Stephan Moerman
So, summer has arrived and you’ve decided to head to the Mediterranean hotspot - Italy. Splendid choice. Pleasant weather, lovely landscape and delicious cuisine. There are plenty of things to do in Italy; so much so, that you would need multiple summers to really explore it all. Maybe even more than that.
The country is rich in history, arguably the richest in Europe alongside Greece, which means that there’s many years’ worth of attractions to discover. In the great capital of Rome, there’s the Pantheon, St. Peter’s Basilica and, of course, the Colosseum. That’s to name a few.
Without a doubt, another historic and iconic Italian city worth visiting is Venice. Also known as “The Floating City”, Venice boasts over 150 canals that crisscross the vast expanse of small islands. Like Rome – and many other hubs in the country – Venice has a landmark basilica of its own: St. Mark’s Basilica. In addition to that, you can sip an espresso on St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) and walk across the Rialto Bridge.
Last but not least, there’s the fashion and business hub of Milan. This hip city is home to many high-end restaurants and boutiques, as well as bars and clubs. If something more traditional is your thing, you have to check out the famous Duomo.
Of course, beautiful cities like Florence and Bologna should also be on your to-visit list, but we’d run out of time if we had to cover all that Italy has to offer. Not to mention the scenic oceanside places like Capri. In any case, looking for the best things to do in Italy will give you a scarily long list.
The issue is the lack of privacy and personalization you’ll get at virtually all those hotspots. That also means lots of incredible views that go to waste. Locals as well as tourists often take advantage of the sunny weather and head to rooftop bars. The panoramas one gets there are simply stunning. But, as I mentioned before, you can’t have those publicly-accessible rooftops all to yourself.
When it comes to the renowned historical sites across Italy, it’s rare to get a good view of them other than from ground-level. Luckily for you, Viewnary has you covered when it comes to enjoying the best views in Italy.
Let’s start with The Floating City. The multitude of waterways and islands makes Venice an incredibly unique and aesthetic city. When you look up things to do in Venice, Italy – not the one in California, this time – you’ll come across suggestions like buying tickets for the Campanile Bell Tower or visiting restaurants and bars. The main selling-point for many of these places is the views they offer, usually over a canal or square.
However, none of them match this exclusive palace with a private terrace directly overlooking the Grand Canal. That’s right, this is a Venetian palace with priceless views that you can book all for yourself. The historical property is centrally located and easy to reach, making it convenient to access from anywhere in the city. From its private terrace, you can watch the gondolas sail past and admire the picturesque Venice skyline.
If you wish, you can do so with a refreshing glass of wine or prosecco that your Host will gladly provide. Trust me, accessing a property like this that overlooks the Grand Canal is practically impossible. Any Venetian local will tell you the same thing. So, why bother going to rooftop bars in Venice? If you still insist, check out our guide to the best rooftop bars in Venice.
While the outdoor terrace offers some of the best views of Venice, the palace’s interior is no less impressive. You can explore the luxurious main rooms that are decorated with paintings and antique furniture. The property even features an airy internal garden where you can sit and relax. To have an internal garden is a rarity itself, especially in the city center. It’s definitely worth mentioning that the palace is one of the best places to watch sunset in Venice.
Fashion Week and exquisite culinary experiences are some of the things that Milan is known for. Indulging in food and drinks is one of the common things to do in Milan. Unlike many other Italian cities, this one has a more urban look and feel, with a number of skyscrapers and other contemporary features.
It’s also the nation’s financial hub and home to the Italian Stock Exchange. This means there are some great views, too. In fact, Viewnary has one of the best things to see in Milan: a private high-rise terrace with stunning views of Milan and the Alps. While you’re there, you can enjoy the city skyline during the day or night while sipping a classic aperitif. A golden hour drink here, at the best place to see sunset in Milan, is highly recommended, as well.
When on the terrace, you’ll get to see the city’s exciting skyline on one side and, on the other side, the beautiful Alps piercing through the sky in the distance. This exclusive space has to be one of the best places to go in Milan, and lets you discover the city in a whole new way.
Last but not least, there’s the magnificent capital of Italy: Rome. There’s no shortage of things to do in Rome. If you’ve been there, chances are you’ve visited the Spanish Steps, or at least walked past them. Did you notice how busy it was there? Because of that, you probably didn’t get to soak in the historic site much.
That’s why, when you next go there, you need to book this stunning private terrace with amazing views of the Spanish Steps. It would be an understatement to say that this view is rare. The feeling you get from being on that terrace is divine, which makes it perfect as a romantic date idea in Rome.
What makes it even better as a place for a date or get-together with friends is that your lovely Host will treat you to a refreshing glass of prosecco, authentic Italian breads like focaccia and ciabatta, and delicious cheese platters. She’s also open to special requests that you can arrange through Viewnary Chat before your visit.
If you were looking for rooftop bars in Rome with a view, come here instead. The private terrace doesn’t just offer the best views in Rome, but also the most beautiful views in Italy as a whole.