Want to meet one of the most charming destinations in the world? Then you must visit Italy! The country has a rich history and ancient culture, as well as being famous for its gastronomy and incredible landscapes. Get to know the top tips about Italy!

Italy is one of the favorite destinations of Brazilians traveling to  Europe. After all, there is no shortage of city options to be enchanted. In fact, it is difficult to choose the places to visit when assembling the script: Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, Tuscany, Cinque Terre…

The country is home to a millenary culture with strong religious appeal, coastal regions with paradisiacal beaches and active volcanoes in the South, Dolomites and breathtaking landscapes to the north. Not to mention the historic strongholds of unparalleled importance, monumental architectural constructions and incredible works (churches, cathedrals, museums, squares and statues), as well as being world renowned for its rich gastronomy.

Want to enjoy the holidays and get to know this beautiful southern European country? So be sure to read this article! We will present many  tips  on the must-see attractions in Italy and the places you should not miss. Also, you will know how to assemble a script so as not to fall into pitfalls. Good reading!

What are the main sights of Italy?

Italy has numerous tourist attractions for all tastes. Some places are more famous and attract more visitors, which can cause crowding. The good news is that most offer  affordable tourism.  Anyway, it is recommended to arrive early to enjoy each place better. Get to know below the main tourism spots of this beautiful country.

Coliseum

The Colosseum is situated in  Rome, the Italian capital, and is a world renowned destination. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most sought after in the whole country, a must for anyone traveling around the region. Located in the city center, the attraction was erected even in the Roman Empire.

Who has never come across a picture of the ruins of the ancient Roman battle center? In addition to visiting the site from the outside, you can get to know the interior on both day and night shifts. The grandeur of this monument goes beyond its architectural value. The history of the Colosseum dates back to medieval battles in which gladiators, Roman warriors, fought each other and with ferocious animals.

The space was once considered the largest amphitheater built in the world. It currently receives approximately 4 million tourists a year. To confirm its historical and cultural importance, it is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and was chosen as one of the seven wonders of the modern world.

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is set in the square of the same name, Piazza di Trevi, in central Rome, and is set against the facade of Palazzo Poli. Opened in 1762, the baroque and neoclassical style building is about 26 meters high and 20 meters wide. The place welcomes hundreds of tourists every day following the old tradition of placing an order and tossing a coin in the fountain to make it happen. In fact, all the money that is thrown there is collected and donated to Italian charities.

The human and mythical representations were very well done. The figures depict a scene almost alive. The theme is precisely the forces of nature before man and his work. In the center we can see the statue of Neptune, the sea god, in his carriage, being pulled by seahorses and led by two newts. The niches surrounding the statue of Neptune reveal two figures linked to health and fertility.

Above them, there is the representation of Marcus Agripa explaining the construction of the source for Augusto, who defines its construction. There is also the representation of the virgin who led Agrippa’s soldiers to the spring site in the Sabine Mountains. Finally, upon these four columns were built statues representing the four seasons.

Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel is situated within the Apostolic Palace, the Pope’s official residence in the Vatican, the noblest address of Christianity. Currently, the place hosts religious events, such as the conclave. The name was given in honor of Pope Sixtus IV, who ordered the restoration of the former Magna Chapel from 1477 to 1480. Tourists can participate in guided tours.

The church contains works by the great Renaissance painters Pietro Perugino, Raphael, Sandro Botticelli and Domenico Ghirlandaio. However, she has become world famous for her works on her ceiling, especially the painting known as “The Creation of Adam” by artist Michelangelo. The screen represents the encounter between man and God, both touching their fingers.

Vesuvius Volcano

Vesuvius is located in the province of Naples, about 230 km from Rome. The natural geological formation is active and can be visited closely by the most curious. The volcano was known for the great eruption in 79 AD that destroyed several Roman cities, mainly Pompeii and Herculaneum, which were never rebuilt and became a major archaeological site. Those who like history, geology and archeology will enjoy knowing the region.

Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore

Known as the “Duomo di Firenze”, Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral is located in Florence. It is the cathedral of the city archdiocese. The monumental church can hold up to 30,000 people and is considered one of the three largest in all of Europe. It is possible to take a guided tour inside.

Tower of Pisa

The original tower (steeple) of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta became famous as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Today, it is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and one of the seven wonders of the modern world.

The structure became known worldwide for its peculiar tilt of about 3.99 degrees. The slope was caused by a miscalculation at the time of its construction, as the structure was laid under a porous clay soil.

However, the tower is safe and is not in danger of collapsing. Tourists are allowed to visit its interior and climb to the top, from where you have a panoramic view of Piazza dei Miracoli square.

Communal Theater of Bologna

The Teatro Comunale di Bologna features rich architecture and opera performances. The city was famous for the number of schools that formed various composers, such as Mozart. Not bad, is it?

