Is Northern Italy worth visiting?
YESSSSS.
Honestly, I think Northern Italy is one of the most underrated parts of Italy.
And I say that as someone who has travelled to quite a few different parts of Italy.
When people think about an Italy trip, they often immediately think of Rome, the Amalfi Coast, Positano, Florence or Sicily.
And yes, those places are amazing.
But pleaseeeee don’t forget about Northern Italy.
Because if you ask me, there are SO many reasons why you should go north.
We’re talking huge mountains, beautiful lakes, ski resorts, colourful towns, incredible cities, beaches, amazing food, beautiful architecture, easy transport, road trips, backpacking, nightlife and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the entire country.
And the best part?
A lot of it is actually really easy to combine.
You can wake up in Milan, have lunch at Lake Como, take a train to another city and be somewhere completely different the next day.
Or rent a car and drive through the mountains and lakes.
Or backpack around by train and stay in hostels along the way.
Northern Italy just works.
So, is Northern Italy worth visiting?
YES.
But obviously, there are a few things I think you should know before you go.
So, Is Northern Italy Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
If you’re planning a trip to Italy and you’re deciding between Northern Italy and the more famous destinations in the south, I genuinely think Northern Italy deserves your attention.
What I love most is the combination of landscapes and experiences.
You don’t just get one type of Italy here.
You get cities.
You get lakes.
You get mountains.
You get beaches.
You get ski resorts.
You get countryside.
You get beautiful little villages.
And you get that very Italian food and aperitivo culture everywhere in between.
I’ve travelled through different parts of Northern Italy multiple times, sometimes with family, sometimes with friends and sometimes solo, and every trip has given me a different reason to come back.
And honestly?
I still don’t feel like I’ve seen everything.
Northern Italy Has Some INSANE Nature
This is probably my biggest reason for saying yes.
The nature in Northern Italy is absolutely ridiculous.
And honestly, sometimes I think it is even more beautiful than Southern Italy.
There.
I said it.
Everyone talks about the Amalfi Coast and the beautiful beaches in the south, but Northern Italy has a completely different kind of beauty.
You have the Italian Alps.
You have the Dolomites.
You have Lake Como.
Lake Garda.
Lake Maggiore.
Mountain villages.
Green valleys.
Snowy peaks.
Hiking trails.
Waterfalls.
And little towns sitting right between mountains and lakes.
It doesn’t even look real sometimes.
You know those Pinterest boards where every photo is some perfect European mountain village with a lake in the background?
Yeah.
Northern Italy actually looks like that.
The Italian Lakes Are SO Beautiful
If you’ve never been to Northern Italy before, the lakes are one of the biggest reasons I’d recommend going.
Lake Como is obviously the famous one, and yes, it is popular for a reason.
Places like Como, Bellagio and Varenna are ridiculously beautiful.
You get colourful villages, old villas, mountains surrounding the water and boats moving between the different towns.
It’s basically Pinterest in real life.
But Lake Como isn’t the only option.
You also have Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore, and they all have slightly different atmospheres.
I actually love that you can build an entire trip around the lakes if that’s what you’re into.
You can slow down, sit by the water, take ferries between towns, eat good food and just enjoy the scenery.
And sometimes that’s exactly what you need from a trip.
Not another packed itinerary.
Just a lake and an Aperol.
And Then You Have the Mountains
If you’re more of a mountain person, Northern Italy is even better.
The Dolomites are probably the obvious example.
They’re absolutely insane if you love hiking, dramatic landscapes and being outdoors.
And in winter, Northern Italy turns into a completely different destination.
There are ski resorts all over the north, so you can come here in summer for hiking and lakes or in winter for skiing and snow.
That makes Northern Italy a destination you can realistically return to in completely different seasons and have an entirely different trip.
And honestly, I love that.
Northern Italy Is Great for a Road Trip
Another massive reason I think Northern Italy is worth visiting?
ROAD TRIP.
It is such a good region for one.
Especially if you want to combine lakes, mountains, smaller towns and countryside.
You can rent a car and have much more freedom to stop wherever you want, take scenic roads and visit places that aren’t as easy to reach by public transport.
