Travel guide for Italy: Everything you need to know

Italy is a Mediterranean country bordered by three seas, the Adriatic, the Tyrrhenian, and the Ionian. For many, it is known as the birthplace of Western civilization. Italy is a stunning country referred to as Bel Paese (the beautiful country). A country full of history and beauty, any traveller who loves adventure and history cannot exclude it from their list.

From Unesco World Heritage sites such as the ruined city of Pompeii and the famous Mount Etna to coastal beauties such as the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre, Italy is a great place for those who want to experience something different. Adding to the country’s musts, the Italian flavours of the local cuisine make it one of the most enviable holiday destinations. Below, in our complete travel guide, you will find all the information you need before your first visit to Italy.

Where to Stay in Italy — Accommodation Costs

Italy ranges from very affordable to extremely expensive depending on city, season, and location:

Rome:

• Hostel dorm: €25–45/night
• Mid-range hotel: €100–200/night
• Luxury: €200–500+/night

Low-cost hostels in Italy can be found on Hostel World.

Venice (most expensive — limited supply, +15% from 2025):

• Hostel dorm: €30–60/night
• Mid-range hotel: €150–300/night
• Staying 15–20 min from San Marco (Mestre, Lido) saves 30–40%

Florence:

• Hostel dorm: €20–40/night
• Mid-range hotel: €80–180/night

Naples / Southern Italy: 20–40% cheaper than Rome

Available rooms and rates can be found on Booking.com.

Traditional Food in Italy

As the whole world knows, Italy is famous for its pasta, pizzas, and good wine. But the menu doesn’t stop there. Below we will list the main dishes you should try when visiting the country.

Pizza: for some, there is no dish as representative of the country as the humble pizza. Easy, cheap, and full of ingredients, pizza has long been a common snack or meal, especially in Naples, where tomato sauce was first added. In fact, according to the story, when Queen Margherita passed through the city on a tour, she asked to try this dish, for which there was a buzz. A businessman served her the combination of tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil, probably creating the Margherita pizza that is still famous today.

Today, there are essentially two types of pizza to choose from in Italy: Neopolitan pizza or Roman-style pizza. Neapolitan-style pizza has a thick and fluffy dough and tends to be a little smaller in diameter. Roman-style pizza has the characteristic thin crust and is larger in diameter. As for the ingredients in both types of pizza, the question is entirely up to you since there are now so many ingredients.

Bottarga: Another way to describe bottarga is “Sicilian Caviar”. In August and September, southern Italians take the eggplant from grey mullets, salt it, press it, and then let it air-dry for six months. The result is a solid piece of egg, shredded and eaten or rubbed over pasta. It is now considered one of the most sought-after and luxurious foods in Italy, just like truffles there. We recommend that you grate it over pasta, or simply slice it thinly and pour lemon juice over it.

Lasagna: This is a wide and flat pasta, usually baked in layers in the oven. Traditionally, lasagna was not made with tomatoes, just ragù, béchamel sauce, and cheese, usually mozzarella or Parmigiano Reggiano or a combination of the two. Even today, only a single piece of tomato or tomato sauce is used in a traditional ragu, unlike most Italian-American dishes, which are smothered in tomato sauce.  In restaurants, you can find various combinations.

Fiorentina Steak. This steak is made from a specific cut of meat from a specific type of cow. The thickness of the steak is at least 5 cm thick and it is made from a fillet of a cow usually reared in Tuscany. It is cooked for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness, until the outside is cooked and the inside remains medium rare. Asking for it well done is a little difficult because of the thickness of the meat.

Polenta: A dish of boiled corn, historically made from other grains. According to history, it was eaten in the northern part of Italy. Although it lacks the diversity in shapes and textures that pasta has, polenta is the perfect accompaniment to a wide range of recipes, including various meats. It is one of those dishes that fits like a glove when the temperature drops considerably in Italian cities such as Milan, Turin, and Venice.

Ossobuco: The world-famous ossobuco alla milanese is a beef steak from the lower leg. It is cooked at a low temperature slowly until it melts and is mixed with white wine and vegetables. Traditionally, it is accompanied by gremolata (lemon zest, garlic, and parsley), but this is optional. Despite the popularity of ossobuco, it’s not always common to see it on restaurant menus because it takes about three hours to cook. If you have the chance to eat it in a restaurant or a local’s house, you definitely shouldn’t miss the opportunity. It is usually accompanied by polenta, which we mentioned above in our article. 

Focaccia. Although some say it was first made by the Ancient Greeks. Depending on the occasion and the shop, you can get it either as an accompaniment to a main meal, as a snack, or as a sandwich bread filled with various ingredients of your choice. Many people mix various herbs and spices, as well as olives and vegetables, into the dough.

Coffee. For those who love coffee, there’s no better place to enjoy a coffee than here. For example, if you ask for a latte, you will simply be served a glass of milk. The coffees also vary by region. For example, in Trieste, if you just order a coffee, you will be served an espresso with whipped cream on top, while in Naples, coffee is served strong, creamy, and drunk quickly like a shot. The latter is true in most cities as well as in the capital. Italians don’t sit down for coffee. They come in, order it, drink it like a shot, and leave to go to work or continue their day. As for the varieties of coffee, you will find countless, with Illy being the top one.

