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Planning your first trip to Italy? These Italy travel tips cover everything you need to know – from cultural etiquette and transport quirks to what not to wear, eat, or expect. Straight-talking advice from someone who’s spent months exploring the country, one regional nuance at a time.
I’ve spent many months – more than a year, cumulatively – travelling across Italy.
It’s a country I return to almost every year, and in recent years, since going full-time on this blog, I’ve been lucky enough to spend several months a year there, slow-travelling through different regions and really getting to know the place beyond the surface.
My love for Italy started young – I was one of those kids obsessed with ancient history and wanted to be an archaeologist. Visiting Rome and Pompeii with my family as a child blew my mind, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Over time, I’ve explored it from every angle: as a wide-eyed tourist, as a curious history and food lover, and now as someone who knows how to settle in, get local, and find the nuance in each new region or city.
Italy is endlessly rewarding – and also a bit chaotic, layered, and occasionally confusing for first-timers.
These tips are what I wish I’d known early on, and what I’ve learned over dozens of visits. If it helps you avoid the rookie mistakes and experience the Italy I know and love, then that’s exactly why I’ve written this.
Essential Italy Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
1. Italy Varies Massively Between Regions
One of the most important Italy travel tips I can give you is this: don’t expect one version of Italy.
It varies massively from region to region – not just in food or landscape, but in energy, attitude, even how people speak and dress. You really do feel like you’re moving between former kingdoms – and in many ways, you are.
I always notice that in the North, there’s this quiet sense of order and wealth. Places like Milan or certain towns in the Veneto feel polished, elegant, almost restrained. The South, by contrast, is louder, warmer, more expressive – that passionate, slightly chaotic vibe most people associate with Italy is very much rooted there.
Even between neighbouring regions, the contrast can be stark. Puglia surprised me completely – the Adriatic influence is strong, and you can really feel the parallels with Croatia just across the water. Tuscany, on the other hand, feels rustic and earthy – think cypress trees, wild boar ragù, and medieval hill towns.
Italy only unified in the 19th century, and honestly, that fragmented history still lingers. It’s one of the things I find most fascinating about travelling here – every region feels like its own little world, and it’s that contrast that keeps pulling me back.
2. It gets very busy in the summer – and very hot
Personally, I try to avoid Italy in summer if I’m travelling for pleasure.
It’s the busiest, hottest, and most expensive time to go – and with the recent heatwaves, sightseeing in that kind of weather just isn’t enjoyable for me.
I’ve done it, mind you.
I recently spent two months travelling through Palermo, Venice, and Florence during a particularly brutal summer heatwave, and I survived just fine. But Palermo was tough – the air was heavy and humid, and tourist infrastructure like air conditioning wasn’t always a given.
That said, Florence was more manageable, and even in those high-tourist areas, I’ve found the trick is to simply wander a few streets away from the main attractions. You’ll find quieter pockets and more local life if you just break away from the crowds a little.
If you’re flexible, I think the sweet spots for visiting Italy are May and September – even into June if you don’t mind a few more people.
For city breaks, March, April, October, or even November can be ideal. I spent a week in Rome one November and it was perfect – mild weather, fewer tourists, and still plenty of buzz.
In short: avoid the peak if you can.
3. You can get around Italy’s major destinations easily by train
I’m a big advocate for train travel in Italy.
I’ve taken the train all over the country – from Venice to Florence, Rome to Naples, and around smaller regions like Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany and Campania – and honestly, I find it a brilliant way to get around. It’s comfortable, scenic, and in most cases, more efficient than flying or driving.
That said, it’s not without its quirks.
There are occasional delays, and strikes do happen – I once had a Venice to Rome train diverted onto a slower route, adding an hour to the journey. But generally speaking, when the trains run well (which they often do), they’re punctual and smooth.
If you can, I recommend booking first or business class, especially if you’re carrying luggage – it makes a noticeable difference in comfort.
I usually book everything through Omio – it’s straightforward and lets me keep tickets on my phone. For regional trains with unreserved seating, you can buy at the station day-of, no stress. But for longer routes, it’s worth booking a few days (or weeks) ahead – prices are dynamic, and you’ll get a better seat for less.
