Verona Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

As soon as you arrive in the city of Verona you understand why this was the inspiration for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. It is a city of romance, with beautiful Renaissance architecture and the picturesque Adige River. In the late afternoon the city is bathed in a soft pink hue, and this is the perfect time to take a stroll with your loved one along the waterfront. Additionally, this UNESCO listed city is home to one of the world’s best preserved and still functional Roman Amphitheatres – the Arena di Verona. It also has vibrant piazzas, lively local markets, excellent cafes and restaurant and plenty more. Find out all about this important Italian city in our Verona destination guide.

What is Verona Italy famous for?

Verona was immortalised in one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays – Romeo and Juliet. This fair city has a number of attractions inspired by these star-crossed lovers including Juliet’s House, Romeo’s House and Juliet’s Tomb. Verona is also known for its historic Roman landmarks including Verona Area, which dates back to 30AD. Additionally Verona is known for its delicious food and wine, with dishes like risotto being prominent in this region. You can also visit the Piazza delle Erbe which is a beautiful square in the heart of Verona and is home to many restaurants and cafes.

Why you should visit Verona Italy

Highlights of Verona Italy

Verona is a city you will instantly fall in love with. It has a relaxed atmosphere and is a very scenic and walkable city. It is small enough to get around easily, while being big enough to offer plenty of attractions and experiences. The entire city has been UNESCO listed due to its cultural, literary and historical importance. It was the setting for 2 of Shakespeare’s plays, and there are many tourist attractions associated with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet throughout the city. A highlight of any Verona trip is a visit to Juliet’s house where you can see the famous balcony where the two star-crossed lovers reveal their love to each other.

Verona is the perfect day trip destination in Italy

Verona is conveniently located within reach of many major cities in northern Italy. This makes it the perfect day trip from Milan, Venice, Florence or Bologna. Although if you have the time, we do recommend devoting more time to this beautiful city as it has so much to offer.

The Verona Arena is the best concert venue!

Verona is home to a remarkably well preserved Roman Amphitheatre. The Verona Arena is in such good condition that it is still used for operas, concerts and other events. Despite being almost 2 millennia old, it has played host to concerts by Bruce Springsteen, Pink Floyd, One Direction, Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Muse, Paul McCartney, Jamiroquai, Whitney Houston and many more. Surrounding the Arena di Verona is Piazza Bra, which is a popular public square containing plenty of restaurants and cafes.

Discovering amazing views in Verona Italy

Moving above the city, there are a number of vantage points providing amazing panoramic views over the city. In particular there’s Santuario della Nostra Signora di Lourdes as well as Castel San Pietro. However our favourite spot in Verona is along the banks of the Adige river – the perfect spot to enjoy a gelato while admiring the view!

Verona Destination Guide: Know before you go

Basic info about Verona Italy

• City name in Italian – Veròna
• Language – Italian. Veronese is the main dialect of the Venetan language spoken in Verona. Many people in hotels, restaurants and other tourist businesses will be able to speak English, but not everyone will be able to speak English.
• Currency – euro (EUR). This has been the official currency of Italy since 2002. Currency exchanges can be found in most cities and ATMs are available widely throughout the country.
• Population – 257,000 (2017)
• Area – 207 km² (80 sq mi)
• Province – Verona. Verona is the capital of this province.
• Region – Veneto
• Emergency number – 112 or 114 (sms or fax)
• Police number – 17

Utilities in Verona Italy

• Electricity – Italy uses Types C, F and L power plugs. The country operates on a 230v supply voltage at 50Hz. Power outages are not common in Italy. However in some places you need to be careful not to use too many appliances at once or you’ll overload the system.
• Water – the tap water in Italy is safe to drink almost everywhere in the country. However there are a some very rural areas may not have water that’s safe to drink. In particular, if you see a sign that says “acqua non potabile”, that means the water is not safe to drink.
• Toilets – sit-down flushing toilets are the most common type of toilet in Italy. You can flush your toilet paper directly into the bin. Additionally, bidets are a common feature of many bathrooms. Public toilets are common in Italy. However many public toilets charge a fee anywhere from 50 cents to 1 euro to use.
• Telephone country code: +39

Where is Verona Italy?

