12 Essential Italy Travel Tips
Ciao! Welcome to Italy, the land of beautiful cities, delicious food, and rich history. Whether you're planning your first trip or returning for another adventure, here are 12 essential travel tips to make the most of your Italian experience. Italy is one of the greatest travel destinations in the world. Once home to the ancient world’s most powerful empire, modern-day Italy is a unique country with so much to offer Mark Twain once wrote that “The Creator made Italy from the designs of Michelangelo.”
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Italy, while a somewhat small country at just over 302,000 sq km, about the size of the state of California, has had an oversized impact on the history of the world. From humble beginnings to the seat of the Roman Empire, which at its peak strength in 117 AD controlled 2.3 million square miles (or 5.9 million square kilometers on three continents, Europe, Africa, and Asia, Italy has had many different iterations of influence and power. Nowadays, it’s one of the world’s biggest tourism destinations. In this blog post, I’ll share 12 essential Italy Travel Tips that will help you make the most of your trip.
After the collapse of the Roman Empire on the 4th of September 476 AD, Italy became the religious capital of the Catholic Faith, with the Vatican located within the city of Rome. During the medieval ages, individual city-states flourished and gained power around the Mediterranean, such as Venice and Genoa. As these cities gained influence, artists living in Italy reimagined what was possible and redefined the limits of artistic expression, and in doing so, led the world out of an era of darkness and ushered in the Renaissance, or the Rebirth of culture, arts, and science in Europe.
Nowadays, Italy has cemented itself, like the immovable stone blocks of the Colosseum, as one of the world’s tourism behemoths, a giant on the international stage, bringing in over 95 million foreign tourists in 2019, making it the 5th most popular tourist destination in the world. It’s home to 58 UNESCO world heritage sites, and over 100,000 monuments, and according to one estimate, is home to half of the artistic treasures of the world.
Plan ahead and book tickets in advance
I’m usually the type of traveler who likes to have a loose idea of what’s available in each destination I visit, and then just goes with the flow once I arrive somewhere and follow my intuition and interests when I’m there but Italy is a popular tourist destination, so it's best to plan ahead and book tickets for popular attractions, museums, and tours in advance to avoid long lines, save time and avoid not being able to get into certain destinations.
For example, the Vatican City, home to the Sistine Chapel and countless other priceless pieces of art, only allows entry to people with pre-purchased online tickets or members of guided tours.
Or the Colosseum, sure you can just walk up and buy a ticket, but you’re going to spend a lot of time waiting in line unnecessarily. Purchasing tickets in advance will let you skip out on long lines, and help you make the most of your time in Italy.
If you want to book your tickets in advance, check the link in the description of this video for discounted tickets to all the major attractions in Italy. Disclaimer -These are affiliate links so I will make a small percentage of the sale. This helps support new content.
Also, I know that for many people, travel more feasible in the summer months of the Northern Hemisphere, June, July, and August, but these are also the hottest and most crowded months to visit Italy. So if possible, book your trip for the shoulder seasons in September or October or March- May. These months have less tourists, cheaper accommodation prices, and still have pretty good weather.
Learn some Italian phrases
Italians are known for their passionate phrases and energized speech, and while tourism is popular in Italy, many locals don’t speak English. So learning some key phrases in Italian is really useful. Here are some important phrases to get you started.
Buongiorno - Good Morning
Buonpomeriggio- Good Afternoon
Buonasera- Good Evening
Buona notte- Good Night
Buonappetito- Let’s eat
Me chiamo- My name is
Dov’e il- Where is the?
I’m lost, help me please - Mi sono perso, aiutame per favore
Per favore - Please
Grazie- Thank you
Due Capocinni- Two Cappocinos
Salute’- Cheers
Mi dispiace- I’m sorry
Non Parlo Italiano, Le Parla Inglese? - I don’t speak Italian. Do you speak English?
Scusi- Excuse Mi
And finally the most important phrase Mi scusi sono Americano. Excuse me I’m American. That one seems to work for a lot of situations and is guaranteed to get a smile out of most locals.
Dress appropriately
Italy in the summertime can be stifling hot, so I understand the desire to wear clothes that are minimal and help keep you cool, but if you’re planning on visiting any religious sites, like churches, cathedrals, or the Vatican, many of these sites have dress codes, so avoid wearing shorts, tank tops or revealing clothing if you’re planning on visiting any of these sites. Many religious sites and churches in Italy have dress codes, so it's important to dress appropriately. Avoid wearing shorts, tank tops, and revealing clothing when visiting these sites.
Basically, they ask that you cover your knees and shoulders, as well as wear shoes, sandals are a no-no.
