Planning a trip to Italy can make a fabulous honeymoon! However, there are things to know when traveling to Italy for the first time. If you are traveling to Italy from the US, here’s what you need to know before you go.
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Whether you are traveling to Nice for the first time or spending a luxurious 10 days in Italy on a Vespa, here are a few things to know when traveling to Italy for the first time.
7 Things to Know When Traveling to Italy
1. Know the best time to travel to Italy.
Just like many other countries, one of the facts about traveling to Italy is that it is best to go when the weather is good and school is in session. If you are wondering the best time to visit Italy, the months of April through early June plus September and October are ideal.
These times see fewer visitors and less-touristy prices while still offering reasonable temperatures.
2. Skip the lines at famous sites by booking your ticket before you travel.
Italy is one of the most popular European countries to visit, so you want to see as much as you can while you are there. No one wants to waste time standing in line for tickets, so book yours ahead of time for popular attractions.
That way you can spend more time enjoying attractions instead of being frustrated by a queue.
3. You may have to pay to use the restroom when visiting Italy.
As far as things to know before traveling to Italy, this one is essential as it takes many travelers off-guard. If you are dining at a restaurant or café, most will offer bathrooms for the use of their customers but beware of public restrooms.
Often there is an attendant that you need to pay or a coin slot to enter the stall. Have change on hand for using the restrooms when visiting Italy.
4. Look out for extra charges at cafes – one of the little known Italy tips.
If you are trying to travel to Italy on a budget, this is one area where finances can go awry in a hurry. Cafes and restaurants have a small cover charge. Therefore, you will most likely have to pay for anything they bring to the table, including bread.
Another tip is to drink your coffee while standing up, as you can avoid the charge of sitting at a table. So, if you want to travel Italy on a budget, get used to drinking your morning joe standing at the counter instead of seated. Experience the flavor that Italy has to offer, but just do it carefully.
Planning a trip to Italy? Watch out for extra charges while eating in restaurants in Italy.
5. The best way to see Italy for the first time is to use public transport.
Like many European countries, there are several modes of public transportation, which can help lessen the cost of the first trip to Italy. Suggestions for transport from city to city include buses and either a high speed or local train.
If you are renting a car, some ferries can carry vehicles, or you can take a boat across popular waterways. Major cities contain metro systems, which are inexpensive and convenient for checking things off of your first trip to Italy itinerary.
6. Learn a bit of the language before visiting Italy.
This may be one of the most considerate tips. For first time Italy visitors, it is helpful to learn a few phrases and words, and don’t feel guilty about carrying around a cheat sheet!
Trying to communicate with locals shows that you are putting forth an effort, and it just feels good to be able to have small successes when communicating. Of course, many Europeans speak several languages, including English, but a little bit of lingo will go a long way.
7. Dress like a local when you consider what to wear in Italy.
One of the big no-nos when traveling to Italy is not dressing correctly. Not that this area should be a stressor, but packing smart is how to prepare for a trip to Italy. Italians care greatly about their appearance, so be sure to kick it up a notch and dress a bit better when you are visiting.
It’s also a fun way to test out some of those pieces in your closet that you have been afraid to wear, or you can shop for a few new looks. Take a peek at a few of our stylish suggestions of what to wear in Italy from Rent the Runway below, and just click on an image to see more.
Need one last tip on how to prepare for a trip to Italy? As with any trip, book travel insurance before you head out. You never know when your Italian vacation may need to be postponed or if you will need medical assistance while on the go.
Save These Things to Know When Traveling to Italy
Photos: Jack Ward, Damiano Baschiera, Vincent Rivaud, Andrea Piacquadio
KileenI have been wanting to plan a trip to Europe for some time now and these are awesome things to keep in mind if I travel to Italy! So interesting about the drinking coffee standing tip!
Kileen
Alan JosephsAll very good recommendations. Some amazing things to see and do, but the best thing about Italy in my opinion is to try to absorb the lifestyle, with a focus on great food and being in the moment. Perfect for a honeymoon. Don’t drink cappucino in the afternoon though!
MollyThis post breaks my heart a little, because I was meant to spend two weeks in Italy earlier this year…sigh. But these are such great tips! I’ll definitely be filing them away for when we re-book our trip.
Neely MoldovanI love this! We haven’t been to Italy but it’s something we plan to do in the next few years!
Iuliana MarchianIsn’t it fabulous?! I lived in Italy 20 years ago for a couple of months – right in Venice. I had to go and study at the Marchiana Library. I thought it was so cool to study in an ancient place. I also spent one of the Easters there, it was amazing.
StephanieAlright, SO I have no plans to visit Italy anytime soon because… ‘rona. BUT – when I do get the chance to go (which I hope isn’t too many years from now) I am totally referring back to this post. Also, I’m loving that the best times to visit are my favorite autumn months!!
Danik the ExplorerThe tip about the restaurants and cafes and the extra charges is a good one. I am a regular visitor to Italy and my little add on to this is, if in a major city like Venice, Roma, then don’t go to a cafe which is located at a major attraction like San Marco Square. Go a few side streets down and find another place. Cheaper (and better food) and your bank account will love you. 🙂
JenniferSuch a great tip! Quite often that is the case in many cities, and there are such great finds a few streets away. Fab tip!
Chloe BeaverItaly is one of the places in Europe that I haven’t yet been to, so this guide was great! The bit of advice about booking tickets in advance is a great tip, as there is nothing more frustrated than not having too much time and being stuck in a line. I remember when I was in Asia and had no idea you had to pay to use the restroom there either, so extra change is definitely a must!
AndaGood tips! Most of these apply to many other European countries. Like having to pay to use a restroom. I agree that Italians care a lot about their looks, so it’s important how you dress if you want to blend in.
Megan ElliottThese are really great tips! I absolutely love Italy and I definitely didn’t know about some of these before I went. Especially the bathrooms (which is true in many parts of Europe!) and the cover charges!
Paul HealyLots of good tips for visiting Italy. I was a bit surprised at the cover charge at restaurants when I first went, but then I got used to filling up on the delicious bread and olives and whatnot that I got completely used to it. Such a great country to visit.
Medha VermaI am aware of most of these things (even though I visited Italy about 8 years ago) but its news to me that you would have to pay extra to SIT and drink coffee vs just standing and drinking it! I do remember being charged for bread and being a little surprised because I expected it to be free, especially because we didn’t order it, they just brought it to the table.
Ummi NadrahGreat advice here. I didn’t realize that you could be charged extra for bread or for a table in Italy. As for dressing like a local, I think I might have a little problem there, as I’m not a very fashion-forward person.
Candace HamptonIt is always good to know some top tips when traveling to
any place for the first time. I enjoy exploring just as much as the next person
and learning new things, but having tips definitely makes the trips I have
taken more enjoyable. Italy is one of the places I plan to visit. Thank you for
giving me some beforehand insight!
RakshaThese are some amazing tips, especially dressing up like a local and blending in along with using public transport. I have been to Italy only once and that too for a very short period of time. I had planned to visit it this year but unfortunately could not. I hope I can visit it soon and I will keep these things in mind.