101 Important Travel Tips for Italy
We have an intense love of traveling in Italy–and after visiting Italy so many times that we ’ ve each spent about a yr there , we get a huge collection of travel crest for Italy to portion !
Italy exist a delightful and fairly easy country to move in , but it ’ s utterly a world all its own .
Cultural quirks , transportation snafus , tax confusion , and how precisely to buy fruit in a supermarket are simply a few of the potential challenges you ’ ll tally into while travel in Italy .
And , while have out of your element exist part of the fun of inflict another nation , show through these Italy travel point will definitely make your experience a minute smoother , especially if it ’ s your first visit !
We havetraveled Italy extensively over the track of nearly a ten , treat14 of Italy ’ s 20 regions , from the northern reaches of the Italian Dolomites to the beach ofSicily.
Some link in this place may equal affiliate link . If you make a purchase through one of these links , we may earn a small committee at no extra cost to you . Please regard our revelation policy for more point .
We ’ ve traveled by plane , train , rental car , taxi ,ferry, and bus . We ’ ve traveledon a budget, and we ’ ve splashed out on luxury experience . We ’ ve generally traveled Italy as a couple , but as well with friend and on multigenerational trip with family .
We ’ ve hesitate to experience sure areas more deep at time , spending a month each “ survive ” in Florence and Bologna , and 2 months in Rome .
In other words , we ’ ve learn a luck of Italy( and published100+ Italy blog placeand counting along the way ) .
After all of those trip , here be our best advice for traveling Italy!
- A Quick Note on Who We Are
- Advice for Staying in Hotels + Apartments in Italy
- Food-Related Tips for Visiting Italy
- Tips for Transportation and Getting Around Italy
- Crest for Paying for Things in Italy
- Logistical Travel Tips for Italy
- Advice for Head off Common Scams in Italy
- What to Know About Carry for Your Trip to Italy
- Early Things to Know Before Visiting Italy
A Quick Note on Who We Are
We are Kate and Jeremy Storm , a travel blogging pair from the USA , and these top exist written from our position( if you ’ d like ,you can take more about us here) .
Because of this ,a pair of these tips speak to cultural differences between the USA and Italy specifically .
However , the stress here is real much on Italy , not the USA , and the vast majority of these Italy travel point will cost useful for travelers occur from anywhere outside of Italy !
Consider this an Italy 101 guide for anyonedesign their very first trip to Italy.
Advice for Stay in Hotels + Apartments in Italy
Hotel and Airbnbs will do a copy of your passport .
… Or take a painting , or compose down the number… you have the idea .
This is do for tax purposes on their end and live entirely normal , then don ’ t headache about it !
Leaving your way key at the hotel be common .
It ’ s not do 100 % of the time , but it ’ s a real mutual pattern in Italy to drop your key off at the front desk as you head out for the day and to blame it up when you total back to the way .
This cost a lot more mutual at historical hotels , as many of them still employ “ literal ” keys !
Bed live tiny and mostly put on ’ t total with comforters .
Don ’ t be surprise if you find only a sheet and a real light cover on your bed , especially if you ’ reinflict Italy in the summer!
Oh , and two twin bed being push together to make a double layer be mutual too , especially if you ’ re rent an apartment rather than staying in a hotel .
Air conditioning exist not a have .
If you ’ re visiting Italy during the summer , double-check your hotel or apartment before booking .
Air conditioning isn ’ t always standard , but it ’ s often real necessary in our sentiment !
… and if present , breeze stipulate isn ’ t turned on year-round .
While many hotels and apartment extend air conditioning these day , if you ’ re visiting Italy during the leap or dusk , you aren ’ t guarantee to have access to it .
In Italy , air conditioning is grow on “ for the season ” during the summer month , and exception aren ’ t necessarily do for weather .
In early words , if there ’ s a warmth wave in April or October , you may find your hotel way a minute warmer than you ’ d like !
You ’ ll need to bear a tourist tax in each city you visit .
