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Italy

2025 Italy Travel Guide: Weather, Transportation, Popular Attractions, and Everything You Need (Updated 2025 3)

About Italy

Recommended trip: 7–12 day(s)

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Italy Local Travel Guide 2025

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Italy Brief Guide

Italy, a nation profoundly steeped in history and culture, offers travelers an extensive array of experiences. The ancient Roman Colosseum, the Renaissance city of Florence, and the canals of Venice speak volumes about Italy's significant role in world history and art. Italy's iconic architectural marvels are a big draw. The Colosseum in Rome, Venice Canals, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa offer the tourists a glimpse into Italy's grandeur and architectural ingenuity. Italy is heaven for food lovers. Italian cuisine is world-renowned for its delicious and unique dishes, like Neapolitan pizza, lasagne, spaghetti, etc. Italy's food markets are also worth exploring, which engage tourists in an authentic gastronomic adventure.

Italy Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Italy is during the spring (April-May) or early fall (September-October). These periods offer pleasant weather, lower prices, and thinner crowds, making it ideal for exploring tourist attractions comfortably. Spring brings mild temperatures perfect for outdoor activities and experiencing the local culture without the inconvenience of high summer heat. Early fall is wonderful for enjoying vibrant landscapes and participating in the grape harvest season, which is especially appealing to wine enthusiasts.

Italy Must-try Local Experiences

1. Explore the Ancient Ruins Explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill to experience the grandeur of ancient Rome. Additionally, Pompeii is another ancient city preserved under the ash of Mount Vesuvius. It completely captures the daily life of the Pompeii people from over 2,000 years ago, allowing you to appreciate the unique lifestyle of ancient Rome. 2. Embrace the Beauty of Art in Florence The Uffizi and Accademia Galleries house masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli, showcasing the art of the Renaissance era. 3. Discover Venice Canal Cruising and Carnival Experience romantic charm with a gondola ride through its canals. St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace are highly recommended places. In February, the Venice Carnival features elaborate masks, costumes, and parades that reflect Venetian culture. 4. Discover a Fantastic Driving Tour Drive along the Amalfi Coast, stopping in towns like Positano and Ravello to enjoy the stunning coastal views and colorful buildings. Also, taking a scenic drive through Tuscany is a great choice, you can drive through rolling hills, stopping at charming villages and vineyards for unforgettable moments. 5. Enjoy the Serene Beauty of Lake Como Lake Como is renowned for its favorable climate and lush vegetation, surrounded by charming towns and luxurious villas. 6. Experience the Palio Horse Race in Siena The Palio di Siena is an eagerly awaited summer event in Tuscany. This historic horse race dates back to 1633 and occurs twice a year in Piazza del Campo, Siena’s medieval square. Siena fully embraces this vibrant tradition. 7. Local Cuisine Experience the culinary treasures of Italy, from Neapolitan pizza to Sicilian cannoli, with each region offering its unique specialties. 8. Shop in Milan's Fashion District Explore the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, home to high-end boutiques and designer stores, which are ideal for luxury shopping. 9. Photographing the Leaning Tower of Pisa Embrace the opportunity to capture the iconic tilt of this renowned landmark. 10. Relax in the Thermal Baths of Saturnia Where you can soak in natural hot springs in Tuscany. These springs are believed to have healing properties and offer a truly relaxing experience.

Italy Travel Tips

1. Book Popular Attractions in Advance: For popular attractions like the Vatican Museums, Colosseum, and Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' in Milan, advance reservations are essential. Book your tickets online to avoid long queues and ensure entry. 2. Cinque Terre Trekking Card: If you plan to hike between the villages of Cinque Terre, you'll need to purchase a Cinque Terre Card. This pass grants access to the hiking trails and includes unlimited train travel between the villages. The card also offers free use of local buses and public toilets, and discounts at certain museums. 3. Avoid Eating Near Monuments: In cities like Rome and Florence, it's illegal to eat or drink near main monuments and fountains. Respect these rules to avoid fines and maintain the cleanliness of historic sites. 4. Beware of Pickpockets: Popular tourist areas in major Italian cities can be hotspots for pickpockets. Keep your belongings close, use anti-theft bags, and be extra vigilant in crowded places like train stations. Wear a money belt, avoid using back pockets, and stay alert in crowded areas. Be cautious of distractions like commotion or people bumping into you. 5. Validate Train Tickets: Always validate your train ticket before boarding in Italy. Use the small green at the station platform to stamp your ticket with the date and time. This applies mainly to regional train tickets without a specific time. Failure to do so can result in fines, even with a valid ticket.

