Italy is like that gift that keeps on giving; every time you visit somewhere amazing, about five more places show up on your radar, luring you back for more and more every time. However, on your first trip to Italy, you’ll want to tick off a bunch of the classic locations you’ve read so much about. It would be strange to say you’ve visited Italy when you’ve never been to the Colosseum, wouldn’t it?

First time coming to Italy? Be sure to visit these unforgettable destinations.

See Italy’s Fashionable Side in Milan

Milan is a city that takes some getting used to. It’s widely different from anywhere else in the country when compared with the likes of Rome or Florence, but that’s the beauty of it.

Everywhere you look, there are modern buildings and towering skyscrapers, but they share quarters with historic landmarks such as Duomo di Milano and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. You get the best of both worlds here, and that shouldn’t be anything to complain about.

Don’t listen to people who say there’s nothing to do in Milan; they clearly haven’t spent that much time here. You’ve got the medieval Sforza Castle, the idyllic canal-side Navigli District, and the impressive San Siro Stadium.

Plus, some of Italy’s most delicious dishes hail from the Lombardy region, from risotto alla Milanese, ossobucco, and cotoletta alla Milanese.

Cruise Through the Canals of Venice

Situated in the Veneto region, Venice is a bucket-list spot for many. It’s easy to understand why when you see just how gorgeous the canals are with the adorable gondolas floating through them. This city is made up of over 100 islands, which can easily be explored by boat, but there are no roads, which adds to its allure. 

Like everyone, we’re sure you’ll have the Grand Canal at the top of your to-do list, as it’s the most famous of them all. The buzz around Piazza San Marco is electric no matter what time of day it is, with people lining up to see the likes of the Campanile Bell Tower and the lovely St. Mark’s Basilica.

Because Venice is so touristy, it can be quite expensive, especially when dining around the main touristy areas. If you’re on a tight budget, you’re best off getting lost down the alleyways and finding some of the local bacari and osterias to snag some tasty Venetian food for a fraction of the price.

Gain Some Insight into the Roman Empire in Rome

Rome needs no introduction; it’s where most travelers coming to Italy for the first time end up starting their trip. Some could say that Rome is a trip on its own because there’s just so much to see and do. 

Get up bright and early to beat the crowds to the Colosseum; as soon as the sun rises, the lines begin to form outside, so you don’t want to end up being stuck there all day. With your tickets, you’ll also get access to the Roman Forum across the street, which is totally worth spending some time in to see just how the Romans lived their lives.

History isn’t for everyone; if the thoughts of a day filled with landmarks bore the life out of you, go get lost in some of the city’s main neighborhoods, like Trastevere and Testaccio. Afterward, pop down to Vatican City to see the home of Catholicism. You don’t have to pay into the museums if you don’t want to. Instead, just stroll around the part of the Vatican that’s free to enter and see the religious impact the Catholic Church has had on Roman society.

Allocate Some Time to the Renaissance City of Florence

Oh, Florence; she’s like a romantic movie that captures your heart and makes you fall in love over and over again. It’s famed for being the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to some of the great Michaelangelo’s finest works of art, such as the statue of David and the Medici Madonna. 

The culinary scene in Florence is not talked about enough. If you’re a sucker for some fine wine and fresh meats, you’re in for a treat here. 10% of all Italy’s wine is produced in Tuscany, and seeing as Florence is the capital of the region, you can bet you’re going to drink well while you’re here.

One of the city’s signature dishes, bistecca alla Fiorentina, is a large serving of t-bone steak that pairs well with a glass of Chianti Classico. Among the best places to sample some is at Trattoria dall’Oste Chianineria.

Live like the Movie Stars on the Amalfi Coast

Along Italy’s southwestern flank lies the Amalfi Coast, a 34-mile stretch of colorful coastal towns and villages, enchanting cliffs, gleaming beaches, and lush mountain tops. A Unesco World Heritage Site in its own right, the Amalfi Coast is set at the crossroads of the Gulfs of Salerno and Naples and comprises 16 authentic municipalities. 

The main locations that tourists like to stay in include the stunning Positano, the cute Sorrento, and the beautiful Amalfi town. For something a little different, hop on a 25-minute boat ride across the Bay of Naples for a few nights on the lavish island of Capri, a point where many celebrities own properties. It exudes the glitz and glamor this region is famed for.

Head Down South to the Island of Sicily

Many say Sicily could be its own country. It’s not like the typical Italy most visitors know; everything here is different: the Moorish architecture, the diverse food scene, and the Arab influence that hails from North Africa. Palermo, the capital, is a pure masterpiece, between the awe-inspiring structures and ice-white stretches of sand, such as Mondello Beach, where the waves from the Tyrrhenian Sea crash in every day.

Some of the other main hot spots in Sicily include Siracusa, a place with some of the country’s most fascinating ancient ruins. If you want to experience unparalleled luxury in true Sicilian style, head to the picturesque seaside town of Taormina.

Make Your First Trip to Italy a Special One With a Visit to One of These Amazing Places

Those who love traveling through Italy devote a lifetime to it; you can keep exploring, and there will always be another place to see. But to ignite that flame in you, you need to visit some of these main locations first.