With its world-famous reputation, it’s understandable why Italy is a top tourist destination for Americans. Culture, food, nature…there truly is something for everyone. However, if you’re not aware of certain pitfalls, your trip can go from being a dream vacation to a frustrating experience. With that in mind, here are 25 tips for Americans visiting Italy in 2025, from the experience of an American who now lives in Italy.
Tip #1: Bring Cash
Specifically, have coins. Many cafes prefer (or require) customers to pay in cash for small purchases. In larger cities, they may be a bit more forgiving. but cash is more commonly used for small transactions, especially in small cities. Smaller stores may require this, too. Chain stores (i.e., Mango, Carrefour) accept credit cards, so you should be okay there. However, it’s best for Americans visiting Italy to have some cash on them, just in case.
Tip #2: Be aware that you have to pay for most bathrooms, and public bathrooms are rare
Going off the first tip, it’s super important to always have some coins on you–if only to use the bathroom. Unlike in the US, public bathrooms are not readily available. Pretty much every bar and museum will have one, and as long as you are a paying customer, you will be able to use it. If you are out and about, this is generally your best bet.
There are some public bathrooms, including those in train stations. However, these usually require at least 1 euro to use. I’ve seen a few with credit card readers, but most still require coins. Because of this, I definitely recommend that Americans visiting Italy have some money on them at all times. You never know when you might need it.
Tip #3: Don’t look like “The American”
You know what I’m talking about. Americans get a bad rap for how they dress, and I see it often enough. While I’ve definitely noticed the unofficial dress code relaxing a bit in Italy lately, especially among students, it’s still slightly more formal than it is in the US.
Some basic advice for Americans visiting Italy to blend a little better:
- Even in the summer, pants are more popular. Italians still do wear shorts, but much less commonly than Americans. You’ll see a lot of jeans, and I’d recommend loose-fitting cotton or linen pants because of how hot it is.
- Avoid the athleisure look. That means baggy T-shirts, leggings, basketball shorts, and baggy tank tops.
- The college T-shirt or sweatshirt will probably tip people off that you’re not from here.
- Italians as a whole don’t wear bright colors in the way that Americans do. Obviously some people do wear them, but I don’t see it as often.
- I recommend going for a comfortable “business casual.” In the summer, this is a blouse/nice tank top and pants or a dress, and in the winter, it’s a sweater and jeans/pants with an overcoat.
- Shoes are mixed. Most people wear Adidas or Pumas or canvas walking shoes–so basically some type of fashion sneaker. Boots like Doc Martens are common, too, and more women wear heels out compared to the US. I definitely do see people, especially older people, in running/athletic shoes. My best recommendation here is to wear something comfortable if you’ll be walking a lot. If you’re not used to walking in heels on cobblestones, I don’t recommend taking the risk.
Tip #4: Watch your volume
I know this is a stereotype, and I know that Americans are often loud because they’re excited. However, having lived here for a while, I can attest to the fact that this is the quickest way to identify an American. Even if the intentions are good, being too loud can reflect badly on you and seem like you don’t know how to respect or adjust to local norms.
Tip #5: Know the expectations and be respectful in churches
Unfortunately, this is something that I see all too often. Foreigners (not just Americans) who are not Catholic visit the beautiful churches here to view the beautiful art, and they forget that churches are also religious settings. You’d be surprised at how often I see people treating them like photo shoots, disregarding the fact that people do come to pay their respects and actively worship.
Again, it should go without being said, but please be respectful. Churches in Italy (and most of Europe, for that matter) are stricter than churches in the US and expect/require visitors to have their shoulders covered. This goes for both men and women. Not every church actively enforces it, but it’s best to be respectful and act accordingly–even covering your shoulders with a sweatshirt usually works.
Additionally, respect the spaces designated for silence or prayer. Many churches have sections that are only for people to pray. Many people sit down in those sections to cool off; again, it’s a church! I promise there is somewhere else to rest.
