Category: Italy

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit San Marino, a micro-nation surrounded by Italy!  The Republic of San Marino is a beautiful place, with mountains on one side and the sea on the other side.  As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate when you visit San Marino.

Hate #1: Getting to San Marino

If you’re coming to San Marino from Rome, there’s no direct train. You have to take a train to Rimini and then a bus up to San Marino. The bus takes a winding mountain road and if you are prone to motion sickness, beware. Several people on our bus got sick during the trip from Rimini to San Marino. The challenge in reaching it keeps San Marino tourism well controlled.

Hate #2: Summer Tourists

Rimini is a popular beach destination and in the summer, busloads of tourists come to San Marino for day trips. It can get really crowded, so if you are visiting in the summer, try to come early in the morning or stay later in the evening to avoid the day trip crowds at most San Marino attractions. Low season is a great time to visit San Marino because you can really enjoy the city without crowds.

Hate #3: Uphill Hikes of San Marino

San Marino is built into the mountains and it’s a very hilly city, so there’s a lot of uphill walking. The parking lots are often lower down and then you have to hike uphill for the towers and the views. If you have limited mobility, it can be difficult to get around. Be prepared for a lot of uphill walking in San Marino.

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Hate #4: Shopping in San Marino

When you visit San Marino, you probably expect to find some cool, authentic shops in such a historic place, but the shopping in San Marino is not great. You’ll find a lot of shops selling guns and crossbows, perfume and watches. During the high season, the shopkeepers will stand in the street and try to get you to come in and buy something. It’s not the quaint shopping experience you might expect.

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Hate #5: Service in San Marino

Service in San Marino isn’t quite up to the high standards of Italy and surrounding regions. It’s not necessarily bad, but it’s not as friendly and outgoing. It’s definitely more of a tourist atmosphere, where they want to get you in and out quickly.

Love #1: Views from San Marino

The hilltop location means San Marino has spectacular views in every direction. You can look down at Rimini and the Adriatic Sea, or look up to the surrounding mountains. Everywhere you look, there’s another amazing view. You really feel like you’re in a different time and place than other parts of Italy and Mediterranean Europe.

Love #2: Fortresses of San Marino

The city walls and fortresses around San Marino give it a unique feel and really give you a sense of the history of this country. There are 11th-century  and 13th-century fortresses, and you feel like you are walking around in medieval times. There are also tons of cool churches and cathedrals as you would expect from this region of Europe.

Love #3: Offbeat Museums of San Marino

Micronations love to have museums on the silly side and San Marino is no exception. In addition to the usual history and art museums, they have a museum of old weapons, a museum of new weapons, a car museum, the Museum of Curiosity and a wax museum. The museums aren’t expensive, so it’s fun to visit a few of the more offbeat San Marino attractions.

Love #4: Venturing Outside San Marino

There are eight other cities in the small country of San Marino, and there are outdoor adventures to be had as well. You can take a day trip to the beaches at Rimini or go see the ancient Byzantine churches of Ravenna. San Marino is surrounded by hills and mountains so there are tons of hiking opportunities as well.

Love #5: Evening Solitude in San Marino

Since most travelers visit San Marino on a day trip, if you choose to stay over, you’ll practically have the town to yourself at night. The streets get pretty quiet after the day-trippers go home and then you really feel like you’re back in medieval times with quiet streets and no tourists or tour buses. It’s easy to find affordable San Marino accommodation, so I highly recommend staying the night.

San Marino is a really cool little micro-nation that’s well worth a visit if you find yourself along the Adriatic Coast of Italy. If you can’t tell, the “hates” aren’t really “hates” at all,  just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to visit San Marino. Want more tips for traveling in Mediterranean Europe? Check out these other blog posts:

• Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Mediterranean Europe
• What to Know Before You Visit Italy
• What to Know Before Your First Trip to Europe

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Lucca, Italy!  Lucca is a beautiful walled city in Tuscany, Italy. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate about the Tuscan city of Lucca.

Hate #1: Getting to Lucca

As a smaller Tuscan city, Lucca is not on any of the main train lines, so it’s not the easiest town to arrive in. From Florence, you take a regional train that is about one hour and 40 minutes, and there isn’t generally good luggage storage on these regional trains. Try to come in the middle of the day so you can avoid the commuters. From Pisa, it’s an easy 25-minute train. (Spoiler alert: this helps keeps the crowds down, so it’s totally worth the extra effort!)

