Those temperatures are amazing for me, since I'm from the UK. Freaken freezing out here right now.
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Planning a trip to Italy and Paris, France
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Those temperatures are amazing for me, since I'm from the UK. Freaken freezing out here right now.
randomrogue
Diamond Member
Yeah it's 30. Not 40. My error since I'm still caught halfway between F and C. It's hot though. Last year it was a bit higher than 30. If that doesn't bother you then great. I just remember my first time in Rome in the 1990's getting extremely angry since there are so many water vendors around the tourist attractions and the prices are crazy. You almost need a water budget. Get some 2L bottles and fill them up in the hotel before leaving in the morning.
_Rick_
Diamond Member
Hmmm, here in Grenoble, it usually hits 40C in the streets, in mid August. And that's a degree or three to the north of Roma. It's slightly more sheltered and continental, but when I was in Rome in August a few years back, temperatures were well in excess of 30. The night train across the Alps was a bit of a nightmare, with it either being hot, or very loud and in a tunnel 😀
But weather isn't going to be your worst enemy. Everybody being on holiday is going to be much worse. And bearing that weather in public transport. Not sure if they have AC for their buses in many places in Italy yet.
But weather isn't going to be your worst enemy. Everybody being on holiday is going to be much worse. And bearing that weather in public transport. Not sure if they have AC for their buses in many places in Italy yet.
randomrogue
Diamond Member
I can't help you since I'm generally with Italian friends and they do the driving but for my first trip to Italy I'm pretty sure I got good info in the Rick Steves books. Might be worth a look.
Black Octagon
Golden Member
I know what you mean, but that statement is a bit of a generalisation. The French public transport workers are famous for going on strike at any given time of the year. They may be reasonably punctual (especially the Paris metro) but that only does you any good when they are, in fact, working.
It may indeed have tasty ice-creams, but that doesn't mean it's the best in Rome. Sure, it's got a high rating on Tripadvisor (which in my view only indicates that the tourists loved it), but notice how almost all the negative reviews are by Italians? Any gelateria in Italy whose ice-creams start at EUR2.50 is taking you for a ride. Overall, it's getting harder and harder to find authentic gelati in Rome for a reasonable price, especially in the central/touristy areas. If you're serious about this stuff and don't mind making the journey for the real thing, check out Il Gelato di Claudio Torcè (or even better, get it in another part of Italy...)
Again, not sure whether it's the "best" in Rome but in this case it doesn't matter. Pompi's tiramisu is outstanding. It's best to get a party-size one to take away 🙂
randomrogue
Diamond Member
If you want the best of anything in Italy go where the Italians go. Honestly anywhere the tourists go you're not getting the best of anything. You're paying more for less. There's only been one exception to that in all my trips to Italy and I'm still not even sure I should count it.
Black Octagon
Golden Member
^Agreed. That's only really feasible in Italy if you yourself speak Italian or, better yet, are being showed around by a local (that means, a local of the part of Italy in question)
nanobreath
Senior member
We just had our Honey-moon in Italy.
In Rome, we used a tour company canned DarkRome (darkrome.com). Their tours in Rome were great. As long as you can afford to pay for the tours, they beat waiting in line to go in solo, and the extra information you get from a tour guide is well worth it. Waits in some of these places can be hours long, so a tour can be worth the price simply in the time you save. The same company offers tours in Florence, however I wouldn't recommend them there. Though you will probably want to be part of a tour in order to skip the ridiculously long lines at the Ufetzi and the Accademia there may be some cheaper options. Also in Florence, they aren't so much skip the lines, but stand in slightly shorter lines.
In Rome, take at least one day to wander through the city and see all the major free places. Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Wedding Cake etc. etc. are all free places you can easily walk between. There are so many ancient structures and ruins available that don't need tours, but are just sitting there open for everybody to see.
Two of our favorite restaurants in Rome were Colline Emiliane and Ristorante Cesarina. Collinne Emiliane is widly regarded as the best pasta in Rome. If you want to go you HAVE to make a reservation. We made ours in the morning for an evening meal, so it doesn't have to be super far in advance. But don't show up at dinner time thinking you will get in. Both of these places are expensive if you get the full 3 course meal with desert. That really is a lot of food, but well worth it at these restaurants. In general though, 1 appetizer, 1 pasta, and 1 main course split between 2 people is more than enough. Check the side streets for local pizza stores. These places make roman style pizza's that the locals eat. Less than 10 euro's for 2 people, and some absolutely delicious pizza.
