Ranking the Cities I Visited In Italy
- Josi Hicks
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
After months of exploring Italy from its charming coasts to its Tuscan towns, here's my definitive ranking of all 17 Italian destinations I visited during my year abroad.
I've curated my ranking based on each location's offerings in activities, beauty, and the overall vibe. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, so take my ranking with a grain of salt, and don't let me deter you from your dream destination! After all, can you really go wrong anywhere in Italy?
My Top 5
1. Florence
Recommended Duration: 3-4 days
I might be biased since I lived in Florence, but I believe that for anyone, Florence feels like home. The glow of the Duomo at sunset, morning strolls along the Arno while watching the city wake up, singing and dancing in the streets at all hours—no place matches the emotion and elegance of Florence. Every piece feels like a painting.
Not to mention, Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance, so you'll find no better place to marvel at artwork, design, and history. And the food? The wine? The shopping? I could go on...
2. Venice
Recommended Duration: 2-3 days
Enchanting in every sense. Venice is a maze of beauty, and the tranquility of its canals at is unforgettable. This city (apart from Florence) was the only city where I felt like I could truly get lost in the streets, yet find a new hidden gem at every turn. Escape from the hustle and bustle with a trip to the floating city (you won't find any cars here!).
3. Pompeii
Recommended Duration: 1 half-day
At the site of one of the most tragic (yet fascinating) events throughout human history, Pompeii is one of those places that rattles you and reels you in. Seeing frescoes and ruins that outlasted Vesuvius' volcanic eruption makes ancient times feel tangible. Definitely a must-see if you're a history lover.
4. Lake Como
Recommended Duration: 3-5 days
The most peaceful place on Earth (so long as you can escape the crowds). Views of the Alps, ivy-covered villas, the echo of church bells, and quiet luxury... I’d go back in a heartbeat. The only downside: frigid water temps from the snow melted mountains.
For more in-depth information on Lake Como, check out my article on the weekend trip that I took to Lake Como & Crema: An Itinerary for Somewhere in Northern Italy.
5. Capri
Recommended Duration: 1 day
Luxurious and mythic. Everything is dramatic: cliffs, colors, price tags. Here, you can ride the Monte Solaro chairlift for the best view along the Amalfi Coast! But visiting Capri was worth it for the a cruise to the Blue Grotto alone (even though the entry to the Grotto was closed when we went). This island feels like its own little world... I imagine it's what Jurassic Park Island would feel like.
My Full Ranking
Rank | City / Region | Why It’s Ranked Here |
1 | Florence | Pure magic. Renaissance art, warm energy, walkable beauty—I might be biased but its truly my second home. |
2 | Venice | Dreamlike canals, endless corners to get lost in. Timeless, cinematic, and a bit moody. |
3 | Pompeii | Most hauntingly powerful site—like walking through a perfectly preserved time capsule. Best for history buffs. |
4 | Lake Como (Bellagio & Nesso) | Peaceful luxury, serene water, and fairytale towns. A soul reset. Some of the most beautiful views I've ever seen. |
5 | Capri | Crystal waters, unique island charm, and grottos unlike anything else. Almost felt like I was on Jurassic Park island. |
6 | Castiglioncello | Tiny coastal escape—underrated surfside gem. Feels as if you're living like a local. |
7 | Crema | Secret northern beauty—popular for CMBYN film locations, but still quiet and romantic in its simplicity. |
8 | Positano | Luxury and lemons—but a bit overhyped and overcrowded. |
9 | Cinque Terre (Monterosso, Riomaggiore, Vernazza) | Classic Italian coastal views, cliffside hikes, and ocean air—picturesque but packed in peak season. |
10 | Montepulciano | Rolling vineyards and cobblestone streets located in the tops of the Tuscan hills. Not much to see outside of staple imagery. Peaceful. |
11 | San Gimignano | Medieval towers, charming squares, and stunning views of the countryside (a bit busier than #10, but very similar). |
12 | Verona | Romantic and quaint, but a little sleepy despite its history. Scene for Romeo and Juliet. |
13 | Rome (& Vatican City) | Undeniably important—but too much stimulation in too little time. Still, it's a must-see. |
14 | Sorrento | Pretty and practical base for southern Italy, but lacking standout personality. |
15 | Pisa | Leaning Tower: check. That’s really it. Two hours tops. |
16 | Milan | Big city buzz with fab fashion—but Italy and corporate just didn't mix well for me. |
17 | Siena | Cute & historic, but didn't stand out (unless you go for the Palio)... #1 is similar, but better (so go to Flo). |
Final Thoughts
Overall, there's hardly anywhere in Italy that I wouldn't go back to, and there's no where that I regret having visited. With that being said, you really can't go wrong visiting any Italian city. Use my ranking as you will, but most importantly, soak up every second of your time in some of the most beautiful places on Earth: the Italian cities.
More Information
Seeking more information on visits to these cities? try checking out my article on Day-Trips from Florence, Italy, which goes further in-depth for over half of these locations.
Need help navigating between cities? Then use my article on How to: Navigate Transportation in Italy.
Buon Viaggio!
