Italy travel guide
Italy Tourism | Italy Guide
You're Going to Love Italy
Italy is home to some of the world's greatest art, gastronomy and architecture. Its rich history makes it a fascinating country to visit.
What to do in Italy
1. Walk in Rome
Italy's capital is like an open-air museum. Visit wonders such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the famous Trevi Fountain. Vatican City is also an easy visit while you're there.
2. Explore the Birthplace of Italian Renaissance
Florence is an essential stop during your visit to Italy. Here you can visit the Uffizi Gallery museum, walk across the Ponte Vecchio, and admire the David statue at Accademia Gallery.
3. Fall in Love with Venice
Who hasn't heard of its magical canals? This is where you can go for a gondola ride, visit St Mark's Basilica and enjoy a Bellini drink at the famous Harry's Bar.
4. Visit Cinque Terre
The 5 coastal towns of Cinque Terre are a must see. They can be visited by train and you can also hike your way along a path with a sea view.
5. Make Your Way to the Amalfi Coast
The magic is in its small towns and the drive along its winding road. Not to miss on the way are the towns of Amalfi and Positano.
When to visit Italy
The most popular months to visit Italy are the summer months, but if you like to avoid the tourist season, both spring and autumn offer pleasant weather.
How to Get to Italy
Entry Requirements
Travelers from over 60 countries, including the USA and Australia, can enter without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months.
Plane
The major international airports in Italy are the Fiumicino in Rome, the Malpensa in Milan, and Marco Polo airport in Venice. The main Italian airline is Alitalia. Low-cost flights are available with airlines such as easyJet and Ryanair.
Train
Travel to Italy by train is possible from France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia, with the most popular lines being Paris-Milan, Geneva-Milan and Zurich-Milan.
Car
If you are driving to Italy, you can cross over from France, Austria, Slovenia and Switzerland. To rent a car, you need to be at least 25 years old and have a credit card to your name.
Bus
Affordable bus travel to Italy is available from neighboring countries with companies such as Omio and Flixbus. A trip from Paris to Milan takes around 12h, while from Zurich to Milan you'll need about 4h.
Boat
You can travel by ferry to Italy from many countries across the Mediterranean, including Spain, Greece and Malta. Some of the popular companies include Grimaldi Lines, Minoan Lines, Superfast Ferries, and SNAV Ferries.
Popular airlines serving Italy
Where to stay in Italy
Hotels and furnished apartments are a popular option when staying in cities and touristy areas. Hostels are also widely available. For a different experience, try an Agriturismo farmhouse located in a smaller town.
Where to stay in popular areas of Italy
Most booked hotels in Italy
How to Get Around Italy
Public Transportation
Trains and buses are readily available for short and long-distance travel throughout the country. In addition, an underground metropolitan system and trams are available in both Rome and Milan.
Trains
Trenitalia is the main company and has both regional and fast trains available, while Italo is a company providing fast train travel and operating in the main Italian cities. You must validate your ticket before getting on the train.
Bus
Each city and region within Italy has its own bus system that you can use to travel locally, whereas for long distance, one of the most popular bus companies is Flixbus.
Car
Traveling by car is a great way to discover smaller towns in the country, but you must have an Internationals Driver's Permit to rent a car, unless you already have an EU driver's license.
Plane
Flying is a great time-saving option when traveling long distances. A flight from Milan to Rome will take 1h 15min, whereas a flight from Milan to Catania in Sicily is under 2h.
The Cost of Living in Italy
An average meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around €15, and groceries will cost around €60 per week. In the main cities, you can easily pay for services by credit or debit card. However, in small towns it's better to use cash.