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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prices
Item | Price |
---|---|
☕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.
Iconic ancient amphitheater and surrounding ruins—dramatic sunrise or blue-hour shots with fewer crowds are best.
Picturesque canals, gondolas, and ornate piazza architecture—early morning or late evening light is ideal.
Colorful cliffside villages with terraced vineyards and seaside vistas—capture from hiking trails or boat approaches.
Steep coastal roads, pastel houses and dramatic sea views—sunset photos from viewpoints above the towns are spectacular.
Jagged limestone peaks offering alpine panoramas, reflections in mountain lakes, and dramatic sunrise scenes.
Renaissance architecture and river reflections—viewpoints from Piazzale Michelangelo provide sweeping cityscapes.
Elegant villas, palm-lined promenades and mountain-backed lakes—ideal for golden-hour photography.
Food in Italy
Italy Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
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!
Roman pasta specialties made with minimal ingredients—Carbonara (eggs, pecorino, guanciale), Cacio e Pepe (cheese and pepper). Great in Rome’s neighborhood trattorias.
Creamy saffron-scented risotto associated with Milan; find it in Lombardy restaurants and traditional osterie.
Sicilian fried rice balls filled with ragù, cheese, or pistachio—common in Palermo and Catania markets.
Italian-style ice cream with dense texture and intense flavors—look for artisanal gelaterie avoiding overly bright colors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling market halls offering local produce, cheeses, cured meats, prepared foods and casual sit-down stalls.
Historic open-air market selling fruit, vegetables, spices and typical Roman snacks—great for people-watching and picnic supplies.
Famous fish and produce market close to the Grand Canal—excellent for seafood and photography.
Vibrant Sicilian street market with strong street-food tradition—try pane con panelle or arancini.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use 'Buongiorno' (good morning) and 'Buonasera' (good evening) in shops and restaurants; handshakes or cheek-kissing (twice) among acquaintances are common.
Dress modestly when visiting churches (shoulders and knees covered). Speak softly and show respect in religious sites.
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.
Many historic town centers have restricted vehicle zones—driving into them can lead to fines because license plates are recorded by cameras.
Casual punctuality is common for social gatherings; business meetings expect more punctual behavior.
Safety
Tipping in Italy
Ensure a smooth experience
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.
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...
March–May brings mild weather, blooming landscapes and fewer tourists than summer—ideal for cities and countryside visits.
June–August is hot and crowded, especially in coastal and historic destinations; book accommodations early and expect higher prices.
September–November offers pleasant temperatures, harvest festivals and excellent wine/food experiences; shoulder-season crowds thin out.
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.
Italy at Night
Hiking in Italy
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal trail linking the five villages with iconic sea views and terraced vineyards; sections can be steep and crowded in summer.
Classic alpine circuit around dramatic peaks offering spectacular panoramas, accessible from Rifugio Auronzo.
Scenic cliff-top trail with sweeping views of the coastline between Agerola and Positano, best in spring or autumn.
High-altitude routes in the Stelvio region with challenging climbs, mountain lakes and extensive wildlife viewing.
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.
Italy’s main international gateway serving Rome—connected to the city by Leonardo Express train (30–40 min), regional trains and shuttle buses.
Major northern hub for international flights—reachable by Malpensa Express train to Milan Centrale and shuttle buses; also nearby Linate for domestic flights.
International airport serving Venice—bus and water taxi/boat transfers connect to the historic centre and Piazzale Roma.
Gateway to southern Italy, Naples and the Amalfi/Capri region—connected by Alibus shuttle to city center and regional transport.
Low-cost carrier hub near Milan—budget flight option with shuttle buses to Milan and regional connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A diverse population with strong regional identities and cultural differences between north, center and south.
Italy has an aging population overall, reflected in slower population growth and strong family structures caring for older relatives.
Significant immigrant populations from Eastern Europe, North Africa, South Asia and other regions contribute to cultural diversity, especially in urban centers.
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.
The most popular sport—Serie A clubs (Juventus, AC Milan, Inter) draw passionate fans and match-day culture; local amateur football is widespread.
Both professional (Giro d'Italia) and recreational cycling are popular—road and mountain biking routes abound across regions.
Italy has a strong motorsport culture (MotoGP riders, Formula 1 passion) and historic racing events; brands like Ferrari are national icons.
Skiing and snowboarding are major activities in the Alps and Dolomites each winter.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available—ask for 'senza carne' or look for vegetable-based pasta and risotto. Many restaurants will adapt dishes.
Vegan choices are increasingly common in cities; look for vegan-labeled restaurants or modify dishes (ask for no cheese/butter).
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.
Carry translated allergy cards (Italian) for clarity; most places will accommodate but check about nuts, shellfish, and dairy.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Italy.