tips travelling to italy

27 Essential Italy Travel Tips: Everything You Need To Know

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Going to Italy? Check out these essential travel tips before you go! Avoid being the typical tourist, blend in with the locals, and find out everything you need to know about Italy.

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I was born in Italy, and although I now consider myself a citizen of the world, I think Italy is one of the most beautiful countries you will ever visit.

From the fantastic food to the spectacular history, there is so much to do and see that it’s easy to get lost.

It’s not a surprise that with all its art, culture, and natural beauty, Italy is the leader of the UNESCO World Heritage Site List .

Whether you are planning your first visit to Italy or are a regular traveler, there are some things you should know that will make your trip to Italy easier.

Italians are lovely and warm but tend to be very traditional in certain habits!

And by following these tips, I am sure you will have a great time in Italy!

Italy Travel Tips: Food And Restaurants

Everyone knows how amazing Italian food can be. But there are a few things you need to know before eating in Italy that will make your foodie experience more Italian .

1. There is a time for coffee

Italians do love their coffee. But there is a perfect time in the day for drinking it.

You never drink coffee during a meal. But you can have a coffee after a meal.

Cappuccino is only for breakfast; you should never drink it past 11:00 am. If you ask for a cappuccino after a meal at a restaurant, or worst, with a meal, don’t be surprised if they look at you like you come from Mars.

Latte in Italian means milk , so if you order a latte  in a bar, you will get a glass of hot milk…not very exciting.

If you want what you call a latte, you need to order a “latte macchiato,” milk with coffee.

2. You drink your espresso standing

Espresso means “fast” in Italian. And all Italians drink their coffee “al banco,” standing in front of the bar.

Of course, you can take a seat at a table and enjoy your coffee slowly, but it will cost you a lot more. So if you want a good cheap coffee the Italian way , make sure you drink it standing at the bar.

And although it’s getting more common in big international cities like Milan to be able to ask for takeaway coffee, most of the traditional places won’t serve coffee in a paper cup.

And remember, in most bars in Italy, you need to pay before you can order a coffee. You need to get “lo scontrino” (your receipt) first.

3. Only go to restaurants that display menus in Italian

We gave this tip to many friends, and they said it was the best travel tip to eat well in Italy.

This tip mainly works if you are planning to visit busy touristic places like Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast , or Cinque Terre.

And it works only there because you will never find an English menu anywhere else in Italy, anyway!

Although the food in Italy is simply amazing, you can still find places that serve awful meals. If you want to eat really good Italian food, avoid restaurants that display an English menu outside at all costs (especially if they have pictures of food, too!).

You might be tempted to go there because you will see some dishes you are familiar with or think you at least understand the ingredients.

Remember: the best Italian food can only be found in restaurants with Italian menus.

And on the same note, avoid eating next to tourist places. There are plenty of little gems often hidden just a few steps away, so avoid sitting next to the Trevi fountain or the Coliseum.

4. Never eat in a restaurant with spaghetti bolognese on the menu

Similar to the above, if you see spaghetti bolognese on the menu… RUN ! And run as fast as the speed of light!

I am not kidding.

Spaghetti bolognese is not an Italian dish, or at least it’s not what Italians call spaghetti with bolognese sauce.

First, bolognese sauce in Italy is called ragù , and if you really want to eat it, you should go to Bologna or the Reggio Emilia region in Northern Italy.

And you don’t eat ragù with spaghetti, but with tagliatelle.

If a restaurant has spaghetti with bolognese sauce on the menu, it won’t be an authentic Italian restaurant . Eat there at your own peril!

The same thing goes for spaghetti and meatballs… It’s an American recipe, not an Italian dish! I had never even heard of it until I went outside Italy for the first time.

Italian food is a regional affair. You should only eat risotto in Milan or Northern Italy and Cannolo in Sicily. Always ask the server what the typical local dish is, and try new things.

5. Don’t ask for tap water in a restaurant

Or…I should say: you can ask for it, but you won’t get it!

In Italy, restaurants will always serve bottled water; if you ask for tap water, you will get an awful look. Most places simply won’t give it to you and will just charge you for bottled water.

You are much better off drinking wine. Plus, you are in Italy anyway, and wine tastes better than water.

If you want cheap but good wine, always ask for “vino della casa.” It usually comes in half a-liter or liter jugs, and it’s local.

Oh, and before I forget! Having ice in your drinks, it’s a very American thing to do. If you want ice in your water, you need to ask for it!

6. But get free water around the cities

You will always find water fountains around the main squares in big cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice. Bring empty reusable bottles and fill them with fresh drinking water.

7. Never put Parmesan cheese on fish

Never ever put Parmesan on fish. That’s it!

There is nothing else to say about this. You just don’t do it!

8. You don’t have to tip…but there is a “coperto” to pay

Italians rarely leave a tip in a restaurant, so don’t feel like you have to. Servers are paid good living wages, and although they will never refuse a good tip, they are not expecting one.

But you will always find something else on your bill that you might not be used to. It’s called “coperto,” a cover charge.

This cover charge includes bread. It’s pretty standard in all restaurants in Italy, and it should be listed somewhere on the menu.

Also, if you are used to American servers, you might find the service in Italy a bit slow.

Eating food in Italy is a ritual, and servers will leave you time to finish your meal. If you are in a hurry, you better grab something quicker, like a sandwich, or let the server know ahead of time.

9. Breakfast will be a sweet start to the day

Italians typically have a sweet breakfast. They never have salty food at the beginning of the day. If you go to international hotels, I am sure you will find English breakfast or cold meats, but please don’t be disappointed by the choice and embrace the local culture, especially if you are staying in a small B&B.

An authentic Italian breakfast in a bar is made of:

• Coffee or Cappuccino
• Cornetto (similar to a Croissant)
• An orange juice

In hotels and B&B, you will also find fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals, bread, and jam.

10. Dinner doesn’t start early

If you are going out for dinner at 6:30 pm and you see an empty restaurant, it doesn’t mean that restaurant isn’t popular. It just means no one in Italy is eating that early.

Most restaurants don’t even open before 7:00 pm or later!

If you are not used to eating late, embrace the “aperitivo” culture.

Italians usually go for a pre-dinner aperitivo between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm. You can sit down in a piazza, and most bars will serve you some crisps, pizza, nuts, and nibbles with your Aperol Spritz (THE Aperitivo!).

If you want to blend in and hang around with the Italians (and stop starving!), try an aperitivo!

11. Never ask an Italian to share

Asking an Italian to share a pizza is like asking an Irish man to share his beer.

Italians love their food. We are passionate about each plate we consume, so sharing a meal isn’t really something we love to do.

This goes not only for pizza but for pretty much anything else. Please don’t ask me to share…

12. Always find an excuse to eat gelato

The most famous ice cream in the world is Italian gelato, and there is a reason for that! It’s simply amazing, and you won’t be able to stop eating it!

So there is no reason to resist! Just go for it at any time of the day. You can have gelato for breakfast, after lunch, for morning or afternoon snacks, or after dinner.

Any time is good for gelato in Italy!

And if you are planning a trip to Rome, check out this guide of Where To Eat The Most Amazing Ice Cream there.

Italy Travel Tips: “Do It Like The Italians”

If you are going to Italy and you want to blend in, these are the things you need to know to behave like a real Italian !

13. Ciao isn’t for everyone

Everyone knows Ciao, but remember that Ciao is a very informal way of saying hello. When you walk in shops, or you are greeting older people, make sure you use:

• Buongiorno (Good morning)
• Buona Sera (Good evening)

Another couple of words worth remembering are:

• Grazie (Thank you)
• Non capisco  (I don’t understand)

And you should only say Bravo to men. If you want to praise a lady, remember to say Brava !

14. Greet everyone with two kisses (or three…)

Even if you barely know someone, don’t be surprised if you are greeted with two kisses on your cheeks (yes, even after Covid).

Italians are very warm and affectionate, and they are used to kissing anyone. Sometimes you’ll find that younger people even go for three kisses!

But definitely not just one!

15. Be aware of riposino

Most Italian shops will close for lunch. If you are trying to shop between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm in Italy, you might as well take a riposino (nap) yourself because you won’t find many places open for business.

It might be annoying for you, especially if you live in a busy city, but if you are visiting the Italian countryside, you will need to get used to this way of life.

Italians still think lunch is an important part of the day, and they will go home to enjoy a nice meal and relax during the hottest hours of the day.

You might find shops still open in the city center of big cities like Rome, Milan or Venice, but don’t be surprised if in smaller cities everything is closed.

16. Always check the opening times

On a similar note, always check the opening hours of attractions and restaurants.

Most places have a “ giorno di riposo ” (a rest day).

Some are closed on Mondays, some on Tuesdays, and others on Wednesdays, etc. If you have any place or restaurant you want to visit, check when they close so you can plan accordingly.

17. Don’t queue politely

Italians don’t queue. They have a very different ideas of personal space. Don’t get crossed if they push you or shove you around without saying sorry. It’s just the way it is.

This also means they don’t know what queuing and standing in a line means:

Queue : The definition in the world

A line or sequence of people awaiting their turn to be attended to or to proceed.

Queue : The definition in Italy

Lots of people wiggling their way up to the front to make it look like they were the first ones there and had the right to be served first.

Things are so chaotic that sometimes you need to take a ticket with a number to make some order out of a queue…

This happens everywhere: if you are buying food, ice cream, cinema tickets, or trying to board a flight.

If you just wait around for your turn politely, you will be the last one in. So you either get in there and fight the fight or resign yourself to not going anywhere!

Italy Transportation Tips

Traveling around Italy is fun! But it comes with its own experiences. Some of the tips below will help you to navigate your way through the transportation system in Italy.

18. Trains follow their “own” timetable

Trains have improved massively in the last few years in Italy. Some impressive high-speed modern trains connect big cities like Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome, and Naples.

But if you move to less touristic cities or more rural areas, especially in the South of Italy, don’t be surprised about delays.

Make sure you allow plenty of time to get where you need to be, especially if you are catching a train to get to the airport.

Also, check for train strikes, as these might affect your travel plans.

19. Always validate your tickets

I will never get used to how you need to buy your tickets in Italy, and I was born there…so listen carefully.

Trains: quite simple

You need to buy your tickets before you get on the train. There usually are ticket offices at every station. If you are traveling quite a long distance, you can save a lot of money by buying your tickets in advance. Make sure you always check prices on websites like Trenitalia for the best price.

Once you have your ticket, don’t forget to stamp it before you board the train! There are ticket-validating machines on all train platforms. If you are not sure if you need to validate your ticket, ask around. The validating machines will stamp the date and time on your ticket.

Buses: not so much

If you want to hop on a bus, you need to make sure you buy a valid ticket before you get on the bus. You can generally purchase tickets in a Tabaccheria (tobacco shop) or Edicola (newspaper agents). These shops are usually closed in the evenings, so buy enough tickets ahead of time or opt for a daily or weekly pass to avoid any problems.

After you buy your bus ticket, remember to validate it on the little time stamp machines on the bus.

If you don’t validate your ticket, you will be fined by the inspectors that randomly check on trains and buses.

It doesn’t matter if you tell them you didn’t know about the time stamp validation!

20. Driving around is fun…but keep an eye out for holes!

Driving around Italy can be a bit crazy. Traffic is quite chaotic, especially in cities like Rome and Naples.

Public transport is a much easier stress-free alternative than driving in big cities.

And I know Italians have a reputation for being quite ‘enthusiastic’ drivers. But if you are visiting the countryside, like Tuscany, the Alps or the Northern lakes, driving a car is the best way to see the beautiful scenery around Italy.

And only by driving around will you discover some fantastic hidden gems along the way.

But ensure you always keep an eye out for holes in the road ahead. Road maintenance isn’t one of the highest priorities in Italy, especially if you are driving on small countryside roads.

21. Oh, and don’t trust the GPS

Yes, this is a great one. I know Google Maps is excellent. But Italy is full of surprises – she says after she had to pay for several tickets…

Always pay attention to the signs, especially when you get closer to the city center. It’s full of “zona traffic limitato.” These are areas that only locals can enter at certain times of the day.

Your navigation system might not be aware of these areas and often gives you directions that might end up with a ticket.

22. Look everywhere before you cross the street

Don’t assume pedestrians have the right to pass – to most Italian drivers, they don’t.

As mentioned above, traffic can be quite hectic in big cities like Rome. Sometimes cars don’t bother stopping to let you cross the road, and scooters tend to appear from nowhere.

So make sure you always look both ways and everywhere before you cross the road (yes, even on a pedestrian crossing!).

Better safe than sorry!

Touristy Travel Tips

Well, if you are reading this, you are a tourist!

So you need some special tips that will make your tourist’s life in Italy a bit easier!

23. Never ever go to Italy in August

August is the national summer holiday month for Italians. Many companies shut down, schools are closed, and many Italians will leave the cities to go on holiday.

• Many shops are closed, even in big cities like Rome and Florence. Especially some of the most authentic shops.
• If you decide to visit the best beaches in Italy, in regions like Sicily or Sardinia, everything will be crowded and expensive, and the service won’t be as good as if you go in June or September.
• It can get really hot in Italy in August, and walking around could be pretty tiring if you plan sightseeing.

If you have a choice, try to avoid August at all costs and opt for more out-of-season months like April, May, or October.

24. Always have some cash with you

Most hotels, shops, and restaurants will accept credit cards, but it’s still quite normal in Italy to pay by cash in many small restaurants and shops.

Make sure you always have some cash to pay for your meals or shopping, especially if you plan to buy some food at the market.

And remember that most banks close at 1:30 pm. You can always use an ATM, but if you need to go to a bank for any reason, keep that in mind.

25. Check the weather before you go

Everyone thinks of Italy as a hot sunny country, but the weather can be pretty extreme and different in North and South Italy.

Some places in Italy can get really cold during winter, like Venice and Milan.

Venice Average Temperature in January: 7° / 0° Milan Average Temperature in January: 7° / 2°

But it can get as cold as -5° if you are unlucky!

Make sure you check the weather and the temperature before you go to be prepared for what you will find.

26. Keep a close eye on your bag in busy train stations

Italy is a very safe place. I never felt in danger while walking around, even if I was alone.

Having said that, if you are going through busy stations like Roma Termini,  keep a close eye on your possessions.

Pickpocketers are in every crowded place, especially where they know they can find some disoriented tourists.

Just use your common sense, like you would do in any other city in the world.

27. Cover-up in churches

Many churches will ask ladies to cover their shoulders and legs above their knees when entering inside.

In some churches, men with shorts aren’t allowed as well.

It can be hot in Italy during summer, so you might be underdressed. Make sure you wear at least a t-shirt to cover your shoulders, and bring a shawl with you to cover your legs.

This will help you to avoid disappointment. I have seen many people traveling thousands of miles to visit a church just to be asked to turn around because they weren’t dressed adequately.

28. Book your museum tickets in advance

Italy has some of the most impressive museums in the world. The Vatican Museums in Rome and Galleria Degli Uffizi in Florence are not to be missed.

And with all these incredible attractions come hoards of tourists at all times. Honestly, the lines will shock it.

You might not like planning your days, but if you want to avoid disappointment and very long lines, I strongly suggest you buy your tickets online before you go.

You will still have to go through security checks, but you can skip massive waiting times of several hours.

Don’t expect cheap luxury

Luxury brands typically standardize prices across countries. Brands like Armani, Gucci, and Dolce & Gabbana won’t be cheaper in Italy.

You will pay pretty much the same for your Gucci shoes, whether in Milan, Rome, or Paris.

29. Book your hotels outside the city center or stay in an Airbnb for a cheaper authentic stay

Hotels can get very expensive near the town center, especially during the busy summer months.

Moving a few miles out could save you a lot of money.

One of my favorite ways to visit Italy is by staying in a local Airbnb.

When we visited Cinque Terre , we decided to stay in one of the beautiful and colorful houses in the villages to live the real Italian local experience. And we are so glad we did!

We met some wonderful local people, Simone and his mum Nicoletta, and they were so kind as to share where we could find the best local restaurants and food.

30. Don’t worry if someone is shouting

Italians are loud…and the further South you go, the louder they get, lol!

Years ago, Dan and I were waiting for a bus to go to the airport near Naples. Two guys stopped with a scooter and started shouting and pushing each other around. If you couldn’t understand what they were saying, you would have thought they were fighting.

A British couple next to us started holding hands and moved away with scared looks on their faces.

We moved closer to them and told them, “Don’t worry. They are just saying hi to each other and talking about what they should be doing tonight!” .

So don’t be alarmed by Italians shouting!

Italians are really passionate people. Two people shouting are probably just talking about what they should have for dinner!

31. Don’t forget to relax 

Italy is a big country full of unique places. It’s easy to try to rush through it all and concentrate on the most touristy spots like Rome, Florence, and Venice.

But there are plenty of other incredible destinations to check and see. Here you can find a list of 35 beautiful places you should consider adding to your list.

But above all, don’t forget to relax and live a little La Dolce Vita . Spend hours sipping some wine and eating at a restaurant, talking and watching people passing by.

Italians call this il dolce far niente . This literally means “the sweetness of doing nothing.”

Do nothing and enjoy it!

Have you already been to Italy? Do you have any other tips to share?

If you have any questions about your time in Italy, feel free to ask me anything in the comments, and I’ll do my best to help you with my Italy travel tips!

My guides to Italy

• Best Time to Visit Italy
• 15 Most Romantic Places in Italy
• 19 Most Beautiful Beaches on The Amalfi Coast
• 23 Best Things To Do in Capri, Italy
• 13 Best Italian Lakes
• 15 Best Italian Islands To Visit To Live La Dolce Vita
• Alberobello: Everything You Need To Know
• A Guide To Cinque Terre: Everything you Need to Know
• The Best Restaurants in Cinque Terre
• Where To Stay In Cinque Terre
• 10 Best Beaches In Sicily You Have To See
• 11 Best Places To Visit In Sicily
• 15 Best Beaches in Sardinia That Are Paradise on Earth
• 15 Best Things To Do In Lake Como (From A Local)
• 15 Best Cities To Visit In Italy Revealed!

And also, check out these great travel hacks for a stress-free vacation!

More Tips About Italy

35 most beautiful places to visit in italy, 15 best things to do in cinque terre (including hidden gems), 15 best things to do on the amalfi coast (+tips from an italian), travel guide to puglia, italy: top things to do and more, share your thoughts cancel reply.

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112 Comments

Coins for bathrooms!

This is one of the best postings I’ve came across in quite some time. Good work.

Thanks so much!

I must admit, this post is pretty good. In fact, it’s one of the best I’ve come across in a long time.

Going to Italy in March, 2024 (late March return early April) trying to choose 3-4 areas to stay. Florence (daughter studying abroad there) , Rome, Venice & debating somewhere south? Think it’s too early for the Almafi coast or Sicily

Hi Tricia, You’ll have an amazing time I am sure! It depends on the year, March can be wonderful or there could be some rain. If I was you, I would go to Sicily. More chances to find good weather there at that time of year. Although it won’t be beach weather, it would be great for strolling around and enjoying the incredible food.

We did the vespa side car tour in Rome, couldn’t recommend it enough!

Thanks for the suggestion, Sue! 🙂

What a great article. We just returned from Italy & had the most amazing time. It was early September & was still very crowded. I could live in Italy!

So happy you had a great time, Sue!

I am going on a family trip at the end of this month. Is it a good time?

It’s a good time, but it’ll be crowded. Schools are off in Italy now, so lots of kids around 🙂

But the weather will be beautiful (although hot, so bring a hat and always plenty of water!)

I am going to Italy and taking my kids soon. Any tips?

Where are you going Neila?

Thanks for all the tips. Really wish I had read this before I cluelessly walked on a bus thinking I could pay the fare on board and then got a hefty fine and a crushing dose of public humiliation from a surprise police inspection… Fear the buses, guys. Those tickets are serious stuff.

Hi Nicole, I’m sorry for your bad experience with the buses, but I’m glad the tips were helpful. Always be prepared and follow the rules to avoid any issues in the future. Stay safe!

I want to go in march 2023 for my birthday. Is that a good month.

Hi Greta, It depends on where you want to go, as the weather in Italy varies a lot by region. March is generally a bit cold and wet, but in Rome and the South, it can be quite pleasant. In the North, it’ll be much cold, and it could rain quite a bit. Let me know where you are planning to go and I can help further 🙂

Hello! My brother and I are taking our 89-year-old father to Rome next week. I am already following some of the tips you’ve mentioned and am grateful for the rest of the travel tips; especially that of the water fountains throughout Rome. I have not booked any tours only because my father walks slowly and is hard of hearing. With that being said, I have found a couple of self-guided audio tours that we can partake in. Yay!!! I also just received my email that my ticket request for the General audience has been approved. I know to get there as early as 7 am. Are there any other tips for that morning? Thank you, in advance, for your time! Much appreciated! Sincerely, Miriam Wolford

Hi Miriam, That’s so exciting! I would say, make sure to bring plenty of water and a hat to cover yourself from the sun. I know it’s October, but the weather can be extremely hot in Rome. The last time I was there at the end of October was over 28 degrees. Oh, and bring layers too, as at 7 am it will be pretty cold. I also wonder if you should bring one of those foldable camping chairs for your dad, as you might end up standing for a long time before the general audience. And bring snacks and food, because there isn’t much to eat in that area! I am sure you’ll have a great time!

Packing light! Americans always take too many things with them. I’ve found that for a 2 week trip in September I can pack everything in a carry on suitcase with an empty duffle of sorts made of nylon or something that can lay flat at the bottom of my bag and fill up with treasures! No one knows you. Wear the same thing twice or even three times! Hotels and towns have laundry. My next trip is September 2022 and I’m bringing 5 day dresses 2 extra shoes, a special outfit jic, an exercise outfit swimsuits and a coverup. Packing light is so important especially if you’re going between cities by train. You must carry your own luggage

I completely agree with you!

Great post! My mother and will be traveling the first 10 days of September (Florence, Chianti Region and Positano). I know August is not a great time to travel to Italy but should it be back to “normal” the first week of September?

Hi Jessica, Yes, pretty much back to normal! In fact, September is a great time to visit Tuscany. The weather is still hot and wonderful and there will be less people around 🙂

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9 tips for beginners visiting Italy for the first time

Planning your first vacation to Italy ? Not only is this beautiful country one of the top culinary destinations in the world, but it's also home to some seriously iconic tourist attractions to boot. With over 55 UNESCO World Heritage sites, three active volcanoes and over 1,500 lakes, you'll never get bored. And if you are, well, there's always pizza!

When organizing a vacation to Italy, there are a few things you should know in order to have a safe and enjoyable getaway. First-time travelers take note: these are some of the things you consider for your Italian adventure.

1. Figure out what kind of trip you want to have

Italy's got it all: 4,600 miles of coastline lined with hundreds of gorgeous beaches , numerous tourist attractions, lively cities, charming villages and sprawling vineyards. From low-cost to luxury, Italy has accommodation, restaurants and activities to fit every budget, whether it's renting a yacht off the coast of Capri, staying in an affordable hostel in Rome or enjoying a Sicilian farmhouse getaway.

Consider your interests, as well as some of the things Italy is famous for, like gastronomy (you could build a trip around dining out or cooking classes), art (Italy has some of the top museums in the world) or exploring a wine region (drive through the hills of Prosecco or Tuscany's wine country).

Related: How to have a budget vacation in Italy

Or, think about destinations. For each week you have of vacation , you can comfortably squeeze in two destinations (maybe more if you're a very active traveler).

• If you love art and tourist attractions, consider Rome and Florence.
• If you love fashion but also want to relax, consider Milan and one of the northern lakes.
• If you want pizza, cityscape and coastal charm, consider Nap les and the Amalfi coast.
• If you want to dig into Italy's food and wine scene, consider a road trip through Tuscany or Piedmont.
• If you love skiing , consider a visit to Milan and the Italian Alps.
• If you're looking for romance, consider exploring Verona and Venice.
• If you need a beach vacation, consider exploring an island like Sardinia or Sicily.
• If you have 10 days or more and want to enjoy the most typical tourist circuit, consider a trip to the big three: Rome, Florence and Venice -- some of the country's most popular spots for visitors.

Note that while you can find various price points around the country for lodging, dining and activities, typically, costs are lower in southern Italy than in northern Italy.

Related: Northern or southern Italy: Which is right for your vacation?

2. Pick the right season

In general, Italy has wonderful weather. Many areas of the country see lots of sunshine and temperatures are mild even in winter, though summers can be steamy. Depending on what you plan to do, make sure to consider the season. Beach visits are best in the summer, though months like May and September see fewer crowds and still have great weather.

Related: These are the best times to visit Italy

Avoid larger, crowded cities like Rome in the heart of summer, unless you're prepared for extreme heat. Harvest season/autumn is the ideal time to visit the wine region, and southern Italy can be mild throughout the winter. Many deals can be found in the low season, but know that winter in the north can be cold and rainy.

If you do go to Italy between March and October, bring sunblock and a hat -- don't underestimate those Mediterranean rays.

3. Do your research when it comes to tourism

Although Covid-19 has put a dampener on tourism, during busier times, attractions like the Vatican may see up to 30,000 visitors per day. That means you may have to wait a long time in line to buy a ticket and enter. Add Rome's scorching sunshine to the mix and you may end up sunburned, exhausted from queuing all day and never get the chance to step foot in the Sistine Chapel.

If visiting big-name tourist attractions is important to you, buy tickets online. Skip-the-line tickets or guided tours may also be worth the price: evaluate your options and decide.

City passes are another alternative. The Milan city pass offers things like discounts on popular attractions, free Milan public transport and a free drink at a local Milanese bar. The Rome tourist card has fast-track entry benefits and free access to the Vatican and the Colosseum. Florence's city pass includes skip-the-line entry to Galleria degli Uffizi and Galleria dell'Accademia, plus tickets for the hop-on, hop-off bus tour.

So, think about what you want to do and see, do the maths and purchase ahead.

4. But don't forget about local spots too

Visiting Italy's most famous attractions should hold a firm spot on your bucket list. That being said, plan to take some time to get off the tourist track a bit. Consider exploring more local neighborhoods or visiting a small village or a less-popular spot like Lake Maggiore instead of Lake Como. Seeing all the big-name hotspots is a must, but experiencing the beauty of true Italian culture and cuisine may be even better.

Related: 5 of Italy's best-hidden gem cities

5. Take the train

The Freeciarossa runs between some of Italy's best destinations. These high-speed trains from company Trenitalia are affordable, fast and comfortable. Traveling up to about 180 miles per hour, trains are one of the best and quickest ways to get from A to B. And, you won't have to deal with learning the Italian rules of the road or the hassle of car rental agencies. Taking the train is easy: You can purchase tickets easily online ahead of time or last minute depending on your travel style. You can visit spots like Milan, Rome , Florence, Venice, Turin and Naples on the Frecciarossa trains.

6. Don't discount the islands

Italy's island culture goes beyond just the beach. And, there are over 450 of them! Sicily has a whole sub-culture of its own, and far-flung spots like the Tremiti islands or the Aeolian islands will ensure you get sufficiently off-the-beaten-path . If it's luxury you desire, Sardinia's Costa Smeralda is a hotspot and nothing looks sexier on an Instagram feed than Capri.

Related: Which of the Italian islands is best for your vacation ?

7. Familiarize yourself with the language and culture

You might get lucky when it comes to a larger city like Rome, where many locals speak English.

Southern Italy or smaller villages are a different story. Luckily, Italians are a friendly bunch and will do their best to communicate with you despite any language barriers. Come prepared with a few key phrases and your favorite translation app downloaded.

Italy is old, and so are its streets. Many are made of cobblestone. While locals (Milan, here's looking at you) may jog by in designer stilettos, you should wear comfortable footwear. Make sure to dress modesty, especially when visiting churches. You won't be allowed into spots like Vatican City if your knees and shoulders aren't covered.

While mealtimes aren't quite as late as Spain's, Italians tend to eat slightly later. Expect lunch around 1:00 p.m., and dinners around 8:30 p.m. or 9:00 p.m.

8. Money-saving tips

While it's normal to make a tourist faux pas or two (especially on your first trip), here are some things you should avoid:

• Tipping at restaurants if it's already included on your bill (many spots add in a 10% service charge).
• Heavily tipping taxi drivers (rounding up to the nearest euro is normal).

Save even more money with the following:

• Take advantage of apertivo hours in northern Italy. These are happy hours that offer free buffet food for a few hours pre-dinner time in the early evening. Order a drink or two to gain access to the snacks.
• Stand at the bar to drink your espresso. Table seating at breakfast has an additional charge, and even more if you want to eat outside.
• Beware of the "coperto." This is a service charge for simply eating at the restaurant , usually a euro or two per person.
• Don't eat or drink in the main city square. These spots are usually overpriced tourist traps.

Related: 7 underrated regions in Italy for food and wine

9. Be alert for travel scams

Watch out for those trying to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists with scams :

• Pickpockets;
• Gladiators: If you take a photo of or with them, they'll expect a tip;
• Taxi scams: Insist the meter be turned on, or make sure you're aware of any flat-rate pricing;
• Unauthorized tour guides or ticket helpers at train stations; and
• Anyone who approaches you with lavender, flowers or a pizza box. Just walk the other way.

Bottom line

Armed with these tips and tricks, planning a trip to Italy will be easy. You can sit back, relax and enjoy all the delights Italy has to offer, knowing that you've picked the right destinations, will skip the line to see those bucket-list tourist attractions, avoid scams and save a little money on meals.

30+ Italy Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

Last Updated: July 6, 2023

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Ah, Italy. I’ll never understand how a country so beautiful can be so stressful.

As one of the most romanticized countries in the world, many first time visitors are shocked to discover that Bella Italia isn’t just a non stop parade of gelato, spaghetti and Vespa rides with men named Paolo.

Pickpockets? Bone-chillingly ruthless drivers? Random fees and charges? Unspoken food rules that feel more important than actual laws?

Yes, Italy is amazing… but it also has a lot of random traps and culture shocks that stump first time visitors.

… But not you! Because you’re here. And you’re about to learn all my top Italy travel tips, assembled after a decade of frequent trips to (what is honestly) one of my favourite countries in the world.

So, read on for a list of important must knows before you visit Italy. Armed with these, you can properly enjoy your Italian dream trip just like in the movies.

Save this list of Italy Travel Tips for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Expand your Italy itinerary beyond the best known places

Let’s get this out of the way: Italy is a popular place, and thanks to the powers of social media, droolworthy destinations like Rome , Florence, Venice, Milan , Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast are now firmly at the top of everybody (and their mom)’s bucket lists.

But with this popularity comes crowds, and quite ironically, many tourists find that ‘too many tourists’ can ruin their experience.

Luckily there are ways to enjoy Italy away from the crowds – the main one being to visit more offbeat places.

That’s not to say you should avoid Rome or Venice altogether, but here’s what I would suggest: pick a popular place as your base, then diversify your itinerary by adding on side trips to quieter gems nearby.

For instance…

• Going to Venice? Add on cool nearby cities like Padua and Ferrara or venture farther North to visit Trentino or South Tyrol.
• Going to Rome? Visit Tivoli! And actually Fiumicino (by the airport) is quite nice.
• Going to Florence? Add a visit to Bologna, or other tasty towns around Emilia Romagna.
• Going to Cinque Terre? Visit more towns along the Ligurian coast, or add on a day or two in Genoa – the region’s capital.

Of course, you can also simply focus your entire trip on a lesser explored part of Italy. With twenty regions and hundreds of islands off the mainland to choose from, you’re spoiled for choice.

2. Avoid peak season like the plague

I know summer in Italy sounds like a dream.

… But it’s not. It’s sticky. It’s crowded. And it’s when prices are at their most eye-gouging.

So, if you have the luxury of flexibility, I’d opt for a visit in the shoulder seasons ( Spring or Fall) or, in the case of city breaks, even a visit in the winter.

I’ve done city trips to Rome, Venice and Verona in the dead of winter and while the weather was hit and miss, the lack of crowds and tolerable accommodation prices more than made up for it.

3. For city to city travel, choose public transport if possible

Driving in Italy can be a stressful endeavour and only really necessary if you plan to visit smaller villages or more remote areas.

Otherwise, city travel with trains or buses couldn’t be easier. If you’re unsure of which options make the most sense for your trip, then I’d recommend hopping on Omio to compare buses, trains and flights at a glance.

I cover more in my guide on the cheapest ways to travel Europe , so be sure to check that out for more info.

4. Beware the common mistakes when renting a car

Of course, if you’re up for the thrills of real-life Italian Mario Kart, then there are a few extra things you should know. Here are some tips for renting a car in Italy.

When renting a car in Italy, try to…

• Pick a small one because you never know when you might end up on an impossibly narrow Italian road
• Get a vignette if driving into other countries. This is a paid sticker that you must put on your car if you want to use the country’s motorways, otherwise you get fined. You don’t need them in Italy, but you do for many of Italy’s neighbours like Austria, Switzerland, and Slovenia.
• Avoid ZTLs, or Zona a Traffico Limitato. These are zones in busy cities where you can get fined for driving in them during certain hours.

5. Buy bus tickets in advance

One of the stranger quirks of Italy travel is that bus tickets oftentimes aren’t available for purchase on the bus.

In these cases, you need to make sure you have tickets for the bus before boarding. Luckily, you can usually buy these from a Tabacchi (Tobacco Shop / Convenience Store) or newspaper stand.

NOTE: With these pre-purchased tickets, make sure you validate them through a machine once you board, or you may be fined if ticket controllers come on board.

6. Always buy train tickets in advance too

If you look up the word “stressed” in the dictionary, it’s likely you’ll encounter a photograph of a sweaty, lost tourist in an Italian train station.

I don’t know what it is. Maybe it’s the heat. Or the omni-present pickpockets. Maybe it’s the parade of quick-moving humans who all seem to know what they’re doing besides you… or the fact that you’re dragging all your bags along with you. But Italian train stations (for those new to them) can be some of the most chaotic and stressful places on Planet Earth.

SO, my best Italy travel tip for avoiding the stress and chaos of train stations is to simply book your tickets ahead of time, so you’re not awkwardly staring at a machine upon arrival, trying not to cry.

You’ll usually save money this way too!

You can check out my post about how to take trains in Europe for more info on the train taking process.

7. Always validate physical tickets when needed

In Italy, having a train ticket isn’t enough to avoid a fine. It must be properly validated too.

This is one of the top mistakes tourists make in Italy, so don’t let that be you! If you have a physical train ticket, be sure to validate it as needed at a machine like this:

8. Remember that there’s tremendous cultural diversity within Italy

For many, Italy is a country we feel like we know a lot about thanks to its total domination in popular media and culture.

But the truth is, Italy can look VERY different depending on where you go, and all things from culinary specialties to even language can differ based on region.

For instance, there are parts of Northern Italy where German is so commonly spoken that many major destinations have both Italian and German names. (Lago di Braies and Pragser Wildsee are the same place! Who knew?)

So, anyways, before your trip, try to cleanse your brain of any random Italian stereotypes and be sure to research cultural norms appropriate for your destination.

9. Learn how to say hello and thank you

Apart from my usual reason that it’s just good manners to learn a bit of the local language, in Italy there’s the bonus perk that Italian is just so fun to speak.

So take advantage and speak as much of it as you can while you’re there. Knowing the basics can go a long way.

Here are the basics to learn by heart before your visit:

• Hello (in the morning/afternoon): Buongiorno (Bwon-JOOR-no) 
• Hello (in the evening): Buonasera (Bwon-ah-SAY-ruh)
• Thank you: Grazie (GRAHT-see-eh)

10. Bring a bag you can easily carry

One of the biggest beginner mistakes that visitors make in Italy is they pack way too much and are left red-faced dragging their gargantuan suitcases across centuries-old cobblestones, trying in vain to find their hotel which… probably doesn’t have an elevator.

I get it – the urge to look cute while lapping up gelato is SO strong, but remember there’s ways you can pack light and still not look like a slob.

So, my best Italy packing tip is to simply not bring any bags you can’t physically carry.

Trust me, there are many situations where you might need to pick up your bag (going up stairs, getting on a train, etc.) so if you’re not able to lift your own bag, then you need to downsize pronto.

This tip is especially important in places like Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast where there’s a lack of roads and lot of stairs.

11. Cover up when visiting churches

Unbeknownst to many first time visitors, churches in Italy usually have a dress code stating that shoulders and knees must be covered. If you’re not dressed appropriately, often you won’t be let in.

SO, if you’re visiting in the summer, make sure you have a scarf you can drape over yourself and at least one or two long options for bottoms.