Gelato.  It’s perfectly normal to eat it on a regular basis in Italy, especially in the summer. Although gelato translates to “ice cream”, it’s not the same. By law, gelato has much less fat than ice cream.  The low fat content means that gelato is served a little warmer and tends to melt faster, which also enhances the flavour and gives it a velvetier texture. Secondly, gelato has a much higher density. Classic gelato has air and water to increase its volume and weight.

Unfortunately, these additions also make it less tasty. This practice is illegal in Italy, leaving gelato to hold the lead and be extremely sweet and delicious. Finally, good gelato is not made for long-term storage. As for the flavors you will encounter, you will have a wide range. Every day you can try something different!

Digestivo: The term “digestivo” or “digestive” does not refer to a drink, but to a category of drinks consumed after a large meal in order to calm the stomach and prevent you from feeling bloated. Their consumption dates back to the Middle Ages, when people all over Europe believed in the medicinal properties of alcohol mixed with sugar and herbs. Popular digestives are limoncello, grappa, amaro, cynar, amaretto, and if you want something stronger, there is sambuca, which has a lot of alcohol.

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Transportation

Train: It’s a quick way to get around. You can find trains both for regional trips and between cities. High-speed trains are a fast and fairly cheap way to travel around Italy. From Rome, for example, you can get to Florence in only 2 hours. Timetables and prices can be found on Omio.com.

Buses: Italy also has a well-developed bus network for travel within the major cities. It is even possible to connect cities with the rest of the country’s countryside. Bus timetables with their respective prices can be found on Omio.com.

Taxi: Taxis are another alternative way of getting around within cities. You can stop one on the spot on the road or call one by phone or app. Prices vary depending on the distance you travel, and they are not one of the most economical means of transport in Italy.

For in-city rides and airport transfers, check on Welcome Pickups.

Car rental: To rent a car, you must be at least 21 years old and have an international driving license. Essential for Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, Puglia, and rural areas. Do not drive into city centers, because most of them are ZTL zones (Limited Traffic Zones) with automatic cameras. Many people in Italy, particularly in Rome, also choose to rent a Vespa. You can check rental prices on Discovercars.com.

What to do in Italy

Rome

For most people, a trip to Italy usually starts in the capital. The eternal city is literally one big museum. It has some of the world’s most famous attractions. You can discover the imposing Colosseum (Colosseo), the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, the famous Fontana Di Trevi, and much more. Each of these monuments are milestones in the history of Rome. Still, don’t fail to visit the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica. Heaven on earth for art lovers, with works that have been remembered as unique.

You can still enjoy your walk in its famous squares, such as Piazza Navona, Popolo, di Raza, and others. Even in the famous fountain of the city mentioned above, you can drop a coin, with your back turned to the water, and make a wish. The tradition for those who drop a coin into the water is that they will one day return to Rome. A total must-do is the long walks in the alleys, enjoying ice cream, and tasting their coffee.

Read our Rome Travel Guide

Milan

Among the top destinations in Italy, Milan could not be left out. The capital of Lombardy is, without a doubt, the city of refinement. It is home to many famous fashion houses and, of course, a world-leading shopping destination. Prices at the big houses are obviously a little high; however, there are great bargains and low prices in the January sales.

You can walk in the famous Golden Quadrilateral (Quadrilatero d’Oro), which consists of Via Montanapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni, and Via Sant’Andrea. In the above streets, you will find all the famous houses such as Dior, Luis Vuitton, Prada, etc. But you can also find less-known, but equally stylish chains. Apart from shopping, don’t fail to visit the second-largest Gothic temple in the world, the Duomo di Milano. A few metres away, for the opera devotees, you can also find the famous La Scala di Milano.

Venice

Another well-known destination in Italy. Venice and its famous canals. Floating trips on its Grand Canal and beyond, as well as exploring on foot in St. Mark’s Square. The district of St Mark’s is the oldest in the city and has been the political and administrative centre of the Venetian Republic of Gallipoli, as well as the epicentre of social life for more than a thousand years. Among the buildings that steal the show is the St Mark’s Bell Tower, or Campanile, which stands over 98 metres high. You can book tickets online for the top of the building and save yourself the long waits. 

Many people still go to Venice every year for one of its biggest events. The Venice Carnival. Incredible masks, happy people, and lots of fun. See also the most famous and oldest bridge that crosses the Grand Canal, the domed stone bridge of Rialto. Built from 1588 to 1591 under the supervision of Antonio da Ponte. Despite Venice’s hundreds of bridges in total, until the 1850s, it remained the only footbridge that joined the two sides of the Grand Canal at its narrowest point.

Since 2024, Venice charges a €5 access fee for day-trippers entering on designated peak days, a measure to manage overtourism in one of the world’s most fragile cities.

Key facts:

• Fee: €5 per person (ages 14+)
• Only applies on designated peak days (weekends and holidays, spring/summer), not every day
• Book in advance at cda.ve.it/en, you receive a QR code to show if checked
• Overnight guests are exempt; the hotel tourist tax covers you instead
• Venice residents, workers, and students: exempt

Peak day schedule includes: selected weekends April–July, plus other busy dates. Check the official calendar before your visit.