In Rome, one should NEVER want for water. Pretty much all the water you see flowing is coming directly from the aqueducts and is some of the best water you will find to drink. Buy one bottle to carry around, and refill at these fountains. Romans call them "little noses". The look kinda like fire hydrants that have a spigot on them that looks like a nose. You will greatly miss this free access to great water in other cities, so use it while you can! Here is a picture: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brady-pics/5788463610/
The best gelato in Italy is in Florence, at a place called Gelato dei Neri. Best pizza we had was also in Florence, at a local hole in the wall pizza place. Doesn't really have a name. It's on Via Giuseppe Verdi at the corner of Via dei Pandolfini. It is basically a tiny stand barely built into the building. We were in Florence for a celebration called White Night. Every single local in the city and surrounding areas comes out and packs the city. Every street and piazza in the city is full of people. These two places were absolutely packed with locals, so we went to both and were quite pleased.
In Rome, we used a tour company canned DarkRome (darkrome.com). Their tours in Rome were great. As long as you can afford to pay for the tours, they beat waiting in line to go in solo, and the extra information you get from a tour guide is well worth it. Waits in some of these places can be hours long, so a tour can be worth the price simply in the time you save. The same company offers tours in Florence, however I wouldn't recommend them there. Though you will probably want to be part of a tour in order to skip the ridiculously long lines at the Ufetzi and the Accademia there may be some cheaper options. Also in Florence, they aren't so much skip the lines, but stand in slightly shorter lines.
In Rome, take at least one day to wander through the city and see all the major free places. Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Wedding Cake etc. etc. are all free places you can easily walk between. There are so many ancient structures and ruins available that don't need tours, but are just sitting there open for everybody to see.
Two of our favorite restaurants in Rome were Colline Emiliane and Ristorante Cesarina. Collinne Emiliane is widly regarded as the best pasta in Rome. If you want to go you HAVE to make a reservation. We made ours in the morning for an evening meal, so it doesn't have to be super far in advance. But don't show up at dinner time thinking you will get in. Both of these places are expensive if you get the full 3 course meal with desert. That really is a lot of food, but well worth it at these restaurants. In general though, 1 appetizer, 1 pasta, and 1 main course split between 2 people is more than enough. Check the side streets for local pizza stores. These places make roman style pizza's that the locals eat. Less than 10 euro's for 2 people, and some absolutely delicious pizza.
In Rome, one should NEVER want for water. Pretty much all the water you see flowing is coming directly from the aqueducts and is some of the best water you will find to drink. Buy one bottle to carry around, and refill at these fountains. Romans call them "little noses". The look kinda like fire hydrants that have a spigot on them that looks like a nose. You will greatly miss this free access to great water in other cities, so use it while you can! Here is a picture: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brady-pics/5788463610/
The best gelato in Italy is in Florence, at a place called Gelato dei Neri. Best pizza we had was also in Florence, at a local hole in the wall pizza place. Doesn't really have a name. It's on Via Giuseppe Verdi at the corner of Via dei Pandolfini. It is basically a tiny stand barely built into the building. We were in Florence for a celebration called White Night. Every single local in the city and surrounding areas comes out and packs the city. Every street and piazza in the city is full of people. These two places were absolutely packed with locals, so we went to both and were quite pleased.
AznAnarchy99
Lifer
Are you talking about Gioletti or Gracchi because Gracchi has great reviews from Italians. I tried Torce. It was good but I'd definitely put Gracchi a notch above it. The EUR is definitely a trip from where I was at in Prati. Gracchi was a 5 minute walk from my apartment lol.
Fern
Elite Member
Exactly.
At lunch time it's particularly easy. I just look in the window (or door) and if it's a bunch of local working stiffs eating there you'll know it'll be good or at least decent ('decent' for them is usually 'good' to us. Italians are picky as h3ll about their food).
