Top 11 Most Beautiful Cities in Northern Italy to Visit in 2024

Guest post by Lisa Franceschini

BIO: Lisa is an Italian mom with a passion for travel and writing. You will find more of her posts on the blogs I’m Learning Italian and Rome Travelogues.

This post features the most beautiful cities in northern Italy.

Internationally, northern Italy is famous mainly for its picturesque lakes and Venice, the city built on water.

On the other hand, Italian locals who love to travel will tell you that there are many more cities full of views, art, architecture, and culture.

Starting with Milan, one of Italy’s most avant-garde cities, and moving on to cities you’ve never heard of, like Mantua and beautiful Varese, the “Garden City.”

How not to fall in love with Parma, with its foods that have made Italian cuisine world famous, and Verona, where the romantic and tragic story of Romeo and Juliet was played out?

There are indeed many cities to add to your northern Italy itinerary.

Milan

Lombardy’s capital is the second-largest city in Italy and a hub for business and dynamic living.

In fact, the city hides several features that cannot be found anywhere else in Italy.

First of all, migration from other Italian towns is very high, as it is easier to find jobs in Milan in companies and factories.

Milan attracts entrepreneurs and people interested in fashion and trends. Everyone here is meticulous about how they dress; you will notice this right away by observing the look of the Italians living in this city.

Gae Aulenti Square is a place that reflects the innovative soul of the city. The square, inaugurated in 2012, is the most modern square in Italy, surrounded by skyscrapers and with a shopping center and a contemporary brass sculpture at its center.

Near this square is the Vertical Forest, two residential buildings that house, along with humans, 30,000 square meters of trees and plants.

In Milan’s historic center, the Sforzesco Castle is one of the very few fortresses in the world located in the city center and not on a hilltop.

Another iconic monument of Milan is the Duomo, a Gothic cathedral whose construction began in the late 14th century.

Milan Duomo is the third largest church in the world in terms of surface area and allows the ascent to the pinnacles, giving a breathtaking view of the city.

Milan alternates between ultra-modern places, such as City Life, and areas where perfectly preserved eighteenth- or nineteenth-century buildings are located. There are tranquil streets and others that are chaotic and hectic.

Milan also has large green areas, such as Sempione and Montanelli parks.

Places to visit are:

the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio
Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper, which depicts the Last Supper of Jesus
La Scala Theater with its adjacent square

Also, although it is not very well known, I highly recommend a visit to the San Maurizio Church, which has nothing to envy the Sistine Chapel of St. Peter’s in the Vatican-you will be pleasantly surprised.

Milan is also a famous shopping destination. If you are also interested, I recommend you walk along:

Via Dante from the Castello to Piazza Duomo
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele with its neighboring streets
Corso Buenos Aires

Before leaving the city, you can’t miss a walk in the Navigli area, in the southern part of Milan. Here are dozens of cafes, trattorias, and trendy bars, where Milanese locals congregate from aperitif time onward. There are also unexpected cultural venues, such as Spazio Alda Merini, a house museum dedicated to the life and works of one of the greatest Italian poets of the 20th century.

Milan is also a multiethnic city, and the restaurant offerings follow this line, but if you want to eat “Milanese,” choose a trattoria that offers local cuisine.

Typical Milanese dishes include risotto, cotoletta, and ossobuco.

On the other hand, if you are in a hurry, ask for classic Milanese street food, namely michetta, which is a typical bread, perfect when filled with salami.

Verona

History, charm, and romance have merged together and given rise to Verona, one of the most beautiful cities in Italy.

Located in Veneto near the border with Lombardy, very close to Lake Garda, this city is famous for its Arena in Piazza Bra, which will immediately remind you of the Colosseum in Rome.

This place that dates back to the 1st century AD generates fascination for its history and music, being the main stage for opera and musical events, including modern ones.

The city is also known for the balcony of the story of Romeo and Juliet, which is why Verona is, according to many, the city of romance and love par excellence.

Verona is also history and its historic center is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site not surprisingly.

Let’s start with the various bridges that cross the Adige River that runs through the city (the Scaligero Bridge is famous), and then go to the more commercial streets that teem with people.