Imagine driving through the mountains with an Italian playlist on, stopping at a little village for lunch and then ending the day next to a lake.
Tell me that doesn’t sound good.
Because I want to go back immediately.
That being said, you don’t need a car.
And that’s one of the things I love about Northern Italy.
You Can Easily Travel Around Without a Car
Northern Italy is also amazing for backpacking or travelling by public transport.
I’ve travelled around mainly using trains and buses, and a lot of the major destinations are surprisingly easy to connect.
Milan is a particularly convenient starting point.
You can fly into Milan and then use it as your jumping-off point for so many different places.
Lake Como?
Easy.
Turin?
Easy.
Genoa?
Easy.
Verona?
Easy.
Florence?
Easy.
Venice?
Easy.
And from there you can keep travelling further.
My own Northern Italy route included places such as Milan, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Turin, Genoa, Florence, Verona and Venice, which is exactly why I think the region works so well for a multi-stop trip.
You don’t necessarily need to rent a car or spend half your holiday travelling between airports.
Trains and buses can take you a long way.
Milan Is a Great Gateway
Milan itself isn’t my favourite Italian city.
I’ll just be honest about that.
But as a starting point for Northern Italy?
SO convenient.
Flights into Milan can often be relatively affordable, and once you’re there, you have a ridiculous number of options for where to go next.
You could head towards the lakes.
Go west to Turin.
Go south towards Genoa.
Or continue east towards Verona and Venice.
That makes Milan a really practical entry point even if you don’t fall in love with the city itself.
And personally, I’d rather spend my time exploring the places around Milan that I love more.
Northern Italy Is Perfect for Backpackers
I also think Northern Italy is a really underrated backpacking destination.
You might not immediately associate Italy with backpacking in the same way you do Southeast Asia or Australia.
But it can be SO much fun.
Especially if you stay in hostels.
There are lots of young travellers moving between the major cities and tourist destinations, which makes it relatively easy to meet people if you’re travelling solo.
I also found Northern Italy quite social when I travelled during the busier months.
You can easily end up meeting someone in a hostel in Milan and then suddenly you’re travelling together to Lake Como.
Or you meet people in Genoa and end up doing a day trip together.
That spontaneous side of travelling is one of my favourite things.
And Northern Italy works really well for it because there are so many places close enough together to change your plans as you go.
You Get SO Many Different Atmospheres
Another reason I love Northern Italy is that the destinations don’t all feel the same.
Milan feels modern, fashionable and busy.
Turin feels more relaxed and local.
Lake Como feels romantic and luxurious.
Genoa feels more gritty and coastal.
Florence feels historic and touristy.
Verona feels smaller and more romantic.
Venice is…
Well.
Venice is Venice.
And then you can completely change the atmosphere again by heading into the mountains.
That’s a lot of variety for one part of a country.
You can literally have completely different experiences within the same trip.
Northern Italy Is Great for Food Too
Obviously.
We’re still in Italy.
You cannot escape good food.
And honestly, one of the best things about travelling through Northern Italy is being able to eat your way through different regions.
Pizza, pasta, risotto, focaccia, gelato, cheese, wine…
And then there is aperitivo.
Because what would an Italian trip be without sitting outside with a drink and some snacks?
Northern Italy does this very well.
You can spend a day exploring a city, sit down for an Aperol in the late afternoon and suddenly realise you’ve been sitting there for two hours.
And I support that lifestyle completely.
It’s Also Surprisingly Easy to Combine With Other Countries
This is another thing I think people forget.
Northern Italy is really well positioned if you want to combine Italy with another European country.
You’re right up near the Alps and close to countries such as France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia.
So if you’re planning a longer European trip, Northern Italy can fit into your route really easily.
You could, for example, combine Northern Italy with Switzerland.
Or head towards France.
Or travel into Austria.
Or continue east towards Slovenia.
That makes it particularly good for backpackers and people doing longer European trips.
You don’t necessarily have to fly between every country.
You can actually travel overland and make the journey part of the trip.
Northern Italy Is Beautiful Without Feeling Like One Giant Attraction
Something else I really like is that Northern Italy doesn’t have to be about ticking off famous sights.
