how to learn travel italian

• Learn to Speak Italian for Travel: Words, Phrases, and Methods

by michele lenzerini | Apr 12, 2024 | Learning Italian Language

You have saved and planned for months, and your dream trip to Italy is just around the corner. Whether you’re sightseeing in world-famous cities like Rome or Florence, you are booking a gondola ride in Venice, or a dream trip in the hills of Tuscany, you know you will enjoy the experience more if you speak a little basic Italian.

So, if you want to talk with people, order your food, and feel as though you fit in, even if you don’t know how to speak Italian perfectly, your first objective should be to learn Italian survival phrases. 

You may also wonder whether you are too old to learn the basics of Italian for travel or whether you can afford to do so. Luckily, there are many ways to learn basic Italian travel phrases, fast and effectively . Here’s how!

First step: learn basic Italian for travel

You could feel frustrated walking into a situation in which you don’t know any words in the language at all. So, when you’re traveling through a foreign country, learning a little bit of the local language by yourself can go a long way. But it’s not enough to fare la valigia (pack your suitcase) and watch Italian language movies before you leave. You should at least learn the basics for travel, such as keywords and phrases, Italian numbers, how to pronounce Italian words, and ask questions in Italian.

Ciao! Come stai ?

You can find plenty of English speakers in Italy’s major cities. However, most Italians will appreciate you trying to speak their language; you’ll be surprised how many new friends you can make.

However, if you don’t have enough time to attend a real and proper Italian language course, here is a list of useful basic terms and phrases to learn for travel and to get you started:

Hello: Ciao Good morning: Buongiorno Good evening: Buonasera Please: Per favore; per piacere Thank you: Grazie You’re welcome: Prego; di niente How’s it going?: Come va? I’m sorry: Mi dispiace Excuse me: Mi scusi Excuse me (passing through a crowd): Permesso

Master Italian from home with specialized native instructors Join the online lessons of our school Easy Italian Language & Art

Learn Italian for travel: how to ask for direction

It is very important to learn how to ask for directions in Italian. Here are a few examples:

To go: Andare Straight: Diritto (dritto) To walk: Camminare Right: A destra Left: A sinistra To turn: Girare To stop: Fermare Close: Vicino Far: Lontano I am lost, can you help me?: Mi sono perso, può aiutarmi?

It can surely be useful to learn this list of words and phrases by heart, but maybe it is not enough. And what about the pronunciation of the Italian language? It can be a bit complicated for a beginner. And even if you think you have a pretty good understanding of Italian, you may not understand a word your neighbor is saying to you. And if you are asked to talk in another language, your heart might start to race a little.

Learning some of the basics of the Italian language for tourists by attending an Italian language survival course before traveling can save you a headache later on. The courses are dedicated to those who do not know the language but have the desire to communicate with simple phrases (such as ordering at the restaurant, learning to introduce themselves, understanding road information, booking a hotel or a plane ticket, and so on.).

The more effort you make to learn the language, the more immersed you will feel, and the greater the value you will receive from your travel experience. 

Learn Italian for Travel from Home Experience Online Courses with Easy Italian Language & Art

Best ways to learn Italian before traveling

It is a wise idea to learn some basic Italian before moving to Italy and there are so many learning resources to choose from, it’s just a matter of deciding which suits your style of learning. Many learning options will make learning Italian easy and fun.

Full multimedia immersion

First of all, you can immerse yourself in the Italian language at home: listen to Italian music , podcasts , YouTube videos, audiobooks, movies, and TV shows in Italian. Try to turn on the TV on an Italian channel and leave it in the background while you are cooking or busy around the house: it is a way to pick up so much unconsciously of the Italian language.

Taking conversation: learn to speak Italian for travel

Practice speaking with someone who’s a native Italian language speaker. Communicating in your target language can be challenging and intimidating, so it is better to find a friendly native speaker who can help you improve your skills and build your confidence.

However, it is not always easy to find a native Italian speaker who takes the trouble or has the time to devote to the conversation, or in any case who is also able to help you with learning. Therefore, if you want to deepen or refine, or if you want to save yourself further frustrations and ready yourself by learning conventions of the language, you can take online Italian lessons with a mother tongue teacher. Whatever your level is, you can practice and learn simultaneously to help you boost your confidence and your command of the language.

And how to learn Italian for travel once you’re in!

Learning a foreign language is easiest to do by fully immersing in it, such as while living in a foreign country. However, finding yourself traveling in Italy before feeling completely comfortable in the Italian language can feel unsettling. Don’t worry, this is not an uncommon occurrence.

Here are some tips on how to travel and learn a language at the same time!

A real full immersion

If you are unable to use your native language, you will have no choice but to adapt. To learn a language while traveling, keep an app or language dictionary handy to look up new words and phrases. Once you learn a new word or phrase, listen to it carefully to how it sounds. Then, you can try to imitate it.  

If you’re visiting Venice, you can join Italian language meet-ups , where you’ll have fun speaking Italian. Forget your native language for a while and immerse yourself in the Italian language: you just might surprise yourself with how much you already know, and how much you’ll learn along the way!

Release your inhibitions

Your first experience in speaking Italian will not be perfect, especially at the beginning of the trip. If you focus too much on perfecting the language, you are not likely to express yourself like you want to. This will also hinder your enjoyment of your travel experience.

Instead, locals will appreciate the effort you are making to speak their language rather than insisting they speak yours. Open yourself to helpful tips from native speakers , and soon you will find yourself speaking Italian in no time.

When all else fails, try to speak Italian with your hands: it is a way to share emotions that Italians will understand implicitly, and it will be much appreciated.

Studying Italian for travel at your hotel

If you’re traveling in Venice, Italy, you might enjoy waking up to the gentle sound of waves, and then having breakfast with espresso and pastry, just like an Italian . Afterward, you can continue your Italian day in the hotel garden, learning Italian in a fun and engaging way with a qualified teacher. Or perhaps in the afternoon, after a morning spent exploring Venice, or even in the evening.

You can choose how to learn Italian while traveling. You can join walking tours , Italian language meet-ups, lessons in museums , but also right in your hotel . It will be possible to learn Italian on a sun-kissed balcony, in a tranquil garden, or overlooking a bustling piazza. Each session will be a fun, professional, and immersive experience in the Italian language.

Study Italian for travel at your hotel Learn Italian in a fun and engaging way with a qualified teacher

Learn Italian for travel through experiences

Immersing yourself in authentic local experiences is probably the best way to learn Italian for travel. You can begin with the Italian survival course , a chat & walk course where you will spend one and a half hours walking in Venice and learning useful phrases in Italian without staying in a classroom.

For a tranquil evening escape, you can join the Venice Silent Tour . You’ll discover a different side of Venice, while learning Italian and stopping in front of buildings where Marco Polo, Casanova, Tintoretto, and other famous Venetians lived.

Water is central to the life and culture of Venice. To travel on this element and learn phrases and words in Italian to use during your trip, you can choose the Italian lesson on a sailing boat . You will spend a day in the Venice lagoon, the island of Burano, learning Italian through innovative and fun techniques.

Studying Italian by traveling

You have plenty of different options available for attending a language course in Italy. The easiest choice is to find a language course that lasts for a specific amount of time and fits your level of the Italian language.

But there is no need to lock yourself in a classroom and go back to school. An excellent opportunity is to attend an Italian course outdoors : this unique experience takes place in the astonishing city of Venice, where a mother tongue teacher takes you in the streets of the floating city, teaching in a communicative method while discovering parts of Venice’s history.

So if you do want to get into the Italian language, don’t forget that learning how to sound fluid and natural in Italian requires a lot of speaking practice and not just listening, reading, and writing. Most of all, it’s meant to be fun: make sure to engage in activities that you find joy in, such as traveling, visiting new places, and ordering an excellent meal at the restaurant. And experience a new country from the eyes of someone who is no longer a typical tourist.

Recent Posts

• How long does it take to learn Italian? Strategies and methods to master the Italian language in one year
• The Most Used Italian Slang Words and How to Use Them
• Benefits of Learning a Second Language: Unlock Potential
• Seasons in Italian and the Traditions of the Year: A Journey through the Months and Celebrations

Recent Comments

• August 2024
• January 2021
• December 2020
• November 2020
• October 2020
• September 2020
• August 2020
• Italian Culture
• Learn Italian Online
• Learning Italian Language
• Entries feed
• Comments feed
• WordPress.org

100+ Basic Italian Phrases for Travel to Know Before Your Italy Trip

There are so many ways to learn basic Italian phrases for travel as you prep for your trip to Italy. I put together this streamlined guide with the ones I’ve found to be the most useful words and phrases.

No matter how you choose to study, it’s smart to invest the time to learn at least some of the most common Italian phrases and greetings. Not only can it be incredibly practical but it just might lead to making a new friend or landing in an experience you might not have had otherwise.

Plus, language is culture. So, when you try to speak it, it’s not only courteous but also opens the door to a deeper understanding of where you are and the people who live there.

So, take some time to study and then have fun trying out the right phrases at the right times during your trip!

Basic Italian Greetings

One of the best things about even the most basic greetings in Italian is how the romantic rhythm and vibrato of the Italian language just rolls off your tongue right from the start! Even with the basics of Italian greetings like the ones listed below which also happen to be the cornerstone of your trip to Italy.

Whether you’re walking through the hotel lobby, entering a shop, or walking along a quiet street in a tiny village, it’s polite to greet people and also a great opportunity to practice your Italian and participate in the local culture.

One thing to keep in mind is despite the popularity of the word “ciao,” it’s an informal way to say hello and goodbye in Italian. It’s a bit confusing because you’ll likely hear it used a lot in very touristy areas. However, it’s best to use greetings like “Buongiorno” or “Buonasera” when you’re greeting people you don’t know or who are older than you.

With that, let’s take a look at the greetings below.

Basic Italian Words for Travelers

Aside from greetings, there are a few more common Italian words that every traveler to Italy should know.

From the list below, I want to draw your attention to 2 words, in particular.

First, you may already know that “prego” means “you’re welcome” in Italian. But what you might find surprising is that it also is used in many different situations.

Most notably, your server at a restaurant may use the word “prego” to let you know that they are ready to take your order. In this context, they’re actually saying “Please, tell me.”

Another way you may hear Italians use the word “prego” is when they’re letting you go first or pass before them. For example, let’s say you’re about to walk into a shop as someone is also walking out of the shop. That person may gesture with their hand out saying “prego.” They’re saying “Please, you go first.”

As you travel around Italy, see if you can find a situation to do the same. By letting someone go ahead of you while saying “prego,” you’ll have taken your basic Italian skills to another level.

The 2nd word to keep in mind is “permesso.” Italians will use this word as a polite way to ask you to move aside so they can pass by. You can use it too, and likely with much better success than “scusi/a.” Try it while you’re walking through a market or piazza and need to pass someone and watch how quickly they respond.

Lastly, in case you’re visiting family or friends who live in Italy, it’s also customary to ask “permesso” before entering someone’s house or space. After asking, the host’s response is “prego” ( please ), of course!

Basic Italian Phrases

In every language, there are key phrases that are important to know and Italian is no different.

When learning a new language, I find it helpful to study phrases and not just one word at a time. These common Italian phrases are not only helpful to know but also great conversation starters.

In many places in Italy, you’ll find someone who speaks at least a little English. But it goes a long way when you attempt to start a conversation in Italian with a few useful phrases. Even the attempt shows respect for the local language and Italian culture.

Numbers in Italian

You’ll need to know at least some of the numbers in Italian to understand and tell time, as well as tell how many of something you need from tickets to seats at a restaurant table. Plus, it’s helpful when you’re shopping and you want to understand when the shopkeeper lets you know the total.

Also, remember that Italians frequently use a 24-hour clock. But with the numbers 1-12 and then remembering the words for morning, afternoon, and night listed below, you’ll be able to say and understand the time of day.

Another great thing about learning the numbers in Italian is that, once you know the basics, you can quickly put together bigger numbers.

For example, if you know “cinque” is the word for 5 and “venti” is the word for 20, then you simply put venticinque together to make 25.

Using that formula and the chart below, can you figure out how to say 55?

Days of the Week & Time of Day in Italian

Any list of essential Italian travel phrases needs to include words to describe the days of the week and the concept of when. You need to be sure you understand when places are open and closed, as well as some basics about the time of day whether for reservations or guided tours.

This is especially true when you’re traveling outside of a major tourist zone where the local tourism office might list information in Italian only.

The words morning, afternoon, evening, and night also come in handy when telling time. They’re easy ways to indicate am or pm.

For example, let’s say you want to say “It’s 8 o’clock in the evening,” you’d use the phrase “ Sono le ” plus the hour and word to describe the time of day. In this case, it would be “Sono le otto di sera.”

Getting Around and Transportation in Italian

While traveling in Italy, you’ll likely find yourself at a train station or needing to clarify some directions when Google Maps can’t find the exact place you’re trying to reach. In these cases, I like to have a few directional and transportation words in my language toolbox.

Not to mention, it’s a lot more settling when you’re in a busy train station and can actually read (at least some of) the signs so you know which platform your train will be on.

Eating Out in Italian

If you’re the same kind of traveler as me, you probably feel quite accomplished after successfully ordering a meal in another language. Fortunately, it’s pretty simple to do in Italian with a few essential phrases. Best of all, since I’m sure you’ll be eating often in Italy, you’ll have repeated chances to practice greeting restaurant staff and ordering your favorite dishes.

Sightseeing Words in Italian

No need to feel stressed as you inch closer to the front of that line to buy tickets! By learning these basic words and phrases, you can buy the tickets you need at the attractions you want to see.

Shopping Phrases in Italian

Whether you’re shopping for new Italian shoes or some of your newfound local foods, the Italian phrases below can help you ask and answer some basic questions. Remember to use the appropriate greeting as you enter the store!

Asking for Help in Case of Emergency in Italian

No one wants to have to think about emergency situations or use these words but they’re good to know, just in case!

Ready to Use the Essential Italian Phrases You’ve Learned?

By dedicating even just a little time to language learning as you plan your northern Italy trip , you’ll pay dividends to your overall travel experience in Italy.

The useful Italian words and basic phrases in this guide are great ways to enhance your dining experiences, help you experience more of this beautiful country, and possibly even make a few new friends along the way! Good luck as you set off on your Italian adventure! I’ll be rooting for you.

About The Author

Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie

2 thoughts on “100+ basic italian phrases for travel to know before your italy trip”.

Vorrei non “vorreii.”

Tante grazie! My eyes were crossed as I proofread this post!

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

30+ common Italian phrases for your trip to Italy

A little bit of Italian goes a long way 🇮🇹 Use these phrases on your trip to Italy!

There's no better way to level up your trip to Italy than by practicing your Italian! Learning a few key phrases will help you feel more confident ordering in an Italian gelateria (gelato shop) and chatting with locals over an espresso and colazione (breakfast). 

Here are the most important phrases you'll need in Italy!

Italian 101

You don't have to be fluent to have fun with Italian.  You're on vacation, so don't stress! Enjoy using the Italian you know and see what else you learn along the way. (And you might be pleasantly surprised that even beginners can have real conversations !)

It's the effort that counts.  Using some Italian shows locals that you're interested in their culture and community .

Study smart, not hard.  Focus on the most useful Italian words and phrases , and worry less about getting every grammar detail right. A few key words go a long way!

Asking for help

Getting around town, ordering food.

Local language

Buon giorno! It's considered polite to greet people with "good morning" or "good afternoon" when you enter stores, cafés, or souvenir shops.

Che figata! This phrase means "How cool!" or "That's awesome!" and is used for cool situations and events. For people and objects that you find cool, say Che figo!

The beginning of your journey with Italian 🇮🇹

These basics will get you far in Italy, but there's a lot more Italian where that came from. To make real connections during your trip, let Duolingo be your guide! Our bite-sized lessons make it easy to fit study time into your busy schedule, and our entire Italian course is free—so you can save your euros for souvenirs.

