The Best Local Travel Tips For Italy

As a local, I regularly get asked for travel tips for Italy. Some first-time visitors want to know the best tips before their trip to make sure everything goes smoothly. Others want to know some Italy travel tips that will make their next trip even better.

Well, if you’re a first-time visitor coming to Italy or returning for even more fun, you’re in the right place!

Italy is the most beautiful country in the world. Of course, I might be biased. I’m from Italy and have lived here my whole life. And while I love traveling all around the world, there’s something special about Italy.

And really, I’m not the only one who feels this way. Just take a look at the many accolades it receives and the number of tourists that visit every year. Clearly, many others would also confirm the beauty of my magnificent country.

A relatively small country, Italy really has something for everyone—beautiful cities, archeological sites, art, countryside, mountains and beaches, unique wildlife, the best food in the world, fabulous wines, and much more.

A lifetime is hardly enough to get to know the country. But you can definitely make the most of it in a few weeks! Care to know how to make your trip an even better one? Follow these Italy tips and tricks from a local—AKA me!

87 Best Travel Tips For Italy, By A Local

Where to find the best travel tips for Italy

Rely on travel blogs

Travel blogs are written by people who have traveled around the country widely. Even better, some blogs are written by locals like myself! Bloggers do a lot of research to deliver information that is reliable, up to date, and quite importantly it will be all in the same place (so you don’t have to bounce back and forth to find the information you need).

And local tips

You are bound to get the best travel tips from Italians, who know how things work in the country. Locals are your best bet to find off-the-beaten-path places, to point you toward the best local restaurants, and more.

Ask other travelers for tips

Other travelers can be a very reliable source of information and travel tips for Italy. They have probably done the same things you will be doing, so they will be able to tell you what to expect. Facebook is packed with good groups that share Italy travel tips.

Traveling to Italy is one of the largest, and there is a good mix of people who have a deep knowledge of the country as well as locals—bloggers and tour guides.

Ask the experts to plan your trip

There is a certain thrill in planning a trip and traveling independently, but coming up with an itinerary can be a daunting task. If you only have a couple of weeks in the country, planning is essential. Ask an expert to draft an itinerary for you or follow a carefully curated itinerary such as this Southern Italy itinerary.

You can email me at hello@myadventuresacrosstheworld.com, and for a small fee, we can work on a plan that suits your travel needs.

You can email me at hello@myadventuresacrosstheworld.com, and for a small fee, we can work on a plan that suits your travel needs. Planning a trip to Italy can be overwhelming, so it’s nice when you can get some help to make the best, most memorable experience.

At times, a guided tour is your best option

In fact, you may be better off joining a guided tour. Then, you’ll only have to worry about what to pack for your trip!

Language travel tips for Italy

Learn some basic Italian

People working in the tourism industry in Italy will speak English, but you can’t expect everyone to speak your language and understand you. After all, I doubt that everyone in your country speaks Italian, right?

Try to learn some Italian before visiting, and take a small pocket dictionary on your trip. You can even download an app to help you communicate when needed. 

Read my post, 150+ Helpful Italian Phrases For Tourists, to learn the most important pieces of Italian before visiting.

Don’t say “ciao” to everyone 

One of the first words you will learn in Italian is “ciao” (pronounced “chaow”). It means hello and bye; we use it in informal conversations to greet friends.

Italians are hardly formal, and nobody will get offended if you say ciao to them rather than the more appropriate “buongiorno” (good day”) or “buonasera” (good evening). But try to identify the occasions in which it is ok to use it.

Italian is the official language, but not the only one

While everyone in Italy speaks Italian, this isn’t the only language you will hear. There are 12 officially recognized minority languages, and on top of those, there are dialects that vary from village to village. Just to make it all the more fun!

Shouting is common

This isn’t true of every place in Italy, but if you travel to the South, you will realize that people talk very loudly. The fact that people in the streets are shouting doesn’t mean they are having an argument. Most of the time, it is just the tone of voice or a cultural factor, and there is nothing to worry about.

Best tips for visiting Italy

Have a realistic itinerary

If it is your first time in the country, whether you are backpacking Italy or traveling a bit more comfortably, you will probably feel compelled to see as much as possible in as little time as possible. You see, Italy is much smaller than many other countries, but it has a formidable concentration of places to visit, things to do, and more.

