Italy Travel Guide 2026
Explore Rome and Lazio through curated city guides — ancient sites, food neighbourhoods, and day-trip ideas.
Italy layers Etruscan roots, Roman engineering, Renaissance art, and modern design into everyday streets. From Roman forums and basilicas to hill towns and coastal villages, the country rewards slow travel, regional food, and repeat visits.
Browse by State / Region
Open a state to view covered cities and dive into categories and listings.
Best places to visit in Italy
Landmarks and regions many travellers build an itinerary around.
Colosseum & Roman Forum
Rome
Ancient amphitheatre and civic heart of the empire — book timed tickets and wear comfortable shoes.
Vatican City museums & St. Peter's
Rome
Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, vast art collections, and the monumental basilica square.
Tuscan hill towns & Chianti
Central Italy
Medieval skylines, cypress-lined roads, and wine country between Florence and Siena.
Venice canals & islands
Veneto
Grand Canal palazzi, vaporetto hops to Murano and Burano, and quieter sestieri at dawn.
Amalfi Coast & Capri
Campania
Cliffside drives, lemon groves, and boat days along one of the Mediterranean's most dramatic shores.
Food & cuisine in Italy
Flavours and dishes worth seeking out on the road.
Italian food is fiercely regional — Roman pastas, Neapolitan pizza, Ligurian pesto, and Sicilian sweets each tell a different story.
Must-try dishes
- Roman carbonara or cacio e pepe — egg or cheese pastas without cream
- Neapolitan pizza — soft cornicione, minimal toppings, blistered crust
- Risotto — northern rice dishes often finished with butter and cheese
- Gelato — milk-based flavours; look for seasonal fruit and modest display mounds
- Espresso culture — quick bar counter service and regional roast styles
Featured Cities in Italy
Start with popular city pages and explore curated categories.
Visa & entry — Italy
General information only. Rules differ by nationality, purpose of visit, and change often.
- Italy applies Schengen short-stay rules for tourists.
- Carry proof of onward travel and accommodation if asked at the border.
- Generally visa-free or exempt (short visits): Schengen short-stay rules — many nationalities visa-free for up to 90/180 days where eligible — typical stays are often capped (typically up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the schengen area (when eligible)).
- Electronic travel authorization / e-Visa (where eligible): ETIAS (when in effect for visa-exempt visitors — check eligibility)
- Other nationalities: Schengen visa generally required if you are not visa-exempt
Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or government website before traveling. See official source: vistoperitalia.esteri.it
Frequently asked questions
Common questions travellers ask about visiting Italy.
What is the best time to visit Italy?
April–June and September–October are popular for cities and countryside — mild weather and long days. July–August is hot and crowded on the coast; winter is quieter with shorter museum hours in some places.
Do I need a visa for Italy?
Schengen rules apply for short tourism — many nationalities are visa-free. Always confirm current requirements with official Italian/EU sources before travel.
How should I dress when visiting churches?
Major basilicas often require covered shoulders and knees; a light scarf and modest layers help year-round.
Is tap water safe in Italy?
Generally yes in cities; many locals drink filtered or bottled water for taste. Carry a refill bottle where fountains are marked safe.
Are trains reliable between cities?
High-speed Frecciarossa and Italo services connect major hubs frequently; book seats on busy routes. Regional trains are slower but scenic.