Bite into some pasta or grab a slice of pizza and learn all about Italy with my travel tips. Find out the best places to go, things to see and do, some helpful phrases, the dos and don’ts, Italy travelling information, plus a load more about Italy tourism so you can make the most out of your trip!
Experience amazing Italy – take a step back in time while walking the streets of Rome, relive the atmosphere of the mighty Colosseum, behold the statue of David or the gothic Duomo in Florence, cruise the canals of Venice in a gondola, or ascend the leaning tower of Pisa.
Fill yourself to the brim with art and history and then soak up the sun on the Amalfi coast (or another patch of the 5,275 miles of coastline) or head to Italian Alps during the ski season – there are so many unique experiences available.
Italy Travel Booking Resources
These are my favourite companies to use when I travel.
• Search cheap flights with Skyscanner.
• Find the best deals on hotels on Booking.com.
Italy Facts
Population
58,000,000
Languages spoken
Italian. Some regions of Italy speak French (in Valle d’Aosta), German (in Alto Adige) and Slovene (in Friuli-Venezia Giulia), which are all official languages taught in state schools in these regions.
Currency
Euro €
Electricity
The electric current in Italy is 220V and the cycle is 50Hz. Voltage may vary though, so check the local voltage with the hotel before using appliances. Plugs have prongs that are round, not flat, so an adapter plug may be necessary.
Time Zones
GMT + 2 (Central Europe Daylight/Summer time)
Country Dialling Code
+39
Weights & Measures
Metric
Weather
Italy’s climate is generally temperate but it can vary greatly depending on your distance from the sea or mountains. In summer the Northern parts of Italy are warm with occasional rainfall, while the central regions are quite humid and the south scorching!
In winter, Milan, Turin and Venice are cold and rainy, and in Tuscany the temperatures are close to freezing. In the south temperatures are generally around 10-20ºC. Summers in Rome are often uncomfortably hot – with temperatures climbing to 35°C while the winters are mild, at around 13°C.
Best Time to Visit Italy
I think the best time to visit Italy is in Spring (April – May) or Autumn (September – October). You’ll find the weather in Italy is easiest to handle during this time and also miss the bulk of the tourists. If you’re going to be roaming the city streets checking out all the design and architecture then these cooler months are also ideal for you.
Peak season is between June and August. A tip for August travellers though – be prepared for quite a few of the shops and restaurants to be closed as many Italians head off on their own vacation during this time. The sea is warm enough to swim in between June and September but for those ski bunnies you’ll want to holiday in Italy during December and April.
Getting to Italy
Travel to Italy, taking a short plane ride from London to Rome in only 2 hours and 50 minutes. Say ciao to the UK and jump on a cheap flight to Italy. Find cheap flights with Skyscanner. Or if you’re up for the scenic route, from Paris you can take the comfotable overnight sleeper train into Italy.
Airports
Fiumicino Airport
Fiumicino airport in Rome airport is situated 32km southwest of the city and the journey in takes about 30 – 50 minutes. There is a direct rail link to Termini Station in central Rome and a bus service to the city centre and Ciampino airport. Taxis are also available to the city and will cost around €40.
Ciampino Airport
Ciampino airport is Rome’s other airport and is situated about 15 km from the city (a journey time of 30-40 minutes). Buses are available to the underground station Anagnina and to the city centre. Taxis are also available and there is a set fare of €30 to the central city.
Pisa Airport
Pisa airport is only 1.6 km north of Pisa and the journey takes only about 10 minutes. Trains and buses run from Pisa airport to the centre of Florence (these take about an hour). Rail services connect with arrivals and departures of all international flights and major domestic services.
Milan Airport
Milan airport is 45km northwest of the city, or 30 minutes drive. The Malapensa Express train connects passengers from terminal one to the centre of Milan in around 40 minutes. A free shuttle bus connects the airport terminals. Taxis are also available.
Accommodation
Another thing you have to love about this wonderful country is that there is such variety in accommodation. You could spend your time there staying in one of the many types of hotel or bed and breakfast around the country.
