Italy, the world-famous boot-shaped country, is famous for its exquisite cuisine, astounding Western culture, and famous monuments. It is known to be a country treasuring some of the most famous tourist attractions in the world.

If the picturesque towns, famous attractions, and rich history of Italy excite you, enroll in the best Italian-speaking course. At the same time, the article takes you on a tour of the most famous places in Italy to live in this year.

1. Famous Places to Live in Italy

1.1 Bologna, Northern Italy

Bologna is one of the most famous places in Italy to live, with its enchanting scenery and historic culture.

The place is filled with a young and vibrant population as it is the hub of some of the most renowned universities in Italy. If you are a student looking to study in Italy, Bologna will be your best decision.

Bologna is prominently known as the culinary capital of Italy, with a variety of cuisines like the mortadella, tagliatelle al ragu, Bologney, and tortellini. So you can enjoy the traditional Italian richness once you are here.

The city is not so big, so you get to enjoy a calm yet amazing lifestyle. The arcaded streets of Bologna are filled with shops, beautiful tourist attractions, budding musicians, and vibrant youth.

The top tourist attractions here are the Tower of Asinelli, Piazza Maggiore, and Basilica di San Petronio. It also consists of Palazzo del Podesta and the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. If you truly enjoy the Italian culture and stunning nightlife, Bologna is your dream place!

1.2. Abruzzo

Abruzzo, located in the center of Italy, is known as the greenest region of Europe, consisting of about 75% of its flora and fauna.

It is every nature lover’s secret getaway to enjoy the pure bliss of the scenic beauties of the world-renowned national parks, magnificent rolling hills, UNESCO world heritage sites, and sandy beaches along the Adriatic coastline.

Abruzzo is one of the most famous places in Italy to live in this year in terms of affordability. It is ranked to be one of the cheapest places and is often known as the ideal region to retire and live a peaceful budget life.

The best part of it is that the affordability does not mean the facilities are any less than spectacular. The charming villages of Abruzzo will undoubtedly steal your heart.

The top tourist attractions in Italy‘s Abruzzo are Gran Sasso d’Italia, Majella National Park, Monte Velino, Lake Campotosto and Ponte del Mare.

There is also a wide array of places that are lesser known and un-touristy, ranging from magnificent landscapes to incredible caves like the Dark Grotto.

Lastly, the best part of living in Abruzzo is undoubtedly the people who reside there. Abruzzese people are very welcoming and generous people who will make you feel at home.

1.3. Tuscany

Tuscany is a mind-blowing region of rolling hills, beautiful beaches, and scenic mountains. It is one of the most famous places to visit in Italy due to its historic and artistic relevance.

There are a lot of magnificent art museums like the Leonardo da Vinci Museum and the famous Uffizi Gallery in Florence. It is known to be the place where Renaissance art was born.

The Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence and the Piazza del Campo of Sienna is a very popular tourist attractions in Tuscany.

Florence is known to be the best place to stay in Tuscany for its historical monuments, scenic beauties, and, most importantly, the cost of living. There are places to stay in Florence which are suitable for every budget.

The next one of the famous places in Italy is the great Pisa. Pisa is well known for its world-famous Leaning Tower. It’s a good place to stay since the town is tiny and usually not filled with people. The tourists only stay about half a day to visit the Leaning Tower.

The common misconception about Pisa is that the only tourist attraction here is the magnificent leaning tower. There are a lot of hidden gems surrounding this ancient town which must be explored, like the old medieval buildings, oldest botanical gardens, and also the stunning nightlife.

One cannot simply ignore the people of Tuscany. They are very open-minded and generous people. If you love yourself some good wine and fresh air while being able to balance your work-personal life perfectly, make sure to consider this place.

1.4. Milan

Milan is prominently known as the Fashion Capital of Italy, conducting about two fashion shows a year that are celebrated all over the world.

The vibrant city is rich in fashion design, the most famous landmarks, and a great deal of culinary experiences.

The one thing that might attract you to Milan is its geographical proximity to many Italian cities.

There are amazing public transport systems that take you everywhere. You can even plan a day trip via train to the breathtaking Lake Como, which is a part of the great Italian lake district.

1.4.1 Lake Como

The specialty of Lake Como is its peaceful and marvelous laid-back surroundings. There is some or the other thing for everyone in Lake Como.

Lake Como is one of the most breathtaking places to visit in Italy. It is well known for its natural beauty and amazing hiking opportunities. Dont forget to enjoy a boat ride through the beautiful Lake Como.

The top tourist attractions of Milan are Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Monumental Cemetery, Santa Maria delle Grazie, and the breathtaking Cathedral Square.

Milan is a good place to live because of how low-key it is. Most Italians and other tourists do not appreciate Milan much because of how overrated it is for a city that does not have much to offer. Yes, the city does not have a lot of tourist attractions comparatively, but that makes Milan one of Italy’s best-kept secrets.

