Italy travel tips for first-timers: what to know

Italy is home to over 4,000 museums, 6,000 archaeological sites, 85,000 historic churches, and 40,000 ancient palaces. That’s a lot to take in, and honestly, most people tend to flock to just a handful of the most renowned sites. If you’re trying to avoid the crowds or just want a better sense of what’s worth your time, here are some useful Italy travel tips to help you figure out what you want to see, and the best way to go about it.

When is the best time to visit Italy?

Spring (April–May) and early autumn (September–October) are great times to plan a trip. The weather is warm but not too hot, the main crowds haven’t taken over, and prices are usually lower than in peak summer. This is generally considered to be the best time to visit Italy.

In the north, Lombardy and Piedmont are full of blooming gardens in spring, while September in Tuscany means wine harvest season.

If you’re heading to the coast, like to Amalfi or Sicily, you can often swim well into October.

Winter has its own appeal, with Venice’s foggy canals, Christmas markets in Rome, and far fewer visitors at big-name sights. Try to avoid August if you can, since many local businesses close for the ferragosto holiday.

Is Italy expensive? How much should I budget?

Italy isn’t the cheapest country in Europe, but it can be good value if you plan ahead and spend time beyond the main tourist areas.

• Budget ($110-220 / €100-200 per day): This is what you’ll pay for private hostel dorms or simple guesthouses, casual trattorias, self-catered meals, and public transport. For popular attractions, book early morning tickets to avoid long waits.
• Mid-range ($220-330 / €200-300 per day): This usually means comfortable 3-star hotels, meals at mid-range restaurants (including wine), and the occasional taxi or guided tour. It’s how most travelers will pay.
• Luxury ($330+ / €300+ per day): Five-star hotels or boutique stays, fine dining, private tours, and chauffeur services. You might add in experiences like after-hours museum visits, private cooking classes, or access to historic villas.

A lot of how much your trip will cost depends on your Italy itinerary.

Is Italy safe for travelers?

Italy is generally safe, and violent crime is uncommon. The main things to watch for are pickpockets and tourist scams.

There are some natural risks to be aware of. Central Italy can experience earthquakes, and southern regions sometimes deal with summer wildfires. Large cities occasionally see political demonstrations, but they rarely disrupt travel.

Many women travelers feel comfortable here, though catcalling can happen in certain areas. If you need help, dial 112 anywhere in Italy—English-speaking operators are usually available.

What are the most common scams?

How to plan a trip to Italy that is safe depends on staying aware. Crowded tourist areas can attract scams, so it’s worth knowing what to look for. The “found ring” trick is a classic—someone pretends you dropped a gold ring, then asks for money. Just walk away.

Around places like the Colosseum or Vatican, unlicensed “guides” sometimes promise to skip lines, then disappear after payment. Book tickets only through official sites or licensed agencies. Some taxi drivers may overcharge by taking longer routes or saying the meter is broken. Always use the meter or agree on a price before you start, and remember there are fixed rates between airports and city centers.
 

Pickpocketing and petty theft

Pickpocketing is the most common issue tourists run into in Italy, especially in Rome, Milan, Florence, and Naples. Police and safety reports point to crowded tourist areas and transport hubs as the main trouble spots.

Common tactics

Most thieves work in teams and use distraction. Some of the more common tricks include:

• Crowding around train or metro doors to create confusion
• Asking for help with a map or clipboard while an accomplice takes valuables
• Dropping or spilling something, then “helping” to clean it up
• Covering bags or tables with jackets, newspapers, or cardboard while taking items underneath
• Groups of children surrounding someone and using bags or papers to hide the theft

How to reduce your risk

A little preparation can go a long way when it comes to pickpocketing.

