Italy is one of Europe’s most desirable holiday destinations all year round. Truly, there isn’t a bad time to visit.
However, as autumn rolls around, you have the opportunity to see this spectacular country in a different light. As the summer crowds disperse, Italy’s beauty comes to the fore.
If you love the warm hues of fall, you’ll want to visit some of Italy’s most beautiful cities during this time. So, here are some must-see destinations in Italy in autumn.
Rome
Rome is a fascinating place to visit at any time of the year, but in autumn it transforms into a feast for the senses.
With cooler temperatures and fewer tourists, you can take your time to explore historical sites more comfortably. The city’s ancient ruins, such as the Colosseum and Roman Forum, take on a magical quality under the soft autumn light.
And with shorter lines, it’s an ideal time to admire masterpieces like The Vatican Museums or the Sistine Chapel.
Wandering through the cobbled streets of Trastevere, you can pop into an authentic, family-run trattoria (restaurant) to savor dishes made with the simplest, freshest ingredients.
From sourdough bruschetta to a wide variety of pastas, wild meats and rich desserts – best paired with a hearty Italian wine – most visitors agree that eating in Rome is a bucket-list experience.
Make sure to also visit the Villa Borghese Gardens. This green haven in central Rome is home to temples, ponds, fountains, and the Silvano Toti Globe Theatre – a replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London.
Rome comes to life throughout October with its annual film festival. You’ll find international cinema experiences, with screenings, masterclasses and discussions hosted throughout the city.
The Film Fest is usually centered in the Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone, but each year more venues join the celebrations.
Florence
If you find yourself in Italy at this time of year, a trip to Florence is a must.
The birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence is home to grand museums and masterpieces that show how the advancement of art, science, architecture, and commerce have helped shape the world as we know it today.
As tourist numbers drop off after the summer rush, you can enjoy a more intimate and slower-paced experience. If you’re an art lover, be sure to add the Uffizi Gallery to your itinerary, home to works by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
For stunning views of the Arno River framed by autumn foliage, head to Ponte Vecchio – an iconic bridge which was the first of its kind to be built in the Western world. Allegedly completed by Taddeo Gaddi in 1345, this impressive structure features an array of jewelry, art and souvenir shops.
Historically, couples would add a padlock to the bridge and throw the keys into the river as a symbol of their love – however, this practice is no longer allowed.
If you’re looking for the best patisseries and coffee shops, visit Piazza della Signoria. This historic square has been the political center of Florence since the 13th century, but today it’s teeming with charming cafés where you can chat, unwind, and watch the world go by.
Milan
Milan is the perfect destination for those who want to pair culture with shopping. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a beautiful building that’s packed with high-end fashion stores.
After a little (or a lot) of retail therapy, climb to the rooftop of Duomo di Milano for breathtaking views of Milan, with the majestic skyline of the Alps as your backdrop.
This incredible cathedral features over 135 spires and 3,400 statues, gargoyles and figures in multiple architectural styles, including Romanticism, Gothic Revival, Gothic and Flamboyant.
The best times to visit are in the early morning or evening.
Milan also boasts plenty of rich cultural experiences. At the Brera Art Gallery, you can discover an impressive collection of Italian and foreign art from the 13th to the 20th century, including works by Raphael and Caravaggio.
Set in the vast Palazzo di Brera, this treasure trove of art is surrounded by the Braidense National Library, a botanical garden, the Lombard Institute of Sciences and Letters, and the Brera Observatory.
Italy in autumn is ideal for fun and festivities, and Milan is no exception. Between October and November, you can attend the Milan Jazz Festival, also known as Jazzmi, where the city’s musical heritage takes the limelight with performances by renowned artists from all over the world.
