7 Best Places to Visit in Italy in Five Days 2023 Ultimate Guide
Italy offers so many attractions to see and exciting things to do while visiting it. Whether you want to explore charming villages on the Amalfi Coast, see the busy Grand Canal, take a trip across the southern coast, or just discover the breathtaking Rome. Every visitor can find something unique in this mesmerizing country that will make them come back again. To help you plan your vacation to this stunning Mediterranean destination, we selected the best places to visit in Italy!
Why should you plan your trip to Italy?
While visiting Italy, you will have an opportunity to discover all about the destruction caused by Mount Vesuvius at Pompeii and learn about the lives of the former Romans. You will also have a chance to enjoy the beauty of the Amalfi Coast and discover various Italian lakes. Wonderful museums, spectacular cities, ancient ruins, and beautiful scenery are just a glimpse of things that can be found in Italy!
What is the best time to visit Italy?
The best time for planning your Italy trip depends on which region you want to visit and what activities you want to experience. Visiting Italy in the low season is the right choice if you like winter sports. But if you want to escape crowds and enjoy an ideal temperature, then spring is probably the best season to choose for visiting Italy. Also, the hotel prices are much lower at that time of the year.
Valuable Tips for Spending Five Days in Italy
There are many incredible places you should visit in Italy. With our helpful tips and information, you will be able to explore most of them in only five days!
First of all, it is essential to schedule trips according to the proximity of the places. For example, the distance between Rome and Vatican is only 4 kilometers. Because of that, you can visit those two cities in only one day.
Another important thing is to know about Italian regions before visiting them. Italy is so different from south to north. It has 20 regions, and each of them is special with its foods, wines, and traditions. It is surprising that one country can be the same but also very different!
If you want to get from one place to another quickly, we recommend going by train. That way, you will avoid city crowds and arrive at the desired location in a short amount of time.
It is impossible to explore the whole country in only five days. That’s why we selected Italy’s seven best places to visit! Read our list and find out which places those are. We also hand-picked the best tours and tickets for each destination to help you save your time and money!
7 Best Places to Visit in Italy in only Five Days!
We have hand-picked the seven best places in Italy that you can visit in only five days! Take a look at our selected destinations and choose the tours that work best for you!
Best Places to Visit in Italy – Day 1
On your first day in Italy, we suggest visiting the two most important cities – Rome and Vatican. Because of the small distance between them, you will be able to explore them in just one day. While visiting Rome, you will have an opportunity to learn about the centuries-old history and admire the breathtaking architecture. After finishing sightseeing in Rome, head out to the world’s smallest independent nation-state, the Vatican. Learn interesting facts about the pope’s home and discover iconic landmarks such as Saint Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel. The best way to explore Rome and Vatican is by going on a guided tour. That’s why we advise you to look at our hand-picked tours and choose the one that interests you the most!
1. ROME
Rome is the capital city of Italy and one of Europe’s great art cities. It is located in the central-western part of Italy with a long history and a mixture of cultures. You can’t go back home from Italy without visiting Rome! Walk across the cobblestone streets with gelato in hand, discover the most iconic museums, and take in all of the breathtaking architecture the city has to offer! The city’s mild Mediterranean climate is one of the reasons why it is such a popular destination. Rome is also a heaven for gourmets, with world-class cuisine, casual trattorias, and takeaway pizzas.
Explore Rome in the best way possible by going on a Colosseum Guided Tour!
Explore Colosseum on your own!
Buy your Colosseum tickets online.
2. VATICAN
A visit to Rome can’t pass without going to the Vatican! This earth’s smallest country is home to many breathtaking landmarks that attract millions of visitors every year. Whether you are religious or not, Vatican City is a destination that must be on your Italy visit list! Go on a Vatican Museums Tour or buy Sistine Chapel Tickets and explore Vatican City in the best way possible!
Buy your Vatican tickets online.
Best Places to Visit in Italy – Day 2
Take a whole day to explore a magical floating city that looks as if it was pulled out of an ancient fairytale. Buildings with red roofs, gondolas, and turquoise water make Venice unique and different from other Italian cities. Trust us; you will want to stay there forever!
3. VENICE
Venice is a unique city located in northern Italy. It is the most famous tourist destination, filled with alleys, canals, and a whole heap of history. If you have never been to Venice, we highly suggest visiting it! Trust us; you haven’t seen a city like this before. There are no roads, only labyrinthine streets and canals. The Rialto Bridge, Basilica di San Marco, and the Ponte dei Sospiri are attractions hidden on this magical island. There’s something incredibly charming and romantic about Venice that everyone should experience! Passing each street corner in Venice will make you want to pull out your camera and capture that moment forever! Your vacation in Italy won’t be complete if you don’t visit Venice. That’s why we single out the unmissable tour with the best value for money!