4. Be aware of little quirks when travelling by train
Italy’s train network is brilliant – but it’s not without its oddities. And I say that, having had a few mishaps over the years.
One time, I missed a connection at a tiny regional station on my way to Lake Orta.
I was sat at what I thought was platform 10… but it turned out there was also a platform 10B, tucked away out of sight, and that’s where my train had quietly departed from. I spent a very dull 90 minutes waiting for the next one with absolutely nothing around me.
Another time, I got on the wrong train from Pisa to Florence – because yes, there can be multiple trains to the same destination, and not all are created equal. Trenitalia (public fast train), Italo (private fast train), regional services… it’s a lot.
My advice is to always go by the train number – not just destination – when checking boards. That number is on your ticket, and it’s the one thing that won’t lead you astray.
And if you’re using a paper ticket for a regional train or bus? Validate it before you get on. Machines are usually near the platforms. If they’re broken, write the date and time on them yourself. No one will accept the “but I’m a tourist!” excuse, and you’ll be handed a fine on the spot.
5. Reconsider your concept of ‘Italian’ food
Before your first trip to Italy, you might think that you have a good handle on what Italian food is – but you likely wont.
It turns out that a lot of what foreigners consider to be “classic Italian” is either American-Italian, overly simplified, or just not representative of what people actually eat across the country.
Carbonara, for example, is a Roman dish – don’t expect to find it everywhere. Alfredo and vodka pasta? Not a thing in Italy. Even Bolognese – which people imagine as a rich tomato sauce – is nothing like the traditional ragù alla bolognese, which is slow-cooked, meat-heavy, and barely red at all.
Pizza varies massively too. Naples, of course, is home to the soft, blistered Neapolitan base. But head to Rome and you’ll find thin, crunchy crusts, completely different in style. Palermo has its own thick, bready version – sfincione – which is almost like a focaccia.
Then there’s the regionality of ingredients.
Inland places like Tuscany lean towards game and rustic meats – wild boar ragù is a staple. The most famous dishes in Verona are made from horse meat. Puglia, on the other hand, took me by surprise with its seafood focus and unusual pasta shapes I’d never seen before.
My best advice? Eat local. Order the house special. Ask your waiter for recommendations. And forget what you think you know!
6. Instagram has a lot to answer for
Instagram has its uses, but when it comes to planning a trip to Italy, I find it can create seriously warped expectations.
It funnels people into the same photo spots – which often look far better in a filtered square (or rectangle, as it were these days) than they do in real life. And more importantly, it makes people skip over everything else.
Personally, I avoid viral restaurants like the plague – the ones that blew up over a single reel or photo. Same with viral photo ops that aren’t tied to anything historically significant. If it’s not already a major site and it’s become famous just for Instagram, I usually steer clear.
One moment that really stuck with me was at a church in Rome, Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola – the one with the mirror reflecting the ceiling fresco. There was a long queue of people waiting to take a selfie in the mirror, but barely anyone actually looked up at the art itself. It was genuinely heartbreaking.
My approach? Wander. Look up. If you see crowds moving in one direction, try going the other way. Some of my favourite experiences in Italy have come from the streets I took just because they looked interesting – not because they showed up in a hashtag.
7. If you get bad service, you might be the problem
I don’t mean this to sound harsh, but I really believe that if you’re getting bad service in Italy, you may need to take a look at your own behaviour.
Italy doesn’t operate on a “customer is always right” mentality. The culture leans more towards mutual respect – if you’re polite and decent, you’ll almost always be treated well.
In all the time I’ve spent in Italy, I genuinely can’t think of a single experience where I’ve been treated rudely (or at least in a noticeably so way). And I honestly think it’s because I try to go out of my way to be kind and courteous as a visitor to a country that’s not my own.
You’ll see tourists, especially in heavily visited areas, acting entitled – snapping their fingers, raising their voices, making zero effort with the language. That sort of attitude gets you nowhere.
Sometimes, poor service is just the result of choosing the wrong kind of place – spots that cater solely to one-time tourists who’ll never return. The staff are jaded, and they know your review won’t matter.
So my advice? Be warm, be respectful, and choose places that are busy with Italians, not just tourists. It makes all the difference.