If you’re visiting in the heat of summer, and want to see some of these religious sites, it might be a good idea to batch them into one day, so you can dress appropriately, or bring a pair of pants in your backpack that you can change into before you enter one of these sites.
The dress code is much less formal at the beach, or beach clubs, which are popular in Italy. In August it feels like all the big cities in Italy empty out of Italians as they head for the seaside in droves. For swim trunks, most older men wear speedos, while younger men wear fitted swim trunks. Ladies usually wear a one-piece or a two-piece bikini. If you’re trying to spend a day at the beach in a beach club, it’s worthwhile trying to book in advance, as they get crowded fast, especially after 8:30am.
Use public transportation
Public transportation is the best way to get around Italy's cities. It's affordable, efficient, and convenient. Consider getting a multi-day city transportation pass to save money. These can be purchased for different lengths of time like 48hr or 72 hrs, and often have some attraction entries included in them.
If you’re planning on purchasing a transportation pass, you can do so with the links in the description.
I’ve traveled through Italy with both public and private transportation and it really depends on what your trip itinerary looks like, on whether or not it’s practical to just use public transportation. There are pros and cons to both public and private transportation.
If you’re just planning on visiting major cities in Italy, like Rome, Florence, and Venice, you can easily get from city to city with trains, which run regularly all over the country.
If you’re planning on getting off the beaten track and traveling through rural Italy, which is an awesome experience, then you may want to consider renting a car.
When I visited with my wife a few years back, we spent the first few days in central Rome, sight seeing and using public transport, then when we were finished with Rome, we rented a car to explore rural Tuscany, spending time soaking in hot springs, exploring small medieval hilltop villages like Pienza, strolling through Siena, and spending two days in Florence, before driving up to Venice and celebrating carnival.
It was an awesome trip and I found the most memorable experiences were in the small rural towns and off-the-beaten-path destinations we visited, many of which aren’t easily accessible through public transport.
The Val D’Orcia in Tuscany. We had a wonderful time driving through this region and exploring all the beautiful small towns.
Warning though: The Police are ON TOP of parking and speeding violations, of which I received one of each, and they followed me back to the USA, which late penalties since the fines had to make their way through the rental agency and find me back in California, by which time the payments were already late.
So if you’re going to rent a car, pay attention to the speed limit, watch out for the camera speed traps, and be aware of where you park your vehicle, a good rule is if you’re not sure if you can park there, it’s probably in a fine zone.
Additionally, don’t trust google maps. We were in rural Tuscany when google maps routed us through a small village, down some back streets that became unpaved and muddy, in our two-wheel drive car, we made it out of that predicament, only to be routed down narrow cobblestone streets to a small central plaza, where we couldn’t turn around.
We were trapped.
When an older man walking his dog came around the corner, he said Catso, e successo di nouvo. Fuck, it’s happened again.
Apparently, it’s not just a trope played out in Aziz Ansari’s show Master of None, it happens a lot. Including recently on one of Florence’s medieval bridges.
So be alert, be aware, and if you’re lost or think you may be heading towards a trap, stop and ask for help, Italians are very friendly and will happily help you avoid rental car calamity.
That being said, I think that depending on your trip itinerary, renting a car is definitely worth it. If you’re going to rent a car, consider using my rental car affiliate link in the description.
Eat like a local
Did you know that Italy has over 400 different types of pasta? Many of which with multiple different variants and names. Italy is known for its delicious food, and eating like a local is the best way to experience it. How do you do that? Start by trying the local specialties and avoiding eating in touristy areas where the food can be overpriced, lower quality, and not as authentic.
Oftentimes that means avoiding the central plazas where restaurant after restaurant are lined up, with English menus trying to sell you the stereotypical Italian meals of pizza and pasta. Instead of eating there, try wandering around a few streets away from the plaza, you’ll probably find a quaint local restaurant with much better food, for cheaper.
Also don’t be afraid to use the internet, google maps populate restaurants and shows ratings, which can help you get a good idea of what to expect from a restaurant. Then read a few reviews, look at some photos and make up your mind.
But most importantly, Each city, region and even villages, are known for their unique cuisines and dishes, and ingredients.
For example, did you know that Parmesan cheese and Parma ham come from the town of Parma in Emiglia Romana? Or that Pasta Bolognese comes from the town of Bologna, as does Bologni? Or that Pesto sauce comes from Genoa?
Some of my favorite foods come from Tuscany, like a wild boar ragu with pappardelle pasta that I had one night in a small local restaurant in the town of Pienza, washed down with a local Montepulciano wine, to this day that stands out as one of my favorite Italian meals.
