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Europe, Italy, Read About Can't Miss Places, Travel Tips

Essential Italy Travel Tips

Amy French the Roaming Historian

Over the course of our travels, we have spent about half a year traveling in Italy. Over our trips, we’ve tried to act like temporary locals and assimilate into the sweet life—la dolce vita. This article covers the essential Italy travel tips we’ve gathered over our Italy vacations.

Italy Logistics/Cultural Norms

  • Be aware of daily closures at lunch and Sunday closures. Some businesses and many churches close for lunch in the early afternoon; Sunday closures are also quite normal. Some museums, even “big” ones might only be open for half a day, so check ahead of time. I try to balance one or two “big” attractions a day with smaller activities, such as exploring shops, wandering down lanes, going on city walks, visiting parks, and piazza sitting. Restaurants, too, open for lunch then close and reopen for dinner at 7 or 7:30.
  • Many Italians that I’ve met use WhatsApp for texting and calling—even many businesses list their WhatsApp number on their business card. Since international phone plans can be expensive, you might want to follow their lead and upload this app. WhatsApp runs on wi-fi or data, so as long as you have connectivity you can call or text anyone with the app—including back home.
  • Buy one bottle of water and carry with you. Some places, like Rome, have amazing water flowing from fountains all over. Get a disposable bottle of water when you’re there so you can just refill.
  • Don’t be surprised if a bathroom doesn’t have toilet paper (I generally carry some tissues in my purse) or if a public toilet doesn’t have a toilet seat. Some free public toilets might not have toilet seats, more true in Rome, so prepare to squat.
  • Don’t go in August. Not only is Italy very hot in August, but it is also a popular month for Italians to vacation, which means restaurants, shops, and other venues may be closed.
  • Be safe. Italy is generally quite safe, but pick-pocketing seems to be an art in the bigger cities. Use a cross-body bag that zips and you keep in front of you. Men should keep their wallets in their front pockets and secure them. You may want to consider a money belt that goes under your clothes. Also, avoid scams. In the bigger cities, people will try to sell you “art” that they lay on the ground—if you step on it, they demand a fee. They might also try to put (quite aggressively by the way) a “free friendship” bracelet on you, generally while shaking hands with you. They will then demand payment. Or, they may try to get you to sign a petition and then have you pay. There are many more scams, so check them out before you go.

Italy General Travel Tips

  • Don’t miss out on the major sites and experiences—reserve tickets and tours ahead of time. You don’t want to spend your limited time standing in line waiting to get in. And for some popular sites, you just cannot book on site. Reserving ahead saves time, money, and ensures that you will have a spot to see what you traveled to Italy to see. Many attractions can be booked via Liv Tours, Tour Guy, Get Your Guide, or Viator.
  • Go on a small group tour. Italy tours with reputable tour companies can be a good value because you have a local expert guiding you around the city and giving you insight that no guide book can provide. You can find small group tours from Liv Tours, Tour Guy, Get Your Guide, and Viator.
  • Have cash on you and use debit and credit cards with no foreign transaction fees/no currency exchange fees. Take money out of the ATM when you get to Europe (deny the currency conversion feature). You will want cash for small purchases, public toilets, and because cash is generally king in Italy. Some banks, like Charles Schwab, will even reimburse your ATM fees. Let your banking companies know you’ll be traveling, so they don’t accidentally freeze your accounts. I recommend bringing two credit cards and two debit cards that draw on two different banking systems, so you can leave one at your lodging when traveling. Italy is generally safe, but pickpockets abound and it’s good to have a backup in place.
  • Pick a hotel/lodging in an area that fits you and your needs. I always recommend city center so that you can rely less on transportation and are able to walk out your door and experience the charms of the city you have chosen to visit.
  • Free museum tickets—the first Sunday of the month is free state museum day in Italy. But even if you’re not there at that time, I’ve found that Italian attractions generally have modest fees. There are also free attractions—many Italian churches have awesome artworks and, better yet, they are in situ meaning that they are in the spot that they were commissioned for. You can also just enjoy traveling through the back lanes of a picturesque Italian neighborhood, visit artisan shops, enjoy street performers in a piazza, sit in a public park, or find a lookout point that gives you a stunning view of the city.
  • As soon as you reserve the first aspect of the trip, even if it’s making a hotel reservation that you later cancel, get travel insurance. If you get your travel insurance right away (usually within a week of making the first vacation deposit), then pre-existing conditions are generally covered. I recommend Travel Insurance dot Com because it lets you compare a bunch of policies and order straight from its website with no markup. Your policy is emailed within minutes. I’ve said a lot of money this way while protecting my travel investment.