The city streets are very particular, and some of them take you back in time, a feeling confirmed by the many buildings around: you just have to look up to catch some interesting artistic cues.

The city also offers so much in the way of architecturally fabulous churches.

Among the more than 50 buildings, special mention must be made:

Verona Cathedral
the Basilica of San Zeno
the Basilica of Santa Anastasia
San Lorenzo
the Church of San Fermo Maggiore

There is also a cumulative ticket to be able to visit the main historical attractions and churches, the Verona Card. This city pass costs €27 for 24 hours and €32 for 48 hours and it includes skip-the-line entrance to Verona Arena.

Other things to do in Verona include visiting Piazza delle Erbe, the Lamberti Tower, Porta Borsari, the Scaligeri family mausoleum, or “Arche Scaligere.”

There are panoramic terraces over the city from which to enjoy a romantic sunset, such as the medieval fortress of Castel San Pietro and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Verona is definitely worth a two-day visit.

Visit it even if you only have one day because you are headed to Venice. On the other hand, if you are coming from central Italy, consider that you can also visit this city as a two-day trip from Rome. In fact, on a train, it will take you 3 hours to reach Verona from Rome.

Bologna

Bologna is located in the center of the Emilia Romagna region and is famous for inventing some of Italy’s most famous dishes.

Travelers are usually familiar with ragù alla Bolognese, but not everyone knows that Bologna boasts many nicknames in Italy.

Bologna is “the learned,” because it is home to the oldest university in Europe; it is “the fat,” because people eat well there; it is “the red,” because its inhabitants are leftist; and it is the city of the 3 T’s.

The first T refers to the many ancient towers that decorate the city. The Asinelli Towers, built in the 11th century, are more than 90 meters high and one of them is also a leaning tower: you can climb to the top of them to enjoy a fantastic view of the city.

The second T refers to Tortellini, delicious ravioli filled with pork, ham, Bologna cut, and Parmesan cheese, the most distinctive food in Bologna.

The third T refers to ” tits,” but the precise reason is not known, perhaps pointing to the voluptuous-looking statues of nymphs on the Neptune Fountain.

Bologna is also the city of porticoes, that is, as many as 38 km of porticoed streets built from the Middle Ages to the present day, perfect for discovering the city out of the sun and rain.

The city is one of the best places in Italy to attend university, being very livable and people-friendly.

The virtues of Bologna are so many that it is impossible to list them in a short space.

Know that it is very easy to reach by train because it has a central station.

It is a unique city in Northern Italy, try to spend at least one day here; a visit to Verona is one of the most accessible day trips from Rome by train.

Parma

Don’t trust anyone who tells you that Parma is just another city and not worth a visit.

If someone says that, it means they have yet to learn what this place represents historically, artistically, and culinary-wise.

I include Parma among the most beautiful cities to see in Northern Italy because it really is a place that fascinates, with its own traditions and history.

Parma is also one of the best cities in Italy to live in.

Since the city is certainly not among the largest, you can easily get around it on foot in a day (if it were two, even better).

Impressive is the Piazza del Duomo with the church and the adjacent octagonal Baptistery. There is the option of purchasing an entrance ticket that also gives entry to the Bishop’s Palace with the Diocesan Museum.

Parma Cathedral was built in the year 1100 and is representative of the Lombard Romanesque style. A great contribution at the decorative level came from Correggio, author of the dome paintings at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries. The same author also gave much for the decoration of the Monastery of St. John the Evangelist.

Not far away is the Pilotta Palace, with the splendid Farnese Theater (all in wood) and the National Gallery nearby. Lovers of art, this is the must-do in Parma! A cumulative ticket allows entry to the entire complex.

The National Gallery represents a priceless artistic collection thanks to the presence of works by Leonardo Da Vinci, Tintoretto, Leonardo da Vinci, Beato Angelico, Correggio, Parmigianino, and many others.

You will reach it with about a 15-minute walk from the train station.

Music lovers will appreciate Parma for its connection with Giuseppe Verdi. A number of attractions are related to this great composer, starting with his native house and the Royal Theater, a real gem that leaves the observer breathless.

