If you’ve travelled to Italy before, you might have stayed in seaside resorts like Positano in the south, or Cinque Terre in the Italian Riviera. But what you might not know is that if you venture north, you’ll discover a different side to this diverse nation.
On a trip to Northern Italy, you’ll find immense natural landscapes, including Alpine peaks, vineyard-dotted hills, and glacial lakes. They provide epic backdrops to the countless medieval towns and scenic driving routes.
To help you figure out the best places to visit in Northern Italy, we’ve pulled together our top recommendations under 3 categories that the region is famed for. These are its culture-packed cities, tranquil lakes, and rugged mountain landscapes.
Bordering France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia, Italy’s north has influences from central Europe as well as the south. This means you’ll find a captivating blend of traditions, architecture and culture.
So whether you’re after a city break or want to relax on the shores of glittering lakes, read on to get inspiration for your dream Italian getaway.
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Bustling cities
If it’s world-class shopping, museums, and Roman ruins you’re looking for, look no further than these beautiful cities in Northern Italy.
1. Milan
Milan is Italy’s second-largest city. You probably know it as one of the “Big Four” fashion capitals, alongside London, Paris and New York. It’s got plenty to see and do besides shopping, with centuries-old monuments dotted throughout the modern city.
In the historic centre, you’ll be wowed by the dreamy spires of the Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral). You can even buy a ticket to climb up onto the cathedral’s roof for an amazing panoramic view of the city skyline.
There’s no shopping destination in the world like the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a lavish gallery beside the Duomo. It’s next to Quadrilatero della Moda, or the “Golden Quarter”, a commercial district that, combined with the Galleria, gives Milan its stylish reputation.
This non-stop city is also where you can experience world-leading opera and ballet by getting tickets to the Milan Opera House, nicknamed “La Scala”. And art history awaits you at Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper Museum, home to a masterpiece you might have heard of.
2. Verona
The romantic “fair Verona” of Shakespearean legend is a real place, and its colourful, classical beauty will transport you to another time. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the best places to visit if you’re a history buff.
Get up close and personal with some Roman ruins in the historic city centre. One of the most jaw-dropping sights is the Arena di Verona, an amphitheatre where gladiators used to battle. You can walk around the stands to see the fighting pit at all angles.
Of course, you’ll want to discover the sites made famous by the Bard’s greatest work. Head to the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore to see the over 1,000-year-old crypt where Romeo and Juliet’s doomed marriage was officiated.
A 30-minute stroll through the old town from here will take you to Juliet’s House. This medieval palace was once home to the real family who inspired the famous lover.
If all this Shakespeare has put you in the mood for romance, head to the Torre dei Lamberti, nicknamed the “Tower of Love”. Climb the 368 steps to be rewarded with views of this elegant city, and see if you don’t get inspired to write a play yourself.
3. Venice
No visit to Northern Italy is complete without spending time in the iconic “City of Canals”, Venice. This island destination in the Venetian Lagoon needs little introduction. Its beauty has inspired artists, poets, and filmmakers for centuries.
To get a feel for the history and allure of Venice, you’ll want to start in St Mark’s Square. This bustling gathering place features an elegant Basilica at one end and the gothic Doge’s Palace at the other. Their grand architecture and vibrant murals will give you a taste of the city’s artistic history.
After St Mark’s Square, the best thing to do in Venice is wander the maze of walkways and bridges over the canals which make it so special. The Grand Canal is the main waterway, best seen from the Rialto Bridge. But be sure to get off the beaten track and explore the lesser-known neighbourhoods too.
To experience the canals the way locals have for centuries, book a relaxing gondola ride. It's the perfect start or end to an evening out in the city.
4. Bergamo
Nestled at the foot of the Alps is a city made up of 2 districts. Once a Roman settlement, Bergamo grew over time into an Upper Town (“Citta Altà”) and Lower Town (“Città Bassa”). It’s a charming place to visit halfway between Italy’s mountains and countryside.
As you approach the city, you’ll spot the distinct skyline of the Città Alta. It’s best accessed by a funicular railway, which will take you up into the heart of the old town, protected by 14th-century walls. The medieval streets here will make you feel like you’re on a European film set.
Be sure to spend some time in Piazza Duomo to see its 3 churches, each with its own fascinating history and intricate architecture. Then relax with a tipple and some delicious local dishes in Piazza Vecchia, once a gathering place for people in Roman times.
5. Bologna
If you’re trying to find out where to go in Northern Italy for popular cuisine, this city should be top of your list. Capital of the prosperous Emilia Romagna region, you might know Bologna as the home of bolognese sauce.
As one of Italy’s oldest cities, it’s also well-known for its vast medieval town centre, nearly 1,000-year-old university, and rich musical culture. The city has many nicknames, including “the fat” (thanks to its food scene), “the towered” (referencing its old-town forts) and “the learned” (honouring its famous university).
Indulge in some delicious local dishes while you’re here, including cured pork, prosciutto ham, mortadella salami and, of course, the famous ragù dish itself. This is traditionally served with tagliatelle, so it's best not to ask for “spaghetti bolognese”!
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Sparkling lakes
Summer in Northern Italy means long sunny days, dining al fresco, and taking refreshing dips in turquoise lakes. In this region you'll find some of the largest waterways in Europe, so you could spend weeks exploring their scenic shores.
6. Lake Como
Lake Como is a favourite destination for travellers, movie stars and musicians from around the world. Its dream-like beauty and warm local hospitality are the definition of “la dolce vita”.
The lake is shaped like an upside-down “Y”, and at the centre, where the 3 arms meet, you’ll find enchanting places to stop. Menaggio, Tremezzo and Lenno are postcard-perfect villages, with pastel-coloured houses dotted along their waterfronts.
Perched on the lake’s southwest bay is the town of Como itself, made up of winding streets and bustling piazzas. From any of these settlements, you can join relaxing boat tours to explore more of the region. Or, try some adrenaline-pumping water sports like jet skiing.
Lake Como is in the Italian region of Lombardy, renowned for its delicious local food and drinks. Don’t leave without sampling the indulgent saffron risotto. And if you’re a wine drinker, you’ll find some of the world’s best offerings served at trattorias ("restaurants") here.
7. Lake Garda
If Como is the lake associated with luxury, Garda is the lake of adventure. This is because of its impressive variety of watersports, including kiteboarding, sailing and windsurfing. Plus, as Italy’s largest lake, you could spend weeks exploring its sun-drenched shores.
Take some time to village-hop, immersing yourself in northern Italian culture in the vibrant lakeside settlements. Here, you'll find scenic towns like Limone sul Garda, Gardone Riviera and Salo, with bustling town centres and centuries-old castles.
The southern shore of the lake is packed with attractions. In the town of Desenzano del Garda, you’ll come across Roman ruins and lively piazzas. Close by is Sirmione, a Roman spa town with amazing historical sites to enjoy alongside its relaxing thermal pools.
And, if you’re travelling with kids, be sure to spend an afternoon at Gardaland Resort, one of Europe’s most popular amusement parks.
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Towering mountains
The Alps are the largest mountain range in Europe. They stretch across 8 countries, including Italy, and link together the cultures, traditions and histories of many regions.
8. Aosta Valley
This Alpine valley borders France and Switzerland and is where you'll find some of Northern Italy’s most dramatic landscapes. In fact, it’s the highest region in the country, sharing parts of the iconic Matterhorn and Mont Blanc, Europe’s tallest peak.
As Italy’s least-populated region, the Aosta Valley has a remote and rugged feel to it. It’s best experienced on a leisurely road trip, with a stop in the compact city of Aosta. Here, you'll get a taste of Italian mountain life, surrounded by ancient Roman ruins.
9. Trentino-Alto Adige, also known as Südtirol (South Tyrol)
Take a drive through the spellbinding region of South Tyrol, which, despite the name, is part of Northern Italy. Close to the border of Switzerland, this mountainous district is known for its hybrid Italian-Germanic culture and vivid landscapes.
The capital of this region is the bustling town of Bolzano. Head to the local Museum of Archeology to see Ötzi the Iceman and look out for the towering Bolzano Cathedral.
A little further north is the resort town of Merano, where geothermal energy heats up indulgent spa waters. This is also the perfect place to explore hiking trails, with sweeping views of lush green hills and blue lakes.
South Tyrol is also where you’ll find the Reschen Pass, an epic road trip route connecting Austria and Italy. It takes you up and over the main chain of the Alps, with incredible views to soak up from behind the wheel.
10. Trento
Located in Trentino and nestled in the mountains is the quaint city of Trento. It’s a thriving medieval mountain town surrounded by natural beauty.
This Roman settlement sits at the heart of the Italian Alps, and its lively atmosphere is present all year round. Experience the bustle of life in Northern Italy, take in elegant architecture in the Piazza Duomo, and toss a coin in the Fountain of Neptune.
From Trento, you can also head to Riva del Garda on a day trip. This laid-back town is tucked between the northern end of Lake Garda and the striking Brenta Dolomites. One of the best things to do here is take a scenic walk to Cascate del Varone, a pair of thundering waterfalls.
11. Friuli Venezia Giulia
In northeast Italy, you should take a drive through the Friuli Venezia Julia region. Here, you'll peaks of the world-renowned Dolomites. Its capital, Trieste, is also a gateway to the glittering Adriatic Sea.
A compact, hilly destination, Friuli Venezia Giulia is renowned for its mountain-top resort towns. They’re well-known for skiing in the snowy winters, hiking trails in the summer, and scenic Alpine lakes, idyllic sun traps right into the autumn.
This is also where you can taste world-famous white wine from Italian-Slovenian vineyards. It's the perfect refreshment to enjoy on the laid-back Adriatic coast.
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Explore Northern Italy with Nordic Visitor
Now you’re well-acquainted with the top spots in Northern Italy, it’s time to plan your perfect trip!
Let one of Nordic Visitor’s local experts take care of all the logistics for you, so you can focus on the fun part – getting excited about your adventure. We’ll book your accommodation, local transport and activities, and get you set up with handy materials like maps and travel guides.
You can discover the delights of the Northern Italy and beyond at your own pace on these Alps self-drive trips. Or, join an expert guide and like-minded travellers on a small group tour.
Our team is based in the Alps, with travel consultants in Lucerne and Munich. This means we bring personalised recommendations, expert insight and top tips to all the trips we plan.
Step into a dreamy getaway and experience the striking beauty of Italy for yourself. Get in touch to start planning your Italian escape.