8. Don’t go to restaurants with people outside trying to lure you in
This is such a basic Italy travel tip, but it amazes me how many people still fall into the trap.
If someone is standing outside a restaurant trying to coax you in – offering a “special menu” or showing you a laminated card with pictures of spaghetti – you’re about to overpay for something mediocre.
These places usually sit on the main piazzas or along major tourist thoroughfares. They tend to have multilingual menus, often with photos, and food that’s been diluted for international palates. Locals wouldn’t go near them.
I find it easy to avoid this mistake, as once you know the signs it becomes so obvious, but I still see people doing it every day. The biggest giveaway is if the menu is translated into six languages and features a photo of carbonara with cream in it, then you’re in the wrong spot.
Instead, look for the quieter side streets. The places where there’s no menu outside, or if there is, it’s short, in Italian (or maybe has an English translation only). It might even be chalked up daily or written out by hand.
The kind of place where the tables are full of locals and the staff are too busy to hustle anyone. That’s where the magic is!
9. Coffee culture may be different to what you’re used to
Italian coffee culture has its own rules, and while I admire the tradition, I’ll be honest – if you’re coming from a country with a more developed third-wave coffee scene (like Australia, for example), you might find it a bit underwhelming.
That said, there’s something I love about the simplicity of it – it’s more about the habits around it more than the quality of the coffee itself.
Italians tend to drink coffee quickly, standing at the bar – usually just an espresso or a cappuccino in the morning. Order a cappuccino after lunch and you’ll probably get a strange look or even be flat-out refused. It’s just not done in Italy.
If you’re looking for your usual latte or flat white, you will struggle.
Ask for a latte, and you’ll simply be given milk (‘latte’ is the word for milk in Italian). And most will have never heard of a flat white. The biggest deviations you’ll get from an espresso will be a caffè lungo or perhaps an Americano, but don’t expect it to be quite the same.
That said, in larger cities like Rome, Florence, or Milan, there are some fantastic specialty coffee shops emerging – and when Italians do modern coffee, they do it incredibly well.
So, learn the local rhythm, take your coffee like a local at the bar, and if you need your usual fix, seek out a third-wave café – they’re few but worth finding.
10. Keep ‘La Bella Figura’ in mind when packing
The Italian concept of La Bella Figura – literally “the beautiful figure” – is about making a good impression, not just in how you dress but in how you carry yourself. Italians tend to be stylish, yes, but more than that, they’re considered and appropriate in how they present themselves.
It’s not about designer clothes or being perfectly styled.
But you won’t see people wandering around town in gym gear (unless they’re actually exercising) or heading out to dinner in flip-flops. Even when dressed casually, there’s an effort made. Athleisure, beachwear, or sloppy clothes in the city stand out – and not in a good way.
I’m not saying you need to dress for a fashion show. But I do think it’s respectful (and honestly, feels nice) to dress a little more intentionally when you’re out and about in Italy.
Leave the sweatpants for the hotel room. Throw on a linen shirt or a dress you feel great in. You’ll blend in more – and you’ll feel more confident doing it.
11. Be aware of Italian operating hours
One thing that still throws me off from time to time – even after spending months in Italy – is how much the daily rhythm differs from what I’m used to at home in Ireland. Shops and restaurants open later, close in the middle of the day, and then open again in the evening… maybe.
You might find yourself wandering around at 9am, hoping for a coffee and a pastry, only to discover the place isn’t open yet.
Lunch typically doesn’t start until around 12.30 or 1pm, and most good restaurants will stop serving by 2.30 at the latest. Then, they’ll shut down entirely until dinner service starts again – usually from 7.30pm onwards. Italians don’t tend to eat dinner before 8 or 9pm.
Shops – especially independent ones – often close in the afternoon too. Big supermarkets and chains will stay open, but if you need a pharmacy or small boutique, it’s worth checking.
Also, Google opening hours aren’t always accurate. I’ve turned up to plenty of places listed as “open” that were anything but.
If you want a table at a popular restaurant, book ahead – but if you don’t have a reservation, I’ve found that showing up right at opening time can work surprisingly well, as it’s a time when Italians will not be eating.
12. Have suitable clothing for churches
Even if you don’t plan on visiting churches, you’ll probably stumble across one that looks too beautiful to ignore – and it’s disappointing to be turned away at the door because of what you’re wearing.