The biggest mistake you could make is packing too much into your Italy itinerary—you’d end up seeing the places rather than actually experiencing them! Remember that less is more, even when it comes to Italy!

Avoid visiting in the peak season 

When is the best time to visit Italy? My country is gorgeous year-round, but try to avoid the peak season as much as possible. The summer months – June, July, August and the beginning of September – are busy, as well as Easter and Christmas.

October is a great month because the days are still quite long and warm, and most attractions still observe their summer schedules.

Spend enough time in Rome

I cringe every time I hear someone tell me they are only spending a day in Rome. There is so much to see and do in the Italian capital that a mere 24 hours is hardly going to give you an idea of what it is all about. If it is your first time traveling in Italy, spend at least 3 days in Rome. If you can afford to, even 4 days in Rome or 5 days in Rome would be great.

Read my post, 37 Unmissable, Fun And Cheap Things To Do In Rome. There’s a lot of what you’d expect for a trip to Rome, but there are also so many great hidden gems and other activities to add to your Rome itinerary.

Get the classics out of the way first

Start with a classic itinerary. Go to Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice, Cinque Terre, and/or Amalfi. After all, if it is your first time in the country, you really should see the main tourist attractions. This will give you a general idea, and next time you visit, you can focus on other places.

Get skip-the-line tickets for popular attractions 

Of all the traveling in Italy tips, this is super important. Attractions such as the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, the Borghese Gallery, St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Dome, the Uffizi, Doge Palace, and the Last Supper require advanced bookings. You also have to pick a time slot for your visit.

Get your skip-the-line tickets through GetYourGuide. All you have to do is search for the specific attraction(s) you’re planning and find the Skip-the-line tickets under the search option. If you haven’t used GetYourGuide or just want more information, check out my post A Completely Honest GetYourGuide Review. I find it incredibly useful for both activity planning and tour bookings!

Remember there is a big difference between the North and the South

There are 20 regions in Italy, and they all differ from each other. Trentino, in the North of Italy, doesn’t even remotely resemble Sicily, in the South. And Sardinia is different from anything else you can think of. Don’t expect to visit one place and think you know everything about Italy, or that nothing will surprise you.

Don’t just stick to the known

Try to discover hidden gems. Go to the lesser-visited places, as, at times, they are the most interesting ones, perfect for appreciating the local culture and way of life. Pick a place randomly on the map, and just go. Chances are that even though it didn’t make it to your guidebook, there will be something worth discovering.

If you are visiting Rome, make sure to read my posts, 31 Incredible Places To Explore Rome Off The Beaten Path and 20 Great Day Trips From Rome. Both of those guides will help you plan the best possible Rome holiday!

Don’t skip the islands

There is so much to see in mainland Italy that you will be tempted to stick to it. But don’t skip the islands. Sardinia and Sicily are the most obvious choices – it takes an extra flight to get there, but it is really worth the effort and the money.

Don’t forget the smaller islands, either: Elba, the Aeolian Islands, Capri and Ischia are all waiting to be discovered.

Go to the beach

Italy is actually packed with stunning beaches. If you visit in the summer months and especially if you go to the south, factor in enough time to enjoy the beaches. The best beaches are found in Sardinia, but Sicily and Puglia have amazing ones too.

Check out my post An Excellent Guide To The Best Beaches In Sardinia. I’m a big fan of the beaches in Sardinia and have been to all of them, so that guide will break down all the best, picked by a local!

Check out the mountains

Mountains make up more than 35% of Italy. The main mountain chains are the Alps, which are shared (among others) with France, Switzerland, and Austria; the Dolomites, which are 100% Italian; and the Apennines, which run across central and southern Italy. Lesser-known mountain chains include Gennargentu in Sardinia.

Go on a hike

With its mountains, it should be no surprise that Italy is a great hiking destination. The Dolomites are easily the most popular place in Italy for hiking and are home to some of the best hiking trails. However, you’ll find great scenic hikes almost everywhere.

You’ll find mesmerizing coastal trails around the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre. There are even cultural trails, like the Via Francigena, which is an old pilgrimage route that you can still walk.

There’s a wide variety of technicality in the hikes, too. You can find calming, relaxing trails. But you can also find some more extreme routes. It is also perfect for adventure sports, including rock climbing, paragliding, and even rafting.