12. Prepare yourself for scaffolding and restorations

Italy is an amazing destination thanks (in part) to its fascinating history.

… The flip side of that history? Many of the country’s most famous monuments have seen better days, and are in constant need of repair/restoration.

So, mentally prepare yourself for the possibility that the amazing church or landmark you’ve seen a million times on social media is covered in scaffolding, or doesn’t look as you hoped due to restorations.

As a harrowing example, this is what the Trevi Fountain looked like on my first trip to Rome.

13. Book tickets for popular attractions in advance

Sorry for the aggression but I’m really passionate about this: the absolute worst waste of time during your Italy trip is waiting in line to buy tickets the day-of.

If you are reading this right now, you have access to the Internet. As such, you have access to buying tickets in advance… which you should do because it’s usually cheaper, saves you waiting in line, and also protects you in peak season if things sell out, which they often do.

So, buy those tickets in advance! I usually book directly on the attraction’s official website, or scour sites like GetYourGuide and Tiqets for deals.

NOTE: If there’s a skip the line option, most of the time it’s also worth the extra cost.

14. Learn the tricks to avoiding crowds at attractions

It’s ironic really – most tourists hate seeing other tourists when they sightsee.

After all, how dare the public be out in public at the same time as me?!

But hey, if this irrational peeve is one you share, I have some great tips for avoiding crowds in Italy. You might not like some of them, but trust me – they work!

Here’s how to avoid crowds at major attractions in Italy (especially during peak season):

• Wake up at sunrise to explore/take photos
• Visit attractions shortly before closing time (this is how I managed to get the Vatican Museum practically to myself!)
• Look into sunrise or after hours tours for attractions

15. Buy a city pass or card

Besides crowds, the other villain in your Italy sightseeing journey is prices .

Yes, visiting attractions in Italy (especially the big ones) can get real spendy real quick.

Luckily, there are many ways to save. One of my favourite tips for saving money on Italian attractions is getting a city card or pass, which gives you entry to most major attractions in a place for one set cost.

For instance, I’ve used this card in the past to check out all the fun things to do in Verona , and found it not only saved me lots of money, it also pushed me to see some more off the beaten path attractions I would’ve otherwise not paid for.

Every city will have some kind of pass for this purpose, so be sure to look into it, crunch the numbers, and see if it’s worth it for you!

16. Beware of pickpockets

It’s not a fun topic, but no list of travel tips for Italy would be complete without a quick pep talk about dodging pickpockets.

I do have a full guide on how to avoid pickpockets in Europe if you want more specific information, but just know that pickpocketing is a very common occurrence in touristy Italian cities.

I was actually pickpocketed in Rome during my first backpacking trip, so I know this from sad, first-hand experience.

But don’t worry – a little common sense (which I lacked at the time) can go a long way.

Remember, pickpockets thrive on easy, unsuspecting targets, so to make sure that’s not you, here are some quick tips for avoiding pickpockets in Italy:

• Be ultra vigilant in busy areas like train stations or tourist attractions
• Keep as much distance as possible between you and others
• Avoid things being given to you for “free” e.g. friendship bracelets or roses – often they will then demand you pay
• Don’t sign any petitions – often they will hassle you for a donation or use it as a distraction while pickpocketing you

17. Don’t freak out when your accommodation photocopies your passport

There are a lot of random culture shocks that first time visitors experience in Italy – one of the most jarring (and immediate) is that hotels/accommodation will take your passport and make a photocopy of it upon arrival.

But don’t worry, before your mind jumps to an Italian thief stealing your identity, just know that this is a common legal practice they have to abide by, and not a super brazen scam.

18. Prepare for the tourist tax

Another thing that feels like a scam, but actually isn’t? The almighty Italian tourist tax.

The reason this feels like an illegitimate ploy is because they usually ask for the tax in person, and some old school places will also demand it’s paid in cash.

But don’t worry – just like the passport thing, the Italian tourist tax is also not a scam. It’s simply an additional charge to be paid on arrival, and the amount is typically 3-7 euros per person per night.

19. Make sure you have cash

While we’re chatting about money, I have to say this as well: when you get to Italy, one of your first orders of business should be to get some cash out. Preferably in smaller denominations (like 10 or 20 euro bills).

While card payments are a lot more popular these days in Italy than say, ten years ago, there are still a lot of old school businesses that prefer cash, especially for smaller purchases (i.e. the many, many gelatos you’ll be inhaling).

Having coins is also ideal for situations like vending machines or paid public bathrooms.

On that note…

20. Prepare to pay for the bathroom

Yes, sadly the ‘pee for free’ mentality is increasingly dwindling in Italy.

While some free public bathrooms do exist here, paid ones are becoming more common and usually cost between 50 cents to a euro. So be sure to have some coins on you in case of a urinary emergency.

Otherwise, make sure you do your business at a museum or restaurant before you leave. Even paid public bathrooms can be tough to find sometimes!

21. Be prepared for random toilet flush locations

Italian toilets can be strange. Perhaps it’s just bad luck on my part, but I’ve been caught out multiple times over multiple trips by bizarre flushing mechanisms that take a while to understand.

So, prepare for inconsistency.

Sometimes you’ll walk into a bathroom to find a standard pull flush, sometimes it’s a separate wall mounted flush OR sometimes it’s a pedal on the ground or a random button on the wall.

Overall, it can really vary, so before you panic, take a good look and see if there’s anything nearby that is pressable – odds are that’s the flush.

22. Dine far away from tourist locations

This is one of my top Europe travel tips for any destination, but especially in Italy, I’ve found that the closer restaurants are to tourist hotspots, the pricier and more mediocre the food.

Of course, there’s exceptions (I’ve written previously about where to eat near tourist attractions in Rome ), but avoiding restaurants on main squares or overlooking major landmarks is usually a good idea.

The logic makes sense of course – restaurants in these areas are usually targeting tourists who will never come back, so customer retention is clearly not as much a priority as other restaurants that may cater to a more local demographic.

Often, all it takes is a short walk a few blocks away to find food that is much cheaper, and much tastier too.

23. Learn how to spot tourist trap restaurants

Of course, tourist trap restaurants can exist outside of main squares/hotspots too… so how can you quickly and efficiently weed these out?

Well, there are usually a few tell tale signs in Italy that a restaurant is (probably) going to be a tourist trap, or at the very least, a place that caters more to a tourist demographic.

Here are a few to look out for:

• Menus and signs only in English, rather than Italian (or a BUNCH of menus out front in various languages)
• Large photos of the food outside/on the menu
• A persistent host standing outside trying to get you to sit down
• Big signs advertising appealing tourist perks like Free WiFi

24. Order based on the regional specialties of where you are

When in Italy, the urge to simply order pizza and pasta until you explode is… admittedly, tough to resist.

But the truth is, what we in North America know as Italian food is just a very surface level understanding of Italy’s cuisine.

In reality, Italy is a country with exceptional regional diversity, and most regions and even cities have their own specialty dishes that they excel at.

So, before you simply plonk down and order a pizza everywhere you go, consider what that region specializes in and give that a try. I promise your tastebuds will thank you.

25. Don’t order or look for Americanized Italian classics

I feel like I’m about to break a lot of hearts with this Italy travel tip, but here goes: I’m very sorry to say that many of your favourite “Italian” dishes may not be offered in Italy at all.

Spaghetti and meatballs? Chicken fettucine alfredo? Garlic bread?!

Sadly, none of the above are actually Italian dishes served in Italy, but rather Americanized iterations of Italian classics that (while delicious) are not typically found in traditional Italian restaurants.

Luckily, there’s no shortage of delicious Italian dishes to try, and many of your favourites are probably based on some kind of Italian staple, so do a little research before you head out.

… and if you DO see any of these American-Italian classics on a menu, then take it as a sign that the restaurant caters more to tourists than to locals.

26. Know that the word “menu” in Italy has a second meaning

If you’re used to the word “menu” solely referring to the list of dishes you can order at a restaurant, then you should know the word also has a second meaning in Italy.

Often times, an Italian “menu” refers to a set meal that includes multiple courses, so if you see something like “Menu – 25 euros” that means they are offering a set deal that is 25 euros for multiple courses, not that every dish costs that much.

Ordering a “menu” in this way can often be a more cost-efficient way to enjoy a multi-course meal, so if you’re looking to splurge on a budget, that’s definitely something to consider.

27. Understand the basic structure of an Italian menu

Alright – now the fun stuff! Ordering at a restaurant!

Once you get the hang of them, Italian menus are fairly easy to understand, but can be confusing for first timers so here’s a quick crash course.

The standard structure of an Italian menu goes according to courses, which are normally shown in the sequence they would come during the meal, namely…

• Antipasto:  Appetizers like cured meats, cheeses, etc.
• Primi:  Usually a carby dish like pasta or risotto
• Secondi:  Usually a meat-based dish
• Contorni:  Side dishes like roasted vegetables
• Dolci:  Desserts

But hey, before you force yourself to pick four courses every time – know that practically speaking, it IS completely normal to just have a Primi (a plate of pasta is plenty filling on its own) or a Secondi with a Contorni rather than follow through with something in every course/category.

But hey, if you want to pursue a four course feast in the name of cultural appreciation, that’s an endeavour I’m happy to endorse as well.

28. Beware that many restaurants close between lunch and dinner

Unlike North America where restaurants often stay open all day, it’s common for restaurants in Italy have a mid-day break ( Riposo ) between lunch and dinner, typically between 1-4pm.

During my first trip to Italy, my friends and I referred to this harrowing period as “the food desert” during which all our attempts to secure food were thwarted by a parade of “CHIUSO” (closed) signs.

If you (or your travel companions) suffer from Hangry Hangry Hippo Syndrome, this is an important thing to take note of.

Of course, in larger cities, there will often still be options available, but (from experience) the more traditional restaurants will usually be shut during this in-between period.

29. Make reservations

For popular restaurants, this is a must. Many restaurants in Italy are small and have a limited number of tables, and unlike in North America, many don’t set aside a section for walk-ins.

So, if there’s a particular restaurant you had your heart set on, booking in advance is key. If you feel nervous to do it yourself over the phone, you can always ask someone at your hotel to help you out, or (in the case of bigger cities) try to find places that take an online booking.

30. Expect slower service

The pace of meals (and accordingly, of service) can be a lot slower In Italy than what you’re used to.

Remember, in Italy, meals are meant to be savoured and enjoyed over a few hours, and the assumption is you want your own privacy, so they’ll rarely come in to check on you after they’ve taken your orders/brought your food.

So, if you need anything like another drink, or additional food, make sure to take the initiative and get your server’s attention – they’ll probably ignore you otherwise.

In fact, it’s even considered rude to bring the bill without asking in Italy, so if you’re hoping to pay and leave, make sure you ask for the bill, rather than expect it to come.

31. Take advantage of the free water fountains everywhere

Another great tip for saving money in Italy? Don’t waste money on bottled water.

Across the country, you’ll find free drinking fountains supplying delicious water for all, so bring a refillable bottle to take advantage.

… Or do as I did on a particularly hot day in Rome, and simply drink cupfuls with your hands like you’re cosplaying an ancient farmer after a hard day out on the fields (trust me – it’s more refreshing this way).

32. Be prepared to pay for water in restaurants

Funnily enough however, while free water is available in abundance from fountains on the street in Italy, water isn’t usually free in restaurants. This is because bottled water is the default, and most places won’t offer tap water as an option.

So, when the waiter asks you if you’d like water, know that you’ll likely be charged a small fee per bottle (usually 2-3 euros for a big one.

And be sure to specify whether your want still or sparkling! I tend to go for sparkling – it makes every meal feel like a mini-celebration.

33. Be prepared for the “coperto” charge

Besides water, another charge to be mindful of is the ubiquitous Coperto .

Most restaurants in Italy will charge an additional fee per person (around 2-3 euros) as a “Coperto” charge.

You can think of this a service/sit-down fee, usually including bread too.

This is not a scam – it’s fairly standard, and evens out as tipping culture in Italy is very modest compared to North America, with rounding up or 5-10% being the max.

Take note that this also means oftentimes sitting down to enjoy your coffee, treat, etc. will cost more than taking it away (because a coperto charge does not apply unless you occupy a table). This is why you’ll see most locals consuming their coffee at the bar counter, rather than at a table.

34. Expect breakfast to be small and sweet

… Just like me 🙂

Anyways, if you’re a hot, savoury breakfast person like I am, then you may face a wave of disappointment when you get to Italy.

Unlike their lavish lunches and dinners, Italians treat breakfast as a relatively modest affair. A standard Italian breakfast may be a coffee or cappuccino with a pastry, plus a juice. Not a single egg in sight!

Of course, if this is a dealbreaker for you, many hotels doing continental breakfasts will offer more familiar options – as will some more contemporary cafes in bigger cities.

But if you want to start your day like an Italian, a cappuccino and cornetto is the way to go.

35. Make sure to enjoy Aperitivo

From denim jeans to espresso machines, Italy is responsible for a lot of the world’s most wonderful inventions… but perhaps none is more enjoyable than the almighty Aperitivo.

An Aperitivo is a classic pre-dinner ritual observed across Italy. It refers to a pre-meal drink intended to whet your appetite for dinner.

How to aperitivo depends on where you are. Some places will bring you a free snack or two while you enjoy your drink, while some others will offer a full-on buffet for you to graze at while you enjoy your cocktails.

No matter how you do it, it’s one of the best ways to unwind after a long day of sightseeing, so be sure to partake… if even just in the name of cultural education 😉

36. Familiarize yourself with Italian coffee culture

Speaking of cultural education, it’s time we tackle some Italy coffee tips.

Italians take their coffee seriously, with proper caffeination being a pleasure firmly weaved into the fabric of Italian culture and society.

And while you may think you know coffee from, you know, chugging it by the gallon every morning, there’s a lot of things about Italian coffee culture that commonly catch visitors off guard.

So, here’s a quick list of must-knows for drinking coffee in Italy:

• If going out for coffee, you would be going to a “Bar”, not a “café”
• Coffee is most commonly consumed on-site, usually standing at the counter of the bar. Getting coffee to go isn’t common
• The standard order (Caffè) refers to an espresso shot, not a drip or filter coffee. This kind of coffee isn’t typically offered at traditional coffee bars – instead ask for a Caffè Americano.
• Cappuccinos are typically a breakfast drink – ordering one after 11am is considered a faux pas, especially after a meal
• In contrast, a Caffè (espresso) is very common after a meal to help with digestion
• Lattes do not exist – ordering one may get you a glass of milk as that’s what “Latte” means in Italian. Instead, for a coffee with milk, order an Espresso Macchiato
• Lastly, “Iced coffee” isn’t a common order at traditional coffee bars. Common alternatives include Crema al Caffè, an amazing coffee slushie, or Affogato al Caffè which is gelato topped with espresso

37. Don’t order pepperoni pizza

Niche Italy food tip, but an important one. If pepperoni is your topping of choice back home, just know that in Italy, “peperoni” literally means “bell peppers”.

Which is how you end up getting something like this:

For a North American style pepperoni pizza, instead, the closest thing to look for is pizza with salami.

38. When in doubt, get the house wine

Choosing a wine in Italy may seem like a daunting endeavour, with plenty of tantalizing options and a wild range of prices.

But hey, if you’re a total cheapskate like me and also lack a refined wine palette – the choice is easy! Go for the house wine.

Unlike in North America (where ‘house wine’ is just whatever near-rancid bottles they have left), house wine in Italy is almost always delicious and best of all, budget-friendly.

Plus it’s usually served in a jug which feels wonderfully Middle Ages.

39. Avoid the pretty, colourful gelato

Lastly, I need you to be strong, because this final Italian travel tip is tough to obey.

… But please, as difficult as it is, do NOT give into the hypnotism of the beautiful and vibrant gelato mounds that beckon you from touristy gelato shops.

I’m talking places like this:

Usually, these places with the vibrant gelato mountains topped with decorations are beautiful to look at, but not the best gelato to eat.

That’s because their eye-catching nature usually indicates a lot of artificial colouring and (if there’s huge stacks of it), likely a lack of freshness as well.

In contrast, what you’re looking for are covered metal containers with flat lids. This indicates the gelato is being kept at the right temperature (and on a less technical note, that they take this stuff seriously).

The colours should also be paler and more natural, like so:

I hope this list of Italy travel tips was helpful!

Admittedly, this was a VERY long list of tips for Italy, so if you’re here, I’m beyond proud of you! Hopefully by now, you’ll feel much more prepared for your big Italian vacation, but if you have any more questions, let me know in the comments.

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

1 thought on “30+ Italy Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go”

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Published: Sep 28, 2022 · Modified: Mar 13, 2024

59 Travel Tips to Know Before Visiting Italy (2024)

59 Travel Tips You NEED to Know Before Visiting Italy-Whether it is your first time going to Italy or you are a seasoned traveler, there are always new things to learn about this amazing country. Here are my tips to keep in mind before your next trip. 

I think these could be considered the BEST travel to Italy tips . At least, it’s my first compilation. 

how to prepare before you travel to italy

Apps you need to get before going to italy.

• What to Bring to Italy (check out my what to pack for a month in Italy)

Things to know when you are in Italy

Transportation tips in italy, tips about dining in italy, tips about the different italian regions, learn italian phrases, other posts like this:.

Italy holds a special place in my heart . I've had the privilege of visiting this enchanting country 22 times, spending roughly a month on each trip. Over the past 3 years, I've dedicated entire summers to exploring new and breathtaking regions.

On these journeys, I revisited my beloved cities that always beckon me back, as well as discovered a plethora of new destinations. Traveling isn't always a walk in the park, but the joy it brings is unparalleled.

As a fluent speaker of the language, an Italian citizen, and someone with family scattered throughout Italy , I am well-equipped to offer you invaluable tips before your own Italian adventure. So, without further ado, here's my advice for your travels to Italy.. .

1. book tickets at least 3 months in advance

If you want to snag the best deals on airfare, you need to plan ahead. Tickets for flights during busy travel periods (like summer and Christmas) can sell out quickly, so it's important to book as early as possible.

2. check if your passport is up to date

All travelers need a passport to enter Italy . Make sure yours is up-to-date before you book your trip. This is extremely important because it could take at least six weeks to renew it.

3. book big attractions in advance

If you want to visit popular tourist attractions like the Colosseum or the Sistine Chapel, you will need to purchase tickets in advance. You can often book tickets online before you travel .

4. airbnb is your best friend

Airbnb is a great way to find affordable accommodation in Italy. There are many listings for apartments and homes all over the country.

5. choose destinations that aren't as touristy

If you are staying  longer than a week , please choose destinations that are not as crowded with tourists. This will give you a more a uthentic  experience of Italy and its culture.

6. bring passport when checking in  to airbnbs/hotels

The law requires hotels to take a copy of your passport so don’t be surprised when they do! Also, some of them want you to pay additional money when you get there for the city tax, so bring extra change and do not be surprises.

7. Download Google Maps offline

I used this app all summer and I was able to download cities offline, save places I wanted to go to, and never get too lost

8. Use the TrenItalia app to book your trains in advance

The app is available in English and it is really straightforward to use. It's convenient because the train conductor can just scan your ticket.

What to Bring to Italy (check out my what to pack for a month in Italy )

9. pack light.

I'm not kidding. I usually always pack too much and when I go shopping, I am left with no room. Leave half of your luggage empty (USE A CARRY ON) It is so much easier to lug around the cobble stone streets. 

10. Bring good walking shoes

One month in my trip I realized I had such terrible walking shoes, even my Nike hurt. Please come prepared. Skip the heels and the flip flops.

11. Bring a crossbody bag

This is a must. You will be doing a lot of walking and you don't want your arms to get tired from carrying a big bag around all day.

12. Get a good roaming plan

When you are in Italy , you can purchase a phone plan there if you are staying for a longer time, or make sure your company you already have doesn't over charge you. I recommend going to the TIM store, plans are unlimited and around $30 for 30 days, but you need an unlocked phone!!

13. Bring a charger adapter

The outlets in Italy are different from the ones in America. You will need an adapter in order to charge your electronics.

14. Bring a reusable water bottle for free water from fountains 

Drink up in Italy! The country has many drinking fountains with delicious, fresh water. Save money and reduce plastic waste by making use of them.

15. Bring a reusable bag for shopping

You can avoid paying for plastic bags in supermarkets and it helps to reduce waste.

16. Dress accordingly if you want to enter a church

Churches have a dress code that requires women to cover their shoulders and knees. If you are not properly dressed, you may be denied entry.

17. Bring cash

ATMs are widely available in Italy- you shouldn't have any trouble finding an ATM in Italy. However, it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand in case you need it.

18. Public toilets you have to pay for

Most public toilets that are in train stations or other areas you have to pay between 50 cents and 1 euro to use, so carry coins!!!

19. There are many stairs

I recommend getting in shape before going to Italy because there are a lot of stairs in most cities and a lot of walking

20. Many museums are closed on Mondays 

Keep this in mind as you're planning what to do each day.

21. Everyone uses military time

When writing the time, Italians use a 24-hour clock. For example, 1:00 pm is written as 13:00.

22. Most Italians speak English (as well as other languages)

In the big cities especially, you will find that a lot of people know English and can help you if you're lost or need directions.

23. Most places don't have AC in Italy

The weather is usually mild enough that you won't need AC, but if you're sensitive to heat, pack a fan. But keep in mind, July and August are usually scorching hot!

24. Most places don't have dryers

Italian like to hang dry their clothes. So in Airbnb's, you may not find a dryer. 

25. If you want to drive a car, make sure to get your international drivers license

You can only drive in Italy with an international drivers license if you are not an Italian citizen. It is easy to get, just go to your local AAA.

26. Buses are usually the cheapest way to travel between cities

I find that bus tickets are generally cheaper than train tickets, although the journey may take longer.

27. Book car rental well in advance 

Typically cars might not be available in high season. This is th e car rental service that I recommend.

28. Expect trains to be delayed sometimes

It happens. Sometimes there is even a strike (more often than you would believe!).

29. Taxis can be very overpriced in certain cities

Sometime they can cost over 100 euros just to get from an airport to the center (buses are better options).

30. Trains are very easy and comfortable to use

It is my favorite type of transportation. They are fast and efficient. Everyone uses them.

31. Expect most businesses to be closed after 12-2:00 PM in the afternoon-

Most people at work get to go home and eat, so a lot of businesses are closed up until 3 or 4pm (excluding restaurants).

32. Watch out for bees in the summer!

This is a random fact, but I found there to be a lot of bees (and wasps!) this summer as well as flies and mosquitos. They love to stick to sweet things !

33. Italians love small and simple breakfasts

Typical breakfast is a croissant and a cappuccino . Super cheap and typical Italian breakfast . A local restaurant will charge you less than 5 euros for the 2. Skip a cappuccino after a meal (that's a whole different discussion I will post about!).

34. You don't need to tip

It is already included in the bill. You can if you want to leave a couple of euros, but it's not necessary. Also, most restaurants do have a coperto which is a fixed price you pay per person which is like a tip (for example, 2 euros per person).

35. In some restaurants, they will bring you a bread basket with your meal

If you don't want it, just say "no, grazie". They will sometimes charge you for it if you don't.

36. Most places don't use Ice

Just a heads up, if you ask for ice in your drink they might give you a weird look. If you ask for it, you'll be lucky to get 2-3 very small cubes. 

37. Water is not free

Bottles of water are the most popular choice for restaurants, typically liscia (flat), gassata/frizzante (sparkly) or leggermente frizzante (lightly sparkling).

38. Try the house wine

The Vino della Casa is usually always good since it is produced locally or even by the restaurant itself (it's also super cheap).

39. Most Italians like to eat dinner late (around 7pm)

If you're used to eating dinner early, you might be hungry by the time you go out to eat. Luckily there are a lot of places that serve food all day.

40. Avoid restaurants where the waiters are waiting outside to lure you in

These are usually tourist traps and the food is not as good.

41. Most restaurants have English menus

A lot of English speakers come to Italy, so menus typically have English translation, except some very local ones.

42. Most restaurants that are near popular monuments are not as good as the ones hidden in the city

I find the ones that have a view of the Colosseum or other popular spots have higher prices and not as spectacular food.

43. Try food that is famous in the region

In Rome, try the carbonara or amatriciana. In Florence , try the steak (bistecca alla Fiorentina). In Venice , try the seafood. In Liguria , try the pesto, etc.

44. Don't expect spaghetti and meatballs or Chicken Parm

These are not typical Italian dishes. Those are Americanized Italian dishes that are not typically served there. If you want spaghetti, try the carbonara or puttanesca.

45. Don't get scammed for overpriced Aperol Spritz

If you are getting charged more than 8 euros, you are greatly over-paying! Typical Aperol Spritz should be 6 euros, in Naples they get as low as 1 euro!!!

46. Know about the surcharge for sit-down orders (coperto).

Typically at sit down restaurants they charge 2 euros per person (kind of like a tip).

47. Always go for gelato artigianale

This gelato is very fresh and creamy. Some gelatarias are not as good as others. Also, a typical gelato should be 2.50 euros- 3 euros. If you are paying more, then it is a tourist trap.

48. Bars are not bars

In Italy , a bar is just a place to get coffee. They don't have the same concept of a bar that we do in America. If you want alcohol, you need to go to a pub or enoteca.

49. The North of Italy is very different from the South of Italy

The South is known to be more economical (some parts are really inexpensive!!) and they have very different dialects, depending on which region you are in.

Actually, each of the 20 regions has their own dialects. The North is known to be a lot cleaner, more expensive, and in the large cities, you'll hear Italian (not a dialect).

50. Venice is not an absolute must for your first time

The canals are beautiful, but it is very crowded with tourists and overpriced. I would recommend going to the islands nearby instead like Murano or Burano. 

In the summer, be warned. You should visit at least once in your lifetime, but choose a time of year that has less tourists. 

51. Sicily is a great place to visit

It is very cheap, the food is amazing, there are completely different dialects all over the island, and there are a lot of incredible things to see and do. They also have some of the best beaches and it is a lot less crowded than other parts of Italy.

The cuisine is also a lot different than the mainland, in some of the best ways possible.

52. If you are going to Tuscany

Lucca and Siena are must-sees. They are both beautiful cities with a lot of history . You can also take a day trip to Florence from either of these cities.

53. If you are going to Rome

There is so much to do and see in Rome . The Eternal City...it has the history of the world there! I think everyone should visit this city, I recommend at least 3 days (more, if you can!).

54. If you are going to Milan

Make sure to see the Duomo and Navigli. Navigli is great for eating dinner and having aperitivo, great social scene. Milan is known to be a lot more expensive and great for luxury shopping.

55. Check out the Dolomites

If you like nature and hiking, then this is the place for you. It is absolutely stunning and there are a lot of different trails. You can also go skiing in the winter. It is also very Austrian.

56. If you are going to Naples

If you are looking for amazing food and great prices, then Naples is the place to go. The city itself is not as pretty as some of the other cities on this list, but it is worth it for the food. Make sure to try the pizza and get a sfogliatella from Scaturchio.

57. If you are going to Liguria (check out my Cinque Terre Italy guide )

Check out Camogli, it is a beautiful fishing village. This is a great place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean Sea. It is also extremely stunning with great swim spots.

58. The Amalfi Coast is overhyped

It is super beautiful and scenic, don't get me wrong, but in my opinion since I have been to over 50 Italian cities, there are other great places to visit with the same spectacular ocean views.

For instance, Liguria is a lot cheaper and easier to snag good deals and better food!

59. Learn some basic phrases!!!

• Ciao – Hi
• Come stai? – How are you?
• Piacere di conoscerti – Nice to meet you
• Mi chiamo… – My name is…
• Prego – You’re welcome
• Grazie mille – Thank you very much
• Arrivederci – Goodbye
• A presto – See you soon
• Buon appetito! – Enjoy your meal!
• Salute! – Cheers! (Toasts used when drinking)

Some popular destinations for first-time visitors to Italy include Rome, Florence, Sicily, and the Amalfi Coast. Each of these cities offers a unique blend of history, art, and culture.

The length of your first trip to Italy will depend on your travel goals and interests, but most people recommend spending at least a week to 10 days to get a good taste of the country.

The cost of a trip to Italy can vary widely depending on factors, but on average, a 10-day trip to Italy for two people can cost around $2,000-$4,000, including airfare, accommodations, food, and activities.

The best months to visit Italy are April-June and September-November, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. July and August can be very hot and crowded, while many businesses close down for the winter from December-February.

Yes, Italy is generally friendly to foreigners, especially in tourist areas where English is widely spoken. Italians are known for their warm hospitality and love of good food and wine.

January and February are typically the cheapest months to visit Italy , as the weather is cold and many tourist attractions are closed.

This is subjective, but some of the nicest cities to visit in Italy include Rome, Florence, Lake Como , Milan, and Puglia.

Again, this is subjective, but some of the most beautiful places in Italy include the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, Cinque Terre , Lake Como, and the Italian Alps.

There are many underrated cities such as Scilla in Calabria.

It is very subjective, but Rome has the best pasta, Florence has great steak, and Sicily has outstanding and unique seafood platters.

It depends on personal preference, but traveling on your own allows for more flexibility and a chance to go at your own pace.

Consider your interests, budget, and time available. Popular destinations like Rome, Florence, and Venice are must-sees, but there are many hidden gems worth exploring.

• The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Cinque Terre (2022)
• Top 5 Cities to Visit in Italy
• What to Pack for a Month in Italy
• 15 Ways to Survive a Long Haul Flight
• Matera Italy Guide

Well I hope you enjoyed my 59 things you need to know before visiting Italy- Please feel free to contact me for more information on Italy 🙂

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101 Important Travel Tips for Italy

We have an intense love of traveling in Italy–and after visiting Italy so many times that we’ve each spent about a year there, we have a huge collection of travel tips for Italy to share!

Italy is a delightful and fairly easy country to travel in, but it’s absolutely a world all its own.

Cultural quirks, transportation snafus, tax confusion, and how exactly to buy fruit in a supermarket are just a few of the possible challenges you’ll run into while traveling in Italy.

And, while getting out of your element is part of the fun of visiting another country, reading through these Italy travel tips will definitely make your experience a bit smoother, especially if it’s your first visit!

We have traveled Italy extensively over several years , with our most recent trips taking place in 2022.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

We’ve traveled to 14 of Italy’s 20 regions, from the northern reaches of the Italian Dolomites to the beaches of Sicily .

We’ve traveled by plane, train, rental car, taxi, ferry, and bus. We’ve traveled on a budget , and we’ve splashed out on luxury experiences.

We’ve mostly traveled Italy as a couple, but also with friends and on multigenerational trips with family.

We’ve paused to experience certain areas more deeply at times, spending a month each “living” in Florence and Bologna, and 2 months in Rome.

In other words, we’ve seen a lot of Italy (and published 100+ Italy blog posts and counting along the way).

Here is the best advice for traveling Italy !

Table of Contents

A Quick Note on Who We Are

Advice for staying in hotels + apartments in italy, food-related tips for visiting italy, tips for transportation and getting around italy, tips for paying for things in italy, logistical travel tips for italy, advice for avoiding common scams in italy, what to know about packing for your trip to italy, other things to know before visiting italy.

We are Kate and Jeremy Storm, a travel blogging couple from the USA, and these tips are written from our perspective.

Because of this, a couple of these tips speak to cultural differences between the USA and Italy specifically.

However, the focus here is very much on Italy, not the USA, and the vast majority of these Italy travel tips will be useful for travelers coming from anywhere outside of Italy!

Consider this an Italy 101 guide for anyone planning their very first trip to Italy .

Hotels and Airbnbs will make a copy of your passport.

… Or take a picture, or write down the number… you get the idea.

This is done for tax purposes on their end and is totally normal, so don’t worry about it!

Leaving your room key at the hotel is common.

It’s not done 100% of the time, but it’s a very common practice in Italy to drop your key off at the front desk as you head out for the day and to pick it up when you come back to the room.

This is much more common at historic hotels, as many of them still use “real” keys!

Beds are tiny and generally don’t come with comforters.

Don’t be surprised if you find only a sheet and a very light blanket on your bed, especially if you’re visiting Italy in the summer !

Oh, and two twin beds being pushed together to make a double bed is common too, especially if you’re renting an apartment rather than staying in a hotel.

You’ll need to pay a tourist tax in each city you visit.

This is collected by your hotel and increasingly by private apartments/Airbnbs (they’re required to do so).

This fee is set per person, per night, and is usually around 2 Euros, though it does vary, and some places are more expensive.

So, for example, if you’re a couple spending 4 nights in a city with a 2 Euro tourist tax, you would owe 16 Euros: 2 Euros per person (aka 4 Euros per night for you as a couple), for 4 nights.

This tax must be paid in cash.

There are exceptions–some higher-end hotels will let you charge it and then handle the cash on their end–but we’ve only had that happen a couple of times.

Cash is always deeply preferred.

Hotels will generally request the tax at the beginning of the stay, but most won’t make a big deal out of having you pay anytime before check out if you don’t have cash on you at check-in.

These taxes are never paid before arrival–so even if you paid for your hotel in full through a service like Booking.com before checking in, you’ll still owe the tax.

Occasionally you’ll also owe a tourist tax on day trips.

The only place we’ve run into this is the highly touristed Capri , but it does happen.

As of 2023, Venice is expected to introduce a tax for day trippers at some point very soon, but it has been repeatedly delayed.

Air conditioning is not a given.

If you’re visiting Italy during the summer, double-check your hotel or apartment before booking.

Air conditioning isn’t always standard, but it’s often very necessary in our opinion!

Don’t expect a clothes dryer.

Even if your apartment rental or Airbnb comes with a washer, you won’t find a dryer–but there will be a rack to line-dry your clothes on.

If you have mobility concerns, choose a place to stay carefully.

Narrow, steep staircases are very common in Italy–we’ve climbed many of them to reach apartments or hotel rooms.

Elevators/lifts are far from a guarantee, especially at small, family-run properties.

Restaurant Tips for Italy

Food is extremely local, and you’ll eat well by sticking to regional specialties..

In other words, you won’t be likely to find great Napoli-style pizza in Rome or pasta carbonara in Sicily .

Because of this, food tours in Italy are fantastic.

Everywhere you go in Italy, you can learn about new foods, dishes, and eating habits from locals–and that variety makes food tours extra special.

We love taking food tours in Italy and have taken several incredible ones.

Some of our favorite food tours include this one in Florence , this one in Emilia-Romagna , and this one in Rome !

Don’t use a spoon to eat your pasta!

In Italy, this is for children.

… And don’t cut it.

It takes a while to get the hang of twirling neatly with a fork, but it’s worth it!

The house wine is usually delicious.

… And even if you don’t see it on the menu, there’s a 95% chance that it exists.

You just have to ask for it ( vino della casa ).

House wine is sold by the liter.

Generally, you’ll order a quarter, half, or entire liter, and you’ll have your choice of red (v ino rosso ) or white ( vino bianco ).

The bread is not included. Sort of.

Some restaurants will bring bread to the table before your meal, and it’s typically not “free”.

However, more often than not it’s included in the coperto , or cover charge (usually 1-3 Euros/person), so you’re likely going to pay for it regardless and might as well eat it.

If you’re not sure what the deal is, ask!

Garlic bread does not exist here.

It is merely a delicious American delicacy.

… And neither does fettuccini alfredo, or chicken on literally any kind of pasta.

Italian-American food is tasty, but it’s not Italian.

Cappuccino is a breakfast drink.

The reason for this is digestion–everything about eating in Italy revolves around digestion, and frothy milk in the afternoon?

Not great for digestion, as the local thought goes.

Obviously, you can order it–Jeremy does–but if you’re a “when in Rome” sort of traveler, stick to espresso after about 10:00 AM.

Coffee is espresso, and it’s not called espresso.

If you order un caffè (sometimes clarified to un caffè normale if they want to confirm you’re not looking for an Americano/if you know how to order coffee Italy), you’ll be given espresso.

We have a full Italian coffee culture guide here to help your parse the specifics!

… And it is considered great for digestion.

Espressos are typically served after a meal, even dinner, and though I can’t fathom being able to handle that much caffeine at night, it’s a very common practice!

If you want to stick with the ritual but also sleep, you can request decaf, or café   déca (the locals won’t, though).

If you see an omelet for sale in Italy, you’re at a tourist restaurant.

Italian breakfast consists of coffee and maybe a pastry (a cornetto cioccolato is a delightful treat, take advantage of it), consumed standing at the bar and not sitting down at a table.

Here’s our full guide to Italian breakfast culture!

Italian sparkling wine is generally prosecco.

Prosecco, like French champagne, comes specifically from the prosecco region of Italy (it’s up north in Veneto and makes a great day trip from Venice, if you’re interested!).

