Insider Travel Tips

Practical Information for Italy

U.S., Canadian, British, and Australian citizens can enter Italy visa-free for stays up to 90 days within 180 days for tourism. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. In 2026, more travellers (including North Americans) will need an ETIAS authorization to enter the Schengen Area, so be sure to check the exact entry requirements before departure.  

Italy’s currency is the euro. ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are generally accepted. Keep some cash for markets, small cafés, or rural areas.

You’ll likely want to stay connected to friends and family back home while traveling. To avoid roaming charges, consider an eSIM or local SIM card, or keep your phone in airplane mode and rely on Wifi. Cellular signals are strong in cities and towns, but may be patchy in remote areas.

Tap water is generally safe to drink, and many cities have public water fountains for refilling your water bottle. In restaurants, bottled water is standard. Public toilets often require a small fee of 50 cents to one euro, so carry some change with you. 

Health and Safety in Italy

Italy is generally safe for solo travellers, older travellers, and families with kids, provided you follow standard precautions. 

Be aware of your surroundings and your belongings, especially in big cities and at major attractions, where pickpockets target tourists. A cross-body bag (worn in front) is a good option for keeping your valuables secure when touring popular sites. 

In case of emergencies, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover medical care, trip interruptions, or unforeseen events.

LGBTQ+ travellers generally feel safe in major cities such as Rome, Milan, Venice, and Florence, and in coastal hotspots like Positano, Capri, and Taormina. Smaller rural communities may be more reserved and less accepting.

Getting Around Italy

Whether your trip includes a train journey or a ferry ride, getting around Italy is part of the adventure. 

Italy’s high-speed rail lines, including Italo and Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa, connect major cities like Rome, Florence, and Milan in under three hours. Regional trains and scenic routes link smaller towns and countryside destinations. Taking the train in Italy is often a pleasant experience, with comfortable seats, Wifi, and refreshments available.

Within cities, public transit systems offer efficient and affordable trams, buses, and metro lines, and taxis are widely available. 

“Many historic centres are compact and pedestrian-friendly, so walking is often the best way to explore,” says Destination Specialist Jacqueline Fagioli. In cycling-friendly towns like Ferrara and Bologna, renting a bike offers a local perspective.

In rural areas such as Tuscany, Puglia, and the Dolomites, driving is the best way to explore with flexibility and scenic detours. Just be mindful of ZTL (limited traffic zones) in city centres to avoid fines.

Accommodation Tips for Italy

Warm hospitality is integral to Italian culture, and this extends to the diverse accommodations you’ll find across the country, from grand lakeside retreats to rustic countryside bed-and-breakfasts.

In major cities and heritage towns, boutique hotels occupy centuries-old palazzi, blending historic architecture with modern Italian design. Luxury hotels in Positano or in Puglia offer glamorous suites, high-end restaurants, spa experiences, and exclusive guest experiences.

In the countryside, agriturismi (working farms and estates that welcome guests) combine homemade meals, vineyard views, and hands-on experiences like cooking classes or wine tastings. “They’re ideal for travellers looking to slow down and connect with local life,” says Destination Specialist Jacqueline Fagioli. 

And for something unforgettable, consider a stay in a converted castle or monastery, a trulli house in Puglia, or a cave dwelling in Matera, where every room tells a story. 

For details on the best, most atmospheric, and most luxurious accommodations in Italy, consult with one of our Destination Specialists today.

Italian Culture and Customs

Knowing a few local customs can make interactions in Italy feel more natural—and a lot more fun.

A friendly “buongiorno” (“good morning”) or “buona sera” (“good afternoon”) will instantly earn you points with the locals. Italians usually reserve cheek kisses for friends and family, so when meeting someone new, a warm handshake is perfectly appropriate.

In public places, especially churches, keep your voice low and dress modestly. Shoulders and knees should be covered in sacred sites, and swimsuits should only be worn at the beach or by the pool.

When dining out, don’t be surprised to see a coperto (cover charge) on the bill. It’s not a tip but a small fee for bread and table service. Tipping isn’t expected, though rounding up or leaving five to 10 percent for great service is always appreciated. And remember: locals never order cappuccino after 11:00 a.m. Espresso is the coffee of choice after lunch or dinner.

Pack comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets, a universal adapter (Italy uses plug types C, F, and L with 240V), and lightweight layers. Carry some cash for small purchases, a reusable water bottle for public fountains, and a light rain jacket for spring or fall.