And skiing

Where there is mountain hiking in the summer, there are ski slopes in the winter. One of my travel tips for Italy is to opt for a ski retreat if you are visiting in the winter. My favorite place is Val di Sole, in Trentino.

Excellent slopes for all levels and good-quality snow make it a great place to ski, but if you are not in the mood for skiing, there are plenty of other things to do.

Climb a volcano

If you are looking for a bit of a thrill and are up for the challenge, I recommend climbing a volcano. There are several to choose from, but I recommend either Mount Etna, near Catania, or Stromboli, in the Aeolian Islands. They are both active, and the experience is simply incredible.

You need a guide to hike volcanoes in Italy. For guided hikes of Mount Etna, I recommend this Etna: Trek to the 3,000-Meter Mount Etna with Cable Car. The tour begins at La Terrazza Dell’Etna. It includes about four hours of hiking, lunch, and a 20-minute cable car ride.

For guided hikes of Mount Stromboli, I recommend this Stromboli: Sunset Trekking at Sciara del Fuoco. It’s one of the most beautiful guided walks up Stromboli and also one of the best sunsets you’ll ever see in Europe! The walk takes about five hours, so it does require some basic physical fitness.

Make a note of business hours 

Other than shopping malls, most businesses in Italy, especially in smaller villages, close between 1:00 or 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 or 4:30 p.m. Depending on the location and the season, they will then stay open until 8:00 or even 9:00 p.m.

Don’t be annoyed by this: just embrace it and take it as an opportunity for a longer lunch or even a nap (especially beneficial in the summer, when it’s too hot to be outside anyway).

Public Holidays

Public holidays have the potential of affecting your trip with business and museum closures (at times restaurants too) and fewer transport options, so make a note of the main national ones, and consider they may be a few regional/city ones too. These are the ones you should remember:

• 1 January
• 6 January (Ephiphany)
• Easter holidays (Friday to Monday included)
• 15 August (Ferragosto)
• 1 November
• 8 December (Immacolata Concezione)
• 25 December (Christmas)
• 26 December (Santo Stefano / Boxing Day)

When in Rome, note that 29 June is also a holiday, and the Vatican Museums will be closed to the public.

And of museums closing days

Most museums in Italy are closed on Mondays. The Vatican Museums, however, are closed on Sundays. Just take a second to double-check the closing days and hours before your trip to Italy because the last thing you want is a “surprise” closing that throws off your travels.

Packing tips for Italy

Pick the right suitcase

This is vital! Italy is home to endless, charming cobbled alleys; lots of stairs and, at times, no elevators; train journeys and whatnot. Packing the right bag for your trip will definitely make your trip easier.

Remember to dress modestly in religious sites

Yes, you need to dress modestly to enter religious sites—in fact, this is true anywhere in the world.

It’s not an issue in the winter when you’ll be covered anyway, but it can be one in the summer. But here are a few tips: Cover your shoulders and chest (no tank tops) and knees (no shorts or miniskirts). Alternatively, wear a comfortable long dress and carry a shirt or light jacket to wear on top once you enter.

Pack the right shoes

This is especially relevant for the ladies’ reading. With all the cobbled streets and the many steps you’ll be walking on, you really want to pack your most comfortable shoes. Heels aren’t really suitable for a trip to Italy—perhaps if you don’t want to forego them entirely, opt for platform shoes.

If you are visiting in the summer, a good pair of sandals is the way to go. Flip-flops are strictly used for going to the beach in Italy.

For more information on what to pack, read my post What To Wear In Italy. The post gives more detailed information about the best clothing for different parts of Italy from a local.

Beware that it actually gets cold in the winter

Italy is not always sunny and warm. Cagliari, where I am based, can get quite cold in the winter. The north of the country is even colder! On the other hand, one of my best travel tips for Italy is to visit in the winter, when it is less crowded, and to come prepared with proper winter clothing. 

Bring a plug adaptor

If you are coming from North America, the UK, or even South Africa, you will see that electricity sockets in Europe are different. If you don’t have a plug adaptor, look for one at a ferramenta shop near you.

If you are a girl, don’t carry things such as hair straighteners or hair dryers—they are available in all hotel rooms or apartments, and in any case, the voltage is different, so your appliances won’t work here.