Prosecco is delicious, and if you like sparkling wine, you need to drink some while in Italy!

Bars are not just for the evening.

Italian bars serve alcohol, yes, but they also serve coffee and pastries.

Think of them like a coffee shop + bar hybrid!

You’ll go here to get your breakfast… and then also to get your aperitivo in the evening.

Get your stomach on Italy’s schedule.

This varies a bit by region, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind–the best restaurants don’t stay open all day!

Here’s a vague schedule to keep in mind:

Breakfast of coffee and pastry at the bar when you wake up (pretty flexible, the bars will stay open through the day, though the best pastries can go early-ish).

Lunch is between 12-3. Aperitivo is between 5-7.

Restaurants open for dinner at 7:30–occasionally 7. They’ll really start to fill up around 8:30-9.

We go into this and many more Italian dining habits in our guide to eating in Italy !

Reservations matter.

If you want to eat at a particular restaurant, especially in a major city like Rome, make reservations!

Your hotel concierge can help with this if you like, but many restaurants have an online reservation option as well.

Specify what kind of water you want.

Acqua naturale is flat, and acqua gassata is carbonated.

They’re both generally the same price and will come in a bottle.

You can also usually request an acqua grande , or big water, which is typically one liter to share amongst the table.

Don’t dip your bread in olive oil.

A small amount of olive oil drizzled over fresh bread?

Dipping your bread in oil and letting it get soaked?

Too heavy–according to the Italians, anyway.

My American self still loves it (but I generally save that indulgence for home).

Pasta noodles are not interchangeable.

Pasta shapes don’t exist for fun–they’re designed to be served with certain kinds of sauces, and what you order matters!

Don’t special order different noodles with a dish (in fact, as a general rule, avoid special ordering in Italy unless it’s due to dietary restrictions).

If you have your choice of noodles and sauce, ask which is the best noodle for the dish you’re after.

Slow service doesn’t mean bad service.

Courses aren’t rushed in Italy, and your waiter will never bring your check until you ask for it.

If you want to pay by card, ask for the card machine when you ask for the check.

Your waiter will bring the machine right to the table and run the card in front of you.

In Italy, and in Europe overall, it is considered a major faux pas to ever remove a credit card from the sight of its owner!

If you order pepperoni on your pizza in Italy, you’ll receive a pizza with peppers.

The closest approximation to American-style pepperoni pizza in Italy is a diavolo , which is served with cheese, salami, peppers, and sometimes olives.

We go into more specifics on typical Italian pizzas and toppings in this pizza guide !

Travel Tips for Grocery Shopping in Italy

The most common supermarket brands in italy are spar, carrefour, and conan..

You’ll find at least one of these in any given Italian city.

Size varies dramatically, though, from giant supercenters in the suburbs of major cities to tiny “express marts” that are barely more than a corner store.

Use plastic gloves when handling produce in the supermarket.

I’ve actually found that this one varies by region, but when in doubt, look and see what the other shoppers are doing, and choose whether or not to use gloves accordingly.

You’ll weigh your produce in the supermarket yourself.

In the USA, you’ll bag your produce and then it will be identified and scanned at the register–but in Italy, that’s your job.

When browsing, you’ll notice that each type of produce will be marked with a number.

Take the number to the nearby scale, place your bag of produce on it (one type at a time, obviously), and press the respective number.

A sticker will automatically print with a barcode, weight, and price.

This is the opposite of what happens in markets.

In markets, the vendors will select your produce, though you can sometimes point to a particular piece if you want a certain apple or orange.

Vendors do not take kindly to people, say, rooting through their pile of apples.

If you love Italian wine, go to the grocery store.

… And delight at finding what would be a $30 bottle in the USA for a mere 5-10 Euros!

Consider buying produce at the market.

You’ll often find better quality produce for less money than the supermarket, especially in smaller towns.

Major supermarkets often stock fine produce, but the smaller stores, not so much.

Don’t expect free plastic bags to carry your groceries in.

Plastic bags come with a small charge in Italy.

They’re available at the register in the supermarket, and you’ll either place however many you need on the conveyor belt yourself, or, if they’re stored under the register, the cashier will ask you how many you want (if any).

Of course, the best thing to do is to bypass this problem entirely and bring a reusable bag!

We love our tote bag  and have been using it to buy groceries in Italy (and for a myriad of other things) for years.

Tips for Driving in Italy

Your normal car insurance company may not cover car rental in italy..

Be sure to double-check before renting a car!

It’s important to m ake sure that they cover Italy specifically, not just some places in Europe.

You may not know if you get a ticket while driving.

Tickets are often given out by mail based on violations caught on camera, so you may come home to an unexpected bill!

It’s forbidden to drive into most historic centers.

These are called “ZTL zones” and it is imperative that you avoid them when driving except under very limited circumstances (like having permission to park your rental car at a specific hotel).

… If you accidentally violate that rule because you’re lost, you may come home to one of the tickets mentioned above.

Ask us how we know…

You need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Italy.

The rental company may or may not ask you for it, but the last thing you want is to be pulled over by a police officer and not have one.

International Driving Permits translate your license into local languages, and the official ones (the only ones that count) must be arranged for before your trip.

We usually obtain ours through AAA.

International Driver’s Licenses, offered for a fee by various online services, are not the same thing and don’t fulfill the requirement.

Rent the tiniest car that you can fit your belongings into.

Italian roads, parking spaces, and vehicles are all much smaller than their North American counterparts.

It’s a simple but essential piece of advice for traveling in Italy that life will be much easier if you’re driving a small car!

Knowing how to drive a manual will make life simpler.

Most car rental companies keep a few automatics on hand for international visitors, but manual cars are standard in Italy (and all over Europe).

You’ll pay much less–and have much more vehicle choice–if you can drive a manual.

Pay attention to the color of your parking space.

Generally speaking, white parking spots are free to use, blue spots are paid (look for the nearby meter), and yellow spaces are to be avoided.

Train Travel Tips for Italy

Trenitalia is the most prevalent train company in italy..

This is Italy’s national train company.

They have the most routes, and in our experience, typically the best prices.

You’ll also see Italo trains and (rarely) Trenord trains in Italy.

Italo is a private company that operates some routes in the country, especially high-speed ones.

Trenord is similar, but much more limited in scope.

You can expect to find these trains in Lombardy, such as around Milan and Lake Como.

Omio is a great place to plan train travel in Italy.

Omio is a transportation aggregate that simplifies planning transportation routes in Italy (and beyond).

You can check prices and compare rates, schedules, and more on  Omio  to ensure you’re getting the best deal on train (or bus) travel in Italy.

We use  Omio  regularly throughout Europe and have always had good experiences with it.

You must validate your train ticket!

… If you have a paper ticket, that is.

Instead, consider downloading the Trenitalia and/or Omio app.

This will allow you to purchase train tickets on your phone, and the conductor will then be able to easily scan your ticket from there–no validation required.

However, you’ll need to download or screenshot your tickets immediately after purchase.

Without an Italian tax ID number, you’ll need to use the Trenitalia app as a guest, and therefore your tickets won’t be saved within the app itself.

This sounds more intimidating than it is, but it’s something to be aware of.

You can buy regional train tickets whenever you want.

These are the “slow” trains, and their prices are set by the government.

For example, if you want to travel from Florence to Bologna on the slow/regional train, you can simply show up and buy your ticket that day, and no advance planning is required.

If you wanted to take the high-speed train though (for this route, roughly 30 minutes of travel versus an hour), booking in advance would yield the best price.

However, high-speed rail tickets must be purchased ASAP.

These tickets escalate in price as the date of travel gets closer.

So, for example, if you want to travel from Florence to Venice , it helps to plan ahead!

Fast trains are called AV (or Alta Velocità) trains.

You’ll most commonly see them marketed as Frecciarosa , Frecciabianca , or Frecciargento , depending on what region you are in.

Bus Travel Tips for Italy

Tabacchi are your friends..

An Italian tabaccheria (aka tobacco shop) sells cigarettes, but also bus tickets.

… And lotto tickets, and sometimes SIM cards, and usually snacks.

Think of them like gas stations in the USA, but you know, without selling gas.

… This is important because not all Italian buses sell bus tickets.

Looking at you, Rome.

Before boarding a bus in Italy, it’s best to always have a ticket in hand–and don’t forget to validate it once you board!

Make sure you have enough bus tickets for Sunday.

Since many tabacchi and other small shops are closed on Sundays, you might not be able to buy more.

For inter-city travel, check Flixbus.

The low-cost budget carrier has quite a few routes in Italy, and if you’re trying to visit Italy on a budget, it might be the cheapest way for you to get around.

Flixbus tickets are also available through Omio .

Tips and Advice for Flying in Italy

Double-check your airports..

Many budget airlines fly to airports just outside of major cities, so be sure you’re headed to the right place before packing your bags!

… And also your prices.

It’s not great for the globe, but from an economic standpoint, it can often be less expensive to fly domestically in Italy than take the (fast) train.

If you’re on a budget, check both (plus buses) before booking anything.

Don’t bother showing up at the airport more than 2 hours before your flight.

If you have to check bags, the counter won’t take them, and you’ll be stuck outside security until the 2-hour mark.

This actually goes for most of Europe , not just Italy, but it’s a huge change as compared to flying in the USA!

Other Tips for Getting Around Italy

Train and bus strikes are common in italy..

Be sure to leave yourself plenty of extra time to get around on important days (like when catching a flight).

Luckily, Italians schedule their strikes in advance, so if you’re worried about a particular date, ask around to see if anything is coming up.

This isn’t an everyday thing–I think we’ve run into it about 3 times in all of our time spent in Italy–but it’s far from unheard of.

Taxis are notorious for ripping people off.

Not just an Italy problem, of course, but you definitely need to be aware of it.

The FreeNow app –sort of a local Uber that connects to local taxis, if you will, can help with this, and you can then use a credit card to pay through the app.

Have a transportation plan before leaving the airport.

Train, bus, taxi?

Know exactly how you’ll be getting from the airport to the hotel before you arrive, and your day will be much easier for it.

If you’ll be taking a taxi, look up and see if there’s a flat/set fare to get to the city center from the airport–there usually is, and it’s government regulated.

However, that won’t always stop drivers from telling you that your hotel isn’t in the center (it probably is).

Bags may cost you.

Everyone knows that you have to pay for luggage on airplanes, but in Italy, luggage can also cost you on the bus or in a taxi.

This is another thing to confirm with your taxi driver before getting into their vehicle !

Uber only exists in a very limited form in Italy.

Currently, the only form of Uber that exists in Italy is Uber Black, and it only has a presence in Rome and Milan.

Uber has been engaged in back-and-forth legal battles in Italy for years, but as a general rule, don’t count on using Uber in Italy.

FreeNow is a great alternative and is what we use in Italy (and in many places throughout Europe).

Card payments are increasingly prevalent in Italy.

You’ll be able to use your credit card regularly to purchase meals, groceries, train tickets, etc.

However, don’t use a card for small purchases.

For small items like gelato or coffee (both very important parts of any trip to Italy), it’s best to have cash on hand.

In fact, always have Euros on hand.

You never know when you’ll accidentally walk into a cash-only restaurant.

Bring a Visa or Mastercard to Italy.

Discover, Diners Club, and American Express are not as commonly accepted.

… And ideally one with no foreign transaction fees.

Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees are so common these days that it’s a shame to use anything else when visiting Italy!

ATMs are the best way to get Euros in Italy.

If you’re from the USA like us, we love having our checking account with Schwab for this reason!

T hey refund all ATM fees worldwide, making getting cash from ATMs in Italy a breeze.

Even if you do have to pay an ATM fee, though, the ATM (or bancomat in Italian) is still the simplest way to get cash in Italy.

Avoid Euronet-branded ATMs.

Euronet ATMs are all over Europe, generally in very convenient places, and their exchange rates and fees are absolutely abysmal.

Instead, look for ATMs at the branches of local banks.

Strongly consider purchasing a SIM card in Italy.

They are very inexpensive, can be put into any modern unlocked phone, and having data will make your trip to Italy infinitely easier.

We usually use TIM, but Vodafone is also popular.

Bathrooms aren’t always free.

Half a Euro for a restroom is a good price. One Euro is acceptable. More than that, find somewhere else.

If you have a tiny bladder like me, planning ahead for restroom use is one of the most important travel tips for Italy (or at least it’ll feel that way when you’re wandering around Rome and can’t find a public bathroom).

Make a habit of visiting the restroom in any places you visit that have one included–this includes restaurants, bars/coffee shops, and museums.

Squat toilets exist in Italy.

They’re not incredibly common, but the first squat toilet I ever saw in my life was in a Tuscan train station!

Carry a small pack of tissues, just in case.

Finding a restroom in Italy that is out of toilet paper is far from uncommon.

Be prepared for the Italian riposo .

This is Italy’s answer to the Spanish siesta , and you’ll find some shops closed in the mid-afternoon for this reason.

You won’t notice it as often in major cities in northern and central Italy, but in smaller towns and in southern Italy, it’s very apparent.

The exception is restaurants–you’ll see a riposo at restaurants just about everywhere.

Seek out lesser-known piazzas in Italy.

Every city in Italy has its famous, central piazzas, from Piazza Navona in Rome to Piazza San Marco in Venice and beyond.

These places are beautiful and historic, of course, but they are also–inevitably–the most expensive place to enjoy a coffee or aperitivo in the city.

However, each city in Italy also has many piazzas to choose from (here are 15 of the best piazzas in Rome , and that’s just a small sample of what the city has to offer).

By heading to a smaller, lesser-known piazza, you’ll pay far less, be in a much more laid-back (and often local) environment, and get to indulge in just as much people-watching.

We love Campo Santa Barbara in Venice’s Dorsoduro neighborhood , for example–but there’s no limit to the number of charming piazzas you can find in Italy!

Monday is generally a terrible day to visit museums in Italy.

This is a very common day for museums to be closed, including the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, the Borghese Gallery in Rome, and the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence.

The Vatican Museums are, unsurprisingly, closed on Sunday instead of Monday.

Take advantage of skip-the-line tickets at all popular attractions.

They’re generally available for a small upcharge (sometimes even no upcharge!) and will make your visit to Italy so much smoother.

We book all of our tickets for major Italian attractions like the Uffizi Gallery , Colosseum , Vatican Museums , Doge’s Palace , etc, on Get Your Guide .

You can drink from the fountains.

The small, pretty fountains found all over Italian cities?

That water is potable, and you can absolutely take a swig or even refill your water bottle there.

We love taking advantage of these fountains every chance we can and always miss them when we’re traveling in cities outside of Italy (and our dog Ranger is an even bigger fan than we are).

Fall is the best season to visit Italy.

Unlike many of these travel tips for Italy, this one isn’t objective truth but only our opinion!

Fall brings cooler weather (though still decently warm in most parts of Italy in September and October), the harvest, lessened crowds, lower prices, and plenty of crisp, sunny days.

There is nowhere on this planet I would rather spend the month of October than central Italy.

Winter also has its perks!

One of our favorite travel tips for Italy is to consider traveling in the offseason–it is both peaceful and lovely!

If you’re visiting Italy on a budget and want to see the country’s classic attractions for cheap, winter has a lot to offer.

We are often downright shocked at how empty the cities are in winter, and they’re still lovely to visit.

… But don’t expect great Christmas markets.

Those are more of a Central Europe thing.

The closest you’ll get to “real” Christmas markets like what you’ll find in Austria or Germany is in Bolzano , which is home to the oldest Christmas market in Italy , and the smaller South Tyrolian towns that surround it.

… No big surprise, since the area was Austrian until 1918!

Be prepared to carry your luggage for decent distances.

This is especially prevalent in city centers, where transportation may not be able to deliver you all the way to your door.

If carrying your luggage sounds terrible, you might be able to hire a porter!

They’re especially common in places like Venice and Cinque Terre , and many hotels offer the service.

If you try to politely stand back in a line/queue, your turn may never come.

… And this becomes more and more prevalent the further south you travel in Italy.

English is the international language of tourism, and that includes Italy.

… So don’t worry about being fluent, especially in large cities and particularly touristy areas (like hotels and big tourist attractions).

However, everyone in Italy does not speak English.

You should absolutely learn at least a few basic Italian phrases before coming to Italy!

Here are a few to keep in mind.

Basic Italian Phrases

Buongiorno . — Good morning.

Buona sera . — Good evening.

Ciao . — Hello/goodbye. (More casual than above.)

Per favore . — Please. (When requesting or accepting something.)

Grazie . — Thank you.

Prego . — You’re welcome, or please. (When offering something–as in, “Please, have a seat.”)

Non capisco . — I don’t understand.

Parla inglese? — Do you speak English?

Il conto . — The check. (In a restaurant.)

Sign no petitions.

I don’t care what they say it’s for, pay attention to this Italy travel tip: sign nothing. Smile and walk away.

Take no flowers.

This is a very common scam throughout Europe and seems to be particularly prevalent in Venice.

If someone hands you or your partner a flower, they will try to extort money from you for it.

Don’t let anyone give you a friendship bracelet.

Yet another common scam in Italy–the friendship bracelet.

Someone will approach you to offer a “free” friendship bracelet.

As soon as it’s tied to your wrist, it’s not free anymore.

Keep an eye out for pickpockets.

This goes double in busy train stations, on crowded buses and trains, and in highly touristic areas like near the Colosseum, St. Mark’s Square , Duomo di Milano, etc.

Naples and the surrounding area, especially the Circumvesuviana train, are particularly packed with pickpockets (the Circumvesuviana is the only place we’ve ever knowingly seen someone get pickpocketed!).

If you’re particularly concerned or not used to watching your belongings in a crowded urban area, you might want to consider using an anti-theft backpack or a money belt for a little extra security.

Now, to be perfectly clear–all pickpockets know to check for money belts, and we no longer choose to use one ourselves.

That being said, they do offer a bit more protection than a normal pocket!

You’ll need European travel adapters for Italy.

We recommend purchasing travel adapters for Italy before you arrive, though you can find them on the ground in Italy as well.

Leave your hair tools at home.

The voltage, not just the plug, is different in Italy.

To use your hair tools, you’ll either need a converter (which is both heavier and more expensive than an adapter) or a dual-voltage device .

However, most hotel rooms will have a hairdryer.

So you won’t be left completely without styling tools if they’re important to you!

Bring at least one church-appropriate outfit.

That means no knees (men can usually get away with shorts that hit at the knee), no shoulders, and no cleavage.

Trust me–it’s not fun being turned away from a religious site!

Bring (or buy!) a scarf.

Not only are scarves fashionable year-round in Italy for both men and women, but it’s also a cheap and easy way to make a church-ready outfit in a jiffy during the hot summer.

You won’t always be hot in the summer, though, so bring a jacket.

When Italians turn on the a/c, they really turn it on.

If you tend to get cold like me, definitely follow this Italy travel advice and bring a jacket–otherwise, you might be freezing in a train or museum.

There are two countries inside Italy.

Everyone knows about Vatican City , but are you familiar with San Marino ?

Located in the eastern part of Italy between Emilia-Romagna and Marche, this tiny country styles itself as the oldest republic in the world!

It’s also incredibly beautiful, and definitely worth visiting.

The emergency phone number in Italy is 112 (the equivalent of American 911).

Hopefully you’ll never need it, but it’s good to make a note of it just in case.

The northern, central, and southern portions of Italy are very distinct.

Everyone talks about the stark difference between the north and south when discussing travel tips for Italy, but central Italy has its own flavor as well!

In fact, if you’ve never been to Italy, central Italy will likely initially feel the most “Italian” to you based on the photos, videos, and stories we’re exposed to abroad.

Central Italy is where you’ll find Tuscany, Umbria, and Emilia-Romagna, which are home to rolling hills bathed in golden light, hilltop villages, and “classic” Italian foods like parmigiano-reggiano and tagliatelle al ragù (aka the real version of what non-Italians know as spaghetti bolognese).

Here’s our guide to the differences between northern, southern, and central Italy.

In fact, all 20 regions in Italy are distinct.

Italy was only unified in 1861 (and that date is a bit fluid), and the regional differences are still incredibly stark.

Italy didn’t gain its current borders until after WWI!

Vittorio Emanuele II was the first King of Italy.

This is why you’ll see his name just about everywhere!

Examples you might recognize are the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan and the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument (aka Altare della Patria/Altar of the Fatherland) in Rome.

Dialects definitely still exist.

You won’t hear a lot of it as a tourist, especially without seeking it out, but Sicilian dialect, Napoli dialect, Roman dialect… all of these languages (and more!) still exist and are spoken in the small towns of Italy .

Italy has some of the best dog-watching around.

… Especially if you’re into tiny, fluffy dogs.

We’ll end this Italy travel tips post on a light note: if you’re a dog fan like us, be prepared for all kinds of cuteness in Italy!

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

56 thoughts on “101 Important Travel Tips for Italy”

Love this!! Leaving the end of September for our first trip to Italy. I have 2 questions… 1) if you’re there only 10 days is Pisa or San Marino worth a look? 2) we were trying to drive from Venice to the French Riviera to Barcelona but proving to be too difficult. Thoughts?

Hi Suzanne!

On your first question, not sure if you’re asking either/or or whether both are worth it… personally on a first Italy trip, I wouldn’t recommend either Pisa or San Marino unless you REALLY want to see them and happen to be close. Of the two, I vastly prefer San Marino! It’s absolutely worth seeing, but I wouldn’t go out of your way for it on your first trip.

That road trip does sound quite intense! If you’re not planning on seeing anything in particular in between Venice and the Riviera, I’d look at flights or trains to Nice instead. You’ll also likely incur some additional charges to cross borders in your rental car, and large fees for dropping it off in a different country (I’m assuming you’re not planning on driving back to Venice).

If it were my trip, I’d only rent a car in France, and use planes/trains/buses to get there from Venice and to reach Spain from southern France, but that’s not to say you’re wrong to drive (and I don’t know how long you have or what stops, if any, you plan to make in between). Road trips can be fun, but definitely add a layer of complexity in this situation.

Thanks for such an informative blog! We head to Florence, Cinque Terre, Nice and Aix-en-Provence at the end of September. I am jealous that you have been able to explore the world, though I’m sure it takes a lot of work! Inspires me to keep booking trips!

Thank you so much, Liz! That sounds like an absolutely sublime trip–hope you have an incredible time! 🙂

Hi Kate, Thank you so much for all this information. I have been to Italy before and love it. I’m going with a couple of girlfriends that have not been before in October. We have only 8 days in Italy. Can’t wait. We are starting in Rome, then Florence and on to Venice. My Favorite is Venice! We are only in Florence 1 full day and have 2 tour options we would like to do, however maybe only have time for 1. The tour of Tuscany, includes Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa with a Wine and lunch or tour the Italian Rivera (which looks sooo awesome). I think we should do the Italian Rivera by train on our own though if we choose that one. Which would you suggest?

Both places are amazing, of course! I’d personally probably opt for the Siena/San Gimignano/Pisa/Wine option, just because you’ll be in Tuscany anyway and it’s a shame to go all the way there and not see the countryside. Plus, the Tuscan countryside is fantastic in October, while the Riviera is winding down and more or less in the offseason by then.

As for the Riviera independently, it depends on where exactly you want to go–Cinque Terre, for example, is a logistically complicated and LONG day trip from Florence by train. Not impossible, but not nearly as relaxing as sipping wine when overlooking a vineyard!

Ciao Kate! My name is Elena, I am italian (from Veneto, near Venice) and I found casually this guide on the internet. I found super interesting to read how a lot of this that are normal for me are actually strange for foreigners. I just want to tell you and your readers that all you’ve written is really true. The differences in our regions are truly important, so everyone who wants to discover Italy needs to visit all of them. My favourites are Venice, Rome, Siena, Trieste, Padova, Turin and Assisi! Have you been there? I hope to discover the USA one day!

Thanks so much, Elena! So glad this guide reads as accurate to Italian eyes. <3 We adore Rome (probably our favorite city on the planet!), Venice, and Siena, honestly didn't fall in love with Trieste (though we're willing to give it a second chance--Miramare Castle was amazing), and haven't been to the others... yet! Hoping to explore most of Italy eventually.

Hope you and your loved ones are holding up okay during these very strange times we are living in!

This is a wonderful resource! My husband and I are thinking about visiting the Lake Como area in July, assuming it is open for travelers. What are your thoughts on that area at that time of year? We haven’t booked anything yet – just investigating our options.

Hi Sandy! Unfortunately, Lake Como is one of the biggest travel oversights in Italy so we haven’t been ourselves yet (can’t wait to fix that!), but from what we hear from friends, it’ll be beautiful and crowded in a normal year. Definitely don’t expect a bargain, but the hikes and boat rides will be at their best!

Hi Kate! I am going to Italy and will be taking my teenage daughter. We will be all over – Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome. Do you know of any tourist friendly night clubs/dance halls that we could go to? I get all the day trips and great stuff to see, but what can we do at night?

Hi Lauren! No, that’s not our area of expertise, but I’m sure you’ll be able to find some (except possibly in Venice–it’s very, very quiet at night there). Hope you guys have a great time!

Kate what a great resource you are..Thanks for sharing your insight. We are planning a two week trips to Tuscany the first two weeks of ..September… . what would be appropriate attire and what type of shoes would you suggest?

Thanks so much, Beth!

September is a wonderful time to be in Tuscany, but it will probably still be quite warm. You’ll probably want comfortable sneakers/closed-toed shoes, but probably not boots. Maybe a light jacket for the evenings, but even that is a maybe.

Definitely check the weather as your trip gets closer, though, you never know what will happen!

Kate thanks for the quick response….I appreciate your advice….starting to get excited… we are staying at a villa in Cortona with 3 other couples and we are starting to plan day trip… any suggestions on what not to miss would be awesome ! Thanks Beth

Oh goodness, so many options! You guys will have a wonderful time.

I’d look at Montepulciano, Pienza, Perugia, and Assisi for possible day trips, but that’s just scratching the surface!

Thank you so much for the many tips on Italy, I particularly enjoyed the coffee guide. My wife and I will be there for the first time for 10 days in August, focusing on the big three of Rome, Venice, and Florence. We have most of our travel and tours booked, but we don’t really have much planned for the evenings. Do you have any recommendations? Perhaps some “must dine” restaurants?

Thanks so much, Thad! I had lot of fun writing that coffee guide. 🙂

If you have room in your schedule, you may consider swapping one of your big tours (Colosseum, Vatican, etc) for a night tour if you haven’t already, as August is such a hot and crowded month. It’s a fun way to break up a day–we just did a Colosseum night tour last month and I reviewed it here: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/colosseum-at-night-tour/

We also love doing food tours at night! Take Walks has some incredible ones, we especially enjoyed their Florence tour.

Other than that, we do have night guides to all 3 of those cities with some more ideas on what to do with your evenings! Here’s our Rome guide: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/what-to-do-in-rome-at-night/

Hope you guys have a fantastic trip! We count each of those cities among our absolute favorites, you’re going to have a blast. 🙂

My main question is how to stay in Italy, I have heard so many differnt ways, I will be moving like crazy too try and see it all. I will be there 22 days and was wondering should I do hotels, B&B, or Airbnb? any advise on this.

also I download the Italy version of uber, but any other apps I should get? for trains, tours etc…

First step: take a deep breath and don’t try to see it all! I know, it’s cliche, but seriously–your trip will be better for it.

A mix of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and apartments/Airbnbs is completely fine, we use them all. No one option is best, they all have pros and cons. Whatever looks like the best option in any destination is what we go with.

We don’t use a lot of apps beyond FreeNow when traveling in Italy ourselves, but you may look at Trenitalia for checking train schedules, etc. The app is a bit wonky with non-Italian cards, and you can’t save your information without an Italian tax number, though, so you can’t access all the features.

Hope you have an incredible trip!

Thank you for all the helpful info! I am going with my mother in two weeks and we will be renting a car and going all around the country. I have traveled to multiple countries, but I’m very concerned about the pick pocket scenario in the larger cities of Italy. For someone who is naturally very aware of her surroundings, what sort of bag would you recommend? I am not comfortable with the backpack as I cannot see it, and I’m thinking more of a cross body and keeping my arm and hand over it. Also do I need to be worried about my smart watch being taken? Would you recommend wearing it or not? Any and all help with what bag to use is appreciated.

Hi Brittany,

Pacsafe (the brand that makes our backpack) also has some cross-body bags. Some of my best friends use those and swear by them!

As far as your smartwatch, it’s up to you–it’s not zero-risk to keep it on, of course, but Jeremy does wear his watch in Italy.

Pickpocketing is definitely a concern, but outside a few very specific places (like the Circumvesuviana train in Naples), the risk is pretty similar to any other dense, highly touristed European city.

Regarding ATM’s. I have dollars to bring over is it easier to cash American curreny at a bank or just bring a debit card and withdraw euros? Will establishments accept American currency?

Bringing a debit card and withdrawing Euros directly is always our preferred method!

I imagine banks will change USD for you, but I’m not sure how competitive the exchange rate will be.

I’ve never heard of anywhere in Italy taking USD! You’ll definitely want to stock up on Euros. 🙂

Very helpful I formation.Going to Toscany for a week on 20th September.. Regards Anna

Hi Kate I am a Native Italian, but lived in the USA and I would like to have the option to go back and forth, but do not know how to do so. I had forgotten many things and of course found that many cities have changed a lot. I agree with all you said, especially to be sure where to drive (I got a ticket in the States). Each cities is divided in weird zones and if you do not have the right car you can’t get in. I also have bought a portable router with 200GB so I can connect wherever I go. Turning light switches, keys, and opening doors is still challenging at times, which makes you feel dummy. In most coffee places (bars) nobody will show up unless you ask for to pay. My favorite cities are definitely Turin (no need for car), the first Italian capital, with tons of museums and beautiful buildings and walks. There is one Synagogue close to the main station. From there I loved to go to Lake Maggiore (Bellaggio, Isola Bella, Ticino). About 1 and half hour by train from Milan. It is much cheaper than Milan. They are famous for the Americana (Happy Hour), where for a max of $20 you get a full buffet. It takes more than 1 day to see it all. The Mole Antonelliana is now a Museum of Cinema (movies), the Museum of the Shroud is amazing. I one does not mind the very cold winter, they have impressive lights. Naples has a magnificent historic center, which contains an old Giudecca with Synagogue still active, close to both the Harbor and the shopping center. Capodimonte Museum and the view are magnificent. There are two levels to the city so there are several “funiculari” (trains that go up and down). Pizza is a must. The view of Vesuvius in amazing. There is always something going on so check ahead of time. Nearby Pozzuoli has underground caves, just like Turin with its underground. From Naples one could easily reach the Islands of Capri or Ischia or go to Sorrento and take the bus to visit the Amalfi Coast (scary thought to drive there, but more freedom to explore) and pause in Salerno to visit its historic center also very vivacious 24/7 with Mexican, Venezuelan, Chinese, Indian, Irish and so on food places all stuck together. Lots of little interesting artisan shops. The railroad is quite important and there are many buses so you can pretty much go everywhere. Make sure to maker reservations in advance, for Salerno is very popular and can be expensive all year long due to its temperate weather. In December they are famous for their street lights. I am from Milan, but lived also in the cities I mentioned, which is why I gave those tips, but would like to know from you if Trani residents (and Bari) seem to be open minded. Also, since I am hoping to find other expats, what do you think about some main coastal Cities on the Adriatic? Bari, Ancona, Pescara, Pesaro? I was in Trieste but don’t remember much. Have you been in Croatia or Albania? Thank you

We very much want to go to Turin/Torino soon! We actually had planned to visit for a few days this fall, but ended up spending our time in the Langhe region instead (which was also amazing, of course).

Naples is a delight, we’ve visited twice and plan to visit many more times. 🙂 Unfortunately, we did not luck out with the weather when visiting Sorrento/Capri/the Amalfi Coast, so we owe those several more visits as well!

We’ve spent a lot of time in Croatia and love it! Haven’t made it to Albania yet, but hopefully one of these days. 🙂

Thank you for all of the incredible information! I have been given the opportunity to sing at the Vatican next summer! I of course have to raise the funds first, but your blog helped me in so many ways to plan! I do have a question. I know that I will want to bring wine back. Any suggestions? I live in FL. Thank you so very much! Grazie!

Congratulations, that sounds incredible!

If you’re only talking about a couple of bottles or so, you can bring those back yourself in your checked luggage.

If you’re thinking more bottles, consider shipping! It’s a bit of a splurge–think in the neighborhood of 75-100 Euros for a case of 6 bottles–but most wineries and enotecas are more than happy to do so, and it makes for a great memory.

Hi Kate, amazing blog ,my wife is doing an art course with Art Toscano near Barga in Lucca on May & we would like to spend some time on the coast adjacent to Florence… I’ve looked around LaSpezia & Livorno , any other interesting coastal areas we could visit on a budget. We’ll be in Italy for 3months, travelling from Australia

Are you looking for day trips? If so, you may look into places like Portovenere and Camogli. Cinque Terre won’t be at its peak crowds and prices yet, but it’ll definitely be more expensive than other options.

If you’re looking for a longer coastal getaway, 3-4 days or more, though, you can even look beyond the closest spots. The Adriatic Coast has some incredible spots that can be bargains by comparison, including Sirolo in Le Marche. You could also consider taking the ferry out to Elba to experience Tuscany’s most famous island!

We’re very partial to Puglia for affordable Italian beach towns, but unless you have several days to work with it likely won’t be worth the train ride.

Hello Kate, thank you so much for these useful tips. I will be staying in Rome from May to July and this will be my first time in Europe. I hope to travel to other cities in Italy and other European countries and was wondering for what advice you may have for travel during this time within Italy and outside. I hope to go to Florence, Cinque Terre, and Venice. I also hope to visit Paris, Switzerland, and London. Do you have recommendations on how to travel to these places from Rome? Thank you!

How exciting! You’re going to have a wonderful summer.

Florence, Cinque Terre, and Venice are easy enough to do by train, which is what we’d recommend.

Paris and London you’ll definitely want to fly to!

As for Switzerland, it depends on where in Switzerland you’re going and at what time. If you’re combining a trip to Switzerland with Milan or Venice, for example, train works. Otherwise, it may make sense to fly.

Traveling by train is definitely our preference in Europe whenever it makes sense to do so! We have a whole guide with tips to do so here: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/travel-europe-by-train/

Hi Kate and thank you so much for sharing such wonderful tips! We are going to Italy for about 10 days in July ’23 and planned to split our time between Florence and Rome but also thought we may hit a beach (maybe near Rome?) . Wondered what you thought about this and any suggestions you have would be very much welcomed. Thanks!

You are so welcome, glad we can be helpful!

I’m not sure if you’re looking for a day trip or to spend a couple of nights at a beach, but either way, you have options. 🙂

The closest/easiest beach to Rome is generally considered Ostia. If you go, the ruins of Ostia Antica are well worth a visit as well. Ostia is more of a “local” beach but visitors do go there!

Sperlonga is a bit further from Rome and often considered one of the prettiest beach towns near the capital.

Near Florence, Viareggio (more local, but lots of beaches) and Forte dei Marmi are options, and of course, Cinque Terre isn’t too far (here’s our advice if you’re considering a day trip there: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/florence-to-cinque-terre/ ).

One quirk of Italian beach towns (especially in July!) is that the lidos, or beach clubs, often take up much of the beach and you have to pay to access them. You can typically find free swimming areas everywhere if that’s what you’re looking for, but depending on the place, it may mean throwing a towel down on some rocks!

The lidos are a fun experience, but it’s just something to be aware of since Italy is different than the US in that way. 🙂

Thank you so much!

My pleasure! 🙂

Hi Kate: this is my first trip to Italy and also first-time written questions about a trip online. We are traveling last week of march, and I am reading the south cities are best to visit in March? We are a group of 9, including kids and adults. What are you recommending for March month?

In March, you’ll want to be prepared for cold, gray weather in many cities. You’ll probably see some early signs of spring, especially in Rome and further south, but think of it more like a winter trip than a spring one!

With that caveat, though, any of Italy’s major cities are wonderful to visit in March, and while you’ll likely find yourselves wearing coats, you’ll also benefit from lower prices and decreased crowds than you would visiting in more popular months.

I wouldn’t have any qualms about visiting Florence, Venice, Milan, etc, during March!

