We’ve gathered the best Italy travel tips to help you plan your next trip; here’s everything you need to know before visiting Italy!

Italy Travel Tips

1.) When you book an overnight train, make sure you specify Mr. or Ms. on your ticket

Our last overnight train experience made for a funny story, but we don’t recommend following in our footsteps.

Scott had accidentally booked my ticket under the Mr. salutation. The employee almost did not let us on the train since all of the compartments are separated male and female (unless you book a private compartment). Even after we convinced the train employee to let us on, our bunk mate was not happy and we couldn’t communicate with him since we didn’t speak the same language!

2.) Don’t order insalata verde and expect anything more than a bowl of lettuce

Take it from us and learn from our mistakes. Normally, house or green salads in the States have varied vegetables included, so I was not prepared for just a bowl of romaine lettuce..

3.) Don’t make special requests when ordering at a restaurant

Italians usually take things as listed on the menu and you don’t want to be the annoying foreigner who asks for special items. However, they are becoming more accustomed to vegans and vegetarians, so this shouldn’t be an issue when ordering at most of the restaurants frequented by tourists.

Read more: 20 Best Things To Do In Italy

4.) Prepare to eat late

Many restaurants, especially the fancy ones, don’t open until 7pm or later.

5.) When browsing menus and deciding where to eat, pay attention to the “Il coperto” (cover charge)

The cover charge varies from restaurant to restaurant (usually a few Euros). This charge is often listed at the bottom of the menu. This way you won’t be surprised when you get the bill.

6.) ATMs & Money

It’s a good idea to exchange some money before you leave your home country. ATMs are the most economical way to exchange money while you are in Italy, but the airport ATMs may be empty when you land (especially on a weekend) and you don’t want to be forced to exchange your money at one of the expensive currency exchanges.

Read more: 20 Best Places To Visit In Italy: Must-See Destinations

7.) Transportation strikes are common in Italy, so give yourself plenty of time if you need to catch a flight

One of our best tips for traveling to Italy: don’t be shocked if there is a strike of some sort that may affect your travel plans! It’s not uncommon for Italians to have train strikes, taxi strikes or bus strikes.

Strikes have become a part of the culture and way of life in Italy. Most strikes are announced ahead of time so you can usually plan around them. Just be sure to pay attention to signs in the local train stations about any upcoming strikes.

8.) Book accommodation outside of big cities to get the best deals and avoid crowds

If you don’t want to pay full price for your accommodation or if you prefer to avoid major crowds, oftentimes you can find a hotel, hostel or campground in a nearby town.

This came in handy during our travels in Cinque Terre. (To learn more about The 5 Villages, read our Cinque Terre travel tips and our guide on the best hotels in Cinque Terre.) There was a train strike and if we had stayed in any one of the 5 villages, we wouldn’t have been able to get a train out. A fellow traveler said it cost him 50 Euros for a taxi to the next town so he could catch his train!

A trip to Italy is not complete without visiting one of this country’s most beautiful wine regions. Villa Cozzano is set in Pozzuolo in the Tuscany Region — in a restored 17th-century building surrounded by 28 hectares of olive groves and vineyards.

Read more: 10 Things You Need To Know Before Traveling to Europe

9.) Train travel tips

Book your tickets at the train station with an actual person whenever possible. Some of the booking options are not available online or in the station kiosks. Tren Italia’s website is also notorious for not working correctly.

If you want to book ahead of time to get the best price, but you don’t know your exact dates or time of departure, then get an “Ordinary Ticket.” You will have the flexibility of open ended dates and times. Just keep in mind that it does have an expiration date, so make sure to ask the customer service representative before you purchase.

Also, one of our best tips for Italy is to REMEMBER to validate your ticket before you hop on the train to avoid fines!

Read more: Essential Guide To Train Travel In Europe

10.) Don’t stand in lines

Most visitors to Italy want to visit the iconic sites like the Colosseum, which means the lines can get VERY long — especially in the summertime. You have a few options for booking skip-the-line tickets to many attractions in Italy; you can either book a tour, book online (book here), or call the attraction once you are in Rome to inquire about booking tickets ahead of time. Trust me, this is a HUGE time saver!

Read more: Rome Travel Tips: Safety, Budget Tips, When to Visit, Packing & More!

11.) Don’t visit in summer

I realize many people only have limited vacation time and you may want to travel when your kids are out of school, but if you can avoid it, I don’t recommend visiting Italy in the summertime. Spring and fall are my favorite seasons — for both the weather and the lack of crowds.