So whichever region, city or town you’re planning on visiting. I highly recommend researching the local cuisine and local delicacies and doing your best to seek out local restaurants, off the tourist trail, to try these dishes. It will be one of the best things you do on your trip.
One last tip to save you money is to avoid being overcharged. If you want a coffee and want to save some cash. Order your coffee standing at the bar, instead of sitting down at a table. They charge less for a coffee at the bar than they do for a seated coffee. It’s the same drink, but in a different scenario, and in Italy, that’s a reason for a different price.
Sometimes, usually in the very touristy zones, certain restaurants price gouge tourists. So always ask to see a menu before you order, look for any small print which talks about minimum per person charges or additional service fees, and when it’s time to pay and you ask for il conto per favore, the bill please, and they scribble down a number on a piece of paper, you can ask for a ricevuta fiscal, an official tax receipt, where they have to break down the price and show what you’re being charged for.
If you really feel like you’re being ripped off and the restauranteur won’t let you leave, you can always call the Police by dialing 112.
AVOID THE SCAMS
Like in any other tourist destination, pickpockets can be a problem in Italy. This is more of an issue in crowded, busy areas, like train stations, or in front of significant tourist attractions. These pickpockets are really good, and often work in teams, with one person pickpocketing you and moving off in one direction, before handing off the stolen item to another thief who is walking in a different direction. They do this so that if they are noticed by you, and you stop them, or they are caught, they aren’t in possession of the stolen item and can plead innocence.
So Be aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings close, and avoid carrying valuables in your back pocket. I don’t think you need to wear your backpack in front, but if that makes you feel safe, go for it.
I’d just suggest increasing your situational awareness and being present. If someone is standing very close to you, for example standing behind you on a train, bus, or escalator, turn around and see what they are doing, or if someone accidentally bumps into you and moves off quickly, check your pockets immediately.
Pickpockets are criminals of opportunity, so if you look like you aren’t paying attention, have your camera, phone, and wallet out all at once while you’re starting at a map, then you’re inviting them to try their luck. Be alert, be confident, and don’t showcase your valuables and you’ll be fine.
Another common scam is the fashion scam, where you’re approached by a person trying to speak to you about his collection of Gucci or Versace etc, which he needs to offload and can sell you at price. These are counterfeit goods, and you’ll be a few hundred euros poorer with nothing but junk.
It’s also worth noting that it’s illegal to sell or buy counterfeit goods in Italy, these are usually sold by people on the street who have their goods laid out on a blanket and can “do a santa clause” where they pull up their sack of goods and run off once the police arrive.
Don’t let people “help you with a ticket machine” or to transport your luggage - both are scams.
Also, don’t leave your luggage in plain sight in a car, it could be stolen. Instead, if you can’t check into a hotel, leave you luggage somewhere secure.
Essentially, using common sense and being alert to the fact that because there are so many tourists, there are lots of scammers, will help you avoid being scammed.
Explore off the beaten path
Italy has many hidden gems, and exploring off the beaten path can lead to some unforgettable experiences. Visit the local markets, neighborhoods, and parks to discover authentic Italian culture.
I truly believe that the beauty of Italy lies in its small towns, villages, and countryside. That’s not to say there isn’t beauty in the cities, there certainly is, but traditional Italian culture, cuisine, and lifestyle is most easily found in the smaller towns and villages scattered across the country.
Each region is so distinct, and the places that are holding most dearly to those cultural distinctions are the villages.
Did you know that Italy has over 34 different language dialects? Oftentimes, Italians from the north of the country have difficulty understanding the Italian spoken in the far south. Extrapolate that to food, landscape, and culture, and you can see how a small country can hold so much diversity for a traveler to experience. Taking the time to explore these smaller, less touristy destinations can really pay off with much more memorable experiences.
Instead of just visiting Florence, try some of the smaller fortified hilltop medieval villages in countryside of Tuscany. Some of these small towns held beautiful hot springs not well known to outsiders. For example, the last time I visited Venice, I had the chance to check out some of the outer islands in the Venetian Lagoon. So many beautiful little islands back there that aren’t nearly as crowded as Venice itself.
Another City I absolutely loved was Genoa. Genoa was once a regional superpower and it’s old town is a UNESCO world heritage site, with so many beautiful historical buildings, but a fraction of the tourists that Rome or Florence has. Additionally, it's the perfect location to check out some of the surrounding villages on the Italian Riviera coastline.
There were so many small beautiful towns on this stretch of coastline that were not full of international tourist, instead, they were places where Italians went on vacation. This added so much cultural value to the trip, and really made me feel like I was getting a taste of the real dolce vita.
