Things To Do
in Italy

Italy is a country of rich history, world-class art, and diverse regional cultures stretching from Alpine peaks to Mediterranean coasts. Its cities are open-air museums filled with ancient ruins, Renaissance masterpieces, and lively piazzas. Food and wine are central to daily life, with distinct culinary traditions from Naples to Milan and Sicily.

Landscapes vary dramatically—Dolomites, rolling Tuscan hills, dramatic coastal cliffs, and tranquil lakes—making Italy a year-round destination for many interests.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Rome: Ancient Wonders
morning
:

Begin your day at the Colosseum where the dawn light filters through ancient arches. Wander through the Roman Forum's marble columns and envision Senate debates held centuries ago. Pause atop Palatine Hill for a panoramic view of the Eternal City's sprawling history.

afternoon
:

Savor a classic pasta lunch in the Monti district before visiting the Capitoline Museums. Marvel at Michelangelo's architectural design and admire the famed Capitoline Venus. Continue to the neighboring Campidoglio Square, crafted by Renaissance masters.

evening
:

Make your way to Piazza Navona as street musicians set a lively backdrop around Bernini's fountains. Toss a coin into the fountain at the Trevi for good luck and enjoy a scoop of artisanal gelato. End the night with a stroll up to the Spanish Steps for a dramatic nighttime panorama.

day 2
Vatican City & Baroque Splendor
morning
:

Enter St. Peter's Basilica at daybreak to marvel at Bernini's baldacchino and Michelangelo's Pieta with minimal crowds. Ascend the dome's 551 steps for a breathtaking view of St. Peter's Square and Vatican rooftops. Breathe in the spiritual calm as sunlight pierces the nave's stained glass windows.

afternoon
:

Dive into the vast corridors of the Vatican Museums, guided by richly painted frescoes and hidden galleries. Stand beneath the iconic ceiling of the Sistine Chapel to appreciate Michelangelo's masterwork. Conclude with a serene walk through the Vatican Gardens, where trimmed hedges and secluded groves offer a verdant retreat.

evening
:

Cross the Tiber River to the Trastevere neighborhood for a delightful al fresco dinner under vine-draped pergolas. Savor authentic Roman dishes like cacio e pepe while local musicians strum guitars at sidewalk tables. End your evening with a leisurely gelato stroll along cobblestone streets lined with ochre-painted buildings.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
Espresso (at a bar)$1-2
🍝Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-20
🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant$60-120
🚕Taxi start (day tariff)$4-8
🏨Hotel (mid-range per night)$80-180

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Incredible food and regional culinary diversity
  • World-class art, history and architecture
  • Varied landscapes: mountains, lakes, coasts and islands
  • Efficient high-speed train network connecting major cities
  • Crowds and higher prices in peak summer at major sites
  • Regional variability in English proficiency outside tourist hubs
  • ZTL restricted driving zones and limited parking in historic centers
  • Occasional strikes or transport disruptions
  • "Buongiorno" - Good morning
  • "Per favore" - Please
  • "Grazie" - Thank you
  • "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Dove è il bagno?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Il conto, per favore" - The bill, please
  • "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Mi scusi" - Excuse me

Places to Visit in Italy

Visit one of these nice places.

Colosseum and Roman Forum (Rome)

Iconic ancient amphitheater and surrounding ruins—dramatic sunrise or blue-hour shots with fewer crowds are best.

Venice Canals and St. Mark's Basilica

Picturesque canals, gondolas, and ornate piazza architecture—early morning or late evening light is ideal.

Cinque Terre villages

Colorful cliffside villages with terraced vineyards and seaside vistas—capture from hiking trails or boat approaches.

Amalfi Coast and Positano

Steep coastal roads, pastel houses and dramatic sea views—sunset photos from viewpoints above the towns are spectacular.

Dolomites (Tre Cime di Lavaredo)

Jagged limestone peaks offering alpine panoramas, reflections in mountain lakes, and dramatic sunrise scenes.

Florence Duomo and Ponte Vecchio

Renaissance architecture and river reflections—viewpoints from Piazzale Michelangelo provide sweeping cityscapes.