Italy Transportation

Italy is well-connected to other countries primarily by air and rail. Major airports in Rome and Milan serve as the principal hubs for intercontinental flights, with direct flights available from numerous global locations. Additionally, Italy’s extensive European railway network links its cities to other European capitals, providing scenic routes via the Alps into cities like Venice or Milan. Low-cost airlines and buses also offer economical travel options across Europe into Italy.

Italy Best cities to visit

Milan is one of the world's famous international metropolises. With regards to art and fashion, it has left a huge and indelible impression. The second largest city in Italy, Milan has a long and storied history. Inside the city there are no few ancient monuments. The Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) is famous around the world. The shopping district around the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the Milan Fashion Week, held twice a year, make it an unshakable force in the fashion world. AC Milan and Inter Milan are two famous football clubs that make Milan a pilgrimage site for many football fans from around the world.

Italy Useful Guide

When traveling in Italy, it's crucial to be aware of emergency numbers: 112 provides overall emergency services, 113 for police, 115 for the fire brigade, and 118 for medical emergencies. Given Italy's geological setting, be prepared for natural disasters like earthquakes and floods by familiarizing with local safety protocols. Driving rules are stringent; drive on the right, observe speed limits, and use the necessary safety equipment like seat belts and reflective jackets. Always carry essential documents when driving. In case of an emergency, Italy is well-equipped with prompt and efficient emergency services, ensuring quick responses to any situation. Always ensure you have travel insurance to cover potential emergencies and keep the contact numbers saved for immediate access.

Trip.Best: Italy

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Popular Luxury Hotels in Italy

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Popular Best Things to Do in Italy

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Top 4 Family Hotels in Italy

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Top 4 Night Attractions in Italy

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Popular Scenic Hotels in Italy

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Top 3 Family-friendly Attractions in Italy

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Popular Cultural Hotels in Italy

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Top 8 Spring Outings in Italy

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Popular Instagrammable Hotels in Italy

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Popular Hot Springs Attractions in Italy

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Popular Vacation Homes in Italy

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Top 3 Hot Spring Hotels in Italy

Popular Destinations

More Popular Destinations

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Rome

Milan

Florence

Venice

Naples

Cinque Terre

Lake Como

Capri Island

Things to do in Italy

What to Do

Looking for things to do in Italy? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.

What to Eat

Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Italy dishes and foodie spots.

Italy Moments: Through Travelers' Eyes

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What People Are Saying About Italy

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Pantheon

An Nie 18

PANTHEONda turista a pellegrino. from tourist to pilgrim.. The Pantheon is an ancient Roman temple dating back to the 2nd century and a Catholic church in Rome, Italy, since 609 AD.The dome was the largest in the world for 1,300 years and remains the largest freestanding dome in the world today. Its diameter is 43.30 meters (or 142 feet).

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Colosseum

LebornJames

Stepping into the Colosseum, the towering stone walls are like a giant dragon, and the vicissitudes of a thousand years come to your face. Looking up at the stacked arches, the ingenious dome structure is breathtaking, and the ruins still show the grand scene of the past when thousands of people were empty. Walking through the mottled corridors, it seems that you can hear the clanging of the gladiators' golden weapons and iron horses, the roar of the beasts and the roar of the audience. Climbing up to the observation deck and looking down, the oval arena is like the eyes of a giant beast, and the dark red mottled ground is like a bloody poem condensed from the long river of history. The underground maze passages crisscross, the secrets are hidden, and the capstans that used to raise and lower the cages still exude a chill. The setting sun gilds the ochre bricks and stones, and the broken columns and carvings are more vigorous and majestic in the twilight, just like the proud bones of a late hero. Standing by the wall, every crack touched by your fingertips is a footnote to the vicissitudes of life. This open-air history book written in blood and sand not only shocks people with the thunderous power of the empire in the past, but also makes people respect the fateful reincarnation of civilization. This magnificent experience of traveling through time and space is truly thrilling and unforgettable.

