Tips to make your first trip to Italy go smoothly

 Tips to make your Italy trip stress free

There’s a first time to everything, sometimes, it’s good, and sometimes, it’s bad. I’m talking “stuck in the middle of the canals of Venice while the Polizia asks for your passport but you don’t have it on you” bad. So to avoid such accidental detainments, here are some tips for your first trip to Italy that I wish someone had told me before I went to La Dolce Vita and came back having been stranded in the city on various different occasions, it was a whole thing, don’t ask.

Be prepared.

General:

• Carry your passport at all times.
• It’s normal for hotels to charge you a tourist tax which you have to pay in cash at checkout.
• Carry 0.50 cents to 1 euro coins to use public bathrooms. You can use a restaurant/cafe/store bathroom, but it’s advised to buy something from the establishment as a thanks.
• Like everywhere in Europe, shoulders and knees must be covered in churches.
• Pre-Booking throughout your trip, be it transport, for visiting monuments, or for recreational activities, is going to make your trip go much smoother.
• Pre-book all train travel between cities.
• Train travel: 1. Platform listed 20 min before arrival. 2. Look for the train number NOT destination. 3. You’ll only have minutes to get off the train.
• If you buy your transport tickets at a kiosk– you MUST validate before boarding to avoid huge fines. This includes Metro, bus and vaporetto tickets in Venice. How to Validate? Use a validation machine at the station or check in online. If you’ve booked your train ticket online, show your PNR to the conductor.

 Milan:

• Last Supper tickets: Grab ’em 30 days in advance!
• Duomo rooftop: Take the lift up, but be ready to walk down 6-7 flights. Your legs will thank you later.
• Insider tip: Check out the nearby Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for shopping and stunning architecture.

Cinque Terre:

• Stay overnight in Cinque Terre: Beat the day trippers and soak up the sunset vibes.
• Train pass: Book your CT train pass online to skip the long queues.
• Insider Tip: Hike the trails for epic views. The path between Monterosso and Vernazza is a must-do.

Florence:

• Accademia (Statue of David): Snag those tickets online ahead of time—early morning is the way to go for fewer crowds!
• Insider Tip: Don’t miss the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo. It’s a stunning view of the city!

Rome:

• Taxis: Hit up the official taxi line (look for the big orange sign) for an easy ride.
• Colosseum tickets: Official tickets go live 30 days before your visit via CoopCulture. Set that alarm! Want an 8:30 am slot? Book it earlier than noon tickets.
• Vatican tickets: Book through the official site for early morning VIP access—way fewer crowds!
• Trevi Fountain: Best views from the 2nd floor of the Benetton store. Snap a pic!
• Insider Tip: Try to catch a sunset at the Roman Forum for a magical atmosphere. 

Venice:

• Water taxi: Fast but pricey (€100+ each way).
• Vaporetto: Slow and cheap (€9.50 one way) — perfect for taking in the sights.
• Gondola ride: €80 for 30 minutes for up to five peeps. It’s a classic experience!
• Insider Tip: Get lost in the alleys! Some of the best spots are off the beaten path—like hidden squares and local artisan shops.

Safety:

Honestly, tips for safety in Italy requires its own feature so I’m only going to mention the most important ones:

• Always carry your purse where you can see it at all times.
• Beware of scams in tourist places where they convince you to give up large amounts of money.
• Avoid carrying all valuables in one place. Stash some in a safe place before leaving for the day’s activities.

Apps to Download:

• Download the texting app Whatsapp for transport and accommodation updates.
• Download a train app: Use Trenitalia or Italo. Trenitalia is for buying train tickets, checking train status, and tracking journeys.
• Download Uber and FreeNow! app for taxis.
• Download digital wallets like PayPal or Italy-exclusive Satispay.