BACKPACKING IN ITALY: THE ULTIMATE 2024 TRAVEL GUIDE

Italy is high on everyone’s bucket list, and it’s virtually impossible to try and narrow down the list when every city offers something different. From history to art, food, music, architecture, culture, sacred sites, and more, this country satisfies every desire. This makes it a top destination for backpacking, as you can truly tailor your itinerary to encompass a variety of different adventures and tourist attractions. 

To make it a bit easier, we scoured and hunted for the absolute best places in Italy to experience all the wonders the country has to offer.

The capital city, no Italian backpacking itinerary is complete without a visit to Rome. Sure, it’s become a little bit of a tourist trap, but it is here that some of the most magnificent sights in the country can be found – like the Roman Colosseum, and the Sistine Chapel, to note a couple.

There is a veritable treasure trove of places to visit here, from the Forum to the Pantheon, the Appian Way, Palatine Hill – where Rome was supposedly founded. Relax in the Borghese gardens, and try traditional Italian gelato on the Spanish Steps before making a wish at the Trevi Fountain.

The largest example of the Italian Renaissance – the golden era – that still exists, Florence is a cornucopia of awe-inspiring architecture that makes you feel like you’re walking through one giant art museum. From Ponte Vecchio to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence is home to some of the most spectacular architecture that can be found anywhere in the world.

If the buildings aren’t enough art for you, there are also a dozen different museums and galleries dotted through the streets. The Uffizi Gallery is here with its stunning collection of da Vinci and Michelangelo artwork, as are the Boboli Gardens where visitors can explore the artisans’ studios and workshops of the Oltrarno.

The floating city of Venice is made up of a network of canals and streams, and as such it gives the illusion of floating. The transport here is all on boats, and the gondoliers sing their way through the day – almost like something straight out of a Disney movie. 

The main hub is the Piazza San Marco – otherwise known as St. Mark’s Square and it’s here that travellers can spot the great Basilica of St. Mark, as well as the Doge’s Palace. Of course, no Venice trip is complete without visiting the incredible islands. A boat tour to Murano, Burano and Tortello is a great way to get out of the city and explore the artisanal culture of the Venetian islands.  

As of 2024, Venice is trialling a tourist tax which will come into full effect in 2025. The fee is 5 euros per day if you enter between 8:30 am and 4 pm. This only applies if you are visiting for the day, if you have accommodation booked you are exempt from the tax.

A tiny little city in comparison to Rome and Florence, Milan is home to a different sort of charm. It’s a lot quieter, with most people only passing through to get to the nearby airport, but as the fashion capital of Italy, it’s definitely made a name for itself.

The highest concentration of artistic and architectural attractions in Italy can be found here, and the city of Milan has been the home of Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Verdi, Enrico Caruso, Giorgio Armani and so many more.

The Duomo Di Milano is the main attraction; known as one of the world’s most magnificent churches, it’s one of the greatest examples of the iconic Flamboyant Gothic style. Plus, the Santa Maria delle Grazie is home to Da Vinci’s The Last Supper, which fills the entirety of one wall in the monastery.

Unlike anywhere else in Italy, Naples is filled with colour, noise, and above all, life. The narrow cobbled streets hide an abundance of things to do, whether that’s explore the treasure-filled churches, or lavish in the luxury of the European palaces, and discover the history of Pompeii at the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. 

The best thing to do in Naples is to take a day trip to Pompeii and Herculaneum. These towns were ravaged by a volcanic eruption in 79 CE which has resulted in their uniquely exceptional preservation. On a small group tour of Pompeii, you can step back in time, visit villas and see plaster casts of the victims in their final moments; it’s both harrowing and mesmerising.

Backpacking in Tuscany is a great way to escape the crowds and experience the rustic Italian countryside. The region is famous for its vibrant vineyards and charming villages, making it ideal for those looking to experience the spirited culture and delectable culinary heritage. 

The best part about visiting Tuscany while backpacking in Italy is that you get to visit some of the most incredible villages and towns, which offer deeper immersion into Italian culture. While destinations like Pisa and Siena are well known, you should make an effort to go off the beaten path to places like San Gimignano and Lucca. These towns have exquisite historical architecture as well as a variety of art and museums.