Italy Transportation Tips

  • Plan for delays—busses will not be on time, trains will arrive late, there might be a strike. I find that trains and busses are often off their timetable, so plan a little leeway in your itinerary to compensate. There are many nuisance strikes in Italy—check the government strike to see if a strike is planned for the transportation system you’re planning on using. By knowing ahead of time, you can plan accordingly. Regardless of potential punctuality issues, I highly recommend you use Italy’s public transportation. By the way, for the fast (freccia) trains, you will get a better price if you book ahead of time.
  • Validate your train and bus tickets! If you buy online and/or have an assigned seat, you probably don’t need to validate, but if you have a paper ticket you need to get it stamped with the date/time (there will be a validation machine to do this) when you enter a bus or before you board a train.
  • If you’re staying in a big city, don’t rent a car. Many cities in Italy have limited access and you can get a big fine if you drive into a ZTL (zono traffico limitato). If you do have to rent a car, make sure to get an international driving permit from AAA/CAA.

Italy Food Tips

  • Act like a local and order coffee to drink standing at the bar. Italians eat their breakfast at the counter, which saves a lot of money since taking a seat can cost multiple times the amount. Usually you go to the cashier and pay. You tell them what you plan to order and if you will sit a table or stand at the counter. Choose to stand with the Italians and drink your itty-bitty espresso (caffe) at the counter. Prices can double, triple, or quadruple if you sit down. Once you get your receipt, you take it to the coffee maestro behind the counter and enjoy the delightful drink he puts in front of you. I usually pay around 1€ for an espresso; even in the swankiest places, I don’t think I’ve paid more than 1.50€.
  • Order your cappuccino before noon. This drink is seen as a breakfast one. Although places will likely serve you one at any time of the day, Italians generally just drink it in the morning. They don’t have it as a dessert drink, like North Americans do. Speaking of coffee drinks—it’s caffè latte, not just a latte. If you order a latte, you will get a glass of milk.
  • You will have to ask for your bill. Generally, a restaurant won’t bring your check. You have to ask for it. Just say: il conto, per favore. Speaking of the bill, you might see words like coperto and servizio. Coperto is a cover charge that will be assigned to each person at your table. Occasionally, you may see servizio on the bill, which is a service charge. You shouldn’t see both charges at the same time. If there is servizio or coperto charged, it should be written down on the menu or somewhere noticeable.
  • Tipping is not expected. A server’s wage isn’t dependent on tips. If you want to leave something, you can round up a little or leave a few euro, but don’t leave a percentage of the bill.
  • Do eat after 7. Most good Italian restaurants don’t open until at least 7, many at 7:30 or later. The further south one goes, the later people seem to eat. To fit in and dine at the restaurants that locals do, eat later.
  • Try aperitivo. You may be getting a little munchy if you aren’t used to dining as late as Italians, so take advantage of the pre-dinner drink and snack time known as aperitivo. Many places offer an assortment of snacks (chips, olives, bruschetta, etc.) to accompany a pre-dinner cocktail.
  • Don’t fill up on the bread while waiting for your meal. Italians don’t snack on bread like Americans tend to do when waiting for their dish to arrive. Instead, they use the bread to sop up the sauce after they have finished their pasta—it’s called fare la Scarpetta—and it’s delicious! Also, don’t ask for oil or vinegar to accompany your bread. It is served the way it is supposed to be eaten.
  • Avoid places where hawkers are out front trying to drag you in. If the restaurant has good food, it will speak for itself and there won’t be a need to beg strangers to eat there. Find eateries that are filled with people who look local (or just don’t look like tourists). A line out the door is a great sign (but note that some restaurants seat a lot of people so this isn’t always a defining factor). Also, listen for the local language, dialect, or accent. While you’re there, try the local specialty—it’s pretty much guaranteed to be delicious.
  • They won’t just put tap water down in front of you when you sit down at a restaurant. You have to order and pay for water—still or gas. The house wine is also likely very good—many restaurants get their house wine from a local vineyard.
  • Consider a culinary walking tour. Many big cities now have tour companies offering food & drink tours that allow participants to sample the local cuisine while learning about the food culture of the area. We recommend Liv Tours or The Tour Guy.

Italy Packing Tips

  • You might want to bring a washcloth. I’ve found that most places only have bath and hand towels, so I always bring one with me. While you’re preparing your packing list, pack lighter by creating a capsule wardrobe of clothes that all “go” with one another. But make sure you pack appropriate clothing for the places you plan to go. Respectful dress is required in most Italian churches; you are required to have your shoulders and knees covered, so plan appropriately.
  • Bring electrical adapters. Also, make sure your electrical devices will convert to European voltage. Speaking of energy, if you get to your hotel room and can’t figure out how to turn on the lights, you may need to put the key card in the light-switch or slot near the door. Some rooms, in order to be more energy-efficient, have you put the key card in so that you don’t leave the lights on when you’re gone.

