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Italy is one of the most popular and iconic destinations in Europe and the country had a record-breaking summer this year.
Italy is home to a huge number of important landmarks including the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Venice’s picturesque canals.
With a rich cultural heritage and so many famous cities it can be difficult to decide which Italian destination is right for you.
To help you choose, these are the top 10 cities to visit in Italy right now according to a new report:
5. Florence
Florence is a beautiful city with a lively atmosphere. But it is the architecture and art of the city that draws tourists in in their droves.
Florence is home to some of the best art galleries in Italy, if not the world. The Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia are iconic attractions in the heart of the city. It is a particularly great place if you’re looking for Renaissance masterpieces.
Hundreds of thousands of people make their way to Florence each year just to see the famous pieces by artists such as Michelangelo, Raphael, da Vinci, Botticelli, Giotto, and Titian.
If you’re not an art fan then Florence still has plenty to offer.
Other attractions that make this a top Italian city include the magnificent Duomo Cathedral, with its massive red dome, its wonderful restaurant scene, and breathtaking architectural center.
4. Naples
Naples is a crowded, bustling, gritty city. But it is also a culturally rich city that has a lot to offer travelers.
Naples is considered Europe’s largest historic center. It boasts ancient churches, narrow artistic streets, imposing palaces, and unique underground landscapes. The streets of the Centro Storico are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The 17th-century Royal Palace of Naples is now one of the most significant museums in the city and well worth exploring. Other attractions you shouldn’t miss include the iconic Caffè Gambrinius which is an ornate building and the oldest café in Naples. And the city’s winding Spanish Quarter.
This is a great city to visit for history buffs or those looking for Italian culture without the veneer of glamor that other cities layout for tourists.
As an added bonus Naples is perfectly located for exploring the ruins of Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, and the Amalfi Coast. Naples is commonly used as a transfer site for all of these attractions.
3. Venice
Venice is perhaps the most iconic city in Italy. It also has a reputation for being expensive and overcrowded. But that doesn’t stop this breathtakingly beautiful and unique city from being a bucket list destination every traveler should explore at least once.
Thanks to its canals and beautiful architecture everywhere you turn in Venice is a photo opportunity. There are no roads here, only canals and a maze of tiny streets that have a labyrinth effect.
There are a wealth of galleries and museums to visit, and the architecture of the Doges Palace and St Marks Square are well worth exploring.
One of the most popular Venetian experiences is to take to the waters on a gondola, though this can be costly. Budget travelers can get a similar but less luxe experience from traveling by water taxi or water bus.
2. Milan
If you’re visiting Italy for a shopping spree, then there’s no better city to visit than Milan. It is home to a huge number of fashion boutiques and cutting-edge design stores.
There’s plenty to do in Milan if you’re not traveling to shop ‘til you drop too. Not to be missed attractions include the Duomo Cathedral. This is one of Milan’s most iconic landmarks as well as Italy’s largest cathedral.
The Duomo isn’t the only architectural attraction in Milan. Architecture is a huge attraction in the city and Milan offers a blend of genres that reflect its rich history. Not to be missed is the Santa Maria delle Grazie church which is a UNESCO world heritage site and the place where Da Vinci painted The Last Supper.
1. Rome
The top city to visit in Italy right now is Rome and it’s no surprise that this city topped the chart. Rome is known as The Eternal City and it’s been a European center of art and culture for millennia.
Some of Italy’s most iconic attractions such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Vatican, and the Sistine Chapel are all in Rome.
Rome is incredibly popular with tourists but that’s because it is such a unique destination. If you’re looking for remarkable food, ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and world-class architecture then there’s nowhere better to be.
To make the most of the experience, visit during the shoulder season to avoid the overwhelming crowds.
The Complete List
Italy is a country packed full of both iconic cultural hubs and lesser-known hidden gems.
The top 10 most popular Italian cities according to a new report are:
1. Rome
2. Milan
3. Venice
4. Naples
5. Florence
6. Trapani
7. Como
8. Bologna
9. Palermo
10. Verona
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com