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For centuries, Italy was a hotspot for poetic nobles from northern Europe. The “grand tour” was a journey through ancient Rome to see its vine-covered temples and crumbling relics when it was considered the height of culture. 

But these “grand trippers” thought of Italy primarily in terms of its ancient history and legends, rather than as a living culture. For them, the contemporary Italian people were just an afterthought.

Today, savvy travelers want more than the stunning ruins of Rome. Italy comprises 20 unique regions, each with its own distinct cuisine, architecture, art scene, and history. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Italy! Ahead, is my guide to everything you need to know before traveling to Italy. As the Italians would say, Buon viaggio!

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Italy Travel Guide: Basics for your Trip

Essential Things to Know About Italy

Keep these basics in mind when it’s time to organize your trip:

Language

The national language is Italian. It is also useful to keep in mind that English is not commonly spoken in the country. Learning a few basic expressions can be literally a life-saver.

Safety 

The country is relatively safe, although there has been a surge in petty crime in bigger, more crowded cities in the last few years. Pickpocketing can be common in areas with a high volume of public, such as museums, stations, and airports.

Be always alert (without being paranoid) and, if you can use an antitheft bag, crossbody is always safer, to avoid having valuables stolen.

I always recommend moving around with a copy of your passport and leaving the original document in the safe of your hotel.

If you enjoy photography and cannot travel without a big camera or a collections of lenses, a dedicated backpack can be the best solution to carry all your equipment.

Visa Requirements

Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can enter Italy for up to 90 days without a visa. If you plan to stay longer or travel to other Schengen Area countries, you will need to apply for a visa.

To apply for a visa, you will need to submit the following documents:

• A valid passport
  
• A completed visa application form
  
• Two recent passport photographs
  
• Proof of travel insurance
  
• Proof of accommodation
  
• A letter of invitation (if applicable)
  
• Proof of financial means (bank statements, etc.)
  

It is important to note that the visa application process can take several weeks, so be sure to apply well in advance of your trip.

Currency and Payment Methods 

Italy uses the Euro. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most areas of the country, while some small towns and tiny settlements (mostly in the south of the country) might only accept cash.

ATMs are available across the country as well, mostly in important urban centers, most of them accept foreign credit cards and have a language selection option.

Most hotels, restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions accept credit and debit cards in big cities and tourist areas. Nowadays, you will also be able to use cash to pay for metro passes (via the official app used in some towns), so cash will only be needed for small purchases or tipping.

Electricity

Italy uses three different plug types mostly: Plug type C (also known as Europlug, this plug also fits into type F sockets), plug type F (this plug which two round pins with two earth clips on the side), and plug type L. The country operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

A universal adapter is always a smart thing to have in your luggage when traveling to Europe. If you really need to carry a hairdryer or electric razor with dual voltage.

Essential Things to Know About Italy’s Culture

When we think of Italian culture, certain images come to mind: rolling hills of vineyards, picturesque medieval villages, gondolas floating down Venice’s canals, and fashion-forward Milanese men and women. But there is so much more to Italy than that!

Italy has a long and complex history dating back to the Roman Empire. With such a rich past, it’s no wonder that the country is home to 51 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – more than any other nation in the world.

From the ancient ruins of Pompeii to the rolling hills of Tuscany, there are countless historical and natural wonders to explore in Italy.

Italians have a sense of style that is unmatched anywhere else in the world. From the high-end fashion houses of Milan to the handcrafted leather goods of Florence, Italians know how to dress and how to accessorize. Even the simple act of having an espresso at a cafe is done with style.

When is the Best Time of Year To Visit Italy

The best time to visit Italy depends on what you want to see and do. If you’re interested in spending time at the beach, the best time to go is from June to August.

However, be aware that this is also the busiest (and most expensive) time of year.

If you’re more interested in exploring Italy’s cities, the spring and fall are ideal. The weather is pleasant and you’ll avoid the crowds of summer tourists. 

Besides, during the shoulder season, prices are a little more convenient all over the peninsula.

Essential Things to Know about Italy to Organize the Perfect Itinerary: Best Places to Visit

There are so many amazing places to visit in Italy it can be hard to choose. The big cities have a ton of history, but the lesser-known places are best for an authentic experience.

Rome

Rome is the capital of Italy and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. With iconic sights like the Colosseum and the Vatican, it’s no wonder that millions of people flock to Rome every year. 

The city is chaotic, noisy, and even dirty at times, but is one of the most charming you will ever see not just in Italy, but in the whole of Europe!

Florence

Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance. The city is filled with art museums, churches, and medieval alleyways. Don’t miss the iconic Duomo, a Gothic cathedral with a bright red dome.

Florence is probably my favorite city in Italy, it is a great place to discover on foot and even when there is a lot to see, the city is so compact that you can check out the best of it in just a few days.

Venice

Venice is unlike any other city in the world. The entire city is built on a series of canals, and tourists can explore it by boat or on foot. Be sure to visit St. Mark’s Basilica and the Rialto Bridge, two of Venice’s most famous landmarks.

And if you have further time, check out the small islands of Murano, famous for its glass production, and the colorful Burano.

Milan

Milan is Italy’s fashion capital and one of the richest cities in Europe. The city is home to world-renowned fashion houses like Prada and Versace, as well as the iconic Milan Cathedral.

