Americans have been researching their favorite Italian cities on social media. A recent analysis of TikTok hashtag data from the past 12 months shows Rome tops the list, followed by Milan and Venice.

The most popular destinations include some of the continent's most renowned sights: the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Vatican, and the Sistine Chapel, with its luminous ceiling, painted by Michelangelo. Audley arranges private tours through these iconic destinations, with an expert guide who can provide context as well as steer you away from crowds.

Milan is best known as Italy's fashion capital, but it's also home to da Vinci's Last Supper, the majestic 18th-century La Scala Opera House, and a Gothic cathedral. This combination of fashion and history is what makes Milan so popular, says Shannon Yates, an Italy specialist at Audley Travel.

Full list of the ten most popular Italian cities:

The experts at Audley Travel have come together to create a guide that collects their favorite hidden gems, which you can visit while traveling to Italy's most popular cities. They'll help you explore the country's true culture without getting lost in a crowd.

1. Rome
2. Milan
3. Venice
4. Naples
5. Florence
6. Trapani
7. Como
8. Bologna
9. Palermo
10. Verona