From storybook lakeside towns to regal cities and alpine trails that disappear into the clouds, this guide brings together 20 of the most beautiful places in Northern Italy. Some are household names, others still fly under the radar.
Northern Italy has become a place of deep connection for me. My partner is Italian, and over the years, we’ve returned again and again, often by car from Belgium, a journey that’s led us through vineyard-covered hills, mountain passes, and hidden villages I might have otherwise missed.
Choosing just twenty places was no easy feat. There are dozens more that could have made the list, but these are the ones that left a mark. For me, the most beautiful places in Northern Italy include Turin, elegant and overlooked; Verona, harder to get more romantic than, and Lake Carezza, where the Latemar mountains reflect in a kaleidoscope of colours across the water’s glassy surface.
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Practical Tips for Visiting the North of Italy
ACCOMMODATIONS WITH THE BEST VIEWS
- MILAN: Rosa Grand Milano – Starhotels Collezione
- TURIN: Royal Palace Hotel
- VERONA: Rosa Grand Milano – Starhotels Collezione
- COMO LAKE: Village of Riva del Garda
HIGHLY RATED TOURS
- VENICE: Food Tasting Tour: Cichetti & Wine
- DOLOMITES: Day trip from Venice
- COMO: 2 Hour Scenic Boat Tour
- VENARIA REALE: Tickets + Guided Tour
ESIM CARD: Purchase your electronic simcard before heading out to Italy.
CHECK TIMINGS FOR TRAINS: Find the most up-to-date train schedule and book tickets via Omio.
MORE INSPIRATION: Find all my Italy travel guides.
20 Pretty Places in Northern Italy to Travel
1. Milan
READ MORE | One to two week Northern Italy itinerary
Milan feels like a world apart from the rest of Italy. It’s unmistakably Italian, think omnipresent bars, gelateria, and majestic historical building, but also sleek, fast-moving, and unashamedly modern. As the country’s fashion capital and most cosmopolitan city, Milan is unique.
The culinary scene here is bold and creative, driven by innovation but deeply rooted in regional flavours. You’ll find Michelin-starred tasting menus, experimental street food, and traditional risotto alla milanese — all coexisting beautifully. Pull out the stretchy pants and your wallet because eat you will!
It would not be Italy if the city did not have some sweeping monuments to visit. Start with the Duomo, its white spires piercing the skyline, and climb to the rooftop for views over the city. Just around the corner is the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a 19th-century arcade of boutiques and coffee bars.
One does not explore Milan without seeing the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci at the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. However, you will need to book those tickets far in advance as this is an opinion shared by pretty much everyone coming to the city. Not your first time in Milan? Head to the Sforza Castle and Parco Sempione!
What I love most about Milan is how well-connected it is! It’s now one of Italy’s main high-speed rail hubs, with connections to Rome, Florence, Venice, and beyond. You can even be in Paris in under seven hours by train.
RECOMMENDED STAY | Room Mate Giulia
AMAZING VIEWS | Prestige Boutique Aparthotel (Duomo View)
SUSTAINABLE PICK | Moscova Luxury B&B
BEST LOCATION | Rosa Grand Milano – Starhotels Collezione
2. Verona
I visited Verona during a six-week road trip across Italy with my partner — we’d only been dating a few weeks at the time, and maybe it was the rose-coloured haze of early love, but something about the city just stayed with me. The selfie we took in front of the Ponte Pietra is still one of our best.
It’s no surprise that Verona is a popular spot to visit in Northern Italy. The entire city feels like a stage set for romance — elegant palazzos, narrow stone streets, and balconies overflowing with wisteria. But none more famous than Juliet’s Balcony. Though Shakespeare never visited Verona, local legend embraced Romeo and Juliet, and a 14th-century house in the centre became her supposed home. It’s a little theatrical, yes, but hey, it’s Italy, so we roll with it!
