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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.

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• Thoughtful Travel

Top Tips for Travelers to Italy 2024 | Italy Travel Tips for Beginners

You’ll never forget your first time in Italy. The food’s sublime, there’s an outdoor adventure for every taste, and 3 millennia of history and culture are evident around every corner. But I’m sure you’ve got questions, so this post is full of practical tips for travelers to Italy that will provide the answers!

Italy, where carbs are a love language, and every alleyway a potential scene from a rom-com, is one of my favourite countries in the world. Visiting Italy is on the bucket list of almost everyone I speak to, and even those who’ve been several times before always say they’re keen to go back.

I’ve trotted around Italy’s boot more times than I can count, dipping my toes in her lakes, sipping divine wines and trying to hit every tiramisu pit-stop. Starting as a 7-year-old to my current, let’s just say, more seasoned age, I’ve gathered a suitcase full of hints, tricks, and genuine “wish-I-knew-that-before” tips for travelers to Italy.

Whether it’s the lure of the Dolomites or the siren song of Naples’ pizzerias, there’s so much to enjoy. But with the overwhelming array of experiences Italy offers, first-timers often face the quandary: “How do I make the most of my Italian escapade?”

Tuscany might be famous for its vineyards, but where exactly should a wine enthusiast set their GPS to? And then, there’s the more practical stuff. Thinking about art in Florence ? I’ll tell you not just about Michaelangelo’s David and the gems in the Uffizzi but when to hit it to avoid that two-hour queue.

These tips for travelers to Italy come seasoned with experience and a sprinkle of mistakes I made, so you don’t have to.

If you’re plotting your Italian getaway and want to do it with some sass, some class, and without the massive travel faux pas, this one’s for you. From the must-knows, the please-don’ts, and tips for travelers to Italy to ensure you won’t fry your hair or your credit card – I’ve got your back.

So let’s make sure your hair remains fabulous and not a victim of the Italian voltage!

Ready to dive into Italy without the touristy fluff and with all the good stuff? Strap in; it’s going to be a pasta-filled ride!

ITALY ESSENTIALS

Currency : Euro €

Language : Italian

Money : Cards accepted almost everywhere but have cash on hand for tips and small purchases

Visit : in spring, late summer and fall

Transport : train between cities and car to explore the countryside

Electricity : 230V with C, F and L plugs

When is the best time to visit Italy?

Sustainable travel tips for italy, practical tips for travelers to italy | italy travel guide.

The features in this post were hand-selected by a picky diva (that’s me) and some of them are affiliate links. If you buy via these, I may earn a commission on some of these awesome recommendations at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your wonderful support – Cat.

TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO ITALY

Where is italy.

Located in Southern Europe, Italy’s the country shaped like a boot, hanging down into the Mediterranean. For some reason, I always found this incredibly entertaining when I was learning geography at school.

Italy has nearly 5000 miles of coastline and shares borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia in the north.

Although the region of Italy has a history stretching back almost 3000 years, the country of Italy as we know it has only existed since 1861. Just one of the many interesting facts about Italy .

The capital, Rome, was founded in 753BC. No surprises then that it’s one of the most historically exciting cities on Earth! From the Colosseum to the Vatican, there are some spectacular museums and monuments in Rome alone.

Italy has 58 UNESCO world heritage sites, more than any other country in the world!

There are 59 million people in Italy, with a little over 4 million calling Rome home. 

It’s important to plan your first trip to Italy in advance

Although Italy isn’t all that big, it is an incredibly popular country to visit. High season brings huge numbers of tourists, and it’s also holiday time for the locals, so accommodation fills up fast, and prices can skyrocket.

When you’re planning a trip to Italy, it’s an excellent idea to decide exactly what’s important for you. We’re all different, and although I’ve shared my favourite Italy itineraries , they might not interest you.

Unless you’ve got several weeks to spare, you won’t be able to cover everything you want to see in one trip. By planning your top things to see in Italy, you can create a list, pop it onto Google maps and see how to make it work.

Most cities and towns are very well connected by train, but other top spots such as Tuscany and the Dolomites are considerably easier by car.

Book your accommodation as early as you can, especially if you’re going in high season to popular cities like Rome , Venice and Florence . You’ll be able to get your pick of locations and probably save a decent amount of money too!

Do you need a visa to visit Italy?

Italy is part of both the EU and the Schengen area. As such, citizens of many countries – the UK, USA, NZ, Australia and other EEA states – can travel to Italy visa-free for up to 90 days.

Bear in mind, though, that unless you’re an EU passport holder, you can only spend up to 90 days out of every 180 days within the Schengen area. 

Check whether you need a visa here .

How long should you visit Italy for?

I’ve seen trips to Italy that are little more than a long weekend. Unless you live in Europe and can make frequent short trips, that’s really only enough time to explore one of Italy’s beautiful cities.

You could get a better taste of Italy in 10 days , but I think that a 14 day Italy itinerar y is really the minimum for a decent first-time visit.

I find anything less than 3 nights in one place reduces my enjoyment of a place. The older I get, the less I enjoy having to pack and unpack constantly. 

I enjoy wandering the streets of a place to get a feel for it. In Italy, I have lists of cultural experiences, museums and foodie spots to last me a lifetime, and I simply significantly prefer slow travel.

If you can spare more time, then 3 or more weeks will mean that you can explore both the north and the south , giving you time to get off the beaten path to some lesser-explored areas of Italy !

My favourite time to visit Italy is in the shoulder season, but that varies a little depending on where you are in the country. In general, autumn (or fall for my US friends!) is my preferred time to visit for fewer crowds and weather that’s usually pretty good.

Having said that, it really depends on what you want to do when you’re in Italy. 

Up in the north, you’ll find some of the most impressive mountains in Italy. They’re great for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. In shoulder season, though, the whole of the Dolomites basically shuts down.

Further south, peak summer is honestly horrible. Crowded beaches and ridiculous heat mean that you’re more likely to want to spend time in your hotel room than out exploring.

In general, April-May and Sept-Oct are my favourite times of year to visit.

Of course, you might want to time your visit with one of Italy’s best festivals .

There’s the two-week-long, masked Carnevale in Venice , held on February 25 every year. It’s still one of my life goals to experience it.

Maybe you want to see Siena (one of my favourite cities in Italy) all decked out for the Palio di Siena. This horse race happens twice a year, on July 2 and August 16, with the whole city turning out for a medieval celebration afterwards.

If you’re feeling particularly brave (or just really like pain), then you can head to Ivrea in February for the Battle of the Oranges .

Top Places to See in Italy

Choosing where to visit in italy.

Probably the hardest part of the entire process when it comes to planning your trip to Italy is working out where to focus your time.

Here are a few of my top tips, which will hopefully help clarify some questions that you might have!

Why do you want to visit Italy?

For me, it’s a combination of the art, history, hiking and foodie scene. For you, it might be something else.

Art and history lovers are basically spoiled for choice since everywhere in Italy has it in spades. Rome is basically an open-air museum, and I really think it should be on everyone’s itinerary for a first-time trip to Italy.

Florence is another city where you get some serious bang for your buck when it comes to art and sculpture – Michaelangelo’s David anyone?

You should also give serious consideration to Siena and Venice, both of which are chock full of art, museums and historical importance.

Foodies and oenophiles can pretty much throw a dart at a map of Italy and find something wonderful. Special mentions go to Tuscany and Sicily though. They’re very different in terms of their foodie culture, but both absolutely incredible.

Outdoors enthusiasts will definitely want to head for some hikes in the Dolomites. Water babies are never far from the ocean, with Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast being highlights of a Northern Italy trip and Sicily or Puglia perfect if you want to head for Southern Italy.

On that note, the north and south of Italy are very different in terms of culture and attitude. The north is more industrial and home to the business centres of Italy, with the south being more laid back and agricultural.

What’s your budget for a trip to Italy?

Italy actually caters for almost every budget, but there are a couple of things that will push the costs up.

Travel by public transport is pretty affordable, but car hire can be expensive, and it’s difficult to explore Tuscany or the Dolomites without one. It can be done, but you’ll need to use the bus and plan ahead. In the off-season, this can be particularly tricky since many bus routes stop altogether in winter!

In terms of food, you can eat at anything from top-end Michelin-starred restaurants to cheap but incredible family-run establishments you only hear about through word of mouth. To make the budget stretch a little further, local markets or grocery stores can be great places to pick up cheap local food on the go.

Large cities obviously provide a greater range of options for all budgets, but the smaller towns are where the real charm of Italy lies.

Top Italian cities and Regions to Visit

Home to most of the major attractions in Italy – Vatican City and the Vatican museums, the Sistine Chapel, the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum and the Pantheon. The list of best places to see in Rome sometimes seems neverending! It’s busy, and it’s the most popular tourist destination in Italy, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid it.

Rome, for me, is a must-see if you’re planning to visit Italy for the first time.

If I were going to move to Italy, I’d probably move to Florence.

It’s big enough to find something new every time you go for a wander but small enough that the streets begin to feel familiar after only a couple of days. The people are friendly, the food and wine are fabulous, and the museums are mindblowing. The list of things to do in Florence is constantly growing.

It’s also really easy to take day trips from Florence to other fabulous parts of the country.

The other top contender for an Italian city I’d actually want to live in.

Siena feels like Florence on a smaller scale. Hardly surprising since the two cities have had a rivalry for hundreds of years (Florence finally got the top spot). Siena, though, has a charm that’s all its own. The biannual horse racing event in the city square has the different regions of the city flying their colours for weeks and makes for a really special time to visit the city.

Wine country. Enough said.

Actually, though, Tuscany is also olive country, truffle country and hot springs country. I know, right? Who knew Tuscany had so much to offer?! It’s a really incredible part of Italy for a road trip, and is particularly beautiful in late summer and early autumn as the fall colours start to show themselves.

The Dolomites

If you’ve been following my travels for any length of time then you’ll know all about my love for the Dolomites. Road trips, hiking in summer, skiing in winter and eating all the time. The Dolomites are what my dreams are made of.

Literally the only downside is the relative inaccessibility if you’re relying on public transport. I do think that the Dolomites deserve an entire trip in their own right, so unless you’ve got the time to spend 7 days here, it might be worth saving for a second visit.

Down at the heel of the boot that is Italy, you’ll find Puglia. All whitewashed houses, azure seas and striped parasols, Puglia is perfect if you want to get a taste of what Southern Italy is all about.

The pace of life is very different down here than up in the northern cities. Everything’s quieter, more languid, more Italian . You need a car and a least a week to experience Puglia at its best, so take that into account when you’re planning your itinerary.

Sicilian first and Italian second. Sicily has its own traditions, dialects and way of life that’s completely different to the more visited north. There are stunning beaches, an active volcano, wonderful food and wine, and archaeological sites everywhere you turn. Not only that, but you can even ski here in the winter!

Again, Sicily deserves a couple of weeks of exploration but is best avoided in the summer months when domestic tourists flock here during the August public holidays.

Cinque Terre

This collection of five towns up on Italy’s Riveria in the northwest of the country has become insanely popular in recent years. The colourful fishing villages make for stunning photos, and there’s a lovely hiking path around the coast. However, Cinque Terre has become a bit of a victim of its own success.

In high season the streets are packed with tourists, accommodation sells out months in advance and getting a seat at a restaurant without a reservation becomes tricky to say the least.

My advice is to add this to the list if you’re here in the shoulder season but avoid it at the height of summer.

Naples and the Amalfi Coast

Naples itself is probably the most divisive city in Italy. Some people purport to love it, and others absolutely hate it. No matter which side of the fence you end up on, there are a couple of things impossible to deny…

Naples is where you’ll get some of the best pizza on the planet, and it’s a great place to use as a jumping-off point for a trip to the Amalfi Coast.

Like Cinque Terre, the Amalfi Coast fills to capacity in peak season but is absolutely delightful earlier and later in the year.

Transportation Tips for Italy

How to get to italy.

The majority of visitors from outside Europe will likely fly into Italy. In the north, Milan and Venice are good options. There’s a large airport in Rome, and if you want to go further south, your best bet is a flight into Naples.

From Europe, you have a huge number of options. In addition to the above, you can fly direct to Sicily and Sardinia. For the north, trains connect to every neighbouring country and can get you closer to your final destination than a flight.

Transport in Italy | How to get around Italy

I’m sure you’ve heard horror stories about driving in Italy. Some of them are true.

I’ve personally made a long Italian road trip through the Dolomites and down to Tuscany with no problems whatsoever. I’m sure the folks stuck behind me as my van took mountain switchbacks uphill at about 10km/h weren’t all that impressed, but everyone was very well-behaved.

Conversely, I’ve been in a car where we sat for 10 minutes while another tourist in a colossal campervan refused to back into a passing bay. 

Another memorable experience was driving the Amalfi coast, where it seemed as though the bus drivers were having a competition to see who could freak the foreign drivers out the most.

Basically, if you’re sensible and want to explore more remote areas, then you’ll be absolutely fine. You’ll want to brush up on driving in Italy and car rental in Italy . The roads are generally well-maintained and pleasant to drive on.

Having said that, it’s absolutely not necessary to drive if you’re going to Italian cities that are on the main tourist trail. Everywhere is incredibly well connected by train, and it’s straightforward to get around using nothing but public transport and the power of your own two legs.

I personally recommend booking your train tickets in advance and making sure that you book a seat. Travelling through Europe by train is easy, better for the environment, and gives you time to enjoy the scenery. Train stations can be found even in smaller towns throughout Italy.

Buses are also available but can be unreliable for longer trips or in out-of-the-way places where they aren’t regular.

Internal flights are cheap and a great option if you’re wanting to explore both the north and the south of the country on one trip.

There are hundreds of ferry routes in Italy , linking the mainland to the Italian islands and other countries. 

Some ferries are passenger-only, and you’re likely to take these for day trips, such as going from Positano to Capri, but the larger ones also take vehicles. 

How to get around Italian cities

Public transport in Italy is pretty great, and most cities are actually compact and walkable. Metros, trams and buses are easy to find and use. Most public transport now has tap-and-go facilities, so you can purchase your ticket using a contactless payment method.

Crossing borders into Italy

Obviously, with all that coastline, some entries into Italy are via ports. The ferry can be a great way to get from Croatia to Italy by boat , particularly if you want to explore southern Italy . You’ll need to present your passport if you’re entering from a non-Schengen country.

If you’re travelling into the north of Italy , you’ll benefit from the open borders that are shared between Schengen states, and you won’t need to show your passport. In fact, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anybody to show it to since the border guard posts no longer exist.

Accommodation in Italy

In addition to regular hotels, holiday rentals and hostels, Italy has agriturismo and rifugios. 

An agriturismo is usually a farm with accommodation where you get at least one meal included. They often have activities such as cooking classes available, and you’ll find them in rural areas like Tuscany.

Rifugios are mountain huts with accommodation and are the best part of hiking in the alps. You’ll get a 3-course meal, a bed, a shower and some of the most incredible views on the planet. Find them in the mountains of Italy.

Given Italy’s popularity as a tourist destination, I highly recommend booking your accommodation in advance. A stay in an agriturismo is becoming increasingly popular, and they sometimes book out a year in advance.

Rifugios have limited space and should be booked as soon as they open at the start of the season, usually in March.

Money and Budget in Italy

Italy has embraced the use of contactless credit cards, which are the best way to pay in the vast majority of places.

It’s wise to have some Euros on you at all times too. Coins are the most useful for tipping, using public toilets (usually 50¢) and buying coffee or smaller items at local shops. If you’re driving, then sometimes you’ll need coins to pay for parking.

ATMs can be found in all major cities, and I always advise taking your money out of an ATM at a bank since you’re less likely to be charged exorbitant fees that way.

In smaller towns, you may find that local stores simply don’t accept anything other than cash. If you can’t see a card machine, then it’s wise to ask if they’re cash only before you order!

How much does it cost to travel in Italy?

Here’s a rough idea of what you’re likely to spend on a daily basis in Italy, depending on your style of travel:

• Budget travel: under €100/day
• Mid-range travel: €90-€250 daily
• Luxury travel: €250 and above

Italy is famous for the perfect €1 espresso. It used to be that the classic Italian breakfast of caffè and cornetto would get you change from €2, but news of the rising price of espresso might stop all that!

A glass of wine is around €3, and an Aperol spritz will set you back €5-€6. You can get a great meal for under €20, but it’s just as easy to spend twice that on a swanky dinner.

The use of public transport for 48 hours in Rome is €12.50.

Tourist Tax in Italy

All accommodation in Italy charges a tourist tax. This is a per night fee ranging from €1-€7 depending on the location. Rome, not surprisingly, is the most expensive.

You’ll usually need to pay it directly to the accommodation, even if you’ve paid for your hotel in advance. It’s a good idea to have cash on hand for this.

The Cover Charge and Tipping in Italy

Tipping in Italy isn’t expected, and waiters here aren’t relying on tips to survive. You should only tip if you think you’ve had exceptional service when 10% is more than adequate. 

If you’re standing to have a coffee, then it’s common to leave 10¢ as a tip. This goes back to when your coffee was less than €1, and you didn’t want small change, so you’d simply leave it. With the rising cost of espresso, who knows what the Italians will come up with! 

On that note, you might be wondering why on earth you’d stand up to drink your coffee. Well, that’s all thanks to the coperto , or cover charge.

Essentially, as soon as you sit down in a restaurant or cafe in Italy, you’ll be subject to a small charge of €1-€2. It dates back to the middle ages and is basically a fee you pay for the privilege of occupying the space. Sure, you might get some bread, salt and pepper, but equally, you may not.

Basically, it’s usually €2 cheaper to stand up to have your coffee or get a takeaway!

TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELERS IN ITALY

Business hours in italy.

Oh, Italy. Home of the unpredictable opening hours.

Most shops will close at lunchtime for at least an hour, more commonly 2 hours. 

Expect that not much will be happening between 1pm and 3pm. Saturday is often a half day with stores closing at lunchtime. 

In smaller towns, nothing but the bar will be open on a Sunday.

Most restaurants close between lunch and dinner service, and Italians tend to have dinner late at around 8pm. Cafes stay open all day, so you won’t starve! 

Bars and pubs will often be open until 1am.

What to Eat and Drink in Italy | Italy Foodie Tips

Italian food is incredible, but it may not be exactly what you expect. Although you could just eat pizza and pasta for every meal, you’ll also find lovely seafood, salads and cheese. Here are some of my favourite things to eat in Italy.

I’ll eat gelato in any country, but it just hits different in Italy. The Medici family of Florence is credited with starting a competition that led to the creation of gelato, so be sure you taste it extensively when you visit!

You’re hardly going to go to Italy and not eat pizza. It’s basically the culinary symbol of Italy for the rest of the world at this point.

Naples is pizza’s spiritual home, with the oldest pizzeria and some of the top-rated pizzerias in the world.

They’ve been making pasta in Italy for about 2000 years, so they’re pretty good at it. Many regions have their own unique shapes or sauces, and you should be sure to try any in the area you visit.

I’m planning to visit Sardinia to try the world’s rarest pasta !

14 billion espressos are consumed every year in Italy, with most adults drinking 4 a day. Hardly surprising then that they’re a nation that takes their coffee seriously.

For the purists, you can’t beat an espresso or caffé in Italian. I prefer a caffé macchiato, where a splash of milk softens the boldness of the coffee.

There’s also an unwritten rule that nobody orders a cappuccino after 11am!

Aperol spritz and Hugo

When you visit Italy, there’s a strange phenomenon that occurs at around 4pm. Little cafes in cobbled squares suddenly sport tables covered with vibrant orange drinks in wine glasses. 

This drink that looks like cough mixture is actually the famous Aperol Spritz, a bitter herbal apéritif mixed with prosecco. I absolutely love them and, for me, they’re the taste of a European summer.

If you find Aperol too bitter, then you should definitely give the Hugo a try. The Aperol is substituted for elderflower cordial, mint and lime, and it’s bloody delicious!

Italy is actually the world’s largest wine producer and exporter. For some of the best wines in the country, you should think about visiting some wineries in Tuscany .

How to Plug In – Electricity in Italy

Obviously, as a blogger, my life sometimes feels like it revolves around my ability to keep my electronics charged and stay connected. While you’re probably not quite as high maintenance as I am, it helps to know what to expect.

Italy works on a 230V system, the same as most of the world. But not America, Japan or Taiwan, where the voltage is lower at 100-120V.

The implication for those of you from countries with lower voltages is that if you plug in your hairdryer, curling tongs or travel iron, you might literally blow up your appliance.

Things like laptops, tablets and cellphones usually run on DC current and convert 100-240V without any issues. You can check by looking at the plug if your charger is ok for Italy. You’re looking for a label that says ‘INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz’.

To add to your misery, Italy has 3 different plug types – the C, L and F. In good news, however, a 2-pin C-type plug will fit every socket you’ll come across in Italy, so that’s what you should get.

I personally use a Skross adaptor that deals with 90% of plugs and sockets worldwide, and it has never let me down. 11/10 recommend purchasing one no matter your destination.

How to Stay Connected – Internet and SIM cards in Italy

I am a big believer in getting a local SIM since you always get a much better deal than by roaming with your home provider. Unless, maybe, you’re grandfathered into some phenomenal plan and a data roaming ninja.

Having said that, it’s getting harder to register local SIM cards in a lot of Europe, so I’ve recently made the switch to using e-SIM cards when I travel . It saves me the hassle of switching out SIM cards, and I can still be contacted on my home number in an emergency.

Airalo or Holafly seem to be the most recommended options.

TIM network has the best coverage and speeds in Italy, and you’ll find their stores at most major airports. This is definitely the most convenient place to buy a local SIM, but may not be the cheapest. If you can wait until you’re in a city, then you’re likely to get a better deal.

