If you’re dreaming about the perfect Italian summer, you’re in good company.
There’s nothing in the whole world like Italy in the summertime.
Picture sunny coastlines, gelato in every flavor you can imagine, and golden hour selfies in the middle of historic piazzas.
I love Italy in the summer so will you.
Here are 15 tips for your unforgettable Italian summer:
Pack Smart for the Heat
Italy gets hot in the summer, especially in cities like Rome, Florence, and Naples.
Choose light, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen.
Think flowy sundresses, tank tops, airy wide-leg pants, and skirts that don’t cling. Bring at least one cute hat to protect your face from the sun and extra sunglasses.
Also, comfy shoes are a must.
Italian streets are full of cobblestones, so pick cute sandals or white sneakers you can walk miles in.
Grab the Italian Summer Outfits Cheat Sheet
Embrace Your Inner Lizzie
You can’t do Rome without a stop at the Trevi Fountain.
Toss a coin, make a wish, and try not to cry as you live out your full Lizzie McGuire fantasy. Go at sunrise for the most magical light and fewer crowds.
It’s totally normal to whisper, “this is what dreams are made of,” while you’re there.
Don’t Skip Gelato
You’re not really living the Italian summer until you’ve had gelato at least once a day. Try classic flavors like pistachio, stracciatella, and hazelnut, but don’t be afraid to branch out.
Never fear the gelato.
Look for spots with natural colors and simple displays (avoid the neon stuff piled high). Bonus points if you eat it while sitting on a fountain ledge!
My gelato recs:
- Giolitti (Rome)
- Gelato Giusto (Milan)
- Gelateria La Carraia (Florence)
- Gelateria Gallonetto (Venice)
Book Tickets Ahead of Time
Buy tickets for popular attractions like the Vatican Museums (I took this Vatican tour) online before your trip. You’ll skip long lines and save time for more gelato stops.
Don’t wait until you’re standing outside the Colosseum in the blazing sun.
Learn Some Basic Italian
Knowing a few Italian phrases can go a long way. Locals appreciate the effort, and it makes ordering coffee or navigating the train station less intimidating.
Here are a few to practice:
- Ciao! – Hi/Bye
- Per favore – Please
- Grazie – Thank you
- Dov’è il bagno? – Where is the bathroom?
- Quanto costa? – How much does it cost?
- Un gelato, per favore – One gelato, please
- Parli inglese? – Do you speak English?
- Mi scusi – Excuse me
- Vorrei… – I would like…
- Che bello! – How beautiful!
Write them down in your notes app or a little travel journal so you have them handy.
Let Google Translate join you on your dream Italy vacay.
Don’t Skip the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s fun.
You’ll laugh, you’ll pose, and you’ll definitely get that iconic “holding up the tower” shot.
Go for the classics, but also try angles with a twist—like pretending to kick the tower or using props.
It’s all part of the Italian summer experience, so just lean into it 👀
Dress Cute but Respectfully
Some churches and religious sites require covered shoulders and knees, so keep a lightweight cardigan or pullover in your bag. Midi skirts, wide-leg pants, or a cute maxi dress can easily work for both sightseeing and dinner.
Definitely sure you’re covered up if you visit the Vatican.
Stay Hydrated (And Pack a Water Bottle)
Tap water in Italy is usually safe to drink, and many cities have fountains where you can refill your travel bottle (I use this one).
It’s good for your wallet, the planet, and your skin. Especially when the sun is blazing, and you’ve been walking all day.
Capture the Golden Hour
Italian cities absolutely glow at sunset.
Plan to be out during golden hour to snap dreamy photos of the Colosseum, Ponte Vecchio, or a quiet Venetian canal. Early mornings and just-before-dinner hours are your best bet for fewer crowds and better lighting.
Read: How to Take Your Own Travel Pictures
Stay Connected Without the Stress
Before you head off for your dreamy, gelato-y Italian summer, make your phone your best travel buddy:
- Download offline maps of the cities you’re visiting
- Save cute cafes and coffee spots to your notes
- Keep digital copies of your passport and itinerary
- Download music so you can listen without using data or Wi-Fi
- Use translation apps to help with menus and directions
- Set reminders or alarms for important activities or transportation times
Helpful apps that you’ll use around Italy:
- Rome2Rio: I’ve used Rome2Rio for figuring out how to get from one city to another using trains, buses, ferries, or flights all over the the world.