Technically, the rules are simple: no bare shoulders and no short hemlines. That applies to both men and women.
In practice, I’ve found there’s a bit of flexibility – I’ve been let in with a sundress that had wider shoulder straps, and I’ve seen men in shorts just above the knee enter without issue. But ultimately, it comes down to the person working the door, and you never really know until you get there.
I always keep a lightweight linen shirt or scarf in my bag, just in case. It’s easy to throw on if I decide to pop into a cathedral or stumble across a smaller chapel. It’s not about being conservative – it’s about respecting the space you’re stepping into.
Also, hats off – literally. Even if you’re melting in the heat, take it off when you walk in.
13. Watch out for ZTL zones if you’re driving
If you’re planning to drive in Italy – whether as part of a longer road trip or just to get between towns – this is some of the most important Italy travel advice I can offer: be very aware of ZTL zones.
ZTL stands for “zona a traffico limitato” – restricted traffic zones, usually in the historic centres of towns and cities. These are camera-controlled, and if you drive into one without the correct permit, you will get a fine. You might not even realise at the time – the letter arrives weeks or months later.
And yes, they’ll track you down via your car rental company, who will charge you an extortionate administration fee for the honour.
If you’re staying somewhere central with a car, always check in advance whether your hotel is within a ZTL and whether they can arrange temporary access for you. Some places can register your number plate for the duration of your stay, but you need to sort that out in advance.
Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend driving in cities at all – it’s stressful, parking is a nightmare, and public transport is usually better, but sometimes it’s going to be unavoidable.
But if you do have a car, make sure you plan where you’re going to park, and don’t blindly follow Google Maps – it will happily lead you into a restricted zone without warning.
14. If you want to tip, carry cash
Tipping in Italy is always optional – there’s no formal tipping culture like in the US, for example – but if you’ve had a great meal or someone’s gone out of their way for you, I think it’s a nice gesture.
What often catches people out is that while you can pay your bill by card pretty much everywhere now, most places can’t (or won’t) process a tip on the card machine. So if you want to leave something extra, you’ll need to do it in cash.
I’ve had moments where I’ve had a brilliant meal and wanted to tip, only to realise I didn’t have any change. A few times, I’ve even gone off to find an ATM just to be able to leave something – not because it’s expected, but because I genuinely wanted to.
If you’re someone who likes to tip for good service, just carry a few euros in coins or small notes. Most places will happily break larger bills if needed.
And for what it’s worth – I find Italian waitstaff to be incredibly professional, even when dealing with tourists. Italy is home to some incredible career waiters, who could give a masterclass of their skills. When someone goes above and beyond, I always try to acknowledge it.
15. Choose your shoes wisely – you’ll walk more than you think
I think most people are surprised by how much they end up walking in Italy.
Part of it is because it’s just so beautiful – you’ll want to soak it all up on foot – but it’s also often the most practical way to get around. You’ll be weaving through cobbled alleyways, climbing hills, navigating stairs, and hopping on and off trains. And the terrain isn’t always kind.
Venice is actually one of the rare exceptions – it’s fairly smooth (although there are bridges). But the Amalfi Coast, for example, can be grim if you’re not prepared for the steps and slopes.
So, footwear: don’t bring anything you haven’t already broken in.
You do not want to be dealing with blisters two days into your trip. I wore a pair of newer New Balance trainers recently and absolutely lived in them for a month while wandering Verona. The thick sole made all the difference.
I also recommend bringing a second supportive pair to alternate between – your feet need a break from the same pressure points. And sure, bring the cute shoes for evening, but for daytime? Go functional. You’ll thank yourself by day three.
16. Drinking water is freely available at public fountains
One of my favourite practical things about Italy – especially in summer – is that you can find free drinking water fountains dotted around most cities. It’s such a small thing, but when it’s hot, it makes all the difference.
First off, the tap water is drinkable almost everywhere.
I usually just double check with my accommodation that it’s not from a stored tank. But when I’m out and about, I try to carry a reusable bottle and just fill up at fountains whenever I see one. You don’t need to lug around a huge bottle – they pop up fairly often, especially in the cities.