Hi Kate, Thank you so much for taking the time to share beautiful insights of your love & passion for Italy. We (myself, my husband & 10 year old daughter) are Aussies & will be travelling over for a wedding in August 2023. We fly into Rome on the 17/8 & are heading to Genzano Di Luciano (close to Napoli) for the wedding on the 21/8 & will stay there until around the 25/8. We fly out from Milan rather than Rome on the 18/9 to go to Singapore for a week before returning to Australia. If you were us, What would be your rough itinerary of must see places & for how long would you stop at each for the timeframe we have? We prefer not to hire a car & use trains where possible. We had come up with a bucket list, but after reading your blog we realise that we have picked all of the tourist hotspots, still great to see, but perhaps not the best to stay at or stay long so we’re a bit lost & back to square one. Also, do you have any accommodation recommendations? Did you notice if the accommodation was cheaper to book once in Italy rather than from home in the US? Thank you so much again for all of the info you have shared already – it’s a huge help.

With that much time to work with (I’m counting about 3.5 weeks after the wedding, not including the time before that I assume you plan to spend seeing Rome?), the sky really is the limit with where you want to go–there are endless options!

For places beyond the usual top-10 destinations, a couple of our favorites that you might want to look into include:

Emilia-Romagna: an incredible food scene, wonderful architecture, and a beautiful landscape. You can also take a side trip to San Marino, one of Europe’s microstates! Here’s a guide to it: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/7-day-itinerary-emilia-romagna-italy/

Piedmont: a wonderfully refined food scene well off the usual beaten path. Home to the Langhe-Roero and Monferrato wine regions, which are absolutely stunning and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Turin, the region’s capital city, is also overlooked but worth a peak.

Puglia: rising in popularity but a MUCH more laid-back Italian coastal experience than hotspots like the Amalfi Coast! Absolutely beautiful with unique architecture (trulli in particular), incredibly fresh food, and lots of whitewashed towns to explore in between beach days. Here’s one of our guides: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/puglia-road-trip-itinerary/

That is not remotely exhaustive, but hopefully it gives you a couple of ideas! Other places you might consider include but aren’t limited to the Dolomites (we like the Bolzano area), lesser-visited but easily accessed cities like Padua or Perugia, or hopping over to Sicily or Sardinia.

We’ve never noticed any price benefit to booking lodging in Italy versus the US, but I can’t say I’ve been on the lookout for it, either. I’d definitely recommend booking, at a minimum, all of your lodging in August (especially anything in the mountains or at the beach) well in advance. September will be a bit more relaxed, but still quite busy!

I lived in Italy for a couple of years (Veneto) and now send students there for study abroad. I’ve been working on a short workshop with travel and cultural tips for them. Your list covers pretty much everything I had in mind, and then some! Some things I had forgotten, like wearing a glove for produce at the supermarket. Great post, thanks for sharing!

Thanks so much, Kim! Hope your students have a blast in Italy! 🙂

Hello! Thank you so much for this very helpful information. We are taking our first trip to Italy in September 2024 and now have a 5 day reservation and an AirBnB for five nights in Testaverde Roma. Our plan is to then rent a car to drive to Tuscany for another rental in the countryside for 4 nights, drop our luggage and spend some time in Florence plus drinking up the area of Tuscany, then driving to Venice to drop off our car OR take a train to Florence, rent the car and at the end of four day stay, drop it off and take a train to Venice. Then a train to Paris for a few days and then to London by train. England is also a first. After doing our thing in London, we want to rent a car and visit all the charming areas in the countryside, staying at a couple of different rentals and then back to London and car drop off. We’d fly into Rome and out of London or? I’d love your thoughts. Thanks!

Your second plan with the car is likely going to be much easier! There’s no need to drive between Rome and Florence or Florence and Venice unless you’re planning to sightsee along the way, and by picking up and dropping off the car in the same place you’ll avoid the (often pricey) one-way drop off fee.

Flying into Rome and out of London can definitely work, no reason not to do that as long as the prices work out.

If for some reason it’s dramatically more expensive than a round-trip ticket and you’re not on a tight timetable, you could also check the prices for flying from London back to Rome to go home. Thanks to the many budget airlines, hopping between cities in Europe by plane can often be extremely affordable.

Have a wonderful trip!

Ciao, sono italiano e vivo in Italia da sempre. Sono stato negli USA tantissime volte e c’è una cosa che mi ha sempre colpito degli americani quando parlano dell’Italia e dei viaggi da fare in questo splendido Paese: sembra che per gli americani esista solo la Toscana o poco più. Vi posso invece assicurare che la Toscana è solo una parte (bella, per carità) dell’Italia e a parte Firenze, nel resto d’Italia c’è sicuramente di meglio della campagna toscana. Trovo assurdo ad esempio perdere delle giornate intere nella campagna Toscana e non prendere in considerazioni luoghi e città come Napoli (la città più “italiana” di tutte), Lecce, la Puglia, la Costiera Amalfitana e, soprattutto, la Sicilia! Non so se questo derivi dalla pubblicità delle agenzie di viaggio, ma da vero italiano trovo assurdo leggere che, ad esempio, si parta dagli USA per visitare Milano e non Napoli, Palermo, Taormina, la meravigliosa Capri ecc.

My Italian is sadly not good enough to type out a long response in your language (maybe one day), but thanks for sharing your thoughts! You’ll notice that all of the destinations you’ve listed are mentioned or highlighted somewhere on our website–we’ve been to them all and many more! 🙂

The reality is that most Americans are dealing with very limited time when visiting Italy–a 2 week trip is even on the generous side–so first-time visitors tend to prioritize the places that they are most familiar with and have been dreaming of for years. The Amalfi Coast is definitely one of those places, though!

Those who are lucky enough to return to Italy more than once tend to start branching out more, and we’re thrilled to sometimes be a small part of helping them do so.

Ti ringrazio per i complimenti all’Italia, ma ti posso assicurare che qualsiasi italiano resta meravigliato del fatto che una persona possa venire dalla lontana America e vedere solo la Toscana, senza ad esempio andare anche a Roma che è distante al massimo un’ora e mezza. Io credo che un viaggiatore dovrebbe seguire questo ordine di importanza (e bellezza): 1) Roma; 2) Venezia; 3) Firenze; 4) Costiera Amalfitana e Napoli (sono vicinissime); 5)Sicilia; 6) Sardegna; 7) Lecce e il mare del Salento; 8) un luogo a scelta tra la campagna Toscana, quella dell’Umbria e il fantastico insieme di paesi e montagne di una regione sconosciuta a tutti che si chiama Abruzzo, con città veramente deliziose come L’Aquila, Sulmona e Chieti. Un caro saluto.

We are so excited to be going to Italy the last week in April for a cruise. We are flying into Rome, and have a timeshare in selvatelle. What is the best way to get from the Rome airport to Selvatelle? And conversely when we leave we need to get from selvatelle to the cruise dock in chivitavecchia. We are nervous to drive. Thank you for pointers!

Hi Michelle,

Sounds like an exciting trip!

Selvatelle (and the Hilton Borgo alle Vigne, where I suspect you may be staying?) is quite rural! In your case, a car will make your life much, much easier–I would argue it’s even a requirement to get the most out of your trip, given where you’re staying.

Selvatelle doesn’t have a train station, and while there are buses, they can be a bit of a pain to navigate depending on where you’re trying to go. If you were staying in a place like Rome, Florence, or even Lucca, I would be giving the opposite advice, but in your case, you’ll see much more of Tuscany with a car.

The good news is that driving in Tuscany is very doable. We have quite a few tips on what to expect toward the end of this post: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/tuscany-road-trip-itinerary/

You can definitely take a train from Rome to Florence and then pick up a car there to cut down on driving time. Same with the way home–if you return the car in Florence, you can take a train to Civitavecchia in order to catch your boat (you’ll need to make a change in Rome).

I have a note of caution about using Omnio to book group train tickets. In my case, we booked 5 tickets and then one of our group wanted to take a train that left the next day. I thought, no problem, we will just change that one ticket. The Omnio policy is that we could not make that one individual change without canceling all five tickets, paying a fee, and starting all over again with booking. I find this ridiculous since typically buying tickets to almost anything else – planes, concerts, even trains (on other websites) – are sold as a group but treated individually for changes. Not so with Omnio! Be aware.

I’m sorry to hear that, Paul! We’ve never run into that issue, but thanks for sharing your experience. I’ll ask them about it.

This is treasure trove of useful information. I do have a couple of questions about a trip I’m planning for April 2024. The plan is 4 days in Milan, 3 days in Parma, and 3 days in Venice. The first question is how many days is really necessary in Milan? I’ve read that 2 can be enough or 3 is enough. I want to do a day trip to Lake Como (found one that also includes Lugano, Switzerland). Would 3 days be enough to cover Milan? Also would a day trip from Milan to Florence be worth it or should I just wait until we return to Italy and make Florence part of a Florence, Rome, and Naples trip?

Second question is 3 days in Parma will include a day trip to Modena to visit a vinegar farm and see the sights of Modena (Ferrari Museum, etc). Is 2 days in Parma too much?

Finally, what are your absolute “must dos” in Venice? Is there a local restaurant that truly stands out? A coffee shop that we just can’t miss? A museum that is incredible but no one really knows about?

Thanks in Advance, Rick

Happy to help, Rick!

I don’t think there’s truly a right answer on 2 versus 3 days in Milan, it’s a matter of personal preference. For us, 2 days (one spent fully in Milan and one on a day trip to Lake Como) would be ideal in your situation, but you’ll find plenty of people who disagree with us! Our one day Milan itinerary is a good overview of what you can expect to see in a day there–it’s up to you whether that’s enough: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/one-day-in-milan-itinerary/

A day trip to Florence is definitely doable from Milan and could easily account for your third day. I suspect it’ll have the effect of making you even more excited for the next trip, LOL, but you can certainly see enough to make it worth it! Just be sure to book the fastest train routes in advance, as the distance can vary dramatically depending on the route.

I wouldn’t say 2 days in Parma is too much (one for the city, one for a parmigiano-reggiano and parma ham factory tour), but you could also spend that third day in Bologna and have a wonderful time.

As far as Venice, this post covers a lot of our must-dos: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/one-day-in-venice-in-a-day/ Bar Ducale is a traditional coffee shop we enjoy there. 🙂 But the most important part of visiting Venice in our opinion is meandering far enough from the crowds that you can be alone amongst the canals–which is surprisingly easy to do! We have a post on hidden gems as well that you might want to check out–we cover several lesser-visited museums in there.

I was born and I live in Milan, so I can try to answer your questions.

2 days in Milan can be enough to see main attractions.You can spend your first day visiting the city center and nearby district.You can see “Piazza del Duomo”, “Galleria Vittorio Emanuele” and “Piazza san Babila”, if you like museums, beside The Duomo there is “Museo del ‘900”. A tour on the rooftop of the Duomo, IMHO, is a must have if the day is clear.From Piazza del Duomo, walking for about 10 Minutes along “Via dei mercanti” and then “Via Dante”, you can reach “Castello Sforzesco” and “Parco Sempione”. Castello Sforzesco is a castle that was a residence of the Sforza family, the rulers of Milan, and Parco sempione is the garden behind the castle. You can also visit some museums inside the castle and there is an aquarium inside the garden (honestly not so big but the entrance is free). Not so far from the eastern part of the garden there is “Pinacoteca di brera” , another art museum.Not so far from the city center there is also “Museo Leonardo da Vinci” a science and technology museum but, IMHO, not worth it if compared to the same museum type that I saw and you have, in the U.S. When you reach 6/7 P.M. you have to move from the city center. Keep in mind that the nightlife in Milan is not at all in the center but spread around the city. In the center restaurants and shops close early in the evening and the only places that you can find open are the night clubs. Don’t forget that night clubs in Italy are not “dancing clubs”, we call it discoteca, but are strip clubs :). If you are not so tired you may have a nice walk to “navigli” via “colonne di san lorenzo” and then “Darsena”, Google maps will be your friend 🙂 you can find these places. The Navigli are artificial water canals designed by Leonardo Da Vinci and there are many pubs on their sides. In these pubs you can have “Aperitivo”. Usually we have aperitivo before dinner, you pay for drinks and you have a buffet included. A Milanese cocktail is the “Negroni sbagliato” (literally wrong Negroni)  but it is quite alcoholic, you can also have a Spritz or a glass of wine or whatever you want :). If you are satisfied with the buffet you can spend the rest of the night walking beside “navigli” and having a pub tour (remember that last call is at 2:00 A.M.), if you like to have dinner in a restaurant and you’re on a budget my advice is to avoid restaurants beside Navigli. Aperitivo will be cheap, dinner at a restaurant probably not. You can find cheap but amazing restaurants far away from the center or Navigli, I live in the south part of the city and usually I can have lunch for 10/15€ and dinner for 20/30€ per person (wine included). For your second day you can try to plan a visit to “Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio” and “Santa maria delle grazie”, 2 churches and also to a fairly unknown place: “la vigna di Leonardo”  https://vignadileonardo.com/en . If you like modern arts you have to visit “Fondazione Prada” a gallery of modern art run by Prada fashion company.

A one day trip from Milan to Como’s lake is definitely doable, IMHO, including Lugano’s lake is too much, you risk spending a lot of your day traveling. Both are amazing places (honestly I was at Lugano’s lake just a couple of times, I know Como’s lake better). My advice is to choose one place or spend a night near Como and have your visit to Lugano the day after. Keep in mind that to reach Como or Lecco (the city on the eastern branch of the lake) from Milan by train is easy, the problem is to move from Como to another beautiful lake place, you have to consider renting a car. IMHO in one day you have to visit “Bellagio” a wonderful town in the middle of the two lake’s branches. You can walk along the lakeside, visit a castle, spend time on the beach and there is also a wonderful botanic garden. If you have a car you absolutely have lunch near “Piano Rancio” a small town in the mountain over Bellagio, there is a wonderful view of the Lake and an amazing Alpine refuge where you can have a typical launch: https://www.rifugiomartina.com/. They do not have an English version but under “contatti” you can find a google map route. Not sure about the English of the waiter :)I suggest you try “Pizzoccheri alla Valtellinese” , one of my favourite dishes. Last advice, if you plan to reach the lake by car, absolutely avoid Sunday. On spring Sundays, half the citizens of Milan go to Como’s Lake, the other half to the sea in Liguria. Traffic jams are a certainty 😉 . If you have Car and enough remaininng time, both Como and Lecco are nice cities to visit and where to have Aperitivo or Dinner (cheaper than Milan). If you have a car make sure to have a designated sober driver :). Police blocks are not so common inside the cities but on roads that connect cities are.

2 days in Parma? Honestly I don’t know what to do 🙂 I think that Modena is better. Is a small town but the center is amazing and almost all things to visit are in the center or near the center. You have to consider spending a day visiting Modena and the other day visiting “Ferrari Museum” (It’s big enough). Keep in mind that there are 2 Ferrari Museums, one in Modena and the other one in Maranello (A town near Modena). I suggest you visit the museum in Maranello, the hometown of Enzo Ferrari and the Ferrari company too. In Maranello you can visit the factory and track where they test the cars. (Remember reservation).If you are very passionate you can visit both ;). If you plan to move from Modena to Maranello by public transport check before, they are not as frequent as Milan and the towns around Milan.

Lastly, Venice is a wonderful city, you have to visit “San Marco” and “Murano” during the day. Avoid restaurants for lunch, try to find a small bar with the tables outside, they usually serve drinks and something like spanish tapas, very good and cheap. For dinner my advice is absolutely to go to “la Giudecca” (another Venice’s island) , which is the Island where almost all the locals live. You can find very good and cheap restaurants. You can also see how Venice’s people live. 

Thanks for reading, enjoy your trip in Italy and sorry for my english ;). 

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33 Italy Travel Tips That Will Save You Time, Money and Disappointment

Avoid tourist traps and have authentic experiences with these top italy travel tips.

With over 50 UNESCO world heritage sites, 3 active volcanoes, over 1500 lakes, excellent food, top-notch wines and the smallest restaurant in the world (that’s right: it can only seat two people!), Italy is one of the most popular destinations for travellers around the world. Despite being a relatively small country, Italy really has something for everyone: gorgeous beaches, stunning cities, archaeological sites, art, countryside and mountains.

It’s not uncommon to experience so-called culture shocks , which are nothing more than cultural diversities, customs or local peculiarities that can cause visitors to feel in over their heads. Sometimes this can lead to scams, paying too much, and general disappointment or confusion.

There’s so much to know about Italy and consider before planning a trip, but don’t worry: whether you’re a first-timer or a returning visitor, here’s everything you need to know before travelling to Italy!

In this guide, you’ll find 33 Italy travel tips and hacks divided into categories which will help you make the most of your time and avoid possible challenges you’ll run into while visiting Italy. Knowing these things will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable stay on each one of your trips. Want more tips? Get my complete guide to 101 Italy travel tips here.

Tips for getting around, travelling and transport in Italy

• Pack light. Steps, inclines, cobblestones, narrow hotel staircases: getting around Italian cities can be a struggle with lots of suitcases and heavy luggage. Whatever your travel style, choose appropriate bags to make sure your arrival and your stay go smoothly. If you’re visiting places like Venice , you will also need to be able to carry your luggage on waterbuses and up flights of stairs as lifts/elevators are very rare.
• Wear comfortable shoes. For the same reason mentioned above, you’ll make your life a lot easier by wearing comfortable shoes when you’re out and about. If you plan to visit Venice, don’t forget you might need a pair of stivali di gomma , rubber boots, when high water occurs in lower-lying parts of the city such as sound Piazza San Marco.
• Validate your train ticket. If you’re travelling by train in Italy, make sure you validate your ticket before getting on the train. Italy doesn’t have turnstiles at its train stations, it is up to you to validate your ticket in the machines (usually green or yellow) located near the entrance to each platform. Hefty fines apply to those travelling with an unvalidated ticket! Emergency tip: If you can’t find a machine, it doesn’t work, or you’re in a hurry, the next best thing you can try is to write on the ticket the time it was last used. This might just be enough to convince a ticket conductor on board that you intended to do the right thing.
• Book high-speed trains in advance. High-speed trains in Italy are called “frecce”, like Freciarossa, Frecciabianca, Frecciargento . Bookings usually open 120 days before your trip. It’s always a good idea to buy tickets in advance to ensure you get a cheaper price. You can get your tickets on the Trenitalia website which is the official Italian rail network ticket provider. There is also Italo , the official private seller of the Italian high-speed train company.
• Beware of transportation strikes. One word sciopero (pronounced: shoh-peh-roh ) this is the Italian word for strike and a must-know term. Strikes have become part of daily life in Italy so don’t be shocked if there’s a strike of some sort that may affect your travel plans. Be prepared and pay attention to signs, especially in train stations. Usually, strikes are announced ahead of time so you have the chance to think of a plan B or C.
• Be aware of parking lines. Before parking your car, always check the colour of the lines. White means it’s a free or time-restricted free parking (in this case you need to display a disco orario , that is, a parking disc or clock disc showing the time at which the vehicle was parked). Yellow parking lines mean that the space is reserved for residents in that area or street and it’s forbidden to park there unless you have a permit. Areas marked with blue lines mean you need to pay to park. This normally applies on weekdays and Saturdays but not on Sundays and public holidays, but it’s always better to check the signs. Just like for the motorways, bring some coins, as some parking machines do not accept cards.
• Only use official taxis. All taxis in Italy are white with official markings. Standard prices are listed inside the taxi and on the door. Remember to check these to avoid being scammed. I’ve seen this happen a lot in Rome. Often at airports, you will see people trying to convince unassuming tourists to get a ride with them. Unless the car is white and a marked taxi, don’t risk it.

Food and drink tips

• No cappuccino after breakfast. Ordering a cappuccino together with your meal for lunch or dinner is definitely frowned upon in Italy! Italians normally have a cappuccino (or milk or caffellatte ) for breakfast, which often comes with sweet (and not savory) food such as biscuits, pastries, croissants or cereals. This is why you typically don’t order un cappuccino or any other beverage containing milk after 11 am. It’s quite common though to have an espresso , a macchiato (black coffee with a few drops of milk) or a corretto (black coffee with a tiny bit of grappa or other liquor) after a meal. Check out my guide on how to order food and drink in Italian.
• Ask for the bill. In Italy, when dining in a restaurant, you need to ask for il conto (the bill) or go to the cash register to pay. It’s considered rude for the waiter to give you the bill before you’ve asked for it as they just don’t want to rush you. Mealtime is precious in Italy 🙂
• Drink from water fountains. Water fountains are found in many Italian cities. In Rome, these are called “nasoni” (literally, “big noses”) and provide fresh, cool water. So there’s no need to pay for bottled water. These aqueducts have been supplying Rome with its water for thousands of years! If it’s good enough for the emperors it’s good enough for me 🙂 Bring an empty bottle and fill it up as you explore the city.

Tips for Eating out in Italy

• Dinner is eaten late. Italians typically eat late, from 9 pm, especially in southern Italy. A restaurant serving dinner around 5-7 pm is catering to tourists and therefore the quality of food is often lower. Normally, good restaurants don’t open before 7 pm, unless they’re establishments that also serve aperitivo , a drink (alcoholic or not) that comes with crisps and other nibbles. This can be a good solution to “calm” your hunger while waiting for dinnertime or to stimulate your appetite.
• Italy doesn’t have a tipping culture. No one will judge you if you don’t tip the waiter/waitress. Although, in highly touristic areas it’s become kind of usual and some might even expect it, especially if the service was attentive and punctual, the food tasty and the overall experience pleasant. Italians will only ever leave up to 1-2 euros per person. Learn the dos and don’ts when it comes to tipping in Italy with my complete guide.
• Learn how to express your dietary requirements. Even though in touristic cities people may understand or speak some English, don’t always take it for granted. Learning how to order your meal , your favourite dish and how to express any dietary requirements (e.g. I’m vegetarian, I’m gluten intolerant, I’m allergic to peanuts) in Italian is essential and will ensure that your lunch or dinner runs smoothly.
• Don’t ask for tap water. Even though it’s common in many countries to ask for tap water in restaurants, you will get a disapproving look in Italy. It’s just not common in Italy so if you want to drink water it will be bottled. Just specify if you want it naturale (still) or frizzante/gassata (sparkling).

Italy Sightseeing tips

• Some businesses take a break during the day. In Italian cities, very rarely you’ll find a 24/7 store, let alone in small towns. While in some large shops it has become more common to have an orario continuato (non-stop working hours), generally every Italian store or venue closes right after lunch (12 pm or 1 pm) and then reopens at 3 pm or 4 pm, after the riposino (nap, rest), which is the equivalent of the Spanish siesta . Monday is usually a day off for shops, mini-markets, restaurants, hairdressers and beauty salons. Make a note of business hours, just in case.
• Check public holidays. Public holidays can affect your travel plans and the ability to visit attractions. The most important ones to know are: 1st (New Year’s Day) and 6th (Epiphany) January, Easter and Easter Monday, 2nd June (Republic Day), 15th August ( Ferragosto ), 1st November (All Saints), 8th (Immaculate Conception), 25th (Christmas) 26th (Saint Stephen/Boxing Day) December. Individual cities also have local festivities. Check the opening hours of each individual attraction if travelling during these times.
• Avoid queues. Book private tours and skip the line tickets in advance for major attractions to avoid disappointment. It’ll be a huge time saver! My favourite go-to service for finding the best-guided tours is Viator .
• Dress appropriately when visiting religious places. You will need to cover your shoulders and your knees before going into religious buildings, like churches and cathedrals or you could be turned away. Avoid carrying large backpacks as they will be denied entry or you will have to use the cloak.

Italy Safety tips

• Beware of pickpockets. Pickpockets can be terrible in some tourist areas and especially on the buses, metros and trains. Avoid the number 64 and 40 bus in Rome when travelling to the Vatican from Termini station. These lines are notorious.
• Never leave your credit card out of your sight. Don’t let your credit card unsupervised when paying for anything. I’ve heard stories of waiters taking their card to swipe using a machine “out the back” of the restaurant. Thirty minutes later, the card had been cloned and they had apparently bought 3,000 Euros worth of jewellery, paid for a taxi, purchased 500 Euro worth of sports equipment and 200 Euros of groceries all over Italy in a span of an hour.
• Always have your ID with you. In Italy, it is required by law to carry your personal ID with you. You may be asked to show it if stopped by police officers on duty.
• Learn Italian emergency numbers. Should you have an emergency while in Italy, you can call 112 (European Emergency number) for general emergencies, 113 for polizia (National Police), 115 for firefighters and 118 for health emergencies.
• Learn some basic Italian. Even though Italy is a highly touristic country, don’t expect everyone to understand or speak English. It’s a good idea to learn some basic Italian phrases for everyday situations but also in case of emergency – God forbid!

• Know where to find public toilets. To access public toilets in Italy you will often need to pay a euro or two. However, the law requires bars and restaurants to give access to their facilities for free. Common practice is to make a small purchase or to take a quick espresso drunk at the counter. Local city apps, like Veritas in Venice , will help you find public restrooms.
• Bring a plug adaptor. Check the voltage before using your appliances (remember that most hotels provide things like hair dryers anyway) and make sure you have the right adaptor for Europe and Italy. For Italy, there are three plug types, types C, F and L. Plug type C has two round pins, plug type F has two round pins with two earth clips on either side and plug type L has three round pins in a row. Italy’s supply voltage is 230V and 50Hz.

Italy Accommodation tips

• You need to pay city tax. Each person must pay city tax or tourist tax. This is not included in your bill and must be paid separately once you arrive at your accommodation. This fee is set per person per night, it must be paid in cash and is usually around 2 euros. Visiting Rome? From the Spanish Steps to the Pantheon , don’t miss my guide to the best hostels and neighbourhoods in Rome. For more tips, don’t miss my guide on the best time to travel to Italy.
• Don’t expect air conditioning everywhere. Double-check that your hotel or car rental has air conditioning, as this is not standard and usually it’s not available unless specified. When there is air-conditioning, expect it to be weak. If you are used to the US air-con standard, you will notice that Italian air-conditioned spaces feel significantly warmer than those back home.

Types of establishments in Italy

• Use plastic gloves when handling baked goods, fruit and vegetables at the supermarket. It’s a common thing in Italy to wear plastic gloves which are found near the scales. Once you pick your items, you’ll also have to weigh them yourself, enter the product code, print the sticker, and put it on the plastic bag. This can’t be done at the checkout and you’ll be sent back.
• Learn about Italian farmacie . Pharmacies in Italy are run by real pharmacists (and not just shop assistants), who give medical advice and strictly sell pharmaceutical products and health articles. Even things like aspirin are kept behind the counter. The business hours of pharmacies are typically 8 am to 8 pm and they generally have a lunch break from 1 pm to 4 pm. However, in case of an emergency, there is always a pharmacy open. You can find the address and phone number of the farmacia di turno (pharmacy on duty) written on all pharmacy doors. Pharmacies are marked by large green crosses lit by LED lights.
• Go to the tabaccherie . Tabaccherie are newsagents that sell almost anything from cigarettes and tobacco to magazines and newspapers, candy/sweets, snacks and local transport tickets. They can easily be identified by their signage: a large white “T” on a black or blue background.

Travelling with children in Italy

• Most restaurants don’t have a kid’s menu. Kids menus are not very common in Italy but this doesn’t mean a restaurant is not child-friendly. You can easily ask for a simple pasta dish or a mezza porzione (smaller portion) of whatever is on the menu, they will be happy to do that.
• Car seat for children. Not all rental companies have the full equipment for children. If you’re travelling with a baby who needs a rear-facing car seat, consider bringing your own car seat and make sure it complies with the EU safety standards.

Want more Italy travel tips? Get my complete guide which features 101 Italy Travel Tips that will save you more time, more money and disappointment .

I wish you many wonderful and memorable trips to come. Buon viaggio! (Have a wonderful trip)

Don’t be treated like a tourist. Learn Italian with my 80/20 method

Travelling to Italy? Don’t be treated like a tourist! Live your best travel experiences and learn Italian for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant or a taxi driver who has “taken you for a ride”. I’ve made it easy for you to master the Italian language so you can create lifelong memories as you mingle with locals , get local tips , avoid tourist traps , and make new friends . Who knows, you may even be invited over for afternoon tea by a lovely Sicilian family like I was! Read all about how speaking Italian changed my life and check out my online Italian video course here.

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Don’t miss my Italy travel guides

• Best Time to Visit Italy // PLUS Tips to Avoid Crowds and SAVE $$$
• 29 Amazing Day Trips from Rome By Train, Car & Guided Tour
• 21 Unique Things to Do in Venice You Should Try at Least Once
• Where to Stay in Rome | Best Hotels and Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Rome
• 20 Top Hotels Near the Pantheon in Rome for Every Budget
• 12 BEST Things to do in Burano, Italy (Tips from a Local Guide)
• Top 7 Authentic Tours and Experiences in Rome [Run by Locals]
• Domus Aurea: Why You Should Visit Rome’s Secret Hidden Palace
• Rome Tips and Tricks: 27 Things You Should Know Before You Go to Rome
• Top 10 Absolute Best Views of Rome That Will Blow Your Mind
• Self-Guided Trastevere Walking Tour: Where to See Rome’s Most Beautiful Streets
• 26 Absolute Best Things to do in Verona, Italy
• Lakes, Mountains & Castles: 21 Best Things to do in Trento, Italy
• 36 Wonderful Things to do in Umbria, Italy (PLUS Map of Umbria)
• Italy Fun Facts: 126 Unique Things You Didn’t Know About Italy

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Home » Europe » 15 ESSENTIAL Travel Tips for Italy (To Know Before You Go!)

15 ESSENTIAL Travel Tips for Italy (To Know Before You Go!)

Cities, Food, Transport & More – These are our TOP Travel Tips for Italy to Know Before You Go (which are perfect for first-time visitors!)

Sitting in the heart of Europe, Italy has long been the desired destination for thousands of tourists. Famed for its rich Roman history, its renaissance art and culture and its world-famous culinary prowess – there is something for everyone in this rich and diverse nation. The size and diversity of Italy mean that both first-time and repeat visitors can find a whole new experience with each trip.

Stepping out of your comfort zone and into a whole new culture and language may be a daunting experience, yet we have curated a detailed guide featuring all the essential travel tips for Italy to know before you go and that will have you swanning those Italian streets like a true Roman in no time!

In This Post

• 1.1 The Best Time To Visit Italy
• 1.2.1 Hire A Car
• 1.2.2 Travel Italy by Train
• 1.2.3 Metro, Bus + Other Public Transport in Cities  
• 1.3 Public WiFi Availability in Italy
• 1.4 Riposo (the Italian Siesta)
• 2.1 Where are the best places to visit in Italy
• 2.2 How To Plan Your Budget for your visit to Italy
• 2.3 What to Eat in Italy
• 3.1 Italians Speak Italian
• 3.2 Basic Language Tips for Italy
• 3.3 Advice for Solo Female Travelers in Italy
• 3.4 Scams to avoid
• 3.5 Is there a need to pre-book popular tourist attractions?  
• 3.6 Is there a tipping culture?

GENERAL TRAVEL INFO FOR VISITORS TO EUROPE

Visa: As with all visa issues, it is best to refer to your own government guidelines, as each issuing passport country will have different requirements and expectations. Quickly and in summary – US, Australian and British (from 1/1/21) Citizens can enter and stay in any European Country in the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days (in any 180 days) without a visa.

Currency: The official currency in Europe is the Euro (€, EUR). You can withdraw currency from ATMs using your local bank card or a designated travel card. If you are visiting from another country, be sure to check any fees and charges from your bank prior to using it and carry a second source of payment/cash in case your primary card gets ‘eaten’ by an ATM.

Language: Each of the 43 different countries within Europe have their own official language (ie. In Spain they speak Spanish ; Greece they speak Greek etc) however you will find that English is widely spoken in the tourism hotspots of each country. (That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t attempt to try and learn a bit of the local lingo for where you are headed though!)

WiFi/Internet Access: Depending on your length of stay and in what country, you can either purchase a local sim card (in advance or on arrival) – to swap out with the one in your own phone to avoid roaming charges. OR, grab a pay as you go portable Wifi Devices which means you can keep your sim active and connect wirelessly. Just remember to turn off data roaming so you don’t incur any hefty charges.

Essential Travel Tips for Italy: The Practical Stuff

The best time to visit italy.

As Italy runs from the Swiss border in the north right down to the mediation islands on its southernmost tip, gaining a generalized national picture of weather is hard. 

It is to be advised to avoid the summer months of July and August, as this is the peak time for tourists both Italian and foreign. Visiting the country’s most popular cities and resorts during this time will mean massive crowds mixed with the intense heat of high summer.  Italy in August may sound delightful, but the reality often isn’t quite as nice!

April to June is the most optimal time to visit Italy, crowds are less overwelling yet the Italian sun still shines down on your Spring or Summer holiday.  

How To Get Around Italy

As Italy is among some of the most developed and modern countries in all of Europe, its strong infrastructure allows seamless travel wherever you may be. 

You may wish to hire a car and drive yourself from city to city, yet with such strong rail links, this is often unnecessary. Just remember your international driving permit (or license), stick to the right side of the road and keep your wits about you – Italy’s autostradas can seem hectic and overwhelming to non-Italian drivers making driving in Italy somewhat stressful for some.

Travel Italy by Train

Italy has a state of the art modern rail and network and travelling by train is a popular way to see the whole country. www.Trenitalia.com is a great place to pre-book train tickets if you are on a strict timetable. You can also buy tickets days before or even on the day of travel itself, allowing you great flexibility.

Trains in Italy are clean, modern, and relatively inexpensive making them a great way to explore the country – just remember to validate your tickets prior to travel to make sure you don’t get asked to leave the train at the next station! ( There are -typically yellow- validation machines on all platforms ).

Metro, Bus + Other Public Transport in Cities  

Getting around a major city like Rome or Naples etc is super simple. Each large city has its own metro system, making citywide excursions easy. With smaller towns, bus routes are almost exclusively available throughout the towns – keep in mind that bus tickets need to be validated the same way as train tickets.

Taxi services are also available and Uber is known to operate in major cities such as Rome and Milan.

Public WiFi Availability in Italy

Public WIFI will be easily accessible in main cities such as Rome, Milan and Naples. Throughout all of Italy free WIFI is easily found in cafes, restaurants and bars – yet is customary to purchase something from these places before internet access is granted.  

Riposo (the Italian Siesta)

While it is well known in nearby Spain that life grinds to a halt in the heat of the day as the Spanish head for a post-lunch afternoon nap, the practice of shutting up shop for a couple of hours anywhere between 12 midday and 4pm actually originated in Italy and is known as Riposo.

As with Spain, this means some retailers close up shop in the early afternoon for a couple of hours but it is not to nap ( pennichella ) but rather to eat, rest and spend time with family. Although, as the years go by, less and less shops/deli’s etc – particualrly in tourist hot spots – close down. But it is something to be aware of throughout Italy in particually in smaller towns.

Top Travel Tips for Italy: The Fun Stuff

Where are the best places to visit in italy.

Its historic cities such as Rome and Florence are epicentres of European culture and packed with tangible examples of Roman and Renaissance architecture, art and culture. Going hand in hand with its history and landscapes is the food of Italy; seen as one of the premier world cuisines, eating your way through this nation is also a fantastic way to experience its diversity.  

• Rome : Capital of Italy, Rome is the nations heartland and treasure trove of ancient Roman history.
• Florence : Also a cradle of Italian art and culture, the city of Florence is recognised as the premier renaissance city and its art and architecture only add to this statement.
• Milan: One of the world premiere fashion capitals and a refined restaurant and nightlife to match.
• Bologna : Known to the Italians as ‘the learnt, the fat, the red’ Bologna is known famously as the city of food, education and red-bricked buildings. This heady cocktail of culture and food is a must-see when in Italy.
• Palermo : Capital of the Sicilian island, Palermo has a quintessential old-Italy feel to it, this combined with the island life vibes makes it a once in a lifetime experience.
• Venice : One of the most iconic Italian cities, Venice offers romantic gondola rides down it numerous canals and a fantastic range of historical architecture and buildings. (Read our Venice Travel Guide for more)  
• Not to mention Cinque Terre , Amalfi Coast , Lake Como, Sardinia and more!

How To Plan Your Budget for your visit to Italy

When budgeting for your visit to Italy, it is important to remember there will be many variables when it comes to cost. When you visit major tourist hotspots such as Rome, Milan and Venice prices can be much higher than anywhere else. Finding that affordable meal or evening drink may mean venturing away from the main streets and piazzas and exploring the city side streets.

The average hotel price for a couple is around €128, whereas your daily meals will total up to an average of €40 – again this may be much higher in tourist centers. To provide a better perspective on costs, entrance to the National Gallery Museum Bologna costs €6 yet the colosseum entrance fee in Rome is €12.

