Rome rewards a slow approach. Start early at the Colosseum and Roman Forum before the heat and the queues, then wander to the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps through the tangle of cobbled lanes.
Set aside a separate day for Vatican City — St Peter Basilica and the Sistine Chapel deserve a fresh morning. Book major sites online in advance to skip the longest lines.
Between the monuments, Rome is about food and people-watching: an espresso standing at the bar, a plate of cacio e pepe, and gelato on a warm evening in Trastevere.
📌 Practical info
| 💶 Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| 🗣️ Language | Italian |
| 🛂 Visa | EU member — passport-free for EU/EEA |
| 🕐 Time zone | CET (UTC+1) |
| 🔌 Power plug | Type C/F/L, 230V |
❓ Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Italy?
April-June and September-October — warm but not crowded. May for Tuscan countryside, October for Italian Lakes. July-August: very hot and crowded (especially Rome, Florence, Venice). Avoid August 15 (Ferragosto) when Italians vacation en masse.
Do I need a visa for Italy?
EU citizens — no. Schengen rules for non-EU (90 days in 180-day period). UK/US/Canada/Australia/NZ: visa-free 90 days.
Is Italy expensive?
Varies by region. Rome/Venice/Milan premium (€100-200/day). Southern Italy (Naples, Puglia, Sicily) much more affordable (€50-80/day). Tuscany mid-range.
Should I rent a car in Italy?
Not for city visits (Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan are ZTL-restricted). Yes for Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Puglia, Sicily — countryside is best by car.