Bottled water in restaurants can be expensive, and the little bottles you get in hotel rooms won’t get you very far. I always find it easier (and far more eco-friendly) to just top up from fountains as I go.
It’s such a simple thing, but honestly, on a hot day in Rome or Florence, finding one of those fountains when you need it feels like striking gold. Just another reason to travel prepared – and hydrated.
17. The best gelato is pale in colour
Italians will tell you this over and over – and they’re right.
If the gelato is neon-bright and piled high into fluffy, whipped mountains, it’s probably not the real deal. The best gelato is often understated – pale in colour, low in the tub, and made with actual ingredients, not food colouring or syrups.
One thing I’ve learned to look for is those round metal containers with lids – the kind that look a bit like ice buckets. A gelateria that stores its gelato this way is often serious about quality.
That said, not every great place uses lidded tubs. Plenty of incredible gelaterias do keep the ice cream exposed – but again, you want to see those pale pistachios, muted lemons, and deep, natural-looking chocolates.
Avoid anywhere that has wild colours or flavours that scream “tourist trap” – bright blue bubblegum or electric green mint are never a good sign.
Once you’ve had proper gelato in Italy, you won’t settle for anything else. You can taste the difference instantly.
18. The coperto does not go to the waitstaff
This one confuses so many people.
You’ll sit down at a restaurant in Italy and see a “coperto” charge on your bill – usually a couple of euros. It’s a kind of service charge, but not in the way people think. It doesn’t go to the waitstaff.
The coperto is basically a cover charge for sitting down – it covers things like your cutlery, the bread basket, your chair, the tablecloth. It’s more of a historic custom than anything else, but it’s very much still in place, especially in more traditional spots.
The amount varies – usually around €2 or €3 per person – but if it’s much more than that, you’re either somewhere high-end or being taken for a bit of a ride. Use your judgment.
What it’s not? A tip.
If you want to leave something for the staff (which I always do if I’ve had a great meal), you’ll need to give that separately – and preferably in cash. The coperto just gets added to the bill automatically. Don’t assume it means the service has already been rewarded.
19. You’ll typically have to pay to use public toilets
This one catches people off guard, but yes – in Italy, you’ll often need to pay to use public toilets.
Especially in places like train stations or near major tourist attractions, you can expect to pay anywhere from 50 cents to a euro. Sometimes even 70 cents, just to be awkward.
That said, the upside is that these toilets are usually well-maintained and clean – so at least you’re paying for something decent. And in some places now, especially bigger stations, you can even tap your phone or card to pay.
I always carry a bit of loose change, just in case. But I also have a few go-to alternatives: museums, cafés, or bars. Just pop in, order an espresso or a bottle of water, and use the facilities – €1 for your espresso often works out cheaper and far less stressful.
Also, don’t expect luxury. Even in decent spots, you might find dated fixtures, thin doors, or toilets without seats – a common enough occurrence that I’ve stopped being shocked by it.
I always carry some tissues, and if I’m feeling extra prepared, a little packet of wipes if I’ve brought them with me on the plane.
20. Everything moves at a slower pace – and that’s part of the magic
One of my favourite things about Italy – and something I think more people need to lean into – is how much slower everything moves. The pace is different.
Whether it’s how long you sit over lunch, how slowly people stroll through town, or how long it takes for your bill to arrive… it’s not rushed, and that’s the point.
It can be jarring at first, especially if you’re used to fast-paced city life or a culture of efficiency. But honestly? The sooner you let go of that and settle into the rhythm, the better your trip will be.
I’ve learned to stop fighting it. Italy has taught me to savour more – to sit a little longer, to walk slower, to not get impatient when the waiter takes their time. It’s not bad service – it’s just a different tempo.
They even have a phrase for it: il dolce far niente – the sweetness of doing nothing. And once you get into that mindset, everything about being in Italy becomes more enjoyable. Don’t rush through it. Let it work on you.
21. Don’t take your entire wardrobe with you
I mean this in the most practical sense possible – if you’re planning a multi-destination trip around Italy, you’ll regret bringing too much.
Unless you’ve paid for private transfers and someone’s dropping you at the door of every hotel, you’re going to be hauling your own bags – on and off trains, up steps, across cobbled streets, through crowds, over bridges in Venice. It’s not fun with a massive suitcase.
