Beyond Venice: the treasures of northern Italy

The iconic floating city of Venice claims a spot on many people’s bucket list. International visitors to Italy then often head straight for Rome or to Tuscany, missing out on the treasure trove of stunning cities and jaw-dropping natural landscapes of northern Italy. The area is one of the most beautiful and culturally diverse parts of the country: rolling hills covered in vineyards, centuries-old hilltop villages, crystal-clear alpine lakes nestled against dramatic mountain backdrops, and the architectural marvels of cities like Milan, Turin and Verona. The relatively short traveling distances make it perfect to explore in a single trip – not that we suggest rushing. This is Italy, where food is almost more important than football. So take time to enjoy the culinary journey, from the delicate white truffles of Alba to the rich risottos of Lombardy, and drink Barolo in the region where it’s made, as you set out to uncover the best places to visit in northern Italy.

The best places to visit in northern Italy: cities rich in culture and history

Experience the cultural draws of Milan

Milan is the capital city of the Lombardy region and the gateway to the Italian lakes and the Dolomites. It’s packed with history, culture and architecture: start with the breathtaking Duomo di Milano, a magnificent Gothic cathedral and the largest church in Italy.

When you’ve finished admiring all 135 spires, you’re steps away from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an elegant shopping arcade where you can join the sophisticated Milanese who worship some of Italy’s major fashion houses.

Spend an evening in the buzzing Navigli district, packed with restaurants, cool bars and artisan shops nestled along the banks of two canals. Grab an aperitivo then take an atmospheric evening boat cruise before heading for dinner.

Experience Turin’s style and elegance

Like an elegant Italian gentleman, Turin has style, character and charm oozing out of its pores. It’s every inch the original capital city, with its Baroque architecture, palazzo-laced squares and porticoed streets, and has enough museums, shopping, cafes and restaurants to keep you going for a month.

Chocolate practically runs through the streets, and even if you don’t have a sweet tooth, you must try a bicerin, Turin’s signature chocolate/coffee drink topped with cream.

Bologna: a haven for foodies

When trying to pick out the best places to visit in northern Italy, foodies will fall in love with Bologna, Italy’s gastronomic capital, where you can sample authentic tagliatelle al ragù, mortadella and tortellini in brodo. The vibrant streets around Via Pescherie Vecchie is an immersive experience into Italy’s food culture, with artisan shops selling everything from cheese to chocolate.

Wander through the medieval porticoes that connect the ancient university (Europe’s oldest, founded 1088) with impressive piazzas and the iconic Two Towers, and have lunch in Piazza Maggiore opposite the massive Basilica of San Petronio.

Fall for the romance of Verona

Visitors come to Verona for the romantic Shakespeare connections, but once you’ve seen the Romeo and Juliet balcony, there’s so much more. Just an hour from Venice, this UNESCO World Heritage City makes a great excursion. It’s compact and pedestrianized, perfect for exploring the pretty piazzas, ancient bridges over the river Adige, and abundance of Roman ruins. Visit in the summer and see one of the spectacular opera performances under the stars at the Roman arena.

Padua: an underrated medieval gem

Older than Rome, Padua often gets overlooked by overseas visitors, which will seem astonishing if you make the trip. It’s a medieval gem with a modern, vibrant energy, packed with canals, churches and endless arcaded streets, a traditional open market and one of the oldest universities in the world, where Galileo and Copernicus studied.

Don’t miss Padua’s equivalent of the Sistine Chapel, the Scrovegni Chapel, where Giotto’s jaw-dropping and revolutionary frescoes launched the Renaissance, and the vast Basilica of St. Anthony. Tired of churches? Make for the oldest botanical garden in the world then join locals and students for an aperitivo in Piazza delle Erbe.

Read more: The highlights of Italy: top tips from a local expert

The natural wonders of northern Italy

Northern Italy is a region of extraordinary geographical diversity, resulting in some of the most beautiful and spectacular scenery in the country. The entire region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

The unforgettable Italian Alps

Along the northern border with Austria and Switzerland, the Italian Alps form a magnificent ridge of breathtaking scenery that changes dramatically with the seasons. The distinctive mountain range known as the Dolomites is officially part of the Alps but has its own unique identity. Eighteen extraordinary vertical limestone peaks rise above 3,000m, forming a variety of distinctive sculptural shapes and are classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In winter the mountains are covered in pristine snow, creating world-class ski resorts, while in summer the lush alpine meadows are perfect for hiking and cycling, with panoramic trails that stretch for miles. You can easily reach the mountains from Milan, Verona or Venice, or base yourself in one of the dozens of picture postcard towns, such as Cortina d’Ampezzo, Bolzano and Brixen.

