
Italy Travel Tips: What I Wish I'd Known
I've been to Italy six times and I've made every mistake possible. I've queued for the Colosseum in August heat, eaten at restaurants with pictures on the menu, ordered cappuccino after dinner, and tried to see five cities in five days. Here's what I wish I'd known before the first trip.

1. Book Trains 2-3 Months Ahead
Italian high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Italo) have dynamic pricing. A Rome-Florence ticket is €19 if booked 3 months ahead, €65 on the day. Book on italotreno.it or trenitalia.com. Regional trains have fixed prices — no need to book ahead.
2. Never Eat Near a Major Sight
Restaurants within 500 meters of the Colosseum, the Duomo, or the Trevi Fountain charge double for half the quality. Walk 10 minutes away. If the menu is handwritten in Italian, sit down. If it's printed in five languages with photos, walk away.
3. No Cappuccino After 11 AM
Italians drink cappuccino only in the morning. After 11 AM, it's espresso. Ordering cappuccino after dinner marks you as a tourist. An espresso at the bar costs €1. Sit at a table and it's €4.

4. Carry Cash
Many trattorias, gelaterias, and small hotels don't take cards. ATMs are everywhere but run dry in small towns. Always have €100-200 in cash.
5. Book Major Attractions Ahead
The Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Borghese Gallery, Uffizi, and Accademia all require timed entry and sell out in high season. Book 2-3 weeks ahead through official websites, not third-party sellers.
6. August Is Wrong
August in Italy is 35-40°C, crowded, and many Romans leave the city — restaurants close. Go in May-June or September-October instead. 25°C, fewer crowds, lower prices.

7. Don't Try to See Everything
Three cities in 10 days. Not five. Italy rewards slow travel — sitting in a piazza, eating a long lunch, walking at dusk. You can't see it all. Come back.
8. Validate Regional Train Tickets
Regional train tickets must be stamped in the green machine on the platform before boarding. If you don't, the fine is €50. High-speed tickets don't need this.
9. Eat Lunch at 1 PM, Dinner at 8 PM
Italian restaurants close between lunch and dinner (3:30-7:30 PM). If you want to eat at 6 PM, you'll get a sandwich from a bar. Adapt to the Italian schedule.
10. The South Is Cheaper Than the North
Rome and Florence are expensive. Naples, Puglia, and Sicily are half the price — hotels €50-70, meals €10-15, and the food is better. The south is where real Italian cooking happens.