Manarola

Manarola is a region that is part of the Cinque Terre, coastal territory that offers a beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea and is responsible for attracting most tourists to Italy. If you go there, be sure to visit the Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Milan Cathedral

The Cathedral (“Duomo di Milano”) is located in Piazza Duomo, in the province of Lombardy in Milan. This building houses all Gothic-style architecture and one of the most imposing in all of Europe.

And it couldn’t be any different: Milan is a model when it comes to fashion, design, art and architecture. Tourists can take guided tours of the interior of the Cathedral, which houses five naves divided by 40 pillars.

When is the best time of year to go to Italy?

Italy has a varied climate, from subtropical, temperate and Mediterranean. This variation is mainly due to its format and its territorial extension. Similarly, the temperature in the country varies with the time of year.

As a rule, the best times to visit the main Italian regions are spring (from March 21 to June 20) and autumn (from September 21 to December 20). In these periods, the temperatures are milder and pleasant and the tourist does not suffer so much with the climate difference.

In turn,  summer in Europe, which runs from June 21 to September 20, is very hot and sunny, especially in July and August. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the Neapolitan beaches! The days are longer and you can enjoy the sights until later. This is when the attractions are fullest. Temperatures can reach 40 degrees easily.

Winter is often intense, as it is throughout Europe. The days are shorter. It snows in some regions in the center and north of the country. Similarly, the temperature may drop to minus degrees.

What to do in Italy?

With so many amazing places to see in Italy, it’s even hard to choose what to visit. To help you build the script, we will present the must-see cities that you should not miss on your trip around the country.

Florence

The Tuscan town is a popular destination for tourists wishing to experience the region’s wineries and natural landscapes, as well as a rich architectural ensemble with centuries-old cathedrals. Get to know some tourist attractions in Florence:

  • Church of Santa Maria Novella;
  • Basilica Santa Maria del Fiore (in Piazza San Giovanni);
  • Palazzo Vecchio (in her Piazza Signoria);
  • Statue of David by Michelangelo (Galleria dell’Academia);
  • Ponte Vecchio;
  • Galleria degli Uffizi;
  • Basilica di San Lorenzo;
  • Basilica di Santa Croce;
  • Piazzale Michelangelo.

Milan

Milan  is the true capital of Italian fashion. The city is highly sought after by tourists who are after history, culture and style. There are many designer stores in the area. See some attractions of this city:

  • Piazza Duomo and Duomo Cathedral in Milan;
  • Santa Maria delle Grazie Church;
  • Vittorio Emanuele Gallery;
  • Teatro alla Scala;
  • Ambrosian Picture Gallery;
  • Sforzesco Castle;
  • Sistine Chapel of Milan;
  • Brera neighborhood;
  • Navigli;
  • Fashion quadrangle.

Venice

Venice  is lovely! The true city of love is perfect for  honeymooners. Know the main attractions of the region:

  • Piazza San Marco;
  • Basilica di San Marco;
  • Belfry Tower;
  • Palazzo Ducale;
  • Bridge of Sighs;
  • Grand Canal Tour – by Vaporetto;
  • Rialto Bridge;
  • Santa Maria della Salute Church.

Naples

Naples is the third most populous city in the country, behind only Rome and Milan. Know what to know in the region:

  • Sant’Elmo Castle;
  • Sansevero Chapel;
  • San Carlo Theater;
  • Plebiscite Square;
  • Umberto I Gallery;
  • Underground Naples ( Napoli sotterranea);
  • Church  of Gesù Nuovo;
  • Lungomare.

Pomegranate

The country’s capital has a rich millennial history and gained fame with the rise of the Roman Empire. Know its main attractions:

  • Basilica di San Pietro;
  • Vatican Museums;
  • Sistine Chapel;
  • Coliseum;
  • Trevi Fountain;
  • Piazza di Spagna;
  • Piazza Venezia;
  • Galleria Borghese;
  • Piazza Navona;
  • Pantheon

Manarola, Cinque Terre

Manarola is a medieval city that lies at the foot of a mountain. It is one of the regions that are part of the Cinque Terre route. A real movie scene! You can get to know these vertical cities by boat or train.

Where to stay in Italy?

The large influx of tourists who come to visit the country each year requires a large infrastructure related to accommodation. In this sense, Italy has a huge network of hotels, hostels, hostels etc. Here are some examples of hotels and inns that offer quality and comfort to visitors.

Florence

  • Montebello Splendid Hotel;
  • C-Hotels Ambasciatori;
  • City Hotel;
  • Hotel Azzi;
  • B&B Hotel Firenze Novoli.

Milan

  • The Westin Palace;
  • Cavour Hotel;
  • Fenice Hotel;
  • Palazzo Delle Stelline Hotel;
  • B&B Hotel Milano San Siro.

Venice

  • Bauer Palladio Hotel & Spa;
  • Hotel Casanova;
  • Sogno di Giulietta and Romeo;
  • Hotel Castello;
  • B&B Bagigiogrill.

