We’ve gathered the best Italy travel tips to help you plan your next trip; here’s everything you need to know before visiting Italy!
Italy Travel Tips: Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting
1.) When you book an overnight train, make sure you specify Mr. or Ms. on your ticket
Our last overnight train experience made for a funny story, but we don’t recommend following in our footsteps.
Scott had accidentally booked my ticket under the Mr. salutation. The employee almost did not let us on the train since all of the compartments are separated male and female (unless you book a private compartment). Even after we convinced the train employee to let us on, our bunk mate was not happy and we couldn’t communicate with him since we didn’t speak the same language!
2.) Don’t order insalata verde and expect anything more than a bowl of lettuce
Take it from us and learn from our mistakes. Normally, house or green salads in the States have varied vegetables included, so I was not prepared for just a bowl of romaine lettuce..
3.) Don’t make special requests when ordering at a restaurant
Italians usually take things as listed on the menu and you don’t want to be the annoying foreigner who asks for special items. However, they are becoming more accustomed to vegans and vegetarians, so this shouldn’t be an issue when ordering at most of the restaurants frequented by tourists.
4.) Prepare to eat late
Many restaurants, especially the fancy ones, don’t open until 7pm or later.
5.) When browsing menus and deciding where to eat, pay attention to the “Il coperto” (cover charge)
The cover charge varies from restaurant to restaurant (usually a few Euros). This charge is often listed at the bottom of the menu. This way you won’t be surprised when you get the bill.
6.) ATMs & Money
It’s a good idea to exchange some money before you leave your home country. ATMs are the most economical way to exchange money while you are in Italy, but the airport ATMs may be empty when you land (especially on a weekend) and you don’t want to be forced to exchange your money at one of the expensive currency exchanges.
7.) Transportation strikes are common in Italy, so give yourself plenty of time if you need to catch a flight
One of our best tips for traveling to Italy: don’t be shocked if there is a strike of some sort that may affect your travel plans! It’s not uncommon for Italians to have train strikes, taxi strikes or bus strikes.
Strikes have become a part of the culture and way of life in Italy. Most strikes are announced ahead of time so you can usually plan around them. Just be sure to pay attention to signs in the local train stations about any upcoming strikes.
8.) Book accommodation outside of big cities to get the best deals and avoid crowds
If you don’t want to pay full price for your accommodation or if you prefer to avoid major crowds, oftentimes you can find a hotel, hostel or campground in a nearby town.
This came in handy during our travels in Cinque Terre. (To learn more about The 5 Villages, read our Cinque Terre Travel Tips and our guide on the Best Hotels in Cinque Terre.) There was a train strike and if we had stayed in any one of the 5 villages, we wouldn’t have been able to get a train out. A fellow traveler said it cost him 50 Euros for a taxi to the next town so he could catch his train!
A trip to Italy is not complete without visiting one of this country’s most beautiful wine regions. Villa Cozzano is set in Pozzuolo in the Tuscany Region — in a restored 17th-century building surrounded by 28 hectares of olive groves and vineyards.
9.) Train travel tips
Book your tickets at the train station with an actual person whenever possible. Some of the booking options are not available online or in the station kiosks. Tren Italia’s website is also notorious for not working correctly.
If you want to book ahead of time to get the best price, but you don’t know your exact dates or time of departure, then get an “Ordinary Ticket.” You will have the flexibility of open ended dates and times. Just keep in mind that it does have an expiration date, so make sure to ask the customer service representative before you purchase.
Also, one of our best tips for Italy is to REMEMBER to validate your ticket before you hop on the train to avoid fines!
10.) Don’t stand in lines
Most visitors to Italy want to visit the iconic sites like the Colosseum, which means the lines can get VERY long — especially in the summertime. You have a few options for booking skip-the-line tickets to many attractions in Italy; you can either book a tour, book online, or call the attraction once you are in Rome to inquire about booking tickets ahead of time. Trust me, this is a HUGE time saver!
