25 Best Places to Visit in Northern Italy in 2025

Out of all the places I’ve been, Northern Italy is a place I keep coming back to.

Maybe it’s the incredible food in Emilia Romagna—a region I’ve spent months in over the years, even hosting two food tours there. Or the Dolomites, an unforgettable trip that still ranks as one of my favorites. I went to the Val di Funes two nights in a row just to make sure I’d remember the sunset over those spectacular mountain peaks.

It could be the canals in Venice, the month I spent living in Verona, or that weekend in Turin filled with coffee and chocolate.

There are so many beautiful places to visit in Northern Italy that narrowing it down to 25 was more difficult than I would have expected. This list is a mix of medieval villages, nature escapes, and lively cities—some well known, others a bit more under the radar. I’ve broken it down into regions to make planning your trip easier.

Places to Visit in Northern Italy

Liguria

1. Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, meaning “Five Lands,” is a string of five pastel-colored villages located along the rugged Ligurian Coastline. What were once sleepy fishing villages have transformed into one of Italy’s most iconic destinations.

The villages—Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—are all part of a UNESCO-listed national park, connected by scenic hiking trails and a convenient rail line that hugs the cliffs. Getting around by train is easy, making it a great day trip from nearby cities like Lucca, Pisa, or Florence.

My favorite hike is the stretch between Vernazza and Corniglia – a moderately challenging 4km trail. For swimming, Monterosso has the best beach access. For sunset, head to Manarola for a picture-perfect views.

Cinque Terre is undoubtedly busy, and the summer months are especially crazy, but even with the crowds, Cinque Terre is a must-see. Just make sure to plan ahead.

Read also: Where to Stay in Cinque Terre

2. Italian Riviera

The Italian Riviera is a picturesque stretch of coastline between Genoa and Cinque Terre. It’s long been one of Italy’s most elegant resort destinations, drawing everyone from Hollywood stars to Milanese weekenders.

Portofino is the most famous of the charming coastal towns, thanks to its beautiful harbor and idyllic setting. The Belmond Hotel Splendido, located in Portofino, is one of Italy’s most luxurious five-star stays with amazing views looking over the water. You don’t have to check-in to enjoy the view—book a table at their restaurant, La Terazza, instead.

Nearby, Camogli and Santa Margherita Ligure are a bit more relaxed with great beach access. Rapallo is a bit larger and more residential with convenient train connections.

3. Genoa

Proudly my namesake, Genoa is a working port city that often gets skipped over, but it’s well worth a stop. If you’re taking the train from the French Riviera to Cinque Terre, chances are you’ll pass through anyway, so why not hop off and explore for a few hours? I’ve done this a couple of times, and you really only need a few hours to see the historic center—though next time, I’d love to stay a couple of nights.

It’s not as polished as Turin or Florence, but that’s part of its appeal. Genoa gives you a glimpse of a more lived-in, less touristy side of Italy.

It’s also the birthplace of pesto and focaccia—which, for a food lover like me, makes it worth the detour. Even if you’re just passing through, there are fantastic bakeries within walking distance of the station. Just enough time to grab a warm slice of focaccia alla genovese before your next train.

Piedmont

4. Turin

Set at the foot of the Alps in Italy’s Piedmont region, Turin is a city of royal grandeur, rich cuisine, and elegant baroque architecture. If you love food and history, this is one of northern Italy’s most rewarding cities to explore.

Turin is packed with world-class museums, including the Museo Egizio, one of the most important collections of Egyptian artifacts outside of Cairo.

I loved my visit to the Royal Palace of Turin, a gorgeous blend of Italian and French influence. As the birthplace of the Slow Food movement and home to some of Italy’s best chocolate, I suggest planning a foodie weekend trip (that’s what I did). Spend an afternoon sampling local gianduja (hazelnut chocolate) and hopping between the city’s grand old-world coffee houses.

Read more: How to Spend One Day in Turin

5. Barolo & Langhe wine region

If you’re a wine lover, the Langhe region in southern Piedmont is pure heaven. Rolling hills, medieval hilltop towns, and rows of neatly lined vines set the scene—and at the heart of it all is Barolo, home to one of Italy’s most celebrated red wines.