Expect to pay €20-€50 depending on how much data you want, and bear in mind that your phone will need to be unlocked to use a local SIM.

TIP | Be sure to turn off 2-factor authentication for anything you might want to access if you swap your SIM card out. Nothing worse than not being able to approve payments or access vital information because you can’t get messages!

If you’re going to be hiking in the Dolomites, then there will be areas where you don’t get a signal, no matter who you’re with. I recommend having a GPS emergency beacon for situations where you’ll be in remote areas with poor cell service.

Health and Safety Tips for Italy

As a general rule, Italy is a pretty safe country, especially outside the bigger cities. 

Expect to be pestered by street vendors and restaurant staff trying to lure you in for a meal if you’re in tourist areas. They’re no worse than any other country, and usually, a firm “ no, grazie ” will be enough to deter them.

Petty crimes like bag snatching and pickpocketing are a sad reality in big cities like Rome and Naples. Be sensible with your safety when you travel, and you’ll be fine. 

Expect to find mosquitoes in Italy from March through November, particularly in the country’s south. In the north (at altitude), you’ll rarely find them. Another reason to travel outside of peak summer!

Europe is experiencing more extreme weather, with heat waves becoming more and more common. Make sure you cover up in the sun – take a hat, sunglasses and plenty of factor 50+ sunscreen !

Can you drink tap water in Italy?

Absolutely!

For reasons I don’t fully understand, Italians seem addicted to bottled water (although I can’t talk since I’m all about that San Pelligrino life). Despite that, their tap water is perfectly safe to drink.

You’ll find water fountains dotted around Rome and other cities, but otherwise, just grab a reusable water bottle and fill it up before you leave your hotel in the morning.

The only tap water that sometimes isn’t safe is up in the mountains, but it’ll be clearly signposted if that’s the case. 

Essential travel items in Italy

My number 1 recommendation for travelers to Italy is to wear comfortable shoes! You’re likely to be walking a lot, and blisters are not a fun souvenir for anyone.

Unless you’re from Europe, you will need a travel adaptor. Consider taking a multiplug if you’ve got a lot of electrical gear that needs charging.

In summer, a sunhat, factor 50 sunscreen and sunglasses are essentials. I’d also recommend an umbrella and raincoat, both of which are essentials at all other times!

If you’re a wine drinker, bring a corkscrew. Unlike most of the rest of the world, Italian wine is usually sealed with a cork. Learn from my mistakes.

Bring your reusable water bottle, but you can leave your coffee cup at home. Part of the fun of Italy is taking your coffee like the locals, standing at the bar.

If you’d like to visit churches and other religious sites, I’d advise bringing a scarf to cover your shoulders. Be sure to bring long trousers or a skirt too.

Lastly, don’t forget your camera!

Responsible hiking and camping in Italy

Italy is a hikers’ paradise. The Dolomites, in particular, are home to incredible day hikes as well as multi-day options.

This is a gentle reminder to practice leave no trace principles and pack out everything you bring in. That includes your personal waste. I’m sick to death of having to navigate my way through other people’s literal shit when I’m hiking.

If you can’t hold it in, you need to carry it out or bury it. Pack accordingly.

Another thing to note is that wild camping isn’t legal in Italy, and camping of all kinds is forbidden in the National Parks. 

Learn some basic Italian

Even if you only manage to learn a few phrases, it will be appreciated. I recommend getting a translation app such as Google Translate before your trip and downloading Italian for use offline.

Please, thank you and hello tend to be the most used and useful phrases that you’ll need as a tourist.

• Please – per favore
• Thank you – grazie (you’ll probably hear prego in return, which means “you’re welcome”)
• Hello – ciao
• Goodbye – arrivederci

I hope you’ve found some good tips to help you plan your first trip to Italy in this post. If you’ve got any questions, then comment below, email or come and find me on social media.

Planning a trip to Italy?

Learn more about Italy with these essential posts:

DOLOMITES HIKING | 10 of the Best Day Hikes in the Dolomites

BEST DOLOMITES VIEWS | A Guide to Cadini di Misurina, the Dolomites Best Viewpoint

THE DOLOMITES | A Guide to Alpe di Siusi

Planning A Trip To Europe?

Check out these essential guides, travel tips, and more to help you plan your trip:

AUSTRIA | Plan a perfect trip the capital with my 3 day Vienna Itinerary

CENTRAL EUROPE | Follow my Budapest, Prague and Vienna Itinerary for a great visit

TRAVEL INSURANCE | Don’t go anywhere without it! I use and recommend Safety Wing .

THOUGHTFUL TRAVEL | No matter where you go, always be aware of the fact that travel impacts the place and people that live there. Being a thoughtful traveller is more critical than ever. Here are my top tips to make your trip a mindful one.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Love my photos and want to know how to take better shots on your own trips? Then my photography guide is for you. Here’s all the photography gear I use too. Want to buy one of my images? Head to the Print Store .

ESSENTIAL GEAR | You’ll find my travel essentials here, and a complete guide to all my hiking gear here .

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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.

Here’s what my students are saying:

I really enjoyed the Intrepid Italian course, it certainly exceeded my expectations. The learning methodology is great, and easy to follow and found that I progressed much faster in the last 4 weeks than I ever did on my own or using other language apps. Grazie mille Michele, I can’t wait until I can put my new skills into action!- Roma Small

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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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Over to you!

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Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

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An Italian Mama's Guide to Italy

100+ must have Italy travel tips for first time visitors

Tried and tested Italy travel tips: no-nonsense advice to plan your trip to Italy and make the most of your time, by a local.

This website is packed with travel tips for Italy.

Each article is either a guide to an Italian destination with tips to make the most of your time or an actual practical travel guide to plan your stay , create your itinerary and navigate Italian culture and peculiarities.

Sometimes, however, you may want tips to be laid out in a handy list and so, here we are! These are my top 100 tips for traveling to Italy!

Please note: this post contains affiliate links. Should you make a purchase, we might make a small commission.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

My top 100 Italy travel tips

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Travel Planning tips – When to go

1 . Pick the right season – Italy has 4 seasons, different from each other and often also very different depending on where in Italy you are.

Make sure you pick the right one for the type of trip you want!

2. Go to Italy in winter for skiing on the Alps or if you don’t mind wrapping up for sightseeing.

Click for my guides to: Italy in December , Italy in January , Italy in February

3. Go in summer if you don’t mind high temperature and scorching sun or you want to experience some of Italy’s beautiful beaches

Click for my guides about Italy in June , Italy in July , Italy in August (coming soon)

4. Go in spring for the best weather (bar the occasional shower of rain) and if you don’t mind the crowds

Click for Italy in March , Italy in April , Italy in May

5. Go in the fall for crisp weather and lower crowds

Click for Italy in September , Italy in October , Italy in November

6. Do not assume low season is quiet everywhere . The variety in Italy’s landscapes and temperature means that different areas get tourism at different times.

Rome, for instance, is very crowded in October, while the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre are quieter at that time.

Check individual area guides to know what to expect in each season.

Italy Travel tips: getting ready to travel

7. Check travel advisory in advance and immediately before your trip.

Click on the following links for official info if traveling from US ,  Canada , UK , Ireland , Australia , New Zealand and do check with your local Italian embassy if in doubt.

8. Get all the right documents – Check with the Italian Embassy /Consulate closest to you what documents you need to enter Italy, how long you can stay and if a visa is needed.

Also, check the official website of the Italian Foreign Office and Visa requirements is here

9. Bring kids’ birth certificates – if traveling with a child with a surname different from yours, you may be asked to show proof of your relationship with them and/ or authorization to travel.

If you are their parent, a birth cert is usually enough while guardians may need additional documentation: ask the embassy closest to you for current regulations on this regard.

10. Get the right luggage – Steps, cobbled streets, narrow hotel staircases, train journeys… whatever your style of travel, proper bags can go a long way to make your trip to Italy easier.

You can find our recommendations on the best luggage for Italy here

11. Decide your must see and visualize them on a map .

Italy has beautiful, famous destinations all over its length so familiarizing yourself with a map of Italy and the actual locations of the places you want to see goes a long way to plan an itinerary that minimizes transport time and allows you to see what you want.

This map gives a first overview of where some of Italy’s most popular destinations are located (click to enlarge).

The distance between the Northernmost location and the Southernmost is over 1500Km.

12. Make a realistic itinerary Italy is small enough that you can see several places even in a short amount of time.

However, each destination is packed with things to do so while you can ‘do’ Florence in a day, there is no doubt that you need more than that to actually ‘see’ Florence.

If you have less than a week, one main city and local day trips are probably your best bet (Venice and Verona, Florence and Chianti, Milan and Lake Como).

In general:

• Florence and Tuscany can be easily combined even with a few days available
• Rome and Florence and easy to reach from one
• Venice can be easily reached from Florence
• Cinque Terre can be combined with Florence
• Amalfi Coast can be combines with Rome or Naples

Some itineraries to get you started are: one week in Italy itinerary ideas ; 10 day Italy itinerary ideas ; 5 days in Sicily ; 5 days in Tuscany ; northern Italy itinerary ; southern Italy itinerary

13. Don’t write off a destination as not family friendly

Some Italian destinations have a reputation for being family unfriendly due to steps and challenges for families with strollers.

Indeed, some places are easier than others to negotiate with a toddler however, with the right tips you can visit pretty much anywhere even with small kids.

Check our Family Guide to the Amalfi Coast with kids and our Guide to Cinque Terre with kids for tips on two areas that worry families but are actually wonderful with children!

14. Don’t write off a destination as too touristy

Some destinations in Italy are so popular and crowded, they can prove hard to take.

However, they are usually popular for a reason so writing them off entirely can result in you missing out on something special.

Pisa is a perfect example of this: it is infuriatingly busy but out of this world beautiful.

Consider both sides of the medal when deciding whether including these destinations in your itinerary may be worth the discomfort of large tourism crowds.

15. Book big attractions in advance – Italy gets very busy and even in the low season you may find yourself surrounded by large crowds so you need to be prepared.

Always book popular attractions in advance and do pick a slow travel season for some respite from mass tourism.

Venice is remarkably quiet in the fall and so is the Amalfi Coast

Rome is busiest in October and in the spring but is wonderful and quiet in February

Tuscany is a delight in the autumn

If you can, book travel during the slowest time and always book tickets in advance for main attractions:

• Colosseum Tickets, Rome – find our guide to the best options here
• Find Official Vatican Tickets here , Vatican City, Rome
• Borghese Gallery Tickets , Rome
• Uffizi tickets , Florence
• Last Supper Tickets , Milan

16. Consider the best airport – Italy has many airports, some with good connections with the rest of Europe too.

Some of the most convenient in terms of location are

• Milan – good for Milan, Lake Como, Cinque Terre and high speed trains South
• Bergamo – small airport convenient for Milan and Venice
• Venice – Venice, Dolomites, high speed trains South
• Verona – Lake Garda, Venice, Dolomites
• Bologna – Bologna, trains to Florence and Rome
• Florence – Florence, Tuscany, trains to Rome, Milan, Venice
• Rome – Rome, anywhere reachable by train
• Naples – Amalfi Coast
• Bari – Puglia
• Catania – Sicily

The closest airports to Cinque Terre are Genoa and Pisa. The closest airport to Lake Garda is Verona.

17 . Expect small airports to be tiny Italy has many small airports now popular with tourists thanks to low-cost airlines such as Ryanair.

They can be excellent for cheaper deals but do expect most of them to be tiny!

It is very common for smaller airports in Italy to have little more than a runway.

Do not plan an overnight airport stay and don’t arrive many hours in advance without checking exactly what they offer in terms of facilities

18 . Check carefully where the cruise port is .

If you are traveling to Italy by cruise ship, double-check how far the cruise port is from the city you want to visit.

Civitavecchia, the ‘port of Rome’ is very far from the city and this will impact on your ability to visit Rome city center from the ship.

Check carefully distances and transport options when deciding whether to explore on your own or join an organized cruise excursion.

19. Evaluate carefully the distance on recommended ‘day trips’ – always double check the duration of day trips.

Some of the day trips to popular destinations (Cinque Terre from Florence, Amalfi Coast from Rome) foresee very long days on the road.

When planning, do consider carefully if that is the best use of your time and, if you can, break them up into 2 day stays. Italy gives its best to slower travelers!

20. Remember many museums are closed on Mondays – make sure you take this into account when planning your itinerary

21. Factor in Public Holidays – Public holidays can also affect your ability to visit attractions.

Important ones to know are 1st and 6th January (Epiphany), Easter (Friday to Monday), 15th August, 1st November, 8th, 25th, 26th December and individual cities also have local festivities.

Check opening hours of individual attractions if traveling at these times.

Traveling around Italy

You can find all our tips for driving in Italy here however, these are some to get you started:

22. Book car rental well in advance – I like AutoEurope as a quick way to compare prices from several reliable car rental agencies

23. Do expect smaller car rental offices to be closed at weekends – factor this is especially if returning the car at a location other than a big airport

Read here >>> our tips for renting a car in Italy

24. Consider bringing your own car seat for kids – especially if traveling with a baby who needs a rear-facing car seat as not all companies have them.

Make sure your car seat has an EU safety standard sticker and it is therefore deemed legal and safe for use in Italy.

25. Get an international driving permit – you may need an International driving permit to drive in Italy.

Check with the authority closest to you how much in advance to get one, where, and the exact rules that may apply to your case.

26. Expect manual cars – automatic cars are available but usually come at a higher price point

27. Remember in Italy we drive on the right hand side of the road

28. Blue parking lines mean you need to pay to park – bring coins as most parking machines do not accept cards

29 . Be aware of ZTL in small towns – ZTL means ‘Zona Traffico Limitato’, areas only open to traffic of permit holders.

Watch out for them as fines are steep and the signs not always very well placed!

Find here >>> all my tips for driving in Italy <<<

30. If you break traffic rules, expect fines to reach you months later . This happens very often and usually to people who didn’t even realized to have overstepped the mark in towns with ZTL.

If you receive a fine many months after you are home, do not presume it is a scam: it may well be a fine that took time to reach you.

Talk to your car rental company if in doubt.

31. Bring cash for motorways Motorways ( Autostrade ) in Italy are expensive. It is useful to have both cash and card on you

32. Abide traffic rules – obviously, but worth saying: do not presume the cliche of the traffic crazy Italians to mean you can get away with breaking the rules of the road. Stay safe!

33 . Never ever drink and drive – more important than ever to remember if you are planning on wine tasting.

Always get a driver or stay at your winery of choice.

34. Embrace train travel – Trains are a wonderful way to get around Italy, especially in the North where the network truly is outstanding.

I recommend you avoid the car and opt for the train if traveling between:

• Rome Florence / Venice / Milan /Naples
• Cinque Terre
• Opt for ferry transfers on the Amalfi Coast

35. Book high speed trains in advance – bookings open usually 120days before your trip.

You can buy tickets on:

• Trenitalia.it – official Italian Rail network ticket provider
• Italo Treno – Official seller for Italo high speed train

36. You can get regional train tickets last minute – from machines at the station or the local ticket office

37. Always validate your ticket – validating machines are on all train platforms.

Use them to stamp your ticket before boarding the train. This is paramount especially if you have open tickets as not validating them is equivalent to riding without: checks are in place and fines steep.

38. Look for offers – the Italian railway website is a bit of a nightmare to navigate but does have good offers especially for families and groups. Check solutions here

Italy with kids

39. Bring a stroller, even if sometimes a carrier will be your best bet! Read why we recommend a stroller and our tips for using a pushchair in Italy here and our t ips for visiting Italy with a baby or toddler here

40. Bring a portable high chair , for rentals and meals out. Good portable ones are:

• Summer Deluxe Folding booster seat for table
• LiuLiuby baby and toddler chair harness
• Phil& Teds Lobster clip on chair (for rental homes especially)

41. Bring a carrier – find our favorite baby carriers for Italy here

42. Know where to buy diapers and baby gear (read here) so you never run out of essentials.

43. Don’t expect state of the art playgrounds everywhere – playground standards in Italy vary greatly. Be prepared for a bit of everything!

In our family guides, we always mention cool playgrounds if we come across them.

44. Don’t expect ‘things to do’ everywhere – many localities in Italy, especially smaller ones, do not have much to offer in terms of activities but are worth visiting for the beauty of the location and views.

This is the case also for kids recommended ‘with kids’ – a piazza to run around or a pretty street for spotting cats are often the best thing small towns can offer and the trip highlight for little visitors!

Check out our family guides to Venice with kids | Lake Garda with kids | Dolomites with kids | Cinque Terre with Kids | Tuscany with kids | Florence with kids | Rome with kids | Amalfi Coast with kids | Sicily with kids

Hotels and accommodation

  45. Familiarize with hotel rules of occupancy.

Hotels in Italy follow strict fire regulation rules that dictate how many people can stay in a room.

Always inform the hotel if you are traveling with a baby: while you may be planning on co-sleeping and therefore not need anything for them, the hotel needs to know they will be there.

46. Don’t’ be surprised if hotels for bank transfer a deposit at the time of booking .

This is extremely common in Italy and doesn’t affect your right to be reimbursed should your booking foresee flexible options (always check rules for each booking and structure)

47. The law requires hotels to take a copy of your passport so don’t be surprised when they do!

48. City tax is usually not included in your bill and must be paid separately once in the hotel

49. Don’t expect elevators everywhere – especially in historical establishments, lifts may not be available or be very small.

Ask and double check accessibility of rooms should this be a potential challenge.

50. Double check your hotel/rental has air conditioning – this is not standard and usually not available unless specified

51. Expect weak air conditioning. Especially if you are used to the US air-con standard, expect Italian air conditioned spaces to feel significantly warmer than those back home

52. Ask for mosquito nets on the windows if traveling in summer. They can be brutal!

53. Ask if you can drink the tap water – the answer is usually yes but do not take chances especially in villas and private rentals

54. Don’t expect a washer dryer unless specified – it is common in Italy to line dry clothes even in winter.

Ask specifically if your rental has a washer-dryer if planning to do quick laundry on the road

55. Pools are not always fenced – pay extra attention if you are traveling with kids and do ask for pool protections when choosing an establishment to make sure everyone stays safe around water

56. Look for novelty accommodation – some places in Italy are famous for peculiar forms of accommodation that you may be able to experience as a visitor.

If you can, don’t miss the chance to sleep in a trullo in Alberobello or in a sasso in Matera !

57. Expect later meal times – dinner in Italy is usually not served in restaurants before 7.30pm.

If you need to eat before then, you can opt for aperitivo : this can be as simple as a drink (alcoholic or not) and crisps or a full on buffet, depending on the establishment.

58. Know what a ‘bar’ is : a Bar in Italy is a cafe, a place usually opened during the day serving coffee, snacks and sometimes light meals.

59. Don’t expect the same food everywhere – Italy has highly regional foods and you will not find the same specialties everywhere or, if you do, they may not be as ‘authentic’ as you may think.

Pizza is pretty common everywhere but very different in Rome and Naples.

Pesto is a specialty of Liguria, Risi e Bisi or Venice, Cannoli of Sicily and so on.

If you want to make sure you eat local, search for local specialties before you order.

60. Don’t be put off by the lack of kids menus – Kids menus are not common in Italy but this doesn’t mean a restaurant is not child friendly.

They are usually all happy to make a simple pasta dish or a smaller portion ( mezza porzione ) of whatever is on the menu.

61. Learn the local names of favorites – some of your favorite Italian dishes may have different names in Italy than back home.

Bolognese is Ragu ‘ / Ragout and fried chicken is ‘ cotoletta / Milanese ‘, just to name two of the most popular.

62. Don’t order coffee with a meal, always after – you can order coffee any time of the day but Italians do not order it with their meal.

You can, of course, but they may double check if they understood you correctly as it is usually not done

63. Expect bottled water – restaurants usually offer bottles water only, either liscia (flat), gassata/ frizzante (sparkly) or l eggermente frizzante (lightly sparkling).

You do not usually get offered tap water in restaurants even in are where it is safe to drink.

Cafes on the other hand often will offer tap water if asked (for instance, a free glass as a side to your espresso)

64. Try vino della casa : in areas with good wine making tradition, vino della casa in a jar is delicious and costs a fraction of a fancy label.

65. Embrace aperitivo even if you don’t drink alcohol – there is much more to aperitivo than alcohol!

Campari soda, Aperol soda, Sanbitter, Chinotto, juices are all non alcoholic aperitivo drinks you can enjoy even as a teetotaler.

66. Know what food you will not find – some ‘Italian’ foods you find in ohter parts of the world are often not served in Italy or not the way you expect.

Garlic bread and fettuccine Alfredo are the perfect examples.

The closest thing to garlic bread is plain bruschetta (grilled bread with garlic and oil, no butter) and the closest thing to fettuccine Alfredo is ‘ pasta in bianco ‘ which you will however hardly ever find in restaurants.

67. Know Italian meal structure to decipher menus at best

68. Know what to expect for breakfast – Italian breakfast look pretty different at home or at a cafe or hotel. Learn what to expect here.

69. Always go for gelato artigianale , the real Italian gelato!

70. Order cappuccino at whatever time you want – yes, truly! Cappuccino is a breakfast drink but no one will bat an eyelid if you order it later in the day.

It is an unusual drink for after dinner, but the ‘no cappuccino after 11’ thing is just not true so if you want one in the evening: go for it!

71. Don’t expect plastic cutlery for kids or plastic cups!

Often the table will be set for them in the same way as for adults: this does not mean the restaurant doesn’t welcome them or is not able to offer kid-friendly options

72. Know about the surcharge for sit-down orders – table service in ‘bars’ in Italy comes at an extra cost, sometimes very steep.

