Italy Travel Guide

The country with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites, explore breathtaking art and architecture, flavorful cuisine, and tranquil coastlines throughout Italy. 

Fast Facts:
Capital: Rome
Largest City: Rome
Population: 59 million (2023)
Currency: Euro (€)
Official Language: Italian
Drives: On the right-hand side of the road
Adapter Type: L (also C and F). A universal adapter that includes Type L is recommended. Many European adapters will cover Type C and F, but for guaranteed compatibility in Italy, make sure Type L is included.
Visa Requirements: None for visa-exempt countries with stays up to 90 days, but EITAS required starting late 2026 for non-EU citizens. I recommend reviewing your country’s specific visa regulations to determine if your country is visa-exempt.
Part of the Schengen Area? Yes

Popular attractions in Italy

Rome: As Italy’s capital, Rome has an abundance of attractions and landmarks to see, from the Colosseum to the Spanish Steps. Walk through centuries of history, art, and culture by visiting museums like the Galleria Borghese, famous Roman restaurants like Tonnarello | Paglia, and more archaeological ruins like the Roman Forum.

Venice: Venice receives over 40,000 visitors every day. Venice has no roads, only canals, and is uniquely constructed across more than 100 small islands set within a lagoon of the Adriatic Sea. Popular attractions include Doge’s Palace, taking a gondola ride, and crossing the Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge).

Amalfi Coast: The Amalfi Coast and its coastline feature pastel-colored houses, vibrant towns such as Positano and Ravello nestled into the steep mountain slopes, and dramatic cliffs that plunge into the Tyrrhenian Sea. Visiting the Amalfi Coast is a popular day trip from Naples.

Florence: The capital of Tuscany, Florence is a compact and walkable city that features famous art museums like the Uffizi Galleries and the Galleria dell’Accademia (which is home to Michelangelo’s David statue), and famous religious landmarks such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Basilica of Santa Croce, where Michelangelo is buried.

Milan: One of the four fashion capitals of the world, Milan is well-known for being home to the headquarters of many designer fashion houses, such as Valentino, Prada, and Versace. It is also home to the most expensive shopping street in the world, Via Montenapoleone. Milan Cathedral, one of the most visited cathedrals in the world, took almost six centuries to complete.

Lake Como: Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy and is a popular day trip from Milan among tourists. It houses charming small towns and large villas and is famous for its scenery, set against the Alps. The city of Como lies at its southwestern end, home to Renaissance architecture.

Best time to visit Italy

The best time to visit Italy is between May and June and September and October, when there are fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and lower prices for accommodations and flights. Peak season is between late June and August, with perfect weather for swimming and beach activities, but with larger crowds and higher prices. Expect large crowds if you visit in mid-August, coinciding with the Ferragosto holiday. 

Florence

Naples