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What to See in Northern Italy

Northern Italy is so unique from the central and southern part of the state in many ways. From the food to the culture, it’s a unique experience.

Often travelers will opt to visit Switzerland and Northern Italy together since they’re just a short train ride from one another. You can of course also visit Northern Italy on its own, or during a tour of the entire country.

Regardless of how you’re planning to tackle your trip to Northern Italy, here are some areas and features you should try to check out while you’re there:

 

Milan

Milan

Milan

Milan is, of course, one of the most well-known of the Northern Italy cities. In Milan, you’re going to get a very different experience than what you’ll find in Switzerland or most of the rest of Northern Italy.

You’ll find fashionable and cosmopolitan areas where there’s a lot of hustle and bustle, but also beautiful landmarks including the Duomo, which is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world.

When you’re here, along with sightseeing, make sure you do some shopping.

 

source: sowhymorocco.wordpress.com

source: sowhymorocco.wordpress.com

Portofino

Portofino is full of picturesque charm and waterside scenery. You’ll love the colorful rows of waterfront homes in this town, situated on the Italian Riviera. There’s great shopping and always plenty of yachts docked here, adding to the visual excitement of the area.

You can also make the short hike to Castello Brown.

 

Village of Manarola

Village of Manarola

Cinque Terre

This is regarded as one of Italy’s most beautiful cities, but it can go under the radar when travelers are selecting Italian locales.

The towns in the Cinque Terre region are built along hillsides, with cliff views of the Mediterranean. Between the green of the surrounding hills and the blue of the ocean, the scenery is something that’s difficult to rival anywhere else.

Plan to do lots of walking in Cinque Terre, since cars aren’t allowed in many of the areas.

 

Verona

Verona

Verona

Enjoy Shakespearean romance with a visit to Verona, the setting of Romeo and Juliet. Verona is filled with Roman-era architecture and medieval structures.

It also tends to be a less crowded city than some of the other popular Italian locales.

 

Lugano Lake

Lugano Lake

Ticino and Lugano

Bellinzona is the capital of Ticino, and it makes an excellent place to add to your Northern Italy itinerary. There are three mountains you can hike in this area, and the Lugano promenade offers plenty of museums and culture to soak up during your visit.

The local fare is also great here, featuring lots of roasted game meats.

 

Lake Como

Lake Como

Bellagio and Lake Como

During your visit to Lake Como, you may run into George Clooney or one of his celebrity friends. Even if you don’t, that’s okay because the scenery is impressive without a star sighting.

Bellagio is known for its cobblestone streets and abundance of charm, as well as a selection of lakeside restaurants.

You can take a ferry ride while you’re in the area, to see impressive homes and get a full view of the lake.