescoes on the buildings in Trento
On your way to see the Dolomites many travellers miss Trento. Make sure you don’t! This little town surrounded by a glorious green landscape is an almost secret gem. The old town is filled with buildings covered in frescoes. And if you haven’t got your frescoe fix via a wander, stop by the impressive Buonconsiglio Castle.
#12 Road trip through the Dolomites
Seeking the fresh air of the mountains? The Dolomites are “the alps with an Italian touch”. Nestled in northern Italy, this stunningly beautiful area is filled with alpine lakes, cute towns and mountain vistas. The best way to explore the area is on a summer road trip. Brave those windy mountain passes and enjoy some time exploring nature’s finest.
Read more: A Dolomites road trip itinerary
#13 Ride a cable car to the top of Europe’s largest Alpine meadow, Alpe di Suisi
Fancy a day wandering through a lush green meadow? Surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Dolomites? You need to head to Alpe di Suisi. To get here, take a cable car up from the little town of Ortisei. When you arrive at the top station, prepare for your jaw to drop. From down below in town it’s impossible to imagine how large this area up in the mountains is. Spend all day wandering, and stop in at one of the mountain huts for a well-deserved lunch. You won’t want to leave!
#14 Ride a gondola in Venice
No Italy bucket list is complete without a ride on the iconic Venice gondola. Sure, it’s a very touristy thing to do. But it’s a quintessential Italian experience. With prices starting at €80 for a 30 minute ride, it’s a pricey bucket list experience. If your budget doesn’t allow for this, at least take the public vaporetto to see Venice from the Grand Canal.
Read more: A Venice travel guide
#15 Walk through St Mark’s Square in Venice
St Mark’s Square, or Piazza San Marco, is the focal point of Venice. This huge square is usually crammed full of tourists, and annoying pigeons. All here to see the grand landmarks of the area. Directly in front of the square lies St Mark’s Basilica, one of the most famous churches of Italy. You haven’t ticked off your Italy bucket list without visiting Venice. And as crowded as it can get, you haven’t been to Venice until you’ve wandered around St Mark’s Square.
#16 Visit the colourful town of Burano
A short vaporetto ride away from Venice is one of the most colourful towns you’ll ever see, Burano. The fisherman houses on this small island are a collection of bright colours. Hot pink, royal blue and yellow just to name a few. Spend a few hours wandering the canals and enjoy some lunch in the town centre. Savour the colour, all the buildings will look a little bland once you arrive back into Venice.
Read more: How many days to spend in Venice
#17 Visit Italy’s food capital, Bologna, for authentic bolognese
If you’re anything like me, Spaghetti Bolognese was a regular addition to the family meal rotation when I was growing up. It was our Italian dish for the week. And our family loved it. Like many foods around the world however, the Australian version is a completely butchered rendition of the “real Bolognese”.
If you want the real deal, you need to head to Bologna. It’s Italy’s food capital. Go to one of the local restaurants that serve pasta and ask for “tagliatelle al ragu”. Definitely don’t ask for spaghetti Bolognese, it’s a major faux pas! The flat ribbons of tagliatelle mop up the delicious mince sauce with ease. The dish here will ruin your family favourite forever. But it’s so worth it.
Read more: How to spend 3 days in Bologna
#18 Indulge in gelato in Bologna
No Italy bucket list is complete without trying the country’s most famous dessert: gelato! Now you don’t want to get sucked into the tourist traps and eat bad gelato (yes, it does exist!). In our opinion, the best place to try this foodie wonder is in Bologna. We’ve spent many months travelling across Italy and our two favourite gelato shops are in this one town. It’s no surprise though, given Bologna is also home to the Gelato University. Try a scoop at Cremeria Cavour or Cremeria Santo Stefano, or both.
