Winter is one of the most fascinating times to explore Italy. While many travelers imagine the country mainly as a summer destination, the colder months reveal a completely different side: atmospheric cities decorated with lights, uncrowded museums, festive markets, and a cosy charm that makes every corner feel more intimate.
For travellers from all around the world, winter is not only a beautiful season — it’s also one of the most convenient times to enjoy authentic Italian culture, with fewer crowds and better travel opportunities. From north to south, Italy’s major cities each offer their own winter magic. Here are the top Italian cities to visit in winter, all of them home to our services and ideal for an unforgettable seasonal journey.
Rome – Timeless beauty dressed in lights
Winter adds an extraordinary charm to Rome. The mild climate makes it comfortable to explore on foot, and the city glows with Christmas lights, Nativity scenes and festive decorations—especially around Piazza Venezia, Via del Corso and the iconic St. Peter’s Square.
What to see and do in winter:
- Visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel without the heavy crowds of summer.
- Explore Trastevere’s cosy streets, perfect for winter evenings and traditional Roman dinners.
- Experience the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill with crisp winter air enhancing the sense of history.
Exploring Rome in winter is even more enjoyable when you enrich your visit with a professional audioguide and curated experiences that help you appreciate the city’s remarkable landmarks, museums and neighborhoods at a relaxed and comfortable pace. And if your trip includes some seasonal shopping, tax refund services make it easy to reclaim VAT on eligible purchases before you head home.
Once your plans are in place, you can reserve your currency exchange online, securing your rate in advance and simply collecting your cash upon arrival at one of our many locations throughout the city —a practical, convenient way to begin your stay without unexpected fees or delays.
Milan – Fashion, culture and Christmas sparkle
Italy’s fashion capital is spectacular in winter. Streets fill with elegant lights, boutique windows become festive artworks, and cultural attractions offer warm escapes from the cold.
What to see and do in winter:
- Admire the magnificent Duomo and enjoy the festive atmosphere of Piazza del Duomo.
- Explore the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, ideal for winter shopping and gourmet stops.
- Visit the world-famous opera house La Scala or warm up in Milan’s exceptional museums.
Milan is one of the main gateways for travellers arriving in Italy, and winter adds an extra layer of charm to the city. Its Christmas markets are among the finest in Europe, and the season brings a full calendar of cultural events, exhibitions and festive celebrations. The crisp winter air makes Milan’s stylish cafés and renowned aperitivo scene even more inviting after a day of exploring.
To begin your stay smoothly, you can reserve your currency exchange online and simply collect it upon arrival at one of our convenient locations, whether in the city center or near major transport hubs. And with a travel eSIM, staying connected on the move becomes effortless—perfect for navigating the city, discovering new neighborhoods and reserving last-minute attractions with ease.
Florence – Winter calm in the cradle of the Renaissance
Florence in winter is magical: fewer tourists, quieter museums, and the soft winter light that gives the city an old-world charm worthy of a painting.
What to see and do in winter:
- Visit the Uffizi Gallery to admire masterpieces with minimal waiting time.
- Walk across the Ponte Vecchio illuminated by seasonal lights.
- Explore the Oltrarno district, full of artisans’ workshops ideal for Christmas gifts.
Cool temperatures make it pleasant to spend long hours indoors exploring art. The festive atmosphere enhances the beauty of historic squares like Piazza della Signoria. In Florence, travellers can benefit from tax refund assistance after shopping in luxury boutiques and artisan stores. You can also pick up pre-booked cash at our local locations, perfect for paying smaller merchants who often prefer cash transactions.
Venice – A dreamlike winter lagoon
Venice becomes especially enchanting in winter. Mist rising from the canals, peaceful alleys and empty bridges create a magical, dreamlike atmosphere impossible to experience in peak season.
What to see and do in winter:
- Take a quiet gondola ride and enjoy the reflective beauty of the Grand Canal.
- Visit St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace without long lines.
- Wander through hidden sestieri like Cannaregio for authentic Venetian charm.
The crowds are gone, bringing back the city’s surreal tranquillity. Winter sunsets over the lagoon are unforgettable. To enrich your visit, you can download our Venice audio guide, created to help you discover the history and beauty of the Lagoon. You can also rely on our Venice branches to collect online-reserved currency quickly upon arrival.
Naples – Warm traditions and spectacular winter culture
Naples is vibrant all year, but winter reveals its most authentic soul. The city becomes the heart of Italian Christmas traditions, especially in the historic centre.
What to see and do in winter:
- Walk down Via San Gregorio Armeno, famous for handcrafted Nativity figurines.
- Visit the archaeological wonders of the National Archaeological Museum.
- Enjoy winter views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.
Seasonal food traditions—like struffoli, pastiera and fried pizza—make December particularly delicious. Make the most of this season to explore Pompeii and Herculaneum, where winter offers a rare sense of calm and a more intimate experience.
A world traveller’s guide to enjoying Italy in winter
Italy in winter is a country of atmosphere, culture and remarkable seasonal beauty. From the artistic tranquillity of Florence to the serene magic of Venice, from the festive spirit of Naples to the luminous elegance of Rome and Milan, each city offers unforgettable experiences for travellers from all around the world.
To make the most of your journey, it’s helpful to plan ahead:
- Reserve your currency exchange online and collect it easily at one of our nationwide locations.
- Stay connected throughout your trip with a travel eSIM.
- Enjoy winter shopping while benefitting from convenient tax refund services.
- Discover every city effortlessly with audioguides and curated experiences tailored to international visitors.
Italy awaits—filled with winter charm that transforms every moment into something truly memorable.
