Your first week in Italy: a city-by-city primer

Your first week in Italy is equal parts logistics and discovery. Rome, Milan, Florence all reward the same approach: sort housing and transport first, then let the city teach you its rhythm.

Rome — Ancient stone, espresso standing up, gelato walks.

Milan — Design week energy, sharp suiting, aperitivo.

Florence — Renaissance gold, river light, slow evenings.

Italy is a lesson in dressing well without trying. Rome is grand and chaotic, Milan is the fashion capital with the tailoring to match, Florence is Renaissance light and river views. The kit is Mediterranean: leather that patinas, knits for the evening chill, and footwear built for piazzas.

Wherever you base yourself, arrive with a documents wallet at hand and a power bank charged — the first 48 hours are a lot of queues, keys and maps.