Best Places To Visit In ITALY | My Top Pick and guide 9 days personal experience.
So, you’re planning a trip to the beautiful country of Italy! Italy is a captivating and enchanting destination that offers something for everyone, from historic cities to breathtaking landscapes and world-renowned art and culture. In this blog, I’m going to share some of the best experiences I had during my time there. I’ll be covering three cities: Rome, Florence, and Venice, and I’ll share information you won’t find in any other travel guide, along with a few tips and tricks to help you save money, discover cool spots and hidden gems, and so much more so that you can make the most of your upcoming trip to Italy.
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day One:
We’re starting our trip to Italy in the heart of Roman.
Rome:
history—Rome—where you’ll be landing at Fiumicino Airport. From here, you can take a cab into the city or pay €18 for the Leonardo Express train to the city’s main train station. This journey takes about 30 minutes. In Rome, the two most popular areas to stay in are the Historic City Center and Trastevere. Staying in these areas.
will give you easy access to the main attractions. However, keep in mind that prices can be higher due to their central location. To keep costs low, I’m staying in a hostel called The Beehive Hostel, which costs about €30 a night. It’s actually quite nice—it has super clean beds and lockers to keep my belongings safe, which makes me really happy.
Getting around the city is quite easy using the metro and buses. They’re well-connected to all the major tourist sites and are quite affordable. One of the best ways to get around the city is by using this: the 100-minute ticket. It costs €1.30 and gives you 100 minutes to use a train or bus. Within those 100 minutes, you can get to a destination, explore quickly, and then take a bus to the next spot.
day second:
Rome:
For your second day in Rome, start with breakfast at Er Barretto. Italian coffee and pastries are some of the best you’ll ever have, so don’t miss out! Then, make your way to the iconic Colosseum. Welcome to the greatest and largest amphitheater of entertainment—are you not entertained?
I highly recommend booking skip-the-line tickets in advance to avoid long queues, or you can book a guided tour using this link( https://gyg.me/kMImusKQto) . The tour covers the Colosseum and the nearby Roman Forum, which used to be the “cool kid” hangout spot for the Romans.
For lunch, grab some pizza at a restaurant called Da Baffetto, a popular pizzeria known for its mouth watering pizzas—a local favorite. Right across the street is a gelateria that serves incredible gelato for just one euro. Don’t skip out on dessert there!
Afterward, make your way to Piazza di Spagna, home to the famous Spanish Steps. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and take some time to watch people-watch.
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options.
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Late Night.
FEATURES
Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service.
Bar Monti:
Nearby, you’ll find a street lined with luxury brand stores—if you’re into that, enjoy a shopping spree! As we head into the evening, it’s time for another aperitivo session. Head to an area called Monti and check out either Bar Monti or La Forchetta (I honestly don’t know how to pronounce it). They serve all different types of meats and slices on bread—oh my God, it tastes so good! The bread is so soft and flavorful.
Next, we’re going to have dinner at Ristorante Trattoria Romana. I had seafood pasta again because, why not? Their lasagna and tiramisu were absolutely amazing!
Trattoria Romana:
CUISINES
Italian, Barbecue, European, Romana, Lazio, Central-Italian.
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options.
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks.
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Free off-street parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service.
Vatican City:
The next morning, I made my way to Vatican City, the smallest independent state in the world, surrounded by Rome. It’s a beautiful place with a small square surrounded by the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s free to enter St. Peter’s Basilica, but that also means the lines can be longer than the equator! I recommend booking skip-the-line tickets to save time.
Basilica:
Once inside the Basilica, the architecture and artwork are out of this world. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can climb over 500 steps to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica for a panoramic view of the city. Although I must admit, the view might feel a bit underwhelming after all that hard work. You can also visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, which have an entry fee. Book a tour and get skip-the-line tickets using the link in the description box below.
Pizzerias: If you’re hungry, grab lunch at one of the nearby pizzerias that serve Roman-style pizza. The difference between regular Italian pizza and Roman-style pizza is that Roman pizza is served in squares, has thicker dough, and tastes absolutely amazing! Keep your lunch light because today, we’re also doing a food tour in Trastevere.
Ponte Umberto: After lunch, visit Ponte Umberto II and admire the views. It’s a bit of a hidden gem and a great spot to capture stunning photos. Then, around 5:30 PM, make your way to Trastevere for your food tour. I booked mine with a company called KPDM, and it was the highlight of my trip. Be prepared to leave very full!
days three:
Another option to consider is the Roma Pass. It costs €40 and provides unlimited access to public transportation for three days, skip-the-line benefits at the Vatican Museum, entry to the Colosseum, and discounted entry to other museums and attractions. Check out the Link Roma Pass get your pass.
