Home to cultural masterpieces, treasured cuisine, and a relaxed “la dolce vita” vibe, Italy is the land of inspiration and aspiration. The country holds the world's most UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but there are endless things to do in Italy beyond exploring the Colosseum and marveling at Michelangelo’s David. Sip bold red wines in Chianti’s cellars, mingle with celebrities on the Amalfi Coast, feast on authentic pizza napolitana in Naples, and switch up your look in Milan’s boutiques—everything is possible in la bella Italia.
It’s always a good time to visit Italy. Still, there are some things to keep in mind. The Italian summer high season is punishingly hot and crowded, but it brings magical events like outdoor operas and seasonal festivals. To hit the sweet spot of warm weather and fewer tourists, visit in spring from late May through June and early fall from mid-September through October. In August, most Italians hit the beaches, and traveling gets particularly hectic.
The busiest airports are in Rome and Milan—from these cities, you can reach nearly all of Italy via train, the most convenient travel option. High-speed Trenitalia lines like the Frecciarossa connect major urban centers, InterCity (IC) trains zip between them and mid-sized cities, and regional trains link small villages via slow, affordable routes. Euro budget and national airlines are options, while ferries from Civitavecchia, Genoa, Naples, and elsewhere service the Mediterranean from Sicily to Sardinia.
Here are some general rules for a smooth Italian sojourn. Ordering a cappuccino after midday is a faux pas and best avoided. Purchase bus tickets from train stations, newspaper stands, cafes, bars, or tabacchi shops—but not on the bus itself. Most Italian cities have fountains with potable water, so there’s no need to buy plastic bottles. Cover your shoulders and ankles when entering churches. When visiting someone’s home, bring a small gift—flowers, wine, or pastries.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone CEST (UTC +1) | Country Code +39 | Language(s) Italian | Attractions 842 | Tours 27,639 | Reviews 859,840 |
Known as il bel paese, or the beautiful country, Italy stands out for its wealth of art and architecture, ancient ruins, pretty landscapes and seascapes, unparalleled cuisine, and relaxed “la dolce vita” lifestyle. The country’s world-class fashion and design seal the deal for Italy’s top spot as a travel destination.
...MoreThe “Big Three”—Rome, Florence, and Venice—are must-see Italy destinations for their concentration of ancient sites, artistic masterpieces, and unique cityscapes. While marveling at the Roman Colosseum, Michelangelo’s David, and the Venetian canals, be sure to also try Italy’s food and wine and browse the country’s traditional artisan workshops.
...MoreYou could spend a year exploring Italy and still not cover all of its treasures, so consider that you’ll need at least seven to 10 days to visit the top three cities (Rome, Florence, and Venice) plus pop into a smaller town or two to experience Italy’s quieter side.
...MoreThe ancient Colosseum in Rome, the Leaning Tower of Pisa near Florence, and Venice’s Grand Canal are the three most iconic sights in Italy. Other top contenders include the Roman ruins of Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy, Liguria’s Cinque Terre, and the northern Lake Como.
...MoreItaly has more UNESCO-listed cities and landscapes than any other country in the world, so choosing the most beautiful is a challenge. The northern Dolomites, Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia, the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre coastlines, and rolling vineyards in Piedmont vie for the title of Italy’s most picturesque spot.
...MoreYes, Italy is safe to visit. It has very little violent crime, especially involving tourists. Pickpocketing and other petty theft are common in larger cities and tourist towns, so always keep your documents, valuables, and smartphone safely tucked away while exploring and avoid walking alone late at night.
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