Of course, you can visit the Duomo in Milan, the Arena in Verona, the canals of Venice or the famous villages of Lake Como.
But you can also just…
Wander.
Find a random café.
Sit by a lake.
Take a train somewhere because it looks interesting.
Go for a hike.
Have an aperitivo.
Get lost in a little town.
And that is often when I have my favourite travel days.
Not when I have ten things planned.
But… Northern Italy Does Have Some Downsides
Okay.
Now for the honest part.
Because no destination is perfect.
And if you’re deciding whether Northern Italy is worth visiting, I think you should know what could potentially annoy you.
The Weather Isn’t Always as Reliable as You’d Hope
This is probably one of the biggest downsides for me.
If you’re looking at photos of Northern Italy and imagining sunshine, blue skies and sitting beside Lake Como every single day…
Don’t assume that’s guaranteed.
Northern Italy can have very different weather depending on the season and exactly where you are.
I’ve personally travelled around Northern Italy in September and had some really heavy rain.
And honestly?
It wasn’t my favourite.
Especially when your whole idea of the trip involves lakes, mountains, walking around outside and enjoying the scenery.
So while I love Northern Italy, I wouldn’t promise you perfect warm weather.
If you’re a sunshine girlie like me, I’d personally lean more towards late spring or summer, depending on your itinerary.
And if you’re planning to hike in the mountains, definitely check the seasonal conditions for the exact area you’re visiting.
Some Places Can Get VERY Expensive
Northern Italy isn’t necessarily an expensive destination overall, but some places absolutely can be.
Lake Como is the obvious example.
Some of the most famous villages and hotels are aimed at a more luxurious crowd, and prices can rise quickly during peak season.
Venice can also be expensive.
Milan isn’t exactly a budget destination either.
But the good thing is that you can travel around Northern Italy on a much smaller budget if you’re smart about where you stay, how you move around and where you eat.
Hostels, trains, supermarkets, local restaurants and cheaper cities like Turin can make a huge difference.
So don’t look at a €500-a-night Lake Como hotel and decide that Northern Italy isn’t for backpackers.
It absolutely can be.
The Most Famous Places Can Be Crowded
Lake Como.
Venice.
Florence.
Cinque Terre.
Some parts of Northern Italy can get incredibly busy during peak season.
And when a place is beautiful, everyone else knows it too.
That’s why I often prefer exploring a little outside the most famous spots or visiting early in the morning.
You don’t always have to avoid the famous destinations.
Just don’t expect to have Lake Como completely to yourself in July.
You Can’t See Everything in One Trip
This is probably the biggest planning mistake people make.
Northern Italy looks manageable on a map.
But there is actually SO much to see.
If you want lakes, cities, mountains, coast, hiking and the Dolomites, you could easily spend two or three weeks here.
And even then, you’d still be leaving places out.
I would much rather choose a few destinations and actually enjoy them than spend every second checking train schedules and moving hotels.
For a first trip, around 10–14 days is a really nice amount of time for a bigger Northern Italy itinerary.
If you have less time, just choose one part.
Is Northern Italy Safe?
Okay, this is something I actually want to be a little more honest about.
I have had some really uncomfortable experiences in Northern Italy, so I wouldn’t simply tell you “yes, it’s completely safe, don’t worry about it.”
I have felt less comfortable in some parts of Northern Italy than I expected, especially when travelling alone and especially at night.
There were several moments where certain neighbourhoods or areas just didn’t feel right to me. I’ve had accommodations where I felt uncomfortable walking back alone after dark, and there were places where I was very aware of my surroundings and wouldn’t have wanted to walk around by myself late at night.
For example, some areas around Turin and Verona didn’t feel particularly comfortable to me after dark, and there are also certain parts of cities where I would stick to daytime visits rather than wandering around late at night. In my own Northern Italy travel guide, I mention the specific areas where I personally felt uncomfortable, because I think that’s much more useful than pretending every part of every city feels the same.
That being said, I don’t think this means you shouldn’t visit Northern Italy.
It just means I would use a little more awareness than I might in some other European destinations.
