TIPS FOR VISITING ITALY - WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE OUR TRIP (trains, scams and summer travel)
Payton and I have spent the last summers traveling around Italy. I spent months researching and planning and this guide is based on everything we learned and experienced during our trip. Hope some of these tips are useful and make your trip planning a little smoother!
italy TRAVEL TIPS for first time visitors:
Pack Light: Why a Carry-On Is Best in Italy
Bring a carry-on size suitcase - Even if you check your bag, I always recommend bringing a carry-on size suitcase. You’ll be walking up and down lots of stairs in train stations, hotels and mountain towns. You have to lift your bag up onto the train and onto the luggage racks or overhead bins in the trains. Don’t forget there is uneven cobblestone everywhere in Italy to make things just a little more interesting.
do i need to get cash before a trip to europe?
Anytime I talk about getting cash for a trip to Europe I usually get a lot of responses on my Instagram, like “you don’t need cash” or “I ordered cash from my bank before or trip. I needed to use cash in Italy more than I ever have any other country (versus using a credit card).
We always get cash at the airport right after we land from the ATM. You can always find an ATM machine near baggage claim or after customs. This way we can hit the ground running and not have to worry about looking a bank on the first day. We never get cash from a cash exchange office; their exchange rates are usually terrible. If you need to get cash as you’re traveling, always make sure that you are using an ATM that is attached to a bank. Pro Tip: When you are getting cash out of the ATM, always decline their conversion rate, it’s usually very high.
Always decline the conversion when getting cash out of an ATM in Europe
Do You Need to Carry Your Passport in Italy?
We heard from dozens of people in our Italy Travel Facebook page that were stopped by the Polizia in Italy and asked for their passports, so we made sure to carry ours and sure enough on our third day we were stopped in the Milan train station and asked for our passports. While some recommend only carrying a copy of your passport, we read many stories from people that said the police would not accept a copy. Don’t come at me for this. It is a law, and you do what you’re comfortable with.
Book Tickets in Advance (Museums + Timed Entry)
Make your life easier. Book tickets to all museums in advance. Many require a timed reservation. Make sure that if you’re booking direct that you see the “.it” at the end of the website name - there are many websites that look official, and they aren’t. If you are visiting a place that does not sell tickets, be the first person in line, especially if you’re visiting during peak season.
tips for renting a car in italy
Driving in Italy is fairly easy (for me, finding parking is much more difficult). An International Driver’s License is required and easy to obtain before your trip. We went to AAA, filled out an application, they took our photo, we paid $22 (application fee plus cost of passport photo) and walked out the door 15 minutes later with our license. Make sure that you always purchase insurance and that you take a full video of your rental car before leaving the lot.
Also, be aware of ZTL zones. These are zones where only certain cars can drive through. You will get a ticket if you drive throud these zones and many report getting tickets up to a year after their trip.
Dining in Italy: Tipping, Meal Times + Asking for the Check
In Italy (and Europe in general) dining out is an experience. Your server will not bring a check unless you ask for it. Also, there is no tipping culture in Europe, but we found that when we ate in touristy restaurants they always asked for a tip. It’s ok to say no or leave a 10% tip. Keep an eye on dining hours as well. We found that usually we could only get a drink (apertivo) from 6p-7p and then we could order food thereafter.
What Is “Coperto”? Italy Restaurant Cover Charges Explained
Restaurants in Italy charge a “coperto” or a cover tax. This is typically €1-€2 per person including children and could be higher at more expensive restaurants. The fee is listed on the bottom of the menu and on your receipt.
Italy Tourist Tax: What It Is + Why You Need Cash
Hotels and Airbnbs charge a tourist tax. The amount is based on the category of hotel and occupancy. We paid anywhere from €2-€4 a day per person. All but one hotel required it to be paid in cash at check out so make sure that you have plenty of cash.
why you should download whatsapp for italy
Whatsapp is a free global messaging app. Most of the hotels that we stayed at, all our tour operators and private transfers would message us details on Whatsapp before, durng and after our stay. It’s super easy to set up and I recommend downloading and setting up prior to arrival.