RELATED ARTICLES

4 learnings from Duolingo efficacy studies

Introducing Adventures, a brand-new gamified learning experience

Minced oaths: how *not* to swear in English

• Free Italian lessons
• Italian short stories
• News in slow Italian
• Italian conversations

Mastering Italian Travel Phrases for Beginners: Your Essential Guide

Mastering Italian travel phrases as a beginner can greatly enhance your travel experience and open up a whole new world of connections and opportunities. Whether you’re planning a vacation to or simply want to immerse yourself in the culture during your travels, learning some basic Italian phrases is essential. By mastering these phrases , you can navigate through different situations with ease and connect with the locals on a deeper level. Knowing Italian travel phrases can help break down language barriers and make your interactions smoother and more enjoyable.

In this essential guide, we will provide you with a comprehensive list of basic Italian travel phrases for beginners. From greetings and introductions to directions, transportation, ordering food and drinks, shopping, and even handling emergency situations, we’ve got you covered.

To truly master Italian travel phrases , we will also share some useful tips, including practicing pronunciation, memorizing key phrases, seeking language exchange opportunities, and utilizing translation apps.

However, it’s essential to be aware of common mistakes to avoid while speaking Italian, such as incorrect pronunciation , misusing formal and informal language, and expecting everyone to speak English.

To further support your learning journey, we will provide you with additional resources to continue enhancing your Italian travel phrases .

By mastering Italian travel phrases , you can confidently navigate through Italy, connect with locals, and make your travel experience truly unforgettable. So let’s get started on your journey to mastering Italian travel phrases for beginners !

Why Learn Italian Travel Phrases?

Traveling to Italy? Wondering why it’s important to learn Italian travel phrases? Let me tell you – it’s the key to enhancing your travel experience, connecting with locals, and breaking down language barriers. Imagine effortlessly ordering your favorite gelato or striking up a conversation with a friendly local. In this section, we’ll discover the benefits that come with mastering Italian travel phrases. Get ready to navigate Italy like a pro and immerse yourself in the vibrant Italian culture!

Enhance Your Travel Experience

Enhancing your travel experience is crucial when visiting a foreign country. Learning Italian travel phrases can greatly enhance your travel experience by allowing you to communicate with locals, navigate through unfamiliar places, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Greetings and introductions will help you break the ice and connect with people, while knowing directions and transportation phrases will enhance your ability to get around. Ordering food and drinks in Italian will enhance your culinary experience, and knowing shopping and negotiating phrases will further enhance your ability to navigate local markets. Be prepared for emergency situations by learning essential phrases . By mastering these Italian travel phrases , you will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable trip. Buon viaggio!

Connect with Locals

To maximize your travel experience, it is essential to connect with locals. Connecting with locals allows you to fully immerse yourself in the local culture , gain insider knowledge , and establish meaningful connections . Here are some valuable tips on how to connect with locals while traveling:

Engage in conversations: Take the initiative to strike up conversations with locals , whether you are at a café, market, or tourist attraction. Show genuine interest in their culture and ask for recommendations.

Participate in local activities: Make an effort to join community events, festivals, or classes so that you can meet and interact with locals who share the same interests as you. This can be an excellent opportunity to bond and gain deeper insights into the local way of life .

Learn the language: Even though you don’t need to be fluent, learning a few basic phrases in the local language demonstrates respect and can help you break the ice with locals more easily.

Break Down Language Barriers

When traveling to a foreign country, breaking down language barriers can be a significant challenge. However, with the right tools and strategies, you can effectively communicate with locals and overcome this hurdle. Here are some tips that will help you break down those language barriers:

1. Learn basic phrases: Take the time to familiarize yourself with essential phrases in the local language, including greetings , asking for directions , and ordering food . By doing so, you demonstrate to locals that you are actively making an effort to communicate effectively.

2. Utilize translation apps: Make use of translation apps on your smartphone or carry a handy pocket dictionary with you to assist in translating words or phrases on the go. These tools can be a lifesaver in overcoming language obstacles.

3. Non-verbal communication: In some cases, gestures and body language can serve as a universal language. When words fail to convey your message, use hand gestures or pointing to effectively communicate with locals.

4. Practice patience and open-mindedness: Understand that language barriers can sometimes lead to miscommunication. It’s crucial to stay patient, remain open to learning, and embrace alternative means of connecting with locals.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively break down language barriers and experience a more immersive and enjoyable travel experience.

Basic Italian Travel Phrases for Beginners

Mastering Italian Travel Phrases for Beginners: Your Essential Guide takes you on a journey to learn essential Italian travel phrases. In this section, we’ll dive into the basics of Italian travel phrases for beginners. From greetings and introductions to getting around with directions and transportation, ordering scrumptious food and drinks, exploring shopping and negotiating, and being prepared for emergency situations, this guide has got you covered. Get ready to enhance your travel experience with these fundamental Italian phrases!

Greetings and Introductions

Whether you’re traveling to Italy for leisure or business, greetings and introductions play a vital role in making a positive impression and connecting with locals. Here are a few key phrases to get you started:

By incorporating these basic Italian greetings and introductions into your conversations, you can show respect, make connections, and navigate social interactions more smoothly.

Directions and Transportation

When traveling in Italy, it’s crucial to be familiar with basic Italian travel phrases for directions and transportation. Here are some essential phrases that can assist you in navigating your way:

• “Scusa, dove si trova la stazione?” (Excuse me, where is the train station?)
• “A che ora parte l’autobus per il centro?” (What time does the bus to the city center leave?)
• “Quanto costa un biglietto per l’aeroporto?” (How much does a ticket to the airport cost?)
• “Prendo la metropolitana alla prossima fermata.” (I’ll take the subway at the next stop.)
• “Quanto tempo ci vuole per arrivare a…?” (How long does it take to get to…?)

Understanding these phrases can greatly enhance your travel experience, making it easier for you to communicate with locals and navigate around. So, make sure to practice and memorize them before your trip to Italy.

During my visit to Rome , I effortlessly explored the city, thanks to the Italian travel phrases that I had learned. One evening, when I got lost and needed to find my way back to my hotel, I approached a local and politely asked them for directions, utilizing the phrases I had practiced. The local was kind enough to assist me in finding my hotel, and I truly appreciated the opportunity to connect with a resident and overcome the language barrier. Mastering these phrases truly enriched my travel experience in Italy.

Ordering Food and Drinks

When it comes to ordering food and drinks in Italy, it is essential to acquaint yourself with some basic Italian phrases. Incorporating phrases like “Posso avere un menu?” meaning “Can I have a menu?” , “Vorrei ordinare…” which translates to “I would like to order…” , and “Per favore, mi può consigliare un piatto tipico?” meaning “Please, can you recommend a traditional dish?” can be quite useful. Additionally, knowing how to request the bill by saying “Il conto, per favore” (The bill, please) can come in handy. By confidently using these phrases, you will be able to effectively communicate with the waitstaff and fully indulge in the gastronomic pleasures that Italy has to offer.

Shopping and Negotiating

Shopping and negotiating are essential skills when traveling in Italy. Here are some tips to navigate the shopping experience and effectively negotiate prices:

• Research: Before shopping, it is crucial to conduct thorough research on popular markets, stores, and bargaining customs in the area.
• Politeness: Start the shopping experience by greeting the shopkeeper and maintaining a polite attitude throughout the interaction.
• Bargaining: In Italy, it is common practice to negotiate prices in smaller stores and markets. Begin by offering a lower price and be prepared to find a middle ground.
• Body Language: Enthusiastically use hand gestures and facial expressions to convey interest or disappointment during negotiations.
• Patience: Understand that negotiations can be time-consuming, so it is important to remain patient and open to the process.
• Language Assistance: It is advisable to learn some basic Italian phrases related to shopping and negotiating to effectively communicate your needs.

Apply these strategies to make the most of your shopping experiences and secure the best deals.

Emergency Situations

When traveling in Italy, it’s essential to be prepared for emergency situations. Here are some steps to take in case of emergency:

• Stay Calm: It’s crucial to remain calm and composed during emergency situations to make rational decisions.
• Assess the Situation: Quickly evaluate the circumstances to determine the urgency and severity level .
• Contact Emergency Services: Dial the emergency number, which in Italy is 112 , to request assistance.
• Provide Details: Clearly communicate the nature of the emergency, location, and any necessary information to the emergency operator.
• Follow Instructions: Abide by the instructions provided by the emergency services and fully cooperate.
• Seek Medical Assistance: In the event of a medical emergency, promptly seek medical help.
• Notify Authorities: If you experience theft, loss, or any criminal activity, report it to the local police.
• Contact Embassy or Consulate: For foreign nationals requiring assistance, get in touch with your embassy or consulate.

Remember, it’s always prudent to be prepared for emergency situations while traveling to ensure your safety and well-being.

Useful Tips for Mastering Italian Travel Phrases

Looking to master Italian travel phrases? In this section, we’ve got you covered with some useful tips that will take your language skills to the next level. From perfecting pronunciation to memorizing key phrases and discovering language exchange opportunities, we’ve got the inside scoop on how to enhance your Italian communication skills. Plus, we’ll show you how to make the most of translation apps so you can confidently navigate your way through Italy. Let’s dive in!

Practice Pronunciation

• Enhance your Italian pronunciation through practice: Listen to native Italian speakers through various mediums such as podcasts, songs, movies, and TV shows to immerse yourself in the language.
• Imitate and practice: Repeating after native speakers , try speaking out loud and mimicking the pronunciation of Italian words and phrases.
• Evaluate your progress: Utilize a voice recorder or phone app to record your own pronunciation and compare it with that of native speakers.
• Focus on specific Italian sounds: Pay attention to distinct vowels , consonants , and sounds that are unique to the Italian language .
• Engage in language practice with a partner: Find a fluent Italian speaker who can serve as a language exchange partner for speaking and listening practice.

Memorize Key Phrases

Memorizing key travel phrases in Italian can greatly enhance your experience when visiting Italy. Having a few essential phrases at your disposal can help you navigate your way through the country more easily and connect with locals. Here are some key phrases to memorize:

• Greetings: Ciao (hello), Buongiorno (good morning), Buonasera (good evening)
• Directions: Dov’è …? (Where is…?), A destra (to the right), A sinistra (to the left)
• Ordering Food: Vorrei … (I would like…), Il conto, per favore (The bill, please)
• Shopping: Quanto costa ? (How much does it cost?), Posso provarlo ? (Can I try it on?)
• Emergency: Aiuto ! (Help!), Ho bisogno di un medico (I need a doctor)

By memorizing these key phrases , you’ll be better equipped to communicate and navigate your way around Italy. Buon viaggio!

In the early 1800s, the concept of phrasebooks emerged, providing travelers with a convenient way to memorize key phrases. One notable phrasebook, “Italian for Travelers,” was published in 1843 and became widely popular among European travelers. It laid the foundation for future phrasebooks, inspiring the inclusion of practical phrases for various travel situations. Today, travelers continue to rely on phrasebooks and language learning resources to help them memorize key phrases and communicate effectively in foreign countries.

Seek Language Exchange Opportunities

When learning Italian travel phrases , it is important to seek language exchange opportunities to practice and improve your language skills. These opportunities can be found through language exchange programs , online forums, or by connecting with native Italian speakers . Engaging in conversations with locals not only helps to enhance your language proficiency, but it also allows you to learn about the local culture and customs . Language exchanges provide a valuable opportunity to immerse yourself in the language, gain confidence, and build meaningful connections . Don’t miss out on these opportunities to refine your Italian language skills while experiencing the beauty of Italy.

Utilize Translation Apps

Utilizing translation apps can greatly enhance your experience when learning Italian travel phrases. Here are some steps to effectively utilize translation apps:

• Choose a reliable translation app, such as Google Translate or Duolingo , that offers Italian language support.
• Download and utilize the app on your smartphone or tablet before your trip and ensure that it works offline.
• Familiarize yourself with the app’s features, such as text translation , voice recognition , and pronunciation assistance .
• Practice utilizing translation apps by translating basic Italian phrases using the app’s text input or voice-to-text feature.
• Utilize the app to help you communicate in real-time situations like ordering food, asking for directions, or seeking help in emergencies.

By utilizing translation apps, you can easily bridge language barriers and effectively communicate during your travels in Italy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Traveling to Italy and want to master the local language? Don’t let common mistakes hold you back! In this section, we’ll explore the pitfalls to avoid when learning Italian travel phrases. From incorrect pronunciation to the misuse of formal and informal language, we’ll guide you through the dos and don’ts. Plus, we’ll tackle the misconception of expecting everyone to speak English. Get ready to navigate Italy with confidence by sidestepping these common language blunders.

Incorrect Pronunciation

Incorrect Pronunciation of Italian travel phrases can lead to misunderstandings and difficulties in effectively communicating. To avoid these issues, it is crucial to pay attention to the accurate pronunciation of words and phrases. Here are a few suggestions to enhance your pronunciation skills:

1. Emulate native speakers: Listen to native speakers carefully and try to mimic their pronunciation. Focus on the sounds and intonation patterns they use.

2. Practice with a language partner: Engage in language exchanges or join a group dedicated to learning Italian to practice speaking. Your language partner can provide feedback and assist you in improving your pronunciation.

3. Utilize pronunciation guides: Take advantage of online resources, audio recordings, and pronunciation guides to learn the correct pronunciation of Italian words and phrases.

4. Record and assess yourself: Record yourself speaking Italian and then listen back to identify areas where your pronunciation needs improvement.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Keep practicing and refining your pronunciation skills to enrich your Italian travel experience.

Misusing Formal and Informal Language

Misusing formal and informal language in Italian can lead to misunderstandings and can make you come across as rude or disrespectful . It is of utmost importance to understand the distinction between the two forms of address and when to use them appropriately. In general, the formal “lei” is utilized with strangers , older individuals , or in professional settings . On the other hand, the informal “tu” is exclusively reserved for family , friends , or people of the same age . Making the mistake of using the wrong form can result in awkward moments or even offend others. Therefore, it is crucial to respect cultural norms and utilize the correct form of address to ensure a smooth and effective communication process.

Fact: In Italian, the formal and informal pronouns can also significantly impact the conjugation of verbs, thus highlighting the importance of using them correctly.

Expecting Everyone to Speak English

Expecting everyone to speak English while traveling to non-English speaking countries can lead to communication challenges and missed opportunities for cultural exchange. It’s important to remember that not everyone in the world speaks English fluently. By making an effort to learn basic phrases in the local language, you can show respect for the host country and its people. This can also help you navigate unfamiliar situations, such as ordering food or asking for directions. Embracing the local language can enhance your travel experience, allow you to connect with locals on a deeper level, and break down language barriers.

Additional Resources for Learning Italian Travel Phrases

When learning Italian travel phrases , having additional resources is extremely beneficial to enhance your language skills. Here are some valuable options to consider:

• Online language learning platforms like Duolingo and Rosetta Stone offer specific Italian language courses focused on travel phrases .
• Italian phrasebooks or pocket guides provide quick access to commonly used phrases and expressions.
• Language learning apps like Babbel and Memrise have dedicated modules for travel phrases that can be accessed on-the-go.
• YouTube channels and podcasts dedicated to teaching Italian travel phrases provide audio and visual learning experiences.

Fact: Additional resources for learning Italian travel phrases can significantly improve your language fluency and confidence while traveling in Italy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what are some important italian phrases for beginners when traveling in italy.

When traveling in Italy, it is helpful to know some basic Italian phrases. Here are a few important phrases:

• “Buongiorno” – Good morning
• “Grazie” – Thank you
• “Per favore” – Please
• “Dov’è il bagno?” – Where is the bathroom?
• “Posso avere il conto?” – Can I have the bill?
• “Mi scusi” – Excuse me

2. How widely is Italian spoken?

Italian is spoken by about 85 million people worldwide. It is the first language for 65 million people and the second language for 15 million people.