The region is full of small, family-run wineries where you can taste bold Nebbiolos straight from the source. It’s quieter than Tuscany, with fewer tourists and a more rustic, authentic vibe. Pair the wine with local truffle dishes or a plate of tajarin pasta, and you’ve got a pretty perfect day.

Valle d’Aosta

6. Aosta Valley

The Aosta Valley lies between the towering peaks of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn, making it one of Italy’s most underrated alpine regions. It’s a beautiful nature escape, with year-round hiking, skiing, and dramatic mountain scenery.

The town of Aosta, often called the “Rome of the Alps,” is filled with Roman ruins, charming piazzas, and cozy trattorias serving hearty mountain cuisine. You’ll find postcard-worthy villages like Cogne and Courmayeur—great spots to base yourself for exploring Gran Paradiso National Park or unwinding in alpine spas.

Lombardy

7. Milan

Milan is Italy’s fashion and finance capital—a fast-paced, modern city. It might not be at the top of every traveler’s list, but chances are you’ll find yourself with a day or two here, and it’s absolutely worth exploring.

I’ve been to Milan more times than I can count, and over the years, it has really grown on me. The city is home to some major sights: the Duomo, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, and the upscale Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II, which feels more like an art gallery than a shopping mall.

Once you’ve seen all the major attractions, though, you’ll discover that Milan is a really hip city with amazing design shops, stylish aperitvo bars, and buzzing food scene. Milan rewards the curious traveler—give it time, and you’ll start to see its charm.

Read more: How to Spend 2 Days in Milan

8. Lake Como

Surrounded by the Alps and dotted with elegant villas and storybook villages, Lake Como is one of northern Italy’s most glamorous destinations.

The best way to explore is by ferry-hopping between towns like Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio. Make sure to visit one or two of the grand villas on the lake like Villa del Balbianello or Villa Carlotta. Lake Como is the prettiest in the spring and summer when the gardens are in bloom, but I’ve also been in the fall. It’s a quieter time to visit just be ready for a bit of rain.

9. Lake Maggiore

Straddling the border of Italy and Switzerland, Lake Maggiore often flies under the radar, but it’s just as beautiful as its more visited neighbors.

The highlight here is the Borromean Islands—especially Isola Bella, with its baroque palace and terraced gardens. Stresa and Verbania are the main towns and a great bases for exploring, with lovely lake views and easy ferry access.

10. Bergamo

Only 50 minutes from Milan by train, Bergamo is one of northern Italy’s hidden gems. The Città Alta, or Upper Town, is the historic center, surrounded by old Venetian walls and full of narrow streets, quiet piazzas, and great views over the city below.

Take the funicular up, wander through the town, and reserve a spot at a restaurant to try a couple of local dishes like casoncelli (a stuffed pasta, usually filled with meat and cheese) or polenta e osei (a traditional dessert made with sponge cake and marzipan).

Emilia-Romagna

11. Piacenza

Piacenza is one of those under-the-radar towns that ends up surprising you. It’s a good half-day trip from Modena or an in-between stop from Milan to Bologna.

There are plenty of churches to visit, Basilica of San Savino and Cattedrale Santa Maria Assunta e Santa Giustina are both worth a stop. Ricci Oddi Gallery of Modern Art has a wonderful selection of works including a piece by Gustav Klimt.

Food-wise, it’s all about the cured meats – Coppa Piacentina and Salame Piaentino are local favorites, best paired with a glass of Gutturnio, the region’s red wine.

12. Bologna

Bologna is Italy’s food capital and a city that holds a special place in my heart. I’ve spent over two months getting to know it. On the surface, it’s a beautiful medieval city with an amazing lineup of family-run spots serving hearty, soulful food.

But once you settle in, you’ll start to feel the passion that pulses through the city—the obsession with ingredients, the ragù recipes passed down from nonna to granddaughter, the pride in taking the time to make something really good like handmade tortellini. Bologna feels authentic in a country where too many cities have unfortunately become tourist clichés.

The medieval sights—like the Asinelli Tower and Piazza Maggiore—give you a sense of the city’s long history. It’s also home to the world’s oldest university and a UNESCO World Heritage site, thanks to its 62 km of porticoes.