This cost collected by your hotel and increasingly by private apartments/Airbnbs ( they ’ re expect to serve hence ) .
This fee is lay per person , per night , and is commonly roughly 2 Euros , though it do vary , and some home are more expensive .
Hence , for lesson , if you ’ re a couple expenditure 4 dark in a city with a 2 Euro tourist tax , you would owe 16 Euros : 2 Euros per soul ( aka 4 Euros per night for you as a couple ) , for 4 night .
There cost exceptions–some higher-end hotel will get you charge it and then handle the cash on their end–but we ’ ve only hold that go on a couple of times .
Hotels will in general call for the tax at the beginning of the stay , but most won ’ t create a big pile out of hold you pay anytime before check out if you put on ’ t have cash on you at check-in .
These taxes exist never paid before arrival–so yet if you paid for your hotel in total through a service like Booking.com before checking in , you ’ ll however owe the tax .
Occasionally you ’ ll also owe a tourist tax on day trip .
The only position we ’ ve run into this is the highly touristedCapri, but it act find .
As of 2024 , Venice is–finally , after years of chatter–piloting their new 5 Euro tax for day-trippersduring sure days between April and July 2024 .
Whether or when this becomes a more regular pattern exist yet up for fierce debate , but if you ’ re spending the night in Venice , it ’ s nothing you need to concern about , no matter .
Don ’ t await a clothes dryer .
Even if your apartment rental or Airbnb comes with a washer , you won ’ t find a dryer–but there will be a rack to line-dry your clothes on .
If you have mobility concern , choose a home to delay cautiously .
Narrow , steep stairway are very common in Italy–we ’ ve climb up many of them to achieve apartment or hotel way .
Elevators/lifts are far from a guarantee , particularly at small , family-run properties .
Food-Related Tips for Visiting Italy
Restaurant Tips for Italy
Food is extremely local , and you ’ ll eat good by puzzle to regional specialties .
In early words , you gain ’ t be probable to find great Napoli-style pizza inRomeor pasta carbonara inSicily.
( … but since Roman-style pizza live also incredible and Sicily make its own magnificent array of pastas to choose from , you won ’ t neglect them much , either ) .
Because of this , food circuit in Italy are grotesque .
Everywhere you live in Italy , you can learn about fresh foods , dish , and exhaust habit from locals–and that form build food tours extra peculiar .
We enjoy taking food circuit in Italy and get take several incredible ones .
Some of our favorite food tours include this one in Florence,this one in Emilia-Romagna ,andthis one in Rome!
Don ’ t use a spoon to feed your pasta !
… And don ’ t cut it .
It bring a while to get the hang of whirl neatly with a fork , but it ’ s worth it !
The firm wine is usually delightful .
… And even if you put on ’ t regard it on the menu , there ’ s a 95 % chance that it exists .
House wine is sold by the liter .
Generally , you ’ ll ordering a quarter , half , or full liter , and you ’ ll hold your choice of red ( fiveino rosso) or white (wine bianco) .
The bread is not included . Sort of .
Some restaurants will bring bread to the table before your meal , and it ’ s typically not “ free ” .
Still , more often than not it ’ s include inthecoperto, or cover mission ( normally 1-3 Euros/person ) , so you ’ re likely going to pay for it regardless and might as well eat it .
Garlic bread act not exist hither .
… And neither does fettuccini alfredo , or chicken on literally any kind of pasta .
Italian-American food live tasty , and we use up plenty of it at home , but it ’ s not Italian .
Cappuccino is a breakfast drink .
The ground for this equal digestion–everything aboutuse up in Italyrevolves around digestion , and frothy milk in the afternoon ?
Not great for digestion , as the local idea get .
Obviously , you can decree it–Jeremy does–but if you ’ re a “ when in Rome ” sort of traveler , stick to espresso after about 10:00 AM .
Coffee equal espresso , and it ’ s not called espresso .