Read more: The best gelato in Bologna
#19 Walk under Bologna’s porticoes
Bologna might be the foodie capital of Italy, but there’s more to this city than just the great eats. One of the most unique aspects to this city are the porticoes that line the streets. These covered walkways date back over 1,000 years. Many are beautiful to look at and wander underneath. They’re also practical by providing shelter from the summer sun or sheeting rain. With 38km of porticoes in Bologna, you probably won’t be able to see them all. But it makes a wander through this town so much more interesting and enjoyable.
#20 Dine at one of the best restaurants in the world in Modena
The small little town of Modena in the Emilia-Romagna region is home to one of the best restaurants in the world, Osteria Francescana. This 3 Michelin star restaurant is the creation of celebrity chef, Massimo Bottura. Known for his modern take on Italian cuisine, a dining experience here is one you’ll never forget. It’s also one your wallet won’t forget easily either. A true bucket list experience, a reservation here is extremely difficult to secure. We were lucky enough to dine here in 2018. But if you don’t get so lucky, check out Massimo’s other restaurant in town, Franceschetta 58.
Read more: Dining at Osteria Francescana, a review
#21 Try balsamic vinegar in Modena
If you’re thinking Modena sounds familiar, check your bottle of balsamic vinegar. It likely comes from this region. Modena is the home of balsamic vinegar. If you’re a foodie, then you need to visit Modena and try some of the local favourites.
Read more: How to spend one day in Modena
#22 See the home of Ferrari
There are so many brands that make you think of Italy. One of those is of course, Ferrari. This iconic luxury sports car was founded in 1947 by Enzo Ferrari in Maranello. Our Italy bucket list just has to include something Ferrari related! Consider taking a trip to one of the Ferrari museums. They’re in Maranello and Modena. The one in Modena is smaller but is at the site of the childhood home of the founder. Whichever you choose, enjoy gawking at these feats of human engineering.
#23 Try some Parma ham in Parma
Love some Parma ham? Then of course you need to visit Parma, it’s namesake and home to this meaty delight. Whilst there are many different regions that make prosciutto crudo (cured ham), arguably the best known is the Prosciutto di Parma. Head to this small city in Northern Italy and join a food tour to learn about the curing process. Or, just wander the beautiful city and head into a local salumeria for a taste test.
Read more: How to spend one day in Parma
#24 Hike the coastal towns of the Cinque Terre
Located on the coast of Liguria are the 5 towns of the Cinque Terre: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. These towns are known for their colourful homes and dramatic location built into the hilltops. Each town has its own unique element, so you just have to visit them all and find your favourite! (mine is Monterosso al Mare).
There are two main ways to get between the villages: train or hike! If you’ve got the time, consider hiking between a few of the villages for the most spectacular coastal views. You’ll get some stunning vantage points for your efforts. And some lovely little bars and restaurants to rest your weary legs along the way.
#25 Laze on a paid beach
For two Australians, the concept of paying to lay on a beach is a little ghastly. However, amongst the Cinque Terre (or many Italian beaches) it’s a right of passage! Hide yourself under one of those colourful umbrellas. Have your drinks and snacks brought to you. And in between naps, go take a dip in the stunning waters.
Get to the beach as early as possible to maximise your time and ensure yourself the best vantage point for the day ahead.
#26 Sunset at Riomaggiore
Along the Cinque Terre, each of the towns are impressive by sunset. Our very best experience though was at Riomaggiore. Maybe it’s because the buildings are a little more vibrant. Or the sun hits the town on a more favourable angle. Whatever the reason, Riomaggiore offers a stunning sunset that shouldn’t be missed on any Italy bucket list. Grab a slice of pizza as you watch the sun go down too!
#27 See the Statue of David in Florence
Michelangelo’s David was created between 1501 and 1504, and is one of the most famous statues in the world today. You can get up close to the statue (well, not too close) at the Accademia Gallery in Florence. It’s unbelievable to fathom how a young Michelangelo carved this 17 feet masterpiece from a marble block all those years ago.
