20 Beautiful Places in Northern Italy You Have to See at Least Once

1. Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre consist of five beautiful villages perched along the Ligurian Coast, and they are part of a national park. This fairytale area is one of the most visited and beautiful places in Northern Italy, as it combines stunning beaches, dramatic landscapes, and, of course, delicious cuisine.

If you’re short on time, here’s how to make the most of one day in Cinque Terre, including how to move efficiently between the villages. For a smoother experience, it’s also worth reading my complete Cinque Terre travel guide with practical tips before your visit.

Unlike most places, the Cinque Terre are not accessible by car. There is only one small parking area in one of the villages, so you can explore them on foot, by train, or by boat. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, consider these less popular Cinque Terre alternatives in Liguria.

Nearby, you’ll find Portovenere, a lesser-known gem often considered the “sixth” village of the Cinque Terre. And if photography is part of your trip, don’t miss the best photo spots in Cinque Terre to plan your route.

2. Portofino

Portofino is one of the most beautiful towns in Northern Italy and is known as the pearl of Tigullio. It lies less than one hour from Genoa and boasts a dramatic location between the hills and the sea, set in a small bay.

As the town was very hard to reach for centuries, it has maintained its picturesque charm, and in the last century, it became a place for luxury tourism in Italy and Europe. If you’re planning a short visit, this one-day Portofino itinerary covers the main highlights.

Portofino is not only about luxury tourism, though. The Portofino Regional Nature Park is a 1,500-hectare protected area on the Ligurian Riviera, offering over 80 km of hiking trails with spectacular Mediterranean views and rich biodiversity.

3. Genoa

Genoa is the capital of Liguria and one of the most underrated cities in Northern Italy. Overlooking a stunning gulf, it is one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean and comes with centuries of history and secrets.

The city is famous for its beautiful landscapes and palaces, known as the “Palazzi dei Rolli,” mostly built by wealthy nobles during the city’s golden age between roughly 1550 and 1650.

Local food is another highlight as Genoa is the birthplace of pesto, focaccia, and hundreds of seafood specialties. If you want to learn more about Genoa, check out these unique experiences or follow my 2-day Genoa itinerary.

4. Camogli

Camogli is one of the most beautiful seaside towns in Northern Italy and a true hidden gem on the Ligurian coast. Located just a short distance from Genoa, it sits along a picturesque bay lined with colorful houses and a charming harbor. 

Unlike Portofino, Camogli has kept a more authentic soul as a fishing town. Every year in May, it hosts the famous Sagra del Pesce (Fish Festival), featuring a giant frying pan and one of the most unique events in Italy. 

The town also offers easy access to San Fruttuoso di Camogli, home to a historic monastery and the famous Christ of the Abyss underwater statue.

5. Turin

Turin is one of the most elegant and underrated cities in Northern Italy and the historic capital of the Piedmont region. Once the first capital of unified Italy, it sits along the Po River, framed by the Alps.

Known for some of the finest architecture in Italy, the city features beautiful squares, arcaded streets, and landmarks such as the Mole Antonelliana. It also houses some of the most interesting museums in the country, including the Egyptian Museum and the National Automobile Museum.

Turin is a paradise for food lovers, known as the birthplace of vermouth and for its excellent chocolate and traditional cuisine. Sitting at the foot of the Italian Alps, it also serves as a perfect gateway to the mountains or the hills of Monferrato, famous for truffles and wine tourism.

Read my Turin travel guides 👇🏻

• Turin Travel Guide: 13 Best Things to Do in Turin
• Turin in 24 Hours: One-Day Turin Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
• 10 Best Photo Spots in Turin for Stunning Turin Photography

6. Pavia

Pavia is a historic city in Lombardy, located about 35 km south of Milan along the Ticino River. Once the capital of the Lombard Kingdom, it has a strong medieval identity and a quieter atmosphere compared to larger cities in northern Italy.

Known for its red-brick architecture and historic towers, the city features a small, walkable center with landmarks such as the Ponte Coperto, a covered bridge that has become its symbol. Just outside the city, the Certosa di Pavia is one of the most important Renaissance monuments in the region.

Pavia is also home to the University of Pavia, founded in 1361, which gives the city a lively but still local feel. 

If you’re looking for a quieter, less crowded alternative while exploring Lombardy, Pavia is a great stop! Easy to reach from Milan, rich in history, and without the crowds.

7. Milan

Milan is the largest city in Northern Italy and the country’s financial and fashion capital. While it’s often seen as more modern than other Italian cities, it still has a lot of history and beauty.