From a culinary point of view, prosciutto, parmesan, coppa, and salami are among the local delicacies, along with homemade pasta, cappelletti, and ravioli.

The beef stew accompanied by a good red Lambrusco wine is excellent for the main course.

Parma is among the cities in northern Italy that offer the best culinary experience. It is also one of northern Italy’s most underrated places to visit.

Padua

Padua is one of the major cities in northern Italy. It is located in the southern part of the Veneto region, about 40 km west of Venice.

Although it is not among the most popular tourist destinations for local and foreign travelers alike, (and this is precisely an incentive to visit) Padua is one of the most beautiful cities in northern Italy.

One of the factors that make Padua a unique urban center is its historical, artistic, and cultural richness.

In fact, the city is filled with historic buildings and monuments, such as the famous Scrovegni Chapel recognized as a UNESCO heritage site which features an important medieval fresco cycle by the artist Giotto.

The interior of the Ragione Palace is also covered with valuable frescoes. In addition, there is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Pontifical Basilica of St. Anthony, one of the most visited religious destinations in northern Italy by travelers from around the world.

Padua is rich in public and civic buildings, with green areas in which to stroll and learn about the history of the place. Very interesting is the Botanical Garden of Padua, an open-air natural museum in which there are multiple centuries-old trees and fountains of high artistic value such as the Fountain of the Four Seasons. It is possible to access green environments varying in vegetation characteristics and temperature within the park. An example is the areas dedicated to the Mediterranean Thicket and the Tropical Greenhouse.

Very characteristic and particular to the city is the Bo Palace, today’s seat of the University of Padua and the center of the oldest “anatomical theater” in the world.

Famous in Padua are the various squares that intertwine the past with the present:

Piazza delle Erbe
Piazza della Frutta
Piazza dei Signori

the very spacious Prato della Valle Square, beautiful to experience and to see

Padua is also renowned for some culinary specialties: bigoli as a first course and as a main course the Paduan hen, recognized as a Slow Food presidium.

As a tasty dessert, on the other hand, the pazientina cake, a typical dessert with a zabaglione base, first made in the seventeenth century and eaten during the most important holidays, is very popular.

The cherry on top of the cake, if I still haven’t convinced you to visit one of the most underrated cities in Italy is this. Padua is one of the best places to stay outside of Venice to avoid crowds and excessive prices.

Venice

Venice is regarded worldwide as a wonderful travel destination, as it is considered one of the most beautiful cities in northern Italy and the world. Located in the eastern part of the Veneto region, on the Adriatic Coast, Venice is a unique urban center because it is developed both on an island-lagoon area and on the mainland.

In fact, due to its geographical rarity, the Venetian Lagoon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy’s richest cities in terms of culture, art, and history. Sure enough, Venice is a unique city in the world and is a destination every year for millions of travelers who come from everywhere to stay at least three days in this magnificent place.

The landmark of a perfect Venice tour should be the iconic St. Mark’s Square, where the most important historical and cultural buildings are. It’s around this square that the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, and the nearby Rialto Bridge and Bridge of Sighs are located.

Other essential historical-religious buildings worth visiting are the Basilica of San Pietro di Castello and the Church of the Redeemer.

Venice is also famous for the Venice Film Festival and Palazzo Grassi, a building where events such as photography exhibitions and works by artists from around the world are often held.

In addition, one of the most important folklore events in the Venetian city is the very famous Carnival of Venice, a period when all Venetians and tourists dress up in traditional 18th-century costumes and masks the day before Ash Wednesday.

In Venice, you get around on foot, by motorboat cab service, steamboat, or gondola between the various canals (the streets of which are called calle).

Nearby islets deserve attention, such as Murano and Burano where the art of skilled master craftsmen can be admired.

Finally, the cuisine in Venice is very renowned, with seafood dishes in combination with polenta. Other traditional Venetian dishes include “risi e bisi,” tasty Venetian-style liver, and marinated eel, also called bisato.

As local desserts, Venetians have sfregolotta cake, baicoli, and delicious butter cookies called bussolai.

In itself, the city is very expensive, but an aperitif in St. Mark’s Square is a “must” for most travelers.

Bergamo

Another must-see city in northern Italy is Bergamo, located in the vast foothills between the Alps and Pre-Alps in Lombardy.

