10 things to do before coming to Italy: everything you can plan in advance

Before we start with our list of tips, we would like to remind you that you are in the right place. On our portal, in fact, in addition to finding travel inspiration and useful information, you have a section completely dedicated to bookings. In this section you can choose where to stay or which attractions or experiences to book in advance. We recommend you take a look at it to better plan your Italian experience.

Italian is the official language of Italy and although many people speak English, learning some Italian words and phrases can make your trip more enjoyable, not to mention it's always satisfying to be able to interact with locals. Learning at least some basics of the Italian language can be helpful, both for ordering food at a restaurant and for asking for directions from passersby. Italians will also adore you if you try to communicate with some Italian words.

Italian cuisine is one of the most renowned in the world, but when you visit this country, it is important to pay attention to regional differences: in each one, you will eat completely differently, and although pasta takes the lead from South to 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 that offer local dishes, and menus, especially of typical osterias often include regional wines and cheeses.

Tips: check out our guides on where to eat best in Rome, Florence and Naples.

Italy is world famous for its cities of art, including Rome, Florence, Venice, Naples, Milan and Turin. Italy's great cities are all rich in history and each has its own artistic and cultural 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 always best to pay attention to schedules and queues, booking each museum in advance and setting up a practical itinerary. It is advisable to devote at least two to three days to each city so that you can visit at least the essentials at your leisure and thus savor the atmosphere. A city pass might be a good idea to visit Naples or Venice, for example. What do you think?

Not only cities of art, but Italian nature also offers many tourist attractions, 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, which deserves to be discovered. Some regions in particular such as Trentino Alto Adige, Abruzzo, Molise, Umbria, Valle d'Aosta or Sardinia have unique natural places, If you are planning a trip to Italy, it may be useful for you to know this, right?

If you visit a major Italian city, be prepared to do a lot of walking: it's true that you'll be using local transportation a lot, but Italy's historical, often pedestrian-friendly city centers are extensive, so prepare some comfortable shoes! A good alternative can be the bicycle, and now more and more Italians are using this means of transportation to get around the city and countryside. Taking a bike ride can be a pleasant way to discover the beauty of the country and keep fit at the same time. In many Italian cities you can book a vehicle in advance or even organized bike tours, which allow you to visit the main attractions with a guide. Amazing, right?

Italy is surrounded by sea, and taking a boat tour can be a pleasant way to discover Italy's coastal cities and nearby islands. In many cities there are organized boat tours, which allow you to see the cities from a different point of view, or you can rent a boat and explore hidden coves and beaches. On this aspect you are spoiled for choice!

Italy is most famous for its fine wines and historic wineries, which produce some of the world's most celebrated wines, such as Barolo, Chianti, Prosecco, Brunello di Montalcino and many others. Visiting Italian wine cellars can be a unique experience, allowing you to discover the secrets of wine production and taste some of the country's best wines. Many guided tours offer the opportunity to visit wineries, meet the producers and taste their wines, often accompanied by local cuisine. Don't let this opportunity pass you by!

So if you come to Italy, what do you do? You don't visit Italy's many historic wine cellars, osterias, agriturismi or even individual producers that will allow you to discover the secrets of wine production and taste some of the country's best food. In many Italian cities it is possible to go on food and wine tours where you can meet the producers and taste their wines, often accompanied by local dishes. Book them in advance, you won't regret it!

Before coming to Italy, be aware of the closing days of businesses (usually on Sundays) and plan in advance for everything you want to do. Many museums, restaurants, and shops have weekly closing days, so take note of them to avoid unnecessary disappointments. Also, keep in mind that in Italy there are many national holidays, many of which can affect the opening of shops and activities. Check the dates so you don't get stuck during your trip.

Italy is one of the leading countries in the fashion world, 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, which tell the story and evolution of Italian style over the years. Even shopping in Italian boutiques can be a stylish and elegant experience. Large and small Italian clothing brands will make you feel ready for the runway, try it to believe it!

If you are interested in fashion, here is all you need to know about Milan Fashion Week.

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

In both large and small cities, it is worthwhile to take a public transport season ticket, so that you can take both bus, metro and alternative transport such as funiculars or trams. The cost of such season tickets varies from city to city, but from Milan to Catania, the result is always affordable.

A more than valid alternative when it comes to public transport is to use a city card such as the Roma Card, or the Firenze Card: they include transport as well as other interesting activities. Choose to move in advance, so you won't have any stress!