12.) Wear comfortable shoes

This is not the time for stilettos, ladies. You can easily find a pair of stylish, yet comfortable shoes. Italy’s cities are best explored by walking and you don’t want to be uncomfortable your entire trip! My go-to shoes are cute white sneakers. I can wear them with almost anything — even long and and short summer dresses. 

Read more: Italy Packing List: The Ultimate Women’s Packing Guide For Italy

13. Italy is more than just the mainland

Don’t forget that there is plenty to see in Italy that is not on the mainland. Italy has 350 sea islands! You have probably heard of Sicily and Sardinia, as they are the most popular visited of the many islands. Though they are both Italian islands, they each have their own distinct charm and appeal and are both worth a visit!

14. It’s safe to drink from the water fountains

Throughout Italy — as well as many European cities — you may come across various water spouts and fountains. These are completely safe to drink from!

Not only will this save you some money by not purchasing water at stores and restaurants, but you’ll also be partaking in part of the Italian culture. There should be no trouble finding these fountains as Italy is full of them. To put it into perspective, Rome alone has over 2,500 fresh fountains!

15. Learn some basic Italian

You don’t need to be fluent by any means, but learning a few common phrases will aid you in your travels. Simple phrases such as ‘yes’, ‘no’, ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, ‘excuse me’, ‘do you speak English?’ And ‘you’re welcome’ will go far!

16. Leaving your room key at the hotel is common

Many hotels in Italy give you an old-fashioned type room key (sometimes even attached to an object or block) which can make it bit of a hassle to take around with you. If your hotel provides you with a new-age swipe card for your room key, feel free to take it out and about with you; however, if you have a large key and the front desk is staffed, don’t be afraid to ask them to hold it for you until your return.

17. You’ll need to pay a tourist tax in each city you visit

A tourist tax in Italy can loosely be compared to a hotel facility fee. It is a tax (fee) that is paid per night of your stay at all types of accommodations. This not only includes hotels, but B&B’s, hostels and even campsites. This tax is usually quite minimal and ranges from about 1.5 Euros per night to 7 Euros per night.

18. Check that your hotel has air conditioning if visiting during summer

Like many European cities, air conditioning is not always the norm. If your plans take you to Italy in the summer, check your hotel’s website in advance to see if they offer air conditioning. Italy can get quite hot so plan accordingly.

Read more: Venice Travel Tips: What You Need to Know Before Visiting

19. Don’t cut your pasta with a fork

When abiding by pasta etiquette it is imperative that you only use a fork — with the exception of pasta broth, which requires a spoon. Italians never cut their pasta. This includes long pasta, which is supposed to be rotated and wrapped around your fork. The pasta naturally entangles itself and keeps it snug against the fork.

20. Order the house wine

Don’t be afraid to stick to ordering the house wine throughout your trip. The house wine will often be a local wine — which Italians prefer to drink — and it will also pair well with your meal. The house wines also tend to be low cost and give you more ordering options. Typically, you would order by the glass or by the bottle, but house wines will usually come in carafes of 1/4, 1/2 or a full liter.

21. Make dinner reservations in busy locations

Err on the side of caution and make your dinner reservations in advance. You can always call the restaurant and make a reservation on your own “Vorrei fare una prenotazione, per favore” – “I would like to make a reservation please”, use an international booking platform such as Opentable (though it may not include the smaller local favorites) or you can speak to an associate at your hotel.

Even if you choose to make the reservations on your own, it is always great to ask for recommendations from the hotel staff or any other locals you may run into.

22. Specify what kind of water you want

Not all dining establishments will ask you what type of water you want as it is not typically included; however, if you want to order water, be sure to specify what type you would like. The options are usually still water, sparkling water, mineral water, and tap water.

23. Your car insurance may not cover Italy

If you are considering renting a car, take a moment to review your car insurance policy. Typically, your personal policy will not cover you internationally. You will need car insurance in order to rent a car in Italy specifically basic collision damage waiver car insurance.

Your rental company may offer insurance or you can look into getting international insurance while getting everything in line for your international driving permit.

24. You may not know if you get a ticket while driving

Italy has many roadside cameras to catch traffic infractions. If you are visiting and using a rental car, the fine will end up being sent to the rental car company and then passed along to you.

Your infraction may be caught on camera and there may not even be a pull over involved, so you usually won’t know that you acquired this ticket. Rental car companies may automatically charge you for this fee without authorization as the car was in your name on the date of incident.