While in Tuscany we would highly recommend visiting the Chianti region and trying the world-famous wine. It will be quite pricey but indulging in some of the finest vintage while taking in the immaculate views of a verdant vineyard is truly priceless. If you’re a wine lover, consider embarking on a tour of the best vineyards in Tuscany for the ultimate viticultural escapade.

From historical sites to cultural hot spots, museums, impressive mountains and volcanoes, and more, everything about Italy combines to make it one of the most unique and interesting places you’ll ever visit. Backpacking in Italy gives you the opportunity to explore unique landscapes and historical sites which stand apart from other popular destinations. 

We’ve highlighted some of the best things to do in Italy to help you plan out your backpacking trip. We highly recommend visiting as many of the following places in Italy as possible.

Italy is known for its amazing historical buildings – just think of the Roman Colosseum, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa – but nowhere showcases this more than the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, a short stop away from Sicily. The site is perfect for history buffs and architecture aficionados, but it is best experienced on a guided tour where you can get more context and insight from your knowledgeable guide. 

Here, there’s an incredible archaeological complex that contains some of the most intact Doric temples that still exist today, first built over a thousand years ago during the 5th century. Plus, these temples overlook the town below, so take in the incredible views that stretch along the horizon while you soak up the history.

One of the most famous volcanoes in the world was Mount Vesuvius which tragically destroyed the city of Pompeii over a thousand years ago, covering the unsuspecting city in ash. Today, it’s safe to climb, and there are several hiking routes that take you right to the crater of the mountain at the top.

Hiking Mount Vesuvius is a great way to break up a visit to Naples and offers some of the best views in Italy.

One of the best art galleries in the world, the Uffizi Gallery is nestled away in Florence and is a spectacular visit for anyone heading in that direction. The art held here includes Italian greats such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio – all showcased in a building exquisitely designed. 

Plus, the palazzo here overlooks the Arno River, where visitors can stop for a breather and marvel at the landscape that inspired the greatest artwork in the world. We suggest booking your tickets for the Uffizi Gallery in advance to avoid waiting in long lines.

One for literature lovers, the city of Verona is the setting for Shakespeare’s famous ‘Romeo and Juliet’, and visitors can marvel at the balcony that was used for Juliet’s iconic “Romeo, Romeo, Wherefore art thou Romeo” speech.

The balcony was officially bought by the city over 100 years ago in 1905 so it could be specifically used as a tourist attraction – which has definitely worked, couples flock here every year to declare their love for each other in one of the most romantic spots in the country.

It’s impossible to visit Italy and not see one of the most famous sites in the world: the Roman Coliseum in Rome. Once a magnificent amphitheatre with a capacity to hold over 50,000 spectators, the Coliseum is one of the greatest historical relics left on earth. Best known for the iconic gladiator matches that took place here, crowds would come to see slaves fight to the death – against each other, and great animals such as lions.

One of the top tourist attractions in Rome is Vatican City, an independent state and the centre of the Roman Catholic Church. It’s the best place to visit in Rome for history enthusiasts thanks to the incredible Vatican Museums. Spread out over multiple venues, the museums have a vast collection of religious and historical artefacts as well as pristine works of art. 

You should also take the time to visit the Sistine Chapel which houses Michelangelo’s masterpiece the Creation of Adam. Be sure to get your tickets in advance as the site gets very busy.

One of the best outdoor activities in Italy is hiking up Mount Etna. This towering volcano has unique landscapes like craters and lava fields, as well as lush vegetation and striking panoramic views of Sicily. There are a variety of trails on the volcano that are suitable for a range of fitness levels, meaning you don’t need to be a professional hiker to enjoy the experience. 

For a truly magical experience, take a morning tour of Mount Etna. Your guide will take you through the fascinating moon-like landscape as you take in the crisp mountain air. If you get there early you might even catch the sunrise which makes for an excellent photo op. 

Nestled in the north of Italy lies the serene Lake Como, a lavish resort area set against the picturesque backdrop of the Alps. The lake is known for its clear, crystalline waters and is the perfect place to explore while backpacking in Italy. You can visit charming lakeside towns and stroll along the promenades at the water’s edge. 