There’s much more to Verona than its love story, though. The Arena di Verona, a Roman amphitheatre older than the Colosseum, still hosts open-air opera performances in the summer. I didn’t get to see one on that first visit, but I’ve promised myself I’ll return for it one day.
Wander across the Ponte Pietra, climb up to Castel San Pietro for views over the terracotta rooftops, and linger in Piazza delle Erbe, where the city’s rhythm slows. Verona is walkable, vibrant, verdant, and more affordable to visit than many other places in this part of Italy.
RECOMMENDED STAY | Relais Balcone di Giulietta
BUDGET PICK | Casa Vivaldi Guest House
BEST LOCATION | Hotel Milano & Spa
UNIQUE HOTEL | Hotel Colomba d’Oro
3. Venaria Reale
Just 10 kilometres from Torino, the Venaria Reale is astonishing how easy it is to reach by bus, yet not many non-Italians tend to make the journey. And goodness, are they missing out!
Once the grand hunting lodge of the House of Savoy, this UNESCO-listed palace is the definition of opulence. The Galleria Grande is truly jaw-dropping: Marble floors, mirrored light, and frescoed ceilings that will have you happily snapping pictures for hours.
Outside, the formal gardens unfold in perfectly clipped rows and long reflecting pools. What sets them aside from other palaces in the region is the view of the distant Alps glimmering behind. It’s the kind of place that invites lingering; make sure to count at least half a day to explore. If you can, visit midweek or early in the morning to have the grand halls to yourself.
The best way to explore the palace is by booking a guided tour. A 3 hour tour runs you through the history of the Savoy Royal Family, tells you about the Baroque architecture and takes you through both the inside of the palace and the garden.
4. Turin
I recently spent a few days in Turin visiting friends, and I was left wondering how on earth this city has stayed under the radar for so long. Just an hour from Milan, it felt so far removed from the cosmopolitan vibe of Milan. Once the first capital of unified Italy and home to the royal House of Savoy, Turin is regal, elegant, and blissfully free of crowds. In short a must-visit place in Northern Italy!
Within the centre, don’t miss the grandeur of Piazza Castello or the sweeping views from the Mole Antonelliana — home to the National Cinema Museum. If your visit coincides with rain, head to the Egyptian Museum, which has one of the largest collections outside Cairo. We had tons of sun, so we headed for a walk in Parco del Valentino and its riverside trails.
Just beyond the city, the Reggia di Venaria dazzles with Versailles-like splendour and is only a short bus ride away. The Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi, with its curved façades and royal hunting history, is another easy and worthwhile escape.
As the capital of Piedmont, Turin is all about indulgence. Skip the Nutella and go for gianduja — that velvety blend of chocolate and hazelnut. I couldn’t get enough of the marocchino, a tiny espresso with cocoa and frothy milk, or the bicerin, Torino’s traditional layered drink of chocolate, coffee, and cream.
The city’s historic bars are a destination of their own. Caffè Mulassano, Baratti & Milano, Caffè Torino are absolutely worth spending a bit of time in, nipping your bicerin while indulging is some good old people-watching.
RECOMMENDED STAY | Corte Realdi Luxury Rooms Torino
LUXURY PICK | Royal Palace Hotel
BEST LOCATION | Palazzo Del Carretto – Art Apartments and Guesthouse
SUSTAINABLE PICK | B&B Torino Arcuri
5. Venice
I’ve visited Venice at least five times now — the most recent for a friend’s wedding, which might just be the most spectacular way to experience the city. And still, each time I return, it catches me off guard. There’s something about those quiet canals at dawn (not so much during the day, admittedly), and the majestic palaces hinting at the once-powerful Venetian Empire. It is cliché and very touristy, but truthfully, it remains one of the most beautiful places in Northern Italy.
While the crowds swarm through San Marco and across the Rialto, I always find peace in Cannaregio — a residential corner where little everyday sense can still be witnessed: children going to school, laundry fluttering from the balconies, and locals sharing an aperitivo. It’s here that Venice feels most like itself.
