Top 25 unmissable things to do in Italy in 2024

Before we start with our listing, we would like to share why we have selected these activities instead of others.

We wanted to include here things that, in our opinion, truly embody the spirit and the atmosphere of the place you are visiting.

The aim of this article, in fact, is giving you some alternatives, 25 nevertheless, so that, while you are visiting our country, you can understand our culture, traditions and lifestyle in the best way possible. Some of the following activities are iconic, whilst others are lesser known.

Anyhow, we hope that our list of the 25 best activities to do in Italy will inspire you to organize the best itinerary possible!

And not just any volcano. In fact, we are talking about Mount Vesuvius.

How many times have you thought it would have been incredible to climb it?

Climbing Mount Vesuvius is certainly one of the most special things to do in Italy. The thrill of advancing one's steps on a still active volcano, observing the vegetation that covers it and admiring the wonderful views of one of the most populous (and beautiful) cities in the world is simply incomparable.

Of course, it is an experience to be enjoyed with caution: for this, you may choose to join a tour accompanied by an experienced park guide.

Brunelleschi's dome profoundly characterizes the skyline of Florence.

Not only is it a prominent feature, but it is also the largest masonry vault in the world. So you don't need us to tell you how climbing the dome is one of the best things to do in Italy.

It's about combining the thrill of a wonderful view of the cityscape with a taste for art and architecture.

Not to mention that the admission ticket also includes a visit to the Giottesque Bell Tower, the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo and the Baptistery!

The world's largest archaeological site is located in the province of Agrigento. Not only is the Valle dei Templi famous for its extent, but also for its exceptional state of preservation. It is a symbol of the greatness of Greek civilization in Italy.

The Doric-style temples you will find here have continued for centuries to inspire awe and wonder in all visitors. It is undoubtedly one of the most important things you can do in Italy.

You can decide how much time to spend here. In our opinion, however, there is never enough time to spend in these places.

In the heart of the Eternal City, the Vatican State offers a visit to its state museum, one of the most fascinating places in the world. In fact, the Vatican Museums trace the history of mankind, with fabulous works telling the story of many different historical eras.

You'll see Greek and Egyptian statues, tapestries from the medieval period, contemporary works of art, and priceless frescoes. Surely you know the most famous of all: Michelangelo's Last Judgment.

You don't need us to tell you that seeing it is one of the greatest thrills you can experience in your lifetime.

The symbol of the city of Romeo and Juliet is undoubtedly the arena that towers in Piazza Bra. It is the third largest Roman amphitheater in the world that has survived to the present day.

It relives a new life today, being the perfect setting for plays, musicals and events that are organized every summer.

However, do you know its history and how this building has managed to reach our time intact? A licensed guide can accompany you to discover its history, telling about the era of fights and gladiators.

Miramare Castle has such an enviable position on the Gulf of Trieste that it is considered the Italian most scenic castle. And, on the other hand, how could it be otherwise? Its white figure stands out on the promontory, dominating the incomparable blue of the sea from above.

The castle can be visited in its entirety. So, not only the park with its exotic trees and stables, but also the interior of the historical museum. A moment of luxury and opulence, but also of true romance.

Riding a gondola is indeed one of the most desired things do be done in Italy!

Navigating the canals, admiring palaces and monuments is, in our opinion, one of the best things to be had at least once in Italy. You simply cannot do without it!

We, however, suggest you experience it in a slightly unique way, that is, with a gondolier who tells you stories, curiosities, anecdotes and secrets of the city he loves so much. What do you think? A truly alternative way to visit the magnificent city on water!

You may not know that the Egyptian Museum in Turin, founded in 1824, in addition to being one of the most famous, is also the oldest in the world entirely dedicated to this incredible civilization.

Words are not enough to describe the experience you can have here. The amount of artifacts you can see is endless, not to mention that the perfect organization of the museum makes it one of the most visited places in our country.

What we recommend, undoubtedly, is to book your visit in advance and, even more interestingly, to book a guided tour with a licensed guide.

We are now in Orvieto, in central Italy, a city of undisputed beauty: the Duomo, the wonders of its museums and its underground tunnels all contribute to making it a fascinating destination.

Today, however, we wish to introduce you to St. Patrick's Well. It is an absolute masterpiece of engineering and hydraulics and you can walk through it in its entirety. As many as 496 steps, arranged along an endless spiral staircase take you to the base of the well and then, again, to the surface.

Definitely one of the most unique things you can do in Italy!

One of the must-do things in Italy for both adults and children is certainly a visit to Europe's largest aquarium. It is located in Genoa and was opened in 1992, on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the Americas.

Fifteen thousand animals live here in the aquarium's 43 tanks, four of which, housing cetaceans, were added only recently, designed by architect Renzo Piano.

You can see with your own eyes the sharks, seals and penguins, but also witness the world of dolphin feeding.

At 3329 meters (11128 ft), Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe. One of our country's most fascinating places towers right next to the Black City and has been inviting explorers of all kinds to discover its wonders for centuries.

The nature of the volcano and its magnificent moonscape will repay any effort. You will be able to discover the crater, and even some of its innermost parts, and have one of the most adrenaline-pumping experiences of a lifetime.

All along the way, there will be a licensed guide to lead you, and you can discover all the wonders of the local flora and fauna in complete safety.

One of the things everyone wants to do at least once in their life in Italy is to climb the famous leaning tower. But then, because of the long lines, most would-be visitors desist.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, actually the Bell Tower of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, is one of the most iconic places in the world. In fact, this building is one of the most photographed, in ever new and original ways.

If, however, the next time you are in the Field of Miracles you finally want to climb the tower, we suggest that you buy your fast-access ticket in advance. It will make your stay much more enjoyable.

Lake Garda offers breathtaking scenery all along the coast. Gorgeous villages, castles, and even a state-of-the-art bike path suspended over the water...

We suggest you visit our beautiful lake right on board a bicycle, taking advantage of local bike sharing. Not only will you be able to roam freely while enjoying spectacular views of the lake, but you will also have the security of assistance.

A fun but also sustainable way to visit the largest lake in our peninsula.