To truly appreciate the beauty of Lake Como, you’ll need to get on the water. There are a variety of boat tours and excursions which will take you around the lakes, villages and villas, allowing you to admire the pristine gardens and architecture.

The key to having a good backpacking trip is planning. Having a solid itinerary for what you plan to do each day allows you to stay on course and see all the bucket list attractions in Italy. That said, it is wise to remain flexible so you can adapt to any delays or disruptions. 

Below we’ve provided itineraries for one week in Italy and one month in Italy. These will give you a helpful starting point when planning your Italian backpacking trip and will give you an idea of what your adventure could look like.

Italians don’t do things by halves, which means wherever you’re staying you’re guaranteed to find some incredible accommodation. However, hostels in Italy don’t come cheap, but they are available in most of the places you’ll visit so it’s worth paying a little extra.

However, a hostel isn’t the only way to go. There are a number of different accommodation types, whether that’s a quaint bed and breakfast, or a rural farm stay. If you love getting outdoors and at one with nature, there’s even the option to camp. Italian campgrounds are very well maintained, and you’ll meet a lot of amazing people.

Below you will find our recommendations for backpacker accommodation in Italy.

The trains in Italy might be expensive, but it’s by far the best way to get around, especially for backpackers. While in the major cities, there are buses and subways which will typically cost €2 a ticket, allowing you to navigate the city without spending too much. To get between cities in Italy, the trains are much easier and will help you make the most of your time. 

Italy has an amazing high-speed rail network that makes it easy to explore every corner of the country, especially when backpacking. Train prices will vary depending on when you travel and where you’re going in Italy. A train from Rome to Florence will cost around €19.90 and takes just an hour and a half, giving you plenty of time for exploration.

There are slower regional trains in Italy which are great if you want to explore the bucolic Italian countryside. These also tend to be slightly cheaper and allow you to take in the magnificent views of the rich landscape. Prices will range depending on the length of your journey but a one-way ticket from Florence to Pisa will cost around €8.90 and Pisa to Lucca is just €3.70.

As usual, the best time to visit Italy depends on what you want to do. The high season is the most popular time to visit Italy, bringing sunny skies and crowds of tourists. We would recommend that anyone considering backpacking in Italy do so in the shoulder seasons, as these periods are much less busy. 

The Best Time to Visit Italy for Good Weather

If you’re looking for good weather, then the period between May and October is hands down the best time to visit Italy. Summers in Italy are characterised by bright sunny days, long sunshine hours and perfect water temperatures for swimming and snorkelling in the Mediterranean. However, this is also the busiest period in terms of tourists, so everything’s a little bit more expensive and a lot busier.

Average temperatures in Rome in summer hover around 23°C, with milder evenings at 18°C. The weather won’t be completely consistent across the country. The higher altitude north will be much cooler and the southern coast of Italy will see highs of 30° C. 

The Cheapest Time to Visit Italy

If you’re looking to save a bit of money, then the two shoulder seasons on either side of the peak season are best: March until April, and the end of October through to November. Accommodation in Italy will be much cheaper around these times, meaning you won’t have to burst your budget. Plus, with fewer crowds, you can explore the major sites of Italy at your own leisure and need not worry about arriving early. 

Festivals and Events in Italy 

In terms of festivals and events, February is Carnival time – for Venice in particular. In the lead-up to Fat Tuesday, the streets of Venice come alive with colourful masks and elaborate costumes, while in Piedmont the annual Battle of the Oranges takes place to mark the start of Lent.

In June, there’s the annual Calcio Storico, an early form of football that has been going since the 1500s. It’s one of the best sporting events in Italy and a real treat for culture seekers.  and September is when Florence holds the Festa della Rificolona; held every 7th September, the night sky is lit up with thousands of paper lanterns.

Backpacking in Italy on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality or value. There are many ways to save on spending money in Italy while still having an exceptional experience. If you’re worried about the cost of backpacking in Italy, check out our helpful tips!

One of the quickest and easiest ways to save a bit of money is to simply skip the bread at meals. Most restaurants will offer you some as you sit down, but these will come with a cost that you might not expect – it’s not complimentary. So, simply say no, send it back, and save a few pennies every day – it soon adds up.