Lake Como (Bellagio, Varenna)

Elegant villas, palm-lined promenades and mountain-backed lakes—ideal for golden-hour photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Italy

Italian cuisine emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients, regional recipes, and simple techniques that highlight flavor. Meals are social events—expect relaxed pacing, multiple courses in traditional restaurants, and strong local pride in specialties.

Italy Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pizza Napoletana

Classic Neapolitan pizza with chewy crust and simple high-quality toppings—try it in Naples (pizzerias like Da Michele or Sorbillo in Naples are famous).

Must-Try!

Pasta (Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, Amatriciana)

Roman pasta specialties made with minimal ingredients—Carbonara (eggs, pecorino, guanciale), Cacio e Pepe (cheese and pepper). Great in Rome’s neighborhood trattorias.

Risotto alla Milanese

Creamy saffron-scented risotto associated with Milan; find it in Lombardy restaurants and traditional osterie.

Arancini / Sicilian Street Food

Sicilian fried rice balls filled with ragù, cheese, or pistachio—common in Palermo and Catania markets.

Gelato

Italian-style ice cream with dense texture and intense flavors—look for artisanal gelaterie avoiding overly bright colors.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercato Centrale (Florence and Rome branches)

Bustling market halls offering local produce, cheeses, cured meats, prepared foods and casual sit-down stalls.

Campo de' Fiori (Rome)

Historic open-air market selling fruit, vegetables, spices and typical Roman snacks—great for people-watching and picnic supplies.

Rialto Market (Venice)

Famous fish and produce market close to the Grand Canal—excellent for seafood and photography.

Ballarò (Palermo)

Vibrant Sicilian street market with strong street-food tradition—try pane con panelle or arancini.

Climate Guide

Weather

Italy's climate ranges from Alpine in the far north (cold, snowy winters; mild summers) to Mediterranean in the south (hot, dry summers; mild, wetter winters). Central regions like Tuscany and Umbria have temperate climates with hot summers and cool winters. Coastal areas benefit from sea breezes; elevation strongly affects conditions in mountain zones.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and Formality

Use 'Buongiorno' (good morning) and 'Buonasera' (good evening) in shops and restaurants; handshakes or cheek-kissing (twice) among acquaintances are common.

Churches and Dress

Dress modestly when visiting churches (shoulders and knees covered). Speak softly and show respect in religious sites.

Dining Manners

Meal times are social—avoid rushing. Don’t expect to split the bill without asking; tipping modestly is fine. Bread is often served without butter, used to accompany dishes.

ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones)

Many historic town centers have restricted vehicle zones—driving into them can lead to fines because license plates are recorded by cameras.

Punctuality

Casual punctuality is common for social gatherings; business meetings expect more punctual behavior.

Safety Guide

Safety

Italy is generally safe for travelers but take standard precautions: watch for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas, especially on trains, metros and near major attractions. Be cautious of bag-snatching from scooters near sidewalks. Use official taxi ranks or apps, verify fares, and avoid unlicensed vendors. Check traffic and weather warnings in mountain regions and swim only where lifeguards indicate safety. Keep copies of travel documents and have travel insurance that covers health and theft.

Tipping in Italy

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is modest: cafés usually no tip (round up), restaurants sometimes add a 'coperto' (cover charge) and service is often included—leaving 5–10% is appreciated for excellent service. Round up taxi fares or add a small amount. For guided tours or hotel porters, a few euros per service is customary.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely used for small purchases and markets; credit/debit cards are accepted in most restaurants, shops and hotels. Use ATMs (bancomat) for cash; notify your bank before travel to avoid card blocks. Contactless payments are increasingly common in cities.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

March–May brings mild weather, blooming landscapes and fewer tourists than summer—ideal for cities and countryside visits.

Summer

June–August is hot and crowded, especially in coastal and historic destinations; book accommodations early and expect higher prices.

Autumn

September–November offers pleasant temperatures, harvest festivals and excellent wine/food experiences; shoulder-season crowds thin out.

Winter

December–February can be chilly in the north with snow in the Alps—good season for skiing and quieter city visits; south remains milder but some coastal businesses close.

