Italy is a country where you really want to visit ALL parts of it. It is rich with history which can be seen at every corner. It boasts some of the most beautiful architecture that’s been preserved since ancient times. In addition, its natural scenery is absolutely breathtaking. I am ITCHING to visit all corners from the Italian Alps to the Amalfi Coast. Unfortunately (but not unfortunately), for this trip, we visited Milan, Florence, and Rome!
Helpful Apps
Google Maps is common and accurate in Italy! It’s easy to use to get around and find things to do.
Uber is common in Italy although traveling by bus or train is accessible too. For most buses, you can also pay directly with your credit or debit card by scanning on the payment machine when entering and leaving. Traveling by train will usually require purchasing tickets.
Food
I won’t beat around the bush. I will be so honest and say that Italian dishes are a bit too heavy for me… It IS delicious and filling, but I can really only handle them in smaller portions. As someone who loves cheese, I realized maybe I don’t love cheese enough because unfortunately, the cheesy pasta dishes were too much to handle. Everyday, multiple times a day, we would have pasta and pizza– or some kind of variation of each. However, as an Asian whose heart and stomach will always reside with Asian cuisine, I had to eat at least one Asian meal a day. Why? Because if I didn’t, I would actually get very cranky and not feel like myself until I had a spicy Korean soup or chilli-infused Thai noodle or some sort of fried rice.
With that said, it is an absolute MUST to try Italian dishes! In Rome, they are known for their carbonara pasta because they make it with water instead of milk or cream! Supposedly, this gives it a lighter flavor than other carbonara dishes (but for me, it still felt extremely heavy). 
I also recommend the calzones which are folded pizzas! What a genius way to eat pizza comfortably as you walk around the city. Again, for me, I was able to only eat a few bites of this until I got really full and needed something else (like a spritzer) to balance out the heaviness of it.
If there is one restaurant that I highly recommend out of all places, it would be CiPasso in Rome. This restaurant is absolutely FANTASTIC! Unsurprisingly, it is also recommended by the Michelin Guide. The pasta here didn’t feel heavy and delicious appetizers were offered. I highly recommend the Truffle Crostini, which is a toasted bread with black truffle shaves on top of sheep cheese fondue, and the Lobster Linguine. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Activities
Truthfully, I wish I spent more time in Italy because there is so much to see and do! We spent about 3 days in Milan, 4 days in Florence, and 5 days in Rome. However, more time in Florence and Rome would’ve been better because of the vast museums and historical sites to visit!
- Millionaire Milan
In Milan, it is truly a shopper’s paradise. At The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest shopping gallery, you can find luxury shops all nestled inside the elegant galleria with its iconic window ceiling. If you’re not much of a shopper, the Duomo Museum is about a block away! This museum features works from renowned artists of the Renaissance period. As a caveat, visitors must be dressed modestly (i.e., shoulders and knees covered) in order to enter the museum! Overall, when I reminisce of Milan, I am reminded of opulence and grandeur.
2. Fabulous Florence
In Florence, there are so many museums, cathedrals, and palazzos to visit! The museums host historical paintings and sculptures from renowned artists of the Renaissance period. For example, the Academia Gallery is where Michaelangelo’s Statue of David resides. Since these museums are so popular, I highly recommend reserving tickets in advance! Otherwise, you’ll have to wait in line which can wrap around the entire city and easily eat up 2 or more hours of your day. If you weren’t able to get your hands on the tickets, there are other options that won’t require such a long wait (as of July 2023) such as visiting extravagant palazzos! I highly recommend Palazzo Pitti which is a palace once owned by the Medici family, an extremely wealthy and powerful family during the Renaissance period. Visiting these palazzos are just as interesting as the museums!
3. Revered Rome
Rome is a place that demands awe and attention. It is home to some of the most historic sites in THE WORLD. Of course, we all know about the Pantheon, Colosseum, and Forum; however, it is a completely different experience to go and witness these landmarks in-person! To sit in the Amphitheater where millions of Romans would cheer for gladiators or stand amidst the Forum where Romans would gather to debate and philosophize, is so humbling. Every inch of Rome showcases historic significance and magnificent design. Out of all the three cities that we visited, Rome is definitely a place to spend the most amount of time with all that it has to offer.
While in Rome, it is an absolute MUST to visit the Vatican City. Just a short distance from all of the archaeological sites, you’ll arrive at the main area where an obelisk is erected at the center. Take a moment to immerse yourself in the historicity that surrounds you; you can be mesmerized by the architecture and artwork of the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. However, since these are religious sites, please keep in mind to wear conservative clothing (as in shoulders and knees should be covered).
Scenery
All parts of Italy are absolutely beautiful. Given its popularity across the globe, the streets are constantly busy, and it’s common to see tour buses lining the streets. It is remarkable to see how the country managed to preserve pieces of its history so well! Whether they are regular buildings or impressive landmarks, the Renaissance period imprinted its everlasting effect which can be seen today with its grandiose size, impressive columns, and intricate details.
One region that left a particular mark on me is Florence. In Florence, River Arno runs through the city, and every building is colorful and enchanting. Multiple bridges are connected across the river. As you wander through the city, you’ll cross these bridges multiple times a day and every time feel a need to pause and absorb the breathtaking scenery. On the outskirts of town, there are stunning vineyards that weave through hills in the most vibrant green. I highly recommend going out to these vineyards if you can– they are easily accessible by bus! We opted for the Marchesi Antinori Vineyard, and it was absolutely astounding.
It’s hard to choose which part of Italy is the most appealing because each area has its own specialty and is incredibly beautiful in its own way. If you’re torn with where to go in Italy, I recommend asking yourself what you want to do here. If you’re looking for shopping and glamour, I recommend Milan. If you want to learn about history and art, I recommend Rome. If you prefer the beach, then perhaps you should head south to Amalfi Coast! If you want to drink wine, then there are a multitude of vineyards to choose from!
Lifestyle
I thoroughly enjoyed the Italian lifestyle! Life here seemed simple and peaceful. Most people were friendly and to themselves. Another common attitude I noticed was that of “I don’t give a f*ck” which honestly, I f*cked with. When going into grocery stores, the workers were nonchalant with a hint of disinterest. I honestly liked the straightforwardness and openness of Italians because it made me feel comfortable to also be candid and unreserved.