Only the Milanese people know the true beauty of Milan. It is one of the most famous places in Italy to live because of how less touristy it is. Ask a local to understand the hidden gems this beautiful city has to offer.

Stay in Milan to enjoy scrumptious traditional dishes like the Risotto alla Milanese and Panettone while living an organized and high-quality life with better job opportunities.

1.5. Napoli

Napoli, or Naples, located in southern Italy, is one of the most famous places in Italy to live in terms of desirability. It offers anything and everything you are looking for. The city is rich in history and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Naples is known to be one of the cheapest places to live and offers a wide variety of cuisine you can enjoy. It is only a few miles away from the magnificent Amalfi coast. An excellent public transport system supports the city. You can even travel to Blue Grotto via a ferry.

You will meet some of the best people in Naples. The Neapolitans are very friendly and easy-going. It will be a pleasant stay in Napoli once you are acquainted with the people there, who will help you explore the city better.

Naples is home to some of the best cuisines in the world. The lip-smacking Margherita Pizza originated in Naples. Make sure to visit the infamous Gino Sorbillo and L’antica Pizzeria da Michele to taste the BEST pizza in the world.

The best places to visit are the Naples National Archaeological Museum, Mount Vesuvius, Ovo Castle, Galleria Barbonica, Napoli Sotterranea, and the Royal Palace of Naples.

If you are looking for a place to live that fills your heart and does not empty your pockets, Naples is waiting for you!

1.6. Venice

Venice is one of Italy’s best places to visit, with its picturesque landmarks, stunning bridges, and magnificent gondola rides.

The place is prominently known as the floating city of Italy and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Though Venice is a very touristy place that is known to be overcrowded by tourists all day, it is still one of the most famous places in Italy to live. There is a large area for locals that is away from the touristy paths and allows the people to have a normal life.

There are a lot of absolutely amazing places to visit in Italy. The top tourist attraction is Saint Mark’s Basilica, which is a religious temple located in the Piazza San Marco. You can also take a boat tour or gondola ride from Traghetto Santa Maria del Giglio to explore the Grand Canal.

The best thing about this floating city is that it’s a hub for boaters. This ancient city is popular for its watersports, like kayaking, amazing biking trails, and extensive golf and baseball training. Venice is every sports lover’s favorite getaway.

If you learn how to navigate through the overcrowded places, find all the hidden gems of Venice, and love the occasional hustle and bustle this city has to offer. You can easily enjoy this lively place.

1.7. Rome

Rome, the capital city of Italy, is one of the most mesmerizing cities in the world. It is home to some of the world’s biggest historical treasures. If you are wealthy and love the hustles and bustles of touristy places, This beautiful city must be the best place for you.

Rome is one of the most famous places in Italy to live, with its historical artefacts, famous Italian landmarks, national museum, and picturesque natural beauty. The people of Rome are very friendly and welcoming.

Rome is known as a hub for food lovers. It is arguably one of THE best places to fill your tummy and soul. Some of the must-try dishes of Rome are The Rigatoni Carbonara, Bucatini Amatriciana, and the infamous Pizza Al Taglio.

One of the major attractions of this bustling city is the Roman Forum. The Roman Forum consists of ancient ruins of temples and monuments. Near to it is the world’s largest ancient Amphitheatre and one of the seven wonders of the world, The Roman Colosseum.

Another popular tourist attraction is the great Sistine Chapel of Vatican City, which is prominently known for its Roman Catholic church. Then comes the most iconic monument of Italy, The Pantheon.

It is known to be one of the most well-preserved iconic landmarks in the entire world, as it has still not been in ruins.

One must not leave Rome without visiting its major attraction, The Trevi fountain. The famous fountain located in the historic center is one of the best places to visit in Italy. Don’t forget to toss a coin to come back to this promising land again, as per the legendary myth!

1.8. Umbria

Umbria is one of the most famous places in Italy to live, as it is ranked as the 15th most livable place in Italy. It is your dream place to live if you love being surrounded by a sense of peacefulness and serenity of rural areas but also enjoy being in close proximity to the bigger cities.

Umbria is a region of spectacular hill towns with beautiful art galleries like the great Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria. It is a culturally authentic place with beautiful medieval towns on top of the hills.

The Green Heart of Italy is home to the best wine in the country. There are also a ton of outdoor activities to do in Umbria, like hunting for truffles, water rafting, cycling through the countryside, and exploring the Monte Cucco Regional Park.

The famous landmarks in Umbria are the Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi, Marmore Falls, Duomo di Orvieto, and Palazzo dei Priori.

1.9. Sicily

Sicily is one of the underrated beauties of Italy. It is one of the warmest places throughout the year and this entire island in the Mediterranean Sea is very densely populated.

Sicily is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy. The cost of living in Sicily is very affordable, which makes it one of the most famous places in Italy to live. The place is way less polluted compared to other big cities.