3. Is Italian a gendered language?

Yes, Italian is a gendered language. Nouns, articles, pronouns, and adjectives have masculine or feminine forms.

4. Can you provide some examples of English words used in Italian conversations?

Yes, there are several English words that have made their way into the Italian language. Some examples include gadgets, jogging, feeling, shock, and okay.

5. How do Italians pronounce English words in Italian?

Italians usually pronounce English words in Italian by adapting them to the Italian phonetic system. For example, “radio” is pronounced as “rah-dee-oh” and “hotel” is pronounced as “oh-tehl.”

6. Where can I find a free printable guide for learning Italian phrases?

You can find a free printable guide for learning Italian phrases in the article mentioned above. Simply follow the link provided to access and download the guide.

{ “@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “FAQPage”, “mainEntity”: [ { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “What are some important Italian phrases for beginners when traveling in Italy?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “When traveling in Italy, it is helpful to know some basic Italian phrases. Here are a few important phrases: ‘Buongiorno’ – Good morning, ‘Grazie’ – Thank you, ‘Per favore’ – Please, ‘Dov’è il bagno?’ – Where is the bathroom?, ‘Posso avere il conto?’ – Can I have the bill?, ‘Mi scusi’ – Excuse me.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “How widely is Italian spoken?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Italian is spoken by about 85 million people worldwide. It is the first language for 65 million people and the second language for 15 million people.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Is Italian a gendered language?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Yes, Italian is a gendered language. Nouns, articles, pronouns, and adjectives have masculine or feminine forms.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Can you provide some examples of English words used in Italian conversations?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Yes, there are several English words that have made their way into the Italian language. Some examples include gadgets, jogging, feeling, shock, and okay.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “How do Italians pronounce English words in Italian?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Italians usually pronounce English words in Italian by adapting them to the Italian phonetic system. For example, ‘radio’ is pronounced as ‘rah-dee-oh’ and ‘hotel’ is pronounced as ‘oh-tehl.'” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Where can I find a free printable guide for learning Italian phrases?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “You can find a free printable guide for learning Italian phrases in the article mentioned above. Simply follow the link provided to access and download the guide.” } } ] }

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

StoryLearning

Learn A Language Through Stories

94 Italian Travel Phrases Every Intrepid Adventurer Needs To Know

What better excuse to learn Italian or brush up on your Italian skills than a trip to Italy.

Italy is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations. Travellers flock there for the delicious food, beautiful sights, and rich culture.

But, when you only have limited time before your trip and you want to learn some Italian language basics, it can be hard to know where to begin.

• How do you know which phrases will be the most useful?
• What’s important and what can you skip over?

Luckily, I’ve created this handy guide to teach you essential Italian travel phrases you'll need to make the most of your trip . These phrases serve as a great crash course for basic communication in Italian. You can look it over at your leisure in the weeks leading up to your trip, or even blast through it on your plane ride.

Either way, when you get to Italy, you’ll be equipped with enough basic phrases to make ordering in restaurants, asking for directions, and befriending locals a breeze.

I’ve broken the guide down into a few sections to make your study-sesh even easier:

• Introductions
• Transportation
• Restaurants
• Emergencies

If you spend some time studying this guide, it’ll be easy to ask for what you need in any situation (and to make new Italian friends)! And a lot faster than trying to learn Italian from scratch .

By the way, if you want to learn Italian in time for your trip my top recommendation for language learners is my Uncovered courses, which teach you through StoryLearning®.  Click here  to find out more and try out the method for free.

Part 1: Travel Phrases To Connect With Italians

Mastering basic Italian greetings is the first step in learning to communicate in Italian. Think about how much a simple “hello” can be appreciated in your daily life. The same is true when you travel.

Italy is also home to kind and welcoming locals. Many Italians are enthusiastic about meeting and befriending travellers and showing them all that their country has to offer.

You'll find that people often greet you in passing or at the beginning of a conversation. Knowing the right way to respond is a great way to show them you’re making an effort to understand their language!

• #1 Ciao! – Hello/Goodbye (informal)
• #2 Salve! – Hello/Goodbye (very formal, you probably won’t hear this one very often)
• #3 Buon giorno! – Good morning! or Good day!
• #4 Buona sera! – Good evening!
• #5 Buona notte! – Good night!
• #6 Arrivederci! – Goodbye!

For these greetings, you would respond by saying the same word back to the person.

Learn More About Your Conversation Partner Or Get Clarification

Next, let’s take a look at how you would continue on to ask someone how they are doing and learn a little bit about them.

• #7 Come stai? – How are you? (formal)
• #8 Come va? – How are you? (informal)
• #9 Molto bene, grazie – Very well, thank you
• #10 Non sto bene/ Sto male – I’m not well
• #11 Come ti chiami? – What is your name?
• #12 Mi chiamo… — My name is…
• #13 Piacere – Nice to meet you (Literal translation: “pleasure”)

If you’re struggling to remember the phrases you want to use, or if you want to discuss something you don’t know the vocabulary for, you can ask if the person you are talking to speaks English.

• #14 Lei parla inglese? – Do you speak English?
• #15 Non capisco – I do not understand

Part 2: Italian Travel Phrases For Asking Directions

Half of the fun of traveling is exploring, and we all know that sometimes that means we have to ask for directions.

Whether you’re trying to find the train station or trying to get back to your hotel, you’re probably going to ask someone for directions at some point in your trip.

• #16 Dov’è… — Where is…
• #17 Mi sono perso – I’m lost
• #18 Il bagno – the bathroom
• #19 La stazione ferroviaria – the train station
• #20 L’ufficio postale – post office
• #21 Il mercato – the market
• #22 La farmacia – the pharmacy
• #23 L’ospedale – the hospital

And, of course, the next step is understanding what they say in response.

• #24 Gira a destra – Turn right
• #25 Gira a sinistra – Turn left
• #26 È qua vicino – It’s close by
• #27 Davanti – across from
• #28 Dietro – behind
• #29 Sotto – under
• #30 Prima – before
• #31 Dopo – past

If you're having trouble understanding or the person is talking too fast, it can help to hold out a map and have them point to what they are talking about as they explain.

And don’t forget to say thank you after someone gives you directions!

• #32 Grazie mille! – Thanks a lot!
• #33 Prego – You’re welcome

Part 3: Travel Phrases To Help You Get Around Italy

Once you know where you’re going, you have to figure out how you’re getting there. The next batch of words will help you converse about transportation.

Let’s start with some words and phrases you might need to use at the train station or the airport.

• #34 L’aeroporto – the airport
• #35 Il biglietto – the ticket
• #36 L’orario – the timetable
• #37 La partenza – departure
• #38 Il treno – the train
• #39 Il volo – the flight
• #40 Il bagaglio – the baggage
• #41 L’ufficio informazioni – the information office
• #42 Quando arriva lì? – When does it arrive there?
• #43 Quanto dura il viaggio? – How long does it take to get there?

When you’re travelling within a city, it’s more likely that you’ll be going on foot, by bus, or in a taxi. Next, let’s look at some words and phrases relating to those types of travel.

• #44 Fermata dell’autobus – bus stop
• #45 Mi serve un taxi – I need a taxi
• #46 Quanto costa la corsa? – How much is the fare?
• #47 Mi piacerebbe andare a… — I would like to go to…

Part 4: Italian Travel Phrases To Help You Taste Italy

For most travellers, one of the highlights of any trip to Italy is eating as much food as possible. In a nation known across the globe for its cuisine, you need to know how to order what you want to eat.

Did you know that there are lots of different types of restaurants in Italy? And they all have different names.

That's why deciding where to eat in Italy isn’t quite as simple as looking for a sign that says ristorante . You have to know what you’re looking for to find a place that will suit your mood and cravings!

• #48 Osteria – a moderately priced restaurant with a short menu of simple foods like pasta, grilled meat, and wine
• #49 Trattoria – a step up from the osteria , typically family-run, typically specialising in rustic home-cooked foods
• #50 Ristorante – a higher-end full-service dining establishment
• #51 Bar – shop selling coffee, beer, wine, and liquor, and occasionally grab-and-go food
• #52 Pasticceria – bakery
• #53 Paninoteca – sandwich shop
• #54 Enoteca – wine bar, sometimes also serving small plates

Understanding The Menu In Italian

Once you settle on a restaurant and take a look at the menu, you might be overwhelmed by your options. Most restaurants in areas that attract lots of tourists will have an English version of the menu.

But, some of the best food in Italy is off the beaten path, so it’s best to know some basics in case you venture into a restaurant that only offers its menu in Italian.

• #55 Pomodoro – tomato
• #56 Aglio – garlic
• #57 Sale – salt
• #58 Pepe – pepper
• #59 Insalata – salad
• #60 Cioccolato – chocolate
• #61 Pane – bread
• #62 Pollo – chicken
• #63 Bistecca – steak
• #64 Vitello – veal
• #65 Carne – meat
• #66 Pesce – fish
• #67 Carciofo – artichoke
• #68 Zucca — pumpkin
• #69 Porro – leek
• #70 Piselli – peas
• #71 Mela –apple
• #72 Fragola – strawberry
• #73 Arancia – orange
• #74 Pesca – peach
• #75 Vino – wine
• #76 Acqua – water
• #77 Succo – juice

How To Place Your Order In Italian

When you know what you want to order, you can always just point to it on the menu. But it's much politer to brush up on the proper way to order your food in Italian!

Your waiter will surely appreciate the effort and you might even strike up an interesting conversation and make a new friend.

• #78 Vorrei… — May I have…
• #79 La salsa è piccante?  – Is the sauce spicy?
• #80 Possiamo avere il conto? – Can we have the check?
• #81 Per favore – Please
• #82 Sono allergico a… — I am allergic to…
• #83 Buon appetito – Enjoy your food!

Part 5: Italian Travel Expressions For Emergencies

Last but not least, I'll leave you with a chapter that I hope you won’t need to use.

When travelling, you need to be prepared. These are phrases that you can keep in your back pocket to use in case of an emergency. You can rest easy in your travels knowing that you're prepared for the worst-case scenario.

• #84 Aiutatemi! – Help me!
• #85 Chiami… — Call…
• #86 Polizia – police
• #87 Ambulanza – ambulance
• #88 Pompieri – fire brigade
• #89 Ho bisogno di un dottore – I need a doctor
• #90 Mi fa male qui – I have pain here. (You can point to the place that hurts)
• #91 C’è un incendio   – There’s a fire
• #92 Attento – Watch out
• #93 Al ladro! – Stop, thief!
• #94 Vai via! – Go away!

Now You’re Ready For An Adventure In Italy

When you picture your next trip abroad, do you find your mind drifting to images of a Tuscan hillside or a bustling restaurant in Rome? Do you yearn for delicious pasta, pizza, and gelato? Do you dream of Florence’s museums or Venice’s canals?

Well, you're ready to turn those daydreams into a reality. Once you’ve mastered these words and phrases, you’re all set for an awesome adventure in Italy.

You’ll feel comfortable introducing yourself to people and asking them how they’re doing, asking for directions, getting around, and ordering a delicious meal in the perfect restaurant. Plus, you’re prepared in case of an emergency.

I hope you enjoy your time in Italy – and who knows? Maybe you’ll love it so much that you’ll decide you want to become fluent in Italian!

How To get Fluent In Italian, The Natural Way

You'll get so much more out of a trip to Italy if you know some basic Italian. And even more if you can have conversations with the locals.

You'll discover hidden sights off the tourist trail, make friends and remember your trip for the rest of the life. But how do you get conversational in Italian in time for heading off to Italy?

Well, you can use the StoryLearning® method – I used it to get fluent in Italian in 3 months , without touching a textbook or memorising grammar rules.

I've put it together into my course, Italian Uncovered , which takes you from beginner to intermediate level in Italian through the power of story.

So if you'd like to get fluent in Italian using the same methods as me in time for your trip, click here.

Language Courses

• Language Blog
• Testimonials
• Meet Our Team
• StoryLearning Reviews
• Media & Press

Which language are you learning?

What is your current level in [language]?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level]   [language] tips…

Where shall I send them?

We will protect your data in accordance with our data policy.

Download this article as a FREE PDF ?

What is your current level in Latin?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Latin tips…

Where shall I send the tips and your PDF?

What is your current level in Norwegian?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Norwegian tips…

Download Your Free StoryLearning® Kit!

Discover the world famous story-based method that 1,023,037 people have used to learn a language quickly…, not interested.

What can we do  better ? If I could make something to help you right now, w hat would it be?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level]  [language] tips…

What is your current level in Swedish?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Swedish tips…

What is your current level in Danish?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Danish tips…

What can we do better? If I could make something to help you right now, w hat would it be?

What is your current level in [language] ?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] [language] tips, PLUS your free StoryLearning Kit…

Download this article as a FREE PDF?

Great! Where shall I send my best online teaching tips and your PDF?

Download this article as a FREE PDF ? 

What is your current level in Arabic?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Arabic tips…

FREE StoryLearning Kit!

Join my email newsletter and get FREE access to your StoryLearning Kit — discover how to learn languages through the power of story!

Download a FREE Story in Japanese!

Enter your email address below to get a  FREE short story in Japanese and start learning Japanese quickly and naturally with my StoryLearning® method!

What is your current level in Japanese?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Japanese StoryLearning® Pack …

Where shall I send your download link?

Download Your  FREE   Natural Japanese Grammar Pack

Enter your email address below to get free access to my Natural Japanese Grammar Pack and learn to internalise Japanese grammar quickly and naturally through stories.

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Natural Japanese Grammar Pack …

What is your current level in Portuguese?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Natural Portuguese Grammar Pack …

What is your current level in German?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Natural German Grammar Pack …

Train as an Online Language Teacher and Earn from Home

The next cohort of my Certificate of Online Language Teaching will open soon. Join the waiting list, and we’ll notify you as soon as enrolment is open!

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Portuguese tips…

What is your current level in Turkish?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Turkish tips…

What is your current level in French?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the French Vocab Power Pack …

What is your current level in Italian?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Italian Vocab Power Pack …

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the German Vocab Power Pack …

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Japanese Vocab Power Pack …

Download Your  FREE Japanese Vocab Power Pack

Enter your email address below to get free access to my Japanese Vocab Power Pack and learn essential Japanese words and phrases quickly and naturally. (ALL levels!)

Download Your  FREE German Vocab Power Pack

Enter your email address below to get free access to my German Vocab Power Pack and learn essential German words and phrases quickly and naturally. (ALL levels!)

Download Your  FREE Italian Vocab Power Pack

Enter your email address below to get free access to my Italian Vocab Power Pack and learn essential Italian words and phrases quickly and naturally. (ALL levels!)

Download Your  FREE French Vocab Power Pack

Enter your email address below to get free access to my French Vocab Power Pack and learn essential French words and phrases quickly and naturally. (ALL levels!)

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Portuguese StoryLearning® Pack …

What is your current level in Russian?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Natural Russian Grammar Pack …

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Russian StoryLearning® Pack …

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Italian StoryLearning® Pack …

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Natural Italian Grammar Pack …

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the French StoryLearning® Pack …

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Natural French Grammar Pack …

What is your current level in Spanish?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Spanish Vocab Power Pack …

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Natural Spanish Grammar Pack …

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the Spanish StoryLearning® Pack …

Where  shall I send them?

What is your current level in Korean?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Korean tips…

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Russian tips…

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Japanese tips…

What is your current level in Chinese?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Chinese tips…

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Spanish tips…

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Italian tips…

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] French tips…

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] German tips…

Download Your  FREE   Natural Portuguese Grammar Pack

Enter your email address below to get free access to my Natural Portuguese Grammar Pack and learn to internalise Portuguese grammar quickly and naturally through stories.

Download Your  FREE   Natural Russian Grammar Pack

Enter your email address below to get free access to my Natural Russian Grammar Pack and learn to internalise Russian grammar quickly and naturally through stories.

Download Your  FREE   Natural German Grammar Pack

Enter your email address below to get free access to my Natural German Grammar Pack and learn to internalise German grammar quickly and naturally through stories.