25. You need an international driving permit to rent a car in Italy

Thankfully, it shouldn’t be too difficult to obtain your international driving permit. This is something that can be done at your nearest AAA. Plan to bring your valid U.S. driver’s license, 2 passport photos, a completed international driving permit application and be prepared to pay a $20 fee. The process should only take about 10 minutes.

26. Know how to drive a manual if you plan on renting a car

The vast majority of vehicles in Italy are manual transmission so be prepared to have a manual rental car. You can try reserving well in advance if there is an automatic available, but you should be comfortable driving a manual to be safe.

27. Always have Euros on hand

You will definitely be able to use credit cards in Italy but have some Euros on hand for peace of mind and to make things easier. Having 40-50 Euros per person should be enough of a cushion to stop you from needing to run back and forth to the ATM. Keep in mind that ATMs in Italy typically have a withdrawal limit of 200-300 Euros per day.

28. Bring a Visa or MasterCard (AMEX & Discover are not widely accepted)

Visa and MasterCard are your safest bet when traveling, AMEX and Discover are not widely accepted at this time. Before you leave, read up on your credit card to see if there are any foreign fees attached to your cards and plan accordingly. This is especially important with ATM cards as you may be charged a fee from your card as well as the ATM.

29. Bathrooms aren’t free

Though bathrooms aren’t free, they’re not expensive either so don’t worry. It usually costs between 50 cents and 1 Euro.

30. Fall is the best season to visit

Italy is beautiful all year round but fall has to be the best season to visit. The temperature is warm yet comfortable and the crowds and prices from the summer have started to die down. Because fall is also the time of harvest, there tends to be many festivals celebrating local food and/or wine all over the country.

Packing Essentials for Italy

In addition to the usual Europe packing list, make sure to bring these essential items:

Travel Umbrella: It’s always a good idea to pack a small travel umbrella — especially during the winter and spring.

Mosquito Repellent: I did not experience too many mosquitos, but mosquitos are not uncommon during the spring/summer months in many areas of Italy. This travel size spray pump won’t take up much room in your suitcase.

Earplugs: Bring your earplugs just in case you end up in a noisy location.

Nice Clothes: Many Italians are stylish, so don’t be afraid to bring some nice clothes. For the women, jeans and a cute pair of boots will be fine. For more travel packing tips, visit our guide on how to stay stylish while traveling.

Daypack: You’ll need something to carry around your camera gear and souveniers. Ladies, fashion backpack is stylish, comfortable, and it can be worn as a purse! Plus, it fits everything I need for a day of exploring Italy.

Pin for later!

Read more:

5 Towns To Visit in Lake Como

Lake Como Travel Guide (Things To Do, Packing, When To Visit)

The Best Travel Cameras

Do you have any Italy travel tips to add?

The post Italy Travel Tips: 30 Things You NEED To Know Before Visiting appeared first on Ordinary Traveler.

This must-read guide to the best things to do in Tel Aviv covers it all – food, art, architecture, nature, activities, and history!

Tel Aviv is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a lot to offer tourists and travelers. From world-class museums and historical sites to delicious food and beautiful beaches, there’s something for everyone in Tel Aviv.

Whether you’re traveling with your family, partner, or friends, here are 15 of the best things to do in Tel Aviv, Israel.

What Are The Best Things To Do In Tel Aviv?

1. Visit the Tel Aviv Museum of Art

The Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Israel’s largest art museum, is home to an impressive collection of permanent and temporary exhibits. The Museum was established in 1932, years before the state of Israel was established. Then in 2011, the museum added a new architecturally stunning wing.

The museum’s collection includes both Israeli and international artists, with pieces from the impressionism and post-impressionism movements. Some notable works on permanent display include those by Cezanne, Kandinsky, Chagall, Rodin, Picasso, and Dali.

For any art lover, this is a must-visit destination.

2. Stroll Down Dizengoff Street

Dizengoff Street is one of Tel Aviv’s central streets. This street is always lively, with restaurants, shops, and other businesses that are almost always full. Window shopping on Dizengoff is a fun way to spend an afternoon exploring Tel Aviv.

But some say Dizengoff is even better in the evening. Eateries, shops, and bars stay open late, so you can always find something to do here. So if you’re looking for a drink to wind down in the evening, be sure to make your way here.

3. People Watch at Habima Square

Habima Square is a beautiful, central square located in the heart of Tel Aviv next to the city’s main streets, Dizengoff Street and Rothschild Boulevard.

