• HOME
  • BLOG | TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
    • NATURE AND LANDSCAPES
    • HIKING, OUTDOORS AND ACTIVE TRAVEL
    • CITIES, CULTURE AND ART
    • FOOD AND WINE
    • TRAVEL TIPS
  • DESTINATIONS
    • EUROPE
      • AUSTRIA
      • BELGIUM
      • FRANCE
      • GERMANY
      • GREAT BRITAIN
      • GREECE
      • ITALY
      • PORTUGAL
      • SPAIN
      • SWITZERLAND
    • ASIA
      • INDONESIA
      • JAPAN
      • MYANMAR
      • PAKISTAN
    • SOUTH AMERICA
      • ARGENTINA
      • BRAZIL
    • OCEANIA
      • NEW ZEALAND
    • AFRICA
      • GAMBIA
      • SOUTH AFRICA
  • LEARN ITALIAN FAST
  • ABOUT
    • WORK WITH ME
    • CONTACT
  • Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Before Header

  • Twitter

Wild About Travel

Travel Tales by a Travel Addict

  • HOME
  • BLOG | TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
    • NATURE AND LANDSCAPES
    • HIKING, OUTDOORS AND ACTIVE TRAVEL
    • CITIES, CULTURE AND ART
    • FOOD AND WINE
    • TRAVEL TIPS
  • DESTINATIONS
    • EUROPE
      • AUSTRIA
      • BELGIUM
      • FRANCE
      • GERMANY
      • GREAT BRITAIN
      • GREECE
      • ITALY
      • PORTUGAL
      • SPAIN
      • SWITZERLAND
    • ASIA
      • INDONESIA
      • JAPAN
      • MYANMAR
      • PAKISTAN
    • SOUTH AMERICA
      • ARGENTINA
      • BRAZIL
    • OCEANIA
      • NEW ZEALAND
    • AFRICA
      • GAMBIA
      • SOUTH AFRICA
  • LEARN ITALIAN FAST
  • ABOUT
    • WORK WITH ME
    • CONTACT
Home » Blog » Traveling to Italy for the First Time? 10 Insider Tips for a Unique Trip
Traveling to Italy Soon? 10 Tips from a Local to Prepare your Italian Journey

Traveling to Italy for the First Time? 10 Insider Tips for a Unique Trip

//  by Simon//  1 Comment

Everyone traveling to Italy for the first time wants to have a memorable trip, and there’s nothing like tips from a local to get the best in the country that I call home.

I still have to meet someone who is not willing to travel to Italy soon or to come back and discover more.

Unquestionably, Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It boasts a unique historical heritage, with art and architecture spanning from ancient Egypt to contemporary times. Italy has the most diverse and tasty food, changing wildly from north to south.  And while people traveling to Italy for the first time usually focus on Rome, Florence, and Venice, there’s a myriad of charming towns worth to discover.

Hopefully, after your first trip, you’ll fall in love with Italy. Then, you might come back and decide to visit beautiful towns like Ravenna, Brindisi, Brisighella, or discover the breathtaking Dolomites.

Venice Gondolas
Gondolas in Venice

I feel blessed for being born in Italy, surrounded by beauty and enjoying magnificent landscapes ranging from the snow-capped Alps in the north to the olive groves in the south. Italy never fails to surprise.

Seasoned travelers will tell you that nothing beats advice and tips from a local. So,  to help you get the best in the country if you’re traveling to Italy for the first time, I’m sharing my

10 tips to prepare your trip to Italy

Contents

Avoid the tourist traps
Beware of additional charges in many cafes when sitting at a table
Only use a regular taxis
Get the most of your time. Book in advance and skip the queues
Save money on public transport
If possible, plan your trip at the best time to visit
Italy travel safety tips
Discover the diversity of Italian regional food
Aside from landmarks, discover daily life in Italy
Have pizza and cappuccino like a local

 

1.  Avoid the tourist traps

All over the world places flooded with visitors are potential tourist traps, and Italy makes no exception. Avoiding them is often a matter of common sense, but sometimes it’s hard as well for us Italians, especially when visiting Rome, Venice, Florence, or the Cinque Terre. In general terms, there are a few rules that are likely to keep you off the tourist traps.

Cinqueterre-Vernazza
Cinque Terre, Vernazza
 
 

– Skip cafes and restaurants close to the main landmarks and all the places attracting hordes of visitors.
– Beware of restaurants displaying photos of the dishes and menus in several languages. They are obviously for foreigners.
– Don’t rely too much on Tripadvisor, and learn how to read behind the lines. Search for reviews from Italians.
– Ask locals through social networks and where you’re lodging, especially if you’re staying at an Airbnb.
– Read a good Italy travel guide to prepare your trip.

