Italy travel guide for first-time visitors

For a first trip to Italy, plan 7–12 nights based in two or three cities — typically Rome, Florence and Venice — and travel between them by high-speed train. Check entry rules for your passport on official Italian and EU sites, carry some euros alongside cards, and pre-book the major museums.

This guide focuses on the practicalities. For when to go, see our best time to visit Italy, and for budgeting read what a trip to Italy costs. Our Italy overview has the full list of places we cover.

Who Italy suits

Italy rewards travellers who enjoy history, art, food and walking. It suits couples, families with older children and multi-generational groups, and works as a slow trip as well as a fast-paced highlights tour. Those who dislike crowds should avoid the peak summer months in the big cities or lean towards Umbria, Puglia and the lakes.

Entry and visa overview

Entry rules depend on your nationality. Italy is part of the Schengen area, where visa-exempt visitors can generally stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Others need a Schengen visa; the Italian foreign ministry's visa portal lets you check requirements by nationality. UK government advice notes that border officers may ask for proof of accommodation, travel insurance, an onward ticket and sufficient funds.

• ETIAS: as of November 2026 the official EU ETIAS site says the system is not yet in operation and is not accepting applications. The EU will give several months' notice of the start date; the fee will be EUR 20. Use only europa.eu sites.
• EES: since 10 April 2026 the EU Entry/Exit System registers non-EU short-stay visitors' fingerprints and photo at the border instead of passport stamps. It is free, but allow extra time at airports.
• Passport validity: UK advice for Schengen countries asks for a passport issued within the last 10 years and valid at least 3 months after you leave; check what applies to your passport.

Airports, money and essentials

Getting around

High-speed trains link Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome and Naples and are usually the quickest way between city centres. Buy regional train tickets before boarding and validate paper tickets where required; UK government advice warns that inspectors issue on-the-spot fines for unvalidated tickets. A car is useful for Val d'Orcia, Puglia or the Dolomites but a burden in historic centres, many of which restrict traffic. On the Amalfi Coast, ferries and private drivers are easier than self-driving.

Suggested routes by trip length

Ready-made versions include Rome to Milan via Tuscany and Venice and the small-group Florence, Tuscany and Rome tour.

Where to base yourself

In Rome, staying in or near the historic centre around Piazza Navona puts the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain within walking distance, while Trastevere is livelier in the evening. In Florence most first-timers stay inside the old centre, and in Venice a hotel near a vaporetto stop makes luggage far easier. If you want countryside, a farmhouse in Tuscany or Umbria works best with a car or a driver.

Etiquette and culture

• Dress modestly for churches, including St Peter's: cover shoulders and knees.
• Greet shop staff with buongiorno or buonasera; a little Italian goes a long way.
• Lunch is often the main meal; many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service, and dinner starts later than in northern Europe.
• Coffee at the bar is cheaper than table service; cappuccino is generally a morning drink.
• Some towns have local rules — sitting on monuments or eating on church steps can lead to fines, according to UK advice.

Health and safety

Italy is generally safe, but pickpocketing is common on public transport and around major sights; keep valuables close. Southern Italy has active volcanoes and much of the country lies on seismic fault lines, so follow local guidance. Heavy winter rain can cause flooding. Read the UK Foreign Office advice for Italy or your own government's equivalent, and travel with insurance that covers medical care.

Practical tips

• Pre-book the Vatican Museums, Uffizi and The Last Supper in Milan, which sell out in busy months.
• Budget for city taxes, usually paid at the hotel and not included in packages.
• Opening days vary by museum and some close one day a week — check official sites before planning your day.
• Pack comfortable shoes: cobbles and stairs are everywhere, especially in Venice and the Cinque Terre.

Frequently asked questions

Want a first-trip route built around your pace? Use our Italy planner and a specialist will tailor the cities, hotels and transfers.

Sources

1. Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Visto per l'Italia (visa portal)
2. European Union — ETIAS official website
3. European Commission, Migration and Home Affairs — European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)
4. European Commission, Migration and Home Affairs — Entry/Exit System (EES)
5. GOV.UK — Foreign travel advice: Italy