This is why for a coffee or quick juice Italians tend to stand at the bar. Embrace this habit to keep costs down.

Money and tipping etiquette in Italy

73. Have both cash and cards – do not travel with large sums of cash on you but do not rely on cards only.

Italy is very cash oriented and you will not be able to use your card everywhere, nor for small purchases.

Use smaller notes: paying for a 1Euro coffee with a 50Euro note will be frowned upon.

74. Tell your bank you will be in Italy so they will not block your card for suspicious activity when they see a transaction from abroad

75. Always have euro on you – foreign currencies are not usually accepted, not even in very busy tourism areas.

76. Know when to tip – gratuities are not as widespread nor as high as in the US however, it is customary to tip at restaurants.

Anything from a couple of Euro to 10% of the bill is appropriate.

Not leaving a tip after a meal means you had complaints unless the gratuity is specifically already included in the bill (‘mancia’ or ‘servizio’. Please be advised that ‘coperto’, often marked on the bills, is not a gratuity but a different type of charge altogether)

You can find here >>> my guide to tipping in Italy <<<

77. Bring a reusable water bottle for free water from fountains – Italy has many drinking fountains offering delicious and fresh drinking water.

Make the most of them and save money and plastic waste!

78. bring a reusable bag for shopping to avoid paying for plastic bags in supermarkets (and to help reduce waste, a big problem in Italy)

79. Go to supermarkets or ‘ discounts ‘ for big grocery shopping – while Italy has some local amazing street markets, many Italian families do their big grocery shopping in supermarkets.

Some of the most common are Coop, Conad, Carrefour, Spar, Lidl, Aldi.

80. Go to alimentari for specialties – alimentari are independent deli and gourmet shops.

They were the most common type of shop in Italy before large supermarkets took over and are still now excellent for quality and local grocery purchases.

Local markets can also be great in terms of quality and value but stay away from obvious tourist traps!

81. Learn about Farmacie – Farmacie are pharmacies and they are excellent not just for medications but also for baby products, perfumery products and, more and more often, mainstream herbal remedies.

82. Expect shops to be closed at lunchtime and on Sunday – this doesn’t apply to all shops in all locations but it is common for smaller establishments to close between 1pm-4pm and on Sundays.

24h shopping is not the norm however, some bigger supermarkets in big cities stay open until pretty late.

Do not count on this if arriving at night unless your host tells you specifically there is such a shop nearby.

83. Never leave valuables in the car

84. Do not show off jewelry or tech , ever

85. Always have ID on you – this is a requirement by law at all times and you may be asked to show it if dealing with a public officer such as a policeman on duty

86. Learn Italian emergency numbers – 112 (European Emergency number) for general emergencies, 113 Polizia (National Police), 115 Italian Fire Brigade, 118 for health emergencies

87. Learn a few words of Italian for politeness and safety. ‘Aiuto’ = ‘help’ is a worst-case handy one to know! You can find here >>> useful Italian phrases for travelers <<<<.

88. Bring a crossbody bag as your day bag: an excellent way to keep your valuables safe without renouncing style

89. Consider a body wallet especially if not used to busy urban locations.

90. Get your own wifi hot-spot so you don’t have to rely on the often completely unreliable or non existent wi-fi in public areas

91. Get a good roaming plan to avoid very steep phone bills

92. Don’t rely on google maps only – also have a paper map, especially in country locations

93. Look both sides before crossing the road and always be aware of scooters, not always as law abiding as they should be

94. Know where to find public toilets – you won’t find many public toilets in Italy and those you find may require you to pay a Euro to get in.

However, all bars and restaurants are required by law to give you access to their facilities for free.

Making a small purchase is not necessary but common practice and the most polite way to go about it.

95 . Be aware of common scams : people ‘accidentally bumping into you’ may be more than just distracted.

This is a common scam that uses the moment you are busy apologizing or making sure the person is ok to get an accomplice to get your wallet. Be vigilant and use body wallets or secure crossbody bags for safety.

Never keep your wallet, phone or money in your back pocket or in a backpack, unless with a hidden, anti-theft pocket.

Italy Travel Clothing tips

96. Dress for the weather – check the weather of your specific destination when packing.

Italy weather patterns have become very unpredictable and only current weather updates can tell you what it is really like.

You can also join us in our free Italy with kids travel group and ask! Chances are there is someone on the ground who can help!

97. Dress for churches – churches require modest attire. When planning a church visit, opt for below the knee skirts (or long trousers), avoid baring your shoulders (men and women) and avoid revealing tops.

98. Dress for special activities – hiking in Cinque Terre, on the Dolomites or on Mount Etna requires proper clothing and gear.

Do pack for these specific activities to avoid putting yourself (and others) in danger.

99. Bring walking shoes – runners, sneakers, fashion trainers: whatever makes you walk in comfort!

Do not believe those who say Italians don’t wear trainers: of course we do!

We do not consider them office-wear but we do use them for walking and in Italy, you will walk a lot!

100. Use flip flops on the beach only – sandals are great for summer in Italy but flipflops are considered beachwear only.

Avoid them in cities if you want to blend in with the locals.

101. Leave heels at home – cobbled streets and steps are enemies of high heels. If you don’t want to renounce your height, opt for platforms or chunky heels: your ankles will thank you!

More random practical tips for traveling in Italy

102. Public restrooms are not always easy to find and may not be free. However, all food establishments must provide free restroom access to clients and this includes the person who makes a very small purchase (like a coffee, or a packet of crisps).

Also, if you ask nicely they will usually let you in!

103. Restrooms again, as you may notice, Italy doesn’t usually have toilet seats in public facilities.

You can discover how to deal with this and more in our >>> guide to using bathrooms in Italy .

104. While most accommodation options will have a washing machine, Italian households usually do not offer dryers. Learn here >>> how to deal with doing laundry in Italy .

We add travel guides and tips for specific destinations in Italy all the time: check here what we cover already!

Safe travel planning!

Marta Correale

Marta Correale is an Italian mama of two. Born and raised in Rome, Marta has a passion for travel and especially enjoys showing off Italy to her kids, who are growing up to love it as much as she does! A classics graduate, teacher of Italian as a second language and family travel blogger, Marta launched Mama Loves Italy as a way to inspire, support and help curious visitors to make the most of a trip to Italy and learn about Italian culture on the way.

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Blog Italy Travel Tips Italy Travel Tips

Italy Travel Tips

After two decades of giving Italy travel advice and planning Italy trips for independent travelers, I sat down and put together my top 100 Italy travel tips. 

Read on for insider intel for visiting Rome, Florence, and Venice plus how to navigate Food, Transportation, Packing, Technology, and Money for your Italy trip.

Italy Travel Tips: General

• The language spoken in Italy is Italian. Don’t assume Italians will speak English unless you are hiring them to provide an English-speaking service like as a tour guide. Don’t expect road signs to be written in English. Download Google Translate (and pack an old-school phrasebook as a backup when you don’t have Wi-Fi or data) so you can communicate with Italians.
• Italy is 6 hours ahead of US eastern time, so it will take your body time to adjust to the difference. Make sure you allow time at the front end of your trip in order to rest and recuperate otherwise you will be exhausted during the trip. See our tips about beating jet lag here.
• Although they can be very busy with tourists, the main sights are famous for a reason and are worth visiting. Instead of skipping blockbusters like the Colosseum or the Accademia, beat the crowds by visiting early or late in the day with a guide who can navigate you away from the throngs. 
• When planning to visit the main sights, try to make advance bookings . Tickets to headliners like the Vatican Museums in Rome, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence , or the Leaning Tower of Pisa all sell out in advance.
• Check the weather and the sunset times for the dates you are traveling. Northern Italy gets snow in the winter. Southern Italy is not hot year-round, and some parts even get snow. Shoulder seasons are a great time to visit all of Italy, but the weather can be unpredictable so pack for rain and fog. Here are some pointers for packing for winter and packing for fall .
• Be aware of Italian holidays , when many shops, restaurants, museums, and sights will close. In addition to international standards like Christmas and New Year’s Day, Italy has a number of national and religious holidays 
• Schedule your museum visits around closing days. Museums are usually closed on Mondays, except for the Vatican Museums, which is closed on Sundays.
• Many stores are closed on Sundays , so it’s not an ideal day to plan to shop.
• Booking an “open jaw” flight (where you fly into one Italian city and out of another) often makes sense to avoid having to double back to your arrival city. Keep in mind that there are only a handful of Italian airports with direct flights from and to the US (Rome, Milan, Venice, Bologna, Florence, and Naples). If you connect via another European city, then there are many additional Italian airports you can fly to or from.
• For flights within Italy , consider booking on a budget airline. A great way to search for flights within Europe is on Google Flights , which indexes all the major low-cost and flagship carriers.

 Italy Travel Tips: Food

• Italians eat breakfast at about 8:00 a.m., lunch at about 1:00 p.m., and dinner at about 8:00 p.m. But, the further south you go, the later people eat. Follow our daily “eat like an Italian” schedule .
• The vast majority of restaurants do not open for dinner earlier than 7:30 p.m.
• If you’d like to eat dinner before 7:30 p.m., find a wine bar with a light menu (usually cheese and charcuterie boards, bruschetta plates, and simple pasta dishes). Wine bars are usually open by 6:00 p.m. and you can bring the kids.
• Cappuccino is considered a breakfast drink and most Italians do not drink it after about 10:30 a.m. (though some do have a cappuccino as a mid-afternoon “snack” in the cold winter months). You can, of course, order a cappuccino whenever you wish at a coffee bar; many Italian restaurants do not have milk frothers so you may not be able to order one after dinner, for example. See our pocket guide to coffee in Italy here.
• Italian menus are organized into antipasti (appetizers), primi (pasta, rice, and soups), secondi (protein including meat and fish and eggs), contorni (side dishes like vegetables), and dolci (desserts). This means if you’d like vegetables with your chicken, you need to order the chicken from the secondi part of the menu and the vegetables from the contorni section of the menu. It also means that if you order a pasta dish and a meat dish, you’ll get the pasta first, and the meat dish when you’ve finished the pasta, unless you specify otherwise.
• As a general rule, Italians eat local, seasonal food . This means that the cuisine in Sicily is very different from the cuisine in Venice, and winter menus vary significantly from summer menus.
• Italians use few ingredients in food and there is minimal processing, so Italy is an ideal destination for anyone with food allergies or restrictions. Here are some tips for vegetarian and vegan dining in Italy.
• There is no need to tip at restaurants , but if that makes you uncomfortable you can tip 10%. See our exhaustive overview of tipping norms in Italy here.
• Water is not free , unless you specify that you want tap water, which is acqua dal rubinetto. Otherwise, you will be served still or sparkling mineral water and be charged for it.
• If you sit down anywhere, you can expect a small per-head cover charge. This is called a coperto , and is not a tourist scam.
• Do not eat anywhere with a menu in four languages, or that displays the menu on an easel in front of the restaurant (featuring colored photos of the dishes), or that has a staff person outside trying to convince you to come in and eat. These are sure signs of “tourist-trap” eateries.
• A great way to experience Italian food culture is by taking a food tour or a local-led cooking class.
• Street food (pizza by the slice, sandwiches, fried “supplì” in Rome or “arancini” in Sicily) is ideal for a light lunch on the go, but keep in mind that many Italian cities restrict where you can have an impromptu picnic . Don’t assume you can sit with your panino on the Spanish Steps or in Piazza della Signoria; look for public parks or squares with benches.

Italy Travel Tips: Transportation

• The trains in Italy are extremely efficient, very cost-effective, very comfortable, and run frequently. If the train works with your itinerary, you should take it.
• Trains and buses do go on strike quite regularly. The good news is that strikes are announced in advance .
• Do not rent a car in Rome. More on that in the Rome section, below.
• Do not rent a car in Florence . It’s a small city with lots of pedestrian zones. Plan on getting around on foot.
• You cannot rent a car in Venice because Venice is made up of islands surrounded by canals. You can get around Venice by foot or by boat, that’s it. There are no other options, so remember that when deciding how much luggage to bring.
• Traffic in Italian cities is terrible, so avoid driving in Italian cities if at all possible .
• Many Italian cities have Limited Traffic Zones , which is Zona Traffico Limitato in Italian, and shortened to ZTL. If you enter the zone you’ll get a fine in the mail. This is not a tourist scam. Another reason to avoid driving in Italian cities.
• Parking in Italian cities can be a nightmare. If you must park in a city, use a paid parking garage.
• Having a car in the Italian countryside gives you more independence and trains often don’t go to small countryside towns, therefore renting a car for the countryside part of your trip is often a good idea .
• If you rent a car, you must have an International Driving License by Italian law . In the US, you can get one quickly and easily at AAA offices. But, you cannot use your IDL alone to rent the car so bring your valid driving license.
• Study up on Italian road signs before you go.
• If you don’t have experience driving in roundabouts (AKA traffic circles ), familiarize yourself with them by watching videos and reading the rules before you go. They are extremely stressful to try to figure out on the fly.
• You cannot flag taxis along the streets in Italy . You must either call the taxi to come and pick you up (and the meter will start running the minute you put down the phone) or find a taxi stand and take the first taxi in line. Make sure the meter is on – do not accept driver-dictated fares. If a driver refuses to turn on the meter or insists on dropping you off somewhere other than where you requested—especially in Rome—report them to the Italians at your destination (restaurant, hotel front desk, tour guide).

Italy Travel Tips: Packing

• Make sure you bring a bag with a cross-body strap . No over-the-shoulder bags. Make sure your bag zips closed. No snaps and no open bags. And inside your zippered, cross-body-strapped bag, your wallet and valuables should be behind another zipper.
• If you are traveling by train , remember that you need to be able to transport your luggage to the train, and lift it onto the train – so pack light .
• If you are traveling by car, make sure your luggage completely fits inside the luggage compartment of your car . Car break-ins in Italy are common, but thieves are opportunistic. If a car appears to be completely empty they will not bother breaking in.
• Consider bringing laundry detergent with you to wash small items in hotel sinks. Heated towel racks in hotel rooms are perfect for drying socks. Higher-end hotels will have laundry service, which is expensive but may be worth it. Don’t plan on going to a laundromat, it will consume an entire day of your vacation, mainly because Italian washing machines have long cycles.
• Make sure shoulders and knees are covered on days you plan to enter churches . Throwing a scarf (or even a plastic bag, if you have nothing else) over your shoulders is fine. Shorts and skirts that hit right at the knee are fine.
• Flip-flops are only for the beach or the shower in Italy.
• Hats and t-shirts with sports teams or college logos are not worn by Italians. If you want to fit in, leave them at home.
• Layers are an excellent packing strategy in any season. See our tips for packing for winter and packing for fall .
• Don’t bring heels , unless you are sure you can walk on cobblestones in them.
• Italians dress by the calendar, not by the weather. This means that regardless of the temperature, wardrobes start to transition from summer to fall at the end of September and from winter to spring in March. We recommend you pack for the actual weather that is forecasted, but even if it’s unseasonably warm in December, you may see locals wearing heavy coats, hats, scarves, and gloves.

 Italy Travel Tips: Technology

• Bring your smartphone, but contact your provider to sign up for an international plan that includes phone calls, text messages, and data. International plans are so affordable now that there really is no longer a need to buy an Italian SIM card for a trip of a week or two. If you’re going for longer than that (and you have an unlocked phone), you may want to buy an Italian SIM card when you get to Italy. See our tips about using cell phones in Italy here.
• Wi-Fi is not as widespread in Italy as it is in North America, and it’s not as reliable. The vast majority of hotels these days have free Wi-Fi for guests, but sometimes it works and sometimes it goes down or is overloaded. Even in 4- and 5-star hotels that advertise Wi-Fi, expect it to be slow or go down during your stay . If you absolutely must have internet during your trip, consider bringing your own MiFi device.
• Bring paper maps as a backup to your technology, and load offline google maps onto your device before you go.
• Useful apps for your Italy trip include WhatsApp messaging and calls using data (widely used by Italians), Google Lens (point your phone’s camera at written Italian for instant translation), and Skype (for calling home over Wi-Fi from your hotel, but install it before you go.)
• Be aware that iPads and smartphones are attractive to thieves . If you bring one, be sure to store it securely in your bag behind a zipper when not in use.
• If you plan to do any shopping, pack a folded duffel bag in your suitcase and use it for storing your dirty laundry as your trip progresses. This will create room in your suitcase for anything you buy in Italy and you’ll keep your dirty laundry separate. It does mean you check an additional bag on the flight home, though. Any duffel bag will do, but this is the one I use .

Italy Travel Tips: Money

• The currency of Italy is the Euro and you cannot pay for any goods and services in US dollars.
• Italy is a very cash-oriented culture. Plan to carry enough cash with you to get through the day. Assume local guides and drivers will need to be paid in cash. Italian businesses prefer cash over credit cards, though by law they must accept credit cards (some will only do so reluctantly for small purchases).
• To get cash in Italy, you can use your US ATM card in Italian ATM machines , called a Bancomat . But check with your bank first that your ATM card can be used internationally.
• However, assume that the first ATM machine you try to use to get cash will be out of service , so don’t wait until your wallet is empty to find a bancomat .
• It’s always better to use a bancomat attached to a bank (generally located inside the bank entrance) rather than a standalone one.
• Before you leave for Italy, tell your bank that you’re going to Italy so that Italian transactions do not show up as suspicious, resulting in a blocked ATM or credit card.
• If you have a credit card with a chip, bring it. Italians no longer use signatures with credit cards , although they do have machines that will print a receipt for you to sign if you don’t have a credit card with a chip.
• Remember that you’ll be getting cash out of the ATM in Euros, not dollars . If your maximum daily ATM withdrawal limit is, for example, 400 dollars, that is less in Euros, so you won’t be able to withdraw 400 Euros a day.
• Have a backup credit card with you, just in case.
• Spread out your cash, do not keep it all in your wallet . If your hotel has a safe, keep some cash in there. Even if you must keep it all on your person, put some in your wallet, some in a zippered pocket in your bag, etc. You don’t want the person standing behind you in line to see a wad of cash in your wallet when you are paying for a coffee.
• If you want to bring US dollars to exchange into Euros, remember that it’s always cheaper to buy Euros in Europe than to buy Euros in the US.

Rome Travel Tips

• Rome is a big city and very hilly, so you probably can’t visit the entire city on foot. Don’t rent a car because traffic and parking will make you go mad. Either take taxis or learn to use the buses or the metro. Or, if you love walking, just wear good shoes, group sights based on geography, and factor rest stops into your day.
• Don’t visit the Colosseum and the Vatican museums on the same day or your brain will hurt.
• Eat Rome’s four fundamental pasta dishes: cacio e pepe , pasta all’amatriciana , pasta alla gricia , and pasta alla carbonara .
• Although museums in Italy are usually closed on Mondays , the Vatican museums are closed on Sundays.
• Buy tickets to the Vatican Museums in advance as they sell out quickly.
• Don’t go to the Colosseum or other state sites and museums on free Sundays (generally the first Sunday of each month); the lines and the crowds are not worth it.
• Book your accommodation in the historic center. It’s not worth staying on the outskirts of town and going back and forth twice a day.
• Great neighborhoods to stay in include the area near Piazza Navona, the Monti neighborhood near the Colosseum, and the area near the Spanish Steps (also the most expensive area). The area near the Vatican is also a good choice and because it’s less central than the others, you get better value for money.
• A good local tour guide is worth their weight in gold, both for the insights and context they bring and to make the most of your time. It’s worth getting a guide for the Vatican Museums, for example, so you can focus on the top sights and cover the galleries in just a few hours without getting overwhelmed.
• Sights you can see on your own with the aid of a guidebook include Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza del Popolo, the Campidoglio, the Monument to Vittorio Emanuele, the Baths of Caracalla, and the Mouth of Truth… for a start.
• You can visit Pompeii as a day trip from Rome. It’s a long day, but doable.
• Even though the Tiber River runs through the center of Rome and a riverboat cruise seems like it should be a good idea, the river is not attractive. It sits far below the city and is lined by soaring walls, so you can see very little from the water.

Florence Travel Tips

• Florence is a small city but with a lot of art and history, so allow a couple of days at least.
• Florence was where the Renaissance was born, so be sure to delve into the city’s fascinating history while there.
• Book tickets for the Uffizi Gallery in advance . The same goes for the Accademia Gallery (where Michelangelo’s “David” is displayed).
• A private guided walking tour of the city and Uffizi Gallery is well worth the money.
• You can get around Florence on foot or with the electric buses. No need to rent a car.
• Stay in the historic center , or somewhere walkable to/from there.
• There are a lot of foreign students in Florence, which makes it seem like it’s always packed with English-speaking tourists.
• If you like beef, Florence is the place to eat bistecca alla Fiorentina .
• Florence is a great base for visiting the towns of Lucca , Pisa, Siena , San Gimignano , and the Chianti countryside . All of these can easily be visited as day trips, and the first three can be reached by train.
• It’s possible, though a long day trip, to visit the Cinque Terre from Florence .
• Other top things to do in Florence : walk over the Ponte Vecchio , visit the Duomo (cathedral) and climb to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome, go up Giotto’s Bell Tower, visit the Mercato Centrale food market (open only in the mornings; closed Sundays), visit artisans in the Oltrarno neighborhood, go up to Piazzale Michelangelo to see the iconic views over the city (photo above).

