Italy is a land where ancient history, high-end fashion, artistic legacy, and hearty cuisine collide! It’s a treasure trove of experiences that are awe-inspiring no matter what your age, but for those traveling with teens, you’ll find your adolescent youths will be just as excited to start exploring as you are!
The picturesque landscapes, the bustling atmosphere, iconic landmarks, and blissful beaches are waiting for your teenagers to snap for their Instagram feeds.
But with so much to see and do, it can be hard to narrow down a list of things to do in Italy with teenagers, so we’ve come to help.
We’ve visited Italy many times with our two teenage daughters, and we’re often asked what their favorite place or thing to do was.
So to help you out, we’ve put together our top 15 things to do with teenagers, plus shared our suggested itinerary and tips for having a trouble-free trip, so you can visit Italy with teens without a hitch!
Is Italy a good place for Teenagers?
Italy is a fantastic country to visit with teenagers for so many reasons. When we talked to our teenagers about why they love Italy, the first thing they mentioned was how much history and culture there was to see.
Cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice are filled with iconic landmarks, museums, and historical sites that our teens found inspiring and memorable. They learned about many of these places in school, so it was amazing for them to be able to see them in person.
Secondly, Italy has a lot of diversity when it comes to things to do. You can go hiking in the mountains, you can snorkel in the warm Mediterranean waters and relax on golden beaches, or you can get lost in tiny Medieval towns. Whether your teenagers enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and water sports, or prefer culturally immersive experiences, the word “bored” never touches their lips.
Also, if you have fussy eaters in your family, even the fussiest eater will love Italian cuisine – umm, hello pizza! The food in Italy is exquisite, from delicious pizzas to hearty pasta and refreshing gelato – every meal is a delight.
15 Things to Do in Italy with Teenagers
1. The Colosseum & Roman Forum, Rome
No trip to Italy would be complete without visiting The Colosseum and Roman Forum in Rome. The Colosseum is one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World and is an iconic symbol of Rome.
It was built between AD 70-80 and was primarily used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles, but it is famous for its unique shape and architecture, which showcases the grandeur of Roman engineering.
The Roman Forum, adjacent to the Colosseum, served as the heart of political, social, and economic life in ancient Rome. It was where citizens gathered for public speeches, and trials, and traded in the markets.
You can explore ruins of important government buildings, temples, and monuments, reflecting the architectural prowess of the Romans.
Both sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and attract millions of visitors each year so do yourself a huge favor and book tours in advance!
Read more: Exciting Things To Do in Rome With Teens + Tips For Visiting
2. A Walking Food Tour, Rome
Our teenagers loved the walking food tour we did in Rome because it combines exploration of the city and its stunning sights with some delicious food tasting with a local guide, who can take you away from the tourist traps to more authentic places.
During a walking food tour, you will wander through charming neighborhoods like Trastevere or Testaccio, and sample authentic Roman dishes such as pasta carbonara, supplì (fried rice balls), and gelato.
You may also visit local markets and try fresh produce, cheeses, and cured meats, and learn about the ingredients that make Roman cuisine unique.
Read more: Unravel The History Of Roman Cuisine On A Rome Food Tour and here are more Rome food tours you may enjoy.
3. Marvel at The Pantheon, Rome
Another marvel in Roman engineering is The Pantheon. Originally built as a temple to the Roman gods in around AD 126, The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome.
Its name means “temple of all gods,” and is known for its circular architecture and unique “eye of God” opening in the ceiling, known as the central oculus, which opens to the sky.
The Pantheon has the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world, and it was the engineering of this building that really captures the ingenuity of ancient Roman builders.
I recommend getting an audio tour of the Pantheon, so you really understand why it’s so amazing.
Read more: Essential Things to know before going to Rome
4. Explore the Five Towns of Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre was one of our favorite regions in Italy and our teenagers loved exploring the narrow side streets and alleyways in the five towns and snapping photographs of the colorful buildings. In fact, it was our eldest teen, who insisted Cinque Terre was part of our Italy itinerary. A demand we all loved!
They absolutely loved our two-hour Cinque Terre boat tour where we cruised past the five villages for a different (stunning) perspective, jumping off the boat to swim in the sea, and exploring a sea cave!
