You Cannot Miss These Places To Visit In Italy: Exploring Italy On A Self-Guided Tour

Oct 28, 2022

Last Updated on: Jul 7, 2025

Travel Guides

A lot of developments have again brought Italy tourism into the limelight. One of the best places to visit in Italy, Lake Como, now allows visitors to take home the most unique souvenirs. You can now carry back 100% pure canned air from this beautiful lake. 

ItalyComunica, a communication company, has started this initiative. Their Lake Como Air Cans have 400 ml of pure air from Lake Como and are now available at $11. 

“A luxurious souvenir, perfect for those who wish to rediscover the peace and elegance of this heavenly corner, sealed in a tin..”
 – ItalyComunica

Further, as you take this can of pure air home, you can open it and experience the tranquility of Lake Como. 

Along with Lake Como, there are many other places to visit in Italy. Of course, everyone knows about the capital city of Rome and the beautiful Venice. However, this time, I have curated some other hotspots in the country. 

Here Are The Four Best Places To Visit In Italy

A lot of people like to take themselves on Italy tours to try and see it all, but with so much to see, it’s not always possible in one trip.  But if you’re planning a trip to Italy, keep reading and discover all the best places that you should visit! 

Best Places To Visit In Italy

1. Florence

Florence

Florence is the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, and it is often said to be the home of some of the greatest art and architecture in the world. It’s often thought to be the birthplace of the Renaissance, so you can imagine just how glorious the art is.

Florence proves this by having one of the most famous art galleries ever, housing the Uffizi Gallery which contains pieces from classic artists like da Vinci, Raphael, and even Michelangelo! Florence is also a little bit slower-paced than other historical cities like Rome, allowing you to really soak in your surroundings without all the hustle and bustle.

If architecture is something you love to gaze at when visiting other countries, then Florence could be the answer to your dreams. With beautiful structures like the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, you’ll be blown away by just how beautiful this city really is. So, if you want to visit a place with just as much historical significance as Rome but without the tourists, head down to Florence. 

2. Verona

Verona

Fans of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” will have of course heard of the city of Verona, as it’s the setting for one of the greatest tragedies of all time. Verona itself may not be at the top of everyone’s list, but it definitely should be. It’s big enough that you can spend a whole day exploring, but it’s also small enough to feel like a walkable city.

Verona may be a modern city with lots of stunning restaurants to visit, but it also pays homage to the star-crossed lovers with a museum in a building named “Juliet’s House”. There you’ll find different outfits from movies and plays that have been performed throughout history and all sorts of historical artefacts from the time period of the play.

You can even get the perfect photo op on Juliet’s balcony and look longingly out onto the view of Verona and ask the question “Wherefore art thou Romeo?”. A little way down the road, there’s a small tomb that’s said to belong to Juliet as well, so you can pay your respects to the ill-fated lady.

Travel-wise, Verona’s train station is right in the centre and has links to all the surrounding cities, allowing you to make it a simple day trip on your itinerary. 

3. Praiano

Praiano

If you’re wanting that picturesque Italian experience, then Praiano could be your dream vacation. A small town situated on the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, you can enjoy gorgeous beach views and breathtaking architecture.

There’s the 15th-century church in the middle of the town called the Church of San Gennaro which showcases the best of the baroque architecture. The beach itself is absolutely amazing, with crystal blue waters and surrounded by rocky cliffs, you’ll be able to enjoy the sun and relax in the shade at the same time.

If you like an active vacation, then you might want to check out the Sentiero Degli Dei, or the Footpath of the Gods. This trail is 7km long and goes all the way from Praiano and up to Nocelle near Positano city.

However, you’ll need to be prepared for the staircase that awaits you at the start, as you’ll need to climb 1,900 steps! Praiano is one of the lesser-known areas of the Amalfi Coast, but that doesn’t mean it’s lesser than any of the other areas. So, make sure you add it to your holiday plans! 

4. Padua 

Padua

Finally, if you want to go somewhere that’s steeped in history and gives you a truly authentic Italian experience but without all the tourists of Venice, then Padua is the place for you. Padua, or Padova in Italian, is a small city that’s just outside of Venice.

