Let me start by saying, no matter where I go on my journey around the globe, every country has it's charm and many things to explore, the people, the culture, the food, the history and much more...and usually one of them stands out. But ITALY...😍 HAS IT ALL.
I mean, there are many beautiful countries on every continent, don't get me wrong, and maybe I'm a bit biased being born and raised in Europe that I just feel most comfortable in European countries, even if I don't speak their national language.
I took a whole month to explore the Northern cities all the way down to Rome and my plan to travel the South will hopefully come true in the near future, maybe even this year.
In this blog entry I will cover every single city I've been to and also general facts about Italy that I learned about during my trip.
General Facts About Italy
Here is a list of a few important things to know about Italy which will hopefully help you along the way and to plan your trip to Italy
1. Capital: Rome 🏛
I you surely already know, Rome is Italy’s capital and the country's largest city, rich in history, culture, and iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Pantheon, but other than that it's also the tourist centrum #1 and always packed with tons of people. So be prepared for long queues to historical attractions. Better get your tickets ahead of time to avoid long waiting times. BUT often times tickets can not be purchased online, you would have to go to the ticket counter and get a ticket a day or two in advance. Tour operators often have special deals as well if you plan to travel with a group.
2. Visa Requirements: 🪪
Italy is part of the Schengen Area. Travellers from Schengen countries do not need a visa. Just make sure you take your passport or ID card with you. For others, a Schengen visa may be required for stays up to 90 days.
Check if a visa is required. Credible websites to look up your passport are "Passportindex" (all 195 countries according to the United Nations) and the "Henley Passportindex" (all 195 countries and 71 overseas territories). But also your goverments website for external affairs should provide these information.
For my fellow German citizens it's the website from "Auswärtiges Amt".
3. Day to Day Necessitites
Emergency ☎️
The general emergency number in Italy is 112 like in many other European countries, which connects you to police, fire, and medical services depending on the emergency.
Currency and Payment Options 💳 💶
Italy uses the Euro (€). If you come from outside the EU I'd advise to exchange some cash somewhere with a good rate.
Try not to exchange it at the airport, they have horrible rates. Or easiest is to just withdraw it at an ATM in Italy if your bank card allows it.
Credit cards, like Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash, especially in smaller towns and also Italy can get pricy, and you can easily lose sight of how much you spend when paying by card. It also comes in handy when you want to tip someone or at smaller shops and food vendors they don't accept card payments.
Most shops and restaurants accept cards, but be sure to have one without or little foreign transaction fees. Also, consider a card that works with *contactless payments*, as these are increasingly popular in Italy.
Local SIM Card or eSIM 📶
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public places. For data on the go, consider purchasing a local SIM card, an international travel SIM or an eSIM (like I do on all my travels). They will be offered to you upon arrival at the airport in various shops. Or you can purchase it in one of the many mobile phone stores in the city.
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Language and Translation Apps 🇮🇹
Italian is the official language but English is widely spoken especially in tourist areas.
Learning a few basic Italian phrases can be helpful and is widely appreciated by Italians. I also think its a form of respect and shows real interest. I like to download the language I need in my "Google Translate" so I can use it even offline when I might not have WiFi or mobile internet service. Just in case. You can download it as app on your phone. Once downloaded you can then also download Italian and your own language to even use it offline if necessary.
📲 🤟🏼 Having a language translation app or phrasebook can be very helpful, especially in regions where English is less commonly spoken.
Weather & Appropriate Clothing 🌤
Seasonal Layers: Italy has varied climates depending on the region and season. Mediterranean in the south, continental in the north, and alpine in the mountains. Summers can be very hot, especially in southern Italy, while winters are mild in coastal areas but cold in the northern regions.
In summer, pack light clothing, a hat 🧢, and sunscreen🧴, as it can get very hot.
For fall and winter, layers are needed, as temperatures can drop significantly in the north.
Italy’s cities, especially places like Rome and Florence, are best explored on foot. Cobbled streets are common, so sturdy, comfortable shoes 👟 are essential.
I was in North and Central Italy in May/June (late Spring) and it was freaking hot. 🥵
If you decide to travel to Italy in summer, expect it to be baking outside. Don't forget your sunscreen and stay hydrated at all times.
Now you might think 30+°C is not so bad, I kid you not, the humidity makes it feel at least 5°-10°C hotter.
Portable Charger and Plug Adapter 🔌
Italy uses 230V/50Hz electricity like most European countries with Type C, F, and L plugs. If you are from outside Europe or the UK bring a universal adapter if your devices use different plugs. I never travel without one or even two. But if you forget to bring one, they are easy to get at the airport or in the city in many convenience stores.
Powerbanks also come very much in handy, especially when you are out and about shooting photos and videos all day long.
Reusable Water Bottle 💧
Many Italian cities have free water fountains, so bringing a reusable water bottle can save money and reduce plastic waste.
I usually use my old pre-used water bottles and just clean and refill them every day.