Venice Travel Tips

• Stay in Venice proper, not in Mestre or other towns outside of Venice. Much of the magic of Venice comes out in the evening when it’s quiet and all the day trippers have left. It’s an incredibly safe city, even at night.
• Pay attention to the logistics in Venice, because it takes twice as long to get anywhere as you think it does . Get a good map.
• Think carefully about the location of your Venice accommodation. You’ll drop off your rental car in Piazzale Roma or you’ll arrive at the train station; either way, you’ll be standing in front of a canal. You can get a private boat to your accommodation for about 120 euros. You can get a public water bus (vaporetto) if you know which line to take. Or you can walk. Those are the only options. If you walk, remember there are cobblestones, bridges, and stairs.
• Venice has some of the most expensive hotels in all of Italy. As a general rule, you get less for your money in Venice compared to anywhere else in Italy. Therefore, you may want to think about an average hotel budget and spend more in Venice and a bit less everywhere else.
• While there is some incredible art in Venice, including inside its churches, the best thing to do in Venice is to wander the city.
• See Venice from above : go up the campanile in the main square or, for fewer crowds, take the boat to the nearby island of San Giorgio Maggiore and go up that bell tower instead.
• See Venice from the water : ride the public vaporetto, take a rowing lesson, ride a gondola, or another boat.
• See Venice from its small streets : allocate some time to just getting lost.
• For meals in Venice, do some planning ahead of time. There are a lot of overpriced touristy restaurants , and the great places require reservations a week or two in advance in high season.
• Definitely eat cicchetti , Venice’s small plates. They can be eaten for lunch or as an early dinner. Try a Bellini, a Spritz, and sample the city’s excellent fish and seafood.
• Venice is a great place to listen to Vivaldi . If you catch the live performances in St. Mark’s Square, remember that although the drinks are ridiculously expensive, you can buy one drink and occupy your table as long as you want.
• If you’re traveling to Venice in the winter, you might encounter acqua alta (high tide) . The city floods and wooden walkways are set up so pedestrians can get around without wading through knee-high water. This phenomenon is much less frequent now that Venice has built its Mosè barriers that contain the tides, but consider bringing rain boots if you’re going to Venice during the acqua alta period.
• Visit the islands of the lagoon, including Murano and Burano . Keep in mind that the glass-blowing island of Murano is extremely touristy, so have a plan ahead of time. Do not accept a “free” boat to Murano unless you are prepared for a hard sell by a glass vendor. If you want to buy a piece of glass to bring home, they do ship.

And that’s 100 Italy travel tips!

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Home » Europe » Italy » Backpacking Guide

The COMPLETE Backpacking Italy Travel Guide | 2024

Italy is easily one of the most beautiful countries in the world and a MUST for all backpackers to explore at least once in their lives. 

This incredible mass of land is home to outrageous hiking trails (yes, I’m looking at you Dolomites), endless coastlines that are clearly not PG and some of the best food on the planet. 

Whether you’re up for zooming down the coastal roads on a scooter with a cute Italian you’ve picked up along the way or sipping wine in the Tuscan countryside; there are so many Eat Pray Love moments to be had in Italy. 

With so much going for it, I believe that it is of great personal value to misspend several weeks traversing the heart-rendingly gorgeous alleyways, art galleries, and countryside (dude, you can’t spend the whole time looking at pretty bricks) of this sensational country.

Italy has so much on offer for us backpackers that it can sometimes be overwhelming – where the heck do you even start? But d on’t you worry about a thing! You’ve come to the right place – I’m here to answer all your questions and more. 

I have created this top-tier backpacking guide on backpacking Italy filled with the juiciest of travel tips to help you stay mostly under budget, mostly uninjured, and mostly happy. Italy is absolutely doable on a shoestring (if you’re willing to cut some corners). And I’m here to teach you how! 

So, let’s get into it.

Why Go Backpacking in Italy?

Like visiting a really well put-together family, taking the time to visit Italy will leave you wondering ‘when can I move in?’

Italian cuisine is a world wonder in itself, and the art of dining for hours is something that has been slowly perfected for generations. Combine that with a smattering of stunning semi-archaic homes, amazing places to go , and a collection of UNESCO world heritage sites so large that you’ll start thinking you are one too…

Italy is an amazing country, and well deserving of the international recognition and attention that it receives. However, this also means that you can find yourself on the precipice of leaking buckets from your bank account, wondering is Italy Expensive ?

And whilst tourist destinations can soak up funds, employing sneaky couch-surfing, tinder, or even just real friendship antics can score you an easy bed. It is very possible to do Italy on a budget ! Just don’t be surprised if you have to camp on a beach or in someone’s backyard…

How to Approach Travel in Italy

The best approach to backpacking is always to have a plan, then improvise . As Sun Tzu once said, “In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity”, and never has this been truer than in the depths of Italia.

As my father regrettably discovered one fateful day in Greece, not having a plan can make some people very, very upset. Equally, to be too strict with oneself restricts the enjoyment that you can have, worrying about making it to the next thing. Find the balance! And a great place to stay …

It is my (deep) philosophical belief, that this guide should provide you not with a perfect pre-arranged, travel-agency-style itinerary, but with the bare ‘bones’ of your trip – there to be fleshed out closer to the time. This guide is a beast, but every travel tip here should help you cogitate some excellent plans…

Travel tip 1: Learn some Italian!

Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking Italy

Below is a list of four travel itineraries for backpacking Italy. They cover the regions of Central Italy , Northern Italy , The South , and Sardinia . They vary from one to three weeks in length and cover the majority of the top things to do in Italy. Whatever you fancy your Italian itinerary to be, the itinerary section is here to give you a few attainable routes!

Backpacking Italy 14-Day Itinerary – Central Italy

See the central Italy and some of its most culturally significant locations! This 14-day itinerary through Italy will take you to Rome, Tuscany, Florence, Cinque Terre, and Bologna .

Start in Rome and experience the magnificence of the “Eternal City.” Save money by jumping on free walking tours – or go yourself. Visiting the Trevi fountain, St. Peter’s Basilica, Colosseum and a ton of other cool old stuff is a great free way to spend your time!

Afterwards, head north through the Tuscan countryside, visiting as many charming villages and rustic vineyards as you can. Eventually, you’ll end up in the capital of Tuscany, Florence . Florence is one of the most important cities in Italy and is full of history. If you’re sick of museums, take a trip to Cinque Terre and get some much-needed beach time.

Finally, cross the Apennine Mountains and experience one of Italy’s hidden gems : Bologna . Bologna has amazing food and some awesome parties – you won’t be disappointed.

Backpacking Italy 10-Day Itinerary – Northern Italy

For a slightly different experience, check out the engine of Italy: the industrialized North. This 10-day itinerary will allow you to see Milan, Turin, Genoa, and Venice. These cities are among the most economically important metropolises in both past and present Italy. This is one of the best ways to see Italy in only 10 days!

Starting in affluent Milan , you’ll be able to see such delights as the grand Duomo and the Last Supper painting. There are lots of incredible things to do in Milan but the surrounding area is impressive too. Taking the time to sink a few days in Lake Como is a great idea!

Next stop is Turin , the “royal” epicenter of Italy. Check out one of the many palaces or visit an industrial museum. The Alps are right there as well so feel free to go hiking, skiing or whatever your outdoor fancy is.

Genoa is a short drive away from Turin and is a bit of a forgotten destination. This doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth visiting though! Spend a few days in this port city and grub on some amazing cuisine.

Wrapping things up, travel east all the way to Venice , the Jewel of the Adriatic. Wander among the canals and bridges and feel the grandeur of one of the most beautiful cities in Italy.

Backpacking Italy 3 week Itinerary – The South

The south of Italy might as well be a different country (and I think that the locals wish that it was).This 3-week itinerary will lead you through some of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes and some of its most well-known cultural anomalies. Along the way, you’ll visit Naples (and its awesome things to do ), the Amalfi Coast, Puglia, and the whole island of Sicily .

Naples is the largest city in the south and is has a fat volcano next to it. Visit one of the many museums or, for a more interactive experience, the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum . When you’re finished here, head to the nearby Amalfi Coast, which is one of the most beautiful places in Italy.

Heading south, you’ll arrive in the “heel” of Italy i.e. the region of Puglia . This is one of the most culturally diverse places in Italy and is full of wonderful eccentricities. See the strange trulli huts and then lounge on some fine coastline.

Your final stop is in Sicily , which is a large and wonderfully exciting island. Be sure to visit the bustling capital of Palermo , stay in the city of Catania , and everything in-between. You’ll probably end up spending half your trip here, and that’s ok.

Backpacking Italy 7 Day Itinerary – Sardinia

Many a trip to Italy neglects the islands which is a shame. Sardinia is, without a doubt, one the most spectacular islands in the world – it deserves at least a week to be visited!

This 7-day itinerary through Italy’s own paradise will resemble a loop as it takes you to all of the top destinations of the area. There really are some unbelievable places to stay in Sardinia .

Arrive in Cagliari or Olbia and begin your adventure there. Go trekking in the highlands of Gennargentu and the Gulf of Orosei. Explore the north of the island where most beautiful beaches are located. Spend a day or two in Alghero and be sure to drop by Neptune’s Grotto. No matter which direction you go in Sardinia, beauty awaits.

And if you’re still choosing between Milan and Barcelona , then check out this helpful guide to help you decide.

Best Places to Visit in Italy

Countries are all so unreasonably big, aren’t they? Which is of course, why we love them ;). Anyway, here are some specifics on actual real Italian places…

Backpacking Rome

“All roads lead to Rome.” You’ll find yourself using this expression more than once while backpacking around Italy. For thousands of years, Rome has been one of the most important cities in Europe. It’s the center of all things Italy and, arguably, the entirety of Western Civilization. Your trip to Italy is incomplete without visiting Rome.

A visit to Rome can be quite expensive . Rome is a huge metropolis that contains multiple districts and even a separate state within – the Vatican City. I’ll cover most of the top things to do in Rome. Those who want more accommodation tips should check out our guide on where to stay in Rome .

The majority of Rome’s top attractions are located in the neighborhoods that compose the municipal region of the Historical Center-Prati . There are 21 rioni (districts) in the center – labeled with Roman numerals – and most have several historical sites to visit. You can refer to this map for a better visual.

A great itinerary for Rome would be to walk from Piazza del Popolo ( Campo Marzio – R.XII ) all the way to Aventine Hill ( Testaccio – R.XIX ). This route will require an entire day to complete. If you fancy a guide shouting ungentlemanly Italian at you, I’d recommend joining a free walking tour!

Popular places that you’ll be visiting on this itinerary include the Spanish Steps ( Campo Marzio – R.XII ), Trevi Fountain ( Trevi – R.II ), Piazza Navona ( Parione – R.VI ), the Pantheon ( Pigna – R.IX ), Sant’Ignazio Church, Piazza Venezia ( Campitelli R.X ), the Roman Forum, and the Colosseo.

Those wanting to see the Vatican City and Castel Sant’Angelo ( Borgo – R.XIV ) – located across the Tiber River – should allocate another full day of walking. Must-see places in Vatican City are St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museum.

Deciding between Rome and Venice can be challenging enough, so we’ve helped you out with this guide.

Backpacking Florence

Florence is one of my favorites ! In my opinion, it’s the most romantic destination in the whole country. It’s another must-see on a trip to Italy.

The top places to visit in Florence are mostly located in Santa Croce . Brunelleschi’s Dome, attached to the Cathedral of Santa Maria della Fiore, is the most magnificent sight in Florence. It rises prominently above the surrounding buildings and can’t be missed. You can climb the Dome for a fee or enter the cathedral free of charge. Buying a ticket for the dome will also give you access to the Cathedral’s other sites including the Baptistery and Giotto’s Tower.

No Florentine itinerary would be complete without visiting the Mercato del Porcellino, Palazzo Vecchio, or any of the museums.

The Mercato del Porcellino is known for its brass statue of a boar. Legend has it that you’ll be granted a wish if you rub the swine’s snout and place a coin in its mouth at the same time. Like being able to find a really awesome place to stay in Florence , for example.

Adjacent to the Palazzo Vecchio is Ponte Vecchio, which is one the many covered bridges crossing the Arno that are characteristic of the city. Ponte Vecchio is the most famous bridge, while Ponte Santa Trinita and Ponte alle Grazie are also notable.

Across the Arno River and atop the hill of San Miniato is Piazzale Michelangelo. This is the best view in Florence! Grab a drink from a local vendor and watch the sunset here.

Backpacking Tuscany

The most popular cities in Tuscany are Pisa and Siena . Pisa is (obviously) most known for its Leaning Tower though there are more things to do around the Piazza dei Miracoli.

Siena is a great place to stay ; it’s conveniently located in the center of Tuscany and is a great base to explore the surrounding countryside. The city is still worth exploring as it’s full of gorgeous medieval architecture.

If you’re looking for some beach time, the lesser-known island of Elba features some of the best beaches in Italy, easily comparable to those in Sicily or Sardinia.

The best part about staying in the Tuscany is the little towns though. These picturesque settlements dot the Tuscan landscape here and there – finding them is half the fun. Driving around the countryside, all the way admiring the pastoral beauty of the region, is quite special.

Some of the best Tuscan villages are Volterra, San Gimignano, Montepulciano, Montalcino, Bagni San Filippo, and Chianciano . The wine is exquisite.

Most villages specialize in their own grape varieties. For example, Montalcino has Brunello, and Montepulciano has Vino Nobile.

Distinguished Chianti comes from the region of the same name. Sangiovese is common in all parts of Tuscany.

Backpacking Cinque Terre

Northwest of Florence is one of Italy’s premier destinations: Cinque Terre . Literally meaning “five lands,” Cinque Terre is a series of five coastal villages. Perched romantically upon cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, these are among the most beautiful towns in Italy!

The five villages that compose Cinque Terre are Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso . Each town offers a slightly different experience but everyone is sure to knock your socks off. Get ready to meander around quaint seaside haunts and ancient stone walls, whose scale has been compared to the Great Wall of China.

There are several beaches around Cinque Terre. Each village should have its own though they vary in size. Notable beaches outside of the towns include Guvano, Fossola , and Persico .

There are several ways to explore Cinque Terre . Public transport links all the villages via bus or train. Getting around by boat is possible but expensive. Driving your own car is not advised as the roads and parking can be maddeningly busy.

One of the best ways to experience Cinque Terre is by walking! You can hike from village to village and stay in each as long as you like. The area isn’t larger either – you could literally walk the entire route in a half-day. Refer to this guide for more information.

Staying in Cinque Terre can be expensive. There are plenty of hostels around though, and I suggest booking them in advance. The best way to save cash is to use one of the many campgrounds in the area. Most of these camps are all outside of Cinque Terre proper but the area is so small that you could easily make daytrips and see all of the top sights.

Backpacking Bologna

Bologna  is a bit of a local secret and receives far fewer visitors than its Tuscan neighbor.  Staying a few days here should be a welcome change of pace.

The city is most famous for its many portic i and hosting the oldest university in the Western world. Lesser known is Bologna’s thriving gastronomic culture and nightlife – both are some of the best in Italy.

The most popular landmarks inside of Bologna are the Towers of the Asinelli and Garisenda, the Fontana di Nettuno, and Piazza Maggiore.

Piazza Maggiore is a hub that affords access to many of Bologna’s most important buildings including City Hall and the Basilica of San Petronio. This area is a convenient place to walk around and shouldn’t take too long.

The best thing to do in Bologna is walk the Via San Luca . Starting at the Porta Saragozza, this porticoed path leads through one of the longest arcades in the world. The porticos are super photogenic and the final view from San Luca Sanctuary is stunning. Check out this post for even more inspiration on things to do in Bologna. 

The evening is when Bologna truly comes alive. People crowd into eateries to sample some of the finest cuisine in Italy. You can find good food anywhere in Bologna. After dinner, the locals fill the streets and drink copiously. The awesomeness of Bologna’s after-hours has given it a reputation of being one of the best party cities in Italy. The top bars are around Piazza Verdi, Via Pratello , and Via Mascarella .

Backpacking Milan

Milan is Italy’s financial hub and champion of all things chic. The city consistently ranks as one of the most influential international cities in art, sport, fashion, business, you name it. It is also one of the most expensive cities in Europe with a very rich economy and some of the most successful enterprises on the entire continent. Backpackers in Milan will marvel at its extravagance but their wallets will shrivel from its prices.

The most important attraction in Milan is the impressive Duomo di Milano. This cathedral is one of the largest of its kind and one of the must-see places in Italy. Starting in the 14th Century, it took over 600 years to complete the construction of the Duomo. To this day, it is one of the grandest examples of Italian architecture.

Other popular landmarks around Milan are the Castello Sforzesco, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, the Church of Sant’Ambrogio, and the Cimitero Monumentale. Milan also has the honor of hosting one of the most famous paintings in the world: the Last Supper . You can (briefly) view the all-mighty piece at the Santa Maria delle Grazie. Tickets are pricey and highly sought-after.

There are so many art galleries and museums in Milan. It’d take a herculean effort to see them all but it’d be a rewarding quest. Don’t be like most visitors and just breeze through – stay in Milan for more than a couple of nights and really take the time to appreciate the underappreciated.

If you’re wanting to get out of the city, then head to a stylish stay in Lake Como , nestled in the Alps. This is a gorgeous alpine lake that has a Riviera-like vibe to it. You can participate in many activities around the lake including kitesurfing, paragliding, canyoneering, and kayaking.

Backpacking Turin

Located at the base of the Alps, Turin is one Italy’s most culturally and economically significant cities. It was once the capital of the first unified state of Italy and, to this day, still maintains an air of regality. Several prototypical Italian enterprises were started in Turin as well including the making of chocolate, cars, and Italian film.

Following World War II, Turin fell into relative obscurity. In recent years though, the city has undergone a renaissance of sorts and is as glorious as ever.

The most prominent feature in Turin is the Mole Antonelliana. Originally a synagogue, this monumental structure hosts the highest stone tower in Europe. Nowadays, the building is a museum for cinema.

Turin has a large number of royal palaces to visit. The most popular are the Royal House of Turin, the Palace of Venaria, and the Palazzo Carignano. Notice that the design of many of these places is more Baroque than Italian.

Outside of the city, there are plenty more royal retreats to visit. Head even farther – towards the Alps – and you’ll end up in the Aosta Valley , which is the gateway to the Gran Paradiso region. The skiing and hiking here is some of the best in Italy.

A lot of Italians like to poke fun or even judge Turin: they think it is a cold and depressing place, akin to Detroit or an Easter bloc city.

Turin is an exceptionally underrated cities in my opinion though. The people, although a bit insular, are way more down-to-earth than most Northerners and the city, although gritty, is honestly beautiful to look at. I’d recommend to anyone to stay a few days in Turin , in a heartbeat.

Backpacking Genoa

Like Bologna, Genoa remains pretty low under the radar. Many who are backpacking in Italy never really find a reason to visit this city. Despite its lack of attention, Genoa is one of the most important economic sectors in Italy. Its port is the busiest in the entire country and, historically, was the launching point of many of Italy’s greatest international expeditions.

Admittedly, there isn’t much in the way of tourist attractions in Genoa. There are a number of museums and mansions to visit here like the Palazzo Ducale, Palazzi dei Rolli, and Palazzo Spinola National Gallery. Most of these buildings are humble compared to the decadent residences of other Italian cities. None of this really matters though.

What makes Genoa really worthwhile is the fact that it appears so unabashed. The city maintains its tourism sector but it isn’t overflowing with tourists like Rome or Venice. Buildings are left to grow old, there’s a constant hum of local chatter, and hookers still freely roam the Old City, even. Genoa doesn’t really care about appearances and, for this reason, it feels like a much more authentic destination.

Being spared the mass of tourists, many people like to think that Genoa is one of the most “Italian” cities in the country. Explore the city a little and you’ll quickly discover that all of the staples of good Italian living are present: EXCELLENT food, a strong sense of culture, and a wealth of opportunity ;). For these reasons, Genoa is one of the best cities in Italy to live in.

Staying in Genoa also means you’ll have ready access to many of the aforementioned northern cities, like Cinque Terre, Milan, and Turin.

Backpacking Venice

Locally referred to as La Serenissima (The Most Serene) and the Queen of the Adriatic , Venice is a jewel of a city that should be on everyone’s must-see list.

Venice is, by-now, a household name, known across the entire world for the magnificence of its civil engineering. The city is spread across 118 islands and each one is connected via a complex system of canals and bridges. Visiting Venice will be an utterly unique experience as it is truly one of the most beautiful places in Italy.

Getting into Venice is a matter of taking public transport over the singular bridge connecting it to the mainland or by simply taking a boat. The latter is obviously more expensive but it can be way more convenient.

Cars are not allowed in the city. If you have one, you can park it at Tronchetto on the outskirts of Venice but the rates are super expensive. Just park on the mainland and take the bus or train – you’ll be glad you did.

Once you’re in the city of Venice, it’s just a matter of walking or taking an (expensive) gondola. If you want to save some cash, the city’s public aquataxis, locally known as Vaporetto , are more affordable and sometimes more convenient.

There is lots to see and do in Venice . Attractions that can’t be missed are the Piazza San Marco, Doge’s Palace, and the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore. Try and visit all of Venice’s most loved bridges including the Bridge of Sighs and the Rialto. Finally, the Grand Canal of Venice probably affords the best views in the entire city.

Accommodation in Venice proper is predictably very expensive. Most people stay across the lagoon in Mestre and then take the train into the old city. This is a perfectly viable way of seeing the city.

It’s often difficult to pick between Florence and Venice if you’re looking for that sweet sweet romance, but Venice when it is quiet is unbeatable. But so is Florence…

…Just go to both 😉

Backpacking Naples

Naples officially marks our entry into Southern Italy. This part of Italy thinks itself very independent from the rest of the country. Seriously, ask the locals – they’ll let you know what they think of their northern comrades in one manner or another. Thankfully, they are still super hospitable, and there are some great places to stay !

Naples is one of the largest metropolises in Italy and is only a few hour’s drive from Rome. The city is well-known for many things like Napolitano pizza, Mount Vesuvius, and endemic crime . Ultimately, Naples is different from most European cities in a lot of ways.

