The moment I landed in Italy, one thing immediately stood out—the incredibly stylish people, especially the women. The older the woman, the more effortlessly chic she seemed. Each person had their own unique, classy style. Every town boasted not just the big designer brands, but also small local designers and boutiques, where the craftsmanship and creativity were top-notch. Honestly, every other girl looked like a fashion model. And after peeking into the stores, I can confidently say that the distressed denim trend is finally over (thank God!), and bright neon colors are in (oh no!).
And the food. The food. The food. I just cannot get over how fabulous the food was everywhere. The pizzas, pastas, tiramisu, Aperol, and the incredible gelatos—each meal was a delight. As a vegetarian, I found no shortage of options in Italy. While the pizzas were fairly similar across the country, the pastas were absolutely amazing. I didn’t come across a single trattoria where the pasta was just “okay”—even in the most non-touristy spots, every dish was delicious. There’s only so much food one can eat in ten days, but it was all pure comfort food. It was mind-boggling to see locals enjoying gelato at 9 in the morning! Pro tip: if you want truly good gelato, eat where the locals eat. How do you know it’s a local spot? Look for people sitting and savoring their gelato at a leisurely pace. I got a few glares when I tried to rush out with my gelato (had to catch a train or bus). Food in Italy is meant to be savored, not gobbled down.
Unlike other European countries, the number of cars in Italy is noticeably higher, along with honking and a more relaxed approach to traffic rules. While trains connect most parts of the country, they’re often late or even canceled at the last moment—quite different from the punctuality of German or Swiss trains. In many ways, Italy reminded me of India: the diverse regions with their own food and languages, the north-south divide, the emphasis on education, the importance of family (including extended family), and yes, the mafia does exist.
Florence and Rome are overwhelmingly beautiful. Even a week in each of these cities feels too short to experience everything they have to offer (and to eat!).
But the most underrated gems for me were Verona, Bergamo, Turin, and Genova. Verona, with its own amphitheater, is like a mini Rome. Bergamo, the cultural capital of the country, has an old town perched on a hill with cobbled streets—absolutely beautiful. The food, gelato, and chocolates in Turin were mouthwatering (and at half the prices of Rome and Florence!).
The icing on the cake was Genova. There’s something about me and port cities, and Genova was no exception. Seeing the boats moored with the stunning city in the background was a sight to behold. The old town, with its many family-owned eateries—where everyone from grandparents to children pitches in, from preparing food to taking orders and cleaning up—offered a very intimate and unique dining experience. The beautiful coastline, cliffs, picturesque beaches, and promenades were simply stunning. I did visit Cinque Terre (which, honestly, is very overrated and can be easily skipped). Instead, I wish I’d spent another day in Genova exploring its suburbs, which have equally breathtaking scenery. The train from Genova to Cinque Terre runs parallel to the coast, with the blue waters of the Italian Riviera as your constant companion.
And how could I forget Portofino, Lake Como, and Lake Garda, with some of the prettiest towns on the lakes and magnificent mountain views? The train ride from Lecco to Varenna on Lake Como was breathtaking—the best impromptu decision I made that day. The view of the lake from a vantage point right next to the tracks was stunning. Highly recommended if you don’t have time to explore all the towns on Como (which would take at least three days!).
Verona, Bergamo, Lake Garda, Lake Como, Florence, Pisa, Rome, Portofino, Genova, Turin, and Milan—northern Italy was truly amazing. Southern Italy, hopefully, is next on my list!