Ultimate ITALIAN TRAVEL GUIDE
Italy is one of the world’s most iconic travel destinations, offering an incredible mix of history, culture, food, coastline, mountains, and vibrant cities. I was in italy just a few years ago and found it not only enchanting but a great place to waste the day and watch the world go round while sipping coffee on a side streeet table.
Explore ancient Roman ruins in Rome, cruise through the canals of Venice, admire the art in Florence, or relax by wondering through small streets and backstreet eateries.
Italy offers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler.
Italy is world-famous for its food culture, historic architecture, fashion, wine, and beautiful landscapes. Whether you are backpacking or, taking a luxury honeymoon, or planning a family vacation, Italy delivers an experience unlike anywhere else in the world.
Read more below to start planning your Italian adventure!
Latest Italy Posts
Check out some of our latest Italian travel guides. From busy cities and historical ruins to villages and Mediterranean coastlines, Italy has endless places to visit that are worth exploring.
Whether you’re a budget backpacker, luxury traveler, foodie, or culture lover, our Italy travel guides will help you plan your perfect trip with insider tips, local advice, and travel strategies.
Quick Facts
Language
Italian
Currency
Euro
Capital
Rome
Plugs
230v Plug Types C, F & L
Apps
Uber (limited) – Free Now – Trainline – Omio – It Taxi
Climate
Mediterranean in the south
Alpine in the north
Hot summers and cool winters
Italian daily Budget
The chart below gives you a rough idea of travel costs in Italy based on 2 people per day excluding alcohol. Alcohol isn't too expensive but it depends where your drinking and what your drinking.
Italy can be cheap if you stay in low cost accommodation, use local transport, and eat local food away from tourist hotspots. Southern Italy is generally cheaper than northern cities like Milan or Venice.
Street pizza slices, paninis, pasta, and espresso bars can help keep costs down while still enjoying amazing food.
Hotels | Food | Transport | Average Daily | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Backpacker | €40 | €25 | €15 | €80 |
Mid range | €120 | €60 | €30 | €210 |
Luxury | €300 | €120 | €50 | €470 |
Check out this great city guide to living expenses in Rome as a guide
Italy Travel Essentials
Wise Travel Card & App
A Wise travel card is one of the easiest ways to spend money throughout Italy and Europe while avoiding expensive international bank fees and poor exchange rates.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for Italy. Delayed flights, train cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies can quickly become expensive. Make sure your policy covers Europe and Schengen countries.
Esim
An Esim is highly recommended if traveling around Italy. Fast mobile internet makes train travel, Google Maps, bookings, and translations far easier than relying on hotel WiFi.
Getting There and Away
Airports – Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Rome Fiumicino Airport, also known as Leonardo da Vinci Airport, is Italy’s busiest international airport and the main gateway into the country.
Most long-haul international flights arrive here and it is well connected to central Rome by train, bus, and taxi.
The Leonardo Express train connects directly to Roma Termini Station in around 32 minutes.
Airports – Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Milan Malpensa is Italy’s second major international hub and a common entry point for travelers visiting northern Italy, Lake Como, and the Alps.
The Malpensa Express train connects the airport directly with central Milan.
Italian Currency
Italy uses the Euro (€).
Euro notes come in:
€5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200
Coins come in:
1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1 and €2.
The XE Currency App is excellent for tracking exchange rates while traveling.
Where To Get Money In Italy
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange offices are available at airports, train stations, and major tourist areas, though airport exchange rates are often poor.
I generally used travel exchanges as i went through the main centres.
ATM
Italian ATMs are widely available throughout cities and towns.
Most major banks support international cards including Visa and Mastercard.
ATMs are usually the best option for withdrawing Euros directly.
Avoid “Euronet” ATMs where possible as they often charge higher fees and poor conversion rates.
Always choose to be charged in local currency (Euro) instead of your home currency to avoid dynamic currency conversion fees.
Our Tip
By far the best option is to geta Wise card as stated below. you can get low fees and visa cards are accepted al ost everywhere. We paid for all our meals in small streetside restaurants without any trouble at all
Set up a wise account With 1 free monthly withdrawal. Multiple currencies allow you to transfer money from one currency to the next.
Zero fees when the currency you use in that country has a balance. Transfer fees are some of the lowest in the world with instant transfers most of the time
Getting Around Italy
Trains
Italy’s train system is one of the best ways to travel throughout the country.
High-speed trains connect major cities including Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, and Naples quickly and comfortably.
I traveled mainly by train whilst moving from Rome , Pisa, Florence and venice at a very cheap price but remember to always book ahead.
The main rail operators are:
- Trenitalia
- Italo
Booking in advance can save significant money.
Buses
Buses are great for getting around most big cities. Whilst in Rome we took buses to the main attractions very easily.
Long-distance buses like FlixBus can be extremely affordable between major cities.
Taxi
Taxis are available throughout Italy but can be expensive.
Always ensure the meter is running or agree on a price beforehand where applicable.
Uber operates only in limited luxury services in some Italian cities.
Flights
Domestic flights can help save time when traveling long distances between northern and southern Italy or to islands like Sicily and Sardinia.
ITA Airways, Ryanair, and EasyJet are among the major airlines operating within Italy.
Accommodation
Budget
Hostels and budget guesthouses range from €25–€80 per night depending on season and city. Airbnb and Booking.com are major booking companies however the prices go sky high in summer. We travelled mainly on the winter months and it was much cheaper.
Dorm rooms are common in major tourist destinations and usually include WiFi and shared facilities.