There are notable differences between North and South of Italy in terms of landscapes, experiences, and price. Southern Italy is on average far cheaper than northern Italy and venturing into smaller towns and villages away from cities will always lower the cost of your trip.

What to Eat in Italy

And visitors to Italy who are serious about their food should try and join a local food tour wherever possible, may be disappointed with a traditional Italian breakfast (it’s just a cappuccino and brioche!) and try not to leave the country without trying the following regional Italian specialties…

• Risotto Alla Milanese : The north of Italy rely more on rice-based dishes rather than the famous pasta, and it is in Milan where this can be truly seen. The Milanese Risotto is a must-try when in this part of Italy and The Trattoria Milanese has been serving this dish here since 1933.  
• Pizza (in Naples!) : It may seem simple and obvious but no list of Italian dishes would be complete without the pizza. Naples is the home of the pizza and it is at Naples’ Da Michele where you will get the best traditional pizza, again they have been serving pizzas here since 1870! (Read this for more incredible dishes from Naples )
• Caponata : The Italian island of Sicily has many famous dishes, but it is the Caponata that really stands out. This quintessential Sicilian vegetable dish consists of eggplant, celery and capers seasons with sweetened vinegar. Dal Maestro del Brodo in Palermo is where you will find the best traditional Caponata.   
• + Don’t look for Spaghetti Bolognese… it is not considered a dish in Italy! Even in Bologna (where the ‘sauce’ is named after), you won’t find spaghetti bolognese on the menu. Rather look for ‘Ragu’ – the traditional Italian name for the thick meat and tomato-based sauce, which will be served with a ‘wider’ and more substantial pasta (such as tagliatelle) as such pastas are thought to better hold the sauce.

It is also sometimes referred to as the “ pane e coperto ,” the bread and cover charge, and will be displayed on the menu. Take notice so you don’t get a shock with your bill.

Italy Travel Tips & Friendly Advice for your First Visit

Italians speak italian.

While it is true that you can get by in major Italian cities (such as Rome, Florence, Milan or Venice) speaking only English, it is not very widely spoken overall in Italy. It is the main foreign language taught in school and so the majority of younger people will have a limited understanding, and there will also be a concentration of English speakers around major tourist attractions.

But as when visiting any different country, it will be very much appreciated if you attempt to speak to locals in their native tongue. And as such we have listed a few basic Italian words with their translations below.

Basic Language Tips for Italy

• Yes – Sì
• No – No  
• Hello – Ciao
• Good Morning – Buongiorno
• Good Evening – Buona sera
• Goodbye – Arrivederci
• Thank You – Grazie
• I’m Sorry – Mi dispiace

If you’re interested in learning a little more, we recommend reading our complete guide to 70+ Basic Italian Words & Phrases – Perfect for Travel.

Advice for Solo Female Travelers in Italy

• Keep an eye on your belongings (bag/camera/phone etc) and be aware of your surroundings (for example, don’t have your head down glued to your phone)
• Ensure your day bag is lockable (or otherwise secure) and think about investing in hidden pocket clothing (my favorite is my infinity scarf )
• Be cautious and vigilant in busy areas or in crowds (particularly train stations or markets).
• Have two debit or credit cards – linked to different accounts, in case one gets lost/stolen/swallowed by a rogue ATM, to make sure you have access to your funds.
• Get travel insurance (if you can afford to travel, you can afford travel insurance) – and carry details of the travel insurance company with you.
• Be mindful of your drinking – that’s not to say not to drink, but alcohol lowers your inhibitions and reaction time. And Italian wine is not only a way of life, but is some of the best in the world!
• Try to avoid exposing too much skin with your outfits. While it shouldn’t imply anything, skimpy outfits make you stand out and can encourage unwanted behaviors. ( As I said, it shouldn’t but it can – and is something to keep in mind when you pack for your trip ). Which leads on to:

A note on Italian men: it may seem like 202o hasn’t quite ‘caught on’ in Italy as catcalling, overt flirting (bordering on harassment), constant compliments – and maybe even grabbing your arm – is still quite commonplace, and moreso in busy tourist spots.

The best thing to do is to ignore it (or if you are grabbed, shake the hand off and keep moving). It often doesn’t escalate (as Italian men are used to women ignoring them) but if you are feeling uncomfortable, head into a shop or restaurant and seek help.

Scams to avoid

No Menus in the House: This scam involves you as a tourist being told by the restaurant that there are no more menus available. You place your order in English or your broken Italian, only to find the bill at the end of the meal is four times the expected amount. If there are no menus, always ask for the prices beforehand – this will keep away any nasty surprises!

Check your Change: It has been many years since Italy changed from Lira to Euros but this doesn’t stop some opportunist ‘accidentally’ giving you the wrong coins or change. Always check and count your change before you walk away.   

Is there a need to pre-book popular tourist attractions?   

Is there a tipping culture?

Tipping is not generally expected in Italy yet it will be welcomely accepted for exceptional service. Many restaurants and cafes will often add a 10% or 20% service charge on top of the bill (designated as “Servizio”) which replaces the need for a separate tip.   

Where ever you choose to go to in this great varied country, you are sure to have a trip filled with fantastic cultural, culinary and historical experiences. The vast variety that Italy has to offer means you are sure never to have the same visit twice! 

We hope you have enjoyed this ultimate guide to traveling in Italy and found these top Italy Travel Tips invaluable in planning your trip to Italy. And if you enjoyed this Italy travel guide, or know someone planning their Italy vacation that could use our travel advice and top tips for visiting Italy, please be sure to share this article with them on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Flipboard or grab a pin below for Pinterest. Sharing is caring and we thank you in advance!

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Hi There! Thanks for reading our guide to the 15+ Top Travel Tips for Italy for First-Timers (Know Before You Go) I just wanted to let you know that this post contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something after clicking a link, I may get a small commission – which is at absolutely no cost to you . If you enjoyed this article and are going to be searching for some of the things I mention anyway, I would love it if you could click through from the links above & thank you in advance! Read my full Disclosure here . And a huge Thank You for reading the MakeTimeToSeeTheWorld travel blog.

Thursday 22nd of October 2020

Uh, what part of "global pandemic" do you mouthbreathers not understand?

Vicki Garside

Friday 23rd of October 2020

Hmm Brent W, what part of the disclaimer at the very top of the post that acknowledged 'we are living in interesting times in the travel industry and to follow the advice of your government and the one you were hoping to visit when it came to planning travel' did you miss? Guess the lesson from your mother about 'if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all' completely went over your head.

Yes the travel industry is in turmoil, and conditions for travel are less than ideal - but people are still interested in travel content. It's inspiring and provides a little bit of escapism. And as a content creator, I will continue to produce and publish evergreen content that both helps with that escapism now, and will be useful when travel picks up again.

Thanks for dropping by though.

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Italy Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

Italy is one of Europe’s most iconic and popular destinations. Home to incredible food, fabulous wine, tons of ancient ruins, undying romance, and picturesque landscapes, it should come as no surprise that this is one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world.

I’ve been visiting since 2006 and I never tire of it.

The vineyards in Tuscany, history in Florence , ancient streets of Rome , gorgeous views and hills Cinque Terre , romantic canals in Venice — I love it all.

Italy is best experienced slowly so pace yourself. Soak in the atmosphere and way of life as you explore. Italians move slowly and enjoy la dolce vita and so should you! Relax, take in the scenery, enjoy a cappuccino or a glass of wine. The slower you go, the better you’ll be able to appreciate the charms and nuance of this iconic southern European gem.

This travel guide to Italy can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time here.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Italy

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in italy.

1. Explore Venice

While crowded, Venice is an astounding place to visit. I love the city’s iconic architecture and picturesque canals. Don’t miss the Piazza San Marco, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge, the Basilica San Marco, and the city’s countless museums. Moreover, be sure to head to the old Jewish Ghetto for hip bars and cheap drinks (the English word ghetto comes from this area of Venice). Venice is also home to several world-class festivals. In late winter, the epic Carnival takes place here and, in August, the prestigious Venice Film Festival takes over the nearby island of Lido. If you have time, be sure to explore the neighboring islands on a day tour. They are charming in their own right.

2. Wander Rome

Rome has so much to see and do that you’ll need to make several trips to even scratch the surface. Besides obvious highlights like the Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill, and Trevi Fountain, make sure you explore the Trastevere neighborhood. It’s my favorite area in Rome and feels almost like a village inside a big city. Trastevere offers delicious food, funky bars, and ancient winding streets. I love the family pizzerias and cafes here for people-watching and the gelato. Vatican City, the smallest independent city-state in the world, is nestled within the heart of Rome and is home to the Pope, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and many fantastic museums. You can fill an endless amount of time here so don’t try to rush your visit!

3. Tour Pompeii

Located a 20-40-minute train ride from Naples , Pompeii is an ancient city that was destroyed by a volcano, preserving it in a blanket of ash still frozen in time. Walk around the Roman city as it stood the day that Mount Vesuvius exploded in 79 CE, moving in and out of homes, villas, baths, and businesses where pots and vases still lay. What really struck me was entering the houses and seeing that the fountains and most of the beautiful frescoes are still intact. Admission is 16 EUR while a guided tour with a professional archeologist is 50 EUR. It’s a huge site and will take a full day to visit in depth.

4. Hike the Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre consists of five colorful coastal villages on the west coast of Italy, backed by steep vineyards and mountains. These small towns are by no means undiscovered by tourists but still absolutely beautiful and teeming with great shops and cafes. Each village has its own unique charm and personality so be sure to visit all of them. I absolutely love the fun hikes in the stunning hills high above the sea between the villages that range in difficulty. The Cinque Terre express train makes it super easy to pop around to the different villages if you don’t want to hike between the towns. Trail #7 is my favorite.

5. Relax on the Amalfi Coast

Other things to see and do in italy, 1. party at the venice carnival.

Carnival is ten days of masquerade madness every February leading up to Mardi Gras. The tradition goes back centuries, starting in the 12th century and reaching the height of popularity in the 18th century. Today, it’s one of the biggest festivals in Italy, with millions of people attending every year. The iconic and diverse masks are a central part of the festivities and every year there is a contest for the most beautiful mask. If you want to splash out, you can even attend a traditional masquerade ball! Just be sure to book your accommodation early as the city fills up months in advance.

2. Explore Milan

Milan is the fashion capital of Italy. Spend some time taking in the glamor but don’t spend more than a day or two here unless you’re looking to splash out. While you’re here, don’t miss the beautiful Milan Cathedral, which boasts 3,500 statues, 135 spires, and five bronze doors. Sforzesco Castle, a 15th-century castle that houses Michelangelo’s last sculpture, is also worth a visit. There’s also Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper , located inside Santa Maria delle Grazie church (which is itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site) as well as Leonardo’s Horse, one of the largest equine statues in the world. To get away from the crowds, spend some time relaxing in Parco Sempione, Milan’s most famous city park. It’s a vast oasis of green space and perfect for a picnic when the weather is nice.

3. See the Leaning Tower in Pisa

The entire city of Pisa is focused on taking photos of this famed tower. Started in 1173 and finished in 1399, it’s the bell tower of Pisa’s cathedral, located next door. Although it was meant to be perfectly vertical, the tower started leaning during construction due to the weight of the building on an unstable foundation. Admission to the top is 20 EUR or 27 EUR for a ticket that includes all the monuments in the complex. DiscoveryPisa runs a guided tour of all three sites for 30 EUR if you want a more in-depth experience.

4. Visit Siena

Everyone who visits Siena walks away loving it. Located in Tuscany, it’s one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Italy and boasts a labyrinth of lanes gathered around the arena of Piazza del Campo. Spend a few days admiring this charming city and exploring one of Italy’s most popular and famous regions. The main draw to the city is the stunning Siena Cathedral, which was constructed with white and black marble and is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the country (the interior is massive and ornately decorated and lined by huge columns). Be sure to also visit the Torre del Mangia, a narrow 14th-century tower that offers stunning views of the area, as well as the 14th-century Fonte Gaia fountain, which is decorated by centuries-old marble panels.

5. Wander Naples

Naples , made famous as the birthplace of pizza, is a gritty city home to a wealth of historical treasures. There’s the medieval Naples Cathedral, the 18th-century Villa Comunale Park, and nearby Naples , Pompeii , one of the most amazing and important sites to visit in the country. The Archaeological Museum of Naples is also worth a visit, and if you enjoy hiking you can climb up the iconic Mount Vesuvius. Naples is the gateway to the south so you’re very likely to come here if you’re crisscrossing the country. Its location near Pompeii, Capri, and Sorrento makes it the perfect starting point for exploring the region. Best of all, it’s a foodie city like no other; I ate my weight in pizza during my visit!

6. Explore Florence

There’s no real need to explain why one should visit Florence — the city speaks for itself. Everything people say about it is true: great food, amazing museums, ancient buildings, small streets, awesome gelato. The city has it all. Be sure to visit The Uffizi, which holds the world’s most important collection of Renaissance art (including the The Birth of Venus and La Primavera by Botticelli, Bacchus by Caravaggio, and Doni Tondo by Michelangelo). The famous David statue is also in Florence, housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia. It’s one of the most impressive sculptures in the world and at 5.17 meters (17 feet) tall, it’s a lot bigger and more detailed than you think it would be! While here, make sure you take a few wine tours throughout the region to get a feel for the verdant countryside.

7. Drive around “the Heel”

Few travelers ever visit the southern heel of the Italian “boot.” But, if you have time, it’s worth the trip. This is where most of the fruits and vegetables in Italy come from so a trip down here will give you the best glimpse into rustic Italian life far from the maddening crowds of Rome and Italy’s other tourist hotspots. Don’t miss the picturesque Polignano a Mare, with its rugged cliffs and white-washed houses. Gallipoli, with its labyrinth of narrow lanes and historic port, is also worth visiting. There are tons of amazing beaches in this part of the country too, including Marina di Pescoluse (Salento), Cala Porto (Polignano a Mare), and Torre Guaceto (Brindisi).

8. Eat your way around Sicily

There’s Italian culture and then there’s Sicily. Sicily has its own unique cooking style, traditions, and customs. It’s unlike the rest of Italy. Be sure to spend some time in Taormina and Palermo (the capital of Sicily). The UNESCO Valley of the Temples is also in Sicily, a national park home to incredible Greek ruins that are over 2,000 years old. Don’t miss the stunning Mount Etna , an active volcano that you can ski on it in the winter or take a tour of the top in the summer.

9. Stroll through Sorrento

Sorrento is a small city in southwestern Italy surrounded by a dreamy landscape of rolling hills, deep valleys, and the Lattari Mountains. There’s not a lot to do in the town itself but Sorrento makes an ideal starting point for numerous excursions to nearby cities and islands around the famous Amalfi Coast, like Capri and Ischia. I especially love driving along the winding coastal roads overlooking the sea. Don’t miss a visit to the nearby Blue Grotto .

10. Attend Settimana Santa (Holy Week)

This is the last week of Lent, known as Holy Week. During this time, there are several processions throughout Italy, drawing crowds of thousands. Throughout the week, there are various gatherings in Puglia, Abruzzo, and Sicily but the major event occurs on Easter Sunday and is led by the Pope himself. It’s an amazing time to visit, but expect huge crowds and for accommodation to sell out months in advance.

11. Visit Alberobello

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is an interesting and picturesque little town just south of Bari (a port city on the Adriatic Sea) known for its unusual white cone-shaped houses (they’re super peculiar). It’s well worth a visit between the months of November and April (to avoid the flocks of tourists) as there are a couple of museums to peruse, in addition to some great restaurants, bars, and markets.

12. Tour the Vatican Museums

Founded in the early 16th century, it is a complex of museums spanning over 12 acres. There are so many priceless highlights, including Michelangelo’s works in the Sistine Chapel. You could easily spend hours here. Consider getting a guide to make the museum come to life. Admission is 17 EUR and skip-the-line guided tours with Get Your Guide cost 50 EUR. For a more unique experience, check out the

13. See Chiesa di Sant’Efisio

When you find yourself in Cagliari on Sardinia, wander over to the Stampace quarter to see this church. Dedicated to the patron Saint Ephisius, this is the most important church in the city. The original building dates to the 13th century, though it was rebuilt and expanded in the 16th century and then again in the 18th century, this time in the Baroque style. Admission is free.

14. Take a cooking class

Italy is a dream destination for foodies and the best way to learn about this amazing cuisine is to take a cooking class . You’ll get to visit a local market, learn about the history of some of the country’s best dishes, and then learn how to make them yourself so you can impress friends and family back home. You can find cooking classes all over the country. They are very common. Prices vary depending on what city you take a class in, but most cost at least 70 EUR and last a few hours.

15. Take a walking tour

Walks of Italy offers incredible, detailed tours all around the country. They are my favorite tour company in the country. And they are relatively inexpensive and you definitely get your money’s worth. If you are big into history, culture, or architecture these tours are for you. You’ll walk away with a much richer understanding of the country. Don’t miss them.

For information on specific cities in Italy, check out these city guides:

• Cinque Terre Travel Guide
• Florence Travel Guide
• Milan Travel Guide
• Naples Travel Guide
• Pisa Travel Guide
• Rome Travel Guide
• Sorrento Travel Guide
• Venice Travel Guide

Italy Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostel dorms average 27-40 EUR per night for rooms with 6-8 beds. Private rooms are usually between 55-100 EUR per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities and include breakfast. During the summer months, expect prices to double. In Rome and Florence, prices throughout the year are about 20% higher than anywhere else.

For those traveling with a tent, campgrounds are available around the country, usually costing between 15-30 EUR per night for a basic plot for two people.

A night in a two-star budget hotel ranges between 70-125 EUR per night. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, AC, and occasionally free breakfast. Prices are on the higher end in cities like Rome and Venice and also double during the summer.

On Airbnb, private rooms start around 45-90 EUR, while entire apartments usually start around 100-150 EUR. Expect prices on the higher end in hotspots like Rome and Venice. Prices can also double (or triple) when not booked in advance. Additionally, expect even higher prices in the busy summer months.

Food – Italian cuisine is beloved around the world, though every region in Italy offers its own distinct flavor. Tomatoes, pasta, olives, and olive oil form the backbone of most dishes, with meat, fish and various cheeses rounding out the menu. Gelato and pizza, of course, are also super popular. Some traditional dishes include bigoli in salsa (pasta in anchovy sauce), risotto al nero di seppia (risotto with cuttlefish ink), gnocchi alla Sorrentina (potato gnocchi), cassoeula (a meat and cabbage stew), and tagliatelle funghi porcini e tartufo (pasta with mushrooms and truffles).

A casual restaurant meal of pizza or pasta usually costs 10-20 EUR. In tourist hot spots, add 5-10 EUR to that.

Quick eats like pizza by the slice, paninis, and light snacks cost between 3-8 EUR. Snacks like croissants are less than 2 EUR.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 8-10 EUR for a combo meal while Chinese, Thai, or Indian food is 10-12 EUR for a main dish. Dessert is usually around 4-8 EUR for something like tiramisu.

Your average restaurant meal costs around 30 EUR with a drink. Most main dishes cost around 15-20 EUR while a pizza is around 10-15 EUR. For higher-end meals, expect to spend about 70 EUR for a three-course meal with a drink.

Beer costs around 4-5 EUR while a glass of wine costs 4-8 EUR. For non-alcoholic drinks, a latte or cappuccino is around 1.50 EUR and bottled water is 1 EUR.

If you plan on cooking your own groceries, expect to spend 50-65 EUR per week. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Italy Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Italy, my suggested budget is 60 EUR per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel, cooking all your meals, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation to get around, and sticking to mostly free activities like hiking, free walking tours, and the beaches. If you plan on drinking a lot, add at least 15 EUR to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 140 EUR per day, you can stay in an Airbnb or budget hotel, eat out for a couple of meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi, and do more paid activities like touring the Colosseum or exploring Pompeii.

On an upscale budget of 255 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a budget hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, rent a car, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This isn’t a real luxury budget but it’s a budget that affords you the ability to do anything you want. If you want real luxury, you’ll need to read a different blog for that!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). I just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Italy Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

It’s very easy to break the bank in Italy, owing to all the historic sites, expensive accommodation, and delicious but pricey restaurants. After all, Italy is one of the most expensive Eurozone countries. You’re going to be spending a lot on a visit here. However, there are still lots of ways to reduce your expenses. Here are some tips to help you save money in Italy:

• Skip the bread – Many restaurants offer you bread when you sit down — but they don’t mention that it’s not free. If you’re on a budget, decline the bread and save a few Euros each dining experience.
• Picnic – Head to the store or one of the many markets in the country and grab food for a picnic. It’s cheaper than eating out and you can lounge in one of the many parks to watch the day go by. Food markets are a good place to try things, get fresh cheese and cold cuts, pasta, and snacks like ‘arancini,’ a super-filling rice ball stuffed with meat or cheese.
• Drink the tap water – When out at a restaurant, ask for tap water or you will automatically get expensive bottled water included on your bill. Since the tap water is safe to drink, bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Buy wine at the store – You can buy a great bottle of wine for 6-10 EUR at the store. It’s a lot cheaper than drinking at the bar. Take it outdoors and sit around and enjoy the day/evening or skip expensive nightlife and go out for a long dinner and just drink it at the hostel. Just make sure you have a travel corkscrew on you if you’re going to sit outside somewhere!
• Take the bus – Budget bus companies like Flixbus can take you across the country for cheap. It isn’t glamorous, but with tickets starting at 6 EUR you really can’t complain! (And it’s cheaper than the train.) Taking the bus in town inside big cities instead of taking taxis everywhere or renting a car will save you lots of money.
• Take a free walking tour – Most cities in Italy offer free walking tours that cover all the main highlights. It’s the best budget-friendly way to explore and also a great way to meet other travelers if you’re alone. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Stay with a local – Accommodation is expensive in Italy, even in the hostels. Use Couchsurfing to stay with locals who have extra beds or couches for free. It’s the best way to save money and meet people. Just be sure to send your requests early (especially in the summer). Also, it’s a good idea to research the area you’re staying in first so you’re not so far away from the city center (or city!) that you need to spend a lot of time/money getting into town to see the sites.
• Get a city tourist card – Many tourism offices offer tourist cards that provide free or discounted entry to the main attractions. Some even include restaurant discounts and free transportation. If you plan on sightseeing a lot, these cards can cut your costs drastically. Check the local tourism board in each city for info when you arrive.
• Rideshare – If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar to catch rides with locals between cities. I used this service and not only did I save money, I got to meet interesting people and learn more about life in Italy. This is a good option to book a few days in advance. Just make sure to pick someone who has good ratings because newer drivers can have a tendency to be unreliable or cancel at the last minute.

Where to Stay in Italy

There’s a lot of hostels and hotels in Italy to choose from. To help you save money on accommodation, here’s a list of my recommended hostels and budget hotels in Italy:

• Loly Boutique Hotel (Rome)
• The Beehive (Rome)
• Hotel Montecarlo (Venice)
• Generator (Venice)
• Hostel of the Sun (Naples)
• Ulisse Deluxe (Sorrento)
• Hotel Bologna (Pisa)
• Hostel Pisa Tower (Pisa)

How to Get Around Italy

Public transportation – Public transportation is available in all the major cities in Italy (many of which have comprehensive metro systems). Tickets usually cost between 1-2 EUR for a single journey. Some cities also have day passes that offer unlimited travel. In Rome, you can purchase a one-day pass for unlimited travel for 7 EUR. A one-week pass costs 24 EUR, for example. While public transportation is generally reliable, traffic can be a nightmare — especially in Rome.

Train – The best way to get around Italy is via their extensive train network. Prices are affordable too, with most trips costing just 10-30 EUR. Rome to Florence takes just 90 minutes (on the fast train) with tickets starting at 20 EUR. Rome to Venice takes around 4 hours with tickets starting around 30 EUR. Rome to Naples is just over one hour and costs around 20 EUR.

Italo and Trenitalia are the two main rail systems. Tickets on Trenitalia are often a standard price, while Italo’s ticket prices fluctuate more widely. It’s worth it to check both.

To find routes and prices for trains around Italy (and Europe), use Trainline .

Bus – The bus is slower than the train but cheaper, with prices on FlixBus starting as low as 6 EUR. This isn’t the most convenient or fastest way to travel, but the buses are comfortable and good for short and medium journeys. Most buses come with outlets and free Wi-Fi too.

The 4-hour trip from Rome to Florence costs around 7-15 EUR, while a longer trip like Venice to Naples takes 10-15 hours and costs just 20-32 EUR.

Flying – If you’re pressed for time and are looking to jump from one city to the next, a budget airline might be the way to go. Prices can be incredibly low — just 20-100 EUR round trip on airlines like Ryanair.

That said, when you factor in the time spent at airports, you’re likely not going to save much time. Also, keep in mind that you’ll have to pay to check your baggage on these cheap flights and you usually need to print your boarding pass out too (or pay a fee).

Ferry – If you want to visit some of Italy’s amazing islands, you’ll have to book a ferry. Ferries are frequent and you don’t need to book too far in advance, but during peak season it’s a good idea to book at least a few weeks ahead. You can use FerryHopper to find routes and prices. The popular one-hour ferry from Naples to Capri starts from 25 EUR.

Car rental – Car rentals are generally quite affordable here, usually starting around 25-35 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. Just make sure you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) as it’s required before you rent a car. Also, keep in mind that Italian drivers can be on the aggressive side so drive cautiously. For the best rental car deals, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Italy

There’s no wrong time to visit Italy. Historically, the peak season has been July and August, but post-COVID cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice are busy pretty much year round. Temperatures can soar as high as 36°C (98°F) during the summer, and popular cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence experience a huge influx of visitors. I’d try to avoid visiting in the summer if you can as it’s just too crowded, too hot, and prices increase during this time as well.

Personally, I think the best time to visit Italy is during the shoulder season (March-May and September-October). It’s still warm but the crowds have thinned and prices are lower. This is a particularly great time to hang out in the Mediterranean. Expect daily highs around 22°C (72°F).

Winter is from November to February. It gets cold, and tourist crowds thin out considerably. Temperatures vary quite a bit from north to south, with it sometimes dropping to 2°C (36°F) in Milan and 4°C (39°F) in Rome. On the other hand, November to December is fantastic — you’ll find Christmas markets and festivals galore!

How to Stay Safe in Italy

Italy is a safe country to travel as violent crime against tourists is very rare. However, scams and pickpocketing are common, especially around high-traffic tourist sites in places like Rome and Venice. Always keep your valuables secure and out of sight on public transportation and when out and about. The biggest things to watch out for are pickpockets on public transportation and in crowds. Don’t leave your bag open or put your mobile phone in loose jacket pockets on the tram or subway.

Be wary of people selling discounted tickets on the street. Chances are they are fake so always buy tickets from reputable sellers only. If you take a taxi somewhere, make sure the driver uses the meter so you don’t get ripped off.

If you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about other common travel scams to avoid here.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe in Italy, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Catcalling is not uncommon in Italy. Also, on public transport be mindful of groping on public transport. For specific tips, check out one of the many solo female travel blogs on the country as they will have better advice for you.

If you rent a car, make sure you drive carefully and also have extra insurance. The roads in much of the country are very winding and narrow and drivers here are on the aggressive side.

Natural disasters here are uncommon, but since there are several active volcanoes in the country they can occur. Venice is also prone to flooding, so always be mindful of the weather while you’re here and heed any warnings or advisories.

If you experience an emergency, dial 113 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Italy Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• Walks of Italy – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock and they have some of the best and most insightful tours in all of Italy.
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Italy Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Italy and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

Where to Stay in Florence: The Best Neighborhoods For Your Visit

Where to Stay in Milan: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hotels in Milan

The Best Walking Tours in Florence

The 8 Best Hotels in Rome

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101 Essential travel tips for Italy

This article may contain compensated links. See our full disclosure here

Buon giorno! Whether you are visiting Italy for the first or tenth time, it’s always exciting. 

Before you depart, let’s make sure you are ready.

After countless trips to our favorite country, we compiled this bumper list of things you should know when traveling to Italy.

Our travel tips for Italy include advice on Italian culture and etiquette as well as practical information about transport, accommodation and much more for your trip. 

What's in this article

Italy is a big and diverse country

Italian language tips, italian culture tips, food and eating in italy, transport and getting around in italy, money in italy, accommodation, internet access, attractions and museums, best souvenirs from italy.

From the alps in the north to the rocky shores of Sicily and all the magnificent cities in between, there are so many different landscapes and cultures to explore in Italy.

Not so long ago, you needed to catch overnight trains to cross the country. Don’t underestimate how long it will take to travel from north to south if you are straying from the major cities. 

Italy only became a unified country in 1871. Prior to that, the area we know as Italy today was made up of several kingdoms who each had their own identities, culture, food and language. 

These differences continue today, so much so that Italians from the north may not be able to understand southerners when they speak in their local dialect.

However, in most situations these days everyone speaks standard Italian. 

While many people, particularly in tourist areas, speak and understand English it is the polite thing to do to try and learn some basic Italian phrases.  People always appreciate it when you make an effort with their language.

Always greet people when you enter a shop, restaurant or attraction. Saying Buon Giorno! (good morning) to everyone you meet is an essential part of Italian culture and it is considered rude if you don’t make this small effort.

Learn a few words

Here are the most basic phrases you should know:

These days there are many tools to help you learn how to use and pronounce words. We like Duolingo  a free online tool that can help you to learn Italian at your own pace. 

If you want to get up to speed quickly, this Italian language course for travelers has great reviews. 

While on the road you can’t beat Google Translate  – it even helps you with pronunciation.

If you are traveling with kids, Italians love it when your children call out Buon Giorno! and Grazie!  Our children quickly learnt that this was a sure fire way to score a few treats – extra scoops of gelato and lollipops 

Communicating isn’t just about words

Watching people speak to each other in Italy is so entertaining. Italians use their faces and hands to communicate as well as words. Decoding the signals takes some practice so here’s a fun video to get you started.

I’ve also learnt over the years, especially being married to someone from an Italian background, that speaking loudly and in what I consider to be an angry tone does not necessarily mean the other person is angry or picking a fight. 

It’s just part of the communication process. 

Out of bounds topic

Thanks to books and movies, many people are fascinated with the Italian mafia and their impact on daily life. This is not a subject you should raise in Italy. 

The mafia are a series of organised crime groups that operated mainly in the south and in Sicily. People in the north are not interested and find the topic distasteful. In the south, you don’t know whose toes you might tread on. It’s a subject best avoided.

If you are stuck for conversation topics, just talk about food. Italians love talking about what, where and with whom they are eating.

Despite their differences, Italians have some cultural norms you should be aware of when you visit. Italy is a conservative Catholic country and loud raucous behaviour, and particularly drunkenness is not well received. 

In fact, there are now laws in place to fine tourists who disrespect national monuments like the Trevi Fountain in Rome and Piazza della Signoria in Florence by going for a swim or using them as a toilet. Which is as it should be.

Italians have an essential concept in their culture known as “ bella figura ” meaning – the beautiful figure. It refers to presentation and how one is perceived.

Bella Figura drives the Italian way of dressing and their attention to grooming but it also refers to behaviour. Knowing how to behave and showing good manners is an important part of this concept. 

How to dress in Italy

Italians are snappy dressers and will always make an effort to be well groomed and look sharp. They wear fitted, pressed clothing (even jeans) and wear classic styles and neutral colors. You rarely see Italians in sports clothes on the street and I have never seen anyone wearing flip flops.

What not to wear

If you don’t want to stand out as a tourist in Italy then you should follow the following rules:

• don’t wear sports clothes, yoga pants or sweats unless you are exercising
• flip flops are for the beach only and will not support your feet over cobblestones
• if you must wear sneakers make them stylish – like these ones
• avoid very bright colors and big logose
• very tiny shorts and skirts are not recommended

Instead, wear this in Italy

Stick to neutrals (navy, black, white, grey) and well fitted clothes. Then accessorize for the season. Your sunglasses and a scarf will get you through most situations. 

Above all, bring comfortable shoes. 

More information on how to dress in Italy including a capsule wardrobe and packing list in our Italy packing guide .

Visiting churches

You are sure to be visiting at least one church on any trip to Italy. After all, they are the cultural hub of every town and village in the country.

Be respectful and make sure you cover up. That means no bare shoulders or knees. So tank tops, short skirts and shorts should not be worn. You must also remove your hat.

While in a church, try to remain silent or use a very low tone of voice if you need to speak. Refrain from eating, drinking and chewing gum inside churches.

Afternoon walk or “La Passeggiata”

One of my favorite traditions in Italy is their afternoon walk known as La Passeggiata. Italians of all ages take a leisurely early evening walk or stroll, just to socialize and catch up on all the local news.

Between the hours of 5 and 7pm across the country, from the smallest towns and villages to the grand piazzas of Rome and Florence, locals mingle and stop for a chat with friends and family before dinner. 

Join in the fun but be sure to make an effort with your presentation ( bella figura ) and take it slow, stopping for a pre dinner drink or gelato as the sun sets. 

You can’t talk about Italian culture without talking about food. Italians love their food  – talking about what they are going to eat and what they have eaten is one of their favorite pastimes.

For example, my Italian mother-in-law has an ongoing conversation with her best friend about how to make a certain type of cookie. That discussion has been ongoing for over 50 years! 

Note that Italian food is really something only foreigners discuss. Italian cuisine is regional, each area has its own local traditions, cooking methods and dishes.

For example, Milan and the Lombardy region are famous for risotto while pizza was invented and is most traditional in the south. While in Venice they enjoy small bites called cicchetti that are a bit like Spanish tapas.

Read our food guides: Rome , Venice , Brescia and Sicilian desserts

Must try experience – a local Italian food festival – sagra

When you are in Italy, embrace this culture, taste the local dishes and enjoy every last bite. I don’t know why pasta and gelato taste better in Italy, they just do!

Meal times in Italy

Mealtimes in Italy are quite different to what you are probably used to.

Breakfast (collazione) is eaten between 8am and 11am and is usually very light – a coffee and perhaps a small pastry (cornetto) or some fruit. 

Lunch (pranzo) is served between 12:30pm and 2pm and usually includes pasta and/or protein with salad or vegetables

Aperitivo – a light pre dinner snack eaten between 5pm and 8pm – see below

Dinner (cena) is not served until at least 8pm until 10:30pm and follows the same structure as lunch. 

Most Italians will make either lunch or dinner their main meal and have a panino (sandwich), salad (insalata) or even a pizza for the other meal.

Gelato may be eaten at any time of day. In Sicily they eat it for breakfast in summer! Not all gelato is great however.  Learn how to find the best gelato here

Many restaurants close on Mondays

Italian menu tips

So you know how to order from the menu in Italy, here is the basic structure of an Italian menu

• Antipasti – light starters such as cured meats and olives 
• Primo piatto – first course – pasta or rice ( risotto) 
• Secondo piatto – second course – usually meat or fish
• Contorni – side dishes such as vegetables ( vedure) or salad ( insalata)
• Dolce – dessert such as cake or gelato

Do NOT feel obligated to eat a full 3 or 4 course meal. It is not necessary  – unless you want to of course!

Tourist menus are likely to be quite ordinary and are best avoided.

The menu will indicate if there is a cover charge (coperto) – a standard charge  of a couple of euros for your seat and bread (even if you don’t eat it). It is non negotiable.

There may also be a service charge (servizio) of 10% particularly in tourist areas.

Tipping is not expected (especially when there is a service charge). You leave your change to the nearest dollar if you like.

Drinking water

Italian tap water is safe to drink.  You will also find drinking fountains in the major cities. Rome, Florence and Venice all have perfectly safe, clean and free drinking water in town squares. You can take your own bottle  and fill it up unless there is a sign reading ‘ acqua non potabile ‘.

We recommend these collapsible water bottles  – perfect for staying hydrated during a long day sightseeing.

At restaurants tap water is not common. You can order still ( naturale ) or sparkling ( frizzante ) water and it usually comes in a 1 litre bottle.

Lost in translation – Italian food quirks you should know

Some foods we think of as Italian are really versions or adaptations of dishes for our tastes and palates. Here are some food items you might find confusing:

• Insalata verde directly translates as green salad and if you order it you will get a bowl of lettuce
• Spaghetti and meatballs is not a dish you will easily find in Italy
• Fettucine Alfredo is an Americanized version of a very simple pasta dish ‘pasta in bianco’ that you won’t find on any menu
• Bread is not a pre dinner snack – it is there to wipe up the juices left on your plate
• Bread is not served with oil and vinegar or butter as general rule (see above)

Click to learn more about Italian food culture

Coffee culture

Italy has the best coffee in the world. Do not expect a giant Starbucks style latte as you won’t get it. What you will get is a strong and aromatic brew. Italians drink coffee throughout the day and into the night.