Validate Tickets in Italy (Train, Metro, Bus + Venice Vaporetto)
If you purchase your train ticket in person or from a kiosk or newspaper stand, you must validate it at the platform before you board (this includes all train, Metro, bus or vaporetto tickets in Venice). If you fail to do so and get asked for your ticket you can be fined a hefty amount. Tickets purchased online do not have to be validated.
If you have a paper ticket you must validate it in this machine before you get on the train
Bathrooms in Italy: Costs, No Toilet Seats + What to Carry
Most public bathrooms in Italy (and Europe) require payment to use. Even in train stations. So make sure that you always carry euros for the bathroom. Most are around €.50 - €1 per person.
Also, we came across some bathrooms that did not have toilet seats on them or toilet paper. So, I recommend carrying a travel size tissue packet and Handiwipes to clean your hands. We made sure to use the restroom before we left museums and restaurants.
Church Dress Code in Italy (What to Wear)
If you plan to visit St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Basilica, The Milan Duomo or any other churches in Italy, understand that there is a strict dress code to enter a church there. Shoulders and knees must be covered, no cleavage showing and hats must be removed.
Some churches sell paper cover ups that you will have to wear. We saw a couple get turned away at St. Mark’s because she was wearing shorts. Plan accordingly. We saw many people that had to fork over extra money for the cover ups because they were not dressed appropriately.
Italy Safety Tips: Pickpockets, Scams and Tourist Traps to Avoid
Pickpockets in Italy: Where It Happens Most
Pickpockets work in groups and are very good at what they do. Carry a crossbody bag in front of you always. Never put your wallet or phone in your pocket. When dining out, never put your phone on the table and never put your purse on the floor or hang it on the chair. Metros and crowded places (like around the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps are high risk areas)
Train Station Scams: Don’t Accept “Help” Buying Tickets
Never accept help from someone at the train station trying to help you buy tickets or help you with your luggage unless they are in an official uniform. There’s a common scam happening now outside of the Venice train station where scammers offer to “help” you with your luggage. Just don’t let anyone touch your bags.
Bracelet / Rose Scams in Italy (How to Say No)
Never accept a rose, bracelet or trinket from anyone. They are very charming and will ask where you're from, but they will demand money for the item they gave you. They are very persistent. Just say no, or “basta!” and walk away. Don’t be taken in by their friendly ways. Never accept anything that is “free”.
Street Art “Step On It” Scam in Florence
In Florence, we saw scammers laying large artwork down on the ground in busy areas. If you step one, they will demand money. Don’t pay, just walk away.
In Florence, scammers will lay down art in busy areas and demand money if you step on it
Train Travel in Italy: How to Book, Apps to Use and What to Expect
Trenitalia vs Italo: What’s the Difference?
There are two main train companies in Italy: Trenitalia and Italo. Before you book train travel, make sure to create an account with each one and log in. This will ensure when you download the app that all your reservations are accessible.
Should You Pre-Book Italy Train Tickets?
I recommend pre-booking all long-distance train travel and paying extra for a reserved seat (usually just a few euros for seat selection), especially if you’re traveling during peak season. Trains were packed this summer, and we had peace of mind knowing we wouldn’t have to scramble to find a seat (although we did have to politely kick people out of our seats a few times).
Best Apps for Train Travel in Italy (Trenitalia + Italo)
Downloading the Trenitalia and/or Italo app gives you access to current train information, delays, tickets and platform updates. I also recommend taking a screenshot of your ticket(s) before you board. You may find that you do not have service in tunnels and in the mountains and won’t be able to pull up your ticket when the train staff comes around to scan it.
Is business Class Worth It on Italian Trains?
Upgrade your ticket - Second class coach cars on Italian trains are very comfortable. If you book early enough you may be able to upgrade to a business class or premium car for less than €10. We chose to upgrade on the train rides that were longer than two hours and were so glad we did.
Italy Train Station Tips: Finding Platforms and Reading Boards
At the train station - When you arrive at the train station, be aware that Platform numbers are not displayed until 20 minutes before train arrival. Because of this, there’s really no reason to show up to the train station super early (plus, there is nowhere to sit while you’re waiting). We found that the platform number showed up in our train app 10-15 minutes before it showed up on the big displays. This is another reason to download the train app.
