Italian food has long been a global favorite — there are few places on the planet these days where you can’t find a pizza — but the country’s rich cuisine has just received an exciting new honor. In 2025, UNESCO, the United Nations’ cultural agency, added Italian cuisine to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. While other specific foods — such as Arabic coffee, Ukrainian borscht, and Neapolitan pizza — have previously been honored, Italy is the first country to have its entire cuisine recognized as a unique heritage. Below, find out what went into the decision and discover a few of the most delicious places to mangia bene in Italy. 

Years in the Making

The designation comes after years of lobbying by Italy, which has sought to combat counterfeit olive oil and other products and recipes that often pretend to be representative of authentic Italian cuisine, even if they aren’t produced in Italy. (A recent outrage was sparked by jars of Belgian-made sauce that calls itself “carbonara” but contains pancetta instead of the canonical guanciale, or salt-cured pork jowl.)

In the announcement, UNESCO recognized Italian cuisine not only for its varied traditions, long history, and global influence but also as a “means of connecting with family and the community, whether at home, in schools, or through festivals, ceremonies and social gatherings.” 

The flavors of Italy vary from region to region — and even village to village. But no matter where you travel in Italy, you’ll find the entire nation prides itself on recipes and techniques that are passed down from generation to generation, and perhaps the only thing anyone can agree on is that their nonna’s version is the absolute best. From north to south, here are a few of the must-try regional highlights.

Emilia-Romagna

Italy is divided into 20 traditional regions, each with its own culinary identity, but many of its most globally recognized ingredients come from Emilia-Romagna. Located in the northern part of the country between Florence and Bologna, this is the ancestral home of umami-packed Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, sweetly tangy Aceto Balsamico di Modena (balsamic vinegar), and the delightfully savory ham known as Prosciutto di Parma. Visitors in Bologna, the region’s largest city, can feast on pistachio-studded mortadella (which is as far from Oscar Mayer as you can get), along with hand-pulled tortellini and tagliatelle, all best accompanied by the region’s refreshing Lambrusco sparkling wine.

Piedmont

While diamonds may be more expensive, white truffles are precious gems in their own right, and nowhere are they more celebrated than in this region in northwest Italy. Arborio rice grows in abundance in the Po River valley, and a creamy risotto al tartufo combines two of Piedmont’s most delicious ingredients. Wine lovers will rejoice in the region’s rich, full-bodied Barolos, while those with a sweet tooth can indulge in desserts featuring Piedmont’s delectable hazelnuts. Italy is also the birthplace of the “Slow Food” movement, so slow down and feast at one (or more!) of the region’s 30-plus Michelin-starred restaurants.

Lazio

Home to the nation’s capital, Rome, and located in the central-western portion of the Italian peninsula, Lazio bursts with flavors. Visitors to the Eternal City will find a plethora of dazzling dishes, including four classic pastas: carbonara, amatriciana, cacio e pepe, and gricia. Simple yet sublime, they embody what many consider to be the pinnacle of Italian cuisine. Another can’t-miss treat is carciofi alla giudia. Born in the city’s historic Jewish ghetto, these crispy deep-fried artichokes need nothing more than a sprinkle of salt. Lazio is also famed for its meat dishes, such as saltimbocca (prosciutto and sage-wrapped veal) and succulent porchetta.

Campania

Naples is world-renowned for its wood-fired Neapolitan pies, but Campania offers much more than pizza. Here, visitors will find creamy Mozzarella di Bufala Campana, a buffalo milk cheese that pairs delightfully with fresh tomatoes, basil, and olive oil for a classic caprese salad. The lemons along the Amalfi Coast are considered among the best in the world, and in Campania their essence is captured in limoncello, a sweet and refreshing liqueur that makes the perfect ending to any meal.

Sicily

The dishes from Sicily burst with seafood and spice, filled with color and flavors found nowhere else in the country. The island’s rustic and robust cuisine benefits from Greek, Arab, and Spanish influences — to name only a few — and marries traditional Italian ingredients with other Mediterranean flavors to create a unique blend of flavors. Street food is especially beloved: Look for vendors offering arancini (rice balls stuffed with meat, cheese, or vegetables), panelle (chickpea fritters), and coppo di fruttare — paper cones filled with fried calamari, shrimp, and just-caught local fish. Sicily is also known for its sweets (cannoli being a favorite), while the crisp, minerally wines made from grapes grown on the slopes of Mount Etna attract attention from connoisseurs around the world.

For some travelers, shopping is just as much a part of the experience as sightseeing or food. From luxury fashion boutiques and massive malls to vintage finds and local gems, these destinations offer standout shopping experiences for every style and budget. Here are five of the best cities in the world for shopping, no matter what’s on your list.

