11 Hidden Gem Cities in Italy (2025): Underrated Italian Destinations Worth Visiting

When most people plan a trip to Italy, the same names pop up over and over: Rome, Florence, Venice, maybe Milan. Don’t get me wrong — those cities are amazing, but here’s the thing: Italy’s true magic often hides in the places you don’t hear about. That’s where the hidden gem cities in Italy come in.

These are the underrated spots where life moves slower, prices are friendlier, and you get to see the side of Italy that locals actually enjoy every day. Imagine sipping a cappuccino in a piazza where you’re the only tourist, wandering medieval streets without tour groups, or sitting down to a plate of fresh pasta that costs less than your train ticket.

From the Renaissance beauty of Urbino, to the volcanic cliffs of Orvieto, to the Sicilian chaos of Catania, these cities are every bit as fascinating as the big names — just without the stress and crowds. Some are perched on hilltops with sweeping countryside views, others sit along the coast with salty breezes and seafood markets.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most underrated cities in Italy that deserve a spot on your itinerary. Get ready to add some unexpected pins to your map — because the real Italy isn’t always where you think it is.

Planning your Italian adventure? Don’t miss our Ultimate Italy Travel Guide — packed with itineraries, travel tips, and local secrets to help you explore not just the famous highlights, but also Italy’s most authentic hidden corners.

1. Bergamo – Lombardy’s Overlooked Beauty

Living in Milan for over 20 years, I’ve always thought of Bergamo as Milan’s quieter cousin — the kind of place you slip away to when the city gets too loud. I still remember my first visit: I took a regional train one crisp autumn morning, not expecting much, and ended up completely enchanted.

The moment the funicular carried me up to the Città Alta, with its cobbled lanes and medieval towers, it felt like stepping back in time. The air was fresher, the pace slower, and unlike Milan, there was no rush — just the hum of daily life in a city that has managed to stay wonderfully authentic. Even now, whenever friends come to visit, I take them here for a day, and without fail, they always say, “Why doesn’t everyone talk about Bergamo?”

Just 45 minutes from Milan, Bergamo is one of the most underrated cities in northern Italy. It delivers history, charm, and sweeping views that rival any Tuscan hill town — but without the busloads of tourists.

Bergamo Attractions

• Città Alta (Upper Town): a medieval hilltop town with cobbled streets and panoramic views.
• Venetian Walls (UNESCO site): perfect for a scenic walk at sunset.
• Piazza Vecchia: the elegant heart of Bergamo, lined with Renaissance buildings.
• Santa Maria Maggiore & Colleoni Chapel: jaw-dropping frescoes and mosaics.

Bergamo Local Food & Vibe

Bergamo’s food is hearty, rustic, and perfect for hungry travelers:

• Casoncelli alla Bergamasca – pasta stuffed with meat, butter, and sage.
• Polenta taragna – cornmeal with melted cheese, a mountain favorite.
• Stracciatella gelato – invented here, creamy vanilla with chocolate flakes.

The vibe is relaxed and traditional — you won’t find tourist chaos here, just a city proud of its roots and happy to welcome visitors.

Where to Stay in Bergamo

If you’re planning a night in Bergamo, my advice is to stay up in the Città Alta if possible — waking up among the medieval streets is an experience in itself.  You’ll find plenty of charming hotels and guesthouses to choose from. Check here for the best hotels in Bergamo and pick the one that fits your style.

2. Mantua – A Hidden Renaissance Gem

Tucked away in Lombardy, surrounded by three artificial lakes, Mantua is one of those places I didn’t fully appreciate until I spent a weekend there. While everyone was rushing to Florence for Renaissance art, I found myself wandering Mantua’s quiet piazzas, stepping into palaces where the walls are covered in frescoes but the crowds are nowhere to be seen. The pace is slower here, and the beauty feels almost untouched by mass tourism. It’s the kind of place where you can stroll all morning, stop for pumpkin-filled pasta at lunch, and still feel like you’ve discovered a secret.

Mantua is one of the hidden gem cities in Italy and truly a hidden Renaissance gem that rivals Florence for art and architecture — but with far fewer visitors. In fact, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site for its incredible cultural legacy, yet many travelers skip right past it.

Mantua Highlights

• Ducal Palace (Palazzo Ducale): over 500 rooms filled with Renaissance frescoes.
• Palazzo Te: famous for the “Chamber of the Giants,” an immersive fresco masterpiece.
• Piazza delle Erbe & Piazza Sordello: charming squares lined with history.
• Scenic walks along the lakes that surround the city.