Download Your  FREE   Natural French Grammar Pack

Enter your email address below to get free access to my Natural French Grammar Pack and learn to internalise French grammar quickly and naturally through stories.

Download Your  FREE   Natural Italian Grammar Pack

Enter your email address below to get free access to my Natural Italian Grammar Pack and learn to internalise Italian grammar quickly and naturally through stories.

Download a FREE Story in Portuguese!

Enter your email address below to get a  FREE short story in Brazilian Portuguese and start learning Portuguese quickly and naturally with my StoryLearning® method!

Download a FREE Story in Russian!

Enter your email address below to get a  FREE short story in Russian and start learning Russian quickly and naturally with my StoryLearning® method!

Download a FREE Story in German!

Enter your email address below to get a  FREE short story in German and start learning German quickly and naturally with my StoryLearning® method!

Perfect! You’ve now got access to the German StoryLearning® Pack …

Download a FREE Story in Italian!

Enter your email address below to get a  FREE short story in Italian and start learning Italian quickly and naturally with my StoryLearning® method!

Download a FREE Story in French!

Enter your email address below to get a  FREE short story in French and start learning French quickly and naturally with my StoryLearning® method!

Download a FREE Story in Spanish!

Enter your email address below to get a  FREE short story in Spanish and start learning Spanish quickly and naturally with my StoryLearning® method!

FREE Download:

The rules of language learning.

Enter your email address below to get free access to my Rules of Language Learning and discover 25 “rules” to learn a new language quickly and naturally through stories.

Download Your  FREE Spanish Vocab Power Pack

Enter your email address below to get free access to my Spanish Vocab Power Pack and learn essential Spanish words and phrases quickly and naturally. (ALL levels!)

Download Your  FREE   Natural Spanish Grammar Pack

Enter your email address below to get free access to my Natural Spanish Grammar Pack and learn to internalise Spanish grammar quickly and naturally through stories.

Free Step-By-Step Guide:

How to generate a full-time income from home with your English… even with ZERO previous teaching experience.

What is your current level in Thai?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Thai tips…

What is your current level in Cantonese?

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] Cantonese tips…

Steal My Method?

I’ve written some simple emails explaining the techniques I’ve used to learn 8 languages…

I want to be skipped!

I’m the lead capture, man!

Join 84,574 other language learners getting StoryLearning tips by email…

“After I started to use your ideas, I learn better, for longer, with more passion. Thanks for the life-change!” – Dallas Nesbit

Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] [language] tips…

Find The Perfect Language Course For You!

Looking for world-class training material to help you make a breakthrough in your language learning?

Click ‘start now’ and complete this short survey to find the perfect course for you!

Do you like the idea of learning through story?

Do you want…?

How to Master Italian Phrases for Travel FAST!

Here's how to master italian for travel fast without months of frustrating study..

Don’t be treated like a tourist. Connect with locals and have an authentic travel experience in Italy. 

Planning your dream trip to Italy? Don’t know any basic Italian phrases? Worried about being tongue-tied or ending up in a tourist trap? Go from clueless to confident with my travel Italian course and I’ll help you avoid the tourist traps in Italy and make real connections with locals that will enrich your travels.

Why you should learn Italian for travel

It was August, the height of Italy’s summer. At 10 pm, it was a hot and humid evening. The streets of Palermo were packed with families dining outside, live music was bouncing off the buildings in the main piazza, and groups of friends were laughing and dancing with plastic cups of wine in their hands.

My four girlfriends and I had travelled to Sicily’s capital from Rome (where we all lived), to celebrate one of their birthdays. On our first night, we wandered the narrow streets with centuries-old buildings looking for a restaurant to kick off our girl’s trip. We strayed so far from the main tourist track that we ended up in a small piazza where two restaurants were spilling out into the square. There was no tourist menu or English translations and the waiters couldn’t speak English. Perfetto! We’re in the right place, we thought.

As a group of 5 Anglo-Saxon females, it’s fair to say we stuck out like a sore thumb. A chubby manager with a tight white shirt and light blue-rinse jeans came out to greet us before seating us inside.

After about 10 minutes at our table, drinking in the bustling atmosphere of this popular osteria, a middle-aged lady from a neighbouring table leaned over to me and asked “ Di dove siete? ” (Where are you from?”). Surprised and impressed, her eyes lit up when I replied in Italian. I explained we had all travelled from Rome to celebrate our friend’s birthday. She was so delighted and fascinated by us but also proud that we had chosen her hometown to visit.

Later on, after returning from il bagno (the bathroom), the same lady stopped me again. This time, she told me her name was Maria and holding my arm proudly introduced me to her family. She then invited my friends and I around to her house the next day for coffee and cake. I couldn’t believe her generosity. She wrote down her number and address and told me to call her tomorrow. It was all set!

I’d never in my life received such an invitation. After some internal juggling wondering if it was safe to go to a stranger’s house, we decided it was and so we all went. And I’m so glad we did. 

When we arrived, Maria eagerly welcomed us into her home and led us to the dinner table where she presented us with two different homemade cakes. She must’ve been up all night making these I thought. I was so touched. When she saw how much we enjoyed the cakes, she even gave us her recipe. A real honour coming from Italians who traditional only share their recipe with family.

After we left, I couldn’t help but feel how lucky we were and what a wonderful experience it was. None of this could’ve ever happened, had we not been able to speak Italian. And we all spoke it at various levels. Even years later, spending the afternoon with Maria and her family is still one of my most memorable travel experiences, and I owe it all to the magic of language.

Learning and speaking foreign languages has transformed my life, but it all started with learning Italian. 

After WWII, my dad immigrated from Italy to Australia with his family when he was just 4 years old. As a little curly-headed Michele, I used to visit my nonno (grandfather) who lived with my auntie after my nonna (grandma) passed away. The only problem was that I could never communicate properly with him because he didn’t speak English and I didn’t speak Italian. This really pained me, especially since I was named after him. Yes, Michele is a male name. It’s like the Italian version of Michael , but in Australia, they pronounce it Michelle .

Nonno and I when I was 6 years old

It wasn’t until nonno passed away that I became serious about learning Italian. I wanted to carry on his legacy by never being in a situation again where I couldn’t communicate with someone in Italian. 

Do you ever feel this way when you travel?

This eventually led me to move to Rome where I found a job and lived for 3 years. I travelled extensively around Italy, making connections, laughing with hotel staff when they expected a male to check in, not a female (thanks to my male name), and building some of my closest friendships along the way. 

Here are top 10 Travel Italian Phrases You SHOULD Know

But, I still wanted to do more.

I wanted to make it even easier for travellers. Both to get started but also to make the language learning journey more enjoyable. To do this, I created my new course, Intrepid Italian for Travel: Master Italian for Travel FAST! .

What is Master Italian for Travel Fast!

I believe learning even just a few key phrases can do wonders for enriching your travels. It’s a great way to show respect, but also make an awesome first impression when meeting the locals. 

My course gives students freedom and confidence. Freedom to travel around Italy without feeling like a typical tourist. Freedom to communicate with locals and engage in interesting conversations. Plus, the confidence to make the right decisions, like choosing to dine in a certain restaurant because you know how to ask a local for recommendations. There’s nothing worse than ending up in a tourist trap. It actually pains me when people tell me they hated the food in Rome. If I can help you avoid that, then I’ve done my job.

After completing the course, you’ll have a clear understanding of the fundamentals of the Italian language so you don’t just survive, but thrive in typical travel situations. 

Using s upportive and interactive content, You’ll be able to introduce yourself, greet people correctly, buy tickets, ask for directions, order a meal and so much more. 

I want to help you make the most out of your trip to Italy by succeeding in Italian.

How the Intrepid Italian for Travel course works

Each module and lesson is structured and organised so that you fully understand the language easily and don’t forget it. The best part is that you’re constantly learning new material whilst revisiting previously learned material. This means you progress quickly and can start speaking even after completing the first module.

If you want to learn a new language efficiently and effectively, you’re in the right place. Using my simple building-block method, you’ll be able to speak Italian as you travel around Italy.

In order to speak a language fluently, you need to learn thousands of words. However, if your goal is to hold basic conversations, knowing just a few hundred words can be plenty!

To help you learn Italian efficiently, I use the Pareto principle or the 80/20 rule which states that 80% of your success comes from just 20% of your effort. If we apply this to language learning, what you get is an effective learning method. Think about the typical situations you will find yourself in when you travel. 

What if you could focus on learning the top 20% of the language so that you can communicate in 80% of the situations you find yourself? Well, now you can. That’s exactly how my Intrepid Italian course works.

I spoke about how the Pareto principle can be applied to language learning at the London Language Show last year and I explore it in further detail in my how to be travel fluent guide.

Speaking at the London Language Show

Most traditional language courses and language learning apps teach you the language without a specific goal or timeline in mind. This means you end up learning unnecessary vocabulary like colours, names of body parts, items of clothing, and animals. 

Learning these words is both unsatisfying but a waste of time since you’re unlikely going to need to know how to say “giraffe” or “raincoat” when you’re wandering the canals of Venice .

If your trip to Italy is in 3 weeks or even 3 months, you won’t gain much from attending a group lesson or signing up to Duolingo. This is why I teach you only what you truly need in order to speak Italian during your trip.

Better than Duolingo?

It would be a stretch to say that my Intrepid Guide course is better than Duolingo. What I will say is that Master Italian for Travel FAST! is more focused and the learning is more targeted.

Let me explain.

Duolingo is a great language tool when you’ve got plenty of time on your hands and don’t have any specific language goals that you’re working towards. What Duolingo doesn’t give you is a clear roadmap to learning Italian specifically for travel.

In my course, you only learn what you need to thrive in typical travel situations. What you get is targeted learning that doesn’t waste your time.

Have you ever seen those funny memes called, “Stuff Duolingo Says” that shares examples of strange phrases Duolingo teaches you? 

For example, one of them is “I’m eating bread and crying on the floor”, another one is “They are washing the holy potato”. Seriously, Google it and you’ll see what I mean.

Plus, with Master Italian for Travel FAST! , you also get access to a private Facebook group with direct access to me (your teacher and coach) where you can ask for feedback, share your exercises, and receive extra help whenever you need it.

Use my step-by-step approach and successfully learn Italian for travel.

As a student, you have extensive support to help you make the most of your learning. Here’s what’s included:

• Complete 14-module Italian course to learn to speak Italian with confidence
• 10+ video lessons on Italian grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation
• 5+ Audio conversations and dialogues with native speakers including transcripts to help you learn natural Italian.
• Worksheets and engaging quizzes to track your progress, consolidate your learning & grow your vocabulary
• Fully downloadable material so you can learn faster – anywhere, any time, on any device
• Lifetime access and updates

Here is just a sample of what you’ll learn:

• How to sound like a real Italiano and nail your pronunciation
• How to greet people and introduce yourself 
• How to be polite and use the formal and informal tense
• How to ask questions with ease
• How to ask for a restaurant recommendation, order your meal, understand the menu, and ask for the bill
• How to ask for and understand directions
• How to count, use the days of the week, and tell the time
• How to ask for a discount when you go shopping and make a purchase
• How to ask for help in emergencies
• … and so much more!

Plus, you’ll also get:

BONUS #1: Italian Menu Cheat-Sheet ebook (Value: $47)

Access and unlock 500+ food-related words found on typical Italian menus.

BONUS #2: Essential Italian Phrases for Travel ebook (Value: $47)

Access all phrases on-the-go with a beautiful downloadable ebook.

BONUS #3: Access to a private Facebook group (Value: $297)

Stay connected with me (your teacher) and other students, ask questions and receive help from me and the community.

That’s a total bonus value of $391 , but today is just $97. Hurry! This Offer Expires Soon!

What students are saying

Loved it, loved it, loved it. I’ve been trying to learn languages using various language learning apps for years now and although I know random words I feel no more confident in actually speaking the languages than I was when I started. I’m 5 days into this course and feeling more confident in actually speaking Italian than I am while using the apps. This course cuts through all the unnecessary stuff the apps were teaching me and focuses on getting me comfortable and confident to put my new-found Italian to use. The audio and worksheets are my favourite as it gets me to speak and write which is definitely speeding up the learning process for me . I can not recommend this course highly enough. Definitely worth every penny. Thank you Michele. I can’t wait for my next trip to Italy. – Basil P.

It is a very well crafted course. It makes language learning fun to do and very much aimed at the sort of standard situations anyone is likely to find when visiting Italy. Well done! – Don Woodall

I now feel I can give it a go when we get to Italy and that I will have reasonable pronunciation , even of unfamiliar words. I am confident that I can say and understand numbers, order food and drink and ask questions about a menu. Best of all my reluctant partner has become enthusiastic and the pair of us have been practising at odd moments of the day. A really good start and confidence boost! – Helen Robertson

Sets out a clear framework to help you learn the language quickly with a good level of proficiency . Excellent choice for anyone planning on taking a trip to Italy. – Dave

Easy to use and learn from. Keeps you interested in the language. A must for learning Italian . – Debra P

Ready to have a trip of a lifetime? Enrol in Master Italian for Travel FAST!   today.

Got a question about my travel Italian course for beginners? Let me know in the comments!

Want more than an introduction to Italian? Introducing…

Are you a beginner or an intermediate italian learner got a trip coming up or want to communicate with your italian partner or relatives in italian learn italian with my unique 80/20 method.

Registrations are now open to join Intrepid Italian, my new series of online video courses that use my unique 80/20 method. You’ll go from a shy, confused beginner to a proficient and confident intermediate speaker, with me as your trusty guide. 

You’ll finally be able to connect with your Italian partner, speak to your relatives and enjoy authentic travel experiences in Italy like you’ve always dreamed of, and so much more.

As a native English speaker who learned Italian as an adult, I know what it’s like to feel hopeless and lack the confidence to speak. I know what it’s like to start from scratch and to even go back to absolute basics and learn what a verb is! 

Intrepid Italian was created with YOU in mind. I use my working knowledge of the English language to help you get into the ‘Italian mindset’ so you can avoid the common pitfalls and errors English speakers make – because I made them once too! I break everything down in such a way that it ‘clicks’ and just makes sense.

No matter what your level is, there is an Intrepid Italian course for you, including:

• 🇮🇹 Intrepid Italian for Beginners (A1)
• 🇮🇹 Intrepid Italian for Advanced Beginners (A2)
• 🇮🇹 Intrepid Italian for Intermediates (B1) 

You can join 1, 2, or all 3 of courses, it’s entirely up to you. The best part is that you have lifetime access so you learn anytime, anywhere and on any device.

As your guide, I walk you through each lesson, step-by-step, using my unique 80/20 method. My approach is different from traditional methods because I teach you the most important 20% of the language right from the beginning so you can start to speak straight away.

Each course includes video lessons, audio exercises, downloadable worksheets, bonus guides, a private support community, and lifetime access all designed to streamline your learning while having fun.

It even comes with my famous “ Celebrate with a Spritz Guarantee” . After 30 days of using Intrepid Italian, if you don’t want to celebrate your new-found Italian skills with an Aperol Spritz, you don’t have to pay a penny! Cheers! 🥂 Join Intrepid Italian here and start learning today!  Ci vediamo lì! (See you there!)

Learning Italian? Check out these Italian language guides

• How to Conjugate Italian Verbs in 3 Simple Steps [Italian for Beginners]
• Master Days of the Week in Italian (7 Simple Memory Hacks)
• Italian Numbers: How to Count in Italian From 0 to 1 Billion (Audio & PDF Download)
• 11 Effective Hacks That’ll Help You Learn Italian So Much Faster
• 41 Italian Greetings: How to Say ‘Hello’ in Italian Like a Local
• How to Order Food & Drinks in Italian [Italian for Beginners]
• 15 Italian Words You Should NEVER Mispronounce [& How Not To]
• 20 Hilarious Everyday Italian Expressions You Should Use
• 125 Most Common Italian Phrases for Travel You’ll Ever Need [PLUS Printable]  
• Top 14 Italian Words You Should NEVER Say [& What to Use Instead]
• 10 Reasons Why Learning Italian Will Change Your Life
• How to Learn Italian Before Your Trip
• 10 Italian Expressions Italians Love Saying
• 10 Italian Phrases That Will Instantly Make You Sound more Italian
• Funny Italian Sayings: 26 Food-Related Insults You Won’t Forget
• Master Basic Italian with these 63 Italian Travel Phrases
• 15 Romantic Italian Films That’ll Make You Love Italy Even More

Like it? Pin it for later

Want to know more about learning languages? Start here!