2. Beware of additional charges in many cafes when having a drink or a bite sitting at a table

Additional charges are one of the most annoying customs in many touristy areas, and more than once it leads to unpleasant surprises for foreigners traveling to Italy fir the first time.

Cafes frequently apply different prices whether you’re having something standing at the counter or sitting at a table. The additional charges range from a few cents (rarely) to ridiculously high amounts in places like Piazza San Marco in Venice, or near the cathedral in Milan.

By law, cafes have to display the prices at the counter and sitting at a table respectively. However, they are not always easy to spot.

Before sitting, always ask for a menu displaying the appropriate price, so that you can decide whether you are willing to stay or look for a different place.

Better safe than sorry.

3. Only use regular taxis

Taking a ride with a regular, official taxi is what I would consider a matter of common sense, but you’d be surprised at how many tourists still get lured.

You’re likely to be approached at the airport or the train stations in the big cities by someone offering private taxi service. Especially if it’s your first time in Italy, It might be tempting because it’s easy (no need to search for the taxi stand), or possibly faster (not having to queue). My advice, however, is NEVER to accept this kind of “offers.”

If you’re lucky, you’ll end up spending much more (those nonofficial cars don’t have a meter), and you can’t exclude that such a ride could lead to more unpleasant surprises.

I’ve been a solo traveler for more than twenty years, and I am primarily in favor of independent travel. I’m not at all one getting easily worried, or even scared. But I learned how to avoid potential unpleasant, if not dangerous, situations.

If you don’t want to queue for a regular taxi, nor wish to take public transport, you can also book a private airport transfer from Rome Fiumicino.

4. Get the most of your time. Book in advance and skip the queues.

Unless you’re lucky and travel off-season, you’ll experience frustrating long queues at all the main Italian landmarks.

Queuing will not only make you waste precious time; it also means that in Florence, Rome, Venice, and even to admire the Cathedral in Milan, the chances are that you’ll be exhausted even before starting your visit.

Florence at Dusk
Sunset in Florence
 

And there’s more.

The need to preserve some unique works of art – and the immense costs to restore them – led to limit the number of people allowed access at the same time. That happens in Milan if you wish to admire Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, in Padua to visit the magnificent Giotto’s frescoes in the Cappella degli Scrovegni and at other fragile sites.

Therefore, if you wish to visit these extraordinary creations by world-famous artists (and believe me, they are some of the most beautiful sights you’ll ever get in your life), you need to plan and book in advance.

There’s a way to get the most of your time and be sure to be able to visit the attractions you’ve been dreaming of. You can book in advance a guided visit or a skip the line ticket to the museums or landmarks that are on your bucket list. 

People having their first trip to Italy usually dream to discover the country’s main attractions. Some of Italy’s more popular landmarks (and among the most beautiful too) for which I stronglu recommend to buy Skip the line tickets are:

Florence:

  • Uffizi Gallery Timed Entrance Ticket
  • Florence: Timed Entrance Ticket to Michelangelo’s David

Rome:

  • Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill Priority Tickets
  • Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-The-Ticket-Line Entry
  • Borghese Gallery Entrance Ticket

Venice:

  • Doge’s Palace Priority Admission Ticket
  • Peggy Guggenheim Collection Ticket

Milan:

Cathedral & Terraces by Elevator Fast-Track Options

Da Vinci’s Last Supper Ticket and Tour

5. Save money on public transport

Italy has the best high-speed trains in Europe, with very regular connections between Milan, Florence, Rome, and Naples. It takes a little as three hours from Milan to Rome, less than one and a half hours between Florence and Rome, and the journey from Milan to Florence is less than two hours.

High-speed trains can be costly, though, especially if you book and buy your ticket at the last minute. But the good news is that there are ways to find cheaper options. 

Local transport can be quite expensive as well, first and foremost in Venice. In Venice, your best bet is to buy a 24, 48, or 72 hours pass. The main cities all have offers for public transport tickets for visitors. Finding them can be tricky, though. My advice is to browse through the websites of the companies managing local public transportation, and have a look as well to the online pages of the tourism boards.

6. If possible, plan your trip offseason

Italy is a year-round destination, and while you’ll hardly ever go wrong, there are times of the year that are more enjoyable.

The best time to visit Italy depends on the areas and what you’re most interested in doing.

Generally speaking, the shoulder season – Spring and Autumn – is good because it’s often less crowded and the temperature is pleasant. There are, however, a few things you might want to take into account when planning your trip.

You should possibly avoid traveling to Southern Italy in late June, July, and August because it can get scorching. Also, seaside towns and beach resorts are extremely crowded in July and August, when most Italians go on holiday. Conversely, August is a great time to visit cities like Milan, Florence, and Rome, when many of the locals are off, and there’s less traffic.

If you want to beat the crowds in Venice, you should consider visiting Venice in November, December, and January. If you’re lucky to have fog, you’ll discover how beautiful it can be at that time of the year.