Mantua Local Food & Vibe

Mantua’s cuisine is rich and comforting, reflecting its northern roots:

• Tortelli di zucca – pumpkin-filled pasta, sweet and savory.
• Risotto alla pilota – rice with sausage and cheese, a local classic.
• Sbrisolona – a crumbly almond cake, perfect with coffee.

The vibe is quiet, cultured, and elegant — ideal for travelers who love history and art without the bustle.

Where to Stay in Mantua

To really soak up Mantua’s Renaissance charm, stay close to the historic center around Piazza Sordello or Piazza delle Erbe. You’ll be within walking distance of palaces, squares, and lakeside strolls. Browse the best hotels in Mantua to find a stay that matches your trip.

3. Trieste – Italy’s Off-the-Beaten-Path Port City

The first time I visited Trieste, I felt like I had stepped into a different country. Living in Milan, I was used to classic Italian piazzas and trattorias, but here the cafés felt Viennese, the architecture looked Habsburg, and the Adriatic stretched out endlessly.

This city has always been a crossroads of cultures — Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian — and you can feel it in every corner. It’s not the Italy most travelers imagine, but that’s exactly what makes it special.

Trieste is one of the hidden gem cities in Italy, and truly one of the most unique off-the-beaten-path cities in Italy. With its mix of cultures, elegant cafés, and sea views, it offers a side of Italy that feels unexpected yet fascinating.

Trieste Highlights

• Piazza Unità d’Italia: one of Europe’s largest sea-facing squares.
• Castello di Miramare: a fairytale castle perched on the coast.
• Canal Grande: lined with cafés, perfect for an evening stroll.
• Carso cliffs: dramatic hikes overlooking the Adriatic.

Trieste Local Food & Vibe

Trieste’s food reflects its cultural mix:

• Il caffè triestino – the city is Italy’s coffee capital, with historic cafés.
• Goulash – Hungarian-style stew, common here.
• Jota – a bean and sauerkraut soup, a local classic.
• Fresh Adriatic seafood at trattoria prices.

The vibe is cosmopolitan yet laid-back — a city where Italian, Central European, and Balkan influences blend seamlessly.

Where to Stay in Trieste

The best base in Trieste is near the waterfront and Piazza Unità d’Italia, where you’ll be surrounded by cafés, elegant squares, and sea views. It’s perfect for exploring on foot. Check the best hotels in Trieste for a range of comfortable options.

4. Orvieto – A Hilltop Hidden Gem in Central Italy

I’ll never forget the first time I saw Orvieto rising above the Umbrian countryside. Driving from Milan toward Rome, the hilltop city suddenly appeared in the distance, perched dramatically on a volcanic cliff. It felt like a scene from a movie — golden stone walls, towers, and a Gothic cathedral catching the late afternoon light. Unlike Florence or Siena, Orvieto had no overwhelming crowds, just a quiet rhythm of local life. It was one of those moments when you think, “How is this not on every Italy itinerary?”

Orvieto is, without doubt, one of the best underrated cities in central Italy. Its mix of dramatic scenery, medieval charm, and surprising underground history makes it a destination that feels both grand and intimate.

Orvieto Attractions

• Duomo di Orvieto: one of Italy’s most stunning Gothic cathedrals.
• Pozzo di San Patrizio: a 16th-century well with a double-helix staircase.
• Underground Orvieto: explore tunnels, caves, and ancient Etruscan sites.
• Stroll through quiet piazzas with panoramic countryside views.

Orvieto Local Food & Vibe

Orvieto’s cuisine is rustic and deeply Umbrian:

• Wild boar pasta – hearty and flavorful.
• Truffle dishes – the region is famous for them.
• Orvieto Classico wine – crisp white, perfect with local food.
• Porchetta stands for an affordable street lunch.

The vibe is historic and slow-paced — a city where every corner tells a story, yet it never feels overrun.

Where to Stay in Orvieto

For a magical stay, book a hotel right inside Orvieto’s old town — waking up steps away from the Duomo and those panoramic views is unforgettable. Explore the best hotels in Orvieto to find your perfect base.

5. Urbino – A Renaissance Time Capsule

Urbino is one of the best underrated cities in Italy for history lovers, a walled hilltop town in Le Marche that feels frozen in the Renaissance. Birthplace of the painter Raphael, it’s a city where cobbled streets wind past palaces, quiet squares, and student-filled cafés. Despite its UNESCO World Heritage status, Urbino remains far from the tourist crowds — and that’s exactly what makes it so special.