Berlin, Germany

Best known for its cutting-edge arts and music scene, its many UNESCO-listed landmarks, and an “anything-goes” creative culture, Berlin is one of Europe’s most exciting and effortlessly cool cities. That same energy carries over into its fashion scene, where independent designers, flea markets, vintage shops, and sustainable brands thrive alongside retail giants. 

For high-end department store shopping, head to Kurfürstendamm, the city’s main luxury boulevard, also known as Ku’damm. Here you can visit KaDeWe, Germany’s most famous department store and a go-to for luxury finds, or Bikini Berlin, Germany’s first concept mall, for a curated, edgier take on mall shopping. For trendy boutiques and galleries, head to Mitte, Berlin’s historic district, or explore Kreuzberg for creative stores like Voo Store and countless cafés. 

For vintage lovers and bargain hunters, the districts of Neukölln, Friedrichshain, and Prenzlauer Berg are packed with thrift stores and secondhand gems, like pay-per-kilo PicknWeight. Berlin’s famous flea markets are also a huge part of the local culture. Whether you’re looking for classic threads or alternative, budget-friendly finds, Berlin shopping does not disappoint. 

Dubai, UAE

The juxtaposition of cutting-edge super malls and traditional shopping makes Dubai one of the world’s most sought-after retail destinations. Though today it’s best known for its luxury shopping and opulent malls, this wealthy Middle Eastern city is still in touch with its ancient roots, with souks selling everything from spices to gold to textiles. 

A visit to mega-complexes like the Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates provides more than just high-end shopping opportunities. Though you’ll find plenty of world-class designers and international brands — including Miu Miu, FENDI, and Rolex — there are also immersive activities like aquariums, ice skating rinks, kids’ play areas, and even indoor ski slopes and a snow park. 

Beyond the glamourous malls, traditional souks offer a markedly different experience. Wandering the labyrinth hallways of Grand Souk Deira, you’ll discover traditional Arabian products like spices, perfumes, and vibrant fabrics. Hop over to the Gold Souk, also in the historic Deira district, to find hundreds of shops selling everything from ornate necklaces to glittering gold and gemstone pieces at competitive prices.

Bangkok, Thailand

From the buzzing night markets of Khao San Road to massive, ultramodern malls and a growing local designer scene, Bangkok is a must-visit city for shopaholics. Siam Paragon is one of the Thai capital’s highlights, with around 70 luxury fashion and accessory brands, upscale dining, a theme park, and Bangkok’s largest aquarium. Nearby, Central Park features more than 500 stores, 100-plus dining options, and an outdoor plaza that regularly hosts markets and concerts. 

On the other end of the spectrum, Bangkok’s traditional markets offer incredible value and variety, ranging from authentic, handmade silk blankets to the famous Thailand-themed T-shirts. If you’re looking to find everything in one place, don’t skip Chatuchak Weekend Market, boasting an incredible 15,000 stalls spread across 35 acres, selling clothing, antiques, home décor, and street food. 

For something a bit trendier, the Song Wat warehouses in the historic Talat Noi neighborhood blend striking street art with stores selling artisanal crafts and ceramics, vintage pop-ups, and cool cafés. Regardless of where you shop in Bangkok, you’ll always find something worth bringing home — and usually more than you planned.

Barcelona, Spain

Art and architecture may be Barcelona’s main draws, but on days when you’re not touring the Sagrada Família or the Picasso Museum, you may find yourself enjoying its excellent shopping scene. 

Stretching about a mile long is Paseo de Gràcia, Barcelona’s most expensive boulevard, showcasing luxury brands and high-end boutiques rivaling better-known European shopping cities like London and Paris. Haute fashion, fine jewelry, and luxury accessories decorate elegant storefronts from prestigious international and local brands like Hermès, Chanel, and Dior. Spanish fashion giant Zara, along with similarly priced brands like H&M and Mango, also have a strong presence along the avenue. 

For more midrange options, venture just off Paseo de Gràcia toward Plaça de Catalunya, a lively square surrounded by shopping centers and department stores. Also be sure to visit the Raval district’s Carrer dels Tallers, a narrow street filled with vintage shops, record stores, boutiques, and independent designers. Despite its proximity to tourist-heavy Las Ramblas, it remains a beloved local shopping area with a more authentic feel.

New York, New York

The Big Apple truly has something for everyone, whether you’re a theater lover, a foodie ticking off bucket-list restaurants, a sports fan, or simply someone who thrives on the energy of a city that never sleeps. The New York City shopping scene is just as varied, with everything from runway-level fashion to everyday casualwear is up for grabs. 

Iconic department stores like Macy’s Herald Square (the largest department store in the U.S.), Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, and Bergdorf Goodman are at the heart of New York’s shopping culture. Some of the city’s busiest shopping districts include the high-end shops on Madison Avenue and the trendier, fashion-forward designs found in SoHo. For creative finds, head to Brooklyn’s one-of-kind artisanal boutiques, like wearable ceramics brand Haricot Verts. 