When you are searching for your train on the display, you are only looking at two things: the time of departure and the train number. Do not look at the destination. Most trains travel beyond your destination and there could be two 11am trains to Rome. Just look for the train number and head to that platform.
Luggage on Italian Trains: Racks, Overhead Storage and Tips
On the train: There are luggage racks at the end of every regional train, but they fill up very quickly. There are overhead racks for carry-on size luggage and even space for luggage under some seats (so if you have a larger suitcase, check out floor space). It’s ok to stack your luggage on the racks on top of other bags. This happened to us on every train ride.
Getting Off the Train with Kids or Luggage (Crowd Hack)
Exiting the train can be pretty hectic on a super crowded train. You’re trying to get off, and passengers are trying to get on, and you only have several minutes to do it all. If you have kids or several pieces of luggage to manage, you’ll want to start getting ready to exit early. As your train is approaching the station, get up, get your luggage and try to stand by the doors. We found some platforms so crowded with people getting on before letting everyone off that we really had to fight our way off the trains before the doors closed again. It’s not stressful if you just plan ahead a little bit.
train strikes in italy and how to find out when they happen
Train strikes happen almost monthly in Italy, but the good news is that they are always scheduled and announced in advance. You can see strike information at this link.
Milan Travel Tips (Metro, Duomo Rooftop and Last Supper Tickets)
Add Duomo Rooftop tickets to your list - be sure to add lift access to avoid a lot of climbing
Milan Metro Tickets: Tap to Pay vs Paper Tickets
You can use your credit card to tap to pay or purchase individual tickets from a kiosk or from the newspaper stands in the subway stations. Each person needs their own credit card to use tap to pay and make sure your card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. Don’t forget to validate your ticket if you buy it on site.
Last Supper Tickets: When They Go On Sale + How to Get Them
The Last Supper tickets go on sale three months in advance for the preceding three months. For example: Starting on June 27th - tickets go on sale for August, September and October. Set your reminder for Italy time as these tickets are gone in minutes for peak season travel. More information and to buy tickets, click here. If you missed out on tickets, try purchasing tickets from a third-party tour provider like Get Your Guide or Viator although you will pay 4x-5x more this way.
Duomo Rooftop: Lift Tickets and Stairs Warning
I recommend booking a ticket to visit the Duomo rooftop with lift access. The views were stunning, plus you got a little peak inside the Duomo on the way out. But keep in mind that at the end of the tour, you have to walk 256 stairs down a very small, steep staircase. Leave your heels at home for this one.
Cinque Terre Tips (Best Town to Stay + Train Pass, Hiking + Swimming)
Stay Overnight in Cinque Terre to Avoid Crowds
The best way to avoid heavy crowds (from cruisers and day trippers) is to stay the night in one of the five villages. You’ll have the towns to yourself in the morning and in the evenings if you stay the night and this is when the magic happens in my opinion. We stayed two nights in Cinque Terre which was enough time to see all the towns, but if you plan to hike, I’d recommend staying at least three nights.
Best Village to Stay in Cinque Terre: Monterosso vs Manarola
While we stayed in Manarola, the town was very small, and we had a hard time finding places to eat in the morning and options for grocery store. If we were to do it again, we would choose Monterosso. It’s much bigger, it’s flat and it has many more choices for breakfast and dinner. Plus, one of the most fun things we did was swim and this would have given us more time to spend in the ocean.
where to stay in cinque terre
Choosing where to stay in Cinque Terre can completely shape your experience. Each of the five villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore — has its own personality, and accommodations are mostly small boutique hotels, guesthouses, and apartments rather than large chain properties. Monterosso is the largest village with the most hotels and the only true sandy beach, while Manarola and Riomaggiore are known for their dramatic cliffside views.
Cinque Terre Train Card: Is It Worth It?
If you plan to go town hopping, I highly recommend purchasing the Cinque Terre train pass. It gives you unlimited rides, free wifi and free use of the bathroom (€1 for others) at the train station. The ticket kiosk lines got very long as the day went on, it was so nice to have our pass and just get on the train. To purchase your train pass online before you arrive click here. Trains arrive every 30 minutes and after 8pm, they run on an hourly schedule.