Last but not least, shopping lovers should consider a trip to Italy in January or July, during Sales, when you can find fantastic bargains.

7.  Italy is a safe country. Still, by the main tourist attractions watch out for petty crimes and foul play

Italy is a safe and welcoming country. However, like everywhere in the world, in big cities and by the most sought-after attractions you might incur in petty crime and foul play.

In public transport, always keep your handbag or backpack in front of you to counter possible pickpockets. Never keep your wallet in your trousers back pocket. Instead, store it in your bag, possibly in a zipped pocket not within easy reach. Be cautious when approached at train stations or by famous landmarks by people offering to help. While most of them will be genuinely generous, some might be trying to rob or scam you. In public spaces, don’t leave your belongings unattended, and better keep your bag on your lap or between your feet.

8. Discover the diversity of Italian regional food and wine, and taste local products and dishes

Few countries in the world offer such a variety of dishes as Italy. From north to south, region after region, you’ll discover different specialties, based on local, typical ingredients and products.

Even within a region, you’ll find out that each area has something special and unique, also related to geography. Mostly meat inland, and fish along the coastline. Not to speak about the hundreds of recipes to cook pasta, from hard wheat pasta to the home-made egg pasta.

It’s hard to tell which region is best.  In every one of them, you can have the most delicious dishes and taste amazing local products. Not to speak about the wine.

Personally, I love Emilia-Romagna, which I consider heaven for gourmets, and Apulia, a region which also boasts delicious specialties and top quality food. Not long ago, I discovered Moscato di Scanzo, a meditation wine produced near Bergamo which is an unforgettable nectar.

Casoncelli-alla-Bergamasca
Casoncelli alla Bergamasca

9. Have pizza and cappuccino like a local

The real Italian pizza is simple and prepared with only a few ingredients: mozzarella (or buffalo mozzarella), tomatoes, basil. With pizza Margherita, you can hardly get more classic. Other authentic pizza includes Napoletana (same as Margherita, with added anchovies), Marinara (the simplest one, with just tomato and a bit of garlic and oil, perfect for people who don’t like cheese or are intolerant to lactose).

The semi-classic pizzas include Regina Margherita (Margherita with buffalo mozzarella and raw cherry tomatoes), 4 Stagioni (meaning four seasons), usually four corners each with different toppings: mushrooms, ham, artichokes, tomatoes.

10. Aside from landmarks, discover daily life in Italy

When visiting landmarks or some of the most famous attractions, you’re likely to see more tourists than locals.

To get a little more of a country, though, you must venture where the residents are. There are several ways to get a taste of daily life in Italy.

– Take public transport
– Go to local markets
– Have a stroll near a University
– Pop in a supermarket
– Go where people work: look for fishermen by the sea, or farmers in the countryside
– Take a walk in residential areas

Fisherman in Camogli
Fisherman in Camogli

_______

Disclaimer: This article contains a few affiliate links. I picked them carefully to provide readers with value-added services. And while the price for you is the same, I earn a small commission.

 

Pin for later!

Italy Tips for First-Timers

Italy Travel Insider Tips

Simon

Travel addict and passionate about photography, Simon Falvo started Wild About Travel back in 2009. Leveraging her strong PR background, she developed an extensive knowledge of Digital Communications and Social Media Marketing. Besides travel writing Simon holds workshops and trainings, she collaborated with tourism boards for digital marketing campaigns and participated as a speaker at several events.

Category: ITALYTag: europe, travel tips

Previous Post: «33 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit Milan 33 Photos that Will Make You Want to Visit Milan
Next Post: Postcards from Ravenna, the Marvelous City of Mosaics Ravenna Santa Maria in Porto-14»

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Alexon

    at

    You got some great pictures here! You are exactly right when talking about the Italian cappuccino, it doesn’t even compare to those from any other place in the world. Thanks For sharing Such and informative blog

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Time limit is exhausted. Please reload CAPTCHA.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

about me

simon-falvo

Hi, I’m Simon!

A solo and independent traveler for over 20 years, and a 50+ girl young at heart.

I worked for over a decade in Investment Banking, then a few years in one of the largest international PR groups. In 2009, after a burn-out, I left the corporate world and started a new adventure.

MORE

book your stay



Booking.com

book a tour / skip the lines

questions about italy?

Send me an e-mail

 

featured posts

Fun Facts about Italy

Fun Facts About Italy: Interesting Things You May Not Know

Vie di Dante - Views from Dante's Train

Dante’s Train: A Beautiful Train Ride From Faenza To Florence

Ski resorts in Switzerland

Ski Holidays in Switzerland: How to Pick your Ideal Mountain Resort

Footer

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • About Me
  • Work with Me
  • Cookie Policy

Copyright © 2021 · Mai Lifestyle Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Reject Read More
Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

SAVE & ACCEPT