Italy

Travel guide

意大利

Italy, a country rich in history, art, and culture, offers diverse experiences from the bustling streets of Rome to the serene canals of Venice and the stunning landscapes of Tuscany. Each region boasts its own unique charm, cuisine, and attractions, making it a must-visit destination for travelers.

Francisco Antunes · CC BY 2.0
  • Best monthsApril to June, September to October
  • AirportsFiumicino, Malpensa, and Venice Marco Polo
  • TransitExtensive train and bus network
  • Power230V, type F and L plugs
  • TippingNot mandatory, but appreciated
  • LanguageItalian is the official language

01

When to go

The best time to visit Italy is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and the tourist crowds are smaller.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best monthsHot monthsCooler months
spring

Spring

Spring brings mild weather and blooming landscapes, ideal for outdoor exploration.

summer

Summer

Summer can be hot and crowded, especially in tourist hotspots.

fall

Fall

Fall offers pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists, perfect for sightseeing.

02

Where to stay

Pick the neighbourhood by how you want the day to start and end, not by distance to one museum.

01
Historic

Trastevere

A charming neighborhood in Rome known for its narrow cobblestone streets and vibrant nightlife.

Can be crowded at night.

02
Artistic

Santa Croce

Located in Florence, this area is famous for its stunning basilica and artisan shops.

Great for art lovers.

03
Trendy

Navigli

A picturesque district in Milan known for its canals and trendy bars.

Best visited in the evening.

04
Local

Santo Spirito

A lively neighborhood in Florence filled with local markets and authentic eateries.

Less touristy than other areas.

05
Cultural

Borgo Pio

A quaint area near the Vatican, perfect for exploring local shops and cafes.

Close to major attractions.

06
Culinary

Castelnuovo

A vibrant neighborhood in Naples known for its street food and historical sites.

Famous for pizza.

07
Historic

Centro Storico

The historic center of Naples, rich in history and architecture.

Can be overwhelming; explore slowly.

08
Market

Campo de' Fiori

A lively market area in Rome, ideal for fresh produce and local delicacies.

Visit in the morning for the best selection.

03

What to eat

Everyday food, eaten the way locals do. Look for a busy place rather than a ranked list.

Pizza Napoletana

Traditional Neapolitan pizza, best found in Naples.

→ Look for wood-fired ovens.

Pasta alla Carbonara

A Roman classic made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and pepper.

→ Try it in Trastevere.

Risotto alla Milanese

A creamy saffron risotto from Milan.

→ Perfect for a hearty meal.

Gelato

Authentic Italian ice cream available throughout the country.

→ Choose artisanal shops for the best flavors.

Tiramisu

A popular coffee-flavored dessert originating from Veneto.

→ Look for homemade versions.

Arancini

Fried rice balls filled with various ingredients, found in Sicily.

→ Street food at its best.

04

What to see

An order that works on foot, with the trip out of the first city at the end.

01

Colosseum

An iconic symbol of Rome, showcasing ancient architecture.

Historical
02

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Famous for its unintended tilt, located in Pisa.

Architectural
03

Venice Canals

A network of canals that define the unique city of Venice.

Scenic
04

Uffizi Gallery

One of the most important art museums in Florence.

Cultural
05

Pompeii

An ancient city preserved by volcanic ash near Naples.

Archaeological
06

Cinque Terre

A stunning coastal region known for its colorful villages.

Natural
07

Vatican City

The smallest independent state in the world, home to St. Peter's Basilica.

Religious
08

Siena's Piazza del Campo

A beautiful square known for the Palio horse race.

Cultural
09

The Duomo of Florence

A magnificent cathedral with a stunning dome.

Architectural
10

The Amalfi Coast

Famous for its breathtaking coastal scenery and charming towns.

Scenic
11

The Spanish Steps

A monumental stairway of 135 steps in Rome.

Historical
12

Lake Como

A picturesque lake surrounded by mountains and villas.

Natural

05

Getting around

Airport to city, across the city, and onward to the next region.

Flying into Italy

Main airports include Fiumicino (Rome), Malpensa (Milan), and Venice Marco Polo. Consider booking flights in advance.

FCOFiumicino
MXPMalpensa
VCEVenice Marco Polo

Train travel

Italy's train system is efficient, connecting major cities and regions, making it a convenient option for travelers.

Public transport

Buses and trams are available in cities, providing easy access to various attractions.

Car rentals

Renting a car can be beneficial for exploring rural areas and scenic routes.

Biking

Many cities are bike-friendly, with rental options available for exploring at your own pace.

06

Practical notes

Plugs

Italy uses type F and L plugs, with a standard voltage of 230V.

Cash

Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small purchases.

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill is common.

Language

Italian is the official language; learning a few phrases can be helpful.

Data

Wi-Fi is widely available in cities, and mobile data is accessible.

How long to stay

A week is ideal to explore major cities; longer for a more in-depth experience.

意大利 eSIM

Maps, ferries and tickets are easier with data as soon as you land.

See eSIM plans
All country guides