Especially if you’re travelling solo, I would:
- Check the neighbourhood properly before booking accommodation
- Read recent hostel and hotel reviews, especially comments about the area at night
- Avoid walking around unfamiliar areas alone late at night
- Keep your phone and valuables secure in busy areas and on public transport
- Trust your gut if somewhere feels uncomfortable
- Take a taxi or public transport if you don’t feel good about walking back
- Don’t assume that because a place is close to the city centre, it automatically feels nice or safe at night
And honestly, this is one reason I like staying in social hostels when I travel solo. Having people around, especially when you’re arriving somewhere new, can make a big difference.
I also wouldn’t let this completely put me off Northern Italy. I’ve travelled through the region multiple times, including solo, and I’ve had plenty of amazing experiences too.
But I wouldn’t sugarcoat it.
Northern Italy is beautiful, easy to travel around and absolutely worth visiting, but some areas can feel sketchy, especially after dark, and I personally have had experiences there that made me uncomfortable.
So my advice isn’t “don’t go.”
It’s simply: go, but choose where you stay carefully, pay attention to your surroundings and trust your instincts.
Because feeling comfortable matters just as much as having a pretty view from your hostel window.
Is Northern Italy Worth Visiting in Summer?
For me?
YES.
Especially because I am very much the girlie who likes sunshine.
Summer is a great time for lakes, mountains, hiking, road trips and sitting outside until late.
You can actually enjoy being outdoors for most of the day, and the whole region feels very alive.
The downside is obviously that summer is also peak season.
That means more people, higher prices and potentially very hot days in some cities.
But if you want the full Northern Italy experience with lakes, mountains, outdoor activities and long evenings outside, summer can be amazing.
If you want fewer people and potentially better prices, I’d look at spring or early autumn instead.
Just don’t assume September will automatically mean perfect weather.
I learnt that one myself.
Who Is Northern Italy Best For?
Honestly?
Almost everyone.
But I think Northern Italy is especially good for:
- Backpackers
- Solo travellers
- Couples
- Road trippers
- Food lovers
- Hikers
- Skiers
- Nature lovers
- City-break travellers
- People who want to combine several European countries
- Anyone who wants a mix of cities and nature
And that’s exactly why I love it.
You can make the trip whatever you want.
Want to backpack between cities?
Easy.
Want to rent a car?
Perfect.
Want to hike through the mountains?
Absolutely.
Want to spend three days doing nothing beside Lake Como?
Also valid.
Want to ski?
Come in winter.
Want to sit outside drinking Aperol in the sunshine?
Come in summer.
Northern Italy is just incredibly versatile.
How Many Days Do You Need in Northern Italy?
I’d say around 10–14 days is ideal for a proper Northern Italy trip.
That gives you enough time to combine several destinations without spending your entire trip in transit.
For example:
Milan → Lake Como → Turin → Genoa → Florence → Verona → Venice
You can obviously adapt this depending on what you care about most.
If you love mountains, add the Dolomites.
If you love lakes, spend more time around Como or Garda.
If you love cities, add Florence and Bologna.
If you want a slower trip, remove some stops.
And if you only have five days?
That’s completely fine too.
I’d simply focus on Milan + Lake Como or another small section of the north.
The biggest mistake is thinking you need to see everything.
You don’t.
My Favourite Things About Northern Italy
If I had to narrow down why I keep recommending Northern Italy, these would be the biggest reasons:
The nature.
The mountains and lakes are genuinely insane.
The variety.
You can have cities, lakes, mountains and coast all in one trip.
How easy it is to travel around.
Especially by train and bus.
The road-trip potential.
Beautiful scenery + freedom = yes please.
The backpacking atmosphere.
Hostels, travellers and lots of opportunities to meet people.
The food.
Because obviously.
The aperitivo culture.
A very important part of my travel research.
The location.
Being so close to France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia makes it perfect for a bigger European trip.
The fact that you can come back in a different season.
Summer for lakes and hiking.
Winter for skiing.
And completely different experiences each time.
My Honest Verdict: Is Northern Italy Worth Visiting?
So…
Is Northern Italy worth visiting?
YESSSSS.
And honestly, I think more people should consider it when planning an Italy trip.
I love Rome.
I love the Amalfi Coast.
I love Sicily.