The timeless beauty of the Italian Lakes

Northern Italy is also renowned for its exquisite lakes, and the only problem is choosing which charming town on which breathtaking lake to visit! Some suggest Lake Como is the loveliest, and it probably takes the top spot for glamour and sophistication, but it’s also the busiest so is best seen off season. Lake Maggiore has a more relaxed atmosphere and a wide variety of towns to base your stay.

Lake Garda is best known for activities such as water-skiing, windsurfing, sailing and canoeing, and is also surrounded by some of the most beautiful and best towns in northern Italy like Malcesine, Lazise and Desenzano. Lake Orta is an often-overlooked gem where you’ll find the magical 19th-century island-village of Isola San Giulio. We did say you’d be spoiled for choice!

Read more: Explore the natural wonders of Italy

Charming places off the beaten path

Despite welcoming millions of visitors annually, Italy still has a few hidden gems, and you’ll find one of them in the country’s far northeastern corner. Located on the border with Slovenia, multicultural Trieste is arguably unlike anywhere else in Italy and sees far fewer tourists than other Italian cities.

Yet this working port city has an attractive historic center, with a grand canal, medieval castle, and beautiful piazzas. The Piazza dell’Unità d’Italia is the heart of the city, home to some magnificent Neoclassical and Baroque buildings and overlooking the Adriatic on one side, from where you can watch the sunset.

Trieste has been named one of the top 10 global trend destinations for 2025, but shhhh… you heard it here first. Pair it with the tiny island of Grado, a beach resort popular with Italians, just one hour away. With a historic town center, boutique hotels and miles of sandy beaches, it’s also a working fishing port, which means only one thing: fresh seafood, served at dozens of local restaurants. Twenty minutes away the ancient Roman city of Aquileia is another hidden gem, especially the 4th-century basilica, home to a masterpiece of mosaic flooring.

Travel planning essentials for Northern Italy

Slow travel and off-peak planning: tips and advice on the best time to travel

Northern Italy rewards those who embrace slow travel. Rather than racing between major cities, base yourself in one area for at least three to four days and use public transport or rental cars for day trips to surrounding attractions. You’ll reduce travel fatigue, develop a deeper understanding of the place and the people, and enjoy your vacation all the more.

For comfortable sightseeing with fewer crowds, consider the shoulder seasons of April–May and September–October when temperatures remain a pleasant 60–75 degrees Fahrenheit (15-24 Celsius). From June through August temperatures can soar (sometimes exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit, 32 Celsius, in cities) and tourist numbers peak, particularly in August when many Italians take their vacation. Take to the mountains for cooler temperatures, fresher air and spectacular views.

Time your visit with one of the seasonal wine and food festivals such as the October truffle fair in Piedmont, or visit between December and February for magical Christmas markets in beautiful Alpine towns and lower hotel rates in major cities. Milan and Turin function normally during winter months, with excellent museum access and indoor shopping opportunities.

Packing essentials: tips for a smooth and stress-free journey

• Italian style tends toward understated elegance rather than casual sportswear, especially in the cities and larger towns. While comfort remains important, pack a few smarter items and you won’t feel conspicuously underdressed during the evening passeggiata (stroll) and when dining at better restaurants.
• Pack comfortable walking shoes with good support for cobblestone streets and moderate hiking.
• Also pack clothing you can layer, as temperatures can vary significantly between morning, midday and evening.
• Take a light, waterproof jacket for unexpected showers, particularly in spring and fall.
• In winter you’ll need warmer and specialist clothing, especially if you’re heading to the mountains.
• Bear in mind, many Italian churches will not permit entry with bare shoulders and sometimes even shorts.

Transport advice and accessibility options

Depending on your itinerary, you might not need a car to see northern Italy, which has an extensive and efficient rail network with major cities connected via high-speed trains. For example, from Milan you can reach Turin or Bologna in around an hour and enjoy comfortable seating, refreshments, and reliable Wi-Fi along the way.

Smaller towns are serviced by regional trains which often have scenic routes through the countryside. For the best fares, book in advance on the Trenitalia website or app which has English-language options, or at major stations which have self-service ticket machines also with multiple language options. Remember that all train tickets must be validated before boarding, using the small green or yellow machines located on platforms.

For exploring remote villages or wine regions, rent a car from major centers like Milan, Turin or Bologna, and opt for a GPS navigation system to help travel on unfamiliar and smaller country roads. International driving permits are recommended though not strictly required. Many historic town centers operate limited traffic zones (ZTL) which you need to avoid between certain times, or you may be fined. We recommend avoiding these zones completely by parking outside and continuing on foot or via public transport.

For travelers with mobility concerns, major attractions and newer hotels increasingly offer accessible facilities, though the historic nature of many sites presents occasional challenges and smaller sites may require advance notice to arrange special access.

Make it happen

Feeling inspired to dive into this Italian region‘s cultural, historic and natural wonders? Get in touch with our local experts today – they’ll help you tailor-make an itinerary brimming with the best places to visit in northern Italy.