Italian public restrooms are rare, often paid, and always an adventure.
Plan your trip →Bars/cafés: the best option. Buy a caffè al banco (€1–1.50) and use the restroom. This is socially expected and not awkward. Public restrooms: exist at train stations (€0.50–1), some piazzas (€0.50–1, often poorly maintained). Museums/restaurants: always have restrooms for visitors. McDonald’s/department stores: free, clean, no purchase required (de facto public restrooms in Italian cities).
Toilet paper: sometimes absent in public restrooms (carry tissues). Toilet seats: occasionally missing in cheap bars (it’s an Italian mystery). Bidets: see our bidet guide. The flush: can be a button on the wall, a button on top, a pull chain, or a pedal on the floor.