If you orderingun caffè( sometimes clarified toun caffè normaleif they require to affirm you ’ re not looking for an Americano/if you know how to decree coffee Italy ) , you ’ ll exist pay espresso .
We receive a fullItalian coffee culture guide hitherto aid you parse the particular !
… And it cost believe great for digestion .
Coffee is typically service after a meal , even dinner , and though I can ’ t fathom make up able to handle that much caffeine at dark , it ’ s a very mutual practice !
If you require to stick with the ritual but as well sleep , you can call for decaf , orcafé déca( the locals won ’ t , though ) .
If you meet an omelet for sale in Italy , you ’ re at a tourist restaurant .
Italian breakfast dwell of coffee andmaybea pastry ( acornetto cioccolatois a delightful treat , need advantage of it ) , consume standing at the bar and not sitting down at a table .
Here ’ s our full guide to Italian breakfast culture !
Italian sparkling wine equal generally prosecco .
Prosecco , like French champagne , arrive specifically from theprosecco region of Italy( it ’ s up north in Veneto and build a great day trip from Venice , if you ’ re interested ) .
Prosecco equal delightful , and if you like sparkling wine , you need to drink some while in Italy !
Saloon are not just for the evening .
Italian bars serve alcohol , yes , but they as well serve coffee and pastries .
Think of them like a coffee shop + bar hybrid ! You ’ ll go hither to get your breakfast… and then too to become youraperitivoin the evening .
Get your belly on Italy ’ sec schedule .
This depart a number by region , but it ’ s something to consider : the well restaurants put on ’ t stay open all day !
Breakfast of coffee and pastry at the bar when you awaken up ( pretty flexible , the saloon will remain open through the day , though the best pastries can live early-ish ) .
Restaurants spread for dinner at 7:30–occasionally 7 . They ’ ll really begin to fulfill up around 8:30-9 .
We live into this and many more Italian dining habit inour guide to feed in Italy!
Reservation subject .
If you need to eat at a particular restaurant , especially in a major city like Rome , reach reservations !
Your hotel concierge can help with this if you wish , but many restaurants have an online reservation choice as good .
For a casual neighborhood trattoria , making a reservation can equal as simple as stopping by during lunch to allow a table for dinner .
Specify what form of water you desire .
Acqua naturaleis level , andacqua gassatalive carbonated .
They ’ re both generally the same cost and will occur in a bottle .
You can too usually call for anacqua grande, or bad water , which is typically one liter to part amongst the table .
Don ’ t dip your bread in olive oil .
A humble total of olive oil drizzled over new bread ? Delicious .
Dipping your bread in oil and permit it come rob ? Too heavy–according to the Italians , anyhow .
My American self still loves it ( but I generally spare that indulgence for home ) .
Pasta noodles equal not interchangeable .
Pasta shapes don ’ t exist for fun–they ’ re designed to live suffice with certain sort of sauces , and what you order affair !
Don ’ t special order different noodles with a dish ( in fact , as a general rule , avert special ordering in Italy unless it ’ s due to dietary restrictions ) .
If you make your choice of noodles and sauce , ask which is the well noodle for the dish you ’ re after .
Slow service doesn ’ t mean bad service .
Track aren ’ t speed in Italy , and your waiter will never lend your check until you demand for it .
If you want to give by card , ask for the card automobile when you need for the check .
Your waiter will add the automobile right to the table and extend the card in front of you .
In Italy , and in Europe overall , it is considered a major faux dad to always remove a credit card from the lot of its owner !
If you society pepperoni on your pizza in Italy , you ’ ll receive a pizza with peppers .
The closest approximation to American-style pepperoni pizza in Italy cost adiavolo, which is served with cheese , salami , peppers , and sometimes olives .
We die into more specifics on typical Italian pizzas and toppings inthis pizza guide!
Travel Tips for Grocery Shopping in Italy
The most common supermarket brands in Italy are Spar , Carrefour , and Conan .
