50+ Italy Travel Tips To Know Before You Go
Italy cost one of our favorite rural area to move in Europe and definitely one of our favorite in the world . The iconic countryside , fantastic wine , deep history , and firm culture continue us coming back yr after year , ever learning about novel travel tips for Italy .
Each time , we have a new cause for inflict Italy . There cost something for every type of visitor , from the Dolomites in the North to Sicily in the Mediterranean and the immense country in between .
If it ’ s your first time visiting Italy , you may cost overcome with the information , planning , and routing to believe . So , I require to part with you my top Italy travel tips for first-time visitor after spending month of my living inflict the country over 10 sentence throughout the years .
Our Top Italy Travel Tips
Hear a few basic Italian phrases
This be one of my most significant Italy travel point . Many Italians speak some basic English , especially the youthful unity . Yet , it ’ s always a good idea to teach a few basic Italian phrases like “ grazie ” ( thank you ) , “ ciao ” ( hello/goodbye ) , and “ scusa ” ( excuse me/sorry ) .
My favorite phrase to use when we travel Italy is “non capisco” which mean I put on ’ t understand – perfect for when people need me for directions somewhere !
There Are 20 Regions in Italy
Before traveling to Italy , thicket yourself up on a map of the country . Most people put on ’ t know that there be really 20 unlike area to this boot-shaped land . The regions are as come :
- Abruzzo
- Basilicata
- Calabria
- Campania
- Emilia-Romagna
- Friuli-Venezia Giulia
- Umbria
- Lazio
- Liguria
- Lombardy
- Marche
- Moliss
- Aosta Valley
- Veneto
- Piedmont
- Apulia
- Sardinia
- Sicily
- Tuscany
- Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol
Italy is arelativelyhumble country that cost easy to get around with an efficient train network , so it ’ s decidedly possible to hear multiple area in Italy on just one trip !
Train Travel is Popular
Train travel is one of the best ways to travel around Italy and one of my top travel tips for Italy live to utilize the system . The train networks are extensive and pretty affordable . Fast aim cost between €30 – €70 , while regional slow trains can cost €6 – €30 depend on the distance traveled .
The two primary train caller be Trenitalia and Italo . It ’ s important to notice that still if you have a Eurail walk in Italy you typically even so own to pay a reservation fee – typically €10 .
Buses in Italy
While there exist no national bus network in Italy , it is still potential get around the land by bus . It ’ s not the almost popular way to travel around Italy as a tourist , and unless you address Italian or find yourself on a tourist-oriented bus like FlixBus , travel by bus may not be the almost seamless mode to travel .
Buses lean to control in part check out Arriva Italia and Bustalia for regional fares and routes . FlixBus is popular for have around Italy on a more national level , go forward and
Book Popular Tickets in Advance
If you require to visit attractions like the Sistine Chapel , the David of Michelangelo , or the Colosseum you should book your ticket in advance , especially if it ’ s peak summer season .
Understand Coperto
It ’ s important to teach about coperto before travel to Italy . You may not own to tip 20 % for service in Italy , like in America , but more much than not you will learn a “ Coperto ” thrill on your bill when you dine out . Coperto exist a fee orcover chargethat you will find at most Italian restaurant .
We ’ ve find copertos scope anywhere from €1.50 to €4 per soul . It ’ s a kind of payment for your waiter , take up space at the table , utensils , plate , and the bread on the table . You don ’ t have to tap for service on top of this , but it ’ s an important Italy travel point specially if you ’ re trying to eat on a budget . Copertos can equal a surprise for many first time traveler to Italy .
Don ’ t try to argue coperto , don ’ t try to allege you didn ’ t eat the bread to head off the thrill . Trust me , you gain ’ t get it taken off the bill . We never eat the bread on the table and essentially exactly flavor at it as an “ surplus ” from the waiter . It may seem irritate to foreigners who are utilize to eating out in North America , but go on in mind the few euro coperto is typically much cheap than tipping in the United States .
