Travel

Italy Calling - Rome? Venice?

#Italy #Travel, #Rome #Attractions, #Italy #travel #tips, #Best #places #to #visit #in #Italy, #Tourist #spots #in #Italy, #Visiting #Italy
Feature image

Looking for a destination that serves romance, ruins, and ridiculous amounts of carbs? Italy is the full package. From the canals of Venice to the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, it’s a country built for travellers who love history, beauty, and really good food.

Must-See Attractions

  • Rome’s Colosseum & Ancient Ruins: Walk in the footsteps of gladiators, emperors, and Instagram influencers. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon will leave you awestruck and full of fun facts to casually drop at dinner parties.

  • Venice’s Grand Canal: Hop on a vaporetto or splurge on a gondola ride through this floating city’s maze of canals. Get lost (you will) and love every minute of it.

  • Florence’s Duomo & Art Scene: The birthplace of the Renaissance is packed with masterpieces. Climb the Duomo for skyline views, and don’t miss Michelangelo’s David, he’s not just famous for nothing.

  • Amalfi Coast: Clifftop towns, lemon-scented breezes, and views that look Photoshopped. Whether you're sipping limoncello in Positano or sunbathing in Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast is pure magic.

  • Cinque Terre’s Coastal Trails: A string of five colourful cliffside villages along the Ligurian Sea, Cinque Terre is a hiker’s dream. Trek the scenic paths that connect each town or hop a train if your legs tap out. Grab seafood in Riomaggiore, sip wine in Manarola, and watch the sun set over Vernazza. It's rugged, romantic, and wildly photogenic.

Taste of Italy

Bring stretchy pants, because you're going to need them. Start with fresh pasta in Rome—cacio e pepe or carbonara are non-negotiables. Head south to Naples for the original wood-fired pizza (yes, the crust is supposed to be a little charred). Say yes to gelato every day, because gelato is not a suggestion, it's a lifestyle.

Up north, sip Chianti in the rolling hills of Tuscany or dive into truffle-covered everything in Umbria. Try risotto alla Milanese in Milan and chase it with an espresso like a local. Just one tip when dining out: always ask for the bill when you're ready. Servers in Italy won’t bring it unless asked, since doing so can be seen as rushing you out. Take your time. Eat slow. Live slower.

Travel Hack

  • Trains Are Your Best Friend
    Italy’s train system is one of the best ways to explore the country. High-speed trains like the Frecciarossa connect major cities quickly and comfortably. If you're bouncing between big cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, book your tickets in advance to lock in cheaper fares. For shorter regional routes, you can often buy tickets day-of for maximum flexibility.

  • Drink from the Fountains

    Save your euros and stay hydrated with Italy’s free public water fountains, known as fontanelle or nasoni. Found all over cities like Rome and Florence, these old-school fountains pump out clean, drinkable water, often colder and fresher than what you’ll get in a bottle.

  • Museum Hacks

    Culture on a budget? Many museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of every month. The trade-off is bigger crowds, so arrive early and plan your top exhibits ahead of time. Some spots require advance online booking, even on free days, so check the fine print before you go.

  • Dining Tips
    Want to avoid the tourist traps? Skip restaurants with giant laminated menus and photos of food out front. Instead, look for spots filled with locals, handwritten menus, and no English translations. Those are your hidden gems. And remember: tipping isn’t mandatory like in North America. A few euros is appreciated, but not expected.

  • Carry Cash
    Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and big restaurants, but many smaller shops, cafés, and markets prefer cash. Always keep a stash of euros on hand for daily essentials and spontaneous espresso stops.

  • Mind the Siesta
    In smaller towns, you’ll notice shops and restaurants closing in the early afternoon for a break. Plan accordingly, especially if you need to grab something important before 5 p.m. when they usually reopen.

Stay Protected with Goose

Whether you’re getting lost in Venice, hiking the trails of Cinque Terre, or debating whether to eat a fifth course in Bologna, Goose Travel Insurance has your back. With up to $10 million in emergency medical coverage, including options for unstable pre-existing conditions, you can explore worry-free.

← Back to Blog