We were lucky enough to explore Italy in the summer of 2023. Here are some tips and tricks that we learned along the way.
1. Prepare to eat all the food
One of the most exciting things about Italy is eating the food. The fresh pasta and brick oven pizza is to die for! And eating is genuinely part of the culture.
But, before you go to eat, ensure you are away from the tourist locations. Often, these restaurants are overpriced and not as tasty. Instead, walk a few streets away to find a more authentic and enjoyable dining experience.
It is true that tiramisu and gelato will never taste as good as it does in Italy, so eat as much as you can!
Here are a few of our favorite food stops:
2. Wear the best walking shoes you have!
There will be lots of walking in Rome. Even if you take public transit, you will still walk a ton!! We averaged about 20,000 steps daily (more room for gelatos!), so a good set of shoes is necessary.
Also, you want to walk around! You get a different perspective of the town, allowing you to see the stunning architecture and colorful buildings up close. So, be sure to wear comfortable shoes that will keep your feet happy throughout the trip. While opting for stylish footwear is tempting, the priority should be comfort.
I know we are all trying to look stylish on our trips, but I promise not having aching feet will make the trip one hundred times better.
I brought a pair of stylish casual shoes and wore them when we went to close places from our Airbnb and knew we needed to walk farther. You could put them in your day bag and pull them out for pictures if you are dedicated!
3. Stay in a not-so-touristy area
We stayed in the Trastevere Neighborhood. Trastevere is a charming and historic neighborhood located on the west bank of the Tiber River in Rome. Trastevere is known for its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and lively atmosphere. It’s a popular destination for locals and tourists, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops to explore.
By staying here, you’ll feel like you’re part of a true Italian community. We could walk down completely empty streets and be steps away from restaurants, bars, and public transportation. Our Airbnb made this trip very memorable.
4. Skip the line by booking with a group tour
Since we visited Rome in the prime summer months, the lines for the big sights were extremely long, and I am talking like two-hour-long waits.
You can easily skip these lines by paying for a guided tour. We took guided tours of the Colosseum and the Vatican City, and we greatly enjoyed the tours!! We got to skip the line and get a better understanding of the places we went with our expert guides.
I recommend booking these tours in the U.S. Once you are out of the U.S., the prices for the tours increase. Also, be mindful of the start times of your tours. Starting a tour at 11:00 am in the summer is not the best idea! Instead, opt for an early morning or later evening time.
5. Take a day trip using the trains
We took a day trip to Florence using Trenitalia. Trenitalia is the primary train operator in Italy, and the train allows you to see so many different parts of Italy for a fairly reasonable price.
Many companies offer day trip excursions from Rome, but it was nice to set our own pace and do everything we wanted to do. It was cheaper, too, so that is another win!
We loved how easy it was to navigate the train system and visit a new city for the day. The trains that we rode in were very comfortable as well.
Be sure to book your tickets in advance and get to the station early so you have plenty of time to find your way around and catch your train. And remember to pack light so you can move around easily and comfortably. Lastly, it’s a good idea to plan your itinerary for the day to make the most of your time and have fun exploring your destination.
6. Explore in the early mornings or late, late nights
Some of our favorite times were seeing the Trevi Fountain late at night and the Spanish steps early in the morning.
Going later in the night allows the crowds to die down and all the buildings, statues, and fountains to light up! It gives a magical feel, seeing them lit up in the night.
Nothing is more serene than walking around Rome in the early morning hours, and the glow from the sunrise gives everything a striking look.
Seeing the famous sites practically empty gives you a new appreciation for them. Just look at the difference between the Parthenon in the early morning to mid-afternoon. They do not compare!
7. Bring your water bottle!
I love all the free water in Italy!!!! It is amazing. Be sure to bring a water bottle with you that you can refill. Italy has what seems like hundreds of fountains throughout the city.
The water was always cold and refreshing, and we often refilled our bottles right before dinner so we wouldn’t need to pay for it!
You can download this app to help you find fountains throughout the city too!
8. Cover yourself when visiting Holy places
Remember to wear respectful attire if you plan to visit any of the Holy sites. Respectful attire means no shoulders or knees showing!
These holy places typically have people selling long skits or shalls for people outside of the area, but save yourself some chase for extra gelato by being prepared.
9. Visit in the off-season to avoid the crowds
We loved our time in Italy, don’t get me wrong. But, going in peak summertime means there will be many people everywhere you go.
If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting Italy in the off-season or shoulder months. This allows you to experience the country with fewer tourists and more opportunities to explore at your own pace.
The shoulder months are considered April, May, September, and October. The off-season months are January and February.
Book the ticket!
Our final tip is to book the ticket!! Italy will never disappoint, and we cannot wait to revisit this beautiful country!!
So do it. Book the ticket and have an adventure!
