Must See places in Rome, Florence and Venice?

Question

Hey! I'm traveling to Italy this month with 5 friends (ages 23-27). What are some must see places in Rome, Florence, and Venice? Thanks :)

Answer 1

How long have you got?  What do you and your friends like to see?  E.g. history, art, designer shops, breathtaking views, cafe culture?

The really famous bits that you'll not want to miss are:

Rome:

- Vatican (St Peters with Michelangelo's Pietà, Sistine chapel)

- Roman forum and Colosseum (right beside each other, get a joint guided tour ticket)

- Pantheon (Roman temple, free to enter, right in the center of Rome)

Florence:

- Uffizi gallery with Michelangelo's David

- Orsanmichele (a monument with statues by all the renaissance greats on the outside)

- Ponte Vecchio (the old bridge with shops along it)

Venice:

- St Mark's Square and the Basilica (make sure you go up to the roof too)

- Doge's palace (and the Bridge of Sighs)

- Going on a boat (not necessarily an overpriced gondola!) on the canale grande to see all the palaces

But what's really great about all three cities is just wandering the beautiful backstreets and soaking up Italian culture with a great coffee or wine.  Don't put yourself under pressure to tick off the tourist-ridden places, just follow your nose.  Discovering an ancient church, or arriving just in time for an open-air festa, people-watching, markets, it's all wonderful!

Have fun!

Answer 2

Rome, the most obvious would be the Vatican and Sisteen Chapel.  The climb to the top of the Vatican is strenuous but if you're all in good health, worth the effort.  Also while in Rome, the Colosseum and the surrounding ruins.  The Spanish steps are a short taxi ride or long walk from the Vatican, lots of great shopping and young minds to meet up with in that area as everyone likes to hang on the steps and people watch.  Almost any restaurant in Spanish Plaza would tempt even the finickest eater.

And unfortunately, I spent my entire vacation in Rome, so nothing further to report.