• Keep bags zipped and in front of you in crowds; cross-body straps are better than shoulder bags. 
• Consider using safety pins or zipper locks to keep bags closed when walking around
• Store valuables against your body, ideally in zipped compartments
• Only carry what you need for the day; leave the rest locked in your accommodation safe. Never bring your passport around (unless you are visiting the Vatican)
• Be alert if someone approaches unexpectedly, especially in tight or busy spaces
• On public transport, stand away from the doors and keep your bag in front or on your lap

If something is stolen

Go to the nearest police station (Questura or Carabinieri) and file a “denuncia” (official report), which you might need for insurance claims. In many cities, tourist police can help translate. Call your bank to block cards right away, and if your passport is missing, contact your embassy for an emergency travel document.
 

Understanding Italy’s laws

Italy takes protecting its cultural heritage seriously, and fines for damaging monuments or taking artifacts can be steep. In places like Venice and Florence, local rules are in place to help manage tourism.

A few key things to know:

• Restricted Driving Zones (ZTL): Many historic centers don’t allow most vehicles. Cameras automatically record license plates, and fines can be expensive.
• Public decorum laws: In cities such as Venice and Rome, you can be fined up to €500 for sitting on monuments or eating in certain public areas.
• Beach rules: Private Italy beaches require paid entry, and topless sunbathing is only allowed in designated areas.

Do you need a visa for Italy?

If you’re from the U.S., Canada, Australia, or the UK, you can visit for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa, since Italy is in the Schengen Area. Your passport should be valid for at least three months past your planned departure.

When you arrive, make sure your passport gets stamped: it’s proof you entered legally. From late 2025, travelers from these countries will need to complete an ETIAS online authorization before arriving.

Staying longer

If you want to stay more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a National Visa (type D) through an Italian consulate in your home country before your trip. These are usually for study, work, or elective residency. Applications typically take 1–2 months and require proof of funds, confirmed accommodation, and health insurance that’s valid in Italy.
 

How to stay healthy while traveling in Italy?

Italy’s healthcare system is reliable, but travel insurance is still worth it. Medical care can get expensive if you’re visiting. See our Italy health safety tips for more about medical costs in Italy. 

Pharmacies and medical care

Pharmacies (farmacie) are marked with green cross signs and are a good first stop for minor health problems. Pharmacists are well-trained and can suggest over-the-counter treatments.

If you need a prescription, bring the generic name, since brand names often differ. A rotating system (farmacia di turno) keeps some pharmacies open at night or on Sundays. Closed pharmacies will often post the nearest location on their doors.

Public hospital emergency rooms (Pronto Soccorso) are dependable but can involve long waits, while private clinics are quicker but more expensive. In tourist areas, English is often spoken; in rural areas, a translation app can be useful.

Are there any vaccinations needed for Italy?

You don’t need specific vaccinations to enter Italy, but it’s a good idea to be up to date on:

Routine shots like MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and seasonal flu

• Hepatitis A, if you’ll be visiting rural areas
• Rabies, if you’ll be outdoors a lot in remote locations
• COVID-19 boosters, plus checking for any temporary entry rules

Food and water safety

Food hygiene is generally high, and most travelers have no issues. Tap water is safe in most regions, and cities often have free public fountains (nasoni in Rome, fontanelle in Milan). 

Italy travel tip: if you have a sensitive stomach, you might want to avoid unpasteurized dairy and raw dishes like carpaccio until you’ve adjusted.

Cultural etiquette to know before visiting Italy

Greetings are important, so begin with “buongiorno” (good day) or “buonasera” (good evening) even when entering a shop. Never assume without asking that someone can speak English. Even if they do, asking in Italian first is polite.

Physical contact is common, so expect cheek kisses and expressive gestures. Meal customs are taken seriously: cappuccino is a morning drink only, and dinner usually starts after 8 PM. Making special requests when ordering food is considered rude.

Italy travel tip: Italians value bella figura, which means carrying yourself with poise and respect in all situations. Dress neatly since casual gym clothes are only for exercising.

Is Italy a good destination for families?

Italy with kids works well. Families are welcomed almost everywhere, and you notice it in small ways like restaurants having high chairs, museums with changing tables, and families getting priority boarding on trains and ferries. There are plenty of activities to keep children engaged, from gladiator school in Rome to mask-making in Venice.

