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 and Aosta, or stroll through vibrant cities in Veneto and Emilia-Romagna. Go sightseeing, indulge in mouth-watering food, or simply soak up this incredible Italian 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.
- Get inspired by these Northern Italy tours with itineraries designed by travel experts
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 Northern Italy. This large region is the birthplace to some of Italy’s most prestigious wines.
For instance, Lake Garda in Northern Italy is home to DOC vineyards that produce world-famous wines, such as Bardolino, Lugana, and Chiaretto. Here, the Mediterranean climate and breathtaking lake scenery combine to make this a must-visit if you’re a wine enthusiast. Take a leisurely vineyard tour or indulge in a glass or two overlooking the sparkling waters of Garda.
Piedmont is another great spot for a wine-tasting getaway. Think rolling vineyards, charming villages and traditional wineries. And its location in the foothills of the Alps means you can also enjoy spectacular views while sipping regional wines like Barolo and Barbaresco.
Whether you’re sampling bold reds or crisp whites, Italy’s northern wine regions promise an experience that will delight your senses.
3. Soak up culture in iconic cities
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, if you want to bask in the culture of Northern Italy, a city break is a must.
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: Best places to go in Northern Europe
4. Explore Italy's magnificent moutains
Northern Italy is an outdoor lover’s dream, packed with epic mountain landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and charming villages just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re cruising along scenic roads or hitting the trails, this region is full of surprises.
Take the wheel for a road trip where jaw-dropping views are waiting for you. Stop for a selfie at panoramic points, picnic by a shimmering lake, or enjoy a hearty lunch in a mountain village.
If it's hiking you're after, venture into the Brenta Dolomites from Lake Garda. Here, you'll find rugged peaks and peaceful alpine lakes. Or, head to the Aosta Valley for trails that lead past ancient castles and wildflower meadows. Plus, if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of Mont Blanc!
Other top spots for hiking are Lombardy and South Tyrol, but no matter where you go, Italy's mountains promise views that’ll take your breath away!
So, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, there are plenty of reasons to pack your hiking gear for a trip to Northern Italy.
- 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.
Visit traditional producers in the Emilia-Romagna region to taste Parmesan cheese and Parma ham and learn about their time-honoured production methods. Then, sample tangy balsamic vinegar at a local vinegar house and discover why it’s a prized addition to Italian cuisine.
For pasta lovers, there’s nothing quite like rolling up your sleeves at 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.
There are also countless vibrant food markets bursting 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
- Related: Best places to visit in Northern Italy
6. Delve into Roman history
Like the rest of Italy, the north is also a treasure trove for history lovers. The region is home to captivating sites such as well-preserved amphitheatres and Roman baths that bring the ancient world to life. Head here, and you’ll soon be immersed in the region’s fascinating past.
First up is the romantic city of Verona, which you might already know as the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. But did you know the city has an amphitheatre that rivals the Colosseum in Rome? Known as the Verona Arena, the Romans built this magnificent amphitheatre in the 1st century AD.
Amazingly well-preserved, it’s still used for grand opera performances and contemporary concerts. Imagine sitting under the stars for a live performance in this breathtaking venue. Check the event schedule ahead of your trip – you might catch a show that will make your visit even more unforgettable.
If relaxation is on your agenda, don’t miss Lake Garda’s Roman spas. The region’s natural hot springs were once a retreat for Roman elites.
Today, you can indulge in a spot of R&R at spa resorts on the lakeshore. It’s the perfect way to rejuvenate while connecting with history. Picture yourself soaking in warm, mineral-rich waters like the Romans did centuries ago.
Meanwhile, venture west to the Aosta Valley, and you’ll discover the Fort of Bard, an imposing fortress built on the site of ancient Roman fortifications. As you explore its towers and exhibitions, you’ll also be treated to stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Wherever you go, these Roman sites invite you to step back in time, experience the grandeur of the past, and create lasting memories.
7. Visit Switzerland or Austria on a day trip
It’s easy to hop across the border to Switzerland or Austria from Northern Italy. In fact, it’s a fantastic way for you to see more of the Alps. But you'll also encounter Swiss and Austrian influences in this part of Italy.
One of the most popular day-trip destinations in Switzerland is the lakeside city of Lugano. It’s about 75 kilometres (46 miles) from Milan, meaning you can easily head there and back in a day. Stroll through the pretty city centre, take photos of the mountain peaks and relax on the shores of Lake Lugano.
Meanwhile, Innsbruck is a must-see Austrian destination easily that's reachable from Trentino-Alto Adige. Check out the iconic Golden Roof in the colourful old town, and visit the Ambras Castle or the Imperial Palace. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the Nordkette cable car to enjoy panoramic views or hike alpine trails.
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
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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.
Choose a self-drive tour of Northern Italy and the Alps with us and a dedicated travel consultant will arrange your trip for you. Based in the nearby Alps, they’ll organise your rental car, book your accommodation and provide you with a personalised itinerary. This way, you can relax and look forward to experiencing the best of this unforgettable region.
Contact us and we'll plan the adventure of your dreams in Northern Italy.