Cinque Terre is another UNESCO World Heritage Site (Italy actually has the largest number of UNESCO sites, 58 in total, if you’re interested), which consists of five picturesque villages perched along the rugged coastline of the Italian Riviera.
Our teens loved looking at the colorful houses, hiking along the dramatic cliffs, and dipping their feet in the crystal-clear waters.
Read more: How To Spend One Perfect Day in Cinque Terre
5. Visit Pompeii, Naples
Pompeii is a fascinating and educational experience that your teenagers should not miss. They may have learned about this infamous volcanic eruption from Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, that devoured the city and captured it frozen in time.
This catastrophic event has preserved many aspects of daily life, and you can walk through the ruins of well-preserved buildings, streets, and frescoes.
It’s both fascinating and also a poignant reminder that your whole life can be changed, or taken from you, in a matter of minutes. It’s a place that will give teenagers appreciation for their lives back home.
Pompeii is one of the most astounding things I have seen on my travels. I know any teen, curious about the world, will be equally fascinated.
6. Take Photos with the Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most recognizable structures in the world and is famous for its unintended tilt.
It was built in the 14th century and is a freestanding bell tower famous for being the subject of a unique play-on perspective photograph!
Teenagers will love snapping photos with the tower, pretending to hold it up (an iconic pose), and getting up close to see how this 56-meter-tall monument is still standing!
I personally found the Leaning Tower of Pisa to be overrated and one of my least favorite Italian attractions. But I know not everyone is like me and teens tend to love these iconic photo opportunities!
You can climb up the 294 steps to the top of the tower, learn about the challenges faced during its construction, and people-watch the other visitors capturing their “leaning pose” photos from a cafe in the surrounding Piazza dei Miracoli.
As it’s such a popular attraction in Italy, I recommend getting a skip the line ticket.
7. See the Statue of David in Florence
Even if you’re not big on art, an opportunity to see Michelangelo’s Statue of David in Florence is not to be skipped.
Sculpted between 1501 and 1504, David is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Renaissance art, and it’s much more impressive in person compared to pictures.
Standing at an impressive 17 feet tall, getting up close to this iconic statue you can see the outlines of muscles and veins, and the intricate detail put into the facial features. Seeing David in person, whether you’re an art lover or not, is a bucket list experience.
One will never forget turning that corner and seeing David for the first time. It’s an awe-inspiring moment and definitely my favorite art experience ever. Our teenagers were just as enamored with his magnetic presence.
We visited David on our Florence walking tour, which I appreciated as it meant we could bypass the lines and learn so much more about the making of David (And other important pieces in the gallery)
As it’s so so so popular, be sure to get a skip the line ticket.
Read more: A Tuscan Food & Wine Tour in Florence (the Perfect Dinner Experience)
8. The Uffizi Gallery in Florence
If your teens are fascinated by art, then you cannot miss the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, which is one of the most famous art museums in the world, housing an extraordinary collection of Renaissance masterpieces.
See iconic works by legendary artists such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio. Teens will love the painting of Medusa! Even if you’re not big on art, seeing the skill and mastery of these great painters from centuries ago can be a powerful source of inspiration for teenagers and adults alike.
9. Fall in Love with Verona
We decided to take a day trip to Verona from Venice as we had a bit of extra time to kill, and what a city it is! Verona is a city steeped in history and romantic lore and is known for being the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
It’s also known for its well-preserved Roman architecture, including the iconic Arena di Verona, a stunning amphitheater that dates back to AD 30.
Verona has a quaintness about it that our teens loved. They loved exploring the winding medieval streets and seeing people leave messages on the walls of Juliet’s house. A highlight was standing on Juliet’s Balcony!
10. Ride a Gondola in Venice
Riding a gondola in Venice is a quintessential thing for teenagers to do in Italy. Gondolas are not only romantic and a great way to see the city from a new perspective, but they are deeply rooted in Venetian culture and tradition.
Experiencing a gondola ride provides a direct connection to the heritage of Venice and a relaxing way to admire the narrow canals, historic buildings, charming bridges, and picturesque beauty of Venice.
Our private gondola ride was part of our Venice guided walking tour. I was happy to skip the long lines!
Read more: Exciting Things to Do in Venice with Teens + Why They Love It!
11. Hike in the Dolomites
If you’d prefer to do something more active on your vacation, then you’ll want to consider hiking in the Dolomites.