I still remember climbing up to the Fortezza Albornoz just before sunset. From there, the view of Urbino’s skyline — towers, domes, and terracotta roofs against rolling hills — is one of the most beautiful in central Italy. Unlike Florence, where you’re elbow-to-elbow for a glimpse of the Duomo, here you often have the view to yourself.

Urbino Attractions

• Palazzo Ducale: home to the National Gallery of the Marche, filled with Renaissance masterpieces.
• Casa Natale di Raffaello: Raphael’s birthplace, now a small museum.
• Fortezza Albornoz: hilltop fortress with panoramic views.
• Strolling Urbino’s steep medieval streets, alive with students from its historic university.

Urbino Local Food & Vibe

Urbino’s food is rustic and satisfying:

• Crescia sfogliata – flaky flatbread stuffed with meats or cheese.
• Passatelli – breadcrumb-based pasta, simple and hearty.
• Local truffle dishes from nearby hills.
• Marche wines like Verdicchio.

The vibe is intellectual yet relaxed — part Renaissance museum, part lively student town.
A tip: stay overnight rather than day-tripping, so you can enjoy Urbino’s magical atmosphere once the tour buses leave.

Where to Stay in Urbino

Staying inside the walled historic center makes Urbino extra special — evenings are peaceful, and you’ll feel the Renaissance atmosphere all around you. Take a look at the best hotels in Urbino for places that bring you close to the action.

6. Perugia – Chocolate & Culture Without Crowds

Perugia is one of the most affordable hidden gems in Italy, a medieval hilltop city in Umbria that blends historic charm with youthful energy. Despite being the regional capital, it often flies under the radar for international tourists, which means fewer crowds, lower prices, and an authentic experience.

One of my favorite memories here is wandering through the underground passages of the Rocca Paolina. It feels like stepping into a secret city beneath the streets, with centuries of history layered in the stone. And when you climb back up to Piazza IV Novembre, the lively heart of Perugia, you’re met with open-air cafés filled with students and locals rather than tour groups.

Perugia Attractions

• Piazza IV Novembre & Fontana Maggiore – one of Italy’s most beautiful medieval squares.
• Rocca Paolina – explore the underground fortress passages.
• National Gallery of Umbria – Renaissance and medieval masterpieces at a fraction of Florence’s museum prices.
• Annual events: Eurochocolate Festival in October, Umbria Jazz Festival in July.

Perugia Local Food & Vibe

Perugia’s food is rustic, hearty, and surprisingly budget-friendly:

• Torta al testo – Umbrian flatbread stuffed with meats or cheese.
• Tagliatelle al tartufo – handmade pasta with Umbrian black truffles.
• Porchetta – roast pork, sold in street stalls.
• Perugina chocolate – yes, the famous Baci chocolates were born here.

The vibe is youthful thanks to its universities — cafés are buzzing, aperitivo prices stay low, and nightlife has a fun, student-driven energy. My tip: if you’re here in autumn, combine truffle season with the Eurochocolate Festival for a food lover’s dream trip.

Where to Stay in Perugia

The heart of Perugia is its medieval center, and staying here means you can walk to the piazzas, cafés, and even the underground fortress. Check the best hotels in Perugia for options that fit every style of traveler.

7. Matera – The Extraordinary Cave City

Matera is the most extraordinary hidden gem in southern Italy, famous for the Sassi, a maze of historic cave dwellings unlike anywhere else. Wandering Matera’s streets is an experience that transports you straight into another era — stone houses stacked on cliffs, winding alleys, and churches carved directly into rock. It’s no wonder this city has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a favorite film location.

When I visited Matera for the first time, I was amazed by how alive the caves felt — many of them turned into boutique hotels, restaurants, and cafés. A tip: Stay overnight if you can. The city lights up at dusk, and wandering through the glowing Sassi at night is an unforgettable experience.

Matera Attractions

• Sassi di Matera: ancient cave dwellings, the heart of the city.
• Rock churches (Chiese Rupestri): decorated with Byzantine frescoes.
• Piazza Vittorio Veneto: panoramic views over the Sassi.
• Gravina Canyon hikes: stunning views and photo spots.

