So compared to Germany...?

Question

Sorry about comparing, but actually i havent been to Italy before, and the last place i went to in europe is germany.

i'm thinking of visiting Italy soon, can anybody provide me with info about: how expensive is italy compared to germany, like hangouts, shopping, hotels...etc? which city should i stay at?and what about language, i only speak arabic, english and a little Italian (studying level 1), will i be able to communicate with people there?

Answer 1

I'm sorry if this is an incomplete answer, btu I'll tell you what I could perceive. I've been to Italy this May, and in Germany this August .

As far as I could tell, I believe that in Germany things are cheaper. There are more people speaking english in Germany than in Italy, but if you speak a bit of italian, that's a start =)

I've only stayed in one and two star hotels, and I think that Germany has a better price-quality ratio.

As far as hangouts go, I've been in both countries for a very short period of time, so I can't really give you many options. But I believe that Italy wins in this category.

I don't know what is the purpose of your trip to Italy...If you're going to the pricy shops, Milan and Rome are cool. Avoid Milan if you're looking for sightseeing, because the only cool thing is the Duomo (the cathedral) and the Vittorio Emanuel Galleries.

I'd recomend Rome, Venice and Florence.

Hope it helps !

Answer 2

they speak english there,italy is as expensive prberly more in some places les in others,what do you mean by hangouts i cant answer that part,hotels i only stay in 5 star myself i would tell you if i knew what places in italy you were going to stay at!,you cant just stay in only onwe place without seeing all the others good luck to you better read a travel book is my advice

Answer 3

Well you have learnt a little bit of Italian so you will know basic phrases to get around by. Italian people are very friendly and generous and a lot of younger people have learnt English. I think Italy is more expensive than Germany but the history, shopping and culture make it well worth the effort.Many people hang out at places that they call discos which I guess are like american night clubs? and the young people go dancing every Saturday. Shopping in the major citys is too die for expensive though.. All your favourite brands can be found. As for which city you should stay in ....

1) Rome - Although heavily populated with tourists and a reputation for devious pick pockets .. rome can not be surpassed for History .. the modern world was created by the roman empire after all.

2) Florence - A truely beautiful city a bit more laid back then rome. Florence is the capital of the beautiful Tuscany region..

3) Milan - Famous for fashion and shopping... need I say more.

4) Venice - Who doesnt want to explore this watery town by gondola??

Well those were my top 4 citys ..

Best wishes and enjoy your stay

Answer 4

Hi, great idea to visit Italy. So, I'll suggest you to stay in Rome (a gorgeous city) at Eurostars International Palace hotel - via Nazionale no.46. It's a very well located hotel, just few steps to the main beauties of Rome. Yes, the life is more expensive in Italy, but you can find clothes and shoes of a great quality. If you speak English and a little Italian it will be o.k. From Rome you can visit Florence and Venice. But that depends the time you'll spend in Italy, because to see all Rome a month will be not enough. It was o joke, you can see "the must see" places in a week. Have a wonderful trip !

Answer 5

No.. sorry no... Italians don't speak English... they are not so smart, the trains are never on time and they are not so tidy... u can get info's about the trains at... www.trenitalia.it, the things are more expensive than Germany... so I don't think u'll be able to communicate with people...

Answer 6

I've been to both countries before - Munich, Hamburg and Berlin in Germany and Rome, Florence, Milan and Venice in Italy, so let me just point out some of the more pertinent differences.

In terms of efficiency, the Germans definitely left me with a better impression. The trains were very on time (something you wouldn't find in most European cities) and everything seems to be up and running well.

In terms of cost, needless to say, things were much more cheaper in Germany and this is especially so for beer. So if you're into drinking, Germany is definitely the place to be.

As for languages, I found that the Germans spoke better English than the Italians. In fact, I had a lot of problems communicating with the Italians cos most of them couldn't speak English (and that includes shopowners so bargaining/purchasing sometimes become a problem).

In terms of safety, Germany is definitely safer than Italy. When I was in Rome, my friends and I almost got pickpocketed by a group of gypsies kids. We were also shouted at by a gang of six or seven who all looked extremely intimidating. There were also more beggars along the streets than there were in Germany.

Also, Germany appears to be a cleaner place than Italy. Less graffiti too.

But of course, Italy is not without its merits. In fact I think it's biggest sell-point is its historical attractions. Shopping comes in a close second. For both aspects, I'd say Germany definitely pales in comparison (I personally found Berlin and Hamburg rather boring). Venice is an alluring city; St Marks is simply remarkable. Florence is the artsy place you'd like to be at when you are in the mood for grand art pieces by impressive people like Michelangelo. And when in Rome, the things you can do and the places you can go are simply endless, the Colosseum and the Vatican (ok technically this is a country on its own) being some of the most favourite hotspots. Milan is the place to go for your shopping and your designer needs.

That's about all, in a nutshell :)