Italy is beautiful year-round, but the best times to visit are in the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). The weather is mild, the crowds are smaller, so many attractions are easier to enjoy.

• Currency and payment methods: Italy uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to carry cash, especially in smaller towns or when shopping at markets. There are many ATMs, and withdrawing cash with a major credit or debit card is straightforward.
• Power plugs and voltage: Italy primarily uses Type C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with two earth clips on the side) plugs, with a standard voltage of 230 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. If you’re coming from a country with a different plug type or voltage, remember to pack a travel adapter.
• Tipping culture: In Italy, tipping is appreciated but not required. Service charges are often included in the bill, especially in restaurants. If you’re pleased with the service, rounding up the bill or leaving a few extra euros is a nice gesture. In small cafes, simply leaving the change is common practice.

• Accommodation: Budget hotels range from €50-€100 per night, while mid-range hotels can cost €100-€200. Luxury hotels start around €200 per night.
• Dining: A simple meal at a trattoria may cost €10-€20, while dining at a mid-range restaurant typically ranges from €25-€50 per person.
• Drinks: A cappuccino costs around €1.50-€3, a glass of wine is €3-€7, a beer typically costs €4-€6, and a Coke/Pepsi is usually around €2-€3.50.
• Car rental: Renting a car can vary greatly but generally starts at €30 per day.
• Attractions: Entrance fees for museums and galleries usually range from €5-€20.

Italy offers a wide range of transportation options:

• High-speed trains: Ideal for city-to-city travel. Trenitalia and Italo are the main operators.
• Regional trains and buses: Suitable for local travel and exploring smaller towns.
• Car rentals: Best for exploring the countryside, but beware of the Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL) zones in historic city centres. Entering a ZTL without a proper permit can result in big fines. Always follow local traffic rules and keep an eye out for ZTL signs to avoid any surprises.
• Commuting apps: MyCicero and Trenìt are popular for checking train schedules and buying tickets. For city transport, apps like Moovit and Google Maps are widely used.

If you are a citizen of the EU, the U.S., Canada, Australia, or several other countries, you can enter Italy without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Just ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date. If you’re from a country that requires a visa, make sure to apply well in advance at your nearest Italian consulate.

• Vaccinations: No mandatory vaccinations for Italy, but it’s wise to ensure routine vaccines are up to date. Consider vaccines for hepatitis A and B, depending on the nature of your travel.
• Health & safety: Italy is generally safe, but be cautious in crowded areas to avoid pickpockets. The emergency number is 112. Pharmacies (Farmacia) are widely available for over-the-counter medications or advice.
• Tap water in Italy: Tap water is safe and generally of good quality across the country. In many cities, you will find public drinking fountains, especially in Rome, where “nasoni” fountains offer fresh, cold water for free.

Italy is a food lover’s paradise, with each region offering its own culinary specialities, making it essential to try the local dishes.

• Pasta: Italy is known for its pasta dishes. In Rome, try “Spaghetti alla Carbonara”, a classic pasta made with eggs, cheese, pancetta (or bacon), and black pepper. In Bologna, enjoy “Tagliatelle al Ragù”, also known as Bolognese sauce, which is a rich meat sauce served with wide, flat noodles called tagliatelle.
• Pizza: Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and you can’t leave without trying an authentic “Margherita”, which features a simple but delicious combination of tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves, representing the colours of the Italian flag.
• Risotto: This creamy rice dish is a specialty from Milan. “Risotto alla Milanese” is infused with saffron, giving it a distinctive yellow colour and a rich, aromatic flavor. It’s typically served as a comforting main course.
• Gelato: Italy’s take on ice cream is smoother and more flavourful. Don’t skip the gelato!
• Wine: Pair your meals with local wines like Chianti from Tuscany or Barolo from Piedmont.

• Greetings: Italians are warm and often greet with a handshake or kisses on both cheeks among friends.
• Dress code: Dress modestly when visiting churches (cover shoulders and knees).
• Public holidays: Major holidays like Christmas, Easter, and Ferragosto (15th August) can affect business hours. Plan ahead to avoid surprises.

• Cappuccino etiquette: Italians typically don’t drink cappuccinos after 11 AM. Ordering one later may mark you as a tourist ;)
• Oldest university: The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is the oldest university in continuous operation.
• More UNESCO sites than any other country: Italy holds the title for having the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites globally, including iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the historic centres of Florence and Rome.
• Europe’s only three active volcanoes: Italy is home to Europe’s only active volcanoes: Etna, Stromboli, and Vesuvius.
• Birthplace of the piano: The piano was invented in Italy by Bartolomeo Cristofori around 1700.