Plan Your Trip: Bologna Travel Guide

13. Parma

Parma is one of my favorite places to visit in Northern Italy. I even co-hosted a week-long food tour here with a local guide to show others just how special this city and region are.

The historic center is full of beautiful sights and fantastic places to eat. The Duomo and Baptistery are definite highlights.

But what I really recommend is booking a guided tour and heading out into the surrounding countryside. Parma is the birthplace of Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma, and a day trip to visit local producers to taste fresh parmesan and melt-in-your-mouth Prosciutto is an absolute must.

Read more: How to Spend One Day in Parma

14. Modena

Modena is known for two things: fast cars and incredible food. The Ferrari and Maserati factories are nearby and make for easy half-day trips if you’re into luxury cars.

Modena is perhaps most famous for something even richer—its traditional balsamic vinegar. All around the city, you’ll find historic acetaie (balsamic vinegar producers), where families have been aging vinegar in wooden barrels for decades. Some offer tours and tastings—worth it to try the real stuff straight from the barrel.

In the city center, head to Albinelli Market and grab a sandwich from Schiavoni—it’s my go-to. And if you’re planning way ahead, try for a reservation at Osteria Francescana, the three-Michelin-star spot just outside the center. It books out months in advance.

Modena also makes a great base for exploring the region. We spent a week here and easily took day trips to nearby cities thanks to its central location.

Read more: How to Spend One Day in Modena

15. Ravenna

What looks like a quiet northern Italian town is actually home to some of the most stunning Byzantine mosaics in the world. Ravenna has eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, all showcasing brilliant 5th and 6th-century mosaics that are seriously worth seeing.

We spent a week here and really got to know the city—alongside the mosaics, there’s Dante’s Tomb, great museums, fantastic food, and even beaches nearby.

You can see the mosaics in a day, but I recommend staying a night or two to enjoy all that Ravenna has to offer.

Veneto

16. Venice

Venice is one of those places you have to see at least once in your life. This incredible floating city is one of the most magical places on earth. Wander the city’s winding canals and you’ll find hidden alleys, centuries-old architecture, quaint bridges, and gondolas on every corner.

The big sights—St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge— can be seen in a day. Though, I think it’s worth spending a few days here to explore the city’s hidden gems. There are still pockets of the city with local trattorias, small museums, and lived-in neighborhoods, even though only around 50,000 residents still call Venice home.

Plan your trip: Venice Travel Guide

17. Verona

Famous as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona is worth visiting for more than just its literary claim to fame. It’s a charming city with a beautiful setting at the base of the Alps—think rolling green hills, olive groves, and distant mountain views.

I spent a month in Verona, and even though it’s a small city, there’s a lot to love about it.The city feels romantic in a quiet, everyday way. There are cobblestone streets, great little delis and shops, and plenty of Roman history.

Don’t miss the amphitheater, which still hosts opera and theater in the summer, or the city’s churches and lively Piazza delle Erbe. Try a couple of local dishes like the risotto all’Amarone—made with local wine to create a rich, comforting sauce.

Read more: How to Spend One Day in Verona

18. Padua

Padua is one of Northern Italy’s hidden gems and an easy day trip—just 45 minutes by train from Venice or Verona.

The main highlight is the 14th-century Scrovegni Chapel, covered in Giotto’s frescoes. It’s absolutely stunning. Be sure to book tickets in advance—they do sell out.

There’s plenty to do to fill up an entire day. You can check out my guide to Padua to discover more of what to do.

19. Treviso

Just 30 minutes from Venice, Treviso is a lovely city with a series of charming canals and cobbled streets. Walk the medieval walls for great views, stroll along the willow-lined Buranelli Canal, and wander the quiet pedestrian lanes in the old town.

This is Prosecco country, so pair your visit with a tasting or a tour at a local winery. And don’t miss a stop at Le Beccherie—the supposed birthplace of tiramisu—for a sweet bite of an Italian classic.

20. Lake Garda

Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake, with Alpine views and pretty little towns like Riva del Garda, Malcesine, and Limone sul Garda.