And if you’re carrying luggage for someone else too – a child, a parent – it becomes even more of a challenge. Add in the stress of watching out for pickpockets while you juggle your bags, and it’s just not worth it.
I always try to travel with carry-on only, even for summer trips of 10 days or more. If you’re checking a bag, then try not to bring a carry on suitcase too.
You end up living in the same outfits anyway – comfy things that cope well with heat and sweat, plus one or two smarter pieces for evenings. I’ve definitely learned I don’t need nearly as much as I think.
And don’t worry if you forget something. Italy is a developed country – they have shops! Keep it light.
22. Summer tip: A handheld fan is a lifesaver
I can’t tell you how much I appreciated having a handheld fan when I was in Palermo during a summer heatwave.
The humidity was awful, the air sticky, and the air con – when it existed – was often rendered useless by open doors or poor circulation. The same in Florence, where I found myself fanning desperately in overheated museums.
Some places, especially smaller galleries or older buildings, don’t have proper air conditioning at all – just a sad little floor fan in the corner doing absolutely nothing. When you’re standing in a packed room trying to admire a Caravaggio, you’ll be glad you brought your own breeze.
Even a basic handheld fan made a huge difference for me. My only regret was not upgrading to one of those little USB-rechargeable ones – I saw other people with them and felt pure envy. My wrist got a full workout, but it was worth it.
So, yes – bring one. Whether you go classic or battery-powered, you’ll be grateful for it every single day.
23. Learn a few Italian phrases – and actually use them
This doesn’t mean you need to spend 40 hours on Duolingo or be able to order a full meal in perfect Italian. But a few basic phrases go a long way.
Even just opening with “ciao”, “buongiorno”, or “buonasera” before asking if someone speaks English – “parla inglese?” – sets a completely different tone. It shows respect.
You’re not just launching into English and expecting everyone to accommodate you. I always think of it this way: if someone came to your country and immediately started speaking to you in their language, you’d probably feel a bit thrown, too.
The good news is that you’ll pick things up as you go – the basics, at least – and most people in tourist-heavy areas will speak more English than you’ll speak Italian. But making that tiny bit of effort really softens interactions and creates a better experience overall.
And it doesn’t need to be perfect. Italians are generally kind about it – they appreciate the gesture. So don’t be shy. Learn the basics. Use them often. It makes a difference!
24. Book tickets for major attractions well in advance
This is one of those travel tips for Italy that can save you from serious disappointment. If you’ve got big sights on your list – especially in cities like Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, or Naples – book them ahead. Don’t wait until you arrive, because chances are, you’ll be too late.
The Colosseum, for example, now only opens for booking one month in advance – and those spots go quickly. The Vatican Museums, the Uffizi Gallery, the Statue of David,and even sites like Pompeii now have limited daily entry. Milan’s Last Supper is infamous for booking out far in advance.
I always recommend planning your must-sees first, locking in tickets, and building the rest of your itinerary around them.
The same goes for guided tours – I personally love Walks of Italy and use them all the time. Their guides are excellent, and the experience always feels well-paced and informative.
Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world, and these historic sites are popular for a reason. But it also means you need to plan smartly. If there’s something you’ve dreamed of seeing – book it now. You don’t want to miss it, especially if this is a bucket list trip for you.
Continue Planning Your Trip to Italy
To help you turn these tips into an actual itinerary, here are a few helpful reads based on some of Italy’s most iconic routes and destinations:
- 10-Day Italy Itinerary: Florence, Rome & the Amalfi Coast – Ideal if it’s your first time and you want a bit of everything: culture, chaos, coastlines.
- Rome, Naples & the Amalfi Coast Itinerary – A great alternative if you’re starting further south or want to dig into the Campania region a little more deeply.
If you’re still deciding where in Italy to go, browse through my Italy destination hubs, arranged by city/region, to get inspired:
- Florence Travel Guides
- Palermo Travel Guides
- Venice Travel Guides
- Tuscany Travel Guides
- Rome Travel Guides
- Naples Travel Guides
- Campania Travel Guides
Italy is endlessly rewarding to explore — and these guides are here to help you do it confidently, without the fluff.
Related reading for Italy
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