Alternatively, you could just skip the restaurant altogether. There are tons of little boutique food stores in Italian cities that sell sandwiches or general picnic-style food. Grab yourself a few snacks and eat outside where you can admire the elaborate piazzas and lush public parks. 

On a similar note, buy all your wine from shops – a typical bottle only costs about €4 – and drink tap water, which is perfectly safe and better for the environment. You can also bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up from drinking fountains in many cities. 

A great way to get situated in a new city while travelling through Italy is to join a free walking tour. These tours are entirely free to attend and will take you to all the major sites and social hubs of Italy’s gorgeous cities. 

As always, public transport is a budget backpacker’s best friend for exploring vast cities like Rome. The fares are affordable and it will save you from having to walk everywhere. You can also invest in a city card which will give you unlimited use of buses and metros, rather than constantly paying for tickets.

Italy has a pretty great climate, but there will always be some discrepancies in the weather, so you need to determine when you’re visiting before you start packing. If you plan to go backpacking in Italy in the summer you will need shorts and lighter clothing to keep cool. On the other hand, if you plan to travel around Italy in winter or want to explore the mountainous regions you will need plenty of layers.

Given all the amazing sights, you’ll want to make sure you bring a decent camera – smartphones have come a long way, but the picture quality is just not the same. You may also wish to bring a portable power bank with you to charge your devices when out on day trips.  

While on the topic of electronics, make sure you pack an EU adapter. Italy uses Type C plug sockets with 2 rounded pins. You could always pick one up at the airport if you don’t already have one. 

Otherwise just make sure you have the essentials: jeans, shorts, a lightweight rain jacket, a sweater, a few nicer evening outfits – the Italians love their fashion – underwear, toiletries, decent walking shoes, and a first aid kit.

Italian food is famous around the world, with every country having their own variations on the Italian staples of pizza and pasta. Given this, it’s hard to know where to begin when you visit Italy, as the cuisine already feels so familiar. You’ll also find that different regions have particular specialities or variations of Italian dishes, which makes backpacking across Italy a journey of flavour. 

Having said that, there are plenty of dishes that, although you may have tried at home, will definitely be better in Italy. One such dish is risotto, which hails from the north of Italy, and the traditional dish is made from meat stock, bone marrow, cheese, and a hefty dose of saffron.

Other dishes include carbonara which is pasta made with an egg and cheese sauce and thought to be derived from the Italian word for charcoal, as it was a filling meal for coal miners, and seadas, which are delicious Sardinian pastries that are filled with lemon-infused pecorino cheese before being deep fried and drizzled with honey.

In terms of drinks, it’s impossible to visit without trying the Chianti wine – so popular, it’s been forged hundreds of times, so look out for the black rooster symbol on the label to ensure you’re drinking the real thing. There’s also limoncello, which is a very sweet spirit made by steeping lemon zest in alcohol until the oil is released and then mixing with a sugar syrup. It typically is served after a meal in Italy as a digestif.

People from all over the world love visiting Italy; from the incredible food to the jaw-dropping sights, there’s literally something for everyone. Given that it’s a European country, it’s fairly easy to get along with the standard Western etiquette system.

However, there are still a few cultural tips and tricks to make note of to make your stay more pleasant:

• “Ciao” is typically only used by the younger generation or among close friends, otherwise the more formal “Buongiorno” is used
• Maintain eye contact when speaking or Italians will think you’re trying to hide something
• Fashion is important in Italian culture, so dress appropriately – which means no torn or worn clothing
• When entering religious sites in Italy like churches and cathedrals, make sure to keep your shoulders and knees covered and dress respectfully
• Keep your hands above the table at all times when eating
• In Italy, the person who does the inviting pays for the meal
• Try not to rush, Italians enjoy a slower pace of life and value the “dolce far niente” – The sweetness of doing nothing

Although you might think that Italian is the dominant language in Italy, it’s actually only really spoken in the centre. Around the country, there are 34 languages and dialects that are all officially recognised, which means even locals can sometimes have a problem understanding other locals.

