Ultimate Italy Travel Guide For Women: Top Destinations, Tips & Must-See Attractions
La dulce vita…Welcome to your all-you-need-to-know Italy Travel Guide
This Italy Travel Guide will give you all of the info you need to know that I learned from being a solo female living and traveling in Italy! Welcome to the land of Pasta and Vino. Come on in, the water’s nice!
Why am I, Sydney Zaruba, owner and CEO at The Boho Traveller, qualified to write an Italy Travel Guide? Well, I’ll start off by saying it is one of my favorite countries in the world…
I’ll never forget the first time I stepped foot into Italy.
It was my first time ever leaving the country, except for the Bahamas, and I was immediately smitten. In fact, so much so that I decided to move back to Italy a year later and just figure things out. I went full-on, Eat, Pray, Love…though mostly just the eating part.
I have SO MUCH advice on Italy travel that I could gush for days. So make sure you dig into all my mini guides about different cities, what to wear, things to do, and off-the-beaten-path tips. Italy is one of my top-selling destinations for clients, whether they are honeymooners, girl’s trips, just-because travellers, or mega foodies – there is something to love in Italy for everyone.
If you only have a week and it’s your first time, Rome and Florence are going to be two “must-hit” spots. The final destination depends on the time of year. Florence—well, because it’s just perfect, and Rome for all the ancient history and incredible food.
If it’s summer, you can’t go wrong with the Amalfi Coast or Lake Como. Both are romantic destinations with plenty of options for swimming, yachting, and amazing food at picturesque restaurants.
Visit Venice in the Fall or Winter to explore these amazing streets on your own, avoiding the hoards of crowds.
Are you looking for help planning your dream getaway? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options on the internet or just don’t have the time to get into planning your dream trip – I really encourage you to check out my travel planning services! You can download my “How We Work” guide here – or submit your inquiry here!
Pro Travel Tips
The only two train services in Italy are Italo (private) and Trenitalia. If you do not use a travel agent, you should always book directly from the sites and not through a third-party vendor.
If you are taking public transportation like the bus, metro, or tram, you will need to purchase the ticket ahead of time in a Tabacci (marked on the outside with a red T). Make sure you validate your ticket when you get on your chosen method!
EXPLORE ITALY BY CITY
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Italy Travel Guide Basics
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL:
June – mid-August are the busiest seasons and the best weather. Expect higher prices during this time period. On August 15, all Italians take a 2-week holiday known as “Ferragosto”, and many shops, restaurants & attractions are shut down.
May and September are considered shoulder seasons. May could potentially be a bit chillier and more windy for the beach destinations, while September could potentially bring rain.
CURRENCY:
The currency used in Italy is the Euro. ATMs (known as bancomats) are easily located in major cities and towns.
WEATHER:
In the summer months, Italy is very hot – in the mid 80’s to low 90’s F (high 20’s C – sometimes reaching 30C). There is sunshine most days and it is a dry heat. In the winter, the temperatures can get quite chilly, and October – May can be rainy.
AVERAGE COST OF ACCOMMODATION:
Hostel: €15-45
3* Hotel: €120-150/night
4* Hotel: €200-400/night
5* Hotel: €500+ /Night
Homestays: Ranging anywhere from €60/night – €1000/night for 2 people
AVERAGE COST OF A MEAL:
It’s true what they say—wine is cheaper than water in Italy. So…when in Rome? The average pizza will cost you about €10 (and yes, you eat the entire thing yourself). A carafe of house wine will cost anywhere from €7 to €14.
An average run-of-the-mill meal will cost about €20 for mains and a side.
Nicer restaurants will cost around €27-€40for mains.
Michelin star restaurant mains will start at €50
Explore More of Italy From The Boho Traveller
What to Wear in Italy – Fashionable Italy Travel Advice
Ultimate 2-Week Italy Itinerary: Discover Italy’s Hidden Gems
The Best Amalfi Coast Luxury Travel Guide
Explore the Best Tours in Italy: Expert Picks for Rome, Florence, Venice & More
Italy Travel Guide: Digging Deeper
Language:
The local language in Italy is Italian!
For the most part, in larger cities, though, you will not run into a language barrier as most people speak English. It is best to know a few local phrases, though!
Crucial Phrases to Know in Italian
Safety:
Italy is generally very safe; however, you should be wary of pickpockets, especially in big tourist areas. I always recommend a cross-body zip-top purse.
Shopping:
Cash is king in Italy. While major stores will accept cards, you will need cash for smaller purchases at mom-and-pop shops, taxis, and even occasionally at restaurants.
Local Cuisine:
Italy is known for its amazing foods. While you are in Italy, be sure to try local wines, pizzas, cheese, gelato, and meats. Each region has its own specialties, so be sure to do some research on the best foods in the area!
Festivals & Events:
Italy has many, many festivals and events throughout the year. From Eurochocolate, a massive chocolate festival, to incredible Christmas Markets, there is something going on every time of year. Be sure not to travel to Italy during Ferragosto, as this is when all the Italians go on vacation, and many shops and attractions will be closed!
Logistics:
Italy uses different outlets than us! You will want to purchase a converter before you travel. I also recommend downloading a few simple apps to your phone, like currency converter, Google Translate, and Google Maps.
Getting Around:
Trains in Italy are not the most reliable in terms of timing, but they do cover vast expanses of the country. For the most part, Uber or Lyft do not exist, but you can generally hail a cab on the street or head to the nearest taxi stand.
You can also always ask the concierge or front desk at your hotel concierge to call a cab or transfer service for you, but just know this may have a slight upcharge than getting a taxi at the stand. Please note that in Italy, oftentimes, you are unable to hail a cab in the street and will need to go to the stand to be able to start a ride.
Italy Tipping Guidelines
Tipping Transfer Drivers in Italy:
- 10€ is recommended for 30 – 60 minute transfers
- 20€ is recommended for 60 – 90 minute transfers
- 30€ is recommended for 90 – 120 minute transfers
- We recommend getting cash prior to your departure to have ready for your arrival transfers.
Tipping at Dinner in Italy:
- Tipping is customary in Italy.
- A general rule for a casual meal is to tip about €2 to €5 or to round the bill up to the nearest number ending in a “0” or “5.” For example, if your bill is €27, leave a total of €30.
- For higher-end restaurants, tipping 5 to 10% is standard; 15% is considered generous.
- For bars and cafés, if ordering at the counter, round up to the nearest euro; for table service, tip about 5 to 10%.
- Most restaurants will not have a place to add a tip when paying with a credit card, so we recommend carrying cash for tips.
Tipping on Tours in Italy:
- For Group Tours: €5-€10 for half day and €10-€15 for a full day tour per person
- For Private Tours: 10% of the tours total cost in cash at the end of the tour OR
- Half Day: €20 – €50
- Full Day: €50 – €80Hotel Staff:
- Housekeeping: €1 per night
- Luggage Assistance: €1 per bag
UNFORTUNATELY, AS RABBIE BURNS ONCE WROTE, EVEN THE BEST-LAID PLANS OF MICE AND MEN OFTEN GO AWRY. THAT IS WHY WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TAKING OUT TRAVEL INSURANCE TO COVER ALL EVENTUALITIES. OUR PARTNER, TRAVEL INSURED, IS OUR PREFERRED VENDOR FOR OUR CLIENT AND PERSONAL TRAVELS.