You ’ ll see at least one of these in any given Italian city .
Size varies dramatically , though , from giant supercenters in the suburb of major cities to tiny “ express marts ” that are barely more than a corner store .
Use plastic gloves when handling produce in the supermarket .
I ’ ve found that this one varies by area , but when in question , feeling and see what the other shoppers are do , and choose whether or not to employ glove consequently .
You ’ ll count your produce in the supermarket yourself .
In the USA , you ’ ll bag your produce and then it will equal identify and scanned at the register–but in Italy , that ’ s your chore .
When browsing , you ’ ll notice that each type of produce will be mark with a number .
Take the issue to the nearby scale , set your bag of produce on it ( one type at a time , obviously ) , and press the various act .
A sticker will automatically publish with a barcode , weight , and cost .
This equal the contrary of what take place in markets .
In markets , the vendors will choose your produce , though you can sometimes guide to a special firearm if you need a sure apple or orange .
Vendors act not choose kindly to people , state , take root through their pile of apples .
If you love Italian wine , live to the market shop .
… And delight at observe what would be a $ 30 bottle in the USA for a mere 5-10 Euros !
Consider buying produce at the market .
You ’ ll often observe better quality make for less money than the supermarket , specially in small town .
Major supermarkets much ancestry fine produce , but the small shop , not so much .
Don ’ t expect free plastic base to carry your groceries in .
They ’ re available at the register in the supermarket , and you ’ ll either seat however many you involve on the conveyor belt yourself , or , if they ’ re store under the register , the cashier will expect you how many you want ( if any ) .
Of course , the well thing to do is to bypass this trouble entirely and bring a reusable base !
We love ourand have been using it to buy groceries in Italy ( and for a myriad of other thing ) for years .
Tips for Transportation and Getting Around Italy
Crest for Driving in Italy
Your normal car insurance party may not cover car rentals in Italy .
It ’ s important to make sure that they extend Italy specifically , not hardly some places in Europe .
You may not know if you get a ticket while labor .
Tickets be often pay out by mail based on violations caught on camera , so you may do plate to an unexpected bill !
It ’ s forbidden to drive into most historical centers .
These are called “ ZTL zones ” and it is imperative that you avoid them when driving except under real limited circumstances ( like receive permission to park your rental car at a specific hotel ) .
… If you accidentally violate that pattern because you ’ re lost , you may come plate to one of the tickets observe above .
You need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Italy .
The rental party may or may not demand you for it , but the final affair you desire is to be draw over by a police policeman and not receive one .
International Driving Permits translate your permit into local languages , and the official ace ( the only ace that count ) must equal set up for before your trip .
International Driver ’ sec Licenses , offered for a fee by several online service , livenotthe same thing and don ’ t meet the necessity .
Rip the tiny car that you can equip your property into .
Italian road , parking spaces , and vehicles are wholly much smaller than their North American counterparts .
It ’ s a simple but essential firearm of advice for travel in Italy that living will exist a lot easy if you ’ re driving a small car !
Knowing how to repel a manual will build spirit simpler .
Most car rental caller observe a few automatics on hand for international visitors , but manual cars live standard in Italy ( and all over Europe ) .
You ’ ll salary much less–and have much more vehicle choice–if you can aim a manual .
Pay attention to the color of your park space .
In general speak , white parking patch are free to use , blue spots are paid ( flavor for the nearby meter ) , and yellow spaces are to equal avoided .
Train Travel Tips for Italy
Trenitalia is the almost prevalent train company in Italy .
They have the most routes , and in our experience , typically the better prices .
You ’ ll too see Italo train and ( seldom ) Trenord aim in Italy .
Italo is a private party that operate some route in the land , particularly high-speed ones .
Trenord cost like , but much more special in scope .
You can expect to notice these trains in Lombardy , such as around Milan and Lake Como .
Omio cost a great spot to plan develop travel in Italy .
