Have you ever wondered about the best cities and small towns in northern Italy? It is no secret that Italy is one of the favorite bucket-list destinations for so many people, especially with all of amazing cities, villages and towns in Northern Italy. If you have ever traveled in Italy, you are probably nodding your head at the moment.
If you have yet to visit Italy, well, this year is the perfect time for you to plan an amazing adventure. And let me let you in on a little secret: there isn’t just one place that is the most beautiful town in Italy. There are dozens of beautiful small towns in Italy.
15 Best Cities and Towns in Northern Italy
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There is so much beauty and charm everywhere you look in the small cities and towns of Northern Italy that you simply NEED to see them to appreciate them. It is no wonder that many Italian cities rank in the top 10 of the best countries to visit in Europe according to US News and Travel.
If you have never traveled to Italy—and specifically Northern Italy—sometimes all it takes is a photo or recommendation on the most beautiful towns of Northern Italy to inspire a visit or to add another destination point to your itinerary.
1. Bellagio
Bellagio is located on the point that separates the two southern branches of Lake Como. If you plan to spend time exploring beautiful Lake Como, Bellagio sits in a central location with easy access by ferry to many of the small towns hugging the sides of the mountains surrounding the lake.
If you happen to arrive in Bellagio in the morning hours during the off season, you will find the streets are not terribly crowded with tourists. Perfect as your camera may never be at rest for long if you wish to take tourist-free photos. Be sure to spend time exploring the colorful alleyways and shops and wear good walking shoes as many of these alleys are full of steps.
Not only are the buildings brightly colored but also the businesses, homes and storefronts. Italians know how to create beautiful settings by their front doors! It is one of the things that makes the small towns in Italy so charming.
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2. Bologna
Did you know that Bologna boasts almost 25 miles (40 km) of portico-covered streets? If you happen to visit Bologna on a rainy day, you will certainly appreciate this architectural feature. It is one of the best towns in Northern Italy to add to your bucket list.
Make your way from the train station to the Quadrilatero District, the heart of Bologna. If you walk, it takes about 25 minutes strolling along the Via Indipendenza. Of course, you’ll be strolling under ornately designed porticos past shops, restaurants, and lots of people.
You should be able to easily find the tourism office in the Piazza Maggiore, and pick up a map. The Basilica of San Petronio, Bologna’s unfinished cathedral (which is also easy to spot), stands in this piazza. Orient yourself with the Neptune fountain and Cathedral and then begin exploring the Quadrilatero District.
The Quadrilatero is Bologna’s oldest market district where you can taste Italian street food, peruse local shops, and sample baked goods, local meats and cheeses.
- Quaint food stalls and shops – a foodie’s delight
- The University District
- The Jewish Quarter
- Two Towers – the Garisenda and Asinelli Towers, recognized as symbols of Bologna. Asinelli is open to the public but you will need to book your tour online or at the Bologna Welcome Information Office. Towers were built during the Middle Ages and filled two functions: for defense and for the social prestige of the family that had them built.
- Biblioteca Comunale dell’Archiginnasio Anatomical Theater and Library – doctors studied here at one time and would watch dissections to learn more about the human body.
- Museo Civico Archeologico Egyptian exhibit
- Cathedrals
If you have the time, find the Small Window on Via Piella to discover the ideal spot to view one of the few remaining sections of the historic canals in Bologna. Bologna is definitely one of those small towns in Northern Italy where you could spend all day exploring!
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3. Burano
It’s a short day trip to Burano from Venice, but a picturesque day trip to one of the best places to visit in northern Italy nevertheless.
The best way to get to Burano is via vaporetto (boat). Purchase your vaporetto passes for unlimited bus and vaporetto rides for 24-hours.
Burano, one of the islands found in the Venetian Lagoon, is famous for its lace work, leaning bell tower, and brightly-colored homes. As you meander through the markets, the older women embroider the Burano lace on their lace pillows (tombolo) as they sit and chat and laugh together.
The colorful homes are some of the most Instagram Worthy insanely colorful destinations around the world, and a main feature of the island, are used to indicate the property line of one house to another. An ancient legend also suggests that the brightly colored homes were used by fisherman so they could see their homes when they were fishing far away.
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4. Corniglia
Corniglia, one of the small towns in Italy in Cinque Terre along the coast, is the only village that does not have waterfront access.
Escape many of the crowds as you climb the 382 steps up to the village. Not to worry though, there is a bus that will transport you up the hill as well if that many steps are daunting.
One thing you CAN do is wander through the narrow streets to see picturesque viewpoints, visit tourist shops, and find something fresh and tasty to eat.