It’s easy to reach by train, and the ferry system makes getting around a breeze. Peschiera del Garda is a great base. Just 10 minutes away, Sirmione is a must—home to a lakeside castle and ancient Roman ruins at the Grotte di Catullo.

If you’ve got time, consider spending a few days here, there’s a lot to see.

21. Bassano del Grappa

Bassano del Grappa sits at the base of the Veneto foothills and is an easy day trip from Venice. The old town is small but filled with great spots like artisan shops and boutiques and lovely cafes and restaurants.

For the best views, stop by Ponte degli Alpini, a historic wooden bridge designed by Palladio, with views over the Brenta River and surrounding mountains. Bassano also has a strong cultural side—visit the Museo Poli Grappa to learn about its distilling heritage, the Museo Civico for Venetian art, and the Ceramics Museum at Palazzo Sturm.

Trentino-Alto-Adige (South Tyrol)

22. Dolomites

It’s easy to forget you’re in Italy when you’re in the Dolomites. It feels a lot more like Austria. But make no mistake, this incredible mountain range in northeastern Italy is very much Italian. My week-long trip through this stunning region is still one of my all-time favorites.

The hiking here is like nothing else. You’ll see jagged peaks, epic ridgelines like Seceda, and iconic spots like Tre Cime. Val di Funes is especially stunning—perfect for sunset photos. It’s the spot with the famous little church in the meadow (like the photo above).

Plan to spend at least four days here. You’ll need to rent a car, but it’s an easy drive from Venice or Milan.

23. Bolzano

Bolzano is a beautiful mountain town surrounded by tall peaks and vineyard-covered hills. It feels more Austrian than Italian, with colorful buildings and a storybook look that makes you question what country you’re in.

We ended our Dolomites trip here, though it’s often called the gateway to the region. The medieval center is great to explore, and the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology—home to the famous Iceman—is worth a visit. It’s a great spot to spend a night or two while traveling through the Dolomites.

24. Trento

Trento is a small town in the Adige Valley, just an hour north of Verona and 45 minutes from the northern tip of Lake Garda. It makes for a quick half-day stop on your way to the Dolomites or a nice place to spend a slow day. The main highlights are Buonconsiglio Castle and Piazza Duomo, both right in the historic center.

Friuli-Venezia-Giulia

25. Trieste

Trieste is a port city on the Adriatic with a mix of Italian, Austrian, and Slavic influences. It’s known for its grand squares, fresh seafood, Roman ruins, and old-school cafés.

This is a city for coffee lovers—Trieste is the birthplace of Illy and home to historic spots like Caffè San Marco and Caffè degli Specchi. You’ll also find Roman ruins like the amphitheater, great views from Castello di San Giusto, and modern art at Museo Revoltella.

Walk through Piazza Unità d’Italia, explore the small Grand Canal, and end the day with a seafood dinner. Trieste isn’t on every Italy itinerary, but it should be.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the prettiest part of Northern Italy? Obviously, it’s subjective—but for me, it’s the Dolomites, hands down. I grew up in the Rocky Mountains in Utah and have hiked in the Swiss Alps, French Alps, and even the Himalayas, and still, the Dolomites are the most breathtaking mountains I’ve ever experienced. The scenery here is on another level—dramatic, otherworldly, and unforgettable.
• Is Northern Italy worth visiting? Absolutely. This region has some of the most spectacular and diverse landscapes in the country—from Lake Como and the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites to the food valley of Emilia-Romagna and the colorful coastal villages of Liguria. Cities like Bologna, Milan, and Turin are cultural capitals and always a joy to explore. It’s my favorite part of Italy, and it never disappoints.
• What is the best month to visit Northern Italy? My favorite time to visit is September and October. The crowds die down, the fall colors start to show, and there are tons of food festivals. It’s a great time to explore. If you’re heading to the Dolomites or Alps for hiking, I’d plan for sometime between July and September when the weather’s more stable and the trails are open.
• How to spend 3 days in Northern Italy? If you only have 3 days, I’d spend them all in Venice. If you’re set on seeing more than one spot, you could pair Venice with Bologna or Lake Como—but be ready for a fast-paced trip. Honestly, to do Northern Italy right and see a few different places, you’ll want at least 10 days.