1. Get lost in Venice

Venice is not only a storybook city on water, it’s also the best place to get lost--or at least try to. Every road in Venice leads to the Piazza San Marco, so there’s no need to worry about ending up in another city, far from where you’re staying. As you walk, forget a destination and spend time walking in and out of shops, cathedrals, or anything that catches your eye. Wandering is often how you find unknown treasures from small shops tucked away on side roads. Make Venice a journey, not a destination.

2. Learn the way of the locals

Italy has been around for centuries. The country is filled with history, skills, and stories that have been passed down for generations. Learning the trade of even a few of the local artisans is a great way to get to know the culture as well as the people of Italy. Instead of simply riding in a gondola in Venice, learn how to row one. Instead of looking at statues of gladiators in Rome, learn how to fight like one. You’ll remember much more of the trip when it’s tied to experiences and you’ll gain a greater appreciation of the people and culture as well (rowing a gondola is much harder than it looks).

3. Buy tickets ahead of time, or visit the sites at night 

You’re not the only person who wants to see David in Florence, the Colosseum in Rome, St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, or any number of sites in Italy. Waiting standby for any of the top destinations in Italy can mean standing in line in the hot sun for hours on end. Yes, ideally you book tickets months in advance, and have scheduled times to see every top-of-the-list item, but for those who don’t, here’s a trick you’ll wish you knew; visit sites either very early in the morning, or late at night. While traveling with a group in 2017, several people in my group waited to see David in Florence for over 3 hours! Instead of waiting, a few friends and I went to see David at the Galleria dell’Accademia at 6 PM and there was NO ONE IN LINE! You’ll avoid the weather, see a lot more, and have a more enjoyable experience if you’re not battling crowds of people and the inevitable pick-pocketers. Side note: If you can book tickets ahead of time, do! If you’re debating visiting a site, assume that as soon as you get to Italy, you’ll want to see everything.

4. Stop to watch the street artists

Sure, sometimes street artisans are pushy, but a lot of them have exceptional talents and don’t have another place to display their work. Instead of always hurrying by, pause and watch for a minute. You don’t have to buy anything or even pay them money, but the talent could be worth a minute of your time. That being said, not all street artists have the best intentions. If people are asking you to hold an animal or there’s a big group of performers, professional pick-pocketers could also be close by. Always hold on tight to your belongings and don’t be so engulfed in what you’re watching that you forget to stay alert. Be curious, but always cautious. 

5. Look up closures in advance

Traveling across the world to find that the one place you wanted to visit is closed is the WORST. Look up closures before you travel to know about extensive refurbishments or even routine happenings that you simply might not know about. For example: the Trevi fountain is drained and cleaned on Monday mornings; the fountain is refilled by early afternoon, but if you’re hoping to make a wish on Monday morning, it’ll be to a dry fountain. A quick google search before you leave can save a lot of potential heartaches.  

6. If you visit Italy in July or August, get ready to sweat 

Air conditioning does exist, but not in many historical sites, and definitely not in the streets. Many of the famous monuments are ruins- say hello to open areas of rock that get very hot. Umbrellas and fans help, but if you’re looking for comfortable weather, you’ve chosen the wrong time to visit. Also, stay hydrated! Water bottles are a saving grace and can be refilled in water fountains like the one pictured below in--the water is clean and comes straight from underground reserves. Fill your bottles here and save a lot of money on water! 

7. Walk instead of drive

Italy (especially Rome), can simply feel like a maze of streets and statues if you don’t take time to familiarize yourself with the area. Taxi drivers know shortcuts and alternative routes, which can be nice at times but can also leave you feeling dazed and confused. Many of the sites are close together in the bigger cities, so if you have the time and endurance, walking is worth it. You may find hidden gems you weren’t looking for and you can orient yourself far better than you can in a car. 

8. Get out at night--enjoy the music 

New York isn’t the only city that comes alive at night. Many musicians and locals make their debut as the sun sets, creating an ambiance worth remembering. Whether you eat dinner at a restaurant on the streets or take a picnic to a bridge, you’ll feel transported into another time. It’s almost as though you’re in a dream state as you see, hear, feel and taste the Italy you’ve always heard about. Watch the city come alive without a million tourists blocking your view. 

9. Buy leather in Florence--but barter! 

The best leather in the world is said to be found in Florence. The quality, styles, and overall craftsmanship are uncontested, which means, shopping in Florence is a must. At first glance, leather products are very expensive, but the artisans are happy to barter down the cost. Bartering can lead to gifts and souvenirs that don’t break the bank. 

10. Look for gelato in silver containers  

A sure way to get great gelato is to find shops that serve gelato in deep silver containers. This gelato is usually made fresh daily and the containers help preserve the flavors until the gelato is eaten. The gelato also may only come in limited flavors because many of the gelato makers experiment with flavors and use fruit in season. Fresh gelato doesn't contain natural preservatives and has a deeper and richer flavor than other chain gelaterias. Taking time to find the good shops is worth it--trust me. 

Post written by Tiffany Milar