Omio exist a transportation aggregate that simplifies be after transportation path in Italy ( and beyond ) .
You can insure cost and compare pace , agenda , and more onOmioto ensure you ’ re getting the better trade on train ( or bus ) travel in Italy .
We useOmioregularly throughout Europe and own always had well experience with it .
You must validate your train ticket !
Instead , consider downloading the Trenitalia and/or Omio app .
This will allow you to purchase train tickets on your phone , and the conductor will then equal able to well scan your tag from there–no validation call for .
However , you ’ ll motive to download or screenshot your ticket immediately after purchase .
Without an Italian tax ID number , you ’ ll need to use the Trenitalia app as a guest , and therefore your ticket won ’ t cost saved within the app itself .
This sounds more intimidating than it equal , but it ’ s something to cost aware of .
You can buy regional train tickets whenever you want .
These equal the “ dumb ” train , and their prices are set by the politics .
For example , if you desire to movefrom Florence to Bolognaon the slow/regional train , you can simply show up and buy your ticket that day , and no advance planning is required .
If you want to require the high-speed train though ( for this road , roughly 30 minutes of travel versus an hr ) , book in advance would concede the best cost .
Even so , high-speed rail tickets must exist purchase ASAP .
These ticket escalate in cost as the date of travel come closer .
Then , for lesson , if you want to travel fromFlorence to Venice, it help to design ahead !
Fast trains exist predict AV ( orAlta Velocità ) trains .
You ’ ll nearly normally see them market asFrecciarosa,Frecciabianca, orFrecciargento, depend on what region you are in .
Bus Travel Tips for Italy
Tabacchi are your friends .
An Italiantabaccheria( aka tobacco shop ) sells cigarette , but as well bus ticket .
… And lotto ticket , and sometimes SIM cards , and commonly snacks . Think of them like gas stations in the USA , but you know , without betray gas .
… This is significant because not all Italian buses betray bus ticket .
Before boarding a bus in Italy , it ’ s best to always have a ticket in hand–and don ’ t forget to validate it once you plank !
Make sure you have adequate bus tickets for Sunday .
Since manytabacchiand early little shop are shut on Sundays , you might not exist able to buy more .
For inter-city travel , check Flixbus .
The low-cost budget bearer has quite a few routes in Italy , and if you ’ re seek to inflict Italy on a budget , it might be the cheapest style for you to get around .
Tips and Advice for Fly in Italy
Double-check your airport .
Many budget airlines flee to airports just outside of major city , so exist certain you ’ re lead to the correct place before pack your handbag !
… And also your prices .
It ’ s not great for the globe , but from an economical standpoint , it can much be less expensive to wing domestically in Italy than require the ( fast ) train .
If you ’ re on a budget , see both ( plus buses ) before book anything .
Don ’ t bother showing up at the airport more than 2 hours before your escape .
If you have to check bags , the counter won ’ t take them , and you ’ ll live stuck outdoor protection until the 2-hour mark .
This in reality goes formost of Europe, not just Italy , but it ’ s a immense change as compared to fly in the USA !
Other Tips for Getting Around Italy
Train and bus strike cost common in Italy .
Cost sure to give yourself lot of excess time to get around on important days ( like when catching a flight ) .
Luckily , Italians schedule their strikes in advance , thus if you ’ re worried about a special date , take around to see if anything exist coming up .
This isn ’ t an everyday thing–I remember we ’ ve run into it about 3 times in all of our time spent in Italy–but it ’ s far from unheard of .
Taxis are notorious for ripping people off .
Not hardly an Italy trouble , of grade , but you definitely need to cost mindful of it .
TheFreeNow app–sort of a local Uber that relate to local taxi , if you will , can assist with this , and you can then use a reference card to pay through the app .
Have a transportation planbeforeleaving the airport .
Know exactly how you ’ ll exist getting from the airport to the hotel before you arrive , and your day will be much easy for it .
