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Florence – ItalyRome – ItalyVenice – ItalyAmalfi Coast – ItalyCinque Terre – ItalyDolomites – Italy
📍 Florence📷 Giorgio Galeotti · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
🌍 Europe🗓️ Best: Apr–Jun and Sep–Oct

Italy ✓

RomeVenice

Ancient Rome, Renaissance art and the world's favourite food

🕒 –:– local time46 stories this week18 sources 6 top placesCapital Rome

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Italy📸 Photo album · 8 photos · Ultra-HD
Italy📜 History of Italy

The story of Italy

Italy's story begins long before Rome. Prehistoric hunters left rock art in the Alps, Bronze Age builders raised the stone nuraghi of Sardinia, and by the first millennium BC the peninsula was a patchwork of peoples: Etruscans in Tuscany and Lazio, Greek colonists in the south and Sicily, and Italic tribes in between. According to tradition Rome was founded in 753 BC, and over the following centuries the city grew from a kingdom into a republic and then, under Augustus, an empire that ruled the Mediterranean world.

After the Western Roman Empire fell in the 5th century, Italy fragmented. Ostrogoths, Byzantines, Lombards, Franks, Arabs and Normans all ruled parts of the land, while the popes governed central Italy. In the Middle Ages powerful city-states such as Venice, Genoa, Florence and Milan grew rich on trade and banking, and in the 14th to 16th centuries that wealth fuelled the Renaissance, when artists and thinkers like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Galileo transformed art and science.

Read the full history

For centuries afterwards much of Italy was dominated by foreign powers, including Spain, France and Austria. In the 19th century the Risorgimento movement, led by figures such as Giuseppe Garibaldi and Camillo Cavour, unified the peninsula, and the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed in 1861, with Rome becoming the capital in 1871. The 20th century brought the First World War, Mussolini's Fascist dictatorship, and defeat in the Second World War. In 1946 Italians voted to become a republic, and the country went on to help found the European Community.

The result for travellers is an astonishing density of heritage: Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than almost any other country. Visitors can walk through Roman forums, Pompeii's frozen streets, Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna, Renaissance Florence and Venice's floating palaces, then enjoy the regional food, wine and festivals that make every corner of the country distinct.

Timeline

  1. 753 BCTraditional date of the founding of Rome
  2. 27 BCAugustus becomes the first Roman emperor
  3. AD 79Vesuvius erupts, burying Pompeii and Herculaneum
  4. 476The Western Roman Empire comes to an end
  5. c. 1400-1550The Renaissance flourishes in Florence, Rome and Venice
  6. 1861The Kingdom of Italy is proclaimed
  7. 1946Italians vote to become a republic
  8. 1957Italy signs the Treaty of Rome, a founding step of the European Community
Italy 🛂 Visa & entry

Entry rules depend on your passport and change often.

  • Schengen Area – Part of the Schengen Area – 29 European countries with no passport checks between them. Short visits are usually counted under the 90-days-in-any-180 rule across the whole area.
  • European Union – EU member – EU/EEA citizens can travel and stay freely.
  • Eurozone – Uses the euro.

Before you book, check the official rules for your passport:

The latest visa and entry news for Italy appears below as soon as publishers report it.

Italy✨ 10 best things to do in Italy

Things to do in Italy

  1. Step into ancient RomeWalk through the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill where an empire was ruled.
  2. Admire Renaissance FlorenceSee Michelangelo's David and the Uffizi masterpieces, then climb Brunelleschi's dome.
  3. Get lost in VeniceWander canals and backstreets away from St Mark's Square and ride a vaporetto down the Grand Canal.
  4. Explore PompeiiWalk streets, houses and frescoes preserved by the eruption of Vesuvius.
  5. Drive the Amalfi CoastFollow a cliff-hugging road between pastel villages like Positano and Ravello.
  6. Hike the Cinque TerreWalk coastal paths linking five colourful fishing villages perched above the sea.
  7. Taste wine in TuscanySip Chianti and Brunello among cypress-lined hills and medieval hill towns.
  8. Hike the DolomitesTrek among jagged pale peaks and alpine meadows in Italy's northern mountains.
  9. Eat your way through BolognaTry fresh tagliatelle al ragù, mortadella and tortellini in Italy's food capital.
  10. Visit the VaticanMarvel at St Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel ceiling in the world's smallest state.
Italy🗺️ Where to visit in Italy

Where to go in Italy

  • RomeLazio · ancient capitalThe Eternal City, layered with ancient ruins, Baroque fountains and lively piazzas.
  • FlorenceTuscany · Renaissance artThe cradle of the Renaissance, packed with masterpieces, churches and artisan workshops.
  • VeniceVeneto · canalsA unique city built on water, with palaces, bridges and lagoon islands like Burano.
  • Amalfi CoastCampania · coastlineDramatic cliffs, lemon groves and colourful villages above the Tyrrhenian Sea.
  • Cinque TerreLiguria · coastal villagesFive villages linked by trails and trains, set among terraced vineyards.
  • DolomitesAlps · mountainsUNESCO-listed peaks perfect for hiking in summer and skiing in winter.
  • 📍
    SicilyIsland · history & foodGreek temples, Baroque towns, Mount Etna and some of Italy's best street food.
  • 📍
    PugliaSouth · countryside & coastTrulli houses in Alberobello, whitewashed towns and long sandy beaches.
Italy✨ Must-do experiences
  • Step inside the Colosseum in Rome
  • Glide along the canals of Venice
  • Taste wine in the Tuscan countryside
  • Walk the ancient streets of Pompeii
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Italy🍽️ Taste of Italy
  • Pizza Napoletana – soft, wood-fired pizza from Naples
  • Carbonara – pasta with egg, cheese, pepper and cured pork
  • Gelato – dense, creamy Italian ice cream
  • Risotto alla milanese – saffron rice from Milan
Italy🌦️ Weather & best time to visit Italy

Best time to visit Italy

Italy has a Mediterranean climate in the south and along the coasts, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The north and the Alps are more continental, with colder winters, snow in the mountains and more summer rain.