Coffee types

• Un caffé – 20 – 25ml of espresso coffee. This is what will be served if you ask for a coffee
• Cappuccino – one third espresso, one third steamed milk, one third froth – considered a breakfast drink
• Caffé latte – hot milk mixed with a dash of coffee – breakfast drink
• Caffé americano – espresso coffee with added hot water served in a larger cup. Also known as a long black in Australia
• Caffé macchiato – espresso coffee with a drop of milk
• Caffé doppio – double espresso

The rules on coffee

• At most coffee bars you need to pay at the till, get a ticket and then repeat your order to the server behind the bar
• Cappuccino and caffé latte are considered breakfast drinks and not consumed after 10:00am – drinking lots of milk after this time is considered to be bad for digestion
• You pay a surcharge to sit down at a cafe and consume anything (including water). This does not apply when standing at the bar

I love aperitivo! Served between 5 and 8pm, aperitivo is a tradition that began in Milan. At its most basic, aperitivo is a drink such as wine or a cocktail, such as the classic Aperol Spritz, served with bar snacks such as chips or olives. They are included in the price of your drink.

These days the concept has evolved into something more elaborate. Some bars now offer a buffet for aperitivo or higher class snacks. 

Italian wine

Wine is taken very seriously in Italy and is always accompanied by a meal or as an aperitif. As a general rule, Italians do not drink to get drunk and this practice is considered rude – see bella figura above.

Table wine or house wine is generally quite acceptable (and cheap if you are on a budget). Just ask for a glass (bicchiere) or bottle (bottiglia) of vino bianco (white wine) or vino rosso (red wine).

Sometimes house wine is served in a tumbler at more humble establishments. If you get a wine glass it will be served half full as standard practice.

If you are taking your wine drinking a little more seriously (and why not!), Italy has 15 major wine producing regions and over 1 million wine growers. You are spoilt for choice.

Some favorite and famous Italian wines are:

• Prosecco – a light sparkling white wine from the Veneto region
• Chianti – red wine made from 80% sangiovese grapes from Tuscany
• Barolo – Italy’s most expensive red wine from the Piedmont region
• Pinot grigio – a crisp white wine from Lombardy 

If you want your sommelier to help you choose your wine, ask for

• Vino rosato – rosé wine
• Vino secco – dry wine
• Vino abboccato – semi-dry wine
• Vino corposo – full-bodied wine
• Vino dolce  – sweet wine

Look out for enotecas  – wine bars. They are the best places to try local wines. 

Food allergies and preferences

If you are managing food allergies and preferences you might be surprised to learn that they are easily accommodated in Italy.

Gluten intolerance in particular is a health issue for Italians, so many restaurants offer a gluten free alternative to their standard pasta dishes. 

Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for too. There are many amazing vegetarian dishes from a basic pasta with tomato sauce to more elaborate creations. My favorite is melanzane parmigiana (eggplant parmigiana)

If you are lactose intolerant or vegan, you should be able to get your daily cappuccino with soy milk. Try asking for ‘un cappuccino con latte di soia per favor’. 

Many pizzas come without cheese too. If you are in any doubt ask for  your pizza senza formaggio (without cheese).

Look for some of the bigger gelato chains like Grom in the major cities as they offer dairy free gelato. 

A special note on seafood allergies – we learnt the hard way that even if you are far from the sea, anchovies are sometimes hiding in delicious olive tapenade. 

Pork is eaten widely in Italy. Be on the lookout if you don’t eat it as this meat is preferred to chicken and is widely eaten especially at lunchtimes.

Tips on dining with kids in Italy

There really are none except that you will rarely see a kids menu. Just order a half serve from the main menu.

It’s an absolute pleasure dining out as a family in Italy. Kids are so well catered for.

Restaurant staff will ensure they are fed and have a drink before you on most occasions. Meals arrive quickly and there’s usually some pencils for drawing. Our kids have sometimes been given little presents too.

Public restrooms can be difficult to find in Italy. 

More often than not, when you do find one, you need to pay a small charge to visit the restroom in public spaces in Italy. This charge could be from 50 euro cents to €1.50. You can expect these facilities to be cleaner than standard public restrooms in your country.

While you are visiting museums use the facilities – you just never know when you are going to get another opportunity. They also usually have decent changing facilities for children and babies which is a rarity in Italy.

If there is no public facility close by then duck into the nearest cafe or restaurant and ask for ‘il bagno per favore’. We always try to buy something small for their trouble.

Always carry toilet paper or tissues. Always.

If you are traveling with small children bring a foldable change mat.

The best way to travel between the cities of Italy is by train. You can buy tickets easily at the station but if you prefer to book in advance using an English language site we recommend Omio (formerly GoEuro) or Italiarail .

Tickets are usually cheaper when booked in advance if you can commit to a set day and time of travel.

Most city centres in Italy are very walkable but if you need to use public transport then the system is pretty standard across the country.

Buy bus or tram tickets from a nearby tabaccaio or street kiosk and train tickets at the closest station. Tickets are generally valid for a set time unless you buy a day pass and you must validate your ticket once on board . In Rome, for example, a single €1.50 ticket is valid for 75 minutes.

Warning – you must validate your train ticket for it to be considered usable. Big fines apply if you do not

There are often no lifts or escalators in train stations so be prepared to haul your luggage up a couple of flights of stairs

Taxis and Uber

Taxis are generally a little expensive but they are controlled by the government and are a professional service. Look for white or yellow cars with a taxi sign on the roof.

Hailing taxis is not common. You need to find a taxi stand and wait for one to arrive or enter the first car on the stand.

If you need to call a taxi use the My Taxi app

Surcharges apply at airports and major train stations like Rome Termini

Tipping is not usual although you may give a euro or two if the driver has been particularly helpful

Uber is available in larger cities like Rome and Milan. You can use your app just as you would at home. 

Airport transfers

If you are traveling in a group of more than 3 with large luggage we recommend booking an airport transfer. Taxis are not able to accommodate large parties.

We recommend Suntransfers and Black Lane  for airport transfers in Italy and Europe for their reliable service and affordable prices.

Detailed transfer information:

• Rome airports to city center – read here
• Venice Marco Polo airport to the city – read here

Driving in Italy

The Italian countryside is so beautiful and the best way to explore the small towns and villages is by car. Italian drivers have fearsome reputations though don’t they?

Don’t worry, driving in Italy is not as difficult as you think. We wrote a full guide with our Italy driving tips – you can read that here  

Make sure to bring your International Driving Licence if you are traveling from outside Europe

We use and recommend Car Rental by Booking.com  to rent cars in Italy.

The currency in Italy is the Euro €.

Italy is a modern country with the financial services you would expect at home. You will find ATMs (called bancomat in Italian) that use the Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus and Maestro systems everywhere.

Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops and autostrada tollbooths. Where you might come unstuck is relying on American Express and Diners Club which are not widely accepted

It’s always wise to carry a small amount of cash for small cafes, pizzerias and restaurants (trattorias), some transport and taxis

Read: why you need travel insurance for Italy

Tipping in Italy

Tipping in Italy is not expected. This applies to all situations.

A service charge (servizio) may be added to your restaurant bill (in addition to the coperto cover charge). In this case tipping is absolutely not required. 

If there is no service charge you could leave a few euros or add 10% for a smart restaurant. Many people leave small change when ordering a coffee at a bar

Tipping is not required for taxis or services at most hotels although is commonplace at luxury 5* hotels

We have always felt extremely safe traveling in Italy. Police known as carabinieri are highly visible and have an extra strong presence at the main attractions and in city centres. 

The general emergency number in Italy is 112. You can also call these numbers for:

• Police – 113
• Fire – 115
• Medical – 118

The usual rules apply however. Avoid being alone in dark places at night time, particularly if you are a solo female traveler.

Pickpockets

Unfortunately where there are crowds you will find pickpockets. Petty thieves do target tourists in busy areas such as train stations and tourist attractions in Italy.

To keep your belongings safe, stay alert and keep an eye on your belongings at all times. I carry a crossbody bag so I can keep a firm grip on it when in crowds. 

Do not go sightseeing with valuable and  keep your passport in your hotel safe. You can read our full guide to avoiding pickpockets in Italy here .

Tourist scams

In general, if someone is trying to give you something for free, it really isn’t and they want cash in return. As in any country with large numbers of tourists there are enterprising individuals at all of the major sights ready to make a quick buck.

My favorites are – people dressed up in Roman soldier costume ready to pose for your vacation snaps (there is a fee – we fell for this one), guys with small gifts for your children – animal carvings, bracelets etc (there is a fee), ladies with little bouquets of flowers they would just love to give you (there is a fee). 

Always buy tickets and tours from licensed vendors. If you are stuck in a line at one of the major attractions it is tempting to try and jump the queue when you are offered skip the line tickets, bear in mind they may not be genuine.

Instead, be organized and book your tickets in advance. We use GetYourGuide  to book tickets, tours and attractions in advance throughout Italy and Europe – you can read our full review here .

One of the most delightful things about traveling in Italy is you can stay in historic buildings and old palazzos.

What could be more romantic than waking up staring at a beautiful fresco and opening shuttered windows out onto a piazza?

Take note, rooms with views are more romantic, rooms without views are cheaper.

Hotels, apartments, villas.. and more!

There is a broad range of accommodation in Italy. From upscale and boutique hotels to city apartments and bed and breakfasts and country villas.

We mainly use Booking.com to find and book accommodation in Italy as you can search through almost all accommodation options to find the one that best suits your needs. 

One type of accommodation you may not be familiar with are agriturismi – a great option if you want to explore the Italian countryside.

At its most basic, an agriturismo is a farm stay – local farmers rent out their rooms for additional income and your room rate usually includes a (delicious) home cooked meal. 

You can also find luxury farm stays that a more like mini resorts with a pool, restaurant and gardens. We have used this option several times now and recommend them to everyone we know.

Check this site for agriturismi around Italy. We find the site a bit clunky for booking purposes however and you can usually find the same properties on Booking.com

Practical things to check

Make sure you check for the following things when booking accommodation in Italy: 

• Do you need a lift? Many hotels and apartments, do not have lifts so you may need to negotiate several flights of stairs to get to your room
• Do you feel the heat? Air conditioning is not as standard as you might hope in a country that experiences very hot temperatures in summer 
• Read reviews to understand room sizes as these can be quite small in Italy
• Need a hearty breakfast? Breakfast is usually a very light meal in Italy so look for hotels that offer an American style breakfast

The fine print

Many Italian cities charge a city tax of 1 to 5 Euros per person, per night. Often, this charge is payable in cash so make sure to read the terms and conditions before booking. Some hotels may include this in their daily rate, others won’t.

Check the booking engine you are using for the fine print on payment. Many apartments require cash payment in Euros in arrival.

Wifi and wireless mobile is widely available in Italy at reasonable speeds. Public free wifi is usually slower and less reliable however.

If you traveling from outside Europe (where charges are limited by European law) and are going to be in Italy for a couple of weeks, you may want to consider buying a local SIM card so you can avoid paying data roaming charges.

Local SIM cards are easily purchased throughout Italy. Note – You will need an unlocked cell phone to do this and you will need to show proof of identity eg your passport, to buy one

We prefer to buy a prepaid SIM prior to departure and recommend OneSimCard  who offer prepaid international SIMs with up to 85% savings on roaming charges and fast shipping so you can be organized prior to departure – click here for more information

Stores are generally open from 09:00am to 13:00pm and from 16:00pm to 20:00pm. There is a break in the early afternoon for riposo (a traditional mid afternoon break)

Many stores close on Sundays and Monday morning although this is less common 

The main supermarket chains in Italy are Carrefour and Conan – you can find small branches open 24×7 in the big cities.

When selecting fresh produce at supermarkets – use the plastic gloves provided, then weigh your goods and collect the printed sticker with the price from the scale before proceeding to the checkout.

At markets, the vendors will select the produce for you – do NOT handle the goods

Most pharmacies are open from 8:30 to 12:30 in the morning and from 15:30 to 19:30 in the afternoon. You may find some pharmacies that open at night, holidays and Sundays, but this is the exception not the rule

American Express and Diners Club are often not accepted in Italian shops

Bring your own shopping bag or expect to pay a 5 to 15 cent fee per bag – plastic bags were banned in Italy in 2011 

Many museums and churches traditionally shut on Mondays so it is wise to check in advance whether they will be open during your visit.

Italy’s main attractions are incredibly popular and it is not uncommon to wait in lines for up to 3 hours to buy a ticket. For this reason we recommend booking skip the line entrance tickets in advance.

You will also need to pass through strict security checks. Do not big large bags or backpacks with you.

Here is a list of the main attractions and where to buy tickets using online booking engine Get Your Guide which we find much easier to use than trying to navigate the Italian museum sites.

• Colosseum (includes Roman Forum and Palatine Hill) – book tickets here or a guided tour here
• Vatican museums – book tickets here or a guided tour here

Click here for our guide to recommended tours in Rome

• Uffizi Gallery timed priority entrance – book tickets  here  or a guided tour  here
• Accademia Gallery for Michelangelo’s David – book tickets  here
• Milan cathedral and rooftop tickets – click  here
• Da Vinci’s Last Supper tickets – click  here  (must book at least 2 months in advance)
• St Mark’s Basilica – book tickets  here  or a guided tour  here
• Doge’s Palace – book tickets  here  or a guided tour  here

In my opinion, the best souvenirs from Italy are food products. I only found out quite recently how easy it is to bring food stuffs back within the EU and to the United States and Canada. Sorry Australians, our quarantine laws make this impossible!

Stores across the country are used to vaccuum sealing cheeses and meat products so they stay fresh for a long time. You can also buy pasta, herb mixes and other delicacies like truffle salt to bring with you.

Glassware from Murano, carnevale masks from Venice and paper goods and leather from Florence are popular too. Italian craftsmanship is highly regarded due to the skills they have developed over many centuries. Do check the products are made locally though and not cheap imports.

I loved the vibrant ceramics from the Amalfi Coast and Sicily. In that region you can also buy extremely well made leather sandals. 

But having said all that, my favorite souvenir from Italy is a cliché tea towel with pictures of different pasta varieties on a map of the boot. You can get those anywhere, and they are light!

I hope you enjoyed reading our travel tips for Italy. If you have any other questions be sure to let us know!

Disclaimer –  Untold Morsels assists our readers with carefully chosen product and services recommendations that help make travel easier and more fun. If you click through and make a purchase on many of these items we may earn a commission. All opinions are our own – please read our  disclosure  page for more information.

The creator, writer and photographer behind Untold Morsels , Katy has been travelling and tasting the world since she was a teenager.

Now the proud mum of twins, she hopes they grow up to share her passions of great food, wine and travel. Favourite destination: Italy

40 Best Italy Travel Tips

By: Author Susan Moore

Posted on Last updated: March 21, 2024

There were a few things that surprised me during my first solo trip to Italy. For instance, train strikes are common in Italy. Also, the Italian way to have morning coffee is not a leisurely affair. In this article, I’m sharing 40 Italy travel tips so that you can make the most of your experience and have an idea about what to expect while traveling to Italy.

I visited Italy from mid-April to mid-May. And I stayed in Bologna, Cinque Terre, Florence, Milan, Rome, and Venice during my month of travel. Originally, I planned to also visit Naples, Amalfi Coast, and Sicily, but decided to save that for another trip focusing on Southern Italy.

Here are my tips for visiting Italy …

In This Article:

Planning Your Days in Italy

1.   slow down.

Slow down and embrace a more relaxed pace when doing things in Italy, because that is the Italian way. You may expect tours and events and everything to run exactly on schedule, but I suggest you set that thought aside and instead get used to the idea that everything may be a little late, not on a strict schedule.

2.   Plan on Walking a Lot

You should plan on walking a lot because much of Italy is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable walking shoes especially when walking on uneven surfaces like cobblestone.

3.   Avoid Peak Season

The peak season for travel in Italy is June and July. While August is when Italians take vacations to the coastal areas, you can expect expensive prices and crowds at the beach towns . Summer is also hot and humid in most of Italy including popular tourist locations like Rome , Venice , Amalfi Coast , Sicily , and Florence . Avoid the summer season if at all possible and instead visit during spring or fall.

Easter and Christmas are also peak travel times in Italy so try avoid traveling during the major holidays.

4.   Travel During Shoulder Season

Shoulder season is a great time to visit Italy. Why? Shoulder season is just before and just after peak season, so hotel prices are usually cheaper, but the weather is often pleasant.

Shoulder season in Italy is typically in the spring, from March or April through May, and in the fall, from September through October and even into November. Read our article on the best time to visit Italy for more information on the seasons and options for your trip.

5.   Know the Italian Holiday Dates

While Christmas and Easter come to mind for busy holiday travel, there are other important holidays to consider when booking your holiday to Italy. Some holidays are regional, so check with the local travel sites for each region to find out more.

Here are a few of the big holidays in Italy:

Besides Christmas Day , there is also a holiday on December 26 to celebrate St Stephen’s Day in Italy.

New Year’s Day is followed by the Epiphany holiday on January 6 th .

Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are celebrated in Italy, so check the dates if you are traveling in April or May. Note that Good Friday is not a holiday in Italy.

April 25 is Liberation Day, and especially when it falls near a weekend, you can expect a lot of Italians will be traveling, so plan your travel and accommodation carefully. During my month in Italy, I happened to be in Cinque Terre for Liberation Day in 2023, and it was massively crowded but still fun!

May 1 is Labor Day (known in Italy as La Festa dei Lavoratori, also Primo Maggio), which is also a holiday to keep in mind when planning your travels. In Rome, there is a huge music event called “Concerto a San Giovanni.”

6.   Don’t Overschedule

At first glance, it may seem easy to visit all of Italy in a couple of weeks. Don’t plan on it. Instead, if you have two weeks in Italy, I suggest you focus on one region, for instance, either the North or the South; don’t try to do both.

Especially for your first visit to Italy, make sure you have enough time to enjoy each place you visit. Generally, plan on spending at least three nights in any major city. You can also add a few more days to factor in day trips to smaller towns and villages, for example, day trips from Rome or day trips from Florence .

And don’t overschedule your days with activities and tours at close intervals. Instead, leave some time in your days for relaxing walks, long meals, and chatting with locals when the opportunity presents itself.

7.   Expect Crowds

Expect tons of tourists, obviously, but expect twice as many as you imagined! And even though you may see photos of famous places without a lot of people around, such as Trevi Fountain, don’t count on it. You’re best chance of having fewer people around is to get up early in the morning, at first light.

Train Travel in Italy

An easy and affordable way to get around Italy is to travel by train. Many routes include high-speed trains so it’s a lot faster than driving.

I recommend you bookmark Italy’s train travel website Trenitalia and download their app so you have easy access to train tickets, info, self check-in, and more. You can also use Italiarail which is an official partner of Trenitalia.

8.   Find Cheaper Train Tickets in Italy

Book tickets early (1-2 months or more) for cheaper ticket prices on high-speed trains. Last minute tickets cost more.

I booked all my train tickets over a month in advance of my flight to Italy. Note that there are various options and prices for the class of ticket and whether or not you make changes to your ticket after purchase.

9.   Train Strikes Common in Italy

One important thing about train travel in Italy that you need to be aware of is that train strikes and public transport strikes are common in Italy. But they announce them in advance, so check the website for Commissione Garanzia Sciopero (I can’t get it to load in USA as of this writing, but apparently it works in Europe.) for train strike announcements. An alternate site is Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport in case you can’t access the other website.

Strikes often occur on Fridays (I wonder why, eh?) but they can occur on any day of the week. I did notice there was a train strike on the Friday following Easter Sunday in both 2022 and 2023. Maybe this is a new Easter tradition in Italy?

Also, train strikes often begin at 9:00 am and finish at 6:00 pm so if you purchase your ticket for an early morning departure, that may help you avoid the hassle of a strike.

The important thing is to have a backup plan if the trains do go on strike. And be proactive by checking for train strikes so you can make alternate plans as soon as possible.

10.   Wi-Fi on Trains

Don’t expect the Wi-Fi to work on the trains. If it does, you are lucky. If you need Wi-Fi you should have a backup plan such as a Wi-Fi hotspot for travel .

11.   Validate Train and Waterbus Tickets

Remember to validate your travel tickets when necessary, for instance, when you use the waterbus in Venice, for bus tickets, or train tickets.

Often, when you buy online, you don’t need to validate the ticket, but check to make sure you don’t run afoul of the rules in Italy. Importantly, if you don’t validate your ticket, you may have to pay again, along with a hefty fine .

Hotels in Italy

In the major cities you’ll find hotels ranging from budget to luxury accommodation. While in smaller towns, such as the Cinque Terre coastal towns , you will find more boutique hotels. For the best selection and prices book your accommodation early, as soon as you know your travel dates. Note that hotel prices will double or triple during peak season.

12.   Budget Lodging at Monasteries

Something I wish I had known before I booked my trip to Italy is the fact that certain monasteries in Italy offer lodgings for reasonable rates. And you don’t have to be religious or single to do this. Check out the Monastery Stays website . Read the FAQ and cancellation info to make sure you know what to expect. As with most hotel reservations, the earlier you book, the better options you’ll have available.

13.   Italy City Tax for Hotels

Hotel city tax is charged for the first 5 nights in Venice, but elsewhere, it seems they charge the city tax for every night of the reservation.

The hotel tax rate also varies by hotel quality and the season. Some places only accept cash for the hotel city tax.

14.   Tipping at Hotels in Italy

It isn’t customary or expected to leave a tip for housekeeping at hotels in Italy. But if you want to you can leave a euro per night for housekeeping, and a euro per bag for the porter. Nobody will be offended if you don’t tip, but they will appreciate it if you do tip.

15.   Air-Conditioning in Italy

Don’t expect air conditioning in your hotel room except when it’s very hot outside and if it’s within the season that Italians consider air-conditioning worthy.

Even if the hotel boasts of having A/C, they won’t necessarily turn on the air conditioning until they decide it’s hot enough to warrant the use of AC. For instance, on my first night in Rome in early May, there was no A/C, even though it was a sunny and very warm day. Thankfully, the next evening the air-conditioning was turned on.

16.   Beds in Italian Hotels

Don’t be surprised if your queen-size bed is actually two single beds pushed together to make it queen-size. It can be a bit uncomfortable to sleep in the middle of the bed when this is the case, so just pick a side before you slumber.

If you are traveling solo to Italy, you’ll find some hotels have single rooms with just a single bed. These rooms are more affordable than a double room, so it’s a good way to save on accommodations.

17.   Bathrooms in Italian Hotels

Expect tiny showers; like seriously, I got used to bumping my elbows on the sides of the showers because they’re so small.

Also, expect a bidet in your hotel bathroom. Personally, I wish this were the norm everywhere in the world.

Dining in Italy

Food in Italy is regional, for instance ragu and lasagna originate from Bologna while Rome is well known for pasta alla carbonara . Learn more about the foods of Italy by region .

Do try different foods and remember that it’s usually best to order foods that are local to the region you are visiting.

Also, at restaurants always wait to be seated. Even at outdoor cafes, don’t sit at a table until you have talked with the staff first to confirm.

Read more about do’s and don’ts of dining in Italy .

18.   Restaurant Service Charges

Expect to see a charge on your bill for sitting in the restaurant, using up space, plus the extras such as bread, oil, vinegar, salt and pepper, etc.

On your receipt, it is listed as “coperto” or “servizio” and usually is anywhere from 1.50 euros up to about 3 euros, but it can be even more in trendy restaurants.

19.   Tipping at Restaurants in Italy

Tipping at restaurants is not required or expected in Italy, but it is appreciated. If you’ve enjoyed great service you can round up your bill a few euros to show your appreciation.

20.   Coffee in Italy

Espresso is the most popular style of coffee for Italians. But you can also get other styles of coffee, and often even a big cup of Americano too. If you prefer latte you’ll want to order latte macchiato in Italy.

Although Italians enjoy taking their time when dining out, that is not the case with morning espresso. They will drink it quickly while standing at the counter of the café.

Another thing to know about coffee in Italy is that Italians don’t drink cappuccino after lunch. You can order cappuccino at breakfast or early in the morning, but by noon, espresso is the norm.

However, during my travels, when I noticed tourists ordering cappuccino after lunch, there was no argument or even the slightest look of disgust from the servers.

So, if you simply love to drink cappuccino after lunch, you can be a rebel in Italy and order a cappuccino in the afternoon. Personally, I prefer a macchiato, which is an espresso with a little milk. Give it a try and see if you agree it is the best coffee!

21.   Breakfast in Italy

Don’t expect to find big American style breakfasts at restaurants. Most cafes have only coffee and pastries on the breakfast menu. Bakeries are a great option for a variety of pastries and sometimes pizza by the slice, available even in the mornings.

Alternatively, hotels often provide buffet-style breakfast (usually for a fee but sometimes included in the price of the room). The buffets typically include all sorts of pastries, salami, prosciutto, hard-boiled eggs, fruits, yogurt, toast, coffee, juices, and plenty more.

22.   Aperitivo Hour

In Italy the aperitivo hour usually starts around 6:30 or 7:00 pm and consists of a drink and small bites about an hour or so before dinner. It can be at the same place you will eat dinner or elsewhere, such as a piazza or small bar.

Popular drinks served for aperitivo hour include cocktail-style drinks such as Negroni, Campari, Bellini, and Aperol Spritz. Note that Campari and Negroni have a much higher alcohol content than Aperol or Bellini. Of course, you can also enjoy a non-alcohol drink for aperitivo hour such as juice or the Italian drink Crodino.

23.   Bread in Italy

Typically, every restaurant will serve a small basket of bread before your meal. Especially in northern Italy, it is served with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt, and it’s usually very good.

In Florence (and all around Tuscany), the bread typically does not include salt in the recipe. If you’re thinking, “That doesn’t sound yummy,” you are correct.

Apparently, saltless bread is due to an exorbitant tax on salt back in the Middle Ages. The Tuscans decided to make their bread without salt rather than paying the tax, and the habit continues even though salt is now so cheap and readily available.

24.   Where are the Vegetables?

When dining in restaurants in Italy, I was surprised at the lack of vegetables served with meals. You really need to make an effort to get some veggies on your plate.

Even when I ordered a pasta dish with eggplant, the serving was light on eggplant. Sure, you can order a salad, but I often found the salads were rather disappointing, with just lettuce, tomato, and cucumber.

At La Lampada restaurant near my hotel in Rome, I did find a fabulous all-vegetable dish that was very satisfying.

25.   They Aren’t Ignoring You

Don’t expect your server to check up on you after bringing your food. It’s up to you to get their attention if you want something more. Except in the busiest eateries in the most touristy places, you can sit for hours in the cafes and restaurants.

I talked with some American tourists who complained about the “rude service,” but I loved being left alone to enjoy my meal without constant interruptions or feeling like they wanted me to hurry up and leave.

26.   Expect to Wait for Your Check

Don’t expect your bill immediately after you finish eating; you will wait, and wait, and wait to get the check. In fact, you may find it somewhat difficult to receive your bill.

When I did find it impossible to get anyone’s attention, I walked to the cashier station within the restaurant, and they prepared my bill and took my payment.

27.   Ask for a Take-Away Box

It’s okay to ask for a box for leftovers from your meal. The pasta (first course or “primi piatti” in Italian) was often enough for me for a meal on its own. But I like to try other dishes too, so I asked for a take-away box for the leftover food. In most hotel rooms that I stayed in, there was a mini fridge, so storing leftovers was no problem.

28.   Shop the Neighborhood Food Markets

Italy is well known for its gastronomy and for growing some of the best fruits and vegetables around, so you should try a variety of the local foods. Shop at the neighborhood fruit and veggie markets to get the freshest produce.

And do try the fresh tomatoes! They’re actually flavorful and delicious, not at all like the tomatoes we get these days in the US or Canada, which simply lack flavor.

I enjoyed eating the delicious fresh fruits in Italy. The Sicilian strawberries are absolutely scrumptious and full of flavor. There are several types of oranges and lemons grown in Italy too, so do try some of the locally grown fruits.

29.   Dining Solo in Italy

I didn’t experience any problems getting seated at a table for one in Italy during my travels. Although sometimes I did get the “ only one?! ” response when I said I was dining alone, overall, dining solo in Italy was enjoyable.

Truthfully, most of the dining tables at the outdoor cafes in Italy are set so close together that you are always dining with others LOL! Seriously, the small tables at the trattorias are sometimes only a few inches apart.

Travel Safety in Italy

Generally speaking, Italy is considered a safe travel location, even for solo female travelers, but that doesn’t mean you can be careless. So always be aware of your surroundings, keep your handbag close to your body, and trust your gut instinct.

30.   Pickpockets and Petty Theft

Always keep your handbag in sight. When dining out, don’t leave your purse under your table or hanging over the back of the chair. Trust me, you may have your wallet or credit card stolen. Ask me how I know :/

Consider using a money belt or an anti-theft cross-body travel bag to protect your valuables. I always bring two credit cards and two debit cards and keep them in separate places in case one gets lost or stolen.

31.   Keep a List of  Important Numbers

Keep a list both on your phone and on paper of the most important numbers you may need, including the emergency number in Italy which is 112 (equivalent to 911 for fire, police, ambulance). There is also an emergency medical service number which is 118.

More Tips for Traveling in Italy

32.   download google maps offline maps.

I always download Google offline maps when I travel so that I can navigate even if I don’t have internet or cellphone service. Note that directions for walking/cycling/transit won’t work offline, but the map will still show your location (with a blue dot) and you can navigate on your own.

33.   Have Some Euros for Bathrooms

Some public bathrooms and pretty much all train station bathrooms charge one euro to use the facilities. Sometimes they take credit cards, but most only accept coins, so always carry at least a euro or two with you for the bathroom.

34.   Book Tickets Early for Popular Attractions

For some of the most popular attractions, you have to book tickets early, perhaps a week or more in advance . For instance, in Rome for the Vatican, Colosseum, or crypt tours, and in Florence for the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Accademia Gallery.

Pro Tip: If everything is totally booked, keep checking the attraction and tour websites every morning because they often have cancellations, so you may get a last-minute entry ticket.

35.  Learn a Few Basic Italian Words

At the hotels in major cities, you can expect the staff to be fluent in English and also at many restaurants. But it’s best to learn a few key words and phrases in Italian.

• Hello – ciao
• Goodbye – ciao
• Please – per favore
• Thank you – grazie
• Excuse me – mi scusi
• I don’t speak Italian – no parlo Italiano
• Do you speak English? – lei parla inglese

You can practice with apps like Google Translate so you can read and hear the pronunciation and repeat the words. Duolingo is a pretty good language app, and you can use it for free. Read more about overcoming language barriers while traveling .

36.   What to Wear in Italy

Europeans don’t usually dress as casually as Americans. And, certainly when visiting churches you should dress conservatively; cover your shoulders and don’t wear shorts.

Comfortable shoes are essential for walking on uneven surfaces like cobblestone walkways in cities like Florence or in Cinque Terre.

If there’s any chance of rain or chilly/windy days then a good quality waterproof jacket is invaluable during your travels.

37.   Mosquitos in Summer

You might be surprised to learn that some cities in Italy, like Florence, have a big problem with mosquitoes during the warmer months. Be prepared with some bug spray.

38.   Cool Off in Church

Churches are free to visit in Italy, and most are gorgeous historic buildings as well as places of worship. The other plus is that most Italian churches are made with thick stone walls that keep them cool all summer. When it’s hot outside and you need a little break, go ahead and visit a church to cool off. Just remember to dress accordingly.

39.   Why are They Playing American Music?

Don’t be surprised if a lot of the cafes, restaurants, and shops are playing American music rather than Italian or other European music. For me, this kind of spoils the ambiance, but c’est la vie, or rather, così è la vita!

40.   Street Numbers Sometimes Confusing

Street numbers often do not match up with the continuity of the numbers on both sides of the street. See the photo from Florence below: Number 58 is on the left side, while on the opposite side the number is 87. It takes some getting used to when you are looking for an address and not looking at both sides of the street for the numbers.

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Italy Travel Tips: 7 Top Do’s & Don’ts in Italy

• Like a local

July 10, 2023

Want to get the most out traveling to Italy? Particularly if you’re planning on visiting the big cities and tourist destinations like Rome, Venice, or Florence, then check out these tips to have the best, most rewarding Italy trip possible!

Whether you’re exploring a well-known city like Venice or getting off the beaten path in the Apennine Mountains, follow these top Italy travel tips to make the most of your trip.

Table of Contents

Best Italy travel tips

Do build in time for r&r.

No, not Raphael and Rome… rest and relaxation, of course! Believe us, we know: Coming to Italy is the trip of a lifetime, so it can be tempting to try to pack everything in. Accept that you can’t. Realize that even a lifetime of living in Italy wouldn’t mean you’d have seen all of the country’s incredible art, ancient ruins , or medieval towns.

So let go of the idea, for example, that if you’re spending two days in Rome, you “have” to see the Vatican museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill, Castel Sant’Angelo, Capitoline Museums, Mouth of Truth, Circus Maximus, and the Borghese Gallery . Instead, choose which activities are most important to you. They might not even be the ones that everyone expects you to do.

But whether it’s tasting top-notch Italian wines , people-watching on a piazza, or going in search of local artisans, your choice is just as valid as something “everyone” does. And we promise—when you let go of the idea that you have to do “everything,” your trip will wind up being much more relaxing and rewarding!

Don’t forget to make time to relax (and enjoy the food and wine) in Italy.

Don’t annoy the locals

In Italy’s top tourist destinations, locals are used to tourists. But that doesn’t mean travelers can’t make an extra effort to be respectful and understanding of the local culture. One thing we know is a pet peeve to many city-dwellers in Rome, Venice, and Florence? Tourists blocking the narrow streets and sidewalks by slowly walking shoulder-to-shoulder and being unaware that anyone (someone late to work, let’s say) might want to pass them.

Remember that not everyone in major cities like Venice, Florence, and Rome is on vacation—an attitude that will make your interactions with Italians much more pleasant!

Whether you’re at a church or the local market, try to remember that not everyone you bump into is on vacation.

Do get off the beaten path

Of course, the major sights are major for a reason. But to get a real taste of “authentic” Italy, you need to head away from the crowds. We’re big fans staying in alternated destinations close to main tourist attractions, like staying in Salerno instead of Sorrento to enjoy the Amalfi Coast .

Even if you’re planning the classic Venice, Florence and Rome route in the middle of high season, you can get off the beaten path—it just takes a little more planning. Stay in the Cannaregio or Castello neighborhoods in Venice , or in the Oltrarno in Florence . Add off-the-beaten-path sights to your list of must-sees, like, in Rome, the Aventine keyhole or the Santa Priscilla catacombs .

You can even get off the beaten path in Florence by crossing the Arno River!

Don’t fall into tourist traps

Easier said than done, right? But if you keep certain tips in mind, you can avoid the worst of the kinds of touristy, inauthentic, overpriced places that can make your trip go sour. Whether in terms of shopping or dining, following tip #1 and getting off the beaten path always helps.

Insider’s tip: If a store or a restaurant is a stone’s throw from Piazza Navona or the Duomo of Florence , for example, it’s generally going to be catering only to tourists… and if you want to experience the “real” Italy, that’s not what you want!

Avoid souvenir shops and consider seeking out a local artisan instead; even if the cost of your item is a little more, it’s much more lasting, and much more supportive of Italy’s locals and economy, than a made-in-China T-shirt. In terms of restaurants, steer clear of places that have hosts outside the door, places with tourist menus, and places that trumpet not having a cover charge. Here are other suggestions for how not to get ripped off eating in Italy .

Piazza Navona is beautiful… but the restaurants on the piazza tend to be tourist traps.

Do be aware of your belongings at all times

Like anywhere else in the world that receives millions of tourists each year, certain areas in Rome, Venice, and Florence are magnets for pickpockets. Even if you walk around with your purse unzipped and your wallet hanging out, you’ll probably be fine—but it’s not a risk worth taking.

In general, be particularly aware on the metro and the bus, especially when it’s crowded. Also keep your eye out at crowded tourist sights (the Trevi Fountain , for example), where pickpockets prey on those who are thinking about getting that perfect photo op, not on the wallet in their back pocket. When sitting at a café or restaurant, especially outside, don’t simply leave your bag on the ground next to you In general, always be aware of your surroundings and know where your belongings are—even when you’re, say, trying to get that perfect shot of the Rialto Bridge.

In terms of how to carry your money, zippered, under-the-shirt pouches for carrying cash are always the safest bet. Otherwise, men should carry their wallets in their front (not back) pockets, while women should use purses that zipper and have multiple zipped compartments inside. Backpacks and “fanny packs” are particularly vulnerable, even if your waist pack is in front.