- TheFork: This website is super helpful app for finding and reserving restaurants, sometimes with discounts.
- Smart Traveler (U.S. State Department): Keep up with travel advisories, embassy info, and alerts specific to Italy. Great for peace of mind. Download the app for Apple or Google.
- TripWhistle Global SOS: TripWhistle Instantly shows emergency numbers (like 112 in Italy), so you’re always prepared no matter where you are.
- BlaBlahCar: This is a popular ride share option in Italy that is often cheaper than Uber.
Train for Trains
Italy’s train system is fast, scenic, and easy to use.
You can hop from Rome to Florence or Venice in just a few hours. Book tickets in advance for longer routes and validate regional train tickets before boarding (look for the green machines).
Visit the Smaller Towns
Of course you’ll see the big cities, but don’t sleep on smaller towns. Think flowing dresses overlooking the sea, clinking wine glasses, major old-money vibes, and endless photo ops.
Take a day trip to Positano or Cinque Terre.
You might like: 21 Dresses Perfect for Positano
Eat, Eat, Eat
Italians eat late. Lunch happens around 1-2 PM, and dinner rarely starts before 8. Embrace it. And definitely try the regional specialties!
Here’s what every major city in Italy is known for, food-wise:
Rome 🇮🇹
- Carbonara
- Cacio e Pepe
- Supplì (fried rice balls with mozzarella)
- Roman-style artichokes (Carciofi alla Romana or alla Giudia)
Florence 🍷
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina (massive T-bone steak)
- Ribollita (Tuscan bread and vegetable soup)
- Lampredotto sandwich (made from cow’s stomach, trust—it’s a local favorite)
- Chianti wine
Venice 🦐
- Cicchetti (Venetian tapas-style bites)
- Sarde in Saor (sweet and sour sardines)
- Risotto al nero di seppia (black squid ink risotto)
- Tiramisu
Naples 🍕
- Neapolitan pizza (with that perfect chewy crust and San Marzano tomatoes)
- Sfogliatella (crispy shell-shaped pastry with ricotta filling)
- Fried pizza (yep, that’s a thing)
- Limoncello (especially near the Amalfi coast)
Milan 🍋
- Risotto alla Milanese
- Cotoletta alla Milanese (breaded veal cutlet)
- Panettone (a holiday sweet bread that’s eaten year-round now)
- Aperitivo culture (think spritzes and chic snacks)
Bologna 🍝
- Tagliatelle al ragù (aka real Bolognese sauce)
- Tortellini in brodo (stuffed pasta in broth)
- Mortadella (the original version of bologna sausage)
- Lasagna alla Bolognese
Palermo (Sicily) 🌞
- Arancini (stuffed rice balls, fried to perfection)
- Cannoli (crispy shell with sweet ricotta filling)
- Pasta alla Norma (with eggplant and ricotta salata)
- Granita with brioche (breakfast of Sicilian queens)
Genoa 🌿
- Pesto alla Genovese (the OG basil pesto)
- Farinata (savory pancake made from chickpea flour)
- Trofie pasta (perfect with pesto)
Bring a Light Bag for Day Trips
Whether you’re exploring the ruins of Pompeii or wandering through vineyards in Tuscany, a classy crossbody bag will make your life easier.
Toss in your water bottle, sunglasses, portable charger, and maybe a snack.
Just don’t keep anything in your back pockets—pickpocketing can be a thing in crowded areas, and a secure bag you can keep close is always the safer choice.
Soak It All In
Don’t rush.
Leave space in your days to just be in Italy: Sip your coffee slowly at a street-side cafe. Wander without Google Maps for a while. Sit by the Arno River with a view of the Ponte Vecchio and reflect.
Your perfect Italian summer isn’t just about checking things off a list, but, rather, it’s about the little moments that end up meaning the most.
BRB
Toss that coin into the Trevi Fountain and trust that you’ll be back again someday. Your Italian summer is going to be unforgettable.
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