Top 10 Places to Visit in Italy in 2026, According to TripAdvisor

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Italy has always been one of the top travel destinations in Europe and the world, and for good reason. From ancient history to beautiful coastlines, there are so many places to visit in Italy that keep travelers coming back year after year.

With so many great destinations across the country, it can be hard to decide where to go, especially if this is your first trip. Each city and town has its own character, food, and history, so choosing just a few can feel like a real challenge.

Luckily, TripAdvisor's 2026 Travellers' Choice Awards can help point you in the right direction. Here are ten of the best places to visit in Italy this year, based on real reviews from real travelers around the world.

As Italy's capital city and the 6th best destination in the world according to TripAdvisor's 2026 Best of the Best Awards, there is a lot to love about Rome. The Colosseum, the Pantheon, and Vatican City are among the most famous sights, but what makes this city special is how history blends naturally into everyday life. The Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona are also popular stops for a leisurely afternoon. It's definitely a perfect starting point for your first adventure in this beautiful country.

Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, this Tuscan city is a great choice for art and history lovers. The Uffizi Gallery holds some of the most famous paintings in the world, including works by Botticelli and Michelangelo. If you enjoy scenic views, the climb to the top of the city's iconic Duomo is well worth it. Piazzale Michelangelo is another great spot, especially for a sunset view over the city.

One of southern Italy's most lively cities, Naples is a fantastic place for food, history, and culture. The city is widely known as the home of original pizza, so joining a pizza-making class here is a popular activity. There are also several impressive historical sights, including the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, the Duomo di San Gennaro, and the famous Spaccanapoli street that cuts straight through the heart of the old city.

Few cities in the world are quite like Venice, built on a network of canals and connected by hundreds of bridges. A gondola ride is a classic experience here, particularly under the famous Bridge of Sighs. St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace are two of the most visited sights in this city. However, you can also visit the Rialto Bridge, which is a great place to watch the city come alive, especially around sunset.

Sitting above the Bay of Naples, this charming coastal town is a great starting point for exploring southern Italy. From here, you can easily take day trips to Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, and the island of Capri. The town itself has plenty to offer, including the beautiful Marina Grande, the Cathedral of Sorrento, and a lively old town with local shops and restaurants. If you enjoy citrus flavors, trying fresh limoncello here is a must.

As Italy's fashion and design capital, Milan is a city that mixes modern energy with rich history. The Duomo di Milano, one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Europe, is the top sight in the city, and the rooftop terrace offers sweeping views across the skyline. If you enjoy art, Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting "The Last Supper" is also located here. For shopping, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the most elegant shopping arcades in the world.

One of the oldest cities in the world, Matera is unlike anywhere else in Italy. The city is famous for its "Sassi," which are ancient cave dwellings carved directly into a limestone cliff. Many of these caves have been turned into hotels, restaurants, and museums, making it a fascinating place to stay overnight. At night, the soft lights across the stone city create a scene that feels like stepping back in time.

Perched on the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, Positano is one of the most photographed towns in Italy. The colorful houses stacked against the hillside, crystal-clear water, and beautiful beaches make it easy to see why it tops so many travel lists. Spiaggia Grande is the main beach and a great place to relax. If you prefer something more active, the Path of the Gods hiking trail offers some of the best views of the coast.

The capital of Sicily, Palermo is a city with a rich mix of cultures and a long, layered history. Greek, Arab, and Norman influences can all be seen in its architecture, especially at the stunning Cappella Palatina, which is decorated with intricate Byzantine mosaics. The local food scene is also a big draw here, with fresh seafood, street food markets, and traditional Sicilian dishes around every corner.

Set on a hillside in northeastern Sicily, Taormina offers one of the most dramatic views in all of Italy. The ancient Greek Theatre, which dates back to the 3rd century BC, is the town's most famous landmark and looks out over the sea and the smoking peak of Mount Etna in the distance. The charming Baroque town center has plenty of cafes, boutiques, and restaurants to explore. If you have a sweet tooth, trying granita, a traditional Sicilian frozen dessert, at one of the local bars is a local favorite.