Tips for moving around Italy

Plan how to get to the city in advance

This is one of the most useful travel tips for Italy! Plan your ride from the airport to the city center before you actually arrive, especially if you are landing in a big city such as Rome, where taxi rip-offs are always around the corner.

Do some research to see what options are available. Airport sites have the most reliable information and show all available options. Taxis usually have a flat fee to take you to the city center from the airport everywhere in Italy.

Landing in Rome? Check out my post, How To Get From Fiumicino Airport To Rome City Center. The post explains the best forms of transportation and provides step-by-step instructions for getting from the airport to the city center.

Go to the right airport!

Rome, Venice, and Milan all have more than one airport—the main one is used by regular airlines, and a smaller one is used by low-cost ones. However, some budget airlines also fly from the main airports.

The bottom line is always to check which airport you are flying from so that you show up at the right place—trust me, I know a few people who arrived at the airport only to realize that was not where they were meant to fly from!

Go to the airport in advance

If you are flying from a smaller airport, plan to be there around 1.5 hours in advance. If you are traveling from larger airports such as Milan Malpensa or Rome Fiumicino, plan to be there between 2 and 3 hours in advance—the line at the check-in may be long, and security checks may take forever!

Travel by train 

Trains in Italy really go anywhere; they are quick and comfortable (though, at times, flying budget airlines can be cheaper). The largest train company is Trenitalia, but you may also see Italo trains.

You need to buy tickets in advance for fast trains (we call them intercity or Alta Velocità, which means high speed, and they are labeled as Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, or Frecciabianca).

Regional trains are slower as they stop at all stations, but they don’t need to be booked in advance.

Remember to validate your ticket

If you have a paper ticket, you will need to validate it before getting on the train. There are machines around the train station and along the platform. If you don’t do so and show an unvalidated ticket to the train conductor, you may get a fine.

Beware of transportation strikes

Transportation strikes are common in Italy. The good news is they are announced in advance so you have plenty of time to change your ticket reservations or to make alternative plans for the day.

Buy bus tickets at Tabaccherie

Tabaccherie in Italy is the equivalent of newsagents and sells anything from tobacco to snacks, candies, lottery tickets, SIM cards, and local transportation tickets. If you are planning on moving around by bus, get a bunch of tickets in a tabaccheria as not all buses sell tickets on board.

Download FreeNow

If you are staying in the center of town you won’t really need to use taxis and can just walk around or rely on the metro or bus to reach places that are more distant. If you do need a taxi, however, an app such as Free Now (formally called My Taxi) will be your best option to call a cab. Uber is also becoming more popular and widely-used across the country.

Don’t rule out renting a car

Tourists are generally afraid of driving in Italy. Italians have a (well-deserved) reputation as bad drivers, and streets in the city center can be terribly narrow. Finding a parking spot can also be a nightmare.

If you overcome these worries and obtain a valid international driver’s license, driving in Italy can be a lot of fun, a massive time saver, and a way to see incredible landscapes and unusual places.

One of the most important driving in Italy tips is to pick a small car, as it will make your life easier. Are you worried about driving a manual car? Specifically, ask the car rental company for an automatic car.

If you plan to rent a car, I recommend Discover Cars. It’s definitely the best international car rental agency. You can compare prices, cars, and locations. Also, make sure to read my posts, What You Must Know About Driving In Italy, and A Guide To Renting A Car In Italy for more information.

Beware of ZTL and speed cameras

ZTL stands for Zona Traffico Limitato, and it refers to some parts of a city that are closed to non-resident traffic at certain hours. ZTL areas usually have a massive electronic sign at the entrance that says whether you can drive through (Varco Aperto) or not (Varco Chiuso).

There is a camera on top of that sign that will monitor that only residents drive through when the Varco is Chiuso—all others will receive a fine.

Beware of speed cameras (autovelox, in Italian), too. If you have a good GPS system, you will usually be warned of the speed limits and of the presence of speed cameras. 

Remember that although Italians have a reputation for being crazy drivers, you will still be fined if you are caught breaking traffic laws.

Keep in mind that it may take months to be notified of a fine. The notice will first be sent to the legal owner of the car (the rental car company), who will then send you the fine. Yes, you have to pay for that.