Pomegranate

  • Hotel del Corso;
  • Milton Hotel;
  • Miami Hotel;
  • Argentina Hotel;
  • Augusta Lucilla Hotel;
  • Vatican CITY;
  • Colonna 32;
  • Relais Vittoria Colonna;
  • Donna Laura Palace;
  • Franklin Hotel;
  • Hotel dei Quiriti.

How much does it cost to travel to Italy?

The first thing that comes to mind when it comes to traveling to Italy is the idea of ​​being an extremely expensive trip. In fact, the euro is a much more valued currency than the real, which makes walking a bit more expensive.

Generally, the exchange rate is around $ 4, but may vary. However, it is possible to travel for an affordable price and not spend so much. Want to know how? Through financial planning! Get to know the  main costs  that should be considered when planning the trip to Italy.

Airline tickets

Air tickets from Brazil to Italy greatly influence the final price of the trip. Generally, the value is around $ 2500 to $ 4000 in economy class. However, promotions  for this destination are common  . Often, the price is equal or even cheaper than for some countries in Latin America! Therefore, always keep an eye on airline websites.

Accommodation

Italy has a great offer of  accommodation  with different prices. Accommodation usually takes first or second place for travel expenses. This will depend on the duration and type of hosting chosen.

Of course, 4 or 5 star hotels will cost a fortune compared to cheaper hostels or hotels. In addition, tourist and trendy cities, such as Rome, Venice, Florence and Milan, are often much more expensive.

A room for a single hotel room in Rome for two people is usually no less than € 40. Already a three star hotel costs from € 60. Meanwhile, inland cities have lower values. So make your choices based on the amount you have available to spend. This care avoids debt and setbacks.

Travel insurance

The  travel insurance  is an essential item. It is even mandatory for Brazilians who go to Europe. There are several insurance companies that offer this service. The coverage is around 30 thousand euros. In addition to this possibility, he guarantees hospitalization in case of accidents and covers any medical expenses, for example. This is a great value for money service.

Internet

Another expense that has become virtually critical in travel is the internet on mobile. After all, you can browse online information about attractions or transportation systems, chat with your friends, upload photos to social networks, etc. In this sense, the ideal is to buy a new prepaid SIM containing a 3G or 4G internet plan for your mobile phone.

You can buy the SIM in Brazil or Italy. There are websites that sell this chip even in Brazil for about 40 to 60 dollars. So you arrive in Italy sailing normally. The Italian telephone operators offering the service are: Tim, Vodafone, Wind and Ter (usually from 10 Euros).

Food

Food expenses are very variable as they depend on how much and where you eat. If it is in restaurants, keep in mind that you will shell out good money.

Generally, a meal in a good restaurant does not cost less than 30 euros, while an executive lunch usually costs at least 10. In turn, if you want to save a little, you can eat in fast foods or buy food in the supermarket and prepare at the hostel, for example.

Extra expenses

Extra expenses refer to tickets for tourist attractions, tours, subway and bus tickets for commuting, taxi rides, extra clothes, souvenirs and other personal expenses such as toiletries.

According to a survey by the Budget Your Trip website  , the daily spending of a tourist in Italy is in the range of 121 euros on a traditional trip without major luxuries. Meanwhile, a budget backpacker traveler can spend just 48 euros.

In this sense, it is important to mention that there are Italian cities that are more expensive and others cheaper. Southern Italy tends to have lower prices, while the North is much more expensive.

What are the typical dishes you should try in Italy?

Italian cuisine is traditionally known for its pasta. Many dishes that were born in the country were conquering the palate of people around the world. Thus, currently, the cuisine of Italy is one of the most famous in the world. These are the main typical Italian dishes.

  • Risotto of Milan  ( Risotto Alla Milanese);
  • Naples Pizza (Marguerita);
  • Bruschetta;
  • Roman Artichokes (Carciofo Alla Romana);
  • Bologna Tortellini;
  • Carpaccio;
  • Cooked Corn Meal;
  • Umbria truffles (fungus served raw, warmed or grated over pasta);
  • Agnelino (roast lamb with artichokes);
  • Calzone (stuffed pizza-like dough);
  • Ciabatta (Italian bread used to prepare sandwiches).

Top Italian Sweets

  • Tiramisu (dessert made of coffee and mascarpone cheese);
  • Panettone (bread with candied fruit);
  • Gelato (similar to ice cream but with more milk and fat).

Main Italian Pasta:

  • Spaguetti;
  • Spaguetinni;
  • Alphabet;
  • Pennette;
  • Ditalini;
  • Fusilli;
  • Reginette;
  • Mezze Penne (Rigate);
  • Tortellini;
  • Roselle;
  • Chifferi;
  • Cappeli d’angelo tagliati;
  • Fettuccine.

Main sauces used in Italian cuisine:

  • Rosé;
  • Sugo;
  • Bechamel;
  • Bolognese;
  • Pesto;
  • Alfredo;