Italy is one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations, offering everything from ancient landmarks and beautiful cities to world-famous food, art and stunning coastlines.
For a first-time visitor, however, planning a trip can feel overwhelming. Where should you go? What documents do you need? How do you get around? And how much time should you spend in each city?
This beginner’s guide covers the essentials you need to know before traveling to Italy.
1. Decide When to Visit Italy
Italy can be visited throughout the year, but the best time depends on what you want to experience.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are generally comfortable periods for sightseeing, with milder weather than the peak summer months.
Summer (June to August) brings warmer weather and is popular for beach destinations, but major tourist cities can be crowded.
Winter can be a good option for travelers looking for fewer crowds, while destinations in the Italian Alps become especially attractive for winter sports.
2. Check Italy’s Entry Requirements
Before booking your trip, check the entry requirements that apply to your nationality.
EU citizens can generally travel to Italy using a valid national identity card or passport. Non-EU travelers generally need a valid passport, and some nationalities also require a visa. Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides an official database where travelers can check whether a visa is required based on their nationality, country of residence, purpose and length of stay.
For short stays, the applicable Schengen rules generally allow eligible visa-exempt travelers to stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Travelers who require a visa need to obtain the appropriate Schengen visa before traveling.
It’s also important to check your passport’s validity and carry documents that may demonstrate the purpose and conditions of your stay, as well as sufficient financial means where required.
3. Choose Your Destinations
Italy has far more to offer than Rome alone.
For a first trip, you could build your itinerary around a few major destinations:
Rome
Rome is an excellent starting point for first-time visitors. The city is home to iconic attractions such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon and Vatican City.
Florence
Florence is ideal for travelers interested in Renaissance art, architecture and history. The city is also a convenient base for exploring Tuscany.
Venice
Famous for its canals, bridges and historic architecture, Venice offers an experience unlike almost anywhere else in Italy.
Milan
Milan is a major destination for fashion, shopping, design and business. It also provides easy access to northern Italy.
Naples and the Amalfi Coast
Naples offers a different side of Italy, while the nearby Amalfi Coast is known for dramatic coastal scenery and picturesque towns.
For a first visit, it’s usually better to explore two or three destinations properly than attempt to squeeze the entire country into one trip.
4. Plan Your Transportation
Italy has an extensive rail network, making trains one of the easiest ways to travel between major cities.
High-speed trains are particularly useful for routes such as Rome–Florence and Rome–Milan.
Within cities, you can also use buses, metro systems, trams, taxis and walking routes depending on the destination.
If you’re visiting several cities, plan your route before booking accommodation so you don’t waste valuable travel time moving back and forth across the country.
5. Decide Where to Stay
Accommodation options in Italy range from hotels and hostels to apartments, guesthouses and bed-and-breakfasts.
For a first trip, staying relatively close to the main attractions or a convenient public transport station can make sightseeing much easier.
However, staying directly beside major tourist attractions can be considerably more expensive. Looking a little farther away can sometimes provide better value while still keeping you within easy reach of the city center.
6. Learn a Few Basic Italian Phrases
You don’t need to speak fluent Italian to visit Italy, but knowing a few basic expressions can make everyday interactions easier.
A few useful phrases include:
- Ciao — Hello/Goodbye
- Buongiorno — Good morning/Good day
- Grazie — Thank you
- Per favore — Please
- Scusi — Excuse me
- Dov’è…? — Where is…?
- Quanto costa? — How much does it cost?
- Il conto, per favore — The bill, please
Learning even a handful of phrases can make interactions with locals more comfortable.
7. Try the Local Food
Italian food is one of the biggest reasons people visit the country, but don’t limit yourself to pizza and pasta.
Different regions have their own specialties, ingredients and cooking traditions. Try local dishes wherever you go, and consider visiting local markets or smaller restaurants away from the busiest tourist areas.
And if you’re interested in discovering more Italian dishes before your trip, check out this guide to Foods You Must Try in Italy.
8. Carry the Right Essentials
Before leaving for Italy, make sure you have the essentials packed.
These can include:
- Valid passport and required visa
- Flight and accommodation details
- Travel insurance information
- Bank cards and some emergency cash
- Phone and charger
- Power adapter if needed
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Copies of important travel documents
Italy’s official tourism website also recommends keeping digital copies or screenshots of important bookings and travel documents on your phone.
9. Get Travel Insurance
Travel insurance isn’t something you should overlook.
It can provide financial protection against problems such as certain medical emergencies, trip interruptions, delays or cancellations, depending on the policy.
Italy’s official tourism website recommends travel insurance and suggests keeping copies of important bookings and documents easily accessible.
10. Don’t Try to See Everything
One of the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make is trying to fit too much into one trip.
Italy has dozens of cities, historical sites, beaches, mountains and cultural attractions. You won’t see everything in a few days.
Instead, choose a manageable itinerary and give yourself enough time to enjoy each destination.
A week could be spent exploring a few major cities, while longer trips can include destinations such as Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, Sicily or northern Italy.