Matera Local Food & Vibe

Matera’s cuisine is as rustic as its landscape:

• Pane di Matera – traditional bread with UNESCO recognition.
• Orecchiette pasta – ear-shaped pasta with tomato or vegetable sauces.
• Lamb and goat dishes – hearty, traditional southern flavors.
• Peperoni cruschi – crispy dried peppers, a local snack.

The vibe is timeless and cinematic — Matera feels both ancient and modern, with history literally carved into its walls.

Where to Stay in Matera

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, book a stay in one of Matera’s famous cave hotels in the Sassi. It’s unique, atmospheric, and truly unforgettable. Discover the best hotels in Matera for an authentic stay.

8. Lecce – Florence of the South Without the Price Tag

Lecce is one of the top hidden gem cities in Puglia, often called the “Florence of the South” for its golden Baroque architecture. But unlike Florence, Lecce is refreshingly affordable and far less crowded, making it perfect for travelers who want beauty without stress.

When I first walked through Piazza del Duomo, the warm stone glowed in the afternoon sun, and I realized Lecce doesn’t need comparisons — it has its own unique magic. My tip: explore at night too. The illuminated Baroque façades create an atmosphere that feels almost theatrical.

Lecce Highlights

• Basilica di Santa Croce: an elaborate masterpiece of Baroque detail.
• Piazza del Duomo: one of Italy’s most atmospheric squares.
• Roman Amphitheater: right in the city center.
• Day trips: Gallipoli, Otranto, and Salento’s stunning beaches.

Lecce Local Food & Vibe

Lecce is heaven for foodies on a budget:

• Pasticciotto Leccese – custard-filled pastry, perfect for breakfast.
• Rustico Leccese – puff pastry with tomato, béchamel, and mozzarella.
• Orecchiette alle cime di rapa – pasta with turnip greens, a Puglian staple.
• Local wines like Primitivo and Negroamaro.

The vibe is elegant yet relaxed — a city that balances grand architecture with southern hospitality. A little tip: grab a pasticciotto in the morning, then wander the quiet streets before tour groups arrive.

Where to Stay in Lecce

Choose a hotel in the historic center to wake up among golden Baroque façades and lively piazzas. You’ll be steps from Lecce’s highlights and plenty of trattorias. Browse the best hotels in Lecce to find the right place for you.

9. Cosenza – Calabria’s Cultural Hidden Gem

Cosenza is one of the least-known cities in Italy, but for travelers willing to go off the beaten path, it’s full of history, character, and culture. Settled at the foot of the Sila mountains in Calabria, it’s a city where medieval alleys meet modern cafés, and where art and tradition are deeply woven into daily life.

A good tip: start your visit in the Old Town (Centro Storico). Wander slowly, because this isn’t a place to rush — you’ll find faded frescoes inside quiet churches, locals chatting in narrow streets, and hidden courtyards that feel centuries old. If you have time, combine the city with a trip to Sila National Park, just an hour away, for forests, mountain lakes, and cool air that’s a relief in summer.

Cosenza Highlights

• Cosenza’s Old Town: medieval palaces and atmospheric streets.
• Cosenza Cathedral: UNESCO-listed, with roots in the 11th century.
• MAB (Museo all’Aperto Bilotti): outdoor art museum with sculptures on the main street.
• Day trips into Sila National Park.

Cosenza Local Food & Vibe

Cosenza’s food is bold, rustic, and very Calabrian:

• ’Nduja – spicy spreadable salami, iconic in Calabria.
• Lagane e cicciari – chickpea pasta with ancient roots.
• Cuddrurieddri – fried dough rings at Christmas.
• Strong local wines like Cirò.

The vibe is raw and authentic — this isn’t polished Italy, but that’s exactly the charm. Prices are low, the food is hearty, and the locals’ warmth makes you feel like part of the community.

Where to Stay in Cosenza

To enjoy both the charm of the Old Town and modern comforts, stay close to the Centro Storico. You’ll have easy access to medieval streets and local dining. Explore the best hotels in Cosenza for great choices.

10. Cagliari – Sardinia’s Underrated Capital

One of the top hidden gem cities in Sardinia, Cagliari is a sun-drenched capital that combines beaches, history, and southern Italian charm without the price tag of the Costa Smeralda. It’s a place where you can explore Roman ruins in the morning, eat seafood on the harbor for lunch, and be swimming at the beach by afternoon.