Book your gondola tour on GetYourGuide.

Tuscany

The most photographed region of Central Italy. One image is enough to describe the beauty and serenity of the landscape. Many people also choose it for a motorbike road trip. It is better to visit it in spring, when the colours are bright and vivid. At that time of the year, it reminds us of a huge palette, with many different colours that, combined with the changing landscapes, highlight this little paradise. Its capital and largest city is Florence. There, in the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, you will get in touch with the entire Italian culture and more. It is a city with a special glamour, famous for its arts and culture.  The historic centre of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There you can find the famous Duomo Square, where the imposing Florence Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) and the Baptistery. Among the most important museums is the famous Art Gallery (Le Gallerie degli Uffizi) in Piazza della Signora, an art museum with works by the greatest Renaissance painters, including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli and others. Still in the region of Tuscany, there is another Italian landmark town. The well-known Pisa, which attracts a large number of tourists every year. The main reason for most people visiting is the Leaning Tower of Pisa. However, there are many other monuments worth mentioning and visiting.  The square of the Pisa Cathedral is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Furthermore, you can visit the Borgo Stretto area, with its medieval alleys around the Arno River. There you will find many baroque squares, most famously Piazza dei Cavalieri, and various attractions such as the Medici Palace and Palazzo della Carovana. Then look for Corso Italia, which starts from the south of the city and goes all the way to the Arno River. You can cross it and on the way you will find small cafes, bars, local restaurants and, of course, countless gelato shops.

Alberobello

A small town in Apulia, southern Italy. What makes the area so famous are the pyramid-shaped, domed or conical limestone houses, known collectively as “trulli”. It is believed that the term trulli comes from the Greek “trullo”, which in Italian translates to “dome”. Many trulli are still inhabited today and some have been converted into hotels, restaurants, and shops. The story about the construction lies in the taxes they had at the time. Those who could not afford the taxes tore down the houses, but then they could very easily rebuild them. You can visit Rione Monti and in Aia Piccola, the alleys with the largest collection of trulli in Alberobello.

Positano

One of the most tourist resorts in Italy. Positano is undoubtedly the great jewel of the Amalfi Coast. Full of colourful, picturesque little houses built on the rock. You can visit the church of Santa Maria Assunta and enjoy the beautiful view from up there.  The historic centre of the area is pedestrianised, and Via dei Mulini is the characteristic alleyway with hawkers, artists and vendors that leads to Piazza Flavio Gioia. For swimming, you can choose Piazza Grande or beaches in neighbouring places such as the nearby bays of La Porta & Fornillo.

Island lovers?! Read our detailed guide for Sardinia

Cinque Terre

Five villages between sea and mountain along the Italian Riviera. Together, they are known as the Cinque Terre, or ‘five Places’. The villages are so isolated that there are only somewhat challenging paths connecting them and a railway line that passes through a series of tunnels.

The five villages are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore and are located within the Cinque Terre National Park, which as a whole is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each village has its own personality. All are full of history, colorful buildings, and offer some of the most spectacular views in the country.

The five villages are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore and are located within the Cinque Terre National Park, which as a whole is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each village has its own personality. All are full of history, colorful buildings, and offer some of the most spectacular views in the country.

They date back hundreds of years, with the oldest being Monterosso in 643 AD, when people seeking refuge from the barbarians of the time. Riomaggiore was created in the 8th century by Greek settlers fleeing persecution in Byzantium. Many of the things that still exist in the villages have been there since the Middle Ages and include many castles and beautiful churches. Finally, beautiful beaches surround each of these 5 villages, while you can also walk through the beautiful and picturesque stone streets of the village.

Packing Tips & When to Go

Like many countries in Europe, the climate in Italy varies greatly depending on where you plan to travel. Significant differences in temperatures between north and south are most evident during the winter months. Winters in the north are cold and wet, while winters in the south are milder. However, most of Italy has hot and dry summers with July being the hottest month of the year.

Bath products: Beauty and toiletries can be quite expensive in Italy. If your hotel doesn’t provide any of the above, it’s a good idea to bring your own if you want to save money.

Power Bank: wherever you are in Italy, Italy needs a lot of walking. Most of the day, you will be out and about most of the time. To avoid running out of battery on your phone or on your camera equipment, it is a good idea to bring a power bank with you.

Comfortable shoes: As mentioned above, walking is something you will not avoid. So it would be good to have comfortable and lightweight shoes with you. Especially in areas with stone alleys and uneven terrain, you will regret it if they are missing from your suitcase.

The best time to visit Italy is spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November), prices are normal, tourism is at normal levels and temperatures are favourable enough to enjoy your itinerary.  Summer is the high season in Italy. There is a lot of heat, though and plenty of humidity. Prices are higher and there are large crowds of tourists so do not book then if you want peace and relaxation. You can visit Italy in winter too. It is better in terms of definitely reduced prices and fewer crowds. The downside is the weather conditions that may spoil your excursions and activities.

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Italy Travel Guide FAQ — Everything you need to know