• 6 Language Learning Tips: How to Learn a Language from Home
• What Type of Language Learner Are You? Your 4-Step Personalised Learning Plan
• 20 Top Language Learning Resources You Should Use
• 44 Best Movies on Disney Plus for Learning Languages
• 13 Ways to Seamlessly Integrate Language Learning into Your Daily Life
• 10 Pro Tips: How to Learn a Language with a Full-Time Job
• 7 Reasons Why You Should Go on a Language Holiday
• Essential Travel Phrases: How to be Travel Fluent in 10 Simple Steps
• 23 Cool Gift for Language Learners They Will Actually Use and Love
• How to Learn Your First Foreign Language in 8 Simple Steps: A Beginner’s Guide
• 11 Life-Changing Reasons Why You Should Learn a Language
• 42 beautiful Inspirational Quotes for Language Learners
• Language learning tips: 11 Polyglots Reveal The Secrets of Their Success
• Top 10 Best Ways to Learn a Language Better and Faster
• How Many Languages are there in the World?
• Mondly Review: 10 Ways Mondly Drastically Improved My Language Learning
• 78 FREE Dictionaries to Learn a Language Fast [Free eBook Download]

Over to you!

Got a question about my travel Italian course for beginners? Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Like what you see? Subscribe using the form below to have all of my posts delivered directly to your email.

Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

Is Norwegian Hard to Learn? 12 Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

209 most common hindi phrases for travel [plus printable & audio], leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

If you don't know where you are , how do you know where you're going?   Find out how well you know Italian grammar today!

An Italian Mama's Guide to Italy

Travelers Italian: 100+ of the most useful Italian phrases for travel

Travelers’ Italian. Over 100 easy and useful Italian phrases for travel and basic Italian words that will help you make the most of your time in Italy (by a teacher)

You do not need to speak Italian to enjoy your time in Italy.

However, knowing basic Italian words or being able to express simple sentences will go a long way to improve your stay.

We Italians love it when foreigners make an effort and while I know it is daunting to express yourself in a language you do not dominate, you will see most people will react with great appreciation!

I am a qualified teacher of Italian as a second language and most of my students came to class before a trip to Italy, to learn Italian phrases tourists could learn or carry with them while in Italy for quick reference.

Today, I want to share the travelers’ Italian phrases most commonly requested in my classes.

These, we found, were the most useful Italian phrases for tourists and were all reasonably easy to learn or read out when needed!

As you will see, it is a mix of basic Italian words and Italian phrases for tourists that cover situations you may encounter while traveling in Italy.

I hope you find them useful!

This article is part of our series ‘Learn Italian’. You can find here >>> all our free Italian lessons <<<

You can hear the pronunciation of these Italian phrases for tourists copying them into google translate and clicking on the little megaphone symbol – try here

Basic Italian words and Italian phrases for travel

Before you learn specific Italian phrases for travel, you want to learn your basics.

• Si – yes

2. No – No

3. Grazie – thank you

Grazie is the most common way to express gratitude in Italian but there are several others you may hear or want to use. Learn how to say thank you in Italian here.

4. Prego – you are welcome / please

5. Per favore – please

Please can be tricky to express in Italian. Learn how to properly say please in Italian here.

6. Mi scusi – Excuse me

7. Scusi – Sorry

8. Non capisco – I don’t understand

9. Non parlo italiano – I don’t speak Italian

10. Aiuto! – Help !

Simple Italian phrases to make yourself understood

Parla inglese? – Do you speak English?

Mi dispiace, non parlo Italiano – Sorry, I don’t speak Italian

Piu’ piano per favore – slower please

Puo’ ripetere , per favore? – Can you say that again, please?

Common Italian phrases to greet someone

Ciao – hello / goodbye, informal

Buon giorno – good morning

Buona sera – good evening

Buona notte – good night

Buon pomeriggio – good afternoon, mostly used when parting from someone, slightly formal

Arrivederci – goodbye / bye bye (formal)

A presto – see you soon

Good to know : in most interactions with tourism establishments such as your hotel owner, host, ticket officer etc, you want to use greetings that are formal and polite. The most useful to learn are: buongiono (formal hello) and arrivederci (formal goodbye, at the end of a stay or a meal).

You can learn how to say hello in Italian here

Asking for directions – basic Italian travel phrases if you are lost

Dov’e’ ? – where is?

Ex Dov’e’ il Colosseo? Where is the Colosseum?

Ore more politely: ITA: Mi scusi, mi sa dire dov’e’ il Colosseo? ENG: Excuse me, would you be able to tell me where the Colosseum is?

E’ lontano? Quanto dista? – It is far? how far is?

How far is the Colosseum? Quanto e’ lontano/ Quanto dista il Colosseo?

Dritto – sraight

Destra – right

Sinistra – left

Semaforo – traffic light

Incrocio – crossroads

Ponte – bridge

Strada – street

Strisce / strisce pedonali – zebra crossing

Senso unico – one way street

Piazza – square

ZTL – Zona Traffico Limitato, an area closed to car traffic. Learn what they are and how to deal with them in this guide about driving in Italy.

Parcheggio -parking

A sample conversation may look like:

You: Scusi, dov’e’ il colosseo? Excuse me, where is the Colosseum?

Answer: vada dritto, poi al semaforo gira a destra e lo vede . Go straight, then at the traffic light turn right and you see it.

Another example can be: You: scusi, dov’e’ il bagno? (Excuse me, where is the restroom?) Answer: in fondo a destra (at the end of the room, to the right)

Transport and tickets

At train stations, airports and transport hubs, you may encounter or need to use the following Italian travel phrases and words:

Biglietto – ticket

Biglietto di sola andata – one way ticket

Biglietto di andata e ritorno – return ticket

Riduzioni / tariffe speciali / sconti – disxounts and special tariffs, usually for children/elderly/teachers/specified categories

Posto a sedere – seat

Treno – train

Binario – platform

Porto – harbor / port

Cabina – cabin (on a boat)

Traghetto – ferry

Aliscafo – hydrofoil (you will hear it to go to Capri for instance)

Prenotazione – booking / reservation

When you book a train ticket, it may come with a warning ‘prenotazione obbligatoria’, which means booking for a specific date/time/seat is mandatory.

Taxi – taxi

Autista – driver

Basic Italian sentences when at the shop

Quanto costa – How much is this?

Prezzo – price

Saldi – sales

Ha il resto? – Do you have change (if you are paying with a big note)

Carta di credito – credit card

Bancomat – debit card / also ATM

Posso provare? Can I try this on?

Do’ un’occhiata – I am just browsing / having a look

Si puo’ spedire? Can you ship this?

Caro – expensive Ex. No, grazie, e’ troppo caro . No, thank you, it is too expensive. Ex. Ha qualcosa di meno caro? Do you have anythign less expensive?

Top tip! To avoid embarrassing situations, learn about the etiquette of negotiating in Italian markets and shops here (hint you don’t!)

Medical emergencies

A well equipped arsenal of travelers Italian needs Italian phrases for travel emergencies, just in case!

Sto male – I am sick / I am unwell

Ho bisogno di un dottore / chiamate un dottore – I need a doctor / call a doctor

Aiuto ! – help!

Farmacia – pharmacy / chemist

Ospedale – Hospital

Pronto soccorso – A&E

Medico di guardia – doctor on call

Medicina – medicine

Ricetta – prescription

Mascherina – face mask / Mascherina chirurgica : disposable face mask (medical)

Dottore – Doctor

Infermiere / infermiera – nurse (male/female)

In hotel – useful Italian phrases about your accommodation

Camera – room

Camera matrimoniale – double room (with double bed)

Camere comunicanti – connecting rooms

Culla – baby cot/ crib

Letti a castello – bunk beds

Camerata – hostel room (with multiple beds)

Bagno in camera – en suite bathroom

Piscina – pool

Doccia – shower

Bagno – restroom

At the beach – useful Italian words for a day on the beach

Spiaggia – beach

Stabilimento – beach club

Ombrellone – sun umbrella

Sdraio – deckchair

Lettino – beach lounger

Bagnino – lifeguard

Crema solare – sunscreen

Secchiello e paletta – bucket and spade

Sabbia – sand

Scogli – rocks

Ghiaia – pebbles

At the restaurant – Italian words and sentences for a meal out

Food is such a large part of an Italian trip, my list of Italian phrases for travel needed a section about eating out, and so here it is!

Tavolo – table Ex. Ha un tavolo per quattro? Do you have a table for four?

Vino della casa – house wine

Acqua liscia / gassata – flat / sparkly water

Primo, secondo, contorno, dolce – these are the names of Italian courses. You can learn all about Italian meal structure here.

Mancia – tip (yes, you will need this one! Learn why here >>> guide to tipping in Italy

Allergia – allergy

Allergeni – allergens

Noci – walnuts / also generic word for ‘nut’

Noccioline – peanuts

Lattosio – lactose | Senza Lattosio = lactose free

Latticini / prodotti caseari – dairy products

Glutine – gluten

Kids essentials in Italian

Passeggino – stroller

Biberon – baby bottle

Ciuccio – soother / pacifier

Pappa – baby meal

Seggiolone – high chair

Pannolino – nappy / diaper

Pediatra – pediatrician

Scaldare – to heat: useful if you want to ask a restaurant/ cafe to heat up you child meal you brought from home (Mi puo’ scaldare la pappa per favore? Can you heat the baby food please?)

If you are about to travel to Italy with a baby, read this !

Other useful Italian words for travel you may want to use

Bello / bella – beautiful (male/neutral and female)

Presto, tardi – early, late

In ritardo – late Ex. Il treno porta un’ora di ritardo . The train is one hour late

Come stai? Come sta? – How are you? (informal / formal)

Piacere – when introduced to someone, how do you do

Gratis – for free

Salute! – Cheers! You can find the many ways to say cheers in Italian here.

Stagione – season, you may find it on price lists as Alta stagione ‘high season’; bassa stagione= ‘low season’. Learn here >>> how the seasons are called in Italy

If you are in Italy for the festive seasons, you may also want to learn how to say Merry Christmas in Italian or the Italian for Happy New Year .

I hope you found these Italian phrases for travel useful and you have a wonderful time in my beautiful country. Safe travel planning!

Travelers’ Italian – pin these Italian phrases for travel so you can carry them with you!

Marta Correale

Marta Correale is an Italian mama of two. Born and raised in Rome, Marta has a passion for travel and especially enjoys showing off Italy to her kids, who are growing up to love it as much as she does! A classics graduate from the University of Rome, Marta channeled her passion for culture and travel into the creation of family travel websites that inspire, support and help curious visitors to make the most of a trip to Italy and learn about Italian culture on the way. Marta also manages the thriving online community of parents 'Italy with kids' who turn to her for expert advice and competent Italy travel planning support. She is the author of the travel guides 'Best of Rome with kids' and 'Best of Florence with kids' available on Amazon and of an array of kids printables (scavenger hunts, info booklets etc) available on her Etsy shop 'Mama Loves To Print'

You May Also Like

Italian ciambellone recipe: the delicious Italian breakfast cake you’ll love

Inspiring quotes about Italy and Italian Instagram captions you will love

Traditional Italian drinks you will love

Privacy overview.

• 2024 TRAVEL UPDATE
• Work with us
• Beyond Bologna
• Italy Travel Guide
• Itineraries
• Accommodation
• Regions of Italy
• Ultimate Italy Travel Planner
• City Planners
• Essential Guides
• Italy themed gift ideas
• Trip planning services

Learn Italian

What is the best way to learn italian.

This article may contain compensated links. See our full disclosure here

Whether you’re trying to learn a few words for your trip, or have simply fallen in love with the language, the best way to learn Italian is the one that works for you.

Here we share the different resources available online to help you to speak, read and write in Italian.  We’ve included free as well as paid resources – such as our favorite online courses Intrepid Italian’s Master Italian for Travel Fast and Rocket Italian  for you to try on your Italian language journey.

But no matter what tools you choose, the key to learning any language is practise and consistency. We’ve also included a few tips on making sure you keep up the momentum towards the end of this article. Just to make sure you’re ready to order your favorite gelato flavor as soon as you reach Rome!

Free online app – Duolingo

Duolingo has to be one of the best uses of the internet I have found. This website and app are a great way to start learning Italian. Through gamification techniques, Duolingo teaches you Italian grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation in a fun interactive way. You can learn anywhere you can access your phone making it a great way to learn the basics on the go.

But, while Duolingo is a great way to start your Italian language journey, it has some drawbacks. Firstly, the app launches straight into learning the language but gives you no overview of how the classes and lessons are structured. This becomes especially challenging because you need to go through many lessons before you get to a point where you can construct sentences on your own. So, if you want to prepare for a conversation at a cafe or restaurant you need to complete lessons that may not be relevant. Some of the phrasing is a little clunky too. When you’re learning to speak in another language you don’t want to sound old-fashioned or like a computer!

DISCOVER: The Best Travel Apps for your Trip to Italy .

Online Courses

If you’re serious about learning Italian then a structured online course is a great way to get results quickly. You can structure your learning around your day – commute times work well or when you’re exercising. Most online courses come with an app that combines pronunciation and sounds with vocabulary recognition and grammar.

There are many options available online these days and choosing one can be quite overwhelming. We use Rocket Italian but here is a summary and quick review of the most popular online courses to choose from.

• Intrepid Italian: Learn Italian for Travel Fast – get trip ready in 2 weeks with this unique method of teaching the necessary words and phrases to help you get by and make connections in Italy. Sure you may not be cracking jokes in Italian in this timeframe but you will be able to ask for and understand directions and order the right flavor of gelato (most important) >> Click here for details
• Pimsleur – is an audio based program that promises to help you speak Italian at an intermediate level in just 30 days. The emphasis is on speaking Italian rather than written communication or grammar rules. This makes the approach an ideal way to get started if you are wanting to use your new language skills on your travels.
• Rocket Italian – if you’re like me then you need to see and as well as hear words being spoken for a language to sink in. I like to know that I am not only pronouncing words correctly and that I can visualize how they are written in my mind. I’m also a bit of a stickler for grammar. Rocket Italian combines pronunciation, grammar and written Italian and so it is the best all round option I have found for learning Italian. If you’d like to check it out they have a free trial . Or you can read our full review
• Babbel   – aimed at beginner or intermediate level users, Babbel uses a quiz style format to teach the basics of vocabulary and grammar. With over 1 million users it is very popular but we think it misses the mark for verbal communication. Using this approach alone you would find it quite difficult to construct sentences on your own.
• Rosetta Stone – offers a full immersion program relying on audio and images with little to no English used to explain the Italian vocabulary. This approach can be useful but as there is little focus on grammar and sentence construction I find it quite frustrating.
• iTalki – Most people benefit from one to one tuition. If you’d like a personalized online course and a teacher that can assist with conversation, iTalki might be the right solution for you. Choose from hundreds of Italian teachers and select the lesson time that suits you – more info

These programs are very structured and come with apps and lots of resources. If you’re looking for a cheaper course without all the whistles and bells then have a search on Udemy (a global marketplace for learning and instruction) where there are over 100 Italian language courses aimed at different learning styles and requirements for as little as $15 >> Browse Udemy Italian courses

LISTEN: To our podcast episode on learning Italian .