#28 Walk across the Ponte Vecchio Bridge
The Ponte Vecchio Bridge is the most famous bridge in Florence. Crossing the River Arno, the bridge was built with many shops across it. Hundreds of years ago it was filled with butchers and other produce stores. Today it is mostly souvenir shops. Even if you’re not in the shopping mood, walk across it and feel the history all around you.
#29 See the Florence Duomo
Italy has some beautiful cathedrals, and the Florence Duomo is no exception. We didn’t want to add too many churches to this list, but the gothic Florence Duomo is a definite bucket list experience. Rising high above all the rooftops of Florence, it’s distinctive orange dome is not hard to miss. It measures at about 10 stories high. Wander through the city and spot the Duomo from many different vantage points. You can enter the Duomo for free, but there’s a fee to climb up the dome and enter the Baptistry.
#30 Stay at an agriturismo in Tuscany
An agriturismo is a working farm which has accommodation onsite. There are so many places to stay in Tuscany like this which offer up a unique travel experience. These remote farms are surrounded by the beautiful Tuscan countryside, with rolling hills and vineyards. Many create their own wine, and serve up delicious meals made completely from ingredients from their own land.
Read more: 5 amazing places to stay in Tuscany
#31 Stay in a luxury villa in Tuscany
Everyone deserves some luxury in life, so why not spoil yourself whilst in Italy. Tuscany boasts some of the countries most exquisite places to stay. Imagine staying in an 800 year old Tuscan villa, with plush furnishings, a beautiful infinity pool and an onsite Michelin star restaurant. Borgo Santo Pietro is a five star retreat that we’ve been lucky enough to stay at. Start saving up for a dream stay!
#32 Take a cooking course in Tuscany
You could substitute this for taking a cooking class anywhere in Italy. But our absolute favourite place for Italian cooking is in Tuscany. There’s something about being surrounded by the countryside which makes cooking in Tuscany so much more authentic. We’d recommend the sisters from Toscana Mia to teach you their culinary ways. It’s Italian home cooking at its finest. Learn how to make pasta from scratch, whip up a dessert and then share a meal you made together with your new friends.
Read more: A cooking class in Chianti with Toscana Mia
#33 Take a winery tour through Tuscany
Tuscany is one of Italy’s best known wine regions, and probably its most beautiful. An area with rolling green hills and medieval hilltop towns, it’s a wonderful place to explore. Whilst you should definitely hire a car and explore the area yourself, spend a day letting someone else take the reigns. There are so many wonderful wineries to visit, and it would be a shame not to be able to partake in all the wine tastings. Tour through the Chianti region and try the namesake wine, the Chianti Classico. Or focus on the hilltop towns of the Val D’Orcia and try the Brunello di Montalcino. No matter what area you choose, you’re sure to have one very memorable day!
#34 Visit the Tuscan city of Siena
There are so many cities and villages in Tuscany worthy of a visit. Make sure you add Siena to your list! The stunning city of Siena is rich with history, and has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site. The key attraction is the huge piazza, called Il Campo. Twice a year in summer it is home to a famous horse race.
#35 Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Before I went to Italy, the image of the Leaning Tower of Pisa was one of the iconic images I associated with this amazing country. This tower is known all around the world for its crazy four degree lean. Dating back to the twelfth century, the tower has been leaning over ever since it was built. It might be touristy but go there and just try not to get one of those funny trick photos of you looking like you’re pushing it over!
#36 Tour the Coliseum in Rome
The Coliseum in Rome is one of the world’s most famous historical landmarks, and a must do on any Italy bucket list. Dating back all the way to AD 72, it was the main amphitheatre of the Roman Empire. Housing up to 80,000 spectators, this place would have been used for gladiator battles, dramas and so much more. It’s an imposing structure in Rome today and it’s hard to tear your eyes away from it. Make sure you spend the money for a tour of the inside.