The worthiest attractions in Naples are more towards the edge of the city, particularly in the Chiaia and Vomero districts, and in the area around the Piazza Bellini. Popular sites in Naples include the Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and Castel Sant’Elmo. The views from Sant’Elmo, in particular, are top-notch.

Naples also has some of the most significant museums and galleries in all of Italy. The National Archaeological Museum hosts the largest collection of Roman architecture in the world and the National Gallery of Naples possesses some truly remarkable examples of Renaissance art.

Of course, no trip to Naples would be complete without a visit to the famous ruins of Pompeii and/or Herculaneum . Of legendary notoriety, Pompeii is a former Roman settlement that was decimated when local Mount Vesuvius blew. The blast was so swift and powerful that people were instantly encased in volcanic plaster. Visitors can still view the bodily remains  today.

If you’re up to the challenge you can also climb the still-active Vesuvius! The hike isn’t terribly daunting though as there’s a road that goes up most of the volcano.

Backpacking the Amalfi Coast

South of Naples is the Amalfi Coast . Stretching from Sorrento to Salerno , the Amalfi Coast is some of the finest coastline in the whole of Italy. The grandeur of this region has attracted myriad international celebrities, both real and fictional. Truly, the Amalfi Coast is one of the must-see places in Italy!

The scene on the Amalfi Coast is this: picturesque towns hang upon cliffs that overlook the sapphire water of the Mediterranean Sea. The villages are painted a rainbow of colors and these are punctuated by the occasional hallowed duomo. Italian splendor at its finest.

There are a lot of different places to visit and base oneself on the Amalfi Coast . Each one offers its own unique charm. Furore is known for its fjord and ornate bridge, while Maiori is famous for having the longest beach. The most popular villages are probably Positano and Amalfi itself. Visit each one and discover their inimitable qualities.

Both the Amalfi and Cinque Terre are super similar. You could probably get away with just seeing one or the other. The biggest between the two is that the latter has more hiking opportunities. There are trails in the Amalfi but they’re in the mountains and away from the coast.

Like Cinque, you should visit the Amalfi Coast without a car. Renting a scooter could be a fun and effective means of getting around if you’re a confident driver. Otherwise, buses service most of the villages.

If you REALLY want to put a cherry on top of your visit here, then consider making a day trip out to the islands of Capri and/or Ischia . Both are easily reached by ferry from Sorrento (1hour) and the beauty of both is well worth the hype.

Backpacking Puglia

The “heel of Italy” – Puglia – has been visited by a myriad of civilizations over the last couple of millennia. The Greeks, Byzantines, Turks, and even the vassals of the Holy Roman Empire have settled here. Thus, Puglia is one of the most culturally diverse regions in Italy. The dialects, here, are as varied as they are difficult to understand. The landscape – a combination of long beaches and sun-baked earth – is also drop dead gorgeous.

The capital of the Puglia region is Bari . It’s an important city that serves as the primary launching pad for the region and for the neighboring Adriatic nations. Most the local landmarks, like the Basilica di San Nicola and Palazzo Fizzarotti, can be found around the labyrinthian Bari Vecchia (Old City). If you are headed to the Balkans you can catch the overnight ferry from Bari to Bar in Montengro. Stay in one of Bari’s best hostels if you want to explore the region for a bit longer.

Brindisi is another important port where you can catch a ferry and commence backpacking Greece. The pure, whitewashed buildings of Brindisi are a staple of the region. Ostuni and Monte Sant’Angelo are also prime examples of this style.

The ocean around Puglia is a ridiculous azure hue and the blazing whites of the Pugilian buildings create a gorgeous juxtaposition with the water. The best coastlines in Puglia are around Lecce and Monopli . Polignano a Mare – which is close to Monopli – is one of the most beautiful beach towns in Italy and shouldn’t be missed.

Backpacking Sicily

Sicily is like a furnace in many ways. Its summers can be oppressively hot. The locals have a fiery passion when comes to their heritage. Also, there’s an extremely active volcano – Mt. Etna – present. If I may say, Sicily is a “blast” to visit. (That will be the only pun, I swear.)

The capital of Sicily is bustling Palermo . Staying in Palermo will be a frenetic experience but it will be worth it once you’ve had your first granita: a kind of ice cream that the locals commonly eat in the morning.

Palermo does suffer somewhat from its ongoing conflict with the mafia , who have a very real presence here – just don’t mention this to the locals .

The second most visited Sicilian city is Catania . Catania is home to some stunning Baroque architecture and the busiest university on the island. Catania has some solid beaches – La Plaja being the longest – and is the base for climbing the temperamental Mt. Etna. Most locals will say that Catanese cuisine is the best part of the city though.

Being an arc of ancient culture, Sicily is full of ruins, particularly those of the Greek variety. The most spectacular of archaeological sites are in Agrigento .

There is so much to do in Sicily – the charming Taormina neighborhoods , the Aeolian Islands , the wine cellars of Marsala – that finding a base will be difficult. I suggest staying in one or two places in Sicily and breaking up your trip. It would be very difficult to see the whole island from just one base.

Backpacking Sardinia

Sardinia : the Italian’s idea of an “island paradise.” Sardinia is one of the most beautiful islands in Italy , arguably more than Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast.

Life in Sardinia is pretty slow and there isn’t a lot of nightlife. The locals have a reputation for being pretty insular as well – don’t expect many bubbly personalities here. This island will mostly appeal to lovers of nature and quiet, as well as those looking to embark on an Italian yoga retreat .

The major cities of Sardinia are Cagliari, Olbia, Sassari . The first two are where the majority of the ferries arrive. These settlements serve as prime entryways for the rest of the island.

The most beautiful beaches in Sardinia are located in the north. These are, seriously, some of the best stretches of sand in the whole of Europe. The coast around La Maddalena, Costa Smeralda, Budoni, Santa Teresa di Gallura, Porto Istana, and the Bay of Orosei are all superlative. Other notable sites, like the multicolored village of Castelsardo and elegant Grotte di Nettuno , are also worth visiting.

The best hiking is towards the center of the island around the Gennargentu National Park . You can refer to the Trekking section for more details on trails in this area.

Sardinia can be hugely expensive, especially in the summer. Ferries tickets and lodging in Sardinia are both pricey. Camping will be the only option for many backpackers. Luckily, Sardinia has an extensive campground system.

Off the Beaten Path in Italy

At #5, Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world. You’d think and sometimes depress over the fact that there’s nowhere in the country where you can escape the tourist hordes. You’d be wrong though. There are parts of Italy that, I shit you not, are empty – not a soul in sight. With a little effort, you’ll be off the beaten path in Italy in no time.

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Backpacking Eastern Italy

The East of Italy – composed of Umbria, Marche , and Abruzzo – is eerily devoid of foreigners. Hell, there are only a handful of hostels to be found in those last two regions combined . So what’s the deal?

The east of Italy is one of the least populated and untapped areas in the whole country. The potential that these regions have is astounding. The locals know this, as most of the tourists that visit are usually Italian. Any expat that’s been here either knows someone or has done a lot of digging.

Umbria possesses some very significant sites. Perugia is a lovely medieval town with a booming university that makes it actually really fun. Assisi is the birthplace of one of the greatest minds in history and its basilica is a priceless treasure of medieval art. Umbria is also the site for some the Romans’ greatest engineering accomplishments, like the man-made Cascata delle Marmore.

Marche has all the same characteristics that make Tuscany great – medieval villages, pastoral scenery, and great wine included. Notably, the former has more picturesque mountains – the Sibillini – and a more accessible coastline – the Adriatic. Recanati is one of the finest Italian towns that I’ve ever visited. The Beach of the Two Sisters – near Ancona – could give Sardinia a run for its money as well.

Abruzzo is unspoiled. Some have even described the region as one of “ Italy’s last wilderness (s).” The mountainous parks of Gran Sasso and Maiella are full of hiking opportunities. Sulmona, Chieti, and Scanno are all enchanting medieval villages. The beaches of Abruzzo are no slouch either.

Visit any one these regions for a more intimate Italian experience.

Backpacking Southern Italy

Now we’re really in the middle of nowhere. The regions of Molise, Basilicata, and Calabria are some of the least talked about areas in Italy. Some Italians don’t even know where some of these destinations are.

Molise is the newest and probably most neglected region in Italy. It’s sometimes perceived as totally abject and is usually the butt of “wtf is Molise” jokes . To be honest, the attractions in Molise are pretty sparse.

This doesn’t mean that what Molise offers is shit though. One of Italy’s most beautiful archipelagos is the nearby Tremiti Islands, accessible by ferry from Termoli . This island chain is extraordinary and relatively untouched by mass tourism. Back on the mainland, Bagnoli del Trigno is a unique hilltop village that was actually partially cut out of a cliffside.

South of Molise is Basilicata, which, like the former, is relatively empty. Basilicata has received a little international attention though. The village of Matera was recently named the 2019 Cultural Capital of Europe and was a James Bond filming location on the lastest movie. Abandoned Craco has served as a film set for several movies including the Passion of the Christ.

Other destinations in Basilicata are still hidden from the masses. Castelmezzano is a tiny village built defiantly at the base of the craggy Dolomiti Lucane. Melfi is home to a wonderful Norman castle.

Finally, we arrive at the infamous Calabria, which seems to be every Italian’s favorite holiday spot. Calabria is well known amongst Italians (for good and bad) but it still evades foreign attention. The beaches here are probably the best on the mainland. Popular beach towns include Praia a Mare, Tropea, Capo Vaticano, and Pizzo. Scilla, Soverato,  and Caminia maintain relative anonymity.

Backpacking Lesser Known Cities

There are so many cities in Italy that are worth visiting. Most visitors stick to the crowded favorites, which have been outlined in this guide already. If you’re sick of the endless tourists and want to get a taste of the alternative though, these oft-neglected locations make for a great detour.

Below is a list of some lesser-visited cities in Italy. Most of these are very accessible by public transit so you won’t have to rent a car. Also, note that the majority of these locations have multiple forms of backpacker lodging. I’ve included links to all of the relevant accommodation pages for your convenience.

Top Things to Do in Italy

Italy is home to some of the best things to do in the entirety of backpacking Europe … Let’s see what we got!

1. Tour the canals of Venice

See why Venice is considered one of Italy’s best cities to visit! Walk amongst the canals and discover all the secret nooks that the city hides.

2. Experience the Glory of Rome

Rome may be one of the most historically significant cities in the entire world. A walk in this city, around the monuments and ruins, is unlike any other. A trip to Italy isn’t complete without Rome.

3. Hike in the Dolomites

The Dolomites are some of the most beautiful mountains in Europe. Pack a bag and go for a multi-day trek among these imposing peaks.

4. Party in Bologna

Because of its fantastic cuisine and raucous nightlife, Bologna is one the best cities in Italy! The greatest part: it’s a relative unknown amongst the international crowd.

5. Take a wine tour

Italy produces some of the best wines in the world. Drive around one of the many wine regions – like Tuscany or Marche – and sample as many vintages as you can in winery tours around Italy . When travelling Italy, you must take time to sample the good stuff.

6. Relax in a coastal village

Visiting one of the little seaside towns is one of the quintessential Italian experiences. Go exploring and see if you can find a beach all to yourself.

7. Visit a museum or gallery in Italy

Italy hosts some of the most important pieces of fine art in the world. Seeing the likes of the Last Supper or David is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

8. Climb a volcano

Italy is home to some of the most active volcanoes in Europe. Steel yourself, and climb up to the caldera of Etna or Vesuvius to stare into the smoky void.

9. Visit a less popular city

Italy has its fair share of amazing cities – Rome, Florence, and Venice to name a few. There are way more lesser-known cities that are worth seeing though like Genoa, Parma, and Syracuse.

10. Visit the Italian lakes

As well as classic cities, a gorgeous coast and mega mountains, Italy also has a few epic lakes. The most famous, and best Italian lakes , are Lake Garda and Lake Como which are often frequented by the rich and famous.

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Backpacker Accommodation in Italy

Most of Italy’s major destinations will have several hostels to choose from and all of them are of exceptional quality. You’d have to venture pretty far to find an Italian destination without a backpacker lodge. Just keep in mind that they can get pricey in the tourist season !

There are a number of other accommodation types in Italy though, from quaint bed & breakfasts to rural farm stays and luxurious vacation rentals .

If you’re really trying to travel around Italy on a budget, then couchsurfing will be one of your best options. This is a great way to meet some of the locals and experience a more intimate side of Italy too. Travelling Italy becomes more of adventure too!

Honestly though, the best way of sacking up in Italy is by camping . The Italian campgrounds are very well maintained and the vibes here can be fantastic. loved camping in Italy, and so did my wallet.

To help you find the absolute best places to stay in Italy during your backpacking adventure, check out our in-depth article on the best hostels in Italy . There are some true hostel gems in there so give it a look!

Best Places to Stay in Italy

Italy backpacking costs.

At a first glance, Italy looks spenny as fuck . Your biggest outgoing is likely to be accommodation, and during peak season prices can be unpayable.

If you really want to visit Italy on a budget, balance visiting busy tourist hubs with going super remote (try anywhere in Molise), as places to stay are much cheaper, and so is food! People are kinder to tourists too, which goes a long way!

A comfortable budget for backpacking Italy would be around $50-$60 daily. A restaurant meal will cost on average $15 while a panini or snack will be around $4. Most alcoholic drinks will also be around $5-$8, again, depending on when and where you are.

There are lots of ways of saving some cash if you’re backpacking around Italy. Here are some tips and tricks for saving money.

• Go camping – camping is by far the cheapest way of sleeping.
• Couchsurf – it’s very popular in Europe.
• Cook at home – Italian groceries are cheap and of a high quality.
• Buy your own wine – bottles are usually $5.
• Try ride sharing – most of the time, BlaBlaCar will be your cheapest transportation option.
• Find free stuff – there are plenty of free things to do in the cities. Check this guide out here for a good start.
• Backpack with friends – you’ll end up splitting costs.

Like most tourists hotspots, Italy is subject to substantial seasonal rates. Backpacking in Italy during the summer when every other nation is on vacation will definitely be more expensive. Those that really want to travel to Italy on a budget should visit from October-March when prices will be much lower.

A Daily Budget in Italy

Money in italy.

Italy uses the Euro, which is accepted in over twenty-four European nations. As of February 2023, the Euro’s conversion rate is 1=1.06 US dollars.

ATMs and banks can be found throughout Italy, and you should never have a problem withdrawing cash. Most ATMs charge a fee for converting currency, but getting a zero foreign transaction fee card, like a Quicksilver Visa or a Charles Schwab card can keep the costs down!

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Travel Tips – Italy on a Budget

• Camp: Whatever your Italy backpacking route, there should be plenty of gorgeous places to camp. Italy can be a great place to camp in the rural areas. While wild camping is illegal in Italy, you can still find some pretty remote places to camp for free. Check out this post for a breakdown of the best tents to take backpacking. Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous and want to save some cash, consider picking up a backpacking hammock.
• Cook your own food: If you are on a tight budget, you can save money by cooking your own food – I recommend bringing a portable backpacking stove.
• Book your transportation early: Both plane and train tickets are much cheaper if you purchase them in advance.
• Couchsurf: Italians are awesome, and I am so grateful I was able to explore its cities with local friends. Check out Couch surfing to make some real friendships and see this country from the perspective of locals.
• Pack a travel water bottle and save money every day!

Why You Should Travel to Italy with a Water Bottle

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

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The Best Time to Travel to Italy

The best time to visit Italy is in the spring and autumn, during the shoulder seasons.Italy is subject to two distinct climates: a classic Mediterranean one in the south and a milder subtropical one in the north. Both have similar characteristics though having warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters.

Summers in Italy can be really, really hot, especially in the south. Many locations, even those as far north as Bologna, can get well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the middle of August. When I was Florence in 2017, it was a season-high 112.

Winters in Italy are pretty mild. Places of a higher elevation, like those near the Alps, Apennine, and various volcanoes do receive a respectable amount of snow still.

Autumn and spring are probably the loveliest times of year to visit Italy. The Italian spring is characterized by gentle rains and a lushness of the landscape. Note that snow still lingers in mountains in spring and won’t clear until June.

Festivals in Italy

Italy has a good mix of religious, cultural, musical, and agricultural festivals. Regardless of the type of celebration though, Italians go all out and the festivities can get absolutely nutty at times! People throwing fruit at each other, neighborhood gangs getting in turf (fist) fights, thousands crowding into streets while dressed like jesters – these are just a few tastes of how Italians celebrate.

If you want to attend an Italian festival, steel yourself and prepare for the ride of your life!

• Carnevale (February/March) – Italy’s own carnival. Venice’s version is most famous as everyone dresses in masks and harlequin-like outfits.
• Battle of the Oranges (February/March) – The largest food fight in Italy! Takes place in Ivrea.
• Festa della Sensa (May) – Celebration that commemorates Venice’s relationship with the sea. The waters around Venice are packed with civilian boats that range from dingy to epic in appearance.
• La Corsa dei Ceri (May) – One of the greatest religious processions in Italy. Honors Saint Ubaldo, and is held in Gubbio
• Umbria Jazz (July) – One of the most important jazz festivals in the world. Takes place in  Perugia. There’s also a winter version held in Orvieto.
• Palio di Siena (August/September) – Rival neighborhoods in Siena meet and compete in various competitions, most well-known being horse races. Can be quite energetic.
• Harvest Sagre (October-November) – The autumn harvest and food festivals. Nearly every region holds their own around this time.
• Musica dei Popoli (October/November) – A large festival that showcases alternative and folk Italian music. Held in Florence.
• Club to Club (November) – A large electronic festival held in Turin.

What to Pack for Italy

There isn’t really any social or religious stigma when it comes to dressing up in Italy. People wear comfortable clothes in the summer and dress warmly for the winter just like everywhere else. Packing light clothing in the summer is definitely a good idea as it can be very hot during this time in Italy.

The only requirement for dressing in Italy is that you need to look like you give a shit about your appearance. Fashion in Italy is a fairly serious affair. If an Italian is going to be seen in public, they’re going to make damn sure that they look clean and composed. I’ve even known locals to wear a suit and tie to the fucking doctor; I would usually wear a pair of sweats in this situation.

So in conclusion: wear whatever you feel most comfortable in but just make sure that it’s a decent outfit. If you have ratty-ass backpacker clothing (like the kind I wore after backpacking through Africa) make sure you limit how much you wear it. The locals will be much more receptive to a dapper individual.

If you’re looking for some tips, be sure to check out my full Italian packing list . Otherwise, consider bringing less with you and buying some clothes when you arrive.

Essential Items for Backpacking Italy

On every adventure, there are six things I never go traveling without:

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Staying Safe in Italy

While Italy is generally safe , probably the one hazard that everyone considers when backpacking in Italy is the mafia . Let’s clear a few things up.

Firstly: the term mafia isn’t an encompassing word – the mafia actually just refers to the Sicilian branch, which is officially named Cosa Nostra. Secondly: while organized crime in Italy is a very serious problem, they don’t target tourists all that much. Hell, you’ll probably be interacting with syndicate members regularly, and never know it. Besided, there are several ingenious ways to hide your money .

Like any country with an exaggerated criminal presence, it’s best to just stay out of trouble. The only way that you’ll actually be affected by the Italian gangs is if you consciously get involved with them. So don’t worry too much about being the target of a “hit” or having your car blown-up – that stuff only happens in the movies.

Accidents and ‘wrong-place-wrong-time’ moments do happen, but there are several ways to avoid idiocy whilst attempting to stay safe .

Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Italy

When it comes to having fun, Italians are a bit nocturnal, much like their Spanish latitude neighbours. Most Italians will take their sweet time before hitting the town – first grabbing an aperitivo, then dinner, then a coffee, and only then will they kick into high gear. By the time they’re ready, it’s already past midnight. Those visiting Italy for the first time may find this process somewhat tedious.

Just because the Italians stay-up late doesn’t mean they necessarily drink more as well. In fact, most Italians are very regimented in their drinking habits. They start with a low-alcoholic drink and then slowly move up the ladder. If someone starts calling for shots though, then it’s serious party business.

Italians also love to drink in public spaces whenever possible. In the wee hours of the night, most of the squares (ironically those adjacent to the churches) will be packed full of people drinking negronis, limoncello, and sambuca. These moments are usually filled with conversation as opposed to drunken disorderliness.

If you find yourself in a social situation where you’re surrounded by merry locals, just be yourself and try not to get too wasted. Italians don’t care for drunks and it’s a quick way to alienate yourself, especially if you’re looking to hook-up. Just be confident and straightforward with them – they’re very receptive to this sort of behavior.

Drugs are dutifully illegal in Italy. If you wanted to score some, you’d best head to clubs. Be careful when soliciting though – many who are looking to buy drugs are taken advantage of and it’s quick to get in touch with the seedy underbelly of the criminal world. So just be careful, and know who you’re buying from.

Travel Insurance for Italy

Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

How to Get Into Italy

Being a European nation, Italy is very easy to enter and to move within. Customs are a breeze, transportation is efficient, and onward travel options are numerous. When backpacking Italy, you should have no problem knowing where to go next.

Flying into Rome, Naples, Venice, Florence, or Milan is acceptable, and can result in some surprisingly good prices. As always, I recommend jumping on Skyscanner and checking for those low prices baby, low prices …

…mmm.

Italy borders Slovenia, Austria, Switzerland and France. You can get in through any of these very easily as they are all part of the EU (ok, Switzerland isn’t, but for these purposes, it is), and out again too!

You can even take a boat from Sicily to Tunisia or vice versa, but they will make you check in over 2 hours before departure and it is pretty horrific with no cabin (although super doable for the tough cookies out there). Trust.