The Dolomites are known for their dramatic peaks, lush valleys, and vibrant alpine meadows, where you can admire the awe-inspiring landscapes, with towering rock formations and picturesque vistas, while exploring the trails that are suitable for all skill levels.
Spending time in the Dolomites allows teenagers to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. If you find you have teens who are glued to their phones, perhaps the tranquility of the mountains, the sound of rustling leaves, and the fresh alpine air will encourage a bit of mindfulness in them.
12. Visit The Vatican City Museum & Sistine Chapel
The Vatican City is known for being the center of the Catholic church, and also the smallest country in the world, so you must make sure to visit here while in Rome to tick off another country for the list!
One of the most exciting attractions in the Vatican is the Vatican City Museum, which houses the most extensive and impressive collections of art in the world, featuring works by renowned artists such as Raphael and Michelangelo.
I highly recommend you take a tour of the museum so you can be whisked around all the highlights, as otherwise, you will be in the museum for days! I think a guided tour is much better for teens as they can get overwhelmed and bored quickly. This way they can get the highlights without the intensity of trying to take it in themselves. Here’s the guided tour we did. I also trust this company if you’re looking for another Vatican tour option.
The highlight of the museum is The Sistine Chapel, known for its famous frescoes which depict biblical scenes with breathtaking detail – particularly Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling painting “The Hand of God” which is world famous.
13. Do a Boat Cruise on Lake Como
Lake Como was once the vacation spot of the elite and wealthy in the Renaissance period, so you can imagine the grandeur and tranquility of the place.
It’s also Italy’s largest lake and is best viewed on a boat tour which takes you to the charming lakeside towns and gives you a better view of the picturesque scenery of dramatic mountains and mountain-side meadows.
14. Go Shopping in Milan
For the fashion-conscious teen, a trip to Italy would not be complete without stopping in one of the fashion capitals of the world, Milan.
Home to prestigious designers and luxury brands, those interested in fashion should head to the flagship stores along the famous Via Montenapoleone and in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to discover the latest trends and styles.
Milan is not all about high-end fashion though, it has a diverse shopping scene, with lots of unique vintage shops and local artisan boutiques to explore as well.
15. Enjoy the Beaches of Sardinia
If your teens prefer relaxation, then be sure to head to the small island of Sardinia for some sun, sea, and golden sands.
Sardinia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, known for their crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft white sands, and dramatic cliffs.
Head out on a boat tour and do some snorkeling and discover the colorful marine life of the Mediterranean, or explore hidden coves and sea caves for an otherworldly experience.
Beyond the beaches, Sardinia has quaint seaside towns with an idyllic, slow culture, allowing them to unwind and enjoy the tranquil environment.
Our Suggested 3-Week Italy Itinerary with Teens
If you want to explore the best of Italy with your teenagers, here is how you can spend 3 weeks traveling across the country. Of course, not everyone has three weeks to spare, so if you have less time on your hands, you can cut days out as you feel fit.
We recommend hiring a car and driving for the most part, but if you don’t want to drive, Italy has an extensive train network, making it easy to travel between cities and towns. We recommend you book tickets in advance for better prices if you do go down this route.
Read more: From Rome to Venice: The Ultimate 2-Week Italy Itinerary
Day 1-3: Rome
Our itinerary begins in the capital of Italy, the ancient city of Rome, known as the “Eternal City,” it has a history spanning over 2,500 years. It was the capital of the Roman Empire, influencing art, culture, and politics across the world.
There is a lot to see and do in Rome, but it’s also very walkable and easy to get around on foot, so you don’t need to plan for more than 3 full days in the city.
Here are some suggested things to do in Rome with teens:
Explore the Trastevere District and see how the locals live, and do some boutique shopping
Day 4: Take a day trip to Pompeii
Take a high-speed train from Rome to Naples (about 1 hour), then a local train to Pompeii (30 minutes). (Check trains here)
The Pompeii Archaeological Site is one of the most unique historic landmarks in the country. You can see the preserved ruins of this ancient city buried by volcanic ash and lava from an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Walk along the streets and see former homes, uncovered frescoes, and even casts of those who lost their lives.
