Northern Italy is filled with beautiful historic cities, which makes it a fantastic destination to explore. These are 10 fun cities in Northern Italy to visit.
What makes the cities in Northern Italy so interesting?
Northern Italy is a destination filled with culture, history, and gastronomy, and the cities of northern Italy all breathe history. You can admire centuries-old cathedrals and palaces, or visit fascinating museums and archaeological sites. Stroll through the charming medieval centers full of narrow streets and cozy squares and fully enjoy the unique atmosphere each city has to offer.
In addition to its rich history, Northern Italy is also known for its contemporary lifestyle. Most cities are also trendy and have an eye for fashion and design. Whether you love strolling through picturesque streets in medieval towns or a bustling metropolis like Milan, the cities of Northern Italy are fun for just about everyone to visit.
As a solo traveler, I like to travel around Europe by train and the cities in Italy are perfect to visit by train. Therefore, I have had the opportunity to visit quite a few of them in recent years. In this article, I share my favorites and the cities that I think should be on this list of the most beautiful cities in Northern Italy.
The best cities in Northern Italy
Are you ready? These are – in no particular order – the best cities in Northern Italy to visit.
Milan
Milan is the second largest city in Italy after Rome and is known as a fashion metropolis. The city combines haute couture and design with a rich history. You won’t get bored when visiting Milan, there are so many things to see and do!
Be sure to visit the magnificent Duomo (climb the roof for great views of the city), admire Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” and marvel at the beautiful stores in Galleria Vittoria Emanuele.
- Hotel tip: 21 House of Stories Navigli (4⭐) – Beautiful design hotel in one of the city’s most beautiful neighborhoods. With a rooftop pool.
- Fun thing to do: Discover the tastiest dishes in Milan on this fun street food tour.
- Travel guide: Lonely Planet Pocket Milan
- Read more: Milan travel guide: tips, the best sights & day trips
Venice
Venice is a city built on an archipelago of 118 small islands in the Adriatic Sea. The city is famous for its canals, gondolas, and unique architecture. It is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Although it is always very crowded here, it is a place you must visit once in a lifetime. It is so different from any other city you have ever visited. I was very impressed when visiting the city, it’s so unique. A gondola ride on the Grand Canal and a visit to St. Mark’s Square are absolute must-dos.
- Hotel Tip: Relais Venezia (3⭐) – Great hotel in a beautiful fifteenth-century building. The location is top-notch, as it is behind St. Mark’s Square.
- Fun thing to do: Visit the lesser-known islands of Murano and Burano on a boat tour. These are so fun and colorful!
- Travel Guide: Fodor’s Venice
- Read more: A day in Venice: 14 fun things to do
Verona
Verona is a beautiful city with a rich history and a romantic atmosphere. Famous for the story of Romeo and Juliet, written by William Shakespeare, the city attracts many tourists each year. But Verona has much more to offer than romance.
The city was already inhabited in Roman times, so there are many historical sites to admire, such as the Arena di Verona, an amphitheater from the first century AD. It’s a beautiful building in the middle of the city center.
- Hotel tip: Hotel Milano (3⭐) – Nice hotel in a great location right in the center next to the Arena. What makes it extra nice is that it also has a spa and wellness center. From the rooftop jacuzzi, you look out over the historic buildings.
- Fun thing to do: Experience the magic of opera under the Italian stars at Arena di Verona, the largest open-air amphitheater in the world. Book your tickets here.
- Read more: 10 awesome things to do in Verona | Italy
Florence
There are several beautiful cities in Tuscany, and Florence is one of the most beautiful. It is a paradise for art lovers. There is a special Renaissance atmosphere in the city and you can admire numerous masterpieces by famous artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli.
In addition, it is definitely worth visiting Florence’s magnificent cathedral (Duomo) and climbing the dome for a breathtaking view of the city. Another famous landmark is Ponte Vecchio, a covered bridge from the Middle Ages.
- Hotel tip: 25hours Hotel Florence Piazza San Paolino (4⭐) – Wonderful hotel with very unusually decorated rooms in the center of Florence.
- Fun thing to do: Join a cooking workshop and make your own pasta. Includes wine, limoncello, and cake.
- Travel Guide: Capitol Travel DK Eyewitness Florence and Tuscany
Bologna
Bologna is one of my personal favorites in this list of fun cities in Northern Italy. This historic city has an amazing atmosphere! Bologna is a gourmet paradise and most people come to the city to enjoy the amazing food. Taste the traditional Bolognese sauce and enjoy a delicious meal in one of the many trattorias.
There are also plenty of (medieval) sights to discover, such as the many towers, arcades, and atmospheric squares. And did you know that Bologna has the oldest university in Europe? It is also very interesting to check out the historic university building.
- Hotel tip: Hotel Brun (4⭐) – Great hotel in the historic center. The rooms are modern and stylishly decorated.
- Fun thing to do: Learn about Bologna’s culinary traditions on this tour. You can choose from lunch or dinner and visit at least four different restaurants.
- Read more: What to do in Bologna? Practical tips & the most beautiful sights
Turin
Turin is a gem in northern Italy that you will want to explore. It is a city with a royal past, which is why you will find numerous palaces and museums. Stroll through stately boulevards, and enter squares that take you back to an era of grandeur. Look around carefully to admire the beautiful architecture. The iconic Mole Antonelliana is one of the main attractions in Turin and offers you unforgettable views of the city.
In addition, Turin is an important industrial city, with Fiat as its most famous resident. Do you like chocolate? Then, too, Turin is the destination for your next city break. There are countless chocolate stores and every year there is a real chocolate festival. So there is something for everyone!