One of the most important features of Bergamo’s city core is its division into two parts:

the Upper Town (Bergamo di Sopra), is set on the hillside as an ancient medieval fortress surrounded by walls

the Lower Town (Bergamo di Sotto), is more modern and commercial, but not for that reason poor in charm.

The artistic and cultural heart, however, lies in the upper part. The two zones are well connected by bus service.

The most famous and most visited complex of buildings in Upper Bergamo is the Ragione Palace, with the Civic Tower and the Contarini Fountain.

Also of interest are the Colleoni Chapel, located in the Upper Town’s Cathedral Square, and the Cathedral of St. Alexander near the Palazzo della Ragione.

Bergamo Alta is also recognized for having a prestigious garden, namely the Botanical Garden, also identified by major European institutions as an important green area.

To reach the citadel of Bergamo Alta, one must go on foot, since it is an ancient and traffic-restricted area, cars are not allowed to circulate. If you travel by car look for parking on the street outside the perimeter walls.

If “above” you breathe history, below, in the Lower Town, you find yourself thrown into a more modern dimension. Here you can visit the Church of Saints Bartholomew and Stephen and the Church of Santo Spirito in which the famous painting Pala di Santo Spirito by Lorenzo Lotto is preserved.

For lovers of history and culture key to know is the Accademia Carrara, an authoritative art gallery accredited at the European level.

Like many northern Italian cities, Bergamo is famous for making delicious and ” hearty” dishes, such as polenta with some stewed bird meat, served with gorgonzola cheese.

A traditional local dessert is Donizetti cake, a soft doughnut with apricots, pineapple, vanilla, and liqueur.

Bolzano

Christmas markets in Italy, Bolzano

Among the most beautiful cities to see in northern Italy is the capital of the Alto Adige region (which is part of Trentino-Alto Adige).

In Bolzano, the “border town” feel is very pronounced. Italian and German bilingualism is a fact of life that comes with the territory.

The city, which can be visited serenely in a day, often recalls typical German architecture. While in some buildings the architecture appears modern, in others it falls within the historical paths of the past, perfectly preserving its features and decorations.

The beating heart of the city is Walter Square with the nearby cathedral with its typical Gothic features, whose origins go back far into the centuries (even to Roman times), but it appears to have been renovated following the bombings of World War II.

From the same square, it is possible to ascend slightly to Piazza delle Erbe, a tiny widening in the pedestrian zone where there is always a small open-air market, with typical local eateries and restaurants.

The square is located halfway between Bolzano’s renowned “porticos” (the street of stores carved out of ancient, narrow, deep stores) and the more modern shopping street.

Just down this street is the museum where “Otzi” (the iceman found in recent times but dating back some 5300 years) is on display.

A few more steps and you can reach Talvera Park before arriving at the Victory Monument.

I recommend a climb to the Renon Plateau, which can be reached in a few minutes by cable car (which you take near the train station). The place is located right above the city and is ideal for wonderful hikes in close contact with nature.

In addition, about 30 minutes from Bolzano it is also possible to visit Merano. This town, along with Bolzano itself and Bressanone, are the perfect places to experience the Christmas markets in Italy.

Goulash, speck, dumplings, frankfurters, apple juice, strudel, and alpine cheeses are typical foods of the area, as is the speck-potato-egg dish.

If you want to have a leisurely lunch instead, go for a pretzel or the characteristic farmer’s sandwich, made with speck, mozzarella, mustard, apple, and gherkins.

Mantua

Mantua is located in the southeastern part of Lombardy and is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy.

Its strengths are its location, perfect as a base for exploring northern Italy, its livability, and its culture.

The scenery surrounding Mantua’s historic center is straight out of a fairy tale: it seems to lie on the Mincio River, which right around it widens its banks, almost taking on the appearance of a large lake.

Being a relatively small city, the historic center and main attractions can be visited on foot in a day.

Mantua is full of squares that manage to tell different stories, including palaces, buildings, gardens, and churches, becoming a treasure chest capable of containing priceless artistic and historical value.