Entry Requirements for Italy

As part of an attempt to strengthen borders, all members of the 63 previously visa-free countries must register with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) from 2024 onwards. While this is not as tedious as a Visa, it’s an extra step that you should complete before arrival.

An ETIAS authorisation is valid for 3 years.

Those who reside in the Schengen Zone only need an EU ID card to enter a neighbouring country. All other world nations require a passport (and ETIAS authorisation).

Most non-EU nations can qualify for a 90-day visa that is valid in any participating European nation. There are always exceptions though, so be sure to check the official website before you start backpacking in Europe.

See here for a list of all European nations in the Schengen Zone. Remember that not every nation in Europe is a part of this agreement.

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How to Get Around Italy

Italy has a very expansive public transportation system. You can get just about anywhere via bus or train.

Buses are cheap, comfortable, and ubiquitous. You can buy a ticket at a local shop or ticket office but your best bet would be to use an online resource, like Bookaway, Flixbus, or Omio.

Also like the rest of Europe, train travel can be a varied experience with multiple classes and departure options. Regional trains are the most affordable type of locomotive travel and usually take a bit more time. High-speed trains are quicker and more expensive, servicing only extra-city routes like Rome-Milan or Bologna-Florence. Like buses, it’s best to buy a ticket ahead of time, preferably online (you can get a sim card for Italy easily).

Renting a car is a great way to explore Italy at your own pace. You can sort your car rental here in just a few minutes. Booking in advance is the best way to ensure you score the lowest price and your choice of vehicle. Often, you can find the best car rental prices when you pick up the rental from the airport.

Make sure you also purchase a RentalCover.com policy to cover your vehicle against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk.

Italian highways are very modern and navigable. Italians drive on the right side of the road. Try to avoid driving in cities where congestion becomes a problem. Some, like Florence and Venice, won’t even allow vehicles in the center.

Note that drivers can be subject to a lot of fees. Toll gates are numerous and almost unavoidable while driving on the main highways. Traffic cameras are also ubiquitous and will ticket you for even the most minor of infractions. Fuel is also quite expensive in Italy by European standards, so much so that many Italians have resorted to driving alternative fuel vehicles that use methane and electricity.

Hitchhiking is very difficult in Italy. Most Italian drivers won’t even bother to stop unless, for some reason, they know you. If you do get a ride, it’s probably because a fellow tourist has taken pity on you.

Campervan Hire in Italy

A great way to backpack Italy is with a van. Campervans are awesome. Few things in life get me as excited as a good road trip in a campervan. Traveling in Italy by campervan is bound to be a fantastic experience. Renting a campervan in Italy is easy too.

There are so many off-the-beaten-path adventures to be had in Italy. Campervan hire is your key to adventure (and comfort)!

Onwards Travel from Italy

Italy shares friendly borders with nearly every country in its vicinity and these can be crossed via plane, train, automobile, ferry, you name it.

Those coming and going from one of the Schengen countries will have the least trouble crossing borders. Buses and trains link Italy directly with France, Switzerland, Austria, and further to Germany, and Spain.

Those who want to go backpacking in Greece afterwards should utilize one of the many convenient ferries that cross the Adriatic Sea. Ferries also link Italy with other non-Schengen Adriatic countries like Croatia, Albania, and Montenegro. Brindisi and Bari are the most obvious (and straightforward) ports.

Really, there are no trains towards eastern Europe, even the stunning Slovenia . However, it’s very possible to grab a bus in this direction, and you can get pretty far, pretty quick like this!

Working in Italy

Trying to be a digital nomad in Rome or Florence will kill your bank account, but Italy can be great if you go off the beaten track, especially in lesser-known regions. There are no special visas available, and cafes are usually without extra plug sockets. That said, data coverage is strong, and there are some awesome places to work from!

If your heart is REALLY set on working in Italy, though, Global Work and Travel may be able to help. With opportunities to Teach English, Au Pair, or Tutor, Global Work and Travel assist you with the VISA process and offer a pretty sweet support system throughout your stay, whatever option you choose.

Volunteering in Italy

Volunteering abroad is an amazing way to experience a culture whilst giving something back. There are loads of different volunteer projects in Italy ranging from teaching, to animal care, to agriculture to pretty much everything!

Italy is a wealthy and well-developed country, so volunteers from abroad aren’t necessarily in high demand. Most opportunities you’ll find are in hospitality and housekeeping, which usually provide free meals and accommodation in return. You won’t need a specific visa if you plan on volunteering for less than 90 days, but non-EU residents will need to apply for one if they’re staying long-term. 

If you want to find volunteering opportunities in Italy, then we recommend that you Signup for Worldpackers –  a volunteer platform that connects local hosts directly with traveling volunteers. As a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll also get a special discount of $10 when you sign up. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39.

Volunteer programs run through reputable work exchange programs like Worldpackers are usually very well-managed and reputable. However, whenever you are volunteering, do stay vigilant especially when working with animals or children.

Italian Culture

You can’t backpack through Italy and not form some kind of an impression about the people. Italian behavior is, by now, well documented by popular culture. The close-talking, the animated body language, the frankness of the conversation – most of these stereotypes are actually pretty spot-on.

When interacting with an Italian, the first thing that you may notice is that they have little regard for personal space. They will make physical contact quite casually with others e.g. put a hand on your shoulder or kiss a cheek. Keep an eye out for their gestures as well as Italians throw around their arms and hands in an overly excited way sometimes. Don’t feel threatened – it’s just how Italians communicate.

Because of their directness, Italian men may appear overly machismo or degrading when they interact with women. To be honest, most Italian men that I’ve met are actually very respectful of the opposite sex. It’s only a few bad apples that get the attention and, in defence of Italian men, every country has asshole dudes.

At the end of the day, Italians have a pretty good sense of humor when it comes to their idiosyncrasies. Don’t be afraid to talk to them about their behavior as they love to explain themselves.

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An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Useful Travel Phrases for Italy

Did you know that “certified Italian” is only spoken in the center of Italy – around Rome – and that there are, in fact, 34 other languages and dialects that are officially recognized? Yee, Italy sometimes has problems communicating.

Most Italians will comment on how they can’t understand their neighbors and how frustrating it is. A person from Milan would probably have a lot of difficulty when talking to a Sicilian because their dialects are so different. For those backpacking through Italy, this can make things difficult as a lot of the Italian that they’ve learned will become redundant depending on where they are.

There are, of course, certain staples of the Italian language that will always be universal though. Learning a few of them will be better than knowing nothing at all. Below, I have written the pronunciations for a few helpful Italian phrases with English translations.

If speaking Italian proves to be too difficult, English is still widely spoken in most of the larger cities and by the majority of the youth. Certain regions that share a border with another European nation will also speak more of that particular country’s language. For example, many people from the Valle d’Aosta region speak French while those from Trentino use a local dialect of German.

• Piacere – nice to meet you
• Come va? – how are you?
• Mi può aiutare? – can you help me?
• Quanto costa? – how much does that cost?
• Un caffé, per favore – one coffee, please
• Buon Giorno / Buona sera / Buona notte – good morning/ good evening/ goodnight
• Mi scusi – excuse me
• Nessun sacchetto di plastica – No plastic bag
• Nessuna cannuccia per favore – No straw please
• Nessuna posate di plastica per favore – No plastic cutlery please
• Come ti chiami? – what’s your name?
• mi chiamo… – My name is…
• Tutto bene – all’s well
• Grazie mille – thank you so much

What to Eat in Italy

Most of the Italian food that foreigners eat is pretty generic and bland. Those visiting Italy for the first time will be happy to hear that the authentic stuff is much better and totally worth it; actually, it’s fucking fantastic.

The key to good Italian cooking is using limited ingredients. Don’t call Italian food simple though – it’s really amazing how diverse the cuisine can be with so few parts. Most dishes only have 3-4 components and using anymore is considered overkill. As one Italian put it while they were watching me make a meal with 5+ ingredients: “you’re shitting outside of the toilet.”

Pasta is, of course, one the most popular Italian dishes and it’s classically served for lunch. Pizza is widely adored though some Italians are irritated by tourists’ constant request for them. Here’s a tip to avoid the local’s ire: don’t order pizza at a restaurant; order one at a pizzeria. Italians only eat pizza in pizzerias.

These are only the basic food groups though. There are hundreds (maybe thousands) of Italian dishes hailing from every corner of the country. Each corner of Italy will have its own version as well i.e. pizza in Naples is very different from pizza in Milan.

Cooking is an integral part of Italian identity. One could easily spend their entire journey dedicated to just exploring Italian cuisine and they would be better off than most.

Popular Italian Dishes

For those that are ready to begin their culinary expedition, I’ve created a list of ten of the must-try foods in Italy. Each item is followed by the region that it originated from.

• Tortellini  (Emilia-Romagna)  – pasta dumplings stuffed with ricotta and acacia flower.
• Frico  (Friuli Venezia Giulia)  – baked dish w/ cheese and potatoes.
• Lagane  (Basilicata)  – wide pasta w/ chickpeas, garlic, and oil.
• Pizza Napolitana  (Campania)  – pizza made (specifically) with San Marzano tomatoes and Mozzarella di Bufala.
• Orecchiette  (Puglia)  – pasta that resembles a “small ear.”
• Pilao  (Sardinia)  – rice prepared with various ingredients; similar to pilaf.
• Pasta con sarde  (Sicilia)  – pasta w/ sardines, raisins, pine nuts, fennel, and saffron.
• Risotto  (Milano)  – slow cooked rice w/ butter, saffron, and produce.
• Strudel  (Trentino)  – made w/ apples, pine nuts, raisins, and cinnamon.
• Abbacchio  (Lazio)  – pan-fried meats w/ herbs, olive oil, and white wine.
• Polenta  (Valle d’Aosta)  – boiled cornmeal that is then pressed into blocks.
• Bisi  (Veneto)  – rice and peas.
• Olive all’Ascolana  (Marche)  – fried olives that are stuffed w/ meats.

Books to Read While Backpacking Italy

These are some of my favorite travel reads and books set in Italy, which you should consider picking up before you begin your backpacking adventure…

• Under the Tuscan Sun – One of the original travel novels that promoted Tuscany as a tourist destination.
• I, Claudius – A semi-autobiographical novel concerning one of Rome’s most unlikely emperors, Tiberius Claudius, who witnessed the rise and fall of some the Empire’s most notorious figures.
• Gomorrah – The best-selling novel that seeks to expose the corruption and inner dealings of Naple’s major crime syndicate, the Camorra. Now a hit TV show.
• If on a Winter’s Night a Traveler – Italo Calvino was one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. This novel is a collection of his most regarded short stories.
• My Brilliant Friend – A triumph of Italian literature. The story of two friends as they try to live their lives in post-WWII Naples.

Brief History of Italy

The history of Italy is one of the most impressive sagas in human civilization. Most people know of Italy’s greatest contributions like the Roman Empire and Renaissance. Oddly enough though, the history of modern Italy isn’t discussed much for one reason or another.

The current state of Italy can be traced back to the 19th century when the various Italian states, who had been warring for almost half of a millennia, began to unify. Under a collection of ambitious individuals – including Victor Emmanuel II and Giuseppe Garibaldi – Italy would be whole again for the first time in ages.

Neighboring France played a large role in the Risorgimento (Revival) of a unified Italy thanks to the French Revolution, which inspired many revolutionaries, and to the foreign aid that they provided, which helped Italy overcome costly wars against Austria. When Rome was retaken in 1870, the Risorgimento was complete and the Kingdom of Italy was born.

For the next forty years, Italy would undergo a process of reorganization in an attempt to join the modern world. At the onset of World War I, they had, ultimately, done a very poor job and were extremely ill-equipped. After famously bowing out of the conflict, things got worse for the country.

Fascism rose in the wake of WWI. Benito Mussolini became the most powerful man in the country and quickly allied himself with Adolf Hitler. Long story short: World War II kicked-off, and we all know how that ended up.

Since WWII, Italy has struggled in its attempts to recapture its former glory. There have been moments of great prosperity but these have been tarnished by greater economic hardship, corruption, and political dissonance. At the moment, Italy’s current political state is still a bit of a question mark.

Some Unique Experiences in Italy

You can get up to some absolute antics in Italy, especially if you jump aboard the European spirit of flirting with the outdoors and unexpected interactions…

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Hiking in the Dolomites

The Dolomites are some of the most stunning mountains in the world! A subsection of the Alps, the Dolomites are characterized by their jagged carbonate peaks that often resemble towers, teeth or even talons.

The Dolomites is a mecca for outdoors enthusiasts who want to backpack through Italy. There are thousands of trails crisscrossing this region and hikers can spend weeks in the mountains here.

The Dolomites benefit from an awesome public transport system. You can get to just about any trail with a bus, which eliminates the need for a car. Once you’re in the mountains, you’ll obviously have to hoof it from camp to camp.

Accommodation usually comes in the form of rifugi, which are essentially mountain huts. These huts offer bunk beds and, depending on what you paid, 1-3 meals a day. The food of the rifugi, which is a mix of Italian and German cuisine, is surprisingly delicious.

Rifugi can be expensive at $50-$100/night. Those who want to save some cash can bivvy so long as they do so in an inconspicuous manner. Wilderness backpackers will probably have to pack their own food as well because the rifugi usually have only enough food to feed their guests.

For those who want to learn more about the Dolomites, I suggest picking up this book . It’s one of the most informative ones that I’ve found.

Hiking in the Apennine Mountains

The Apennine Mountains are located in the center of Italy and stretch from Genoa to Calabria. Spread across this mountain chain are several different Italian national parks that offer great hiking opportunities.

The Sibillini Mountains , located in the Marche region, are not as tall as the Alps or as dramatic as the Dolomites – the landscape of the Sibillini is slightly gentler and very pastoral. The wildflowers and meadows here can be spectacular though. The Sibillini is also much, much quieter compared to the Alps. Those interested in walking here can refer to this webpage outlining all the most popular trails in the area.

South of the Sibillini is Gran Sasso in Abruzzo. The highest peak in the area is Como Grande, whose distinct profile is often seen from miles away. Despite having prime conditions for hiking and skiing, the Gran Sasso receives very few visitors. This is very surprising considering that the park is only a few hours drive from Rome.

Hiking in Sicily

Much like Sardinia, Sicily offers some great walks that go from sea to sky, the latter coming in the form of active volcanoes!

The best place to go hiking in Sicily is around the Aeolian Islands where you’ll get a good mix of beach and mountain trails. Stromboli , the local volcano, is the most popular trek here as hikers are afforded the chance of seeing an active crater, noxious fumes and spitting lava included. Those looking for something more pleasant will find plenty of beauty along the coastline outside of Lipari .

More great trails can be found around the Vendicari Reserve, Zingaro Reserve, and Mt Etna . Interested backpackers can head to this website for a brief overview of several Sicilian hikes.

Scuba Dive Italy on a Liveaboard Trip

Love Scuba Diving? Taking a Liveaboard trip in Italy might just be the thing for you.

For diving lovers, there might not be a better way to get the full Italian diving experience than joining a Liveaboard trip.

On a Liveaboard trip you spend your days exploring the best dive sites in any given area. Nights are spent eating tasty food and socializing with fellow dive maniacs.

Be sure that in Italy, Liveaboard trips are not the cheapest endeavors. That said, a Liveaboard trip is the way to go if you are looking to spend a chunk of time diving and exploring.

Joining an Organized Tour in Italy

For most countries, including Italy, solo travel is the name of the game. That said, if you are short on time, energy, or just want to be part of an awesome group of travelers you can opt to join an organized tour. Joining a tour is a great way to see a majority of the country quickly and without the effort that goes into planning a backpacking trip. However—not all tour operators are created equal—that is for sure.

G Adventures  is a solid down-to-earth tour company catering to backpackers just like you, and their prices and itineraries reflect the interests of the backpacker crowd. You can score some pretty sweet deals on epic trips in Italy for a fraction of the price of what other tour operators charge.

Check out some of their awesome  itineraries for Italy  here…

FAQs on Backpacking Italy

Here’s what people usually ask us about travelling around Italy.

Is Backpacking through Italy a good idea?

Recognising that as a travel writer, I’m obligated to say yes, it’s still a yes. Backpacking through Italy is a great idea! Be sure to do your research beforehand though, and bring a tent if you are an exceptionally broke backpacker! Oh, and get authorised by ETIAS (starting May 2023).

What are the Best Places to Visit in Italy for Backpackers?

Starting from the top! 1. Rome – Obvious, brilliant, and buzzy! 2. Florence – Artsy, mercantile romantic 3. Venice – boats man! 4. Milan – racing, fashion, and better looking people than anywhere else 5. Bologna – underrated, vibey 6. Cinque Terre – seaside, quaint, beautiful; 7. Tuscany – wine region (enough said) 8. Turin – More royal palaces than people 9. Genoa – another underrated gemstone 10. Naples – unbeatable going out scene (and other old stuff)

Where are the Best Places to go Backpacking in Europe?

At the top of the list: Greece, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Portugal, France, and England . Why? You’ve got to start somewhere, and if you’ve never been to Europe, this is it! If you asked me in confidence, however, and for those backpacking Europe with a little more experience, I would send you over to eastern Europe. Stuff gets weird there, and I love it.

What are the Best Things to do in Italy?

In my humble opinion, the best things to do in Italy are: 1. Visit the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the ancient ruins scattered through the streets of Rome 2. Get involved in Naples nightlife (a wild, wild time) 3. Go skiing! Italy has some pretty wicked slopes! 4. Climb up the famous Pompeii volcano (although it might be active, I’m not sure) 5. Take a relaxing break in Cinque Terre, one of the most beautiful parts of Italy.

Final Advice Before Visiting Italy

Italy’s one of those rare countries that live up to their grandiose reputation. Everything here is justifiably hyped – the food is amazing, the people are a riot, the history is vibrant, and the landscape is drop-dead gorgeous. Sounds like the makings of a brilliant trip, right?

Backpacking Italy will be one of the best times of your life. You’ll be able to choose from a myriad of attractions and, at times, face some pretty harrowing prices. Stick with this budget travel guide to Italy though, and you’ll be armed with everything that you could possibly need.

Italy is a relatively open-minded country. Yes, it can be pretty dogmatic and, yes, the locals can appear intimidating at times (because they’re so goddamn stylish). If you treat everyone with respect and dignity though (as you always should) then you’ll be accepted with open arms.

• Backpacking Spain Travel Guide
• Volunteering at Hostels
• Quitting Your Job to Travel the World
• Jobs to Make Money While Travelling

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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PLEASE TELL ME THE TITLE OF YOUR BOOK, THE ISBN # AND WHERE TO GET IT.

MY DAUGHTER IS BACKPACKING THRU ITALY AND COULD DEFINITELY USE YOUR BOOK.

You can sign up here to access it

Dear Mr. Cope, congratulation to this gripping and inspiring travel guide. I am already stoked for an Italy adventure! I’m not a particular history geek but still, in the paragraph regarding the region of Puglia you are mentioning the near by city Gallipoli being an important battlefield in WW1. I belief you confused it with the Turkish peninsular Gallipoli (Dardanells) on which the Entente launched an invasion into Ottoman territory in the so called “Gallipoli campaign”. The battles resulted in a devastating loss for the Allies and severe casualties on both sides.

You’re absolutely right! I don’t know how I managed to confuse the two. The Gallipoli in Italy is much more about the beach than the history to be fair. Absolutely fantastic coastline though if you manage to get down there!

Thanks again for pointing this out.

We’ve always wanted to do Italy but only knew about the bigger tourist attractions so it’s great to hear there are some hidden gems as well. We’ll be saving this for our trip to look back on for advice. Thanks.

Nice and interesting post. Thanks for sharing and keep it up!

This Is Very Usefull For Us Thankyou Sir

Ralph sir, well this was indeed just the blog I needed to read when I’m on the verge of planning a trip to Italy this Spring. The exquisite thing about this blog is its categorization that has been planned and jotted down in just the right way. For they say take the road less travelled and you sure are helping us do that and that too in such an informative way by providing all the possible details a traveller is looking for at that hour. I’ll also make sure to add up on my checklist the things you mentioned to be carried along when on a trip to Italy. I sure am excited much to go to Italy after reading this blog and it’ll be great if you could help me out in planning a trip. P.S- Those dishes are getting my mouth watered already.

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Complete Italy Travel Blog: To Help You Plan Your First Trip in 2024

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. FIND MORE INFO IN MY DISCLAIMER.

Italy is one of our favorite countries to visit. It is a must-see country and it also makes for a perfect destination for those visiting Europe for the first time.

Boasting a rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes, Italy is easily a favorite among solo travelers, families, and kids alike. After all, who can resist the Tuscan wine lands, the Arno River in Florence, the historic beauty of Rome, and of course, lots of pasta and wine?

Even an entire month can fall short if you plan to get lost in the beautiful streets of Italy, exploring every nook and corner. But we understand if you don’t have a lot of time on hand.

That’s when our complete Italy travel guide will come in handy to help you decide when and where to visit so that you can quickly and easily plan your vacation to Italy.

So, without further ado, let’s get going… First, let’s have a chat about the best time to visit Italy. Timing can have a big impact on your enjoyment factor.

If you wish to browse our posts quickly, you can also scroll to the bottom of this guide to find heaps of helpful Italy blog posts.

What Is The Best Month To Visit Italy?

Thanks to the diverse topography, culture, and lifestyle of the people in Italy, the country makes the perfect holiday spot all year round.

However, our favorite time to visit Italy is during the off-season months of spring and fall/autumn, as the heat is bearable, and flights and accommodations are quite affordable.

If I DO HAVE to choose one single month to designate as the best month to visit Italy, then I will pick September. The crowds would have subsided by then but you would still have some beautiful weather.