There are so many amazing parts of Italy.
But Northern Italy has something that I think is really special.
It gives you an incredible combination of nature, cities, lakes, mountains, food, culture and easy travel.
You can fly into Milan, jump on a train, be sitting beside Lake Como a little later, travel towards the mountains, eat amazing food, meet people in hostels and then continue your trip into another country if you want.
And if you rent a car?
Even better.
You can turn it into one of the prettiest road trips in Europe.
The only thing I would really watch out for is the weather, especially if you’re planning a trip around outdoor activities. Don’t assume every day will be sunny just because your Pinterest board says otherwise.
I’d also plan your route realistically because Northern Italy is bigger and more varied than it looks.
But those are small things compared with what you get in return.
So if you’re planning an Italy trip and you’re debating whether to go north or just stick to Rome and the Amalfi Coast…
Please consider Northern Italy.
Because there is SO much more to Italy than the south.
And personally?
The lakes, mountains and atmosphere up north absolutely have my heart.
Planning Your Trip to Italy?
Planning a trip to Italy can be surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re choosing between huge historic cities, beautiful coastlines, charming smaller towns, mountains, lakes and islands.
That’s why I’ve created my Italy Travel Guide, where I share destination guides, things to do, local tips and my personal experiences from travelling around Italy.
→ START HERE: Italy Travel Guides
FAQ: Is Northern Italy Worth Visiting?
Is Northern Italy worth visiting?
Absolutely. Northern Italy is worth visiting for its incredible lakes, mountains, cities, food, architecture, ski resorts and beautiful landscapes. It is also relatively easy to travel around by train, bus or car.
Why should I visit Northern Italy?
Northern Italy offers an amazing combination of cities, lakes, mountains, coastlines and smaller towns. You can visit places like Lake Como, the Dolomites, Milan, Turin, Genoa, Verona and Venice all within one larger trip.
Is Northern Italy good for backpacking?
Yes. Northern Italy can be a great backpacking destination, especially if you enjoy hostels, meeting other travellers and travelling between destinations by train or bus. The region is relatively easy to combine into a multi-stop itinerary.
Is Northern Italy good for a road trip?
Absolutely. Northern Italy is excellent for a road trip because you can combine lakes, mountains, villages and countryside while having the freedom to stop wherever you want. A car is particularly useful if you want to explore more remote mountain areas.
How many days do you need in Northern Italy?
I would recommend around 10–14 days for a larger Northern Italy itinerary. This gives you enough time to combine several destinations without constantly rushing. If you have less time, focus on one area such as Milan and Lake Como.
Is Northern Italy expensive?
It can be, especially in famous destinations such as Lake Como, Venice and parts of Milan during peak season. However, Northern Italy can also be travelled on a budget by staying in hostels, using public transport and eating at local restaurants.
Is Northern Italy better than Southern Italy?
I wouldn’t say one is better. They simply offer different experiences. Southern Italy is famous for destinations such as the Amalfi Coast, Sicily and Puglia, while Northern Italy is particularly strong for lakes, mountains, cities and outdoor activities. Personally, I absolutely love the north.
What is the best time to visit Northern Italy?
For me, late spring and summer are great if you want warm weather, lakes, mountains and outdoor activities. Spring and early autumn can be better for sightseeing and fewer crowds, but weather can be less predictable. I travelled around Northern Italy in September and experienced some very heavy rain, so don’t assume September will always be sunny.
Can you travel Northern Italy without a car?
Yes. Major destinations are well connected by trains and buses, making Northern Italy a great option for backpackers and travellers who don’t want to drive. A car becomes more useful if you want to explore remote mountain areas or build a countryside-focused road trip.
Can you combine Northern Italy with other countries?
Yes. Northern Italy is close to France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia, making it a great addition to a longer European backpacking or road trip itinerary. You can often travel between countries overland rather than flying.
Is Milan worth visiting if you’re travelling around Northern Italy?
Milan is a convenient starting point because of its transport connections and airport options. Personally, it isn’t my favourite Italian city, so I wouldn’t spend a huge amount of time there. I’d use it as a gateway to the rest of Northern Italy and spend more time around the places that interest you most.