Where to stay and getting around

Italy accommodation options range from farm stays (agriturismi) with open space for kids to city apartments with kitchens for quick meals. Some hotels have family rooms or connecting rooms, but it is best to check ahead since historic buildings can have limited layouts.

Trains are an easy way to travel between cities. Children under 4 ride free, and those aged 4 to 12 get a 50% discount. Within cities, keep walking distances short if you have younger children.

Essentials for parents

Pack layers if visiting in spring or fall when temperatures can change quickly. Comfortable walking shoes are important since most historic centers involve a lot of walking. In summer, bring high-SPF sunscreen, hats, and refillable water bottles, which can be topped up at public fountains in most cities. From May to October, mosquito repellent is useful, especially around lakes and in Venice. 

Italy travel tip: a baby carrier is often more practical than a stroller because of hills, crowds, and cobblestones. If you’d prefer a stroller, make sure it has sturdy wheels.
 

What are the best places to visit in Italy?

Italy is divided into 20 regions, each with its own food, traditions, and landscapes. Here are some of the best places to visit in Italy.

Cities

Italian cities reflect the history of the empires, republics, and kingdoms that once ruled them. Many historic centers are UNESCO-listed, with narrow streets laid out centuries ago. Public squares are a focal point of daily life, and many cities still have markets that have run for hundreds of years. Train connections between major cities are generally fast and reliable, and it is easy to combine a few in one itinerary.

• Rome (Roma): There are so many things to do in Rome. It is home to some of the most recognizable ancient sites in the world, from the Colosseum to the Pantheon. Beyond the major landmarks, you’ll find neighborhoods like the Jewish Ghetto, known for dishes such as carciofi alla giudia (fried artichokes), and Trastevere, where the streets fill in the evening. The Palatine Hill is included with your Colosseum ticket and gives a view over the Roman Forum.
• Florence (Firenze): Florence’s Renaissance heritage is on display in museums like the Uffizi and the Accademia, but you’ll also see it in the city’s architecture, bridges, and piazzas. The historic center is small enough to explore on foot, and neighborhoods like Oltrarno still have active artisan workshops. See our example Florence weekend itinerary for more things to do here.
• Venice (Venezia): Built on 118 islands, Venice is connected by canals and more than 400 bridges. The main attractions cluster around St. Mark’s Square, but areas like Cannaregio and Castello have a more local feel. Bacari serve cicchetti (small plates) that are part of the city’s bar culture, and staying overnight means you’ll see Venice without the daytime crowds.
• Bologna: Known for its covered walkways and historic university, Bologna is also one of Italy’s food capitals. The city center is filled with markets and traditional food shops, and dishes like tagliatelle al ragù originated here. The Asinelli Tower is open to visitors and gives a view across the terracotta rooftops.
• Milan (Milano): Milan is a major center for fashion and design, but it also has important historic sites. The Duomo is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe, and Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper is displayed in the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. The city’s aperitivo tradition (drinks served with small snacks) is a local fixture. See our guide to the best things to do in Milan.
   

Beaches and islands

Italy has over 4,700 miles (7,600km) of coastline, touching the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Ionian seas. Beach styles vary widely—some are sandy and shallow, others rocky with deep, clear water. Islands like Sicily, Sardinia, and Elba each have their own local culture and cuisine, shaped by centuries of trade and migration. 

• Sardinia (Sardegna): Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda has clear, shallow water and long stretches of pale sand. Cala Goloritzé is framed by steep limestone cliffs, while Spiaggia della Pelosa is calm and great for swimming.
• Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana): This winding coastline is lined with villages perched above the Tyrrhenian Sea. Marina di Praia sits right below tall cliffs, and Fornillo Beach in Positano is a bit more laid-back than the main beach. If you don’t mind a 45-minute hike, Baia di Ieranto has clear water and views of Capri’s Faraglioni rocks. See our favorite Amalfi Coast itinerary.
• Sicily (Sicilia): Sicily’s beaches range from the golden sand of San Vito Lo Capo to the black volcanic shore of Spiaggia Sabbie Nere. Scala dei Turchi’s white marl cliffs step down into bright blue water, while Isola Bella, near Taormina, is a small island connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand you can walk across at low tide.
• See our guide to the best beaches in Italy for a better look.
   

