Europe

Italy

Italy draws travelers for Roman ruins, Renaissance art, Alpine lakes, volcanic islands and a food and wine culture that changes from region to region.

Start with the essentials Where to stay Plan a trip to Italy

Italy sits in southern and western Europe. Its long peninsula reaches into the Mediterranean, and the Alps form the northern border. Rome is the capital, with Milan, Naples, Florence and Venice among the largest cities. Rome was the center of the Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire. Florence, under the Medici, was a major center of the Renaissance, and Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Titian were among the Renaissance artists born or active in Italy. Vatican City, the seat of the Holy See, sits inside Rome.

Italy makes more wine than any other country and is also a leading producer of olive oil, so food and drink are a major reason to go. The Apennine Mountains run the length of the peninsula, the Po Valley is the largest plain, and Sicily and Sardinia are the largest islands. The climate is Mediterranean along most coasts, with hot, mostly dry summers and mild winters. Spring and autumn suit most visits, while winter suits the Alps. Ten days to two weeks is enough for one region in depth or two regions linked by train.

Five things to know before Italy

Book fast trains early, buy regional trains on the day
Frecciarossa and Italo fares rise as the train fills, like flights. Regional trains have fixed fares, so there is nothing to gain by booking ahead. Italy by train, off-peak
Expect EES at your first Schengen border
Since April 2026, most visitors from outside the EU give fingerprints and a face scan on their first entry. Allow extra time at the airport the first time. EES explained
Budget for the city tax
Rome, Florence and Venice charge a tax per person, per night, on top of the room rate. Many hotels collect it at check-out, and some only take cash. Where to stay in Rome
Check Venice's access-fee calendar for day trips
Venice may charge day visitors an access fee on busy days. Check the city's official calendar for this year's dates and rules before you pick a day, and see how staying a night changes it. Venice
Book Dolomites huts months ahead
Most mountain huts open from late June to September and fill quickly for July and August weekends. Book beds before you book flights. Hut to hut in the Dolomites

Italy travel guides

Practical guides from writers who live there.

Best time to visit Italy

Seasons, crowds and festival timing by region

Read the guide Getting around

Frecciarossa, Italo and regional trains, and when a car makes sense.

Read the guide Where to stay in Rome

Neighborhood by neighborhood, walked and timed to Termini.

Read the guide Rome

The Colosseum, the Pantheon and the early starts that beat the crowds.

Read the guide Florence

The Duomo, the Uffizi and the day trips into Tuscany.

Read the guide Venice

The access fee, the vaporetto and the quiet sestieri.

Read the guide The Dolomites

Hut-to-hut routes, lifts and the short summer season.

Read the guide Visa checker

Check the entry rule for your passport.

Read the guide Money and costs

Cards, cash, the cover charge and city taxes.

Read the guide

Top places to visit in Italy

See all attractions in Italy

a close up of the top of a building with a blue sky in the background

Historic site · RomeColosseumBook entry in advance to reduce time spent in ticket queues.

Museum · ArezzoNational Archaeological Museum Gaio Cilnio Mecenate

Sight · PugliaGrotte di Castellana

brown concrete building near body of water during daytime

Sight · SorrentoChiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie

Destinations in Italy

CityPositanoExplore

a group of boats floating on top of a body of water

IslandSardiniaExplore

Where to stay in Italy

Neighborhood first, hotel second.

All stay guides

RomeWhere to stay in Rome: six neighborhoods compared

Crowd gathered in a large, historic italian piazza

SienaWhere to stay in Siena: four bases, from the Campo to a Tuscan farm

Itineraries

10 daysItaly by train, off-peak: 10 days beyond RomeMilan, Bologna, Florence, Rome and Naples in 10 days by rail, in the quiet months. Which trains to book ahead, which to buy on the day, and how to avoid a fine.

2 daysHow many days in Naples? A 2-day plan and how to add PompeiiTwo days cover Naples' old town, the archaeological museum and the seafront. Add a third day for Pompeii or Capri. A day-by-day plan with what to book ahead.