Hate #2: Getting Around Lucca

As a walled Tuscan village, Lucca is full of narrow, winding lanes. This makes Lucca very special, but when you’ve just arrived from the train and you’re trying to find your accommodation, it can be frustrating to find your way around Lucca. It’s hard to find a good map of Lucca. Wandering around Lucca is great; trying to find a specific address in Lucca is not so great, especially if you did not pack lightly!

Five Common Mistakes Made by First-Time Travelers

Hate #3: Lucca Has Been “Found”

For many years, Lucca was talked about as a “hidden gem” Tuscan village, so more and more people found out about it and started to come to Lucca. While it’s still nowhere near the popular destination that Florence and Pisa are, Lucca is no longer a hidden gem. It’s definitely on the radar of travelers these days. It’s an especially popular day trip destination and summer days can feel crowded as you walk around the Old Town.

Hate #4: Bicycles

Lucca is the bicycle capital of Italy. You can rent bikes and explore the town, which is great. However, if you are walking around Lucca, the bikes are speeding around and it will feel like they’re trying to kill you. You really have to be careful as you walk around town, whether you’re crossing the street or walking on the city walls. The locals are pretty adept at dodging tourists, but you really have to look out for the other tourists who have rented bicycles for the day!

Hate #5: Choosing a Lucca Restaurant

While Lucca isn’t really a hidden gem anymore, the service industry hasn’t caught up to overcharging tourists for mediocre food like some other cities we won’t mention. This means you can still get really good food at affordable prices so you will have a hard time deciding between all of the authentic Tuscan restaurants in Lucca. It’s a tough problem to have, no?

Love #1: Lucca City Walls

Lucca has some substantially large walls around town. These aren’t skinny walls where you can walk two abreast; the walls here are very wide. There are about three miles of walls surrounding the old town of Lucca. You can walk on the walls and you’ll see locals jogging or cycling on the walls. Spending time on the city walls of Lucca gives you amazing views of the town. We love to pick up picnic supplies and have a picnic lunch up on the walls of Lucca.

Love #2: Prices in Lucca

Lucca is a very affordable travel destination.  If you’ve been to Florence, you have probably had sticker shock at some of the prices. Comparatively, Lucca is very reasonably priced, which makes it an excellent base for exploring Tuscany. Hotels in Lucca and restaurants in Lucca are all very reasonably priced and it’s not hard to find something that suits your taste and budget.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate in Florence

Love #3: Food in Lucca

When you go out to eat in Lucca, you’ll find the typical Tuscan dishes, but the Lucchese put their own twist on Tuscan cuisine. My personal favorite is a polpette, a regional specialty that looks like a smashed meatball. They come in different flavors, but you can buy them easily at the butcher. There are lots of fun little snacks you can buy in Lucca.

Love #4: Wandering Lucca at Night

Most travelers visit Lucca on a day trip, so if you spend the night and walk around at night, you get to enjoy the streets with very few people. The cathedrals and beautiful buildings are all lit up at night and you really feel like you’re in Tuscany.

Love #5: Atmosphere in Lucca

In other parts of Tuscany, you can feel overrun by tourists and overwhelmed by options. Lucca is much more laid-back and you don’t see the big tour groups that go to Florence or Pisa. This lets you enjoy all of the things to do in Lucca at a leisurely pace, with time to soak in the atmosphere from a sidewalk cafe.

If you are wondering where to stay in Tuscany where you can just kick back, relax and take in the culture, Lucca is the place I recommend. Obviously, these hates are quite a stretch and not really anything to hate at all. I can’t recommend Lucca highly enough as a home base for your Tuscany vacation. Want more tips for traveling in Italy? Check out these other blog posts:

• Ten Things That Will Shock You in Italy
• 12 Don’ts of Italy
• What to Know Before You Visit Italy

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Milan, Italy!  Milan is the fashion and industrial capital of Italy and one of the major fashion capitals of the world.  As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate on your Milan vacation.

Hate #1: Overrated for Italy

While Milan has some sights and museums, it’s not the “Roman Empire” Italy that some visitors might expect. Milan is such a famous city and everyone wants to include it on a tour of Italy, but it’s a bit overrated in comparison to other regions of Italy. I always recommend Rome, Venice, Florence, the Amalfi Coast, and Cinque Terre before recommending Milan to first-time visitors to Italy. Milan does make a good base for Northern Italy, but seeing all of the Milan attractions will not fill up a full week of activity.