Padua has a train station right in the centre that has a direct line to Venice, and all sorts of other places like Florence and Rome. This makes it a great place to stay without having to fall into the tourist traps of Venice and enjoy some tranquillity at the same time.

Padua has the second oldest university in the whole of Italy, which was founded in 1222! There’s also the Basilica of Saint Anthony who was a Portuguese Catholic Priest that passed away in 1231. The Basilica is visually stunning and has a museum that you can visit inside which is dedicated to the saint as well. There’s also a gorgeous outdoor area that’s brimming is history too. 

The Prato Della Valle which is the biggest square in the whole of Italy and has statues of Italy’s most renowned intellectuals. If you’re an avid foodie, then you want to head on over to Piazza Dei Signori. There you’ll find all sorts of authentic restaurants and proper Italian gelato too.

It’s also home to the Torre dell’Orologio or in English, the astronomical clock. This clock tower was built in 1430 and the clock face shows the different zodiac signs. It really is a magnificent sight to see, and it looks even better when you’re enjoying a plate of good food in the beautiful afternoon sun.  

Italy has some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only place with beauty. In fact, there are plenty of other cities and towns within Italy that could offer you even more than places like Venice!

This list just goes to show that you don’t have to only visit the tourist areas to get a real view of Italy. So, why not add some of these places to your list of places to visit? You’ll be blown away at how wonderful they all are, and you’ll find yourself wishing you were back there time and time again.

5. Lake Como

Lake Como

Located in the Lombardy region of Italy, Lake Como is one of the deepest lakes in Europe. It looks heavenly with the Bergamo Alps surrounding it, and you can see the reflections of snow-capped peaks in the water. 

Further, Lake Como looks different with changing seasons. In summer, you will find the lake surrounded by greens. In winter, of course, it’s all snowy and white as far as you can see. 

6. Pompeii, A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Pompeii A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Roman architectural site Pompeii is one of the most interesting places to visit in Italy. Such is its appeal that now managing tourism here is a challenge for the management.

The first Sunday of October in 2024 had around 36000 visitors to the park. However, from 15th November, the park authority is planning to limit the number of visitors to the park on a daily basis. 

Now, only 20000 people can visit Pompeii in a day. Further, you will need to pay an entry fee of €18 to visit Pompeii. 

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Arnab is a professional blogger, having an enormous interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, He carries out sharing sentient blogs.

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Jaffna Sri Lanka Travel Guide: Is Visiting Jaffna In Sri Lanka Worth It? 