Take time to explore beyond the city too and go island hopping. Murano, famed for its centuries-old glassblowing craft; Burano, where rainbow houses tumble along tiny alleys; and Giudecca, just across the water, where the views of Venice’s skyline are unbeatable at sunset. The latter was a happy discovery on my last visit to Venice!
Come aperitivo hour, order a Venetian Spritz — typically made with Select or Cynar rather than Aperol. Be warned, however, it gives more of a herbaceous bite, which is an acquired taste. Pair it with a plate of cicchetti, Venice’s answer to tapas: little bites like marinated anchovies, creamy cod, or fried artichoke hearts, best enjoyed at the bar with locals standing shoulder to shoulder.
RECOMMENDED STAY | Grand Hotel Palazzo Dei Dogi
LUXURY PICK | Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace
BEST LOCATION | Airbnb Palazzo DaPonte 03
BEST VIEWS | Canaletto Luxury Suites – San Marco Luxury
6. Trieste
Trieste sits quietly on Italy’s far northeastern edge, where the Adriatic Sea kisses the border of Slovenia. It feels different to the rest of Italy, more Austro-Hungarian than Mediterranean, with its grand boulevards, literary cafés, and faded grandeur. I have friends from the city, and they keep nudging me to go visit. I have not yet, but that does not mean the city is not a worthy contender on this list!
Start your day with a coffee at Caffè San Marco, a historic haunt of writers and thinkers, before wandering down to the vast Piazza Unità d’Italia, which opens dramatically onto the sea. The views from the Molo Audace pier are reason enough to get another coffee!
Make your way up to Castello di Miramare, perched just outside the city on a cliff above the water. It’s a fairytale palace surrounded by lush gardens, with windows that frame the Adriatic like a painting. It is number one on my list of places to see when I do make it over!
RECOMMENDED STAY | Sophia Boutique Suites
LUXURY PICK | Savoia Excelsior Palace Trieste – Starhotels Collezione
SUSTAINABLE PICK | B & B Da Lella
BEST VIEWS | Panorama Apartment
7. Lago di Carrezza (Karersee)
READ MORE | Most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites
Tucked into the heart of the Dolomites, Lago di Carezza is one of the most enchanting alpine lakes I’ve come across. Second only, perhaps, to the more famous Lago di Braies. But unlike its bustling sibling, there’s something dreamlike and still about Carezza that makes it linger in your memory.
At sunrise, the lake becomes a mirror. The jagged Latemar peaks and pine-cloaked slopes are reflected so clearly on the water’s glassy surface it’s hard to tell what’s real. But it’s the colour that stops you in your tracks — deep emeralds, turquoise blues, and flashes of gold that seem to shimmer as the light shifts.
Locals call it the “Fairytale Lake of the Dolomites” while I describe it as the less eloquent, most magical place in Northern Italy. The nickname is not just derived from the colours but from the legend of a shy mermaid said to live in its depths. Look closely, and you might just catch a flicker of movement beneath the surface. Told you: Magic!
The best time to visit is early morning, just after sunrise, when the colours come alive and the trail is blissfully quiet. A gentle 20-minute loop walk takes you around the lake — no hiking boots required — though swimming is strictly off-limits to protect the delicate ecosystem.
Reaching Lago di Carezza is easy. There’s a car park opposite the lake (€1/hour after the first 15 minutes), or you can take bus 180.1 from Bolzano via Nova Levante.
8. Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee)
READ MORE | Most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites
Of all the alpine lakes scattered across the Dolomites, Lago di Braies is easily the most photographed — and for good reason. You’ve likely seen it before: the still green waters, the rustic wooden boathouse, and the limestone peaks mirrored perfectly in the surface. It’s every bit as beautiful in real life, and despite the crowds, it remains a scenic place in Northern Italy that’s worth experiencing at least once.
I usually avoid spots that draw this much attention, but Lago di Braies was the exception. Arriving just after sunrise, I found the lake hushed and golden — the sun casting a warm blush across the mountain walls, the reflections on the water so clear they felt unreal. If there’s one piece of advice I can give, it’s this: come early. Before the boats launch at.
