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17 SEP 2023

13 Things to Do in Italy in 2024

by: System Account | posted in: ViaHero

With so many things to do in Italy, narrowing it down can be a tough task! That's why we asked some Italian locals to weigh in. With their help, we created this list of 13 things to do in Italy during your next trip: 

#1: Explore the Trastevere neighborhood in Rome

Trastevere Things to Do in Italy
Trastevere | Sarah Nichols/FLickr

 

Cross the bridge from the main part of Rome to the hipster neighborhood of Trastevere, where locals say that life moves at a different pace than in central Rome.

Locals tell us that the narrow cobblestone streets offer tons in terms of cheap eats—they say to try some Arancini!— as well as some of the city’s best craft beer. Explore the local flavour of Trastevere and see for yourself what it has to offer!

#2: Drive down the Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast Things to Do in Italy
The Amalfi Coast | Nick Fewings/Unsplash

 

The brightly colored cliffside towns along the Amalfi Coast are so stunning that they’re considered an international treasure. The towns here may be small, but locals tell us travelers of all stripes can find activities here. Spend a week at the seaside, hike along the Path of the Gods, or take a boat tour to see the coast from the water. 

Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello are all excellent choices.

#3: Imagine ancient battles in the heart of Rome

The Colosseum Things to Do in Italy
The Colosseum | kirkandmimi/Pixabay


Imagine your favorite stadium. Now imagine it totally empty, quiet, abandoned. That’s what it feels like to walk into the Colosseum in Rome. The air still tingles with the excitement of gladiator battles past. The Colosseum dates back to 70-80 AD and was originally built to hold more than 50,000 cheering Romans. 

#4: Feast on fresh seafood in Venice

Seafood in Venice Things to Do in Italy
Venice seafood | Christopher Carson/ Unsplash


You'll find lots of things to do in Venice besides eating—crossing the romantic Rialto Bridge, exploring gothic Doge’s Palace, and, of course, wandering Venice’s famous canals.

Locals tell us that you should prioritize eating seafood in this seaside city! They suggest trying anything with squid ink. Don't be intimidated by black noodles or risotto—they're delicious

#5: Take the ferry to Ischia

Ischia Things to Do in Italy
Ischia | pululante/Flickr


Fans of Elena Ferrante's My Brilliant Friend book series, this is for you. Locals say that everyone will love Ischia! This Mediterranean island off the coast of Naples boasts sandy beaches, sunshine, and mineral-rich thermal waters. 

Taking the ferry is a fun way to spice up an Italian itinerary; plus, relaxing in one of Ischia’s thermal health spas is the perfect way to unwind and refresh. It's definitely a destination for those who want to get off the beaten path.

#6: Order an Aperol spritz

Aperol Spritz Things to Do in Italy
Aperol Spritz in Venice | olilynch/Pixabay


This bright orange drink is sweeping the world—and there's no place better to sip at an Aperol spritz than in Italy. The drink, which combines prosecco, Aperol, and a splash of soda water, is sweet, cold, and the perfect refreshment after a long day of exploration. 

#7: Wander through the preserved city of Pompeii


 


Time stopped in Pompeii in 79 CE, when nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted and coated the city in deadly ash. Today, it’s an amazing place to visit if you want to learn more about what life looked like 2,000 years ago. Locals say the archeological area is cool and a bit eerie—visitors can see old frescos, bodies preserved by the falling ash, and what remains of the doomed city. 

#8: Indulge in traditional Neapolitan pizza

Naples Pizza Things to Do in Italy
Pizza in Naples | Thomas Duesing/Flickr


Rule numero uno of Italian travel: eat the pizza. It is as good as everyone says. And Naples is the place to eat real, traditional, Italian pizza—because Neopolitans literally invented pizza. You can’t go wrong with people who have been making pizza for hundreds of years.

Traditional Neapolitan pizza is simple but scrumptious: tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil, cooked at high heat. If you're hungry for more, why not learn from the originators themselves and try a Pizza Making Class?

#9: Go skiing in the Italian Alps

Italian Alps Things to Do in Italy
Skiing in the Alps | Emma Paillex/Unsplash


It’s the ALPS. So, yeah, the skiing is incredible. Locals tell us that if you don’t like to ski, the insanely beautiful Alpine mountainscapes will take your breath away. 

And no shade to the French Alps, but the food (and wine) in the Italian Alps is truly out-of-this-world. 

#10: Get artsy at Gallerie Degli Uffizi

Gallerie Degli Uffizi Things to Do in Italy
Gallerie Degli Uffizi | Matteo Lezzi/Unsplash


One of the best-known (and oldest) art museums in the world, the Gallerie Degli Uffizi in Florence is definitely worth a visit. Wander through the impressive building and wonder over work by greats like Sandro Botticelli, Michelangelo, and da Vinci. Locals say to plan your trip for earlier in the morning, to avoid crowds. 

Be sure to get off the beaten path in Florence! The city is full of incredible activities for art lovers, including the beautiful and tranquil Bardini Museum and Garden.

#11: Eat ALL the gelato

Gelato Things to Do in Italy
Gelato | picjumbo_com/Pixabay


Everyone knows that calories don’t count on vacation, so tuck into all the gelato you find in Italy. This cold, sweet treat is the perfect way to finish a meal. 

We suggest skipping the vanilla and look for flavors you might not find back home—like fig or licorice. 

Gelato Lover? Why not try making it yourself! Gelato-making classes allow you to connect with expert artisans who'll show you how it's done.

#12: Visit Vatican City

Vatican City Things to Do in Italy
Vatican City | Paula11767/Pixabay


Not just one of the world’s top religious sites, the Vatican is packed with some of the world’s most amazing things to see as well. Alongside the religious artifacts and artwork that fill the Vatican’s ornate halls, visitors will find the breathtakingly beautiful Sistine Chapel, the grand St. Peter’s Basilica, and much more—just don’t count on any pope sightings. 

#13: Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain Things To Do in Italy
Trevi Fountain in Rome | Court Cook/Unsplash


The gorgeous and iconic Trevi fountain in Rome, which dates back to 1762, is definitely worth a stop. Toss a coin in the water and make a wish—if that wish is to return to Italy, be sure to stand with your back to the fountain, and toss the coin over your left shoulder with your right hand. Locals say this will ensure Roman voyages in your future