Nature and adventure

Getting into nature is one of the best things to do in Italy. Italy’s landscapes include the Alps and Dolomites in the north, rolling countryside in central regions, and active volcanoes like Etna and Stromboli in the south. National parks protect much of this terrain, with well-marked hiking routes and seasonal activities like skiing or climbing.

• Dolomites (Dolomiti): In northern Italy, these sharp limestone peaks are great for hiking, climbing, and skiing. The Alta Via 1 is a classic multi-day route that takes you through high passes and alpine meadows. If you’re short on time, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop (Trail 101) is about 6 miles (10km) and circles some of the most recognisable peaks in the range.
• Cinque Terre National Park (Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre): This stretch of coastline links five fishing villages by trails carved into the cliffs. The Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path) is the main route, and the section from Vernazza to Monterosso has some of the most dramatic sea views. For something quieter, the Sentiero dei Santuari runs higher up in the hills, connecting small mountain sanctuaries above each village.
• Gran Paradiso National Park (Parco Nazionale Gran Paradiso): Italy’s oldest national park is home to Alpine ibex, chamois, and golden eagles. In the Valnontey Valley, you can take easy day hikes with a good chance of seeing wildlife. For a tougher route, the Vittorio Sella trail climbs to glacier views and a historic mountain hut.
• Lake Como (Lago di Como): Surrounded by forested hills and grand villas, Lake Como has scenic trails along both shores. The Greenway del Lago follows the western side at a relaxed pace through small towns. On the eastern side, the Sentiero del Viandante is steeper and gives wider views of the lake. Renting a boat is a classic way to see the shoreline and the villas from the water.
   

Historic and religious sites

Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country, covering periods from prehistory to the 20th century. Ancient Greek temples in Sicily, Roman amphitheaters across the peninsula, medieval cathedrals, and Renaissance basilicas all reflect the country’s layered history. Many religious sites are still active, hosting processions, feast days, and regular services, so visitors often encounter them as living spaces

• Pompeii (Pompei): When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 CE, the city was buried in ash and preserved in remarkable detail. Beyond the forum and amphitheater, look for the Villa of the Mysteries and its frescoes, or visit the Garden of the Fugitives where plaster casts show the final moments of some of the victims.
• Vatican City (Città del Vaticano): The smallest country in the world is packed with art and architecture. Highlights include Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling and St. Peter’s Basilica with its huge dome. The Vatican Gardens, which can only be seen on a guided tour, are a calm space with Renaissance landscaping, sculptures, and a great view of the basilica.
• Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi): In Sicily, this archaeological park is lined with well-preserved Greek temples from the 5th century BCE. The Temple of Concordia is the standout, and the nearby Garden of Kolymbethra shows how ancient agricultural systems once kept the city thriving.
• Ravenna’s Byzantine Mosaics: Ravenna has eight UNESCO-listed buildings filled with intricate mosaics from the 5th and 6th centuries. The Basilica of San Vitale is known for its portraits of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora. The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is smaller but has a striking deep-blue ceiling with golden stars.
   

What's the best way to plan an Italy itinerary?

How to plan a trip to Italy? Start with a short list of places and experiences you don’t want to miss. It doesn’t have to be a full plan—just a few priorities and a sense of how far apart they are. Once you have those anchors, you can fill in the rest of your days around them.

Consider travel distances

Italy looks small on a map, but getting between regions can take time. High-speed trains connect the main cities efficiently (Rome to Florence is about 90 minutes; Florence to Venice is around 2 hours), but reaching coastal towns or countryside areas often means extra connections. 

Planning your route around major train hubs will save you time and energy compared to jumping back and forth across the country. For example, taking day trips from Florence or day trips from Rome. Also factor in time for getting to stations and checking in and out of accommodation. 