BY  Sibashree Oct 24, 2025

You know what’s so special about visiting quaint and offbeat places? These are the places to make quirky and personal connections.  Jaffna has not been an exception. Let me share a story! It was exploring the Jaffna Public Market. An old lady jokingly refused to sell a tourist a kilo of dried fish. She said, “You don’t look like someone who appreciates the smell of sun-dried fish!” By the end, she laughed and gave him a small bundle for free. The whole thing was so warm. An old lady, who is probably talking to a person for the first time, is very cordial in her behavior. You will not get this shopping experience in any shopping mall or supermarket. Another highlight was when a priest offered me some sweets at the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil. There were hundreds of visitors, and I don’t know why he came up to me and offered the sweets. He said, “For you, even if you are a stranger, my blessings are for you!” I had tears in my eyes. 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Thus, the place got its name as Yalpanam or Yalpanapattinam, meaning the Port of the Iyre.  Furthermore, the historical evidence suggests that Tamil Presence here dates back to at least 300 B.C. Archaeological sites such as Pomparippu are a telltale of the Tamilian presence.  Jaffna was the capital of the Jaffna Kingdom in the medieval days before European colonization happened here.  Moreover, thanks to the Tamilian culture in Jaffna, in recent times, it has become a favorite destination of Indian travelers. A Tour and Travel World report suggests a 325% increase in the searches among Indian travelers.  Direct accessibility to Jaffna from various parts of South India via flights is another reason why Jaffna is so popular among Indian tourists.  You will get flights to Jaffna from cities such as Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Madurai, and Chennai.  Top 10 Unknown Cultural Things About Jaffna, Sri Lanka 1. Traditional Tamil musical performances during temple festivals.2. Unique Jaffna-style architecture in homes and temples.3. Palmyrah palm-based crafts and products.4. Indigenous Tamil martial arts demonstrations.5. Local storytelling traditions passed down orally.6. Community-led cultural tours and workshops.7. Traditional Tamil wedding customs.8. Seasonal harvest festivals like Thai Pongal.9. Local folklore and legends tied to historical sites.10. Ancient Tamil inscriptions found in temple ruins. Food Culture And Culinary Tours In Jaffna, Sri Lanka  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kandy Bites by Chef Ceylon (@kandy_bites_) Jaffna cuisine is known for its spicy flavors and unique Tamil dishes. Popular items include Jaffna crab curry, Kool (seafood soup), Odiyal Kool, and Palmyrah jaggery sweets.  Food tours in Jaffna offer cooking classes, market visits, and traditional meal experiences with local families. However, the traditional delicacies of Jaffna tell the stories of the tradition, history, and resilience of Northern Sri Lanka. In addition, Jaffna City, in recent times, has played an important part in changing the food trends of the country and ensuring a lesser reliance on expensive imports.  The increased use of Palmyrah jaggery, palmyrah flour, or even palmyrah vinegar, typical Jaffna ingredients, in Colombian food is an example of how Jaffna is emerging as a crucial destination in the country's food landscape.  Colombo, in fact, now has a Kaachai Varai or Jaffna Market from where seafood, spices, and other ingredients are sourced. This endeavor supports the local fishermen, farmers, and producers.  Moreover, Jaffna is an important location for hands-on culinary tours in northeastern Sri Lanka. For example, celebrated Australian chef Peter Kuruvita conducts a culinary tour in the northeast part of Sri Lanka, and Jaffna is one of the destinations.  On this tour, you will get to know about the art of cooking in clay pots over an open fire. Overall, getting familiar with the local food is one of the top cultural things to do in Jaffna Sri Lanka.  A 3-Day Culinary Tourism Itinerary In Jaffna View this post on Instagram A post shared by ALIYAA (@aliyaa_kl) It’s time to experience the eclectic nature of Jaffna food, where Tamilian, Muslim, and European influences have merged. Here is a 3-day culinary tourism itinerary in Jaffna.  DaysActivitiesDay 1• Arrival in Jaffna and checking in• Having Jaffna-style idiyappam with coconut sambol and mutton gravy• Exploring the Jaffna Market, a gold mine of dried fish and palmyrah jaggery, tamarind, and spices unique to the region.