Italy for Teens

All teens dream of experiencing the infamous Italian summer, with hip beaches and plenty of Instagram-worthy picture opportunities. From a travelling teen’s perspective, allow us to introduce you to some of the most irresistible places in Italy.

By Emily Chang 

MILAN – DUOMOS & SHOPPING 

Italy is renowned for its breathtaking duomos or cathedrals, and the Duomo di Milano is not one to miss. Book a ticket and visit the inner walls of this ethereal church, where the balconies are a real highlight. The views make you feel like you’re in a fairytale castle and are the perfect place to take photos. 

Shopping on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II definitely makes Milan live up to its revered shopping reputation. With makeup, swimwear, shoes, clothing and cute pastry stores abound, it really has it all – plus it’s only a short walk from the Milan duomo.

However, if you enjoy scouring through the flea markets, Navigili is the largest open-air flea market in Milan and is conveniently located along the Navigli Grande. The stalls are filled with antiques, paintings, vinyl, vintage clothing, vintage designer bags and handmade jewelry. This was definitely the highlight of my stay in Milan.

SIENA – HISTORY & ECLECTIC SHOPS

Siena is one of Italy’s most ancient cities, with monuments and walls that have stood since medieval times. With so much history and culture to be found in its photogenic cobblestone alleys, it also offers great shopping, from eclectic one-off finds to big brands like Sephora and Subdued. I picked up a lovely bottle of perfume from a family-owned perfumery.

CINQUE TERRE – HAS IT ALL!

When you think of Italy, what do you think of? The pristine beaches, clinking of champagne glasses and sunbathing in the Italian sun? Well, Cinque Terre has it all, from its status as a UNESCO site to its gorgeous markets and coastal waters filled with life. 

Out of the five small towns that compose the Cinque Terre, Manarola and Riomaggiore are the ones most worth visiting as they have the best waters to swim in and are the least touristy. The waters are amazingly blue, transparent, and filled with sea life. Don’t miss out on a swim here.

I recommend a visit to Monterosso and Vernazza in the morning, as they attract the most tourists and get extremely busy later in the day. The restaurants by the beach are also extremely touristy. Instead, I suggest you step back a few streets and try out the quieter trattorias or bars, where the food and service are less frantic.

Cornigila has the least visitors as it requires a long upward hike to reach the town centre. However, you’ll be rewarded with the best lemon ice granitas and a chance to explore a beautifully quaint town once you arrive at the top. 

ROME – SHOPPING AMONG ANCIENT RUINS 

With structures thousands of years old like the Colosseum or the Pantheon, there is a sense that you’ve arrived in Rome. I had to stop and pinch myself, being surrounded by such historic and ancient structures.

As a teen, I enjoyed strolling through Val Del Corso and the side streets surrounding it. Is it the shopping mecca of Europe? Brandy Melville, Subdued, and Sephora are all located within this zone, and it was the perfect place to pick up a pair of cowboy boots for the Taylor Swift concert, and spend most of my hard-earned pocket money. 

I saved a few extra coins to throw into the Trevi Fountain to ensure that I’ll be returning to the Eternal City. 

SORRENTO – LEMONS & BEACHES

Ending our stay in Sorrento was a wonderful way to soak up as much la dolce vita as we could. Lazy days of lemon granitas, snorkelling in the sea and market shopping… who could want more? The Sorrento markets and backstreets are not to be missed; indulge in mouth-watering gelatos, then shop for aromatic lemon soap and other handmade Sorrento souvenirs. 

Take a boat out to Capri to visit the famed grottos and allow time to climb up to the famous shopping trip, home to many designer shops and dream handbags for teenagers. It’s also a great street for some last-minute selfies.

Postiano has attracted influencers from every corner of the globe, and this iconic seaside village is as stunning in person as online. Booking a bed or two at one of the town’s beach clubs for a spot of people-watching is a must-do.

Italy is certainly a land of contrasts: the old and the new; the ancient and the modern; the grande and the simple. I anticipate I’ll be returning many times, if only to experience a little more la dolce vita.