Verona is in the province of Verona in the Veneto region of northern Italy.

The closest major Italian cities to Verona are Bologna, Venice as well as Milan. Verona is 1 hour by train from Bologna, Venice and Milan.

How to get to Verona Italy

Verona destination guide: Arriving by land

Verona Italy intercity land transport

The main transport options for travelling overland to Verona Italy are:

• Private vehicle
• Private transport operator
• Shuttle Bus – Verona Airlink is a shuttle bus service between Verona Airport and the city. A one way ticket costs 6 euro (price as at 2023). The journey time is around 15 minutes. For more information, see this website: https://www.aeroportoverona.it/en/transport/verona-airlink.html
• Train
• Bus
• Bike

Driving to Verona from within Italy

If you are driving to Verona from within Italy, here are the travel times and distances:

• Venice – 1 hour 17 minutes (121km, 75miles) with tolls or 2 hours 29 minutes (152km, 94miles) without tolls
• Bologna – 1 hour 41 minutes (144km, 89miles) with tolls or 2 hours 23 minutes (145km, 90miles) without tolls
• Milan – 2 hours 4 minutes (156km, 97miles) with tolls or 3 hours 6 minutes (172km, 107miles) without tolls
• Rome – 5 hours 8 minutes (502km, 312miles) with tolls or 7 hours 16 minutes (523km, 325miles) without tolls

Intercity trains to Verona Italy

Trains are a cheap and efficient way to get to Verona Italy. Verona has 2 stations in use. The main train station in Verona is Verona Porta Nuevo railway station.

The following train brands service Verona:

• Frecciarossa – this is one of Italy’s high speed services. It is operated by Trenitalia.
• Frecciargento – this is one of Italy’s high speed services. It is operated by Trenitalia.
• Frecciabianca – this is one of Italy’s high speed services. It is operated by Trenitalia.
• Intercity (IC) – this is a non-high speed rail service. These services travel between the major towns and cities in Italy and make more frequent stops than the high speed rail services.
• RegioExpress (RE) Trains – these are regional trains run in the north of Italy by Trenord. They stop only at larger cities and stations can connect the Lombardy region with Verona. They typically have bike facilities.
• Regio – these are the slowest but also the cheapest trains. Trenord operates trains in this region.
• Regional Trains – these are the slowest and cheapest trains. Reservations may or may not be available and they may not have amenities like air-conditioning or first class cars. The types of Regional Trains available are InterRegionale (IR), Regionale (R), Diretto (D) and Espresso (E). Be sure to validate your ticket at a ticket stamping machine at the station before boarding your train.
• Eurocity services (Trenitalia, SBB, CFF and FSS) – these services connect cities across different countries in Europe.
• Night train – this is operated by Trenitalia.

The main railway company in Italy is called Trenitalia.

We recommend using the app and website TrainLine to book intercity train tickets in Italy. This is the app we used. We found it very easy to use with great functionality. Another great feature is that you can see days ahead to see what times of the day were the cheapest rates.

Intercity buses to Verona Italy

A common way to get around Italy is by using intercity buses. These are a budget friendly alternative to trains, but are generally a slower option. Intercity bus companies in Italy include Marino Autolinee, Itabus, Autolinee Federico, Interbus as well as FlixBus. Popular bus destinations from Verona include:

• Ljubljana Slovenia – travel time 4-5 hours. Tickets start from 20 euro one way.
• Venice Italy – travel time 1.5-2 hours. Tickets start from 8 euro one way.
• Milan Italy – travel time 2-2.5 hours. Tickets start from 2 euro one way.
• Florence Italy – travel time 3-5 hours. Tickets start from 5 euro one way.