• Trying palm treacle sweets, vadai, and murukkuDay 2• Having Jaffna crab curry or nandu kool (crab soup) with red rice• Pairing the food with poriyal and rasamDay 3• Visit Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil and try nelli juice or Indian gooseberry drink• Booking an Airbnb or a local guide experience and learning to cook pittu, prawn curry, and other local delicacies If you want to extend your culinary tour in Jaffna, you can plan a day trip to Delft Island, where you will find the best coconut toddy and island-style seafood delicacies. Also, you can attend a palmyrah tapping demonstration or explore the northernmost markets in Point Pedro.  A 5-Day History-Focused Itinerary In Jaffna View this post on Instagram A post shared by VIEW LANKA TOURS (@viewlankatour) Mentioned in the ancient Tamil scripture as Naga Nadu, or the land of the Nagas, Jaffna has been ruled by the Pandya, Chola, and Rajarata kingdoms. Later, it also became a colony of the Portuguese and British.  Here are the historical places in Jaffna to see within a 5-day travel itinerary.  DaysActivitiesDay 1• Arrive in Jaffna from Colombo by car or train• Checking into the hotel• Breakfast with traditional Tamil food• Visiting the Jaffna Fort (1618)• Lunch• Visiting the Jaffna Public Library• Walking along the Jaffna Lagoon waterfront near the Dutch Fort AreaDay 2• Breakfast and a visit to Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil• Visiting the Minister’s House or Manthiri Manai• Lunch• A drive to Keerimalai Springs and Naguleswaram Temple• Return to Jaffna TownDay 3• Travel north to Dambakolapatuna Temple, at a distance of 35 km• Lunch and exploring Kankesanthurai• Visiting the 2000-year-old site of Kandarodai (Kadurugoda) Buddhist Monastery• Visiting the St. Mary’s CathedralDay 4• Taking an early ferry to Delft Island (Neduntheevu) from Kurikadduwan Jetty.• Visiting the Delft Fort (Portuguese-Dutch) ruins, Queen’s Tower lighthouse, and Baobab Tree• Spotting the wild ponies• Having local seafood for lunch• A ferry ride to Nainativu Island and spotting places like the Nagapooshani Amman Kovil and Nagadeepa Viharaya• Return to JaffnaDay 5• Breakfast and visiting the Chunnakam Market• Visiting the Jaffna Archaeological Museum• Visiting Point Pedro and attractions such as the Old lighthouse• Farewell dinner A 5-Day Cultural Itinerary In Jaffna Attending the Palmyrah workshop was a memorable event in my Jaffna tour. Also, Point Pedro, the northernmost part, offered the most culturally vivid experience. DaysActivitiesDay 1• Arrival in Jaffna• Exploring the Jaffna Public Library after breakfast• Walking through the Old Park• Exploring Jaffna Fort• Visiting Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil in the eveningDay 2• Visiting Point Pedro Market• Driving to the Palmyrah Handicraft Centre• Having a home-style Tamil Meal• Visiting Manthiri Manai (Minister’s Palace) and Sangilean Thoppu, believed to be the remains of the ancient Jaffna Kingdom’s royal complex.• Attending a Bharatanatyam or Naddu Koothu performanceDay 3• A ferry ride from Kurikadduwan Jetty to Nainativu Island (Nagadeepa)• Visiting Nagapooshani Amman Kovil (Hindu temple) and Nagadeepa Viharaya (Buddhist temple)• Trip to Delft Island (Neduntheevu)• Exploring colonial ruins: the Delft Fort, Queen’s Tower, and Baobab Tree• Ferry ride to JaffnaDay 4• Having kothu roti and Sombol for breakfast• Visiting St. Mary’s Cathedral and Ariyalai Hindu Temple• A visit to the Jaffna Archaeological Museum• Exploring the Chavakachcheri Heritage Houses• Taking part in a home-cooking demonstration with a local familyDay 5• Attending a Palmyrah workshop• Visiting the Kandarodai (Kadurugoda) Buddhist Monastery• Exploring Keerimalai Springs and Naguleswaram Temple• Seafood meal• Shopping in the afternoon Cultural Etiquettes For Foreign Tourists Tourists should dress modestly, especially when visiting the temples in Jaffna.  Shoes must be removed before entering religious sites.  Photography should be respectful, and permission should be sought when capturing images of locals or ceremonies. 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Jaffna Library Tragically destroyed in 1981, the newly built Jaffna Library stands as the symbol of resilience. It is one of the most revered libraries in Asia, and it was first built by the Jaffna Town Development Board on 1st January 1935.  It has a collection of 844 books, 30 magazines, and newspapers.  8. Nagadeepa Vihara View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thambu Illam~Hotel in Jaffna🌴 (@thambu_illam) Nagadeepa Vihara is the place where Lord Buddha visited for the second time. He also ended the dispute between two Naga Kings fighting over the ownership of an ornate throne.  Mahodara and Chulodara, these two Naga kings, became devoted followers of Lord Buddha.  