By Bridget Castner ✔ Reviewed by travel expert Ben Braude
Published on Jan 14, 2026 Last Updated on Jan 14, 2026
Northern Italy has a unique abundance of diversity. It's filled with stunning mountains and lakes right next to ancient cities that have been around forever. It's the kind of place where you can spend the morning hiking a trail and the afternoon exploring a castle or a sophisticated shopping street.
It's a truly amazing blend of nature and history that's hard to beat, and to help you narrow it down, here's our top picks for the best places to visit in Northern Italy.
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Venice
Venice is a city unlike any other in the world. It's often referred to as La Serenissima, or, The Most Serene, and is built on over 100 small islands in a lagoon where the noise of traffic is traded for winding canals and the sound of lapping water that soothes your senses. One thing you should do is visit the most beautiful bookstore - Libreria Acqua Alta. To protect the collection of books it houses from Venice's periodic floods, the books are kept in waterproof bins, bathtubs, and a large gondola. It even has a staircase made of old, water-damaged encyclopedias that you can climb for a view over the canal.
For a unique canal experience, take a rowing lesson at Row Venice, where you'll stand on the back of a traditional batela and learn the technique used by gondoliers. It's a great way to connect with the city's maritime history, is more private than the usual canal tour, and takes you into the tranquil, residential canals of the Cannaregio district.
You'll need delicious food to get you through your adventures, and there's no better place than Venice to try authentic Italian cuisine. Originally created by sailors as a way to preserve fish, Sarde in Saor has become a local staple. It highlights fried sardines marinated in a sweet-and-sour sauce made of caramelized onions, vinegar, pine nuts, and raisins. Make sure you also try Baccalà Mantecato. To make this dish, dried Atlantic cod is poached and beaten into a creamy mousse with olive oil and garlic, and is typically served with slices of crusty bread.
Visiting in February allows you to witness the city transforming into a vibrant stage for the world-famous Carnival. During this time, the waterways and squares overflow with festive parties, traditional historical reenactments, and magnificent parades that glide along the Grand Canal. This elaborate festival marks the period of Shrovetide, serving as a "last hurrah" before Lent begins. This unique spectacle deserves to be experienced at least once in a lifetime! If you're not a fan of the cold however, you may want to visit in late spring (May-early June), or early fall (September-October).
Milan
Seamlessly bridging the gap between ancient history and modern life, Milan is often hailed as one of the best places to visit in Northern Italy. As Italy's fashion and design capital, you'll find a sophisticated energy here that you won't find anywhere else. Duomo di Milano is the city's crown jewel, a massive and stunning Gothic cathedral that features a terrace allowing you to walk among the marble spires and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, as well as exploring the Pinacoteca di Brera, filled with one of Italy's most prestigious art collections.
If you're looking for Milan's more modern vibe, head to the Navigli district! A network of canals lined with bustling bars and cafes, this is the place to be if you want to experience the local "aperitivo" as the Mediterranean sun sets. It's no secret that Italy is a culinary hub of delicious homemade pastas, pizzas, and more, but to truly taste Milan, the dish to have is saffron-infused Risotto alla Milanese. Another local favorite is a crisp, butter-fried veal cutlet called Cotoletta alla Milanese which is a must-have, along with some world-famous Panettone for dessert.
Milan is beautiful no matter what time of year you visit, but April to June and September to October are when the weather is mild and the city hosts popular events like Milan Fashion Week and Salone del Mobile (Furniture Fair). If you're visiting during these months, be sure to stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II; it's the world's oldest active shopping mall!
Lake Maggiore
A serene and majestic alternative to its busier neighbors, Lake Maggiore offers a landscape where the rugged Alps meet stunning palm-lined shores. One of the best things about this charming place is that it's just 2-hours from Switzerland; you get the best of both worlds! However, without a doubt, the highlight is the Borromean Islands - a small archipelago that is reachable from Stresa.
When you're hungry, you absolutely must have lake specialties like Persico (perch) served with risotto, or Alborelle, a tiny lake fish that's fried to a crisp and eaten whole. Lake Maggiore is also known for its cheeses, specifically creamy Gorgonzola. For a sweet treat, find a cafe and pair some lemon short bread cookies with a beverage.
If you happen to be visiting in the late spring (May-June), Isola Madre and Isola Bella are some of the top destinations to see vibrant spring blooms like azaleas.
Cinque Terre
This vibrant area is celebrated as one of the best places to visit in Northern Italy because of its stunning multi-colored houses and car-free environment. A rugged portion of the Italian Riviera, this breathtaking destination is home to five centuries-old fishing villages that cling to steep cliffs and create a sense of stepping back in time.
Visit Riomaggiore and climb down the rocky harbor to discover deep, turquoise swimming holes where you can sunbathe and enjoy the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Don't miss the Blue Trail, an ancient cliffside path that connects all five villages. If you hike from Vernazza to Monterosso al Mare, you'll reach some of the most iconic panoramic views in Italy surrounded by lush vineyards, olive groves, and stairways carved into the rock.