Verona destination guide: Arriving by air

The nearest major airport to Verona is Verona Villafranca Airport (Airport code VRN). This airport is also known as Valerio Catullo Airport or Villafranca Airport. It is located 10km (6miles) southwest of the city.

Other nearby airports include:

• Brescia Airport (Airport code VBS). This airport is 51km (32miles) away
• Parma Airport (Airport code PMF). This airport is 86km (53miles) away.
• Treviso Airport (Airport code TSF). This airport is 97km (60miles) away.

The national airline of Italy is ITA Airways (Italia Trasporto Aereo).

Verona destination guide: Arriving by boat

The closest port to Verona is the Port of Venice.

Verona destination guide: How to get around Verona Italy

Walking in Verona Italy

By far the easiest as well as the cheapest way to get around Verona is to walk. Furthermore, most of the main attractions in the city area are within easy walking distance.

Funiculars in Verona Italy

The Funicolare di Castel San Pietro is a cable car that provides easy access to the viewpoint at Castel San Pietro. The ride takes a bit over a minute. A one way ticket costs 2 euro for adults (price as at 2023). For more information, see this website: https://www.funicolarediverona.it/en/

Local buses in Verona Italy

Local buses service Verona. These services are operated by the city’s public transport service, ATV. For more information, see this website: https://www.atv.verona.it/Atv_Verona_home_page_EN

Trolleybuses in Verona Italy

A new 4 line trolleybus system is due to open in Verona in 2026.

Trams in Verona Italy

At this time there are no trams in Verona. The tram service in Verona was discontinued in 1954.

Local trains in Verona Italy

There are two train stations in Verona – Verona Porta Nueva (the main train station) as well as Verona Porta Vescovo. Trains between these two stations take 4 minutes. The trains are run by TrenItalia and a one way fare costs 1.95 euro for an adult (as at 2023).

Metro trains (subway or underground) in Verona Italy

Verona does not have an underground rail system.

Vehicle hire in Verona Italy

A wide variety of vehicles can be rented in Italy. This includes:

• Bicycles – There are self-service bike share services available in the city from companies such as Verona Bike. Alternatively you can hire a bike from a bike hire shop such as BikeSquare Verona.
• Electric scooters
• Cars
• SUVs
• Campervans
• Boats

The Italian drive on the right side of the road.

Taxis in Italy

Taxis are common in Italy. Fares are regulated and are usually metered. The exception to this will be standard journeys such as airport trips. In this case the fare will be a fixed price. Taxi rates are usually displayed inside the vehicle as well as at taxi ranks. In general your fare will include the following costs:

• The pickup fee or minimum fee – this is charged as soon as you get into the vehicle
• There may also be an additional fee for extra people or heavy luggage
• Price per kilometre – this price can vary depending on the time of day
• Price per hour – this is a price that gets charged when the taxi is stuck in heavy traffic. The price also varies depending on the time of day

It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers in Italy. At most, Italians may round up the fare to the nearest dollar as a tip.

To ensure you are charged the correct amount, be sure to only use official taxis that have a taxi sign on the roof. Also check that the taxi driver resets the metre before taking off and that the metre is working. In particular, if your trip is inside city limits “Tarrifa 1” on the metre should be lit up. Note that this is the lower and correct rate. Conversely, Tarrifa 2 and 3 should only be used for trips outside the city walls or to the airport.

Ride-share services in Verona Italy

Verona does not have any ride-share services.

Italy travel guide to travelling during Covid

We have written a detailed post outlining the Covid entry requirements. You can find the post here.

Verona Italy destination guide: Is Verona worth visiting?

Verona is absolutely worth visiting! This scenic and romantic city has strong ties to its literary past and it is a thrill to experience the city that was made famous in the Shakespearean play Romeo and Juliet. Verona is filled with bustling squares and ancient Roman landmarks such as the Verona Arena which is one of the most famous landmarks in Verona. It is a vibrant city with an amazing food scene and a great atmosphere. We highly recommend adding Verona to your Italy bucket list.

