Italy Just Got More Expensive For Tourists

Italy is changing for tourists—higher taxes, new Airbnb restrictions, and even limits on major attractions like the Rome Colosseum and Pompeii. Venice is charging day-trippers just to enter, and cities like Florence and Milan are cracking down on short-term rentals. If you’re planning a trip, you need to know about these new rules before you arrive. In this video, I’ll break down the biggest changes, what they mean for your trip, and how you can avoid the headaches. Plus, I’ll share how I unexpectedly found my home in Florence!

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[christinefiori]

I think the tax is fair. Italy is over run especially in Venice when the ships come in. The people rush off the ship in droves, you have to get out of their way. They buy very little and don’t even stay there. I feel for the locals, no peace rubbish dropped, all the seats filled no room for them. That was our experience when we stayed there. Locals should have some tourist free time.

[JamesBrown-ijpx]

Let's face it... the problem is with the Cruise Ships! Whether it's Venice, Greece, Barcelona, etc. it's the Cruise Ships that have that massive influx of Tourists during the daytime hours. After the Cruise Ships leave, these locations are much more balanced.

[Rawsz-jkrn]

Thanks for the info Gregor!
Would love to see your Italian home!

[SeanRat]

Instagram has ruined the vibe of ancient sites. Traveled to Europe in the 80's 90s. It was doable. Went to Trevi fountain and no one was there or ever took a picture. Now you have to show your new outfit body parts and I don't think people even care what the site is or the significance. Traveling has become modeling, showing off, and disrespecting sacred spaces. Same deal, especially in Bali. It's over, it will never be the same again.

[jreynoldslv]

My family and I were greeted by the local police in Venice/Mestre on our last day of stay at an AirBnB. They were very kind to us and were checking in on the AirBnB to see if they were in compliance.

[lindab]

Just returned from 5 weeks in Italy. Renred a VRBO and stayed in 3 hotels. We didn't encounter a cash request for city tax, but it could have been part of our overall bill. We rented an apartment in Florence and did indeed meet our host when we checked-in. She took photos of our passports. We were there in February and early March. The crowds were relatively small. But, I wouldnt even consider going during prime tourist season. IMO it just wouldn't be the same (or pleasant) experience.

[terevaka]

I'll be travelling to Italy in about 12 months. Thanks for the update. I don't have any issues with the people of this beautiful country increasing these costs.

[annvirgo]

Yes yes please a home tour would be awesome . I’m here in Venice now and have been watching your videos for weeks before planning on my 2 week vacation to Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan. You have been such a golden key to my memorable Italian adventure! Gratzie ❤

[shirlrowsome]

Thanks for all the info on everything Italy. My husband and I are planning to move to Italy when we retire hopefully in 4-5 years. We really appreciate your knowledge and experience and showing us Italy through your eyes. Gracie Mille, Gregor!😊

[Aservant]

Thank you for the update. Congrats on finding your home!

[MikePetro]

Your channel is excellent! I spent time in Italy, in the early 70's, when I was on a ship in the USN. The Italian people are the best and I loved it there and want to go back. Venice is truly unbelievable and I'm glad that I got to experience it before the cruise ships started coming. I can't blame the people for resenting tourists, especially the ones that behave boorishly and with little respect to the local citizens.

[JudyMohr-pi]

Hope you’re ok with these floods that I’ve seen on the news. And thank you for all of your videos! Important info.❤

[Suntan]

My wife and i stay in Rome regularly. Personally don’t mind the city tax and think London should do it. Over the 10 years of visiting Rome, we see the rise in tourist and certainly see an increase in prices. Thankfully we know where to go. Thanks for your videos, really enjoy them.

[jamesrogan]

Great video Gregor. 100% would love a “home tour” video. 😀👍

[jubeyk]

I appreciate your videos very much Gregor. We live in North Carolina and made our first trip to Italy an unforgettable one thanks to your videos. We landed in Naples stayed in sorrento with trips by boat to the Amalfi coast then Rome, Florence and drove an Alfa Romeo to val d’orcia area from there Venice. There isn’t a day where we don’t go to bed and wake up thinking about Italy 😁. We even think about retiring there in the future. In Florence we stayed right at the ponte vecchio basically across a pizza place you recommended on another video that I watched after we had left. I hated myself for not eating there. Now I got to go back 😂. Keep making more of these videos and good luck on everything.

[BruceM]

Hey Gregor. Very interesting video. Thanks. Yes, I would enjoy a video tour of your home.

[reneeblack]

I’ve dreamed of Italy for years. Everyone deserves to see this amazing country but I understand what you’re saying. We are coming in October this year so I pray I can see my dream places ❤

[nicart]

Thanks for the fair warning, we all appreciate that very much. 😊😊😊😊

[TheDiscerningDinosaurArt-yibq]

I think Italy will be back on the list after the floods and the earthquakes and then there’s the crowds that are there for their pilgrimage for the Jubilee….never a dull moment!

[adriennepender]

Hi Gregor, thanks for all you Italy expertise! Hotels in big cities in the US (I'm thinking NYC specifically, but Chicago, Philadelphia too) charge a city tax PER NIGHT, although it's included in the bill when you check out, you don't need to pay in cash. The cost of travel is going up yes, but if it helps protected sites, I'm okay with it. Might it restrict some travel, yes, it just means I have to plan ahead.

We'll be in Florence in 2 weeks, hop to bump into you!! 🥰