Or you might consider staying in a luxury villa to enjoy the very best of Italy. There is not just variety in accommodation, though. The geography and landscape is so varied as well. You have the hustle and bustle of the big cities like Rome, but then you have the beauty and majesty of places like Tuscany.
Get the best deals on hotels on Booking.com.
Transport & How to Get Around
Train
The train network in Italy is widespread, especially between major urban centres and tourist areas. The fastest trains operate between the major centres while the regional trains are quite slow. You’ll find that rail travel in Italy is a cheap and efficient way to get around.
Bus
If you’re keen to travel by bus then remember that buses travelling with the city system are usually orange, while buses travelling between cities tend to be blue. Intra-city buses use an honor system and inspectors do routine checks to see that your ticket has been validated. Inter-city bus tickets need to booked and paid for prior to boarding the bus.
Sea
With thousands of miles of coastline, you’ll undoubtedly take a boat or ferry at some point. There are many services linking the islands by sea to the mainland: the main links are by car ferries and hydrofoils. In addition, ships from all the countries around the Mediterranean are moored in the well-equipped Italian ports.
Organised Tours
Organised tours are a great way to see the sites and soak up the local culture – especially if you’re travelling alone or are a first-time traveller. Browse small group adventure tours with G Adventures or Contiki.
Attractions in Italy
Check out my list of places to see and visit in Italy, including tourist attractions and all the best places to go sightseeing in Italy. This is just a taste of what this great country has to offer.
As they say ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ and it would certainly take much longer to explore the capital. There are so many places to go and sites to see that you could never get bored! Whether it’s exploring the fascinating Colosseum, walking where Caesar did, seeing the Vatican City, or making a wish at the Trevi Fountain, Rome is an obvious stop on your Italy travel itinerary.
Florence is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance and is home to Michelangelo’s famous statue of David. The huge gothic cathedral, the Duomo, is also another popular tourist attraction, with no admission fee. Another reason to visit Florence is that it is in the heart of Tuscany – wine country!
Venice, although expensive, is a great place for couples – very romantic. Wander the canals, stroll through the alleyways, or hang out in St Mark’s Square with the pigeons (don’t feed them though, it’s against the law!).
You could also check out one of the many gothic churches or buy one of the colourful Venetian carnival masks from one of the many stalls. No trip to Italy would be complete without the essential gondola ride. Be serenaded by the gondolier in their iconic outfit as you glide along the canals taking in the sites.
The obvious attraction in Pisa is the leaning tower. It was originally built in 1173 to serve as the cathedral’s bell tower and started to lean soon afterward because of the unstable ground at its base. The project to stop the tower from leaning further and toppling was completed in 2001 so the tower is now open to visitors. There are other historical sites to visit all conveniently within about half an hour walking distance of each other.
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is one of the most popular places to go in Italy and one of the most picturesque locations in Europe. View my Cinque Terre one day itinerary for tips how to get the most of this destination.
Sicily was once its own country and only became part of Italy in the 19th century. For this reason the region (Italy’s largest) is very culturally diverse. It even has its own distinct language and the people often refer to themselves as Sicilian. Things to see in Sicily include Palermo, museums, parks, beaches, palaces, churches and Greek temples and amphitheatres.
Milan is often referred to as the fashion capital of the world, so it’s a great place to shop if you have plenty of euros! Head to the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie to see Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’, although you could have a hard time getting in – only 25 visitors are admitted every 15 minutes to see the painting (about 320,000 visitors a year). Visitors must pass through a filtration system to help reduce the work’s exposure to dust and pollutants.
Bergamo is a popular northern Italian getaway. This city isn’t as famous as some destinations in Italy but if you do plan a trip you will be rewarded.
Naples
Travel to Naples and you’ll be well-placed to visit the amazing archaeological site of Pompeii, where a Roman city was preserved after being destroyed by a volcanic eruption from Vesuvius. If you want to see some artwork, head to the Capodimonte Museum and National Galleries where pieces by the likes of Raffaello, Caravaggio and Tiziano are on show.