Verona destination guide: How long to spend in Verona Italy

Verona is a great place to come for a weekend. It is beautiful city with a rich history. We spent 3 days in Verona and enjoyed taking time to enjoy the various activities available in this vibrant city.

Verona destination guide: What to do in Verona Italy

Verona is a beautiful Italian city with many activities on offer. It has a range of great free activities as well as paid activities.

Verona destination guide: Free things to do in Verona Italy

There are enough free activities in Verona Italy to keep you entertained for a weekend or even a leisurely week:

• Piazza della Erbe
• Piazzale Castel San Pietro
• Piazza Brà
• Ponte Scaligero
• Ponte Pietra
• Via Giuseppe Mazzini
• Santuario Madonna di Lourdes
• Arche Scaligere
• The courtyard of Casa di Giuletta
• I Portoni della Brà
• Porta Borsari
• Palazzo della Ragione
• Casa di Romeo
• Arco dei Gavi
• Porta Leoni

For more details, see our Verona travel guide on the 15 Best Free Things To Do in Verona Italy.

Verona destination guide: Paid activities in Verona Italy

A number of attractions in Verona Italy charge an entry fee:

• Arena di Verona – entry fee is 10 euro for adults (as at 2023)
• Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore – entry fee is 4 euro for adults (as at 2023)
• The Catedral Complex (Duomo Cattedrale di Santa Maria Matricolare) – entry fee is 4 euro for adults (as at 2023)
• Basilica di Santa Anastasia – entry fee is 4 euro for adults (as at 2023)
• Chiesa di San Fermo – entry fee is 4 euro for adults (as at 2023)
• Museo di Castelvecchio – entry fee is 6 euro for adults (as at 2023)
• Giardino Giusti – entry fee is 11 euro for adults (as at 2023)
• Torre dei Lamberti – entry fee is 6 euro for adults (as at 2023)
• Teatro Romano – entry fee is 4.50 euro for adults (as at 2023)
• Museo Archeologico al Teatro Romano – entry fee is 4.50 euro for adults (as at 2023)
• Piazza dei Signori
• Funicolare di Castel San Pietro – one way ticket is 2 euro for adults (as at 2023)
• Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House) – entry fee is 6 euro for adults (as at 2023)
• Tomba di Giulietta – entry fee is 4.50 euro for adults (as at 2023)
• Biblioteca Capitolare di Verona – entry fee is 5 euro for adults (as at 2023)

Combined ticket for entry to the four churches

Combined entrance to the 4 major churches of Verona (the Basilica di San Zeno, the Cathedral Complex, the Basilica di Santa Anastasia as well as San Fermo) is 8 euro for adults (as at 2023). You can buy the combined ticket at the first church you visit.

Verona Card

The Verona Card is a city card that gives you free transport on the local buses as well as free entry or discounts for a number of tours, museums and attractions in the area. There are 24 hour as well as 48 hour passes are available.

The types of VeronaoCard are as follows:

• 24 hour Verona Card – 20 euro for adults (as at 2023)
• 48 hour Verona Card – 25 euro for adults (as at 2023)

For more information on the VeronaoCard, visit this website: https://www.visitverona.it/en/explore/culture-at-an-affordable-price

Weather in Verona Italy

Verona enjoys a warm temperate climate. Its climate is heavily influenced by the nearby Mediterranean area. During the winter it is cold with average temperature range between -1°C and 6°C in the coldest month of January. Summers last from June to September and are hot and sunny, with the average temperature range between 19°C and 30°C in the hottest month of July. It is a windy city and experiences frequent and sometimes powerful winds. Snow is rare but not unheard of in Verona. The month with the most rainfall is May with 9.1 days of rain on average and the driest month is January with an average of 4.9 rainy days.

