10 Things to Do Before Going to Italy

10. Learn basic Italian

Italian is the official language of Italy and although many people speak English, learning a few Italian words and phrases can make your trip more enjoyable, not to mention being able to interact with the locals is always a pleasure. Learning at least some basic Italian can be useful, both when ordering food in restaurants and when asking passersby for directions. Italians will also admire you if you make an effort to communicate in a few words of Italian.

9. Learn about regional Italian cuisine

Italian cuisine is one of the most famous in the world , but when visiting the country, you need to pay attention to the differences between regions: in each place, you will have a completely different way of eating, and although pasta leads from the South to the North, you will find unique flavors in each place; so pay attention to where you are. Of course, Italian specialties include pizza, pasta, gelato and coffee. Every Italian city has restaurants serving local dishes and menus, especially typical dishes that often include regional wines and cheeses.

Tip: check out our guides to the best places to eat in Rome , Florence and Naples .

8. Better plan your visits to art cities and their museums

Italy is world-famous for its art cities, including Rome, Florence, Venice, Naples, Milan and Turin. Italy's major cities are all steeped in history, and each has its own cultural and artistic heritage, with monuments, museums, churches and squares that tell the country's history. If you are a lover of art and exhibitions in general, it is best to pay attention to schedules and queues, book each museum in advance and create a realistic itinerary. It is recommended that you spend at least two to three days in each city so that you can see at least the essentials at your leisure and thus enjoy the atmosphere. For example, a city card might be a good idea to visit Naples or Venice. What do you think?

7. Plan a nature or national park visit

Not only the cities of art , but also the nature of Italy offers many attractive tourist destinations, such as the Italian Alps, the islands of Sardinia and Sicily, the beaches of the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian coasts, national parks and lakes. Italy is a country rich in natural beauty, worthy of being explored. Some special regions such as Trentino Alto Adige, Abruzzo, Molise, Umbria, Valle d'Aosta or Sardinia have unique natural sites. If you are planning a trip to Italy, you probably know this, right?

6. Prepare to walk or cycle a lot

If you visit a major Italian city, be prepared to do a lot of walking: yes, you will be using local transport a lot, but Italy's historic, often pedestrian-friendly city centres are spacious, so pack some comfortable shoes! A good alternative might be cycling, and more and more Italians are now using this mode of transport to get around the city and the countryside. Cycling can be a fun way to explore the country's beauty and stay fit at the same time. In many Italian cities, you can book a bike in advance or even organize cycling tours, which allow you to visit the main attractions with a guide. Great, right?

5. Book a cruise or small boat tour

Italy is surrounded by sea and taking a boat tour can be a fun way to explore Italy’s coastal cities and surrounding islands. Many cities offer boat tours that allow you to see the cities from a different perspective or you can rent a boat and explore hidden coves and beaches. You’re spoilt for choice in this regard!

4. Be careful in choosing wine cellars and booking wine and food tours

Italy is best known for its fine wines and historic wineries, which produce some of the most famous wines in the world, such as Barolo, Chianti, Prosecco, Brunello di Montalcino and many others. Visiting Italy’s wine cellars can be a unique experience, allowing you to discover the secrets of winemaking and sample some of the country’s finest wines. Many guided tours offer the opportunity to visit wineries, meet the producers and sample their wines, often accompanied by local cuisine. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! So what do you do when you come to Italy? You don’t want to miss visiting Italy’s many historic wine cellars, osterias, agriturismi or even individual producers, which will allow you to discover the secrets of winemaking and sample some of the country’s finest cuisine. In many Italian cities, you can take food and wine tours where you can meet producers and taste their wines, often accompanied by local dishes. Book them in advance, you won't regret it!

3. Check national holidays and note closing dates

Before you arrive in Italy, be aware of business closures (usually on Sundays) and plan ahead for everything you want to do. Many museums, restaurants, and shops have weekly closures, so be aware of them to avoid unnecessary disappointment. Also, keep in mind that Italy has many national holidays, many of which may affect store openings and activities. Check the dates so you don’t run into any problems during your trip.

2. Explore the world of Italian fashion and style

Italy is one of the leading countries in the world of fashion, and its cities host fashion shows by the biggest designers and most famous fashion houses in the world. In cities like Milan and Florence, there are also museums dedicated to fashion and design that tell the story and evolution of Italian style over the years. Even shopping in Italian fashion stores can be a stylish and elegant experience. Italian clothing brands big and small will make you feel runway-ready, try it to believe it!

1. Plan all public transport trips in advance

Last but not least: plan all your public transport trips in advance. You will save time and money!

In both large and small cities, you should buy a public transport season ticket, which allows you to use both buses, the metro and alternative modes such as the funicular or tram. The cost of such a season ticket varies from city to city, but from Milan to Catania, the results are always affordable.

A more valid alternative when it comes to public transport is to use a city card like the Roma Card or the Firenze Card: they cover transport as well as other fun activities. Choose your travel in advance, so you won't be stressed!

According to visititaly.eu