Cinque Terre Hiking Pass
If you plan to hike between each town, you need to purchase a Trekking pass. You can also purchase that before you arrive here.
Corniglia: How to Get to Town (Stairs vs Shuttle)
Corniglia is the only town that does not sit on a harbor. There are two ways to get into town from the train station. Hike up a very, very steep set of switchback stairs (382 stairs to be exact). Or, ride the shuttle. The shuttle is €5 for adults, €2.50 for children (worth every cent). You can find the shuttle right as you exit the train station. Cross the road and get in line. Cash only. Make note of where the shuttle pick up is in town so you know where to line up on your way out.
The steep hike into Cornigilia if you don’t take the shuttle at the train station
Where to Swim in Cinque Terre
It’s possible to swim in every town except Corniglia. Vernazza has a little sandy harbor, Riomaggiore has a small beach entry harbor and Manarola has a boat ramp or rocks to jump off of. Monterosso has a combination of sandy beach and rocky beach. You can pay €30 for two umbrellas and a table for the day. This gives you access to a changing room and concessions depending on what area of the beach you want to visit. There are free beaches too, just look for the areas that have no umbrellas. We purchased inexpensive towels and sunscreen at one of the many souvenir shops in front of the beach. No reservations required, just go sit in a chair or pay at the table near the entry to each beach area.
If you want a beach day in Cinque Terre, Monterosso is the town to do it in!
Pisa Travel Tips (Luggage Storage plus how to visit as a day trip on Your Own)
It’s completely possible to visit Pisa on your own without paying for a tour. Our train stopped in Pisa from Cinque Terre to Florence. We got off, stored our bags at the Pisa train station storage facility and walked 25 minutes to the Tower of Pisa. If you are short on time, just grab a taxi from right in front of the train station. There is a McDonald’s in the train station where we grabbed fries and a drink. With our receipt we could use the bathroom for free. We saved our receipt and used the bathroom again for free before hopping on the train on our return.
Hidden Tip: Terrace Café Viewpoint Near the Tower
There is a sweet little cafe on a terrace in the Opera del Duomo Museum to the right of the Tower of Pisa. Just walk in and head up the stairs. You do not need to purchase museum tickets to access the cafe. You can just order drinks or ice cream and get out of the heat for a little bit (there’s also a bathroom in there too you can use)
This was the perfect place to escape the heat and cool down with a perfect view!
Florence Travel Tips (David, Duomo + Best Things to Book Early)
Accademia Gallery: Best Time to See David
Statue of David - This was the highlight of our trip. You want to book a timed entry online before you arrive. We arrived within an hour of opening and almost had David to ourselves. By the time we left, there was a huge crowd around him. Early bird gets the worm. If those early morning slots are filled, try to book the last slot of the day. The early morning crowds will be gone, and the galleries will be much emptier. You’ll save money by booking direct here. There are two lines outside the entrance of the Accademia Museum. One for standby entry and one for those with timed reservations. Once you enter the museum, you will have to pass through a TSA security style line before going inside.
HOW TO VISIT THE UFFIZI GALLERY AND SHOULD YOU BOOK A TOUR?
The Uffizi Gallery houses the greatest collection of Italian paintings anywhere and it is huge! Be prepared to walk up several stories of stairs and back down at the end of your visit. I highly recommend booking a guided tour, so you know what you’re looking at. We just walked from room to room and probably missed a lot by not doing this. To avoid the very long ticket buying line, pre-purchase timed tickets online before you arrive on the official website.
Where to Stay in Florence (Walkable Areas)
Florence is very walkable. The Duomo is a ten-minute walk from the train station so anywhere in that circle will be central. We did not need public transportation here (unless you’re heading to Piazza Michelangelo for sunset views which is further and a bit of a climb) but even that is walkable.
In 2025 we stayed in the cutest little hotel just a block from the Duomo. The Relais Hotel Centrale was walking distance to just about everything which made it easy to sightsee in the morning, go back to the room to rest then head back out in the evening. Our room slept three, was very spacious and included free breakfast.