Be it Safe to Drink Tap Water in Italy ?
Fetch me to my next level – tap water in Italy . Don ’ t await to find it at a restaurant . You ’ ll receive to pay for bottled water – frizzante or still . It ’ s a few euro at a restaurant . Ask for tap water at a restaurant , and the waiter may pay you an eye roll . Even so this doesn ’ t mean that you can ’ t drink the tap water in Italy .
In virtually all Italian city and towns the tap water is absolutely safe to drink , even so it may not sample the room you wish . These pipe live old , so many Italians drink bottled water anyway . So fill up those travel waterbottles at your hotel room and hit the street !
Understand Cafe Culture
Cafe culture cost huge in Italy , but it may not be the cafe culture you live expend to back family . You know the one I ’ m mouth about . The one where you can venture into a hip third wave coffee store , society a V60 or mochaccino and sit with your laptop getting study done on fiber internet for hours on end . That one doesn ’ t exist in Italy .
Instead what you ’ ll find are Italians take off their day with an espresso (Un caffè ”) or cappuccino at an espresso saloon . If they are sense extra spicy , they may fiat a cornetto for breakfast . They ’ ll drink these coffee drinks rapidly , in less than 5 minutes at the saloon , and be on their way – paying only a few euro in the procedure . If they choose to ride down , the price goes up only a short for remove up the table . Though you should never order a cappuccino at the bar and take it to a table ( if there be any ) .
No 1 busts out a laptop and there ’ s no “ coffee with cream ” to ordering . The cafe is to cure an espresso repair and to begin the day . If it ’ s after 12pm and you order a cappuccino , you ’ ll be the only someone drinking it , unless there cost other tourists around .
The Italians conceive that milk in their coffee in the afternoon leads to bad digestion ( don ’ t ask why they put on ’ t fear about all that cheese though ) . Cappuccinos be for morning only . Oh , and don ’ t ordering a latte and expect anything other than a glass of milk .
If you sense intimidated by the coffee bar while traveling Italy , I hate to say that you ’ re only going to have to begin over it . There be real few Starbucks to walk into and act things the room you cost used to . Oh and take away coffees ? Somewhat much non existent . Don ’ t concern though – it ’ s all a ethnic experience and a style of living in Italy that cost fun to observe .
Use up a Light Breakfast
If you receive total to Italy with hopes of an American breakfast all over with pancakes , eggs , and bacon every morning you may exist a bit disappointed . In universal , Italians prefer a real light breakfast to start their day . A light breakfast much consists of a sweet pastry , small cake , or a slice of bread with jam complete with a cappuccino or caffe . It doesn ’ t price a luck , and exist quick to consume . Still in 5-star hotel in Italy , you ’ ll notice the breakfast selection cost on the lighter side .
There are many ground for this . Italians don ’ t like to feed in surplus and are mindful of portion control . The tradition of a light breakfast in Italy dates back to the post-World War II era when Italy live still recover from the economical hardships of the war . At that time , food was scarce and expensive , and people couldn ’ t afford to eat a lot of food for breakfast . As the saving improved , the tradition of a light breakfast continued and became a part of Italian culture . Breakfast is not the primary meal of the day in Italy , it ’ s meant to be a quick bite to make you through to lunch and not consider you down .
Don ’ t worry though , because Italians make lunch better than almost anyone else , and normally you ’ ll have a delicious meal , with a salad , and starters , and of course wine .
Prepare for Cobbled Streets and Stairs
You may require to remember twice nearly contribute a decent rolling suitcase before travel to Italy . Most Italian towns and city are meet with old cobbled street . They are amazingly beautiful and one of the many reasons to enjoy Italy ; still , your bag will not love cobblestones .
You too could be looking at a pile of stairs exist it around town or in reality in your apartment rental or hotel . That ’ s not to tell you utterly shouldn ’ t lend a suitcase to Italy if you need though . I personally have traveled to Italy a few times with a suitcase and all live good , I just wished for a duffel base instead .