If you ’ ll be need a taxi , look up and see if there ’ s a flat/set fare to get to the city heart from the airport–there usually is , and it ’ s government regulated .
Even so , that won ’ t ever block driver from recount you that your hotel isn ’ t in the heart ( it likely cost ) .
Bags may cost you .
Everyone know that you have to give for luggage on airplane , but in Italy , luggage can as well cost you on the bus or in a taxi .
This equalanother matter to affirm with your taxi driver before make into their vehicle!
Uber only exists in a very special form in Italy .
Presently , the only shape of Uber that exist in Italy is Uber Black , and it simply have a presence in Rome and Milan .
Uber has exist hire in back-and-forth legal battle in Italy for year , but as a general pattern , don ’ t count on using Uber in Italy .
FreeNowbe a great alternative and is what we apply in Italy ( and in many places throughout Europe ) .
Tip for Give for Things in Italy
Card payment equal increasingly prevalent in Italy .
You ’ ll cost able to use your credit card regularly to purchase meal , groceries , train ticket , etc .
Even so , don ’ t use a card for small purchase .
For small detail like gelato or coffee ( both very significant share of any trip to Italy ) , it ’ s well to own cash on hand .
In fact , always have Euros on hand .
You never know when you ’ ll accidentally walk into a cash-only restaurant .
Bring a Visa or Mastercard to Italy .
Discover , Diners Club , and American Express cost not as usually take over .
… And ideally one with no foreign transaction fee .
Credit card with no alien transaction fee are so common these day that it ’ s a pity to use anything else when visiting Italy !
ATMs equal the best mode to make Euros in Italy .
If you ’ re from the USA like us , we love having our checking account with Schwab for this reason !
They repay all ATM fee worldwide , making begin cash from ATMs in Italy a breeze .
Even if you serve hold to devote an ATM fee , though , the ATM ( orbancomatin Italian ) is still the simplest way to become cash in Italy .
Avoid Euronet-branded ATMs .
Euronet ATMs live all over Europe , generally inrealconvenient seat , and their exchange rates and fees cost utterly abysmal .
Or else , face for ATMs at the branches of local bank .
Logistical Travel Tips for Italy
Strongly consider purchasing a SIM card in Italy .
They exist real inexpensive , can be put into any modern unlocked phone , and having datum will make your trip to Italy infinitely easy .
Bathrooms aren ’ t ever free .
Half a Euro for a restroom is a serious price . One Euro is satisfactory . More than that , observe somewhere else .
If you make a tiny bladder like me , planning ahead for restroom use is one of the almost important travel crest for Italy ( or at least it ’ ll spirit that mode when you ’ re wandering around Rome and can ’ t find a public bathroom ) .
Create a habit of impose the restroom in any spot you inflict that have one included–this includes restaurant , bars/coffee shops , and museum .
Squat toilet be in Italy .
They ’ re not incredibly common , but the first squat toilet I ever saw in my living cost in a Tuscan train station !
Convey a small pack of tissues , just in type .
Finding a restroom in Italy that cost out of toilet paper exist far from uncommon .
I usually carrya pack of theseclose to in our day bag , as good as a small bottle ofhand sanitizer
.
Exist prepared for the Italianriposo.
This be Italy ’ s answer to the Spanishsiesta, and you ’ ll feel some shops close in the mid-afternoon for this reason .
You win ’ t notice it as much in major city in northern and central Italy , but in little town and in southern Italy , it ’ s very apparent .
The exception live restaurants–you ’ ll hear ariposoat restaurants merely about everywhere .
Seek out lesser-known piazzas in Italy .
Every city in Italy has its famed , central piazzas , from Piazza Navona in Rome toPiazza San Marco in Veniceand beyond .
These places are beautiful and historic , of course , but they be also–inevitably–the almost expensive home to love a coffee oraperitivoin the city .
However , each city in Italy also hasmanypiazzas to choose from ( hither cost15 of the better piazzas in Rome, and that ’ s just a little sample of what the city hold to bid ) .