The Duomo in Florence: When to Go + Line Strategy
The Duomo is free to enter but you will need a ticket to climb the Duomo, Bell Tower and Museum. My best advice is to line up early. We saw the line wrap around the building by 0830 and it did not move fast. Be warned that the inside is rather plain compared to other cathedrals and I think is skippable. Instead, climb the bell tower which has fantastic view of the Duomo.
Best Cooking Class in Florence (Pizza + Gelato)
One of the most fun things we did was take a pizza and gelato cooking class. It was a great break from sightseeing, and we really enjoyed meeting other families. Why have we never done this before?
Rome Travel Tips (Colosseum, Vatican + Getting Around)
Rome Taxis: Uber vs FreeNow + Taxi Stand Tip
Taking an official taxi will be your best best to get around in Rome. Download Uber and FreeNow app for taxis prior to your trip so you have payment set up and ready to go. There is Uber in Rome, but it was very hit and miss and only Uber Black showed up for us. It is possible to order a taxi on the Uber app too, but we found no one ever accepted our ride. Even using the FreeNow app was hit and miss. The easiest way to find a taxi is to stand in an official Taxi line (big orange sign). We always ask if they take credit cards and make sure the meter is running.
Colosseum Tickets: When to Book + Why a Tour Is Worth It
The best way to purchase tickets to visit the Colosseum is from the Official Colosseum site. Rome gets extremely hot in the summer (think Orlando hot). Most of the tour is outside without any shade. I highly recommend booking the first tour of the day and bringing a water bottle (there are fill stations in various places). I wish I would have brought an umbrella for shade.
The Colosseum is the one place where you want to book a guided tour. We learned so much on our tour, there is no way we would have known what we were looking at if we were on our own. Inside the Colosseum there are a lot of stairs. If you have knee problems, make sure to take the elevator up and down. The stairs are very steep. Both of our knees were aching after going down (and we don’t have knee problems).
Vatican Tips: Best Time to Visit to Avoid Crowds
To avoid crowds and heat (there is no air conditioning inside the museum) I recommend booking the earliest tour possible. You’ll save money by booking directly from the Vatican website. Tours were sold out for us, so we ended up booking an early morning VIP breakfast tour. This got us into the museum about half an hour before general admission. I highly recommend spending the money for an early morning tour. The lines were wrapped across the road when we exited. You may see tickets sold as “skip the line” but the only line you’re skipping is the line to buy the tickets. So, make sure you buy tickets in advanced, so you don’t have to stand in a ticket line upon arrival.
tips for visiting the pantheon and where to buy tickets
The Pantheon is open daily from 09-7pm. Last entrance is at 6:30pm (and they do not waive from this). As of July 3, 2023, tickets are now required to enter The Pantheon. There aer several ways to puchase tickets. Online before you arrive or in person.
There are three lines in front of the Pantheon when you arrive. The line on the left is the line to buy tickets with cash. The line in the middle is for those that purchased online and the link on the far right is the line to buy tickets from a kiosk. there were two lines. One to purchase tickets at an automated kiosk and the entry line. If you already have tickets, proceed to the entry line to have your tickets scanned. You can purchase tickets in advance, online for €5. Persons ages 18-15 have a reduced rate of €3 and under 18 are free but still require a ticket (bring form of identification for proof of age). To purchase tickets online, you must create an account first. This is the official website.
tips for visiting the trevi fountain in 2026
If you haven’t visited Rome and the Trevi Fountain since 2024, a lot has changed. There is now a large entry structure built around the fountain and tickets are required to access the inner perimeter (stairs) of the Trevi Fountain if you want to toss a coin in. The main piazza is still open, but if you want to get close enough to toss a coin in you will have to buy a ticket.
You can purchase tickets online in advance, at the Civic Museums or at the entrance (with card only). Tickets are €2.
If you want to visit the Trevi Fountain with fewer crowds try to be there by 0500. There will still be people there, but not as many and you’ll get your classic ‘tossing the coin over your shoulder’ photo without a million people next to you.
trevi fountain hours and when does it close for coin collection?
Hours: Open daily from 9am to 10pm (last entry every day at 9pm)
Monday & Friday openings delayed for coin collection (1130-10pm)
Every other Monday - opens at 2pm for deep clean
After visiting hours, access is unrestricted
Check the official Trevi Fountain website before your visit for update information on hours and closings.