Having said that, there are some basic Italian phrases that will be universally recognised and will help you on your travels. Having a few phrases up your sleeve is a great way to show respect for Italian culture and in some cases may even reward you with better prices.

Italy is part of the EU and Schengen Area, which means EU residents can freely travel to Italy without needing a visa. Backpackers from the US, UK and Australia are free to enter the country for under 90 days without a tourist visa, however, this is due to change. From mid-2025, the EU will be rolling out the ETIAS scheme for travellers from previously visa-exempt countries. 

ETIAS is a travel authorisation document that will permit you entry to 30 European countries. It is linked to your passport and is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires. Your ETIAS allows you to stay in these countries for up to 90 days within a 180 day period. 

You can apply for your ETIAS online or via the ETIAS mobile app. An application costs 7 EUR and will usually be processed within minutes, you will be notified if this period is extended. Make sure you travel with the passport used in your application as the two documents are linked, using a different passport could result in you not being able to board your flight. 

For more information about visa requirements, see the following links.

UK Nationals

US Nationals

AU Nationals

Just like much of the European continent, Italy is a very safe destination for backpackers and tourists alike. The birthplace of Western culture, the country is the 34th safest country in the world based on the Global Peace Index.

In some of the urban areas and more populated cities in Italy, pickpockets can be an issue so it’s worth keeping an eye on any valuables – just as you would do anywhere in the world. UK travel advisory highlights protests and petty crime as possible concerns, but overall the country is very safe. 

One thing that is worth bearing in mind is that the risk of running into scammers is high; with a lot of scammers and con-artists looking to take advantage of tourists. Things to look out for include people offering to help you with luggage, groups of teenagers acting strangely or trying to distract you, or even fake petitions.

Ultimately, if you wouldn’t do it at home, then you shouldn’t do it in Italy, but other than that there aren’t any major safety concerns to be aware of.

There is evidence of human civilisation across Italy from as far back as 8,000 BCE., with thousands of rock carvings discovering the Alpine regions of Lombardy. The Roman Empire is the most famous section of Italian history, however, taking place between the 5th century BCE and the 5th century CE.

According to legend, the Roman empire was founded by Romulus and Remus, twin brothers descended from Greek and Latin nobility who were raised by a she-wolf, having been condemned to death by King Amulius.

Once they were of age, the brothers set out to build a city of their own, arriving in the area of the seven hills. Here they disagreed over which hill they should build upon, and in the aftermath of the dispute Remus was killed – either by Romulus or one of his supporters. Romulus then went on to found the city of Rome, where he reigned for many years as the city’s first king.

Following the collapse of the Roman Empire in 476 CE, the country was subjected to a series of invasions from different states all over the world. In 493 CE the Ostrogoths, a Germanic tribe, conquered the peninsula, while in 756 CE the Franks from France defeated the Germanic tribes and granted the pope authority over central Italy.

The Italian Renaissance movement began in the 14th century, historically known as Italy’s “golden era” which was then followed by attacks from Spain and Germany during the 16th century. It wasn’t until the 1800s that Italy began the process of unification. Becoming the modern Italian nation that we know today – and it officially unified in 1861.

• Italy’s nickname is “Bel Paese” which means beautiful country
• Rome was originally founded in 753 B.C.
• Pizza was invented in Napoli around 1860
• In central Italy, there is a fountain that flows red win for 24 hours a day
• More than 30% of Italians don’t use the internet
• The tomato wasn’t introduced in Italy until the 1540s
• The number 17 is considered unlucky, so most hotels won’t have a 17^th floor
• An Italian cat once inherited $13 million from its owner, making it the richest cat in the world
• In 2012, an Italian court ruled that telling a man he has “no balls” is a crime, punishable with a fine

If you really want to make the most of your time in Italy, then check out these useful resources. When you’re backpacking, it’s always better to be safe and prepared than winging it. 

https://www.skyscanner.net/routes/lond/it/london-to-italy.html

https://www.hostelworld.com/blog/italy-travel-guide/

https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/destinations/italy/best-hidden-gems-in-italy/

https://www.staysure.co.uk/europe-travel-insurance/italy/

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/world/italy