Panoramic view of Siena.
Italy is one of the most visited holiday destinations in the world. And yet there are things that are always forgotten.
Sometimes you don't have the change for the church lights, sometimes you're faced with empty shelves because it's siesta time and sometimes you get a big fine in the post weeks after your holiday. Passport, sun cream, charging cable - everyone packs these things. But you often forget these ten things:
1. coins for the churches
In many Italian churches, works of art and frescoes are only illuminated if you insert coins into a machine. Without small change, you are literally left in the dark.
2. an empty drinking bottle
In Rome, Florence and many other cities there are free drinking water fountains, so-called Nasoni. If you have a reusable bottle with you, you don't need to buy a single litre of ice-cold water.
3. pre-book tickets
Vatican, Uffizi, Pompeii - those who queue spontaneously wait hours. Online tickets generally cost no more, but save half a day's holiday.
4. plan the siesta
Many small shops and supermarkets close between 1 and 4 pm. If you don't know this, the doors are closed.
5. know restaurant times
Italians eat between 1 and 2.30 pm and in the evening from 8 pm. If you arrive hungry at 3 or 7 pm, you will often find kitchens closed.
Photo: Ismail Abou Khalil on Pexels.com
6. blister plasters
Cobblestones look beautiful - but they often destroy your feet. Even comfortable shoes are often not enough, let's not even talk about flip-flops. Blister plasters can be a blessing.
7. a light scarf or shawl
Shoulders and knees must be covered in churches. If you don't have a scarf with you, you are often not allowed in - no matter how warm it is outside.
8. small cash
Many small bars, markets and trattorias don't take cards - or refuse notes if they don't have change.
10 things about southern Italy
9 ZTL zones for cars
Many Italian city centres have no-driving zones - so-called Zone a Traffico Limitato. Cameras automatically record the licence plate number. The fine comes home weeks later, without warning - with a hefty surcharge for hire cars.
10. validate tickets
If you take a regional train in Italy, you have to validate your ticket at a yellow machine before boarding - even if it has already been paid for. Many people don't realise this and are checked and fined despite having a valid ticket.
More in the magazine
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Italy's disused railway lines: Today dream routes for cyclists
The insider tip for cyclists.
Italy's wild side: these 7 national parks are true natural wonders
Naturally beautiful.