At the center of the city stands the Duomo di Milano, one of the largest and most intricate Gothic cathedrals in the world. Just steps away, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II connects the square to the opera house Teatro alla Scala, one of the most famous in Europe.

Milan is also home to one of the most iconic artworks in history, The Last Supper, located in Santa Maria delle Grazie. Beyond its landmarks, Navigli is known for canals, restaurants, and nightlife, while Brera offers a more artistic atmosphere with galleries and historic streets.

Although it doesn’t have the same postcard look as other destinations in Northern Italy, Milan is always fun to visit. I used to be one of the skeptics as well, but after visiting Milan many times, it has become one of my favorite cities.

If you’re short on time, this one-day in Milan guide covers the essential highlights efficiently. If you’re planning a longer visit, this complete Milan itinerary for 3 days helps you structure your time across the city’s main districts.

8. Mantua

Mantua is a historic city in Lombardy, located south of Lake Garda and surrounded on three sides by artificial lakes. The city might be small, but it holds an incredible cultural heritage.

The city developed under the Gonzaga family during the Renaissance and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its architecture is well preserved, with a mix of palaces, churches, and open squares.

When visiting Mantua, Palazzo Te should be your first stop; this palace is home to some of the most incredible artworks in Italy. As you explore Mantua, you will find more art at the Ducale Palace and the many churches of the city.

Mantua is also known for its local cuisine, particularly pumpkin-filled pasta and regional desserts. It is less crowded than many other destinations in Northern Italy and can be visited as a day trip or a short stop between larger cities.

9. Cremona

Cremona is a historic city in Lombardy, located along the Po River. It is best known for its long tradition of violin making, which dates back to the 16th century and is still active today.

The city is associated with Antonio Stradivari, one of the most famous violin makers in history. This heritage can be explored at the Museo del Violino, as well as in workshops throughout the historic center.

Cremona’s main square, Piazza del Comune, is one of the most impressive in the region. It is home to the Cremona Cathedral and the Torrazzo of Cremona, one of the tallest brick bell towers in Europe.

10. Verona

Verona is a historic city in the Veneto region, located between Milan and Venice. It is best known as the setting of Romeo and Juliet, but there is so much more.

The city has a well-preserved historic center with a mix of Roman, medieval, and Renaissance architecture. Its main landmark is the Verona Arena, one of the best-preserved Roman arenas in Italy, still used for concerts and opera performances.

Other key sites include Piazza delle Erbe, the city’s main square, and Castelvecchio, a medieval fortress with a museum and views over the Adige River. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with Verona as you take in the view of the city spread out right in front of you.

11. Lake Garda

Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy, located between Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige. It’s one of the most popular destinations in Northern Italy, known for its mix of lake views, mountains, and charming towns.

Some of the most well-known towns include Sirmione, located on a narrow peninsula and home to the Scaliger Castle, as well as Malcesine, which offers access to Monte Baldo. Further north, Riva del Garda is probably my favorite place on Lake Garda.

With its size and variety, Lake Garda is perfect for relaxing by the water, exploring different towns, or using it as a base to move between regions in Northern Italy.

12. Lake Como

Lake Como is one of the most famous lakes in Northern Italy, located in the Lombardy region near the Swiss border. Known for its deep blue water, surrounding mountains, and elegant villas, it has been a popular destination for centuries.

The lake is shaped like an inverted Y, with towns spread along its three branches. Some of the most well-known include Bellagio, often referred to as the “pearl of the lake,” Varenna, known for its quieter atmosphere, and Como, the main town at the southern end.

Lake Como is also known for its historic villas, such as Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta. If you are searching for a quieter experience, head west to Lecco or north around Menaggio.

Thanks to its natural scenery and architecture, Lake Como is one of the most iconic places to visit in Northern Italy and can be explored easily by ferry between towns.

13. Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore is a large lake in Northern Italy that extends into Switzerland, located west of Lake Como. It is known for its mix of mountain scenery, lakeside towns, and historic villas.

One of the main highlights of the lake is the Borromean Islands, a small group of islands that include Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori. These are known for their palaces, gardens, and traditional atmosphere.

Popular towns along the lake include Stresa, a common base for visiting the islands, and Verbania, located on the western shore.

Less crowded than Lake Como and Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore offers a similar mix of scenery and architecture, making it a good alternative if you’re looking for a quieter stop in Northern Italy.

14. Trieste

Trieste is a port city in northeastern Italy, located near the border with Slovenia along the Adriatic Sea. Its position has shaped a unique mix of Italian, Austrian, and Central European influences.