So don’t just stick to the top tourist destinations and sights, give yourself permission to step out of your comfort zone and the flexibility to do so and get out and explore.
Tipping is not mandatory
In the USA, not leaving a tip is a sign of disrespect and is considered rude. In Italy however, tipping is not mandatory. Why you might ask?
Oftentimes the tip is already included in your bill. Many tourists don’t know this and end up double tipping, or tipping on top of the bill which already has the tip included. Waiters are not going to give you a heads up and tell you, the tip is already included, so make sure you remember this when you eat out.
However, if you receive exceptional service, you can always leave an additional tip. It’s just not local custom and isn’t required. So keep that in mind to help keep your costs down.
Also, if you receive bad service, you’re fine leaving niente (nothing).
But having some small euro coins on hand is a nice gesture for a tip.
That being said, Italy is a very cash-oriented society, and while many places take credit cards, lots of places don’t, like at farmers' markets, taxis, and even many restaurants. So it’s worthwhile having some cash on you.
Buy souvenirs wisely
Avoid buying mass-produced souvenirs from touristy areas, these are often made abroad, usually in questionable working conditions, and are usually cheap and break easily. If you want a souvenir to remember your trip by, look for unique handmade items from local artisans, Italy is full of small-scale artisans, artists, and entrepreneurs who would love to sell you some of their work. This not only supports the local economy but also gives you a special memory of your trip.
It’s so much more meaningful to buy something with a story, something that you’ve met the person who made it, whether that’s a local product that’s been made by the same family for generations or a local artist you met while wandering down a back alley in a small village.
Buy local, support local, and help keep traditions alive and artists fed and housed.
Respect the culture and traditions
It's essential to respect Italian culture and traditions, such as covering your shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites and not talking loudly or making loud noises in public spaces. But some of the traditions may not be as obvious as one might think. Here are a few social etiquette tips that will help you avoid accidentally offending someone or making a fool of yourself.
If you’re toasting wine with Italians, make sure you say Salute and clink glasses with everyone at the table, even if you have to sit up to reach. Just make sure you don’t cross other people toasting, as it’s bad luck. And make eye contact.
Another wine tip, if you’re going to pour wine for someone, make sure you don’t pour under handed, since in the old days, that’s how someone would poison your wine.
Don’t expect additional cheese to be added to your pasta, like in most italian restaurants in the states. Pastas come how they come, with the right amount of cheese usually on a ragu or mushroom pasta, or none at all, usually pasta with fish, truffle or seafood. So Trust your chef, don’t ask for more cheese.
Don’t split the check or ask a waiter to put multiple credit cards on the restaurant bill. Italians usually just split the check equally amongst themselves, and someone pays the bill, the others reimburse that person.
Don’t order a cappuccino after 11am. It’s a breakfast coffee in Italy, and ordering one later than 11 is considered a no-no.
And lastly, don’t get smashed in public, piss in public, or throw up in public. Italy is inundated with tourists, but that doesn’t mean its a theme park. People live here, it’s as if some foreigner came to your front door step and pissed on your welcome home mat. You’d be livid. So keep it together, keep it calm, and don’t lose control of yourself.
Stay hydrated
And speaking of drinking, that leads me to my next tip. Stay hydrated.
Italy can get hot during the summer months, so it's important to stay hydrated. The hottest months of the year are July and August, and Rome averages over 60 days a year with temperatures over 30c (86f) combine hot temperatures with high humidity, and you’ve got a recipe for a sweaty situation.
One of the beautiful things about Italy though is that the country is full of public drinking fountains, some of them built by the Romans and still functioning thousands of years later, that serves up free, clear, cold delicious water. In fact, The Aqua Virgo, an aqueduct constructed by Agrippa in 19 B.C.E. during Augustus' reign, still supplies water to Rome's famous Trevi Fountain in the heart of the city. That being said, don’t drink from the Fountain of Trevi, all those coins aren’t great for drinking water, also don’t swim in there either! If you throw a coin in there, you’re guaranteed to return to Italy, although let’s be real, you’re probably coming back either way.
You can carry a reusable water bottle with you and refill it at public fountains. You’ll be saving money and removing unnecessary plastic bottles from the landfill.
Enjoy the moment
Finally, don't forget to enjoy the moment! Italy is a beautiful country with so much to offer, so make the most of your trip and enjoy every moment. Try new things, meet new people, and embrace the Italian way of life.
Thank you for watching, and we hope these travel tips help you make the most of your Italian adventure. If you liked the video please click the like button, make sure you subscribe if you haven’t already, and leave a comment with your questions, thoughts, and tips in the comment section.
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Arrevaderchi! Ciao amici. Buon viaggio!
