By now, you probably know that Italy is one of our favourite countries to visit in Europe. Therefore, we’ve come up with a guide to our top 5 Italian city breaks, located on the mainland!

The thing with Italy is that no two cities are the same. Each of them is very different making them equally exciting to explore.

The below list details our top 5 cities on the Italian mainland, rather than what we would consider villages or an Italian island!

To read our top 6 Italian coastal towns, click here!

Italian city breaks…

#1 Venice

The thing about Venice is that it is so unique. We visited the city three times and each time managed to fall in love with it even more. It’s a city built on water, it’s pretty incredible.

It is, however somewhere you can very easily get lost in! Whether you have a map or not, the winding cobblestone alleyways, many bridges connecting one side to another. Getting lost is one of the beauties about Venice, you will no doubt end up somewhere you hadn’t planned like we did. We had the most delicious meal in Venice, and if we hadn’t of gotten lost, we would never have found it (and I’m not even sure if we’ll be able to find it again!).

If you jump on a boat, you can be at one of the gorgeous colourful surrounding islands, Murano or Burano, each as beautiful as the next and known for their glass making or lace products.

If you’re really looking for that romance in the city that is filled with love, then you should certainly jump on a gondola ride.

#2 Milan

Milano, the fashion capital of the world. Although, if you’re not into fashion, like us there is plenty more to see and do in Milan. The iconic Duomo is the number one thing to see in this city, it’s simply impressive! Click here to see our top 5 things to see in Milan.

If you have extra time, why not tack on a trip to the amazing Lake Como! Click here for information on travelling to Lake Como from Milan.

#3 Naples

Now, the city itself doesn’t have a great deal to offer, but you can’t visit Pompeii without going to Naples. Pompeii is just incredible, the size of the area is unbelievable. Just imagine back in 79AD, the entire area being buried in meters of ash and pumice after Mt Vesuvius erupted!

And, if you need something a little lighter to help you relax after that day, you can always duck over to the Amalfi Coast to unwind! Click here to read about the Amalfi Coast.

#4 Rome

The capital of Italy, Rome. This city is truly historical and you can really submerge yourself in the history of this place. There is, of course, the Colosseum where you can let your imagination run wild at the gladiators and events held at this impressive place!

Another spot you must visit is, of course, the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel. Just some things you can’t miss when you visit Rome.

#5 Florence

The capital of the Tuscany region! Florence is an absolutely gorgeous city. From here, you can explore Tuscany if you have the time, or you can spend a weekend just enjoying Florence. Be sure to check out Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s ‘David’.

There are plenty of leather shops to pick up a nice Italian leather jacket, or bag or anything leather for that matter!

What’s your favourite Italian city break? Comment below!

Do you have travel insurance?

Before travelling, make sure you get a travel insurance policy – you never know when you might need it! Click here for information on travel insurance, what company we recommend and a link to get an instant quote.

Alternative accommodation

If you’re looking for alternative accommodation to either save some money or share with friends or family, click here for information on Air B&B ($50 discount on your first booking), hotel price comparison websites etc.

“It is not down in any map; true places never are.” – Herman Melville