With its spectacular scenery, rich history, world class cuisine and sophisticated culture, it's easy to see why Northern Italy is such a popular holiday destination.
The best places to experience all of these elements coming together is in the cities of Northern Italy which are unlike any you will find elsewhere in the world. From fashion capitals and romantic waterways to elegant seaside resorts and historic university cities, the best cities to visit in Northern Italy each have their own distinctive character.
We challenged our Luxury Travel Specialist to come up with a list of the best cities to visit in Northern Italy which they feel best reflect these characteristics and provide the platform from which to enjoy the best possible Italian holiday experiences. Let's start off with a Northern Italian city that's never been out of fashion.
1. Milan
Often heralded as the fashion capital of the world, Milan is an excellent choice of holiday destination for travellers looking for a stylish city break filled with culture, shopping and culinary excellence. The city successfully combines centuries of history with a distinctly contemporary atmosphere, making it one of the best cities to visit in Northern Italy for almost any kind of traveller.
Milan's magnificent Duomo is an unmissable sight, with its intricate Gothic facade and spectacular rooftop offering panoramic views across the city. Nearby, the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the oldest shopping galleries in the world and home to luxury boutiques, restaurants and cafes. Here you'll find flagship stores from the likes of Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Armani and the original Prada boutique which first opened its doors here in 1913.
Art enthusiasts should also make time for Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, while football fans can explore the legendary San Siro Stadium. Milan is also an excellent base for exploring the Italian Lakes, making it particularly appealing to travellers who want to combine an Italian city break with scenic day trips.
2. Venice
Few destinations in the world can compete with the sheer romance of Venice. Built across a collection of islands in a lagoon, this extraordinary city is famous for its canals, historic architecture and atmospheric bridges, making it one of the most popular choices for couples looking for a romantic break
A gondola ride provides an iconic way to experience Venice, gliding through waterways that have served as the city's main thoroughfares for centuries. St Mark's Square, St Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace are among the city's essential sights, while crossing the Rialto Bridge offers another essential Venice holiday experience.
Beyond the major attractions, simply wandering through Venice's maze of narrow streets can be hugely rewarding. Here you can discover quiet squares, traditional bacari wine bars and artisan workshops away from the busiest areas.
Venice is an obvious choice for romantic getaways and honeymoons, but its extraordinary art, architecture and history also make it ideal for those looking for a cultural holiday experience.
3. Bologna
Often overlooked in favour of Italy's more famous destinations, Bologna is one of Northern Italy's hidden gems and a rewarding choice for holiday makers who want to experience authentic Italian culture and unsullied, classic Italian cuisine. Known as "La Dotta, La Rossa, La Grassa" (the learned, the red and the fat) Bologna is famous for its ancient university, distinctive red-hued architecture and extraordinary culinary heritage.
The city is famously home to the University of Bologna, founded in 1088 and widely regarded as the oldest university in the Western world. Its historic centre is filled with elegant piazzas, medieval towers and miles of distinctive covered porticoes.
Food is perhaps Bologna's greatest draw. As the capital of Emilia-Romagna, the city is associated with much-loved Italian specialities including tagliatelle al ragu, tortellini and mortadella. Foodies can explore traditional markets and dine at family-run trattorias to get a true taste of the region's celebrated cuisine.
Bologna is particularly well suited to foodies and culturally open minded travellers who want to discover a more authentic side of Italy away from the country's busier tourist hotspots..
4. Sanremo
For sunshine, glamour and a taste of the Italian Riviera, Sanremo provides a wonderfully different Northern Italian holiday experience. Located on the Ligurian coast close to the French border, this elegant seaside city has long attracted visitors with its mild climate, beautiful coastline and sophisticated culture.
Sanremo is renowned for its colourful historic quarter, La Pigna, where narrow lanes wind between traditional buildings and atmospheric squares. The city is also home to the impressive Sanremo Casino, while the coastal promenade and surrounding Mediterranean landscapes provide opportunities for scenic walks and cycling.
The destination's famous flower-growing heritage has earned it the nickname the "City of Flowers", while its annual Italian Song Festival has helped establish Sanremo as an important part of Italy's cultural calendar.
Sanremo is the perfect holiday destination for travellers seeking a more relaxed Italian holiday, particularly those who enjoy beautiful scenery, coastal dining and a slower pace of life. Its location also makes it possible to combine a stay here with visits to other destinations along the Italian and French Rivieras as part of a multi-centre holiday experience.
5. Turin
With its elegant Baroque architecture, grand boulevards and sophisticated cafe culture, Turin showcases a very different side of Northern Italy. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Italy, the city has a truly remarkable history and is particularly appealing to travellers interested in architecture, museums and gastronomy.
The Mole Antonelliana is Turin's most recognisable landmark and houses the National Cinema Museum, while the impressive Royal Palace provides a glimpse into the city's royal past. Turin is also home to the Egyptian Museum, considered one of the world's most important collections of ancient Egyptian artefacts.
Food and drink enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy too, with Turin regarded as the birthplace of gianduja chocolate and closely associated with vermouth. The city's historic family run cafes provide an atmospheric setting for sampling local specialities prepared using family recipes which have been perfected over generations.
Turin is ideal for couples, history buffs, foodies and travellers looking for a truly elegant city break with fewer crowds than some of Italy's more famous destinations. Its proximity to the Alps also makes it an appealing choice for those wanting to combine inner city culture with adrenaline fuelled mountainous adventures.
Discover the Best Cities to Visit in Northern Italy
From Milan's fashion and the romance of Venice, to Bologna's food scene and Turin's regal elegance, the best cities to visit in Northern Italy each have something exceptional and different to offer.
We know that everyone has their own ideas as to what constitutes the perfect holiday. That's why our Luxury Travel Specialists will spend time getting to know you and your requirements so they can put together a tailor made holiday package to a Northern Italian city that is perfect for your next escape. Contact our team today and start the exciting process of planning your next Italian getaway.