Find a place to stay in Corniglia with Booking.com
5. Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites
Recommend by Alex of Wander with Alex
A popular destination for the rich and famous, Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of the best towns in Northern Italy and the Veneto region. The town is an upscale resort that sits in the middle of the Dolomites—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Getting to Cortina from Venice is a two-hour drive or bus ride north.
Cortina is filled with deep history and culture and prides itself on preserving its traditions. They even have their own ancient language called Ladin. The annual Desmonteà—a festival that blesses all agriculture where cattle (and other animals) are brought down from the Alps—is a traditional celebration marking the end of the warm season.
Cortina became internationally known after hosting Italy’s first Olympics in the 1950s. Today, the town is visited by people worldwide for its outdoor activities and gorgeous scenery. Perhaps more commonly known as a chic winter ski resort, Cortina is also popular with mountain, nature, and hiking enthusiasts.
Things to do in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy include:
- skiing or snowboarding, snowshoeing
- hiking, biking, rock climbing
- chairlift ride to the Cinque Torri rock formations
- scenic lunch at the Rifugio Lagazuoi mountain hut
- hike to the beautiful Lago di Sorapiss
- hike to the Cascate di Fanes waterfall
- shopping at the Corso Italia pedestrian street
You won’t have a hard time finding a luxurious 4-to-5-star hotel if you’re considering spending time in Cortina. Hotel Cristallo is an award-winning hotel and spa offering great hospitality, magnificent views, relaxation, and easy access to the famed Dolomiti Superski area. A beautiful place to stay in one of the charming small towns in Italy!
If you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, and culture in one of the best places to visit in Northern Italy, Cortina d’Ampezzo is your vacation destination. If you are looking for additional places to visit in the Dolomites, consider a visit to Trento and Trentino.
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6. Manarola
Manarola, another of the Cinque Terre villages, offers fabulous views. This makes it one of the best places to visit in Northern Italy.
Although there is not a real beach in Manarola, locals and tourists love it for some of the best deep-water swimming around.
Like the other villages, Manarola is all uphill and downhill, with steep, narrow alleyways to explore.
Find a place to stay in Manarola with Booking.com
7. Milan
Milan is bursting with vibrant works of art, stunning architecture, upscale shopping, and a rich history. Discover the finest stuff to do in Milan and the best Milan sightseeing places when you have just one day in Milan.
Milan is magnificent, marvelous, memorable… All reasons why even just one day in Milan is worth the adventure. Discover traditional tourist activities, museums, and architecture in this world-renowned fashion capital. In just 24 hours, you can shop the likes of Prada, Valentino or Versace, visit art galleries, or see views from the top of the Duomo. What will you choose?
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8. Monterosso al Mare
You may wish to choose Monterosso al Mare as your home base when visiting the villages of Cinque Terre. As soon as you exit the train, you’ll walk right out to the waterfront area of the “newer” section of Monterosso. You can’t help but take pictures. You’ll be immediately enamored with the views of the coast and Mediterranean Sea.
Known for the great beaches, if sunbathing is on your wish list of things to do while visiting Cinque Terre, Monterosso is the perfect option. It also makes it one of the best places to swim in Cinque Terre. As for beautiful small towns in Italy, Monterosso is top notch!
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9. Murano
Recommended by Alex of Alex and Leah on Tour
The beautiful Venetian island of Murano is often overlooked by many visitors to Venice but it is certainly worth visiting.
Despite being 1.5 km north of Venice, Murano is very easily accessible; due to the environment, the only way of visiting is (obviously) via boat.
Whilst many hotels on Venice offer free boat shuttles to the island, there are plenty of water taxi stations on the edge of Venice’s main canal that you can hop on. Access is very easy and inexpensive; you’ll have no problems getting to Murano.
The locals are more than happy to help if you get stuck. It is one of the friendliest small towns in Italy.
Murano’s main attraction is undoubtedly its glass blowing centers. In 1291, the Venetian government ordered glass masters to move their furnaces to Murano for fire safety reasons and the industry has prospered ever since.
As such, you HAVE to visit a glass blowing workshop where you can sit and watch experts make detailed and delicate sculptures. Whilst you’re at it, make sure to pop your head into the many glass shops as they make a great souvenir!
Whilst glass blowing is the islands main attraction, there are multiple other activities to do on mini-Venice. If you’re feeling a bit peckish, definitely try out some local gelato whilst if you’re into history, the Basilica di Santa Maria and Chiesa di San Pietro Martire are both absolutely beautiful.
Find a place to stay in Murano with Booking.com
10. Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore is the largest of the five villages. It is the most southern village in Cinque Terre and is closest to La Spezia. It offers plenty of fine dining opportunities and a great nightlife.
