Italy

What Italy is known for

1. Legacy of RomeThe Colosseum in Rome is almost 2,000 years old and was the largest amphitheatre of the ancient world.
2. Birthplace of the RenaissanceLeonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Botticelli worked in Florence. The Uffizi still shows their art.
3. Pizza from NaplesThe art of the Neapolitan pizza maker has been UNESCO intangible cultural heritage since 2017.
4. Wine from every regionItaly is one of the world's largest wine producers, and wine is made in all 20 regions.
5. Espresso cultureThe espresso machine was patented in Turin in 1884. Locals drink it standing at the bar, which is cheaper than at a table.
6. Europe's highest volcanoMount Etna in Sicily is Europe's highest active volcano and erupts regularly.
7. Fashion and enginesMilan is one of the world's fashion capitals. Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati come from Emilia-Romagna.
8. A country inside a cityVatican City, the smallest state in the world, lies in the middle of Rome.

Before you go

• CurrencyEurocards almost everywhere, small bars prefer cash
• LanguageItalianGerman also spoken in South Tyrol
• PlugsType C, F, L230 V, UK and US travelers need an adapter
• Emergency112free, the same across Europe
• Time zoneCET6 hours ahead of New York, 1 hour ahead of London
• Tippingnot expecteda “coperto” (cover charge) is often on the bill, rounding up is common

Tips locals know

1. Old towns are car-free zonesAlmost every historic center is a ZTL (Zona a traffico limitato). Cameras log every car and the fine arrives months later. Park outside.
2. Cover shoulders and kneesSt Peter's and many churches turn visitors away otherwise. A light scarf in your bag is enough.
3. First Sunday of the monthMany state museums and archaeological sites are free that day, including the Colosseum and Pompeii. Expect crowds: arrive early.
4. Drink from the fountainsTap water is safe. Rome has more than 2,000 drinking fountains (“nasoni”): refill your bottle instead of buying one.
5. Validate your train ticketStamp paper tickets for regional trains at the machine on the platform before boarding. Online tickets without a fixed time need a check-in in the app.
6. Budget for the tourist taxMany cities charge a tourist tax per night (tassa di soggiorno). It is usually paid at the hotel and often not included in the booking price.
7. Mind the lunch breakSmall shops and some churches often close from about 1 to 4 pm, longer in the south. Museums and supermarkets usually stay open.
8. Cappuccino is for morningsItalians drink milky coffee at breakfast. After a meal, just order “un caffè”, an espresso.
9. Motorways have tollsTake a ticket at the entrance and pay by cash or card at the exit. Avoid the yellow Telepass lane.

✓ Facts checked · 2026-11-02