BestApril-June and September-October - warm, sunny days ideal for cities, coasts and countryside.
ShoulderMarch and November - quieter, cheaper and good for cities, though weather is changeable.
AvoidNo bad time - but July-August is very hot and crowded in cities, and many coastal businesses close in winter.
12°💧Jan
13°💧Feb
16°💧Mar
19°💧Apr
24°💧May
28°☀️Jun
31°☀️Jul
31°☀️Aug
27°💧Sep
22°💧💧Oct
16°💧💧Nov
13°💧💧Dec

Typical daytime highs and rain in Rome (approximate averages).

Italy🎉 Festivals & events in Italy
  • February
    Venice CarnivalElaborate masks and costumes fill Venice in the weeks before Lent.
  • July 2 and August 16
    Palio di SienaA wild bareback horse race around Siena's Piazza del Campo between rival city districts.
  • March-April
    Easter (Pasqua)Processions across the country, including the Scoppio del Carro exploding cart in Florence.
  • Late August-September
    Venice Film FestivalOne of the world's oldest film festivals, held on the Lido.
  • August 15
    FerragostoA national holiday when Italians head to the beach and towns hold festivals.
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Italy🧭 Italy itinerary ideas

How many days in Italy?

7 daysClassic Italy

Days 1-3 explore Rome and the Vatican. Days 4-5 take the fast train to Florence with a trip into Tuscany. Days 6-7 finish in Venice.

14 daysNorth to south

Days 1-3 Venice and the Dolomites, then Days 4-6 Florence, Tuscany and the Cinque Terre. Days 7-9 Rome, and finish with Days 10-14 in Naples, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.

Italy🎒 Backpacking Italy – tips & hacks

Backpacker budget: about $60–90 a day

  • Regional trains are cheap and don't need advance booking; high-speed trains are cheaper if booked early.
  • Picnic on bread, cheese and cured meats from markets, and grab pizza al taglio or arancini as cheap street food.
  • Standing at the bar for coffee costs less than sitting at a table.
  • Refill water bottles at public fountains, especially in Rome where they run constantly.
  • Many state museums offer free entry on certain days - check before you visit.
Italy🛡️ Safety & money in Italy

Stay safe

  • Italy is safe, but pickpockets target crowded tourist sites, train stations and public transport in big cities.
  • Be wary of street scams such as friendship bracelets or petitions, and keep bags zipped.
  • In summer, carry water and avoid midday sightseeing in the heat.
  • Limited traffic zones (ZTL) in historic centres can result in fines for drivers - research before driving into towns.

Money

  • Italy uses the euro; cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small cafés, markets and rural areas.
  • Restaurants may add a coperto (cover charge) per person, which is normal and listed on the menu.
  • Tipping isn't expected; rounding up or leaving a little for good service is appreciated.

Emergency: 112 general · 113 police · 118 ambulance · 115 fire

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Italy🛬 Getting to Italy

Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa are the main international airports, with many others including Venice, Naples, Bologna and Catania. Italy is in the Schengen area with rail and road links to France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia, and ferries to Greece, Croatia and beyond.

✈️ Cheap flights to Italy: airports, flight times & best time to fly →

Italy💡 Did you know? 5 facts about Italy
  • Italy has one of the highest numbers of UNESCO World Heritage Sites of any country.
  • Two independent states lie within Italy: Vatican City and San Marino.
  • Mount Etna in Sicily is one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
  • Italy has hundreds of officially recognised cheeses and countless pasta shapes.
  • Visitors throw coins into Rome's Trevi Fountain, and the money is collected and given to charity.
Italy❓ Italy travel FAQ

Italy travel questions

Is Italy safe for tourists?

Yes, Italy is generally very safe for visitors. Pickpocketing in crowded areas is the main issue, so keep valuables secure.

What is the best time to visit Italy?

Spring (April-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer the best weather and smaller crowds. Summer is hot and busy, while winter is ideal for skiing and quieter cities.

How many days do you need in Italy?

A week covers Rome, Florence and Venice. Two weeks lets you add the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, the Cinque Terre or the Dolomites.

Do I need a visa for Italy?

It depends on your passport; Italy is part of the Schengen area. Check the official Italian government website or embassy before you travel.

Is English widely spoken in Italy?

English is commonly spoken in tourist areas and hotels, less so in rural places. A few Italian phrases like 'buongiorno' and 'grazie' go a long way.

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Italy💰 What a trip costs
$$$price level
$60–90backpacker / day
$150–260mid-range / day

Approximate daily cost per person (stay, food, local transport).

Italy🚌 Getting around

Fast trains like Frecciarossa and Italo link the big cities, with regional trains to smaller towns. Ferries serve the islands and a car is handy in the countryside.

Italy🛕 Sacred & spiritual places
  • Basilica of St Francis of Assisi – Hilltop basilica with frescoes and the tomb of St Francis
  • Shrine of Padre Pio – Major Catholic pilgrimage site in San Giovanni Rotondo
  • Basilica of the Holy House, Loreto – Shrine said to hold the house of the Virgin Mary
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Italy🤝 Local etiquette
  • Cover shoulders and knees when entering churches
  • Cappuccino is usually a morning drink
  • Greet people with 'buongiorno' or 'buonasera'
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📰 Older Italy stories Everything our agents ever found – keeps loading as you scroll

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