It’s also Catholic custom to make the sign of the cross when entering and leaving a church, as well as in front of the altar.
Tip #6: Watch out for pickpockets
This is nothing new, but still a necessary reminder for Americans visiting Italy. You have to hold onto your things and be careful, especially in crowded touristy areas and around public transportation. Make sure someone has eyes on your bag, that everything is shut, and that your phone is secure (i.e., not in your back pocket). Pay extra attention when getting on and off public transportation.
Also, don’t use a bag that can be easily ripped away. For women, cross-body purses are usually better. I know many Americans like the thick pickpocket proof bags from Amazon, and while I wouldn’t say it’s 100% necessary, I don’t think it’s a bad idea, either. For men, I recommend keeping your phones/wallets in the front pockets if possible.
Tip #7: Watch out for the bracelet people
It’s common for people, usually African migrants, to come up to you and offer you a rose or try to put a bracelet on you, then demand money. They can be very insistent, and unfortunately, they often bother people dining outside. Usually, if you tell them “no” strongly and walk away, they’ll move on to someone else.
This scam happens often to Americans visiting Italy. It goes back to the old elementary school advice–don’t talk to strangers that come up to you.
Additionally, there’s a slightly different situation called “parcheggio abusivo.” This seems more prevalent in Southern Italy, including Palermo. There might be someone watching over a certain parking area, usually public, who “directs” you to park your car there and then demands a sum of money to watch over it. This isn’t legal for them to do, but usually if you pay them, your car will be fine when you come back. I’d personally recommend taking public transportation when possible to avoid this situation, but be aware that it’s a possibility.
Tip #8: Seek out local cuisine
Each region in Italy is very different, and each has their own cuisine that they’re very proud of. For example, Liguria is famous for focaccia, Piemonte is famous for its meat and cheese (especially carne cruda), and Sicilia is famous for arancini–among several other dishes. Unfortunately, the US only receives the pasta/pizza stereotype of Italy. There’s so much more to explore!
Because of that, one of my top tips for Americans visiting Italy is to explore new food and seek out smaller restaurants that specialize in local cuisine. Don’t just eat pizza every night! See what else is out there.
Tip #9: Expect a coperto when dining
The coperto, or cover charge, is usually listed on the menu or sign outside the restaurant. It’s a small per-person charge (usually 1-3 euro) when dining there. It’s relatively low in most places, but it’s always better to check before sitting down.
One particular situation: sometimes even cafes require the coperto if you sit and eat there. Not every cafe is like this, but it does happen. If you enjoy your coffee at the bar (standing up), you don’t have to worry about this. If you want to sit down at a table, however, it’s a possibility. One of my friends sat down to enjoy his coffee in the city center once, and he was annoyed to find that the coperto was almost the same price as the coffee. Because of that, I recommend asking if you can sit first, that way they (usually) let you know if there’s a coperto.
I know that one common question for Americans visiting Italy is that of tipping. Tipping is not common in Italy, so you don’t have to worry about that.
Tip #10: You usually pay for the food after
In almost every restaurant, you pay for the food at the end, not when you order. You’ll also go up to the cash register instead of them bringing the credit card reader to you. There are some exceptions where you pay when you order, but those are usually places where you eat in a hurry or take it to go.
The waiters also don’t come by as often as American waiters, so be sure to flag them down politely if you need something.
Tip #11: Clarify still vs sparkling water, and always check the label when you buy one
You probably know that water isn’t free at restaurants in most of Europe, and they’ll usually ask you if you’d like still or sparkling water. To avoid confusion, I’d recommend immediately specifying which one you’d like.
When you buy a water bottle, make sure that you check, too. Still water will be labeled as “naturale.” Sparkling water is “frizzante.” Don’t assume that everything will be regular water; sparkling water is usually kept in the fridge right next to still water, so it pays to check it.