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Milan Cathedral

Anonymous User

I don't understand, but I was shocked. The church itself opens at 9 o'clock, and even on Sundays, there are few people. At 11 o'clock, there are more people. Another point is that there are two different teams for visiting the interior of the church and going to the roof. But after coming down from the roof, you can directly enter the church and visit the interior

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Cathedral Square

Bloaid

Reasons to Recommend: no need to pay for combo with lift. There are only 255 stairs and it is not that hard. be sure to go inside of a cathedral in sunny weather you will receive more emotions

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Saint Mark's Basilica

专属行程规划师

Unique architectural style • Byzantine style: St. Mark's Cathedral is based on Byzantine style, with five large round roofs, the church is in a Greek cross-shaped layout, and it is covered with five hemispheric domes. It is a typical Byzantine architectural feature. • Multiple styles integration: In the subsequent development, a variety of styles such as Gothic, Islamic, Renaissance styles are integrated. Gothic decorations such as pointed arches, railings and other Renaissance decorations have become a comprehensive artistic masterpiece of various genres. Exquisite decorative art • mosaic mosaics: more than 8,000 square meters inside and outside the church, from floors, walls to ceilings, themes cover the sermons of the twelve apostles, the crucifixion of Christ, the portraits of Christ and the prophets and saints, etc. The picture was covered with a gleaming gold foil, which made the whole church shrouded in gold. • Marble mosaic floor: Following the Byzantine church design principles, the ground adopts more than 2099 square meters of marble mosaic, with exquisite geometric patterns and natural patterns such as animals and flowers, showing the superb craft level of Venice. Precious historical relics • Horse of St. Mark: The four bronze horses replicas on the balcony above the main entrance are the famous "Horse of St. Mark", and the originals are kept in the Marcia Museum inside the cathedral. The four ancient Roman bronze horse statues, probably originally from Greece, were the loot of the Fourth Crusade. • Imperial statue: There is a statue of four emperors carved from purple porphyry in the southeast corner of the cathedral, a relic of the late ancient Rome, showing the four emperors who ruled the Roman Empire together, brought back from Constantinople, a symbol of the glorious history of the Venetian Empire. • The Virgin of Nicopia: This is a Byzantine icon, estimated to be created between the 6th and 7th centuries, originally dedicated to Constantinople, the Cathedral of Saint Sophia, was brought to Venice after the Fourth Crusade, considered to have magical powers, It is the protected icon of the Republic of Venice. Important religious facilities • Gold Altar screen: Above the main altar, it is the world-famous "Gold Altar screen", made of pure gold and gemstones, set with more than 1,300 gems and pearls, showing the image of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, a masterpiece of medieval metalwork art. • Jesus Ascension Dome: Located in the center of the cathedral, it depicts the scene of Jesus Christ ascending forty days after resurrection, completed by many excellent Venetian craftsmen in the thirteenth century, and the center of the dome is the image of Jesus being lifted up by angels.

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Gondola Ride

Alaine08

Our experience in Venice was unforgettable, thanks to the perfect combination of a serene gondola ride and an insightful walking tour. The gondola ride was peaceful and gave us a unique view of the canals, while our guide was fantastic—knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging. We learned so much about the city's history and hidden gems as we walked through its charming streets. A truly memorable way to experience Venice from both the water and the land. Highly recommend this experience for anyone visiting!

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Naples National Archaeological Museum

M38***99

Naples is a must-see, because many treasures in Pompeii are in here, you can only see one site in Pompeii, and everything is taken here. Secondly, there are many sculptures in ancient Greece and Rome. It is recommended to go at the end of the night, there are few people, and the exclusive moment.

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Royal Palace of Naples

suifeng2019

Standing in front of a window of the palace, you can see the majestic Mount Vesuvius in the distance and the beautiful Bay of Naples nearby. It is like the princes and nobles of the past could enjoy the beautiful scenery without leaving their homes.

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Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower

奶油布利兹

The church does not need to buy tickets, you can enter in a queue. Tickets are required for the church to climb to the top and the Giotto Bell Tower to the top as well as the museum, the palace and the baptism hall are included. We did not go to the church roof to evaluate, the Giotto Bell Tower to the top of the stairs is quite a lot, the volume is not good or there are elderly people who suggest not to go. The top is also surrounded by iron nets, and the visual effect is greatly reduced. Even so, overlooking Florence is still beautiful. It is recommended to go at sunset and it will look better. The museum is also worth going. The authentic art of Heaven's Gate and the Virgin Pittia of Michelangelo are all in the museum. The top mosaic painting of the baptism is under maintenance recently and I can't see anything. I bought the ticket on the same day and the ticket was issued very quickly, but it is still recommended to book in advance. I can't buy the ticket on the same day and I can't buy the church top ticket.

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Uffizi Gallery

奶油布利兹

Very worth a visit! Too many classic paintings seen in textbooks, close viewing and reading from books and online feel completely different. The collection is beyond imagination, but it is not enough to look at it for 3 hours in a rough way. It is recommended to stay for the whole morning or afternoon to watch. There is also a platform in the gallery for coffee breaks, and the platform is next to the old palace and you can see the dome of the Cathedral of Our Lady.