But let’s break down travel in Italy according to season to help you choose the best time for your trip to Italy.

1. Summer: June to August

Summer in Italy brings a lot of tourists from all over the world, perhaps because of the party season! With soaring temperatures, the rates also grow exponentially, so if you’re on a tight budget, you might want to avoid this time of the year when traveling to Italy.

However, if you want to become one with the locals and experience the lively summer festivals, book your air tickets in advance to grab some affordable deals. Interestingly, June 2 marks Festa Della Repubblica, a national holiday in Italy, so be prepared for some fun and frolic under the sun on this day.

You could also participate in Ferragosto and catch some fireworks on August 15. But keep in mind that during this month, most locals head to the countryside and coastal areas, so you might miss the crowd.

If you don’t like crowds, then we suggest you avoid traveling during these months and instead pick the shoulder season to explore Italy.

2. Fall/Autumn: September to November

Bidding farewell to the scorching summer sun, fall/autumn brings a breath of fresh air to Italy. Now is the time when the temperature feels just right. Whether you want to bask in some sun or enjoy a hearty bowl of pasta-e-Fagioli- this season is perfect for any activity.

While September may have hot, sunny afternoons, the weather begins to ease down in October. Unfortunately, the cooler weather also means that you won’t be able to experience a ferry ride as most of the services shut down during this time. 

Despite the bummer, you can indulge in some Italian delicacies at wine festivals called Sagres. Here, you can find local foods, chestnuts, chocolates, and truffles. And if you’re lucky, you may witness a grape harvest, too!

3. Winter: December to February

The winter chill brings in a relaxed mood among Italians as local attractions are less crowded. This means you can roam around the streets, eat at cafes, and visit popular museums as much as you’d like. Plus, theaters and operas hold frequent events during this season, so it’s the perfect time for someone who loves a little drama!

As December starts, you’ll notice Christmas markets popping up all over the country. We recommend ringing in the jolly season with a skiing session with friends and family.

Also, note that travel expenses will be at a minimum during winter. So, if you’re planning a budget trip to Italy, winter is the best time.

4. Spring: March to May

Springtime is another affordable season for travelers in Italy. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s not worth traveling this time as the season paints the country with vibrant flowers and lush green trees. 

Again, you’ll witness tons of local markets serving seasonal delicacies during this time. You may even be able to pick some juicy grapes and wild strawberries if you visit the hilly regions in Rome. 

How Many Days In Italy Is Enough?

The answer to this depends on the number of destinations you wish to visit. Hence, if it is your first time in Italy, we recommend staying for a fortnight at least.

This way, you’ll get enough time to explore and enjoy the essence of each destination.

As a general rule of thumb, we typically plan for at least:

• 3 – 4 Nights in big cities
• 2 – 3 Nights in smaller towns
• Day trips to villages

For a two-week itinerary, we would probably recommend 2 bigger cities and 1 – 2 smaller towns. For example, you could do Florence, Venice, and Cinque Terre.

Where Should I Travel In Italy For The First Time?

Now, if it’s your first time in Italy you wouldn’t want to spend too much time, money, and effort on commuting. So, we suggest sticking to one main region and exploring it; we’ve explained the various regions of Italy below, along with the most popular cities in each.

You could also start off your research by checking out our post on the 25 most beautiful cities to visit in Italy .

Personal Recommendation: If you find the whole list overwhelming, my personal recommendation of the best places to vacation in Italy for your very first trip is Rome, Venice, and Florence with either the Cinque Terre Towns or the Amalfi Coast. I hope that helps!

 Otherwise here is a list of the best Italy vacation regions to visit.

1. Northern Italy

Some of the best destinations in Italy are located right here in Northern Italy, which is why I recommend it as my first pick for first-timers.

There’s so much to do and see in this region that, honestly, one trip does not suffice! Whilst you can read all about the 15 best places to visit in Northern Italy here, we also wanted to list our absolute top favorites below.

Top destinations to visit in Northern Italy:

• Rome  
• Venice , and 
• Cinque Terre

Thankfully, Northern Italy is the most developed part of the country, so transportation will be convenient. You can easily hop on one of the high-speed trains and get from point A to B in no time at all. You can grab a 10-day Italy-by-train itinerary here if that is your preferred way to travel.

As there are airports in Rome, Milan, and Venice, we recommend making any of the three your home base. You could also easily fly into Rome, move on to Venice, and then fly out of Milan.

You could start off by exploring the perfect amalgamation of the past and the present in Rome. Think art museums, historical monuments, and nightclubs!

If possible, try getting around Milan in a metro in a single day by visiting the Castello Sforzesco, Duomo di Milano, Terrazza Aperol, and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. And since Milan is known for being home to various luxury fashion brands, why not spoil yourself at Via Montenapoleone? 

Northern Italy is one of my absolute favorites as it is much cleaner than Southern Italy which is a bit more ummmm … rough around the edges.

Whilst Tuscany is in the North, I’ve added it by itself as the next point, because there are so many beautiful places to visit that you could easily just focus on Tuscany for your first visit to Italy.

Popular among couples (although great for families too!), Tuscany is your one-stop destination for all things love and romance! With vast wheat fields, lush meadows, and cypress-lined roads- the region looks like it’s straight out of a medieval romance movie.

There are so many beautiful places to visit in Tuscany. You can either browse our full list of the best places to visit in Tuscany here or simply add a few of the top destinations from our shorter list below.

If you choose to explore this Italian area, we suggest checking out:

• Pisa, 
• Florence , 
• San Gimignano , and 

You can choose a base (we based ourselves in Lucca) and then explore smaller Tuscan hamlets on day trips as well. If you are traveling with kids, you will also find our Tuscany with kids guide really helpful.

3. Southern Italy

Boasting stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, southern Italy is at its best during springtime. And if you’ve got more time in hand, you could stay a little longer and check out the beaches in summer. 

Southern Italy is a little more rough around the edges in comparison to Northern Italy, you will find more rubbish along the roads, the roads a little more full of potholes. But we loved this region none the less, and you can find some truly special places here. 

Find our full list of the best places to visit in Southern Italy or browse through our shorter list of the top destinations below.

The most popular destinations are undoubtedly:

• Pompeii , 
• Amalfi Coast ,
• Matera , and
• Sardinia. 

In Southern Italy, you will also find Naples which many consider to be the pizza capital of the world that has the best Italian pizzas .

A pro tip here would be to get your hands on fast-track entrance tickets while visiting archeological sites to skip the line. 

Being the largest Mediterranean island, your time in Sicily is going to be power-packed with gorgeous scenes, unforgettable adventures, and scrumptious seafood.

In our opinion, the best mode of transportation to explore this exotic island is a car, more so because public transportation is often delayed. 

Again, Sicily is huge, so one week wouldn’t suffice. However, if you plan ahead, you could make the most of a short trip by renting a car for more flexibility in your itinerary.

You can find our full list of 11 places to visit in Sicily here, or simply browse our list of our favorite places below. 

The most popular places in the region include:  

• Taormina , 
• Mount Etna,
• Cefalu , 
• Aeolian Islands , and 

You can find our Sicily road trip here – a great way to skip out on all the research we had to do in order to put our plan together. Or you might prefer to grab our 10 days in Sicily itinerary here.

Known as the heel of Italy, this southeast region is not as popular among tourists, but we’d like to change that mindset! In fact, it would make a great first-time visit to Italy if you want to experience the best of the country with half the crowd. 

With cities like Alberobello, Ostuni, Polignano a Mare, and Lecce, Italy’s best-kept secret deserves to be noticed by travelers worldwide.

We especially recommend staying in trulli in Alberobello for a unique once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Not sure which places to include for your trip to Puglia? Here is our list of where to go in Puglia for a trip of a lifetime!

Now that you have managed to narrow down where to travel in Italy, it is time to start planning the trip.

How to Plan a Vacation to Italy

Okay, this is the moment! It is time to start putting together your plan

1. Decide where to go and how long to go for

Most of the time, we all have to start off with the time we have available for this trip. How long can you go away for? Once we know this, we can figure out how many destinations we can manage to visit on the trip.

As a broad guideline, we recommend 3-4 nights for bigger cities and 2-3 nights for smaller towns. 

Now it is time to figure out where you want to go. Use our resource section above on where to travel to Italy for the first time. What would you love to see? Which destinations are on your bucket list?

Make a list of them all, and organize them into regions so you know which destinations are easy to visit together in one trip. Then make your decision on where you will be able to go for this trip.

If you plan on traveling long-term to different countries in Europe be sure to check out this post on the 10 best countries in Europe for long-term travel !

2. Decide where you will fly in and out of

Now that you know where you will be going, figure out where you will be flying in and out. You could choose to fly in and out of one destination such as Rome or Milan, or fly into one destination and out of another, for example, you might like to fly into Rome, then travel to Venice, and fly out of Milan.

And then it is time to secure those flight tickets. Here is a list of some of the coolest travel accessories to help you survive your long-haul flight!

• Flights to Italy:  We personally book our flights on Cheapo Air, we find that they are often the cheapest (even in comparison to Skyscanner).   Click to check on prices for your flights .

Check out our post on the best flights to Italy to make sure you choose the best airline when booking flights.

3. Book your travel insurance

We never travel without travel insurance with Safety Wing. We have claimed on our travel insurance more than once, claims that would have cost us A LOT out of our own pockets. Don’t skimp out on insurance!! 

• Travel Insurance: Safety Wing offers incredible plans and is one of the few insurance companies that allow you to grab insurance when you are already traveling!   Click to check on their plans and prices .

4. Book your accommodation

Now that you know which date you will be landing in Italy, you can start booking your accommodation for the trip.

• Accommodation in Italy: We always start our accommodation research with Booking.com. We find that Booking.com offers a fabulous range of accommodation, from luxurious resorts to home rentals (and we often find the prices for these rentals are cheaper when compared to sites like Airbnb). Click here to start your research for accommodation . 

5. How will you get around?

Lastly, think about how to want to get from point A to point B. You might prefer to simply hop on a high-speed train (if that option is available for your destinations). Or you might prefer to travel more lightly, stopping along the way at cute towns with a car rental.

• Car Rental in Italy:  The best car rental company in Europe is Auto Europe.   Auto Europe is a car rental booking service that quickly compares car rental prices across all the major brands like Hertz, Avis, and Europcar.   Click to see prices for car rentals .
• Train Tickets: We love to purchase our train tickets through Omio. Click here to purchase your train tickets .

6. Plan your itinerary

Next, it is time to start planning what you will be doing in each destination. You can easily do that by searching through our list of blog posts below. This is the fun part that I love most. 

And lastly, familiarize yourself with the basics that you should know before traveling to Italy. You will find a list of all the basics below.

Italy Travel Basics: What You Need to Know!

Let’s have a look at what you can expect when you travel to Italy.

Language : The main language spoken in Italy is Italian.

Whilst you will find English being spoken in many cities, it will be hard to find English speaking Italians in smaller towns and villages.

Currency : The currency in Italy is the Euro.

Airports : There are many international airports in Italy.  The busiest of which is probably Rome, Naples, Florence, Milan and Venice.

To save time on your holiday, make sure you choose to fly in and out of the airport that is located closest to your holiday destinations.

Visa Required : Most tourists traveling to Italy will not need a visa (if your stay is 90 days or less), however, it is important to note that Italy is part of the Schengen agreements, so if you are traveling from one of 26 states that are part of the agreement, then you can use your Schengen Visa to travel to and stay in Italy for up to 90 days. 

International Driver’s License Accepted? You will need to acquire an international driver’s license to drive around Italy.

It is a good idea to have both the International as well as your normal driver’s license on you at all times as we found that they often ask for the foreign license.

Is it Safe? Italy is a safe country to visit. Petty crimes such as pick­pocketing are common at busy tourist sights and attractions.

It is also recommended to be aware of trains for petty crimes as well. It is always a good idea to have a sling backpack for travel so that you can keep your belongings close to you (extra bonus points if they have anti-theft features). 

WiFi Availability : Free WiFi in Italy is readily available at cafes, restaurants, and hotels.

For those who prefer to be connected 24/7, you can easily grab a holiday SIM card before leaving the airport or train station. Here is a complete guide to buying a SIM card for Italy .

Credit Cards and ATMs : You can easily find ATMs that accept foreign bank cards. You will also find that you can use your credit card in most shops, restaurants, and tour operators.

Personally, we do always have some Euros on us though, so that we can use that to pay for smaller things such as metro tickets and toll roads with cash if needed.

Plugs: You will most likely need special plugs for Italy.   The plugs in Italy are Type C, F, and L. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz.

We love buying plugs that are suitable for many countries, it makes it so much more versatile. Here is a universal adapter that I can highly recommend. 

Italy Travel Videos

We have loads of fun videos of our travels to Italy on our YouTube channel.

Click play and  don’t forget to subscribe ! (You can see more videos on our YouTube Playlist)

Italy Travel Blog Posts

We visited many places on our Italy travels; we rented a car and enjoyed traveling from one area to the next. 

If you are thinking about traveling to Italy with kids, check our Italy with kids guide for helpful info and tips. You can also find more helpful tips on traveling to Italy here. 

Find all our helpful Italy travel blog posts below. And lastly, if we don’t cover any of the destinations you wish to visit, you can also find more info on destinations on the Italy site here .

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30 Travel Tips To Know Before Visiting Italy

Italy is one of the most beautiful countries to visit in Europe, nay, the world! My love for this country goes almost as deep as my love of chocolate-flavoured-anything, which I feel no remorse about and no reason to apologise for!

Some favourite, off the top of my head, is the stunning Tuscan towns , the gorgeous Cinque Terre and the charming canals of Venice to name but a few yet beyond the awareness and excitement of wanting to see it’s famous cities, there’s so much to consider and see when planning a trip, which made me want to share my very own tips worth knowing before you galavant off to Italy!

1.) You’ll get lost 

And no, getting lost in Italy (especially when you’re driving through treacherous mountain tops like in Cinque Terre ) is not always as fun as you’d think! 🙂 Even if you quite fancy the idea of getting lost in Italy, its always worth downloading an offline map on your smartphone (or use Google Maps offline feature). It’ll save you lots of time when trying to navigate the twisty turny streets of Venice, Firenze and pretty much any Tuscan village you visit.

2.) Italy is more than just the mainland

There’s so much to explore within ‘the boot’ that is Italy (this is what Italy looked like to me like as a child and it’s kinda stuck now) but don’t forget about the many small (and big) islands that you can discover too! Head to Sicily , Sardinia , Elba and Levanzo to name but a few of the many Mediterranean islands waiting to be discovered.

3.) Gelato is too delicious to ignore

The ice-cream in Italy is the best in the world! (Bold claim but true!) I’ve yet to find a place (or country) that makes it better. There is gelato available on most streets and it’s relatively cheap and a delicious treat that’ll perk you up after a hearty lunch!

4.) Drink for Free

Cities like Rome, Florence and Venice all have perfectly safe, clean and free drinking water in town squares. Take a reusable bottle, or fill up your store bought bottle (shhhh, don’t tell the water brands) and save yourself lots of $$$.

5.) Dinner isn’t rushed

In Italy, even more so in the south, dinner is never rushed – it’s a relaxed affair to enjoy with family and friends. Fall into the culture and take it into your stride.

6.) Card Payment are okay

Card payments are accepted almost everywhere. Just keep a few coins and small notes incase you want small items – some stores have minimum spends.

7.) Italy’s got some impressive beaches!

There’s more to Italy than the cityscapes of Florence, Milan and Venice! Don’t forget to check out one of the thousands of beautiful beaches that line its impressive coastline. Head to places like Terracina for some beautiful white sand beaches.

8.) Trains are great! 

If you want to travel between cities, try taking the train! Italy has an impressive high speed railway between the likes of Rome-Florence-Venice (to mention but a few).

9.) Validate train/bus tickets

Talking of trains, don’t forget to stamp your ticket in the little machines onboard buses and trains when you travel. You will get fined if the inspectors catch you… even if you didn’t know or weren’t told. A ticket validating machine is on all public trains, buses and (usually) at the start of the platform.

10.) The north and south are very different 

The north and south of Italy are almost like different countries! The north is an ‘industrialised’, continental European region, whilst the south has a much more laid-back Mediterranean feel – both are great and very different!

11.) There are volcanoes in Italy

Yup, there are some pretty epic (and still active) volcanoes in Italy to explore. You can even hike the top of them too, just like Mt. Etna on Sicily !

12.) Pompeii

Talking about volcanoes – do you know about Pompeii? The ruined city which was destroyed by a volcanic eruption many years ago?  You can visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site and discover one of the most famous Volcanic eruptions in history (after the Iceland ash-cloud of 2010 of course). 🙂

13.) Learn some basic Italian 

No one expects you to be fluent when visiting Italy – though it is a major plus if you are! Remember a few sayings and phrases that’ll help you get by. A few words in the mother tongue is bound to put a smile on any face!

14.) Cover up in religious sites 

Many sites ask ladies to cover their shoulders and legs when entering some of the churches. Take this into account when visiting religious sites, especially in the Vatican (technically, not Italy, I know, but still…)

15.) Truffle Hunt 

Truffles are big business in Italy, they are prized ingredients in many Italian dishes and often found in certain areas of the country. If you’re heading out truffle hunting ( learn more on truffle hunting here ), make sure to get it straight to the market, they can fetch thousands of pounds (price is size-dependent, of course).

16.) Cinque Terre are the 5 towns you must see 

It’s in the name really.. roughly translated to 5 regions/terrains – it is one of Italy’s most beautiful regions. Don’t forget to check it out if you’re nearby.

N.B.: Take the train between the towns… trust me on this! IT takes mere minutes by train or an hour or so by car!

See more on our Complete Guide To Cinque Terre

17.) Make wine your tipple of choice! 

Wine is inexpensive in Italy and very good quality! Take advantage of low prices and enjoy one of its joyous exports! Good wines can start as low as €3 a bottle!

18.) Summer and winter can be quite extreme here

Summer in Italy can be very hot with bracingly cold winters, – especially in the north. Seems obvious, but there is quite an extreme in Italian temperatures (unlike places like the UK) depending on the date you plan to visit so it’s worth arriving adequately prepared.

19.) Tuscany is the best place for steak

Grab yourself a MASSIVE Steak Florentine in Tuscany and enjoy one of the best steaks in all the world. It will set you back a little more than an average meal though it’s so worth it. The sizes are quite ginormous so I’d suggest you share one… unless you’ve got an appetite of a lion.

20.) A gondola can be costly 

Hiring a Gondola for 30 minutes will set you back a pretty penny in Venice – there are standard rates though its worth noting that you can get it a lot cheaper if you haggle with the gondoliers. A gondola should be priced for the boat and not how many people board. You can usually sit up to 6 people in one – not as romantic maybe but just as fun!

21.) Get your EHIC Card

If you’re from the EU you should always make sure you have a totally FREE EHIC card – never pay for it! It’s issued by the government wherever you live and it entitles you to the same/similar health care benefits as you would in your country of residence, though you should never see this as a replacement for travel insurance.

22.) Eat Pizza 

This is the one country you can chow-down on freshly baked pizza, guilt-free! Grab some doughy goodness from almost any small stall in almost every town in Italy. The best places to get one are usually in the quiet side streets away from the main squares and tourist attractions.

A slice is inexpensive and usually very tasty. (Like seriously, it tastes like nothing you’d get even in the fanciest restaurants in London – it’s so much better than anything you’d get anywhere else).

23.) You can ski in Italy

Not many people realise you can ski in Italy as it tends to be more synonymous with glorious long summer days. If you love a little swish down the slopes, then take a look at the stunning runs on the Italian Alps. You’ll find some great resorts here that’ll rival even some of the world renowned ones in Switzerland and France.

24.) Cappuccino is for breakfast 

Traditionally a breakfast coffee, Cappuccino is usually drank in the mornings in Italy. If you can’t go without your usual cappuccino in the evening, then try a latte instead (Hot milk, instead of frothed milk like a Cappuccino).

25.) There are countries inside Italy! 

Yup, there are actual countries inside Italy itself. The Vatican is its very own country and so is San Marino . Both impressive and both well worth a visit.

26.) Lots of Bubble No champagne!

Sparkling wine is very popular and a delicious evening treat for us all… right (it can’t be just me)?!? Don’t forget to try some local Prosecco and delve into a world of bubbles and glee!

27. Fare la scarpetta is essential! 

No pasta-based meal is complete without the act of fare la scarpetta – meaning, you use your bread to mop up all the leftover sauce on your dinner plate. It’s almost a dinner ritual in Italy and something of a tradition in many Italian families. This is why bread is usually left on tables in restaurants too. (Put that butter down! 😉 )

28. Bread’ll cost ya!

..and not just in the widening-hips department. Restaurants will typically place bread on your table without informing you that there is a charge until you look at your bill after your meal so be aware that you might be charged a small fee (always ask if you’re not sure and don’t want the extra cost).

29.) Venice is sinking… apparently!

Apparently Italy’s beloved city, Venice is sinking!

Let’s hope this wonderful city doesn’t disappear anytime soon! *gulp*

30. Italian road trips are fun

Italy has a reputation for having some pretty ‘enthusiastic’ drivers and roads but don’t let that put you off. If you can drive, you should definitely hire a car and discover some of the many hidden gems of Italy. Especially if you’re based in a large city like Pisa or Florence as the Tuscan countryside is as exciting to explore as its major cities! 🙂

Take a look here for 23 marvellous stops to add to your own Italian road trip.

23 Amazing Places You Must Include On Your Italian Road Trip

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Italy: a first-timer’s guide

Feb 28, 2024 • 8 min read

One of the best things to do in Italy? Spend time on the water (coast, lake or canal) © Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images

With its iconic monuments, timeless landscapes and irresistible food,  Italy is one of Europe’s most alluring destinations. Its historic cities promise thrilling art and architecture at every turn while its varied coastlines and Alpine heights provide a stunning outdoor playground.