Best time to visit Verona Italy

Verona has a number of vibrant events throughout the year which are worthwhile attending if you’re in town. During February, the city of Romeo and Juliet goes all-out with decorations, light installations and events for those who want to celebrate romance. February is also when Verona celebrates Bancanal del Gnoco or Verona Carnival with parades and other activities. Another great time of year to visit Verona is during the Verona Opera Festival. From June to September each year, the ancient Verona Arena plays host to around 50 operatic performances, drawing crowds in their thousands. To end the year, Verona’s Christmas celebrations include nativity scenes and dioramas from all over the world, accompanied by music and light shows.

In general, best time to visit Verona is between late May and mid September, when the weather is most pleasant for outdoor activities. The peak tourist season is between June and August, so expect higher prices at that time.

Internet and mobile phones in Italy

Since June 15th, 2017, Roam Like at Home (RLAT) rules came into force for European Union countries. As such, people with European Union mobile numbers are no longer charged temporary mobile roaming fees if they travel within the European Union. This means that if you have a European Union mobile number, you can use that number anywhere within the European Union and you will be charged for calls, texts and data in the same rates as if you were in your home country. There are limits to this in order to prevent abuse of these rules.

The main internet and phone companies in Italy include TIM, Vodafone, Wind, 3, Iliad.

5G has been in Italy since June 2019. However 2G is expected to continue in Italy until 2025.

Italy is ranked 50^th fastest in the world for mobile internet speeds and 70^th fastest for fixed broadband. For Fixed Broadband the average download speed is 64mbps and upload is 19mbps (as at May 2023).

The best place to buy cell phone SIM cards in Italy are in phone stores. They can be found in shopping malls and city centres. We recommend not buying a SIM card at the airport as prices are generally higher at the airport. You will need to present photo ID in order to purchase a SIM card.

How much to budget for Verona Italy?

Is Verona expensive?

Verona is a relatively affordable place to visit. Flights to Verona are fairly inexpensive and Verona is also well-connected to other parts of Italy by land transport, making it an affordable destination to travel to. Once you’re there, the city is very walkable, and accommodation and food costs are quite reasonable. You can also visit some of the city’s most famous landmarks such as the Verona Arena and Juliet’s House which are both very affordable.

Verona destination guide: Daily spend for a couple travelling in Verona Italy

As a rough guide, we recommend the following budgets for a couple:

• Low-budget daily spend – 100 euro per day for a couple will get you budget accommodation, self catering and bakery meals, walking or catching local transport to get around the city and free or cheap activities.
• Mid-range daily spend – 300 euro per day for a couple will get you mid-range accommodation, walking or catching local transport to get around the city, dining at reasonably priced cafes and restaurants and some paid activities.
• Luxury spend – 1000 euro per day for a couple will get you a premium experience, staying at high end hotels, travelling by private transport, doing a range paid activities and eating at high end restaurants.

Verona destination guide: Accommodation in Verona Italy

There is a good range of accommodation to suit most budgets in Verona Italy. Airbnb operates in Italy and Verona has a number of apartments for rent.

Where to stay in Verona Italy?

We recommend the following accommodation in Verona Italy:

• Best 3 star hotel in Verona Italy – B&B Valverde provides clean, cosy and comfortable accommodation in the historical centre of Verona. The host is wonderful and the beds are extremely comfortable.
• Best 4 star hotel in Verona Italy – Palazzo Monga Boutique Guesthouse is a luxurious property in the city centre of Verona. The accommodation is beautifully presented with high quality finishes and comfortable beds. The staff treat you like royalty and make sure your every need is met.
• Best 5 star hotel in Verona Italy – Vista Palazzo is an elegantly designed hotel which provides exceptional service. There are stunning views from the rooftop lounge. The rooms are modern and the facilities are excellent. It is centrally located close to many of Verona’s main attractions.
• Best Aparthotel in Verona Italy – Opera Relais De Charme – Aparthotel provides spotlessly clean, spacious and well-designed accommodation in a convenient location. The staff are very friendly and helpful and the rooms are well-equipped.