Hate #2: Seeing DaVinci’s “Last Supper”

Seeing the famous painting isn’t a “hate,” but if you want to see it, you have to make reservations well in advance. Your entry ticket is timed and you get 15 minutes to view the painting. You enter through a series of sealed doors, so access to this major Milan attraction is highly controlled. 

Hate #3: Milan Prices

Milan is a bit more expensive than other cities in Italy. Prices are the highest in the inner circle of Milan, where most of the tourist attractions are located. Talk to locals to find out where good and affordable restaurants are. On the positive side, Milan hotels are plentiful and affordable, unless you are coming during Fashion Week.

Hate #4: Milan Traffic

Whether you are driving or just trying to cross the street, dealing with Milan traffic is frustrating and scary sometimes. The streets are chaotic, so I recommend using public transportation or taxis to get around Milan. When walking around Milan, make sure you only cross the street when you have the green light, and after establishing eye contact with approaching cars. Make sure you stay inside the designated crosswalk. If you are outside of the crosswalk and are hit by a car, you are at fault and liable for any costs.

Hate #5: Aggressive Beggars & Sellers

A lot of people in Milan will try to sell you things or just ask you for money. A common one is putting a bracelet on you, claiming it’s a gift, then asking for money. If you are a tourist, they aren’t easily dismissed, so you have to be firm, say “no grazie” and keep walking. Every once in a while you might run into particularly aggressive beggars and you have to be very firm and forceful with them.

How to Avoid Travel Scams & Rip-Offs

Love #1: Milan Attractions

I call it the Milan Trifecta: La Scala, the Galleria, and il Duomo. La Scala is actually Teatro Alla Scala, the 18th-century opera house. The Galleria is the original shopping mall. Built in the 19th century, it’s the oldest shopping mall in Italy. For good luck, find the bull’s balls and spin around on them three times. Milan’s Duomo is amazing. You can go up on the roof (pay extra for the elevator) and see the amazing architecture up close, as well as phenomenal views of Milan.

Love #2: Seeing DaVinci’s “Last Supper”

Once you get through the red tape of reservations, seeing Da Vinci’s Last Supper is one of the best things to do in Milan. To see this masterpiece in person is really amazing; it takes up an entire wall and you get to hear the story behind it and how it’s survived all these years. No photos are allowed inside, so you have to see it for yourself.

Love #3: Fashion Week in Milan

I’m not a fashionista, but even I enjoyed visiting Milan during Fashion Week. My wife and friends love Fashion Week for window shopping and real shopping opportunities. The Quadrilatero d’Oro has some of the best, most upscale shopping in Milan.

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Love #4: Day Trips from Milan

While Milan may not fill up a week’s worth of activities, it’s a great base for day trips in the region. Lake Como is a cool little town on a beautiful lake, where you can see how the rich and famous vacation. You can reach Lake Como from Milan in about an hour by train. You can get to Genoa in about 90 minutes from Milan. Even Cinque Terre is a day trip option; it’s a bit far at three hours, but it’s doable if you are up for a long day trip from Milan.

Love #5: Panzerotti

Even if you just have a short train layover in Milan, make sure you visit Luini’s for Panzerotti. Think of it like a fried calzone; it’s amazing. There may be a line, but it’s totally worth it! Every time I come to Milan, I get a Panzerotti at Luini’s at least once. No they are not originally from Milan, but you won’t care because they are that good.

Milan is a fun city, especially if you like fashion and it’s a good home base for exploring the northern Lombardy region. If you can’t tell, the “hates” aren’t really “hates” at all,  just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to take a Milan vacation. Want more tips for traveling in Italy? Check out these other blog posts:

• Ten Things That Will Shock You in Italy
• 12 Don’ts of Italy
• What to Know Before You Visit Italy

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Venice, Italy!  Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and a must-see for every world traveler. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things travelers love, and the five things they hate about trips to Venice.

Hate #1: Tourist Crowds in Venice

Venice only has about 60,000 permanent residents, yet they receive over 20 million tourists each year. Cruise ships bring over 30,000 passengers per day to Venice in the peak season, on top of an estimated 400,000 day-trip visitors in the peak month of August. The major Venice attractions, like the Rialto Bridge or the Piazza San Marco, are always packed. You will feel like a sardine squeezed in with all the other tourists. Overtourism is such a problem in Venice that the city is taking steps to restrict tourism in 2019.

