Underrated Cities in Italy That Still Feel Like the Real Italy

Bologna

Bologna is probably the most overlooked city by international travelers in Italy. You should stop over here if you are traveling across northern Italy by train or car.

Centrally located, it offers a laid-back atmosphere with authentic, unadulterated tourist vibes. You can explore the city without mass tourism and fakeness.

Bologna is your city if you like Italian food!

Some of the most famous Italian foods originated in Bologna, including gnocchi, the ragu “Bolognese” meat sauce, mortadella (think Bologna sausage in the US) and the true 5-layer béchamel lasagna with green lasagna pasta sheets.

The city is also known for its 3-mile-long covered pilgrimage walkway, which starts in the city center and leads to the Madonna di San Luca shrine. From here you can capture the city and take in the unique green hilltop view.

Bergamo

Bergamo has a 2000-year-old old town that sits on a hill overlooking the rest of the city. The Romans left their mark here, and so did the Venetians later on.

Located near Milan in Lombardy, the ancient city felt enthralling as we walked the tiny alleyways past local shops and bars. Bergamo is true to itself and offers the true Italian package: culture, history, great food, welcoming locals, and a place to shop for Italian souvenirs and gifts.

Explore the Roman ruins and Roman exhibitions across the city to learn about its intriguing history.

We ended up buying plenty of polenta, cheese, and sausage specialties from Bergamo and the region. Besides Bologna, Bergamo stands out as a true foodie city.

Try the famous fresh salad pizzas, the sweet bright yellow polenta dessert, and the stracciatella gelato. The latter was invented in Bergamo, and it's probably one of the most popular gelato flavors today.

Ostuni

Ostuni feels calm and unhurried as soon as you arrive. White houses climb the hill, sunlight reflects off the walls, and the town moves at its own pace. Nothing feels rushed or overdone, which makes settling in almost effortless.

The old town is best explored without a plan. Narrow streets wind past small squares, balconies heavy with plants, and quiet corners that open up to views of olive groves and the sea in the distance.

Daily life is part of what makes Ostuni memorable. Locals pause for coffee shop at neighborhood markets and chat in the shade.

Among Italy's underrated cities, Ostuni stands out for staying grounded. It's welcoming and lovely without attempting to impress. A place that is remembered for its atmosphere rather than its list of attractions.

Trieste

Trieste was a strategic maritime port city of the Austro-Hungarian Empire before WWI, making this city a unique sight in Italy.

Today, it's located right next to the Slovenian border, making this city a delightful escape if you are traveling in northeastern Italy or along the Slovenian or Northern Croatian coast. (We visited Piran in Slovenia on the way).

Explore the Austrian coffeehouse Belle Époque period, discover the hidden Jewish heritage of the city, and take in the elegant seaside promenades. In Triest, you will encounter Austrian imperial architecture.

What many do not know is that the Nazis had established a concentration camp in a former rice mill in the city. We visited the memorial and recommend a visit.

Verona

Verona turned into one of our favorite cities in Northern Italy for several reasons. The city is not too big and has a charming ambiance.

Verona is primarily known as the city where couples proclaim their everlasting love to each other. Romeo and Juliet fans should definitely add Verona to their bucket list.

We mainly enjoyed visiting the Roman arena. You can't really miss it, and I dare say that the visit was much more enjoyable than the Colosseum in Rome.

Another plus point is its location. Hire a car and plan a road trip to the Garda Lake or to the Italian Alps. You'll find plenty of beautiful places near Verona. Just make sure to park your car in a safe location in Verona to avoid nasty situations.