For anyone going to Italy for the first time, the hardest part isn’t deciding what to see; it’s accepting what you won’t get to see. The ruins of ancient Rome, the canals of Venice, Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, Tuscany’s cypress-lined hills, the cliffside towns of the Amalfi Coast… In our video we visited all of these and more. In this guide we split Italy into a first visit and a second visit, because this is not a country you finish in one trip.
First visit: The classic triangle
Most first-timers choose the Rome–Florence–Venice triangle. The three cities are linked by high-speed trains and fit easily into a one-week itinerary.
Rome (3 days)
The Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill are the heart of ancient Rome. Tickets for these sites are usually sold together with timed entry, and booking online in advance is recommended in high season. The Pantheon, whose dome has stood for nearly two thousand years, is one of the wonders of architectural history.
Vatican City, a separate country, sits inside Rome. St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, home to the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes, need at least half a day. Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter churches.
The Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and the narrow lanes of Trastevere are classic stops for an evening stroll in Rome.
To skip the lines, compare guided and priority-entry tours: tours and things to do in Italy.
Florence and Tuscany (2–3 days)
Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance. The Duomo, with Brunelleschi’s dome, the Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s David, and the Uffizi Gallery, filled with Renaissance masterpieces, are the city’s main sights. Watching the city from Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset is unforgettable.
From Florence you can take a day trip into the hills of Tuscany. The cypress-lined roads and stone farmhouses you see in the video are mostly in the Val d’Orcia. San Gimignano with its medieval towers, Siena with its famous square and hillside Montepulciano are the region’s best-known towns. Renting a car is the most flexible way to explore Tuscany.
Venice (2 days)
Venice is a one-of-a-kind city of islands built over canals and joined by hundreds of bridges. St. Mark’s Square, the Basilica and the Doge’s Palace form its heart. The Rialto Bridge and a vaporetto (water bus) ride along the Grand Canal are the most affordable way to see the city.
To cope with mass tourism, Venice has started charging day-trippers an entry fee on certain days; check the rules and dates with official sources before you go. To see the city at its calmest, wander early in the morning or in the evening, and stay overnight if you can.
Second visit: Coasts, mountains and the south
The Amalfi Coast
South of Naples, colorful towns cling to steep cliffs: Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. Some of the most stunning views in the video come from this coast. The road between the towns is narrow and winding, and traffic builds up in summer, so ferries can be a more relaxing alternative. Nearby Pompeii, the ancient city buried under ash by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79, is a must-see.
Cinque Terre
Five colorful villages clinging to the hillsides of the Ligurian coast. Trains and hiking trails connect the villages; some trails may require an entry fee and can close depending on the weather.
The Dolomites
In northern Italy, the UNESCO-listed Dolomites, with their jagged limestone peaks, are one of Europe’s most beautiful mountain regions, for hiking in summer and skiing in winter.
Sicily and the south
With its ancient Greek temples, Mount Etna and distinctive cuisine, Sicily deserves a vacation of its own. Alberobello in Puglia, with its cone-roofed trulli houses, is another southern surprise.
Getting around
Italy’s high-speed rail network connects the major cities and is usually more convenient than flying. Regional trains reach smaller towns. If you rent a car, remember that many historic centers have limited traffic zones called ZTL; entering them without a permit can lead to hefty fines.
There are direct international flights to Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples and other cities. To compare flights: flights to Italy.
Visas and practical info
- Italy is in the Schengen Area. Many travelers (including US, UK, Canadian and Australian citizens) can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; others, such as Turkish citizens, need a Schengen visa. Check the rules for your passport before you go.
- The currency is the euro.
- Some cities charge a tourist tax on top of your hotel rate.
- Coffee drunk standing at the bar is usually cheaper than at a table.
- For mobile data: eSIM options for Italy.
Where to stay
In Rome, the historic center or Trastevere; in Florence, around the Duomo; in Venice, the island itself (Mestre on the mainland is a cheaper alternative); and in Tuscany, farm stays known as agriturismi. To compare options: hotels in Italy.
When to go
Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are ideal. July and August are very hot and crowded, and some local businesses close for vacation in August. Winter is a quiet time for cities and museums, and ski season in the Dolomites.
Final word
Italy shows you a new side every time you go. Watch the video and decide which Italy speaks to you: ancient, Renaissance, coastal or alpine? See the classic triangle the first time and save the rest for your next trip.
Unusual facts
- Italy ranks at or near the top among countries with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- There are two independent states inside the country: Vatican City and San Marino.
- The coins tossed into Rome’s Trevi Fountain are collected and given to charity.
- Italian coffee culture has rules: cappuccino is a morning drink, and in the afternoon people order espresso.
- Venice is built on more than a hundred small islands linked by hundreds of bridges.
Things to watch out for & tourist traps
- The historic centers of big cities have “ZTL” zones closed to unauthorized cars; drive into one in a rental and the fine may follow you home.
- Don’t forget to validate paper regional train tickets before boarding.
- Sitting down at a café table costs more than drinking at the bar, and a “coperto” (cover charge) is common.
- If you don’t book popular museums in Rome and Florence in advance, you could spend hours in line.
- Venice charges day-trippers an entry fee on certain days; check the current rules.
Italy guides
Unusual facts, warnings and themed guides
Tourist traps
Italy Tourist Traps: What to Watch Out For in Rome, Venice and Florence
Common tourist traps in Italy: ZTL fines, the coperto charge, fake ticket sellers, the bracelet trick, Venice’s entry fee and alternatives to the crowds.
Unusual facts
15 Unusual Facts About Italy: Two Countries Inside a Country, and More
Italy’s unknown side: two independent states within its borders, Europe’s most active volcano, the invention of the piano and coffee rules.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best route for a first trip to Italy?
The classic triangle of Rome, Florence and Venice fits comfortably into 10 days. On a second trip, try the Amalfi Coast, the Dolomites or Sicily.
Do you tip in Italy?
It isn’t required. If the bill includes a “coperto” or service charge, no extra tip is expected; if you were happy, you can leave a little extra.
Is it easy to get around Italy by train?
Yes. High-speed trains run frequently between the big cities. In rural areas like Tuscany and Puglia, a car is more practical.