There’s a gentle 4 km trail that loops around the lake — no special gear is required — and if you’re feeling brave, you can take a dip or rent a rowboat between June and October. I tend to skip the café opposite the entrance after a stale pastry years ago, but the coffee’s decent if you need a warm-up.
Getting here takes a little planning. Between July and September, the road closes to cars from 09:30–16:00. If you’re driving, arrive early and book parking in advance. Otherwise, hop on the 442 bus from Braies di Dentro.
9. Dolomites Mountains
READ MORE | Sustainable guide to South Tyrol
The Dolomites stretch like a jagged spine across northern Italy, spilling into South Tyrol, Trentino, and Veneto — a patchwork of soaring peaks, alpine meadows, and valleys. I’ve wandered through quite a few mountains in Europe, but nothing has ever come close to the scale, drama, and sheer beauty of the Dolomites. They truly are the most epic mountain range I’ve ever seen and one I have been lucky enough to visit on multiple occasions.
There are hikes here for every pace and path — from gentle lakeside loops to high-altitude treks that leave your legs burning and your heart wide open. The Sorapis Lake hike is a personal favourite: a challenging but rewarding trail that leads to glacial turquoise waters framed by toothy peaks. Cadini di Misurina is another unforgettable one — short but with a view that feels like the edge of the world.
Then there are the quieter trails, the kind where you might not pass another hiker for hours. The circular loop around Lago di Antermoia, tucked into Val di Fassa, or the meadowy paths above Val di Funes, where the Odle mountains rise like sentinels, are just a few that come to mind.
Even just driving through the Dolomites is a journey in itself. Winding mountain passes — like the Passo Gardena or Passo Giau — reveal vast panoramas at every turn. Bring snacks, charge your camera, and give yourself time to pull over often. The Dolomites can easily be explored with an electric vehicle, many hotels offer charging stations these days!
10. Modena
Modena might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a trip through Northern Italy — and that’s exactly what makes it so special. Tucked quietly between Bologna and Parma, this small city in Emilia-Romagna is rich in both flavour and history.
The cobbled streets are lined with golden-hued porticoes and elegant piazzas, anchored by the striking Ghirlandina Tower and the Romanesque Modena Cathedral — both UNESCO-listed and beautifully preserved.
But Modena’s real magic lies in its culinary soul. This is the birthplace of traditional balsamic vinegar, aged for years in wooden barrels and so rich and complex you could eat it by the spoon. Visit one of the family-run acetaie to learn how it is made, the various tastes and how best to consume this liquid gold.
For food lovers, there’s more. Osteria Francescana, one of the world’s most celebrated restaurants, calls Modena home. You need to book 3 months in advance and shell out around €450 a person, though. We were not able to get a spot in this restaurant but did manage to book Francescana at Maria Luigia, which is also run by the famous Massimo Bottura. It is vastly pricy, but to date, it is one of the best restaurant experiences I have had the privilege of partaking in.
RECOMMENDED STAY | Coco21
LUXURY PICK | PHI Hotel Canalgrande
SUSTAINABLE PICK | La Corte Dei Sogni B&B
11. Bologna
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Bologna twice now and am already planning to go back to visit friends. Nestled in the heart of Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy, it is known as “the city of a hundred towers”, although but two remain today. This city doesn’t draw the same crowds as Florence or Venice, but that only adds to the reasons why it is worth visting.
Bologna is a place of arcades and secrets — nearly 40 kilometres of covered porticoes wind through the city, leading you to sunlit courtyards, old libraries, and tucked-away museums inside buildings that have stood for centuries. It’s home to one of the world’s oldest universities, which should be your first stop when visiting the city. I loved the Museo di Palazzo Poggi with its curious scientific collections and the Musical Instruments Museum inside the grand Teatro Comunale.