If you have seen Cinque Terre in pictures or postcards before, you have most likely seen the village of Riomaggiore. The colorful buildings make Riomaggiore one of the best places to visit in northern Italy.
Find a place to stay in Riomaggiore with Booking.com
11. Varenna
Have you ever heard the saying, “You had me at ‘Hello’“?
Varenna will have YOU at “Hello!”
Varenna draws you in from the moment you arrive. Every walkway, doorway, and passageway is a photographer’s dream. Your camera will not be at rest for long.
From Varenna, the stunning beauty of Lake Como glistens and accentuates the idyllic small towns in Italy that surround the lake.
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12. Venice
Like so many other color-popping destinations in Italy, Venice offers brilliant color on their buildings and in their markets with the added benefit of canals filled with gondolas and striped gondoliers.
Ahhh, Venice. It is a fantastic city. A photographer’s dream for sure. You will walk a short distance, stop to take pictures, see something else amazing and stop. And you will be entranced by the charm of Venice. Wander your way along alleys, past the canals, and across bridges. So awesome. So many Instagrammable places as you wander.
Find a place to stay in Venice with Booking.com
13. Vernazza
Vernazza is a popular village in Cinque Terre with a little something for everyone. This iconic view is a popular place for capturing photos for your Instagram-worthy pics.
This village boasts the only natural harbor along the coastline of the five villages. Beyond a small area of beach for sunbathing and playing in the water, there are plenty of places to sit and restaurants to enjoy for a little people watching.
Hiking from Monterosso to Vernazza is one of the best things to do in Cinque Terre if you want to see the amazing vistas of each of the villages.
Find a place to stay in Vernazza with Booking.com
14. Verona
Recommended by Em of That Travelista
If you have ever read the famous story of Romeo and Juliet in school, then a trip to Verona from Venice is an absolute must.
As one of the most beautiful towns in Northern Italy, Verona is known worldwide as a destination for couples and hopeless romantics, but there is so much more to this stunning city than just the make-believe story of two star-crossed lovers.
Verona is a direct, two-and-a-half hour train ride from Venice. Once arriving at the train station, simply walk twenty minutes or take a short bus ride to reach the Old Town.
Old Town is where most of the things to do and see in Verona are located:
- Juliet’s balcony
- The Roman amphitheater
- The Mazzanti House fresco paintings
Just outside the old town, past the river and up a hill sits the Castel San Pietro. It offers the best views over Verona and the surrounding landscape.
Because Verona is exactly halfway between Milan and Venice on the train line, it makes a very easy day trip from either destination. But those wanting to experience Verona after the day-trippers have left should consider staying at least one night.
There are plenty of options for every budget, but for a luxury stay in the center of all the action, stay at Corte Realdi Suites in Piazza Erbe.
Find a place to stay in Verona with Booking.com
15. Vicenza
Recommended by Jami of Celiac Travel Pack
Vicenza is the home of the famous architect Palladio. He was an Italian Renaissance architect and is the reason the city was named a UNESCO site. For the architecture lovers, there are 23 Palladian buildings in Vicenza.
For everyone else, the small-town charm of this most beautiful of the small towns in Italy makes it worth the trip.
Getting to Vicenza is easiest by train. A high-speed train from Venice will take 45 minutes and cost approximately $23. If you’re into a busy day this trip can also be combined with Verona.
When you arrive in Vicenza, start with the Villa La Rotonda. La Rotonda is outside of the city. It is a 30-minute walk one way or you can take an Uber.
Inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, it was the retirement home for Pope Pius IV. It was also the inspiration for the Jefferson Memorial in Washington DC.
Return to the center of town to the Basilica Palladiana. Admire the symmetry of the facade and the copper roof. The building is open Tuesday-Sunday. Grab a snack or a drink at the Terrezza restaurant on the rooftop—at sunset if you can—for the best views in Vicenza, Italy.
Find a place to stay in Vicenza with Booking.com
Traveling to the Best Cities and Small Towns in Northern Italy
My husband, Chris, and I have often found that it is easier to plan travel and day trips based around one city or town (usually a larger city with easy access to trains or rental cars).
I am a big fan of finding one place to stay for a number of nights rather than moving from place to place night after night.
So, I recommend that you plan a few days to explore the bigger tourist destinations when traveling in Italy and then venture out into the small towns in Northern Italy for day trips.
Start in Florence
As the capital city of Tuscany, Florence is a perfect place to begin your adventures in Italy. While a little more centrally located, it is great if you want to explore in any direction.