Small Bag or Anti-Theft Backpack 🎒
Italy’s tourist hotspots can attract pickpockets, so an anti-theft bag with secure zippers or an across-the-body bag helps protect valuables, I didn't go out without it and it became my go to bag everywhere I travel. I even have them in different colours to match my outfit 😄
Public Transportation 🚌 🚃
IF you've been to any European country you probably have noticed its extensive public transportation network, including trains, buses, and metros (in the metropolitan cities) .
In Italy they have high-speed trains like the Frecciarossa, which connects major cities quickly and efficiently. But also Regional trains work perfectly if you are not under time pressure. You can find your connection on the "Trenitalia" website. Trenitalia also offers travel passes for multiple desitinations starting at 139€. (Trenitalia Pass)
Bus organisations like Flixbus are also a budget friendly option
Italy’s cities often offer tourist passes for unlimited rides on public transit, which can save money and make getting around easier. Check if a pass is available in your destination city, like the Rome Tourist Card or Milan's ATM pass. (see my Blog Entries to each city) 😊
Apps for Navigation and Info 📱
Apps like Google Maps (or Citymapper for urban areas), Moovit (for local transit), and Museums or Ticket Booking Apps are helpful for finding your way, booking tickets, and avoiding lines at major attractions.
4. Driving: 🚗
An International Driving Permit (IDP) in combination with your drivers licence is recommended for non-EU visitors if you want to rent a car. The IDP is slightly bigger than a passport and, simply put, a translation of all the important information on your driving licence into 10 different languages 🇫🇷🇬🇧🇷🇺🇪🇸🇨🇳🇩🇪🇦🇪🇮🇹🇵🇹(🇩🇰🇳🇴🇸🇪), thus making it easier for the officials in the visiting country to read it.
There is around 140 countries that require this document in order for you to rent a car there. If you travel in your own car, make sure you have the necessary documents for driving in the EU.
Be aware of ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) zones in many city centres, where access is prohibited to non-residents and unauthorised vehicles.
5. Tipping: 💸
Tipping is not obligatory in Italy and service charges are often included in the bill at restaurants, but rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated.
Just take a closer look at your bill to see if service charges have already been included, if not a tip of 5-10% is very common and will be warmly received.
6. Cuisine: 🍕 🍝 🍨
We all know Italy is famous for its cuisine, including pasta, pizza, gelato, and regional specialties. Dining is typically a leisurely experience, and meals can consist of multiple courses. So prepare yourself for a culinary experience of a lifetime.
But be mindful of the dining schedule: Lunch is typically served between 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM, while dinner usually starts around 7:30 PM.
The aperitif 🍸 culture in Italy is very big and usually happens right before dinner. In the afternoon or morning you will see a lot of Italians going for a coffee or quick espresso ☕️ in combination with something sweet and light 🥐.
I'm adding my favourite dishes and restaurant suggestions to each city.
7. Cultural Etiquette: 🫱🏼🫲🏾 👗 ⛪️
Italians value courtesy and formality. Greetings with a handshake or a kiss on both cheeks (among close friends) are common. I encountered that many Italians are very hands on and are not shy to lean in for a hug and give cheek kisses. But if that's a little too forward for you, don't worry, they won't feel offended if you just offer your hand to greet them.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites - shoulders and knees should be covered. I noticed that mostly the younger generation and certain nationalities are very ignorant and disrespectful in their behaviour and the way they dress, but totally oblivious to it at the same time, which leads to misunderstandings, disappointment and unnecessary arguments on the entrance of those sites.
Italy is a catholic ✝️ country and even though the Italian culture is very open minded and modern, they usually don't visit historical or religious sites in short outfits. Honestly I think it's common sense. I know it can get hot in summer and you might not want to wear a jacket ...
I personally have a light scarf with me at all times, easy to just wrap it around my upper body including shoulders.
8. Shopping: 🛍
"Riposo" or "pennichella" is a time in the early afternoon around 1pm, especially in smaller towns, when shops close, streets are getting empty and Italians usually retreat indoors to rest and escape the midday heat. Shops reopen later in the afternoon around 4pm. It's the Italian version of Spain's siesta. Sundays and Monday mornings are also common closure times.
9. Tourist Tax: 💰
Many Italian cities charge a "tourist tax" on accommodations, usually paid per person per night, which is not included in the booking price. Which means you will find yourself having to pay extra when you arrive even if you already paid your accommodation prior to your arrival. the Tourist tax is usually between 1€-5€ but could soon increase up to 25€ for more expensive hotels.
11. Cultural Sites: 🏟
Italy has 58 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than any other country in the world.
Just to name a few that stand out due to their cultural significance, historical impact, and of course visitor popularity: (✅ I visited)
Historic Centre of Rome and the Vatican City ✅
The Eternal City is home to iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, and Vatican City's St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel.
Over 7 million people anually visit the Vatican Museums alone.
Venice and its Lagoon ✅
Historic Centre of Florence ✅
Amalfi Coast
The Dolomites ✅
Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Torre Annunziata
Cinque Terre
Piazza del Duomo, Pisa ✅
Val d’Orcia ✅
Historic Centre of Verona ✅
Each of these sites is not only breathtaking but also represents a significant chapter in Italy’s cultural, architectural, or natural heritage. Let me know if you'd like detailed travel tips for any of these locations! 🫰🏼
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