Italy is at the very top of the most popular travel destinations, so it's no wonder that a number of the most popular cities and attractions come from here. Check out the top five chosen by Conde Nast Traveler.
Milan
It is true that Rome is the capital of Italy, but Milan is the fashion and design epicenter of the world. It offers a range of designer hotels, including Vmaison Brera Milano or Hotel Vico, as well as a wide range of top culinary offerings. Stroll past the magnificent Duomo, which offers a fascinating insight into six centuries of art, or climb to the roof for views of Milan and the Alps. The nearby church of Santa Maria delle Grazie houses the famous "Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci. Visit the Fondazione Prada, a contemporary art museum run by the fashion house of the same name, and see an ever-changing collection of art and architecture.
Naples
The Italian southern city is fast, chaotic, wild and rough – and that's part of its charm. The home of pizza, which many masters around the world swear you won't find better, is also the home of excellent coffee and pastries. You've probably heard of L'antica Pizzeria da Michele Taverna and Cafe, where you can wait in line for up to two hours for an unforgettable meal. Visit the Chiesa dei Girolamini, home to a library of books from the 15th and 16th centuries, then walk to the Catacombs of San Gennaro, where an intricate network of tunnels takes you past ancient tombs.
Venice
It may seem like a tourist-soaked city, but Venice nevertheless offers a surprising amount of hidden magic. Start your day at St. Mark's Basilica in Piazza San Marco, then hop into a Venetian gondola and take a ride through a system of endless canals that offer a whole new perspective on the city. Venetian cuisine deserves your attention. Try the divine cicchetti snacks in the Canareggio district, away from the tourist bustle, or visit Mezzopiena, where the delicious buffet is accompanied by delicious orange wine.
Florence
Florence is the Italian capital of art. Michaelangelo, Leonardo DaVinci and Gucci's founder Guccio Gucci hail from the ancient city, so it's no wonder that masterpieces accompany you at every turn. For culture lovers, visit the Uffizi Palace full of art, including paintings and statues by Botticelli, Raphael, Da Vinci and Caravaggio. Cross the Ponte Vecchio and head towards the Oltrano neighborhood, home to bars, boutiques and smaller, more intimate art galleries run by up-and-coming Florentine artists.
Rome
When you think of Rome, the first thing that comes to mind is the Trevi Fountain or the Sistine Chapel, as well as the Roman arena and the ancient ancient formum. Maybe delicious spaghetti and great wine? Cute scoops of ice cream or a delicious slice of pizza? Rome offers something for everyone. For history buffs, a range of archaeological sites, for romantics some of the most romantic spots on earth and for gourmets, delicious cuisine. Stop by Rome's MAXXI Museum of Contemporary Art to admire the works of Europe's most interesting artists, or take a dusk stroll along the Tiber and enjoy the lively pulse of the summer months and open-air stalls.