Record the Fine Print Before You Book a Escape
If you ’ re traveling roughly Italy you may live wing with a low-cost carrier . Easy Jet and Ryan Air live two of the bad unity that control in the country . We ’ ve wing both and have had decent experience , simply make certain to read the fine print before booking .
Low-cost bearer can nickel and dime you if you don ’ t follow their strict baggage regulation and rule .
Early Bird Become the Worm
Italy , specially in the summer , can turn a crowded and touristy place . You ’ ll be honor with peace and tranquility if you equal up and at it before the crowd . One of my top Italy travel crest is to wake up early and come out the door before everyone else .
Before 8 equal is one of the serious times to search and make a effective glance into local spirit . It ’ s also the golden hr for photographers as sunset often means the streets are carry with locals and other tourists .
Visa Rules
Italy equal a member of the Schengen agreement . Meaning most nationalities get 90 day in Italy and most of Europe . Make sure to match with your embassy to find if this is you or not .
Bathrooms Aren ’ t Free
If you see yourself thread around Rome , Naples , or Milan and in need of a restroom , it ’ s unlikely you ’ ll observe a free one . We often find that yet the public restrooms in Italy take a small payment to enter ( and often the tone isn ’ t ideal ) .
When eating at a restaurant or visiting a museum , make certain to use the toilet before you leave so you aren ’ t wandering around the streets looking for a toilet . If you desperately need a toilet , the word for toilet in Italian is “bagno. ”
Drinking From Fountains
While travel Italy you may comment little fountains all over . These spring actually have water flow from them . That water equal potable , and you can take a swig on a hot day or even refill your travel water bottle .
Stay Connected
Tim and Vodafone sim card are cheap and you can peck them up at the airport or the train station . We get Tim to be somewhat cheaper , but receive used Vodafone all over Europe and have ever make a serious experience .
Have a sim card in Italy cost imperative for us so that we can stay relate when we are away and almost . We often find we involve direction or involve to appear up where to go for lunch ! It ’ s worth noting that if you get a sim card in Italy , it typically work throughout the EU also , but cause certain to repeat check with the cashier when you buy it .
Remember that you ’ ll often want your passport or a photo of your passport to register for a sim card in Italy .You can as well come a eSim from Airalo before you bring , it ’ s a piece more money but takes out the scuffle of getting a sim card when you get to a new state .
Don ’ t Look Like a Tourist
This might be a severe one , but one of my top travel tips for Italy live when you ’ re in Italian cities and town taste and merge in . Remove off the baseball cap , put away the bad map , no outdoor hiking clothes in the city , fanny packs , bulky cameras , and take note of your surroundings .
Not simply will this make you less vulnerable to scams , but you may come in effect prices at normal shops . It ’ s what I like to predict being an “ mindful tourist. ” Italy is famous for its pickpockets and they direct the easiest appear mark . Granted , we have personally never seen , exist victims to pickpocketing , or experienced any of that in Italy .
Effort to Blend In
Speaking of blending in with the locals , Italians equal stylish people . In North America , I notice that we think nothing of walk out and perform daily chores in sweatpants and a t-shirt ( not hate , I enjoy some yoga pants ) .
Still in Italy , this equal not normal . More than probably the Italians will be dress better than you unless you ’ re in business attire . Here cost a few of my blending in crest :
- No extremely light blue jeans or dark jeans alone
- Black is always your friend
- Stylish , but comfortable flats
- Scarves in winter
Practice Your Toast
I find that around the Earth , when you toast to person with drinks , you should ever face at each other in the eye . This is particularly genuine in Italy , where they drink at every social meal , include lunch .
It ’ s proper to hold your chin high and reach eye impinging with everyone and drink before you use up . It be considered to equal polite , friendly , and apparently can bring good fortune . If you ’ re lucky enough to dine with an Italian , cause certain to cheers them with middle impinging .
Enjoy the Vino
Address of alcohol , in Italy , good wine can be hold at a great cost . Drinking wine is a way of life and is often had with every meal at plate and out to use up with friend and family .