Pay your parking fees

Not all parking spots along the street are free. If you see blue lines, that means you have to pay, usually by the hour, for the spot. There will be a machine nearby where you can get your ticket with a few coins.

Autostrade are not free

Autostrada is Italian for highway or motorway. Autostradas are toll roads, for which you get a ticket once you get inside, and upon exiting, you have to pay. Keep some cash in the car or have your card ready for payment.

Learn to cross the road

You’d expect such a tip in a post about India, Egypt, or perhaps Vietnam, but trust me, you may need it.

Carefully look both ways when crossing the road—you never know if a bike or a scooter is coming from where it shouldn’t be. The same applies to zebra crossing (crosswalks): just because they are there, it doesn’t mean Italian drivers (other than me, that is!) will always respect them.

Accommodation tips

Book your hotel in advance

This is especially important if you are traveling in the peak season, visiting a busy city, and have a budget to respect.

Consider any mobility issue

Italian cities are old, and so are many buildings in the historic center where smaller hotels or family-run guest houses are located. If you have mobility issues, you are probably better off staying in a larger hotel where you have the comfort of an elevator and an accessible room.

Get a room with AC

Not all rooms in Italy have AC, especially if you are staying at a smaller, local guest house. Always double-check that the room you are about to book has AC if that’s something you really can’t go without.

Also keep in mind AC in Italy is never quite as powerful as it may be in the United States. If the temperature outside is 35°C (95°F), you can expect a milder 26° or 27°C (79° to 80°F) inside.

Don’t be surprised by the tourist tax

Most cities in Italy now charge a tourist tax—usually between €1 and €3 euros per day per person. Once you arrive, you must pay this tax in cash at your hotel or Airbnb, even if your hotel stay has already been paid. The money doesn’t go to the hotel but to the city council.

Sometimes you pay a tourist tax even on day trips and attractions

This doesn’t happen in many cases (I have seen it in Capri and in Cala Goloritzé beach in Sardinia), but just in case keep some spare change for that.

Your accommodation will make a copy of your passport

Again, totally normal and done for tax purposes.

Don’t expect a dryer in your apartment

One of the things that fascinates tourists is that we hang our laundry in the sun. Well, guess what—we don’t do it because it looks pretty in photos (though it certainly does)—but because laundry dryers are not common here. It’s better for the environment, better for the clothes, and better for our electricity bills.

Eating and drinking in Italy

A bar is a coffee shop 

A bar is a coffee shop in Italy. Bars open very early in the morning and close late in the evening—though that varies depending on the location. Like coffee shops, bars serve coffee and non-alcoholic drinks such as juices and teas, as well as pastries, gelato, quick meals, and snacks. They also have a license to serve alcohol.

Learn about the different kinds of coffee

If you ask for a generic coffee in Italy, you will get an espresso. Other kinds of coffee you’ll find are macchiato, caffè al vetro, caffè corretto, caffè dek, mocaccino etc. Before traveling, get acquainted with all the different kinds of coffee available and then try them all.

Read my post, How To Order Coffee In Italy. For many people, it should be simple. But there are definitely some unique nuances with coffee-ordering in Italy and even other parts of Europe. This guide will make sure you’re 100% prepared, which is a must for any coffee lovers.

Don’t expect eggs for breakfast

This just isn’t a thing in Italy. You will find them at larger hotels, but if you are staying in a local guest house or bed and breakfast, you will have to go by what we typically have: yogurt, fruit, cereals, cookies, bread and jam, and lots of coffee.

If this interests you, make sure to read my post about a typical Italian breakfast. Breakfast only became more commonplace in the last few decades, and it is a bit different from classic American or English breakfasts.

Don’t drink cappuccino with your meal

If you ask for a cappuccino with a meal, the waiter will give you a dirty look. The same goes for having it after a meal. Don’t. Instead, order a caffé macchiato if straight coffee or espresso is too strong for you.

We are not as strict as some would say about drinking cappuccino after 11:00 a.m. I occasionally have it in the afternoon and haven’t gotten in trouble yet.

Take a food tour 

Join a guided food tour or even a cooking class. These are great ways to learn about the local food culture and specialties, oftentimes starting from a local market.

