๐ฎ๐น Italy
Layers of history in every piazza, Renaissance masterpieces, coastlines and hill towns, and a regional food culture worth travelling for.
๐ View on the globe- Continent
- Europe
- Capital
- Rome
- Best time to go
- April to June and September to October
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Languages
- Italian
Quick guide: Italy essentials
๐ Visa & entry
Part of the Schengen Area. Many passport holders (including Canada, the US, the UK and Australia) can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period across all Schengen countries. The EU Entry/Exit System (biometric registration at the border) is rolling out, and the ETIAS online travel authorisation is due to become mandatory; check whether it applies before you book.
๐ Vaccines & health risks
Routine vaccines. Hepatitis A and B may be considered for some travellers.
๐ Driving
Drive on the right. Non-EU licence holders need an International Driving Permit with their licence. Historic centres have ZTL limited-traffic zones enforced by camera; driving in without a permit brings fines by mail. Blood alcohol limit 0.05% (zero for drivers licensed under 3 years).
๐ฅ Healthcare & emergencies
Good public healthcare; EU visitors can use their EHIC, everyone else needs travel insurance. Emergencies: 112.
โ๏ธ Drug laws
Possessing small amounts for personal use is an administrative offence (fines, licence or passport suspension) rather than a crime; selling is a crime. Sales of low-THC 'cannabis light' flowers were restricted in 2025.
๐ Nightlife & party scene
Evenings start with aperitivo (around 6 to 9 pm) and dinner runs late; clubs fill after midnight. Milan has the biggest club scene; Rome's Trastevere and Pigneto, Florence's Santo Spirito and the summer beach clubs of Rimini and Sardinia are popular. Drinking age 18.
Last reviewed 2026-10-17. Entry, health and legal rules change and can depend on your passport; always confirm with official sources before you travel.
City guides
All cities in Italy (9,904)
- Gorla Minore 8k
- Gavardo-Sopraponte 8k
- Casarsa della Delizia 8k
- Castiglion Fiorentino 8k
- Portoferraio 8k
- Molinetto 8k
- Castelfranco di Sotto 8k
- Vigonovo-Fontanafredda 8k
- Capanne-Prato-Cinquale 8k
- Castenedolo 8k
- Pianoro 8k
- Cariati 8k
- Soliera 8k
- Spicchio-Sovigliana 8k
- San Giuseppe Jato 8k
- Camisano Vicentino 8k
- Vaiano 8k
- Druento 8k
- Aviano 8k
- San Vittore Olona 8k
- Gassino Torinese 8k
- Cave 8k
- Mozzate 8k
- Castelleone 8k
- Lonato 8k
- Oggiono 8k
- Santa Maria Maddalena 8k
- Salรฒ 8k
- Calusco d'Adda 8k
- Santo Stefano di Magra 8k
- Succivo 8k
- Vittuone 8k
- Sant'Ilario d'Enza 8k
- Lequile 8k
- Coccaglio 8k
- Laveno 8k
- Villafranca Tirrena 8k
- Siniscola 8k
- Casapulla 8k
- Carrara San Giorgio 8k
- Torre Boldone 8k
- Santhiร 8k
- Tolmezzo 8k
- Noceto 8k
- Bruino 8k
- Piovene Rocchette 8k
- Castelnuovo Rangone 8k
- Toritto 8k
- Pogliano Milanese 8k
- Cutrofiano 8k
- Montoro Superiore 8k
- Clusone 8k
- Elmas 8k
- San Pietro in Casale 8k
- Mottella 8k
- Casamicciola Terme 8k
- Villa Opicina 8k
- Gattinara 8k
- Montagnana 8k
- Cuggiono 8k