Tip #12: Check ahead online for big attractions, especially during the summer
If you’re going to a huge museum like Gli Uffizi in Florence or Museo Egizio in Turin, you should check their website before going. Some museums actually require you to book online before going, and others allow you to reserve your spot or save money by buying tickets that way. You don’t want to get there and wait in line (especially in the burning hot sun or freezing cold) or find out you can’t enter.
For smaller museums, there generally won’t be an issue. It’s usually just the super popular museums that have this problem. So, for any Americans visiting Italy this year, be sure to do your homework!
Tip #13: Buy a handheld fan in the summer
These initially reminded me of the older ladies in church, but after spending lots of time outside and/or without AC in the summers, I broke down and got one. I was glad I did. It gets hot, and this little fan can help!
In the winter, Hot Hands or a tiny hand warming device is also great. Sometimes it can be cold, even with gloves.
Tip #14: Check that your lodging has AC
We take this for granted in the US, but it’s not always the case here. Many of us living here do it without AC because of how old the buildings are. If you’re particularly sensitive to heat and staying in Italy anywhere from late May to early September, I beg you to double check that there is AC where you are staying.
Tip #15: Avoid renting a car unless you have to
This is my personal advice for Americans visiting Italy. I don’t love driving, even in the US. In Italy, however, it seems like a nightmare. Not only are the streets more crowded and chaotic, but parking is also often difficult to find, and you need to make sure you understand the rules of the road and have your international permit (I did mine at AAA, and it was super easy).
With that being said, I really recommend against getting a car if you’re just staying in a city. If you’re driving around the Tuscan countryside, okay. If you’re staying in the heart of Rome…good luck. Cars can become more hassle than they’re worth, as not every accommodation offers parking. Gas (regular gas is called benzina here, so make sure you understand which type your rental car requires) is more expensive than it is in most US states. You’ll have to fight traffic and aggressive drivers, then search for parking.
It looks stressful to me, so I’d advise Americans visiting Italy against getting a car unless absolutely necessary. The call is yours, though.
Tip #16: Check out public transportation ahead of time
If you’re in a large city, public transportation should be decent. Not every city has the complex metro system of Milan, but there should be buses and trams to get you where you need to go.
Public transportation can be confusing, however, especially for Americans visiting Italy who might not be used to it. Because of that, I recommend checking out the options ahead of time and asking for help if you need it. The best thing to do is usually to map out your route and know which number bus you need to take.
I’ve had mixed success with Apple Maps’s public transportation option. It’s usually right, but sometimes it doesn’t show certain buses or doesn’t update when there are diversions. It also has told me several times that there is a bus arriving when, much to my rage, there is not. So I’d use it with care.
Tip #17: Always validate your ticket
This is something that doesn’t just surprise Americans visiting Italy, but also tourists of many other nationalities.
Just because you have a bus/tram/train ticket, that doesn’t mean that it’s automatically validated. While every city’s transportation differs slightly, there is usually a machine at the entrance of the vehicle where you can scan or tap your ticket. Be sure to do this, because there might be a bus agent who checks your ticket and could give you a fine, even if you have an unvalidated ticket in your hand. This can get pricey, so it’s best to validate.
If you were able to pay with your credit card onboard, don’t worry. If there is an officer, they will be able to check the last few digits of your credit card and see that you paid. For trains, you need to check how the company does it. If you use the Trenitalia app to buy your ticket, for example, it should show itself as automatically validated at the time of the train’s departure, and you just have to show this to the ticket agent on board.
This doesn’t really apply to companies like Flibco or Flixbus, as the driver will scan your ticket and/or sell it to you when you board.
Tip #18: Check for strikes
Strikes–the bane of my existence living here. Depending on where you are, you could run into a public transportation strike. This could affect the buses/trams inside the city, the trains, the airport workers, etc. Usually for transportation within the city, at least in Turin, there is a period in the day where at least a few critical lines are guaranteed. Otherwise, you’re on your own.
