Palermo Cathedral in Sicily / Photo by admin

1. Have a basic knowledge of Italian

It can be helpful to know at least a few words of the language. While you will come across English speaking natives, knowing some of the language can help you have a more pleasant experience.

2. Invest in a Travel Italy guide book

Read up on all the places to go and see beforehand. Knowing what to expect will help you avoid the unexpected!

3. Keep your money safe

Just as if you were visiting cities in your own country, you want to ensure that you have your money and your valuables safe and sound. Don’t carry too much cash on you at one time and leave your valuables in a safe place.

4. Take the train

The train can be a cheaper alternative to taxis when traveling in Italy. Take the train to save some money.

Train in Italy / Photo by admin

5. Realize that the culture is different

Things that you find rude in your home country may be acceptable in Italy. If someone seems rude, just forget about it. Addressing the locals because of rudeness will make matters worse for everyone.

6. Realize that dress codes will be enforced

Depending on where you travel, you may be expected to dress the part. When entering churches or other venues, you may be required to dress modestly.

7. Have a plan of action before you leave for your destination

Know the places that you are going to visit and find out enough information about them that you can make a plan of action for the days you want to visit them while on your trip.

8. Know how to shop

Shopping can be quite expensive in Italy. Get tips for how and where to shop. For example, you want to avoid shopping on main streets in Italy that mark prices way up.

Market in Palermo, Sicily / Photo by admin

9. Go with the flow

Italians will expect that you agree with and follow their way of life. They have many different customs such as eating lunch after 1 p.m. and dinner after 8 p.m. Do you best to go with the flow so that you don’t stand out like a sore thumb.

10. Mingle with the locals

If you are having trouble navigating through the city, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Locals are often more than welcome to help foreigners out. They can give you helpful advice such as where to eat.

11. Smaller cities first

If it is your first trip to Italy, you may want to visit the smaller cities that aren’t as overwhelming. Save the larger, more populated cities for a time when you are more familiar with the country.

Small town of Cefalù in Sicily / Photo by admin

12. Realize that lines will be long at popular tourist destinations

Plan plenty of time to visit popular places such as the Colosseum. These are locations that everyone wants to see and you can literally expect thousands of people to visit this area. This can put you waiting in line for hours so be prepared.

13. Expect rain and sunshine!

You want to be thoroughly prepared. Realize that the weather can change on a dime.

14. Go during a time when a festival is going on

. Festivals in Italy are popular. This is a great time to visit the area and can provide tons of things for you to do.

15. Be prepared to walk

You will do lots of walking in Italy so be sure that you bring comfy shoes and hiking sticks for the occasion. Don’t be surprised if you choose to walk rather than take other modes of transportation as getting around Italy isn’t always an easy task.

Visiting Italy for the first time can be quite overwhelming. Use the tips above to help make the most of your experience. These tips can help you make important decisions about your trip.

The post 15 Tips for First Time Travelers to Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.

View Piazza Pretoria with the Fontana Pretoria on the Larger Map

Imaginary center of Palermo is Piazza Vigliena where meet two main streets of the city – Via Maqueda and Via Vittorio Emanuele. It was designed in the 17th Century by well-known Florentine architect Giulio Lasso. The square is surrounded by four majestic buildings with a richly decorated facade. In front of each of them there is a fountain. The sculptures in various niches show four seasons, the Spanish king and saint patron of the city. Sometimes the square is called the “Solar Theater”, since when come here at any time of day, at least one of the facades is beautifully illuminated by the sun.

View Piazza Vigliena on the Larger Map

Just a few minutes away you will find a major landmark of the city – Cathedral of Palermo. It was built in the 12th century at the former place of basilica and mosque. Even today, observant visitors may have noticed engraved version of the Koran in one of its pillars. The building has retained its Norman Sicilian style, however the most of what we can see today dates back to the Renaissance period.

View Cathedral of Palermo on the Larger Map

Quite morbid, but for someone attractive can be a visit to the catacombs of the Capuchin Monastery – Catacomb dei Cappuccini. There are located approx. 8000 mummies of the former residents of Palermo. You definitely should not miss a tour to a nearby hill of Monte Pellegrino, from which you can enjoy spectacular views of the city.

The airport is located thirty kilometers west of Palermo and you can get a bus to the centre of Palermo, which I personally think that it is the most craziest city in Europe and that I have ever seen.

What to see in Palermo

• Quattro Canti is a small square
• Piazza Pretoria with the Fontana Pretoria
• The Teatro Politeama
• The Teatro Massimo
• Palermo Cathedral – the city’s cathedral and main church
• San Giovanni dei Lebbrosi church
• San Giovanni degli Eremiti
• Chiesa della Martorana
• San Cataldo
• Santa Maria della Gancia
• Santa Maria della Catena
• San Giuseppe dei Teatini
• Oratorio di San Lorenzo
• Orto botanico di Palermo
• Capuchin Catacombs

The post Palermo – the craziest city in Europe | Sicily, Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.