Traveling to Italy: 15 Things You Need to Know

Are you traveling to Italy for the first time? Confused about how to prepare for your Italy trip? Well, I’ve got you covered!

During my Europe travel, I explored Italy as well and fell in love with it.

Although Italy is magical, there are a few things to remember when traveling to Italy for the first time for a smoother and less stressful vacation.

Trust me, as someone who has visited Italy a couple of times, these Italy travel tips will not only save you time but also money!

Keep reading my list of the 15 Things You Need to Know Before Traveling to Italy!

Traveling to Italy: 15 Things You Need to Know

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before you start dreaming about pizza in Naples or gelato in Florence, check whether you need a visa to visit Italy or not.

Since Italy is part of the Schengen zone, American travelers don’t need a visa for short trips under 90 days.

However, apply for an ETIAS authorization online before your trip. It’s quick and easy. Plus, it will save you the stress of being turned away at the border.

If you are not a US citizen, then check the requirements for your country, as rules can vary.

Confirm Passport Validity for Italy

The next thing to check is whether your passport is valid for 3 months from the intended date of departure. If it is valid for 6 months, that’s even better.

My passport expired within 6 months, and it was very costly and stressful to have my passport expeditedly renewed.

Sometimes it is the airlines that require the 6-month expiratory date, not the countries you visit.

If your passport is worn out, then consider renewing it before going to Italy.

I also recommend keeping digital copies of your passport and visa in your email or cloud storage.

If the unthinkable happens and you lose it while traveling to Italy, having a backup will make life so much easier.

Carry Cash Along With Cards

One thing I love about Europe is that it accepts credit cards at the majority of places.

However, there are a few places where you might have to pay in cash, such as public transportation, small souvenir shops, street food vendors, and more.

So, convert a few American dollars into euros before traveling to Italy for the first time.

ATMs are easy to find, but avoid currency exchange kiosks at airports or tourist hubs because they often have poor rates.

Instead, withdraw cash directly from ATMs using your bank card for a better deal.

I always visit my bank at home before I leave on my trip to make currency exchanges.

Wi-Fi Isn’t Always Reliable

I think WiFi in most places in Italy is decent, but not as fast or reliable as you have at home.

In fact, in smaller towns, the internet can be even more limited.

So, if you want to stay connected, then get an Italian SIM card once you land or an eSIM beforehand.

With data, you can not only stay connected to your family, but also use Google Maps, check train schedules, or translate signs.

If you are on a U.S. plan, check the international roaming plan from your carrier. I am with T-Mobile, and my plan comes with generous international coverage.

Don’t Forget A Travel Adapter

Italy generally uses Type C, Type L, or Type L sockets and plugs, which is completely different from American ones.

So, packing a universal travel adapter, especially one with extra USB ports, is a must.

Trust me, if you have multiple gadgets, then you don’t want to be waiting to charge them one after the other.

This is one of the top things not to forget when you are traveling to Italy for the first time.

Traveling To Italy Advice: Book Major Attractions In Advance

One of the most important Italy travel tips is to book your major attractions in Italy beforehand.

Places like the Vatican Museums, the Colosseum, Florence’s Uffizi Gallery, and Milan’s Last Supper often sell out weeks in advance.

So, if you arrive without a ticket, you might end up waiting hours in line, or not get a ticket at all.

You can opt for skip-the-line passes or guided tours.

They can cost a little extra, but they can save you valuable time, especially during the peak tourist months.

This is why it is important to research and be prepared before your Italy trip.

Book Now: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Guided Tour

Book Now: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tour with Optional Basilica

Things To Do In Italy: Learn a Few Basic Italian Phrases

I didn’t face any issues while exploring Italy, as most Italians in tourist areas speak English.

But still, if you want a better experience, then learning a few local Italian phrases can help you a lot.

Simple greetings like “Ciao” (hello), “Grazie” (thank you), and “Per favore” (please) can make your interactions friendlier and smoother.

In smaller towns, locals might not speak English, so a translation app comes in handy.

