What to see in Northern Italy

You will be spoiled for choice when deciding what to see in Northern Italy. This is a truly diverse area, with two coastal regions crowned by mountains. All of Italy is dotted with historic cities with wonderful museums, and the northern cities also display all their elegance. Many of these cities can be reached by plane and are perfect for continuing your vacation by car to discover the enchanting cities of the North. You might even be charmed by them and decide to stay longer!

Seven cities not to miss

Milan is one of the largest cities in Italy. It is a place rich in architectural beauty. The most famous building is the Duomo, which boasts an incredibly intricate facade and wonderful stained glass windows. Milan is a very elegant city and of great importance in the fashion world. It is the perfect place to buy tailored clothes or simply admire the shop windows. If you have time, visit the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology: set in a former monastery, it is considered one of the best science museums in the world.

Venice is like a Canaletto painting come to life. Stroll through the streets along the canals and don’t miss a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica and the large square outside, a perfect place to have a spritz or a coffee and watch the world go by. Other must-see places include the Grand Canal, the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Rialto Bridge.

Turin rivals Milan in elegance. It is a much smaller city, but its structure is decidedly charming, with large squares and always shaded arcades where you can shop or enjoy restaurants without worrying about the weather. It is also home to some of the best chocolates in the world. In Turin, you will also find an exceptional Egyptian Museum, while the city’s cathedral houses a controversial relic: the Shroud.

Bologna is also known as “the city of towers” due to the large number of historic towers that rise in the city. The Prendiparte Tower is considered one of the most beautiful. There are also many beautiful churches and squares, not to mention the extremely renowned gastronomy.

Genoa, overlooking the Ligurian Sea, is the sixth largest city in Italy and hosts a very busy port. It is a city with refined architecture and a prominent historical role. Explore the Maritime Museum and the Aquarium to discover marine life and the history of the port!

Trieste, near the border with Slovenia, offers a truly multicultural atmosphere. Explore the port and take a stroll along the Molo Audace, a 300-meter walk stretching out to sea. Like Venice, Trieste also has a Grand Canal, although in its case it dates back only to the 18th century. The city also hosts Roman ruins, castles, and numerous churches.

The most important attraction of Verona is the Arena, a Roman amphitheater still in use for large opera performances (and not for gladiator fights!). The city also boasts a fascinating cathedral and many elegant squares. From here, the journey to Lake Garda, one of the most beautiful destinations in Italy, is really short.

The lakes

In addition to the many wonderful cities, Northern Italy is dotted with a series of lakes surrounded by spectacular landscapes. First of all, there is Lake Garda, with crystal-clear waters for swimming and sailing. Lake Como opens onto the Alps and is surrounded by elegant villas. These are the most famous lakes, but the others are also definitely interesting. Lake Iseo offers a medieval castle with a wine cellar: the Castle of Grumello. Here, you can also fish and rent boats. Lake Lugano is a mix of Swiss and Italian culture and hosts many events, such as the chamber music festival. Lake Maggiore is also a mix of Swiss and Italian culture and is famous for swimming and bungee jumping. Moreover, its Isola Madre offers spectacular gardens. In this area, the gastronomic offer is unique, with artisanal gorgonzola, local honeys, and fruit bread. Lake Orta is known for its hiking trails, including the one leading to Mount Santo, a UNESCO site with twenty chapels. The lake is lined with charming villages, an ideal area for a romantic vacation. Lake Varese offers a nature reserve, Palude Brabbia, ideal for those who love bird watching, water chestnuts, and water lilies.

Skiing

Last but not least, Northern Italy is a paradise for winter sports. Val Gardena is considered the best resort, both for beginners and world stars. Madonna di Campiglio is another famous location for this sport, illuminated at night to allow for night skiing. But the options don’t stop there: you can also go on snowshoe hikes or dog sledding! Plan de Corones, in South Tyrol, is perfect for families because it will satisfy all different types of customers. Other ski resorts offering high-quality services are Zermatt (Italian Switzerland) and Alpe di Siusi.