Italian food is more than just pizza and pasta

Food in Italy is actually very regional. While some dishes are commonly eaten throughout the country (and with local variations), others can only be found in specific locations. Keep this in mind when you go looking for ragù alla bolognese in Rome or for a cotoletta alla milanese in Naples.

Italian food goes well beyond pasta and pizza. Our diet is quite varied, and though we do love our carbs, we have excellent meat, fish, and seafood dishes, lots of pulses, and massive amounts of fruits and vegetables. Make yourself acquainted with local dishes before your trip, and note down the ones you’d like to try.

Vegans will usually have it easy

Lots of Italian dishes are naturally vegan. This post, although in Italian, will give you an idea of some traditional dishes that you can safely eat. There are now many vegan restaurants in most medium and large cities, and many restaurants and pizzeries will have vegan options.

Don’t expect to have dinner at 6:00 pm

When it comes to dining time, do as the locals do.

Lunch in Italy is between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m., depending on the region and the season. Italians won’t ever go for dinner at 6:00 p.m. (that’s aperitivo time!), and if you see a restaurant serving food that early, it’s probably a tourist trap.

We normally eat dinner between 8:00 and 9:30 pm, depending on the season and the location.

Book the best restaurants in advance

Apps such as The Fork will allow you to book your table directly, picking a date and time. Otherwise, the old-fashioned phone call should work. Waiters in most tourist locations will be able to pick a reservation in English. If you are unsure, ask your hotel receptionist to reserve a table for you.

If you see spaghetti bolognese on the menu, leave the restaurant

There is no such thing as spaghetti bolognese or spaghetti alla bolognese in Italy. First of all, we’d refer to the sauce as “ragù alla bolognese”—where bolognese means “from Bologna.” Secondly, this sauce typically accompanies tagliatelle. If you want to have the real tagliatelle alla bolognese, go to Bologna.

Kids’ menus are not common

Italian kids grow up infused with our local food culture and are accustomed to eating the same things their parents do, so children’s menus are not very common in restaurants—only some have started introducing them.

Regardless of that, you are bound to find something your child will enjoy eating in the country of pasta!

Learn to roll your spaghetti

Although many overseas think it is proper to roll spaghetti on a spoon, not even children do that here. So, another one of my travel tips for Italy: train yourself to roll spaghetti properly. Pick a few spaghetti noodles with your fork and roll clockwise till forming a soft knot. It’s easy!

By all means, don’t cut your spaghetti!

Parmesan never goes on fish 

Parmesan has a very strong flavor, and if you put it on top of your seafood risotto, it will cover up its delicate flavor. To my knowledge, the only Italian recipe that calls for parmesan on fish is sogliole alla parmigiana (sole parmesan). 

Chicken or pineapple on pizza (or pasta) is not ok

The Italian food you got used to eating in your country is definitely very good, but very different from what we eat here. Chicken never goes on pasta or pizza in Italy.

Pineapple on pizza is not acceptable (but you may see green apples or pears on pizza at times, paired with certain kinds of cheese). I can’t give you reasons for that, but I can tell you we all shriek at the thought of chicken on pasta or pineapple on pizza.

If you like pepperoni on pizza, ask for salami. Say pepperoni, and you’ll likely get a pizza with bell peppers.

Garlic bread is not Italian

And you won’t find it on the menu. In fact, I first tried it in England when I was 23. Some places serve bruschetta, which involves rubbing garlic on toasted bread before adding chopped tomatoes, olive oil, basil, and/or oregano.

Contrary to what people outside of Italy think, Italians don’t eat much garlic. We use it to flavor oil when we cook, then remove it because we find it too heavy on the stomach and on the breath.

Learn to pick good gelato

This is one of the most important travel tips for Italy. 

First, the basic: gelato is just Italian for ice cream. Some will tell you that the recipe is different and that gelato and ice cream are not the same thing, but to us, they are.

Now, the important bits: not all gelato is good. Stay away from places that sell a million flavors, as chances are they are not prepared with natural ingredients. The best gelaterie have no more than 10 daily flavors, and they are not on display (so you won’t be able to see the gelato).

In short, the shinier and more colorful the gelato, the less good it is. Easy, right?

Water in fountains is safe to drink

You will find drinking fountains in most Italian cities, and they are a massive relief, especially on hot days. Carry a water bottle that you can refill, as the water is perfectly safe to drink.