Hate #2: Italian Food in Venice

Italy is world-renowned for amazing cuisine, but it can be hard to find in Venice. Because of the over-tourism in Venice, most of the food you will find is mass-produced, overpriced food made for tourists, not local Italians. If you go a little off the tourist path, you might find some good Italian food in Venice, but just remember Venice is not a foodie destination. You’re here for the sights, and you can get great Italian food in the next town you visit.

Hate #3: Flooding in Venice

Venice is sinking and ocean levels are rising, so flooding in Venice is inevitable. Flooding in Venice is most likely to happen between October and January, so if you’re planning to visit Venice in the winter to avoid some of the crowds, be aware the floods are a good possibility. Flooding can actually happen any time of year, and the city will put up wooden platforms for visitors to walk on above the floodwaters.

Ten Things That Will Shock You in Venice

Hate #4: Venice Accommodation Prices

It’s expensive to stay in Venice. Many people stay in surrounding towns and visit Venice on a day trip because it’s so expensive to stay at the Venice hotels. It is significantly cheaper to stay off the island and commute in, but if you do stay overnight in Venice, you’ll get to enjoy some of the sights after most of the tourists have left for the day.

Hate #5: Navigating Venice

It’s very easy to get lost in Venice. Sometimes, getting lost is the best way to explore a city and find hidden gems tucked away, but if you’re trying to meet someone or find a specific destination, you can easily get lost and have a hard time finding your way back to the main areas.

Love #1: Getting Lost in Venice

If you have time to wander, getting lost in Venice is one of the best things you can do. Wandering the back alleys and narrow streets and canals is an amazing experience. You can find a hidden piazza not filled with tourists, relax at a cafe and enjoy the atmosphere of Venice.

11 Don’ts of Venice

Love #2: Piazza San Marco

One of the best things to see in Venice is the Piazza San Marco, with the Basilica San Marco and the Bell Tower and the Palace. It’s so cool to just hang out there and take it all in, watching the pigeons and the people. A visit to Piazza San Marco is a quintessential Venice experience.

Love #3: Venice Transportation

The gondolas of Venice are world-famous and it’s a fun thing to do in Venice, although quite expensive. Even if you don’t splurge on a gondola ride in Venice, the fact that everyone travels by water is such a fun, unique experience. The Vaporetto boats are basically water buses that are part of the Venice public transportation system. There are also water taxis you can hire to get around Venice.

Love #4: Getting Off the Tourist Path in Venice

Although Venice is famously over-crowded, it’s still possible to find your own little pocket of Venice to explore. Most tourists in Venice are day-trip visitors, either from the cruise ships or visiting from nearby towns, so they will focus heavily on the main things to see in Venice. Once you’ve seen the highlights, you can get off the beaten path and explore some of the hidden corners of Venice.

Love #5: Atmosphere of Venice

Despite the crowds, Venice is still a city of romance and ambiance. The atmosphere in Venice is totally unique with museums, attractions and of course, the canals. All of this combines to make Venice one of the top ten cities in Europe for travelers.

Venice really is an amazing city and although it’s crowded, there’s a good reason for that because it’s such a unique experience. The “hates” aren’t really “hates” at all,  just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to visit Venice. Want more tips for traveling in Italy? Check out these other blog posts:

• Ten Things That Will Shock You in Italy
• 12 Don’ts of Italy
• What to Know Before You Visit Italy

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Rome, Italy!  Rome is one of my favorite cities in Europe, I would move there in a heartbeat! As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate on your Rome vacation.

Hate #1: Tourist Crowds

Rome is such a popular travel destination, that it’s pretty much swamped with tourists all the time. Whether you want to visit the Colosseum, the Villa Borghesi or any other major Rome attractions, plan to wait in line or book advance tickets. You can also try to arrive at each attraction first thing in the morning and you’ll avoid some of the afternoon tour groups. Along with crowds of tourists, you’ll get the usual tourist traps: touristy restaurants, tacky souvenir shops, and tourist scams.

Hate #2: Rome Accommodation Prices

Finding affordable Rome accommodation is nearly impossible. Plan to spend at least 100 Euros per night on a room, but for just a little bit more, you can get a nicer room with a better location. There are a few hostel options, but in general, Rome accommodation is expensive compared to other similar cities. With so many tourists who visit Rome, there is no shortage of demand, so they are able to charge more for a hotel in Rome.