Rome Golf Cart Tours: Great for Families + How to Book
I think one of the best ways to see Rome is via a golf cart tour. Especially if you have kids. Tours during prime hours (morning and sunset) sell out months in advance. We did two golf cart tours on our last visit and really enjoyed them. Especially the Appian Way tour - we had such a great guide.
best place to stay in rome
We’ve been to Rome twice in the past two years. The first year we stayed a block from the Trevi Fountain. This put us within walking distance of all the big sites. In 2025 we stayed right in front of the Pantheon and absolutely loved it. Our hotel had a rooftop view and we spent every evening watching the sunset and people gather around the fountain down below.
Albergo del Senato - We booked a room with three beds. The rooms was spacious, large bathroom. Breakfast was included in our rate. Rooftop views of the Pantheon and Rome rooftops
Apartment with Pantheon views of the Pantheon from your room
Venice Travel Tips (Vaporetto Pass, Gondolas + Airport Transfers)
NEW VENICE ENTRY access FEE
In an effort to mitigate (and preserve the city) the very large number of cruise passengers and day trippers that enter Venice every day, all tourists that are not staying the night must now pay an access fee. If you are staying a night or more, you still need to register and show your QR Code on arrival. When we exited the train station last summer, they had people in vests just standing there asking people for their codes, but many people walked by them. The process may be different if you’re arriving by boat. You can find more information at this link.
HOW TO GET TO YOUR HOTEL FROM THE VENICE TRAIN STATION (WATER TAXI VS VAPORETTO)
If you are arriving by train, you’ll see the ticket booth as you exit the train station on the left by the water. It is cheaper to purchase a 24-hour vaporetto pass than buying an individual ticket only if you plan to ride the vaporetto numerous times. Don’t forget that you must validate your vaporetto ticket before getting on.
Water taxi - Fast and is over €100+ each way. If you have a lot of luggage, this is absolutely the way to go, and you can view the price as a tour of the canal as well.
Vaporetto - Slow and cheap (€9.50 one way) - it took around 35 minutes in line and 45 minutes to get from the train station to the San Marcos stop in the summer heat after a 4-hour train ride. Be prepared for this before getting on.
Gondola Ride Prices in Venice (What to Expect)
Gondola Ride - €90 for 30 min for up to five people and €110 after 7pm. The price goes up close to sunset, and you can add musicians to your ride for an additional cost. If you are at St. Mark’s Square, google the Hard Rock Cafe. There is a gondola ride queue right in front that takes you through the smaller canals and by the Rialto Bridge. If you’d like a quieter ride, start walking behind St. Mark’s Basilica and you’ll find another gondola stop.
Venice Airport Transfers: Alilaguna vs Water Taxi vs Bus
Airport Transfers:
Aliluguna - less expensive, but can take over 1.5 hours depending on your hotel location
Water Taxi - fast (30 minutes) and expensive. We paid €150 for hotel pickup and airport drop-off. Our hotel arranged our pickup. It was very convenient and worth the money in my opinion.
Airport Express - it’s possible to take a bus from the airport to the train station. From there, you could purchase your vaporetto ticket to get your hotel or vice versa. This option could take close to two hours depending on where your hotel is.
venice travel tips and must do’s
There was a huge opera performance in St. Mark’s Square last summer when we visited so I recommend checking the entertainment schedule ahead of time. This would be an absolutely amazing evening.
I highly recommend purchasing a combination ticket for St. Mark’s Basilica + Museum ticket which gives you access to the terrace (for more great views). Remember, knees and shoulders must be covered to enter. We saw several people being turned away at the ticket line.
Free rooftop views: For fantastic views of Venice, book a timed reservation to visit the rooftop of the DFS department store. Tickets are bookable 21 days in advance and sell out quickly because they are free! Click here for tickets.
Definitely go up the St. Mark’s Bell Tower. I reserved a sunset time before arrival, but you can purchase these on site as well. However, if you’re visiting in peak summer season and want a peak time, I’d book in advance. A lift takes you up to the top - no stairs to climb which is a plus!
Happy Travels!