Capri
The Italian island of Capri, in the Gulf of Naples, has been known as a major resort destination since Roman time. During the summers the island sees a lot of tourists and you can also do a bit of celebrity spotting if you’re into that.
Sorrento
Complete your visit to the south of Italy with a visit to Sorrento. Gateway to the Amalfi coast, this city is busy in the summer, but has plenty to offer all its visitors. This seaport has been active for thousands of years and has a rich history.
Abruzzo
Abruzzo holds some of Italy’s best-preserved medieval and Renaissance hill towns. Many lie entirely within regional and national parks so they won’t be developed anytime soon. Abruzzo is an excellent place to see some of Italy’s best preserved landscape.
Brindisi
So Flavia Pennetta is pretty awesome. She was Italy’s first top 10 female singles player and went on to become the first Italian tennis player to be ranked number one in doubles.
Flavia was born in Brindisi, in the Apulia region of Italy. Generally overlooked in favour of the country’s better known tourist destinations (you know what they are), this port-side town is a great choice for anybody wanting to get off the beaten track but still soak up the culture, history and delicious traditional food the country has to offer.
Full of gorgeous buildings like the Archeological Museum, Roman columns, cathedrals and beautiful old churches, Brindisi requires lots of walking if you want to see all the sights you can so pick a sunny month for your trip.
So what’s there to do? Well, you can take a short boat trip and climb the Sailors’ Monument for a gorgeous 360 degree view of the city (especially lovely at night), stroll down the harbour and find a bar or cafe to settle down in for the afternoon (there’s loads of delicious, fresh seafood around Brindisi, unsurprisingly), or check out the shimmering water fountain in the city centre for an obligatory photo op.
Other
These are some more popular destinations to consider adding to your Italian travel itinerary:
Currency & Budget
Italy is in the EU countries that joined the EMU – the Economic and Monetary Union – which introduced the single currency, the euro. The current exchange rate is approximately €1.20 = £1.
Sample Prices
It is always a good idea to budget for a trip so you don’t run out of money. Here are a few sample prices to help you plan your Italy holiday:
• Mozzarella = €1.54
• A slice of pizza to take away = €1.70
• 1 bottle of local Italian wine = €2.50
• Museum entry ticket = €10 to €15
• Football matches = €12 to €70 depending on the seat or teams playing.
• Average room prices = anywhere from €20 at the lower end, to €100 mid-range and €200 at the high end.
• Average meal prices = €5 for a cheap meal, around €15 for mid-range and €25 and upwards at a classy joint!
These prices are in Italian euros, are subject to change.
Tipping
Italians don’t generally tip huge amounts, that’s if they tip at all. Many restaurants will charge a service fee as part of the bill, but often this will go straight to the owner rather than the staff.
If you’re keen to tip it is customary to leave a 10-15% tip in a sit-down restaurant, taxi-drivers will get 5-10% depending on the city, and water taxi in Venice is already so expensive but you could give them a euro or two extra if you have any money left.
Banking Hours
Banks in Italy are open Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 1.30 pm and from 3.00 pm to 4.30 pm. Some banks are also open on Saturday morning until 1.30 pm. Banks are closed on Sundays and national holidays and also on the town’s patron Saint’s day.
The afternoon hour may vary from city to city. Travellers’ cheques can be exchanged at most hotels and shops and at the foreign exchange offices in main railway stations and at the airports. Italy accepts all major credit cards.
Health & Safety
Health care in Italy is very good, but are expensive if you don’t have medical insurance. First Aid Service (Pronto Soccorso) with a doctor on hand is found at airports, ports, railway stations and hospitals. If you need an ambulance, you can call 118 from anywhere in Italy.
Citizens of EU countries are covered for emergency medical treatment in Italy on presentation of an E111 form. Treatment in private hospitals or clinics is not covered.
The tap water is safe to drink, as is the water from drinking fountains unless there is a sign reading ‘Acqua non potabile’. You might see this sign inside trains, camping sites, etc.
