First trip to Italy: 10 useful tips

Italy is not a country to visit in a short time. All Italian cities deserve a worthy and careful visit if you do not miss the suggestions and impressions that each view can offer you. Every corner has its own story to tell that you will hardly find in other countries.

The time you will spend in Italy will be an inestimable value that will lead you to experience out of the ordinary emotions thanks to its culture and history.

English is spoken fluently in major Italian cities; in towns, museums, bars and restaurants, it is customary to speak English, but it would be more appropriate to learn some phrases for your travel information in smaller cities.
Many Italian expressions are often untranslatable into other languages, which may come in handy. A case in point could be the expression "Boh", which means "I don't know", but is used by the whole population from the youngest to the oldest.

During the high season, the significant attractions are top-rated, don't miss one. Almost for all the major attractions, it is possible to book your visits, or you can rely on a tour operator.

Among the major attractions are the major Italian cities, but among the most important you can undoubtedly mark the Colosseum in Rome, the Pompeii and Herculaneum excavations in Naples, the Duomo of Milan and Florence, the basilica of San Marco in Venice, the Pisa's tower. These are just the tip of the iceberg of Italy's attractions you can visit.

Italy is also famous for coffee, you have to try it absolutely. It is a custom, a real ritual throughout the day. Coffee is always served espresso and also in disposable packaging on request.

Italian coffee is served in the form known as espresso abroad. You will hardly find other forms of coffee served in Italy except on explicit request.

Italy is the world homeland of fashion. In Italy, however, there is no default dress code, so you shouldn't worry too much. There is much freedom.

The only thing you need to keep in mind is that clothing is only essential in certain places. For example, if you visit religious sites, try not to wear skimpy clothes not to annoy any faithful or religious personnel.

Italian cuisine is famous worldwide, but what you try is highly different from genuine typical cuisine. If you come to Italy, you absolutely must try the local cuisine, and you will taste tastes that you have never tried.

You have to try a delicious dish of pasta with sauce or other toppings, pizza in all its variations and desserts of any kind such as Neapolitan sfogliatella or Sicilian cannoli.

In other countries the waiters bring you the bill when they think you have finished eating, in Italy, however, you have to ask for it. The custom is to raise your hand and pretend to write in the air to attract the waiter's attention who will understand your intentions.

The bill includes the "cover charge", the table service. In many cases, also the tip for the waiters, but this is not always the case. The price did not include the tip, and you are not obliged to leave it without being rude as in English-speaking countries; if, on the other hand, you wish to leave it, you can offer the amount you want to those who served you.

Tips for your first trip to Italy, but also more specific information about Italy, its cities and the thousands of things to do and see can come in handy at any time. That's why it can be very useful to download an app that allows you to always have this information with you.
ItalyWow, for example, is an app that, depending on your preferences, will offer you tips on things to do, restaurants where to eat and experiences not to be missed during your trip to Italy, but it will also show you the main shopping streets to make the best purchases, the facilities where you can do sports or physical well-being and the most spectacular events to enjoy.
In short, there are many things to do in Italy and on your first trip you won't know where to go and how to get around to enjoy them. Through an app like ItalyWow you can be sure to enjoy the perfect trip according to your tastes and needs.

Like many European cities, public transport goes practically everywhere and the landscapes you can enjoy are breathtaking, tracks that line the sea or pass by medieval villages. In Italy, remember to have a ticket and always validate it. Buses and subways take you around the historic centre of the cities, while taxis can be available in taxi areas or via telephone service.

Due to the global health emergency, due to Covid-19, even in Italy, there are rules to be respected to enjoy the beauty of its places and live its experiences. Everything can be done safely from the beach to the mountains passing through the tours by car or motorbike.

They are essential and standard rules almost throughout Europe, but they allow you to make your trip to Italy safe without losing any aspect of your first trip to the beautiful country.

One of the first things to know is that following the new regulations in Italy, it is mandatory to wear the FFP2 mask outdoors and indoors. The new rules state that those arriving in Italy must present a negative molecular swab carried out within 48 hours or a quick antigenic within 24 hours, together with a green pass for vaccination or recovery and a passenger locator form.