Italy, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and timeless style, is a fantastic holiday spot. Its cities are famous for their stunning architecture and exceptional cuisine. You could spend weeks wandering through the lively streets during the day and savoring mouth-watering food at night. To make sure you hit some of the best spots in Italy, consider these must-visit cities.

Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is filled with historical monuments, museums, and art galleries. It’s a city rich in culture, art, and impressive architecture. Florence is also significant in the fashion world and is home to many picturesque streets and grand squares, such as the Piazza della Republica in the city center, which is dotted with cafés and elegant palaces.

To have a smooth and enjoyable summer trip in Florence, keeping your belongings secure is key, especially considering the pickpocketing issues. A small, secure bag that straps to the front of your body or has anti-theft features is ideal. While you can find such bags at various luggage stores, they are often cheaper at factory outlets like Bags To Go. Florence can get quite hot and humid in the summer, so it’s important to carry essentials like sunglasses, sunscreen, an umbrella, a copy of your passport, money, and a phone.

Parma, located in the Emilia-Romagna region, is a city that blends nature, art, and history. Its cuisine is the pride of the entire Parma province, yet the city remains humble. Parma invites you to enjoy its charming streets by bike during the day and to relax with a glass of wine in the evening. It’s a city that maintains its charm and authenticity without boasting.

Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region and offers a mix of old and new. One side of Bologna showcases its elegance with grand theaters, trattorias, and fine dining establishments. The other side is more edgy and political, featuring graffitied piazzas and hosting the world’s oldest university. Bologna is a vibrant city that should not be overlooked.

Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is famous for its architecture, history, food, and culture. Located in the central Mediterranean, Sicily is known for its scorching summers. Palermo is perfect for those seeking adventure, with its bustling streets, aged buildings, numerous museums, and lively markets. The city’s residents are just as intriguing, often suspicious of outsiders and willing to bend the rules.

Some people focus on the downsides of traveling to Italy in the summer, like the heat and crowds. However, if you’re willing to embrace these aspects, exploring Italy during this season is a uniquely rewarding experience. Italy’s stylish and captivating cities have so much to offer. Plan to wander its warm streets and enjoy its vibrant evenings at least once in your lifetime.