Italy Travel Tips

Who would not think of Italy as one of their dream destinations? As the home of everybody’s favorite pizza and pasta, this European country also offers an array of options for lovers of art to appreciate, being the birthplace of some of the world’s well-known painters and artists.

Language and culture

The official language is Italian. Most locals are not familiar with English, thus it is best for tourists to learn basic Italian phrases to help them get around. The Roman Catholic Church has a considerable influence on the culture here. Italian families are close-knit and most of the locals appreciate social courtesies. Expect to be greeted with a friendly “buon giorno” and “ciao” from them. You can see most of them warmly greet each other in the streets or at a cafeteria. Do avoid skimpy clothing when visiting churches and religious places. Be careful with your belongings especially wallets when in crowded places. In case of theft, do inform the police about it.

Rome at night

Weather

Weather in Italy is moderate, summers are not so hot and winters are not so cold. When I experienced my first winter in Europe many years ago, I remember enjoying the weather in Italy which was about 6 degrees Celsius, it was comfortable enough for strolling outside, my work buddies and I even had some gelato! It was a relatively warm welcome for me, a sort of escape from the sub-zero temperatures in Munich where we previously stayed. I do wish I could visit Italy again in spring and autumn; these are the best times of the year to explore the place in leisure when the weather is predictably pleasant and the scenic landscapes can be appreciated more. Do check out online weather forecasts in Italy to help you in your travel preparation.

Sight-seeing tips

Whether you’re traveling to Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence or any other Italian city, do plan your itinerary ahead and allot a time frame for your activities. This helps you prioritize on visiting the tourist attractions that you prefer. To get an interesting glimpse into the city’s history, art and culture, the best places to visit are museums and galleries. Check out online information regarding their opening days/hours, rules on photography and other tourist concerns. Churches also offer not just a grand display of architecture but a rich history about them, some even have museums inside. Most of these attractions can be explored on foot, just bring along a travel guide or a handy map and wear something comfortable for a walking tour. For out-of-town tourist attractions, trains and coaches are good options.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Shopping tips

Opening hours for most shops are from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM with lunch break. Being dubbed as Europe’s fashion hub, and Milan known as its fashion capital, Italy is a shopping haven for fashionistas. I noticed this during our stay in Milan, even the sales clerks looked and dressed like fashion models. Aside from designer clothing and accessories, Italy is also a great place to shop for leather goods, jewelry, crystals and lace work. Venice is known for its Murano glassware products and jewelry, such as pendants, bracelets, earrings and other accessories and decors. These exquisite handmade pieces are must-have souvenir items from Venice. I bought a beautiful blue Murano pendant on a weekend trip there and it was not even that expensive.

Florence at sunset

Important Information

Electricity: 220 volts / 50 Hz
Important Numbers: Emergency – 112 / Fire – 115 / Ambulance – 118