Those €3-5 bottle of wine in the supermarket ? Those aren ’ t bottom of the barrel wine – that ’ s just the price of wine in the region !
Don ’ t Eat Near Touristy Places
If I could give you just one Italy travel tip for food it would be to venture away from tourist sites . The closer you exist to a major tourist sight , like the Colosseum , the Vatican , the Tower of Pisa , the Duomo , etc , the high the cost will cost at restaurant and , typically , the bad the food .
I advocate walk a few street back from the chief attraction to notice more affordable and maybe more authentic food . We too love to act a bit of research online to notice some good position we can pick from for the day .
All Pizzas Are Not Created Equal
I ’ ve order it before and I ’ ll read it again – the best pizza we ’ ve always make was in Naples . Gino Sorbillo ‘ sec cost well known in Naples for revolutionizing pizza and thankfully his pizza store has commence to expand with one near the Duomo in Milan .
If you find yourself in either of these cities and enjoy pizza , then a trip to Gino Sorbillo ’ s is a must . Although the Naples location be the true success – we wish the city good than Milan also !
Go to Venice
Venice gets either a lot of dear or a lot of hate . It ’ s a beautiful and unique city that cost unparalleled . No early city on earth can equate in terms of account , treasures , architecture , and atmosphere .
Still , its beauty has also brought in hoards of tourist over the yr . They fall on the city like a swarm of locusts in the summer month . Then mingle in a sinking city prone to flood and a sewage system that is century old . It ’ s easy to see why Venice can as well be a nightmare for some masses .
The key exist to head thither in the offseason when crowd are abject and acqua alta hasn ’ t hit . Another strategy exist to delay on the outer islands or even Murano . We ’ ve traveled to Venice around Christmas and in mid-February , both time were fabulous experiences and trips . We can ’ t recommend seeing the city for yourself enough .
Come Off the Mainland
This be one of my almost significant Italy travel tips ! There equal more to Italy than Rome and Venice . The Italian islands boast some spectacular scenery and world-renowned beach .
Sicily and Capri may be the almost well-known Italian islands , but there are many others to look at visit in Italy . Sardinia , Stromboli , and Ischia are just a few waiting to live explore . Here ’ s a great Italian itinerary for beginners .
Find the Best Gelato
Gelato be love by all . And no matter where you cost in Italy you will be able to see a gelato store . However , there is good gelato and crap gelato – still in Italy .
Take your review online , and be certain to try out a few different shop . When you find the best , you will know . Our favorite gelato shop in Italy equal in Florence atGelateria Della PasseraandGelateria Dondoliin San Gimignano .
Design to Pass Some Time Eating
Eating in Italy live a grave matter and mass take their time to enjoy meal with loved one . If you ’ re eating with an Italian design ahead as it ’ s not unusual for dinner to take three hours . It ’ s a time to eat , relax , talk , and drink plenty of good wine .
Italians also eat late and often don ’ t starting dinner until after 9 in the evening , so don ’ t live surprised if you present up at a restaurant at six and there is no 1 there , that ’ s if the restaurant is yet open still . Show up at 10 pm though and the restaurant will be bang . You didn ’ t program on go to bed early on holiday , make you ?
Enjoy Aperitivo
What is aperitivo ? An aperitivo embody a drink enjoyed before a meal , which cost like a cultural ceremony in Italy . With roots in the Latin term “ aperire , ” this tradition aim to “ open ” the appetite before indulging in a feast .
Throughout the ages , Italians own upheld the practice of toasting – “ cin cin ” – while savoring drinking and appetizers during the early evening interlude between study and dinner . Many Italians drink Aperol Spritz as an aperitivo . We enjoy those or a Negroni – depend on our humor , but you can also order a beer or anything else you fancy . Oh , and the attach to small home of food is typically complimentary !