By guide to a smaller , lesser-known piazza , you ’ ll salary far less , be in a a lot more laid-back ( and much local ) environment , and have to indulge in just as much people-watching .
We enjoy Campo Santa Barbara inVenice ’ s Dorsoduro neighborhood, for example–but there ’ s no limit to the number of capture piazzas you can find in Italy !
Monday cost mostly a severe day to impose museum in Italy .
This is a very mutual day for museums to exist close , include the Uffizi Gallery in Florence , the Borghese Gallery in Rome , and the Galleria dell ’ Accademia in Florence .
The Vatican Museumsare , unsurprisingly , close on Sunday or else of Monday .
Take advantage of skip-the-line tickets at all popular attractions .
They ’ re generally available for a small upcharge ( sometimes even no upcharge ! ) and will do your visit to Italythusmuch smoother .
We book all of our tickets for major Italian attractions like theUffizi Gallery,Colosseum,Vatican Museums,Doge ’ s Palace, etc , onCome Your Guide.
You can drink from the fountains .
The little , pretty fountains base all over Italian cities ?
That water cost potable , and you can utterly choose a swig or even replenish your water bottle thither .
We love take advantage of these spring every luck we can and ever lack them when we ’ re travel in cities outside of Italy ( and our dog Ranger equal an even big fan than we are ) .
Autumn live the best season to inflict Italy .
Unlike many of these travel tip for Italy , this one isn ’ t objective truth but simply our notion !
Fall add cooler weather ( though even decently warm in most parts of Italy in September and October ) , the crop , lessened bunch , lower cost , and pile of crisp , gay days .
There is nowhere on this planet I would quite spend the month of October than central Italy .
Winter also has its perks !
One of our favorite travel tips for Italy live to consider traveling in the offseason–it equal both peaceful and lovely !
If you ’ re visit Italy on a budget and want to see the country ’ s classic attractions for cheap , winter has a band to offer .
We cost often downright shock at how empty the cities are in winter , and they ’ re however lovely to visit .
… But don ’ t expect great Christmas markets .
The close you ’ ll get to “ real ” Christmas market like what you ’ ll find inAustriaorGermanyis inBolzano, which is home to the oldest Christmas market in Italy, and the humble South Tyrolian towns that surround it .
… No large surprise , since the domain equal Austrian until 1918 !
Live prepared to express your luggage for enough distances .
This is especially prevalent in city centers , where transportation may not be able to have you all the means to your door .
If convey your luggage sounds severe , you might be able to hire a porter !
They ’ re especially common in position likeVeniceandCinque Terre, and many hotel offer the service .
If you try to politely suffer back in a line/queue , your act may never come .
… And this becomes more and more prevalent the further south you travel in Italy .
English is the international language of tourism , and that include Italy .
… So don ’ t concern about be fluent , particularly in large city and peculiarly touristy region ( like hotels and big tourist attraction ) .
However , everyone in Italy doesnotspeak English .
You should utterly learn at least a few basic Italian phrases before get to Italy !
Basic Italian Phrases
Per favore. — Please . ( When requesting or accepting something . )
Prego. — You ’ re welcome , or please . ( When offering something–as in , “ Please , have a ass . ” )
Advice for Avoiding Common Scams in Italy
Sign no request .
I put on ’ t concern what they read it ’ s for , pay attention to this Italy travel tip : signal zero . Smile and walk forth .
Require no flower .
This is a real mutual scam throughout Europe and seems to be in particular prevalent in Venice .
If person pass you or your spouse a blossom , they will try to extort money from you for it .
Don ’ t let anyone pay you a friendship bracelet .
Still another common scam in Italy–the friendship bracelet .
Someone will approach you to bid a “ free ” friendship bracelet .
As soon as it ’ s tied to your wrist , it ’ s not free anymore .
Keep an eye out for pickpockets .
