With its bustling cities, jaw-dropping scenery and delicious food, Northern Italy is a must-visit destination. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff or a lover of fine wines, you’ll find plenty to keep you happy in this beautiful area.
Explore the Alpine regions of Trentino-Alto Adige or Piedmont, or stroll through vibrant cities in Veneto and Emilia-Romagna. Go sightseeing, indulge in authentic Italian food or simply soak up this incredible country’s culture.
Italy has so much to offer its visitors – let us show you! Keep reading to uncover 7 of the best things to do in Northern Italy.
1. Discover the Italian lakes: Como, Garda and Maggiore
Italy’s 3 largest lakes are surrounded by spectacular scenery, and you can find them all in the country’s northern reaches.
At Lake Garda, the largest of the three, you can try your hand at water sports like paddleboarding, sailing, or windsurfing. The historic town of Sirmione is a must-visit, with its medieval Scaliger Castle offering you panoramic views of the lake. Don’t miss the thermal baths or a stroll through the picturesque streets.
Lake Como is a hotspot for celebrity holiday homes, and you’ll quickly see why. Its shores are lined with elegant villas and gardens. Ride the ferry around the lake, stopping at waterfront towns like Bellagio and Varenna.
Lake Maggiore isn’t as popular as the 2 larger lakes, but its beauty speaks for itself. The lake straddles the Italy–Swiss border and has dramatic mountain landscapes.
There are some fantastic things you can do while staying at Lake Maggiore. Visit the Borromean Islands to see the impressive palace on Isola Bella.
Or take the Funivia cable car to the top of the Sasso del Ferro mountain. This mountaintop offers breathtaking walking routes and a restaurant with unforgettable mountain and lake views.
- Related: Most beautiful lakes in Switzerland
2. Taste world-class wine
If you’re a wine lover, you won’t want to miss a trip to Piedmont. This large region is the birthplace of two of Italy’s most prestigious wines, Barolo and Barbaresco. Its location in the foothills of the Alps means you can also enjoy spectacular views while tasting the region’s wines.
Piedmont’s perfect mix of rolling vineyards, charming villages and traditional wineries makes it an ideal spot for a wine-tasting getaway.
Meanwhile, Lake Garda is home to DOC vineyards that produce world-famous wines, such as Bardolino, Lugana, and Chiaretto. This region combines its Mediterranean climate with breathtaking lake scenery, making it a must-visit if you’re a wine enthusiast. Take a leisurely vineyard tour or indulge in tastings overlooking the sparkling waters of Garda.
Whether you’re sampling bold reds in Piedmont or crisp whites by Lake Garda, Italy’s northern wine regions promise an experience that will delight your senses.
3. Enjoy city sightseeing
Northern Italy is home to several elegant cities, such as Milan, Turin and Venice. These bustling urban centres combine art and history with modern life. So, you should definitely enjoy a city break to really bask in the culture of Northern Italy.
Milan
Milan is the fashion capital of Italy, which you’ll soon notice if you visit. Immerse yourself in Italian style by visiting the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II, the world’s oldest shopping mall. Browse the designer stores and sip an espresso at a trendy café.
Other iconic sights include the imposing Duomo di Milano, an impressive Gothic cathedral in the main square. Climb the steps up to the roof for sweeping city views.
Milan is also home to world-famous art, including Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper. You’ll find it in the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent. This is one of the best things to see in Northern Italy if you’re an art lover, so don’t miss it!
Turin
Turin is the capital of the Piedmont region. Grand piazzas and striking architecture fill the city centre, giving you a scenic backdrop for your sightseeing.
The Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento Italiano is a must-visit museum for anyone interested in modern history. You’ll learn about the formation of modern Italy as a country in the 1800s while exploring a gorgeous Baroque palace.
The Palazzo Reale is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former home of the Italian royal family. Walk through its lavish rooms and lush gardens, then stop in at the neighbouring Chapel of the Holy Shroud. Here, you can see the Shroud of Turin, a cloth thought to have been Jesus Christ’s burial wrapping
Venice
Venice, the capital of the Veneto region, is a place like no other. Its intricate network of canals and small islands has inspired poets and artists for centuries. Join their ranks by cruising the city’s waterways.
Take a vaporetto down the Grand Canal to admire the historic palaces and Renaissance churches that line the water. Or, if you’re after some romance, choose a gondola ride and soak up the sights at a slower pace.
Make sure you visit the iconic Saint Mark’s Square to see the Byzantine architecture of the Basilica di San Marco. Head inside the basilica to see the incredible gold-leaf mosaics. You can also visit an upstairs museum to get a closer look at the ancient bronze horse sculptures on the church’s front.
