1. Have a water bottle. 

Lots of cities in Italy (like Rome) have public fountains all over the city that have free, drinkable water. 

 

2. Enjoy the little moments. 

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of tourist lines and taking pictures, but it’s important to stop and relax and enjoy just being in Italy. 

 

3. Pack a fan. 

Italy in the summer = heat + humidity + crowds. In other words, you will be sweating! Pack a fan that folds up and that can still give you a nice cool down while you’re on a hot bus or train. 

 

4. Map out your day, but leave room for spontaneity. 

It’s good to have a layout of your day and plans to do. You’ll be able to see more that way and also figure out the best order for your day. But it’s also important to be some extra time so that you can take it vantage of smaller, and more spontaneous opportunities. For example, once while in Florence, we had planned 2-3 hours for dinner. Although our actual time in the restaurant didn’t take that long, we then had time to enjoy an outdoor concert that we didn’t know about beforehand. 

 

5. Get up early. 

If you’re going a museum, St. Peter’s Basilica, or other large attraction with potential for a line, get there before it opens. Trust us, if you get there an hour before it opens, you’ll be a lot cooler during your significantly shorter wait. Plus, you’ll have more time for other fun things for your day. 

 

6. Don’t worry about tipping. 

Although it’s customary to tip at restaurants in America, you really don’t need to in Italy.

 

7. Be aware of your surroundings.

Tourists are easy targets for pickpockets and thieves and although you might think you’re blending in, you probably aren’t. Be aware of people around you, especially in large crowds and don’t ever let your bags out of your sight. Don’t hold your bags in a way that someone could get in them while you aren’t walking around (ie. don’t wear your backpack while you are standing on the metro; swing it to the front). 

 

8. Use maps. (Or Google Maps!)

Plenty of hotels and Airbnbs have disposable paper maps for their guests. These are gold because you can draw out your journey through the city, you can see everything at a glance, and they’re also fun to look back on after you are home. Google maps of course is wonderful because it updates location as you move (if you have Wi-Fi or Italian SIM card with data). 

 

9. Take your time eating. 

In Italy, mealtimes (especially dinner) is the time to socialize, relax, and enjoy one another’s company. Both in the preparation and in the enjoyment of it, food isn’t something that’s rushed. Take time to really savor the flavors at meals and talk with your travel companions after the meal is over.

 

10. Try new things. 

Although some Italian foods and practices may seem strange to other cultures, remember that “when in Rome, do as the Romans do.” That maybe trying a new food like octopus, or it might be staying out late with friends. Take note of the new Italian cultural nuances you see and try them out!

 

11. Climb to the top. 

Some of the best, most breathtaking  moments in Italy are enjoyed from the tops of cathedrals or other tall buildings. Be sure to go to the top of at least one bell tower or duomo or cathedral in each city you visit. You’ll be surprised at the new perspective the height can give you! 

 

12. Talk to local Italians. 

You’ll learn more about Italian culture by talking to the people than you would by reading dozens of books on the subject. Italians are generally a friendly, outgoing, and passionate people. Most are happy to talk to foreigners.

 

13. Use the kiosks at the train stations. 

You can stand in a long line to buy your ticket. Or you can quickly go to an automatic you ask, change the language to English, and buy your ticket in just a few minutes.

 

14. Get some gelato everyday.

Italian cities are walking cities. You’ll see more and enjoy the little things more if you walk from place to place. The nice thing about walking is that it justifies having your daily gelato! Be sure to try all the flavors. 

 

15. Buy something you’ll have forever. 

Although cheap souvenirs have their place, if you consider buying something from your trip, make sure it is something you can cherish for a long time. It doesn’t have to be expensive. For example, you might buy a painting from a local street artist or a purse/wallet made of genuine leather.  

 

16. Enjoy the mishaps. 

No matter how much you plan beforehand, there will be surprises. If something hiccups or doesn’t go according to plan, find the silver lining and the hidden blessings.