For sweeping views, climb the Asinelli Tower — a heart-pounding 498 steps, but worth every one. However, during my last visit in 2024, it was closed for renovation. Piazza Maggiore is the city’s elegant heart, perfect for people-watching with a coffee in hand. On my last visit, my mom and I made the trek out to the Sanctuary of San Luca, a hilltop basilica about 4 kilometers out of town. The absolute best spot in town to watch the sunset.
Despite all this history, Bologna feels anything but stuck in the past. It’s one of Italy’s most progressive cities, with a big student population and streets that buzz with life — especially at aperitivo hour.
Accommodation can be pricey (expect upwards of €150/night), but local food is a bargain. Dinner at a traditional trattoria comes in around €15–20, and museum entries are often just €5–10.
RECOMMENDED STAY | Hotel Touring Bologna
LUXURY PICK | Grand Hotel Majestic
SUSTAINABLE PICK | Casa Isolani Charms Rooms Santo Stefano
BEST VIEW | Art Hotel Commercianti
12. Camogli
I’ve travelled to a lot of places in Italy — and yet, somehow, Camogli never crossed my radar until a local friend posted a few sun-soaked stories from her summer holiday there. The colours, the sea, the quiet rhythm of it all it made me think of Cinque Terre immediately, without the crowds, though.
In hindsight, that reflection makes perfect sense. Camogli is a small fishing village tucked along the Ligurian coast, the very same one that houses the colorful Portofino and, you got it, Cinque Terre. Unlike its glitzy neighbours, though, Camogli has managed to remain wonderfully local — the kind of place where old men gather by the harbour and laundry flaps above alleyways painted in sun-faded pastels.
There is not a huge amount to see, so Camogli is the perfect place to take it slow! Stroll along the promenade with a gelato, take a dip in the Ligurian Sea, or simply watch the fishing boats bob in the harbour. If you’re up for a walk, there’s a beautiful hike through Portofino Regional Park to San Fruttuoso, a secluded bay with a medieval abbey and pebbled beach that feels completely off-grid.
RECOMMENDED STAY | Hotel Cenobio Dei Dogi
LUXURY PICK | Sublimis Boutique Hotel Adults-Only
SUSTAINABLE PICK | B&B Casa Ninni
BEST VIEW | Carrick Hotel Camogli Portofino Coast
13. Lake Garda
Lake Garda took me completely by surprise. Italy’s largest lake, straddling the regions of Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige, is the kind of place that attracts both outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers. The former oftentimes coming down from the Dolomites after a couple of days hiking, the latter opting to book an extended stay on the lakefront.
Although Lake Garda tends to get very busy, it is a big enough place to find a little corner without too many other visitors. Sirmione, with its medieval castle and thermal baths, feels like a storybook. On the eastern shore, Malcesine offers winding streets and a cable car ride to Monte Baldo, where you can take in sweeping alpine views. Up north, Riva del Garda is a paradise for sailing and windsurfing and a great entryway into the Dolomites.
But what really stood out to me was the cycling. Garda is in the process of creating a 140 km bike path that will one day encircle the lake (current estimations say completion in 2026). For now, a spectacular section near Limone sul Garda is open — a 2.5 km trail suspended above the water, with uninterrupted views and even night lighting. It’s open to both cyclists and walkers, and it’s breathtaking.
RECOMMENDED STAY | A hotel in Malcesine
ALTERNATIVE LOCATION | The village of Sirmione
MOST ACCESSIBLE | Stay in the village of Riva del Garda
14. Padova
Padova is often overshadowed by its famous neighbours, Venice and Verona. This city is a veritable hidden gem in Northern Italy and, as such, has remained blissfully off the tourist radar.
This hamlet is one of the oldest cities in northern Italy, flourishing as a Roman settlement and later transforming into a key centre of learning and progressive thought during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Its University, founded in 1222, is one of the oldest in the world, once drawing great minds like Galileo Galilei. Visitors today can still step inside its historic Anatomical Theatre, a tiny wooden amphitheatre where medicine was once taught in hushed tones.