#37 Throw a coin at the Trevi Fountain in Rome
A popular spot for proposals these days (yes, we’ve witnessed one here!), the Trevi Fountain is arguably the most famous fountain in the world. Aside from proposals, the popular thing to do at the Trevi Fountain is the coin toss. It’s said that if you throw a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder, you’ll return to Rome in the future. I can’t say it works for everyone, but it was certainly true for us! At least you should have comfort knowing your coin gets collected for a local charity.
#38 See the Pantheon in Rome
There are some landmarks that truly defy modern engineering. Sites like the Pyramids in Egypt. The Pantheon in Rome is one of those. A former Roman temple, this structure was built around 100AD under the reign of Hadrian. Whilst a beautiful building on the outside, you have to head inside to experience the mighty dome. It is said to be the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. Standing underneath, you’ll be wondering just how on earth they built this.
#39 See Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii
History lovers need no introduction to Pompeii. This town set in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius was destroyed in a volcanic eruption of 79AD. Well documented in Roman history at the time, the city was wiped out. Today however, you can see what was beneath the lava. Some well preserved mosaics, buildings and artefacts. And perhaps a little more unnerving, the molten remains of people who perished in the eruption. An intriguing visit awaits.
#40 Visit Capri and The Blue Grotto
If your wallet and budget can stretch, the isle of Capri, hanging just off the Amalfi Coast is a must visit. Far from easy on the wallet, the well heeled make their way to Capri to enjoy long lunches, lazing on super yachts and buying designer clothes. If you’re not part of the Kardashian crew, you can still enjoy a stroll through Capri (that’s free!) and make time for a visit to the Blue Grotto. There are a few well known grottoes in Europe, but this one seems to be the most well known. This stunning cave illuminates with the most stunning aqua marine blue.
#41 Hike the Path of the Gods (Sentiero Degli Dei)
If working up a sweat is on your Italian agenda, it’s hard to go past the the Sentiero degli Dei or, the Path of the Gods. Perched high behind the Amalfi Coast villages, the vistas on this walk are stunning. The path winds from Nocelle to Bomerano with not a bad view in sight. Be sure to take your water on a hot day, walking amongst the Gods is thirsty work.
#42 Visit the stunning town of Positano
If you’ve seen pictures of the Amalfi Coast, you’ve likely seen Positano. It’s our favourite of the Amalfi Coast towns. In the spring and summer, the paths are littered with bougainvillea with a cool coastal breeze coming up from the beach.
Like Capri, it can be hard on the wallet, but no Italy bucket list is complete without a visit here.
#43 Sip on limoncello
In today’s world of rapid commerce, you can have limoncello just about anywhere in Italy. If you’re seeking the original though, you’ll need to head to the Amalfi Coast to sample the real stuff. You’ll find shops devoted to everything lemon. Lemon salts, soaps and of course limoncello.
A liqueur that can be a little too tangy for some, you have to give this a go at least once.
#44 See the cave homes in Matera
For a truly unique experience, head to Matera in Southern Italy. This city in the Basilicata region is known for its cave homes. Perched up on a mountain, this area has an unfortunate past. Riddled with disease, the area was completely evacuated in the 1950’s due to the substandard living conditions. Today, it has been completely transformed. People have returned to live in the cave homes. Many have been turned into tourist accommodation and shops. Now it’s possible to see the absolute beauty of the white-washed homes that are all built on top of each other.
Read more: A travel guide to Matera
#45 See the trullis in Alberobello
Southern Italy is home to some of the most unique buildings I’ve ever seen. This includes the trullo buildings of Alberobello. The trulli date back to the 1400’s, where locals were ordered to build their homes of stone. They created this cone-like structure, complete with decorations on the grey roofs. Located in Puglia, the trulli in Alberobello are now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can spend a day here and wander amongst the trulli. Many are now shops or restaurants. Or you can even stay in one overnight!
#46 Road trip through Puglia
Puglia, known as the “heel of Italy’s boot”, is a large region in Southern Italy. Becoming more and more popular with tourists, it’s an area that’s perfect for a road trip. Whilst you can get around to some of the larger towns by train, a car will give you the freedom to explore some of the lesser known areas. Hire a Fiat 500 and spend a week exploring. Visit pristine beaches, towns of white and see the unique trulli homes. It’s a week you’ll never forget.