Day 5-7: Sardinia
Return to Naples and take a flight or ferry to Sardinia (Cagliari is a common entry point). Sardinia is a small island known for its blissful beaches and historic, quaint coastal towns.
Stay in Cagliari and rent a car to explore the island at your own pace. Some sights not to miss are the historic Castello district, the ancient ruins of Nora, the Phoenician and Roman city, and Poetto Beach for some relaxation.
Costa Smeralda is another hotspot for stunning beaches, and you can also do a boat tour of La Maddalena Archipelago, the beautiful islands around Sardinia known for their crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkeling.
Day 8: Travel to Florence
Catch an internal flight from Sardinia to Florence. The flight is about 1 hour and 10 minutes non-stop, but it’s often common to connect via Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Rome, which can make the journey anywhere from 3.5 hours to 5 hours.
Plan for a full day to travel between destinations, as you also have to factor in getting to and from the airport, and allowing enough time to get through security.
Day 9-10: Florence
Florence is another small, walkable city that only needs about 2 full days to explore. Depending on how much your teenagers, and you, enjoy art history, you may want to add on an additional day to explore the galleries and art museums (for which there are many).
Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and is known for its art legacy and history. It was once an important trade city in the medieval period, and because of this great wealth, it has some stunning architecture, elegant piazzas with ornate fountains, and a widespread appreciation for Renaissance art.
Some sites not to miss in Florence are:
- Explore the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most famous art museums in the world, home to masterpieces by Botticelli and Michelangelo
- Visit the Florence Cathedral (Duomo) and climb to the top of the dome for stunning views of the city
- See the Ponte Vecchio and walk across this historic bridge
Don’t miss Michelangelo’s David at Accademia Gallery
Day 11: Pisa
Pisa is only an hour’s drive from Florence. For the remainder of this Italy itinerary, we recommend you hire a car to get around as it’s easier and more convenient than public transport.
Spend a day in Pisa visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa, relaxing in the Piazza dei Miracoli, and marveling at the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.
Pisa is well known for its architectural marvels, but it doesn’t have a huge number of attractions, so we recommend spending only a day here.
Day 12-13: Cinque Terre
Drive 1 hour and 30 minutes north along the coast to Cinque Terre, a region made up of five villages that date back to the 11th century, known for their position against dramatic cliffs, terraced vineyards, and the colorful facades of their buildings.
If you don’t want to drive, you can take a train from Pisa to La Spezia (which takes about 1.5 hours), then transfer to the local train that connects the five villages of Cinque Terre.
You can hike between the five towns, Monterosso al Mare, Corniglia, Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, making it easy to explore the region on foot.
Read more: Cinque Terre Boat Tour: A Must See View of the Five Lands
Day 14-15: Milan
Travel from Cinque Terre to Milan, which is a 3-hour drive, or by train (transfer at La Spezia). Milan is known as Italy’s fashion capital so for a bit of retail therapy, spend at least two days exploring this city and diving into the stores and shopping malls.
While in Milan, be sure to check out the following highlights:
- Visit the stunning cathedral, Duomo di Milano, and climb to the rooftop for panoramic views
- Explore the historic shopping gallery, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, filled with luxury shops and cafes
- Discover the Castello Sforza and its museums, and stroll through Sempione ParkSee Leonardo da Vinci’s famous mural, The Last Supper (advance booking required)
Day 16-17: Lake Como
Drive 1.5 hours to Lake Como or take a train from Milan to Varenna or Como (about 1 hour), and spend a couple of days relaxing around Italy’s largest lake.
Lake Como has been a popular retreat for aristocrats and society’s elite since Roman times and is known for its stunning landscapes, historic villas, and charming towns.
Some places not to miss in Lake Como are:
- Stroll along the lakeside promenade of Varenna and visit the beautiful Villa Monastero
- Take a ferry to Bellagio, known as the “Pearl of the Lake,” and explore its charming streets
- Visit the Cathedral of Como and take the funicular to Brunate for breathtaking views
Day 18: Verona
Travel from Lake Como to Verona, which is either 3 hours by car or 2.5 hours by train. Verona is a quaint, romantic town and a UNESCO World Heritage site, known as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Verona is small and can easily be seen in a day or half a day. Be sure to check out the following attractions:
- Explore the ancient Roman amphitheater, Arena di Verona, still used for concerts and operas
- Visit Juliet’s House and the famous balcony and take photos of the statue of Juliet
- Enjoy the lively market and historic buildings surrounding Piazza delle Erbe
Day 19-20: Venice
Travel from Verona to Venice is 1 hour by car or 1.5 hours by train. Venice is known as one of the most romantic cities in the world and is best explored on foot or by water taxi along its winding canals.