ItineraryPisa day trip from Florence: trains, Tower slot and a planPisa from Florence in a day: the train, how to reach the Piazza dei Miracoli, when to book the Tower, a timed plan and how to add Lucca without rushing.

white and brown concrete houses during daytime

2 daysMatera in 2 days: the Sassi, rock churches and the gorge viewA two-day Matera plan: the Sassi and the cathedral on day one, the rock churches and the Murgia viewpoint across the gorge on day two, with what to book and how to pace it.

a rocky coast line with Faraglioni in the background

1 dayCapri day trip from Naples or Sorrento: boats, plan and Blue GrottoCapri works as a day trip from Naples or Sorrento if you catch an early boat. How the ferries differ, a timed plan, why the Blue Grotto is unreliable and when to stay a night.

a body of water surrounded by mountains with Doubtful Sound in the background

3 daysLake Garda in 3 days: Sirmione, the east shore and Monte BaldoA 3-day Lake Garda plan: Sirmione and Desenzano by ferry, the east shore and Monte Baldo, then Verona or Riva. Ferry, train and base advice for each day.

2 daysBologna in 2 days: towers, porticoes, San Luca and a food routeA 2-day Bologna plan: Piazza Maggiore, the Clock Tower and the markets on day one, the portico to San Luca on day two, with the Asinelli Tower closure explained.

A winding road lined with cypress trees in the rolling hills of Tuscany, Italy

7 daysTuscany itinerary for 7 days: Florence, Chianti, Siena and Val d'OrciaA 7-day Tuscany itinerary with two bases: Florence and Siena by train and bus, then Chianti and the Val d'Orcia by car. Day-by-day plan, drive times and what to skip.

ItineraryWhat to see in Pompeii: a self-guided route and what to skipA self-guided Pompeii route for 3 hours or a full day: forum, House of the Faun, Via dell'Abbondanza, amphitheater, Villa of the Mysteries and what to skip.

What a day costs in Italy

Per person, in EUR

Work out your trip

Budget€68a day≈ $76 · per person

Hostel beds, cheap eats, buses and free sights.

Bed a night: €35
Food: €25
Transport: €8
Sights: Free

Mid-range€203a day≈ $227 · per person

A 3-star room, casual restaurants, public transport and one paid sight a day.

Bed a night: €100
Food: €60
Transport: €25
Sights: €18

Comfort€430a day≈ $480 · per person

A 4-star room, good restaurants, taxis and a guided tour.

Bed a night: €180
Food: €120
Transport: €70
Sights: €60

Checked Oct 3, 2026 by Giulia FerranteA source for every line on the trip cost page. Flights not included. Rates By Exchange Rate APIWork out your trip

When to go

Rainy days

Best

JanuaryPartly cloudy11 rainy daysHigh13°Low7°Cool, quiet museums
FebruaryPartly cloudy9 rainy daysHigh14°Low8°Mild, few visitors
MarchPartly cloudy10 rainy daysHigh15°Low9°Spring starts
AprilPartly cloudy8 rainy daysHigh18°Low11°Mild, Easter crowds
MayClear10 rainy daysHigh21°Low15°Warm, long days
JuneClear4 rainy daysHigh26°Low20°Hot, busy
JulyClear3 rainy daysHigh29°Low23°Very hot
AugustClear4 rainy daysHigh29°Low23°Ferragosto closures
SeptemberClear9 rainy daysHigh26°Low20°Warm, harvest
OctoberClear11 rainy daysHigh22°Low16°Mild, thinner crowds
NovemberRain15 rainy daysHigh17°Low12°Rain, low prices
DecemberPartly cloudy10 rainy daysHigh14°Low9°Christmas markets

Average daily high and low in Rome, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to ItalyPut the places you like in Italy on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Right now in Italy

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 11°
Humidity: 58%
Wind: 24 km/h
Chance of rain: 100%

Italy

09:05 PM

Monday, November 2

GMT+1

Today16°9°100%Monday: Rain. High 16°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 100%.
Tue19°12°10%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 19°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 10%.
Wed19°12°5%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 19°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 5%.
Thu18°11°44%Thursday: Cloudy. High 18°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 44%.
Fri14°12°53%Friday: Thunderstorms. High 14°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 53%.
Sat18°10°53%Saturday: Thunderstorms. High 18°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 53%.
Sun18°9°33%Sunday: Fog. High 18°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 33%.