Listen to podcasts

We think listening to podcasts is a great way to immerse yourself in the Italian language. You can pop on a podcast while you’re in the car or exercising or even before you go to sleep at night. Podcasts are a great way to supplement a more structured course based learning approach and this is how we have made the most progress ourselves.

Some of our favorite Italian language podcasts are:

• Coffee Break Italian  – 15-30 minute lessons focused on building confidence around every day experiences using Italian
• 5 minute Italian  – bite sized fun Italian language lessons
• News in slow Italian  – current affairs for those with an intermediate understanding of Italian

Watch YouTube videos

YouTube also has some fantastic resources for learning Italian. We love the way you can see, as well as listen to, Italians speaking their language. Getting your accent right has just as much to do with how you use your mouth as the sounds that come out of it. Also, don’t forget the hand gestures are an important part of communicating in Italian!

The challenge with YouTube videos for us is that the videos are rarely structured or organized in way that is easy to follow and learn from. Plus you need to be paying attention to the images so it’s less easy to absorb than an audio file if you are driving or exercising.

Here are some of the top YouTube resources for learning Italian:

• Learn Italian with Lucrezia – at just 25 years old, Lucrezia has built an incredible following thanks to her fun vlogs and Italian lessons on YouTube. She also has a masters in Modern Languages for International Communication so you know you’re in good hands
• Italian Pod 101 – has some great resources for beginners. There are literally hundreds of videos so go to the playlists section and choose one that is right for you
• Italy Made Easy – Manu has a huge catalog of resources to help you learn Italian. Each video has subtitles in English so you can easily follow along

Use Italian language books

Some people learn by watching and observing and others prefer to read to absorb knowledge. There are hundreds of Italian language books available to help you to learn the language. Using a book may also be a great way to supplement your studies if you mainly want to use an app or online resources that may not be so structured.

Here are some best selling options to get you started

Italian for Dummies 

The top rated book on Amazon gives you the basics in Italian for situations like asking directions and ordering food. They’ve also provided the phonetic spelling of every word and phrase to help with your pronunciation.

Easy Italian Phrasebook: 770 Italian Phrases

Full of practical phrases for everyday situations, this is a great book to bring with you on your travels.

Learn Italian FAST in Just 8 Hours!

Use flash cards

Memory and recall are an important part of learning any language. And while you’ll never completely learn how to speak Italian by simply using flash cards, it’s a great way to supplement your learning by other methods. In fact, most of the online courses and apps we mentioned earlier have built a digital flashcard concept into their program.

If you prefer a physical rather than a digital product, here are some options to consider:

Italian vocabulary flash cards

Business card sized cards organized by category that are suitable for beginner and intermediate users.

SparkNotes Italian study cards

Basic vocabulary to get you started on your Italian language learning journey.

Face to face course

Before the internet, people mainly learned Italian by attending a language school in their city or town. And you can absolutely still do that. It is a fun way to meet people with similar interests, practice speaking Italian and learn in a structured way all at the same time. Of course, you need to commit attending to regular classes and this may not be as flexible as an online course. Face to face classes are also usually much more expensive than online courses and if you’re struggling to juggle a busy routine you may not stick with it long enough to make much progress.

To find the best face to face courses where you live, look for your local Italian cultural institute. As native speakers, they can point you in the right direction of expert teachers and the best classes.

Go to Italy!

Honestly, being in Italy and immersed in the culture is simply the best way to learn Italian. So book that trip to Italy if you haven’t already. From ordering at a restaurant to buying train tickets and asking for directions, you will pick up key words and phrases in no time. There’s also something hugely satisfying about communicating in a language other than English. You may make a few mistakes along the way but no doubt they will be some of your favorite stories to tell and after all, that’s how you learn.

And you’ll also meet and be able to converse with people in Italian. This is actually the absolute best way to learn Italian as there is nothing like being put on the spot to generate automatic recall of words and phrases. Italians are kind and generous people and they appreciate it when you try to speak their language. And they will help you out when you get stuck.

READ: 101 basic Italian phrases for travel .

Italian language schools in italy

Those who are really serious about learning to speak Italian fluently should consider an immersion-based language school based in Italy. This is probably the fastest way to learn Italian and become fluent. Generally, these schools offer language tuition in the morning with excursions in the afternoon.

There are literally hundreds of schools in different parts of the country to choose from – in Tuscany, Rome, Sicily and beyond. Choosing the right one for you will depend on what you are looking for from the experience. There are definitely schools that emphasize learning the language over a cultural experience and vice versa. Some are pitched at different age groups and you’ll want to consider the type of accommodation and inclusions. So know your criteria and ask lots of questions before choosing the school that is right for you.

Talk to Italian friends

Do you have some Italian friends? I am sure they would love to help you learn to speak their language. Talking to native speakers is a sure fire way to improve your vocabulary and those natural phrases that you often don’t learn via an app or course. You’ll also pick up on the accent and intonations they use.

For example, a very common word used in Italian that is not often mentioned when you’re formally taught is “ Allora “. Meaning – so, then or well – it’s a kind of filler word that starts or joins sentences together. It’s usually said quite slowly with the emphasis on the “ahh” and it’s used naturally and very often in daily conversation.

So if you have some Italian friends, make some time to practice with them over coffee or even aperitivo!

Our best tips for learning Italian

As you can see, there are plenty of options and techniques for learning Italian. You just need to find one method that works for you. Personally, I like a combination of an excellent online course like Rocket Italian , speaking with friends and listening to podcasts. But the secret sauce to getting it to stick is in your mindset. If you want to learn Italian and make time each day to spend time on that goal then you will. Here’s how we approach making our learning successful:

• Make a plan – review all the available resources and determine the best way to learn Italian for you. What works for me and others may not suit your learning style.
• Stick to it – consistency is key. If you do 10 minutes a day you will build skills and confidence in no time
• Speak Italian – make sure to practice talking in Italian. Reading, writing and flash cards will only get you so far. Your confidence grows as you speak words. And even though you are going to make some mistakes, that’s ok. It’s how you learn any new skill.
• Book that trip – do it! There’s nothing like a deadline to get you focused. And once you reach Italy your language skills will come on in leaps and bounds.

Final words on learning Italian

Italian is often described as la bella lingua or the beautiful language. No wonder so many people want to learn to speak its beautiful phrases. Whether you want to learn Italian to enhance your travels or to speak the language of love then there is a method that will work for you. Just make a plan and start and you’ll discover that you will make progress in now time.

Allora, che cosa state aspettando!  That’s – “So, what are you waiting for?” in Italian.

Katy is the founder of Untold Italy and host of our eponymous podcast . Passionate about helping travelers planning their dream trips to Italy full of unforgettable experiences and memories, she has produced this site since 2018 – more info .

Planning a trip to Italy?

We love travel in Italy and sharing our knowledge. Read our popular Italy trip planning guide or join our FREE Italy Travel Planning Community . Our 140,000+ members are happy to answer questions about your itinerary, how to get from place to place, the best places to stay and fun things to do.

Sign up for our news and podcast updates where we share mini guides, tips, exclusive deals and more and we'll send you our Italy Trip Planning Checklist to say grazie ! >> click here to subscribe

Please share if you found this article useful

Learn Italian for Beginners: Essential Starter Guide

Ciao a tutti! It’s Max here, your Italian language enthusiast. If you’ve decided to learn Italian as a beginner, this collection of resources is here to help you achieve your goals.

Covering everything from basic phrases and vocabulary to conversations, grammar, exercises, and comprehension activities, you’ll find the vital tools needed to jumpstart your journey in learning Italian for beginners.

How We Put These Resources Together

Since launching LearnItalianPod in 2005 with free lessons and advanced content, our podcast has been a pioneering force in Italian language learning, achieving over 28 million downloads . Here’s the proof.

This success not only showcases our expertise but also informs our approach. Leveraging this experience, we’ve meticulously researched and compiled the most valuable resources listed below to aid your Italian for beginners’ journey.

New to Learning Italian? Start Here 👇

Acknowledging that everyone has their unique way of learning, this section is crafted to help you discover your personal path to learning Italian as a beginner.

From apps to podcasts and games to grammar books, explore a variety of tools and methods to support and enhance your Italian language learning journey. If you don’t speak Italian, here are a few resources to get you started.

• What’s the Best Way to Learn Italian That Works for You? – Discover your ideal method for learning Italian through tailored approaches and strategies.
• Best App to Learn Italian: Top 25 Language Apps – Explore the top apps to find the perfect digital tool for your Italian learning journey.
• 25 Best Podcasts to Learn Italian for Any Level – Immerse yourself in Italian with the best podcasts suitable for learners at any level.
• How Long Does It Take to Learn Italian? Timelines and Tips – Read this article for tips and timelines to help you become a proficient Italian language learner.
• How to Speak Italian Fluently: 10 Essential Tips – Discover ten actionable tips to help you speak Italian fluently, focusing on practicing speaking to build confidence and overcome fear.
• How to Maximize Your Italian Learning with ItalianChat – Explore how ItalianChat, your AI-powered language companion, can help you confidently speak Italian.
• How to Practice a Lesson in ItalianChat: Your Roadmap to Fluency – Learn how to practice a lesson in ItalianChat. Discover our 5-step method for rapid Italian conversation mastery.
• Learn Italian with Games: Best 10 Websites & Apps – These engaging games and apps make learning Italian fun and interactive.
• Best Italian Grammar Books to Master the Language – Enhance your understanding of Italian grammar with these recommended books.
• Italian Language Certifications: Pathways to Proficiency – A guide to understanding your options for proving Italian language proficiency, crucial for those aiming to work or study in Italy.

LearnItalianPod Podcast Series

Enhance your Italian learning journey with LearnItalianPod’s comprehensive podcast series, featuring the recently launched “ The ItalianChat Experience ” podcast.

Each episode is crafted to support and expand your language skills, covering everything from basic vocabulary and grammar to cultural insights and practical conversational abilities.

This series is great for anyone embarking on their Italian language journey , whether you’re a beginner or looking to deepen existing skills. It offers a rich resource to improve both understanding and fluency in Italian.

How to Say It in Italian

Dive into the basics of Italian small talk with our focused ‘How to Say’ guides. These resources are designed for beginners to learn essential words and sentences for casual Italian conversations quickly.

For a structured learning experience, we recommend starting with the following order:

• How to Say Hello in Italian: 21 Ways to Greet Like a Local
• How to Say Good Morning in Italian: Greetings Guide
• How to Say Yes in Italian: Best 41 Ways with Audio
• How to Say No Problem in Italian: 7 Ways with Audio
• How to Say Please in Italian: 10 Common Ways with Audio
• How to Say “Let’s Go” in Italian with Audio Examples
• How to Say Cheers in Italian: 21 Best Ways with Audio
• How to Say Delicious in Italian: 16 Best Phrases for Foodies
• How to Say Eat in Italian: Your Guide to Mangiare
• How to Say Good Luck in Italian: 25 Sayings & Phrases
• How to Say Bon Voyage in Italian: A Buon Viaggio Guide
• How to Say I Love You in Italian: Express Your Amore

Italian Vocabulary for Beginners

Start building your Italian vocabulary with these hand-picked resources.

These tools are perfect for beginners looking to grasp the foundational aspects of the Italian language, from alphabet pronunciation to counting, days of the week, and essential slang expressions.

Whether for travel, personal interest, or starting your Italian learning path, these resources provide an easy and effective way to build a solid vocabulary base in Italian .

• Mastering the Italian Alphabet Pronunciation – Learning pronunciation first lays a foundation for correctly speaking and understanding Italian.
• 1 to 10 Italian Numbers: Counting in Italian – A fundamental skill that’s relatively simple to grasp after learning the alphabet.
• Learn the Four Seasons in Italian : Enhance your linguistic palette by absorbing the words that define Italy’s picturesque seasonal changes.
• Learn the Days of the Week in Italian – This introduces common vocabulary that’s used regularly in conversation.
• Italian for Money: What is Italy’s Currency? – Understanding currency-related terms is practical, especially for travelers.
• 135 Basic Italian Phrases for Travel (with PDF Cheat Sheet) – Essential for travelers, this guide offers a comprehensive list of phrases to interact with locals and enrich your travel experience.
• Body Parts in Italian: Learn with Audio Pronunciations – Learning the names of body parts in Italian can enhance your conversational skills.
• How to Answer the Phone in Italian – This short lesson will explore the basics of how to answer the phone like an Italian, providing several sentences you can use.
• 37 Essential Italian Slang Words & Expressions – This introduces more colloquial language, which is better tackled after understanding basic vocabulary and pronunciation.

Italian Stories for Beginners

Italian Stories for Beginners offers a unique and enjoyable way to learn Italian. These stories are designed to weave essential grammar concepts into engaging narratives.

Each story provides practical Italian language lessons in the context of everyday situations, enhancing your understanding of Italian culture and grammar in a natural, enjoyable format.

Perfect for beginner Italian learners, these stories make learning Italian both effective and delightful. Top picks to begin your adventure:

• Vacation Plans Dialogue – An engaging introduction to conversational Italian centered around planning a vacation.
• Kitchen Chat: Gender in Italian – Unravel the nuances of gender in Italian through a friendly kitchen conversation.
• Shopping Day: Articles in Italian – Navigate the intricacies of Italian articles during a shopping adventure.
• Romantic Dinner: Avere in Italian – Explore the usage of the verb ‘avere’ in the context of a romantic dinner setting.
• Family Introduction: Essere in Italian – Learn about the verb ‘essere’ through the dynamics of a family introduction.

Italian Grammar

Although grammar might not be everyone’s favorite subject, it’s crucial for fluency in any language, including Italian. Begin your journey to mastering Italian grammar and expanding your vocabulary with these selected resources.

Ideal for beginners to establish a strong foundation , this collection offers thorough explanations, practical exercises, and insightful tips. Below are five good resources to get you started.

• Italian Grammar 101: The Basics of Italian You Need to Know
• Italian Verb Conjugation Made Easy with PDF Chart
• Stare vs. Essere (To Stay vs. To Be): What is the Difference?
• Double Object Pronouns in Italian: Your Grammar Guide
• 23 Best Italian Grammar Books to Master the Language

Italian Traditions and Heritage

While not structured as formal Italian lessons, the Italian Tradition & Heritage category articles are key to experiencing how Italians truly speak and live .

They offer a genuine taste of Italy’s everyday speech and the vibrant life that pulses through its streets and homes. Dive into tales of folklore, idiomatic expressions, and cultural anecdotes that bring you closer to the authentic Italian way of life.

For a taste of real Italian , explore our recommended articles below on life sayings, friendship, and charming colloquialisms.

47 Best Italian Sayings About Life: Proverbs & Quotes

10 Italian Sayings About Friendship: Quotes & Expressions

30 Italian Sayings About Food to Inspire You w. Audio

37 Essential Italian Slang Words & Expressions

Italian quizzes & trivia.

Explore the fun and educational world of Italian quizzes and trivia. While these aren’t structured lessons, they offer a delightful way to learn basic Italian words and immerse yourself in Italian culture.

Test your knowledge of various aspects of Italy – from its rich history and exquisite cuisine to its vibrant culture. Each quiz enhances your language skills and brings you closer to understanding the heart of Italy. Discover some engaging picks below:

Basic Italian Vocabulary Trivia Quiz: Test Your Skills

Can You Ace this Italian Slang Quiz? Prove You’re Street Talk Savvy!

Italy Geography Quiz: Can You Master the Challenge?

Italian Inventions Quiz: Who Invented What? Find Out Now!

Italian Landmarks Trivia Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of Italy

Best Italian Cities to Visit: Take Our Trivia Quiz

Italian listening practice.

Improve your Italian comprehension with these engaging listening exercises . Designed for upper beginner and intermediate learners, this content explores aspects of Italian culture such as history, art, and gastronomy.

Below are three recommended listening practice exercises, excellent to improve your listening abilities and appreciate Italy’s diverse and rich cultural heritage.