How to Cut Costs While Traveling

Hate #3: Lines for the Best Rome Attractions

Along with tourist crowds, you can expect long lines at many Rome attractions. Especially if you want to visit the Colosseum or the Vatican Museum. If you don’t book your ticket in advance, or join an early admission tour group, plan to spend several hours waiting in line at these two attractions. We have seen lines over a kilometer long at the Vatican. The crowds and lines make it really hard to “wing it” in Rome, so you really need to sit down and map out a plan for your trip to Rome.

Hate #4: Pickpockets & Thieves in Rome

Another downside of visiting such a popular tourist destination is that there are also many pickpockets targeting tourists. You need to be very aware of your surroundings at all times, but especially so in the train stations, on a crowded Metro car or bus. It’s not just pickpockets, but there are bag snatchers and bag slashers as well. They make anti-theft bags that are harder to cut through if you are worried. Money belts are also a good idea. We have several videos and posts about tourist scams and how to avoid being pickpocketed so you can be better prepared.

The Most Common Pickpocket Techniques

Hate #5: Public Toilets in Rome

There are very few public toilets in Rome and when you do find one, they are pretty nasty. Sometimes, it’s even just a hole in the ground! So, keep this in mind throughout the day and try to use the restroom at the hotel, restaurant or museum before hitting the streets and walking around. Especially if you are visiting Rome with kids!

Love #1: Rome Attractions

There’s a reason Rome is so popular. There are so many things to see in Rome. There’s the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Forum, plus dozens of museums and churches that you’ll want to visit. The art, architecture, and atmosphere of Rome make it one of the most popular cities in Europe for travelers.

Love #2: Compactness of Rome Attractions

Although Rome is a large city, most of the main attractions are concentrated in a small area, so it’s easy to get around. There are just two Metro lines, but they go to pretty much all of the sights you will during your Rome trip. It’s also really easy to see everything on foot if you aren’t limited by mobility. Everything is very walkable in Rome.

Love #3: Rome Accommodation Availability

Although it’s not always easy to find cheap hotels in Rome, it’s pretty easy to find available hotels in Rome. Hotel rooms are plentiful since there are so many visitors throughout the year. With so many hotels in Rome, it’s never difficult to find a room. There are agencies at the train station that will help you find a room upon your arrival in Rome. Availability is a big issue in smaller cities like Florence or Siena, but it’s not a problem in Rome.

Love #4: Restaurants in Rome

What’s nice about eating out in Rome is that you don’t have to go far to find affordable, authentic Italian food in Rome. Avoid the restaurants closest to the main tourist attractions, as they will be overpriced and not as good. Go just one or two blocks from the main square, and you’ll find amazing food for a great price.

Love #5: Quiet Pockets of Rome

Once you get away from the Colosseum or the Vatican, it’s easy to find a quiet spot to enjoy Rome. We love to find a local park where our kids can run, watch soccer games and just enjoy the local atmosphere. There are so many small neighborhoods and back streets of Rome to enjoy, and it’s really easy to get away from those crowds of tourists.

Rome really is an amazing city and a must-see destination for anyone who appreciates art, architecture, and atmosphere. If you can’t tell, the “hates” aren’t really “hates” at all,  just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to take a Rome vacation. Want more tips for traveling in Italy? Check out these other blog posts:

• 12 Things That Will Shock You In Rome
• Six Don’ts of Visiting Rome
• What to Know Before You Visit Italy

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Florence, Italy!  Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and there are so many cool things to see in Florence. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate on your Florence vacation.

Hate #1: Tourist Crowds

With so many Florence Italy attractions, it’s a very popular place to visit. I’ve been here in different seasons and several different months, and it’s always crowded. In addition to battling crowds at some of the best attractions in Florence, you also can have long waits for a restaurant table and you may find your first choice of Florence hotel is already booked. With Florence tours being so popular, you’ll have to work hard to avoid the crowds.

Ten Things That are Not Overrated About Europe

Hate #2: Florence Accommodation

As I mentioned with the tourist crowds, you really have to book your Florence hotel way in advance. The best mid-range hotels go quickly, so if you want to save money and still have a nice place to stay in Florence, make sure you are making Florence hotel reservations as early as you possibly can. Unless you choose a pre-paid rate, you can always book something early and then keep an eye on prices to see if you can get a better deal, but it’s always best to lock in something as soon as you have your flights.