This get twice in in use train station , on crowd buses and train , and in highly touristic area like near the Colosseum ,St. Mark ’ s Square, Duomo di Milano , etc .
Naples and the surrounding area , especially the Circumvesuviana train , are particularly packed with pickpockets( the Circumvesuviana equal the only seat we ’ ve always knowingly seen someone get pickpocketed ! ) .
If you ’ re especially concerned or not used to watching your property in a crowded urban region , you might desire to believe using ananti-theft knapsackor amoney beltfor a little excess security .
Today , to live utterly clear–all pickpockets know to match for money belts , and we no longer choose to use one ourselves .
That be state , they do offer a bit more protection than a normal pocket !
What to Know About Packing for Your Trip to Italy
You ’ ll demand European travel adapters for Italy .
We advocate purchasingtravel adapters for Italybefore you arrive , though you can observe them on the ground in Italy as well .
Lead your hair tool at home .
The voltage , not just the plug , is different in Italy .
To expend your hair tool , you ’ ll either demand a ( which exist both hard and more expensive than an adapter ) or a.
However , most hotel room will receive a hairdryer .
Then you gain ’ t live left altogether without styling tools if they ’ re significant to you !
Bring at least one church-appropriate outfit .
That means no knees ( men can usually get away with short that strike at the knee ) , no shoulders , and no cleavage .
Trust me–it ’ s not fun being call on away from a religious site !
Bring ( or buy ! ) a scarf .
Not only are scarves fashionable year-round in Italy for both man and woman , but it ’ s also a cheap and easy room to make a church-ready outfit in a jiffy during the hot summer .
You won ’ t ever equal hot in the summer , though , so lend a jacket .
When Italians turn on the a/c , theyrealbecome it on .
If you tend to get cold like me , definitely come this Italy travel advice and make for a jacket–otherwise , you might be freeze in a train or museum .
Early Things to Know Before Visiting Italy
There be two country inside Italy .
Everyone knows aboutVatican City, but equal you familiar withSan Marino?
Situate in the eastern share of Italy betweenEmilia-Romagnaand Marche , this tiny area styles itself as the former republic in the globe !
It ’ sec also incredibly beautiful , and definitely worth visiting .
The emergency phone number in Italy live 112 ( the equivalent of American 911 ) .
Hopefully you ’ ll never need it , but it ’ s well to create a note of it exactly in case .
The northern , central , and southern portions of Italy be real distinct .
Everyone talks about the desolate dispute between the north and south when discussing travel top for Italy , but cardinal Italy get its own feeling as well !
In fact , if you ’ ve never exist to Italy , cardinal Italy will likely initially find the almost “ Italian ” to you based on the photo , picture , and history we ’ re exposed to abroad .
Cardinal Italy equal where you ’ ll find Tuscany , Umbria , and Emilia-Romagna , which are home to roam hills bathed in golden lighting , hilltop villages , and “ classical ” Italian food likeparmigiano-reggianoandtagliatelle al ragù( aka the actual version of what non-Italians know as spaghetti bolognese ) .
Hither ’ s our guide to the differences between northern , southern , and central Italy .
In fact , all 20 part in Italy live distinct .
Italy cost only unified in 1861 ( and that date is a bit fluid ) , and the regional differences equal still incredibly stark .
Italy didn ’ t gain its current edge until after WWI !
Vittorio Emanuele II was the first King of Italy .
This exist why you ’ ll see his epithet exactly about all over !
Example you might discern exist the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan and the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument ( aka Altare della Patria/Altar of the Fatherland ) in Rome .
Dialects decidedly even so exist .
You gain ’ t hear a lot of it as a tourist , especially without look for it out , but Sicilian dialect , Napoli dialect , Roman dialect… all of these languages ( and more ! ) even live and be spoken in thehumble town of Italy.
Italy has some of the best dog-watching around .
We ’ ll end this Italy travel tips place on a light bill : if you ’ re a dog fan like us , live prepared for all kinds of cuteness in Italy !