Noted for its significant art, cathedrals and monuments, Florence is the home to many world-famous museums and galleries. Most famous among those are the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell’Accademia which displays Michelangelo’s “David”.
Thousands of tourists flock to Florence each year to see the works of famous masters such as Michelangelo, da Vinci, Botticelli, Giotto, Raphael, and Titian.
Start in Rome
If you are using your hotel reward points to book your stay in Rome, you have a few options with the Hilton Honors Program. And if you are traveling as a family, you might want to consider the Hilton Garden Inn outside the city center. While this hotel is a little further away from the center of Rome and the main tourist sites, the appealing feature is the option for two adjoining rooms for a family stay.
Fortunately, as we arrived at the hotel, both of our rooms were ready. We happily dropped off our luggage, freshened up a bit, and unloaded our backpacks.
If you are spending a few days in Rome before exploring the best small towns in Northern Italy, you will want to make sure you visit these sites:
- Colosseum
- Forum & Palatine Hill
- Pantheon
- Obelisks
- Trevi Fountain
- Spanish Steps
- Markets
- St. Peter’s Square and Cathedral
- Vatican Museum
Start in Venice
Venice makes a perfect central location to base your day trips to the small towns in Northern Italy as well. As with Florence and Rome, you’ll surely want to spend a few days exploring this city.
I remember stepping off the bus and into the streets of Venice. Not only were the canals charming with gondolas gliding past guided by their striped gondoliers, but it felt as though I was stopping every minute to take another picture.
There is a reason why so many love to visit Venice.
I recommend spending a few days in Venice and then venturing outside of the city to discover the towns of Northern Italy! There are some pretty amazing day trips and small towns near in Italy near Venice.
Packing List for Visiting the Cities and Towns of Northern Italy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit the towns of Northern Italy?
The best travel months for Italy are May, June, September, and October. They are also the busiest and most expensive. If you prefer quieter travel experiences, the off-season months of April and November are great too.
How many days do you need to see the best small towns in Northern Italy?
Ideally, if you have between 10 and 14 days to visit towns in Northern Italy, you will be able to see many of the small towns listed in this guide and a few others as well. Being able to go off-the-beaten-path is the best way to explore Italy.
Is Italy expensive to visit?
An Italian itinerary does not have to cost you a lot of money. While there are places within the country that do have a reputation for being expensive, making smart choices about the small towns in Italy you visit can be done on a budget.
Should I visit the major cities of Italy?
Visiting the major tourist spots in Italy is essential as well. If you love art and Roman ruins, consider Rome and Florence. Milan is a fashion center of the world, so it makes a perfect destination for fashion lovers. If you want to try some of the best pizza in the world, see amazing landscapes and experience coastal charm, plan a visit to Naples and the Amalfi Coast.
What are some foods you should have every day while visiting some of the small towns in Italy?
Gelato, pizza, gelato, pasta and more gelato! In that order.
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Final Thoughts on the 15 Best Cities and Small Towns in Northern Italy
Aren’t these destinations simply some of the best cities and towns in Northern Italy? The pictures are amazing, and if you are like me, you just want to book the next flight to Italy. Pronto!
These towns of northern Italy make for a perfect visit whether you plan to arrive in the spring, summer, winter or fall…there are activities and adventures for everyone.
All of these small towns look so charming. I can see why you loved Varenna. I’ll be right back…I’m checking the flights to Italy! Thanks for a great post.
Right there with you. We are looking at Italy for the Fall. Fingers crossed!
I’ve always wanted to go Italy but have yet to get the chance. My mom has been 7 times, mostly to Rome, but also Florence and Venice and she speaks so fondly of her trips.
I think you need to tag along with your mom next time!
Aww this all sounds so amazing, I hope to go to Italy this summer so definitely saving! Thanks for sharing
I love northern Italy. There are a few towns here I haven’t visited so I appreciate the helpful information here. These towns are ultra-charming and peaceful.
Do you have a favorite town in Northern Italy?
They all seem like lovely towns. I find that quite interesting about the MILES of porticos in Bologna. I would love to start my Italian venture there simply for that fact.
It was a beautiful city. There was so much I didn’t get to see that I would love to go back.
Northern Italy sounds so wonderful. I can’t wait to start planning my Italy trip for next year. I’m thinking about visiting next fall. What do you think about that timeframe?
We have visited in the Fall and enjoyed having fewer crowds. If you are considering Northern Italy, you may have to plan for cooler temperatures.
So much to love about Northern Italy, especially some of the smaller towns to many to count… but my heart always takes me to the Dolomiti and family…just itching to get back there Varenna is now on my DO list it sounds divine.