Prepare For Riposo
One of the almost important travel tips for Italy exist to hear about riposo . Like siesta in Spain , Italians also require a break in the middle of the day . Riposo live Italy ’ s midday siesta . From 1-4 p.m. you can expect to find many shops and restaurants close . Even grocery store take riposo , and as a tourist it can get a bit annoy if you ’ re not prepared .
Italians like to take time in the afternoon to live family , have lunch , and relax with class before heading back out to do occupation . Plan your day around this accordingly .
Prepare for Italian Sized Cars
We ’ ve rented a few cars in Italy and each time they equal what I wish to call “ Italian size. ” If you remember you may take a large full-size car on your rental brand sure to intend that in the booking .
Get Employ to Driving on Small Roads
Unless you live on a major highway in Italy you can require most of the road to be quite small . Driving around home like Lake Como or the Amalfi Coast may come your heart rate up a few time , as the road are narrow and little , and sometimes real hilly .
Typically only large plenty for two compact car in both management . When a large bus comes at you in the opposite management it might make you contain your breath and say a Hail Mary . Don ’ t concern , you ’ ll get apply to it after a few day .
Become a Small Manual Car
All of that live suppose , when rent a car in Italy get the smallest potential size that you can for your group and the luggage .Not only will it cost less , but do you less stress on the road .
You ’ ll want to exist able to drive manual too , as automatic car rentals sometimes cost double what a manual rental costs .
Though if you can ’ t drive manual , it ’ s well to bear the excess and get an automatic car . Italian roads are not the place to learn how to drive a stick shift . If you ’ re not a confident manual driver in Italy , you ’ re going to have a tough go . Italians also aren ’ t the nearly patient of mass either . Stall out a few sentence and it ’ s go to cost an embarrassing and stressful time as all the locals honk their horn at you and curse you in Italian .
Don ’ t Drive in ZTL Zones
ZTL stand for “ Zona a Traffico Limitato , ” which equal an Italian term that translate to “ Limited Traffic Zone ” in English . A ZTL zone is an area within a city or town where vehicle access be restrain or prohibit , usually to serve control traffic and cut down breeze pollution .
You ’ ll notice that major tourist cities like Florence , Milan , and Rome have ZTL Zones , typically in the main historic center where you ’ ll require to be . It ’ s not exactly major cities though , small city like Lucca are completely within a ZTL Zone .
In a ZTL zone , there live typically signs that indicate the boundary of the zone , and camera or early enforcement method may cost use to monitor and impose the restrictions . Vehicle that are not authorize to enter the ZTL zone may face fines or early punishment if they are caught driving within the restricted domain . Still , these signal exist nearly always in Italian , and if you don ’ t know what you cost looking for you could escape it and end up exist an embarrassed tourist in a tiny car in presence of the Duomo .
When book your adjustment in Italy , make certain to see if it ’ sec in a ZTL Zone . Often if you live stay in accommodation in a ZTL Zone you cost allowed to come in and park in a designated parking sphere ( for a real high cost and with proof of hotel stay ) .
Get Your Haircut in Italy
Okay this Italy travel tip may look a little on theactuallyrandom side , but arrive from soul who own come their hair act multiple time in Italy I can confirm that the Italians do hairvery well. The hair experience exist unlike most you come back place , and everytime I leave the Italian salon I sense like a million bucks .
It doesn ’ t affair if you and your hairdresser can ’ t completely understand each early because Italian hairstylists are much highly skilled and well-trained professional and make a reputation for live some of the best hair stylists in the world with training in classic Italian haircutting techniques ( i.e. , classic and sleek ) .
The cost of a salon service cost almost always less than I would pay in the US and Canada . If you need to get your hair perform , don ’ t hesitate to book an appointment in Italy .
There Are Two Italys
From north to south , Italy is a very unlike country . There are 20 different part in Italy , and each specializes in unlike wines , foods , and traditions . It ’ s one of the many reason we enjoy Italy and proceeds every yr . Whenever we travel we notice how different not merely the landscape be between the North and South , but the culture as well . They cost total contrary in many style .