Finally, embrace the Italian pace. Shops may close mid-afternoon, trains might run fashionably late, and meals are meant to be unhurried. La dolce vita, a central element of Italy’s culture and traditions, is all about savouring the moment.

Seasonal Advice for Italy

Italy offers magical moments in every season, but some months are better for those seeking pleasant weather and thinner crowds. “The best time to visit Italy when it is a little quieter is in April, May, June, and September,” says Destination Specialist Alessandro Pace, “when it’s less hot and there are fewer tourists than during the peak summer season.”

Spring (April to June) is one of the most pleasant times to visit for sightseeing, garden visits, and countryside drives. Temperatures climb, flowers bloom, and popular sites are far less busy than in summer.

Fall (September to October) brings mild weather, golden vineyards, and a calendar full of food and wine festivals, from truffle hunts in Piedmont to grape harvest celebrations in Tuscany. It’s an ideal time for those craving cultural immersion and culinary delights.

Summer (July to August) is peak season, especially for families. Cities and coastal towns are full of energy, but expect scorching days and crowded streets. For a quieter experience, head to the mountains or smaller seaside towns.

Winter (November to March) offers a different kind of charm, with fewer tourists, cozy trattorias, Christmas markets, and exceptional skiing in the Dolomites. 

Festive seasons such as Christmas, Easter week, and the Venice Carnival are enchanting, but come with higher demand, so plan accordingly if you’d like to join the celebrations.

Food and Dining in Italy

Italian cuisine follows the seasons and highlights regional ingredients, offering plenty of options for every dietary preference. From eggplant parmigiana for vegetarians to gluten-free pasta for celiac travellers, most restaurants in cities are accommodating. To be safe, ask ahead or carry a card indicating dietary needs. 

When choosing where to eat, skip spots with hosts outside calling you in, as these are often tourist traps with inflated prices. Instead, look for family-run trattorias and osterias tucked on side streets, or ask locals and Your Goway guides for recommendations. When ordering at a traditional café (called a “bar”), remember that prices are higher if you sit down. Locals usually enjoy their espresso standing at the counter (al banco).

Meals typically follow a set order: antipasto (appetizer), primo (pasta or risotto), secondo (meat or fish), and dolce (dessert). Bread is usually included in the coperto (cover charge): Take a cue from the Italians and use it to soak up your remaining pasta sauce. Water isn’t free, and it’s customary to order a bottle of naturale (still) or frizzante (sparkling) water for the table. If “servizio” appears on your bill, gratuity is included; otherwise, a small five-to-10-percent tip is appreciated but never expected.

Must-Sees for First-Time Travellers to Italy

For first-time visitors, a classic Italy itinerary often includes Rome, Florence, and Venice, a trio that perfectly captures the country’s art, architecture, and rich history. Depending on the season, travellers may also want to experience a quintessential summer getaway along the Amalfi Coast or a spring road trip around Sicily

In Rome, past and present intermingle in vibrant, seamless fashion. From the Colosseum and Vatican City to the cobblestone lanes of Trastevere, the Eternal City offers layers of history as well as modern energy.

In Florence and Tuscany, Renaissance art, Chianti vineyards, and cypress-lined roads are the highlights. Climb the Duomo for sweeping city views or unwind at a countryside villa between wine tastings.

Located in the northeast, Venice is a maze of canals, palazzi, and piazzas. Visit during Carnival to experience one of Italy’s most dazzling festivals, drift down canals at sunset, and hop over to Burano and Murano for a look at traditional glass- and lace-making.

On the Amalfi Coast, with its pastel cliffside villages, winding coastal roads, and yacht-filled bays, postcard-perfect scenery abounds. While Positano and Amalfi are iconic, smaller towns like Praiano and Atrani make for quieter but equally charming bases.

Italy’s largest island, Sicily has its own unique identity, shaped by centuries of Arab, Greek, Byzantine, and Norman influences. Pair Palermo’s lively street food with Taormina’s seaside views. The adventurous will also want to hike up Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world and the highest point on the island.

Plan Your Tailor-Made Italian Vacation with Goway

Italy is a bucket-list destination for travellers around the world, but experiencing it authentically often requires insider knowledge. Goway’s customized service ensures that your journey goes beyond the typical tourist routes, offering experiences that feel both intimate and extraordinary.

“Whether it’s a hands-on pasta-making class in Bologna, a private truffle hunt in Le Marche, or after-hours access to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, every detail is designed for immersion and discovery,” says Destination Specialist Jacqueline Fagioli. 

Begin planning your tailor-made Italian journey with Goway today.