Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Routine vaccinations are usually sufficient for Italy. Ensure you’re up-to-date on:
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis- Polio- Varicella (chickenpox)- Yearly flu shotConsider Hepatitis A if you’re planning to explore rural areas or try street food. Hepatitis B is recommended if you might have close contact with locals or travel extensively. No special vaccines are required otherwise. Always check with a healthcare provider.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Italy, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for ItalyCulture & Customs
Dress modestly when visiting churches; cover shoulders and knees. Italians appreciate punctuality less than some cultures, so expect flexible start times. Use both hands to gesture, but avoid the ”OK” hand sign, as it’s considered rude. Always greet with a ”buongiorno” or ”buonasera” when entering shops. Avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics or religion unless you’re familiar with the locals. LGBTQ+ travelers generally find Italy welcoming, but public displays of affection might attract attention in smaller towns. Women should be aware that some men may be more forward than expected; a firm ”no” usually suffices. Always try to speak a little Italian—locals appreciate the effort.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Italy.
- Pizza Margherita: Originating from Naples, this classic pizza features a thin crust topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. It’s simple but showcases the quality of Italian ingredients.
- Risotto alla Milanese: A creamy rice dish from Milan, made with arborio rice, saffron, and plenty of butter and cheese. It’s a luxurious staple of northern Italian cuisine.
- Lasagna: Layers of pasta, meat sauce, béchamel, and cheese baked to perfection. This hearty dish is a Sunday favorite in many Italian homes, especially in Emilia-Romagna.
- Osso Buco: A specialty from Lombardy, this dish consists of braised veal shanks cooked with white wine and broth. It’s often served with a side of risotto or polenta.
- Gelato: Italy’s take on ice cream, made with milk, sugar, and various flavorings. It’s denser and more flavorful than regular ice cream, making it a must-try for dessert lovers.
- Carbonara: A Roman pasta dish made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and pepper. It’s a comforting and rich meal that highlights the simplicity and flavor of Italian cooking.
Yes, tap water in Italy is generally safe to drink, and locals often do. However, in older buildings or remote areas, pipes might affect water quality, so using bottled or filtered water is a safe bet. If you’re unsure, ask locals or check for signs near taps.
The main language in Italy is
Italian. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Italian skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Italy includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Italy,
English proficiency varies significantly by region and demographic. Major tourist destinations like Rome, Florence, and Venice typically have a higher concentration of English speakers, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and shops catering to tourists. Younger Italians and those in urban areas are generally more fluent in English, often due to education and exposure to global media.
However, in rural areas or smaller towns, English may be less commonly spoken, and locals might have limited proficiency. It’s advisable for travelers to learn a few basic Italian phrases, as this can enhance interactions and show respect for the local culture.
While many Italians are eager to help and communicate, relying solely on English in less touristy areas may lead to challenges. Overall, while English is widely understood in tourist hotspots, having some Italian phrases at your disposal can enrich your travel experience.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Italy is EUR (€).
Traveling in Italy? Here’s the lowdown on handling money:
ATMs: They’re all over the place, especially in cities and larger towns. Look for ”Bancomat” signs. Stick to ATMs attached to banks for better security and fees.
Cash: Carry some euros for small purchases like coffee or gelato. Many places prefer small notes, so avoid anything over €50 if you can.
Dollars or Euros: Euros are king here. Don’t bother with dollars; you’ll get hit with bad exchange rates if you try to use or exchange them.
Card Acceptance: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but small shops, especially outside big cities, might be cash-only. Always ask before you buy.
Exchanging Money: Use ATMs for the best rates. Currency exchange offices in tourist spots tend to have hefty fees. Avoid airport exchange counters unless you’re desperate.
Tipping in Italy isn’t mandatory, but leaving a small amount for good service is appreciated. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving a couple of euros is common. Tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff is not expected, but you can round up fares or leave small change if you wish.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.