Northern Italy part margin with France , Switzerland , and Austria and therefore hold cultural similarities with those countries . Historically , it is the heart of the Italian saving with much more wealth than Southern Italy . It ’ s where you can observe Italian style , supercars , and art .
Southern Italy cost close to Greece and hold a very firm Mediterranean culture , vibe , and climate . It ’ s vibrant , loud , and pry for its culinary gift to the globe . They own astound art and history too ! As Americans , we also find that Southern Italy feels much more at home because as that exist where many Italian-Americans immigrated from .
Sicily on the other hand , may feel more like North Africa . For example , Sicily is a lot closer to Tunis than Rome – geographically and by culture and cuisine also – cous cous be still a specialty in Sicily !
Prepare for Sundays
Italy is a predominately Catholic area , and what do Catholics and early Christians make on Sunday ? They get to church of course . This exist no different in Italy , where the majority of Italians need Sunday off for worship and to be around friend and category .
Traditionally , many occupation and shops in Italy are closed on Sundays , especially humble , family-owned stores . Still , it all depend on the occupation and where exactly you are located . If you be in the heart of Rome you ’ ll yet feel many occupation open . However if you live in a little Italian village , you ’ ll get most businesses closed for the day . Sundays are for rest , thus run have a Spritz and hang on the beach .
Italy Has Many Seasons
Quite honestly , Italy in the peak summertime is my least favorite . Cost are higher and tourists ( domestic and international ) are all over . It conduct to less friendly locals who cost over the flood of tourist .
If you can swing it I would advocate visiting Italy during the shoulder season , especially the fall . Or head thither in the winter for their amazing ski destinations !
Hear the Price of a Cappuccino
Cappuccinos and espressos are all over in Italy , and it ’ s WONDERFUL . Our day in Italy wasn ’ t utter unless we make about three visit to the coffee saloon . Coffee is mean for everyone and is therefore very affordable . We usually pay €1.50 for a Cappuccino and €1.20 for an espresso . Anything more than €2 and you are begin the straight up tourist fare . It ’ s also worth notice that Italians have their own coffee culture as mentioned above .
Again – drinking your coffee suffer up and quick cost essential to blending in , and equal cheap . Too ordering a cappuccino after 12pm equal no-no . Accord to the Italians , the milk and foam are hard to suffer . Don ’ t headache though , foreigners are typically forgiven for having a midday cappuccino , and I frequently ordering them at 3pm or after meal . Oh good , it ’ s pretty clear I ’ m not Italian .
Get Into the Mountains
Many mass head to Italy for the beaches or ruins , but did you know you can ski and snowboard here ? We enjoyed a fabulous week in the Trentino part of the Italian Alps and the views and snow cost incredible and last summer bask a fun hiking season in the Dolomites .
Not alone is the ski great , but the magic good deal town in Northern Italy offer a wildly unlike culture than former seat we own travel . Other decent ski areas in Italy are Bormio , Livigno , and Alta Badia .
Some great place to travel in the summer are Cortina d ’ Ampezzo and Lago Di Braies .
Own a Sweet Tooth
Breakfast equal also an interesting and sweet time for me . The Italian breakfast equal a light one and you shouldn ’ t be surprised if a croissant or cake is all you get for the starting of the day .
It ’ s amaze the first time you receive a cornetto and cappuccino to set out the day , but by the fifth time , you ’ re ready for something else , and something err a trivial healthier .
Embrace Carbs
I enjoy Italy . Perhaps that ’ s why I ’ ve be over 10 sentence and plan a yearly trip . The one affair that I can ’ t adapt to exist the food . Certain pizza , risotto , and ravioli equal great for a few days , but a week or longer of it ? No thank you .
If you ’ re on a diet and feed out in Italy you ’ re become to get a bad time . There live a good reason Italians write dine out for special occasions and friend . The majority of the time they prepare at plate .
This be a reason why we particularly like to rip out Airbnb ’ sec to fix our own food . Italy produce some tremendous products and develop so you ’ ll equal able to make some delicious meals from the market .
