Planning your first trip to Italy? Whether you're dreaming of the Colosseum or the canals of Venice, preparing in advance can save you from common travel pitfalls. As someone who just spent 10 days exploring Rome, Venice, and Florence, I’ve learned some valuable lessons. Here are 10 things I wish I knew before I went!
1. Be Ready for Construction: The Catholic Jubilee is Coming
If you're traveling to Italy in 2024, expect a lot of scaffolding. Many iconic landmarks are under restoration ahead of the Catholic Jubilee in 2025. While the Trevi Fountain is fully restored, many other landmarks, both indoors and out, are covered in scaffolding. This could impact your photography and overall experience.
2. Free Water in Rome Is a Lifesaver
Contrary to some reports, free drinking water is abundant in Rome. There are water fountains nearly everywhere, allowing you to fill your water bottle on the go. Save your euros for other things, and stay hydrated without constantly buying bottled water.
3. Vatican Dress Codes Are More Relaxed Than You Think
While modest clothing is encouraged at the Vatican, don’t stress too much. Covering your shoulders is a must, but I saw many people wearing shorts, skirts, and even crop tops. It’s still better to err on the side of caution—just keep a scarf handy for churches and religious sites.
4. Pickpocketing Isn’t a Huge Concern
While many travel blogs stress the danger of pickpocketing in Italy, it’s mostly about being aware of your surroundings. Keep your bag close in crowded places, but it’s not as rampant as some say. Think of it like navigating any major city—common sense goes a long way.
5. Wear What You Want – Even Shorts!
Despite common advice suggesting otherwise, many locals wear shorts and short skirts, especially in the summer heat. As a person of color, I felt fine wearing what I wanted, and I saw plenty of Italians doing the same. What matters more than clothing is avoiding looking like a stereotypical tourist (think Hawaiian shirts and fanny packs).
6. Racism Wasn’t an Issue
While everyone’s experience varies, I didn’t encounter much racism in Italy. Traveling with my partner, a tattooed man, may have contributed to people keeping their distance. It’s good to be prepared, but I found Italy to be generally welcoming.
7. Travel Light: Avoid Roller Suitcases
Italy’s famous cobblestone streets are not friendly to roller suitcases. My partner and I traveled with duffle bags and backpacks, which made navigating stairs and streets a breeze. Plus, traveling light allowed us to blend in more with the locals and avoid the tourist struggle of lugging heavy bags around.
8. High-Speed Train Tickets Don’t Need Validation
Worried about validating your train ticket? Don’t be! If you're traveling on Italy’s high-speed trains (like Trenitalia or Italo), your digital ticket is all you need. No need to waste time validating it at the station.
9. Beat the Crowds by Starting Early
Italy’s major attractions get crowded quickly, but if you start your day early, you can enjoy places like the Trevi Fountain and Colosseum without the overwhelming crowds. I found that exploring early in the morning, then relaxing in the afternoon, made for a much more enjoyable trip.
10. Embrace the Tourist Attractions
Don’t shy away from doing the “touristy” things, especially on your first trip. Famous landmarks like the Colosseum and Vatican are iconic for a reason. Visit them early to avoid the crowds, and you’ll have plenty of time later to discover off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Conclusion
Traveling to Italy for the first time is a magical experience, but it helps to know what to expect. By keeping these 10 tips in mind, you can navigate construction zones, stay hydrated, travel light, and enjoy both the tourist hotspots and local gems. Whether it’s your first visit or you plan to return, Italy will always have something new to offer.
Start planning your trip now, and embrace the adventure!
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