Even larger cities like Palermo, the capital city of Sicily, have apartments that are way cheaper than the average Italian cost of living. Palermo is the capital city of Sicily and it is prominently known to be rich in history, cultural diversity, and breathtaking architecture. It must be your go-to destination in Sicily to enjoy the authentic Sicilian cuisine.

Taormina is a town in Sicily that is located near the world-famous Mount Etna, which is known to be one of the most active volcanoes in the entire world. It is one of the most awe-inspiring destinations you must not miss. One of the must-visit places in Taormina is the Teatro Antico di Taormina, which is an ancient Greek theatre that is beloved all over the world.

Syracuse is another top place to visit in Sicily, famous for its ancient ruins of rich Greek and Roman history. The top attractions in Syracuse are the Island of Ortigia and the Cathedral of Syracuse.

The largest island of Italy must be on top of your travel list if you love to experience the rich archaeological sites and wonderful bounties of nature, like the pristine beaches and picturesque towns and villages.

1.10. Verona

Verona, popularly known as The City of Love, is one of the world-famous places in Italy, rich in history and culture.

It is one of the safest and most famous places in Italy to live because of its pristine nature, scrumptious food, low cost of living, and splendid architecture. There is an efficient public transport system, and the city itself is best explored on foot. So, you do not need to add to your expenses by owning a car.

The city is very close to the famous Lago di Garda, which is known to be the biggest lake in Italy.

One of the best places to visit in Verona is the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore, which became famous for two reasons. Firstly, because of its exquisite Romanian architecture and secondly, because this is the fictional location where Romeo and Juliet are said to be married in the famous play by Shakespeare.

You must visit the Madonna Verona Fountain, which is one of the most splendid monuments that depict the beauty of Verona.

This vibrant city also hosts an annual opera festival called the Arena di Verona Festival, which is admired all over the world. If you are visiting during the opera season, don’t forget to buy a ticket and witness a unique and beautiful experience.

Other major attractions in Verona are Juliet’s tomb, Castelvecchio Museum, Piazza Bra, Ponte Pietra, and Basilica di Santa Anastasia. If you love yourself a cozy, peaceful, and no-frill life, Verona is your dream place to be.

1.11. Turin

Turin is one of the most beautiful and famous places in Italy to live, which is situated at the foot of the beautiful Alps leaning towards the Mediterranean Sea. The city helps you live a carefree life aside from the usual hustles and bustles of neighboring cities like Milan.

Turin is an underrated paradise in Italy that many tourists often overlook. It is one of the best skiing destinations in Italy.

Though the city has fewer major attractions compared to other big cities, it is still one of the most uniquely famous places in Italy to live.

Once you reach Turin, you must not forget to visit the Mole Antonelliana. It is one of the most iconic landmarks of Turin. You get to see the tallest museum in the world, which is the National Cinema Museum, inside the magnificent Mole Antonelliana.

One cannot visit Turin and not attend the world-famous Juventus soccer match. Other major attractions in Turin are the great Egyptian Museum, The Shroud of Turin, Piazza Castello, and the Royal Palace of Turin.

Turin is a good place to live, having its own history and culture and a decent public transport system. If you love biking, you can opt for it too since Turin is a bike-friendly city.

1.12. Sardinia

Sardinia is one of the most famous places in Italy to live due to its low cost of living, picturesque and less polluted nature, amazing weather, great food, and even greater people.

The place is rich in Roman history, and it is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Italy to see amazing ancient monuments.

Sardinia is world famous for its marvelous sandy beaches, and it’s rated as the top beach holiday destination by travelers all around the world.

Cagliari, the capital city of Sardinia, is the most famous place in Italy to live. If you have children and frantically searching for a good place to live, Cagliari is the best place you could ever opt for. The quality of life is very high here, with amazing healthcare, a great number of schools, and public transport facilities.

Dorgali is a beautiful village in Sardinia surrounded by beautiful beaches and picturesque views. It is a wonderful place to live if you enjoy a laid-back lifestyle in a less touristy area surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Alghero is yet another city that is an unspoiled beauty well known for its seafood specialties, glorious vineyards, and home to some of the best sandy beaches.

Some of the best places to visit in Sardinia are the splendid Grotta di Nettuno, diving your way through the Nereo Cave, visiting the archaeological site of Nuraghe Palmavera, Capo Caccia, and the magnificent Cala Goloritzé.

Conclusion

Italy is a world-famous tourist destination, attracting millions of tourists each year to witness the splendid natural beauties and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

One must not call themselves a travel enthusiast and not visit Italy for its finest beauty.

There are a lot of famous places in Italy to live because they offer high-quality life with amazing infrastructures, efficient public transport systems, and some world-class culinary experiences that one must not miss at any cost.

Last Updated on July 11, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty