Northern Italy is full of places that don't make it onto most travel itineraries but should.
You'll find towns with authentic charm and scenic beauty and far fewer tourists while still enjoying the culture and food that make this region famous.
While traveling across the north, we came across seven places that stood out. Each one offers something different and is well worth adding to your itinerary.
Bologna
Bologna is the home of several famous Italian food specialties, and therefore, the city is often called the food capital of Italy.
You will be craving a food market walk and a visit to numerous osteria, trattorias, and ristorante to taste mortadella, tortellini, and a true lasagne alla Bolognese.
The city feels authentic and untainted by tourists, which makes it a prime location if you are looking for this exact feeling in Italy.
Don't forget hunting down typical Italian souvenirs in Bologna.
Brescia
Many people overlook Brescia because they drive straight on to Lake Garda or Milan.
But those who stop here are rewarded with Roman temples, a unique museum, and two cathedrals standing side by side. In addition, this is where the legendary Mille Miglia classic car rally takes place, in the nearby hills.
This city produces Franciacorta DOCG, an Italian sparkling wine with a fine perlage that is frequently compared to French champagne.
Bergamo
The old town of Bergamo has been around since Roman times, and it's one of the places you should add to your itinerary if you are near Milan and Lake Como.
Your journey starts with the funicular, which takes you up to the historic hill town. Here you will find narrow alleyways, famed Roman and Renaissance architecture, and tiny quaint shops.
Bergamo is compact, so it may appear as if it is filled with tourists during the peak season, but we still thought that it wasn't as crazy compared to other well-known places in Italy.
Bardolino
Bardolino is a town on the eastern shores of Lake Garda and it is often eclipsed by other more well-known places nearby, such as Sirmione, Peschiera del Garda, and Limone sul Garda.
These popular Lake Garda towns struggle every year with overtourism in summer. Bardolino still seems to have picked the better cards in this regard.
We loved spending time in Bardolino. It's the Garda Lake feeling you'd want if you are desperate for an undisturbed Lake Garda getaway.
Tirano
Tirano is regularly completely overlooked because it is one of the most northern Italian towns in Italy that doesn't speak German. In fact, Tirano borders Switzerland and the famed Bernina Pass.
Visitors usually just transit in Tirano to take the Rhaetian railways or the Bernina Express to St. Moritz in Switzerland, yet this town is serene in its own right.
Age-old crumbling noblemen's villas, long-forgotten towers, and green hills make this the perfect hideout. You may want to explore the Valtellina valley and nearby ski and thermal bath resort, Bormio.
Meran
Meran is located in South Tyrol, a region that was annexed by Italy after WWI from Austria. Therefore, the culture, language, and architecture differ wildly from what you are used to seeing in Italy.
The city is located at the foot of the Alps, and several scenic walking paths lead from the elegant town right into nature. But that's not everything that you can experience in Meran.
Go on a shopping trip to purchase local specialties or soak up in the healing thermal waters, just like the long gone empress of Austria.
Trento
Many travelers skip Trento on their way to the Dolomites, unaware of what they're missing. The town surprises with grand piazzas, a castle worth exploring, and fresco-covered buildings that feel like a movie set.
We love to sit in a cafe at the square and watch life go by. Nonetheless, you won't be disappointed if you are looking for more action because Trento is your entry point to the Dolomites.
Just outside town, the Orrido di Ponte Alto canyon roars with waterfall energy. For something quieter, follow one of the forest trails leading to panoramic views over the valley.
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