Italy is one of the world’s most visited countries, and for good reason: art, food, history, coastlines, and charming villages await around every corner. Yet while most travelers rush to see the Colosseum or toss coins into the Trevi Fountain, many equally magical experiences go unnoticed. To help you make your trip to Italy truly unforgettable, here are 8 underrated things you should never skip—but most people do.
1. Taking a Slow Stroll Through Trastevere (Rome)
Trastevere is one of Rome’s most authentic neighbourhoods, a colourful labyrinth of cobblestone streets, ivy-draped facades, and family-run trattorias. Most tourists rush past it or visit only for dinner, but it deserves much more time. Spend an afternoon wandering its quiet alleyways, visit the stunning Santa Maria in Trastevere church, and soak in the laid-back Roman lifestyle.
Don’t miss the hilltop viewpoint at Piazzale Garibaldi for one of the most romantic sunsets over the Eternal City. You’ll see a different Rome here—one made of locals, history, and hidden beauty.
2. Visiting Small Museums With Big Stories
Everyone flocks to the Uffizi or the Vatican Museums, but Italy is filled with smaller, lesser-known museums that often steal the show. From the medieval medical tools in Florence’s Museo Galileo to the haunting mummies of Palermo’s Capuchin Catacombs, these places give you a more intimate, unusual, and sometimes surreal view of Italian culture.
You won’t have to elbow through crowds, and you’ll leave with stories that most travelers never hear.
3. Discovering Italy’s Artisanal Markets
Yes, Italy has high-end fashion—but don’t overlook its local markets, where artisans sell hand-stitched leather, ceramics, textiles, and regional delicacies. Places like the Sant’Ambrogio Market in Florence or the Porta Portese flea market in Rome offer the chance to connect with makers and take home one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Skip the made-in-China keychains and instead find a handmade notebook, vintage scarf, or bottle of small-batch olive oil. You’ll support local crafts and carry a piece of Italy’s soul with you.
4. Ordering a Caffè al Banco Like a Local
Italian coffee culture is an art, and one of its unwritten rules is to drink your coffee standing at the bar. While tourists often sit at cafes with scenic views (and inflated prices), Italians prefer the quick, intense experience of a caffè al banco.
Head to a local bar in the morning, order a simple espresso, and observe the rhythm of daily life. It’s the fastest, cheapest, and most authentic way to caffeinate like an Italian.
5. Exploring Italy’s Less-Visited Regions
Most visitors stick to the big names: Rome, Florence, Venice, and maybe the Amalfi Coast. But there’s a whole world to discover in regions like Le Marche, Basilicata, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and Abruzzo. These areas offer stunning landscapes, delicious food, and centuries of history—without the tourist crowds.
You might find yourself hiking along wild coastlines, discovering medieval hill towns, or eating the best meal of your life at a trattoria with no English menu in sight.
6. Taking the Train to Nowhere (On Purpose)
Italy’s regional train network makes it easy to hop on a train and explore smaller towns spontaneously. Many travelers only use trains to get between the major cities, but a ride on a local line can be a gateway to unexpected gems.
Pick a town you’ve never heard of, buy a ticket, and go. Sit by the window, watch the scenery change, and let your curiosity guide your next Italian adventure.
7. Trying Traditional Dishes You’ve Never Heard Of
Spaghetti carbonara is great, but Italy’s real magic lies in its regional cuisine. Each town, even each village, has its own specialty—from tortelli di zucca in Mantua to arancini in Sicily or cavatelli with turnip greens in Puglia.
Ask locals what to eat. Look for chalkboard menus with daily dishes. Don’t worry if you can’t pronounce it. Just try it. Your taste buds will thank you.
8. Embracing the Art of Doing Nothing (Il Dolce Far Niente)
Italians have mastered the art of enjoying life slowly. Find a quiet piazza, sit on a bench with a gelato or a spritz, and do absolutely nothing. No agenda, no photos, no rush.
This is where you’ll feel the heart of Italy—not in museums or monuments, but in the soft clink of glasses, the afternoon sun, and the gentle hum of everyday life.
Ready to Travel Differently?
At Maestro Discover Italy, we believe the best parts of travel are often the ones not in the guidebooks. Our custom itineraries help you slow down, look closer, and connect deeply with the places and people that make Italy unforgettable.
Explore more. Feel more. Skip the obvious. Travel the Maestro way.