Hate #3: Lines for Florence Italy Attractions

Along with tourist crowds, lines for the best Florence Italy attractions are inevitable. You could wait an hour to get into the cathedral and as much as three to four hours to get into the Uffizi to see the Michelangelo and Da Vinci pieces. Same with lining up to see David. The best thing you can do to avoid lines at the Florence attractions is to reserve your tickets in advance or book a tour that includes early access. The worst thing you can do is try to wing it, as you’ll end up wasting a lot of time standing in lines.

Hate #4: Pickpockets & Beggars

Huge crowds of tourists make easy targets for pickpockets and beggars, so you’ll see a lot of these around Florence. You have to be really vigilant about keeping an eye on your belongings to make sure you don’t get robbed, and the gypsies and beggars will hound you if they sense you might give them money. Just be firm, say no and walk away.

Honest Safety Advice for Travelers

Hate #5: The Duomo Stairs

The Duomo of Florence is open to the public, and you can actually climb all the way to the top for incredible views of Florence. But you’re going to hate each of the 463 steps it takes to climb up. And your knees will hate the 463 steps back down. If you want to climb up the Duomo, you have to reserve a time slot to go up, you can’t just go at any time. This system helps manage the crowds since the catwalk at the top is rather small. The views are worth it, though, and you’ll burn off some of the delicious Italian food you’re enjoying on your Florence vacation.

Love #1: First Glimpse of the Duomo

You will never forget the first time you see the Duomo of Florence. It’s simply breathtaking! This masterpiece was started in the 13th century and the dome was finished in the 15th century. So, when you see the tapestry, the facade, the doors, and the bell tower, it’s hard to wrap your head around all of the detail. You’ll want to spend time enjoying the Duomo from every angle as each side is different, and definitely take a tour if you can so you can learn all about how this masterpiece came to be.

Love #2: Rennaissance Legacy

The entire city of Florence is the legacy of the Medicis and is so full of amazing Rennaissance art and architecture. Just a simple stroll down the streets of Florence is an immersive experience; you feel like you’re in a museum just walking around. Florence is truly one of those cities that just takes your breath away.

Love #3: Statue of David

Michelangelo’s David is probably the most famous statue in the world and is said to be the most perfect sculpture ever made. You’ve seen it before in photographs or movies, so seeing it in person is almost surreal. The amount of detail carved into the marble is stunning. When you get up close, you can actually see the veins in his arms and it’s all carved from a single piece of marble. There are also three copies of David in various piazzas throughout Florence, but the original is protected indoors at the Accademia Gallery of Florence.

Love #4: Florence Museums

If you don’t want to wait in line for the major attractions of Florence, there are still tons of other museums you can visit. There’s the Bardini Gardens, Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, the Medici Chapels, the Casa di Dante Museum and so many more. Don’t worry that you will miss out if you skip some of the most popular attractions, although they are worth it, because you won’t run out of things to see in Florence.

Love #5: Aeriel Views of Florence

There are several spots in Florence where you can climb up high to get amazing aerial views of the city. One is the duomo, which we already mentioned. Giotto’s Bell Tower or Giotto’s Campanile is another popular tower to climb. It is 414 steps to the top where you can look out over the red rooftops of Florence. A lesser-known spot is the tower at the Palazzo Vecchio, which is also about 400 steps to the top. While you might hate the stairs you have to climb for it, the views of Florence from these high points are outstanding.

Florence really is an amazing town and a must-see destination for anyone who appreciates art and art history. If you can’t tell, the “hates” aren’t really “hates” at all,  just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to visit Florence. Want more tips for traveling in Italy? Check out these other blog posts:

• Ten Things That Will Shock You in Italy
• 12 Don’ts of Italy
• What to Know Before You Visit Italy

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today I’m in Rome, Italy. We love exploring new cities, and we know our fans do, too. There’s a lot to love about traveling, but we like to share a realistic picture with our fellow travelers. So, today we’re sharing the five things that travelers love, and the five things that travelers hate, about Italy vacations.

Hate #1: Tourists Everywhere! (yes you will hate yourself)

There are tourists everywhere in Italy, which means long lines to see all the attractions, and it can be hard to get a table at a restaurant in Italy. But, there are tourists for a reason, and you are one of them, so just bring your patience and try to go with the flow. (It doesn’t hurt to get up early and try to beat the crowds in Italy, though!)

If you are open to alternative locations, it’s possible to visit less popular attractions and avoid some of the larger crowds.