In fact, the country is so packed with possibilities that it can seem almost overwhelming. Where should I go? How do I get there? How much will it cost? This planning guide tackles these questions and provides clear practical advice on how to get the most out of your first Italian trip.

When should I go to Italy?

The short answer is anytime. Spring and fall are best for sightseeing , touring and seasonal food. It’s warm without being stifling and nature is in full color. But with the glorious blue-sky weather come crowds and high-season prices in the main cities.

Summer sees cities empty as holidaymakers head to the coast. Prices skyrocket in popular areas, peaking in mid-August when beaches are packed and resorts full. Meanwhile, the festival season swings into gear with high-profile events such as Il Palio di Siena, featuring a wild bareback horse race around Siena 's Piazza del Campo , and Spoleto’s Festival dei Due Mondi , with musicians, artists and actors performing to passionate throngs.

Winter is generally quiet – except in ski resorts – and it can be wet and cold. But low season rates and empty museums make it a decent option for a city break.

How much time do I need to visit Italy?

Realistically, you’ll need at least two or three days in top cities such as Rome , Florence and Venice . That won’t give you enough time to cover everything, but it will allow you to get a feel for the place and explore some of the headline attractions.

If you’re happy to move fast, you could cover Italy’s highlights on a whistle-stop 10-day tour. That would give you a couple of days each in Venice and Florence, a day in Bologna , Pisa and Naples , and three days in Rome. Alternatively, you could focus on a particular area. For example, with a week you could explore southern Tuscany and parts of neighboring Umbria , or cut a swathe through Sicily’s baroque southeast .

Is it easy to get in and around Italy?

Italy is well served by air with flights from across the world. Major airports include Rome Fiumicino (officially Leonardo da Vinci) and Milan Malpensa , the two main intercontinental gateways, Venice Marco Polo , Pisa International (for Florence and Tuscany), Naples International  and Catania (Sicily’s busiest airport). There are also excellent rail and bus links, especially to northern Italy, and ferries to Italian ports from across the Mediterranean.

Once in Italy, you've got transport options . Trains are best between major cities and along the coasts, while buses are better for the mountains and hilly inland areas. For more remote parts you’ll really need your own wheels. Most major cities have decent public transport, though you can often cover their historic centers on foot.

Top things to do in Italy

Tour rome’s greatest hits.

First port of call for many travelers is Rome, Italy’s charismatic capital. You’ll never be able to cover all of its monuments and masterpieces, but there are some you won’t want to miss. The Colosseum and Pantheon are obvious highlights, along with the Roman Forum and Palatino . Then there’s the Vatican where you’ll find St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel (in the Vatican Museums ). And, of course, you’ll want to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure you return to the Eternal City.

For a taste of authentic Roman cuisine, try a slice of pizza from Forno Roscioli or a pasta carbonara at Flavio al Velavevodetto in the Testaccio neighborhood.

Marvel at masterpieces in Florence

One and a half hours north of Rome by train, Florence is the second of Italy’s ‘big three’ (Venice completes the trio). Visitors have been rhapsodizing about the city for centuries and still today it thrills with its Renaissance palazzi (palaces), frescoed churches and artworks such as Michelangelo's David at the Galleria dell'Accademia , Botticelli’s Birth of Venus at the Galleria degli Uffizi , and Brunelleschi’s red dome atop the landmark Duomo . Art apart, there are markets and boutiques to explore and Negroni cocktails to be sampled, including at the historic Caffè Rivoire .

With more time, you could add a day-trip to Siena or a tour of the Chianti wine country .

Get lost in Venice’s backstreets

As soon as you set foot in Venice you know it’s special. And confusing. To get your bearings take vaporetto (water bus) No 1 along the Grand Canal to Piazza San Marco where you’ll find several landmark sights. Chief among these are the Basilica di San Marco and the Gothic Palazzo Ducale , former residence of the ruling Doge. Elsewhere, you can catch modern art at the world-class Peggy Guggenheim Collection and browse colorful produce at the centuries-old Rialto Market .

To fuel your wanderings, Venice is famous for its cicchetti (bar snacks). A top spot for these is the canal-side Bracaro ae Bricoe bar in the Cannaregio sestiere (neighborhood).

Feast on pizza, art and street life in Naples

With Mt Vesuvius brooding on the horizon, Naples is sprawling, loud, sometimes edgy and often magnificent. Its Dickensian backstreets are a joy to explore and its regal palaces showcase world-class collections of Greco-Roman antiquities and baroque art – check out the Museo Nazionale Archeologico and Cappella Sansevero for a glimpse. Then, of course, there’s the city’s revered pizza, served at historic pizzerias such as Da Michele .

Beyond the city, Pompeii is an easy day trip and the Amalfi Coast is within striking distance via the sunny resort town of Sorrento .

Cruise the Italian Lakes

Ringed by brooding Alpine summits and steep wooded slopes, the Italian Lakes have been a popular holiday spot since ancient times. At Lake Maggiore , you can explore the Isole Borromee with their ornate palaces and lavish gardens, while further east you can go celeb-spotting on Lake Como , cruising around its exquisite villas and villages.

To reach the lakes you’ll often have to pass through Milan , Italy’s northern powerhouse. A day here would be enough to take in some of its signature sights: Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper , the fairy-tale Duomo , the Quadrilatero d’Oro shopping district.

My favorite thing to do in Italy

Italy’s obvious beauty and blockbuster sights abound, but what I love are its simple pleasures: a leisurely lunch in a favorite trattoria, the sight of pine trees towering over Roman ruins, a glass of prosecco on a Venetian canal-side.

I also love wandering around Rome and seeing how its life plays out against a backdrop of ancient monuments and historic palazzi . There’s always something going on and even without trying I usually come across something special, an amazing baroque fountain or a teeming market in a medieval square. The city’s streets really are an experience in themselves. I mean where else can you wait for a tram just yards from where Julius Caesar was stabbed?

How much money do I need for Italy?

Italy isn’t cheap. Accommodation rates vary enormously between places and seasons but prices are universally high in popular destinations. That said, you can still find deals if you book early and avoid peak periods. Sightseeing can also add up with top sites charging top dollar. On the plus side, eating out doesn’t have to cost the earth, especially if you stick to pizza and gelato.

Some average daily costs:

• Double room in an agriturismo (farm stay) €40-80
• B&B room €60-140
• Coffee (standing at a bar) €1.10
• Midrange meal €25-35
• Glass of wine €5-8
• Museum admission €10-20
• Public transport ticket (Rome) €1.50 for 100 minutes unlimited travel (but only one metro ride)
• High-speed train ticket Rome to Florence €55

Frequently asked questions

This is italy, so do i have to dress up all the time.

In a word, no. When sightseeing go for comfort, especially when it comes to shoes – you’ll be walking a lot and cobbled streets can be murder on the feet. Note also that major religious sights often enforce dress codes, so make sure you can cover your shoulders, torso and thighs. For going out in the evening, smart casual is the way to go.

What’s the score with tipping?

Tipping is not strictly necessary in restaurants as most places add servizio (service) to the bill. If they don’t or if you want to leave something, a few euros is fine in pizzerias and trattorias; 5% to 10% in smarter restaurants.

What’s this about not drinking a cappuccino after 11am?

Italy has a whole (unwritten) rule book on the dos and don’ts of drinking. As a foreign visitor you’ll get a pass if you order the wrong drink at the wrong time, but it helps to know that Italians regard cappuccinos as breakfast drinks, call an espresso un caffè , and drink beer with pizza.

What’s the card vs cash situation?

Businesses are legally obliged to accept digital payments but it’s always best to have some cash on you. You probably won’t have any problems but it’s not unheard of for payment machines to be mysteriously broken in smaller bars, shops, museums or restaurants. Major credit cards are widely accepted (Amex less so).

This article was first published May 2019 and updated February 2024

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30+ Important Rome Travel Tips You Need to Know

Beautiful, layered, historic Rome is one of our favorite cities in the world (and at this point, I’m pretty sure I’ve started at least half a dozen Rome blog posts in a similar way, but it’s so true!), and it’s a must-see for most visitors headed to Italy for the first time.

Like most cities with thousands of years of history and millions of visitors each year, though, visiting Rome also has its quirks–and that’s where these Rome travel tips come in.

After spending months exploring the city, including our most recent trip in the summer of 2022, we’ve compiled quite the list of travel tips for Rome !

Here’s what you need to know before visiting Rome for the first time.

Table of Contents

Rome Travel Tips for Sightseeing

Tips for eating in rome, travel tips for getting around rome, paying for things in rome, hotel + apartment travel tips for rome.

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.

Don’t try to see the Vatican Museums and Colosseum on the same day.

It’s an absolutely exhausting endeavor, and won’t leave time for seeing much of anything else that day in Rome!

If you only have one day in Rome , we recommend touring one of the two and seeing the other from the outside.

I t’s easy and simple to walk through St. Peter’s Square or admire the Colosseum from the outside!

Add at least one offbeat attraction to your Rome itinerary.

The well-worn path from the Colosseum to the Roman Forum to the Trevi Fountain to the Spanish Steps to St. Peter’s Square is one that we absolutely love and highly recommend to visitors heading to Rome!

But, i n a city as layered and beautiful as this one, it pays to step off the beaten track a couple of times, too.

Even if you only have a short trip to Rome planned, make sure you head to a lesser-known spot at least once during your stay. 

For example, Palazzo Doria Pamphilj is one of our favorite museums in Rome and is just a 15-minute walk from the Colosseum–but it has only the tiniest fraction of the crowds. 

Galleria Spada , the top of the Altar of the Fatherland in Piazza Venezia, and Galleria Sciarra are a few other tried-and-true quiet corners of Rome we love that are easy to access from the most popular spots in the city.

We have plenty more suggestions for getting off the beaten path in Rome here !

Book tickets and tours for popular attractions in advance.

One of our favorite travel tips for Rome is to virtually always book either a tour or skip-the-line tickets before arriving at popular attractions.

This is m ost important at the Colosseum , the Vatican Museums , and the Galleria Borghese .

And, in a post-2020 world, it’s practically mandatory: all over Europe, cities are experimenting with keeping reservation requirements for popular attractions.

It requires a bit of extra planning but honestly makes for a better experience, too.

We book virtually all of our tours and tickets for Rome through either Walks of Italy or Get Your Guide , and highly recommend both companies.

Don’t forget about dress codes when sightseeing in Rome.

Many places in Rome, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Pantheon, have a dress code that is enforced–namely, that your shoulders, knees, and cleavage should be covered.

If you’re visiting Rome during the hot summer months, the easiest way to make sure you’re always ready to enter churches in Rome is to wear a longer dress or pair of long shorts/light pants on days you might want to visit religious sights.

T hen, throw a light scarf in your day bag and you’re good to go.

If you forget a scarf, though, don’t worry–there are always salesmen ready to sell you one as you line up to enter St. Peter’s Basilica!

Consider taking a tour of the Vatican Museums.

We’ve visited the Vatican Museums both independently and with a tour, and the context gained with a tour is truly incredible. 

If you have the time and budget for it, one of our best travel tips for Rome is to book a Vatican Museums tour for either the early morning (before the museums open to the public!) or on a Friday night between April and October (the museums don’t have Friday evening hours during the low season).

If you prefer to explore independently but still want to avoid the crowds, you can book skip-the-line tickets for those special hours, too.

We took this Friday evening tour of the Vatican Museums and absolutely loved it!

… and the Roman Forum.

Most tours will cover both the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, of course, but while having a tour guide for the Colosseum is a nice addition, it’s the Roman Forum where a guide can truly make the location come to life in a way that’s hard to do independently.

That’s e specially true if you don’t already have extensive knowledge of Ancient Roman history !

We took this tour and absolutely loved it, and this one gets amazing reviews as well.

Book your tour of the Colosseum + Roman Forum today!

When planning your Rome itinerary, keep museum closures in mind.

When reading through travel tips for Rome (as well as other Italian cities) and planning your itinerary, keep in mind that many museums in Italy close on one day of the week.

The Galleria Borghese, for example, is closed on Mondays, and the Vatican Museums (naturally) are closed on Sundays, with the exception of the last Sunday of the month, when it has free entry and is open until 2:00 PM (the ticket desk closes at 12:30 PM).

The Colosseum is open daily.

Be vigilant when watching for pickpockets.

Rome is infamous for its pickpockets, and while the same general rules you should use in any crowded, large city apply to keep yourself safe, there are a few places you should be extra vigilant.

When you’re near the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza del Popolo, and St. Peter’s Square , be very cautious!

Though it’s not entirely necessary, we love the peace of mind that our anti-theft backpack brings as we explore.

Taking a day trip to Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast from Rome is hard, but not impossible.

We really only recommend it if you really, really want to see those locations, are too short on time in Italy to do an overnight trip, and book a tour through a well-reviewed company that will handle logistics for you– this tour from Walks of Italy gets rave reviews.

… but there are plenty of other day trips from Rome to consider taking!

Consider hitting the beach at Santa Marinella, perusing the ruins at Ostia Antica, admiring the beautiful hilltop village of Orvieto , or even paying a quick trip to Florence .

We’ve rounded up some incredible Rome day trip ideas here .

The Pantheon isn’t free to visit… anymore.

While the Pantheon has traditionally been free to visit, the city of Rome introduced an entrance fee starting in 2023.

Today, base tickets for the Pantheon cost 5 Euro, purchased onsite or through  this website .

Alternatively, you can purchase  tickets to the Pantheon that include a downloadable audio guide .

Be sure to read the signs carefully when arriving at the Pantheon: there are separate lines for those who already have downloaded tickets and those planning to purchase one in-person.

Get your Pantheon tickets + audio guide  now!

Restaurant reservations are the norm in Rome, especially in the evening.

Romans love reservations, and popular places do fill up, especially in the evenings. 

If you have your heart set on a visiting particular restaurant or rooftop bar when traveling in Rome, give them a call to make reservations a few days in advance (or have your hotel concierge help you if you prefer).

Don’t have reservations and want to give yourself the best shot at getting a table?

Show up as soon as the restaurant opens for dinner (usually at 7:00 PM or 7:30 PM).

Get your stomach on Roman time.

Generally speaking, we’ve found that Romans tend to eat later in the day than North Americans.

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 between 12-3. Aperitivo between 5-7.

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

Be sure to try at least a couple of the best pastas in Rome.

Rome is absolutely packed with delicious food, but if you’re looking for the most traditional pastas in Rome (and in our totally biased opinions, some of the best pasta in all of Italy and therefore all of the world), look no further than the four dishes.

C arbonara, pasta alla gricia, amaracitiana, and cacio e pepe are all absolutely sublime.

We don’t consider a trip to Rome complete unless we’ve at least sampled a few bites of each!

… and if you’re there in the right season, artichokes.

Artichokes in Rome are prepared in two traditional styles: Roman-style and Jewish-style.

Both are delicious , but you’ll need to visit Rome in the winter to catch them on menus.

They are an extra-special treat if you happen to be visiting Rome during the low season!

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

Breakfast in Rome 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.

We have a full guide to coffee culture in Italy here !

A solid rate for a shot of espresso at the bar in Rome is 1 Euro.

You can easily find espresso for .80 or .90 Euro outside of the tourist zones, though. 

Up to 1.2 Euro is acceptable (at least to us) depending where we are and exactly how badly we want coffee at that moment, but if the price is higher than that, we move on.

Of course, these figures are only when you take your coffee standing at the bar–if you sit at a table, it can easily be twice as much!

Don’t be afraid to fill up at the water fountains!

The beautiful water fountains that you see all over Rome (and Italy in general) contain potable water.

B ring a reusable water bottle along with you as you explore Rome and fill up for free as you go.

The metro is useful, but it doesn’t go everywhere.

Rome’s metro is notoriously limited for a major European city, with very few lines.

This is d ue in part to the fact that every time they try to build another line, they keep finding more interesting things underground .

That being said, it is extremely useful for getting around Rome, and if you stay near a metro stop (which we highly recommend as part of this Rome travel tips post), you’ll no doubt use it regularly.

You can use tap to pay on the metro.

We saw this for the first time in 2022 and loved it!

Now, if you have tap to pay installed on your phone, you don’t need to purchase metro tickets separately when traveling Rome.

Simply tap to pay at the turnstile itself, and you’re good to go!

We also saw this rolled out in Milan on the same trip–definitely a huge timesaver.

The metro doesn’t reach many places in Centro Storico.

There’s a stop at the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, and fairly close to the Vatican, so the metro is certainly useful for sightseeing!

… B ut if you’re not staying in the heart of Centro Storico, there’s a good chance you’ll have a bit of a hike in and out.

FreeNow is the local taxi app to use to hail taxis.

FreeNow has recently gone through a name change (we originally started using it when it was named MyTaxi), but it’s still incredibly useful.

Similar to Uber, it hails taxis and arranges a set price, taking the hassle out of negotiating with taxi drivers.

We use it regularly on trips to Rome (and many other places in Europe).

Avoid driving in Rome if at all possible.

It’s truly, truly not worth the headache.

Buy bus tickets before boarding.

Unlike in many cities, you can’t buy bus tickets onboard in Rome.

Pick them up at your local tabacchi before you get on, and you’ll be good to go.

If your trip to Rome includes a Sunday, be sure to buy enough tickets to get you through it, because you might not be able to buy more if the tabacchi is closed.

The Leonardo Express is the easiest way to get from Rome’s FCO airport to Roma Termini.

Roma Termini is Rome’s major, central train station, and the Leonardo Express train will deliver you comfortably right from the airport to the center.

However, it’s not the cheapest way to get into Rome!

Gr oup bus transfers like this are less expensive but take longer.

Always carry cash.

While most major tourist attractions and popular restaurants will take card, you never know when you’ll roll up to a cash-only restaurant or tourist attraction.

Plus, i n Rome, small purchases like coffee and gelato are virtually always handled in cash.

Be sure to always carry Euros with you!

Rome doesn’t have a coperto. Sort of.

An Italian coperto, or cover charge, is expected at restaurants across Italy… except in Lazio, the region where Rome is.

However, Roman restaurants have taken to having a “pane”, or bread, charge that covers a very similar purpose.

The fee is usually 1-3 Euro per person, and we go over more details about copertos in Italy here .

If you’d like to avoid the charge in Rome, you can ask for the bread to be removed from your table–that works sometimes, but so does giving into the delicious carbs and enjoying more food in Rome!

… and if there isn’t one, consider leaving a small tip.

A 5-10% tip for exceptional service is always appreciated (but absolutely not required), especially if there’s not already a coperto being charged.

However, t he typical US norm of a 15-20% tip is way too much and absolutely not expected.

You don’t need to tip your taxi driver.

However, if you feel the driver provided good service, it’s the norm to round up to the nearest Euro.

S o, if the fare came to 19.50 Euro, it’s not unexpected to hand the driver a 20 and not request change.

Centro Storico is the most central place to stay in Rome.

The biggest benefit of staying in Centro Storico when traveling to Rome is–quite obviously, perhaps–its central location.

If you’d like to stay within an easy walk of highlights like the Spanish Steps, you’ll very frequently end up staying in Centro Storico.

Of course, the downsides to that are that the area can be quite crowded and expensive!

… but Trastevere is also incredibly popular.

Touted for decades as an “offbeat” neighborhood in Rome, the Trastevere of today is incredibly popular… but without the same volume of hotels to stay in as in Centro Storico, so it can often be difficult to find a great deal on a place to stay.

If you’re staying further out, check for metro stops near your hotel.

Of course, Rome has plenty of neighborhoods to stay in, including Monti (student-centered and fairly central), Prato (located beyond the Vatican and one of our favorite places to stay in Rome), Testaccio, and more.

One of our favorite Rome travel tips is to not be afraid to look further out than Rome’s most central and famous neighborhoods, especially if you’re looking to save money.

However, if you’re not staying within walking distance of major sights, be sure that your hotel or apartment is near a metro stop!

… and you’ll need to pay the tourist tax.

These tourist taxes are paid to your hotel or Airbnb , and are calculated per person, per night of your stay when traveling in Rome (or most other major European destinations, for that matter).

They’re typically not included in pre-booked rates and are generally expected to be paid in cash.

You can read a bit more about them here if you’d like to know your exact rate before starting your Rome vacation.

Leaving your room key at the hotel is common.

It’s not done 100% of the time, but it’s a very common practice when visiting Rome (and Italy as a whole) 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.

Your passport information will be taken when you check-in.

Generally, your hotel will either make a copy of your passport or take a photo of it.

This is very normal and done for tax purposes, so remember these Rome travel tips when you check-in and don’t stress about it!

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.

6 thoughts on “30+ Important Rome Travel Tips You Need to Know”

Great blog, you guys! I am going to Rome in a couple of weeks and your travel tips are awesome. I appreciate you providing the info and wish you safe travels!

That’s great to hear, Heather! Have fun in Rome!

Hi Kate, I have no idea if you will see my posting in time but flying into Italy fco airport tomorrow morning and have no idea what to see in two (?) Days and where to stay!!! Can u help? Thanks so much for your great tips!!!!

You’re about to have a wonderful 2 days! 🙂

We actually have a full suggested 2 day itinerary for Rome, with hotel recommendations and everything. Here it is: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/2-days-in-rome-itinerary/

When you land you’ll likely want to take the Leonardo Express train into the city center–be sure to validate your ticket before boarding and enjoy the journey!

Thank you for taking your time and provide us with this helpful post.

We are traveling soon to Rome after spending 12 days in Morocco

It’s our pleasure, glad it was helpful!

Hope you have a great time in Rome and Morocco both. 🙂

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