But in restaurants, don’t ask for tap water

I can’t explain why, but most restaurants still serve bottled water. Many are now switching to filtered water and will serve you bottles they can refill—which means less plastic and also much cheaper. You will have the option of choosing between acqua naturale (still) and frizzante (sparkling).

Order vino della casa

Most restaurants will have a house wine on offer – it can be a random “easy drink” red or white wine that you can order by the measure (“un bicchiere“—a glass, or “un quarto“—a quarter liter; “mezzo litro“—half-liter; “un litro“—a liter) but at times it actually is a bottle proper!

It’s always wine o’ clock

Wine is a huge part of Italian culture, so here is another of my travel tips for Italy: never miss an opportunity to have a good glass. You don’t have to become an alcoholic, really! Just enjoy a glass with your meal. That’s it.

Take a wine tour

One of my biggest Italy travel tips for first-timers is to enjoy the amazing wine.

Do a wine tour to discover the best wineries in the area you are exploring. You will learn about the local grapes, the history of the vineyard, and the wine-making process, and have a proper wine-tasting experience. Pretty much all regions of Italy produce wine, and wine varies a lot between regions.

If you happen to be in Sardinia, head straight to Cantine Argiolas in Serdiana for the best Sardinian wines and wine tours.

Have aperitivo

Aperitivo (aperitif) is typically a light alcoholic drink you have before meals. Italians love Aperol Spritz—a light cocktail made with Aperol, soda water, and prosecco. Others (like yours truly) swear by a good prosecco.

But what if you don’t drink alcohol? Don’t worry! Opt for one of the many alcohol-free drinks other than the classic Coke, juices, and tonic water. You can have a more Italian Sanbitter or a Chinotto.

There is no such thing as champagne in Italy

We have plenty of sparkling wines in Italy, but champagne is French. Don’t be tempted to refer to any sparkling wine as champagne, as Italians may be offended. Ask for Prosecco a lighter sparkling wine from the region of Veneto. Spumante can be a good option, too.

Service in restaurants can be slow

This is an important one to point out for Italy travel tips for first timers because some people can lose patience easily.

Service in Italy is much slower than in other countries. Italian waiters won’t be all over customers asking if everything is good, if they need anything, etc. You are expected to raise their attention if you need anything.

Add to this the fact that most food is prepared to order and that Italians see eating out as a way of socializing, and you get the idea. Instead of complaining about it, embrace it. And order more wine.

Watch out for the coperto

You’ve finally finished your meal and you are about to pay, only to discover a random item in your check, called “coperto.” That’s a cover charge that normally includes bread, and that goes into cleaning the restaurant, service etc.

Tips for grocery shopping in Italy

With all the incredible produce you’ll see in Italy, if you have access to a kitchen, definitely take advantage of it and plan to cook a meal or two.

Scattered around Italian cities, you’ll find grocery stores of various sizes.

There are small neighborhood stores. The ones to know are frutta e verdura (produce shops), macelleria (butcher), panificio (bakery), or a more generic alimentari (small neighborhood food store) and larger “supermarkets” (the most common chains are Conad, Carrefour, Auchan. You may also come across Spar and Despar, Gieffe, Esselunga, and Iperpan in Sardinia).

On top of that, there are many markets that sell the best fresh produce.

I wish I could give you a few set of traveling to Italy tips for shopping in Italy, but unfortunately, what’s true in one place may not be the case in another. So here are a few things to keep in mind:

• In some stores, you must weigh your own produce, but in others, this is done at the cash desk.
• Plastic bags aren’t free, and you’ll have to use them for produce in stores. It’s a good thing they are degradable.
• Bring a canvas bag for your shopping.
• Gloves must be used to pick produce in larger grocery stores.
• Don’t touch produce in small greengrocers and markets: wait to be served instead.

Paying for things in Italy

Credit cards are accepted in most places

Credit cards (Mastercard and Visa) are commonly accepted in shops and restaurants, and you can use them to pay for train tickets. American Express isn’t commonly accepted.

But always take some cash with you

Here is another of my travel tips for Italy: always have some spare change with you. You won’t really be able to pay for a coffee or a gelato with a credit card (unless you are buying gelato for an army), and restaurants occasionally have issues with card payments and won’t be able to accept them until the machine is fixed.