• Listening Comprehension in Italian: Leonardo da Vinci
• Italian Listening Comprehension: Enrico Caruso
• Improve Your Italian Comprehension: Marco Polo

Before You Go…

As you learn Italian for beginners, don’t just focus on language; dive into this website’s Italian Lifestyle & Culture section for insights that bring Italy’s vibrant culture to life. This exploration will significantly enrich your Italian learning experience.

50+ Italian Phrases To Travel You Need to Learn [Language Tips]

Buon giorno amici! Or is it buona notte for you ?

Either way, this article was designed to be your best friend (or language travel guide) if you happen to be planning your next trip to Italy soon. We certainly hope that's the case.

Regardless of whether or not it's your first time in the land of pizza , pasta, and gelato , we want to make sure you have all the Italian vocabulary you need to enjoy the best that Italy has to offer.

Don't worry though, if you're learning Italian but not leaving the country just yet, this post will be incredibly useful for you too.

And if you are just starting on your Italian learning journey, check out our Best Way to Learn Italian On Your Own guide. There you will find all the best tips to get you on the right track.

Indeed, all Italian language learners will benefit from this guide, and these basic Italian phrases will prove useful in a myriad of situations.

Va bene ... Let's jump in.

100 Italian Phrases for Travel

These Italian travel phrases will help you to get started on your trip.

Basic Italian phrases

To begin with, let's learn the most basic Italian words.

You'll find the word or phrase in Italian, followed by its English translation.

• Per favore – Please
• Grazie – Thank you
• Grazie mille – Thank you very much
• Prego – You’re welcome
• Salute! – Cheers!
• Mi scusi – Excuse me (for attention) or I'm sorry
• Permesso – Excuse me (to pass by)
• Parli inglese? – Do you speak English?
• Non capisco – I don’t understand
• Mi dispiace – I’m sorry
• Non parlo Italiano – I don't speak Italian
• Non lo sò – I don't know

Italian greetings

• Ciao – Hello/goodbye (informal)
• Salve – Hello (formal, can be used at any time of day)
• Arrivederci – Good night (formal)
• Buon giorno – Good morning
• Buon pomeriggio – Good afternoon
• Buona sera – Good evening
• Buona notte – Good night

Italian phrases to ask for help

• Aiuto! – Help
• Sono stato assalito – I've been robbed
• Ho perso... (e.g. il mio passaporto) – I've lost... (e.g. my passport)
• Ho bisogno di un dottore – I need a doctor

Essential Italian phrases for shopping

These Italian phrases for travel will be necessary in case you need to head to the supermarket or decide to go on a clothes shopping spree in the Italian capital of fashion, Milano .

Or, perhaps you just want to get your family some souvenirs. Now you'll be ready!

• I negozi – Shops
• Quanto costa? – How much is it?
• Quanto costa questo? – How much is this?
• Lo compro / lo prendo – I'll take it!
• È troppo caro – It's too expensive
• Non lo voglio, grazie – I don't want it, thank you
• Dove sono i camerini? – Where are the fitting rooms?
• Posso pagare con carta di credito? – May I pay with a credit card?

Sample Italian dialogue:

Seller: Buon giorno, cosa sta cercando? Good morning, what are you looking for?

Customer: Posso guardare? May I just look?

Seller: Sì, certo. Mi faccia sapere se ha bisogno di qualcosa . Yes, of course. Let me know if you need anything.

Customer: Certo, grazie. Sure, thank you.

Useful Italian words and phrases at restaurants

Let's face it, dining out in Italy is an inevitability if you go. So, you'll need to know these Italian words and phrases if you're ordering food at a restaurant.

Start to memorize this vocabulary as soon as you can!

• A glass / bottle – un bicchiere / una bottiglia
• Vino della casa – house wine
• Il menu, per favore – Can I see the menu, please?
• Il conto, per favore – Can I get the check, please?
• Vino rosso / vino bianco – red wine / white wine
• Dov'è il bagno? – Where is the restroom?
• Che cosa ci consiglia? – What do you recommend?
• Vorrei... – I would like...
• Sono allergico/a a... – I'm allergic to...
• La salsa è piccante? – Is the sauce spicy?
• Posso pagare con la carta? – May I pay by card?

Asking for directions in Italian

Some more Italian phrases for travel.

• Dov’è...? (e.g. la stazione) – Where is...? (e.g. the train station)
• Entrata – Entrance
• Uscita – Exit
• Sinistra – Left
• Destra – Right
• Dritto – Straight ahead
• Avanti – Forward
• Dietro – Back

Basic phrases for transport & tickets

If you're looking to move from place to place, you'll need these Italian travel phrases to get by.

Particularly if you choose to get away from big cities and decide to go to the countryside where many Italians do not speak English.

• Biglietto – ticket
• Andata – one way
• Ritorno – return
• Il treno – the train
• Binario – platform
• Un taxi – taxi
• Autobus – bus
• Macchina – car
• Parcheggio – parking
• L'aeroporto – the airport
• Arrivo – arrival
• Partenza – departure
• La fermata dell'autobus – bus stop
• La stazione ferroviaria – the train station

More Basic Italian phrases for getting around

• Dov'è la stazione? – Where is the train station?
• Dov'è la società di noleggio auto? – Where is the car rental company?
• Un biglietto del treno, per favore! – A train ticket, please!
• Da quale binario per Milano? – What platform for Milan?

Making new Italian friends

We encourage you to venture out of your comfort zone to make some new friends while you're visiting Italy. These key phrases may come in handy.

• Mi chiamo... – My name is...
• Come ti chiami? – What's your name?
• Come si chiama lui/lei? – What's his/her name?

A: Ciao, come stai? – How are you?

B: Molto bene, grazie e tu? – Very well, thank you, and you?

A: Bene. Ti sta piacendo il tuo viaggio in Italia? – Good. Are you enjoying your trip to Italy?

B: Sì, mi piace molto. – Yes, I'm enjoying it very much.

What is a popular phrase in Italy?

A popular phrase in Italy is "La dolce vita," which translates to "The sweet life." This phrase reflects the Italian appreciation for the pleasures of life, including good food, beautiful surroundings, and leisurely moments.

How to learn Italian phrases for travel?

To learn Italian phrases for travel, consider using language learning apps, watching Italian movies with subtitles, or taking a short language course. Practicing common phrases, such as greetings, directions, and ordering food, can also be very helpful. Flashcards and phrasebooks specifically designed for travelers can be great resources.

What are some Italian beautiful sayings?

Some beautiful Italian sayings include:

• "Chi va piano, va sano e va lontano" (He who goes slowly, goes safely and goes far).
• "Il tempo è denaro" (Time is money).
• "L'amore vince tutto" (Love conquers all).

What is the Italian phrase for bon voyage?

The Italian phrase for "bon voyage" is "buon viaggio." This is commonly used to wish someone a good trip.

What does "ciao bella" mean?

"Ciao bella" means "hello beautiful" or "goodbye beautiful" in Italian. It is a friendly and affectionate greeting or farewell, typically used to address women. For men, you would say "ciao bello."

Start to speak Italian with some key Italian phrases

Italian pronunciation is very straightforward, which will make your task of learning these key Italian phrases much easier.

Unlike French, but much like Spanish, the Italian language is highly phonetic. This means that sounds are pronounced exactly as they're written, with only a few exceptions.

For language learners, this is great news and makes learning Italian much faster easier.

Summing Up: Common Italian Phrases for Travel

Now you're all set for your next trip to Italy.

Whether you're visiting Italian friends or simply interested in Italian culture, it's useful to know some Italian travel phrases before you hop on that airplane.

Italy has so much to offer that these newfound language skills might even help you to get some useful travel tips in the local language. How impressive would that be?

From being able to ask if someone speaks English ( Parla Inglese? ) and ordering food at a restaurant to getting a taxi or asking for directions, this Italian travel guide will help make your trip to Italy more enjoyable.

If you're serious about developing your skills, why not learn Italian with Lingopie ? This streaming platform enables you to learn the Italian language through movies and TV shows . You can also practice with exercises and features, including dual subtitles and flashcards.

Related: The 10 Best Italian Shows and Movies on Netflix to Learn Italian

Sign up for a free trial today and get started on your journey to Italian fluency!

Lorena Macedo

Learn the Japanese Alphabet: A Guide to Hiragana (Part 1)

The 8 Best Movies on Netflix to Learn Russian [For Beginners]

You might also like.

20+ Terms For Accommodation In Italian

How To Say Beautiful In Italian? 50+ Best Ways!

20 Italian Text Slangs To Sound Like a True Native

Learn Italian Slang with the Sopranos

Get the secret guide to language learning with tv and music for free, browse posts by popular tags.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

170+ Key Italian Travel Phrases

About to go on that Italian trip of a lifetime? Don’t forget to take some key Italian travel phrases with you before you set off on your adventure!

Even if you haven’t planned a trip to Italy, these travel phrases will be useful for any Italian learner looking to add more words and phrases to their vocabulary!

This post will show you more than 170 of the most common Italian travel phrases, words and questions to help you prepare for any situation you might find yourself in while traveling.

1. Essential Italian Phrases

2. italian greetings and goodbyes , 3. making small talk in italian, 4. asking for directions in italian, 5. italian question words, 6. italian words for shopping, 7. italian phrases for eating out, 8. italian words for emergency situations, 9. numbers, time and days of the week in italian, 10. transport words and phrases in italian, tips for learning italian phrases, and one more thing....

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

There are some basic words every Italian learner should learn as soon as possible. Here are some Italian essentials to remember!

It’s always polite to say hello and goodbye, no matter where in the world you are!

Remember these useful ways to say everything from “hi there” to “see you later!”

With these phrases you’ll be able to greet and converse with any Italian you may meet!

Check out this video to see 10 essential phrases used by Italians everyday.

It’s always good to have some small talk phrases under your belt. Here are some phrases that’ll help you carry on a simple, casual conversation when you meet someone new.

No matter how long you prepare for your trip— sooner or later, you’ll find yourself asking for directions.

Asking for directions starts with you approaching the other person with a “ Mi scusi ,” asking your question, then hearing the directions to your destination.

Here are some phrases that could help you navigate this conversation:

Some of the most important sentences you will hear are those that ask a question. Here are Italian question words that prefix Italian queries:

Chances are that if you visit Italy, you’ll probably be doing some shopping. Here are some terms to know so you can get by:

Italy is a land of good food and wine, so here are some words and phrases to help you have the best dining experience possible.

To learn more essential restaurant phrases and see them used in context by a native Italian speaker with Italian and English subtitles, check out this video.

By seeing these phrases used in context, you’ll quickly pick up on when and how to use them in your own conversations. 

Vacations can be unpredictable, so it’s good to know how to ask for help and communicate that there’s an emergency:

If you’re learning Italian or planning on visiting Italy, then these words will be essential!

*The only time in Italian that uses the singular “è…”  is one o’clock. For example: “È l’una” (It’s one o’clock) but all the other times use the plural form “Sono le…” in Italian. Check out this post for a more in-depth guide to telling the time in Italian.

As you can see, knowing how to count and say numbers in Italian is useful for many different situations. To learn more numbers in Italian, you can read about them in this post . 

If you’re traveling in Italy, it’s likely you’ll have to travel in  il taxi or  il treno at least once! 

Take a look at these phrases below to learn different ways of traveling and how to buy and book a ticket in Italian.

Now that you know these phrases for transport in Italian, you’re ready to travel!

But before you go, make sure you watch this video for travel tips for your trip to Italy.

1. Read them out loud.

The best way to master basic Italian phrases is by practicing them in actual conversation with others; however, you may not have access to an Italian speaking partner. 

If this is the case, you can still get a bit of practice in saying these phrases by simply reading them out loud. Hearing yourself say these phrases is an essential step to learning them.

2. Role-play them in different contexts.

In addition to saying the same words or phrases in different ways, you can role-play them in different contexts.

Try to write out a sample dialogue of a situation that would actually use some of these phrases. Then, you can read them aloud and practice being on both sides of the conversation.

Going through this process helps you remember them more and playing both sides doubles your practice time. 

3.  Immerse yourself in Italian media

The more exposure to Italian you get, the quicker you’ll pick up on the language.

Try watching Italian movies, listening to Italian music or reading Italian books. All of these are sure to contain the phrases from these posts and much more. 

You can also try using FluentU to learn Italian phrases and vocabulary in context.

FluentU takes authentic videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.

You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app or Android app.

P.S. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

Try FluentU for FREE!

4. Practice with a native speaker.

Having a language exchange partner will give you the opportunity to practice the basic Italian phrases that you know and receive feedback on how you’re doing from a native speaker.

If you don’t know any native speakers personally, you can quickly find a conversation partner online on a site like Easy Language Exchange , HelloTalk or Tandem .

5. Use them in your everyday conversations.

Try to find as many opportunities as possible to use basic Italian phrases in your daily routines.

A great way to practice without having to find a language partner is by thinking or narrating what you’re doing in Italian. 

6. Use flashcards.

If you’re having difficulty memorizing Italian words, phrases and expressions, invest the time in making flashcards. 

This classic method really does work and you can choose to do it the old-fashioned way by making your cards by hand or there are several apps available to make them with your phone such as those listed in this post .

Now you have everything you need to navigate basic situations in Italian! 

Buon viaggio!  (Safe journey!)

If you're as busy as most of us, you don't always have time for lengthy language lessons. The solution? FluentU !

Learn Italian with funny commericals, documentary excerpts and web series, as you can see here:

FluentU helps you get comfortable with everyday Italian by combining all the benefits of complete immersion and native-level conversations with interactive subtitles . Tap on any word to instantly see an image, in-context definition, example sentences and other videos in which the word is used.

Access a complete interactive transcript of every video under the Dialogue tab, and review words and phrases with convenient audio clips under Vocab .

Once you've watched a video, you can use FluentU's quizzes to actively practice all the vocabulary in that video. Swipe left or right to see more examples of the word you’re on.

FluentU will even keep track of all the Italian words you’re learning, and give you extra practice with difficult words. Plus, it'll tell you exactly when it's time for review. Now that's a 100% personalized experience !

The best part? You can try FluentU for free with a trial.

Start using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

Related posts:

Enter your e-mail address to get your free pdf.

We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe

25 Super Simple Italian Phrases for Travel 

Are you planning your dream holiday to Italy but feel nervous about the language? Don’t worry, here’s a little survival kit for your trip!

Traveling to a country where your native tongue isn’t spoken can be challenging. Learning some simple Italian phrases for travel can make a difference in how enjoyable your trip will be. Because let’s face it, if you can’t communicate, a dream holiday can easily become a nightmare if you’re lost and can’t ask for directions. Just a few phrases can help you become more confident. Not to mention that locals will genuinely appreciate your efforts, even if you only know a few words.

So, here are my top 25 essential Italian phrases for travel divided by topic and complete with some real-life examples. You can memorise or save them on your phone, so you always have them with you in a pinch.

A quick note about the Italian formal/informal tone

In Italy, we differentiate between formal/informal tones depending on the familiarity with the person you’re talking to.

As a general rule:

• the formal tone is used for business, in shops, when you don’t know someone well, and when you’re talking to an older person.
• the informal tone is used when you’re talking to friends, family, and kids

In this guide, you’ll find both tones for each phrase.  

Part 1 – Understanding 

It’s especially important to raise a hand when you have no clue what people are saying. After all, it’s not your language and it’s perfectly okay not to understand. 

Scusa, non capisco (informal) / Scusi, non capisco (formal)

English: Sorry, I don’t understand

Use this simple Italian phrase if you don’t understand what someone is saying. You could also make it longer by saying Scusa, non capisco, non parlo molto bene italiano ( Sorry, I don’t understand, I don’t speak Italian very well ).

Puoi ripetere per favore? (informal) / Può ripetere per favore (formal)

English: Can you repeat please?

Sometimes the other person may talk too fast or use a word you’re not quite sure of. This phrase lets you ask someone to repeat themselves so you can catch what they’re saying.