Factor in travel time

High-speed trains like Frecciarossa and Italo can reach up to 190 mph (305 km/h) and are the quickest way to move between big cities. Regional trains are cheaper and reach smaller towns but run slower and make more stops.

For places like the Cinque Terre or Amalfi Coast, a mix of trains and ferries works well. In Sicily and Sardinia, short internal flights are often faster than ferries. 

Italy travel tip: always validate train tickets before boarding (even e-tickets sometimes need this) and book high-speed routes in advance for the best fares.

Can I drive in Italy?

Driving is the easiest way to reach small hill towns and rural areas, but it comes with a few challenges. Many historic centers have restricted traffic zones (ZTL), and entering without permission leads to fines.

Parking in cities can be expensive and hard to find. In the countryside, though, the roads are quieter and more scenic. If you rent a car, go for something compact to handle narrow village streets. Request an automatic in advance if you need one (manual is standard), and check if you’ll need an International Driving Permit for your license.

Book essentials first

Rome (FCO) and Milan (MXP) have the most flight connections from abroad, and budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet link smaller Italian cities to other European hubs. For peak season (June–August), book flights 5 to 7 months ahead; for spring or fall, you can usually wait until 3 to 4 months out. Fare alerts can help you find deals, and open-jaw tickets, as in flying into one city and out of another, can save you backtracking.

Accommodation ranges from family-run guesthouses and agriturismi (farm stays) to historic palazzi converted into boutique hotels. In summer, especially during Venice festivals or along the Amalfi Coast, book 6 to 8 months in advance. 

Italy travel tip: in cities, staying near a train or metro line will make getting around much easier.

How to slow travel in Italy

Italy’s Slow Food movement started here, and the same idea works well for travel. Instead of racing through cities, settle into one place for at least five to seven days. Renting an apartment or staying at an agriturismo lets you take in more.

Since 2023, longer stays have become more common, especially with digital nomad visas making month-long trips easier. Rural regions like Puglia, Umbria, and Sicily are especially good for this pace, daily life still moves with the seasons more than with tourist schedules.

Italy travel tip: depending on when you go, you might join an autumn grape or olive harvest, take a spring foraging walk, or head out on a winter truffle hunt.

How to travel responsibly and ethically in Italy

Some parts of Italy, like Venice, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast, see more visitors than they can comfortably handle. Venice, for example, can have over 100,000 visitors a day, even though only about 50,000 people live there. You can help by traveling in the shoulder seasons and spending time in less-crowded regions like Basilicata, Friuli, or inland Puglia.

Pick locally run places to stay, such as family-owned agriturismi, alberghi diffusi (small hotels spread across restored village buildings), or B&Bs. Eat at locally and family run establishments. This keeps more of your spending in the community.

In Venice, there’s a push to explore beyond the usual tourist paths. The city’s “Detourism” campaign points people toward quieter neighborhoods where local life still runs at a slower pace. It also highlights small workshops and artisans: folks who’ve been making things the same way for generations and are trying to keep that going.

In Tuscany, there’s a project called I Briganti di Cerreto, where locals brought an abandoned village back to life through community-focused tourism. See our guide to the best things to do in Tuscany.

If you’re shopping for souvenirs, buy directly from craftspeople. For example, ceramics from Deruta, glass from Murano, or leather goods from Florence.

Local experiences

Italy’s living traditions are often passed down within families for generations, and many communities welcome visitors to take part.

• In Tuscany’s Chianti region, grape harvest in September means working in the vineyards by hand, then sharing a meal with the winemakers. Many small wineries will take on volunteers if you arrange it in advance through local tourism offices.
• In Sicily, you can learn about the island’s puppet theatre, Opera dei Pupi, in Palermo or Syracuse. At the Museo delle Marionette, workshops teach the basics of puppet-making and the historic tales these performances tell.
• In Bologna, local sfogline (pasta makers) sometimes open their homes to visitors. Rolling paper-thin sheets of dough for tortellini at someone’s kitchen table is as much about the conversation as the cooking.
• In Sardinia, villages like Samugheo keep traditional weaving alive. You can watch the process on antique looms and try simple patterns yourself. See our sample Sardinia itinerary for more ideas.
• In South Tyrol’s Alpine villages, winter is woodcarving season. Artisans create masks and figurines tied to local traditions, and you can try carving under their guidance.

