First-time travelers often dream of the perfect Italian getaway – sipping espresso in Rome’s charming piazzas, wandering through Tuscan vineyards, or gliding along Venice’s historic canals.
Yet even seasoned travelers can find their Italian dreams dampened by common planning mishaps.
From overlooking crucial cultural differences to misunderstanding local schedules, simple mistakes can transform your dream vacation into a series of frustrating experiences.
Read on to discover 17 critical mistakes to avoid during your Italy trip planning.
Avoid These Mistakes: What to Know Before Traveling to Italy
Ready to make your Italian dream vacation a reality? Discover the 17 most important mistakes to avoid when planning your trip to Italy.
Mistake 1: Visiting in July and August (Busiest Months)
Among the key things to know before traveling to Italy, avoiding peak summer months – especially July and August – should be a top priority.
These months bring a double challenge: suffocating heat and overwhelming crowds.
Instead, plan your visit during the shoulder seasons – May, June, September, or October.
You’ll enjoy pleasant temperatures, open businesses, shorter queues, and more authentic local experiences.
Find the best warm-weather destinations to visit in Italy in spring here.
Mistake 2: Skip Pre-booking Popular Museums
What to know when traveling to Italy: spontaneity is charming but can be costly when it comes to major attractions.
The Vatican Museums and Uffizi Gallery often have wait times of 3-4 hours during peak season if you haven’t booked in advance.
Even worse, you might find yourself completely unable to enter as time slots fill up days or weeks ahead.
Smart travelers book these major sites at least two weeks in advance, choosing early morning or late afternoon slots to avoid the largest crowds.
Mistake 3: Booking Accommodation Far from City Centers
Booking accommodation on the outskirts of Italian cities might seem like a savvy way to save money, but this seemingly budget-friendly decision often backfires.
Transportation costs and time lost commuting can quickly exceed any savings on lodging.
For instance, in Rome, staying near Termini Station or in residential areas like Prati offers both reasonable prices and easy access to major sites.
Consider that taxi fares add up quickly, and public transportation might not run late at night.
Instead, look for small, family-run hotels or B&Bs in central neighborhoods – they often offer better value than large chain hotels and provide a more authentic experience.
Mistake 4: Renting a Car in Major Cities
Things to know about traveling to Italy: renting a car in major Italian cities is a recipe for stress and expensive fines.
The notorious ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones) are a maze of restricted areas that even experienced locals find challenging.
These zones are monitored by cameras, and violations can result in multiple fines of €100 or more arriving months after your return home.
Parking is another nightmare, with few spaces available and steep garage fees often exceeding €30 per day.
Instead, rely on efficient public transportation within cities and save car rentals for exploring the countryside and small towns where public transport is less frequent.
Mistake 5: Expectation to Eat Dinner Before 7pm
One of the most jarring cultural adjustments for many visitors is Italy’s late dining schedule.
Attempting to find dinner before 7:00 PM often leads to empty restaurants or, worse, tourist traps that cater to early eaters with mediocre food.
Italians typically eat dinner between 8:00 and 9:30 PM, and the best local restaurants align their service with these hours.
Instead of fighting this cultural norm, embrace it! Use the pre-dinner hours for the traditional aperitivo (happy hour), where you can enjoy drinks and light snacks while people-watching in beautiful piazzas.
Mistake 6: Not Packing Clothes To Match the Strict Church Dress Code
Things to know before travelling to Italy: proper attire for churches is non-negotiable.
Many visitors learn this the hard way when they’re denied entry to St. Peter’s Basilica or other magnificent churches on hot summer days.
The rules are strict: no bare shoulders, no shorts above the knee, and no miniskirts.
Rather than missing out, pack a light scarf or shawl to cover shoulders, and opt for longer shorts or skirts.
Mistake 7: Forgetting About Riposo (or Siesta)
The midday closure known as riposo (or siesta) catches many visitors off guard. Between roughly 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM, many shops, museums, and even some restaurants close their doors.
This isn’t just a quaint tradition but a deeply ingrained part of Italian culture, especially in smaller towns and during warmer months.
Use these hours for museum visits (major museums usually stay open), or rest at your hotel.
Mistake 8: Visiting Popular Destinations Only
The allure of iconic destinations like Rome, Florence, and Venice is undeniable, but limiting yourself to these tourist hotspots means missing Italy’s authentic heart.
Consider splitting your time between major cities and hidden gems.
These alternatives often provide more authentic experiences, better value, and opportunities to interact with locals rather than fellow tourists.
Helpful Posts:
- Best Hidden Gems in Italy to See
- Most Magical Places in Italy to See
- Best Natural Wonders in Italy to See
Mistake 9: Assuming All Accommodations Have a Lift
Historic buildings in Italy, particularly in city centers, often operate under strict preservation laws that prohibit major structural modifications.
