8 conseils pratiques pour votre voyage en Italie

Are you going on a trip to Italy soon and want to make sure you are well prepared? In this blog I tell you 8 practical tips about Italy for your vacation to l'Italie that can help you!

1. Water fountains

In many cities in Italy, such as Rome, you can find fresh drinking water for free everywhere at public “fontanelles” (small drinking fountains). If you bring a water bottle, you can fill it at these points which saves you money!

2. Italian siesta

In many parts of Italy, especially in some smaller towns and villages, siesta or riposo is held. This is when stores and businesses close between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to avoid the heat of the afternoon. This is especially common in the south of Italy. Supermarkets and large stores do stay open, but local stores and eateries may be closed.

3. Basic Italian words

English is well spoken in Italy, but it is always helpful if you can speak some words in Italian. Some examples are ‘Buongiorno’ (good morning), ‘grazie’ (thank you) and ‘per favore’ (please). You can also always use ‘Deepl’ as a translator if you are going to be in places where English is not spoken.

4. ZTL zones (Zone a Traffico Limitato)

A number of Italian cities have ZTL zones, which means that little traffic is allowed to pass through them. Only permit holders and residents are allowed to drive here, and it is easy to drive here by mistake and get fined. Pay close attention to the signs and use navigation apps that show these zones and warn you about them.

5. Parking

Parking in Italian cities is often expensive and if you park incorrectly you can be fined or have your car towed away. Cities have different parking zones: ‘blue lines’ means paid parking, ‘yellow lines’ is reserved for permit holders and ‘white lines’ means free parking. The best thing to do is to park your car outside the city center and use public transportation to explore the city.

6. Buy and validate tickets in advance

Public transportation in Italy is fast and cheap and especially in major cities, such as Rome and Milan. Be sure to buy a ticket before boarding, as you cannot buy tickets on board. You can buy tickets at tobacco stores (with a T sign), vending machines and kiosks where newspapers are sold. Your tickets must be validated in advance in the machine before using public transportation. Strict checks are made and fines can be high if your ticket is not validated.

7. Coperto

In Italian restaurants, it is common to be charged a “coperto” (the cost of a set table). This is not considered a tip, but this is a set amount per person that appears on the bill. This can range from 1 euro to 4 euros per person.

8. Avoid eateries near tourist spots

Italian food is a delicious cuisine, but at tourist spots like the Duomo in Florence or the Trevi Fountain in Rome, you often pay a lot of money for not-so-good food. A handy tip for good food is to avoid the eateries where there is a big sign with pictures of the dishes on it. These are places for tourists and you can’t eat authentic Italian food there. You are better off walking a few streets away or using Google Maps to find tasty authentic restaurants.

With these practical tips about Italy, you will be well prepared for your trip! Do you happen to be going to Rome during your trip? Then book the SmartWalk Rome for a super fun walking tour where you’ll learn all about the city, get hidden gems and much more! You can walk the tour at your own pace and can take breaks whenever you want.