To say Italy is my happy place would not be an exaggeration.
I’ve visited all 20 regions, most at least twice, and spend about five months a year there. As such a frequent visitor to the country, I am often asked, “What’s really worth seeing in Italy?”
It’s a valid question: There are some tourist attractions that never get old, even for people like me who have seen them dozens of times. Others, I’m not particularly rushing back to.
If you’re headed to la dolce vita and are seeking some guidance on which sights are worth it, here are three to include in your itinerary, and two to skip.
The Colosseum is a world wonder, and it’s an absolute must-see.
If you only have time for one attraction in Italy, make it the Colosseum. Just plan strategically to optimize your experience: Visiting in the early morning can help you beat the heat and avoid the crowds, especially in the summer.
I’d also recommend scheduling a tour ahead of time. If you aren’t interested in history, though, you might find the interior boring — in that case, you should still visit, but head there at night to catch a glimpse of the massive monument from the outside.
One of my favorite late-night strolls in Rome involves grabbing a gelato from Gelateria Dell’Angeletto while staring at the Colosseum’s arches.
Napoli Sotterranea is an underground history lesson.
Many tourists just get a glimpse of Naples while on their way to the Amalfi Coast. Don’t be that person, and get to know this beautifully misunderstood city by taking a tour of Napoli Sotterranea.
While about 130 feet below ground, you’ll find narrow historical caves dating back over 2,400 years. A tour — which is the best way to see the city underground — covers the city’s history through World War II.
You’ll even learn a myth or two about the corniciello, the “Italian horn” that is often worn as a necklace, and how some use it to ward off bad luck.
Visiting the Trulli of Alberobello is like wandering through a fairytale village.
Puglia has seen an influx of tourism in recent years.
Activities like boating through Polignano a Mare’s caves and marveling at Lecce’s Baroque architecture have made Puglia a hot spot for good reason. The trulli of Alberobello are one of the most popular things to see in the region — and still, very much worth it.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Alberobello’s trulli are cone-shaped houses made of limestone and provide a unique look into southern Italy’s history.
It’s believed that, centuries ago, the people of Alberobello built these houses because they were easy to dismantle — and, therefore, they were able to avoid paying property taxes.
Today, many trulli have been turned into bed and breakfasts, and visitors can sleep in one. Alberobello is a popular day trip from Bari, and although you can easily see the town in just a few hours, sleeping in a trullo is an experience well worth it if you have a night to spare.
On the other hand, the Trevi Fountain used to be one of my favorite sights in Rome … but it’s lost some charm.
As much as I understand the desire to recreate the iconic “Lizzie McGuire” shot — something I’ve personally done myself — the Trevi Fountain no longer feels like a must-visit spot in Italy to me.
The fountain is now enclosed by metal gates and regularly monitored by employees. If you want to get closer to the fountain during peak hours, you have to pay a 2-euro admission fee.
This admission fee was implemented in 2026 to help address overcrowding and better protect the historic structure. However, up to 400 people are still allowed within the small confines of the Trevi Fountain — meaning that, despite these regulations, it often still feels crowded.
If you do want to get close to the Trevi Fountain without the crowds and admission fee, I recommend stopping by during off-peak hours, such as 5 a.m. or 2 a.m. Or, you can view it from the street for free.
Cinque Terre can be enjoyable, but not on a day trip.
Many visitors to Florence take a day trip to Cinque Terre, a string of five villages in Italy’s Liguria region.
Although Cinque Terre — and Liguria itself, for that matter — are worthy of a visit, I believe that trying to tackle this as a day trip from Florence is pure foolishness. I’ve found that even the fastest journeys from Florence take about two hours by train or car.
Then, you’re trying to rush through five villages, each full of beaches, hikes, cliffs, and great restaurants.
It’s simply too much for a day, so if you want to visit Cinque Terre, choose one or two villages and spend some proper time there, instead.
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