I hope these tips help you as you prepare for your Italian adventure. If you’ve been to Italy before, what tips do you have share—put them in the comment section below.

Happy travels! Amy

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Italy

What is the best time to visit Italy?

The best time to visit Italy is typically spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) when the weather is pleasant and crowds are a little more manageable (it’s still busy though). Summer is popular but can be hot and crowded, while winter offers fewer tourists and lower prices in many cities.

Is Italy expensive to visit?

Italy can fit a range of budgets. A mid-range trip with comfortable hotels and guided tours typically costs $200–$300 per day, while budget travelers can spend less by choosing local eateries and simple accommodations.

Your biggest expenses will usually be accommodations, major attractions, and tours—so booking wisely makes a big difference.

How many days do you need in Italy?

You can enjoy Italy in as little as 7–10 days, but the key is not to rush. Focus on a few destinations (like Rome, Florence, and Venice) rather than trying to see everything. Check out my “How to Plan a Trip to Italy blog” for guidance: https://roaminghistorian.com/2026/03/08/how-to-plan-a-trip-to-italy/

What is the best way to get around Italy?

Italy’s train system is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to travel between cities. High-speed trains connect major destinations quickly, while regional trains reach smaller towns. For most travelers, you won’t need a car unless you’re exploring rural areas like Tuscany.

Do you need to book tours and tickets in advance?

Yes—especially for major attractions like:

  • The Colosseum
  • The Uffizi Gallery
  • The Florence Duomo

Lines can be extremely long, and tickets often sell out in peak season. Booking in advance (or choosing skip-the-line tours) can save hours.

Here are our favorite travel companies for tickets/tours:

Do you need to speak Italian to travel in Italy?

No—but learning a few basic phrases goes a long way. Simple words like buongiorno (hello) and grazie (thank you) are appreciated and can enhance your experience.

Should you carry cash in Italy?

Yes. While cards are widely accepted, cash is still important, especially in small towns, local cafés, and markets. It’s best to withdraw euros from an ATM once you arrive rather than exchanging money ahead of time. Here’s one of my blogs on the subject: https://roaminghistorian.com/2026/02/24/how-to-get-euro-for-italy-europe-without-getting-ripped-off/

What should you know about dining in Italy?

Dining in Italy is meant to be enjoyed—not rushed. Meals are often slower, and you’ll usually need to ask for the check (“il conto”) when you’re ready. Expect small extras like a coperto (cover charge), and take time to enjoy the experience—it’s part of the culture. Here’s a guide to tipping in Italy: https://roaminghistorian.com/2026/03/03/guide-to-tipping-in-italy/

What should you pack for Italy?

A few essentials include:

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • A plug adapter (Italy uses 220V outlets)
  • Modest clothing for churches
  • A light scarf or shawl

Packing light makes travel between cities much easier. Here’s my guide showing how I pack for over two months in just a carry-on: https://roaminghistorian.com/2025/09/07/the-definitive-guide-to-packing-light/

What is the biggest mistake travelers make in Italy?

Trying to do too much.

Italy isn’t a place to rush—it’s a place to experience. Overloading your itinerary can mean missing the very moments that make a trip memorable.Focus on fewer destinations, leave time to wander, and let Italy unfold naturally.

Final Tip

The best Italy trips balance planning and spontaneity:

  • Book major attractions and tours ahead
  • Leave room for discovery

That’s where the magic happens. These are my favorite companies to book with:

A Favorite Italy Tour Partner: LivTours

LivTours is a boutique, family-owned company specializing in high-quality, semi-private (maximum 6 people) and private tours, primarily in Italy, as well as Spain, France, England, Austria, and other parts of Europe. They are highly regarded for skip-the-line access to major sites, expert, English-speaking guides, and curated, immersive experiences designed to avoid “cookie-cutter” travel. We’ve had amazing experiences with them and enjoy that they hire local guides exclusively.

LivTours offers Roaming Historian readers 10% off two or more tours! Save on your next favorite European memory by using our coupon code “AMYRH10.” We highly recommend this company; they offer topnotch tours, tickets, and experiences and you can save money with Roaming Historian!