11.) Don’t visit in summer
I realize many people only have limited vacation time and you may want to travel when your kids are out of school, but if you can avoid it, I don’t recommend visiting Italy in the summertime. Spring and fall are my favorite seasons — for both the weather and the lack of crowds.
12.) Wear comfortable shoes
This is not the time for stilettos, ladies. You can easily find a pair of stylish, yet comfortable shoes (see packing list below). Italy’s cities are best explored by walking and you don’t want to be uncomfortable your entire trip!
Packing Essentials for Italy
In addition to the usual Europe packing list, make sure to bring these essential items:
Travel Umbrella: It’s always a good idea to pack a small travel umbrella — especially during the winter and spring.
Mosquito Repellent: I did not experience too many mosquitos, but mosquitos are not uncommon during the spring/summer months in many areas of Italy. This travel size spray pump won’t take up much room in your suitcase.
Earplugs: Bring your earplugs just in case you end up in a noisy location.
Nice Clothes: Many Italians are stylish, so don’t be afraid to bring some nice clothes. For the women, jeans and a cute pair of boots will be fine. For more travel packing tips, visit our guide on how to stay stylish while traveling.
Daypack: You’ll need something to carry around your camera gear and souveniers. Ladies, this oversized purse is stylish, comfortable, and it fits everything I need for a day of exploring Italy.
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Read more:
Venice Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting
10 Things To Know Before You Visit Rome, Italy
Packing List for 2-Weeks in Europe
10 Places You Can’t Miss in Italy
Where to Stay in Cinque Terre (And Which Town is Best For You)
10 Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Europe
Do you have any Italy travel tips to add?
Wow!!! Will visit Italy someday, really love Italy, it a wonderful country in terms pictures. Thanks so much for the stories.
Hi guys! I worked in several restaurants here in Italy and it’s ok to ask special requests. We understand that some might have allergies or simply don’t want to eat certain type of food.
About the strikes: it’s true (unfortunately). You can also find some news online, just type “sciopero cityname month” and then you find infos in Italian that you can easily translate into English.
Enjoy my beautiful country <3
This is an awesome post! I’m headed to Italy in Nov so this was super helpful!
So glad it helped! Thanks for reading!
Any websites for booking buses? As we are hoping to travel from Rome to Florence, Venice, lake Garda etc or are the trains the same price. P.s thanks for great tips 🙂
You can try http://www.goeuro.com/buses/italy
Oh, thanks for posting this. Especially I like and appreciate part in your article about essential things in exact country – it’s very valuable information for every tourist)
Oh, thanks so valuable and useful tips, especially when you’re going to visit Italy in few days)
So funny! I failed this famous “insalata verde” too, who knew! Nexttime I’ll keep your advice about cuisine, transportation and accommodation because last time our trip was a big failure 🙁
Haha! I guess I’m just spoiled with my salads at home.
Would you hike cinque terre or what transportation would you do? We are staying in Montresso. We are going to Venice, Milan, Montresso, Florence and then Rome traveling by train any other tips you have would be great. I hope the train transportation is easy?
Train transportation is super easy in Italy! We wrote a full guide for Cinque Terre here: https://ordinarytraveler.com/tipsarticles/cinque-terre-travel-tips
LOVE this post! We leave for Rome next month and I have a pressing question I hope you can help with: We want to take a day trip to Florence on a Sunday; book a private car or use the train? (I am traveling with my 86 year-old mother.) THANK YOU!!!!!
I think hiring a car would be expensive. The trains are great in Italy — just remember to validate your ticket before you hop on! I’m glad you found the post helpful. Enjoy Italy!
I want that bruschetta RIGHT NOT (especially in the midst of a juice cleanse!).
I loved your stories about the train compartments and the plain salad. I live in Italy at the moment and every day is a discovery. Best wishes 🙂
Haha. I’m glad you enjoyed the stories! What a great experience to live in Italy. I would be eating soooo much pizza. 🙂
Take washcloths. If you like to use a washcloth bring your own because you simply won’t find them in European hotels.
I’m in middle school and am going on a trip to italy for 10 days with my school. I am going with me and one other girl that I know, other then that I’m all alone with others I don’t know. I am kind of nervous, help!