Piazza Navona: Once you’ve checked in, we’re heading to the Historic Center. Today, we’re keeping it light with a visit to Piazza Navona. This charming square is free to visit and is known for its beautiful fountains and lively atmosphere. Take your time to explore and soak in the ambiance. There’s also a church here that many tourists overlook. It’s free to enter and absolutely beautiful, so make sure to check it out.
Since you’re in Italy, you’re probably already tempted to get yourself some gelato. There are several gelaterias and restaurants in the square, but they’re quite overpriced and not that great. As you step out of the square and make your way to the next attraction, you’ll find better gelaterias at much more affordable prices.
Make sure you don’t eat at restaurants close to tourist sites. If you take a 5–8-minute walk away from the touristy areas, you’ll find better food at lower prices.
You’ll find places that are more authentic. I got a panini for €5, which is way cheaper than what you’d pay at tourist sites—and it’s so good!
Pantheon: Next, we’re making our way to the Pantheon, an ancient Roman temple with a stunning dome. It’s a marvel of engineering and a must-see while you’re in Rome. Entry is free, though depending on the time of day you arrive, you may have to stand in line. If you’d like an audio tour guide while you’re there, I’ve linked one down below.
Some of audio apps for guide:
- Rick Steves Audio Europe (Available on: iOS, Android).
- VoiceMap (Available on: iOS, Android).
- PocketGuide (Available on: iOS, Android).
All this apps only available to Italy.
In Italy, you can walk into supermarkets or butcheries and not only purchase some of the freshest ingredients but also buy sandwiches made right in front of you with freshly sliced cold cuts and cheese. Right next to the Pantheon, I found this little butchery called Antica Salumeria, and it is beautifully set up. They serve some of the best sandwiches and paninis—trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Day four:
On day four, we’re saying goodbye to Rome and heading to Florence via a train called Italo Treno. Welcome to the city of art and Renaissance beauty! For your stay, I recommend finding accommodations in the historic center near the Duomo or Piazza della Signoria. If you’re on a budget, there are cheaper options a bit further out, and since the city is so compact, it’s still easy to reach the attractions.
Check in and start your exploration by grabbing a delicious panini from Lo Schiavo. Then head to Piazza della Signoria, a vibrant square filled with sculptures and historical landmarks. Walking through these streets feels like walking through history—it’s like a giant open-air medieval museum.
Uffizi Gallery: Many people visit the Uffizi Gallery or Galleria dell’Accademia (where you’ll find the famous statue of David), but just a short walk away is the Duomo. Oh my God, this is the building you think of when you hear the word “Florence”—Santa Maria del Fiore. This may be one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve ever seen. When I visited, the lines to enter were way too long, so I didn’t even try. If you’re interested, book a guided tour to skip the line. I’ve heard the interior is on another level!
All that history and beauty made me crave gelato. My favorite flavors so far are caffè and stracciatella—oh my God, I could eat this all day, every day.
In the evening, indulge in an aperitivo. You’ll find plenty of charming bars and restaurants along the river offering a delightful atmosphere. My favorite part is the vibe when the street performances start—the musicians and bubble makers add to the enchanting atmosphere.
Buca Lapi: For dinner, try the famous Florentine steak at a place called Buca Lapi. It’s a traditional restaurant known for its excellent quality meat. Florence is famous for its Florentine steak. Initially, I wasn’t going to have it, but when I arrived, I couldn’t resist. €60 very well spent—it hurt a little, but it was worth it.
day five:
Rise and shine! On day five, we’re embarking on a cooking class to learn how to make authentic Italian dishes. We did our class on a rooftop with a beautiful view of the Duomo. This morning, we’re learning to make three dishes—a full lunch, if you will.
We started by visiting the market to buy fresh ingredients, which was such a lovely experience. We learned to make bruschetta, pasta, and tiramisu. I love tiramisu, and I couldn’t believe I was learning how to make it! The cooking was mind-blowing, and I can still remember everything I learned. It was fun, and I got to meet other travelers as well.
Enjoy loads of wine and the dishes you cooked during your class. Afterward, take some time to explore the art and leather shops in Florence. You’ll notice many Pinocchio figurines in the art shops because Pinocchio originated here! Florence is also renowned for its world-class leather products, so try to grab yourself a cool jacket—though they can be pricey. I saw one for €680—ouch!
