Things to Do in Italy: Rome and Venice

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roman forum italy rome travel — Roman Forum

One of Love Eat Travel‘s member’s, Bruce Yu, created a list of his favorite moments from his travels to Venice and Rome. This makes us excited about our upcoming trip to Italy. Check out his list of recommendations and start booking your next Euro-trip ASAP!

Italy Trip Insights and Tips

Venezia (Venice)

One of the best cities to get lost in, every corner there is something to discover! Bruce suggests just getting lost.
Be like a local and at nonformal restaurants and choose to stand if it’s an option! Sitting to dine costs more.
Bring comfortable walking shoes as the only way of getting around Venice is via foot or boat! You won’t see a car or bike in the canals.
Seafood is the local speciality. Being a city on water, eat seafood pasta (no cheese), cuttlefish/octopus salad, Sarde an Saor (deep fried and marinated sardines), soft shell crab, Venetian liver, and Baccalà alla Vicentina (Vicenza style Codfish)! Get a Spritz too.
Breakfast is not huge in Italian culture so expect to eat light in the morning or buy groceries ahead of time. Dinner is usually at 9 or later, the good restaurants open late.
Carnevale (Varies Feb-Mar) is the absolute best time to go due to festivities and elaborate Venetian costumes and masks! It’s comparable to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana. Buy from a local mask shop instead of the dozens of street vendors and support the locals!
Visit the Rialto Bridge and Doge’s Palace in the daytime and at night for different perspectives.
Venice is known for seasonal flooding. Make sure you go during the best time so that your vacation is not ruined.

Venice Restaurant Suggestions:

House made Tagliatelle with Clam and Mushroom at Ristorante Pizzeria Antico Gatoleto — House-made Tagliatelle with Clam and Mushroom at Ristorante Pizzeria Antico Gatoleto

trattoria alla rivetta soft shell crab from venice italy travel — Soft Shell Crab from Trattoria alla Rivetta

carnevale venice italy february 2019 bruce travels — Carnevale masks in Venice!

Roma (Rome)

Buy Vatican City, Colosseum (or Colosseo in Italian), and Borgia Gallery tickets ahead of time to save you time spent standing in line.
Watch out for dog poop on the streets as it’s everywhere as no one picks it up! Cigarette butts too.
Trevi Fountain is best visited at night for smaller crowds.
Applies to both cities but stay away from restaurants with pictures out front and with tourist menus (in English, Russian, or even Korean)! They are usually near tourist attractions. Spaghetti and Meatballs is not authentic Italian food! Get some Suppli (stuffed rice balls with cheese and meat), Roman-style Pizza, and Spaghetta alla Carbonara instead! When you can, definitely get Cacio e pepe (simply cheese and pepper pasta).
Watch out for pickpockets at Termini station as well as fake ticket helpers! Be vigilante on crowded metros too.