Updated 05:29 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 0.8961 EUR

Amount

Converted to

EUR · Euro

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

What's on in Italy

Big events, festivals and concert tours

Events calendar

white and brown concrete building under gray sky during daytime

JanuaryVenice CarnivalJan 23 – Feb 9, 2027

JulyPalio di SienaJul 2, 2027

bird's eye photography of buildings near body of water

SeptemberVenice International Film FestivalSep 1 – 11, 2027

Festivals by month

JanVenice CarnivalVeniceCarnival of MamoiadaSardinia
FebCarnival of ViareggioLucca
Mar
AprMaggio Musicale FiorentinoFlorence
MayPalio of FerraraFerraraRavenna FestivalRavenna
JunNapoli Teatro Festival ItaliaNaplesArena di Verona FestivalVerona
JulPalio di SienaSienaFestival della Valle d'ItriaCisternino
AugNotte della TarantaLecce
SepVenice International Film FestivalVenicePalio di AstiPiedmont
Oct
Nov
Dec

On tour in Italy: Muse The Wow! Signal Tour Milan, Nov 20 – 21, 2026 · ENHYPEN World Tour 'BLOOD SAGA' Assago, Feb 24, 2027 · Rush Fifty Something Tour Milan, Mar 30, 2027 · Sabaton The Legendary Tour Part 2 Milan, Apr 19, 2027 · Olivia Rodrigo The Unraveled Tour Assago, Apr 27 – 28, 2027 · Nickelback Everything Under the Sun Tour 2027 Milan, Jun 23, 2027 · Karol G Tropitour Milan, Jul 24, 2027 · Oasis Live '27 Rome, Jul 26 – 30, 2027 · Harry Styles Together, Together 2027 Rome, Aug 7 – 8, 2027

Before you go to Italy

eSIM for EuropeOne plan for Italy and its neighborsRead the guide Travel insuranceMedical bills and cancellationsRead the guide Train ticketsBook fast trains earlyRead the guide Cards and cashWhere you still need euros in handRead the guide

Rules for Italy, checked

EES: most non-EU visitors register fingerprints and a face scan at the first Schengen border, fully live since April 10, 2026Checked Oct 3, 2026 · Read more Trevi Fountain: €2 to enter the basin area since February 2, 2026, usually until 10pm (later opening Mon and Fri); free to see from outsideChecked Oct 1, 2026 · Read more

Stories from Italy

All stories

AlternativesVenice without the day-fee crowds: five lagoon townsGiulia Ferrante · Oct 3, 2026

a cobblestone street with tables and chairs at night

CultureWhy Italian cafés charge more to sit downGiulia Ferrante · Oct 3, 2026

The jagged peaks of the Seceda mountain range in the Dolomites, Italy

AlternativesBeyond Lago di Braies: five Dolomites lakes without a tour busTomás Herrera · Sep 30, 2026

Italy FAQ

How many days do I need in Italy?

Ten days covers Rome, Florence and Venice by train with a day or two spare. Two weeks lets you add Bologna, the lakes or the Dolomites.

Do I need ETIAS for Italy?

Not yet. The EU states: "ETIAS is currently not in operation and no applications for travel authorisations are collected at this point." The fee will be €20 once it starts. You do register with EES at your first Schengen border.

Should I tip in Italy?

It is not expected. Many restaurants add a cover charge (coperto) per person. Leave a few euros for very good service if you like.

Train or car?

Train between cities, where fast trains beat driving and parking. Hire a car only for the countryside, such as Tuscany or the Dolomites, and avoid driving into limited traffic zones (ZTL) in city centers.