I always stay away from easting near touristy areas. They suck and they don't care. You're a tourist, you aren't coming back anyway.
Also, too much stuff here about speaking Italian. How hard is it to say "I would like this" in Italian. Just point to the damn item on the menu. Take an English > Italian, Italian < English dictionary with you, they're inexpensive, and look up the menu items so you'll understand what's on the menu.
Learn a few phrases as well, makes all the difference in the world. Learn "Excuse me, I don't speak Italian, can you help me please?" "Sorry, I don't speak Italian" etc.
And learn how to count to ten in Italian so you can stand in front of the counter at the bakery or pastry shop and order (just point to the item). Well, you can always hold up fingers too. If you're shopping, take a small pad and pencil. They can write down the price so you'll understand.
There are also phrase books. Look up the phrase in English and it'll have the Italian version next to or below it. Find the English phrase you want and have the local read the Italian version. They'll get it. If they're half way helpful and smart they'll page over to the Italian> English version, find the answer in Italian and show it to you so you can see the English version. It can be somewhat like having a translator at your disposal.
I really don't see how or why people would want to travel abroad and not communicate with locals to at least some extent. Europe has any number of different languages, and while many speak two not everybody speaks them all. Europeans are used to tourists who don't speak their language. But they often do expect at least some effort on your part. So, a little effort can go a long way.
Fern
Last edited:
zinfamous
No Lifer
Oh my yes. Honest warning--do not let anyone stand very close to you for any length of time. I found most of the dire warnings before visiting to be stupid, paranoid, and perhaps a bit racist....and I relaly had no problems after 5 months in mostly Florence/Switzerland/Paris.
Then, mom visits, and within half of a day, everything was stolen from her purse, right in front of the Duomo in Florence, while we were just derping around trying to figure out what to do at the end of a rainy day. I felt awful, of course--as this group of people (a dozen or more) suddenly sidling next to us without appearing to do anything actually did seem odd, but I thought nothing of it. I think I mostly look Italian and tended not to walk around aimlessly, so I was never really a target, but we really stood out then...especially because of where we were.
didn't notice anything until about an hour later--they took her new passport, about $300 cash (I had no idea she had this on her--it was a gift from church people for the trip 🙁), and her debit/credit cards. This was a week or two before Christmas, too, as the family was staying in Burgundy for that week. Spent my (our) last day ever in Florence sitting on a bench in the US consulate getting a temporary passport so we could leave the country. 😡
Our friend and host in Switzerland (old retired dude), related many stories of attempted pickpocketing in Paris--especially of a gypsy woman shoving a baby into his chest, while she sneaked her other hand under the infant and into his coat pocket to try and grab his wallet--he noticed this.
GTaudiophile
Lifer
The best advice I could give would be to SPLURGE A LOT, book a nice room at this five star hotel on Lake Como and explore small town northern Italy on a lake.
You'll have the happiest wife ever...as long as you don't go into debt in the process!
Yes, I was a guest here for several nights.
You'll have the happiest wife ever...as long as you don't go into debt in the process!
Yes, I was a guest here for several nights.
AznAnarchy99
Lifer
Definitely. It was mostly the girls in my program that got targeted. Asian/Mexican girls who looked different etc. I was pretty lucky no one tried anything on me in my 4 months but I got used to the Italian death stare and people didn't really bother me.
I spent 5 days in Italy a couple months ago. A buddy and I split a nice apartment in Rome (Trastevere). We took it easy and spent most of the time Rome. Our apartment was between Vatican City and the Coliseum and we ended up walking everywhere. I had a Roma Pass but really didnt need it.
The highlights for me were:
1. Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccin. The Crypt is extremely fascinating and creepy.
2. Coliseum/Roman Forum/Palatine Hill VIP tour. I only booked this so I could go on the arena floor and basement. It was worth the price of admission for me.
3. Vatican City. Im an atheist but though everything about the Vatican was cool. I was standing in St. Peters Square when the white smoke appeared.
4. Valzani. The Diavoletti chocolates are incredible.
5. Day trip to Naples and Pompeii. Pompeii was very cool; however, we probably couldve saved some time by visiting Ostia Antica instead.