Mr. Mantegna and the Gonzaga family are certainly those who have contributed the most luster to the place. The former as an artist, the latter as a noble family that enriched the city in architectural and aesthetic aspects.

Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza Sordello, and Piazza Mantegna are the three poles of reference for the traveler, who can observe much of what Mantua holds.

Here are just some of the insights this beautiful Lombard city offers, inviting you to stroll through the city streets that appear far from the accentuated modernity typical of some more contemporary cities.

The Duomo
the Ducal Palace
the Bishop’s Palace
Gabbia Tower
Acerbi Palace
Bonacolsi Palace
San Giorgio Castle
Piazza Lega Lombarda
Piazza Pallone
the round church of San Lorenzo
the Basilica of Sant’Andrea where many works by Mantegna and other artists are contained
the house of Mantegna himself
Te Palace

In Mantua, is almost exciting to still see the old-fashioned workshops, stores, and small restaurants offering traditional dishes and local specialties.

These include the sbrisolona cake, Mantuan salami, handmade pasta agnolini, and many other culinary dishes that will remain in your heart, along with the city’s entire heritage.

When you spend a day or two in Mantua, you will hardly forget it.

Thanks to its scenery and artistic heritage, Mantua is one of the best cities in northern Italy for romantic getaways.

Turin

Turin is the capital of Piedmont and one of the most beautiful cities in northern Italy. the city stands in the western part of the region, not far from the Susa Valley. You can visit Turin in 2 days. I recommend getting around on foot and by subway.

Turin is one of Italy’s most important economic hubs, along with Milan and Genoa. The city was also the capital of Italy for a time and the center of renowned Made in Italy products, especially in the automotive and design sectors.

Turin is to be counted among the northern Italian cities famous for their art and culture.

One of the first stops is the Royal Palace, which was Piedmont’s first and most stunning royal residence.

Other historic buildings are also included in the prestigious list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Madama Palace, the Queen’s Villa, and the splendid Valentino Castle located on the banks of the Po River that runs through the city itself.

One of Turin’s iconic buildings is the Mole Antonelliana. In the second half of the 18th century, architect Alessandro Antonelli designed and supervised the construction of the city’s largest synagogue. The square-domed building more than 160 meters high weighed heavily on the pockets of Turin’s Jewish community, which later sold it to the City of Turin.

Today, the Mole Antonelliana houses the Cinema Museum of Turin.

Two other places of historical and artistic interest are the Sabauda Gallery Pinacoteca and the Egyptian Museum, recommended for lovers of ancient history, as it is considered the second most important Egyptian museum in the world after the illustrious Cairo Museum.

On the religious side, the city of Turin is famous for the presence of religious monuments of extreme importance to the city’s history, including the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist or Duomo di Torino. Here is preserved the Holy Shroud an important ancient artifact that for Christian culture is recognized as the possible “burial shroud of Jesus.”

A visit to Piazza San Carlo is a must, as well as to the Reggia di Venaria Reale and the Superga Basilica, which, from the hill, overlooks the city.

As for culinary tradition, on the other hand, Turin boasts of an extensive list of typical local dishes to enjoy: Piedmontese veal in tuna sauce, bagna cauda, the agnolotti del Plin, and even the Piedmontese grand mixed boiled meats.

Turin is also famous for making tasty and iconic desserts, such as Savoiardi, the crumbly cookies used to make Tiramisu, and finally the famous Gianduiotto, a chocolate in the shape of a small ingot.

Genoa

If I told you that Genoa is among the most beautiful cities to see in Italy would you believe me?

Genoa is one of the coastal cities in northern Italy worth visiting. The city is underestimated by many and considered only a gateway destination to other, more touristy places.

Genoa is a place to discover, even if you only have one day to spare.

Genoa is not that beauty that immediately attracts you. It may not be similar to the flashy beauty of that person who makes you turn around in the street as you walk, but it is more comparable to the pleasantness of that subject to be unveiled, to be understood, but which stays with you forever, at least in memory.

Understanding Genoa is not easy, but it presents quite a challenge to the traveler.

Anyway, the city holds some of the most important historical landmarks of Italy.

To discover Genoa you have to walk around in the carruggi, that is, the small, very narrow streets that are typical of the Ligurian environment.