While these buildings offer unparalleled charm and character, they might require climbing several flights of stairs.
When booking, always check specifically about elevator availability, especially if you’re traveling with heavy luggage or have mobility concerns.
Mistake 10: Trying to Purchase Last-Minute Train Tickets
Attempting to buy train tickets just before departure for popular routes like Rome to Florence or Milan to Venice can leave you stranded or paying premium prices.
High-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Italo) often sell out days in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Book tickets at least a few days ahead through Trenitalia’s website or app to secure the best fares – prices typically increase closer to the departure date.
Mistake 11: Not Hiring a Car at All
While renting a car in cities is problematic, not renting one at all can mean missing out on Italy’s most incredible experiences.
The countryside, especially in regions like Tuscany, Umbria, and Piedmont, is best explored by car.
Hidden hilltop towns, family-run wineries, and scenic drives through cypress-lined roads are often inaccessible by public transport.
Consider renting a car for portions of your trip specifically dedicated to rural exploration.
Mistake 12: Only Visiting Italy During the Summer
Summer travel to Italy comes with crowds, high prices, and sweltering temperatures that can make sightseeing uncomfortable.
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer ideal conditions with mild weather, fewer tourists, and better prices.
Winter visits have their own charm – imagine Venice during Carnival, Rome’s Christmas markets, or skiing in the Dolomites.
Each season presents unique festivals, foods, and experiences: spring brings Easter celebrations and wildflower blooms in Tuscany, while fall offers wine harvests, truffle hunting, and pleasant temperatures for exploring.
By considering off-season travel, you’ll discover a different side of Italy while enjoying more authentic experiences and significant savings.
Mistake 13: Not Booking Skip-the-Line Tickets During Peak Season
Popular attractions like the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Duomo in Florence can have wait times exceeding four hours during peak season.
Skip-the-line tickets typically cost only €5-15 more than standard admission but can save half a day of queuing.
Book these priority tickets as soon as you confirm your travel dates, as even fast-track slots can sell out weeks in advance.
Mistake 14: Planning Coastal or Lake Trips in Winter
Planning a winter escape to the Amalfi Coast, Lake Como or Italian Riviera might seem romantic, but you’ll find many coastal and lake towns essentially hibernating.
It might be hard to find open hotels, restaurants and beach clubs during the winter months. Ferry services operate on severely reduced schedules or close entirely from November through March.
If you must visit during winter, focus on larger coastal cities like Naples or Sorrento, which maintain regular services year-round.
Mistake 15: Overpacked Itinerary
Perhaps the most common mistake travelers make is trying to cram too many destinations into too little time.
Racing through Venice, Florence, and Rome in five days might seem doable on paper, but you’ll spend more time on trains than actually experiencing these magnificent cities.
Each major Italian city deserves at least three full days to appreciate its art, architecture, food, and atmosphere.
Instead of attempting to see everything, choose fewer destinations and explore them deeply.
Mistake 16: Overlooking Essential Italian Etiquette
Simple etiquette mistakes can quickly mark you as a tourist in Italy.
Save the cappuccinos for breakfast – ordering one after 11:00 AM or with dinner is a faux pas.
Traditional Italian pizza comes unsliced and can be eaten with utensils or folded by hand.
Finally, avoid eating while walking – Italians prefer to enjoy their meals seated, whether at a restaurant or on a park bench.
Mistake 17: Misunderstanding Italian Tipping Culture
Unlike the US, tipping isn’t mandatory in Italy since service workers receive living wages.
Most restaurants include a “coperto” (cover charge) or “servizio incluso” (service included); otherwise, rounding up or leaving 5-10% for exceptional service is fine.
For taxis, just round up to the nearest euro. In hotels, €1-2 for porters per bag or housekeeping per day is plenty, while tour guides appreciate €5-10 per person for a half-day tour.
Final Thoughts on Things to Know about Traveling to Italy
Your dream Italian vacation awaits, and now you’re equipped with essential knowledge to avoid common pitfalls that could detract from your experience.
Ready to start planning your Italian adventure? Dive deeper into our Italy travel tips and comprehensive guides:
- How to Plan Your First Italy Trip: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Why Is Italy So Popular? Unveiling the Magic Behind the World’s Most Beloved Destination
- Top 100 Tourist Attractions in Italy Worth Seeing: From Iconic Landmarks to Hidden Treasures
- What Food Is Italy Known For? A Mouthwatering Guide to Italian Cuisine
- Things Tourists Should Never do in Italy
Don’t just dream about Italy – start planning your perfectly crafted Italian journey today. Your authentic Italian experience is waiting to unfold!
