

For believers in the supernatural, the city of Rome is haunted by the ghosts of its long and often sordid history. From the phantoms of ancient gladiatorial combats said to wander the tunnels beneath the Colosseum to the tragic spectre of Beatrice Cenci, who is said to be visible crossing the Ponte Sant’Angelo carrying her severed head, phantoms from the many ages of Rome are said to populate the metropolis and its outskirts.
You’re finally going to cross Italy off your bucket list, but you’ve got limited vacation time. What are the most important things to do in Italy? Where do you even start? With a history that goes back to prehistoric times, the first-time traveller to Italy can be forgiven for feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ve gathered Italy’s not-to-miss attractions all in one place — from museums to fountains, cathedrals to cuisine.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by history when you visit Italy. Everywhere you go, there’s architecture dating back to Ancient Rome, centuries-old culinary traditions, and an almost infinite collection of historical works of art.
These are all wonderful things to see in Florence, but what about contemporary Florence? Everywhere you go, 21st century Italy is bustling around you. As a tourist, how do you tap into Italy’s dynamically evolving culture?
If you’re interested in lavish palaces, stunning cathedrals and churches, and spooky underground catacombs, we highly recommend devoting a few days to exploring Naples, Italy’s southern metropolis.
One of the oldest cities in the world to be consistently inhabited, Naples is a magical, though sometimes a bit chaotic, stop on your Italian adventure.
Read on for our expert tips on what to do in Naples, Italy.
History
1. Don’t miss Pompeii, Herculaneum and Paestum