Let it be clear that Genoa is a seaside city with a port that is worth a visit, but it also welcomes a variety of people and goods: that is why the city, in its oldest part, is not so clean, but in recent years the administrations have worked hard to give back to the Genoese people a worthy place.

The old city is the most historic, while the newer part brings back modern aspects, starting with Piazza De Ferrari or Piazza Principe.

Beautiful is the Corso Italia promenade, which with a wide sidewalk allows long walks with the gaze fixed on the sea. The city symbol is the lantern, which is the lighthouse indicating the port.

The most unique stroll is the one along Via Garibaldi, one of the most beautiful streets in Italy and become the UNESCO heritage site “Strade Nuove e sistema di Palazzi del Rolli.”

Between the 15th and 17th centuries, local nobles devoted themselves to renovating and embellishing all the noble residences that overlook today’s Via Garibaldi and some neighboring streets. The result is extraordinary: on the outside, the facades are decorated with stucco, marble, or paint. Inside, there are courtyards with fountains and nymphaeums, halls with frescoes, and fine collections and furnishings.

During the 16th century, a public decree stipulated that the palaces listed as “Rolli,” were to take turns hosting prominent foreign political figures visiting Genoa.

This feature of Genoa greatly impressed Flemish painter Pieter Paul Rubens, who in the 17th century published a volume with a collection of drawings of the palaces (now collectively called “Rolli“).

There are 42 palaces registered on the UNESCO site, including Rosso Palace, Bianco Palace, and Doria Tursi Palace. If you want to learn more about the Rolli Palaces, check out the details here.

Also not to be underestimated in Genoa are its no less than 28 museums: for a fee of 20 euros you can sign up for a city pass that gives access to the most important museums as well as some of the Rolli palaces and public transportation.

A must-visit is the Genoa Aquarium, especially for families with children. It can be a great alternative in case of bad weather or as a simple curiosity, a really worthwhile visit among the things to see in Genoa.

If you are lucky enough to visit this city, remember to taste Ligurian focaccia, one of the most popular Italian breads. For a meal, try a nice platter of trofie with pesto pasta, another Genoan specialty that has spread around the world.

Varese

If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path-cities to explore in northern Italy, now you will uncover one.

Varese enjoys a privileged geographical location in the western part of Lombardy.

From Varese, with a 30-minute drive, you will be in Milan, with 20 minutes in Como and Lake Maggiore, and with 30 minutes you arrive in Lugano (Switzerland).

This alone allows you to benefit from a convenient and functional foothold for your travels. However, it should not be forgotten that the city is well worth a visit as well.

Varese is called the Garden City because of the nature reserves that surround it and because of its wonderful Public Gardens (which can be visited free of charge and are located inside the Estense Palace, now the seat of the City Hall).

The city also has some historic villas worthy of a visit, including:

Villa Ponti
Villa Panza
Villa Toplitz
Villa Mylius

Also splendid are the parks of these buildings that cannot be missed by lovers of art and architecture.

Among the things to do in Varese certainly is the climb to Sacro Monte (on foot, by bus or by funicular) to have a unique and priceless open view, on the one hand of the mountains (Alps and Pre-Alps), and on the other of a large portion of Northern Italy (from Como to Milan, up to the Emilian Apennines on the clearest and clearest days).

As you walk up the path, it takes you to some chapels that contain frescoes by renowned painters (including Guttuso).

If you love walking in the mountains, the climb to Monte Campo dei Fiori, located immediately behind the village of Santa Maria del Monte, is a notable “plus.”

Going back down, the city center is quite contained and can be visited in a couple of hours simply by walking between Via Morosini, Piazza Montegrappa (the “living room” of the city), Corso Matteotti, and the Basilica San Vittore.

These and adjacent streets tell a story of historic workshops and traditions. Moving to the suburbs in the Schiranna area, 5 km from the center, a visit to the lake of the same name, quiet, calm, and home of national rowing, is recommended.

Varese is well served by public transportation such as buses and trains.

Enjoy an excellent Buosino (a very particular and typical coffee of the city) at the pastry shop with a slice of Dolce Varese cake or a couple of Brutti e Buoni biscuits.