For sunset: head to Ponte Vecchio. We made it to the Ponte Vecchio just in time, and it’s such a beautiful bridge with buildings lining both sides. The sunset here is absolutely breathtaking—words can’t do it justice.
For dinner, I highly recommend Antico Vinaio. It’s raved about online, and I thought it might be overhyped, but it absolutely lived up to the reputation. I ordered a panini recommended by a local, and it was the best sandwich I’ve ever had—filled with ham, chili, lettuce, and tomatoes.
Similarly, you have to try gelato from a famous shop called Venchi. Their chocolate fountains are so impressive!
Antico Vinaio:
Website: https://www.allanticovinaio.com/
Menu: https://www.allanticovinaio.com/menu/
day six:
On day six, we’re leaving Florence for a wine-tasting experience in the stunning Tuscan countryside. It’s about a two-hour drive to the Chianti Hills, where the views are incredible. During the tour, you’ll visit vineyards, learn about the wine-making process, and sample fantastic wines paired with delicious snacks and cheeses. By the end, you might be a little tipsy!
We ended the day at Piazzale Michelangelo, a viewpoint offering a stunning panorama of Florence at sunset. There’s even a replica of Michelangelo’s David statue here. The view is unreal!
day seven:
On day seven, we took a day trip from Florence. You have two great options:
- Take a one-hour train to Pisa and visit the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. You can book a guided tour to learn all about it.
- If you’re craving ocean vibes, head to Cinque Terre to explore colorful coastal villages and authentic Italian charm.
day eight:
On day eight, we made our way to the romantic city of Venice, known for its canals, gondolas, and charming atmosphere. Venice is as beautiful as you’d imagine, with the Grand Canal, stunning buildings, and boats everywhere—it felt like living in a James Bond movie!
Since Venice is small, you can stay anywhere and still be close to the main attractions. But keep in mind, Venice is one of the most touristy destinations in the world, so everything is more expensive here.
Venice is pedestrian-friendly, and the best way to explore is on foot. For longer distances, use the water buses that run along the Grand Canal. I scored a day pass from another tourist for just €5 (normally €21), and it was valid until the next morning!
The boat ride along the Grand Canal was magical—I couldn’t stop smiling. I even visited the top of the Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge over the canal. The view was stunning, and the nearby shops sell unique clothes and glass decor made on the nearby island of Murano.
Venice is small enough to explore in one day. Highlights include the Instagram-famous Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark’s Square, and simply wandering the narrow alleyways. For a romantic experience, hop on a gondola ride—it’s €80, but so worth it!
Food: When it comes to food, Venice can be pricey, especially near the Grand Canal. A pizza by the canal might cost €20, but if you walk a bit farther, you’ll find places where it’s around €10. I even found €2 gelato—what a deal!
Dinner: For dinner, try cicchetti, Venice’s version of tapas but seafood-based. We got salmon, scallops, and sardines with bread, all for just €12.50 per person. Pair it with a Hugo spritz, and you’ve got the perfect Venetian aperitivo experience.
End your day at St. Mark’s Square, where orchestras play under the night sky. It’s lively and oh-so-romantic!
day nine:
On day nine, we took a day trip to the islands of Murano and Burano. Take a water bus to Murano first, famous for its incredible glass art. You can even book a tour to watch artisans blow glass or try it yourself!
Next, visit Burano, known for its colorful houses. I found Murano more peaceful and charming than Venice—it’s quieter and perfect for soaking in the beauty.
Grab some food in Burano before heading back to Venice. In the evening, treat yourself to a fancy dinner by the canal and savor your final moments in this beautiful country.
And that’s it—an unforgettable nine days in Italy! If you found this blog helpful, please hit that follow button my Instagram (@dreamytravelersofficial)button,. See you in the next one—piece!
Next, visit Burano, known for its colorful houses. I found Murano more peaceful and charming than Venice—it’s quieter and perfect for soaking in the beauty.
Grab some food in Burano before heading back to Venice. In the evening, treat yourself to a fancy dinner by the canal and savor your final moments in this beautiful country.
And that’s it—an unforgettable nine days in Italy! If you found this blog helpful, please hit that follow button my Instagram
Thank you, and that wraps up our Best places to visit in Italy. Do you agree with the places we chose, or is there somewhere you visited that you feel should be on the list? leave us a comment.
You can find me on Instagram: @dreamytravelersofficial/.