The city’s artistic jewel is the Scrovegni Chapel, home to a series of Giotto’s frescoes that revolutionised Western art. The vivid colours and expressive faces tell stories and offer one of the finest pre-Renaissance masterpieces in Europe. Entry is limited and timed, so make sure to get your ticket in advance.
Like many Italian cities, Padova is also a city of cafés and markets. The twin squares of Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta are lively with markets and cafés, while the elegant Caffè Pedrocchi, once a meeting place for writers and revolutionaries, offers a taste of 19th-century grandeur. Be sure to try bigoli in salsa, a traditional pasta dish made with thick noodles and a savoury anchovy and onion sauce!
RECOMMENDED STAY | OFFICINE CAVOUR Piazza Cavour
LUXURY PICK | Methis Hotel & SPA
BUDGET PICK | Casa Al Carmine
BEST VIEW | Padova Suites C20
15. Manarola
Manarola is one of the most popular locations in Northern Italy to visit. It’s one of five fishing villages that make up Cinque Terre, a UNESCO-listed stretch of coastline between La Spezia and Levanto. Perched on a cliffside above the Ligurian Sea, its rainbow-hued buildings seem to defy gravity, spilling down towards the harbour in a colourful cascade.
It is my favorite little hamlet in Cinque Terre, an opinion that seems to be shared with the majority of people visiting this part of the country. Beauty comes at a cost, and Manarola, like much of Cinque Terre, suffers from overtourism — especially in summer. Visit in the shoulder seasons if you can; April and October are my favorite months here.
Getting here is easy by train. The local line connects all five villages — Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore — with nearby cities like La Spezia and Genoa. In Manarola, swim in the natural harbour, follow the scenic path to Corniglia, and make sure to catch at least one sunset while you are sipping a local white wine (Sciacchetrà).
RECOMMENDED STAY | Ines Apartment
SUSTAINABLE PICK | Olimpo Affittacamere
BEST VIEW | Alla Porta Rossa
16. Lake Maggiore
Lago Maggiore stretches across northern Italy, its deep blue waters slipping into both Piedmont and Lombardy, before crossing the border into Switzerland. It’s much quieter than Como, and, if you know where to look, offers more affordable accommodation too.
One of the most enchanting things to do here is visit the Borromean Islands, a trio of small islets just off Stresa. Isola Bella is the showstopper, with its Baroque palace and tiered gardens tumbling towards the lake. Isola dei Pescatori is simpler, with narrow lanes, family-run trattorias, and fishermen mending nets on the shore.
Back on the mainland, Stresa and Verbania are charming bases, each offering lakeside promenades, historic villas, and a laid-back rhythm. You can also take a cable car from Stresa up to Monte Mottarone, where the views stretch all the way to the Alps on a clear day.
RECOMMENDED STAY | The village of Verbania
MOST ACCESSIBLE | The town of Stresa
STAY IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A CAR | The village of Laveno Mombello
QUIET STAY | The town of Luino
17. Sacra di San Michele (Piedmont)
I stumbled upon the Sacra di San Michele while researching this article — and genuinely couldn’t believe I had never heard of it before. I turned my screen to show my Italian partner and he blinked, thinking it was some kind of AI-generated fantasy. We promptly spent the next half hour falling down a rabbit hole, reading everything we could, and plotting how to visit next time we’re in Piedmont.
Perched dramatically on Mount Pirchiriano, overlooking the Val di Susa, the abbey looks as though it’s been carved from the very rock it stands on. Built between the 10th and 12th centuries, it’s long been a spiritual stop on the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrim route that winds all the way from Canterbury to Rome.
The Sacra is a marvel of medieval architecture. A steep stone stairway leads to the entrance, flanked by towering arches and carvings that feel impossibly intact. Once inside, the atmosphere shifts — heavy, quiet, reverent. On clear days, the panoramic views from the terrace stretch across the valley and into the Alps.