Don’t leave home without travel insurance! Accidents happen – and they can happen in the strangest places at the strangest times, like on the side of a mountain in the Italian Alps or in an alley in Venice at 3 am. Travel insurance can cover you for all sorts of mishaps during your travel, and even before you leave.
Italy Travel Tips
Have an awesome time while on your trip but remember to respect the local culture in Italy. Here are some Italy travel tips & advice to help you with any possible culture shock!
Visa & Entry Requirements
If you hold a valid British/EU passport then you don’t need a holiday or tourist visa to enter Italy, however your passport must be valid when returning from Italy.
Language
Try to speak the language! The Italians will be impressed that you’re giving it a go but will often reply to you in English, giving them a chance to practise what they’ve learned. What about studying in Italy?
You could do an Italian language course while immersing yourself in the local culture – the best way to learn. There is a lot of choice, choose your destination, choose your course type, and choose the best accommodation option for you.
Siesta
Some Italians still take a break during the day from 2 – 4 pm. It is somewhat of a past tradition but some of the shops still close and it’s best not to call on an Italian just in case they’re having a nap.
Restaurants
Find out the price of dishes before ordering in a restaurant – ingredients like fresh porcini mushrooms can be a major drain on the wallet.
Church Etiquette
Make sure you dress appropriately when visiting a church in Italy – keep the shoulders, knees and midriff covered. One place you’re sure to get the once-over is St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, so don’t even try to get in wearing shorts or a showing too much skin in the chest and stomach regions. Another tip for museums as well as churches is to turn off your cell phone, don’t eat, and use your quiet inside voice.
Social Norms
Italians usually dress very formally, considering skimpy tops, flip flops and sandals for the beach or swimming pool only and not the street, or in restaurants or shops. They’re also very careful not to wear jeans to a church or nice restaurant. So if you want to fit in, find some room in your suitcase for those dressy clothes!
Greetings
The famous Italian two-cheek kiss also has a couple of rules to be aware of – it is usually done between friends and families and is planted high on the cheek. More of an air kiss (with the kissing noise) you should go for the right cheek first, then the left. Guys, it’s perfectly acceptable for male friends and family to embrace each other as well.
Food & Drink
One of the first things that probably springs to mind when you think of Italy is the food. How many of us eat pizza and pasta on a regular basis? Well, what better than taking a trip to the country who invented it?
Think about how much better Italian cuisine is going to taste when you’re actually in Italy. There are so many wonderful restaurants serving world class cuisine throughout the year. Wherever you go, you’re sure to find that the food on offer is fantastic and delicious.
Useful Italian Words & Phrases
Get a few Italian phrases & words under your belt before you head off on holiday – don’t worry if you get it wrong…just speak with gusto, flair, and plenty of gestures, and you’ll fit right in. Ciao!
• Hello (ciao) – Pronounced ‘chow’, the greeting is used for both hello and goodbye.
• Yes (si) – Pizza? Si! Pasta? Si! Italian wine? Si, si!
• Thank you (grazie) – Now you can thank your waiter for the scrummy Italian meal.
• Beautiful (bellisima) – Great for describing some of the stunning Italian architecture.
• Oh my goodness (mamma mia)! – An expression of surprise or wonder.
• How much is this (quanto costa)? – Ideal when shopping. A pair of Gucci sunglasses perhaps?
• Excuse me, where’s…. (mi scusi, dov’è …?) – You won’t want to miss any of the amazing sites found throughout Italy. If in doubt, ask for directions from a local.
• Ice cream (gelato) – Italy is the ice-cream lovers heaven – you can’t avoid it (why would you want to?).
• The wine menu, please (la carta dei vini, per favore) – Tantalise your palate with some Italian wine.
• Delicious (delizioso) – Give your compliments to the chef.
Now you’ve learnt a few words what about an Italian language course to fill in the gaps? You can even learn Italian in Italy, practising on the locals!
Italy is one of my favourite countries in the world, I think it is up there with one of the best places to visit in Europe in terms of tourism and attractions. Now go explore it for yourself.