Destination

Italy Travel Guide

Italy is a must-visit country and is one of the most-traveled destinations in Europe. There are so many highlights in this beautiful country — from the canals of Venice to the Tuscan wine lands to the cobblestone streets of Rome to the Arno river running through Florence to the cliffs of Positano… and beyond.

Florence was one of my favorite cities because of the architecture and natural beauty— the sun setting over the Arno River is something you can’t soon forget.

And of course, Rome, one of the most iconic and most traveled cities in Europe. You could easily spend days getting lost in this magnificent destination, eating all the delicious Italian food. The most picturesque spots in Italy might just be Cinque Terre and all the stops along the Amalfi Coast. Positano is the gem of the Amalfi Coast and is arguably the most picturesque and most romantic town in the whole of Italy—here are the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast!

Best Time To Visit

The cheapest time of year to visit Italy is in the winter. From December to March, the colder weather keeps most travelers at bay, and you can explore the country’s incredible museums and galleries to your heart’s content. You’ll also be in time for all the Christmas Markets and have an easier time finding cheap flights to Italy.

Another affordable period is between April and May, before the summer crowds arrive, and the countryside is covered in a blanket of blossoming flowers!

However, there really is no place like Italy in the summer. Even if it’s crowded, it’s-ah amazing!

Check out The Best Time to Travel to Italy for complete details!

What To Expect

Language: The main language spoken in Italy is Italian.

Currency: The currency in Italy is the Euro.

Credit Cards and ATMs: In major cities, you’ll find that contactless payment (tap to pay) is accepted just about everywhere. Throughout Italy, you won’t have any problems finding ATMs, and most shops, restaurants, and tour operators will also accept credit cards. I always recommend having some cash on you for small purchases.

Plugs: The plugs in Italy are Type C, F, and L. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter (make sure it has surge protection) and using a converter for hairdryers and hot tools.

Safety: While Italy is generally a safe destination for solo female travelers, the one thing you need to watch out for is pickpockets. Always keep your eyes on your belongings, particualry around tourist hotspots.

Getting Around: I loved traveling through Italy by train—you can sit back and relax as you cross the beautiful countryside. Plus they’re efficient and offer many high-speed routes.

Family Travel: If you’re visiting Italy with a baby, check out my top tips before your trip!

Get Unlimited Data in Europe!

You’ll use a lot of data daily when traveling Italy, whether navigating on Google Maps, posting to social media, using a translator app, or reading my blog 😉 To avoid excessive roaming charges or relying solely on Wi-Fi, consider getting a Travel eSIM. My recommended option for unlimited data in Italy is Holafly! You can check more about my experience with them here. Their eSIMs are easy to install, reliable, and have great speeds. The best part? If you’re traveling to multiple countries within Europe, they also have a Europe eSIM. Use my code Theblondeabroad and get a 5% discount!

TRAVEL TIPS FROM OUR COMMUNITY

Madelaine So Far So Great Blog

My Experience as an Asian Traveler in Italy

I’m an Asian-American living in Italy and locals have overall been nice towards me. But I’ve experienced people staring as they nudge their companions and point my direction. Someone even argued with me recently in Rome that I was from China. While I haven’t been refused services, I sometimes feel unwelcome in Italy as xenophobia increases. My tips are to stay calm, be kind, set boundaries, and educate.