Spending a few days in Milan is a great way to get to know a more cosmopolitan side to the country. Milan is also the place where I lived for over 20 years… it’s my second home!

Pisa

Pisa is best known for its Leaning Tower. Pisa’s cathedral bell tower has been leaning at a precarious angle for centuries.

The tower is located in Piazza dei Miracoli, a large square hosting the most remarkable religious complex in town, built in Pisan Romanesque style, and that also includes the impressive baptistery.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a string of five picturesque seaside villages on the Italian Riviera, in the gorgeous coastal region of Liguria.

The charming fishing villages are connected by a series of hiking trails, a dedicated train line, and by a sea route covered by small boats and ferries.

No matter how you move along the coast, all of the area offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is a stretch of coastline along the southern coast of Italy, in the Campania region, not far from other iconic spots in the country, the city of Naples and Mount Vesubio.

With its dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and picturesque villages, it’s no wonder that the Amalfi Coast is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy.

Tuscany

Tuscany is a region in central Italy known for its rolling hills, medieval villages, and vineyards.

The city of Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region, but there are many interesting towns to visit other than Florence, including Pisa, as well as the medieval towns of Siena and San Gimignano.

Tuscany is best-known for its outstanding wine production, the region is home to amazing red wines, including Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino.

Sicily

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and one of the 20 regions of Italy.

Famous for its rich gastronomy, Sicily is the perfect place to taste the best staples of the Mediterranean Diet.

The island is home to Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano, as well as the ruins of the ancient city of Syracuse.

How to Get Around Italy

Italy has an extensive public transportation system that includes long-distance buses and high-speed trains as well as an impressive highway network to go from one region to another. 

When moving around in urban and suburban areas, locals rely on regional and local trains, trams, urban buses, and the metro. 

The best way to get around depends on the cities you’re visiting and the amount of time you have.

If you’re short on time, flying is the fastest way to get around Italy. For instance, traveling from Milan to Rome can take you 6 hours by car and only 50 minutes by plane.

If you’re interested in taking the scenic route, traveling by train is a great option. 

Italy’s trains are comfortable and efficient, and they offer stunning views of the countryside as you move around. Just be sure to purchase your tickets in advance, as prices can often increase closer to the date of travel.

Best Italian Food & Dishes

The following dishes are some of the staple things you must try when traveling around Italy, buon appetito!

Pizza

Now world-famous, pizza is one of the most popular foods in Italy. The dish originated in Naples, and it’s made with a thin, crispy crust, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fresh tomato sauce.

Nowadays, pizza comes with unusual toppings as well, however, no pizza beats the delicious simplicity of Margherita, topped with just a few ingredients: fresh Buffala mozzarella, tomato sauce, and a basil leaf, all the colors that make the national flag. Extra virgin olive oil is often drizzled on top too.

Pasta

Pasta is another Italian staple, arguably as popular as pizza. There are hundreds of different types of pasta, each with its own unique flavor and texture, some of them with tasty fillings as well.

Likewise, there are hundreds of pasta sauces, some of them characteristic of each region. The most popular types of pasta include spaghetti, fusilli, tagliatelle, fettuccini, gnocchi, and ravioli.

Risotto

Risotto is a creamy rice dish that’s traditionally made with Parmesan cheese and white wine. The dish is popular in Northern Italy, and it’s often served as a main course.

Among the many varieties, you will find Risotto alla Milanese (with saffron), Risotto ai Funghi (often made with Porcini mushrooms), and Risi e Bisi (a type of risotto eaten in the Veneto region made with peas).

Gelato

Is there anything left to say about gelato that has not been discussed before?

Gelato is a type of Italian ice cream, only creamier and softer, that’s made with milk, cream, and sugar. The dessert is incredibly popular in Italy, and there are gelaterias (ice cream shops) on almost every corner. Those who know better claim that gelato originated in Florence.

Cannoli

A cannolo (remember that cannoli is a plural word in Italian!) is a type of Italian pastry that’s made with a crispy shell and a sweet filling. The most popular fillings include ricotta cheese, chocolate, and candied fruit. Originating in Sicily, 

Tiramisu

Who doesn’t love Italian tiramisu? This is a layered dessert that’s made with coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder.

Some people claim that the dish originated in the city of Treviso. What is certain though, is that tiramisu is now one of the most popular desserts in Italy, and nobody cares where it comes from!

Italian Wine

Enough to reach the Tuscany region in order to sample some of Italy’s most beloved wines.

Although the area is known for its centennial vineyards where wine tasting is arguably a must thing to do, virtually every region in Italy produces excellent wines that you should try during your trip.

As you can see, Italy is a country with a rich history and culture that’s well worth exploring. Whether you’re interested in its art, food, wine, or scenery, there’s something for everyone in Italy.

The best way to experience all that the country has to offer is by traveling to different cities and regions. So if you’re planning a trip to Italy, be sure to add some of the mentioned destinations to your itinerary.

Are you ready for your Italy adventure?
Let me know in the comments below!

You might also want to read these Italy Travel blogs:

• How to Spend 2 Days in Milan for an Awesome Escape in Italy
• Unique Things to Do in Venice in Winter that you Can’t Do in Any Other Season 
• Top Guide to Discover the Lakes of North Italy: Lake Orta
• Stunning Things to Do in Florence in Winter to Discover the Best of the City!

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