Venice has a rich history dating back to the 5th century. It was once a powerful city-state and a major trade hub and cultural center during the Renaissance. You can explore all the highlights of Venice in a day or two.
While in Venice, don’t miss these attractions:
- Visit St. Mark’s Basilica, known for its stunning mosaics and impressive architecture
- Explore the Doge’s Palace, the former residence of the Doge of Venice, featuring beautiful rooms and the famous Bridge of Sighs
- Walk across the historic Rialto Bridge and enjoy views of the Grand Canal
- Go on a gondola ride through Venice’s canals
- Take a boat trip to Murano Island known for glass-making and colorful houses
Read more: Join a Guided Venice Walking Tour & Discover Its Enchanting Secrets
Day 21: Dolomites
The last stop on this itinerary is the Dolomites, which is a 2.5-hour drive away, or 3 hours by train.
The Dolomites are a mountain range in northern Italy known for their unique geology and breathtaking landscapes. They were named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2009, and are the perfect place to go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.
When in the Dolomites, don’t miss:
- Explore the famous ski resort town, Cortina d’Ampezzo, known for its stunning mountain scenery
- Visit this picturesque lake of Lago di Braies surrounded by towering peaks, perfect for hiking
- Take a cable car ride up Seceda for breathtaking views
- Discover charming villages and stunning landscapes at Val di Funes
Tips for Visiting Italy with Teens
Having visited Italy several times with our teenage daughters, there are a few things we wish we knew before we went. Here are some words of advice to help you have a trouble-free trip!
- Involve your teenagers in the planning. We’ve started doing this for every trip, not just for Italy, as it gets them excited about it and also gives them a chance to say what they’re interested in and what they’re not. It elevates any moans and groans later on if they know what they have signed up for.
- Don’t get annoyed about them being on their phones. It’s too much stress to argue with them when they’re chatting with their friends in front of the Colosseum. They are still appreciating the experience, they just want to tell their friends about it NOW.
- Book attractions in advance. We were lucky enough to have the foresight to book our tour of The Vatican Museums, The Doge’s Palace, The Colosseum, and Roman Forum, and many other key attractions, well in advance. We saw queues going for miles when we turned up and were able to just breeze through the queue. Some wait times for tickets can go up to 2 hours, so do yourself a favor and book in advance!
- Take a tour of the Colosseum. We didn’t do a tour and we kicked ourselves. There was very little signage and we weren’t sure what we were looking at. We were so jealous of all the people who had a tour guide to share some of the history.
- Always dine on the back streets, not the piazzas. As idyllic as the piazzas are, the prices are far more expensive in the squares and honestly, the food is mediocre quality. You will find cheaper and better restaurants off the main squares.
- Leave room in your itinerary for adjustment. Make a note of what’s important to see and what you can miss. Our teenagers got a little tired after a week, so we decided to skip some attractions and just have a day of wandering around the neighborhoods instead.
- In fact, have a “free day” where you don’t plan anything. Have a day off the itinerary to do whatever feels natural or spontaneous to you.
- Plan to leave later in the day. Teenagers tend to want to sleep in, and even though you are on vacation and want to go out early to explore, most shops and restaurants, etc don’t open until 10.00am in Italy, so if you want to sleep in, I say go for it.
- Note that places tend to close in the middle of the day. It’s common for restaurants and shops to close from 1:00pm to 4:00pm, and then stay open later. This is a good time for you and your teens to take a nap or enjoy some quiet time in the hotel before going out again.
- Look for some interactive experiences. We love to take classes, and workshops, watch cooking demonstrations, etc when we travel, as it’s a way for us and our teens to immerse ourselves in the local culture. Look out for these experiences and you’ll have a much more memorable trip!
- Restaurants open later, so prepare to eat later. It’s normal in Italian culture to eat dinner at 9:00pm or 10:00pm, so most Italians go out to eat late. When in Rome, do as the Romans do, and plan to eat later in the day for a more authentic experience.