When you're looking for a bite to eat, try one of these must-try dishes. Savor Trofie al Pesto, a dish made of twisted pasta tossed in a vibrant local basil pesto, and Monterosso Anchovies, which are caught daily, served fried, and marinated in lemon, salt, and olive oil.
Genoa
Often referred to as Italy's most authentic port city, Genoa balances maritime history with the legacy of the Renaissance. Get lost in the medieval alleyways that wind through the city center where you'll find small shops, hidden squares, and the birthplace of Christopher Colombus. While you're exploring, be sure to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Palazzi dei Rolli. Here, you'll find 40 Renaissance and Baroque palaces that used to host visiting royalty and heads of state, and are now home to art galleries filled with frescoes and gilded mirrors.
When hunger strikes, there are two things you absolutely must have when visiting Genoa. One is authentic Genoese focaccia, a thin and salty city staple coated with olive oil. If you really want to live like a local, dip a piece into your morning cappuccino and see why the sweet and salty combination is a favorite for yourself! Another thing you don't want to pass up is Pansoti, triangular ravioli stuffed with wild herbs and ricotta, then doused in a rich, creamy sauce of crushed garlic, walnuts, and soaked bread.
If you're a foodie, one of the best times to visit Genoa is in May, when the city often celebrates the Foccaccia Festival and comes alive with free tastings, live music, food stands, and fun workshops.
Lake Como
The glacial Lake Como is tucked into the Alps with a unique atmosphere and "Old Hollywood" glamour, where emerald-green mountains dive right into deep blue waters. Tour the historic villas and gardens such as Villa del Balbianello, famous as a filming location for movies like Star Wars and James Bond. For the ultimate lake experience, renting a Riva-style wooden speed boat is the way to go. This allows you to pull up to off-the-beaten-path lakeside restaurants, and appreciate the front of celebrity homes (like George Clooney's Villa Oleandra), that you are unable to see from the road.
The food in Lake Como is an abundance of lake-sourced fish and mountain comfort food. The lake's signature dish is Risotto con Filetti dio Pesce Perscio, delicate filets of perch that are cooked in butter and sage, and set on a bed of creamy risotto. Another dish you absolutely must indulge in is Polenta Uncia, where its main component of corn meal is drenched in browned butter, garlic, and sage.
If you're a fan of festivals, the Feast of St. John the Baptist takes place during the last week of June and is an extravaganza filled with fireworks, boat processions, live music, and historical reenactments.
Verona
If you hear someone talking about "Little Rome", it's safe to say they're referring to Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage site that balances years of Roman history with modern Italian lifestyle. The city is a quieter alternative to crowded Venice or Milan, and has a romantic feel with its pink limestone streets and medieval bridges.
If you want the absolute best view of the city, take the funicular up to the terrace at Castel San Pietro where you can admire the vista of the Adige River winding around the red-tiled roofs and bell towers of the old town. While this is a wonderful spot to visit any time of day, sunset creates a truly magical setting. Be sure to also walk along Castelvecchio Bridge. This red-brick structure was built in the 14th century and appears to pop right off the pages of a story book. The bridge is attached to Castelvecchio Museum, where you can view stunning art and admire what is considered one of the best photo opportunities in the city.
A signature Veronese dish that is considered a local delicacy is Pastissada de Caval (horse meat stew). The meat is slow-cooked for up to 8 hours in red wine, onions, and spices until the meat is melt-in-your-mouth tender. It is typically served with a side of polenta. You should also try what is known as the city's "culinary masterpiece", Risotto all'Amarone. This creamy risotto is made with a rich, dry red wine and is cooked until the rice takes on a deep purple hue, topped with a local cheese.
If you don't mind a chillier temperature, February is an enchanting time to visit when the city hosts "Verona in Love" near Valentine's Day where the city comes to life with heart-shaped markets and stunning special illuminations.
Dolomites
The Dolomites feel like a world of its own, where the Italian Alps are made of fossilized coral reefs from an ancient sea, and Italian elegance blends with Tyrolean alpine tradition. One of the most beautiful things to do while visiting is to hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop. The loop is relatively flat and accessible, offering 360-degree views of giant limestones along the way. For a taste of the area's history, visit the Great War Open-Air Museum. This unique museum allows you to see how soldiers survived during this time and wander through the actual hand-carved tunnels and trenches of World War 1.
If you love comfort food, one of the best dishes to try is Canederli, which are savory bread dumplings flavored with local smoked ham and cheese. They are served either in a rich beef broth, or with melted butter and parmesan cheese. Taking the shape of a half-moon, Schlutzkrapfen is the alpine version of ravioli. This ultimate comfort dish is filled with a mixture of spinach and ricotta, with plenty of chives and browned butter.
If you like to ski, a great time to visit is in January. The Dolomites are home to a famous ski circuit that allows you to ski around an entire mountain in a single day, passing through different valleys without ever taking your skis off.