Italy Itinerary: Get Used To Different Meal Times

Now, one of the top things that you will notice when traveling to Italy is that the meal times are not the same as in America.

Lunch is generally served between 12:30 and 2:30 PM, and dinner doesn’t typically start until 7:30 or even later.

So, if you’re used to eating early, you might find yourself hungry when many restaurants are closed between lunch and dinner.

This is where the Italian tradition of “aperitivo” comes in handy.

It is like a happy hour where you get a drink, such as a glass of wine or an Aperol Spritz, which comes with small snacks like cheese, olives, and bread.

This is a great way to manage your hunger until dinner.

Traveling To Italy: Choose The Right Time To Visit

If this is your first time traveling to Italy, then make sure to choose the right time to visit.

Summer might sound perfect, but it is also the busiest and most expensive time of year.

Cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice are absolutely packed, and it can get extremely hot.

It was too hot the last time I visited Italy in the heat, so I would not recommend summer.

For a pleasant experience, I suggest visiting Italy in the shoulder seasons, Spring (March – May) and Fall (September to October).

The weather is good, there are fewer people, and the prices are quite affordable.

Be Ready For Tourist Taxes

Something many first-time travelers to Italy don’t know is that almost every city charges a tourist tax, called a “tassa di soggiorno.”

So, don’t be alarmed if they ask you to pay the tourist tax when you check in.

It is a small daily fee per person, and the charges depend on the city and type of accommodation.

These fees are typically collected in cash, so having some euros on hand is essential.

This is basically your small contribution to helping Italy maintain its beautiful cities.

Traveling Through Europe: Is Tap Water Safe?

Okay, so do you need to buy anything for your Italy travel?

Short answer, no. Tap water is generally safe to drink in most Italian cities. However, there are a few exceptions, so check with locals once.

I always carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money.

In several cities like Rome, there are public fountains where you can easily refill your water bottle.

If you are still worried about it being safe, carry a portable water filter for peace of mind.

Trust me, most Italians drink tap water, so you have nothing to worry about.

Traveling To Italy: Expect to Walk A Lot

As is the case with European travel, you will be walking a lot in Italy.

Most of the cities have historic areas with cobblestone streets where vehicles can’t enter, and you have to walk on foot.

This is why I always bring comfortable walking shoes for my Italy trips.

It is really great if you plan on visiting hilly towns like Positano or exploring ancient sites like Pompeii.

You can also discover lots of amazing piazzas and cafes when walking around Italy.

Respect the Dress Code At Religious Sites

Italy is home to some of the most beautiful churches, cathedrals, and basilicas, which you cannot miss.

Keep in mind that most of these religious sites have dress codes.

Your knees and shoulders need to be covered if you want to enter, especially for famous sites such as St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

So, pack long skirts or dresses or linen pants along with a light scarf to cover up.

Traveling to Italy: Don’t Rush Your Trip

I have made this mistake before, trying to fit as many places as possible into my Italy travel itinerary and then running through the places.

Biggest mistake ever!

If you cram too many places in a single visit, you don’t have enough time to explore a city.

So, if you are traveling to Italy for just a week, then stick to 2 cities and enjoy them instead of checking off a long list of places.

Walk around the piazzas, eat gelato, eat a long dinner, and experience Italy like the locals.

On Your Trip To Italy, Tipping Is Not A Big Deal

Last but not least, unlike in the U.S., tipping is not mandatory in Italy.

Most of the time, the service charge is already added to your bill.

In case it isn’t, you can leave a tip by rounding up the bill or leaving small change.

Italians do appreciate generosity, after all.

Traveling To Italy: Essentials Packing List

Here are my tips on how to pack lightly. using a carry-on when traveling. And WHY it is almost a necessity!

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.

These RFID sleeves are another solution.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday.

It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.

I never leave home on a trip without a non-disposable water bottle. 

Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you as well.

This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.

These quick-dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful when visiting Italian beaches!

These men’s quick-dry trunks are essential.

For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.

Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.

This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.

These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.

If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.

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