Mid-Range
Mid-range hotels generally cost between €100–€250 per night and often include private bathrooms, breakfast, and central locations. Watch out for lots of stairs to climb if your getting an older style Italian hotel.
High-End
Luxury hotels in Italy can range from €300 to well over €1,500 per night, especially in destinations like the Amalfi Coast, Venice, Capri, and Lake Como.
Expect rooftop terraces, historic buildings, fine dining, spas, and exceptional service.
Cost Of Food In Italy
Italian food is one of the biggest reasons people visit the country.
Fresh pasta, pizza, gelato, seafood, espresso, and regional specialties can be found almost everywhere.
There are amazing restaurants lining the streets in all of the popular places. In Rome near the pantheon almost every restaurant was selling the same style menus with tables crammed along the crowded streets where people were hustling and bustling through the narrow pathways. It's a great experience for sure
Popular dishes include:
- Pizza Napoletana
- Carbonara
- Lasagna
- Risotto
- Gelato
- Arancini
- Fresh seafood pasta
A quick pizza slice or panini can cost as little as €4–€8 while restaurant meals typically range from €15–€30 per person.
Tourist areas around major landmarks tend to be significantly more expensive.
In winter most of our main meals that included buying alcohol and a main meal and often a small desert set us back around 25 Euros each which wasn't too bad for a main meal.
Cost Of Alcohol In Italy
Wine is deeply connected to Italian culture and is often cheaper than cocktails or imported beer.
Local house wine can cost as little as €4–€8 per glass while beers average around €5–€8 in tourist areas.
Cocktails in cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence generally cost between €10–€18.
Italy is also known for Aperitivo culture where drinks often come with complimentary snacks during evening hours. We often sat down especially in Rome where we were served a shot just after we sat down along with bread before we ordered.
Tipping
Tipping in Italy is appreciated but not mandatory.
Many restaurants already include a small service charge called “coperto” on the bill.
Leaving a few Euros for good service is common but not expected at the same level as the USA.
One time we made the mistake of not checking our bill properly and after leaving a tip we realised we had been charged a hefy service charge.
What Is The Weather Really Like In Italy
Spring (March to May)
One of the best times to visit Italy with mild temperatures, blooming countryside, and fewer crowds.
Perfect for sightseeing and city exploration.
Summer (June to August)
Hot and busy throughout most of Italy.
Southern Italy and cities like Rome can become extremely hot with temperatures regularly exceeding 35°C (95°F).
Coastal destinations become very crowded during July and August.
When searching for accommodation i often read reviews of people complaining about the extreme heat.
Autumn (September to November)
Excellent weather, wine harvest season, and fewer tourists.
Temperatures remain pleasant through much of September and October.
Winter (December to February)
Northern Italy can become cold with snow in alpine regions.
Christmas markets are popular while ski resorts in the Dolomites become major winter destinations.
Southern Italy remains milder throughout winter.I visited Italy in january and although it was cold it wasnt freezing cold. Rome was quite mild however venice was much colder du to it being by the water and we got some cold wind.
Cultures Of Italy
Food Is A Serious Matter
Italians are deeply passionate about food and regional specialties.
Many dishes vary dramatically between regions and locals take pride in authentic preparation methods. If you want to critique a food service in Italy be prepared for the backlash lol.
Coffee Culture
Espresso is a daily ritual throughout Italy.
Cappuccinos are generally considered a breakfast drink and ordering one after lunch or dinner is uncommon among locals. We ordered many coffees and were actually disappointed. I'm not sure if it was the lack of coffee knowledge however all our coffees were on the colder side instead of hot.
Late Dining
Dinner in Italy often starts later than many other countries, especially in the south.
Restaurants may not become busy until 8pm or later. despite this culture there are still many options for dining earlier on especially in the more tourist areas
Dress Well
Italians generally dress stylishly and presentation matters in many cities.
Even casual outfits tend to look polished compared to some other tourist destinations. Dressing in jeans and t-shirt is still widely acceptable however a shirt is preferred in the more high er end establishments
Italian Language Basics
Italian Numbers From 1 to 10
1 - Uno
2 - Due
3 - Tre
4 - Quattro
5 - Cinque
6 - Sei
7 - Sette
8 - Otto
9 - Nove
10 - Dieci
5 Basic Italian Sayings
Ciao – Hello
Grazie – Thank you
Scusa – Excuse me / Sorry
Si – Yes
No – No
10 Common Italian Words
Buongiorno – Good morning
Buonasera – Good evening
Prego – You’re welcome
Acqua – Water
Quanto Costa? – How much?
Dov’è? – Where is?
Treno – Train
Biglietto – Ticket
Mangiare – To eat
Bagno – Bathroom
Places Not To Miss
Rome
Rome is one of the most historic cities in the world and home to iconic landmarks including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican City, and Trevi Fountain.
The city blends ancient ruins with vibrant street life, amazing food, and beautiful piazzas.
Florence
Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance and is filled with art, architecture, and history.
The Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio are among the highlights.
Venice
Venice is famous for its canals, gondolas, bridges, and romantic atmosphere.
Walking through Venice feels unlike anywhere else in the world.
Rome
Do I Need A Visa For Italy
Italy is part of the Schengen Area which allows travelers to move freely between many European countries.
Many travelers including visitors from the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, and much of Europe can enter Italy visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Always check the latest visa requirements with your local Italian embassy before traveling as rules can change depending on nationality and current regulations.
Project Visa is always a good guide to see who and where you need a visa