It is true that restaurants don’t open before 7 or 7.30 p.m. but in small towns or rural regions like Umbria, restaurants’ kitchens close usually at 10 p.m. so don’t expect to eat as late as in Spain! 🙂
It is really very nice and useful information you share here about travel tips for your Italian vacation. You have done great job.
This is great guys. We are heading to Italy in August so Im on the lookout for any Italy related posts all the time! Great tips thanks 🙂
Really great practical advice! There are all the little quirks that no body tells you about. – Mary
Look into international phones at least two. Our family got separated in the Vatican, and we had no way of getting up with each other. It was a very scary experience, but other than that our Italian trip was phenomenal.
Great tips. I have been stuck in places due to public transportation strikes in Italy so it is always good to have a backup plan. Also, good to know about the all-lettuce salad – looks healthy, but not too appetizing. 🙂
Whether train or bus, in Italy, never forget to “validate” or “spoil” your ticket before you board the train or on board in the case of the bus.. We have seen travellers issued stiff fines for not doing so. 50 euro is stiff in my books, especially for an innocent oversight.
Thanks for the reminder! I can’t believe we forgot to add that to the post! Thankfully a fellow traveler reminded us to do that on our first train ride, or we would have likely been fined since it had been so long since either of us had been to Italy.
I’ve been on a few night trains in and out of Italy up over the Alps (so maybe that is the difference) but every time the cabins have been mixed gender.
The #3 is a typically American thing apparently. This idea that the menu is merely a suggestion and open to negotiation. I’ve heard it mentioned a number of times about how Americans always to to change things.
Add to the Salad line. I don’t like fish. I ordered Marinara one time in Italy, expecting red sauce like what we call marinara at home. Nope, fish bits. Bolognese is much safer everywhere in the world.
I found most of these fascinating, especially having to specify Mr. or Mrs. How much were you charged for that bowl of lettuce?
So I guess, I won’t be making my usual special request for dinner. I don’t want to learn a lesson with that one. I’ll certainly keep these in mind and pass it along to my friends who are meeting me in Italy next week.
Great tips. And avoid the lettuce 😉
These are great suggestions. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the bowl of lettuce 😛 Good to know!
Yikes, I remember your post about that lettuce-only salad. Great tips! I’ve always heard about the trains in Italy going on strike often, but lucky I haven’t had to deal with it yet. Italy is one of my favorite countries, and I can’t wait to go back again. Also, that bruschetta looks soooo good!
Great info! I haven’t been to Italy in a decade. I have to say, sometimes after a lot of travel, all I want is a plain salad!
Also found the train station attendants to be a miserable, unhelpful lot. An English/Italian dictionary would have been helpful. I was surprised at how hard I found the train stations to navigate last summer.
Ugh, I remember the late dinner times – it was so hard to eat dinner at like 8pm when I was starving at 5:30! That definitely took a lot of getting used to.
“ensalada” means salad in Spanish but in Argentina an ensalada is basically just any cold vegetable. My host mom used to serve tomato slices and hard boiled egg halves as “ensalada.” ensalada de zanohoria (carrot salad) was also on menus often as was literally just grated carrots. I wonder if the Italian influence in Argentina has something to do with that madness!
Thanks for the tips! What town is pictured at the top of the page?
I just returned form a 3 week trip[ throughout Italy. You ARE correct on all of the above. I just wish the train station ticket agents would be more friendly. they could have card less if they scheduled us on the wrong train, even though I had it highlighted in the train schedule book. He cussed in Itallian when we made him change it. Goodness….
Great tips. I remember your salad disaster- will Sicily be forgiven. My tip would be to remember that you pay more for coffee when you decide to sit down…it’s cheaper to join the locals standing at the bar.
I laughed again at your reference to the salad! A hard lesson to learn.
Good tips! I didn’t have any issues when I was in Italy but I was either lucky or it’s just been a long time since I’ve been there. I didn’t take a train in Italy so no issues there. After meeting you though, I can confirm you are not a Mr 🙂
Great tips guys and I adore your leading photo – wow!