- Hotel tip: Oriana Homèl Torino (4⭐) – A hotel with an unusual shape in the center of Turin. The rooms are modern and stylishly decorated.
- Fun thing to do: The Egyptian Museum houses one of the most extensive collections of Egyptian art outside of Cairo. Visit the museum with a guided tour to learn more about this extraordinary collection.
Padua
Want to avoid the crowds of Venice? Then visit nearby Padua, a charming university town. It has a friendly atmosphere and it’s a great destination to just wander through picturesque streets with medieval buildings. Also admire the imposing Palazzo della Ragione, a covered market with a fascinating history.
Padua’s crown jewel is undoubtedly Prato della Valle, Italy’s largest square. What makes it extra special are the 78 statues surrounding the square. Art lovers are also in for a treat, with centuries-old frescoes on display in many parts of the city. For example, visit the Scrovegni Chapel, where you can see Giotto’s masterful frescoes.
- Hotel tip: Massimago Wine Tower (3⭐): Beautiful guest house in a building from the 14th century with frescoes on the walls.
- Read more: 19 Great things to do in Padua Italy
Genoa
The port city of Genoa lies on the azure waters of the Ligurian Sea. Again, this is a melting pot of history, culture and delicious food. The old center is a nice place to explore thanks to its narrow streets. Be sure to visit the majestic Cattedrale di San Lorenzo here.
In addition, the Aquarium of Genoa, the largest in Italy and one of the largest in Europe is fun to see. Here you will discover the wonders of the sea and come face to face with exotic fish, sharks and other sea creatures.
And did you know that Genoa is the birthplace of pesto? Therefore, tasting them in one of the cozy trattorias is a must.
Genoa is also a perfect base to explore the Ligurian coast. Visit picturesque places like Portofino and the villages of Cinque Terre, with their colorful houses that seem to cling to the cliffs.
- Hotel tip: Hotel Palazzo Grillo (4⭐) – This impressive hotel is housed in a beautiful historic building in the center of Genoa.
- Fun thing to do: Visit Genoa’s impressive Aquarium.
Bergamo
The city of Bergamo is more than “a cheap airport near Milan.” You definitely want to explore this city. The most beautiful is Città Alta, the old upper town, perched on a hill. The historic city is walled by imposing Venetian walls that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In Città Alta, you can wander the narrow medieval streets filled with charming stores and trattorias serving authentic Italian food. Take a walk along the city walls for the best views and plop down on a terrace in the impressive Piazza Vecchia Bergamo Alta. Yum yum!
- Hotel Tip: Relais San Vigilio al Castello (4⭐) – This beautiful hotel is in a fantastic location: Parco Del Castello Di San Vigilio. The gardens surrounding the historic building are stunning, and you also have great views of the city and surrounding mountains from here.
- Fun thing to do: Go eat at a local’s house! Bergamo is another great city if you want to try some delicious Italian food, and how fun would it be to eat at the home of one of the locals?
- Read more: 15 awesome things to do in Bergamo Italy
Trieste
The last city on this list is all the way on the eastern side of Italy, near the Slovenian border. Because of this, Trieste has a very different atmosphere from other Italian cities.
Trieste is a port city on the Adriatic Sea has a unique blend of Italian, Slavic and Central European influences. The main attractions include the beautiful Piazza Unità d’Italia (the largest square on the Adriatic) and Castello di San Giusto (an imposing fortress with a breathtaking view of the city and the sea).
- Hotel tip: Boutique Hotel Albero Nascosto (3⭐) – Cozy boutique hotel in Trieste’s Old Town.
- Fun thing to do: Join a day trip to Slovenia and visit the beautiful Postojna Cave and the impressive Predjama Castle.
Book your trip to Northern Italy
Whether you’re visiting a single city or multiple cities during a trip to Northern Italy, they’re all worth it! Book your trip now.
✈️ By plane – There are many international airports in Northern Italy. For example, you can fly to Milan, Venice or Bologna. Check WayAway for the best deals on plane tickets.
🚆 By train – Italy is easy to reach by train from all over Europe. Check Rail Europe for options and prices.
🚘 Rent a car – If you’d like to visit more interesting places in Italy. Check Rental Cars to get the best deals.
💊 Travel insurance – Personally, I think that travel insurance is a necessary component of any trip if you want to be calm in every unexpected event during your trip. Before you book, check Insubuy. This is currently the largest provider of visitor insurance. You will definitely find the most appropriate insurance plan that suits your trip!
🎡 Tours & activities – Are you looking for fun tours and activities in Italy? Check Get Your Guide.
Read more about Italy
These were my tips for a city break in Northern Italy! Are you looking for more beautiful places and tips? Then check out one of the travel guides below.
DK Eyewitness Road Trips Northern and Central Italy
Packed with insider tips and information, this easy-to-use guide reveals Northern and Central Italy at its best: spectacular sights, hidden gems and authentic local experiences.
Practical travel guide to Italy with a free eBook featuring points-of-interest structured lists of all sights and off-the-beaten-track treasures, with detailed colour-coded maps, practical details about what to see and to do in Italy, how to get there and around, pre-departure information, as well as top time-saving tips, like a visual list of things not to miss in Italy, expert author picks and itineraries to help you plan your trip.
I myself visit Italy regularly, which is why you can find more information about traveling to Italy on this website. Check out these articles as well:
- Northern Italy by train: 2-week itinerary
- How to see Cinque Terre in one day? Itinerary & tips
- 16 Most beautiful cities in Italy
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