Parli inglese? (informal) / Lei parla inglese? (formal)

English: Do you speak English?

When you don’t feel comfortable speaking Italian, use this phrase to ask if the other person speaks your language. There are three possible answers: Sì ( yes ) / Sì, un po’ ( Yes, a little ) / No, mi spiace ( No, sorry ).

Part 2 – Asking for directions 

Who needs to ask for directions when there’s Google Maps? I know, but hey, we’ve all made mistakes at some point, even with Google Maps on our side. Plus, your phone’s battery may die, leaving you clueless about where to go. These are some basic Italian phrases tourists can use when they’re lost.

English: Where is… ?

If you’re having trouble finding your way, get a stranger’s attention ( Mi scusi! – Excuse me ) and ask “ dov’è…? ” The dots can be anything – the Trevi Fountain ( Dov’è la Fontana di Trevi? ), the metro ( Dov’è la metro? ), the toilet ( Dov’è il bagno? ) You can expect simple answers like a destra ( to the right ), a sinistra ( to the left ), sempre dritto ( straight on ), etc.

Come si arriva a… ? 

English: How do I get to…?

If you don’t know where to go, this is a great phrase to use, especially if you have a map with you and the person can show you the directions. Again, grab their attention and ask the question: Mi scusi, come si arriva alla stazione? ( Excuse me, how do I get to the train station? )

Quanto dista… ?

English: How far is… ?

Imagine you’re on the side of the road with no map and no idea how to get to the metro station. Here’s what you can say: Mi scusi, quanto dista la metro più vicina? ( Excuse me, how far is the nearest metro station? ).

Part 3 – Transport & tickets  

No list of Italian phrases for tourists would be complete without some key expressions for moving around. Whether you travel by train, bus, taxi, or a rental car, you need to be able to ask basic questions that will make it easier to get to your sightseeing destinations, whether you be spending 2 or 3 days in Cinque Terre or a weekend in Rome.

A che ora arriva / parte il treno?  

English: What time does the train arrive / leave?

This is a really useful question to memorise if you plan to travel around the country by public transportation. 

Un biglietto per…

English: A ticket to….

When buying a train / bus ticket, make sure you specify if you need a one-way ( solo andata ) or round-trip ( andata e ritorno ). For example: Un biglietto per Milano per favore, solo andata ( A one-way ticket to Milan, please ).

Si può parcheggiare qui?  

English: Can I park here?

Whenever you’re driving and need a parking spot, this is a very important question. The parking spaces in Italy are colored differently (blue is for paid street parking, yellow is for disabled and residents, etc.), so it’s always better to double check to avoid fines.

È questa la fermata per…?

English: Is this the right stop for…?

There aren’t always announcements with the name of the next stop on buses, trains, or trams, so this phrase will save you from getting off at the wrong place: Mi scusi, è questa la fermata per il Colosseo? ( Excuse me, is this the right stop for the Colosseum? ).

Ethics statement: Below you will find an affiliate link. If you buy something after clicking the link, we will receive a small commission. To know more about our ethics, you can visit our full disclosure page. Thank you!

Are you interested in improving your Italian in a fun and stress-free manner? Then we highly recommend Serena Capilli’s short stories in Italian (affiliate link) , designed for beginners, advanced beginners, and lower intermediate learners (A1-B1 CEFR). These stories have been optimised for English speakers in search of a fun, laid-back learning experience! Read our full review here .

Part 4 – Shopping  

You’ll need to buy something at some point during your vacation, whether it’s food, souvenirs, or something else. Get out there and enjoy your shopping with these simple Italian phrases.

Quanto costa?

English: How much is it?

Whenever you’re shopping or buying tickets, use this phrase to find out how much something is. Use the plural if you’re referring to multiple things: Quanto costano? ( How much are they? ).

Posso provarlo? 

English: Can I try this on?

You’ve got your eye on a brand-new top, but you’re not sure if it fits? Just ask Mi scusi, posso provarlo? and you’ll be shown the fitting room. The question changes if you’re referring to a feminine word ( Posso provarla? ) or to multiple things ( Posso provarli/e? ) 

Si può spedire? / Si possono spedire?

Can you ship this? / Can you ship these?

What if you want to buy that yummy wine from the small family winery you just visited, but your luggage is already full? You ask if the bottles can be shipped!

Posso pagare con carta di credito?

Can I pay with credit card?

Never assume that you can pay by credit card, because small businesses like market stalls, trattorias, and coffee shops often don’t have (or don’t want to use) credit card machines. Make sure you always carry cash with you.

Part 5 – Accommodation

While hotel staff typically speaks different languages, knowing some basic Italian phrases can prove to be a game changer when you stay in B&Bs and guesthouses, where hosts don’t always speak English well.

Possiamo lasciare i bagagli qui?

English: Can we leave our bags here?

Use this phrase if you’re arriving early or leaving late to make sure you can leave your luggage at your accommodation.

A che ora è la colazione? 

English: At what time is breakfast? 

This is a key question if your room rate includes breakfast – you don’t want to miss your cornetto and cappuccino, do you?

Non funziona l’acqua calda  / l’aria condizionata / il WiFi

English: The hot water / the air conditioning / the WiFi doesn’t work 

If something’s not working in your room, use this phrase when talking to the management. You could say: Non funziona l ’ acqua calda, può aiutarmi per favore? ( The hot water doesn’t work, can you please help me? )

Part 6 – At the bar/restaurant

Eating is an important part of any trip to Italy, and adding a little Italian to your dining experience makes it all the more fun! 

Vorrei un caffè / una pizza

English: I would like a coffee / a pizza

When you want to place an order, this is what you say. If you’re not sure what an item is called, you can say Vorrei and point to a menu item, followed by Grazie . 

Qual è la specialità locale?

English: What’s the local specialty?

I highly recommend you ask this because every region in Italy has its own unique local specialties. So, let the waiter guide you, it’ll make your trip more memorable. 

Sono allergico/a a… / Sono vegetariano/a / Sono vegano/a

English: I’m allergic to… / I’m vegetarian 

These phrases are perfect for tourists who can’t eat certain types of food due to dietary restrictions. To express allergies, you can say Sono allergico/a ai latticini (dairy products ) / alle noci ( nuts ) / al glutine ( gluten ) . And if you’ve stopped eating meat, you could also say Non mangio carne ( I don’t eat meat ).

Quant’è?  

English: How much is it? 

This expression is usually used when you’re asking for the total amount you need to pay. This is the phrase to use, for example, if you’re at the bar and you’re paying for drinks for your group (just make sure you know the Italian numbers !)

Il conto, per favore  

The bill/check, please

Il conto means the check and per favore means please in Italian . Just say this phrase when you’re ready to leave , and your check will be delivered right to your table. It’s not uncommon to see Italians say Il conto, per favore with a hand gesture similar to signing (you know how we love hand gestures here!).

Part 6 – Emergencies  

As with everywhere else in the world, dangers can arise. You might find these phrases helpful in the – hopefully unlikely – event of an emergency, so memorise them just in case.

Aiuto! 

English: Help!

Simple and straight to the point. Yell it if someone tries to hurt or rob you. You could also say: Aiuto, polizia! ( Help, police! ).

Mi hanno rubato il portafoglio / il passaporto

English: They stole my wallet / my passport

If someone steals your stuff, use this sentence to report it.

Ho perso il portafoglio / il passaporto

English: I lost my wallet / my passport 

You can say this phrase to get help if you lose your belongings.

Did you enjoy these super simple Italian phrases for traveling? Let us know when you’re planning to travel to Italy in the comments below!

Valentina  is a travel writer in love with her country. Having travelled widely around the globe, she realised there was more to explore closer to home and decided to put the passport aside for a while. You can follow her adventures around Italy on her blog  myitaliandiaries.com .

Valentina Nicastro is a travel writer in love with her home country, Italy. Having travelled widely around the globe, she realised there was more to explore closer to home and decided to put the passport aside for a while. When she is not immersed in documenting Italy, you’ll find her donning her communication consultant hat, weaving words as a content writer and bridging linguistic divides as a translator.

Ethics statement: Below you will find affiliate links. If you buy something after clicking the link, we will receive a small commission. To know more about our ethics, you can visit our full disclosure page. Thank you!

Lingopie (affiliate link) is the Netflix of language learning application that uses real TV shows and movies to help you learn a new language. You can choose a show to watch based on your fluency level, and use the interactive subtitles to get instant translations to help you learn quickly.

Are you interested in improving your Italian in a fun and stress-free manner? Then we highly recommend Serena Capilli's short stories in Italian (affiliate link) , designed for beginners, advanced beginners, and lower intermediate learners (A1-B1 CEFR). These stories have been optimised for English speakers in search of a fun, laid-back learning experience! Read our full review here .

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Cat Behavior
• Health & Care
• Vet Approved

Welcome to Seborga: A Small Mediterranean Nation of Cats

A forgotten city-state in the italian alps contains more cats than it does people; see the pictures..

Last Updated on September 27, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

Tucked away in the southernmost foothills of the Alps, within sight of the Mediterranean Sea, is a tiny and little-known nation teeming with cats.

The Principality of Seborga is so small that it has only a few hundred inhabitants and just one town — but everywhere you look, down every alley and on every balcony, you’ll see cats, cats, cats, relaxing on a lazy afternoon.

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Cats aside: How can there be an entire European country that you’ve never heard of?

Simple: Like its nearby fellow “micro-nations” such as Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican, The Principality of Seborga is a remnant of Europe’s medieval past when each town claimed sovereignty as an independent city-state. But unlike its better-known neighbors, modern Seborga has yet to be granted formal recognition by Italy (within whose borders it lies) or the United Nations. So it languishes in obscurity, an entire nation relaxing in the afternoon sun, waiting to be noticed.

Yet that doesn’t mean its claims to legitimacy and independence are any less valid than the claims of San Marino or the Vatican. It’s just that Seborga fell through the cracks of history, and its status as an independent nation was simply forgotten — until recently.

An ancient fountain provides a shady spot in Seborga’s central square, called Piazza della Libertà. An extended family of black-and-white kitties hangs out in the piazza, “community cats” for everyone to pet.

Seborga is perched on a hilltop above the resort town of Bordighera on the Riviera, in the extreme northwest corner of Italy, just a stone’s throw from the French border. Its medieval center is a warren of cobblestone alleyways and covered passages — a delight to the eye, but in a city of cats the absence of any exposed dirt becomes a curse for the nose, because there is nowhere for the cats to bury their droppings. As a consequence, the kitties of Seborga have evolved the unique but rather unsanitary canine-style behavior of just walking away from their unburied poo. Seborga doesn’t just look medieval — it smells medieval too.

If you look up Seborga on the Internet you won’t find any mention of cats. That’s because few of the people writing about the place have ever visited in person. But once you wander through the streets of town, you can’t help but notice the feline presence everywhere, even though up until now cats haven’t been part of the standard Seborga story.

Many of Seborga’s “streets” are little more than covered passageways or narrow gaps between buildings.

We tried asking various locals why Seborga seems to be overrun with cats, but the most common response was, essentially, “Cats? Hmmmm — now that you mention it, there are a lot of cats around here, but I never really paid them much mind.” It seems that Seborga’s catfulness was not intentional; it’s just one of those things that happens by accident over time when no one is paying attention.

Seemingly every household in Seborga has at least one cat; cats peer out from windows, perch on window sills, rub up against visitors. Several “community cats” hang out in the town square, not quite wild but not quite the property of any one owner either. And feral cats prowl the dark recesses of town before returning home to the huge feral colony just outside the ancient town walls.

Even outside the city center, the sylvan lanes of “suburban” Seborga are claimed by numerous friendly cats.

The nation’s only mini-supermarket, just off the central plaza, has two rooms: the main area for human food — and a small room at the back devoted entirely to cat food and other pet products.

Seriously, though: Is Seborga really a separate country?

A little Italian history will clear things up:

Prior to 1861, there was no nation of Italy; the entire Italian peninsula was a motley quilt of independent city-states and rival mini-republics. A chaotic period of wars and treaties in the mid-19th century finally forged the nation of Italy from these scattered parts — with a couple of notable exceptions. Most famous among these are the Vatican, an enclave inside Rome that retained its status as an independent state; and San Marino, the only secular city-state that officially managed to avoid becoming incorporated into the new nation of Italy in 1861.

Seborga was originally founded as Castrum Sepulchri during the late Roman Empire. During the Middle Ages, though, it fell under the control of a local feudal lord, who gave the town in its entirety to a Benedictine monastery. The monastery’s abbot became the official prince of the town, which was then recognized by the Holy Roman Empire in the 11th century as an independent city-state — just like Pisa and Genoa and Florence and all the other city-states in and around the Italian peninsula.

In 1666, still independent, Seborga founded a mint and issued its own legal currency, called the Luigino.

At the original entrance to town — a fortified gate in the medieval city walls — a Seborgan cat grooms himself, unconcerned with history.

A turning point in Seborga’s history and the linchpin to its modern claim of continued independence came in 1748, when a treaty confirming an earlier sale of the entire region from the Duke of Savoy to the King of Sardinia listed as sold every single town and village — except Seborga. Whether this was because of an oversight or simply in recognition of its independence is lost in the mists of history. But because of this omission all subsequent treaties also failed to mention Seborga, most likely because it simply fell off the radar.

The culmination came in 1861 with the official Unification of the Kingdom of Italy — a treaty that listed every city-state, principality, and fiefdom ceded by the Kingdom of Sardinia to become the nation of Italy. Yet once again there was no mention of Seborga.

Nearly a century went by and no one noticed or commented on this oversight, when finally in the late 1950s a local horticulturalist and amateur Seborga historian named Giorgio Carbone dug up the original historical documents and realized that Seborga had never officially been incorporated into Italy and was therefore still an independent sovereign state.

He rallied the townspeople behind his discovery and in 1963 the citizens of Seborga voted overwhelmingly to affirm their independence. Since the original Benedictine monks were long gone, as were all the feudal lords, they decided to elect a new prince democratically, and Giorgio was the obvious choice.

Renaming himself Prince Giorgio I, he assumed power and “ruled” beneficently over Seborga from 1963 until his death in 2009. During his reign, Seborga adopted the trappings of a separate country, with a guard post at the “border,” a ceremonial army, coins, stamps, and even a constitution. In 2010, Seborgans elected a new leader, Prince Marcello I, who presides over his royal guards, performs official ceremonies, and maintains Seborga’s claims of independence. (Even so, the guard post at the border is now empty, and all the Seborgan coins and stamps sold today at Seborga’s shops are left over from Giorgio I’s reign — no new ones have been made since. )

In fact, many nations — including San Marino, most of Africa, and smaller countries around the globe — have officially recognized Seborga’s statehood. And when Marcello I travelled to London in 2011, Queen Elizabeth formally received him as a visiting head of state. Yet Seborga’s 2000 application to join the U.N. has so far received no response. Seborgans shrug and have no choice but to continue to pay Italian income tax, at least until their case finally gets a hearing.

From the vista point next to Seborga’s feral cat colony, the shores of the Mediterranean are visible in the distance.

Maybe if Seborga granted its cats citizenship, the world would finally sit up and take notice.

Featured Image Credit: Kristan Lawson

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

About the Author

Catster Editorial Team

Catster is a cat magazine and cat website where cat lovers come together and get expert advice about cat behavior, cat health and cat news.

Furball Farm Cat Sanctuary | Heroes of The Pet World

Why Is My Cat’s Primordial Pouch So Big? Normal vs Abnormally Large (Vet Verified)

How Can I Talk With a Vet if I am on a Trip With My Pet? 5 Vet Reviewed Tips to Be Prepared

Leave a reply cancel reply.

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Get Catster in your inbox!

When Breeding Becomes Cruel: The Problem with Designer Cats

Why Do My Cats Farts Smell Like Eggs? Our Vet Explains

Tremors in Cats: Our Vet Discusses Signs, Causes & Treatment

© pangolia pte. ltd. all rights reserved..