Italy Travel Guide

Italy is the fourth most visited country in the world and it’s popular for good reason. Several thousand years of political and cultural influence can be found on every street corner.

When it’s time to explore outside the cities get ready to be entranced by spectacular coastlines, sparkling lakes, soaring mountain ranges and rolling hills covered in vines. No doubt you want to try some of Italy’s world famous food and wine too.

Read our Italy travel guide to learn where to go, when to visit Italy and the answers to the most frequently asked questions about traveling in Italy.

Contents

Introduction to Italy

Both captivatingly beautiful and chaotic, Italy is a country of contradictions, history, beauty, delicious cuisine and much more.

In Italy there is mind bending diversity in landscapes, language, culture, food and wine. So it’s no wonder that travelers return again and again, looking for their perfect piece of La Dolce Vita.

From the Dolomites mountains to the shores of Sicily and the cobbled streets of ancient Rome, there is an Italian adventure waiting for you. The only question is, what will it look like (this time)?

Start planning your trip

Best time to visit Italy

Italy is a great place to visit year round and it depends on your interests and travel priorities which month of the year will suit you best. Note – peak season runs from Easter until the end of October so if you wish to avoid large crowds then consider traveling from November until mid March

READ: Best time to visit Italy

Places to visit in Italy

Italy is blessed with many iconic cities and favorite tourist areas. The hard part is often narrowing down which places to visit in the time you have available as each of Italy’s twenty regions is full to the brim with unique natural and cultural treasures.

DISCOVER ITALY'S REGIONS

ITALY'S HIDDEN GEMS

Main Attractions in Italy

Start making your list of incredible Italian architecture, archaeological sites and monuments to visit. Italy has over 55 UNESCO heritage listed sites spanning thousands of years of human achievement. Stand in awe of the Colosseum and ruins of Ancient Rome and marvel at the ingenious design of cathedral domes and towers.

discover italy's main attractions

Getting around Italy

How you choose to travel around Italy will depend on your itinerary. First time travelers wanting to visit the classic sights in Rome, Florence and Venice are best served traveling by the fast speed intercity trains that connect Italian cities. If you want to travel off the beaten path and visit the Italian countryside and villages, renting a car will give you the most options.

italy by train

italy by car

Planning your Italy Itinerary

We suggest choosing 3 to 4 bases for a 10 day Italian vacation. This approach minimizes transit time and allows you to soak up the atmosphere of the places where you stay. Need help planning your trip? Check out our trip planning guide or book in for a trip consultation with our Italy travel experts.

browse italy itinerary ideas

General Italy travel FAQ

Get the answers to commonly asked questions about traveling in Italy here – from visa requirements, currency, language challenges and more. Or browse our site with over 300 articles exploring commonly asked questions about travel to Italy

What documents do I need when visiting Italy?

Visitors should ensure their passports have at least 3 months validity. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and the European Union currently do not need a visa or visa waiver in 2024.

Check the visa requirements for your country on this Italian government website.

If you are planning to drive a car in Italy, an International Drivers Permit is also required.

READ: Documents needed for Italy

Do I need to carry my passport with me when in Italy?

Yes. It is legal requirement to carry ID with you at all times while in Italy. For non-EU citizens this means a valid passport. You’ll need it for identification purposes, especially if you plan to travel between different cities or regions and at major sites like the Colosseum. Police are also able to stop and request identification documents at any time. It’s best to keep a photo or digital copy with you as well, in case it gets lost or stolen.

Do I need a visa for Italy?

In 2024 Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and the European Union currently do not need a visa or visa waiver.

Check the visa requirements for your country on this Italian government website.

The European Union will implement ETIAS (a new travel authorization system) for visitors from the United States, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, New Zealand, and 60 other nations some time in 2025. The exact date for this new process has not been announced .

Once active, visitors will need to access an online platform to submit their applications and pay a nominal fee of approximately €7 per person. The application process is designed to be swift, with approvals anticipated within minutes. For additional details, visit the official European Union ETIAS website.

READ: Documents needed for Italy

What currency is accepted in Italy?

Italy’s official currency is the Euro which is also the offical currency in 19 other European countries.

Are credit and debit cards accepted in Italy?

Major credit and debit Visa and Master cards are widely accepted in Italy along with Apple and Google digital wallets. American Express, Diners and other credit cards may attract additional fees or not be accepted.

How much cash do I need for my Italy trip?

It is not necessary to have a large amount of cash when traveling to Italy. Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards are widely accepted. Cash is required for small transactions and occasional tipping.

For a 2 week trip, around €400 is more than sufficient. You can withdraw this at home or use the Wise card and account when in Italy to access the most favorable exchange rates.

Make sure to use bank ATMs to withdraw cash in Italy. Avoid Euronet and standalone machines as they charge huge transaction fees and offer poor exchange rates.

How many days do I need for my trip to Italy?

Most visitors from outside Europe spend 10 – 14 days in Italy. This is enough time to visit around 3 locations comfortably. We recommend spending a minimum of 3 nights in each location to make the most of your vacation time and minimize time spent in transit.

What is the best month to visit Italy?

Italy is a great place to visit year round and it depends on your interests and travel priorities which month of the year will suit you best.

Italy month by month

SPRING: March • April • May
SUMMER: June • July • August
FALL / AUTUMN: September • October • November
WINTER: December • January • February

Note – Easter until the end of October is considered peak season

Is Italy a safe place to visit?

Italy is generally a very safe country for visitors. In crowded areas like train stations and major attractions pickpockets sometimes target tourists so keep your belongings close by.

Solo female travelers should take their usual precautions and avoid dark areas at night time.

Is English widely spoken in Italy?

English is widely spoken in the major cities and tourist areas of Italy however once you leave these areas this is less common. Italian is the official language of Italy however as you head deeper into the regions, dialects are often the preferred form of communication among locals.

We think it is polite to learn at least a few words of Italian wherever you travel.

READ: The best way to learn Italian and Basic Italian phrases for travel

What plug / adaptor do I need for Italy?

Power plugs and outlets (sockets) type F and type L are used in Italy. The standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz.

If you’re traveling from North America, the UK, Australia and many other countries you will need a power plug travel adapter for sockets type F and L in Italy.

Visitors from the United States and Canada should also bring a voltage converer as the standard voltage in North America (120 V) in Italy (230 V) is much lower than the voltage level in Italy. If you do not have a converter, you risk seriously damaging your devices.

This combination adapter and converter also includes USB-A and USB-C ports for compact packing.