How to handle money and payments in Italy

Italy is fine with card payments, but cash still comes in handy, especially in smaller towns and family-run places.

ATMs (bancomats) don’t usually have the best exchange rates, and most charge withdrawal fees of about €2–5. The cheapest ATMs will be the ones that are inside of banks.

Let your bank know you’ll be abroad, and see if they have partner banks in Italy to help avoid extra fees. In cities and busy tourist areas, Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; American Express is less common. Keep about $55–110 (€50–100) in cash for small purchases, buses, trains, and emergencies. 

Italy travel tip: tipping isn’t expected since service charges are often included, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% for great service is appreciated.

What food should I try in Italy?

Food in Italy changes from region to region, shaped by local ingredients, climate, and long-standing traditions. What ties it together is a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and straightforward cooking. Each area has its own identity. Basil in Liguria is not the same as in Sicily, and a Neapolitan pizza is very different from the Roman style.

A traditional meal might move from antipasti to a primo (pasta or rice), then a secondo (meat or fish), and finally dolci, but day-to-day meals are often simpler, with just one or two courses. Meals are meant to be enjoyed slowly and in good company.

• Risotto alla Milanese, Lombardy: This saffron rice dish has roots in Milan’s spice trade. The classic recipe uses bone marrow, carnaroli rice, and real saffron threads for its golden color. The texture should be all’onda, meaning loose enough to ripple slightly when you tilt the plate. See our guide to the best day trips from Milan.
• Pizza Napoletana, Campania: This wood-fired pizza has a soft, airy crust (cornicione) and just a few toppings like San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte mozzarella, basil, and olive oil. The dough ferments for more than 24 hours, then bakes for about 90 seconds at 900°F (480°C) to create its light char. Look for pizzerias with the Vera Pizza Napoletana seal for the authentic version.
• Tagliatelle al Ragù, Emilia-Romagna: In Bologna, ragù is a slow-cooked meat sauce made with beef, pork, white wine, and just a little tomato. It is served with flat egg noodles like tagliatelle so the sauce clings well. It is never served with spaghetti.
• Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Tuscany: This is a large T-bone steak from Chianina cattle, usually 2–3 lbs (1–1.5kg). It is seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, and rosemary, then grilled over coals to rare or medium-rare. It is served by weight and meant for sharing, often with cannellini beans and roast potatoes.
• Carbonara, Lazio: This Roman pasta is made with egg yolks, pecorino romano, guanciale, and black pepper. There is no cream or garlic. The sauce is created by tossing the hot pasta with the egg mixture off the heat so it stays silky. It is especially good in old-school trattorias in Rome’s Testaccio neighborhood. While your in the city, also be sure to try Roman pizza.
• Cannoli, Sicily: These are crisp pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta, sometimes with candied fruit or chocolate chips and finished with chopped pistachios. The best are filled to order so the pastry stays crunchy, often using sheep’s milk ricotta for a tangier flavor.
   

Coffee in Italy

Coffee is a daily ritual here, and there is an unspoken set of rules. Cappuccino is for the morning only, and you will not allows be able to order it after a meal.

Espresso (un caffè) is fine any time of day. In most bars, you pay at the register first, then give your receipt to the barista. Standing at the counter costs much less than sitting at a table, sometimes half the price.

In Naples, there is the tradition of caffè sospeso, where you pay for an extra coffee so someone in need can have one later.

Do I need a SIM card in Italy? How do I stay connected?

Staying connected in Italy is easy with a few options. You can pick up a SIM card from providers like TIM, Vodafone, or WindTre, which work well across the country and have reasonable tourist packages with data. You’ll need to show your passport when buying one. 

If you don’t want to deal with a physical SIM card, an eSIM might be a good alternative. Wi-Fi is pretty common in most hotels, cafés, and restaurants, but keep in mind that the connection can be spotty at times.