Snapping that perfect shot? Keep an eye on bags, backpacks, and other belongings!

Don’t expect Italy to work like places do back home

You came to Italy because it’s a different country. So, even if it’s sometimes different in ways that can be frustrating, embrace it! Remember that even the more negative-seeming aspects of the culture developed for a reason, even if it might not be immediately clear to you. And try to keep a flexible, positive attitude, no matter the situation.

Is your bus running late? Can you never seem to flag down the bill after a meal? Try to take things a bit slower and soak up those uniquely Italian moments!

Do dress appropriately, even if you’re not planning on visiting a church

Yes, there’s a dress code for major churches and holy places, like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Vatican . But many other churches in Italy also are gems you’ll want to check out, and you never know when you might pass one. You’ll feel silly if you can’t because you’re wearing a spaghetti-strap tank top!

In general, shoulders and knees should be covered for men and women. If it’s a boiling-hot day and you simply must wear less, make sure to throw a few scarves or a cardigan into your bag to carry around with you. Don’t try to “sneak in” in super-short shorts or a tube top; even if other tourists are “getting away” with wearing less into the churches, wearing appropriate clothing is the respectful thing to do.

You never know when you might happen past a church you want to pop into, such as the Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari in Venice. Photo credit: Dimitris Kamaras

Update notice: This article was updated on July 4, 2023. 

by Cristina C.

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The Best Local Travel Tips For Italy

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that for any qualifying purchase you make through one of my links, I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you. For more information, check out my disclosure .

As a local, I regularly get asked for travel tips for Italy. There are certain things that first time visitors need to know before their trip, to make sure everything goes smoothly; and there are others that will help even returnees make the most of it.

Italy is the most beautiful country in the world. And although this definitely is my opinion, judging by the many accolades it receives and by the number of tourists that visit every year, you will see that this is very much a true statement.

A relatively small country, Italy really has something for everyone – beautiful cities ; archeological sites; art; countryside, mountains and beaches; unique wildlife; the best food in the world; fabulous wines and much more.

A lifetime is hardly enough to get to know the country. But you can definitely make the most of it in a few weeks! Care to know how to make your trip an even better one? Follow the tips of a local – AKA, me!

Table of Contents

87 Best Travel Tips For Italy, By A Local

Where to find the best travel tips for italy, rely on travel blogs.

Travel blogs are are written by people who have traveled around the country widely. Even better, some blogs are written by locals like myself! Bloggers do a lot of research to deliver information that is reliable, up to date, and quite importantly it will be all in the same place (so you don’t have to bounce back and forth to find the information you need).

And local tips

You are bound to get the best travel tips from Italians, who know how things work in the country. Locals are your best bet to find off the beaten path places; to point you towards the best local restaurants, and more.

Ask other travelers for tips

Other travelers can be a very reliable source of information and travel tips for Italy. They have probably done the same things you will be doing, so they will be able to tell you what to expect. Facebook is packed with good groups that share Italy travel tips.

Traveling to Italy is one of the largest and it has a good mix of people who have a deep knowledge of the country as well as locals – bloggers and guides. 

Ask the experts to plan your trip

There is a certain thrill in planning a trip and traveling independently, but coming up with an itinerary can be a daunting task. If you only have a couple of weeks in the country, planning is essential. Ask an expert to draft an itinerary for you or follow a carefully curated itinerary such as this Southern Italy itinerary .

You can email me at [email protected] and for a small fee we can work on something that suits your travel needs.

Looking for a curated Sardinia itinerary? Click here !

At times, a guided tour is your best option

In fact, you may be better off joining a guided tour. You’ll only have to worry about what to pack for your trip then!

Language travel tips for Italy

Learn some basic italian.

People working in the tourism industry in Italy will speak English, but you can’t expect everyone to speak your language and to understand you. After all, I doubt that in your country everyone speaks Italian, right?

Try to learn some Italian before visiting, and take a small pocket dictionary on your trip – you can even download an app to help you communicate when needed. 

Read my post  20 Useful Tips For Learning A New Language and head over to my post 150+ Helpful Italian Phrases For Tourists.

Don’t say “ciao” to everyone 

One of the first words of Italian you will learn is “ciao” (pronounced “chaow”). It means hello and bye; we use it in informal conversations to greet friends. Italians are hardly formal and nobody will get offended if you say ciao to them rather than the more appropriate “buongiorno” (good day”) or “buonasera” (good evening). But try to identify the occasions in which it is ok to use it.

Italian is the official language, but not the only one

While everyone in Italy speaks Italian, this isn’t the only language you will hear. There are 12 officially recognized minority languages, and on top of those there are dialects that vary from village to village. Just to make it all the more fun!

Shouting is common

This isn’t true of every place in Italy, but – especially if you travel to the South – you will realize that people talk very loudly. The fact that people in the streets are shouting doesn’t mean they are having an argument. Most of the time it is just the tone of the voice or a cultural factor and there is nothing to worry about. 

Best tips for visiting Italy

Have a realistic itinerary.

If it is your first time in the country, whether you are backpacking Italy or traveling a bit more comfortably, you will probably feel compelled to see as much as possible, in as little time as possible. You see, Italy is much smaller than many other countries, but it has a formidable concentration of places to visit, things to do, and more.

The biggest mistake you could do is pack too much into your Italy itinerary – you’d end up really just seeing the places, rather than actually experiencing them! Remember that less is more, even when it comes to Italy!

Avoid visiting in the peak season 

When is the best time to visit Italy? My country is gorgeous year round, but try to avoid the peak season as much as possible. The summer months – June, July, August and the beginning of September – are busy, as well as Easter and Christmas.

October is a great month as days are still quite long and warm and most attractions still observe their summer schedule. 

Spend enough time in Rome

I cringe every time I hear someone tells me they are only spending a day in Rome . There is so much to see and do in the Italian capital, that a mere 24 hours is hardly going to give you an idea of what it is all about. If it is your first time in Italy, spend at least 3 days in Rome . If you can afford to, even 4 or 5 days in Rome would be great.

Read my post 37 Unmissable, Fun And Cheap Things To Do In Rome .

Get the classics out of the way first

Start with a classic itinerary. Go to Rome, Milan , Florence, Venice , Cinque Terre and / or Amalfi. After all, if it is your first time in the country, you really should see the main tourist attractions. This will give you a general idea, and next time you visit you can focus on other places. 

Get skip-the-line tickets for popular attractions 

Of all the travel tips for Italy, this is super important. Attractions such as the Colosseum , the Sistine Chapel , Borghese Gallery , St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Dome , the Uffizi, Doge Palace and the Last Supper and many more require advanced bookings and you have to also pick a time slot for your visit.

Get your skip-the-line tickets here . Check out my post A Completely Honest GetYourGuide Review.

Remember there is a big difference between the North and the South

There are 20 regions in Italy and they all differ one from the other. Trentino, in the North of Italy, doesn’t even remotely resemble Sicily, in the South. And Sardinia is different from anything else you can think of. Don’t expect to visit one place and think you know everything about Italy, or that nothing will surprise you.

Don’t just stick to the known

Try to discover the hidden gems. Go to the lesser visited places as at times they are the most interesting ones, perfect for appreciating the local culture and way of life. Pick a place randomly on the map, and just go. Chances are that even though it didn’t make it to your guide book, there will be something worth discovering. 

If you are visiting Rome, make sure to read my posts 31 Incredible Places To Explore Rome Off The Beaten Path and 20 Great Day Trips From Rome.

Don’t skip the islands

There is so much to see in mainland Italy that you will be tempted to stick to it. But don’t skip the islands. Sardinia and Sicily are the most obvious choices – it takes an extra flight to get there, but it is really worth the effort and the money.

Don’t forget the smaller islands too: Elba, the Aeolian Islands , Capri and Ischia are all waiting to be discovered. 

Go to the beach

Italy is actually packed with stunning beaches. If you visit in the summer months and especially if you go to the south, factor in enough time to enjoy the beaches. The best beaches are found in Sardinia, but Sicily and Puglia have amazing ones too.

Check out my post An Excellent Guide To The Best Beaches In Sardinia.

Check out the mountains

Mountains make up for more than 35% of Italy. The main mountain chains are the Alps, which are shared (among others) with France, Switzerland and Austria; the Dolomites , which are 100% Italian; the Apennines, that run across central and southern Italy. Lesser known mountain chains include Gennargentu in Sardinia . 

Go on a hike

With all the mountains we have, Italy is a great hiking destination. In fact, it is perfect for adventure sports including rock climbing, paragliding and even rafting.

Where there is mountain hiking in the summer, there are ski slopes in the winter. One of my travel tips for Italy is to opt for a ski retreat if you are visiting in the winter. My favorite place is Val di Sole , in Trentino.

There are excellent slopes for all levels, good quality snow, and if you are not in the mood for skiing, there are plenty of other things to do. 

Climb a volcano

If you are looking for a bit of a thrill and are up for the challenge, I recommend climbing a volcano. There are several to pick from, but I recommend opting for either Mount Etna , near Catania, or Stromboli , in the Aeolian Islands. They are both active and the experience is simply incredible. 

You need a guide to hike volcanoes in Italy. For guided hikes of Mount Etna, click here . For guided hikes of Mount Stromboli, click here .

Make a note of business hours 

Other than shopping malls, most businesses in Italy, especially in smaller villages, close between 1:00 or 1:30 pm to 4:00 or 4:30 pm. They will then stay open until 8:00 and even 9:00 pm depending on the location and the season.

Don’t be annoyed by this: just embrace it and take it as an opportunity for a longer lunch or even a nap (especially beneficial in the summer time, when it’s too hot to be outside anyways).

Public Holidays

Public holidays have the potential of affecting your trip with business and museums closures (at times restaurants too) and fewer transport options, so make a note of the main national ones, and consider they may be a few regional / city ones too. These are the ones you should remember:

• 6 January (Ephiphany)
• Easter holidays (Friday to Monday included)
• 15 August (Ferragosto)
• 8 December (Immacolata Concezione)
• 25 December (Christmas)
• 26 December (Santo Stefano / Boxing Day)

When in Rome, take care to notice that 29 June is also a holiday and that’s when the Vatican Museums will be closed to the public.

And of museums closing days

Most museums in Italy are closed on Mondays. The Vatican Museums, however, are closed on Sundays. 

Check out the prices of car rental here .

Packing tips for Italy

Pick the right suitcase.

This is vital! Italy is home to endless, charming cobbled alleys; lots of stairs and at times no elevators; train journey and what not. Packing the right bag for your trip will definitely make your trip easier.

Remember to dress modestly in religious sites

Yes, you need dress modestly to enter religious sites – in fact, this is true anywhere in the world.

Hardly an issue in the winter, when you’ll be covered anyways; it can be one in the summer time. But here are a few tips: cover your shoulders and chest (no tank tops) and knees (no shorts or miniskirts). Alternatively, wear a comfortable long dress and carry a shirt or light jacket to wear on top once you enter.

Pack the right shoes

This is especially relevant for the ladies reading. With all the cobbled streets and the many steps you’ll be walking on, you really want to pack your most comfortable shoes. Heels aren’t really suitable for a trip to Italy – perhaps if you don’t want to forego them entirely, opt for platform shoes.

If you are visiting in the summer, a good pair of sandals is the way to go. Flip flops in Italy are strictly used to go to the beach.

For more information on what to pack, read my post What To Wear In Italy .

Beware that it actually gets cold in the winter

Italy is not always sunny and warm. Cagliari, where I am based, can get quite cold in the winter. The north of the country is even colder! On the other hand, one of my best travel tips for Italy is to visit in the winter, when it is less crowded, and to come prepared with proper winter clothing. 

Bring a plug adaptor

If you are coming from North America or the UK, or even from South Africa, you will see that electricity sockets in Europe are different. If you don’t have a plug adaptor, look for one at a ferramenta shop near you.

If you are a girl, don’t carry things such as hair straightener or hair driers – they are available in all hotel rooms or apartments, and in any case the voltage is different so your appliances won’t work here.

Tips for moving around Italy

Plan how to get to the city in advance.

This is one of the most useful travel tips for Italy! Plan your ride from the airport to the city center before you actually arrive, especially if you are landing in a big city such as Rome, where taxi rip offs are always around the corner.

Do a bit of research to see what options are available – airport sites have the most reliable information and show all available options. Taxis usually have a flat fee to take you to the city center from the airport everywhere in Italy.

Landing in Rome? Check out my post How To Get From Fiumicino Airport To Rome City Center.

Go to the right airport!

Rome, Venice , Milan all have more than one airport – the main one is used by regular airlines, and a smaller airport that is used by low cost ones. However, some budget airlines also fly from the main airports.

The bottom line is to always make sure to check which airport you are flying from, so that you show up at the right place – trust me, I know a few people who arrived at the airport only to realize that was not where they were meant to fly from!

Go to the airport in advance

If you are flying from a smaller airport, plan to be there around 1.5 hours in advance. If you are traveling from larger airports such as Milan Malpensa or Rome Fiumicino, plan to be there between 2 and 3 hours in advance – the line at the check in may be long, and security checks may take forever!

Travel by train 

Trains in Italy really go anywhere; they are quick and comfortable (though at times flying budget airlines can be cheaper). The largest train company is Trenitalia, but you may also see Italo trains.

For fast trains (we call them intercity or Alta Velocità, which means high speed, and they are labelled as Frecciarossa, Frecciargento or Frecciabianca) you need to buy tickets in advance – you can do so here . Regional trains are slower as they stop at all stations, but they don’t need to be booked in advance.

Remember to validate your ticket

If you have a paper ticket, you will need to validate it before getting on the train. There are machines around the train station and along the platform. If you don’t do so and show an unvalidated ticket to the train conductor, you may get a fine. 

Beware of transportation strikes

Transportation strikes are common in Italy. The good news is they are announced in advance so you have plenty of time to change your ticket reservations or to make alternative plans for the day.

Buy bus tickets at Tabaccherie

Tabaccherie in Italy are the equivalent of newsagents and sell anything from tobacco to snacks, candies, lottery tickets, SIM cards and local transportation tickets. If you are planning on moving around by bus, get a bunch of tickets in a tabaccheria as not all buses sell tickets on board.

Download My Taxi

If you are staying in the center of town you won’t really need to use taxis and can just walk around or rely on the metro or bus to reach places that are more distant. If you do need a taxi, however, an app such as My Taxi will be your best option to call a cab. Uber is not really a thing in Italy!

Don’t rule out renting a car

Tourists are generally afraid of driving in Italy. Italians have a (well deserved) reputation as bad drivers; streets in the city center can be terribly narrow; and finding a parking spot can be a nightmare.

If you manage to overcome these worries, and provided you have a valid international drivers’ license, driving in Italy can be a lot of fun, a massive time savior and it can take you to incredible landscapes and unusual places.

Pick a small car, as it will make your life easier. Worried about driving manual? Specifically ask the car rental company for an automatic car.

Check out the prices of car rental here . Make sure to read my posts What You Must Know About Driving In Italy and A Guide To Renting A Car In Italy .

Beware of ZTL and speed cameras

ZTL stands for Zona Traffico Limitato , and it refers to some parts of a city that are closed to non-residents traffic at certain hours. ZTL areas usually have a massive electronic sign at the entrance that says whether you can drive through (Varco Aperto) or not (Varco Chiuso).

There is a camera on top of that sign that will monitor that only residents drive through when the varco is chiuso – all others will receive a fine.

Beware of speed cameras ( autovelox , in Italian) too – if you have a good GPS system, you will usually be warned of the speed limits and of the presence of speed cameras. 

Remember that although Italians have a reputation for being crazy drivers, that doesn’t mean you won’t get a fine if you are caught breaking traffic laws.

Keep in mind it may take months to be notified of a fine: this will be first sent to the legal owner of the car (the rental car company) which will then send you the fine. Yes: you have to pay for that.

Pay your parking fees

Not all parking spots you’ll find along the street are free. If you see blue lines, that means you have to pay, usually by the hour, for the parking spot. There will be a machine nearby where you can get your ticket with a few coins.

Autostrade are not free

Autostrada is Italian for highway or motorway. Autostrade are toll roads for which you get a ticket once you get inside and, upon exiting, you have to pay. Keep some cash in the car or have your card ready for payment.

Learn to cross the road

You’d expect such a tip in a post about India, Egypt or perhaps Vietnam, but trust me: you may need it.

Carefully look both ways when crossing the road – you never know a bike or a scooter is coming from where it shouldn’t be. The same applies to zebra crossing: just because they are there, it doesn’t mean Italian drivers (other than me, that is!) will always respect them.

Accommodation tips

Book your hotel in advance.

This is especially important if you are traveling in the peak season, visiting a busy city, and have a budget to respect.

Consider any mobility issue

Italian cities are old, and so are many buildings in the historic center of cities where smaller hotels, or family run guest houses are located. If you have mobility issues you are probably better off staying in a larger hotel where you have the comfort of an elevator and an accessible room.

Get a room with AC

Not all rooms in Italy come with AC – especially if you are staying at a smaller, local guest house. Always double check that the room you are about to book has AC if that’s something you really can’t go without.

Also keep in mind AC in Italy is never quite as powerful as it may be in the United States. If the temperature outside is 35°C (95°F), you can expect a milder 26° or 27°C (79° to 80°F) inside.

Don’t be surprised by the tourist tax

Most cities in Italy now charge a tourist tax – usually between €1 and 3 euro per day per person. This tax has to be paid in cash at your hotel or Airbnb once you arrive, even if your hotel stay has already been paid. It’s money that doesn’t go to the hotel but to the city council. 

Sometimes you pay a tourist tax even on day trips and attractions

This doesn’t happen in many cases (I have seen it in Capri and in Cala Goloritzé beach in Sardinia), but just in case keep some spare change for that. 

Your accommodation will make a copy of your passport

Again, totally normal and done for tax purposes.

Don’t expect a dryer in your apartment

One of the things that fascinates tourists is that we hang our laundry in the sun. Well guess what – we don’t do it because it looks pretty in photos (though it certainly does) – but because laundry dryers are not a common thing to have here. It’s better for the environment, better for the clothes, and better for our electricity bills.

Eating and drinking in Italy

A bar is a coffee shop .

A bar is a coffee shop in Italy. Bars open very early in the morning and close late in the evening – though that varies on the place and on the location. Like coffee shops, bars serve coffee and non-alcoholic drinks such as juices and teas, as well as pastries, gelato, quick meals and snacks. They also have a license to serve alcohol.

Learn about the different kinds of coffee

If you ask for a generic coffee in Italy, you will get an espresso. Other kinds of coffee you’ll find are macchiato, caffè al vetro, caffè corretto, caffè dek, mocaccino etc. Get acquainted to all the different kinds of coffee available before traveling and then try them all.

Read my post How To Order Coffee In Italy.

Don’t expect eggs for breakfast

This just isn’t a thing in Italy. You will find them at larger hotels, but if you are staying in a local guest house or bed and breakfast, you will have to go by what we typically have: yogurt, fruit, cereals, cookies, bread and jam, and lots of coffee. 

To find out more about Italian breakfast, read this post .

Don’t drink cappuccino with your meal

Ask for a cappuccino with a meal and you will get a dirty look from the waiter. Same thing for having it after a meal. Don’t. Order a caffé macchiato if straight coffee or espresso is too strong for you.

With regards to drinking cappuccino after 11:00 am, we are not as strict as some would say. I occasionally have it in the afternoon and haven’t gotten in trouble yet.

Take a food tour 

Join a guided food tour or even a cooking class. These are great ways to learn about the local food culture and specialties, oftentimes starting from a local market.

Italian food is more than just pizza and pasta

Food in Italy is actually very regional, and while some dishes are commonly eaten throughout the country (and with local variations), others can only be found in specific locations. Keep this in mind when you go looking for ragù alla bolognese in Rome, or for a cotoletta alla milanese in Naples.

Italian food goes well beyond pasta and pizza. Our diet is quite varied and though we do love our carbs, we have excellent meat, fish and seafood dishes and eat lots of pulses and massive amounts of fruits and vegetables. Make yourself acquainted with local dishes before your trip, and note down the ones you’d like to try.

Vegans will usually have it easy

Lots of Italian dishes are naturally vegan. This post , although in Italian, will give you an idea of some traditional dishes which you can safely eat. There now are many vegan restaurants in most medium and large cities and many restaurants and pizzerie will have vegan options.  

Don’t expect to have dinner at 6:00 pm

When it comes to dining time, do as the locals.

Lunch in Italy is between 12:30 and 2:30 pm, depending on the region and the season. Italians won’t ever go for dinner at 6:00 pm (that’s aperitivo time!) and if you see a restaurant serving food that early, it’s probably a tourist trap.

We normally eat dinner between 8:00 and 9:30 pm, depending on the season and on the location. 

Book the best restaurants in advance

Apps such as The Fork will allow you to book your table directly, picking a date and time. Otherwise, the old-fashioned phone call should work. Waiters in most tourist locations will be able to pick a reservation in English. If you are unsure, ask your hotel receptionist to reserve a table for you.

If you see spaghetti bolognese on the menu, leave the restaurant

There is no such thing as spaghetti bolognese or spaghetti alla bolognese in Italy. First of all, we’d refer to the sauce as “ragù alla bolognese” – where bolognese means “from Bologna.” Secondly, this sauce typically accompanies tagliatelle. If you want to have the real tagliatelle alla bolognese, go to Bologna. 

Kids’ menus are not common

Italian kids grow up being infused in our local food culture and are accustomed to eating the same things their parents do, so children’s menus are not a very common thing to see in restaurants – only some have now started introducing them.

Regardless of that, you are bound to find something your child will enjoy eating in the country of pasta!

Learn to roll your spaghetti

Although many overseas think it is proper to roll spaghetti on a spoon, not even children do that here. So, another one of my travel tips for Italy: train yourself to roll spaghetti properly. Pick a few spaghetti noodles with your fork and roll clockwise till forming a soft knot. It’s easy!

By all means, don’t cut your spaghetti!

Parmesan never goes on fish 

Parmesan has a very strong flavor, and if you put in on top of your seafood risotto, it will cover up its delicate flavor. To my knowledge, the only Italian recipe that calls for parmesan on fish is sogliole alla parmigiana (sole parmesan). 

Chicken or pineapple on pizza (or pasta) is not ok

The Italian food you got used to eating in your country is definitely very good, but very different from what we eat here. Chicken never goes on pasta or pizza in Italy.

Pineapple on pizza is not acceptable (but you may see green apples or pears on pizza at times, paired with certain kinds of cheese). I can’t give you reasons for that, but I can tell you we all shriek at the thought of chicken on pasta, or pineapple on pizza.

If you like pepperoni on pizza, ask for salami. Say pepperoni, and chances are you’ll get a pizza with bell peppers.

Garlic bread is not Italian

And you won’t find it on the menu. In fact, I first tried it in England when I was 23. Some places will serve bruschetta, where garlic can be rubbed on toasted bread before chopped tomatoes, olive oil, basil and / or oregano are added.

Contrary to what people outside of Italy think, Italians don’t eat much garlic at all. We use it to flavor oil when we cook, then take it out because we find it too be too heavy on the stomach and on the breath.

Learn to pick good gelato

This is one of the most important travel tips for Italy. 

First, the basic: gelato is just Italian for ice-cream. Some will tell you that the recipe is different and that gelato and ice-cream are not the same thing, but to us, they are. 

Now, the important bits: not all gelato is good. Stay away from places that sell a million flavors as chances are they are not prepared with natural ingredients. The best gelaterie have no more than 10 daily flavors, and not on display (so you won’t be able to see the gelato, properly refrigerated in metal containers). 

In short: the shinier and most colorful the gelato, the less good it is. Easy, right?

Water in fountains is safe to drink

You will find drinking fountains in most Italian cities and especially on hot days they will be a massive relief. Carry a water bottle that you can refill as that water is perfectly safe to drink. 

But in restaurants, don’t ask for tap water

I can’t explain why, but most restaurants still serve bottled water, and many are now switching to filtered water and will serve you bottles they can refill – which means less plastic and also much cheaper. You will have the option of choosing between acqua naturale (still) and frizzante (sparkling).

Order vino della casa

Most restaurants will have a house wine on offer – it can be a random “easy drink” red or white wine that you can order by the measure (“un bicchiere” – a glass, or “un quarto” – a quarter liter; “mezzo litro” – half liter; “un litro” – a liter) but at times it actually is a bottle proper!

It’s always wine o’ clock

Wine is a huge part of Italian culture, so here is another of my travel tips for Italy for you: never miss an opportunity to have a good glass. You don’t have to become an alcoholic, really! Just enjoy a glass with your meal, that’s it. 

Take a wine tour

Do a wine tour to discover the best wineries in the area you are exploring. You will learn about the local grapes, the history of the vineyard, the wine making process and have a proper wine tasting experience. Pretty much all regions of Italy produce wine, and wine varies a lot between regions.

If you happen to be in Sardinia, head straight to Cantine Argiolas in Serdiana for the best Sardinian wines and wine tours. 

Have aperitivo

Aperitivo – aperitif – is typically a light alcoholic drink you have before meals. Italians love Aperol Spritz – a light cocktail made with Aperol, soda water and prosecco. Others (like yours truly) swear by a good prosecco.

But what if you don’t drink alcohol? Don’t worry! Opt for one of the many alcohol-free drinks: other than the classic coke, juices and tonic water, you can have a more Italian Sanbitter or a Chinotto.

There is no such thing as champagne in Italy

We have plenty of sparkling wines in Italy, but champagne is French. Don’t be tempted to refer to any sparkling wine as champagne as Italians may be offended. Ask for Prosecco for a lighter sparkling wine from the region of Veneto. Spumante can be a good option too.

Service in restaurants can be slow

Service in Italy is much slower than in other countries. Italian waiters won’t be all over customers asking if everything is good, if they need anything etc. You are expected to raise their attention if you need anything.

Add to this the fact that most food is prepared to order and that Italians see eating out as a way of socializing, and you get the idea. Instead of complaining about it, embrace it. And order more wine.

Watch out for the coperto

You’ve finally finished your meal and you are about to pay, only to discover a random item in your check, called “coperto.” That’s a cover charge that normally includes bread, and that goes into cleaning the restaurant, service etc.

Tips for grocery shopping in Italy

With all the incredible produce you’ll see in Italy, if you have access to a kitchen definitely take advantage of it and plan to cook a meal or two.

Scattered around Italian cities you’ll find grocery stores of various sizes – from small neighborhood stores (typically frutta e verdura – greengrocer; macelleria – butcher; panificio – bakery, or a more generic alimentari – small neighborhood food store) to larger “supermarkets” (the most common chains are Conad, Carrefour, Auchan but you may also come across Spar and Despar, Gieffe, Esselunga, and Iperpan in Sardinia).

On top of that, there are many markets that sell the best fresh produce.

I wish I could give you a few set of tips for shopping in Italy, but unfortunately what’s true in one place may not be the case in another. So here are a few things to keep in mind:

• You’ll have to weight your own produce in some stores; but in others, this will be done at the cash desk.
• Plastic bags aren’t free – and you’ll have to use them for produce in stores. Good thing they are degradable.
• Bring a canva bag for your shopping.
• Gloves must be used to pick produce in larger grocery stores.
• Don’t touch produce in small greengrocers and markets: wait to be served instead.

Paying for things in Italy

Credit cards are accepted in most places.

Credit cards – Mastercard and Visa – are commonly accepted in shops and restaurants and you can use them to pay for train tickets. American Express isn’t commonly accepted.

But always take some cash with you

Here is another of my travel tips for Italy: always have some spare change with you. You won’t really be able to pay for a coffee or a gelato with a credit card (unless you are buying gelato for an army) and restaurants occasionally have issues with card payments and won’t be able to accept them until the machine is fixed.

Tipping is absolutely not necessary 

This is one of my favorite travel tips for Italy. Though tips we welcome, they aren’t expected. In restaurants, a service fee will be added to your bill and that counts as a tip. Guides are paid for their job, as well as drivers and any other workers. 

If you all leave large tips, employers may well decide to lower wages thinking that their employees can make enough money out of tips. This will put a strain on locals, whose wages are much lower than overseas and won’t have enough to also leave a tip on top of what they consume. 

Read my post Tipping In Italy: When To Tip And How Much.

Other useful travel tips for Italy

Take your id card with you when you go out.

By law, Italians are always asked to carry around a form of identification. If you’d rather leave your passport in the safe in your hotel room, bring a valid driver’s license with you. Being stopped by the police for a random check doesn’t happen frequently – if it does, there’s nothing to worry about.

Don’t put your feet in fountains

Many Italian cities have gorgeous fountains and during hot summer days you will be tempted to sit on them, take your shoes off and put your feet in the water. Don’t do it. It is forbidden by law you may end up getting a fine.

Get travel insurance

Italy has a public health care system, and no matter of your status in the country – resident, tourist, migrant – you will receive assistance if needed. Having said that, here’s one of the best travel tips for Italy: get a good travel insurance for your trip.

Make sure to read my post Why You Need A Good Travel Insurance . Get a good travel insurance here .

Watch out for scams 

Important travel tips for Italy ahead! Learn about the most common scams so that you can avoid them. Here they are:

THE OVERLY FRIENDLY STRANGER – If a person approaches you at a train station insisting to help you get tickets from the vending machine or to carry your suitcase, chances are they want something in return. You do get chivalrous people, but not so eager. 

THE FRIENDSHIP BRACELET – If someone approaches you and ties a bracelet around your wrist or finger, seemingly as a gift, say a firm and polite no and move away. That is a scam and you will be asked for money. The same goes for flowers. 

TAXI SCAMS – The most typical taxi scam will either involved an unlicensed taxi (only take white cabs that have the sign “taxi” on top) or a taxi that takes the longest route possible to take you to your destination. Google maps helps you with the itinerary, so have it handy.

Make sure to also beware of pickpockets. They are common in busy train or bus stations. 

Get a local SIM card

The easiest way to communicate with friends and relatives at home and to stay connected is by phone. It is probably cheaper to get a local SIM card so that you can use Whatsapp, Skype or Facetime to make phone calls, and other useful apps such as Google Maps (though please, don’t strictly rely on that as it’s not 100% reliable in Italy).

The best companies are Vodafone and Wind.

Always carry a pack of tissues with you

This is one of the travel tips for Italy that any proper mamma will give you. Never leave the house without a pack of tissues. You never know you may need to blow your nose, wipe your face, or find no toilet paper in the toilet – even when you have to pay for it. Add to it a small tube of hand sanitizer and you are good to go.

Learn how to stand in line

We are so bad at respecting lines that in many places there now is a number system: you walk in, pick a number from the machine and wait for your number to be called. If there are no numbers, you just have to learn how to line in Italy.

The key here is to stand your ground. Jump the line and you will be yelled at. Be too polite and people will pass you. If you see someone is trying to sneak in in front of you, swiftly push them away by moving forward and placing yourself well in the middle so that they can’t pass. 

Italian emergency numbers

Last but definitely not least, make a note of the Italian number for emergencies. It is 112 and it pretty much is like 911 in the US. Chances are you won’t need it, but just in case!

Do you have any other travel tips for Italy to add to this list?

Further Readings

Make sure to read my planning tips for Italy in these posts:

• 17 Reasons To Visit Italy As Soon As Possible
• What To Do And What To Avoid When Planning A Trip To Italy
• A Guide To The Best Places To Visit In Italy
• A Perfect Italy Itinerary: What To See And Do With 10 Days Or More
• 21 Best Movies About Italy You Need To Watch
• 10 Perfectly Good Reasons To Visit Bergamo, Italy
• 13 Cool Things To Do In Matera Italy
• 25 Most Interesting Facts About Italy

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Claudia Tavani

Claudia was born and raised in Italy, but she also lived in New York, Denver, and London. She's a professional travel blogger and certified travel designer who loves planning trips, sharing travel hacks, and packing lists so that you don't have to. Owner of My Adventures Across The World, solo traveler, cat mom to Minnie. Claudia has been featured by the Lonely Planet and the Huffington Post. She has visited more than 80 countries.

3 thoughts on “The Best Local Travel Tips For Italy”

Thanks for the great advice

Thanks for all the tips. They seem very useful and I appreciate you putting them together. I just used your link to book tickets in advance to visit the Vatican museums. I then downloaded the app, and while doing so, read the reviews of the App. They are not positive at all. I wanted to make you aware of this. I had no problem myself, I assume the tickets are reasonably priced with some markup as a fee to the company. But others report quite a bit of hassle and less than forthcoming business practices. You may want to check them out further.

Best, William

It would really help which app you are referring to specifically!

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Visiting Italy for the First Time: Here’s What You Need to Know

Are you heading to Italy for the first time, but feeling overwhelmed by the amount of information available online, and not sure what to expect?

Well, we've got you covered!

Italy is an amazing destination, full of ancient history, unique culture, friendly people and some of the best food you’ll find anywhere during your travels. It’s no wonder that the country ranks as one of the most popular tourist hotspots in the world !

To help you plan your visit to this incredible destination, we’ve listed 7 essential tips and tricks that every first-time traveller to Italy absolutely must know .

From planning to packing, we’ll guide you on how to make your trip as memorable as possible. 

So, let’s get started!

Research your destination.

Italy is a large country with a staggering amount of incredible locations to explore, and there is simply no way you’ll be able to see everything during your first visit.

In addition, there is a huge level of cultural variety that makes each region unique:

Generally speaking, Northern and Central Italy is wealthier and more modern, with cities such as Florence, Milan and Venice having a more renaissance-influenced architecture and more impressive museums and priceless art than you would find in the rest of the peninsula.

Southern Italy, on the other hand, is more rural. You won’t find as much in terms of art and grand architecture as you would up north, but it is the perfect place to experience a more authentic and rural lifestyle, incredible food and stunning coastlines.

Cities like like Naples, Palermo and Lecce are a prime example, and are unmissable destinations for any Italy bucket list.

Italy’s amazing cultural diversity, however, extends deeper than a simple north-south division.  You’ll find that even two villages located right next to each other can often have very different dialects and cultural traditions, and that makes exploring the country even more fascinating and rewarding! 

When it comes to geography and climate, they can also vary greatly.

Depending on the season, you could very well enjoy mild sunny days by the beach in the south, while catching heavy snows in the more mountainous north. Or you could find yourself roasting in the almost tropical heat that blankets the whole country every summer. 

Because of all these reasons, it’s essential you do a good amount of research to narrow down which destinations you would like to include on your bucket list, and which ones you’re better off leaving for the next time!

Avoid travelling during the peak of summer

If you’re planning on travelling to Italy during the summer, you should really consider changing up your plans.

Like we mentioned before, the heat and humidity during the summer are absolutely unbearable throughout the peninsula , and you’ll probably find yourself spending more time sheltering in your hotel or in a bar with air-conditioning rather than seeing all the wonderful sights.

Even going to the beach will be a challenge, as the coast will likely be crowded with both foreigners and Italians escaping the suffocating heat of the cities.

In the end, what you’ll end up seeing you will have to share with a huge number of visitors, because summer is obviously peak travel season for Italy. The influx of tourists also causes hotels and airlines to over-inflate their prices, so you’ll end spending much more than if you visited a few months before or after. 

For the best time to visit Italy, consider booking your trip between April and May, or September and October. During those times the weather is pretty mild, and there are no major holidays or celebrations that would cause high prices or mass travel. 

Wander beyond the main tourist hotspots

We’re not saying that you should skip on visiting the country’s main destinations, such as Rome, Venice and Florence, but know that Italy has so much more to offer beyond that!

There are smaller cities and towns are just as rich in history and culture as their larger counterparts, and they are generally much quieter and more affordable because of the smaller number of visitors. Many of these destinations, such as Bologna and Viterbo for example, are also very well connected by public transport, which makes them perfect as bases to explore the surrounding regions and cities. 

And even while visiting the country’s hotspots, don’t forget to allow yourself to wander off and explore off the beaten path. Walking down the small alleyways and finding out what’s beyond every corner is one of our favourite things to do, and how we’ve had some of our best experiences in Italy.

Another fun alternative is to explore the tiny towns and villages that dot the beautiful Italian countryside , along with exploring the country’s incredible national parks and reserves.

We especially recommend visiting the Abruzzo region, in the middle of the Apennine mountains; its one of the best locations for travellers looking to experience both nature and the authentic Italian lifestyle!

Many of these villages are pretty remote, and often not well connected by public transport.

You might want to consider renting a car, as it will make it much easier to move from one place to the next. Keep in mind, however, than Italy’s countryside roads are often narrow, steep and twisting; they are not for the faint of heart, especially in the mountains.  

