Fun things to do in Italy are everywhere, and trust me—you’ll never be bored for a second. From pasta to piazzas, it’s a total dream.
The weather’s lovely, and the food? Even better. Every city has something magical, whether it's history, beaches, or gelato.
You can wander ruins or sip coffee in the sunshine. It’s the kind of place that makes every moment feel special.
Ultimately, one trip to Italy could never be enough if you want to explore all the country has to offer, but here are some of the main things you should do if you’re planning a trip to Italy soon.
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Go to the Opera
Italy is the birthplace of opera, so there’s no better place to visit if you’re a huge opera fan. For the best opera experience, you should visit the Roman arena in Verona.
The Verona Arena was built in 30AD and is still in use today, and it’s famous for its large-scale opera performances.
Make sure you book tickets for italy's opera events well in advance so you don’t miss out!
See the Colosseum in Rome
If you’re going to Rome, then you absolutely must visit the Colosseum.
This ancient amphitheatre was the site of gladiator fights during the Roman Empire, so if you love history, then this is a must-see.
Again, like the opera, you should book tickets in advance as this is an extremely popular tourist attraction.
Ride in a Gondola in Venice
This activity is a bit of a cliché, but it’s definitely worth doing if you’ve never been to Italy before.
Gliding along Venice’s Grand Canal in a gondola is a magical experience, especially if you do it at night when all of the lights are reflecting in the water.
Your gondolier can also point out the sights to you and talk to you about Venice, helping you immerse yourself in the culture.
Lake Como Boat Tour
Another boat tour option is to visit Lake Como and take a tour of this beautiful spot.
Lake Como is famous for its stunning scenery and breathtaking views, so this is the ideal destination for those who prefer exploring nature to going sightseeing in a city.
Visit Mount Etna
For nature lovers, Mount Etna is another must-see destination. Mount Etna is an active volcano located on the east coast of Sicily, and it’s in an almost constant state of activity.
If you’d like to get a closer look at Mount Etna, you can hike there, ride in a cable car, or even explore the cycling holiday experiences that take you right up its slopes as part of a guided tour
Ski in the Dolomites
On the other side of Italy, you’ll find the Dolomites. These mountains in northeastern Italy are a popular skiing destination, so if you’re an avid skier or you’d love to try out the sport for the first time, then you should add skiing in the Dolomites to your travel itinerary.
The Dolomiti Superski region boasts 15 ski resorts and 1,200 km of high-quality ski slopes.
You could never explore all that Italy has to offer in one trip, which is why it remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
If you’re overwhelmed by all the activities you could try, then add these ideas to your list to get inspiration for your next trip.
FAQ'S
If it’s your first trip to Italy, you honestly can’t go wrong with the classics. Rome, Florence, and Venice each have their own charm and totally different vibes.
Rome feels like walking through a giant, open-air museum with ancient ruins tucked between everyday shops and cafés. Florence is a dream if you love art, history, and those romantic Tuscan sunsets.
Venice feels like stepping into a fairy tale, with its winding canals and tiny bridges.
Each place has something special to offer, and you’ll find little moments of magic just wandering around, especially when you take time to sit with a gelato and people-watch like the locals do.
Absolutely—Italy is actually one of the most family-friendly countries I’ve ever experienced. Italians genuinely adore children, and you’ll notice that right away in how warmly your little ones are treated.
Restaurants usually welcome families with open arms, and many spots will go out of their way to accommodate kids without you even having to ask.
There are also so many fun, hands-on things to do, from riding gondolas in Venice to tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain in Rome.
Even museums often have family passes and child-focused tours. Plus, let’s be honest—pizza, pasta, and gelato? That’s basically the holy trinity of kid-approved food.
Nope, you don’t need to speak Italian fluently to have a great time, but learning a few basic phrases can definitely help and earn you some smiles along the way.
Most people working in tourism—especially in cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence—speak at least some English, and signs are often bilingual.
That said, smaller towns and villages might have less English spoken, so a translation app or phrasebook can be super helpful. Italians are generally really patient and friendly, so even if your Italian is just a heartfelt grazie or buongiorno, it’s appreciated.
Spring and fall are my personal favorites. The weather is lovely—not too hot or cold—and the crowds aren’t quite as intense as in the summer.
April to June and September to early October usually hit that sweet spot. Summer can be fun too, especially if you’re heading to the coast, but it does get very warm and busy, especially in touristy areas.
Winter is much quieter and a great time for exploring cities like Rome or Florence without the usual hustle and bustle. Just pack layers and comfy shoes because you’ll be walking a lot—and trust me, your feet will thank you for it!
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