- Related: Northern Europe – Best places to go
4. Drive or hike through the Dolomites
The Dolomites are a mountain range in northeastern Italy, forming part of the Southern Alps. They stretch from the Adige river, just north of Lake Garda, to the Austrian border. Their dramatic peaks, shimmering lakes and vibrant meadows make them the perfect place if you enjoy outdoor activities.
Take a road trip through the mountains by following the Great Dolomites Road. You can stop at panoramic points to admire the view or enjoy a picnic. It's the ideal route for exploring at your own pace and spending cosy nights in Alpine villages.
For hikers, the Brenta Dolomites, located near Lake Garda, are a highlight. These mountains offer trails with dramatic views, rocky spires, and tranquil alpine settings. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, there’s something for everyone here.
Another must-visit area is the Aosta Valley, nestled in the northwestern Alps. Known for its snow-capped peaks and charming villages, this region is bursting with idyllic trails for nature lovers. You can hike past ancient castles and wildflower meadows and even spot Mont Blanc towering in the distance.
- Learn more about driving in the Alps in this travel guide
- Related: Must-see mountains in the Alps
5. Sample delicious local food
Italy is world-renowned for its food, and northern Italy offers endless opportunities to indulge in some of the country’s most famous flavours.
Taste the origins of Parmesan cheese and Parma ham by visiting traditional producers in the Emilia-Romagna region, where you can learn about their time-honoured production methods. Sample tangy balsamic vinegar at a local vinegar house, discovering why it’s a prized addition to Italian cuisine.
For pasta lovers, there’s nothing quite like rolling up your sleeves in a cooking class to make fresh tagliatelle or ravioli, paired with a rich ragù sauce. You’ll find plenty of workshops where chefs share their secrets for creating authentic dishes.
Market lovers can explore vibrant food markets filled with handmade gelato, fresh produce, and regional wines like Lambrusco. Or, take a guided food and wine tour to experience the best tastes of the area, all while soaking up the local culture.
Italy’s culinary delights make every meal an experience, and there’s no better way to connect with its heritage than through its iconic dishes.
- Discover more about food in the Alps in this guide
6. Hop across the border
It’s easy to cross the border into Switzerland or Austria from Northern Italy. In fact, it’s a fantastic way for you to see more of the Alps. You'll also encounter Swiss and Austrian culture in that part of the country.
One of the most popular day-trip destinations in Switzerland is Lugano. It’s about 75 kilometres (46 miles) from Milan, meaning you can easily go there and back in one day. Stroll through the pretty town centre, take photos of the mountain peaks and relax on the shore of Lake Lugano.
Over in Austria, Innsbruck is a must-see destination easily reachable from Trentino-Alto Adige. Explore the colourful old town with its iconic Golden Roof, and visit the Ambras Castle or the Imperial Palace. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the Nordkette cable car to enjoy panoramic views or go hiking along alpine trails.
7. Explore the Cinque Terre National Park
The Cinque Terre are a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Liguria, on Italy’s western coast.
You can visit this national park to discover its 5 picturesque villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Each village is full of brightly coloured buildings sprawling down steep cliffs overlooking the bright blue sea.
One of the best ways to take in the scenery is by walking the winding trails that connect the villages. Alternatively, you can take a boat trip between each village and soak up the views from the water.
Spend your days exploring, then relax in the evenings with a glass of wine and a plate of fresh seafood. This really is “la dolce vita”.
- Related: Amazing Europe itinerary ideas
Travel tips
Now you know what to do in Northern Italy, here are a few handy travel tips to help you plan the perfect trip.
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Hire a car. Public transport is good in cities, but hiring a car gives you more flexibility and the freedom to get out of urban areas. Plus, you can travel at your own pace and stop off wherever you like. Then, you can easily park on the outskirts and hop on a bus or tram to take you into the city centre.
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Learn a few Italian phrases. Many Italians speak English, particularly in hotels and restaurants. But it’s always a good idea to note down a few basic words to use during your holiday. Please, thank you, hello and goodbye are a good place to start!
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Visit popular sites early. Attractions like museums, churches and palaces can be busy at peak times. If you want to get some photos without many other people around, arrive first thing in the morning.
- Explore the best of Europe’s largest mountains on a self-drive tour of the Alps
- Related: Coolcation destinations to beat the summer heat
Experience Northern Italy with Nordic Visitor
There are so many incredible things to do in Northern Italy. Whether you want to go sightseeing in a beautiful city or enjoy a mountain road trip, there’s always something to discover.
Book a self-drive tour of Northern Italy with us and you’ll get advice from your own dedicated travel consultant. Based in the nearby Alps, they’ll organise your rental car, arrange your accommodation and provide you with a personalised itinerary. This way, you can relax and look forward to experiencing the best of the best.
Contact us and we'll plan the adventure of your dreams in Northern Italy.