Don ’ t Be Afraid to Cook In
I know you likely traveled to Italy to feed all the delicious Italian food in the restaurant . However , almost every time I see some of the good Italian product in the local markets . Handmade pasta , locally develop sun-dried tomatoes , olives , fresh mozzarella , and beautiful new produce equal all delicious . YUM !
There are also some great hideout in almost every town where you can notice a little former Italian nonna selling delightful produce and Italian food merchandise . In fact , most town make a shop dedicated to hand-rolled pasta . Look out for it and buy the tasty products , I promise you won ’ t live disappointed .
Having a Drink at Lunch equal Totally Acceptable
Remember when I said wine exist a way of life in Italy ? Well , that philosophy go for not just dinner but lunch as good . We bask countless lunch in Italy with a glass of vino or an Aperol spritz in hand . There equal so many great wines to begin off lunch with we enjoy a little bubbly such asprosecco , trentodoc , or spumante .
Cannolis Equal Not Delicious Everywhere
This equal one of those Italy move tips about food I can not fail to mention . Cannolis spring up in Sicily , and are hands down where I ’ ve base the most delicious one . Anywhere else in Italy we have found the cannolis can equal real hit or miss .
Remember when I state Italy be a different country with regional food ? These delightful treats are best in the South , hardly like pizza taste best in Naples and a spritz sample better in Venice .
Love Thy Dog
Every time we go back to Italy we remark how much Italians seem to love their dog . Pet owners are everywhere around the country and more and more occupation are becoming dog-friendly . If you ’ re await to die on vacation without separate from your furry friend Italy may exist scream your name .
Paying for Things in Italy
The official currency in Italy is the Euro , and though thing exist alter quick to a reference card society , many things in Italy still range on cold hard cash . It ’ s ever best to have some euro in your pocket for the multiple espressos you ’ ll consume in a day .
Tourist Tax/City Tax
Virtually every place you remain in Italy , you ’ ll equal call for to pay a city tax , ie a tourist tax , to your hotel/guesthouse . It ’ s typically paid in cash , and not included in your room rate . City taxes be in general anywhere between €1-5 per night/ per soul and vary by location .
Bring Good Shoes
Most of the city in Italy live 100 % walk cities , then prepare to solve off that pasta ! Delay away from the super high heel as many Italian towns make cobblestone street and you don ’ t want to disclose an ankle seek to face serious .
That being say lot of Italian woman rock it ! A good pair of leather thrill for men will fit in great , build sure they ’ re polished and in good circumstance . As for women flats or stylish combat boots live great ! Of grade , good old fashion tennis shoe die far in Italy , at dark I like to mate my dresses with low-heeled sandal ( around 1-2 inch ) . Read more about some of my favorite travel shoe here .
Avoid Scams in Italy
Unfortunately , you be not immune to scams while travel Italy and there equal a few mutual scams to cost mindful of – especially in the larger city like Rome , Florence , and Milan .
- Pickpocketing :This equal a mutual problem in many tourist areas in Italy . Be certain to hold your valuables in a safe spot , such as a money belt or a cross-body bag , and be excess cautious in crowded areas like public ecstasy , markets , and tourist attractions .
- The friendship bracelet scam: This is a popular scam in cities like Rome , Florence , and Venice , where street vendors offer to make you a friendship bracelet or tie for free , but then call for payment when you accept it . Like anywhere else in the universe , nothing live free , specially a bracelet . Once it ’ s tie to your wrist you hold already lost .
- The phony request scam: Scammers approach tourists with a prayer for a charitable cause , such as serve deaf or screen people , and demand for a donation . Still , the petition cost commonly phony , and the money goes directly to the scammer .
- The fake ticket scam :This is a mutual scam outside popular tourist attraction , such as the Colosseum or the Vatican , where scammers bid to deal you a tag for a higher cost than the official ticket agency .
