Smart Self-Managed Tours

Country guide

Italy

A photograph of Italy
Photograph · Timothy A. Gonsalves · CC BY-SA 4.0

Italy holds 62 World Heritage Sites, more than any other country, spread across 301,340 km2 of land that runs from the Alps down into the middle of the Mediterranean. The distances between its cities are short and the differences between them are not: Venice has no roads, Naples sits under a volcano on a bay, Florence fits inside a walkable Renaissance grid, and Milan keeps its art indoors and works for a living. Rome is the capital and the obvious first trip; the argument is always about what comes second. Nearly 800 islands hang off the coast, and Sicily and Sardinia are each large enough to be a trip of their own.

Cities

Every city catalogued in this country so far, ranked by how much there is to see.

Practical information
Language spoken
Italian
National practical orientation; regional and minority languages may also be used
Dialling code
+39
International calling code; local area and mobile prefixes still apply
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Use the official local currency; card acceptance varies by place
Emergency number
112
Use only for an emergency; tourist assistance may use a separate number
Plug type
Type C, F and L · 230 V
Check that chargers support the recorded voltage before using an adapter
Tap water
Not recorded
No verified nationwide visitor statement was recorded

Planning a visit

  1. January: seasonal closure recorded
  2. February: seasonal closure recorded
  3. March: seasonal closure recorded
  4. April: seasonal closure recorded
  5. May: seasonal closure recorded
  6. June: seasonal closure recorded
  7. July: seasonal closure recorded
  8. August: seasonal closure recorded — this month
  9. September: seasonal closure recorded
  10. October: seasonal closure recorded
  11. November: seasonal closure recorded
  12. December: seasonal closure recorded

Top things to see

Ranked by importance — sitelinks, pageviews and heritage status, not editor preference.

Filter the list

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Category

Historic monuments 3662 Museums 478 Places of worship 2186 Nature sites 1770 Viewpoints 315 Food and drink 27 Markets and shopping 356 Entertainment 178 Nightlife 2328 Family attractions 14 Art and culture 1110 Activities 17

Typical visit duration

Up to 1 hour 1770

Interests

History 0 Art 0 Museums 0 Nature 1752 Sea and beach 1752 Viewpoints 0
  2. Villa Doria Pamphili
    02 1 hour

    Villa Doria Pamphili

    Villa Doria Pamphili is a historic villa and extensive public park in Rome, Italy. It is among the largest landscaped public parks in the city, situated on the Gianicolo hill.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Rome
  4. Lake Nemi
    04 1 hour

    Lake Nemi

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Rome
  5. Villa Borghese gardens
    05 1 hour

    Villa Borghese gardens

    Villa Borghese is a large public park in central Rome, Italy. It covers substantial ground on the Pincian Hill and surrounding area, making it one of the city's most significant green spaces.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Rome
  15. Villa Torlonia
    15 1 hour

    Villa Torlonia

    Villa Torlonia is a historic villa and public park in Rome, Italy. Originally a noble residence, it became state property and now serves as a cultural site with museums and gardens.

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Rome
  18. Parco degli Acquedotti
    18 1 hour

    Parco degli Acquedotti

    Parco degli Acquedotti is a public park in Rome's southeastern periphery, named for the ancient Roman aqueducts that traverse its terrain.

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Rome
  20. Orto Botanico di Brera
    20 1 hour

    Orto Botanico di Brera

    Orto Botanico di Brera is a historic botanical garden in Milan, situated within the Brera district. Established in 1774 by Maria Theresa of Austria, it serves both as a scientific research facility and a public green space.

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Milan
  28. Garden of Eden
    28 1 hour

    Garden of Eden

    The Garden of Eden, known locally as Giardino Eden Hundertwasser, is a garden space in Venice associated with the artistic vision of Friedensreich Hundertwasser, the Austrian artist and architect known for his vibrant, organic architectural style.

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Venice
  30. Orange Garden
    30 1 hour

    Orange Garden

    The Orange Garden, known locally as Giardino degli Aranci, is a public park on the Aventine Hill in Rome, Italy. It occupies a terrace with views across the city toward Saint Peter's Basilica.

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Rome
  69. San Giuliano park
    69 1 hour

    San Giuliano park

    San Giuliano Park, known locally as Parco San Giuliano, is a substantial green space in the Venice area.

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Venice

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·

Common questions

How long should a first trip to Italy be?

Ten to fourteen days can combine Milan, Venice, Florence, and Rome by high-speed train. Give Venice more than a transfer night and Rome several separate sightseeing days; rural Tuscany needs different transport planning from the rail-linked cities.

What entry documents are needed for Italy?

Italy is in the Schengen Area, but visa and passport requirements vary by nationality and route. Use Italy's official visa portal to confirm the applicable rule before travel rather than relying on another Schengen trip.

What is the best way to travel around Italy?

High-speed trains connect Milan, Venice, Florence, and Rome, with regional rail and coaches serving smaller places. Drivers must check ZTL restrictions before entering historic centres because access controls are local and can generate fines.

When is a practical time to visit Italy?

April to June and September to October broadly suit the north-to-Rome rail route. Lagoon conditions in Venice, summer heat in Rome, and seasonal rural services in Tuscany should be checked independently.

What money and payment basics apply in Italy?

Italy uses the euro (EUR). Carry a modest cash reserve for small purchases while using cards where accepted, and verify the euro amount at the terminal instead of accepting an unexamined conversion.

What practical safety details should I save for Italy?

Italy routes emergency calls through 112. Travellers encounter a 230 V supply and Type C, F, or L receptacles. No tap-water assessment is recorded for Italy; obtain current local advice at the destination.