The city’s main square, Piazza Unità d’Italia, opens directly onto the sea and is one of the largest seafront squares in Europe. Not far from the center, Miramare Castle sits on a rocky promontory overlooking the water.

Trieste is also known for its historic cafés, reflecting its past as part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The city has a unique atmosphere compared to other destinations in Northern Italy, with a blend of cultures, architecture, and coastal views.

15. Venice

Venice is one of the most iconic cities in the world, built on a network of canals in the Venetian Lagoon. Known for its unique setting, historic architecture, and rich cultural heritage, it is one of the most visited places in Northern Italy.

If you’re planning your trip, this one-day Venice itinerary is a useful starting point for first-time visitors, while this complete Venice travel guide covers a wider range of things to do.

At the heart of the city is St. Mark’s Square, home to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. The Grand Canal runs through the city, crossed by bridges such as the Rialto Bridge. You can’t miss a gondola ride and bacari hopping.

Beyond the main landmarks, Venice is best experienced by simply walking through its narrow streets and crossing its many bridges. Neighborhoods like Dorsoduro and Cannaregio let you explore the quiet side of Venice.

If photography is a priority, these best photo spots in Venice can help you plan your route and perspective. And if you’re staying overnight, this guide breaks down the best hotels to stay in Venice (for every budget!).

16. Dolomites

The Dolomites are a mountain range in Northern Italy, stretching across regions such as Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto, and Friuli Venezia Giulia. They are known for their high peaks, dramatic landscapes, and pale rock formations.

This is one of the best areas in Italy for outdoor activities. In summer, it offers hiking trails around places like Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Lago di Braies, while in winter it becomes a major ski destination.

The region also has a unique cultural mix, especially in South Tyrol, where both Italian and German influences can be seen in the architecture, food, and language.

Whether you visit for hiking, skiing, or simply the views, the Dolomites offer one of the most unique landscapes in Northern Italy. It’s also perfect for a scenic road trip, and this 7-day Dolomites itinerary helps you plan the route.

17. Bologna

Bologna is a historic city in the Emilia-Romagna region, located between Florence and Milan. It is known for its red-brick buildings, long porticoes, and strong food culture.

The city has one of the best-preserved historic centers in Italy, with landmarks such as Piazza Maggiore and the Basilica of San Petronio. Bologna is also famous for its medieval towers, including the Asinelli Tower.

Bologna is home to the University of Bologna, founded in 1088 and considered the oldest university in the world. This gives the city a lively and youthful atmosphere.

It is often considered the food capital of Italy, known for dishes like ragù, fresh pasta, and traditional local cuisine. Less crowded than some of the more famous cities, Bologna is a great stop for both culture and food while exploring Northern Italy.

18. Bergamo

Bergamo is a historic city in Lombardy, located just northeast of Milan. It is divided into two parts: the modern lower town (Città Bassa) and the historic upper town (Città Alta), which sits on a hill and is surrounded by Venetian walls.

The Città Alta is the main highlight, with cobbled streets, small squares, and a well-preserved medieval atmosphere. Key landmarks include Piazza Vecchia and the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.

Bergamo is compact and easy to explore, especially in the upper town, where most of the historic sites are located. It is often visited as a day trip from Milan and offers a quieter alternative.

19. Padua

Padua is a historic city in the Veneto region, located between Venice and Verona. It is known for its academic history, architecture, and important artistic heritage.

The city is home to the University of Padua, founded in 1222, which gives it a lively and student-focused atmosphere. One of its most important landmarks is the Scrovegni Chapel, famous for its frescoes by Giotto.

Other highlights include Prato della Valle, one of the largest squares in Europe, and the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua.

20. Valeggio sul Mincio

Valeggio sul Mincio is a small town in the Veneto region, located between Mantua and Verona along the Mincio River. It has a strong medieval character, with watermills, a surrounding castle, and the fortified Ponte Visconteo crossing the river.

Just nearby, Borghetto sul Mincio is one of the most picturesque spots in the area, known for its canals, stone houses, and old mills.

The town is also home to Parco Giardino Sigurtà, a 60-hectare garden with seasonal blooms, a labyrinth, and large oak trees, often considered one of the most beautiful parks in Europe.

Valeggio sul Mincio is also known for its food, especially tortellini, which is a local specialty. Many restaurants focus on traditional dishes made with local ingredients. I still dream of my meal at Al Re del Tortellino Il Ristorantino.