This can be incredibly frustrating if you’re relying on public transportation to get you somewhere. However, the strikes are almost always announced ahead of time. Check either by searching or by looking at the website of the public transportation you’ll take. They often put a notice up in the station/stop as well. If you notice that there will be a strike when you were planning on using that service, try to change your plans as soon as possible. I’ve known people to get stuck in sticky situation and have to scramble because of this.
Tip #19: Don’t drive in ZTLs!!!
This deserves three exclamation points because I have heard of so many Americans doing it. A ZTL, or “Zona a traffico limitato” is basically an area that is closed to most traffic. They usually let in public transportation and residential traffic, but everyone else isn’t allowed in. If you do go in, you will receive a fine. This fine could take months to get to you, thus increasing the price you have to pay. I’ve heard several horror stories, and it’s usually just because Americans don’t know that it exists.
With that being said, if you’re driving in a city center, keep an eye out for a red circle with ZTL written above it. If you see it, do NOT drive there unless it says “non attivo” or you see that you are outside the ZTL’s active hours. The fine is pretty significant, so please remember this advice! If you’d like to learn more about ZTLs, this is a great article.
Tip #20: Learn some basic phrases
Don’t get me wrong. If they can, they’ll talk to you in English, anyway. However, it’s respectful, and many Italians will be excited that you took the time to learn a few words.
Tip #21: Take the time to walk around
There’s a word in Italian, vagare, that translates essentially to “to wander or roam.” Many people here love to do this, and I’ve fallen into the habit of doing it, especially when I visit a new city. Sometimes, if you stick to a strict plan, you miss out on enjoying the smaller details of a city. It’s less of a curiosity-inspiring vacation and more of a checklist. Instead, be open. Be curious. Explore the city and see what’s there.
Tip #22: Bring a portable charger
This might be obvious, but I’m speaking from experience. Using the camera on your phone kills your battery. It’s not fun to get stuck outside without your phone. There are chargers in many train stations, but I recommend coming prepared with a portable charger in case.
Tip #23: Don’t drink too much
Another thing that I shouldn’t have to say, but I do. This is more targeted at the younger Americans visiting Italy who take advantage of the lower drinking age. I’ve seen people bring their open wine bottles on the street, people who are sloppy drunk, and people who should have been cut off several drinks ago. I’m not saying that there aren’t Italians who drink too much, too. There definitely are. But overall, the attitude toward drinking is much different–much more moderate–here than it is in the US. Beyond it simply being dangerous to leave yourself vulnerable in a foreign country, it’s not a good look.
Tip #24: Check when things are open
Each city in Italy has a different week day when many businesses are closed. In Turin, it’s Monday. This means that many stores close early or are closed the entire day on Mondays, as well as several museums. We don’t really have something like this in the US, so it comes as a surprise to many Americans visiting Italy. To avoid complications, I’d recommend googling it ahead of time.
Tip #25: Reconsider traveling to Rome this year
If you’ve already booked everything, it’s obviously too late. However, 2025 is a Jubilee year for the Catholic Church. This means that more pilgrims are coming to Rome and the Vatican. On the plus side, it’s an amazing experience, especially if you are religious. On the negative side, it means everything is more crowded and expensive. Considering Rome is already usually super busy during peak tourist season, that’s saying something.
That’s why, for Americans visiting Italy who haven’t solidified their plans, I’d recommend checking out somewhere else this year, especially during peak season. Unless, of course, you’re coming for the Jubilee celebrations. In that case, have a great time, and keep cool!
A Final Word
As you can tell from most of these tips, it all boils down to respect. When you go to another country, you need to remember it’s someone else’s home–and if you took the time to read this, I’m sure you will! Americans visiting Italy are in for a wonderful time filled with rich culture, culinary delights, and beautiful nature. I hope these tips help you to organize your time here better and avoid some of the common pitfalls.
Did I miss anything or do you have any questions? Let me know!