Nightlife Guide

Italy at Night

Nightlife varies by city: aperitivo culture (late-afternoon drinks with snacks) transitions to dinners and then bars or clubs after 11pm in larger cities. Coastal towns and islands have lively summer beach clubs, while cities offer opera, live jazz, and late-night trattorie. Student cities like Bologna and youth hubs like Milan have energetic bar and club scenes; many cultural venues host evening concerts and festivals year-round.

Hiking in Italy

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Cinque Terre Sentieri (Blue Trail / Sentiero Azzurro)

Coastal trail linking the five villages with iconic sea views and terraced vineyards; sections can be steep and crowded in summer.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Dolomites)

Classic alpine circuit around dramatic peaks offering spectacular panoramas, accessible from Rifugio Auronzo.

Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) - Amalfi Coast

Scenic cliff-top trail with sweeping views of the coastline between Agerola and Positano, best in spring or autumn.

Stelvio Pass / National Park Trails

High-altitude routes in the Stelvio region with challenging climbs, mountain lakes and extensive wildlife viewing.

Gran Paradiso National Park

Italy’s oldest national park with alpine hiking, glaciers, and opportunities to spot ibex and other mountain fauna.

Airports

How to reach Italy by plane.

Rome Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci - FCO)

Italy’s main international gateway serving Rome—connected to the city by Leonardo Express train (30–40 min), regional trains and shuttle buses.

Milan Malpensa (MXP)

Major northern hub for international flights—reachable by Malpensa Express train to Milan Centrale and shuttle buses; also nearby Linate for domestic flights.

Venice Marco Polo (VCE)

International airport serving Venice—bus and water taxi/boat transfers connect to the historic centre and Piazzale Roma.

Naples Capodichino (NAP)

Gateway to southern Italy, Naples and the Amalfi/Capri region—connected by Alibus shuttle to city center and regional transport.

Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY)

Low-cost carrier hub near Milan—budget flight option with shuttle buses to Milan and regional connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

Historic city centers and towns are highly walkable with many pedestrian-only areas and compact layouts. Larger cities have public transport, but some neighborhoods and hilltop towns require walking. In rural areas and for exploring regions like Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast, a car or local transport is useful.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Native Italians

A diverse population with strong regional identities and cultural differences between north, center and south.

Elderly population

Italy has an aging population overall, reflected in slower population growth and strong family structures caring for older relatives.

Immigrant communities

Significant immigrant populations from Eastern Europe, North Africa, South Asia and other regions contribute to cultural diversity, especially in urban centers.

Tourists and expats

Large seasonal tourist influx in major cities and coastal areas, plus international expat communities in business and creative sectors.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport—Serie A clubs (Juventus, AC Milan, Inter) draw passionate fans and match-day culture; local amateur football is widespread.

Cycling

Both professional (Giro d'Italia) and recreational cycling are popular—road and mountain biking routes abound across regions.

Motorsports

Italy has a strong motorsport culture (MotoGP riders, Formula 1 passion) and historic racing events; brands like Ferrari are national icons.

Winter Sports

Skiing and snowboarding are major activities in the Alps and Dolomites each winter.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can be heavy in major cities during rush hours and on coastal roads in summer. Historic centers often restrict vehicle access with ZTL cameras—violations result in fines. Italy has an extensive rail network: high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Italo) link major cities efficiently, while regional trains vary in reliability. Urban public transport (metros, trams, buses) serves most city centers; consider trains for intercity travel to avoid road traffic.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available—ask for 'senza carne' or look for vegetable-based pasta and risotto. Many restaurants will adapt dishes.

Vegan

Vegan choices are increasingly common in cities; look for vegan-labeled restaurants or modify dishes (ask for no cheese/butter).

Gluten-free

Italy has excellent awareness of gluten-free diets—many restaurants offer 'senza glutine' pasta and even gluten-free pizza crusts; cross-contamination is still possible in busy kitchens.

Allergies

Carry translated allergy cards (Italian) for clarity; most places will accommodate but check about nuts, shellfish, and dairy.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Italy has a strong public healthcare system (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) with public hospitals and many private clinics. Emergency number is 112. EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) have access to necessary care; non-EU travelers should have travel health insurance to cover private care or repatriation. Pharmacies (farmacia) are widespread and can advise on minor ailments.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Italy.