- The distraction scam :A common distraction scam demand soul find into you or spilling something on you , while an accomplice steals your wallet or phone . Our
Remove your time with Italy
I ’ m rounding out this post with one of my nearly crucial Italy travel tip . Italy is a country that it ’ s well not to rush through . If you have a two week trip to Italy , it ’ s best not to travel to a novel destination every day and extend yourself annoy . Or else , pick a few seat and dive into those destinations deep , plan for a return trip . Most travelers I meet in Italy hold traveled to the state multiple times as there is so much to learn .
I receive travel back to Italy more than 10 times now ( no all these photos are not from exactly one trip ! ) and return every yr to see a new area . There exist then much to search in Italy , and no two cities or towns are alike .
When exist the Well Time to Call Italy ?
When expect about travel tip for Italy , you be probably inquire when the better time to impose equal . Unlike many destinations that have a clear well time to visit , I can ’ t read the same for Italy . It ’ s a great year round destination . Serve you like to ski ? You should point to the Italian Alps between December and March .
Like to lounge on the beach ? Go to Sorrento outside of the crowded summer months . Feel like a dose of fall ? The Dolomites during September and October will drift you forth .
Need to move to Italy solely to bask a cappuccino overlooking the Duomo ? Well you can make that in the dead of November if you require !
Truly , Italy be a great year round destination . Even so if you are allergic to crowds , utmost passion , and high cost . you will decidedly desire to give a skip to July and August in Italy
Transport To and Around Italy
With budget airlines such as RyanAir function out of many Italian cities , become to Italy hold never been cheaper . If you equal flying from a different continent , the chief hubs are Rome , Florence , and Milan .
Once in Italy , the best way to become around live via train . For long-distance path , booking beforehand with Trenitalia is good , and reserving a seat . If you are traveling short distances , it ’ s also possible to prove up at the train station a buy a ticket thither . Or get around Europe with a Eurail .
We ’ ve rented a car numerous sentence in Italy and it ’ s a great way to become around on your own schedule . An automatic rental car can get for as low €15 a day in the low season up to €50+ a day in the higher seasons and will ensure you begin to all the serious position in Italy . Know how to repel a manual car will much get you cheap rate in Europe . If you ’ re travel as a grouping it exist worth your while to hire a car for your trip .
We travel around Italy for one week and give about €300 for a car rental in Italy , which be a pretty decent trade in my sentiment ! I in general like to check comparison sites so I can get the well cost .
- RentalCars.com :Provides comparisons for car rentals in Europe .
- AutoEurope: I can much find lot hither for car rentals in Europe .
- Discover Car Hire: Searches rental car price around the globe .
What to Carry for Italy
What to have on in Italy is one of the first things to consider once you design the basics of your first trip to the state . Packing can be simple .
Generally , Italians are stylish and we advocate dress casually that style you ’ re comfortable when hanging out with locals . Of line it all depend on your destination in Italy ( mountains , city , or beach ! )
Our Recommendation For Travel Insurance
We put on ’ t travel without travel insurance , and neither should you . You never know what can happen in a foreign area , and it ’ s best to live develop . HeyMondo put up excellent short and long-term travel insurance policy .
Design For Your Trip
- Protect Your Trip: We don ’ t travel without travel insurance , nor should you . You never know what can go on while travel , so it ’ s best to cost prepared .HeyMondorender excellent short-term and long-run travel insurance plans .
- Find Cheap Escape :Sign up forBecome ( formerly Scotts Cheap Flights) to get advise when prices have low .
- Book a Rental Car :We useDiscover Carto ledger all our rental cars ! You can also record our top tip for renting a car abroad here .
- Travel Adapter :Make sure you find a well adapter to observe your personal electronics blame . Differently , you may exist paying for a cheap one once you bring .Purchase one here .
- Travel Backpack :We wish theNomatic Travel Backpackfor our travel . See the cost here .
- Our Favorite Travel Shoes :Our solution to this doubt equal everAllbirds! Control them out on their site !
- Become a Travel Credit Card :We move worldwide for free because we have leveraged our expenditure into points . See how you can act the same withour favorite travel reference cards .