I wanted to say Burano is my favorite but then I see the rest of the list and can’t choose anymore! So many great places in Italy ? Great article!
Great post! I have been to Florence and Rome. I love Florence because I took art history classes so it was great seeing stuff I learned about in person, but I only stayed 1 night and didn’t have time to go to Uffizi. I absolutely loved Rome as well. I really want to go back. I love Italian culture and food!
Florence definitely needs more than one day.
Varenna and the Dolomite town seem particularly attractive to me. They both look so quaint.I would love to explore the Lake Como area.
I wholeheartedly agree with your recommendation to have a ‘home base’ and take day trips out to the smaller towns. This saves so much time of packing/unpacking and changing hotels every day!
I’m dying to visit Northern Italy, so this post is really helpful! Verona looks especially interesting. Thank you for sharing 🙂
You’ve reminded me I need to make a return trip to Italy to explore more of these towns. The Dolomites are high on my list!
I have been to all besides Bologna. Now I want to go there too! Thanks for getting it on my radar.
I’d love to visit all these charming places. I have only been to Milan in northern Italy but would love to include smaller towns next time. Venice and the colourful Murano and Burano are high on my list!
Verona is the most gorgeous place <3 And I love the ties to Romeo and Juliet
No excuses needed. Just go!
Great post! Italy is a bucket list item for sure. I think my kids will finally be ready to tolerate the flight in a year or two. I am so excited.
This is a fantastic round up, the dolomites are now on my radar. I noticed flights to Rome from Chicago are competitive right now, thanks for more incentive to book!
Mine too!
This article makes it so hard to choose! All of the places sound excellent!
Just go see them all!
All the villages are so pretty and colourful! Varena and Cortina d’Ampezzo look absolutely gorgeous and I would love to visit them. And also see the famous glass blowing workshops of Murano.
They are all pretty awesome.
So many beautiful places to see! I can tell that when we visit Italy, we’re gonna need a month to see them. The covered walkways in Bologna were the most fascinating to me – living in the PNW, I already appreciate that kind of planning!
A month at a minimum.
Italy has the cutest small towns ever! I’ve been to Verona and Burano and loved both of them 🙂 Great recommendations!
I wholeheartedly agree!
Burano stole my heart. I could have stayed all day in this Crayola village on the water. This was a great post. I hope to be back to visit Italy in 2022.
I love the vividness of this “Crayola village on the water”!
What lovely Italian towns! I’ve been to a few of these but most of these are new! Adding them to my bucket list!
I know. I could spend the rest of my travel days exploring Italy.
I really like this list of Italian towns to visit. As an Italian, I advise you to visit my hometown Trieste. It is situated in the northeast, near the Slovenia border and it is a fabulous city.
I would love to be able to say, “As an Italian…”
Certainly a tourist draw! I sure loved it.
Oh, I hope that you can get back to Italy!
I enjoy visiting small towns more than bigger cities most of the time, so I love this list! I’d love to do a road trip and check out some of these while I’m next in Italy.
I’d love to visit all of these places, but Florence and Burano are so high on my travel list. I love Italy!!
Small towns in Italy are the best! So many hidden gems to discover, and each region has its unique beautiful places!
You are fortunate to be so close!
I love northern Italy. these small towns look so charming each region has its unique beautiful places I can not wait to visit Italy! Thanks For sharing this
What’s a wonderful guide post. You have mentioned everything that anyone would need to know before visiting Italy.
I am obsessed with travel in Italy. Every time I pledge to not book a trip to a new region in Italy, I break my promise. The good news is that there are still so many regions yet to explore.
I loved this blog. Next time I visit, I will have to explore more of the small cities. Just did Rome and Florence, but it was my first trip. There will be many trips to come. Thanks for the info
Very detailed post! Thanks!!
I love Italy and getting off the main sights is one of my favourite things. I also would like to add that Chioggia is even quieter and no less scenic than Murano and Burano. Great post, thank you for sharing!
I keep meaning to fit in a visit to Varenna, but haven’t made it yet. Hoping to add it in 2024.
Wow you have covered a lot in this post. So much to see and in do in Northern Italy. Very inspirational!
We were just in Italy last May (but did Rome and the coast), and now after reading this we have to go back to see the north!! I love how many little hidden gems there are in Italy. You could travel it your whole life and still discover new beautiful locales. Saving this guide for our next trip!
I love Northern Italy, Definitely a special spot in Italy.
I’d love to visit all 15 places on your list!
Northern Italy is just stunning isn’t it!? Out of these I am most in love with Cortina d’Ampezzo – I mean WOW look at those views!!
Wow – this post really makes me want to return! Such beautiful photos and great details for trip planning