My advice? Don’t just stay on the coast — climb up into the Castello district, the old hilltop heart of the city. The narrow streets lead to viewpoints where you’ll see the sea stretching for miles, especially beautiful at sunset. And if you’re here in summer, plan an extra day for Poetto Beach — locals’ favorite spot, with a lively promenade and plenty of affordable trattorias.

Cagliari Highlights

• Castello district: medieval alleys and sweeping sea views.
• Bastione San Remy: perfect sunset viewpoint.
• Roman Amphitheater: historic ruins right in the city.
• Poetto Beach: 8 km of sandy coastline just minutes from town.

Cagliari Local Food & Vibe

Cagliari’s cuisine is pure Sardinian:

• Fregola con arselle – toasted pasta with clams.
• Porceddu – roasted suckling pig, a Sardinian classic.
• Seadas – fried pastry with cheese and honey.
• Local Vermentino wines, crisp and perfect with seafood.

The vibe is laid-back and sunny, with fewer tourists than northern Sardinia. The food is excellent, prices are fair, and the city feels both authentic and welcoming.

Where to Stay in Cagliari

For the best of Cagliari, base yourself either in the Castello district for history and views, or near Poetto Beach if you want seaside vibes. See the best hotels in Cagliari to plan your stay.

11. Syracuse – Sicily’s Ancient Jewel

Having lived in Italy for over 20 years, I’ve learned that some of the most magical places aren’t the ones everyone talks about. Syracuse (Siracusa) in Sicily is the perfect example. The first time I crossed into Ortigia Island, the old heart of the city, it felt like stepping into a different world — narrow stone alleys opening suddenly onto Baroque piazzas, the smell of the sea mixing with fresh cannoli, and locals sitting in the shade chatting through the afternoon.

There were tourists, sure, but nothing like Palermo or Catania. It felt authentic, lived-in, and endlessly captivating.

Syracuse is one of the most underrated cities in Sicily. It has everything: Greek ruins, golden Baroque churches, lively markets, and that irresistible island atmosphere.

Syracuse Highlights

• Ortigia Island: the historic center, full of charm and winding lanes.
• Duomo di Siracusa: a Baroque masterpiece built into an ancient Greek temple.
• Teatro Greco: one of the most impressive Greek theaters outside Athens.
• Ortigia market: bursting with Sicilian flavors and aromas.

Syracuse Local Food & Vibe

Syracuse is a foodie paradise with strong Sicilian traditions:

• Pasta alla Siracusana – with tomatoes, anchovies, capers, and breadcrumbs.
• Pesce spada (swordfish): grilled fresh from the sea.
• Granita with brioche: the ultimate Sicilian breakfast.
• Cannoli – creamy, crunchy, and addictive.

The vibe is historic yet vibrant — Ortigia comes alive in the evenings, when the piazzas fill with families, music, and the smell of seafood grilling on street corners.
My tip: spend at least two nights here. Syracuse deserves more than a rushed day trip.

Where to Stay in Syracuse

In Syracuse, nothing beats staying on Ortigia Island — the old town full of charm, markets, and evening buzz. It’s the most atmospheric spot. Discover the best hotels in Syracuse to find your ideal place.

Why Visit Hidden Gem Cities in Italy?

The big names like Rome, Florence, and Venice will always shine, but it’s often the hidden gem cities in Italy that leave the deepest impression. These underrated destinations offer:

• Authenticity – daily life, local traditions, and real Italian culture.
• Affordability – lower prices on food, hotels, and attractions.
• Variety – from Renaissance palaces in Urbino to Baroque piazzas in Lecce.
• Less Crowds – stroll medieval alleys or seaside markets without tourist chaos.

For me, some of my best memories of living in Italy aren’t in the famous hotspots — they’re in places like a quiet sunset in Bergamo’s Città Alta, fresh focaccia in Genoa, or wandering Ortigia’s lanes in Syracuse. These moments remind you that Italy’s magic isn’t limited to the guidebook “must-sees” — it’s everywhere, especially in its hidden corners.

Final Words

Italy’s big names will always draw the crowds, but it’s in the hidden gem cities of Italy that you’ll often find the heart of the country. From sipping wine in Mantua’s Renaissance piazzas to watching the sunset over Ortigia in Syracuse, these places offer something the famous cities can’t: authenticity, affordability, and intimacy.

Having lived in Italy for over 20 years, I can honestly say that some of my most unforgettable moments weren’t in Rome or Venice, but in small cities where the pace was slower and the smiles more genuine. If you’re ready to explore Italy beyond the postcards, these hidden gems are waiting for you.