Book with LivTours here: https://livtours.com?af_code=E1DDN61

Liv Tours Tours Save Money with Roaming Historian, Europe Tours, Italy Tours

Tours, Tickets, & Experiences: Viator and Get Your Guide

If you’re planning tours, attraction tickets, or local experiences during your trip, Viator and Get Your Guide are two of the most widely used platforms for discovering and booking activities around the world. Both allow travelers to compare itineraries, prices, reviews, and ratings for thousands of experiences ranging from guided historical tours and museum tickets to day trips and unique local activities. Many listings on both platforms include free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which adds flexibility when travel plans change. Pro tip: because these platforms host experiences from many different tour operators, always check recent reviews and overall ratings before booking to ensure a high-quality experience.

Browse tours and experiences here:
Viator: https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector
GetYourGuide: https://www.getyourguide.com/?partner_id=CMSFGKK&utm_medium=online_publisher

Trusted Booking Resource: Booking.com

When planning a trip, it helps to compare your options in one place. Booking.com allows you to search and compare hotels, apartments, vacation rentals, flights, cruises, and car rentals worldwide, making it easier to organize the key pieces of your trip in a single platform. Travelers can review prices, amenities, guest ratings, and neighborhood locations to find accommodations that match their style and budget, and many listings offer competitive pricing, occasional deals, and flexible cancellation policies. Pro tip: when comparing places to stay, focus on guest reviews, location, and cancellation policies—these factors often matter more than the nightly price alone. Browse and compare travel options here: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6776&awinaffid=1985445

Booking dot com page, hotels, flights, cruises, short term rentals

Our Favorite Travel Insurance Site

Protect your vacation with Travel Insurance dot com. This awesome travel site provides quotes from numerous travel insurance agencies and allows you to purchase them with no added increase to you: https://www.travelinsurance.com/?utm_source=pap&a_aid=65590b3a60c44

Travel Insurance dot com, affordable travel insurance

Coming to Italy on a Cruise? Try Shore Excursions Group

If you’re visiting ports during a cruise, Shore Excursions Group is a reliable alternative to booking excursions through the cruise line. Their tours are often smaller, more affordable (sometimes up to 40% less than ship excursions), and led by knowledgeable local guides. They offer carefully designed shore excursions in ports around the world. Even better, they provide a guaranteed on-time return to the ship, giving cruisers peace of mind when exploring independently. Just plug in your cruise ship and sail date and your ports will automatically populate, so you can browse excursions for your cruise ports here:
https://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1634209&data=roaminghistorian@gmail.com

Amy French, Ph.D., is the voice behind Roaming Historian. A professional historian and seasoned traveler, she shares stories that blend history and travel to give readers a deeper understanding of the places they explore.

Plan Your Italy Trip: Helpful Guides to Get You Started

How to plan a trip to Italy: https://roaminghistorian.com/2026/03/08/how-to-plan-a-trip-to-italy/

Packing Light Guide: https://roaminghistorian.com/2025/09/07/the-definitive-guide-to-packing-light/

How to Choose a Hotel: https://roaminghistorian.com/2026/03/17/how-to-choose-a-hotel-when-traveling/

Tipping in Italy: https://roaminghistorian.com/2026/03/03/guide-to-tipping-in-italy/

How to Get to Rome from Airport: https://roaminghistorian.com/2020/02/09/how-to-get-to-the-rome-airport-fco-airport/

Essential Italy Travel Tips: https://roaminghistorian.com/2025/04/06/essential-italy-travel-tips/

When to Buy Travel Insurance: https://roaminghistorian.com/2026/03/13/when-to-buy-travel-insurance/

Travel Insurance: How to Protect Your Trip: https://roaminghistorian.com/2024/02/04/best-travel-insurance/

How I Find the Cheapest Flights: https://roaminghistorian.com/2025/12/07/use-ai-google-flights-flight-deals/

Traveling Soon? Trusted Tour & Travel Partners

Planning your trip? Here are our trusted travel partners — thoughtfully chosen for quality, reliability, and exceptional experiences.

Affiliate Disclosure

Roaming Historian may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support the research and storytelling that go into every article. All opinions are always our own.

5 thoughts on “Essential Italy Travel Tips”

  1. Such a thoughtful and practical guide, Amy—thank you! I love how you blend cultural insights with real-world travel tips. The reminder about closures, the WhatsApp trick, and especially the heads-up about August travel are all golden. Your advice really captures the spirit of traveling like a local, not just a tourist. This post is going straight to my bookmarks for my future Italy trip! 🇮🇹

    Reply

      1. You’re so welcome! And thank you for creating such genuinely helpful content—your love for Italy really shines through. I’m even more excited for the trip now, and I’ll definitely be keeping your tips in mind as I explore. Looking forward to reading more of your travel wisdom!

      3. That sounds fantastic—thank you for the heads-up! I checked your page and it’s amazing. It’s always such a bonus to connect with fellow travelers and learn from their experiences too. Looking forward to being part of the Roaming Historian community!

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