9. Manthiri Manai View this post on Instagram A post shared by FOX Resorts (@foxresorts) Manthiri Manai, or the Minister’s Mansion, stands out thanks to its unique Indo-Islamic and European architecture. Located at a distance of just 1 km from Point Pedro, Manthiri Manai is an archaeologically protected site, and it is said to be the residence of the minister of the medieval Jaffna Kingdom.  How To Reach Jaffna, Sri Lanka? Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo is the gateway for Jaffna to the rest of the world. From there, you can take a flight to the Jaffna International Airport. Buses and trains are also available from Colombo to Jaffna.  I took the Jaffna train from Colombo Fort. The journey is scenic. However, I remember the 7-8-hour journey for the social experience. People are talking about cricket, sharing coconuts, or humming local tunes.  However, buses departing every 3-4 hours from Colombo to Jaffna are the cheapest option. The ticket price starts at around 1,348.26 Sri Lankan Rupee.  Top Hotels, Resorts, And Stays In Jaffna, Sri Lanka  1. Jetwing Jaffna – Centrally located with modern amenities and rooftop dining.2. North Gate by Jetwing – Offers luxury accommodations near the railway station.3. Subhas Hotel – Historic hotel with spacious rooms and traditional cuisine.4. Thambu Illam – Boutique guesthouse with cultural ambiance.5. Green Grass Hotel & Restaurant – Budget-friendly with local food options. 10 Sustainable And Ethical Travel Tips For Jaffna Sri Lanka 1. Support local businesses and artisans.2. Use refillable water bottles.3. Avoid single-use plastics.4. Respect cultural norms and dress modestly.5. Participate in community-led tours.6. Stay in eco-friendly accommodations.7. Minimize energy and water usage.8. Avoid disturbing wildlife.9. Learn basic Tamil phrases.10. Share positive travel experiences to promote responsible tourism. Jaffna Nightlife And Evening Activities The nightlife in Jaffna is about rejuvenation and introspection. This is the best time of the day to attend temple rituals, enjoy local dining experiences, and attend cultural performances.  Furthermore, Evening walks along the beach and exploring the markets are some delightful experiences in the evening. Best Seasons To Visit Jaffna, Sri Lanka The best time to visit Jaffna is from December to March. You must avoid the monsoon season from October to November due to heavy rains.  Festivals like Thai Pongal in January offer cultural immersion opportunities. Also, July-August is the month of the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple festival.  Budget And Affordability For A 7 Day Travel Vacation in Jaffna, Sri Lanka Jaffna is a budget-friendly destination. You will get diverse food, transportation, and accommodation options. The entry fees to the museums and cultural places are also quite reasonable.  Furthermore, the travel expenses will depend on the type of traveler. Here is a quick breakdown. Types of TravelerExpenses (Approximately)Solo Traveler$300–$400Couple$600–$800Family of 4$1000–$1200 Crime Rates And Safety Tips For Tourists Jaffna is a safe place to travel. The crime rate in different aspects is low to moderate, and here are some essential data (Source: Numbeo) related to crime in Jaffna.  Crime Index46.64Safety Index53.36Level of Crime50:00Armed Robbery35.71Things from Car Stolen46.43 Is Visiting An Off-Beat Location Like Jaffna Worth It? Yes, Jaffna is a must-visit destination to experience the rawness and cultural richness of Northern Sri Lanka. It is a budget-friendly destination with a Tamil origin and a colonial past.  Furthermore, food here is an extension of who the people are. Simple and soulful! Also, the Jaffna tells the story of human resilience and how it has survived a war-torn past! Jaffna Travel Guide: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Jaffna travel guide. 1. How Many Days Are Enough In Jaffna? Three to four days are enough if you want to explore the major cultural and historical sites. However, if you want to explore the local markets and have a deep cultural connection with the local people, you will need at least 5 to 7 days.  2. Which Part Of Sri Lanka Is Most Beautiful? I cannot pick any particular part of Sri Lanka as the most beautiful, as it has the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the other hand, Kandy, a significant religious hub, is a popular tourist destination.However, Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka stands out with its spiritual vibe, history, and cultural richness. It is a coastal destination with a diverse tourism profile. 3. What Language Is Spoken In Jaffna?  Tamil is spoken in Jaffna. However, it is a little different from the Tamil language spoken in India. The Tamil language here is heavily impacted by the Jaffna dialect.  Read Also: Luang Prabang Travel Guide: Why I Loved It? 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