How much is accommodation in Verona Italy?

For short-term accommodation, a general price per night is as follows:

• Budget accommodation – 30-35 euro for a dorm
• Mid-range accommodation – 60-200 euro for a private room
• Luxury accommodation – 200-500 euro a night for a luxury hotel
• Rental property – 150-500 euro a night for a fully furnished 3-4 bedroom home

City tax on accommodation in Verona Italy.

Most cities in Italy charge a city tax, which must be paid to your host and is an additional charge on top of your nightly rate. Verona introduced its city tax on 1 August 2012. It is a per person per night charge for all guests over the age of 14. This charge is capped at a maximum of 5 consecutive night stays. The charge varies depending on the star rating of the accommodation. The prices as at 2022 are as follows:

• 2 stars = 1.50 euro
• 3 stars = 2.50 euro
• 4 stars = 3 euro
• 5 stars = 5 euro

Verona destination guide: Food in Verona Italy

How much does food cost in Verona Italy?

Our price guide for your food budget in Verona Italy is as follows (prices as at 2022):

• Restaurant meal – 15-20 for a main dish
• Bakery food – 3.50 for arancini, 2-3 euro for a slice of pizza
• Glass of wine – 4-7 euro
• Coffee – 1-4 euro

Coperto charge for restaurants in Italy

Most restaurants will charge a coperto charge if you are dining in. This cover charge is usually around 1-3 euro, but may be higher in touristy areas. It is a fixed per person charge and is meant to cover things like table linen, tableware and may also cover bread. It’s a non-negotiable charge and must be listed on the menu. If you can’t find it listed on the menu, ask your waiter if there is a coperto charge.

Servizio charge for restaurants in Italy

Some restaurants charge a servizio charge. This service charge is generally a percentage of your bill and must be listed on the menu. It is usually charged in restaurants in touristy areas as well as for groups of 8 or more.

Regional dishes in Verona Italy

• Risotto all’Amarone
• Risotto with Tastasal
• Pastissada de Caval
• Potato Gnocchi
• Lesso con la pearà
• Sfogliatelle di Villafranca
• Polenta
• Pandoro
• Fritole
• Nadalin

Cheap Eats in Verona Italy

• Panetterias or focaccerias (Italian bakeries) are great places to get cheap as well as delicious food. Slices of pizza are around 1-4 euro. Arancini are around 3.50 euro each. Other common food that can be found in Italian bakeries include panini, canoli as well as fritole.
• Pizzerias are unsurprisingly abundant in Italy and are also perfect for a cheap quick meal. Prices will vary depending on size and ingredients, but expect to pay around 5-10 euro for a pizza.
• Gelato in Italy will satisfy your sweet tooth but without breaking the budget. Expect to pay around 3 euro for a single scoop cone.

Fine dining in Verona Italy

Verona is home to a number of Michelin Guide restaurants.

1 star Michelin restaurants in Verona Italy (2023):

• Il Desco

Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants in Verona Italy (2023):

• Al Bersagliere
• Osteria Mondo d’Oro

Michelin Plate restaurants in Verona Italy (2023):

• Al Capitan della Cittadella
• Locanda 4 Cuochi
• Trattoria I Masenini
• L’Oste Scuro
• Yard Restaurant
• La Canonica
• Trattoria al Pompiere
• La Loggia Bistrò
• Vecio Macello
• Caffè Dante Bistrot
• Filia Ristorante
• Vescovo Moro
• Ponte Pietra
• Osteria la Fortanina
• San Basilio alla Pergola