Read more: How to spend one week in Puglia
#47 Swim at Lama Monachile in Polignano a Mare
Puglia is home to some of Italy’s most beautiful beaches. One of the most unique is the insta-famous Lama Monachile in Polignano a Mare. This rocky beach has the most crystal clear water surrounded by a sheer cliff face. Unlike many beaches in Italy, this one is completely free, with no sun loungers for rent. Take a towel, pack your rock shoes and enjoy a dip in this scenic beauty.
#48 Stop for a sandwich an at Autogrill or two
Ah the beloved Autogrill. Exploring Italy by car means you’ll often need to spend some time on the paid highways, known as the Autostrade. Unlike some of the regional highways throughout the country, these roads seem to be maintained to a very high standard. We’d hope so, because if you’re planning on covering some distance it can be very pricey. The best bit of these roads are the road side stops. More specifically, the Autogrill. In Australia, we’d do our best to avoid buying food at a petrol station. You just never know how long that pie has been sitting in the warmer for. In Italy, it’s completely different. Fresh sandwiches with prosciutto and other delights are on offer in these service stations. They’re delicious and usually well-priced. It’s hard to find a bad meal in Italy, and the Autogrill proves just that!
Read more: Our top tips for driving in Italy
#49 Enjoy the art of an Italian siesta
If you’ve travelled through Italy before, you’ll know about the Italian siesta. As soon as you get out of the tourist hotspots, you’ll be confronted with the siesta. Need some petrol in a remote town at 1pm? Good luck. You’ll need to wait until the shop re-opens. What’s the best way to avoid this “inconvenience”? Partake in this Italian tradition. Particularly if you’re travelling in summer, your weary feet will thank you.
#50 Enjoy aperitivo with an aperol spritz
Continuing along the theme of Italian traditions, is the humble aperitivo. What would be called “after work drinks” at home in Australia, takes on a new meaning in Italy. No one does the pre-dinner drink better than the Italians in our opinion. As the Italians tend to eat dinner very late, the aperitivo is almost a necessity. It’s not just drinks, but some complimentary light food too. Sometimes it’s just a bowl of chips. But the best places will serve up something more authentic, including prosciutto or hot food. Keep searching until you find a great place. And make sure you try an aperol spritz at least once!
Whilst we’ve spent a lot of time in Italy, we’ve yet to tick off our own personal bucket list. Here are a few extra that sit firmly up the top. Hopefully we’ll be able to get back to Italy soon to tick these off (although I am sure we’ll keep adding more… we’ll never be done with Italy!)
#51 Have pizza in Naples
For two people who have an absolute love of Napoli pizza, I can’t quite believe we’ve yet to try the read deal in Naples. The Neopolitan pizza hails from Napoli. It’s all about simple and fresh ingredients. Visiting Naples and having some pizza here sits firmly up the top of our Italy bucket list. Nom nom!
#52 Road trip across Sicily
We love the Mediterranean. Which is why we know we’d love Sicily. Being the largest island in the Mediterranean means it has loads of pristine beaches. Coupled with the old towns of Palermo and Taormina, it looks like a dreamy place to visit.
#53 Visit Sardinia
Continuing along the island theme, is Sardinia. This is the second largest island in the Med. We almost made it here a few years, but it remains on our to do list. The photos of the beaches here look stunning. We really want to explore here soon!
How did you go with this list? Have you experienced many of these highlights of Italy? Is there something else you think we should add in? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Love it!! You have seen so much of Italy!!
So many great places to keep returning too!
A great list of places to visit in Italy And thanks to add us too
You guys would make our top 10 little own top 50! Still one of our fondest memories of Italy!
I love this list so much!!!! 🙂
Thanks Jessica! So many wonderful things to do. Looking forward to adding a few more when time and circumstances allow 🙂