Italy

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by Alexa Kline

Fast Facts

Here is some helpful information to help guide you through each city. Check out the blog posts for Rome, Florence, and Venice to read more about what I did!

Rome

Read my Rome post to see exactly what I did

Where to stay:

  • The Yellow Hostel – This hostel was the best hostel I have ever stayed in! The staff were SUPER helpful, and it was a one-stop shop for everything you need.
    • Mamma Angela – This was right outside my hostel. Their pasta was so good!

Where to eat:

  • Trattoria Da Enzo – This little hole in the wall restaurant that only takes reservations at 7:30PM. Even if you do not get a reservation, I definitely suggest waiting!
  • Osteria da Fortunata – Anything you eat here will be delicious. I watched a woman making pasta in the window and it’s honestly the most adorable thing ever.
  • Maccheroni – Honestly all the food looked AMAZING
  • Dar Poeta – Such good pizza. Also try their Nutella calzone for dessert!
  • Taverna Trilussa – Ask to eat outside. Their patio is so cute!
  • Roscioli – This place is a little pricey but the food is pretty good.
  • Cacio e Pepe  – such a cute outside seating area. I suggest trying some of their Cacio e Pepe (after all, they named the restaurant after it)
  • Magnolia – My friend recommended this place. I sat outside and enjoyed some delicious Pollo Alla Romana
  • Bonci -Their pizza was SO GOOD. They come in shareable slices, so I suggest buying multiple styles and splitting them with friends.

Gelato:

  • Frigidarium
  • Gelateria La Romana
  • Tip: Wherever you end up getting gelato, I suggest trying all the different flavors (if a flavor is piled high, don’t try it, its probably not good)

What to see:

  • Colosseum & the Roman Forum – when you buy a ticket you get access to both
  • St. Peter’s Basilica – I definitely suggest walking to the top, the view is one of the best in the Vatican
  • Giardino Aranci (Orange Garden) – Such an AMAZING view. Great place to eat your lunch
  • Trastevere – This neighborhood is SO CUTE
  • Campo de’ Fiori – The market here is a lot of fun to walk around
  • Terrazza del Pincio – Perfect place to watch the sunset
  • Piazza Navona – This is a great place for dinner and drinks at night. Plus you can see the gorgeous Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers)

Tips/Tricks:

  • Rome has a tram and buses that run throughout the entire city. While I enjoyed walking around Rome, if you are in a rush, the tram/busses are super helpful and make getting around a lot easier.
    • I did not pay for these. A friend told me that no one does (but keep an eye out for the ATAC officials, if they catch you, it is a $50 fine)

Late night:

  • G Bar –  This is a great bar to start your night off at
  • The Drunken Ship – This bar is full of college students and a ton of Americans (if that is what you’re looking for)
  • Shari Vari  – This place has great food, good music, and multiple levels (it is also VERY crowded)

 

Florence

Read my Florence post to see exactly what I did

Where to stay:

  • Santa Monaca Hostel – Great location, but no A/C (might be a deal-breaker during those hot summer months)

What to see:

  • Piazza del Duomo (climb to top)
  • Statue of David by Michelangelo at Florence Accademia Gallery
  • Museum in Piazza del Duomo (museum, dome, bell tower for €15)
  • Piazzale Michelangelo (best sunset ever) – I suggest bringing a bottle of wine to enjoy with your view
  • San Lorenzo Market – great place to walk around. They have a ton of food options and leather shops/stands

Where to eat:

  • Osteria Santo Spirito – Cheap option for food.  Their Truffle Gnocchi is to die for
  • Gusta Pizza – This is a must. It’s the best pizza ever (seriously, it is life changing).
  • Gustapanino – “The Best Paninis in Florence”
  • All’Antico Vinaio – So good! It honestly does not even matter what you get, everything is so delicious. It’s a little hectic but definitely worth the wait.
  • Pino’s – Such good (and cheap) paninis (seriously, only €3.50). If you go here you must try some of the spicy sauce!
  • Il Latini – Pricey but good
  • La Giostra Restaurant – Pricey but good
  • Acqua Al 2 –  They have one of these in D.C. Worth a try.

Gelato:

General Food tips:

  • Buratta Mozerella is a MUST
  • Order the house wine with your meals (its sometimes cheaper than water!)

Leather:

  • The leather market is so much fun, part of the experience is trying to bargain with people. Just have fun with it! I ended up buying a brown leather purse that I bargained for €20 (originally prices at €45).
  • Massimo Leather –  A friend recommended Massimo to me, he loves Americans, and was super fun to talk to

Night Life:

  • Red Garter–  You all know I love music. This place has karaoke and is SO FUN.
  • Eby’s – A friend recommended this bar to me. It’s a small bar that has a man who looks just like Einstein (seriously, when you see him, you’ll know what I  mean). He will ask you a few questions make a custom shot just for you!

 

Venice

Read my Venice post to see exactly what I did

Where to stay:

How to get around:

  • Walking – Everything is so close. Plus getting lost while walking around is part of the fun!
  • Water Taxi – you technically need a ticket to ride the water taxis. I paid for a student pass for the week, but many of the locals and other tourist did not use a pass.

Where to eat:

What to see:

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Alexa Kline

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