Are you dreaming of pizza in Naples, gondolas in Venice, or the rolling hills of Tuscany? Italy has an incredible adventure waiting for you—but only if you travel wisely. First-time (or even seasoned) travelers make common missteps that can often cause your trip to Italy to become stressful.
These mistakes travelers make in Italy can dampen your experience unless you’re prepared. In this comprehensive guide we outline the top 9 mistakes and share some smart Italy travel tips and Italy travel hacks that will allow you to travel with ease while experiencing la dolce vita.
1. Visiting Only the Tourist Hotspots
Certainly, Rome, Venice, and Florence are picturesque—but only visiting those cities is one of the biggest mistakes travelers make in Italy. You’ll lose out on hidden gems, one-of-a-kind experiences, and authentic local character.
Italy Travel Tips: Go off the beaten path to cities you have probably not heard of, such as Bologna, Lecce, or Perugia. These cities have plenty of culture and unique food and are not overrun with tourists. One of the best Italy travel hacks? Book a small group cooking class or walking tour in these underrated towns—they are more expensive than mass tourism, but they are authentic, and you won’t forget them!
2. Misjudging Travel Times Between Cities
While Italy may appear to be small on the map, the travel time may surprise you—especially when covering mountain passes or scenic, winding coastal roads. Underestimating travel time is one of the common mistakes travelers make in Italy that leads to traveler burnout.
Italy travel tips: take the train for speed and ease of travel. Don’t be unhappy with slower travel days between destinations. A clever Italian travel hack: purchase high-speed train tickets in advance and treat yourself to some beautiful stops on the way to a long travel day.
3. Not Carrying Cash (and Small Bills)
While many have the impression that Italy is 100% cashless, there remain a number of places—family-owned cafés, markets of various sizes, and rural venues—that only accept cash! Not carrying euros is a typical mistake.
Italy travel tips: always have smaller bills and coins available; it is not unheard of in small towns to have a locked restroom door that only opens once you insert a coin. One tried and true Italy travel hack is to exchange some cash at your arrival destination and store that separately from your wallet or cash source, so you do not accidentally use it!
4. Not Booking Popular Attractions in Advance
Waiting in long lines at the Colosseum, Uffizi, or Vatican is not a good way to spend your time. One of the most frequent mistakes travelers make in Italy is assuming that they can buy tickets on the spot, only to find out there’s no more availability or the lines are hours long.
Italy travel tips: Be sure to research and book two or three key attractions weeks ahead of time. Your Italy travel hack: purchase combined tickets like the Roma Pass or Firenze Card to save time and money and combine a variety of tickets and public transport.
5. Assuming Everyone Speaks English
While most Italians in tourist areas understand some level of English, presuming they all do is disrespectful. This is one of the avoidable travel mistakes in Italy that can affect your interactions.
Travel tip for Italy: Learn some basic phrases in Italian. Even a simple “grazie” or “buongiorno” will help earn some respect from the locals and show you appreciate their language.
6. Eating at Tourist Traps Near Major Landmarks
When you’re eating close to the Colosseum or Piazza San Marco, you are probably paying twice the price for half the value. This is one of the most unfortunate dining mistakes that tourists make when visiting Italy.
Italy travel tip: Walk away a few blocks from the major tourist sights and pursue the locals. Extra good karma: Look for menus in Italian only. That’s a good sign you’re in an authentic place.
7. Not Respecting Cultural Norms and Sites
In Italy, those who walk around shirtless, talk loudly in churches, or eat as they walk are simply going to get stared at. Not respecting local customs and etiquette is one of the easiest mistakes travelers make in Italy.
Italy travel hack: observe and follow suit, dress modestly in religious sites, keep your voice low, and learn about the culture and customs before traveling. Respecting cultures and customs earns better hospitality.
8. Renting a Car in the Wrong Places
Cruising along the Amalfi Coast or through Tuscany is a dream come true. But when it comes to renting a car in larger cities like Rome or Florence? One of the biggest mistakes travelers make when visiting Italy.
Italy travel tip: Use trains between cities and rent a car when visiting rural areas. Driving in the center of cities is typically stressful, expensive, and impossible due to ZTL (limited traffic zones).
9. Not Validating Train Tickets
This is a minor error that will probably end up costing you a fine. Many travelers do’n’t know that paper train tickets must be validated prior to boarding.
Italy travel tip: Look for the small yellow and green machines near the tracks. Insert your ticket, and wait for your stamp. If you are travelling with an e-ticket on major routes, you are usually in the clear—but regional trains, quite often, still require you to validate.
✈️ Bonus: 3 Smart Italy Travel Hacks to Remember
Beyond avoiding mistakes, here are a few expert-level Italy travel tips to enhance your experience:
- Use regional trains for short trips—they’re affordable and scenic.
- Visit popular sites early in the morning or late afternoon—avoid the midday crowds.
- Download offline maps and translation apps—especially helpful in remote or rural areas.
Italy is a country of passion, poetry, and pure beauty—but like any destination, it rewards those who come prepared. Avoiding these common mistakes travelers make in Italy won’t just save you time and money—it will open the door to a richer, more immersive journey.
From booking in advance to blending in with local customs, applying these Italy travel tips and Italy travel hacks will ensure you experience Italy not as a frustrated tourist, but as a savvy traveler who truly “gets it.”
So pack your scarf, slow down your pace, and bring your appetite—Italy is waiting.
For more travel inspiration, check out our Travel Guide for 2025, and for travel bookings, check out Booking.com for exciting offers on your travel!
