If you are an aspiring polyglot or simply eager to deepen your understanding of Italian culture, learning the language in Italy offers a unique opportunity besides being the fastest way of mastering it. You can connect with locals, visit historical sites, and soak up the lively Italian lifestyle.
With a plethora of charming cities to choose from, each with its own distinct character and appeal, students have the chance to tailor their language learning experience to their preferences.
Join us as we explore eight of the best cities where to study in Italy from North to South. Along the way, we’ll look at some living costs such as rent and must try dishes.
Milano
Milan is a vibrant city with a mix of modern and traditional vibes. The city is home to prestigious universities and institutions, providing high-quality and affordable education in various fields including art, design, fashion, finance, and technology. Additionally, Milan’s rich cultural scene, dynamic atmosphere, and international community make it an exciting and stimulating environment for personal and academic growth.
The city’s status as a global financial center offers students ample opportunities for internships, networking, and career advancement.
Rent costs: All these however, also translate into higher living costs compared to the rest of Italy, with the average price for a single room in a shared house hovering around €500-€700 per month.
What to eat: Besides the traditional risotto alla milanese, you must try also: ossobuco, literally “bone with a hole”, is basically veal shank braised usually served with polenta, and cotoletta alla milanese, a milanese-style breaded and fried veal cutlet.
Venice
Renowned for its picturesque canals, iconic architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, Venice offers a truly unique experience for students seeking to broaden their horizons and learn Italian.
The city hosts esteemed universities and institutions, providing top-notch education across various disciplines, including art, history, and marine studies. Additionally, living in Venice offers students the opportunity to engage with a diverse international community.
Rent costs: Venice can also be quite expensive, particularly for short stays, as these are typically geared towards tourists. A single room can cost around €600 per month.
What to eat: Be sure to try the local seafood. You cannot absolutely miss the cicchetti, the small Venetian finger foods, often enjoyed with a glass of wine or Spritz.
Verona
With its romantic charm and Shakespearean heritage, Verona provides students with a very picturesque setting for learning Italian. From strolling through historic streets and iconic houses (yes, Juliet’s house), to attending opera performances at the Arena di Verona (the Roman amphitheater), students can live the city’s rich cultural heritage while practicing their language skills. The city is especially vibrant during the summer opera season.
Rent costs: Verona is a moderately priced city, with single room costs averaging around €460 per month.
What to eat: The local specialty here is the Pandoro, a sweet bread typically enjoyed during Christmas. Another delicacy to not miss is Amarone risotto, made from a rice variety cultivated in Verona’s area and Amarone which is a fine red wine.
Genoa
As one of Italy’s major port cities, Genoa provides an enriching experience due to the city’s vibrant atmosphere and welcoming community.
Students have the opportunity to fully engage with Italian language and culture by interacting with locals in authentic settings, including lively markets and picturesque piazzas. Additionally, Genoa’s historical significance and architectural beauty offer endless opportunities for exploration and learning outside the classroom.
Rent costs: The cost of living is relatively lower in Genoa, with rooms averaging €350-€450 per month.
What to eat: The city is known for its traditional food such as focaccia genovese, a type of flatbread, and, of course, the globally recognized pesto genovese.
Florence
With its wealth of artistic treasures and historic landmarks, Florence offers students a dynamic cultural journey while learning Italian.
World-renowned museums such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery, house masterpieces by famous artists like Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. These cultural institutions offer students unparalleled opportunities to immerse themselves in the history and evolution of art. Is like traveling back in time through art.
Florence is the capital of Tuscany region, known for being a culinary hub. Students can participate in cooking classes where they can learn to prepare authentic Tuscan dishes using fresh, local ingredients.
Rent costs: Florence is a bit pricey due to its popularity, but worth every euro. Room costs averaging €450-€600 per month.
What to eat: During your studies in Florence, don’t miss the traditional Florentine steak. Other popular dishes are: crostini, a liver paté served on sliced and toasted bread slices; ribollita, vegetarian stew made with cavolo nero ( Lacinato kale); pici, thick, hand-rolled pasta similar to spaghetti, often served with a variety of sauces such as ragù and so on.
Rome
Rome’s ancient history and vibrant modern culture gives students a dynamic learning environment with so many opportunities for language practice. Rome is ideal for those who enjoy a bustling city with lots of activities and attractions.
Iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum will keep you busy and provide amazing opportunities to explore and learn firsthand about thousands of years of history and civilization.
Rent costs: Single room costs averaging from €470 per month.
What to eat: Make sure to sample a traditional Roman pasta dish such as Carbonara (the real one, no cream allowed) or Amatriciana made with curated meat and tomato sauce. You must also absolutely try the Roman style of pizza (cracker-thin and crunchier compared to the Neapolitan version) and supplì a ball stuffed with mozzarella, marinara and risotto-like rice before being fried golden.
Salerno
A smaller city compared to the others covered so far. Located at the beginning of the stunning Amalfi Coast, Salerno offers students a laid-back yet immersive environment for learning Italian. With its beautiful historic city center and welcoming local culture, Salerno provides ample opportunities for language practice while enjoying the beauty of southern Italy.
Students can explore the city’s charming streets with colorful murales, sample local cuisine, and participate in cultural events held especially in summer, while honing their language skills in this picturesque coastal town.
Rent costs: Salerno is more affordable with room costs averaging €300-€400 per month.
What to eat: The local cuisine includes delicious seafood and the famous buffalo mozzarella which is produced in the Campania region, where Salerno is located.
Taormina
Nestled on the stunning island of Sicily, Taormina offers a serene atmosphere perfect for focused language learning. Students can benefit from smaller class sizes and personalized attention while discovering Sicilian culture and enjoying breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Perfect for students who want to mix language learning with swimming in some of Italy’s most beautiful locations.
Rent costs: The cost for a single room is typically around €450 per month.
What to eat: Local cuisine includes arancini, a delicious stuffed rice ball, pasta alla norma (pasta with fried eggplant), and cannoli a sweet pastry dessert made with ricotta cheese.
Want to know more about costs of living in Italy? Check out our calculator.
For those seeking a more structured and guided approach to language learning, we work with schools across all Italy, that offer tailored programs combining language instruction with cultural immersion activities. You don’t know which city in Italy to choose for your studies? Worry not, contact us and we will help you navigate all the options available and pick the best one for you.
