Italy: The Complete Guide to an Unforgettable Trip – Cities, Food, Hotels, Transport and Staying Connected
Esimfly · 7 March 2025
Italy – a once-in-a-lifetime experience
I will never forget my first time in Italy. From the second I walked out of the airport, I felt like I was somewhere completely different – not only because of the breathtaking scenery or the ancient buildings, but because of the feeling that everything here is simply... alive. The streets are packed with culture, history, flavours and smells you just cannot ignore. Rome, Venice, Milan, Florence – every city has a character of its own, and each one delivers a completely different experience.
But Italy is not only towers and cathedrals. It is also espresso standing at the bar in the morning, fresh pasta served like a work of art, and a river of people who talk passionately about absolutely everything, even the weather forecast. So how do you do it right? How do you fly cheap, how do you get around, and where do you find the best spaghetti in the country? All of that – and more – right here.
Rome – a city that tells stories
When I arrived in Rome for the first time, I finally understood why they call it the Eternal City. You walk down a street and suddenly find yourself facing the remains of an empire that stood thousands of years ago. What I loved most about Rome is that it is not just an open-air museum – it is a living, buzzing city where history and daily life happen side by side.
The Colosseum, for example, is not just a huge, impressive structure – it is a place where real people fought for their lives in front of a roaring crowd. And when you sit facing the Trevi Fountain, surrounded by tourists tossing coins and making wishes, you realise it is not just a symbol – it is part of the culture.
And then comes the truly good part – the food. Pasta carbonara the way it is meant to be – no cream, just eggs, pecorino, guanciale and black pepper. If you have not tasted carbonara in Rome, you do not really know this dish yet.
Venice – magic you will not find anywhere else
When I got to Venice, I felt like I had stepped into a film. This city looks as if someone took a painting and turned it into reality – canals instead of roads, gondolas instead of cars, and ancient buildings glowing in the sunlight.
Wandering its streets is like walking through an enchanted maze. Around every corner there is a little bridge crossing a canal, and down every alley a tiny café with the smell of fresh espresso. You cannot truly understand this city until you experience it on foot – until you get lost in its alleys, until you sit with a glass of wine watching the sunset over St Mark's Square.
And the food? Spaghetti with fresh seafood you will not find anywhere else. Tiramisu from a family bakery, made exactly the way it always has been. Every bite here feels like part of the city's history.
Milan – luxury, fashion and football
If Rome is the city of history, Milan is the city of the future. Modern skyscrapers next to ancient churches, high-end fashion boutiques on streets full of stylists, and the atmosphere of a city that is always one step ahead.
Standing in front of the Duomo of Milan, I felt like I was looking at a work of art the size of an entire city. Every detail, every statue and every stained-glass window tells a different story. But Milan is not only architecture – it is also the home of Italian football, with the iconic San Siro stadium offering an unforgettable experience for any real fan.
And the food? Here, risotto is king. Risotto alla Milanese – with saffron, butter and parmesan – is something you simply cannot stop eating.
How do you get there, and how do you save on flights?
Flights to Italy come in every shape and size – you can find great deals if you search smartly. What I did was check flexible dates, play around with the destination (sometimes landing in a nearby city and continuing by train works out cheaper), and make sure I was flying with the right baggage allowance – because a low-cost ticket with add-ons can end up costing more than a regular flight.
How do you get around Italy?
Trains in Italy are the best way to move between cities – they are fast, comfortable and cheaper than renting a car in the big cities. Rome and Milan have a metro that works well, but in smaller towns it is better to simply walk – because part of the fun in Italy is getting lost and discovering new places.
But if there is one thing you must remember, it is the internet. There is nothing more frustrating than arriving in a new city and finding you have no connection right when you need to check how to reach your hotel.
How do you stay connected in Italy without breaking the bank?
When I arrived in Italy, I looked for a connectivity solution that would not cost me a fortune. Roaming packages from home were far too expensive, and a local SIM meant too much hassle. The best solution I found was an eSIM – a digital SIM that connects straight to your phone with no need to swap a physical card.
Why is it so good?
- No SIM swapping – you buy online, scan a QR code, and that is it.
- Instant internet connection – no hunting for shops and waiting in queues.
- Better value than roaming packages – no nasty surprises on your bill at the end of the month.
Simple as it gets – I land in Italy and I already have a connection, exactly the way I like it.
Italy – a place worth returning to
After my first visit, I knew it would not be my last. Italy is not a country you see once and are done with – it is a place you come back to again and again, every time with new plans, new places to discover and new flavours to try.
Whether it is your first time or you have been before, every trip to Italy is a brand-new experience. So plan it, pack your suitcase, sort out a good internet connection with a digital SIM (eSIM), and let Italy do the rest.
Looking for more tips on travelling smart with fast internet?
Planning the trip? Order your Italy eSIM before you fly — the QR code arrives by email within minutes.