Verona Italy culture

Verona public holidays

• New Year’s Day – 1 January
• Epiphany (Epifania or Befana) – 6 January
• Easter Sunday (Pasqua) – typically in March or April
• Easter Monday (Pasquetta) – the Monday after Easter Sunday, typically in March or April
• Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione) – 25 April
• International Workers’ Day (Festa del Lavoro) – 1 May
• Republic Day (Festa della Repubblica) – 2 June
• Assumption Day (Ferragosto) – 15 August
• All Saints’ Day (Ognissanti or Tutti i Santi) – 1 November
• Day of the Immaculate Conception (Immacolata) – 8 December
• Christmas Day (Natale) – 25 December
• Saint Stephen’s Day (Santo Stefano) – 26 December

National symbols of Italy

• Italy flag – a tricolour flag featuring three vertical bands coloured green, white and red from left to right.
• Italy coat of arms – this features a Roman wreath, a white 5-pointed star with a red border on a 5-spoked cogwheel, an olive branch, an oak branch as well as a red ribbon with the words “REPVBBLICA ITALIANA”.
• National flower – lily
• National bird – Italian sparrow
• Italian national animal – Italian wolf

Italy pastimes

• National dish – Ragu alla Bolognese
• Popular drinks – Aperitivo, Negroni, Campari, Aperol Spritz, Prosecco, Limoncello, Italian wine
• National sport – football
• Religion – 79.2% Catholic, 3.5% Eastern orthodox, 7.5% agnostic, 4.1% atheist (as at 2021)

Famous people from Verona Italy

• Famous people born in Verona Italy – fictional characters Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, writer Catullus, physicist Carlo Rovelli, singer-songwriter Gigliola Cinquetti
• Sports stars from Verona Italy – cyclist Damiano Cunego, tennis player Giorgio de Stefani, bowler Lou Campi, golfer Matteo Manassero, Olympic high jumper Sara Simeoni

Is Verona Italy Safe?

Italy travel guide: Safety in Italy

We travelled through Italy for two weeks and generally found the country to be very safe. However as with any country, there are good areas and bad areas. Watch out for pickpockets and bag snatchers particularly in Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan and Naples. Beware that bag snatchers can even use cars as well as scooters for drive by bag snatching. Milan also has an issue with counterfeiters selling fake goods. Additionally, Naples and Florence have a reputation for scams. Theft is the most common crime in Italy, so never leave your belongings unattended. Be extra vigilant in crowds as well as on public transport. Also, make sure no-one is watching whenever you are entering pin codes and never lose sight of your credit card when making a purchase.

General safety considerations in Italy

Other general safety considerations for travel in Italy:

• Drinking water – Tap water in Italy is safe to drink almost everywhere. However some very rural areas may not have water that’s safe to drink. In particular, if you see a sign that says “acqua non potabile” the water is not safe to drink.
• Nightlife – never leave your drink unattended because there have been reports of spiked drinks in bars and nightclubs.
• Mosquitoes – the tiger mosquito has been in Italy since 1991. It spreads diseases such as Zika, dengue and chikunguya.
• Altitude sickness – Italy has areas of high altitude and consequently risk of altitude sickness. Therefore allow sufficient time to acclimatise if visiting high altitude areas. Additionally, if you experience signs of altitude sickness (headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite or shortness of breath) get help immediately.
• Road safety – Italy has one of the highest road death tolls in Europe, due to driver behaviour as well as road conditions. Robberies from cars are not uncommon, particularly around gas stations. Always lock your vehicle, roll up windows and never leave valuables unattended in your vehicle. Ignore anyone who tries to flag you down – even if they are telling you you have a flat tyre. Carjackings are a risk in some parts of the country such as Sicily.
• Taxis – only use official taxis designated by a taxi sign on the roof. Moreover, don’t take a ride from a driver that approaches you.
• Water safety – take care when swimming as currents and waves may be stronger than you expect.
• Sun safety – Exposure to the sun can have adverse short-term as well as long-term effects on the skin, eyes and immune system. Wear sun protection such as sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.

As with any destination, take all of your normal safety precautions.

Italy Blogs

You can find our Italy travel blogs below.

Affiliate Links

This website contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission on any purchases at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us continue our travels and make more travel blogs and travel videos, thank you!