• Visit Lucca instead of Florence
• Instead of Rimini, visit Ravenna
• Stay in Vicenza or Verona instead of staying in Venice

It’s also really important to pre-book your tickets for the train and try to book “skip the line” tickets for the most popular attractions.

Hate #2: Pickpockets & Beggars

Because there are so many tourists in Italy, there are a lot of people targeting tourists. Italy has some of the worst pickpockets in Europe. And it’s not just men doing the pickpocketing; it’s women and children, so you always have to be on high alert when traveling through cities in Italy.

Read: Most Common Pickpocket Techniques Used on Travelers

Scams are another annoying and common occurrence. Read up on the most common tourist scams in Italy so you are prepared.

Hate #3: Bathrooms in Italy

Women especially will hate this part of traveling in Italy. The public bathrooms are rustic, to say the least. Many times, you’ll just have a hole in the ground, or if there is an actual toilet, it will likely be missing the seat.

Hate #4: Not Much English Spoken

Of course, Italian is the official language of Italy. For a country with so many tourists, there, there really isn’t a lot of English spoken in Italy. The locals will still try to communicate with you, and we can’t fault them for not speaking English, but it will help you greatly if you learn a few Italian phrases when you are planning a trip to Italy.

Watch: Ten Italian Phrases You Should Know

Hate #5: Traffic & Trains in Italy

Whether you are a driver or a pedestrian in Italy, the traffic is annoying, and sometimes terrifying. Just crossing the street can be scary, so pay close attention and follow the locals’ lead when crossing streets in Italy.

Perhaps we can blame poor time management on the traffic, but that’s something else to keep in mind. Time is a “suggestion” in Italy and you can expect to wait a bit if you have plans with Italians. It won’t be long before you’re on “Italian time.”

Trains in Italy are often late as well, which can be frustrating. I’ve been on super hot trains with no air conditioning, and super crowded trains with no room to move.

Love #1: People in Italy

The people in Italy are amazing. I’ve visited 20 times, and have traveled all over Italy, from Vicenza to Rome and the people everywhere in Italy are amazing. They are friendly, helpful and accommodating, even if you don’t speak their language.

Love #2: Food and Wine

The food and the wine in Italy are so good! Of course, you’ll eat tons of pizza and pasta, but make sure you try the meats and cheeses and desserts, too! Then there’s all the regional specialties to try as you travel around Italy. Ask around to find out what the region is known for, and be sure to try it.

It’s not just the food we love, but the entire dining experience in Italy. Dining in Italy is not just a means to an end; it’s an opportunity to linger and enjoy each others’ company. And although Italy is famous for pasta, it’s not often served as the main course. So, if you order pasta as your main dish, it may arrive prior to the other entrees.

Aperitivo time is something we love about Italy. It’s kind of an afternoon “happy hour” and the drinks will vary by destination. It’s just a nice way to relax between sightseeing and dinner. It’s also a nice way to meet locals.

Love #3: Cheap Public Transportation

The trains, buses and metros in Italy are all super cheap. It’s much cheaper to travel around Italy than in Germany, Portugal or Spain. They have fast trains which you can pay more for, or you can take the budget route and take a slower train.

Love #4: Weather in Italy

The weather in Italy is incredible. In the north, the mountains of Italy have great ski weather, while southern Italy has amazing beach weather. There’s not really a rainy season in Italy or a cold season in Italy; there’s always good weather in Italy.

Love #5: Italy Attractions

There are so many things to do in Italy; you’ll never get bored. Just in Rome, there are so many attractions like the Coliseum, the Forum, and the Vatican. In every city in Italy, you’ll find churches and museums to explore, and then there’s the gorgeous countryside of Italy, with beautiful landscapes. The variety of attractions is really astounding; whether you are into history, religion, fashion, art, or outdoor adventures, you will find it in Italy!

With these five loves and hates, you will be better prepared for your trip to Italy, and know what to expect when you arrive. Have you been to Italy? What did you love or hate? Tell us in the comments! For more travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos:

• Twelve Shocks of Italy
• What to Know Before You Visit Rome
• The Don’ts of Visiting Italy

With these five loves and hates, you will be better prepared for your trip to Italy, and know what to expect when you arrive. Have you been to Italy? What did you love or hate? Tell us in the comments! For more travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos:

• Twelve
  Shocks of Italy
• What to Know Before You
  Visit Rome
• The Don’ts of Visiting Italy