The word ‘Ha Bima’ means ‘stage’ in Hebrew. So Habima takes its name from the theater on the square, but it also refers to the public space that becomes a live theater of city life.

The square is a popular meeting spot for tourists and locals alike, who come to enjoy the unique sunken garden in the center of the square. The garden is a popular destination for all types of people. You can often find solo visitors relaxing and reading, young families spending quality time together, and kids playing in the sandpit.

It’s the perfect spot to engage in some people-watching! Recently I saw some free yoga and breathwork classes taking place on the square, so you never know what you might come across.
 

4. See the Bauhaus Architecture

Tel Aviv is often called “the white city.” This is because of the large number of Bauhaus-style buildings that were built in the city in the 1930s. The style is characterized by its simplicity and functionality. And the buildings are primarily white.

In fact, Tel Aviv has become a World Heritage site because of its best-preserved examples of the Bauhaus style.

Today, many of these buildings are still in use and have been adapted to meet the needs of modern life. Tracking down these fascinating buildings can be a fun way to spend an afternoon.

If you want to learn more, The Bauhaus Center in Tel Aviv is a great place to take a deep dive into the Bauhaus style of architecture and its history.
 

5. Visit Independence Hall

Visits to Independence Hall at 16 Rothschild Boulevard won’t be possible again until 2024 due to the extensive renovations currently taking place, but its history is well worth exploring.

On May 14, 1948, at 4 PM, in the presence of members of the Jewish National Council and Yishuv leaders, David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the establishment of Israel in the main hall of the building on Rothschild Boulevard.

When learning about Israel’s modern history, this is a can’t-miss stop.
 

6. Grab a Bite at One of the Many Great Restaurants

Tel Aviv is known for its great food scene. You can find just about any type of cuisine here, from Israeli to Ethiopian to Thai. And of course, there are plenty of great places to get traditional falafel.

Some of my personal favorites include Caffe Kaymak, which serves vegetarian, Middle Eastern food (49 Levinsky St. Tel Aviv, 66526), and Mifgash Rambam (Rambam 3, Tel Aviv) for some gourmet street food.
 

7. Take a Dip in the Mediterranean Sea

No trip to Tel Aviv would be complete without a dip in the Mediterranean Sea. From May through October, the water is warm and perfect for swimming. But even in the winter, you won’t want to miss the beautiful seaside views.

You can find beaches all along the Mediterranean coast of Tel Aviv. Some of my favorites include Gordon Beach, which is great for families, and Frishman Beach, which is popular with young people.

You’ll see people surfing, playing volleyball, and soccer, and, of course, sunbathing and enjoying the incredible views.
 

8. Visit Old Jaffa

Jaffa, also known as Yafo, is an ancient port city located in modern-day Tel Aviv. The old narrow streets and courtyards have become a must-see destination for anyone visiting Tel Aviv. Stroll through the winding alleyways, admire the beautiful architecture, and stop for a refreshing cup of coffee in one of the many cafes.

The Old City–with its narrow passageways and ancient buildings–feels like a world away from the modern landscape of Tel Aviv.

Jaffa’s flea market is a well-known attraction in the area for its unique offerings, selling anything from Turkish carpets to original art.

And if you want to dive deeper into this rich history of Jaffa, consider joining one of the many walking tours offered in the area. You won’t regret it!

9. Visit Carmel Market

The Carmel Market, or “Shuk HaCarmel” in Hebrew, is a great place to buy fresh produce, spices, and souvenirs. You’ll find almost anything you could want here, from clothes to housewares to meat, fresh fruit, spices, and sweet treats.

Just remember, like most stores in Israel, Carmel Market closes before sundown on Friday and will remain closed until the start of the work week on Sunday in observance of Shabbat.

10. Wander Through Neve Tzedek

Shabazi Street, the main street of Tel Aviv’s Neve Tzedek neighborhood, is lined with chic local and international brands, designer boutiques, and restaurants.

This picturesque district was Tel Aviv’s first-ever neighborhood back in 1887, but its real estate has soared in value in recent years, making it one of the city’s most exclusive shopping destinations – and a hub for French expats.

A trip to Neve Tzedek would not be complete without a visit to the Nachum Gutman Museum of Art. The museum features both static and interactive exhibits, which perfectly capture the artsy vibe of this serene neighborhood. After visiting the museum, you can also explore other nearby galleries and ceramics studios.
 