4. POMPEII
Pompeii is one of the most famous archaeological sites globally, located in southern Italy near the Bay of Naples. It attracts over 10,000 tourists daily and truly catches the imagination of those who see it. Pompeii hides many amazing sites that you should see and explore, including the Forum of Pompeii and Villa Dei Misteri. Discover all about the city’s history and Roman life by going on one of our selected Pompeii tours! You can choose to go on a Pompeii Tour From Naples or on a Pompeii Tour From Rome!
5. AMALFI COAST
You probably heard a lot about the magical Amalfi Coast in Italy. But what makes this Italian coast so popular, and why is everyone talking about it? Amalfi Coast consists of many small quaint coastal towns along the mesmerizing Tyrrhenian Sea. Vineyards, picturesque villages, and the beautiful blue sea are attractions you will see on your Amalfi trip. Summer vacation in Italy is hardly complete without visiting this magnificent coast; that’s why we recommend going on a full-day Amalfi tour! You can choose to go on a Naples to Amalfi Coast Day Trip or Rome to Amalfi Coast Day Trip.
Best Places to Visit in Italy – Day 4
Spend your fourth day in Italy exploring the beautiful Tuscany region! There are so many places you should visit in Tuscany that it might be hard to see them all in just one day. That’s why we suggest going on a guided day trip to Tuscany. That way, you will be able to explore the region’s main attractions in the best way!
6. TUSCANY
This stunning region consists of a harmonious combination of beautiful landscapes. Countless vineyards, stunning mountains, blue sea, and mesmerizing islands are attractions that make this region so beautiful! Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Tuscany hides the greatest masterpieces created by famous masters, including Leonardo Da Vinci. Besides admiring the Medieval architecture, you will be able to enjoy premium wine, explore small hill towns, and visit the vast countryside of Siena on your trip to Tuscany. It might be hard to find a suitable tour with the best value for money. That’s why we selected the best Tuscany tours and tickets for you! Choose to go on a Tuscany Day Trip From Rome, Tuscany Day Trip From Florence, or buy a Uffizi Gallery Ticket. Visit the famous gallery in Florence that hides so much exquisite art!
Best Places to Visit in Italy – Day 5
On your last day in Italy, we recommend visiting the city of fashion, Milan. All the main attractions, iconic landmarks, and famous buildings are dotted near the city center, meaning that one day will be enough to explore all the main places. Also, to save your time and avoid wandering around Milan on your own, we recommend going on a guided tour.
7. MILAN
Milan is a modern city located in northern Italy which is definitely worth your visit! One thing is for sure; no other Italian city can compare with this fashion capital! Milan is a futuristic metropolis that combines modern skyscrapers with ancient buildings. This urban city has many magnificent architectural works. The most famous one is the Milan Cathedral, which is also the largest Gothic church globally. While staying in Milan, we advise you not to skip the opportunity to visit the third largest lake in Italy, Lake Como. This beautiful lake is a well-known holiday destination where many celebrities own houses, including George Clooney, Madonna, and Richard Branson.
We highly recommend going on a Lake Como Day Trip From Milan, and you might be lucky enough to meet some of the famous actors there!
Do’s & Don’ts When Visiting Italy
DO remember to carry cash with you.
Some restaurants and shops in Italy don’t take credit cards, and it’s better to be prepared in those situations to prevent being unable to pay for your meal.
DON’T wear flip-flops on a walking tour around Italy.
Flip-flops can be really uncomfortable when you wear them for a long time, that’s why we highly suggest wearing comfortable shoes while going on an exploring adventure.
DO try an Italian coffee.
Italian coffee is unique and different from coffees that you have tasted anywhere else. While spending your vacation in Italy, start your morning with a cup of hot cappuccino and end your evening with an espresso!
DON’T forget to look after your belongings.
As in any other big city, you have to be careful with your belongings. Make sure to bring a bag that zips closed and keep all of your valuable stuff out of your pockets.
DO remember to look both ways while crossing the street.
Drivers in Italy drive fast, and they won’t stop for pedestrians to cross the street on the crosswalk, so ensure that it is safe to cross before going.
DON’T say “ciao” when first meeting someone.
“Ciao” is reserved for greeting friends and acquaintances; say “Buon Giorno” (good afternoon) or “Buona Sera” (good evening) instead. Italians appreciate it when you at least try to speak Italian with them, even if you are not good at it.
DO respect the dress code.
Your Italy visit won’t be complete without going to St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice and St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City. Still, you have to cover your shoulders and knees to enter these sites. Italy is a Catholic country, and you must follow the dressing rules when visiting places like churches.