Cross the bridge from the main part of Rome to the hipster neighborhood of Trastevere, where locals say that life moves at a different pace than in central Rome.

Locals tell us that the narrow cobblestone streets offer tons in terms of cheap eats—they say to try some arranchi!— as well as some of the city’s best craft beer. Find an outdoor table, order a drink, and watch the world go by. 

The brightly colored cliffside towns along the Amalfi Coast are so stunning that they’re considered an international treasure. The towns here may be small, but locals tell us travelers of all stripes can find activities here. Spend a week seaside, hike along the Path of the Gods, or take a boat tour to see the coast from the water. 

If you're short on time, get some personalized advice on where to visit. Our trip planners tell us that Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello are all excellent choices.

Imagine your favorite stadium. Now imagine it totally empty, quiet, abandoned. That’s what it feels like to walk into the Colosseum in Rome. The air still tingles with the excitement of gladiator battles past. The Colosseum dates back to 70-80 AD and was originally built to hold more than 50,000 cheering Romans. 

You'll find lots of things to do in Venice besides eating—crossing the romantic Rialto Bridge, exploring gothic Doge’s Palace, and, of course, wandering Venice’s famous canals.

Locals tell us that you should prioritize eating seafood in this seaside city! They suggest trying anything with squid ink. Don't be intimidated by black noodles or risotto—they're delicious. 

Fans of the My Brilliant Friend book series, this is for you. Ok, locals say that everyone will love Ischia! This Mediterranean island off the coast of Naples boasts sandy beaches, sunshine, and mineral-rich thermal waters. 

Our trip planners tell us that taking the ferry is a fun way to spice up an Italian itinerary; plus, relaxing in one of Ischia’s thermal health spas is the perfect way to unwind and refresh. It's definitely a destination for those who want to get off the beaten path.

This bright orange drink is sweeping the world—and there's no place better than to sip at an Aperol spritz than in Italy. (Don’t listen to the haters: it’s delicious). The drink, which combines prosecco, Aperol, and a splash of soda water, is sweet, cold, and the perfect refreshment after a long day of exploration. 

Time stopped in Pompeii in 79 CE, when nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted and coated the city in deadly ash. Today, it’s an amazing place to visit if you want to learn more about what life looked like 2,000 years ago. Locals say the archeological area is cool and a bit eerie—visitors can see old frescos, bodies preserved by the falling ash, and what remains of the doomed city. 

Rule numero uno of Italian travel: eat the pizza. It is as good as everyone says. And Naples is the place to eat real, traditional, Italian pizza—because Neopolitans literally invented pizza. You can’t go wrong with people who have been making pizza for hundreds of years.

Traditional Neapolitan pizza is simple but scrumptious: tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil, cooked at high heat. 

It’s the ALPS. So, yeah, the skiing is incredible. Locals tell us that if you don’t like to ski, the insanely beautiful Alpine mountainscapes will take your breath away. 

And no shade to the French Alps, but the food (and wine) in the Italian Alps is truly out-of-this-world. 

One of the best-known (and oldest) art museums in the world, the Gallerie Degli Uffizi in Florence is definitely worth a visit. Wander through the impressive building and wonder over work by greats like Sandro Botticelli, Michelangelo, and da Vinci. Locals say to plan your trip for earlier in the morning, to avoid crowds. 

Be sure to get off the beaten path in Florence! Locals tell us that the city is full of incredible activities for art lovers, including the beautiful and tranquil Bardini Museum and Garden.

Everyone knows that calories don’t count on vacation, so tuck into all the gelato you find in Italy. This cold, sweet treat is the perfect way to finish a meal. 

Locals suggest skipping the vanilla and look for flavors you might not find back home—like fig or licorice. 

Not just one of the world’s top religious sites, the Vatican is packed with some of the world’s most amazing things to see as well. Alongside the religious artifacts and artwork that fill the Vatican’s ornate halls, visitors will find the breathtakingly beautiful Sistine Chapel, the grand St. Peter’s Basilica (climbing the dome is worth the 8-10 euro price), and much more—just don’t count on any pope sightings. 

The gorgeous and iconic Trevi fountain in Rome, which dates back to 1762, is definitely worth a stop. Toss a coin in the water and make a wish—if that wish is to return to Italy, be sure to stand with your back to the fountain, and toss the coin over your left shoulder with your right hand. Locals say this will ensure Roman voyages in your future.