It’s just under an hour’s drive from Turin, making it an ideal day trip if you’re exploring Piedmont. A train-and-hike combo is also possible via Sant’Ambrogio station, for those craving a little adventure.
18. Bergamo
Bergamo sits quietly in Lombardy, just northeast of Milan, and is often overlooked by travellers rushing toward the lakes or the Dolomites. At the heart of it all is Città Alta, the old upper town perched on a hilltop and wrapped in Venetian walls. Reached by funicular or a steep walk. Its cobbled lanes twist past medieval towers and quiet courtyards, opening into grand piazzas where locals nip their espresso and practice the art of people-watching like none other.
Wander through Piazza Vecchia, where the Palazzo della Ragione and the striking Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore form a beautiful frame. Duck into old bookshops and make sure to sample local pastries!
Below, the Città Bassa — the lower town — hums with more modern energy: boutiques, bars, and lively markets, all set against the backdrop of Belle Époque buildings and tree-lined boulevards. Personally, this part of the city is less my jam, but it is the best place to book your hotel.
WHERE TO STAY | AR Suites&Art
UNIQUE EXPERIENCE | Palazzo Santo Spirito
LUXURY STAY | Hotel Excelsior San Marco
SUSTAINABLE PICK | B&B Santa Lucia
19. Ravenna
Ravenna, tucked away in the Emilia-Romagna region near the Adriatic coast, isn’t the kind of place that is splashed all over Social Media (thankfully!). Odd if you consider it to be the final resting place of Italy’s greatest poet. More on that a little further down.
Once the capital of the Western Roman Empire, Ravenna holds more UNESCO World Heritage sites than most cities ten times its size — eight, to be exact — and each one is a mosaic-covered marvel. Inside the Basilica di San Vitale, scenes of emperors and angels shimmer in tiny glass tiles, still glowing after more than 1,400 years.
What makes Ravenna so special is how its beauty is tucked behind quiet façades. From the outside, the churches are humble, almost unassuming. But inside, there’s a caleidoscope of gold, cobalt, and emerald.
Beyond the mosaics, Ravenna offers tree-lined streets, peaceful piazzas, and a sense of calm that’s hard to find in more touristic corners of Italy. You can visit Dante’s tomb, wander through leafy parks, or cycle out to the nearby beaches on the Adriatic Sea.
It’s easily reached by train from Bologna, Florence, or even Venice, making for a perfect day trip from any of these tourist hubs.
BEST VIEWS| St. Vitale’s Basilic view elegant apartment
BEST LOCATION | Le Case Di San Vitale
SUSTAINABLE PICK | Ai Giardini di San Vitale
20. Lake Como
Lago di Como has long been known as a playground for the rich and famous — all elegant villas, vintage wooden boats, and manicured gardens spilling into the lake. But do not let the gloss and celebrity sightings deter you. Nestled in the foothills of the Alps, just north of Milan, it remains one of the most beautiful places in Northern Italy.
The lake itself is shaped like an upside-down “Y”, with villages tucked along its shores, each one offering its own charm. Bellagio is a polished jewel — all cobbled lanes and boutique-lined promenades. Varenna, just across the water, is quieter and more romantic, with steep staircases and faded pastels. Further north, Menaggio is a laid-back base for lakeside strolls and ferry-hopping.
One of the best ways to experience Lake Como is simply by getting on the water. Regular ferries connect the towns, offering the perfect vantage point for admiring the opulent villas and cypress-dotted hillsides.
While parts of the lake do cater to luxury — and prices can reflect that — there are plenty of ways to enjoy it more simply. Walk the Greenway del Lago, a scenic trail along the western shore, or settle in for a lakeside aperitivo as the sun dips behind the mountains. Getting here is easy via train from Milan to Varenna or Como.
MOST POPULAR | Village of Bellagio
MOST ACCESSIBLE | The town of Como
A TRANQUIL SPOT |The village of Varenna
Northern Italy Places to Visit Map
Have a look at the interactive Google Map to get an idea of where all the most beautiful places in North Italy are located.
