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)
- Bastia umbra 18k
- Acqui Terme 18k
- Cercola 18k
- Domodossola 18k
- Piazza Armerina 18k
- Rutigliano 18k
- Ribera 18k
- Bellaria-Igea Marina 18k
- San Vito dei Normanni 18k
- Aci Castello 18k
- Romano di Lombardia 18k
- Montemurlo 18k
- Ariccia 17k
- Portogruaro 17k
- Ciriรจ 17k
- Mirandola 17k
- San Giovanni in Fiore 17k
- San Bonifacio 17k
- Agropoli 17k
- Paolo VI 17k
- Castelfranco Emilia 17k
- Valenza 17k
- Fornacelle 17k
- Cassano d'Adda 17k
- Torvaianica 17k
- Tradate 17k
- Terzigno 17k
- San Salvo 17k
- Albenga 17k
- Ardea 17k
- Trentola-Ducenta 17k
- Mentana 17k
- Nerviano 17k
- Sestri Levante 17k
- Este 17k
- Torremaggiore 17k
- Isernia 17k
- Piossasco 17k
- San Miniato 17k
- Savigliano 17k
- Adelfia 17k
- Melegnano 17k
- Arcore 17k
- Orta Nova 17k
- Scordia 17k
- Sacile 17k
- Colle di Val d'Elsa 17k
- Osimo 17k
- Alpignano 17k
- Porto Empedocle 17k
- Suzzara 17k
- San Felice A Cancello 17k
- Bareggio 17k
- Bovisio-Masciago 17k
- Roseto degli Abruzzi 17k
- Saluzzo 17k
- Ceglie Messapica 17k
- Tolentino 17k
- Albignasego 16k
- Erba 16k