6. There was quick serve pizza shop somewhere in Trastavere where the guy made a bunch of oddball pizzas. One has shrimp w/ a mayo-like sauce. It was excellent.
7. Biscottificio Innocenti. All the cookies and pastries were great.
All the tourist areas were cool, including Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Castel SantAngelo, etc. Im not a huge foodie, so most of our evening meals were in Trastavere. The only places I didnt get to see that were on my list were the Sistine Chapel (curse you, Pope Benedict!) and the Galleria Borghese.
Gypsies and beggars were all over the place but they didnt come near me. I didnt have an issue with pickpockets either. My guess is that they didnt want to bother trying to steal from 2 dudes walking around
The highlights for me were:
1. Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccin. The Crypt is extremely fascinating and creepy.
2. Coliseum/Roman Forum/Palatine Hill VIP tour. I only booked this so I could go on the arena floor and basement. It was worth the price of admission for me.
3. Vatican City. Im an atheist but though everything about the Vatican was cool. I was standing in St. Peters Square when the white smoke appeared.
4. Valzani. The Diavoletti chocolates are incredible.
5. Day trip to Naples and Pompeii. Pompeii was very cool; however, we probably couldve saved some time by visiting Ostia Antica instead.
6. There was quick serve pizza shop somewhere in Trastavere where the guy made a bunch of oddball pizzas. One has shrimp w/ a mayo-like sauce. It was excellent.
7. Biscottificio Innocenti. All the cookies and pastries were great.
All the tourist areas were cool, including Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Castel SantAngelo, etc. Im not a huge foodie, so most of our evening meals were in Trastavere. The only places I didnt get to see that were on my list were the Sistine Chapel (curse you, Pope Benedict!) and the Galleria Borghese.
Gypsies and beggars were all over the place but they didnt come near me. I didnt have an issue with pickpockets either. My guess is that they didnt want to bother trying to steal from 2 dudes walking around
Fern
Elite Member
In Italy a trick the gypsies like was to have a bunch of little gypsy kids run up and grab your grab your arms. They run up from behind you. One of them is going for your wallet or other valuables. Once they get it the others let go and run off.
A lot of times it the gypsy women and kids who are actively thieving or scamming. There's always a gypsy man standing off to the side or around the corner watching to assist if anything goes wrong.
Likewise when the kids or women get on board a train etc to beg. If you'll look around you'll always see a gypsy male hanging back and watching.
Be alert, know what to look for and watch your luggage etc and you should be OK.
Fern
Fern
Elite Member
DigDog
Lifer
i know *exactly* who you're talkin about 🙂
THIS GUY: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vN7YxmlcEuU
good friend of mine. pretty awesome "pizza-like food item".
dude; plox. nah.
max is 42c (110f)
low is -3c ("no-idea"f, but below freezing)
it's hot, seriously hot in august.
Edit: new first tip: eat all the gelato you can in Italy.
First tip: take the train between France and Italy through Switzerland. It's one of the most beautiful places in the world and a highlight of a trip.
Second tip: Buy and read the relevant Rick Steves guilded while planning. They have a ton of recommendations of what to see and where to stay.
On pickpockets - guess I should say, I was riding a French subway and found the police screaming taking control, myself hauled in - where I learned that the woman and young children around me had tried to pickpocket me andhad pickpocketed others on the train. I hadn't noticed.
First tip: take the train between France and Italy through Switzerland. It's one of the most beautiful places in the world and a highlight of a trip.
Second tip: Buy and read the relevant Rick Steves guilded while planning. They have a ton of recommendations of what to see and where to stay.
On pickpockets - guess I should say, I was riding a French subway and found the police screaming taking control, myself hauled in - where I learned that the woman and young children around me had tried to pickpocket me andhad pickpocketed others on the train. I hadn't noticed.
Carry a copy and leave your passport at the hotel.
Lol if we stay here we will totally blow our budget
GTaudiophile
Lifer
YOLO!
IndyColtsFan
Lifer
Also a note if you haven't been to Italy before -- the hotel will ask for your passport. They are required to scan and send copies of it to the local police. In some cases, they may hold it for a couple of hours; in others, you may get it back in a few minutes. Just don't be alarmed, as that is required in Italy (or it was; my last time there was 2009).
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