11. Relax in HaYarkon Park

Yarkon Park is the largest park in Tel Aviv and is perfect for a stroll or picnic with friends. The park also contains an amphitheater where you can catch a concert or show, enjoy the Yarkon river, and several beautiful lakes.

Think of it as Tel Aviv’s version of Central Park.

If you’re looking for a special activity for a fun day in the park, consider renting a paddle boat to enjoy the beautiful park views from the river.
 

12. Take a Walk Down Rothschild Boulevard

Rothschild Boulevard is the perfect place to experience all that Tel Aviv has to offer.

This picturesque boulevard stretches from Habima Theater to the Neveh Tzedek neighborhood and is shaded by ficus and poinciana trees with pleasant benches scattered at their feet. Rothschild is not only Tel Aviv’s very first boulevard, but also the city’s cultural center.

The boulevard is lined with beautiful Bauhaus architecture, top-notch restaurants, charming kiosks, and chic cafes. Visitors can enjoy a stroll down the pedestrian-only path or take a bike down the boulevard.

Be sure to take note of the many landmarks along the way, such as The beautiful Founders Monument and Fountain across from Independence Hall, constructed on the 40th anniversary of Tel Aviv, and the very first food kiosk!
 

13. Visit the Nahalat Binyamin Arts and Crafts Fair

The Nahalat Binyamin Art Fair, open every Tuesday and Friday, is a source of inspiration for artists and art lovers alike.

For more than 30 years, the fair has been showcasing the best in Israeli art, with stalls featuring everything from paintings and sculptures to jewelry and textiles.

The fair is also known for its commitment to supporting eco-friendly and recycled art, with several stalls dedicated to upcycled materials.

Whether you’re looking to purchase a unique piece of artwork or simply admire the creativity on display, the Nachlat Binyamin Art Fair is well worth a visit.
 

14. Attend a Show at the Cameri Theater

For theater lovers, the Cameri Theater is a must-visit destination in Tel Aviv. This world-renowned theater has been entertaining audiences since 1944 and stages an average of 10 new productions each year.

Notably, the theater offers simultaneous translations into Russian, English, and Arabic so that everyone can enjoy the shows.

The theater’s repertoire includes a mix of classics and contemporary works, so there is something for everyone.
 

15. Watch the Sunset Over the Mediterranean Sea

There is no better way to end a perfect day in Tel Aviv than by watching the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.

If you don’t want to get your feet sandy, one of the best places to see the sunset is at Charles Clore Park, where you can take in the stunning views of the sea, Jaffa Port, and the Tel Aviv skyline.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Tel Aviv?

When it comes to deciding when to visit Tel Aviv, there are a few things to keep in mind. The weather is one of the most important factors, as you’ll want to be comfortable during your stay.

Early fall or spring are the best times to visit, as the weather isn’t too hot but you can still enjoy the beach. If you come in the summer, be prepared for temperatures in the 90s. Don’t forget to pack a sunhat to protect yourself from the heat and wear comfortable walking sandals. 

Read more: Israel Travel Guide & Packing Tips: Everything You Need to Know

Another thing to keep in mind is that Tel Aviv gets very busy during the Jewish holidays, so if you’re looking for a quiet trip, it’s best to avoid these times. The holidays fall on different dates each year, but a quick Google search will point you in the right direction.

Many people who visit Israel come for the historic and spiritual sites. But Tel Aviv is an amazing city with so much to see and do no matter what your religion is.

From world-class museums to delicious food and beautiful beaches, there’s something for everyone in Tel Aviv.

One of my favorite things about the city is that there’s always something new to discover. From trying new restaurants, walking through a new neighborhood, and discovering beautiful Bauhaus buildings, to finding a new park or beach spot. Each time I come to Tel Aviv, I find that I always walk away with new memories and experiences.

I hope this list has inspired you to start planning your trip to Tel Aviv!

Author Bio: Alisa Goz is a digital nomad, travel blogger, and passionate life-long learner. Join Alisa at AlisaGoz.com for the best tips for stress-free travel. Before starting her blog, Alisa worked as a non-profit fundraiser at top New York cultural institutions. She carries her passion for building community through everything she does.

Pin for later!

The post 15 Best Things To Do in Tel Aviv in 2022 appeared first on Ordinary Traveler.

At Frameless immersive art, you enter into the masterpieces of great artists. Highly instagrammable too.

The post EVENT: Frameless, a multi-sensory experience of art in London’s Marble Arch. appeared first on The Travel Magazine.