New York City is known for more than shopping, however — it’s a trendsetting destination home to independent designers, emerging labels, and concept stores that influence the trajectory of fashion itself. Taken together, New York arguably has one of the most comprehensive shopping scenes in the world.

If you’re looking to get off the beaten path in the Mid-Atlantic region, small towns are often full of surprises. From destinations with haunted bridges and annual pony swims to those characterized by artsy streets and beloved local festivals, these five towns are places where history, creativity, and charm come together in the most delightful ways.

Berlin, Maryland

Berlin doesn’t try too hard to impress, and perhaps that’s exactly what makes it so charming. Just a few miles from the busy boardwalks of Ocean City, the laid-back town of around 5,000 people boasts colorful Victorian buildings and a walkable downtown that’s a joy to meander through. Berlin is also known for hosting quirky events such as the annual Bathtub Races, in which participants dressed in creative costumes race handmade tubs down Main Street, and the Fiddlers Convention, which fills the town with music, dancing, and friendly competition. 

Throughout the year, street festivals, farmers markets, and outdoor concerts keep the local community engaged and attract curious visitors from up and down the East Coast. Permanent fixtures include a range of indie boutiques, antique shops, cozy cafes, art galleries, and restaurants focused on farm-to-table fare, craft brews, and fresh seafood. 

Asbury Park, New Jersey

Part of the famous Jersey Shore, Asbury Park is a beach town known for its mile-long boardwalk, wide sandy beaches, and revitalized town center. Its revival is thanks in large part to the Asbury Park Music Foundation, which saw potential in the town after its popularity declined in the second half of the 20th century, leaving much of it in disarray. Today, Asbury Park is known for its vibrant live music scene, with performances happening nearly every night of the week at iconic venues like the Stone Pony, made famous by a young Bruce Springsteen at the start of his career. 

Another characteristic that sets Asbury Park apart from other coastal cities in New Jersey is its relationship with the paranormal. The town is widely considered to be haunted, with visitors reporting ghostly encounters in historic locations such as the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, Paramount Theatre, and Ashbury Lanes. Ghost tours run regularly, and if you can’t get enough of the eerie vibes, check out the Paranormal Museum, where an eclectic collection of strange artifacts and oddities are on display.

Woodstock, New York

Woodstock was once set to host a festival for the ages — the 1969 Woodstock Music & Art Fair, but local opposition and logistical obstacles ultimately pushed the event 60 miles down the road to Bethel. Still, the name stuck, thanks to Woodstock’s already-established reputation as a haven for artists, musicians, and free thinkers. Decades later, that creative spirit is still thriving, defining the town and setting it apart from its neighbors in the Catskills and Hudson Valley. 

The atmosphere in Woodstock is unmistakably bohemian, with colorful galleries, crystal shops, tarot readers, and indie bookstores lining Tinker Street, the town’s main drag. Cafes and green spaces regularly host live music on warm afternoons (including the drum circle on Sundays at the Village Green). And despite Woodstock’s famous reputation, the community remains grounded and innovative, curating an easygoing atmosphere that feels welcoming to visitors.

Chincoteague, Virginia

Chincoteague is part of Virginia’s barrier island system, located on the eastern shore of the state on the Delmarva Peninsula. It is the state’s only developed barrier island, but Chincoteague has another claim to fame: the Chincoteague Annual Pony Swim, an event made famous by Marguerite Henry’s 1947 novel Misty of Chincoteague. 

The swim takes place on the last Wednesday in July, drawing huge crowds to Chincoteague to watch the ponies make their way across the bay from neighboring Assateague Island. Once they arrive in Chincoteague, an auction is held, with proceeds supporting the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, which helps care for the island’s herd of wild horses and funds this long-standing tradition. The weeklong Chincoteague Volunteer Firemen’s Carnival happens around the event and adds to the fun with rides, games, live entertainment, and plenty of classic fried fair food. 

New Hope, Pennsylvania

Known for its eclectic shops, vibrant arts scene, strong LGBTQ+ presence, and even the occasional haunting, New Hope is a town of about 2,600 people located 30 miles north of Philadelphia. Despite its proximity to the city, New Hope has an independent vibe, and the preserved 18th- and 19th-century buildings now used as shops and cafes give it an old-fashioned feel. Artisan boutiques sell everything from handcrafted goods to gothic art and vintage treasures, while art galleries and live music venues put the town’s creative spirit on full display. 

There are also rumors of ghosts of former townsfolk still lurking in the shadows of haunted locations like Crybaby Bridge and the Aaron Burr House, a bed-and-breakfast said to have harbored Burr after he shot and killed Alexander Hamilton in their famous duel. But even if you’re not a fan of the paranormal, New Hope’s walkable streets, riverside setting, and creative atmosphere make it one of the most appealing small towns on the East Coast.