Italy

Last updated: 17 October 2026

Italy is one of the world’s most visited countries, and for good reason. From the canals of Venice and the ruins of Rome to the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany’s rolling hills and the lakes of the north, it offers history, food, art and landscapes that few places can match. This Italy travel guide covers the essentials so you can plan with confidence.

Go deeper on Italy:

• Best Places — Rome, Florence, Venice, Amalfi Coast, Sicily and more
• Best Time to Visit — Month-by-month weather and crowds
• Itineraries — 5, 7 and 10-day trip plans
• Visa Guide — Schengen rules, ETIAS and entry requirements
• Where to Stay — Best areas in Rome, Florence, Venice and the Amalfi Coast
• Flights — Main airports, booking tips and getting into the city

Italy Overview

Italy sits in southern Europe, a peninsula extending into the Mediterranean. It includes the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. The capital is Rome. The country is famous for its ancient Roman heritage, Renaissance art, world-class cuisine, fashion and a huge variety of landscapes — from the Alps in the north to volcanic islands in the south.

Most visitors come for a mix of history, food and scenery. Popular regions include Lazio (Rome), Tuscany, Veneto (Venice), Campania (Amalfi Coast and Naples), Lombardy (Milan and the lakes) and Sicily.

Visa Guide for Italy

Italy is part of the Schengen Area. Rules depend on your passport:

• Visa-free: Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, Japan and many other countries can enter for short stays (usually up to 90 days in any 180-day period) without a visa. ETIAS, a planned online travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors, is not yet in operation and has no confirmed start date, so check the official EU site before you travel.
• Schengen visa required: Other nationalities need a short-stay Schengen visa. Apply at the Italian embassy or consulate (or through a visa centre) in your country of residence.
• Passport: Should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area and have blank pages.

For full details see our Italy Visa Guide.

Best Time to Visit Italy

• April to June and September to October: The best overall months. Pleasant weather, fewer crowds than peak summer, and good conditions for cities and countryside.
• July and August: Hottest and busiest. Many Italians take holidays in August, so some smaller towns and restaurants close. Cities can feel crowded and expensive.
• November to March: Quieter and cheaper, especially in cities. Northern Italy can be cold and foggy; the south is milder. Christmas markets and winter sales are highlights.

See the full month-by-month guide.

Top Places to Visit in Italy

• Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican City (St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel), Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon.
• Florence and Tuscany: Renaissance art, the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and day trips to Siena, Pisa and the Chianti countryside.
• Venice: Canals, St Mark’s Square, gondolas and the islands of Murano and Burano.
• Amalfi Coast and Naples: Dramatic coastline, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and nearby Pompeii and Capri.
• Milan: Fashion, the Duomo, Last Supper, and a base for Lake Como.
• Sicily: Greek temples, Mount Etna, Palermo, Taormina and excellent food.

Read more in our Best Places to Visit in Italy guide.

How Much Does a Trip to Italy Cost?

Costs vary widely by region, season and travel style. Rough daily budgets per person (excluding international flights) in 2026:

• Budget: €70–110 — hostels or simple hotels, street food and trattorias, public transport.
• Mid-range: €150–250 — comfortable hotels, restaurant meals, some paid attractions and trains.
• Luxury: €350+ — high-end hotels, fine dining and private transfers.

Rome, Venice, Florence and the Amalfi Coast are among the more expensive areas. Southern Italy and smaller towns are generally cheaper. Museum tickets, city taxes and train fares add up — book popular attractions in advance.

Getting Around Italy

• Trains: Excellent high-speed network (Frecciarossa, Italo) between major cities. Regional trains are slower but cheaper. Book high-speed tickets early for better prices.
• Buses: Useful for smaller towns and the Amalfi Coast (where trains do not reach every village).
• Cars: Flexible for the countryside and Sicily, but parking and driving in historic centres can be difficult. ZTL (limited traffic) zones are strictly enforced.
• Flights: Domestic flights can save time for long distances (for example Rome to Sicily), but trains are often more convenient for the mainland. See our Flights to Italy guide.

Where to Stay

• Rome: Centro Storico, Trastevere or near the Vatican for first-time visitors.
• Florence: Historic centre for walking access to the main sights.
• Venice: Near a vaporetto stop; San Marco is central but expensive and crowded.
• Amalfi Coast: Positano, Amalfi or Sorrento (the last is a practical base with better transport links).

Full neighbourhood advice is in our Where to Stay in Italy guide.

Food in Italy

Italian cuisine is regional. Highlights include:

• Roman classics: cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana, pizza al taglio.
• Tuscan: ribollita, bistecca alla fiorentina, Chianti wine.
• Neapolitan pizza and seafood on the Amalfi Coast.
• Gelato, espresso and regional wines everywhere.

Look for busy local trattorias and avoid restaurants with photo menus right next to major monuments if you want better value and quality.

Sample 7-Day Italy Itinerary

• Days 1–3: Rome — Ancient sites, Vatican, neighbourhoods and food.
• Days 4–5: Florence — Art, Duomo, and a day in the Tuscan countryside or Pisa/Siena.
• Days 6–7: Venice or the Amalfi Coast, depending on your preference for canals or coastline.

More options (5-day, 10-day and Amalfi-focused) are in our Italy Itineraries guide.

Practical Tips

• Book major attractions (Colosseum, Vatican, Uffizi) online in advance, especially in high season.
• Carry some cash; smaller places may not take cards.
• Learn a few Italian phrases — they are appreciated.
• Be aware of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas and on public transport.
• City taxes are often charged at hotels and paid on arrival or departure.

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