Tipping is absolutely not necessary 

This is one of my favorite travel tips for Italy. Though tips are welcome, they aren’t expected. In restaurants, a service fee is added to your bill, and that counts as a tip. Guides, drivers, and other workers are paid for their jobs.

If you all leave large tips, employers may well decide to lower wages, thinking that their employees can make enough money from tips. This will put a strain on locals, whose wages are much lower than overseas and who won’t have enough to leave a tip on top of what they consume.

Read my post Tipping In Italy: When To Tip And How Much. The guide can help you understand Italian expectations, which are very different from those in the United States, Canada, or other parts of the world.

Other useful travel tips for Italy

Take your ID card with you when you go out

By law, Italians are always asked to carry around a form of identification. If you’d rather leave your passport in the safe in your hotel room, bring a valid driver’s license with you. Being stopped by the police for a random check doesn’t happen frequently – if it does, there’s nothing to worry about.

Don’t put your feet in fountains

Many Italian cities have gorgeous fountains, and during hot summer days, you may be tempted to sit on them, take your shoes off, and put your feet in the water. Don’t do it. It is forbidden by law, and you may end up getting a fine.

Get travel insurance

Italy has a public health care system, and regardless of your status in the country—resident, tourist, or migrant—you will receive assistance if needed. That said, here’s one of the best travel tips for Italy: get good travel insurance for your trip.

Make sure to read my post Why You Need A Good Travel Insurance. I recommend HeyMondo for travelers.

Watch out for scams 

Important travel tips for Italy ahead! Learn about the most common scams so that you can avoid them. Here they are:

THE OVERLY FRIENDLY STRANGER—If a person approaches you at a train station insisting on helping you get tickets from the vending machine or to carry your suitcase, chances are they want something in return. You do get chivalrous people, but not so eager.

THE FRIENDSHIP BRACELET—If someone approaches you and ties a bracelet around your wrist or finger, seemingly as a gift, say a firm and polite no and move away. That is a scam, and you will be asked for money. The same goes for flowers.

TAXI SCAMS—The most typical taxi scam involves an unlicensed taxi (only take white cabs with the sign “taxi” on top) or a taxi that takes the longest route possible to your destination. Google Maps helps you with the itinerary, so have it handy.

Make sure to also beware of pickpockets. They are common in busy train or bus stations.

Get a local SIM card

The easiest way to communicate with friends and relatives at home and stay connected is by phone. It is probably cheaper to get a local SIM card so that you can use Whatsapp, Skype, or Facetime to make phone calls and other useful apps such as Google Maps (though please don’t strictly rely on that as it’s not 100% reliable in Italy).

The best companies are Vodafone and Wind.

Always carry a pack of tissues with you

This is one of the travel tips for Italy that any proper mamma will give you. Never leave the house without a pack of tissues. You never know when you may need to blow your nose, wipe your face, or find no toilet paper in the toilet—even when you have to pay for it. Add to it a small tube of hand sanitizer, and you are good to go.

Learn how to stand in line

We are so bad at respecting lines that in many places, there now is a number system: you walk in, pick a number from the machine, and wait for your number to be called. If there are no numbers, you just have to learn how to line in Italy.

The key here is to stand your ground. Jump the line, and you will be yelled at. Be too polite, and people will pass you. If you see someone trying to sneak in front of you, swiftly push them away by moving forward and placing yourself well in the middle so that they can’t pass. 

Italian emergency numbers

Last but definitely not least, make a note of the Italian number for emergencies. It is 112, and it is pretty much like 911 in the US. Chances are you won’t need it, but just in case!

Do you have any other travel tips for Italy to add to this list?

Further Readings

Make sure to read my planning tips for Italy in these posts:

• 17 Reasons To Visit Italy As Soon As Possible
• What To Do And What To Avoid When Planning A Trip To Italy
• A Guide To The Best Places To Visit In Italy
• A Perfect Italy Itinerary: What To See And Do With 10 Days Or More
• 21 Best Movies About Italy You Need To Watch
• 10 Perfectly Good Reasons To Visit Bergamo, Italy
• 13 Cool Things To Do In Matera Italy
• 25 Most Interesting Facts About Italy

Pin It For Later!