Italian Words Every Tourist Should Learn Before Visiting Rome

If you’re planning a trip to Italy — especially to a city as vibrant and bustling as Rome — learning a few Italian words before you go can make a world of difference. Even just a handful of phrases can open doors, spark smiles, and help you feel more at home as you explore.

I’ve lived in Rome for over 24 years, and I can tell you from experience: Italians really appreciate it when visitors make the effort to speak a little Italian. It shows respect, curiosity, and a genuine interest in their culture — plus, it’s often the key to getting better service, friendlier chats, and maybe even insider tips you won’t find in guidebooks.

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If you’re feeling a bit daunted about where to start, don’t worry — that’s exactly why I wrote Italian for Tourists. It’s a practical, easy-to-use book designed especially for travellers who want to get by confidently without spending months learning grammar or vocabulary.

But before you get your hands on a copy, here are some essential Italian words and phrases that every tourist should know:

1. Greetings and Politeness

• Ciao (hello/goodbye) – informal and very common

• Buongiorno (good morning) and Buonasera (good evening) – polite greetings for different times of day

• Per favore (please) and Grazie (thank you) – small words with a big impact!

• Mi scusi (excuse me) – handy for getting someone’s attention or apologising

Using these words goes a long way, especially when entering shops, cafés, or asking for directions.

2. Getting Around

• Dove è...? (Where is...?) – essential for asking directions

• Biglietto (ticket) – for buses, trains, or museums

• Fermata (stop/station) – useful for public transport

• Destra (right), sinistra (left), and dritto (straight ahead) – directions made easy

Whether you’re hopping on a tram or wandering narrow streets, these words will help you navigate with confidence.

3. Dining Out

• Il menù, per favore (the menu, please)

• Acqua (water), vino (wine), and caffè (coffee) — must-knows for any meal!

• Il conto, per favore (the bill, please) — don’t get stuck guessing how to ask for it!

• Senza glutine (gluten-free) or vegetariano (vegetarian) – helpful if you have dietary preferences

Knowing these can make ordering in a trattoria or café less intimidating and far more enjoyable.

4. Numbers and Money

• Numbers from uno to dieci (one to ten) will help when shopping or paying

• Quanto costa? (How much does it cost?)

• Posso pagare con la carta? (Can I pay by card?)

A few numbers can save you from awkward moments and make buying souvenirs or tickets smoother.

Why Learning These Words Matters

Even if you don’t become fluent (and honestly, very few tourists do!), mastering basic Italian words can enrich your travel experience immeasurably. It opens doors, breaks down barriers, and helps you connect with locals in a way that’s impossible when you rely only on English.

If you’d like a handy guide tailored specifically for travellers — one that keeps things simple, practical, and enjoyable — I’d love for you to check out my book, Italian for Tourists. It’s packed with essential vocabulary, pronunciation tips, and handy phrases for all kinds of situations.

Final Tips

• Practice a little each day before your trip — even 10 minutes makes a difference!

• Don’t worry about mistakes; Italians love when you try.

• Carry Italian for Tourist Pocket Edition for quick reference on the go.

And if you want to start with the best resource, Italian for Tourists is ready to guide you every step of the way.

If you’re planning a trip to Rome, you can also explore my Rome travel tips and guides for practical advice, itineraries, and local insights.

Ready to speak Italian on your next trip?

Learning just a few words will make your time in Italy more fun, more memorable, and a little less daunting. And when you’re ready to take the next step, Italian for Tourists is here to help you feel confident, prepared, and excited for your Italian adventure.

Buon viaggio!

Are you planning a trip to Rome or Italy soon? Try using a few of these Italian words on your travels and see how locals respond — you might be surprised. 

Let me know in the comments which Italian word or phrase you’re most excited to use!