Learn a few words of Italian

Italians are not known for being the most versed in foreign languages.

With that said, you’ll generally get along just fine by using English and a couple of hand gestures for added context.

Knowing a few basic Italian words and phrases, however, such as “no, grazie” (no, thank you) or “quanto costa” (how much does it cost), will go a long way in making communication easier, especially if you visit less touristy areas where people are less in contact with foreigners.

It’s also a great sign of respect to show you’ve taken the time to learn a couple of words, and the locals will surely love it!

To help you, we have created a free downloadable PDF with Italian and English translations of the most common words and phrases you’re likely to come across during your trip. Don’t forget to grab a copy, we’re sure you’ll find it very useful! 

No e-mail or personal information is required, you just need to press the button below! ↓

Travel light

Especially if you’re planning on visiting multiple destinations in Italy or wish to rely more on public transport, it’s essential you travel as light as possible. This is because sidewalks in many cities are often dirty, small and crowded.

All of these things will make dragging a heavy suitcase behind you a real pain, not to mention make you a clear target for scammers and pickpockets!

It’s also important to know that Uber and other car ride services do not exist in Italy , so taxis or car renting are your only option if you don’t want to use public transport.

Considering that taxis in Italy have a pretty dodgy (and not entirely undeserved) reputation and parking in major cities is an absolute nightmare, relying on public transport will likely be your best bet. 

On the other hand, using a backpack instead of a suitcase will allow you more freedom of movement , as well as making it easier to hop on public transport instead of a taxi and save you a bit of money. It will also make it harder for thieves to make off with your belongings, as they’ll be on your body instead of behind you on the floor.

Dress comfortably

No matter where you go, Italy’s roads and sidewalk are always a little on the rough side.

If it’s not cracked asphalt full of holes it’s slippery cobblestone, so, since you’ll be spending a good amount walking, a comfortable pair of walking shoes is a must-have item.

We’ve been absolutely loving our Black Diamond Circuit Approach shoes for over two years now; they offer great cushioning and support during long walks over uneven pavement, and the breathable fabric makes them the perfect option to tackle the intense summer heat!

As for the rest of your clothing, you should pay close attention to the weather forecast; snow in the north is not uncommon during the winter, and heavy storms can appear randomly, especially towards the central and southern coasts.

For the summer, shorts and breathable shirts are essential. We especially recommend bringing a linen shirt, as it can be worn on its own or paired with a tank-top to protect your shoulders from the sun. It’s also practical to cover up when visiting churches that have a dress code, such as the Parthenon and the Vatican in Rome. 

Take your time

Nothing embodies Italian culture quite as much as taking your time and enjoying life to the fullest. Make sure you don’t over-plan, set aside plenty of time for your visit to Italy and really slow-travel to enjoy all the wonderful things the country has to offer.

From enjoying the countless delicious dishes, wandering around the narrow alleyways of the many historical city centres, to having an espresso in a typical Italian bar, allow yourself to experience everything without rushing!

With delicious food, a vibrant culture and a history spanning back thousands of years, this is a country that cannot miss from your bucket list.

So, are you ready to start planning your first trip to Italy?  

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Known word-wide for its iconic landscapes and sub-tropical climate, Madeira is the gem of the Portuguese islands. Glamping is the perfect way to explore everything this nature-packed destination has to offer, without missing out on the comforts and relaxation other accommodations would provide!

Barcelona is an incredible city, full of history, art and unique sights. But, as with any destination, there will be things you will appreciate and things that will definitely stand out to you as a negative..

Barcelona is unfortunately considered to be the pickpocket capital of Europe. This connotation can be scary for a lot of visitors, and it sure did make us wonder if travelling there with two cameras would even be a good idea to begin with.

Portugal has some of the most popular beaches in Europe to surf! Surfing for both beginners and professionals is possible all year long, and is an essential part of the country’s tourism, and every year it attracts thousands of professionals, enthusiasts and beginners from all over the world!

9 Best Carry-On Backpacks for Travel and Commuting

How to get from kuala lumpur to singapore by bus.

23 Must-Know Italy Travel Tips to Plan Your Dream Trip

D o you constantly think to yourself “I want to go to Italy!” as you scroll through social media looking at colorful cliffside villages and huge plates of pasta on gingham tablecloths? You’re not alone! Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in existence. From visiting big cities like Rome and Milan to the Riviera and countryside of Tuscany, everyone should get the opportunity to take a trip to Italy and experience la dolce vita at least once.

Despite the fact that Italian cuisine and culture are popular around the world, visiting Italy is a completely different ball game. This guide covers all the essential travel tips for Italy you need to know before visiting for the first time so you can avoid common travel mistakes.

It can be a surprisingly conservative country with unexpected own laws and rules. Let’s not even get started on the rules and traditions around food and drink yet! Knowing these basic Italy travel tips will allow you to focus your attention on buying cute leather handbags in Florence or sailing on Lake Como instead.

Don’t have time to read a bunch of reviews and blog posts? Here are our top picks for visiting Italy:

Get an Easy Italy Itinerary

Need a quick day-by-day, open-and-go itinerary for Italy? This guide does the work for you!

Awesome hotels in Italy

• Rome :  Hotel Artemide
• Venice :  Palazzo Madonna
• Florence :  Hotel Santa Maria Novella
• Amalfi Coast:   Hotel Villa Garden
• Cinque Terre :  Il Sogno di Manarola
• Tuscany :  Agriturismo Farm Stay

Fantastic tours in Italy

• Rome Vespa Tour
• Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride
• Tuscany Tour from Florence
• Pompeii with an Archaeologist
• Cinque Terre Boat Cruise

Renting a Car in Italy?

If you want to see the Italian countryside, I recommend you drive yourself. We prefer to use  Rental Cars  and  Expedia Cars .  We have had no issues with them and have been able to find the best prices available. Be sure to read these tips for renting a car in Italy .

Book a photoshoot

We always love to book a photoshoot when we’re traveling. As a mom, it’s tough to get in photos since I’m always behind the camera. We use Flytographer to capture our memories. You can get $25 off your shoot by booking at this link or using code FAMILYVOYAGE.

1. Northern and Southern Italy are Very Different

Italy wasn’t even a country until 1861 when most of the current 20 regions of Italy were united. 150 years isn’t a long time when you think about it, so each region is still totally different from each other. This variety is part of the fun of traveling to Italy and what keeps tourists returning again and again!

To put things simply, Northern Italy is very different from Southern Italy. Most of the reasons behind this are economic and employment-based, but there are other differences you’ll notice too.

Much of the landscape of Northern Italy is Alpine and lush with lots of vineyards, whereas the south is much hotter and has a stronger Mediterranean vibe. Both areas are worth visiting on your trip to Italy, but your style of travel and interests will dictate the best regions to visit.

2. Consider these Italian Destinations for Your Trip

Let’s dig into some of the most incredible places to visit! If you’ve never visited Italy before, the entire country is your oyster, so this is a breakdown of just some of the most popular Italian travel destinations.

Italian Cities

• Rome – Italy’s iconic capital, you can also visit Vatican City
• Milan – International hub where you can visit Lake Como and Lake Maggiore
• Venice – Storied canal-laden city close to Verona and Lake Garda
• Florence – Heart of the Renaissance where you can take a day trip to Siena
• Naples – Birthplace of pizza and close to Mount Vesuvius
• Cinque Terre – Colorful cliffside villages on the Italian Riviera
• Tuscan Countryside – One of the best wine regions lined with cypress trees
• Italian Alps – Closely resembles Switzerland with lots of winter sports
• Amalfi Coast – Romantic cobblestone villages and beach resorts (pictured above)
• Sicily – Blend of Greece, Spain, and Italy with delicious street food

Check out the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre if you’re traveling as a couple in the warmer months. Families can head to the major cities with lots of kid-friendly activities and take day trips to the countryside.

Read more: Where To Go In Italy With Kids [& Important Planning Tips]

3. Book Tickets to Popular Tourist Attractions in Advance

If you’re visiting any of the big cities in Italy, this is one Italy travel tip you should take. Most of the top museums, galleries, and landmarks will sell a limited number of tickets with time slots in advance. If you aren’t organized, you will have to line up on the day and potentially wait for an hour or more in the baking hot sun.

These are attractions like the Colosseum in Rome , Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence , and the Vatican Museums in Vatican City . It’s understandable that you don’t want to over plan your vacation, but just having tickets to the must-see attractions will make your trip much more enjoyable.

However, you can’t buy tickets to some of the top free attractions, like the Duomo in Florence and St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, for example. Consider if it’s worth booking a guided tour to skip those lines. For the St. Peter’s in particular it’s a really good idea to book a skip-the-line tour in advance as the wait can stretch on for ages! Check the availability calendar below and be sure to snag your tickets:

There’s one attraction where you will have to buy tickets in advance with no exceptions. There are only a finite amount of people able to see The Last Supper painting by Leonardo Da Vinci in Milan each day. Again, you can book a guided tour if the public sale tickets are sold out – that option will also provide a lot more context to your visit!

4. Expect a Tourist Tax on Accommodation When Visiting Italy

When traveling Italy, you’ll quickly realize that all accommodations have to charge a tax for tourists by law. The amount will depend on the quality of your stay (e.g. hostel or luxury resort), the number of people on your booking, the number of nights, and which Italian city you’re visiting. Yes, this includes short-term rental apartments like Airbnbs!

For example, the tax ranges between €3 to €7 per person, per night in Rome. It normally needs to be paid in cash upon arrival. While it’s not a huge amount, if you’re traveling to Italy on a budget I don’t want you to be surprised! For a family of four spending 10 days in Italy it could easily add up to several hundred dollars.

5. Apartment Rentals and Hotels Will Ask for Copies of Your Passport

It’s normal for tourists to present their international identification (passport) when staying at a hostel or checking into a hotel room. But if you have booked an apartment rental for your trip to Italy, they will also ask for a photo of your passport page. If you have an in-person check-in, they might take a photo of it themselves.

This might seem a little suspicious, but it’s the law! They’re not going to use your passport information for anything other than passing it on to the local authorities.

6. You need to carry your passport with you at all times

Speaking of passports…

While there’s some debate about whether you need to bring your original passport with you rather than a copy, one thing’s for certain: by law, you can be stopped at any time in Italy and asked to show your passport or legal identification issued by your national government – a US drivers license is not sufficient.

Bringing your passport around with you can be nerve-wracking, as there is a risk of pickpocketing in Italy (as in all populated areas). You’ll want to make sure it’s in a secured inner pocket of your day bag. Wear it close to your body in the front, or on your side but with your hand on it at all times. The bag above is great because the inner compartments are secured by both a zipper and a flap.

7. Get an International Driving Permit to Drive in Italy

When planning your epic vacation, you’ll need to figure out how to travel in Italy. Car rental is a great choice, particularly if you have lots of luggage or want to visit remote destinations.

There are a few unique things to consider before renting a car in Italy . Other European countries may not have this requirement, but all non-EU drivers must present an international driving license when hiring from an Italian car rental company. They only cost around $20 and are super easy to get from AAA before you leave home.

You should also ensure you have extensive vehicle and travel insurance before getting a rental car. Narrow, winding Italian roads and reckless Italian drivers can make for a challenging car trip!

We use our Chase Sapphire Reserve for car rentals because it offers great primary insurance (meaning our own insurance wouldn’t get involved in a claim) and doesn’t exclude Italy. There’s also no foreign transaction fee and solid lounge access overseas. If you only have one travel credit card in your wallet, it’s a great choice!

8. Avoid Taxis – Most Italian Cities Are Walkable

It’s totally understandable if you’d rather not navigate the Tuscan rail network after a 10+ hour flight with lots of luggage and multiple kids. That’s what pre-arranged airport transfers are for! Beyond that, opt for public transport or walk so you can avoid taking taxis altogether (if you’re able).

In my experience it can be challenging in some place to hail taxis off the street in many cities, leaving you to order one through your hotel or head to the nearest station for a taxi stand. Uber and other ride-share companies are still in their infancy and the traffic in some cities will make you’d wish you were walking anyway.

One of the best pieces of Italy travel advice is to walk when and where you can. Almost every historic city center in Italy is walkable (wear comfy shoes) and Google Maps will help you get around. You’ll see more side streets, charming churches, and allow for more spontaneous travel experiences.

9. Learn Italy’s Coffee Rules to Avoid a Faux Pas

Wait, you can’t just drink coffee whenever and wherever you like?! You can, but in the spirit of ‘do as the Romans do’, you may want to put down that venti iced latte and assimilate to Italy’s coffee-drinking routine while you’re on vacation.

Generally speaking, Italians drink espresso by default. If you ask for a caffè in a coffee shop, you will be presented with one shot of black coffee. Macchiatos are becoming more and more common, and these are double-shot espressos with a dollop of foamed, hot milk.

For Italians, a cappuccino or other milk-heavy coffee drink is a breakfast drink. They wouldn’t be caught dead ordering one after lunch.

10. Train Travel Is the Best Way to Get Around Italy

One of the best tips for traveling in Italy is to embrace train travel. Italy has an extensive public transport system and despite the odd strike or delay, it is affordable and super easy to understand. We’ve used the train for long-distance legs like Venice to Florence as well as day trips like Florence to Cinque Terre.

There are two main train companies: Trenitalia and Italo Treno, but there are others too. You can find a great explanation and book your tickets here . When traveling Italy between cities on an Italo Treno service, you need to buy your train ticket in advance to get a seat. For regional train tickets, you can buy them at the train station and sit in any free seat. That’s it!

Once upon a time, you needed to validate your ticket at the train station by using a date stamping machine on the platforms, but this is becoming obsolete. Download the Trenitalia app and screenshot your tickets.

Busy train stations might make you feel overwhelmed, but there are always information desks that can help you find your platform.

Read more: How to Travel to Italy on a Budget

11. Bring a Refillable Water Bottle for Drinking Fountains

Put the bottled water back on the shelf and take advantage of the clean, free, and fresh drinking water available in some of Italy’s major cities. One of the top pieces of travel advice for Italy is to bring a reusable water bottle and only drink tap water while on vacation.

Rome is particularly famous for its 2,500 drinking fountains as the Ancient Romans worshipped water like a god. Venice, Verona, Pisa, Florence, Sorrento, Capri, and many other cities have these fountains.

By law, local authorities have to put a sign up if a fountain is not safe to drink. If there’s no sign, there’s no problem!

12. Adapt to Italian Dining and Eating Habits

Aside from not drinking bottled water, there are other eating and dining habits unique to Italy.

Many Italians opt to eat a light breakfast of espresso with a sweet pastry. Traditionally, workers ate their light breakfast while standing at the counter of a coffee shop. One of the top Italy travel tips is that you do the same as it’s such a fun, local experience!

Beyond Italian breakfast, something else that some Italian restaurants do is include a ‘cover charge’ on your bill which is not a mandatory tip like it is in some countries. This extra cost is for fresh bread and sometimes sparkling water for the table. If you don’t want any bread or water, tell your server when they first bring it over.

Some Italians still go to their local market for fruit, vegetables, fish, and meat instead of a supermarket. If you are staying in an apartment and want to make your own food, consider shopping at a local market too.

13. Wear Conservative Clothing When Visiting Churches

You can’t walk two minutes without passing an ornate church in this country, and so many of the top landmarks are churches too. One key Italy travel tip is to pack conservative clothing or keep a light scarf in your backpack for extra coverage as necessary.

Most churches require visitors to cover their chests and shoulders. Exposed knees aren’t usually an issue, but booty shorts are a no-no.

14. Italy Is Not Warm Year-Round – Check the Local Weather

Speaking of clothing, you may need to rethink your wardrobe depending on where and when you are going to Italy. While it’s warm and dry during the summer months, you’d be surprised how cold Italy can get in the north.

One of the top, essential Italy travel tips is to check the weather forecast just before you leave. Pack at least one pair of long pants and a light sweater even if the weather looks warm in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall.

Read more: What to pack for Italy in Fall

15. Avoid Common Travel Scams in Big Cities in Italy

Every popular tourist destination has its fair share of pickpockets and travel scammers. Watch out for them when walking through a historic city center, like Piazza San Marco in Venice for example, and keep your belongings and valuables secure at all times.

One of the most infamous is the ‘friendship bracelet’ scam. Someone will attempt to tie strings around your wrist and say it is free until it’s knotted and they will ask for payment. Approaching you with a ‘free’ flower and making your partner pay up is another.

Leaving a small cup of change or postcards on the ground for you to accidentally walk across and seek compensation is a popular scam in Florence especially!

16. Public Bathrooms Are Almost Never Free

While public bathrooms are usually plentiful and free in the US, that’s not the case everywhere.

One of the best travel tips for Italy is to make use of cafe and restaurant bathrooms whilst dining. Keep some coins on you if nature calls and you need to use a public bathroom as there is almost always a charge. Even in train stations!

17. Follow These Tips for Choosing the Best Gelaterias

Not all Italian gelato is created equal. These Italy travel tips will help you choose only the best homemade, artificial flavor-free gelato made on the premises.

If the gelato is piled too high in the container, it’s been artificially ‘fluffed up’. Silver containers are a good sign as that’s how it gets transported from the kitchen to the shop. Look for natural colors i.e. pistachio is naturally an olive color and banana gelato should look almost white.

18. Drinking Wine Is Cheap and the House Wine Is Great

Do you love Italian wine? You’re in luck! Italian wine is sold in every restaurant and supermarket in the country. Head to Tuscany if you love Italian red wine and Veneto if you prefer white wine or sparkling.

House wine (known as vino della casa in Italian) doesn’t have the stigma of being the cheapest, worst wine on the menu either. Yes, house wine is still cheap and it’s not the best, but it’s usually either the restaurant’s own label or from a local vineyard. Many Italians will order this vino every time they dine out.

Italian wine is overall much cheaper than it is abroad too. Win-win!

19. Bring a Travel Credit Card and Cash – You’ll Need Both!

One of the essential travel in Italy tips you need to know is about money. Italy uses the euro and it’s a smart idea to carry both travel-friendly credit cards and cash.

What makes a credit card travel-friendly? For starters, be sure there’s no foreign transaction fee – usually you’ll need a card that charges an annual fee to get that critical feature. I recommend one like the Chase Sapphire Reserve that has really good travel insurance and emergency medical coverage. We used it all over the world and never had an issue, and the points we accumulated let us keep traveling longer!

If you usually use American Express, bring an alternative because many Italian vendors won’t accept them. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted by hotels, restaurants, and stores but bring cash for tips, accommodation tax, and other small purchases.

Just don’t carry too much cash – if you get pickpocketed, your travel insurance will only cover so much.

20. Learn Some Basic Italian Phrases When You Visit Italy

You likely already know a couple of Italian words, but these visiting Italy travel tips will clue you up on the basis so you can throw in the odd phrase when chatting to servers and locals:

• Good morning – Buongiorno
• Goodbye – Arrivederci
• Informal Hi/Bye – Ciao
• Please – Per favore
• Thank you – Grazie
• Excuse me – Mi scusi

Just as long as you don’t accidentally say gracias instead of grazie , you’ll be doing better than some! (I admit to making that mistake myself – as a French and Spanish speaker, the languages are so similar that my brain sometimes runs on autopilot.)

21. Dine Away from Piazzas and Eat Regional Italian Food

One of the simplest Italy travel tips is to avoid eating at restaurants in piazzas in big cities.

By all means, order a cocktail and enjoy people-watching. But you’ll find cheaper, better Italian food a block away down a side street or in a residential neighborhood.

22. You Won’t Find Spaghetti Bolognese on Italian Menus

There’s American food, there’s Italian food, and there’s Italian-American food. One of the mind-blowing things to know before traveling to Italy is that many dishes you think were invented in Italy weren’t.

Garlic bread is a type of bruschetta in Italy and not a common one. Bolognese sauce exists, but it’s not usually served with mincemeat like spaghetti bolognese.

And what about pepperoni? If you ask for that in Italy, don’t be surprised to find chopped bell peppers on your pizza.

23. Embrace Italian Culture and Dolce Far Niente

A key piece of advice on traveling to Italy is to just relax. The Italians have a saying, dolce far niente . It means the sweetness of doing nothing.

Leave some room in your trip itinerary to wander without looking at your Maps app or sip a cappuccino at a cafe without looking at your phone.

Essential Italy Travel Tips to Know Before Your Vacation

These travel tips for Italy will help you know what to expect from Italian menus, accommodations, locals, and more so you can feel confident and safe on vacation. Whether you’re hiking Cinque Terre at sunset or eating cannoli in Sicily, you’ll have the time of your life on your summer vacation, Italian style!

Don’t miss these additional resources as you plan your trip to Italy:

• Renting a Car in Italy: La Dolce Vita on Four Wheels
• How to Travel to Italy on a Budget
• Where To Go In Italy With Kids [& Important Planning Tips]
• Fall capsule wardrobe for travel: what to pack for Italy in October

The post 23 Must-Know Italy Travel Tips to Plan Your Dream Trip appeared first on The Family Voyage .

When's The Best Time To Visit Venice

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Venice ’s tourist season is very nearly an all-year affair . Peak season is from Easter to early October when hotel rooms are virtually impossible to come by at short notice; if possible, try to avoid July and August , when the crowds are at their fullest, the climate can be oppressive, and many restaurants and bars take their annual break. The other two popular spells are Carnevale (leading up to Lent) and the weeks on each side of Christmas; again, hotels tend to be heavily booked, especially for Carnevale

Key takeaways

• When's the best time to visit Venice?

What are the travel season(s) in Venice

What are the best months to visit venice, when is rainy season in venice, visit the carnival of venice, tips for travelling to venice, tailor-made travel itineraries for italy, created by local experts.

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Experience the hit TV show 'The White Lotus' in Sicily

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Enchanting Italian Lakes

Experience the picturesque lakes of Northern Italy, including Lake Garda, Como, Lugano and Maggiore; explore the charming Borromean Islands – former favourites of Ernest Hemingway – and stroll the romantic streets of Verona and Milan. All of this, and much more, with this self-drive trip!

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From Venice to Florence: A Grand Tour of Northern Italy

From the atmospheric canals of Venice and the picturesque coastline of Cinque Terre, to the trendy designer boutiques of Milan and the Renaissance-infused streets of Florence, Northern Italy has plenty to offer. Experience it all with this comprehensive trip.

Tailor-made trips for   Italy

• Spring ( March to May) and autumn (September to November ) are the most favourable periods to visit Venice, when temperatures are mild and crowds are smaller, allowing you to explore its canals and architecture more closely.
• Acqua alta , or flood season, occurs from October to January , presenting a unique aspect of Venice with its flooded streets and squares, offering a different perspective on the city's charm.
• The Venice Carnival , a world-famous event, usually takes place in February , transforming the city into a colourful scene of masquerades, elaborate costumes and cultural festivities.
• Venice is hot and crowded in the summer ( June to August ), but there are opportunities to enjoy lively festivals, al fresco dining along the canals and spectacular sunsets over the lagoon.

When's the best time to visit Venice?

For the ideal combination of comparative peace and pleasant climate, the two or three weeks immediately preceding Easter are perhaps the best time of year. Climatically, the months at the end of the high season are erratic: some November and December days are so clear that the Dolomites seem to start on the edge of the mainland, but others bring torrential rain or fog so dense you can’t see across the Canal Grande. 

However, the desertion of the streets in winter is magical, and the sight of the Piazza under floodwater is unforgettable. This acqua alta, as Venice’s seasonal flooding is called, is common between October and March, and you should anticipate a few inconvenient days in the course of a winter visit.

Here are some highlights:

• Spring : Ideal weather and Venice Biennale.
• Summer : Vibrant festivals and outdoor dining.
• Autumn : Serene beauty and the Venice Film Festival.
• Winter : Carnival of Venice and unique acqua alta scenes.

Grand Canal, Venice, Italy © Apple Kullathida/Shutterstock

In Venice, the tourist seasons are characterised as follows:

High Season

From June to August, from late December to early January (Christmas and New Year's Eve), and a fortnight at Easter. Venice is at its busiest during this period, with warm summer weather attracting tourists to its canals and events such as Easter creating a festive atmosphere. Expect crowded attractions, higher accommodation prices and a lively city pulse.

Shoulder Season

Occurs in April, May, September and October. These months are characterised by milder weather and coincide with events such as the Venice Biennale art exhibition, which alternates with the Architecture Biennale, which begins in May. 

At this time, the city is less crowded than in high season, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of Venice's historic streets and canals. Accommodation prices are moderately high but more affordable than in high season.

Lasts from November to March, with the exception of the Christmas, New Year and Carnival periods. This season is characterised by cooler temperatures, potential acqua alta (especially from November to January) and a calmer atmosphere of the city. 

The number of tourists decreases significantly, resulting in lower prices and a more soulful experience of Venice. This period offers a unique opportunity to explore the city without the crowds of tourists, although some businesses may operate on reduced hours or be closed.

When planning a trip to Venice it is important not only to consider the weather conditions but also to find suitable accommodation. Our guide to the best places to stay in Venice will help you solve this issue .

St Mark's Square from the Grand canal. Venice, Italy © volkova natalia/Shutterstock

Venice, a city of great beauty and historical significance, offers its visitors unique experiences throughout the year. However, some months stand out for their perfect combination of pleasant weather, relatively smaller crowds and the city's vibrant cultural calendar. These months capture the essence of Venice and will make your visit unforgettable.

Weather in Venice in April

April marks the beginning of spring in Venice. The weather becomes comfortably mild and the city begins to blossom with colour, making it an ideal time for photography and nature lovers. Easter celebrations add to the festive atmosphere and you can enjoy open cafes and restaurants without the summer crowds. April also sees the opening of the Biennale art or architecture exhibitions, depending on the year, and the start of a wave of cultural events.

Weather in Venice in May

May is probably one of the best times to visit Venice. The weather is warm but not yet hot, allowing you to explore the city's narrow streets and countless bridges for long periods. The city is alive with colour, from fresh greenery to clear blue skies, perfect for leisurely gondola rides. Also in May, Venice often hosts the Biennale, making it a magnet for art lovers from all over the world.

Weather in Venice in September

As the summer heat begins to subside, September welcomes visitors with comfortable temperatures and a light, pleasant atmosphere. The city breathes a sigh of relief as the peak tourist season comes to an end, allowing for more relaxed cultural and historical sightseeing. Among other things, the Venice Film Festival, held in early September, attracts film lovers and adds a glamorous touch to the city's already enchanting atmosphere.

Weather in Venice in October

October is the month that showcases the tranquil beauty of Venice. Temperatures cool down and the summer crowds eventually dissipate, offering a more intimate introduction to the city. The change of season brings stunning autumn colours, creating picturesque scenes around every corner. This is a great time if you want to immerse yourself in the rich history and art of Venice without the hustle and bustle of high season. In addition, the mist over the canals adds a mysterious charm to the Venetian scenery.

Venice landmark, Burano island canal, colorful houses and boats, Italy © StevanZZ/Shutterstock

The closest equivalent to the rainy season in Venice is mostly in the fall: the rainiest month is November, as well as October and April. These months often see acqua alta, or floodwaters, causing flooding in some parts of the city. This phenomenon, while unique and fascinating to observe, can affect the movement and accessibility of Venice. 

If you plan to visit during these periods, you should be prepared for possible disruptions and the opportunity to see the city from an unusual perspective as its waterways and streets merge together.

The Venice Carnival is a world-famous festival that transforms the city into a land of wonder, history, mystery, and beauty. It usually takes place in February and concludes with Lent, so guests from all over the world come to take part in its extravaganza.

It is important to book accommodation in advance, as the city is flooded with people wanting to experience the magic of Carnival. While most of Venice's attractions remain open, expect them to be more crowded than usual.

The appeal of Carnival lies not only in its historic costumes and elaborate masks but also in the variety of entertainment it offers:

• Majestic masquerade balls in ancient Venetian palaces.
• Street performances that enliven the city's narrow streets
• Gondola parades along the famous canals.
• Impressive art exhibitions and live music events.

However, the influx of tourists during this period means that popular destinations can be extremely busy and airfares and hotel prices can rise significantly. It is therefore advisable to plan your Venice Carnival adventure well in advance to ensure you have an enjoyable time in the colorful atmosphere of the festivities.

Venice offers a wide list of things to do at any time of the year. If you're feeling confused and don't know where to start planning your itinerary, check out our list of the best things to do in Venice for all tastes .

Masked man by the water at Venice Carnival, Italy, Europe – copyright Kiki Deere

Plan your visit during shoulder season

Visiting Venice during the "shoulder" months of March, April and October can enhance your experience. During these periods, the weather is milder, the crowds are smaller and the beauty of the city is more tranquil. You'll get fewer queues at the main attractions and a calmer atmosphere for exploring the winding streets and canals.

Embrace the Acqua Alta

The Acqua alta , or high water, is a unique phenomenon in Venice that usually occurs between October and January. Instead of seeing it as an inconvenience, embrace this aspect of Venetian life. Put on waterproof boots and walk on the elevated platforms to see the city in a whole new light. It's an experience unique to Venice that you won't want to miss.

Get lost in the backstreets

One of the best ways to get to know Venice is to wander its less-visited paths. Venture beyond the main tourist spots, such as St Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge, to discover hidden gems. Here you'll find quieter canals, charming local shops and authentic Venetian restaurants, giving you a glimpse into the daily lives of the residents.

Use Public Transportation Wisely

Venice's public transport system , primarily the vaporettos (water buses), is an efficient way to get around the city. If you are staying for a few days, consider purchasing a pass to save on the cost of individual tickets. Remember that gondola rides, although iconic, are more for the experience than as a practical way to get around, and they can be expensive.

Online editor at Rough Guides, specialising in travel content. Passionate about creating compelling stories and inspiring others to explore the world.

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Copy My Trip: A grand rail tour of Italy from Rome to Venice

Apr 19, 2024 • 7 min read

Rolling through the Italian countryside on a restored 1960s train? A once-in-a-lifetime experience © Sina Hotels

Lonely Planet associate editor Ann Douglas Lott recently traveled through Italy aboard a vintage train, regional trains and bus. Here, she shares some tips and insights for anyone planning a similar trip.

When I told people I had a trip planned to Italy , the joy with which they talked about their own travels there was endless – the dreamy landscapes, the fascinating ruins, the life-changing slice of pizza they had, how their daily cup of coffee just hasn't compared since – but I knew I wouldn't truly understand that joy until I experienced it for myself.

Yes, I was recently a first-timer in one of the planet's most-visited destinations, so my expectations were exceedingly lofty. The plan was a grand rail (and occasional bus) tour stopping in Rome , Perugia , Florence and Venice – all in just one week. Initially, the pressure to cram in as much as I could that week was at the front of my mind, but thanks to the Italian art of slow living, I learned to appreciate pacing myself as I journeyed (and ate) my way through this incredible country.

Also a first-timer in Italy? Here's what you should know

Where did you stay? What was the vibe?

Four fabulous destinations meant four fabulous, centrally-located hotels to match. I was invited to stay at a different five-star Sina hotel in each city: the 150-year-old Bernini Bristol in Rome, the hilltop Sina Brufani in Perugia, the classy Villa Medici in Florence and the canal-side Centurion Palace in Venice.

The brand has been owned and operated by the same family for over 60 years, so that classic Italian charm is undeniable. I also just adore a hotel that  feels  like the destination it's in, so details like the Brufani's elegant, classical decor and the Villa Medici's grand, early 19th-century lobby enhanced the whole experience. While considered luxury hotels, don't dismiss these if you like to stick to a tighter travel budget ; nightly rates at these properties cover a broad spectrum, typically depending on the popularity of the destination. Perugia, for example, would suit a budget traveler more than Florence (Perugia was my favorite stop – more on that later).

Some highlights: 

• Sipping Aperol spritzes on the hotel's panoramic rooftop at sunset in Rome
• The Perugia hotel's pool with a glass bottom that peers into an ancient ruin, plus the view of Umbria's rolling hills from my room
• The vintage keys and private garden with its own pool at the Florence hotel
• Enjoying views of the Grand Canal from the Venice property's front porch

Favorite activity from the trip?

Let's talk about the ultimate train ride. It's always a good idea to roll through the Italian countryside, but on a beautifully restored 1960s masterpiece? That's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Arlecchino is the stuff of Wes Anderson films, with its roomy, brightly colored velvet seats, massive windows, vintage bar car and a chic, retro viewing cabin at either end of the train. Departing from Rome, we crawled through Lazio and into the Umbrian countryside, between green hills, through mountain tunnels and past lovely medieval towns like Assisi .

I count myself lucky to have scored a seat on this journey to Perugia – the Arlecchino doesn't run daily like the Trenitalia lines. But the operator of this line, Fondazione FS Italiene , runs similar journeys throughout the country almost daily, so you can still experience the magic of riding on a vintage Italian train. Tickets can be booked on the website , where you can also learn about each of their historic lines. Prices vary depending on the journey, but most hover around €50 per adult. If you prefer a speedier ride and choose to go the Trenitalia route, staggering views are guaranteed no matter which service you board.

Plan your own rail adventure through Italy with our tips for getting around

Best thing you ate?

The aforementioned life-changing slice of pizza? It was a mozzarella and guanciale slice from Zizzi Pizza in Rome. But the best thing I ate was a ridiculously fresh sandwich from I' Bacaro De Bischeri in Venice: warm focaccia, prosciutto, arugula, caramelized onions and burrata.

Honorable mention: the amaretto mousse and tiramisu from Osteria Al Bacareto in Venice, ham and parmesan fettuccine from Harry's Bar The Garden in Florence (conveniently located inside the Villa Medici hotel) and a simple bite of burrata – so fresh it was still warm – in Perugia. Oh, and the whole gelato spread at Gelateria Nico in Venice, though I'm partial to stracciatella  (chocolate chip).

Want more Italian restaurant recs? Here's where you should eat in Florence right now

What was the most touristy thing you did? 

When in Venice, book a glass factory tour! Our hotel arranged for a water taxi to deliver us to Murano for a factory and gallery tour of Schiavon Art Team's headquarters, one of the island's many glassblowers. The taxi ride across the lagoon was a glamorous experience in itself – a private, classy wooden boat with leather seats – but you can also take a vaporetto to Murano for a fraction of the cost.

We entered a vast gallery of vibrant glass chandeliers, plants, abstract faces and even a mural of the Avengers (they can do it all). But the highlight was observing the glass masters at work – a team of five almost dancing to keep the glass hot while also perfecting the movements and timing of sculpting the given subject, in this case, a beautiful blue marlin. I could've sat there all day, but the canals were calling.

What was the most under-the-radar activity you enjoyed?

If you need a place to stop between Rome and Florence, this is it. Umbria is everything you love about Italy without the crowds (except during Perugia's annual chocolate and jazz festivals in March and July, respectively), and the one night I spent in Perugia's medieval center wasn't nearly long enough.

While there was still daylight, I toured the underground fortress Rocca Paolina . You can enter the fortress via escalator from a small park called Giardini Carducci , which happens to be a fabulous spot to watch the sunset over the rolling hills of Umbria's countryside. The next morning, head to Sandri for a coffee and pastry – this is Perugia's most famous cafe. It's been a family-run business since 1860, and multiple locals told me it sells the best pastries around.

Did you bring home a souvenir?

Oh, did I shop. Here's the haul: in Florence, I snagged a pair of red and pink velvet Mary Janes at Bramada . It was a love-at-first-sight-through-the-window kind of moment. The rest of my shopping was in Venice: a marble-covered notebook of watercolor paper from Il Papiro (and regular notebooks for my family), a Murano glass charm necklace from The M Venezia (just €20–25 each) and a vintage red scarf with illustrations of Capri from Vintageria for just €5 – perhaps a sign that Capri should be my next Italian destination?

Pick up more souvenirs at these local shops in Rome and Florence

Best tip for someone who wants to plan the same trip?

The timing of this trip was simply marvelous: March shoulder season, specifically the week before Easter. The weather was decently warm as highs hovered around 15°C (60°F), the sun was mostly shining, and the Easter crowds hadn't yet made their way to the more popular cities. I packed a short, thin coat for the cooler nights and occasional wind.

Also, when you book a regional train ticket (aka, not the stylish Arlecchino), you have to validate it before you board your train. Otherwise, you'll face a hefty fine when ticket inspectors come to scan your ticket on board. Look for one of the green machines at the head of the platform, and insert your ticket to get it stamped. This isn't required on high-speed trains, though – those tickets are valid for a specific train service and seat.

Ann Douglas traveled to Italy on the invitation of Sina Hotels. Lonely Planet does not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage. 

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