Responsible & Sustainable Travel in Italy
SHOP LOCALLY AND SEASONALLY: Look for locally made ceramics, textiles, and olive oil when buying souvenirs. Try and find DOP / IGP labels on food (certifying origin and traditional production methods) and visit the Mercati contadini (farmer’s markets) for fresh, seasonal goods
USE THE TRAIN: Northern Italy is incredibly well connected by rail, with fast and frequent trains between major cities like Milan, Venice, Verona, and Bologna — and regional lines that reach lakeside towns and mountain villages too. Travelling by train not only reduces your carbon footprint but also offers a more scenic and relaxed way to move between destinations.
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES: Seek out agriturismi, B&Bs, and small family-run guesthouses instead of chain hotels. Many agriturismi also serve home-cooked meals using ingredients from their own gardens or neighbouring farms. Some even offer workshops: cheese-making, foraging, or pasta classes. These help support local traditions and rural economies.
SUPPORT THE SLOW FOOD MOVEMENT: Founded in Italy, the Slow Food movement champions local ingredients, traditional recipes, and small-scale producers. Restaurants affiliated with Slow Food are committed to seasonal, regional cooking and ethical sourcing. Look for signs of affiliation with Slow Food Italia or ask if the place supports presìdi—protected local food products.
Practical Tips for Visiting Northern Italy
Essential information for a trip to Northern Italy
MEAL TIMES: Lunch is usually 12:30–2:30 PM, and dinner rarely starts before 7:30 PM. If you get hungry before dinner, try and catch aperito (06.00 PM – 08.00 PM) when a drink is usually served with a portion of nibbles.
SUNDAY IS THE DAY OF REST: Most shops, little bakeries, and even some restaurants will be closed on Sunday.
TIPPING IN ITALY: Not mandatory, but appreciated, not expected.
PAYMENT BY CARD: While allowing customers to use a (credit) card for payment is mandatory by law, this is far from always the case in Italy. Make sure to always carry a little cash with you, just in case.
What is the most beautiful part of Northern Italy
It’s hard to choose just one, but if I had to choose it would be hiking in the Dolomites, cycling around Lake Garda, or exploring regal Turin and its surrounding palaces. Venice is equally majestic, but the over-tourism does put a damper on the experience.
How to get around Northern Italy
Northern Italy is incredibly well connected by rail, with fast and frequent trains between major cities like Milan, Venice, Verona, and Bologna — and regional lines that reach lakeside towns and mountain villages too. Check train schedules and purchase tickets online via Omio.
What is Northern Italy known for
Northern Italy is known for its striking variety — a region where you can wander through Gothic cathedrals in Milan in the morning and hike beneath the jagged peaks of the Dolomites by afternoon. It’s home to iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the fresco-filled Scrovegni Chapel in Padova, the ancient city of Verona, and the ethereal Pale di San Martino in the Dolomites. Food is deeply rooted in place: try rich risotto alla milanese in Lombardy, delicate tajarin with truffles in Piedmont, or fresh pesto trofie along the Ligurian coast.
Where to stay in Northern Italy
If you are exploring the Dolomites, consider staying in Val Gardena (Residence Altea), for romance, head to Venice or the smaller city of Verona, and for the perfect mix of culture, nature, and food, you will absolutely want to book a stay in Turin.
MORE TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR ITALY
ITALY: Vegetarian food in Italy by region
ITALY: Natural landmarks in Italy worth visiting
ITALY: Most beautiful place in Southern Italy
NORTHERN ITALY: One to two weeks in Northern Italy
DOLOMITES: Where to stay in the Dolomites
DOLOMITES: Most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites
ROME: 40 Lesser known places to visit in Rome
ROME: Day trips from Rome by train in under 2 hours from the city
PUGLIA: 15 Towns to visit in Puglia
SICILY: Most beautiful places in Sicily
Nicest Places in Northern Italy: Pin it
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