What should I know when traveling to Italy?

Question

I'm going to Italy next year in May and I need to know some tips to remember. I know I gotta pack light - I'm going to Venice and Florence as well as Rome - but what else should I be aware of?

Answer 1

i'm going to italy in may 2008 too :)

i'm going to rome, venice, & in austria to salzburg and vienna

be respectful of the places you go to and just have fun!

Answer 2

Italy is a wonderful country and there is nothing special to know before coming here...you have to take light pack, as you said, as it's quite hot in Italy in May. We are always nice towards tourists and the locations you chose for your travel are my favorite towns, so i only wish you good travel.

P.S. some of the caffes owners take advantage of tourists or people in general just because they are in a famous place, there are some caffes as one famous in Piazza San Marco in Venice where things are very expensive without any particular reason, just for their locationsm, try to avoid them.

Answer 3

Something that I don't think other people told you is that if you think to go to visit some churches (there are a lot in Italy) try to not wear shorts and shirts that show "skin". In some place they won't let you in.

Don't pick up on people thinking that they don't understand you because a lot of italian people can, even if they can't speak they probably can understand you. And usually in big cities (like the one that you are going) people speak english.

Pay attention at the recipes, sometimes in restaurants, bar, and pubs people try to make you pay more than what you're supposed to, just because you're a tourist.

Answer 4

I agree with the first answerer about being respectful while visiting......unusually many  tourists don't quite understand this....... also, you may want to learn some simple phrases in Italian... ( to help us help you, if you ever need to ask anything) usually many of us speak and understand English... (but not always)....

ummm. mainly just be yourself and enjoy your vacation..... also If you are wanting to go into some cathedrals make sure that you do not wear very short shorts...  because of this I have seen many tourists get rejected from entering.... I hope that you have a great time :)

Answer 5

first if all your gonna have an amazing time! i spent my entire summer in Italy going from city to city, and all you need to remember is just to have fun and be friendly! And before you go try to pick up some Italian so your not completely confused. dont stress out about pickpockets, they happen to careless people!

AND OMG!! i almost forgot when you go from city to city only take the EuroStar train (its a lot faster!!) my friend and i accidentally took the wrong train! lol

Answer 6

A couple of Italian phrases won't hurt to know. They usually understand English but if you show them you know some Italian they will be more willing to help. Italians are friendly and nice people. Be aware of pickpocketing in Rome around Colosseum and the major tourist sites.

Answer 7

The biggest thing is to remember that you're a guest in their country. Act respectful and really try to learn some of the local culture. You'll be surprised how great that goes. Unfortunately, too many Americans act superior and arrogant overseas which, understandably, leads the local people to be distant and unhelpful. Act like a human being and someone who wants to learn and you'll have a great experience where ever you travel.

Answer 8

Right about packing lite.... but what to pack.

+ Don't trek around the cities in flip flops: 1. because the streets are dirty and more importantly 2. You'll stick out like a sore thumb as a tourist. pack you self a comfortable &  fashionable pair of walking shoes.

+ Be aware of the pick pockets on the crowded buses and trains. Carry around only the essentials and leave the rest in your hotel safe.

+ It could already be hot in May.... but don't walk around in t-shirts. Pack some light weight cotton button down shirts, a blazer and light weight pants.

+be aware of where you are going... the best way to enjoy the experience is to read up about Italy and especially the two cities you'll visit. The more you know before getting there the better questions that you'll ask when you get there.

+ Learning a little Italian won't hurt none.

+ Pick up some Euro now - maybe 100 bucks so that you can get familiar with the money.

+ Italians tend to stare... don't feel offended. they don't do it to offend.

+ Italians will bump and push when in a line (or in something that may resemble a line). Don't get hostile or offended. Everyone is used to it.

+Regarding lines - Italians are allergic to lines and always seem to crowd around the entrance to anything. If you want to get a seat then (gently & withy tact) push your self forward onto or into....

+Grazie & prego = Thanks you and your welcome = will get you a long way.

+ Remember – not everyone speaks English. Remember – if the don’t speak it then they may understand it. Moral is.... be careful what you say in public.

Answer 9

Be very aware of anything you have valuable, there are many immigrants throughout Italy and like the rest of Europe some of them tend to make live miserable for the people around them.

Keep to popular areas in particular if you are from the US and loud mouthed. If you are Canadian let them know that. It is like being Irish as opposed to English.

The country people wil show their warmth a lot more than the city people. Enjoy your holiday

Answer 10

Learn some basic Italian.  Go to the public library and check out the language tapes and books.  

Leave the shorts and flip flops at home.  You don't see Italian women wearing these clothes in public and you won't be allowed in any churches wearing them.  I'm always amazed at the Americans who show up at St. Peter's wearing shorts and with a picnic lunch.  

Read at least one book to prepare.  A good, light choice is "The Agony and the Ecstasy : a novel of Michelangelo" by Irving Stone.  When you go to Florence and Rome you will better understand what you are seeing.

Answer 11

My tips:don't go to eat in the restaurant close to some famous place (like Colosseo or Vaticano in rome, or near s.Mark square in venice) 'cause they're expansive.

Be aware of the gypsies near the train station 'cause they're really able to steal your bag.

Have a good time(and food)  in my country