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Unmapped.

COUNTRY GUIDE

Italy

Every region feels like its own country, and every city is better with company.

Studying in Florence, working in Milan or spending a season in the south: Unmapped helps you find your city, meet travelers, expats and locals, and join or start things together.

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Gondolas on the Grand Canal in Venice at sunset
Grand Canal from the Rialto Bridge, Venice. Photo: Rebe Adelaida / Unsplash (opens in a new tab)

BASICS

Before you go.

Language
Italian
Some regions also have their own languages and dialects. English is common in big cities and tourist areas, less so elsewhere.
Currency
Euro (€, EUR)
Cards and phone payments are widely accepted. Some small cafés and markets still prefer cash.
Time zone
Central European Time, UTC+1
Summer time (UTC+2) runs from late March to late October, as in the rest of the EU.
Power
Type C, F and L plugs, 230 V
Older buildings often have the three-pin Italian socket, so a universal adapter helps.
Getting online
eSIM, SIM or Wi-Fi
Easy to set up. Coverage can drop in mountain areas and on some train routes.
Emergency
112
The European emergency number, for police, fire and ambulance.

GETTING AROUND

Easy to move, once you know how.

  • High-speed trains

    Fast trains link Turin, Milan, Venice, Bologna, Florence, Rome and Naples, usually centre to centre. Booking ahead helps on busy routes.

  • Regional trains

    Regional trains reach smaller towns and the coast. Paper tickets often need to be validated before you board.

  • City transit and walking

    Milan, Rome and Naples have metro lines, and most historic centres are best on foot.

  • Ferries and islands

    Ferries serve Sicily, Sardinia and the smaller islands, and domestic flights shorten the longest trips.

CITIES TO EXPLORE

Where to start.

A few very different places to begin. You can explore any city in Italy through Unmapped. Search for it in the app.

MilanVeniceFlorenceRomeNaplesPalermo
Featured cities in this guide. You can explore any city in Italy in Unmapped.

GOOD TO KNOW

Small things that help.

  • Meal times

    Lunch is often around one and dinner after eight, usually later in the south.

  • North and south

    Dialects, food and the pace of daily life change a lot between regions, and even between nearby towns.

  • Visiting churches

    Covered shoulders and knees are often expected, even on hot days.

  • August

    Many people take holidays in mid-August, and some shops and restaurants close for a while.

  • Cards and cash

    Cards work in most places. A little cash helps at markets and in small towns.

  • Tipping

    Many restaurants add a cover charge. Tipping is not expected, but a little extra for good service is appreciated.

UNMAPPED IN ITALY

Arrive knowing someone.

Open your next city before you land, then use it every day you're there.

  • Meet people before you move

    Open Milan, Florence or Rome before you arrive and see who is here now, who is arriving and who lives there.

  • Ask the City Chat

    Every city can have its own City Chat. Ask about neighbourhoods, language exchanges or where to go for an evening drink.

  • Join or host something

    Find meetups and day trips, or host your own, like a hike above Florence, a market morning in Palermo or a dinner in Naples.

  • Travel together

    Share your route from Milan down to Sicily, or post a Buddy Plan for a weekend trip, a class or a night out.

FAQ

Questions about Unmapped in Italy.

Can I use Unmapped outside the big cities?

Yes. You can explore any city in Italy through Unmapped, and every city can become a City Hub. The cities on this page are just a few places to start.

Does it cover Sicily and Sardinia?

Yes. Cities on both islands, such as Palermo or Cagliari, have their own places in Unmapped's location directory.

Can locals use Unmapped too?

Yes. Unmapped is for travelers, expats and locals, and many good plans start with someone who already lives there.

Can I explore a city before I arrive?

Yes. Open your next city, see who is arriving, join the City Chat and share your travel plan before you land.

Do I need to speak Italian?

No. Unmapped is in English, and City Chats are a good place to ask for help or to find a language exchange.

Looking for another country? Search any city in the world.

Sources & information

Information last reviewed: October 2026Location data: GeoNames (opens in a new tab) (CC BY 4.0 (opens in a new tab))Map: Natural Earth (opens in a new tab)Photo: Rebe Adelaida (opens in a new tab) / Unsplash (opens in a new tab)

Travel information can change. Please verify important information with official sources. Country guides are provided for general information and do not constitute legal, medical, immigration or other professional advice. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Unmapped is not liable for losses resulting from reliance on the information provided. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.

ITALY WITH UNMAPPED

Explore Italy with Unmapped.

Find your city, meet people there and join or start something. Available on iPhone and Android.

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